The Whisper in My Ears

Chapters

Lets make some mayhem
Made Man with a Plan
From The Heart
No Rest For The Jester
Justified
Viva La Stampede!
Feeling Queasy and Old Faces

Lets make some mayhem

Everypony was at the Grand Galloping Gala this year, ones of high importance that is. Ponyville was more empty then a barren desert, with all the ponies in town going to the Gala. However, even a desert has its share of occupants. This applied to Ponyville as well, for even how deserted the town was a small purple dragon could be found arranging books on a shelf in Twilight Sparkles library. Spike, the purple dragon, had no interest in visiting the Gala. The Gala was just too…boring for Spike’s taste. Boring to the point of watching paint dry would be entertaining then attending the Gala. Too many uptight high standing citizens that think playing music and cracking a laugh is taboo. Even ol’ Pinkie Pie couldn’t give the stale party some life. Spike chuckled to himself as he remembered why Pinkie wanted to go to the Gala this year. She wanted to bring some life to the party even more than she did the last time she was at the Gala.

Now, Spike wouldn’t put it past Pinkie to make a commotion at the event because, after all, she was Ponyvilles best party thrower. However, those uptight ponies at the Gala might kick her out if she causes too much trouble. Pinkie had nothing on Fluttershy though when it came to causing mayhem at the Gala. Who could ever forget when Fluttershy led a stampede of animals in the ballroom of the Gala? Twilight even went to the Gala. Spike wondered why Twilight would even want to bother attending such a boring party, but she told him that she planned on just enjoying herself there. Kind of hard to enjoy yourself at a party when people are glaring at you with a death stare, Spike thought. But hey, if she managed to pull it off maybe, just maybe, Spike considered on tagging along the next year for the Gala.

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and even Applejack went to the Gala this year. Considering how the three mares failed to accomplish their goals at the last Gala, it shocked Spike that they still wanted to go. Like Twilight, they said they were going to enjoy themselves. All of Spike’s friends tried to persuade to him to tag along, but he decided against it. Now that Spike looked back on it, he really started to wish he went if he knew that EVERYPONY he was friends with would be there. His ticket to the Gala was still under his pillow, and Spike removed the ticket from its hiding place and stared at it.

“Wonder if it would be too late to go by now.” Spike wondered aloud.
Canterlot was way too far to travel by foot and even if he tried it would have taken a few days to get there. Maybe, if he was lucky, the trains to Canterlot would be operating.Suddenly, a whisper interrupted Spikes thoughts.

My word quite bored aren’t we?

Spike jumped in the air from freight. His entire body felt like it was dipped in freezing ice.

“Who’s there? I am warning you, I am a dragon!” Spike said with all the courage he could muster up.

I don’t fear dragons. Especially one of your size, Spike.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Spike said angrily.

Can’t you tell? Come on Spike, you’re a baby dragon. I am supposed to fear something that can, at best, burn my hand?

“Don’t make me try.” Spike said darkly.

Doho, growing a sense of humor I see? Well, I do not wish to start this conversation on a bad start-

“Too late for that I am afraid.” Spike said hotly

Perhaps it is. Still, I know you are terribly bored.

Spike stared at his claws for a moment. It was true; he was extremely bored of just arranging books while the girls were away.
However, Spike had no intention to admit it….yet.

No need to lie to me, Spike. I see it written all over you face. What are you holding?

“A ticket to the Gala if you really must know.” Spike said with a frown.

The Gala you say? Bleh, I am sorry for asking then.

“I can agree with that.” Spike said with a grin. Maybe this voice wasn’t so bad after all.

Well, why not go? Ponyville is close to empty at the moment.

“I think suffering through boredom here is better than dying of boredom there.” Spike said with a sigh.

I see your point, uptight parties were never my thing either. Why not make some fun of your own then?

“What do you mean?” Spike said with curiosity.

Must I draw this out? Either head out to the Gala and get those uptight ponies something to really complain about or sit here and stack books until your friends come back.

Spike eyed a shelf filled with books with distaste. The voice had a point, much better to crash the Gala then sit here and clean up.

“So, cause mayhem at the Gala for my amusement is what you’re trying to tell me?” Spike said skeptically.

Tell me if you have a better idea.

“That I don’t.” Spike said dejectedly.

Then, why are you sitting here wondering what you should be doing? Get on a train to Canterlot already!

“Sheesh, no need to get all excited. You’re more eager to go then I am.” Spike said with a chuckle.

Very funny, Spike.

“By the way, who are you? Is this all in my head or something?” Spike asked aloud.

Honestly, I am not some bad hallucination you’re having. Let’s just say that I am the whisper in your ear.

“Whisper is no joke; I thought you were the wind for a moment.” Spike joked.

Grabbing his ticket to the Gala, Spike made a run to the local train station. Spike noticed a train was sitting patiently at a stop. Feeling that it was his lucky day, Spike bought a ticket to Canterlot and walked towards the train. The train was on the move by the time Spike got to the platform. Panicking, Spike chased after the train with all his might. The back door to the train was just a hair away. Jumping was too much of a gamble; failure would lead to a face full of track. However, Spike was felt if he didn’t make a decision soon he would grow too tired to chase after the train and the lack of platform left to run on was growing shorter by the second. Fearing that it was now or never, Spike made a leap of faith to the back platform of the train.

A little push goes a long way.

Spike felt as if a hand was pushing at his spine as he made his jump. It seemed to the trick though, Spike somehow made it on the little platform.

I believe a thank you is in order, Spike.

"Yeah, thanks.” Spike said, desperately trying to catch his breath.

Gotta hand it to you, thought you wouldn’t jump.

“Not going to let an opportunity slip through my claws.” Spike said with a confident grin.

You should be a part time super hero with that kind of attitude.

“It’s just the truth.” Spike said.

Mhm, if that’s the case then you probably have had no opportunities with impressing Rarity yet.

Spike didn’t like the mocking tone in the whisper one bit.

“Not true, I have given Rarity my prized gem before.” Spike said defensively.

I’ll give you that. Now, any else you have to justify yourself with?

“I um…” Spike said slowly.

See? That’s my point exactly. That was probably you’re five minutes of fame ever with Rarity.

Defeat tasted sour to Spike. Not wanting to chat with the whisper anymore, Spike opened the back door of the train and waited out the trip in the compartment to Canterlot in complete silence. Wanting no chance for the whisper to get in the room he was in, Spike closed all the windows and welded any cracks on the window shut with his flames.

Made Man with a Plan

The train to Canterlot zipped by the landscape Ponyville quickly. Mountains and green pastures were visible through the window for Spike. It was really a relaxing sight, to the point of picture perfect. While taking in the awe inspiring scene, a whisper spoke into Spikes ear again.

Might as well rip your head off Spike, sealing the room shut won’t do you any favors.

Spikes eyes opened in shock. Not a soul was in the room with him. It seemed the whisper wasn’t something that can be shut out.

“Nothing will stop you from talking to me, I take it?” Spike wondered aloud.

Yep. Or rather, until I grow bored of you.

“You act like I have nothing of interest about me.” Spike said in a hurt voice. A low chuckle was heard.

Nothing of interest you say? If that was the case, why even bother trying to persuade you to go to the Gala?

Spike felt some of his confidence being regained by what the whisper said.

Just wondering, you’re going to the Gala dressed like that?

Spike looked down at himself and realized he was in no way dressed for successes. Wearing just the scales on his back, Spike felt slightly panicky. He had outgrown the suit Rarity made for him the last time he went to the Gala. So even if he
would have remembered to bring the suit it would be pointless.

“I guess so. I have no suit that would fit me anyhow.” Spike groaned.

Give me a minute…

“What do you mean by tha-?” Spike started to ask, when a white mist started to surround him.

Let me see, a black suit and tie is too generic…maybe yellow? No, that doesn’t match either. Perhaps, green?

Spike just raised his eyebrow at this last suggestion. It seemed the whisper got the idea that Spike wasn’t all for a green suit since it stopped talking.

Ah, got it

Spike noticed the white mist wrap around him even closer to the point that he felt like he was wearing the mist itself. Once he looked down though, Spike saw that he had a white suit on with a black tie.

“Wow, I look like a million bucks!” Spike said in an awed voice. A giggle was heard at his remark.

Think nothing of it at all, Spike! However, I feel like your lacking something…

Suddenly, Spikes old white hat he got from Cheerilee was placed on his head and a red rose was in a little pocket near his chest on his suit.

There, perfection

“Heh, you can say that again!” Spike said with a hearty chuckle.

“Wait a moment, not that I didn’t enjoy receiving such a nice gift from you but why?” Spike wondered aloud. There was a moment’s pause and Spike felt the whisper wouldn’t answer, he was wrong.

Well, what would the guards say when they saw you not even dressed for the occasion with a ticket? They would think you stole it.

Spike scratched his chin for a moment. True, all the ponies who attend the Gala dress in a fancy fashion. So, it would look odd if he just walked into the Gala expecting no one to question his presence.

“Good point.” Spike replied.

Any plans once you get to the Gala?

“I um…” Spike mumbled.

Haven’t thought about it much, I take it?

“Nope, not one bit.” Spike confessed sadly.

Hmm, how about using the animals outside?

Spike was instantly reminded of Fluttershy, leading a stampede of the Gala’s animals. So many animals from rabbits to birds were plowing their way into the ballroom with Fluttershy yelling “You’re going to love me!” at the animals. The yell that launched a thousand animals and it was such a lovely idea to relive the event again. However, the stampede pretty much put the Gala at an end. The stampede would have to wait until the grand finale.

“Sounds great, but it might have to wait near the end though. That stampede nearly shut down the Gala.” Spike said with a grin.

Very true, the stampede caused quite a commotion. How about the band that plays in the Gala?

“What of them?” Spike wondered.

Fill in for one of them and change the songs they play

“Okay, which one?” Spike asked, trying to play along with the complicated idea.

Shouldn't be hard, have one of them get a stomach problem and they will leave there post

“And why would they come looking for me?” Spike said, pointing the flaw in this plan.

Play any instrument well?

“I can play a piano pretty well.” Spike replied thoughtfully.

There you go then!

Before Spike could reply, the train let out a loud screech and slowed down. Spike walked up to the back door and realized he welded the door shut. It looked like his plan to shut out the whisper not only back fired completely but created a whole new problem instead.

“Have any ideas? I could sure do with one right about now.” Spike said in a panicky tone.

Calm down Spike. Is there anyone outside that can help you?

Spike glanced out a window and no one was there on the platform.

“No one is out there.” Spike said in a discouraged tone.

Break the window?

Spike threw a punch with all his might at the glass window. Spikes knuckles made a dull thud sound once his fist hit against the glass. For a moment, Spike thought he heard the glass crack but realized it was his knuckles that cracked from the impact.

“OW!” Spiked yelled angrily. A giggle was heard at Spikes failed attempt.

Not one of my best plans

“No need to tell me that.” Spike replied spitefully.

Okay then, you think of something smart guy.

Spike analyzed the room he was in for an escape. Windows and doors were out of the question for an escape, Spike rubbed his knuckles ruefully at remembering his attempt to break the window. Perhaps unwelding the back door will work? Having nothing to lose, Spike used his flames to heat up the metal that fixed the door tightly in a close. When Spike ran out of energy to keep using his flames, he noticed the frame the door became a hot red color.

Seems you might as well have burned the door down

“That would take too much energy.” Spike croaked

The moment of truth, see if you can push it open

Spike leaned against the door, hoping he can catch his breath before trying to push against the door. As soon as Spikes back touched the door, it gave away under his weight. Spike collapsed on the other side of the door and noticed he was outside now.

I am going to say that was on purpose to give you the benefit of the doubt.

Spike rubbed his face to relieve the soreness that came from the sudden impact.

“Well, at least the door opened.” Spike mumbled.

I think it’s time for you to get to the Gala.

“That’s why I even came here.” Spike replied.

Spike noticed the walk to the Gala wasn’t all that far from the station. But he wasn’t sure if they time spent walking would be more counterproductive then attempting to find a ride to the Gala. Spike wished he had Rarity with him considering she wooed two stallions into pushing a carriage from Ponyville all the way to Canterlot. But, Spike knew his looks wouldn’t buy him a free ride. So, he either had to trick his way into one or figure something out.

Thinking about a ride?

If Spike wasn’t so used to the whisper by now, Spike would have screamed at the sudden break in silence.

“Yeah walking is an option, but not a great one.” Spike replied.

Let me think…

Yet again, the familiar white mist began to surround Spikes body. Luckily, not a soul was present to see the white mist appear. If someone was to see the mist, panic and a whole lot of questions will be coming Spikes way.

Mind standing still? Last thing I want to do is to mess up on this.

Spike tried hard to remain still as a statue. The mist was closing on Spike to the point of suffocation. Growing alarmed, Spike thought the mist was trying to cut off his oxygen.

Trust me, Spike. I wouldn’t dare hurt you

Putting his faith into the whisper, Spike remained still as the mist completely coated his body. The last thing Spike saw, before the white mist covered his eyes, was the train beginning to puff out smoke and move forward.

From The Heart

Spike soon learned that keeping up with the high quality performance Octavia and her band mates produced was no easy task. His claws ached horribly by just the third song and Octavia took pleasure in Spikes flinches of pain. Still, Spike was determined to tough out the grind. However, the more Spike’s claws ached, the bigger Octavia’s devious smile would get. At last, the band took a break which gave Spike the opportunity to dip his claws in a bucket of ice that a waiter brought to him, the same one who helped Spike with handing out plates beforehand.

“Not so easy is it?” Octavia teased.

“I’ll be fine.” Spike said dismissively.

“Your claws say otherwise.” Octavia said, looking at Spike’s twitching claws.

Spike wasn’t going to admit he was in pain, especially to Octavia. A sky blue stallion trotted up to the stage and motioned Octavia and Spike to his direction. When Octavia and Spike got close enough, the stallion began to speak.

“I have a favor to ask of you.” the stallion said looking directly at Spike.

“Um, sure what you need?” Spike asked anxiously.

“Mind playing something romantic for me and wife? It’s our anniversary.” the stallion asked.

“But why Spike?” Octavia intervened. Spike knew that the fact that someone wanted him to play a song for them only was
chewing away at her pride.

“Well, my wife just loves playing the piano and she envies your skill.” the stallion said, giving an encouraging smile to Spike.
Octavia pursed her lips and said nothing more. Spike wasn’t all that sure if his fingers could bear playing another song but if
it bugged Octavia this deeply, Spike was more than happy to comply with the favor.

“Okay, you got a deal.” Spike said with a grin. Octavia stared at Spike so hard with hatred it was plausible she wanted Spike to drop dead right then and there.

“Wonderful! Now, I have a challenge for you. Make up a song completely from the tip of your head with lyrics.” the stallions challenged.
Spike’s jaw went slack for a moment. Just make up a song right now? Talk about one challenge. Spike was never big on singing, Twilight and her friends were usually the ones singing anyway. Not one to back down, Spike was willing to compromise and figure something out.

“How long I have?” Spike asked.

“Preferably now.” the stallion answered.

“Let me see what I can do.” Spike said.

“Try to make it a little personal, you know? Make it meaningful.” the stallion said to Spike then departed.

“I can’t believe you’re actually going to go through with this.” Octavia said in awe as Spike sat back down on a bench, near the piano.

“Eh, it’s there anniversary.” Spike said.

“True, but those were some high demands to make.” Octavia pointed out.

“I like raising the bar a little higher.” Spike replied with a grin.

“Raise the bar to the point where you can’t reach it yourself?” Octavia said.

“Step out of your comfort zone for a minute then. At least I am willing to change it up.” Spike said defensively. Octavia looked
at Spike in surprise for a few moments and retreated back to her cello.

“Very optimistic you are.” Spike said darkly to himself, looking at Octavia from his piano.

She is concerned about your claws you know. Everyone has their limit.

Spike stared around the ballroom in surprise, searching a source from the whisper. It wasn’t like the previous whisper back on the train though. This one was more…forceful and full of authority. Almost like the whisper was speaking to an audience of many.

“I take it you’re the substitute.” Spike said softly aloud, making sure no one else will hear him.

Indeed, I am.

“I think I got myself into some serious trouble with this one.” Spike whispered nervously.

Well, it’s your fault you accepted. Now you have to stick to it.

Spike wasn’t expecting sympathy from the whisper. If anything, it was more of a reassurance than anything else. There was one thing that was bothering Spike about doing all this, the personal connection to the lyrics of the song. Something romantic and able to portray the wonders of devotion, all these things were something that Spike has yet to feel…or maybe not. Feeling a little more confident, Spike blew flames on his claws, actually giving of the look like his very claws were fire its self and helped manage with the pain a bit, Spike began to play and sing.

She must be an enchantress because I never felt heartache like this before. When I first looked at her beautiful face, I knew she was just too good to be true. Straight from the heavens weren’t you? There’s just something about you that made me fall for you. Is it the way you move or the way you talk? The smile you have or the glimmer in your eyes? All I know is that you’re picture perfect and I can sit back and look at you until the end of time. And if I don’t have time, I’ll be sure to make some because looking at you smile is what I live for. Safe to say I am a bit greedy when it comes to you. I would fight for you like a major war. Maybe it’s because you just stole my heart and locked it away. Not that I mind though, for as long as I get to stay with you.

Spike finished playing at last and there the ballroom went silent, which was odd in its self. Rising up from his chair, Spike stood up and wasn’t sure what would happen next. Suddenly, the stallion that made Spike do all this stood up and clapped which was followed with many other ponies standing up to give Spike a standing ovation. Feeling embarrassed but proud, Spike bowed to the crowd which replied with more clapping. When the ovation finally subsided, the stallion that asked Spike to play brought his wife with him to greet Spike.

“You were just fabulous! I can’t thank you enough!” the excited mare said to Spike with a smile.

“You’re welcome and happy anniversary.” Spike replied with a smile of his own. The happy couple departed and returned to their seats.

“Nice job Spike.” Octavia said suddenly.

“That means a lot to me coming from you.” Spike replied.

“Don’t expect me to lighten up on you.” Octavia joked. Spike laughed at this but stopped when Octavia wrapped Spike in a quick hug.

“Thanks for filling in too Spike.” Octavia said and quickly let go of Spike.

Spike was about to ask the meaning behind the hug but Octavia quickly started to chat with one of the violin players.

I must say, that little song you sang was really nice. Far better than the same old songs the band plays year after year. You would think they would spice it up a bit. They should take some lessons from you.

“Oh come on, you’re just saying that.” Spike said shyly.

Someone who is willing to play and sing from their heart rather than playing from something that is premade and older then dust is someone who deserves praise. It’s hard to talk freely of your feelings, let alone convey them into lyrics that everyone
will be able to connect with.

“Why thank you.” Spike smiled bashfully.

Now, I do believe you have some other tricks up your sleeves tonight?

“There’s no rest for the jester. Not when there are laughs to be had and pranks to be made.” Spike replied.

May I make a suggestion?

“Sure, why not?” Spike said.

I think there should be punch on a table nearby. Perhaps it’s time to add some ingredients of your own to it?

“I like how you think.” Spike said with a grin.

Surveying the room, Spike tried to find a bowl of punch lying on a table. It took a few moments to find the table but Spike found the bowl of punch.

“Oh hey there Mr.Piano man, how yall doing?” a familiar southern drawl asked.

Spike turned back and saw that Applejack was standing right behind him. She wore the same dress that she had on for the last Gala.

“I am doing pretty well. I see you still wear that dress well AJ.” Spiked teased.

“Why thank you Spike. I didn’t want to go round aggervatin Rarity for a new dress this year.” Applejack replied, she smiled at Spike’s compliment.

“I doubt you would even need a new dress, you look pretty as it is.” Spike said earnestly.

“Quit doing that Spike, yall starting to make me blush.” Applejack said, trying to hide her face behind her Stetson hat.

“Alright, I’ll stop but I’m just saying the truth, that’s all.” Spike said.

“So why did you came down here Spike? Aren’t you supposed to be back at Ponyville?” Applejack asked.

“It go so boring back at Ponyville, I thought coming here would be more fun. Turns out, it’s a lot more fun here.” Spike replied with a chuckle. It felt like ages since he was sitting in the library sorting books.

“It only got fun when you showed up on that piano up there. Gotta hand it to you Spike, that song was something.” Applejack said in an awestruck tone.

“Oh come on, it was nothing.” Spike said dismissively. Applejack raised her eyebrow at Spike, which made him cringe. She knew he was lying.

“Spike, you’re a bad liar.” Applejack said seriously, staring into Spike’s eye.

Emerald clashed against Emerald. For a moment, Spike felt like AJ was able to see through him like an X-ray. It was like she was seeing if his body would give off a sign of lying. Perhaps, she was able to do this because she was the Element of Honest or Spike was really a bad liar as AJ said. Spike decided to settle on telling her the truth…or at least half of it.

“Okay fine, it was for a couple celebrating their anniversary and the husband asked me to make a song up right there and then.” Spike finally answered.

“Aw, that’s just kind of you Spike.” Applejack complimented.

Spike walked over to the punch. Then, Spike realized he brought absolutely nothing to spike the punch with. The one time Spike didn't think ahead this night, it had to be now. It seemed like Applejack took notice in his disappointment because she started to stare at the punch as well.

“I think I know why you even came over here to the punch in the first place.” Applejack said suddenly. Feeling that he had nothing to lose, Spike decided to tell the truth on this one.

“If your guess was that I wanted to add some ingredients to the punch, you right.” Spike confessed.

“Funny you say that Spike because that’s why I am here.” Applejack confessed as well.

“Wait, what?” Spike said in surprise.

Applejack took out a jar filled with an amber liquid from beneath her cape and poured it into the punch. She then topped off the punch with some chopped apples that were on a plate nearby. After she was done, AJ gave Spike a knowing wink and left him on his own.

Talk about a surprise. I would expect something like that from Pinkie.

“How do you know Pinkie?” Spike asked.

I see her around. She knows just about everypony where ever she goes, especially in Ponyville.

“Right, how much more you know about my friends?” Spike asked.

That’s not very important right about now. By the way speaking of the pink mare, here she comes.

Spike saw Pinkie trotting towards him like a spring and there first thing she said was “Spike, why didn’t you tell me you were going to sing? We could have done a duet!”

No Rest For The Jester

“Pinkie, the song wasn’t even planned. I had to make up things as I went along.” Spiked said.

“I could have helped.” Pinkie mumbled.

“True, but I needed to start right at that moment and I had no clue where you were at the time.” Spike countered. Pinkie’s mane sagged slightly and Spike grew nervous. She was quite miserable when she got upset so Spike needed to cheer her up fast, or else Pinkie would grow troublesome.

“Maybe next time Pinkie? I should be able to persuade the band to let me do one more song. And this time I’ll make sure I will get you to sing up there with me” Spike said quickly.

Pinkie’s flat mane instantly reflated like a balloon. “Oh my gosh, that sounds great! We will teach these uptight ponies how to REALLY have a party.” Pinkie said with an enthusiastic smile.

She left Spike on his own and he could have sworn she was muttering something about “confetti” and “cannons” which made Spike wonder just how blown out Pinkie was going to make this performance. Finally having a moment to himself, Spike took a cup and filled it with punch. After taking a sip of the punch, Spike’s throat burned and he went into a coughing fit.

Seems like that was the punch that Applejack gave a little more of a kick to.

“Right, that stuff really burned my throat.” Spike croaked. A giggle rang through Spike’s ears.

Well, what’s next?

“I guess I should just go bug some of the guest. It’s still too early to set off the stampede.” Spike said.

Seems like a plan to me. Good luck Spike.

“I think I will need a little more than luck.” Spike shrugged.

Analyzing the ballroom, Spike was hoping to find a familiar face to talk to. At last, Spike saw a Pegasus with a rainbow mane and quickly made his way to her. She was sitting with another mare and she was signing a book.

“Hey girls, what’s with the book?” Spike asked, looking over the head of Rainbow Dash.

“Spike, what are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash said in mild surprise.

“I figured it would be more fun to be here than sitting back home alone and stacking books to pass the time.” Spike answered.

“Spike, you won’t believe who this is?” Rainbow gushed with excitement.

“Try me.” Spike challenged.

“She is the author of the Daring Do series!” Rainbow squealed in a fan girl fashion.

“Never took you for the reading type Rainbow Dash.” Spike said in mild surprise.

“Who wouldn’t read Daring Do? She is awesome!” Rainbow said with a big smile.

“So, you were the piano player in the band weren’t you?” the author asked.

“Yep, I am more of a backup though.” Spike admitted.

“No matter, you were still excellent.” the author complemented.

“I take it you two are friends?” the author asked.

“Yep, we are friends.” Spike answered.

The author gave a nod and finished signing the book then handed it to Rainbow Dash.

“I usually don’t sign books. But considering how excellent of a flyer Rainbow is and that she has a friend like you, I think I can make an exception.” the author said with a friendly smile. She then got up and trotted towards another table and began to
chat with ponies there.

“You really came at the right time Spike.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I guess so. So this is what you been doing here, reading Daring Do and talking to the author?” Spike asked.

“Well, yeah. I can barely talk to the Wonderbolts so I started to read Daring Do and the author was sitting right next to me
when I took my book.” Rainbow Dash replied, with a sheepish grin.

“Aren’t you lucky?” Spiked said.

“You bet! So, what was that song you sang all about anyway? I didn’t take you for the mushy type.” Rainbow Dash teased.

Spike felt like a prerecorded message at this point as he responded “I did it because a husband wanted me to play a song that his wife would find touching, since today is there anniversary together.”

“Okay, I’ll give you that. But, that song sounded pretty personal.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“I had to think of something quick! I really just had to go with my gut.” Spike said nervously.

Rainbow Dash knew there was a little more behind the song then a couple’s anniversary and Spike wanted to dismiss anything before she started to ask too many questions. The more she asked, it would be more likely she would piece it all together like a jigsaw puzzle.

“I’ll stop interrogating you for now, Spike. But I am on to you.” Rainbow said, making the “I-got-my-eyes-on-you” gesture with
her hoof.

“I feel so scared! What ever will I do now that Rainbow Dash is on my case?” Spike joked, showing a exaggerated look of deep concern as he spoke.

Rainbow Dash chuckled at this and Spike turned away from her and walked his way back to the table with the spiked punch. Yet again, Spike filled another cup of punch but this time he handed it to a random stallion and watched him clench at his throat in agony after he drank it. Before the stallion could start telling Spike off, Spike left the gasping stallion alone as soon as he took the cup. Spike was found laughing near a small statue of Celestia; he was using it to help support himself up while he laughed.

“Priceless! Did you see the look on his face?” Spike said, in between fits of laughter.

His eye balls nearly popped out of his head! I never had a good laugh like this in a while.

Spike stopped laughing and his face straightened out “I take it you don’t get to laugh a lot?” Spike asked.

Yep, my life is pretty dull most of the time.

“Sorry to hear that.” Spike said in a sad tone.

Don’t feel that way at all! For my life may be a tad dull at times, I find ways to entertain myself.

“How do you go along doing that?” Spike asked

Well, I am giving you some ideas for pranks and talking to you, right?

“Good ones at that.” Spike joked.

“So, who are you anyway?” Spike asked. This question has been nagging on his mind ever since the first whisper started to speak to him back at Ponyville.

Who am I? Let’s say, I am capable of doing things that ponies can only dream about.

“Well, that’s better than what the last whisper answered with.” Spike shrugged.

What did she say?

“She is the whisper in my ears.” Spike replied.

In a sense, she is and in a way she isn’t.

“What do you mean?” Spike demanded.

Oh, I bet she will explain it all. If not, I promise to tell you.

“You really mean it?” Spike said in surprise.

Why not? After the Gala ends, it seems pointless to hide it from you.

“Cool. Now if you don’t mind, I need to cause some mayhem.” Spike said, wearing a devious grin as he talked.

You can give Discord a run for his money at the rate you’re going at.

“You’re comparing me to a guy who uses pranks to make ponies lives a disaster?” Spike said in disbelief.

Yes and no. Your pranks are for entertainment, not chaos. But like Discord, it comes at the price of some discomfort of others.

Spike didn’t like the sounds of this. The whisper praised him, but also gave him a smack of reality to the face while doing so.
Still, Spike knew he would never sink to Discords level. His pranks were feeble compared to Discord’s. Chocolate rain beats out spiked punch any day. Suddenly, Rarity and a stallion came into Spike’s eye view. For a moment, Spike felt like going over there and saying hello to Rarity…but something held him back. They were talking by an ice sculpture not far away from him. Slowly, Spike hid on the other side of the sculpture and eavesdropped on the conversation. Rarity let out a laugh that tugged at Spike’s heartstrings a bit.

“You really are just too charming Fancy Pants!” Rarity said, giving the stallion a flirting smile.

“You are much more charming then I, Rarity. I must say, I would never expect to find such a beautiful mare here.” the stallion
replied, giving a flirting grin of his own. Spike cringed at this exchange, but he felt just to incline to listen to more. Similar to how much you hate a song, but you remember the lyrics to the song by heart.

“If you don’t mind if I ask, do you have time for dinner tomorrow?” Fancy asked.

“OH! Well, I bet I can make room in my busy schedule for dinner.” Rarity said, trying to hold back her excitement.
Spike was teething with a burning anger, literarily. Green flames were building up in Spike’s chest and into his mouth. For a moment, Spike felt lighting Fancy Pants stupid hair on fire but thought better of it. Eyeing the ice sculpture, Spike got a fabulous idea. Blowing the hot green flames on the ice sculpture, it quickly started to melt and drip large drops of water. It got to the point where it was like a little waterfall, dousing anyone who was underneath it. Fancy Pants and, to Spike’s dismay, Rarity got soaked under the ice sculpture. Before leaving the scene, Spike got a nice laugh out of the angry and embarrassed face of a dripping wet Fancy Pants.

Justified

Spike, are you alright?

“Don’t bother me.”

You will have to deal with me for the rest of the night. And I am in your head, getting rid of me will be no easy task.

“Alright, fine. I am grumpy because…well.” Spike started to say. But couldn’t finish because he wasn’t quite sure how he felt as well.

Rarity was talking to Fancy Pants and you got terribly jealous.

Spike scrapped the surface of the table he was sitting on, absent mindedly, and finally replied “Yeah, I got pretty worked up.”

I take it you feel that Fancy is somewhat a threat to you?

“What do you mean?” Spiked asked.

You know exactly what I mean.

He wasn’t admitting it, but he was really nervous that Rarity preferred Fancy over him. True, when it came to competing for Rarity’s attention Spike was usually one to fail. It seemed becoming a famous designer himself was the ace in the hole to get Rarity’s attention, which obviously Spike is not.

Quiet are we not?

Spike did his best not to respond, biting on his tongue to ensure nothing would slip out. There was an audible sigh and Spike knew the whisper had no interest to pursue the subject. How wrong he was.

Well if you won’t confess, perhaps it’s time to take a peek into your mind~

“You wouldn’t.” Spike said in disbelief, his jaw went slack.

Oh, but I will. That is, if you just confess already. Then no harm will be done on your little head

None of the options seemed fair to Spike. Either way, the whisper would learn what it wanted eventually. It all really boiled down to if Spike wanted to cooperate, or go down in denial. Spike didn't want someone venturing through his thoughts, especially ones that were personal, like a book, good thing Twilight never learned a spell like this because Spike might be the first victim. Seeing that confessing is probably better than the whispering probing his mind, Spike started to talk.

“Fine, I did get a little jealous of Fancy Pants getting so much attention from Rarity.” Spike finally admitted, in a defeated tone.

Good little dragon. Not that hard was it now?

“It was like pulling teeth, if you must ask.” Spike joked darkly.

Better than me probing your mind unwillingly.

“You act like I had good choices in the matter.” Spike retorted. A giggle started to ring in Spike’s ears.

Out of frustration, Spike melted a fork down to nothing more than a ball of metal. Inspecting his handiwork, Spike decided to make use of his new found ball of silverware. Taking aim at one of the ice sculptures of a swan, with lots of ponies lingering around it, Spike lit up the ball and threw it at the sculpture. The ball flew into the chest of the sawn ice sculpture and exited out the other side, leaving a rather noticeable hole through the figure. The flames and the sheer force of the ball started to take its toll soon though, cracks started to form and the sculpture start to melt rapidly. Remarkably, not a pony noticed the sculptures collapse until it was too late.

The strain of its own weight was too much for the cracks on the sculpture, the sculpture snapped into many dripping pieces of ice. The pieces weren’t all that big, roughly the size of an average rock, so hurting a pony wasn’t all that possible. However, its small size was made up for the sheer amount of chunks of ice. Many of the ponies underneath the once standing sculpture were now dripping wet and had still had some ice on their clothes. And to Spike’s pleasure, Fancy Pants fell victim to the prank as well. His mustache was a mess, so was his hair, and he looked very aggravated.
Spike snickered to himself at the misfortune of Fancy Pants more than anything. The sculptures were a great tool for pranks, but the mess in return was not all that great. Usually, the less evidence a prank leaves behind the better. However, the collapsing ice sculptures left puddles of water and many ponies’s kept their distance from the ice sculptures now. It looked like this would be a one-time thing, well actually two for Spike at this point.

Ice sculptures….they never seem to hold together by the time a party ends.

“What do you expect? It’s ice. It will wither melt or somepony is bound to break it.” Spike replied simply.

Like you?

“Oh, right.” Spike said sheepishly.

Hm, perhaps it’s time for the stampede? It’s getting late.

Spike looked around at the ball room for a moment. There didn’t much else to do now. Half of the ponies who came to the Gala were tipsy after drinking AJ’s spiked punch, a lot of ponies were soaking wet after the fall of two ice sculptures, and the music that the band have been playing has been more upbeat since Spike left them. For the little amount of time Spike felt like he spent here, he sure did accomplish a lot.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Spike finally answered reluctantly.

Sounds like you don’t want this to end.

“Sorta, I am really enjoying myself here.” Spike said with a grin.

Maybe next year we can have some more pranks here. Heavens knows, maybe I’ll personally assist you then.

“Wow! I look forward to that!” Spike said, gushing with excitement.

Spike made his way out to the gardens of the Gala. It was quite a sight, like everything else at the Gala. Exotic and lavish trees and bushes of all sorts were everywhere. The animals though, seemed to be the most interesting thing in this garden. A large variety of birds, bugs, owls, deer and many countless animals were present in here. How in the world did all these animals get here? Spike had some deep doubts that all these animals have lived here all this time.

I come down here every once in a while.

“Do you now?” Spike asked, obviously interested on how the whisper is able to visit the garden at whim.

Oh yes, especially when I desire to just take a stroll. This garden really takes you mind off things.

Spike decided to give this a shot. He laid down flat on his back and stared into the night sky. The rustling of the leaves as the wind passed by reminded Spike of a flute, the sounds of the animals scurrying about really started to soothe his mind. It was hard to tell what was really just more intoxicating to stare at, the beautiful starry night or gentle vibes that were present in the garden. Sticking to stare at the sky, Spike took surveyed the countless stars above him. The back ground sounds of the garden were only enhancing the feel that he was really in the middle of a forest. The rotation of the very planet could be felt to Spike. It was an odd feeling, he felt like he was moving but he really wasn’t. How small he felt, more than usual, as he gazed into the stars captivating glow. So close but yet so far. The moon had worked its way out of some clouds and into Spike’s eye view. No words could justify how enchanting the view of the night sky was.

“Wow. Luna is really lucky to be able to make all this.” Spiked said in awe.

Marvelous, is it? The dark night sky never really fails to fascinate me, no matter how often I look at it.

Spike suddenly remembered why he was even out here in the first place. The sight of the night sky will have to wait, to Spike’s disappointment. Getting up and dusting himself off, Spike started to try to find ways to aggravate or terrify the animals in the garden. The animals took no notice to Spike’s attempts while some animals could be seen rolling on the floor in the middle of a fit of laughter. One bird even pecked Spike right on the nose after Spike bared his teeth at it.

“How in the world did Fluttershy pull this off?” Spike snapped angrily.

Heard she got very…loud to make them run off.

“How loud are we talking about?” Spike asked anxiously.

Loud to the point of breaking glass and eardrums into little pieces.

“But she is so shy and quiet!” Spike said in disbelief.

There are sides to friends we never know.

“So, what do I do?” Spike asked in a defeated sort of way.

Obviously, not give up.

Spike was about to retort when he heard same bushes rustling behind him. He would have dismissed it as an animal of some sort if it weren’t for the faint sound of a gasp that was let out. Spike walked his over to the bushes behind him and saw Fluttershy there. She looked terrified of being caught and hid behind her mane.

“Nice to see you Fluttershy, how was your night?” Spike asked, trying to act oblivious that meeting a friend behind a bush is completely normal.

“Good.” Fluttershy whispered, muffled to the point of no sound due to hiding behind her mane.

“What are you doing out here?” Spike said, trying desperately to break the tension.
Fluttershy stopped hiding behind her mane and gazed into Spike’s eyes, which made him feel awkward, “Just coming to see the animals.” She answered in her usual faint voice.

“I can see that.” Spike said with a little too much cheeriness in his voice. He might as well be a creepy clown with the way he was talking.

“Mind telling me how you made the stampede last year?” Spike asked with genuine curiosity, trying not to let his devious grin plaster his face.

“Oh well, you see…” Fluttershy started to say.

It was a fairly complicated story, from how Fluttershy resorted to trapping animals to be with her and to the point she started to yell at them for showing a lack of "love" to her. The more in depth she got on her story, the more his mouth opened up in shock and disbelief. As Fluttershy finished her tale, Spike finally got out of his trance of being speechless and the first words out of mouth were

“I would have never known.” Spike said, in surprise. Fluttershy just blushed of embarrassment.

"I am not here to do that again!" Fluttershy said in a panicky voice.

"Well your not. Doesn't mean you speak for the rest of us." Spike hinted.

Viva La Stampede!

“Come on Fluttershy!” Spike begged.

“No, I couldn’t do such a thing!”

Spike tried his best to make puppy eyes at her to get his way. Fluttershy had to look away from Spike as he did this. Fluttershy knew if she looked she was bounded to be suckered into helping Spike. Frustration started to build up for Spike. How in the world was it so HARD to convince Fluttershy of something? The one time she had to stand her ground is with him, which made Spike feel less macho.

“Alright, I’ll stop asking.” Spike said, finally giving in.

“Good, now if you don’t mind Spike I’ll be looking at the animals.” Fluttershy said with a smile, she walked off.

You give up quick.

“I can’t force her into it. Besides, Fluttershy is just to…” Spike tried to finish his sentence, but had no idea how to wrap it up.
Soft?

“No not that.” Spike dismissed.

Ah, you don’t want to make her upset. She isn’t the soft one, you are.

“Me? Please, I am a dragon!” Spike said, puffing out his chest to make him look intimidating.

Correction, you’re a baby dragon. And who can’t be a little soft when it comes to her? She is just to kind and sensitive.

“That’s the word I was looking for. You’re right; almost no one can bare making Fluttershy upset.” Spike replied dully.

Got a backup plan?

“I thought you would know me by now?” Spike said, in an amused tone.

No backup then.

“There we go.” Spike replied.

Well, I can teach you how to have a…stronger presence in your voice.

“Really, mind teaching me?” Spike said, barely holding back his excitement.

Not a lot of ponies can do it…

“Do I look like a pony?” Spike joked.

No, fine, let training start now…

Spike was going to be in a world of yelling and ear popping didn’t he wasn’t really warned about. The whisper didn’t really mined Spike doing so bad at the start, but when an hour rolled by you can tell the whisper was growing fed up with Spike’s lack of productivity.

WHY MUST THOU FAIL AT THIS SO MUCH?

"QUIT BEING SO HYSTERIC, YOU’RE WORSE THEN AN OLD HAG!” Spike snapped back angrily.

The power behind Spike’s uproar snapped tree bark and made birds grow hushed in horror. In the distance there was an audible yelp, probably Fluttershy no doubt.

Anger is the best motivator.

Spike just grumbled in reply “Yeah.”

I dare say you’re louder than I am. Perhaps, it was just your temper though. Anyway, time to scare off some animals, yes?

“I’ll give it a try.” Spike replied sheepishly

Spike let out a cough and followed up with some “throat exercises”.

We don’t have all day you know!

“Can’t rush perfection, you know.” Spike teased.

“Anyway, RUN COWARDS! OR THOU SHALL PERISH!” Spike bellowed.

Tree barked snapped and animals of various kinds yelped and shrieked of horror. Spike could hear the thundering stomping of the running animals.

You done it now.

“Run?” Spike asked nervously.

Let me see, a stampede of animals ready to run you over at any moment…YES RUN!

Spike ran as fast as he could but the speed of the stampede was proving too much. A deer ran up to Spike and knocked him straight into the air, making Spike land right on its back. The deer was running up to the solid glass window of the Gala. Spike covered his face and prepared himself for the collision. The glass cracked and the stampede rushed into the ballroom. Spike rode the deer to the middle of the ballroom and Spike couldn’t help but laugh when so many ponies were running from even the smallest of the animals, like a squirrel.

“Not this again!” a mare screamed as a fox ran past her.

“Spike, what are you doing?”

Spike looked down and saw…Celestia and Luna glaring at him. If Spike wasn’t scared of his life, he would have sworn both the princesses were smiling a bit.

“Oh hey Princess Celestia and Luna, how are you doing?” Spike asked sheepishly.

“I was going to ask the same thing. And why are you on a deer?” Celestia asked, bemused that Spike was riding a deer.

“Huh? About the deer, yeah I got nothing.” Spike shrugged.

“If making a commotion is what you planned, you obviously found success.” Luna said, giggling that Spike’s deer started to chew on a stallion’s tail without his notice.

“Seems like mayhem follows me around worse than Discord.” Spike groaned. His deer successfully chewed off a chunk of the stallion’s tail by now.

“Don’t beat up yourself up to bad Spike. In fact, I find this rather comical.” Luna said with a rare smile.

“You sound familiar…” Spike suddenly wondered.

“Me? I would hope so, we have met before.” Luna said in reply.

“You know what I mean.” Spike said.

For a moment, Luna looked surprised and taken aback by Spike’s questions. “I guess it’s time to tell him?” Luna said, looking up at her sister.

“Spike, we were the whispers in your ear.” Celestia said promptly.

“Wait what!” Spike said in mild surprise.

“Yep, we have been coaching you through the entire night.” Luna said, giving Spike a knowing wink.

“So wait, you taught me the Royal Canterlot voice?” Spike said in shock.

“You really taught him that?” Celestia said, offering a light hearted smile to Luna.

“How was he going to terrify the animals without Fluttershy scaring them off? It was either teaching him this or this would
never happen.” Luna answered.

“Well, at least now no one can fun of my growl.” Spike shrugged, remembering the bird pecking his nose after he bared his teeth at it.

“I must say, Spike are you sure you haven’t been taking lessons from Discord?” Celestia joked.

“Not funny. I don’t use my pranks to cause chaos.” Spike said in a hurt voice.

“I don’t know, sure are a lot of animals running around.” Celestia said, eyeing Spike’s deer.
Spike didn’t smile and dismounted from his deer. He somewhat regretted doing this because he felt so much smaller next to the princesses now without the help of his deer giving him some height.

“Looks like your friends are coming over.” Luna said.

Spike turned around and saw Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity coming ever closer. Feeling panic creep into his chest, Spike almost decided to make a run for it. But Luna magically rooted Spike to the spot.

“Oh come on!” Spike hissed at Luna.

“What ever happen to the big bad dragon?” Luna teased.

“Don’t remind me.” Spike growled.

“Spike, how could you ruin the Gala and…Oh my gosh, the princesses!” Twilight said.

“Do not scrutinize Spike for this only my faithful student. Luna and I have been giving Spike ideas and got him here from the start.” Celestia said, trying to spare Spike the roasting he was going to receive.

It seemed like Twilight could not handle that her mentor would do something so out of her image. Shortly after Celestia told Twilight about her involvement in Spike’s pranks, she fainted.

“I guess Twilight never thought that even I need a good laugh from time to time.” Celestia said.

Spike walked over to Twilight, “WAKE UP TWILIGHT.”

“Making good use of your new talent I see.” Luna said. Twilight jerked her eyes open, obviously taken aback by Spike’s powerful voice.

“Spike, where in Equestria did yall learn how talk that way?” Applejack said in mild surprise.

“I learned from the best.” Spike said, giving Luna a knowing wink.

It seemed like Applejack caught on to what Spike was trying to say because she didn’t say anything more on the subject. Pinkie trotted up to Spike, and for some reason looked angry.

“You promised me a song Spike.” Pinkie whined.

“Uhh…” Spike groaned.
“I think we can still play a song or two.” Octavia suddenly said.

Spike noticed Octavia and her fellow musicians sneaked up right behind him. “Don’t you have the best timing?”

“I try my hardest.” Octavia teased.

“So what do you say Pinkie?” Octavia asked.

“But of course!” Pinkie said with such eagerness it made it sound like yes was the only option.

“You know the Pony Pokey, right?” Pinkie asked Octavia.

“Simple enough let me make the band aware of the song though. And Spike, I still need a piano player.” Octavia replied.

“I don’t know if my claws are up to it.” Spike said, gingerly holding up his bruised claws to show Octavia.

“You can still sing with me Spike! You don’t need claws for that!” Pinkie added.

“Got a mic?” Spike asked. Pinkie replied with giving Spike a purple one.

“Do you just carry these around or something?” Spike asked obviously bemused how Pinkie is able to carry anything.

“I have no idea!” Pinkie replied with her usual enthusiasm, holding a pink microphone of her own.

Before the song started, Spike walked toward Octavia, who was practicing on her cello. You would think that pranking ponies all night would worry somepony of being caught, but not Spike. But here he was, nervous that he was trying to talk to Octavia.

“Hey Octavia, I got something for you.” Spike sheepishly said.

“Huh?” Octavia said in surprise, trying to hide her excitement from Spike.

Spike handed her his rose from his pocket. Octavia stared at the rose for a while, the longer she did the more nervous Spike would become.

“I know it’s not much but-“ Spike started to babble but was cut short when Octavia give him a kiss on the check.

“It’s perfect.” Octavia whispered into his ear. She placed it on her mane and Spike thought she looked just wonderful.

Feeling Queasy and Old Faces

The white mist finally was starting to fade away from Spikes body. He gasped for breath once the mist allowed him to. After Spike got a hold of himself, he noticed he was right at the front gates of the Gala.

Could have a smoother trip, but it worked all the same

“No need to tell me.” Spike retorted. A giggle was let out in response.

Well, time for you to get started isn’t it?

“Right you are! The stampede can wait for later and I’ll try to fill in for a musician.” Spike said happily.

Very good, Spike I am afraid I won’t be able to keep in touch with you as much from here.

“Why is that? I need your advice!” Spike said in a panicky voice.

Oh, don’t worry about that. I will have someone else speaking to you shortly. Just don’t expect me to reply to all your questions from here on.

“Someone else, who is this pony going to be?” Spike asked.

If I told you that wouldn’t be as much fun, now would it?

“Yeah, leave the dragon in the dark about these things. He shouldn’t know about whispers from someone talking to him one bit.” Spike said, his voice dripping with his trademark sarcasm.

You’ll do fine.

Spike walked into to the front gates and was immediately stopped by the Canterlot Royal Guards.

“Ticket, please.” a white Guard, with a blue mane, demanded of Spike.

“You sound and look familiar. Are you Twilights brother?” Spike asked.

“You know Twily?” the Guard asked in surprise.

“I would hope so, since I am her assistant.” Spike replied.

“Assistant you say? Spike is that you?” the Guard asked.

“The one and only Spike. Nice to see you Shining Armor it’s been a while.” Spike replied with a smile.

“Yeah, haven’t seen you since the wedding. Even then I didn’t get to talk to you much.” Shining Armor said with a frown. He
was recalling how much of a fiasco the wedding was.

“But why aren’t you with Twily?” Shining Armor asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I didn’t want to come here at first. But Ponyville is so empty and boring that I thought it would be better to come here.” Spike answered.

“Not sure if the Gala is the kind of place you would go to get away from boredom, to be honest. But, I heard last year wasn’t so uptight and boring either.” Shining Armor said in a hoping voice.

“Wait, you want the Gala to be like last year?” Spike said in surprise.

“Yes and no. No, because that would mean I would have to sort out the situation. Yes, because let’s be honest, the Gala is as boring as watching paint dry at times.

“Maybe you’ll be in luck this year.” Spike said with a sneaky grin.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Shining Armor demanded.

“You’ll see.” Spike said with a chuckle.

“Still see that you got a sense of humor Spike. Which is good since Twilight needs to read from a book to crack a good joke.” Shining Armor said with a hearty laugh.

Spike couldn’t help but grin at the compliment. Once Shining Armor let Spike through, Spike was taken aback on how BIG the ballroom was. He could have grown to be a fully sized dragon in here and he would still have room to move around freely. It was quite the sight and Spike felt slightly guilty that such elegance would be disrupted later on. However, it was all in the good name of fun after all. Spike looked around for the musicians, hoping to target a piano player. There on stage was a gray mare practicing on a cello along with a few other ponies playing violins, harps and…a piano!

Spikes heart nearly jumped up into his throat with joy. Looks like the whisper had a point seemed like Spikes best option was the give the piano player problems with their stomach to succeed. Walking to the kitchens, Spike wondered what could be able to bomb a pony’s digestion. A chief stared at Spike haughtily, which made Spike feel uncomfortable around the mare. However, she was a cook and Spikes best chance to serve food.

“Hello, I am filling in for-. “ Spike started and was quickly handed plates of food by the chief.

“Gah, wondered ven you vould ever show! Quickly, serve ze food!” barked the cranky mare.

Spike wobbled from the kitchen to the ballroom. The amount of plates that had to be carried was starting to become unbearable, Spike felt like his arms were going to give out in any moment. Luckily, a stallion noticed Spikes struggle and grabbed a few plates from Spike. Spike looked up at his savior and noticed he dressed in all white, probably another waiter.

“Hm, I know I was a bit late but still. Not sure if letting a small dragon carry all this is rather fair.” the waiter said in a concerned tone.

“Huh? Oh, nah I am just filling in. Mind helping me out?” Spike asked, trying not to sound desperate.

“Kind of my job to do this, you know?” the waiter replied with a grin.

With the waiters help, Spike was able to deliver the plates of food with ease. Sure, some of the stallions or mares had a rude comment to say when Spike was running late, but he didn’t care much. The waiter on the other hoof though, seemed to take insults to heart. The more plates he handed out, the slower and sadder he got.

“Don’t listen to em. They have nothing better to complain at.” Spike said to the waiter.

After Spikes little pep talk, the waiter worked a quick pace. Feeling satisfied, Spike decided now was the time to treat the musicians to their food. Spike walked back into the kitchen and asked the chief for the musician’s plates. She gave Spike a dirty look, but handed him the plates anyway. There was one plate of salmon that looked rather...uncooked. Deciding this is what the piano player would eat, Spike made his way to the stage. No sooner had Spike made his way up to the stage did the musicians surround Spike. Spike was sure to hand to undercooked salmon to the piano player personally.

Spike decided to sit in a random chair not far from the stage to watch the effects of the salmon take its victim. At first, the stallion chewed happily away at the fish. Soon though, he started to turn a pale green color and he quickly made a run from the stage. Spike was nearly in a fit of laughter from this. An elderly stallion started at Spike disapprovingly which made Spike stop snickering at once. It seemed like the fellow musicians noticed there piano player running out on them since most of them started to look uncomfortable. It was time to make his move, Spike moved to the stage to see what will escalate from here.

“I swear, he has the weakest stomach ever.” The gray, cello playing, mare hissed.

“Any plans?” a violin player said nervously.

“We will not certainly give up, that’s how much I am aware of.” The gray mare said defiantly.

“I see there is a problem.” Spike interjected.

“You were to one who gave him the food. What’s the deal?” the cello player hissed angrily.

“A deal I am unaware of. I just served the food nothing else.” Spike said calmly. He knew the odds were on his side for the moment.

“No matter, I guess we will continue without Notes.” The cello player groaned.

“Well, not to brag but I can play a piano fairly well.” Spike inquired.

“I rather have a cricket be our back up then you.” The cello player retorted.

“Ouch.” Spike said with a grin.

“Octavia, we need a piano player if we want to play Mozart.” The violin player said.

Spike knew he had Octavia on the ropes. She either loses a large chunk of material to play or to deal with him. Either way, Spike was going to benefit.

“So, I take it I will stick around.” Spike whispered into Octavia’s ear.

“For your sake, you better play well and keep up.” Octavia said with loathing in her voice.

“I think I’ll be more then able to keep up.” Spike teased.