Spike smiled as he ran out of the castle excited he finally found an excuse as to why he needed to leave Twilight’s side. He’ll make sure to grab more books from the old library on his way back as his surprise to Twilight. Granted nothing special was really happening, but it was the only excuse he could think of quickly when Twilight had caught him trying to sneak away without saying where he was going. Twilight always being the suspicious pony she was instantly began to question him.

Glancing back quickly Spike smiled when he didn’t see anyone following him as he reached the edge of the Everfree forest. He still didn't want any pony to know about Oceanflame fear of her exploding at them, since she didn’t seem to really like ponies. That and of course for his own selfish reasons. Twilight had many friends all around Equestria sure they saw Spike as a friend as well, but they only did so because he was with Twilight. If he could get Ocean to open up to him she would be his friend like Pee wee was before Spike had to give him up cause he kept setting fire to Twilight’s books.

Sending one more glance backwards as an assurance that no one was following him he quickly resumed his walk. The forest lost a lot of it’s fright when him and Twilight visited often to either see Zecora or visit the old castle. Sure there was still dangers like the timber wolves and cockatrice, the tree of harmony though seemed to keep most of the forest in check now though. Something Flutter shy was very grateful for seeing as she was the closest to the once dangerous forest. Spike never really understood why such a shy and scaredy pony would willingly live that close, but he just guessed she found it easier to reach her animal friends that way.

Speaking of friends Spike couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face as he saw the castle in the distance. Checking his surroundings quickly again he began to run the rest of the way nearly tripping and falling a couple of times before reaching the entrance. He never really knew how excited he was about the visit until he was at the entrance practically bouncing up the steps and over to one of the many walls. Tapping it three times like he was told he smiled as he patiently waited for Oceanflame’s appearance.

Minutes passed and Spike was starting to worry that Oceanflame had set him up. She never did say she wanted to see him again let alone be friends. Panic began to set in as Spike began to think more and more about what was taking her so long. Without even noticing it he began to chew on his claws out of nervousness.

“Keep chewing your claws like that and you’ll have nothing, but tiny stubs.” Oceanflame smiled as she came into the room.

“Ocean!” Spike smiled trying to rid his face of the small dust of pink at being caught chewing at his claws, “I was beginning to think you had set me up.”

“Why would I do that? It’s not often I get visitors and besides I only took so long because I was trying to get everything ready for when you showed up.” She said tilting her head slightly confused. “Also where did the nickname come from?”

Spike blushed a bit more not even noticing he had used a nickname for her. He was just messing everything up today wasn’t he. First he doubted Oceanflame now he was already using nicknames when it was only the second time meeting her.

“Sorry I didn’t noticed that I had used it. Guess I’m just a bit nervous. I want today to go better than the first time we met you know?” he asked.

Oceanflame smiled and nodded.

“Yeah I understand. Same goes for me and I don’t mind the nickname Oceanflame doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue.” she chuckled before turning around waving for him to follow her. “Honestly I’m surprised you came back especially since i made such a horrible first impression, but granted you fell on my head first.”

“Oh so that was what I hit on my way down. Sorry.”

“It fine it’s not like you meant to do it.” Ocean chuckled again as she lead him to a staircase that headed down.

Spike looked down the darkened stairwell hesitantly. Darkness and stairs didn’t always mix let alone when he could see tiny bits of rubble on some of the stairs. Shaking his head he glared down into the darkness not wanting Ocean to think he was some coward. Anyways the stairs had to be stable if Ocean was using them.

Ocean looked back at him curiously confused as to why he wasn’t following her. Spike sent her a reassuring smile before following her timidly. He would test each step before continuing down no such thing as being too safe right?

“Are you okay Spike you’re going a bit slow don’t you think?” Ocean asked tilting her head in confusion again.

“Yeah it’s just I don’t want to wind up falling.” Spike sighed deciding it was better to tell her the truth than be prideful.

“Oh! Sorry I forgot the lights silly me.” she said lightly hitting her head, “Let me fix this.” she smiled as closed her eyes.

Spike watched mesmerized as her mane began to wave and flicker as the bloodstone on her necklace glowed lightly. The torches bursted to life trailing down the stairwell showing how deep it went. He blinked in surprise as he watched Ocean open her eyes, the gem losing its glow and her hair it’s flicker, beginning to pant slightly.

“How did you do that? I thought only unicorns could use magic like that?” Spike asked in awe.

Oceanflame chuckled some as she continued on. Spike blinked at her still horribly confused before looking back to the torches. Ocean just kept getting more and more strange.

Shrugging himself Spike hurried after her wondering just where she was leading him.

Author's Note

Sorry the title for this chapter sucks I couldn't really think of anything.