With no regret

What happened...Where am I.........the pain...It's so dark...everywhere...Spike drifted through the dream like space. His eyes lay halfway open and his attention remained unable to focus but the black void around him. Where am I...it's so dark...wake up...wake up. It was then that a blue aura began to fill the space in front of him. It looked as if to be outlining something but Spike could only make out the blue aura. The aura began to pulse with intensity, vibrating the entire space like a earthquake. Each pulse seemed to lure Spike back to sleep as if grant his wish to awaken. The outline began to shift and stir then....move. Suddenly Spike's eyes shot wide open and he was greeted with a startling sight. A blue eye, dragon in nature staring back at him. "Dra...gon?"

Instantly he shot up in a fit, sweat pouring from his forehead. "Hey there Mr. dark and handsome."

"What...the...Kiki?"

"The one and only."

"What did you call me just now?"

"Um...nothing. Anyway, how do you feel?"

He growled in frustration. "Feel like crap...kill me now." Kiki giggled. It was then that Spike surveyed his surroundings, this obviously wasn't Twilight's clinic. "And we're where now?"

"Oh we're at Pinkie's house. She said we could use it until you were all better."

"So...what exactly happened? I feel like hell, I'd like to know why."

"Well it's kinda hard to explain. You went a little...well maybe a little....actually you went completely insane. Tore up the Clinic and everything. Yep, black aura, creepy white eyes, the whole package."

"Black aura? Creepy white eyes? That doesn't sound anything I've ever done before."

"Anywho, let's not worry about that. Twilight went to the library to research such a condition and I have been tasked with nursing you back to health. I refuse to let my big sis down."

"Nursing me back to health? I don't think that's necessary Kiki, It'll most likely go away within an hour."

"Don't you dare deny me this Spike. I must do my job accordingly or everyone will hate me."

"I think you're exaggerating this just a little bit."

"Nonsense. Now you just lay there while I bring you a little something."

"Judging by the smell, I'm sure it's food."

"Don't ruin the surprise!"

"Ok geez."

"Now if you would please close your eyes."

"Sure I guess. Not like I don't already know what it is."

As Spike kept his eyes closed, he felt something rest on his lap. The warmth shot through him like a soothing bath. "Now open my dear dragon."

Despite knowing that it was food, anyone and anything would still just as easily get excited over food. "Wow, you really went to town in that kitchen."

The large tray lay in front of him was filled to the brim with food. 4 slices of bacon, way too much rice, 2 slices of thick cinnamon bread, and 2 sticky buns. "Sorry for the sweet overload. Pinkie doesn't really have a good variety of different food.

"Don't worry about it, I imagined as much especially when it comes to Pinkie. But really, thanks Kiki. I had no idea you were a cook."

"I only learned the basics, nothing special."

Spike then took a bite of the bread. Before he knew it, his eyes were wide open. "This...is...amazing. I don't think even Twilight can make food this good."

"Oh stop, you're making me blush."

"I'm serious, we should inviting you to Pinkie's parties more often. But where's your's?"

"My what?"

"Aren't you gonna eat too?"

"Well I did do this for you so I suppose not."

"You gotta eat something too, better yet," Spike said he hopped up tray in hand. "We can share your masterpiece."

"But I made this for you, I would feel better if you just ate it."

"Well we both gotta eat don't we? I'd rather starve myself than let you starve."

Kiki hid her face behind her hand as she blushed intently. "Um....thank you Spike..really."

"Just being a good person is all. Strange question though, what exactly are wearing?"

"Oh this? It's just a simple maid outfit. Although I am a bit concerned."

"About what?"

"Well see, it's a maid outfit at least in the front. But for some odd reason, it's kinda revealing in the back." She said before turning around. "You see, it like really digs in and I'm afraid people would be looking at my butt more than my outfit.

For the love of Luna, what the hell is Pinkie doing with that kind of kinky dress? Spike thought to himself as a blush painted his cheeks. "Um...well...I don't think....that's meant to be worn outside you know."

"Something wrong Spike, you're blushing alot."

"N...no..nothing at all."

"Can't you at least look at me?"

"I starting to think my life expectancy would be pretty short if I did."

"Pleeease?" Spike struggled to regretfully turn his head. As his eyes made contact with Kiki's, she gave him a slight smile. "Maybe you need some more sleep, you seem really flustered for some reason."

"I think I'm just hungry, maybe we should just eat."

"If you say so." Kiki then sat down beside Spike as they continued to share the tray of food. "So I wanted to ask you something?"

"What's that?"

"About you and Twilight."

"I don't think I want to talk about that."

"Well if not me then who else? Aunt Fluttershy and Pinkie are both with Twilight right now."

"Fine."

"Forgive me for prying but you two are incredibly close. To see you and her break into such a fight is a bit surprising."

"Well you can blame her for that."

"I would also consider the blame to yours as well."

"Mine, how is it my fault? She's the one who went all overprotective on me."

"I think she cares way more than you think she does Spike. You just being a failed experiment, do you really believe Twilight would be so cruel?"

"...No, I just thought in the moment, that maybe I was something less than what was perceived to be."

"You are more than that I'm sure. You must understand that this city was in bad shape. She sent you away to get away from all of it, the poverty, the riots, all of it. You are not a failed experiment meant to test her parenting skills. You are her pride and joy. No failed experiment is as perfect as you."

"You think i'm...."

"Um...just forget I said that. Anywho, Twilight is not without her faults, she is indeed overprotective. She doesn't know when to let go and that causes to cling to her past. I advise you to talk to Twilight as soon as possible but keep in mind these things. If you can control your assumptions and help Twilight come to reality, then you two will see light once again."

"You're really something else Kiki. You seem to know alot about a particular situation too which begs the question. How did you guys meet?"

"How did we meet?"

"Yea you, Twilight, and the girls. You call them sisters and aunts so I'd like to know."

"Well, it's a bit of a long story. We met about 8 years ago when my dog got sick. She healed him and we've been friends ever since."

"I thought you said long story?"

"Well...Spike I want to tell you something." Quickly she placed her hands on his shoulder with a look of sadness. "Promise me you won't tell Twilight or the others...promise me....please?"

"Don't worry Kiki, my lips are sealed."

"Well....while it is true that I was a princess, it's not anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...My family came into the seat of power 8 years ago. We made the city a better place, helped finance it, bring it back to it's former glory as was the plan. But all that praise and power eventually seeks negative outcomes. My mother became somewhat of a tyrant to her servants. She demanded instead of asked, scolded instead of comforted, and even had one guy thrown into the dungeon for 10 years which he is still serving."

"For doing what?"

"She said it was for sexually assaulting me. The funny thing is he is the royal tailor and a family friend. If he was touching me then he was taking measurements, that or he was tickling me or being a basic fun adult is all."

"Sounds to me like she was getting a drunk on all of it."

"More like drowned in it. We argued like angry cats for weeks on end until she decided listening to reason was enough. She locked me in my room and ordered armed guards to watch my person." A tear dropped from her cheek, the memories flooding back to here like a wave of anguish. Quickly, Spike moved the tray as Kiki sat herself in Spike's lap and rested her head in Spike's shoulder. "I'll never...forget those days...sitting in my room with only books to read. I...w-wasn't able to leave or do anything. She wouldn't even send anything up..."

"You're kidding, please tell me you're kidding?"

"No food...nothing to do, just sit in your room and die that bitch!...The guards had to feed and bathe me. Eventually I ran away and met Twilight. If it weren't for her I would've been homeless....hungry....cold...and my father...because of her he's..... "

Tears began to burst from her like a waterfall as she dug her face into Spike's shoulder. Spike immediately was in shock having never experienced this type of emotion before, he didn't know what to do. Here Kiki was crying for Spike's comfort and all he could do was listen, he had to think quickly. After a few seconds of what was minutes of critical thought, He placed his arms around her and brought her as close as possible. Kiki continued to cry as Spike let her emotions flow into him. "I don't ever want you to go back there. Nothing can ever make up for treating your own child so poorly."

"You're just saying that..."

"No...i'm not. Kiki I've only known you for a short time, but no one deserves to receive or dish out disrespect, no matter how powerful they are. I'm here for you Kiki, as long as you as need me to be."

Without warning, she pushed Spike to the wall with a heavy thud before getting up and wiping her tears. She quickly made her way to Spike and looked him deep in his eyes, tears still pouring from hers. "Stop it...."

"Kiki, what are you doing?"

"I said stop it!...Stop lying to me..."

"I am....so confused."

"You think I'm dumb...don't you?"

"Not at all Kiki, you're really smart. You art really says alot about how in tune with the world you are."

"You are...so stupid. I'm not so pawn you can use. You think you can just sprinkle some pretty words over me and i'll submit to you."

"That wasn't my intention at all Kiki. I'm just doing what I know I can, being nice and caring."

"Shut up!" she said punching the wall beside his head, her eyes shifting towards the ground. Spike's eyes lit up in fear as kiki placed her other hand on the opposite side of his head. "Don't lie to me mother? You never cared did you? Was I ticket to royalty, just a ticket to be given away?"

"Kiki, this isn't the castle, I'm not your mother."

"You were never my mother. Locking me in my room for Celestia knows how long. I just want to forget you..."

Kiki stopped for a second before balling her fist already indented in the wall before repeatedly punching the wall in consistency. "Kiki, please stop."

"Get," she said a she struck the wall every word. "Out...of...my....head!"

Spike unintentionally turned his instincts on taking hold of Kiki's fist before it could strike again. She struggled to strike the wall again but found Spike's strength to be more than formidable. No success came of using the other fist as Spike instantly grabbed that one as well. He held her back until she dropped to her knees and fell motionless in his arms. "There's no need to cry anymore, she's not here to hurt you. She won't ever again."

The hour rolled by, the sun beginning to set and give way to the Twilight. Spike opened his eyes to the dimly lit home, his body still recovering from whatever happened between him and Twilight as well as Kiki's sudden burst of anger. He realized that he was already sitting up and to his surprise, in his arms was Kiki, soft and silent like a baby. Of course, she was still wearing the maid outfit and of course she fell asleep in Spike's arms with her rear on display. He was facing a true trial not looking down. Having shifted a little, she stirred, rubbing her eyes in her sleepy state. Her eyes were halfway open and drool trickled down from her mouth. "Spike?..."

"Uh...hey." It took her a moment to survey her position and instantly her eyes shot open. She wiped the drool from her cheek and looked up at Spike. "Oh Celestia don't hurt me."

"Why would I do that?"

"Um...emotions I guess."

"I'm not gonna go on a traumatizing rampage again if that's what you mean."

"Oh...good."

"Thank you Spike."

"You're welcome I guess."

"No really." she said placing her head upon his chest. "I should've known those memories would trouble me like that. It's my fault for not showing restraint. However, instead of running scared like I tried to get you too, you stuck by me. I'm truly sorry."

"It's nowhere near your fault Kiki. If I hadn't asked the question in the first place..."

"Oh no you don't. Don't you dare you try to blame yourself. I knew what would happen and instead of running the safe route, I took the risk. Because of that, you got hurt."

"My injuries mean nothing if I can't complete what I got them for? I said I'd stick by your side as long as you need and I meant it."

"You smooth dragon you." Both of you got up and stretched, working the kinks out of your system. "I'm gonna go change real quick."

"Got ya." As Kiki ran off, Spike took a walk into the hallway. Surveying the house, there were two more rooms to the right of the one they were in, most likely for Pinkie's friends to stay the night. Spike proceeded to the left where the window in the front living room was. Upon looking out, the horizon was dimly lit with orange as the sun proceeded to rest and everyone the same. Spike yawned and made his way towards the chair behind him. Before he could sit down, he noticed Kiki's drawing book on a stand nearby. It was open and on it's page was a drawing in great detail and color. A drawing of Spike and Kiki all snuggled together like a cute couple. Spike smiled only slightly. "Hey..um...Kiki."

"One more minute...just...gotta...get...come on you stupid tail...ah!"

Spike heard as a loud crash met his his ears. Quickly he rushed to the her aid and slid open the door. "Are you alright Kiki?"

He was met with a sudden realization that she was completely under dressed. Only her shorts were on and even then, she was struggling to place her tail through the hole that allowed her ease. Her entire nude form was on display as Spike quickly blushed. "Um...I thought you were hurt...and..."

"Get the hell out!"

"Yes mam!"

He closed the door and quickly returned to the chair in the front room. Minutes later, Kiki stepped out with a look of disgust on her face. "I'm just gonna forget you did that."

"I second that."

"Anyway, what did you want?"

"Well, I was gonna ask you about this sketch."

"What about it....what in the..."

"What's wrong, you didn't draw this?"

"It's a picture of you and me sleeping.....um...together. But we were asleep, who could have drawn this?"

"You think someone decided to sneak in?"

"Like someone would sneak in to draw a random picture of two strangers."

"Good point. I suppose it's a question for later then."

"Indeed. Twilight and the others must be wondering if you're ok so we should head towards the library as soon as possible."

"The Library it is then. That's...still in the same place right?"

"Yep, it's a historical site so we're not allowed to move it." Spike exited first letting Kiki lock up and proceed into the small garden with him. As if on cue, the minute they set foot onto the streets, the street lights sprung to life, Illuminating the darkening city with a charm of glow and moonlight. "The city's even more vibrant at night it seems."

"Oh, you think so? Well then I got something to show you. You ready?"

"Ready for what might I ask?" Just then Kiki took off in a burst of speed leaving Spike to figure out what was going on. "H-hey?! Where are you going?!"

"Get a move on would you." Kiki stopped very quickly before flipping forward onto a lamppost, then hopping up to a railing just below a windowsill, finally making her way up to the roof of the building. "You coming or are you walking?"

"You calling me a chicken?"

"Maybe..."

"You're a comedian I can see that. I grew up in the jungle woman, platforming is in my blood." Spike said as he took a running stance. He took of in burst of speed leaving a gust of wind behind him. He simply jumped up towards the lamp post and kicked off it, performing a front flip as he landed next to Kiki. "You were saying?"

"Not bad Spike. Think you're so cool then beat me to the top of that." she said pointing to the humongous clock tower in the distance.

"You're on."

"On the count of 3. 1..."

"2..."

"3!" Both of them went full speed towards the tower, jumping over various gaps and obstacles struggling to be the victor. Kiki chuckled before picking up the pace jumping over a gap like an angel as she landed ahead and disappeared into the streets. Spike continued to jump across the buildings until he spotted Kiki below going full acrobat. She jumped over a cart and slid under another before jumping and running along the side of the buildings. Spike knew his chances were slim at the pace he was going and decided to do something unintentional. He slipped onto all fours and his eyes shone with brilliant green light. His speed drastically increased as he jumped down into the streets landing on a food cart. It took off as soon as he landed on it allowing him to catch up to Kiki. As the cart slowed down, he jumped off and began running alongside the string off building opposite of Kiki. "You caught up? You're something else Spike."

Spike smiled as they both continued towards the tower. Upon reaching it, they both split up with Kiki taking the interior detour while Spike had begun climbing the outside. He latched onto each every nook and cranny as he flipped up the gigantic building while Kiki used her acrobatic nature to simply jump from platform to platform, gear to gear. When Kiki burst through the door next to the clock atop the tower, Spike had just finished climbing up, it was indeed a tie.

"There's no way you won that one?" Spike quickly shot out.

"I most certainly did. I definitely got through that door before you got up that ledge."

"And what proof do you have milady?"

"My paw...right here...on this general area."

"Who's to say my claw wasn't here first?"

"There's no one here to say anything."

"Then I guess it's a tie isn't it?"

"I guess it is."

They both stared at each other with competitive intent but couldn't help but burst out laughing as they fell to the floor exhausted. The night sky had finally set in letting the stars out of their blue cradle and into the black void of a sky. "Hahaha, oh man. I never thought you'd be so fast."

"I kinda figured you would."

"Where'd you learn to move like that?"

"Natural ability I suppose, I mean I am a squirrel after all. You?"

"Well I guess it's natural ability for me too. To add to that, I grew up in a place where moving fast was kind of a necessity."

"What could you possibly have had to run from in the Everfree?"

"Flooding sections of the jungle, selfish villagers, angry parents, Hostile plants, Giant insects, you name it."

"Interesting...wait, did you say giant insects?"

"Yep, there's a area in the Everfree where it's dark, creepy, and everything is weird, like Vines with blue spikes all over them or Giant spiders."

"That doesn't sound fun...." she said as she shivered a little. "Say, there's a reason I brought you up here."

"It wasn't just a race?"

"Come and sit at the edge with your good pal Kiki."

Spike pushed himself up from exhaustion and proceed to sit at the edge of the clock tower's dangerous edge. "Wow...."

"Quite a sight at night isn't it?"

"The city has certainly become beautiful."

"Wouldn't you believe it...that someone as evil as my mother could create something so beautiful. So many colors and lights, so much character and personality. It's as if the city itself has a mind and body to live by. It was this sight that turned my life around, the reason I started really keeping in tune with my drawing. Wonderful isn't it? I could stay here and enjoy the breeze forever."

Spike watched as Kiki closed her eyes tilted her head towards the night sky, taking a deep breath and letting it out. As she did so, the city became filled with various colored petals even to the top of the clock tower. They flowed around Kiki allowing Spike to really appreciate what Ponyville had offered his return. The amount of friends he retained even while gone like Fluttershy, Pinkie pie, and Twilight, and a new friend like Kiki, Maybe even something more. She is beyond beautiful and her personality is just so upbeat and lifelike. He thought. It'd be a crime to say Spike didn't feel something there, but they've only known each other a short time, it would be a crime to assume anything right now. "I suppose it's time to get to Twilight."

"Oh man, I was really enjoying this too. Oh well." Within minutes, they both descended the tower, crazily enough by jumping off and using buildings to slow their descent. Luckily for them they landed not too far from the library, only a few feet it seems. "Well, ready to kiss and make up."

"Shouldn't be hard right? All I gotta do is apoligize."

"Well you turned into crazy shadow beast last time so maybe you should explain yourself a bit more."

"Oh...right...that. And in we go."

Wait wait wait, hold a moment. So I know what you're saying, at least those that don't already understand. Aren't Kiki and Spike moving a bit fast. Well think about it from this perspective. Why would the amazing writer put such a pivotal moment so early in this story when there's so much more to explore about these characters? Exactly, it's not rushed at all, actually it's just an early building point for these two characters. The writer may have been gone for some time but the skill shown before has hardly diminished as you can see. And without further ado, I, the mysterious unnamed narrator, bid farewell until the next chapter. I'm so excited, I wonder what will happen next.