The Destroyer of Worlds

Spike gave a gentle hum as he sipped his punch, staring up at the raging storm. He felt that his soul was akin to the monster in the sky, roaring and pushing out torrents of rain. So chaotic, with no order, so confusing. He gave a soft snort, a small ring of smoke appearing out of his nostrils. He heard someone clear their throat, and glanced behind him, seeing the orange fur, green eyes, and a Stetson.

"Mind if Ah sit 'ere?" Applejack asked, an honest smile on her face. Spike couldn't help but smile back, though his heart was not in it. He nodded and she sat down next to him, releasing a short hum. "Thanks."

Spike looked back up at the maelstrom of clouds that circled ahead, rain pouring out of the clouds.

"Somethin' on yer mind?" Applejack asked, gently scooting closer, staring at the tired purple dragon. Spike looked up at her, giving a soft smile that made Applejacks heart flutter.

"Just sleeping troubles." Spike replied, looking back up at the storm.

Applejack could tell he wasn't telling her the full truth, but didn't push it. She hummed as she adjusted her stetson, before gaining a playful smile. "So...ya seein' anypony?"

Spike nearly spit into his cup, his cheeks burning at the question. "N-no."

Applejack leaned in, giving soft chuckle, "Well, you an' Ah both know ya ain't after Rarity no more, and Ah know you ain't after any of the others."

Spike sat in silence, feeling as if he was on fire. As if someone above heard his silent prayers, Pinkie Pie jumped inbetween them, saying, "Spike! The Princess keeps staring at the cake, I think it's time for the b-day drake to get his b-day cake!" She then brought a hoof to her chin, giggling softly. "Hey, that rhymed!"

Spike quietly thanked Faust, then walked away from the frowning Applejack. Pinkie suddenly pushed her nose against Applejacks, who went crosseyed, confused. Pinkie hummed as she stared at Applejack, her baby blue eyes staring into her green ones.

"What?"

"You like Spike." Pinkie finally stated, gasping in surprise, then smiled. "Didya tell him?! Didya tell Spike you lo-"

Applejack gave her a terrified look, then pushed a hoof into her mouth to shut her up, Pinkie still muffling out the rest of the sentence.

Spike looked at them, before asking, "Tell me what?"

"Uh...tell ya...happy birthday Spike! Ah hope ya open my present first!" Applejack thought up, giving an unconvincing smile. Spike stared at her, cocking an eyebrow, before walking back to what he was doing, going to the cake. Applejack released a nervous sigh, before pulling her hoof put of Pinkie's mouth.

Pinkie gasped quietly, before leaning in to whisper, "You haven't told him yet?"

Applejack whispered back, giving a soft glare, "Of course not! Does he even look remotely interested in me?"

Pinkie looked at him, then smiled, saying, "He is totally interested in you."

"Ah know, but she is more- wait wuh?"

Pinkie Pie smiled knowingly, then giggled, "He has a crush on you. You didn't know that?"

"Of course not!" Applejack whisper yelled back, her heart filling with joy as she realized he liked her back. "How could Ah 'ave known?!"

"The author made it really obvious."

"Wut?"

"What?"

"What?" Spike asked, staring up at Luna, as if she grew two more heads.

"Young one, I asked if you are having any bad dreams."

"Uh...yeah. But everyone has bad dreams, auntie." Spike replied as Twilight took the cake, walking into the kitchen while the two were distracted, while Celestia followed, a well known cake lover.

"Right...Spike, do you mind telling me what you see in these nightmares?"

Spike looked around nearvously, his mind split between telling her the truth and straight up lying to her face. He wouldn't do the second, he considered himself better than that, but he couldn't do the first, lest he disturb the night princess. So...he would go half ways.

"I see...a meteor, crashing into the planet. Massive monsters and a three headed dragon that has a crackling roar. That's it." Spike didn't lie, but did not reveal the whole truth.

Luna almost sensed this, but did not push it. "Three headed dragon? Not a hydra?" She asked, leaning in to stare into his eyes.

"It had wings and breathed lightning. Not a hydra." He confirmed, seeing Luna stand up, humming softly.

That sounded familiar, but from where?

She was brought out of her thoughts as Spike leaned against her. She gave a soft smile, her heart fluttering at the sight of her adorable nephew. She sat next to him, letting him nuzzle into her warm, black fur. She leant down to peck his forehead, making him smile.

"I love you, Spike."

"I love you too, auntie."

Twilight put the cake on the counter, sighing as Celestia sat there. "So, you want us to go to Japony. Tomorrow?"

Celestia nodded softly, then sighed as Twilight walked up to her. "Unfortunately, I cannot come to Japony...officially. That is why I am sending Luna with you."

"What is exactly so important that we have to pack and leave so soon?" Twilight asked her, sitting next to her old mentor.

"A...pony has created a weapon. A weapon that, if my fears are correct, could wipe out civilizations." Celestia said, and let it sink in. "However...he has told us that he believes something evil is heading our way. So, he wants us to take the weapon to safeguard it until said evil arrive."

Twilight rubbed her temples with her hooves, then flicked her ears. "You know...Spike won't be happy being left alone in the castle."

"That is why he is going with you." Celestia said, her wings rustling a bit. She looked at Twilight, who gave her an incredulous look. "You cannot tell him there is a weapon there. Tell the others it is a vacation. I have heard Japony is quite lovely this time of year."

"You know I can't lie to them."

"I am not asking you to lie to them. I am asking you to lie to Spike. I have seen how hard he works, Twilight. He needs some relief and relaxation. Besides...it is a day after his birthday. He won't question it."

Twilight sighed, then grabbed the cake in her magic, seeing Celestia lick her lips. "Well...the birthday boy does need his cake before we stop an civilization ending weapon."