MLP: Air Magic

"Yahoooo!" Spike yelled as he jumped off the roof of the castle, landing on the path and making his way through town. He smiled as he poured on the speed, dodging and weaving past the homes of several people on his way to his destination.

He was planning on going back to the Everfree Forest. He thought he'd pay a visit to Mrs. Cake's shop, just to show her that he wasn't dead. He chuckled at the thought of her shocked face when he showed up at her counter, smiling like nothing was wrong.

'She'll probably faint!' He chuckled to himself again as he made his way back to where he had his first taste of flight.

'I wonder if i'll see it again? The flame road.' Spike whispered as he set his eyes on the entrance to the forest.

Meanwhile, he didn't notice Twilight Sparkle following just behind him.

'I won't let you get away that easily, Spike.'

"Well, that was easy." Spike said as he stood in front of the entrance of one of the most dangerous places in Equestria once more. ' I mean, I know ponyville was never really that big of a town but, come on!'

He took a deep breath and sighed, shaking his head. "Oh well. I guess i'll just look for Mrs. Cake now."

He made his way inside the forest, weaving around tree after tree surprisingly well for it being nighttime. 'She should be around here somewhere... Maybe I need to go a little further in first?'

Twilight, still trailing behind him, couldn't believe what she'd just seen. 'He's going back in there? Doesn't he remember what happened when he first went inside?!'

Back with Spike, he was now rushing down a narrow, but thankfully clear, path leading deeper into the forest. 'I guess She won't show up in the same place every time. Last time she was really close. Then again, I was in the middle of the Everfree thanks to being carried by Vinyl, so...'

He poured on more speed. 'Man, Dash's parts are awesome! I'm so fast I can barely see the trees i'm passing!'

He started to laugh out loud, which unfortunately caused him to close his eyes, leaving him open to the root of a tree to his right, where he tripped and landed on his face.

Twilight just face palmed.

"Oh no! Spike are you alright!" came a voice Twilight swore she could recognize, but just couldn't quite put her finger one who it belonged to.

As Spike picked himself up off the ground, he came face to face with Mrs. Cake. Or at least Mrs. Cake's breasts. He blushed a bit before shaking his head to clear his thoughts and looking back up at the older mare.

"Uh...y-yeah, I'm fine. I'm tougher than I look."

"I should hope so, dear. You landed right on your poor face, and it was a pretty hard fall!" Mrs. Cake said, offering her hand to help him up.

He accepted and slowly rose to his feet, saying, "Don't worry about it i'm fine! See!" He pointed to his face and, while it looked perfectly fine, he had a nice long cut across his cheek.

"I see you need first aid! Come with me, young man!" She grabs him by the ear and drags him off. Twilight can only watch and shake her head, a smile forming on her lips.

'He's in good hands as long as he's with her, but i'll tag along just in case.'

"Ah!" Spike jerks back and sucks in a breath sharply as Mrs. Cake sprays the wound with disinfectant and sticks a bandage to his cheek.

"Oh, stop being a baby! You're a big boy now! You can handle a little sting."

"Says the woman making me wear a bandage." Spike retorts.

"Because it would've gotten infected if I hadn't." Mrs. Cake says in response.

"Good point." was all Spike said.

"Good. Now, care to tell me what you're doing back here after what happened in the forest? The same forest that I warned you not to go in just two days ago?" She pinched his unhurt cheek.

"Ow! Actually, I came here to see you. I wanted to show you that I was perfectly fine, and that nothing bad had happened to me."

Mrs. Cake stopped what she was doing and stared at Spike. She stared for so long that it made Spike uncomfortable.

"Uh...Mrs. Cake?"

"You just don't get it, do you?" She suddenly said, starting to sob now.

"Whoa! Mrs. Cake, what-" Spike was cut off when Mrs. Cake started talking.

"It's not about if you're okay or not. We don't want anything to happen to you. I'm sure Twilight has told you this countless times before, but...we worry about you. We want you to be safe and happy, not injured and in pain. Why won't you understand?"

Spike understood what was going on now. "Mrs. Cake, please stop crying. I do understand. Really I do. You guys are my friends and family. I'd be more concerned if you weren't worried. But like I told Rainbow Dash after we had this same discussion. I just want to follow my dreams. I want to fly. This is what makes me happy, and while I appreciate your worry, I would much more appreciate your support. Besides, what is there to be afraid of? I know you guys will always have my back, right?"

Mrs. Cake listened to Spike talk with an awed expression. Soon, she righted herself and said, "Right!"

"Good. I'll be off now. Something is telling me to keep riding, and i'm already here so, why not?"

With that Spike made his way deeper into the forest, leaving behind two women who could only stare at his back as they thought,

"Oh, Spike. Just when did you go and grow up on us..."

"Okay, so where to next."

It had been around ten minutes since Spike had left Twilight and Mrs. Cake behind, and he was now at a loss for what to do.

'Just where am I gonna go? I said I wanted to go for a ride but what exactly was I aiming to do out here? Was I just gonna drift around until I got bored ad decided to go home? No. I need something to do. Something exciting. Something-'

Suddenly, his thoughts were cut off as a shadow passed over his head. He looked up to see a pair of white panties with a musical note design on the back. Sadly he only got to see for a small moment, as soon they were covered by a skirt as their owner front flipped several times in mid-air before landing on their feet and speeding away. However, he was able to get a good look at just who it was based off their hair.

'Vinyl Scratch? What's she doing here?'

Her figure was soon followed by two more figures, all wearing helmets that resembled dog heads.

'And who are those people behind her?'

Suddenly the answer to his question was irrelevant as he heard once of them say, "Come back here, you bitch!"

He knew what he had to do. He immediately sped up, chasing after the dogs. He cranked his speed as fast as he could go without falling, and jumped over the both of them, landing in front of them all at once.

The two didn't stop however, and were just in time to receive a punch to the gut and a roundhouse kick to the side of the head.

Spike took a moment to pose and then switched his attention to Vinyl. "Hey, are you all-huh?"

Before he could finish speaking, Vinyl had gotten in his face, and was now smiling at him. They stayed like that for a while before she suddenly burst out with,

"Man, that was awesome! Nice moves, dragon boy!"

Spike fell over at how loud she was and landed on his bum. She helped him up and scratched her head nervously.

"S-sorry about that. Guess I got a little too excited, huh? Thanks for saving me, kid. I owe you one."

"Oh, it was nothing, I was just-" Spike was cut off when she got back in his face once again.

"And I think i'm gonna pay what I owe right now..." With that said, she kissed him on the cheek. It was something that Spike hadn't expected, and he blushed as red as a cherry tomato when it happened.

"U-um...uh...wow, uh...Y-y-you're welcome, I guess?" Spike stammered.

Vinyl simply turned and left, but before she took off, she looked over her shoulder at him and winked, raising her hands in a peace sign. "Bye-bye, dragon boy. Thanks again for saving me."

Spike could only stand there and watch as she left, rubbing the spot where her lips had just been. Where she had just...kissed...him.

A girl just kissed him! This was officially the greatest day ever! But wait. What was this paper she just slipped into his hand?

The next morning, Spike woke up with a smile on his face. He couldn't believe last night. He got a kiss! And it was from Vinyl Scratch of all people! He'd developed a small attraction toward the crude, lewd, busty girl ever since she first saved his life, but he never thought anything of it until now. Was she into him? Maybe? He didn't know. All he knew was that he had gotten a kiss. And that was all he cared about at the moment. He was celebrating his small accomplishment all the way downstairs and into the castle dining room, where the girls were sitting and eating at the table.

"Oh? And what's this I see? Looks like you had a good night last night. Anything good happen?" Twilight asked, teasing him just a little.

"Good? Try great! I feel so good right now I could dance!" Spike said, doing a little spin.

"Well, instead of dancing, how about you join us for breakfast?" Twilight said, giggling as she watched him. 'I wonder what has him in such a good mood?'

Spike nodded and sat down. "Oh, and by the way. I'm thinking about starting up a magic rider team. The only problem is, I don't know who to ask."

At that, everyone stopped and stared at him. This continued for a while until Apple Jack decided to break the silence and speak.

"Well, it's pretty obvious that none of us can be on your team since we already belong to one."

Spike thought of something at that moment. "That reminds me. Other than that one time in the Everfree Forest, I've never seen you guys use your A.M.s. What exactly are the Elements of Harmony?"

"Unfortunately, that's something we can't tell you, Spike. At least, not yet."

"Aww, come on! This isn't another 'You'll learn when you're older' thing is it?" Spike complained.

"S-something like that..." Twilight looked away sheepishly, scratching the back of her head.

"Look, Spike. The point is, we can't tell you that yet. And this is the one thing you have to listen to us on. We really can't tell you. Now, about this team of yours... I would let you ask Apple Bloom and the others, but they've already formed their own team."

At this, everyone's stares had a new target: Apple Jack.

"What?! You let them register?!" Twilight yelled.

"What can I say? Sweetie Belle can be very convincing when she wants to be. Besides. I'm sure their fine. I mean look at Spike. He's already been in a battle, and not only did he win, but he only got a little scratch." Apple Jack said, using Spike as an example.

"Oh no! Spike's hurt! Oh let me see! I'll make it all better!" Fluttershy said as she rain over to Spike, checking him for injuries. Spike just held up his hand to stop her.

"Relax, Flutters. I didn't get this scratch from the battle. I actually got this scratch from tripping and falling while making a trip back to the Everfree."

This time, Rainbow Dash was the one to get worried. "What did you just say? 'A trip back to the Everfree?'"

"What are you getting angry for Rainbow? You're the one who told him to follow his dreams." Apple Jack said.

"I told him to follow his dreams, not die looking for them! Why were you even there?!"

"I was looking for Mrs. Cake! I wanted to show her that I was okay! A fact you all seem to have conveniently forgotten about!"

At this, everyone was quiet. Spike sighed and continued eating. Twilight spoke up.

"A-anyway, I still think it's dangerous for them to be magic riders, but if that's what they want, then so be it."

"Well said, Twilight, darling. And I believe Spike is correct." Rarity spoke up this time. "He came back okay, so we shouldn't worry so much." She turned to look at Spike. "We're sorry, dear. Please, don't mind us."

"It's fine, Rare." Spike said, smiling. "So, Apple Jack! What's the kids' team name?"

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders. It's just the three of them, along Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon from the school."

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders, huh? Sounds like them. I'm glad they finally get along with those two as well. Hey, maybe I can find someone to join my team if I look around the school!"

"I don't think so, Sugar Cube. I know almost everyone in town has a pair of A.M.s, but do ya really think that that applies to most of the kids as well? Most parents don't want their kids hurt, ya know?" Apple Jack said.

"Well, doesn't hurt to try. I can always pay another visit to the Everfree and look for zecora if taht doesn't work. She doesn't have a team, right?"

"No, she doesn't!" Pinkie exclaimed, popping up beside Rarity out of nowhere. She lives all alone so she doesn't have anyone to team up with.

Twilight looked up at Spike for a moment. "Spike, look at me."

Spike did as he was told. "Yes, Twilight?"

"I know I can't tell you not to go there, but can you at least promise not to go until you are absolutely sure you won't find anyone else? Can you do that? Please?"

Spike sighed and shook his head. "Fine. I promise."

"Don't worry about it kid!" Rainbow Dash interjected. "You'll find someone. I know you will. After all, there are plenty of riders out there for you to choose from."

"I hope you're right, Rainbow. I hope you're right."

"Diamond Dogs! In-po-si-tion!"

The sound of several A.M.s revving up and or braking can be heard in the distance as several riders heed the call.

"Numbers 19 and 32, come forward!"

Two of the riders stepped up and stood in front of their leader, who looked down at them for a moment before taking his gloved right hand and punching them in the head.

"You dogs have gone and embarrassed all of us. How could you go off on your own like that? Not only that, but you didn't even get our emblem back."

The one known as number 19 spoke up. "We're sorry boss. We tried to get it back, but this punk showed up and kicked our asses!"

The leader sighed and shook his head. "No... It's alright. We just need to take it back for sure this time. Listen up, you dogs! Tell that bitch Vinyl, that i'm the big dog!"

"Man, this team stuff is harder than it looks..." Spike sighed as he stood in the center of the town market, looking up at the sky.

"Just what is everyone doing right now? It's like I can't find anyone who wants to join." He was getting tired. He'd already asked Lyra, Bonbon, Roseluck, and even Derpy, but they all had jobs that prevented them from joining a team despite being magic riders themselves. Except for Bonbon and Lyra, who told him they had no interest in doing that sort of thing at all to being with.

He had tried to avoid going to the school because of what Twilight said about most of the kids not being ready for it, but he had to go there now. That is if he wanted to be allowed into the Everfree again.

Then there was that letter Vinyl Scratch gave him. He would take a look around the school, then have one more look around town before checking the forest.

Then he would go and see Vinyl. 'She did say to only show up around eight anyway, and it's only five o' clock.'

And so, with that in mind, he made his way to the school, already knowing the first person he would ask.

"Sorry, Spike. No can do." Ms. Cheerilee said as she stacked her papers, waiting for her students to show up for class.

"Aww, come on! Do you know how many people i've had to ask before coming here?" Spike said.

"Sorry, Spike. I am a magic rider, but I can't be a part of a team any time soon. I have a job to keep up with and students to teach. I'm sorry, but nothing can get in the way of that, and A.M.s teams get into battles too often for me to do my job and be a part of it. I really am sorry, but the answer is still no."

At least she gave a reason why. "It's alright. I understand. You go teach your students. Illuminate those bright young minds. I'll find someone else."

"I'm sure you'll find someone just as good if not better than me." Ms. Cheerilee said, smiling at him.

Spike smiled back and left, waving goodbye. 'Well, I guess the only option now is to go have a look in the Everfree Forest again. I wonder if Trixie would be willing to join up with me?'

"So, you wish to enlist Trixie's services, do you?"

"Yes, I do. I'm just starting out and don't have a full team yet. Please, will you join me?" Spike asked politely. There was no use angering her after all he went through to get to this point.

"And why should the great and powerful Trixie join your team? Trixie has yet to hear a valid reason."

"Aww, come on!" Spike groaned in frustration.

"I'm listening~!" Trixie spoke in a sing song voice that only served to irritate spike further.

Spike took a deep breath, sighed, and calmed himself. "You'd...be able to have fun riding with others?"

"Trixie has enough fun riding on her own, thank you very much."

A comical sweatdrop fell from Spike's head. "Um...You'll be able to spread your magic shows all over Equestria?"

"I travel. That's my job, dingbat."

Spike tried not to get angry, but his patience was thinning. "You could become famous in more than magic you know? A.M.s aren't just about that. You could rise to the top and have everyone admire you as a queen. Your name would be on everyone's lips whenever they talk about the strongest rides in history."

He couldn't believe he was buttering her up like this. It was just a simple question. She didn't have to turn it into an ego fest!

Luckily for Spike however, that seemed to get her attention. "Now you're talking. I'll gladly join your team."

"Yes! Wait. You stopped talking in third person. Why?" Spike gave her a confused look.

"What do you mean, why, silly? I was always going to join your team."

"Okay now i'm really confused. Then why did you act so uppity about it instead of saying yes at first?" Spike asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, you see, the truth is, People see me as a mean, egotistical girl with no respect for others. That's why I live in the Everfree all alone, because no one wants to be around me. But that's not really who I am. I just act that way for the sake of my magic shows. You know what they say. Confidence is key and all that. However, sometimes I get a little carried away, and it comes out like you heard me say just now. I was so happy when you came to ask me to join your team, but I wanted to see if you really wanted me to join, rather than you just asking because I was the only one left."

Spike listened to her talk. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This coming from Trixie of all people was...surprising. She really was a good person.

"Well, believe it or not, you were one of the people I was considering. Long before anyone else. Well, you and Zecora, but I couldn't come until I was done looking through ponyville. You know how twilight is with my safety."

"Stupid Twilight Sparkle. Getting in your way like that." Trixie giggled.

"Hey, now. She's my family. It's only natural she would worry."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Trixie responded. "So, now that you can come up here, do you plan on going to see Zecora to ask about joining your team?"

"Yeah, that's the plan. Wanna come with me?"

"Would I? I'd love to!"

And with that, the two of the made their way over to the local zebra's household.

"Of course I would love to join your team. I am glad your search has led you to me. I will make myself useful at your side. May we rise through the ranks while keeping our pride."

"Really? You'll join us? You mean it?" Trixie asked, stars in her eyes at the easy victory.

"I have not been a part of a team in a while. It gets...rather lonely, out in the wild. I want to see the world with my own eyes, and show them the power of the zebra tribe. I promise to lend you all of my skills, as long as you never lose your will."

"Great! That sounds amazing. Now all we need is two more people, and we'll be set to go." Spike turned around and made his way out of Zecora's home and away from the forest.

"See you two later! I have something I need to do."

With that, he sped back through the forest, looking to finally adhere to the letter Vinyl had given him.

He made his way up the Canterlot mountain, all the way back to the spot where he first started practicing. He had no idea how she knew about his first practice spot, but he just decided to go with it.

"Uh...Vinyl? Are you here? I thought we were supposed to be meeting up for something."

"We were." Spike heard her voice for behind him, so he turned around, crossing his arms. "There you are."

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Vinyl said as she came up to him. "I just wanted to give you a little something extra as a reward for saving my life, ya know?"

"Extra? What do you mean?" Spike asked, curious now.

"Close your eyes." Vinyl said, smiling.

"Okay. Here i go." Spike said, closing his eyes. He leaned in, expecting another kiss when he heard her say,

"Alright. You can open your eyes now."

He opened his eyes. He was a little upset that he didn't get another kiss but any gift from her was bound to be good. He checked himself over, only to feel a slight metallic something on his chest. He looked down at his shirt and saw...

"What is this?"

Vinyl giggled. "It's your lucky charm. Don't go losing it now."

"Hm?" Spike thought for a moment as he stared at the item pinned to his jacket front. "Lucky Charm? But I thought-Ugh!"

All of a sudden, Spike felt a claw strike his back, and he nearly fell unconscious. He caught himself just in time to see a man in a dog helmet looking down at him.

"Wh-who are...you?" He asked.

"I am..." He started, trainling off as he noticed Vinyl. He glared at her.

'I don't know what's going on, but it sure doesn't look good. Spike thought as he stared at the two of them. Something...was wrong with this picture.'