Chapters It was early in the morning in Ponyville. The sun had only shown small slivers of light, and Luna's setting moon was still partially visible. It seemed as if everything was still asleep. Not even the birds had awoken, as you could not yet hear their euphoric chirps and wings fluttering in the distance. But despite all this, One being in Ponyville was awake.
One dragon, that is. Spike normally woke up early to do his chores, but today, he woke earlier then usual.
Today was the day. It was the day that Spike finally confesses his feelings to Rarity. Spike had woken up early in anticipation to the day's events. He checked under his bed. There, a small wrapped box lay undisturbed. Spike unwrapped it and took out the contents of the box. In his hand lay an azure sapphire that glistened as the dim rays of the sun that reflected through the window hit the flawless gemstone. This was at least twice the worth of the fire ruby that Spike had given Rarity, and to him, twice as delicious.
But this gem was not to eat, Spike planned to give this gem to Rarity. It was to be a present delivered alongside his confession, an added edge to show how much he loves her. He secured the sapphire back inside the box, re-wrapped the box, and hid it back underneath his bed.
It was time to begin his morning chores.
He had started with the mess that Twilight made during her usual late night studies. Books were scattered all across the library in unkempt piles, crumpled up parchments were thrown carelessly across the room, and a spilled bottle of ink lay on the floor away from the books. Spike sighed.
“Geez, Twi really needs to learn to clean up after herself...”
Once the aforementioned mess was cleaned, Spike noticed that it was near the time where Twilight woke up, and begun cooking breakfast. He pulled out a pan and started cooking some hay bacon and eggs.
Right on cue, he heard hoofsteps on the stairs. A groggy Twilight walked down, rubbing her eyes as she had just awoken.
“Morning, Spike.”
“Good morning, Twilight! I made breakfast.”
Twilight opened her eyes a bit more in awe as she looked at Spike's masterfully made breakfast sitting on a plate in front of her.
“Wow, Spike! This looks delicious!”
“Aww, thanks Twi...”
Twilight took a bite on some of the hay bacon that Spike made.
“So, you seem happier then usual this morning.”
Spike blushed. “You noticed?”
Twilight giggled as she chewed on the eggs. “Yeah, you've been grinning this entire time. And it's not everyday that you make us breakfast.”
“Oh. Well, I guess I'm just excited.”
“Excited? About what?”
“Today, I'm finally going to tell rarity how I feel about her.”
Twilight almost choked on some of the food she was eating.
“You okay, Twilight?!”
“Yeah, I'm fine, it's just...”
“You never expected me to say that? Yeah! I've finally mustered up enough bravery to tell her how I feel! I even have a gift for her.”
Spike went upstairs to get the gift, and swiftly went back down to show it to Twilight. He hands her the box, and told her to open it. Once her eyes were laid on the sapphire, her jaw dropped in complete astonishment.
“Oh Celestia, Spike, its beautiful!”
“Neat, huh? Do you think it will boost my chances with Rarity?”
Twilight closed her mouth and her eyes stopped glistening in amazement.
“...Yeah...I'm sure she will accept you...”
“What's wrong, Twilight? You don't sound too sure about it.”
“Nothing's wrong, I'm just a bit tired. Rarity is bound to love you if you give her this sapphire.”
“Well thanks, Twilight!”
“Yeah...”
“Anyway, I was wondering if I could take the rest of the day off. I already cleaned the library and made breakfast.”
“Sure, Spike...”
“All right! Thanks, Twi!”
“I have to prepare for the day, I want to look my best for when I confess to Rarity!”
As Spike went up the stairs, Twilight sighed and felt a pang of guilt.
Hours passed. Spike finished preparations for Rarity. He wore a tuxedo and had some cologne sprayed on, while the sapphire was in the box, ready to be given to Rarity. Spike began walking towards the door.
“Twilight, I'm heading out! See you later!”
“Ok, spike!”
Spike walked out the door. Twilight was left alone in the library. She sighed.
“I hope things don't go too bad...”
Spike started his walk to Carousel Boutique. Today was such a beautiful day. There was not a cloud in the sky, temperatures were optimal, and a gentle breeze rode through. He thought that he should thank the weather team later, but for now, he had more pressing matters.
He had arrived at the door of Carousel Boutique. He knocked, and Sweetie Belle answered. She noticed Spike's appearance.
“Heya Spike. Your looking mighty nice this evening.”
“Aww, thanks Sweetie Belle. Is Rarity here?”
“Yeah, she should be up in her room working.”
“Okay.”
When Spike walked in, Sweetie Belle saw the box that Spike was holding.
“Whats that you got there?”
“It's a present for Rarity.”
“Really? Can I see?”
“Sure, but don't tell Rarity.”
Spike took out the sapphire and showed it to Sweetie Belle. The sapphire seemed to glisten even more as the setting sun shined it's beams of light onto the sapphire. Sweetie Belle's eyes gleamed in amazement.
“Wow, Spike! That looks amazing!”
“Neat, huh?”
“Yeah, Rarity is going to faint when she sees that!”
“Promise not to tell her? I want this to be a surprise.”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Pinkie Pie promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, Stick a cupcake in my eye.”
“Okay, I'm heading up. See you later Sweetie Belle.”
“Later, Spike.
Spike walked up the stairs to Rarity's designing room. As he walked in, he noticed Rarity talking to a mysterious gentlecolt. He must of been one of her customers, because he was dressed in a very delicate manner. Fashionable, yet refined in a gentle manner. Spike ignored this though, as he announced his entrance to Rarity.
“Hey Rarity.”
“Oh, Hello Spike! What brings you to Carousel Boutique?”
“Actually, Rarity, can I speak to you in private?”
“Sure.”
She turned to the stallion that she was speaking to earlier.
“We simply MUST continue this conversation some other time. My friend and I are going to discuss private matters.”
“Okay, Have a nice day, miss Rarity.”
“Good day, Darling!”
The gentlecolt took his leave. Spike was left alone in the room with Rarity. Now was the time.
“Yes, Spike?”
“Rarity...”
“What is it?”
“Rarity... every time I see you, I get this feeling... I start to get all warm inside, and my heart starts fluttering, and I just get... happy. When I look in your eyes, their deep blue consumes me, and when I see your smile, my heart starts beating a thousand times per minute. When I hear your voice, I can't help but get lost in it's perfectly pitched tone and beautiful accent. Your mane is more beautiful then that of Celestia’s, and your figure is more elegant then any fashion model. Rarity, I love you...”
Rarity looked a bit distraught.
“Oh dear.”
“... Whats wrong, Rarity? Don't you accept my love for you?”
“I'm sorry spike, but I cannot go with you.”
“Wha..?”
“Spike, don't get me wrong, Your the most caring, generous being I know. Nopony has been as kind to me as you. I appreciate all the help you've given me, and I nearly fainted when you gave me that beautiful fire ruby that you were going to eat for your birthday. You will always be my little Spikey-Wikey, but I cannot go with you.”
“What!? why?”
“Your much too young, Spike. I don't want to you hold you to that when I get older. As much as I hate to admit it, my beauty will fade someday. And I don't want you stuck with an... old hag... just for a minor crush you had when you were younger.”
“But Rarity, It's not a minor crush! I love you, and I will until the end of time!”
“Spike, I'm flattered, but even we do start dating, other ponies will start talking about us...”
“It doesn't matter! What matters is the love I have for you! Your all I want, Rarity! I don't care about what other ponies say!”
“Spike, that stallion you saw earlier was my new coltfriend. I have to start reaching for stallions my age, Spike. You came too late.”
“But...!”
“I'm sorry, Spike...”
Tears were now openly flowing down Spike's face. He ran out of Carousel Boutique as fast as he could. Pain filled his heart as he ran. He just got rejected by the pony of his dreams, all because he was too late.
He dashed into the library, throwing the present into a corner. He ran directly into Twilight's arms. The lavender pony warmly embraced Spike as he cried in her arms.
“W-Why didn't you tell me?” Spike sobbed.
“I'm sorry Spike, but you just seemed so excited about it. I didn't want to make you feel bad...”
“I feel humiliated now, Twilight! Y-You should of told me sooner...”
“I'm so sorry, Spike, I'm so sorry...”
The embrace went for about an hour until Twilight broke it. Twilight advised that he should get some rest, so that maybe he would feel better the next day. The baby dragon nodded and went to bed.
Deep in the night, Twilight heard Spike softly sobbing as he dreamed. She got up and softly kissed him on the forehead.
“I hope you're going to be okay...”
She trotted back to her bed quietly and slowly went to sleep.
Twilight woke up the next day to find that Spike was sleeping. Normally, she'd wake him up if he overslept, but she figured that she'd let it go considering what he went through the previous evening. She decided to check on him. Twilight quietly trotted over to his bed, taking careful steps to ensure that he doesn't wake up. Once by his bed, she looked over him.
Spike didn't look too well. He had a glum facial expression while he slept, eye bags formed under his eyes due to all of the previous night's crying, and dried tears were scattered across his cheeks. Twilight felt a tear form on her eye as she looked at her Number One Assistant's melancholy state.
She decided that she would do his usual chores, he may need a break after what happened. She started on the mess she made last night.
…
She really needs to learn how to clean up a bit before she goes to sleep...
When Spike woke up, he realized he overslept.
"Oh no, Twilight's going to be furious!"
He frantically ran down the stairs to where Twilight was working and apologized for waking up late.
“It's okay, Spike.” Twilight assured. “I figured that you needed a break considering what you went through.”
All of the events that occurred in the previous night rushed back into Spike's mind.
“You came too late.”
“But...!”
“I'm sorry, Spike...”
“Oh.” said Spike in a cold tone. “Thanks, Twilight...”
“No problem, Spike.”
Spike did nothing the entire day except ponder about the previous night. He thought about what could of happened differently, what he did wrong, why Rarity would deject him in such a manner, and why she did not share mutual feelings. Whilst in this process, he almost never left his bed. He didn't have to since Twilight did all of his work for him. Maybe when this is all over, he could properly thank her by doing something for her in return. But as for now, Rarity was all that tenanted his mind.
This went on for weeks. Spike did not even see the light of day since the evening he was rejected by Rarity. Twilight began to worry. She tried to think of ideas to get him out of the library, but couldn't come up with anything.
Then all of a sudden, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie came crashing into the library, falling onto Twilight. Once they all got back up and dusted off, Twilight glared at them
“What the buck is going on!?”
“Sorry, Twi, but we just got done pranking Cranky,” Rainbow dash laughed
“You should of seen it! The look on his face was priceless!”
Twilight thought for a moment, and then an idea popped into her head. Maybe following Pinkie and Rainbow to go pranking would be a good way to cheer Spike up!
“Girls, can Spike maybe follow you two go pranking? He's been feeling down since... you know...”
“Oh.” Rainbow soberly responded. “Man, that must have been tough on the little guy.”
“Yeah, he hasn't gone out in days. You think that you can help him out?”
“Sure!” said Pinkie. “The more the merrier! If Spike comes along, It'll be even more fun! Right, Rainbow?”
“Yep. We'd be happy to bring Spike along.”
Spike walked down the stairs to see what all the commotion was about.
“Hi Rainbow, hi Pinkie.” Spike said uncaringly.
“Hey Spike! Say, do you want to follow me and Pinkie go pranking?”
“Yeah, we were going to get Octavia next! Come on Spike, join the fun!”
“Sorry, I can't do that.”
“Aww, why not?” Pinkie questioned.
“I have stuff to think about. Maybe next time.”
“You sure? It's going to be a pretty good prank!” Rainbow added.
“Sorry.”
“Okay, your choice. Pinkie, do you have the bucket of fish?”
“I sure do!”
Pinkie pulled a random bucket of fish out from behind her back. Strange, Twilight never noticed that Pinkie was holding anything. She really did make Twilight wonder sometimes.
“Cool, let's go then!”
And with that, the two mares promptly left out the door. Great, now what was Twilight going to do to get him out of the library?
The answer came a few hours later when Twilight heard a light, almost unnoticeable knock. Once told to enter, Fluttershy came in, asking for Spike. Twilight did not question what Fluttershy wanted with him, as long as it got him out. It's not healthy staying inside this long.
“Spike, you have a visitor!”
Spike came down to the ground floor, not looking dejected, but fairly content.
“Hey, Fluttershy. What's up?”
“Um... Hi spike. Can you help me with something?”
“What do you need?”
“I need your help studying dragons, um, if that's okay with you. I don't know any other dragons and umm... your the only one that i'm not scared of...”
“Sure, but maybe some other time. I have stuff to think about.”
“Okay, thank you Spike. Come by my cottage when your ready.”
“Later, Fluttershy.
“Bye, Spike.”
Fluttershy walked out, quietly closing the door behind her. Once gone, Twilight sighed. Well, at least he was going to go out soon.
It was now about early evening. About an hour after Fluttershy left, Another visitor came knocking. Once prompted to come in, a familiar orange farm pony walked inside.
“Hi, Applejack! Whats up?”
“Twi, Ah'm just gonna get to the point. Ah need help with the farm.”
“What's going on?”
“Big Mac got his back injured while pulling a cart, and Ah' can't buck all the trees all by mahself. Ah'd appreciate any help Ah can get.”
“Okay. Think Spike would be able to help too?"
“Ah don't care, as long as the job get's done.”
“Spike! We need your help at Sweet Apple Acres!”
Spike came down, looking fairly normal, with his usual cheery smile. Twilight thought maybe, just maybe, this would be enough of a reason to get him out...
“Sorry, can't help you, I have stuff to think about."
“Awe, come on, Spike! You've had plenty of time to think! Didn't you hear Applejack? She needs all the help she can get!”
“Sorry, Twi, but I wouldn't be able to do much anyway...”
“It's okay, Spike, Ah'm sure we can get other ponies to help."
Twilight was going to interject, but Applejack cut her off.
“Let's go, Twi. We got ah' ton of trees to be buckin'.”
With that, Applejack and Twilight left. Spike was now left alone to his thoughts. He curled into his bed and once again started to ponder. Unfortunately for him, this was interrupted by yet another knock on the door. Spike sighed.
“Come in!”
Spike heard the door open and checked to see who it was. He was surprised to see who was at the door.
“Rarity...?”
“Hello, Spike.”
“Sorry, Twilight went to go help Applejack, I can tell her you came by though.”
“I came here to see you, Spike. Do you have a moment?”
“Um... sure. Whats up?”
“Spike, I'm terribly sorry for what happened a few weeks ago. I was aware of your crush, and...”
Spike interjected.
“It's okay, Rarity, I got over that. I understand, I'm just not your type...”
“Oh, to the contrary, Spike”
“...Huh?”
“Spike, you want to know why I like this fellow? He's kind, generous, and caring, much like you, darling.”
“So.. you like him because he's like me?”
“Yes, Spike. I want you to know, you ARE my type. But your simply much too young. I just wanted to clear this up. I also came to check on you, Twilight told me that you've been doing quite drearily.”
“Thanks, but I'm fine. I've gotten over the incident.”
“How about me?”
“I'm over you too. I think I'm not going to take love lightly anymore, I really don't want to go though heartbreak again.”
“Good to know, darling. And Sweetie Belle told me you brought me a present?”
“She Pinkie Promised not to tell!”
“She thought that she might as well tell me, seeing as you ran out the door, crying. She became quite defensive of you, calling me heartless and such.”
“Oh. Well, it's in that corner if you still want it. Here, let me get it for you.”
Spike walked over to the corner where he threw the gift, picked it up, and gave it to Rarity. Rarity opened the box, and took the sapphire out. Her eyes gleamed as she saw the radiant sapphire sparkle in rays of the evening sun.
“This sapphire is at the peak of perfection! It's worth more then my boutique!”
“Nice, isn't it?”
“Spike... I can't accept this.”
Spike was caught a bit off guard by this comment.
“But.. don't you want it?”
“I don't deserve it. It was supposed to be a gift to show your love for me, And I rejected you. Keep it, maybe you can save it for someone else you think is special.”
Rarity placed the sapphire back in the box, re-wrapped it, and softly placed it back into Spike's hands.
“Really? You mean it? I mean, I'm probably just going to eat it or something...”
“I mean it. With all you've been though, you truly deserve it.”
“Wow, thanks Rarity.”
“No, thank you Spike. Even though I may not have had mutual feelings, I did appreciate all of your help. Without you, I may not have been able to get many things done in Carousel Boutique.”
“Naw, I didn't do much...”
“I mean it, Spike. If you weren't there to help, I might have been stuck thinking about mere things such as the shade of color I was going to use for a design. I can never truly thank you for all that you've done, you really were a great help.”
“You sure?”
“I'm sure. Now, on to more pressing concerns. Twilight informed me that you haven't gone out for weeks.”
“Yeah, I spent all that time thinking about... you know...”
“That doesn't matter Spike. It's unhealthy to stay inside that long. You need to get some fresh air, darling.”
“Ok, but I'll do that tomorrow. It's late, and I'm getting tired.”
“Okay, I'll leave you to your sleep, then. Goodnight, spike.”
“Goodnight, Rarity, see you soon.”
Once Rarity left, Spike walked back to bed, with much more to think about. Was Spike actually her type? Did she date this guy just because he reminded her of Spike? Did Rarity truly...
You know what? Forget it. Spike did not want to get entangled with Rarity again. Considering the recent events, It's best not to take love lightly anymore.
Spike drifted into deep sleep, content with the day's events.
Spike woke up the next morning to find Twilight asleep in her bed. She must of came home late after helping Applejack yesterday. Since he felt better, He decided to do his chores. He finished long before Twilight usually wakes up, so he decided to do her chores too considering that she did his for a few weeks.
Once Spike was done, it was afternoon, and Twilight was still asleep. She must have been bucking pretty late if she was still asleep at this time. For the time though, Spike had nothing to do. He'd finished all of the chores already, and had nothing else planned for the day.
Maybe Twilight and Rarity were right, he should go out. It's been too long since the last time, and he needed some fresh air. He left a note for Twilight saying that he's done all of their chores for the day and went out to do something.
Once he left, He noticed how it was once again a beautiful day. He breathed in the fresh air and made a sigh of release. It felt as if all of his emotions that piled up within the past few weeks had disentangled, and his mind was free of any vexation that collected in his time inside.
“It's a good day for a walk.” Spike monologued.
Spike walked for hours, free of worry and unaware of his surroundings. He actually didn't notice that he was in the Everfree Forest until he tripped on something. As soon as he realized where he was, he decided that he better go back. But out of his curiosity, he decided to check out what he tripped on.
It was a purple wizard hat coated with yellow and blue stars. It was in bad shape, riddled with tears and holes. Spike had an odd feeling about it.
“I've seen this somewhere before...”
Spike pondered about it for a few moments, but then he heard a small moan nearby. He folded the hat and comically stored it behind his back, and then went to investigate the noise. As he moved closer to the origin of the sound, the moan's increasingly got louder. He also noticed that the being making the noises sounded in... pain. He quickly paced to the origin of the pained moans.
Spike was shocked when he found out what was making the noises.
“Trixie?”
“T-Trixie!?”
Trixie was desolate. She looked sickly, weak, malnourished, beautiful...Beautiful? Spike shook the thought out of his head.
“H...help...”
She fell from weakness. She was in very bad shape, easy prey for the creatures in Everfree. Spike helped her up and decided to take her back to Ponyville.
“Here, I know the way out.”
Spike assisted her in walking, being something to lean on while she limped. Spike noticed her limping, and grew a bit worried.
“Are you injured?”
“It... it hurts...”
“You need help, Trixie. I'll take you to the hospital when we get to Ponyville. Were nearly there, just hold on a little bit more.”
They were nearing the edge of Everfree when Trixie fell once more. Spike asked if she was okay, but she didn't respond. Spike shook her a bit, but she didn't move. He paced worriedly, fearing the worst. He checked her heartbeat. She was alive, but still in bad condition. He placed her front hoofs on his shoulders, picked her up, and carried her on his back. She was light, due possibly to her malnourishment.
Ponyville wasn't far, so he started running. At one point, he dropped Trixie, picked her back up, and ran even faster. Once he entered Ponyville, he ran straight for the hospital. Onlookers looked in curiosity, but the only thing on Spike's mind was helping Trixie. The hospital was in sight, and Spike rushed into the doors, out of breath.
“Nurse Redheart! Someone needs help!”
Nurse Redheart looked at Trixie with a shocked expression, and called two medical interns to get Trixie into the E.R. Spike found a chair to sit down on. Now all that's left now was to wait.
A few hours passed, and the rest of the Mane 6 arrived. Nurse Redheart came out to the front desk.
“Is she going to be okay, nurse Redheart?”
“She's going to be fine. She had minor injuries and hadn't eaten for days. If you did not bring her here she might starved to death, that was very noble of you, Spike.”
“Thanks,” Spike blushed. “Know when she's going to be able to get out?”
“Mabye a few days, we have to treat the injuries. You can see her if you like.”
Spike and the Mane 6 walked towards the hospital room where Trixie resided. Spike noticed that she looked in better condition, although looking rather cheerless, maybe depressed? Spike pondered this for a bit, until Rarity stated somehting.
“My my my, look who we have here? Isn't that the so called 'Great and Powerful' Trixie that came here a few months ago?”
“She doesn't look very 'Great and powerful' anymore.” Rainbow dash added.
“Whats wrong sugarcube? Didn't do too well after ya' ran off?” Applejack laughed.
The three mares relentlessly teased Trixie, and she never responded. She just took every insult thrown at her. This went on for a few mintues. At one point, Trixie started crying. When Spike saw her cry, something inside him snapped.
“Stop it, you three! Look at her, don't you see her crying!? Your the Elements of Harmony, you're better then this!”
“Oh please, it's only Trixie.” Rainbow replied. “Don't you remember? She brought that Ursa Minor into town, somepony could of gotten hurt!”
“Snips and Snails did that! It wasn't her fault!”
“It was because of her bragging that Snips and Snails did that. She should be due for at least part of the trouble.” Rarity added.
“Oh please, Snips and Snails are idiots! Who else would buy that story? Everything she said was unbelievable, and Twilight stopped it before it actually hurt somepony!”
Trixie stopped crying and looked at Spike.
“He has a point,” Twilight noted. “Trixie didn't do anything evil, like Discord or Queen Chrysalis, she just bragged a lot.”
“And the property damage wasn't too bad, only a house or two. Poor Noteworthy, though.” Pinkie inserted.
“See, they agree with me, so knock it off already!”
Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack all sighed in defeat.
“We're sorry.” they all said in unison.
Spike smiled in triumph.
“Anyway,” Twilight started “Nurse Redheart said your going to be out in a few days. Since you have no place to stay in Ponyville, would you like to stay with us at the library until you get back on your hooves?”
“okay...” Trixie stifled in a tone almost as quiet as Fluttershy.
“Hey Trixie, you know what happens when someone moves to Ponyville?” Pinkie inquired...
“Huh?”
“They get a welcoming party! Oh my gosh, its going to be sooooo fun! There's going to be cake and punch and streamers and sarsaparilla and music and dancing and pin the tail on the pony and....”
While Pinkie babbled on, Fluttershy took note of Trixie's condition.
“Um... girls...” she whispered.
Nopony heard her.
“Girls....” She whispered a bit louder.
She was still not yet heard.
“GIRLS!”
Everyone looked at Fluttershy, slightly surprised by how loudly she yelled.
“Um, I think we should go. Trixie looks like she need some rest.”
Everyone looked at each other in agreement. One-by-one, they started to leave. Spike was last to leave, as he was called by Trixie.
“Um, Spike, was it?”
“Huh?”
Spike noticed that Trixe was out of her depressed state. He saw her smile for the first time, and the smile, along with the dim rays of sunlight beaming from the sun, seemed to intensify her beauty. Spike stopped denying that Trixie was a good looking pony, but it wasn't a crush or anything... was it?
“I wanted to thank you for saving me from the woods... and for sticking up for me back there.”
Trixie blushed as she thanked Spike.
“Really, if it wasn't for you, I might have not been here, and nopony ever stood up for me like that,”
“No problem, Trixie. I'll see you at the library when you get out of the hospital.”
“Okay. Goodbye, Spike.”
Spike glanced at Trixie before he left, and noticed a look of admiration as Trixie saw him out. He waved goodbye and returned to the library.
When Spike walked into the library, he was greeted by a curious Twilight.
“Hey Spike, what took you?”
“It was nothing, I just took my time walking.”
“Well, It's getting late. You should get some sleep.”
Spike yawned.
“Yeah, I am feeling a bit tired.”
Spike went up the stairs and to his bed, with much to think about. What was with that look that Trixie gave him? It was as if she... No, it couldn't be. Spike was much too young for her to have feelings for him anyway. Spike thought idly for awhile and then fell asleep.
A few days had passed and Trixie was admitted out of the hospital. Spike and Twilight greeted her as she left.
“Hey Trixie.” Twilight greeted. “Come on, We'll take you to the library.”
“Okay.” Trixie whispered in a tone almost as quiet as Fluttershy.
As they walked to the library, Twilight and Trixie conversed. Twilight noticed that Trixie was shy, almost quite as Fluttershy.
“You know Trixie, your a lot different then when we first saw you.”
“Oh, that was all a stage act, everything I did was for show. I'm sorry for that Ursa minor...”
“Oh, it's okay. I took care of that before it did too much damage anyway.”
“It wasn't your fault though,” Spike added. “It was Snips and Snails who led it to town anyway.”
“But it was my act that gave them the idea...”
“Don't beat yourself up about it. Only they would be stupid enough to believe you anyway.”
“Spike!”
“What? It's true...”
They arrived at the doorstep of the library and not too soon, as Twilight was going to lecture Spike about the whens and when nots to be honest about someone. They stepped inside and turned on the light.
“SUPRISE!”
Laid out in the library were streamers, a banner saying “WELCOME TRIXIE!”, balloons, a record player playing songs by bands like Foal Fighters, Red Hot Pony Peppers, Coltreyu, Avenged Stallionfold, and a blue and silver cake with Trixie's cutie mark on the table. Pinkie really put an effort into this party.
Trixie got acquainted with everypony at the party and even received gifts from some of them. The gifts mostly consisted of small things like books, welcome baskets, and cards. Trixie was on her last gift, a light, wrapped box from... Rarity?
“Go ahead darling, open it.”
Trixie unwrapped the box and proceeded to open it. It was her old hat, but it looked completely new!
“I patched it up after Spike found it. Do you like it?”
“I... I love it!” Trixie said with glee. Rarity smiled warmly at Trixie.
“I'm glad to see that you like it. Consider it an apology for how I acted at the hospital...”
“It's okay, I'm just happy to see my hat again!”
“You sure seem to like that hat, is it special?” Twilight asked.
Trixie's smile disappeared and she stopped embracing her newly restored hat.
“It was the last thing my parents gave to me before they passed away...”
Twilight gasped.
“I...I'm sorry to hear that...”
Trixie looked to Spike with a slightly pleading look.
“You didn't happen to find my cape too, did you?”
Spike shrugged. “Sorry, I only found your hat.”
Trixie sighed. “Well, at least I have that much...”
Spike looked at Trixie and her melancholy condition. He thought for a second, and came up with a perfect way to cheer her up. He went upstairs, retrieved something, and went back down.
“Hey Trixie, I have a present for you.”
“What is it?”
Spike handed her the box he retrieved and gave it to Trixie. She opened it and took out it's contents. Trixie's eyes widened as she saw what he gave her.
“Spike... It's beautiful...”
“It's not your cape, but it's something, isn't it?” Spike said with a hint of pride.
The azure sapphire that Spike originally intended to give to Rarity now lay in Trixie's magical grasp. The blue aura that surrounded the sapphire made it glow in beauty, and the bright rays of afternoon sunlight only intensified the elegance of the stunning gemstone. It's bright azure matched perfectly with Trixe's royal purple eyes and sky blue coat. Everyone at the party stopped what they were doing for a moment to stare in awe.
“Really? This is for me?”
“Yep. I was probably just going to eat it anyway.”
Trixie leaped towards Spike and gave him a hug tighter then any other he's ever felt and then kissed his cheek.
“This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me! Thank you so much!”
Spike's cheeks turned dark red, and a wide smile lay on his face. “Anytime...”
The party lasted until late evening. Since it was getting late, the party started winding down and soon everypony left. Once they were all gone, Twilight made a bed for Trixie upstairs. The party really took a lot of the energy from the three and they all soon fell asleep.
A few weeks passed, and Ponyville got to know Trixie better. She became friends with the Mane 6 and Spike, but took more preference to Spike. During this time, Spike begun to develop feelings for Trixie. She showed kindness and attention towards Spike, and whenever they talked, she spoke to him with a tinge of admiration. He thought that maybe he can start a successful relation with Trixie.
But then, he remembered what happened with Rarity, and he definitely did not want to experience that again. There was also the fact that she was much older then Spike, so the relationship would not work out safely. Spike sighed.
“Mabye it's best to just stay friends.” Spike thought.
“Hi Spike.”
Spike looked to see Trixie walking by. She had the sapphire that Spike gave her necklaced so she could wear it. The day she had it necklaced, she almost never took it off. When she wore it, it only seemed to amplify her beauty, making Spike blush.
“Hey, Trixie.”
“Spike, I've been thinking, and I decided that I want to show you something. Can you follow me for a bit?”
“Sure.”
Trixie trotted out the door with Spike closely following. It was late, and Spike wondered where she was going take him. They headed toward a hill on the outskirts of town with a small trail heading up. They started on the hill, and after about half an hour, they were near the top. Luna's moon was already at the pinnacle of the night sky, and Spike was starting to feel tired.
“Were almost there.”
When reached the top they were met by a large meadow, filled with roses of all colors. Trixie picked up a red one, and gave it to Spike. He blushed as she handed him the flower.
“You know, this meadow isn't all that here. Take a look over there.”
Spike looked towards where Trixie indicated. What came into his view amazed him. It was a scenic overlook of Ponyville, and the nearby city of Canterlot, hanging on the side of the mountain it resided on. The lights of the two cities illuminated the night sky.
“Beautiful, isn't it?”
“...Yeah.”
Spike and Trixie sat next to each other in complete silence, just taking in the view. After awhile, Trixie laid her head on Spike's shoulder. It caught him by surprise, but he didn't mind. They sat like this for about 20 minutes, until Trixie broke the silence.
“Spike, I have to tell you something.”
"What is it?"
“Showing you this place wasn't the only reason why I wanted you to come with me.”
“Huh?”
“I have something else to tell you. How I appear right now, it isn't the true me. I've been casting an illusion this whole time, and now, I want to show my real self.”
Trixie's horn started glowing, and her magical aura surrounded her. She started glowing white, so Spike had to cover his eyes. When Trixie finished her spell, Spike uncovered his eyes and was shocked by what he saw. Trixie was now only a filly, no older then Spike.
“This...this is the real me.”
Spike was still in a bit of shock, unable to say any words.
“But I have one last thing to say...
...Spike, I love you."
“I love you, Spike.”
Trixie held a deep crimson blush as she admitted her long held feelings for her dragon friend. She had been planning this moment for weeks, unbeknownst to anyone, and ensued making it special. She found this spot when she ran from Ponyville after being humiliated and stayed here for a bit to calm down. Seeing as how she had lost her traveling wagon she could not go anywhere too far away, so she arrived here often after scavenging for food from Everfree Forest. She knew that Luna planned a full moon tonight, and if she did not take Spike here this very day, she would have to wait another month to bring him here. She had planned this for weeks, and planned to make it perfect. Now all that's left is Spike's reaction.
Trixie payed attention to Spike's mixed reactions, hoping for acceptance. At first, he held a look of shock, then transitioned into one of thought. His final expression displayed indifference, and remained silent for a few minutes.
“Oh no, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong? Did I mess up somewhere? Why won't he say anything?”
Spike yet remained silent. Every second he remained silent felt like at eternity to Trixie, gnawing at her mind like a swarm of locust.
“Oh no oh no oh no! What if he denies me, or doesn't love me back?! Or worse, what if he hates me and doesn't want to see me again! Oh no, no, no!”
“So, are you sure about this?” Spike said in a concealing tone.
“I'm more sure then anything.”
“Trixie, a few weeks before you came here, I was rejected by Rarity. After she did that, went through the worst feeling in my entire life, and i really don't want that to happen again. Promise me that you won't do that to me to.”
“I promise.”
“Really?”
Spike stifled a small smile.
“Really.”
Spike no longer concealed his feelings, now holding a grin so large that it would put one of Pinkie Pie's to shame.
“Trixie, I love you too.”
Hearing these words made Trixie's eyes light up brighter then the full moon. She gave Spike a glomp of epic proportions, knocking the air straight out of his lungs. She then gave him a tight hug, which didn't really help since all of the air was knocked out of him a few seconds ago. He struggled a few words out.
“I...can't............breathe...”
Trixie heard him and got off immediately
“Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-”
Spike silenced her with a kiss. Trixie's eyes widened out of surprise, but after a few moments, she relaxed and happily accepted it. This moment was just as Trixie imagined, kissing the pony, er, dragon of her dreams under the starlit sky. They maintained the kiss for a few minutes before breaking off. Once finished with the kiss, The two newly-found lovers fell back into the meadow, looking up at the night sky. After a few minutes of silence, Spike broke it with a question.
“So... How are we going to tell this to everyone else?”
“...You know, I hadn't thought about that.”
“Well, I think we should start by telling Twilight.”
Trixie tried to think of a way to break the news to Twilight during the entire walk back, but could not come up with anything.. She started panicking when they arrived at the doorstep to the library. Spike must of noticed, because he gave her a tight hug, calming her down a bit.
“It's okay, I'll explain everything to Twilight. I assure you, nothing will go wrong.”
Trixie nodded in acknowledgment and put her trust in Spike. Once they opened the door, they were greeted by an ashamed looking Twilight.
“There you are! I was worried sick about you two! Where were you at this time of...”
Twilight's mouth opened in shock.
“Trixie, what happened to you!? Did you go through poison joke? No, that can't be! You can only find poison joke in the Everfree Forest...What were you doing in the Everfree Forest? And why did you take Spike with you? What's going on here!?”
“Calm down Twilight,” Spike reassured. “I'll explain everything.”
Once Spike was done explaining the situation, Twilight sat in discernment. Their story seemed genuine, but there were still many questions to be asked.
“So you've been lying to us about your age this whole time?"
Trixie looked down to the floor, feeling a pang a guilt as Twilight accused her of lying.
“Yeah, I'm sorry about not telling you about this before.”
“But why would you hide your age? It doesn't make sense!”
“Well, if a filly put on a stage act, who would take it seriously? I had to learn and cast an age-changing illusion so I can attract real audiences for my stage performance, and charge them admission for it.”
Twilight thought about that for a moment, and decided that it was a reasonable explanation.
“Well, that's fair I guess, but it seems a bit deceptive...”
Trixie shrugged.
“Well, without my parents to take care of me, I had to make a steady income to care for myself. And magic is the only thing I know how to do.”
“Oh...”
Twilight regretted asking the question and mentally slapped herself. Awkward silence reigned for a few moments, before Spike asked an even more awkward question...
“Uh.. I'm sorry if this brings back bad memories or something, but what happened to your parents?”
Trixie grit her teeth and looked down to the floor. This indeed was a sore subject for her, but since Spike has done so much for her, she might as well tell them. She took a deep breath and exhaled.
“Well, my dad was a scientist and my mom was a florist, so they often worked together in studying local plants. We lived in Baltimare, so we were fairly close to Everfree...”
“Wake up, Trixie.”
Trixie yawned.
“Do I have to? There's no school today...”
“Trixie, have you already forgotten what day it is?”
“It's Saturday...”
“Yep. You know what's so special about today?”
“Uh...”
Flora Lulamoon chuckled.
“Trixie, have you really forgotten your own birthday?”
Trixie slowly rose out of her bed, still half asleep.
“Huh..?”
Flora chuckled once more. Trixie could be so forgetful sometimes.
“Happy birthday, honey! Now come downstairs for your birthday breakfast, Daddy made chocolate chip haycakes.”
Trixie bounced out of bed and galloped to an awaiting birthday breakfast. In the dining room was her father, Dusk, and stack of haycakes on the table. Trixie took a seat on the table.
“Good morning, Daddy.”
Dusk gave Trixie a warm smile.
“Good morning, honey. Want some breakfast?”
“Yes, please!”
Dusk placed a few haycakes on Trixie's plate. They were shortly joined by Flora, completing the family table. They started chowing down on the masterfully made breakfast.
“Time flies by so fast. To think, your already 10 years old! It seems like yesterday that you were still a foal.” Flora commented.
Flora was a middle aged earth pony with a sapphire coat and a straight silver mane. Her cutie mark consisted of three different kinds of flowers, a daisy on the left side, a yellow rose in the middle, and a marigold on the right side.
“Yep, I still remember holding you on the day you were born like it was just yesterday.” Dusk added.
Dusk on the other hand was a unicorn with a midnight blue coat and a spiky sky-blue mane. His cutie mark was an empty flask next to a corked test tube.
“You were so much trouble back when you were a foal. Even back then you had quite the talent for magic.”
“I wonder if magic is my talent?” Trixie wondered.
“You'll find that out soon enough, your around the age where you get your cutie mark. But speaking of magic, How about we go outside and you show us one of your magic shows again?”
Trixie's eyes filled with glee. She quickly finished her breakfast and trotted outside to the back porch while her parents took seats on lawn chairs in the back yard.
“Watch as I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, perform a show so amazing that you will never forget it in your entire life!”
Trixie's horn lit and fireworks shot from below her while two fire-lit spinners spun in place on her sides. She used it as an introductory performance to all of her 'magic shows.' Normally, her shows would consist of levitating rocks and teleporting a few meters away, but since it was her birthday, she had to do something to really pump up the crowd. She has to do something she's never done before.
Trixie thought for a second, and came up with something. She teleported to the top of her house and promptly dove off. As she was about to hit the ground, she disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Flora and Dusk panicked as they checked the spot where she landed. She reappeared behind them, completely unharmed.
“Ta-da!”
“Trixie! You had us worried, we thought you were really hurt! Don't you ever perform such a thing-”
“Dusk, look!”
Flora pointed to Trixie's flank, Dusk gasped.
“Trixie, you have your cutie mark!”
Trixie quickly looked at her flank, and indeed there was a cutie mark. She could barely contain her excitement as she realized that she found her special skill in life. But there was still one question.
“What does it mean?”
Flora and Dusk looked at each other in wonder. What did it mean? Dusk examined it closely.
“Well, it's made of a wand and some stars, so something with magic?”
“Maybe her talent is actually magic...”
Trixie pondered that for moment. Trixie never tried to attempt this trick, so indeed she had skill. At this thought, Trixie widely grinned.
“I really AM great and powerful!”
Flora chuckled once more at her daughter's naivety.
“You sure are, honey.”
“Wow, it's afternoon already?”
Flora checked the clock, and confirmed Dusk's suspicions. They spent the whole morning praising Trixie for getting her cutie mark, and didn't notice the time pass by.
“You know dear, Trixie still didn't ask about her presents...”
Trixie's ears perked up. Dusk smiled wryly.
“Maybe she just doesn't want them...”
“I have a present!?”
“Maybe...”
“What is it what is it what is it what is it what is it!?!”
“Why don't you see for yourself?”
Dusk floated a wrapped box from high atop a shelf using his magic and placed it in front of Trixie. Trixie quickly unwrapped the box and levitated the contents out. Inside the box was a purple cape patterned with assorted yellow, blue, and white stars, and under it was a matching wizard hat. It seemed a bit large, but regardless...
“I love it!”
“I'm glad you do, dearie. We knew you'd like-”
Dusk was interrupted by a knock on the door. He went to go answer it, and was greeted by his Boss.
“Hello, Mr. Lulamoon.”
“Boss? It's my day off, what's going on?”
“We have found a rare species of flower, and need your help examining it.”
Flora glanced at her husband's boss.
“Oh?”
“Boss, now's not really a good time...”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, Mr. Lulamoon, this plant only blooms once every hundred or so years. I'm not forcing you to participate, but simply giving you the option. I'll give you a few minutes to think on this.”
Dusk's boss stepped outside, giving Dusk and Flora time to think about acting on this opportunity.
“Honey, I think we should take this. As he said, it's only a one-time opportunity.”
“But what about Trixie? It's her birthday, we can't just leave her with a babysitter!”
Dusk glanced at Trixie, who was still admiring her present.
“Maybe we can take her with us. After all, she might enjoy spending more time with us.”
“...Okay. But if anything happens to her, I'm blaming you for this.”
“Were only going to a clearing in the Everfree, what could go wrong?”
“Fine, then.”
Flora walked over to Trixie.
“Honey, would you like to follow me and daddy to work?”
Trixie's eyes lit up.
“No babysitter this time?”
“Nope, you get to come along this time.”
“Yay!”
Spike noticed a tear coming out of Trixie's eye.
“Boss, why are royal guards following us?”
“Safety Measures. There have been sightings of Manticores recently.”
“Manticores?! I brought my little girl today!”
“I realize that, but these guards were trained to handle bad situations. I assure you, even if the manticore attacks, they will handle it.”
Trixie notices ruffles in a nearby bushe.
“Um...Mommy?”
“There it is!”
There in front of them laid a 5-foot rose-like flower with a bright pink stalk and hundreds of hazel pedals. Trixie stood in awe.
“It's so pretty...”
“Boss, what is that?”
“It's called Hellion. Don't get too close to it, it's pollen carries a hallucinogen that makes consumers go insane.”
Dusk nodded.
“Note taken, everyone put on your safety masks.”
Flora securely placed one on Trixie. Everyone walked carefully toward the hellion, making sure that no one ingested the pollen. Dusk and a small team of scientists plucked a pedal off and examined it with mobile lab equipment. As they did the field research, Flora examined the stalk, being careful as to not touch it.
“Strange, I've never seen a flower with a pink stalk. Shouldn't the chlorophyll make it green?”
“The plant itself may have been from a recessive gene. It's a good thing we had an opportunity to study this.”
“You may be right. Any luck on the pedals?”
“It seems that the pedals themselves are not poisonous. We've noticed something odd about them.”
“What it it?
Dusk folded the pedal into the shape of a gem. The pedal started glowing white. Once it stopped glowing, a blue gem appeared in front of them. Flora, Trixie, and the group of scientists looked awestruck while Dusk and his boss simply nodded.
“Amazing. This discovery can make us rich.” the boss stated.
Dusk held the gem and thought for a second.
“Trixie?”
“Yes, daddy?”
“Happy birthday.”
Dusk placed the gem in Trixie's hooves, dropping her jaw in the process.
“Really? For me?”
“Of course.”
Trixie placed the gem on the neck of her cape and started hopping in joy.
“It's perfect!”
Trixie started hugging her dad in pure glee.
“We have to report this to Celestia immediately, this may change the face of-”
“GGRRROOOOOOO”
Out of a bush came a crazed manticore. Everyone stepped back in fear, while Flora and Trixie retreated behind a nearby tree. then the royal gaurds leaped in to action, one distracting it while the other jumped on its back. While the manticore stood up to shake off the guard on it's back, the guard that was once distracting it bucked it's chest. The manticore roared in fury and pain, then tried to swipe the guard that bucked it. The other royal guard leaped up and kicked it's back, forcing it to roll over in pain. While it's legs were in the air, the royal gaurds tied them up, disabling the manticore. Once it was taken care of, the royal gaurds took a moment to regain composure.
“What just happened? Manticores are usually docile unless provoked.
“It must of ingested a lot of the pollen.”
“See Mr. Lulamoon? We're in safe hands.”
“Are you kidding me?! My daughter might be traumatized!”
Trixie was crying while Flora tried to comfort her.
“M-m-mommy, I want to go home...”
“It'll be okay, Darling. Come on, let's go.”
“Flora, its not safe to go back without protection!”
“Then come back with us.”
“I can't- This work is too important!”
“What to you think is more important, some stupid flower, or your wife and daughter?!”
“...”
“Thats what I thought. Come on Trixie, we're going home.”
Flora starts walking back, Trixie closely following. Dusk takes a moment to think about this.
“Sorry boss, I'm going to have to go back with them.”
“Mr. Lulamoon, Your our lead scientist, you play a much too important role to leave. If you do choose to leave, your fired.”
“...Fine. My family is more important anyway.”
“Fine. But no guards are going to escort you.”
“Flora! Wait up!”
Dusk galloped to catch up to his wife and daughter, not regretting his decision. The boss just scoffed.
“Back to work, people...”
“Well, there goes our spending money...”
“I still have a job, honey. I make enough to pay the bills.”
“That's okay I guess. But what about food and other necessities?”
In the distance, a bush ruffles.
“Um, daddy?”
“We have enough food to go for a few months. That should be plenty of time for you to find a new job.”
Trixie felt slightly offended about her parents talking about her parents ignoring her. But from another direction another bush ruffles, this time, much closer.
“Mommy?”
“Okay then. There aren't too many positions here in Baltimare, so we might have to look elsewhere...”
Trixie spots two shadows speed past them. This time, Flora and Dusk notice.
“What was that?”
Everyone stops. It's silent. After a minute or so passes, They assume it's clear.
“...Lets just keep going. We don't want to-”
From behind them, they get jumped by two manticores, both with the look of death in their eyes.
“...FLORA! TRIXIE! RUN!”
“Dusk! What are you-”
“I'll distract them! Go, NOW!”
Dusk pushes them with his magic. Flora and Trixie run to town. Trixie hears a bolt of lightning, and when she looks back, one manticore drops. Dusk tries to hit the other one and misses, the manticore then jumps on top of him and holds a paw up...
“DADDY!”
Trixie tries to run back to her dad, but Flora swoops her up.
“No, Trixie! We have to get daddy help!”
“DADDY! NO!!!”
Trixie is crying on Floras back, while the aforementioned mare gallantly sprints toward Baltimare. Nearing the zone where the forest connects to town, another manticore jumps out in front of them. Flora keeps charging the manticore, who attemps to swipe at her. Flora expertly dodges the swipe by twisting past it, Trixie still hanging on to her back. Everything goes slow for a second as Trixie witnesses the claw of the manticore barely skimming the hairs on Flora's hoof.
Once avoided, Flora bucks the manticore, causing it to stumble. It gets up in anger and starts chasing after Flora, who is already quite a bit ahead. As Flora hits the edge of town, a group of people notice her and the manticore that's pursuing. Three stallions try to jump in the way, but the manticore charges through them with a devoted resolve to get Flora. It catches up to flora and grabs of her back hoofs, causing her to abruptly stop and Trixie to fly off of her back and face plant into the gravel. Flora escapes the grasp by bucking at the manticore's face and gets back up. Three residents from Baltimare come to Flora's aid, but the manticore only cast's it's deathly gaze at one mare. One resident charges at it, but it works to no avail as the manticore swipes him away. Flora gasps at this and forms a fighting stance. The manticore charges and attempts to swipe at her, but the swipe is responded to by yet another agile dodge and a buck to the back of the face. The manticore falls, and the other two residents try to stop it by jumping on it. The manticore shrugs them off like they are nothing, and a crowd of residents begins to form. Trixie also watches as the fight between Flora and the manticore unfurls. Flora glares at the manticore, who responds by swiping at her once more. The manticore takes note of the dodge tactic and swipes at her once again while she's in the air. The manticore hits her successfully, it's claws tearing a deep cut in Flora's chest while she is in the air. Flora hits the ground hard and starts bleeding critically.
“MOMMY!”
The crowd of baltimare residents let out a synchronized gasp and all start charging at the manticore as Trixie rushes toward her injured mother.
“Mommy! Mommy, are you okay?!”
Flora responds with a groan, her massive blood loss making her stir. A tear forms in her eye as she lifts her head up to look at her beloved daughter.
“...Trixie...”
“Mommy! Don't worry, you'll be okay! Someone, help!”
The sheer number of Baltimare residents was too much for the manticore, who was successfully taken care of. The attention of the crowd shifts from the detained manticore to Trixie and Flora.
“Mommy! Stop bleeding! Stop stop stop!”
Trixie falls to the ground and starts openly sobbing by her dying mother.
“Mommy... please... I need you! Please, no...”
Flora takes the hoof that she wasn't holding her open wound with and lifts Trixie's head from the muzzle.
“It'll be okay sweetie... be strong for mommy and daddy...”
“mommy...”
“Remember... m-mommy always loves you...”
“M-mom!”
“urk... Mommy... always... loves...”
Flora's hoof drops from Trixie's muzzle and her eyes close.
“MOMMY!"
“My mom died before the doctors got there and my dad was never found.”
Trixie was now openly crying, but still maintaining composure.
“I would give anything to get them back..”
Twilight eyes started swelling up.
“Trixie... I'm so sorry for your loss”
“It's fine. I'm used to it... *sniffle*”
Spike stood silent. He stared into space with resolve in his eyes for a few seconds before going over to Trixie and hugging her.
“It's okay, Trixie.”
Hearing the dragon's soothing voice calmed Trixie down a little.
“...*sniffle*. Yeah, I guess. After all, I do have you now.”
Trixie cuddled into Spike's hug and have him a soft kiss on the nose. Twilight couldn't help but let out a “d'awww.”
“You two are so cute together...
Tell you what, Trixie. You can stay here for as long as you want.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. If you want, I can even teach you some spells.”
Trixie's sad expression changed to an eager one.
“You would do that for me?”
Twilight warmly grinned. She loved teaching young unicorns about magic.
“Yeah, we can start tomorrow if you want. But it will take up about half of your day each session.”
Trixie looked to Spike.
“Sure, I can survive for half a day without you. I might have stuff to do anyway...”
Trixie widely grinned
“Okay! Lets do it!”
Trixie also had a look of resolve in her eyes and struck a pose much like one of Daring Do's. Twilight giggled.
“Okay, we'll start with basics tomorrow morning.”
Trixie slipped from her pose and almost fell.
“But I already know the basics...”
“Advanced magic needs a great deal of energy, and the basics are a great way to work on building that energy.”
Trixie looked to Twilight with pleading eyes.
“But Twiiiiligghht!”
“No But's, Trixie.”
Trixie looks down in defeat.
“Aww.”
Meanwhile, Spike had something on his mind.
“How can I do that...”
Spike thought for a second before coming up with something brilliant.
“Thats it! Maybe He'll be able to help!”
Spike looked at Trixie with that look of resolve.
“I have to do it... for Trixie.”
Every day for the next few weeks went as scheduled. Twilight and Trixie would wake up early to practice magic, Spike would do his chores and go off somewhere every day and come back an hour before Trixie and Twilight were done practicing to greet them with dinner. Trixie and Spike would then go off with each other for the rest of the evenings. Trixie was very efficient at magic, learning and mastering at least one new spell per day. She learned the more advanced basics, such as teleporting farther distances, lifting heavier objects, and better controlling her magic by juggling multiple objects. Once she was finished with the basics, she learned about defensive spells, such as the simple magic bolt to ethereal magic weapons and controlling natures elements. Today she learned how to use lightning as her father did to fend off the manticore. Spike was impressed how quickly she learned how to use magic fire, for it took him months to master his dragon fire. One evening in a small meadow, Trixie wanted to know who was better.
“I bet I can use fire better then you can.”
Spike laughed.
“You just learned how to use it today. I've known how to use fire for years.”
“So then why are you scared to take my bet?”
“I'm not scared of anything! Okay, i'll take your bet.”
“Okay, loser has to give the winner a kiss.”
“Fine, I'll go first.”
Spike took in a huge breath and let out a 12 seconds of continuous fire, reaching about 7 feet high. Trixie giggled.
“That was good, but watch this.”
Trixie's horn started glowing and she started concentrating. A few beads of sweat went down hear forehead as a ball of fire about 5 inches in diameter formed and flew about 10 meters before hitting the ground with a tiny explosion. Trixie frowned.
“Aww, but I did it better this morning!”
“Ha! One kiss for me.”
Trixie admitted defeat and gave Spike a small peck on the cheek. Spike grinned in victory.
“You won this time, but I can beat you in lightning any day!”
Trixie stuck her tongue out at Spike and ran back toward the library. Spike rolled his eyes and ran after her.
Trixie was indeed very good at welding lightning. She practiced by hitting a metal target that measured the strength of the bolt with Twilight checking it afterward. The bolts were weak at first, but by the end of the day she learned how to use them, she was firing bolts that would make Zeus himself jealous. This skill would be needed one day, unbeknownst to Trixie, as Spike did not come home until late one day.
Twilight was beginning to worry as it was already late in the evening and Spike did not come back yet.
“Where could he be this time of day?”
Trixie was pacing around the room impatiently.
“I don't know, but before we started our magic training, he said he would come back today with something special.”
“What? He never told me anything...”
Twilight and Trixie hear the door open.
“Hey everypony.”
“Spike, where have you been? Do you know what time it... Dr Whooves?”
Behind Spike comes the mysterious Dr. Whooves. Twilight tilts her head in confusion.
“It's a pleasure, Miss Sparkle.”
“He's with me.”
Spike diverted his look to Trixie.
“Trixie... We're going back in time to save your parents.”
