A Week on a Cruise

Twilight and the other girls sat down at the ship’s restaurant, chowing down on some breakfast. This sadden look came over the princess of friendship. Yesterday was bad, really, really bad. Barely picking up a fork, she sighed softly.

“Maybe you should let him out early,” Starlight suggested. “Pay the fine. It’s Spike, he wouldn’t cause any harm without rhyme or reason. You seen the video tapes.”

“I know I did… but it still doesn’t change anything.” Twilight sighed sadly. “I hate leaving him in there but...he almost crossed a line that I won’t be able to get him out. Even with all of my abilities I have at hand.”

The other girls looked at each other and sighed in unison.

“Hey, today is a new day,” AppleJack said. “Things will get better.” She says as a few ponies passed by them. Muttering things about how could they bring a dragon on the ship as they went to their tables.

Twilight groans and faceplants on the table. Nearly hitting the plate of eggs that were right in front of her. There were already rumors spreading around. Word gotten around about the fight. Now at the aftermath of all this. Gossips and looks were being passed around at the girls.

“Oh, this isn’t turning out to be a good vacation.” Fluttershy sighed softly, Angel Bunny patting her hair in comfort.

“Sticks and stones may break our bones but the words won’t hurt us.” Pinkie Pie chirped.

“Words do hurt, a lot.” Rainbow Dash said. “But seriously Twi, Spike in a cell? I know he has a hot temper but puh-lease! Just get your ass up and get him out. It’ll be night time until time is up.”

“I want Spike to have a good time just as the rest of us. I’m worried if he might lash out again or do worse.” Twilight sat up, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I understand why he was doing, why he did it, but all he could do is just walk away. Ponies joke around.”

“Either way, he can only blame for himself.” Rarity said, taking a sip of her coffee. “I apologized. He still walked around with that attitude of his…..still.” her ears drooped. “The thought of Spikie Wikey being in any cell just makes me very upset indeed.”

“Same here. When the time is up, he’ll be released.” The princess said softly.

“Girls, having Spike just lash out, that's not like him.” AJ then said. “We all know him. Spike wouldn’t just start a fight. Not without being provoked.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Spike would never do anything that can cause anypony harm. Those three would have to start it in order for Spike to fight. Maybe he was defending himself.”

“You’re probably right, Fluttershy.” Twilight sighed softly. “But only saw when I went in there. Spike using his tail to slice up one pony and was about to--”

Starlight shook her head and stood up, interrupting the princess. “Okay ladies, yeah we had a few rough days, but this week is still young. We are at The Bahoofmas. We’re going to have fun.” Starlight pulled out the brochure out of her back pocket, opening it up and setting it on the table. “Now, Sea Sun and the resort manager has a schedule for all the fun activities we can do for the next two days. A tour around the island, a few stops towards the art gallery, the carnival the island is hosting, a few shops we can see. They even scheduled a scavenger hunt tonight. By that time, Spike should be out. You all know how much he loves doing those things.”

“If there is anything that needs to be find, Spike is the man for it.” Pinkie Pie giggled, shaking up a can of whipped cream and filling her face up with it.

“At what time?” All the girls jumped at the sound of Spike behind them. They whipped their heads around to see that Spike had been standing there the entire time! Out of his hoodie, he switched on a red tight shirt tucked into a pair of black pants and a black coat and his combat boots.

“Spike, you’re out.” Twilight said observing and a bit surprised.

“Did you bust out or something?” RD asked. A glare was casted from some of the girls at the cyan mare.

The dragon nodded and stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “A friend of mine did. She paid the fine late last night.”

“She?!” All of the girls gawked in surprise.

“A girl...bailed you out?” Rarity asked, her voice suddenly up a couple octaves. A girl….helped Spike?

“Yeah. A girl got me out. Relax guys, she’s cool.” Spike sighed softly before grabbing him a chair from an empty table, pulling it up to their and sat down. “Hey, I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday. I wasn’t right in the head. But to set the record straight, I didn’t start the fight. I was defending myself.” He said finally.

Twilight was about to open her mouth when Starlight reached over from under the table and pinched her thigh to stop her.

“Eek! Why did you pinched me, Starlight?” Twilight eked, rubbing where she was just been pinched.

“Yesterday is history, don’t worry about it.” The unicorn said. “We are all just happy that you’re alright. You are alright, right?”

The girls looked towards the dragon for answers.

“Guys, I’m fine...for now.” He said softly, but there were truth to his words. That talk he had with Rachel, he felt better. Though, it still stings to see Rarity, he’s better than he was yesterday, majorly.

“Well… that’s fantastic!” Rarity then loudly chirps. “Now, let’s order breakfast and get on with the festivities. I so cannot wait to show you girls my new summer line!”

“Yeah, what she has is amazing.” Starlight said, smiling a bit. “The best I’ve seen yet.”

“Hush hush now, darling. No spoilers!”

“Psh! I don’t care about clothes,” Pinkie Pie giggled, looking at Spike. “I wanna know more about this girlfriend of yours!”

Spike blushed red then. “Pinkie, she’s just a friend.” Great, he just started something.

“I would like to know more too, if that’s okay with you.” Fluttershy said. Angel Bunny agreeing with her with a nod.

Rarity chuckled dryly at that. Though her facial expression was agreeing, her internal diva was going like What is wrong with these girls?! My fashion line is far more important than talking about some random girl….

“Might as well spill the beans, Spike.” AJ said, leaning back, also interested about who was this mystery girl that bailed Spike.

“S-she’s just a friend. That’s all Rachel-”

“Rachel’s her name? Oooh!” Pinkie giggled, cutting him off.

“What’s Rachel like?” Twilight then asked curiously then. Normally, Spike never hung out with any other girl beside them seven and Ember. This was big, even to her. The way Spike was reacting, just might be something else which peeked the Princess’s interest.

“Is she a pony?” Pinkie points at her before digging into her pockets and pulling out an album of all of their friends from all different species and starts pointing at them in order. “A dragon? An Alicorn? A Changeling? Griffon? Hippogriff? Anthropomorphic cat? Oooh! she a-”

Spike then reached over to Pinkie Pie and clamped a claw on her muzzle, shutting her up. She was still rambling on and on what Rachel was.

“Rachel is none of those but a friend.” Spike said slowly so the girls could understand. His face was so red from blushing it’s turning his scales pink.

“Buddy, there’s nothing wrong for getting involved with a girl.” Rainbow Dash grinned. “Just as long as you’re having a good time.”

“That’s all we want you to do.” Twilight then said.

“I know.” Spike said. He then over heard a few other members of the cruise muttered about him. Seeing a few inching away before he let out a groan. Great, so this day begins….

“Ignore them, Spike.” Rarity said. “We know you aren’t dangerous….” Her voice was laced in something that none of the others could described. The way Spike blushed when the others were talking about this Rachel. For a reason still unknowingly to her, it didn’t sit with her.

The dragon grunted in response before he dug into his pockets and pulled out the ziplock baggie of the rubies from last night and started munching on them. The bag was at least half emptied.

Rarity’s eyes widened as so did the rest of the girl. Mostly Rarity. Those looked like the necklace she made out of the fire ruby Spike gave her years ago. Those were supposed to be rare.

“What?” The dragon asked them with a mouth full of the gems.

“Where...did you get those?” Rarity asked slowly.

With a gulp, he turned to her. “Rachel….” He slowly replied.

“And she just….had a bag full of gems at her disposal and...gave them to you?” Her voice was getting higher and higher with each word that spat out of her mouth.

The dragon narrowed his eyes at the white unicorn. “And what if she did? She told me I could have them. You already have one so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“It's not… but how did she ended up finding a whole lot?”

Starlight quickly cuts in with a nervous laugh. “Oh look at the time,” she says, raising up her phone to look at the time and shoves it at Rarity’s face. Instead of the time on the screen, she had typed the words. DROP IT, NOW! “We should go ahead and check out the island. We’re gonna be here until morning of the fifth day then we’ll ship home.” Playing the referee to avoid anymore conflict between the two. It was either her or RD stepping in. But with RD, she wouldn’t be “subtle” with Rarity and still cause trouble in the clique. She removes the phone from the mare’s face and stuffed it into her pockets.

The two creatures stared down at each other before Spike stood up. “Yeah… let’s check out the island.” He takes another bite of one of his many gems with a smirk. Rarity just humphed and flipped her hair.

“Yes, darling.” She then gave them a convincing smile like nothing was amiss. “I want to look around the island’s fashion status. Who knows, I just may get inspired by the culture.”

“That’s the spirit.” Twilight then said. As soon as the food was eaten and they had gathered things for the day, the gang headed off the zeppelin. Walking off a wooden platform and onto the docks of the lushious tropics known as Bahoofmas.

A large island in the middle of the deep blue ocean. In a little villa port site was a popular tourist attraction: gorgeous beaches, beautiful miles of wilderness filled of exotic plants and animals, attractive mares and stallions that look almost too perfect that most of the passengers of the zeppelin who never been at the islands think that the locals weren’t really real. The amusement park with a huge ferris wheel taking view of the whole island where most of the tourists went to.

The girls and Spike had ventured off into the town Each of the admiring one of everything that there was about the place. Pinkie was zipping through everywhere with a camera at hand taking multiple photos and selfies; Fluttershy was talking to the local critters and rodents who in their own language was telling her the history of the island; Starlight and Twilight were at awed when they stopped to find a little shop for unicorns who want to pursue more magic spell and enchantments and looked about the island’s magic; RD and AJ were checking out some sporting stores and talked about surfing onto the water; Rarity was looking in amazed at the clothing style the islanders had. Mentally making note to use for her new line and making them the centerpiece of her new boutique.

Spike just kinda hang back for a bit. The island was beautiful, there was no doubt about it, but nothing really peaked his interest. Especially with a few ponies staring at him like he was some sort of roadside attraction. Though the girls haven’t said it much, word has gotten out to the island police about the brawl on the ship.

He could feel their eyes staring coldly at him, watching his every move just waiting for him to screw up.

An orange ball rolled up to him, bumping against his boots. Spike bent down and picked the ball up as a little colt runs up trying to catch it. The kid was taken back at the size the dragon was, frozen in place.

“It’s okay,” Spike said with a calming smile. He raised the ball at the kid’s eye level. “Is this your ball?” He asked him.

The colt nodded slowly, rubbing his little hands together nervously.

“Here,” Spike tried to hand it back to the kid before his mother storms towards them.

“Skyheart! What are you doing?” She grabs the kid’s hand before picking him up. She jumps in sight of Spike. Apparently, neither of them never seen a dragon before, so what would be the first reaction?

Either two things: stand still in fear until things get talked out and cool things over, or act skittish and take off running because most dragons - adults dragons at that - are not the friendliest bunch and despise ponies (even with Ember as Dragon Lord and was proven time and time again that dragons and ponies can get along, there are a few who refused to see the error of their ways and changed).

It’s the latter. The mother staggers back from Spike and takes off running. The little colt hand his hand extended out towards his bouncy ball.

“My ball!” The boy cried out but the mother didn’t go back to that ball.

Spike just watched them go with almost a hurt look before making a scowl. The ball inflates from the heat coming off of his claw and pops like a balloon. “You gotta be kidding me…” He grumbles.

Twilight took a moment and stop to see the scene as she came out of the shop with Starlight. She sighed softly before walking over towards the dragon and placed a hand on his arm. “Spike, it’s okay. They just don’t understand fully.”

The dragon sighed but gave the princess a nod before shrugging. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

“I know.” She said with a soft smile. “Let’s get going, we’re heading towards the beach.”

“You girls go ahead, I’m just gonna walk around a bit.” Spike then told them. “I didn’t exactly bring swim trunks from the ship anyway.”

Her ears drooped slight. “Oh… okay. If you need anything, you can talk to me.”

“You just don’t understand, Twilight.” Spike told her, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Unless you know what it’s like….” He sighed softly. “I’ll see you guys later.”

And with that, the dragon breaks away from the clique and takes off down the streets of the island.

“Where’s he going? Spike! come back!” Rainbow Dash calls him out but the dragon just continues off.

“What got under his scales now?” Rarity asked with a raised brow.

“It’s nothing, guys.” Twilight said softly. “Let’s go, he’ll catch up later.” The girls trailed off the opposite of the street.

***

“Man, this is such a bummer…” Spike spoke to himself as he strolled through the little market place. “Not my fault for what happened on the ship and not my fault dragons are the way they are.” He shook his head.

Spike stopped by a soda machine that was right off a corner. His throat was a bit parched and needed something to drink. He pulled his wallet out of his pants, getting what he needed for the machine before walking up to it.

He looked at the selection before finding one he liked. One he couldn’t believe this island has. His favorite back home - Spiced bean vanilla creamsicle.

“Ooh!” Spike hummed before feeding the machine with the right bits and pressing the selection button.

The machine was groaning, the gears were turning. The dragon was eagerly waiting for the soda can to come out. He waited, and waited. He hears the motors turning and before he could received his favorite beverage…

The mother fucking bitch of a soda dispenser quits working and his soda didn’t fall out.

“Huh?” Spike pressed the button again. The gears turned for a second before it shuts off again. Spike repeatedly pressed the button. Same thing happened and his soda didn’t fall out. “You have to be kidding me.”

He hits the fiberglass window, in hopes it would make the soda fell. Nope! He lets out a small snarl and shakes the machine with his hands. “Come on. I want my soda!” he said, though a bit too loudly.

A few passersby stopped and looked towards the dragon, in their eyes was attacking the poor machine when all he wants was his soda pop.

The soda machine groans and rattles from the dragon. His eyes then looked down at the flashing red light that just pops on. OUT OF ORDER.

“You fuckin’ kidding me?” He growls, banging against the machine again. He just lost his bits and never got his soda. Spike then sees some of the police ponies slowly approaching them. Seeing that there might be a problem.

Spike scuffs. “Fine, I don’t need it anyway.” He said, turning around and walked away. Showing them that there wasn’t a problem and get off his ass.

As soon he was about….twenty meters from the machine. He hears the machine dropping something in the slot thing. he whips his head around, his soda actually fell? He takes two steps towards the machine and this mare who happens to walk up to the machine with bits at hand sees the can already lying in there.

“Ooh! Vanilla creamsicle!” She pulls it up out of the machine, cracks the thing open and takes a drink. She made a disgusting look and looks at the can. “Oh yuck! Spiced Bean flavor…” She takes the open can of soda and throws it in the garbage and proceeds getting another soda.

“Oh c’mon!” Spike snapped, his arms flung in the air. What the actual fuck!?

Before the dragon could do something drastic, he lets out a breath of hot air before turning around and takes off, storming down the street.

“Stupid machine.” He grumbled to himself as he walked. He shook his head and with a sigh.

The dragon walked over to a bench and plops down on it. He watched as other ponies walked around having fun of their own. He even spot a few human families, not a lot but still, those who found their own way to the island was having a good time. He sees the two species actually interacting with kindness.

His mind took to how Rarity acted when she saw humans being servants on the ship. How her mood did a 360 on them. When Spike and Twilight went through the portal many moons ago with the whole Sunset Shimmer and siren incidents, he liked the humans he saw - granted he was changed into a dog. Though now the portal changed to where each creature can step through and not change.

Yes, he knew what humans were capable of. So was any other creature Spike faced in his life. All creatures a capable of doing horrible things to one another. No species are more superior than one another. The way Rarity acted towards them…. it was unsettling…

Especially the way she talked towards Ra-

His mind was cut off by his phone buzzing in his coat pocket. He pulled it out and saw Rachel’s name and number popping up on the ID.

“Okay...not creepy at all.” He muttered softly, seeing how she ended up calling right when he was just thinking about her. Does she have some sort of hidden power that Spike didn’t know? Could she sense that he was having a rough time from some other place and was calling to cheer him up?

Or this was just coincidental and he read way too many Power Ponies comics in his youth.

Spike slided the green talk button before pressing it against his ear. “Hey, Rachel. I was just-”

“HELLLOOO-HOOO Sexy!!” A voice screeches out through the speakers. It wasn’t Rachel. “Sorry, Rachel is disposed for a moment, You are currently talking to one of her B.F.A.S.F - that’s stands for Best Friend And Sister Foreve-ah’! Gemcity here baby, woo!”

Spike blinked at that. “Um okay… why do you have her phone?” He asked confused.

“Oh!” She giggled loudly. “I swiped it from her as she went to get some ice cream. I mean she had your number since like last night and hasn’t made a call to you yet! So I’m doing her a favor.”

“That’s none of your concern, thank you very much.” Spike grunted.

“It kinda is in her case. Now, before she gets back, I got one question.”

He raised a brow. “Um...okay?”

“Are you single?” What?! “Oh, don’t answer that, of course you are. We heard you yelling at the white bitch at the party the other night after we-”

“G-GEM!” Now Spike heard another voice shouting at the other line. It was Rachel’s. “Who said you can take my phone? My phone has all of my pictures on it! If you deleted any I will...who are you talking to?”

“Just talking to one sexy boy on here. I lost my phone on the ship and this number is the only one I can remember.” Gemcity lied and by the tone of her voice, she was smiling big.

“Oh you are not poisoning my phone with one of your many personal fuck boys! Now they will never leave me alone!” Rachel snapped on the other line.

“Hey Rune Mark, you up for another round? Bring Artrais and Norse around too!” Gemcity laughed. “We’re gonna party!”

“Okay, I’m gonna-” Spike tried to cut in but he was cut off.

“Okay! That’s it! THAT’S IT!!” Rachel shouts before clearly there was a struggle happening on the other side.

The dragon just sat there listening to the fight. He didn’t know if he should say something, hang up and call again. Either way, he couldn’t bring himself to turn away from this. He was concerned...and very entertained. Spike couldn’t hold it in anymore and started laughing from what he was hearing.

“OWOWOWOWOWOWOW! My horn! RUBE! Rach has my horn in a death grip!” Gemcity cries out for her sister. “She’s gonna break me horn!” She then whines.

“Just give her phone back for pete’s sake.” Ruby sighed from the other side. She sounded a bit annoyed.

After the sound of movement and a sound of silence. Rachel was now in control of the phone.

“Okay, whoever my ‘associate’ called-” There was a brief squeak from Gemcity, sounding like she had just been kicked in the butt. “Please forget you saw this number on the screen.”

Spike laughed. “Rachel! It’s me, Spike!” He wipes a tear from his eyes and chuckled.

“Spike?! Oh my god I am so so sorry!” Rachel said embarrassed. “I am embarrassed to say the least. I’m sorry.”

“I-it’s fine.” Spike giggled. Oh sweet Celestia his ribs were hurting. “It seems you have a handful over where you’re at.”

“You can say that.” She said with a small laugh. “Man, I love Gemcity, but damnit she just love pulling my chain.”

“Since you had no one pulling it for seven months…” Gemcity squeaked softly.

“Okay, before I turn this bitch into glue myself, what’s up? Rachel then asked him. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Somewhat,” he snickered at the glue comment before sighing. “Listen, you think you and I can meet up in a bit?”

It took Rachel a moment before replying. “Sure. What’s up? You feelin’ down a bit or something?”

“I just… I don’t want to be with the other girls for a bit... “ He said softly.

“I see.” She said. “Tell you what, I’ll be at the beach. Just find me sittin’ on a bench or something drawing. No doubt you’ll have trouble tracking me down.”

With that scent of yours, no problem, Spike wanted to say but instead, “See you soon.” He said.

“I’ll be waiting.”

They both hung up at the same time. Spike sighed softly, his head hung down a bit.

To him, Rachel was easier to talk to. Last night’s talk made him feel better. He liked talking to her...almost she gets him more than others in his life…

At the beach, the girls who weren’t in the water - which were Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Rarity - were either laying on beach towels and was soaking up some rays or building a freakishly huge sandcastle. Fluttershy was in the water with only her calves in the water in wearing a snorkel gear petting various sea critters. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were having a surf contest going along the huge waves. Starlight had went out to fetch others snacks from the vendors.

“Aw, this is the life, huh girls?” Rarity sighed in contempt. Adjusting to her sunglasses.

“This is very relaxing.” Twilight said. “But a study shows that too much sun is bad for your fur.” She inquired her.

“But the sun is also good for your complexion, darling.” She sat up on her arms and smiled at the alicorn.

“Not unless you get sunburnt.” Pinkie also said, using a shovel, she starts digging up a moat around her sandcastle that looked like Twilight’s Crystal Tree Castle. Every detail was perfect, down to the entryways, corredores inside. “Now all I need is a bit of fire.”

“Maybe Spike could…” Twilight trailed off and sighed softly.

“Just give him time.” Rarity said. “He’ll turn back around.”

“I know… he should be back by now. I’m worried.” Twilight said to them. She pulled out her phone and turned it on. Her screensaver popped up. It was of her and Spike when he was a little scrawny kid. The little boy who used to refuse to leave her hip till he turned about ten. The day she and him came to live in Ponyville.

This one was taken when he was three. Shining Armor had taken it when the two were playing on the swing sets back in Canterlot.

“Twi Twi, push me again!” Young Spike’s voice echoed in her head from the past. “I wanna fwy!”

“Be careful, Spike. Not too high.” Young Twilight Sparkle replied as well. Both of them laughing.

“It’s hard... “ The princess then spoke softly. “It’s hard to believe that little baby is now all grown up. Out making his own decisions. His own life... I want to call him to see if he’s alright.”

“Twilight, love. Like you said, Spike’s all grown up. He doesn’t need you hovering him like a baby anymore.” Rarity said. “He’ll never mature unless you let him be.”

Pinkie said something under her breath, adding more detail to Twilight sand castle.

“Excuse me, Pinkie Pie?” Rarity asked with a hum.

“Nothing.” Pinkie smiled big.

“I...I have a feeling he’s mad at me for last night...he should be. I made a mistake.” Twilight sighed sadly. “Now he’s not having fun because of it. That’s why he’s not here with us.”

“Or maybe he’s with his girl.” Pinkie chirped.

Both of the ponies looked at their cotton candy friend. “Huh?” Both of them said in unison.

“What on earth do you mean by that, Pinkie dear?” Rarity asks, lifting her glasses up to gaze at the mare.

“You remember. He’s probably hanging out with Rachel. It’s got nothing to do with you, Twilight. He wants to spend time her. It’s not everyday that Spike has a girlfriend.” She giggled. “I still don’t have any idea what she is. Very mysterious this Rachel is. You guys saw how red he was turning.”

“If he is, then at least he’s with a friend.” Twilight said, her ears straightened up a bit.

“He doesn’t seem to think that way by the way he was blushing.” Pinkie said before taking off at a direction and came back with a piece of driftwood and uses it as a drawbridge for the sandcastle.

“Pinkie Pie, a boy can have a girl as a friend.” Rarity sighed. “He’s friends with a lot of girls.”

Fluttershy waddles out of the shallow waters with a giggle. A starfish was snuggling at her leg. “Oh, Mr. Starfish, you can’t come with me. You need to stay in the water.” She knelt down, gently jiggling the starfish off of her and set him back down in the water. “Thanks for letting me visit your home.”

The starfish gave the yellow pegasus a wave before diving back in.

“Fluttershy, darling,” Rarity calls her out. The pegasus looks at her.

“Yes, Rarity?” Fluttershy looks up.

“Is it alright for boys to be friends with girls?” Rarity asked her then. “Just a simple question darling. Your opinion.”

“Well, yes. It’s normal for guys and girls just to be friends.” Fluttershy said.

“We’re talking about Spike and this Rachel character.” Twilight said.

The pegasus then giggled. “I-I think there’s more to it, or otherwise he wouldn’t get embarrassed about it.”

The white unicorn grunted. Before she could say more about the subject, a human family approaches them. A man, a woman, and their kids in swimwear, the daughters both seven and five.

“Excuse me, but are you a princess?” Their youngest daughter asked them, mainly Twilight.

“Why yes I am.” Twilight answered with a smile.

“I’m sorry ma’am, our daughters noticed your wings and horn and wanted to know if they can take a picture with you.” The mother chuckled softly.

“If it’s not a problem.” The father said nervously.

“Please, your majesty?” the girls bowed to the Princess of Friendship.

Twilight giggled. “It’s not a problem at all.”

The little ones got next to her. The Princess wrapped her arms around them and smiled.

The father took out their camera aimed it at them. “Say cheese!”

“Cheese!” all three of them shouted before they took a couple of photos.

“Oh! Oh! I wanna be in the photo! I wanna be in the photo!” Pinkie waves her arms.

Pretty soon that family ended up taking photos of them with Twilight and her friends. One photo had their eldest daughter on the backs of Rainbow posing in the sky; Both being lifted by Applejack like they weighed nothing. Fluttershy had the dolphins and seals actually posing for the photos and the kids and even the parents got to pet both of them. With Pinkie Pie, well, she went crazy with the photos. Many a bunch of crazy faces, poses with the humans. Starlight ended up returning and got caught up in the photo montage. She and Twilight perform some magic performances for them. Bring much joy towards everyone, not just the humans but the other ponies on the beach.

Even turning them to actual mermaids and went deep sea diving the most amazing way. Seeing the ocean in a whole new perspective.

Everyone was having fun…

All except of Rarity who just sat in her spot and boredly picked at her nails. Refusing to even acknowledging the activities her friends were partaking.

“That was awesome!” The eldest daughter hooted when they came back to the beach.

“I wanna do it again!” the youngest laughs.

“I think that’s enough for one day kids.” The father said with a smile. He looked up at the princess and her friends. “Thank you very much for this.”

“You’re very welcome. It was most fun we had all day.” Twilight smiled.

“It was a blast!” Rainbow Dash grinned.

“It was fun to say the least.” AJ chuckled, patting one of them in the head.

The youngest then wraps her arms around the princess’s left calf. “You’re my favorite princess!” The child snuggled. “I love you!” The oldest does the same with her other leg.

“She’s my favorite too!” she said as well.

Twilight giggles, reaching down and petting their heads. “Why thank you girls.”

“Thank you for this, Princess.” The mother said. “The girls been wanting to meet a princess since we came here.”

“I’m glad I get to be part of their lives.” Twilight smiled. “My friends are as well.”

“You guys are amazing to hang out!” Pinkie chirped. Snatching one of the kids and holding her in the air. The youngest squealed in laughter.

“And very cute looking.” Fluttershy smiled.

Tank and Angel lie on the sand exhausted. The kids had also played with them and were worn out.

“You know, I have a school back in Ponyville. I could always use new students.” Twilight offered to the parents. “All sorts of species go there to learn about friendship. I don’t currently have humans there yet.”

“We’ll see.” The father said, actually considering it.

The family soon said goodbye and went about their way. The children’s hearts filled of joy of meeting a princess and with the others.

“Well, that was fun.” Starlight smiled.

“I’ll say.” Rainbow Dash said. “Bringing kids that much joy, and got new fans in the process. This is a good day.” She said before propping on a towel next to Rarity. “Why weren’t you part of the fun?”

“Oh?” Rarity looks up from her nails. “You were having fun?”

Twilight narrowed her eyes at her. The other girls giving Rarity raised brows.

“Alright, Rarity, what you got with against the humans needs to stop.” Applejack then said to her. “They are not horrible creatures.”

“They are.” Rarity said. “They abuse their equine and turn them to glue.”

“Dude, we turn ourselves into glue.” Rainbow sighed.

“Though it’s a life choice, there’s a selection when we got our ID’s. If we die, we have an option to turn our bodies into glue and other things.” Fluttershy said, pulling out her ID from her beach bag and shown it to her. The check box was checked. “Though, after they got what they need, I want to be buried as a tree for all of my furry animals could use me for a home.”

The other girls nodded at that.

“Weren’t you making a clothing line strictly for humans since they are smaller than us?” Pinkie asked. “You were about to launch it and everything!”

Twilight shook her head and then looked at Rarity. “Is this...about what happened last year?”

The girls turned to her for confirmation.

Rarity huffed, sitting up and taking her sunglasses off. “What be of it?” She glared.

“But it happened a year ago.” Applejack said. “They caught him and he’s sent away. Don’t let one bad seed affect the rest of the orchard.”

“You don’t know what it was like!” Rarity then snapped at her friends. “I still remember that night as if it just happened! One night of talking with Sapphire Shores, having a drink. This human, a strapping one I will admit, comes up to us. I left with Sapphy to the bathroom for one moment. One moment! Next thing I knew while walking home, I suddenly became drowsy. Barely having any consciousness as I pushed my keys into my door. When coming too there he was! My hands tied and him…” Rarity bit her lip and sucked in some air, blinking away running tears. “With Sweetie Belle just a few meters across the hall from me as well. He called me such foul names while he did his awful deed.”

“But they caught him two days later.” Rainbow Dash said. “He’s been extro-extra-” She couldn’t even pronounce the words to save her life.

“Extradited and persecuted in his world. Locked up and never to come back.” Twilight said it for Dash. “Applejack is right. Just because one human did those awful things to you doesn’t mean you should take it out on the rest of the species. That family we were with, they were good. They wanted to be friends, wanted to be with us with kindness and care in their hearts.”

“It’s not like the children could cause any harm. They’re kids!” Pinkie said loudly.

Rarity stood up. “I don’t want to hear of this anymore,” She said abruptly, putting her glasses back on. “I’m heading to the restroom.” She then storms off down the beach.

The white unicorn storms into the empty restroom, stepped inside one of the stalls, locking it in place. She then sat on the toilet and start crying her eyes out.

Her friends, they were right. They were right to call her out. But what happened to her, the whole rape situation, it scarred her emotionally and physically. Her body felt used on that night.

It was a long time she sat in that stall crying. The mare pulled a couple pieces of toilet paper and blew at it. “Oh look at me….such a hot mess.” She whimpered, rubbing her eyes with the back of her free hand. “So unladylike.” She sniffed before tossing the snotty paper in the bowel and flushed it down the drain.

“Get a hold of yourself, Rarity.” Rarity took a deep breath. “The girls are right, one bad human doesn’t diminish the others. Remember that now….Maybe I could recruit a few of the human servers to be my models for the fashion show.” She sighed softly. “A new start for a bright future!”

Just as she turned around with a new attitude at hand and grabbed for the lock of the stall door. She hears a commotion entering the restroom.

“I can’t fuckin’ believe you did that, Gem!” A girl snapped out as she entered the room.

“Oh c’mon, Rach! You had his number in your phone since late last night! You didn’t bother picking it up and calling him.” The mare known as Gem chuckles as she came in as well.

“Rach?” Rarity mutters quietly as she sat in the stall, hearing the conversation. No… She thought.

“Gemcity, you did pull a dick move.” Another voice, one identical to Gemcity calls out as well. “Once you have your eyes set on a guy, you can’t seem to keep your legs closed.”

“Speaking of yourself.” Gemcity said.

“At least I have self control.” she said.

Rarity carefully peeks through the small gap in the stall and gasped softly. She sees the two mares who threw wine at her…

And the Paint Human!

But instead of the getup she wore on the first day or what Rachel was wearing when she met up with Spike. Her hair was straight blonde, no crazy colors added and was in a high ponytail, a dog-collar type shirt that shows her stomach and blue jean shorts and sneakers. Funny, Rarity’s sister has the same shirt but instead of white it was pink.

“Do you realize how we probably sounded on that phone? God you’re embarrassing.” The human groans, leaning against the sink.

“Rachel, calm down, it’s not like I ruin anything.” Gemcity smiled softly at her. “That drake was laughing his ass off. You heard him.”

Drake? Rachel?! Rarity quickly ended up put two and two together and covered her mouth to muffle a loud gasp. This is the Rachel that bailed out Spikie Wikie!?

“Spike is off limits.” Rachel quickly told Gemcity. “I know how your mind goes. Stay away from him.”

“Oh I’m not going there,” Gemcity said with a shit eating grin. “Not after what we saw you guys rendezvousing at the bar last night.” She giggled. “You two drinking and all.”

Bar?! Rarity thoughtfully snapped the repeated word.

“He was feeling down. I cheered him up.” Rachel explained to her. “The reason I didn’t call him earlier smartass, because I was giving him space to spend time with the mares he was with.”

“That’s now what we saw!” Gemcity suddenly changed her voice to sound like a stallion country twang. The same one that called Rachel and Spike out from above. “We know you want him.”

“I actually agree with Gemmy here.” Ruby said, crossing her arms together. “From the ball court, we saw how you were eyeing at his body. You want to tap that.”

Rachel glared at them. “He’s hot as hell. Every girl was eyeing at him. How can anyone not look?”

“Who knows, he may want you.” Gemcity giggled. Seeing how redder their human friend was becoming. “I see somebody getting laid during this vacation.”

Each moment they spoke, Rarity was turning red...and something inside her sparked. A flare of protecting the drake...and something else.

“You two are idiots.” Rachel grunts, turning around and turning the water on. She splashed her face with the running water. “Spike and I are just friends. I will not use him for whatever that has you two minds stuck in the gutter.”

“You may have a different perspective in the long run.” Ruby said, placing a hand on her bare shoulder. “It’s been seven months since you had any sort of activity. With Terrain and the baby and all-”

Rachel slapped the unicorn’s hand away from her and turned to give a look that had Rarity jump in sight of the girl.

“Don't….you ever bring that up.” The human growled at them. Her eyes threatened to fill with tears.

“Rachel, I know it hurts. But we brought you out here so you can interact with others outside of your job. We know you won’t forget what happened, but you can’t keep shutting yourself off from others.” Ruby said calmly, unphased by the menacing look her friend was giving them. “Meeting others creatures, even bedding with a guy, helps soothes the pain. Sis and I know what we’re talking about.”

“If I be with someone, I want it to be lasting. What that bastard and I had was just physical, no emotions. I want to be with someone who doesn’t boast to his friends as if I were some sort of trophy. I want to be with someone whom I can talk to about my life and not be victim blamed for the things happened to me in my past.” Rachel breathes heavily as tears stream down her face. “Someone who wouldn’t walk out of the hospital unbelieving that my dead son was also his!”

Gemcity whimpers before wrapping her arms around Rachel’s shoulders and held her close. The human wraps hers around the mare’s waist. Ruby joined in the hug. The two unicorns held her close. Rachel cried into her friends’ chest.

“That pony never deserved you, Sis.” Gemcity then said softly to her. Both girls running their hands along the human’s hair. “We just want you to be happy again. Our fun loving, badass friend who never took shit from anypony. You may hide it from everyone else, but we know how you feel.”

“This trip is about you.” Ruby said softly to her as well. “When we saw you and Spike last night. We saw a spark. A spark in your heart, and in his as well. A smile we haven’t seen since it happened.”

Rachel sniffed, pulling away from the girls. She pushed herself on the sink, her legs dangling off the edge and sighed.

“Okay, stop crying.” Ruby told her reaching up to brush her bangs away from the human’s face. “Now, you’re meeting up with Spike, knowing you, you’ll have a good time.” Though twins and share similar traits, the two mares were polar opposites. While Gemcity is flirty and very sexual, Ruby has that motherly charm to her. The teal unicorn then places her hands on Rachel’s hips.

Rachel rubbed the tears out of her eyes. Trying to control her havoc breathing and looked at the girls.

“Look at you. You’re the strongest human we know. We do anything for you, Rach.” the purple unicorn said with a tender smile.

“Seems only yesterday we found you sleeping in some box behind the strip joint where Gem and I work at. This sweet, starstrucked little girl we took to our home.” Ruby smiled. She leans in and plants a kiss on the crown of Rachel’s head.

“Thanks guys…” Rachel said softly, a smile brought about her face.

“Now if it happens, it happens, but Rachel, go actually have fun with him.” Ruby said.

“Both of you can be the balms to soothe each other’s aching hearts.” Gemcity grinned, in resulting a smack on the arm from her twin.

“Not gonna happen, we’re friends.” Rachel chuckles softly.

“I’m gonna bet on that. Ten bits says by the end of the day, even if you haven’t done anything to attract his attention, Spike is gonna ask you out.” Gem then said with a wider grin.

“Get the hell out, now.”Rachel intimidly growls at her friend. “Go before I literally break your horn.”

The purple unicorn giggled before hopping away from the human’s reach. Ruby pulls away from her as well and grinned. “See ya later, Bitch.”

“Catcha later, Sluts.” Rachel then smirked.

“Love you!” Gemcity chimed, putting two fingers and pressing them against her lips and blowing a kiss at her human friend as the twins waltzed out.

“Love you too.” Rachel said. When the twins were out of the restroom, the human leans back against the mirror and groans. “What am I going to do with those two…” She asked softly to herself.

With a sigh, she hops down from the sink. “We’re just friends...just friends…” Rachel keeps telling herself that. Though she was looking at herself in the mirror and adjusted her hair.

A soft smile came about her face as she thought of him. She had fun last night, her friends were right. She did felt something lit up around him…

With a sigh, she walked out of the bathroom.

The bathroom stall slowly swings open. Rarity’s left eye twitched from what she just witness. Her horn softly sparked a rather weak green aura that was slowly growing.

Spike walked through the boardwalk heading towards the beach. He was rather looking forward to this. Spending time with Rachel. He felt better when he was with her last night, he didn’t know why he was wanting to be with her. This total stranger did more help towards him than his friends…

The wind shifted direction. His nose caught the ambrosial scent of hers and he sighed softly. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he hopped off of the boardwalk, landing right into the sand below and followed the human’s aroma.

Walking over a few yards, looking where she could be, Spike looked over to a wooden table a few feet in the distant. A faint smile came across the drake’s face when he saw Rachel.

Her mind was wandering in deep thought as she was hunched over, her knees propped up and drawing into a sketchbook. He could see charcoal staining her fingertips as she rubbed on whatever she drew on the page.

Spike almost didn’t want to disturbed her before she spoke up.

“Dude, take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Rachel smirked, raising her head up and looking at the drake.

Spike chuckled softly before walking up to her. “Mind if I….”

“Free country, go ahead.” She answered, scooted a bit on the table so Spike could sit next to her. The table sinked a bit in the sand and groaned from his weight but it didn’t stop Rachel from drawing in her book. “So, how are you?” She asked, closing her sketchbook.

“Fine I guess,” Spike said in response. “Feeling the aftermath of yesterday’s tussle with Bouncer and his idiots.” He then points up ahead towards the security ponies trying to blend in and not get caught of watching the dragon. They were doing a piss poor job of doing it.

Rachel playfully stuck her tongue out to them and giggled. “If they only knew the story.”

“Do you know what happened? You only heard their side.”

“I can probably guess on what happened.” Rachel said.

Spike turned to look at her with a raised brow. “Oh really?”

She nodded. “From talking to you yesterday and the day before, you are not normally a violent dragon that just bash heads on whoever you feel like it. And playing with Bouncer, I saw a peek of his actual personality. Here’s what I think happened: You overheard the three talking crap, you heard them said something you didn’t like, you warned them to cool it. As you were walking off, they attacked you. You defended yourself. Am I getting any of this wrong?”

Spike blink very slowly as she told him how it unfold. “You’re good.”

She grinned. “Being a bartender, that’s an unofficial trait you gotta have when serving up booze.”

“Do I need to pay you for your services?” He then asked.

“Just a moment of your time, that is all.”

That was a very good answer.

He then looked to her sketchbook. “Your roommates let bring that out here?”

“I just bought this while waiting.” She smirked. “My money, my way of spending.” Rachel then turns to him, holding the book up. “Wanna see a few?”

Spike nodded before he reached for the sketch book. He held it in his hands before flipping the cover over.

Instantly, the dragon was at awe at the first page. The picture was of the beach. Just drawing the ponies and humans relaxing and having fun in graphite shading. He turned the page and a detailed shark looked like it was about to jump out of the page. Spike flipped through more than half of the book. It was nothing but filled with amazing artwork. There was no way she would’ve gotten this much work done while waiting for him.

“Rachel, these are awesome!” He said as he was turning to a page that could be Luna’s Dreamscape. “But there’s no way you did all this while you were waiting.”

Rachel smirked. “Wanna bet?”

He hands her the book back and folded his arms across his chest. “Prove it.”

Turning her away from him, Rachel turned to a blank page, grabbed her weapon of choice and began drawing.

Every few moments that had passed, the human looked over her shoulder, glancing at the dragon before going back to her book.

A minute passed, soon turn to five. The dragon arched his neck above her to get a sneak peek. “No peeking.” She quickly told him without looking up. “I’m almost done.” She hums softly as she continued working.

When five minutes turned to seven. Spike yawned softly before she sat up.

“Okay, ready?” Rachel then asked him.

“Show me what you got?” He asked, not believing she got much work done at such a short period of time.

Rachel turned around. The book clung to her chest. “One two three!” She turns the book around and the dragon nearly fell off of the table in sight of the drawing.

It was of him! Just sitting behind Rachel waiting for her to finish. The graphite shading as freaking spot on. The way the sun was reflecting off of his scales, the light shine his coat had. The facial features were beyond amazing. “Eat your heart out.” Rachel grinned in response to his speechless look.

“I-I. It-it...gehaa!” He made a sound as he snatched the book from her hands and took a closer look at the drawing. She even got the right amount of spikes going across his tail correctly, the larger scales that went from his neck down were in near perfection. She even got his eyes right! Not even the paintings and sculptures he seen himself in the Crystal Empire ever got them correct.

Rachel let out a laugh as she watched him questioning himself. “I take that as a thanks!” She snatched the book back and tore it out of the book and handed him the page after signing her initials on the edge of the page. RL.

“How did you draw this so fast?!” He finally scrounge up the right words to say to her. “Do you have magic I don’t know about or what?”

Rachel just sat there with a grin. “Time and a shit load of practice.” She said. “Ever since I was able to pick things up as a baby, I done nothing but draw.”

“Did someone teach you? You go to school to learn...wow I look good.” He said, looking at the picture more. She didn’t add the bandages he had on his face and the black eye - which was a lot better than last night, though he had no complaints.

She smiled. “I am self taught. I figured with how things got bad with my folks...I draw. It’s my escape from reality.”

Spike turned his head when she said that. “How bad?”

Rachel sighed softly. “Enough to where my mom had her and I sneak out at least five times in the dead of night and cross country the US to get away from my dad… And yet he always finds us and dragged us back home. He was always angry about something and took it out on us. My mom got it the worse…”

Spike sat the drawing on his lap and his ears dropped slightly. The image of the burns on her back came to his mind and a soft growl came out of his snout.

Rachel reached over and put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, that life I had is gone. The bastard is in a whole ‘nother world from here. I believe Karma had taken care of him. So will the three assholes you fought with. She’s a fucking bitch but Karma will handle it.” Positivity just flourished out of the human. “Back then, I draw to distance myself from the reality. Now I do it because I love it. My boss lets me hang my art up and lets me sell them. I make a quite an earning do so, especially with the dragons that fly into town coming back from Migration.”

“Oh?” He asked, looking at her eyes. “Dragons do love things considered treasures, art is one of them.”

“Perhaps, but no.” She smirked. “I put gems in some of my paintings. Popup art. At first I thought I was making a killing with my art, till I saw them pulling the gems out and tossing the painting in the garbage.”

Spike snickered. He wasn’t going to lie, he might done that but he’d at least keep the artwork, the one she worked hard to make. “That sucks.” He then smiled at her.

“It hurt at first. But hey, if I’m making money off of it, I’ll just reuse the trashed art pieces and put more gems on it. Which reminds me, I’ll have to talk to a couple Diamond Dogs about getting more supplies after I get back home. You’ll be surprised how easy it is for them to cough up a few gems if you grease their paws with hand and mining tools.”

That would explain how she came to be with the fire rubies that were in his pocket still.

Spike looked down at the drawing he gottened and smiled. “Thank you.” He says as he took the drawing and carefully folded into a square and put it in one of his pants pocket. He turns to her then. “I mean it. Thank you.”

Rachel matched his smile. “You’re welcome.” She said. She was just about to open her mouth when…

“SO THIS IS RACHEL!!!!!” Pinkie Pie’s loud voice scared the living crap out of the human, causing her to jump up and doved into Spike’s arms, clinging to him with a shout. Spike jumped as well and wrapped his arms around Rachel at the same time. “Ooh, jumpy!” The mare giggled.

“pa-Pinkie!?” Spike sputters out. His chest going up and down rapidly. The human clinging to him following the waves. “Where did you come from?!”

“Over there.” Pinkie giggled, pointed at the direction where the other girls were approaching.

Oh no, Spike thought when he saw Twilight and the others approaching them.

“Pinkie, we just told you to leave them be.” Twilight groans, shaking her head at the pink mare.

“You don’t know how to listen, do you?” Dash said.

Then, their eyes turned straight for the human in the dragon’s arms.

For a moment, no pony said a word. They just stared at the sight they were seeing. Rainbow Dash starts making the same grinning face as Pinkie Pie at the two.

“So this is your girlfriend huh?” Dash snickered.

“Girlfriend?” Both Spike and Rachel repeated the word questionly in unison. Both momentarily forgetting that they were still connected to each other.

Applejack then chuckled. “Well? Ain'tcha gonna introduce us, Spike?”

Another awkward moment passed before Spike and Rachel turned to face each other. Their faces relatively close. Both of them blushed pure red before pulling apart. Rachel hopping off of his lap and onto the ground. “Sorry.” they both said at the same time to each other.

Twilight and the others giggled at the two which only made their faces turn redder.

“W-what are you guys doing here?” Spike then asked them.

Twilight bite her lower lip with a giggle. “We were heading towards the amusement park when Pinkie spotted you...and her.” She motioned her hands towards Rachel.

It took a moment for the human to catch up before she perked up. “Oh, gosh I’m sorry.” She said with a chuckle before going up to them. “I’m Rachel Lockhart, a friend of Spike’s.” Rachel then introduced herself to Twilight and her friends and held her hand out for a shake.

“Sure you are.” Dash trolling said.

“Ignore her.” AJ quickly told her.

Twilight grabbed Rachel’s hand and shook. Soon shook the other girls’ hands and getting to know their names. Instead of a handshake from Pinkie, she gave her a bone crushing hug.

“Can’t breath, can’t breath.” Rachel gasped out but tried to hug the pink pony.

Pinkie Pie giggled. “I’m a hugger!”

“Pinks…” Spike groans, covering his face with his hands in embarrassment.

“So am I.” Fluttershy smiled as Pinkie Pie let’s Rachel down.

“Don’t kill her just yet.” Starlight chuckles, going over to Rachel and patted her back as the human tried to get more oxygen in her.

“I’m good. I’m good.” Rachel said after taking a few breaths before looking at the yellow pegasus. “I’m a hugger too, but it’s just common courtesy to shake hands on first meet.”

Twilight smiled at her for just saying that.

“Oh.” Fluttershy said. But not before Rachel goes up to her and puts her arms around her waist - since Rachel was smaller than the mares in front of her - and gave her a hug.

“Better?” Rachel asked with a grin.

Fluttershy smiled and wrapped her arms around the human and hugged her back. “You’re so soft.”

“Why thank you!” Rachel giggled.

Popping out of Fluttershy’s beach bag, Angel Bunny looks to see what was the commotion and he let out a loud gasp. In the bunny’s mind of sight, angelic music played and hearts and roses surrounded Rachel. First Starlight and now this new girl.

More importantly, he was glancing at her firm breasts.

The bunny shot out of the bag, pounced on Rachel and clung to her chest. “Oh hello?!” Rachel jumps in surprised. Angel nuzzled up against her melons with a lovely sigh coming out of his little mouth.

“H-hey!” Spike snapped when he saw him just groping her. He gets up off of the table and goes towards the two. He’ll gonna punt that bunny if he has to!

“Angel!? Ohmygosh I’m so sorry!” Fluttershy squeaked when she saw him on Rachel. Rainbow Dash, AJ, Pinkie Pie and Starlight laughs at the scene. Rachel was even laughing at this.

Fluttershy reached towards the rabbit. Angel let out a dog-like growl, slaps the mare’s hand away and continues to put his face between Rachel’s boobs and was actually motorboating. Spike went to pull him out when the bunny bit his hand, actually drawing a bit of blood from the Dragon.

“You little shit!” Spike yowls, shaking his hand.

Rachel then gives it a try. The bunny had an iron grip on her shirt, which only made her laugh even harder. This bunny just won’t let up!

Lucky bastard…. A tiny, tiny faint voice echoed in the dragon’s mind, though not even he realized he made that thought.

Twilight, who was trying not to laugh, uses her magic and paralyzed the bunny and pulled him off of her. Angel had the sad puppy eyes and looked at Rachel with a wanted look. The alicorn giggled as she hands the bunny back to his owner.

Fluttershy held him in her hands as the magic went away. Angel reaches his tiny arms out trying to get to Rachel again.

“I am so sorry, Rachel.” Fluttershy said, her face blushed red from what happened. “He never did that to anyone before. So embarrassing.”

Rachel just laughs at that. “No no, it’s fine. It’s cute...just surprised.”

Starlight puts a hand on Rachel’s shoulder and giggled, leaning in and whispered, “Don’t worry, you’re not the only one he’s attracted to you like that.”

Rachel snickered.

Spike just send electrifying glares right into the Bunny’s soul. The two had a stare down for a couple of seconds before he heard his named called out.

“Well, Spike what do you think?” Twilight called him out.

“Sorry, what did you say?” Spike asked, tearing away from the fluffy devil.

The girls giggled.

“Your friends just asked us to accompany them to the amusement park before the scavenger hunt tonight.” Rachel smiled tenderly at the dragon. “I wouldn’t mind we all hang out. What about you?”

They-what?! Spike mind went a hundred miles a second. He wanted just to hang out with her. That’s why he asked to meet up with her…

But seeing already how she quickly bonded with Twilight and the others, he suddenly didn’t mind.

“Sure, let’s get going then.” Spike grinned.

“What’s going on here?” Rarity finally found them after walking for a few minutes. Sweating from the access walking across the beach. She then sees Rachel with Spike and just glares at the human, thinking of what she heard with her and her...friends…

“Oooooh…” The other girls oohed, finally remembering where they seen Rachel. From the beginning of the cruise and the paint can accident…

Even Rachel looked a bit uneasy. Spike saw how Rarity was looking at his human friend, his wings flexed and his eyes narrowed at the white mare.

“Now I know where she looks familiar…” Fluttershy whispers softly, her ears flung down softly.

The cowmare rubbed the back of her head, biting her lips. “Um...Rarity, this is Rachel. She’s gonna be joining us to the park.”

“We met...briefly.” Rarity said, not taking her eyes off of the human.

Rachel cleared her throat. “My friends...told me what they did to you the other day… with the wine and names and all that… I’m sorry for their act...they can be overly protective of me and will lash out to anyone.” She chuckles nervously. “And the paint accident...again.”

The dragon watched how Rarity takes the apology again. Knowing Rarity she may hold some sort of grudge to an individual.

Rarity looked at the two and sighed, putting a hand on her hip. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go while we have light left.”

“Took the words out of my mouth…” Starlight said nervously.

Twilight and the others turned about and head towards the boardwalk. Spike eyed at Rarity as he put a hand over Rachel’s shoulder and walked with her. More of a protective manner than wanted to make his old crush jealous.

Even though that wasn’t the case, Rarity’s green-eyed monster grows ever slightly while she followed them.

***

In the amusement park, the gang walked around, buying fried greasy foods and pop and trying out various game booths.

The girls - but rarity - were telling their new friend tales of their past adventures, accomplishments. Even telling tales about Spike when he was a baby… their job. Embarrassing the shit out of him.

“And then Spike sneezed and set a fire all through the streets of Canterlot!” Twilight laughs, recalling her assistant being in charge of her royal duties one time.

“And nearly started a war between the changelings and dragons.” Starlight giggled as well.

Rachel tried hard not to crack a smile at what she was hearing. Hearing every single story the girls had about the dragon but she was failing. She laughed from what she was hearing anyway.

Poor Spike just hung in the very back of the group, his face couldn’t get any more red from embarrassment. He liked Rachel, don’t get him wrong...but why?! Why did the girls must freaking do this to him?! He takes a sip of coke… though it wasn’t his favorite Spiced Bean Vanilla creamsicle, it’ll do for him...sadly.

Rarity didn’t say anything towards Rachel since the beach. Probably a good thing since Rarity just kept looking at the human with pure hatred. She wanted Rachel to go away. After hearing her and her friends were talking about Spike - though taking it totally the wrong way - seeing how he looked at her while putting a hand on her…. As if they were together, together…

“Guys, can you please stop with the storytelling…?” Spike asked the girls with a groan.

“Why not?” Rainbow Dash said. “We’re just filling your girlfriend in.” Dash grinned, patting Rachel’s back who just chuckled.

“We’re just friends.” Rachel told them but giggles on how red Spike was.

“So...Rachel? How did you come across Spike here?” Twilight then asked with a smile.

“Well...after the paint fiasco, Spike helped me out.” Rachel said honestly.

“That’s Spike alright,” Applejack chuckles, adjusting her hat. “He helps anyone whom he sees. That’s the kind of guy he is.”

“I know.” Rachel smiled, then looking at Spike. “A big guy with a big heart.”

Good thing Spike was already red as he chuckles wearly at her comment and the way she was looking at him. “She needed help and I helped her out.”

“And that was enough for you to bail him out?” Twilight continued her questioned.

“Well...I believed that what happened to Spike that he was defending himself.” Rachel then said. “I was just paying it forward. That and we make a badass team in the ballcourt.”

“Ooh! You two played basketball? I would’ve like to see that!” Pinkie said then going to her phone and go through the media. “Huh! There it is!” She shown the girls of the game quickly. Just as the two were making the final score. Somepony videoed the two play.

“Wow you two looked awesome!” Dash grinned.

Both Fluttershy and Rarity blushed red when seeing Spike shirtless… It was the first time the two girls seen the dragon without his shirt.

Rachel grinned and bumped the dragon’s arm with hers. “Why thank you, Rainbow Dash.”

Spike smiled at her and chuckled softly. “Yeah, we were okay yesterday.” Spike grinned.

“Yeah, after the game and the ship jail thing, Spike and I had a little chat at the bar, I made sure not to give Big Guy here some booze.” Rachel smirked, patting his arm.

“Oooh!” The girls - but Rarity who just gave another nasty glare at the human - oohed at them. Spike made a look at the girls.

“I thought you didn’t work at the ship…” Rarity finally spoke with venom lacing in her words.

Rachel smirked mischievously. “Yeah, I know. But I work as a bartender in Fillydelphia. I know how to serve drinks to dragons who happen to stop by at the bar. And trust me...he needed it.”

Twilight looked at the human for a moment before smiling at her. “Whatever you two talked about last night, it seemed to approve his mood. Thank you for that.”

“I’m right here you know…” The drake muttered which resulted another pat from Rachel and a smile from her as well.

“That we know.” She giggled. She then turned to the girls.

“So, you know a lot about dragons?” Fluttershy then asked her.

Rachel shrugged as they continued to walk to look for something to do. “Only from what I saw and attended to at my workplace.” Rachel said. “I know they are greedy, sometimes rude. Fun at happy hour. So many stories they spread around.” She chuckled at that as she goes through what she knows about dragons. “Oh and they can sing like no one can on karaoke friday.”

That had all the girl laugh at that.

“Dragons can’t sing. Dragons hate singing!” one of them commented that.

“They can’t even carry a tune to save their life.” Rarity laughs then.

From what they seen of dragons and with Twilight occasion trip to the Dragon Lands, not one creature - on the exception of Smolder, a dragon that attended to her school - and from the last time she heard her assistant sing, dragons can’t sing.

Rachel raised a brow and glanced at Spike, who nervously coughed at that. “How much y'all wanna bet right now?” Rachel asked them who resulted on a WHAT?! From the dragon.

“Excuse me?” Applejack then asked.

“You guys heard me.” Rachel cockyly said, crossing her arms. “Dragons can sing, it’s rare and they were intoxicated before they spew fire and pass out. But they can sing.”

“Um, Rachel, what are you doing?” Spike asked, his voice raised a couple of octaves. Though it did stung what his friends laughed about the singing bit...Rachel wasn’t wrong.

“Proving my worth of knowledge.” Rachel replied before looking at the girls.

“I like to see that bet.” Rainbow Dash grinned.

“I’m in!” Pinkie said as well.

“I would like to hear as well.” Fluttershy chimed in as well. “I always liked your singing, Spike.”

“I’m in.” Starlight shrugged but interested.

“How much in the pot?” AJ asked.

“Five bits from each of you.” Rachel said. “If I’m lying, I’ll forty - that’s five bits to each and every one of you.”

“Do you even have that much on you, darling?” Rarity asked in a snarking tone.

“I make more than what you make with your three boutiques in a year.” Rachel only smirked. Rarity’s face flustered with that statement. “I just only brought what I need for the trip.” She then dug into her short pockets and pulled out a nicely sized pouch filled with golden bits. About the size of a pumpkin. “Got it all right in here.”

“Hold up, before we start going into bets, what does Spike have to say to that.” Twilight sagely said before all of the girls turning to Spike. He was nervously sucking his soda up dry to the point the cup shriveled up.

What to do? What to do!? Spike thought as he saw the girls looking at him for confirmation. His tail tucked in between his legs. Last freaking time he ever perform in public was when he was fourteen. He had done a piano show for the crystal ponies one night. He got too cocky and let some hecklers get into his head and he botched up the whole show. Though the ponies enjoyed the show, it was a total nightmare! And the only singing he had done was in the shower!

He went up to Rachel. “C-can I talk to you for a second?” Spike squeaked before clearing his voice.

The human nodded.

The two walked away from the group till it was just them. Away from the girls earshot.

“Are you insane or what?” Spike horsley whispered to her.

“I’m sorry,” Rachel whispered back. “But when your friends laughed about what I just said, I went off. Like I said before, I talk the first thing that come to my mind and it gets me into trouble.”

“Yeah and dragged me into it.” He shook his head. “I haven’t perform anywhere in years!” He then sighed softly.

“You don’t have to do it. Just tell them.” Rachel then said. Spike looked down at her. “You don’t have prove anything if you don’t want to. I’m sorry for opening up my mouth.”

The drake then sighed, his shoulders sagged a bit. Now he feels like he wants to just because of that.

“What’s taking you guys too long?” RD called out. In that same arrogant tone just caused the dragon to snarl softly.

His eyes shifted down the park and saw where they were doing karaoke sessions. Three bits a song says on the little sign.

He looked towards Twilight and their friends, towards Rachel and then shook his head and takes off towards the booth.

“Huh? He’s actually going to do it.” AJ said before all the girls followed the dragon.

Spike took a deep breath, shaking his head again. “What am I doing this?” He asked himself as he got in line. On stage was a young filly who’s voice sounded like nails against chalkboard singing some generic pop music, reading the words off of a tiny screen and singing offkey. His ears flung backwards just hearing her voice. Her parents out front were taking photos and videoing her being some pop star.

After two more long minutes, the little filly bows down after the end of the song and skips off past him.

“Next.” A thin stallion monotonically said, sitting on a stool and flipping a magazine boredly. “Pay three bits, pick a song you see and sing to your heart's content.”

“Thanks…” Spike muttered, putting three bits in a little jar with a sticky note attached to it that says “pay hear” Literally, this pony wrote it that way. He then goes to the little machine that was next to it.

He goes through the listings of songs to sing. So many crappy, sappy, happy songs. Some were older than him, some just made him cringed just looking at the names. Spike glanced up and saw the girls were waiting out in front of the stage.

Rachel was in clear view from backstage…

Spike looks down on the machine, he scrolled down a couple of times till he spots a song. A Skullen Fang song. He was surprised that this thing actually had a song from the band. Granted it was one of their “cleaner” songs, but a good one nonetheless. One he wouldn’t need to look at the screen.

Spike takes a gulp and walked out from the backstage and onto the stage up front. He gets up to the standing mic, ended up knocking into it.

“Eah!” He squeaked, quickly grabbed the stand before it fell and set it up right. Someone coughed from somewhere.

The dragon’s heart was pounding hard out of his chest. His palms were already sweaty and he hadn’t start singing.

“Just sing,” Rachel said with a calm, enthusiastic advice. “Once you start singing, any fears you have will just fade away.”

“It’s true.” Fluttershy giggled, agreeing with her.

The song started to play. A gentle electric guitar melody starts off first. Spike gripped onto the grip of the microphone and a hand on the stand.

He took a deep, shuddered breath before he opened his mouth…

And started to sing.

(How I imagined the singing voice and song Spike sings

)

The first deep word that shot out of the dragon’s snout, all of the mares in the group had their jaws dropped to the ground. It even had that stagepony poked his head out to see if what he was hearing was real.

“That’s not Spike!” Rainbow Dash gawked, watching and listening the dragon nervously perform. “It can’t be him.”

“But it is…” Fluttershy sighed heavily. Her shy heart was pumping hard just the sound of that deep, musical, baritone voice. Though not as deep as Big Mac’s nor when Flutters was under the poison joke, but it was enough to send lovely chills down her bones. Little hearts started floating around the pegasus.

“How is that possible?” Twilight asked with her mouth quivering. “I though…”

“You were right, baby dragons can’t sing for shit.” Rachel chuckled as Spike started going into the chorus. “But adult dragons on the other hand, they put ponies to shame.” She motioned towards the stage as he straightened up a bit, getting comfortable where he was at.

As he came to the second opening, building a bit more confidence, he pulled the microphone off of the stand starts carrying it around with him and sang more of the song. Tourists stopped and formed around the stage cheering him on as if they were at an actual concert. Girls started trying to reach towards him.

Rarity moans softly, biting her lips when watching Spike performing. Her heart pumping louder than Fluttershy’s. The way the light the sun was hitting him, the growing confidence he was building when he started singing the chorus again. She slowly wobbles towards the stage watching. Seeing him having fun on stage, singing in that magnificent voice, Rarity’s knees brushed together.

What is this…? Rarity thought as she watched. Her hand placed over her aching heart. Why am I suddenly like this?...is this what Spike felt towards me this entire time? This handsome, sweet, exhilarating dragon… “Spikie…” She whimpered.

Spike by now grew so much confidence as he reached towards a certain part of the song. His grin widened, the way he carried himself on stage, him letting himself go in this moment. He looked out into the large crowd that was now gathering in front of him. He sees his friends speechless to this new development.

He sees Rachel then. Swaying softly to the music, her eyes closes only briefly. Singing along to the song. Getting lost into the music. When she opened her eyes, Spike felt his heart skip a beat or two. He didn’t think he could grip the mic any harder. Spike was a good singer. Now it was time to actually own it.

Rarity sees this look in Spike’s eyes. She followed it and see him looking at the human girl. The green aura sparked up on her again, this time brighter. He was looking at Rachel the way he….

The way he use to look at Rarity before she broke his heart.

The song soon ended and the crowd went nuts. This feeling of enlightenment overwhelms the dragon. This was a different feeling than what he was used to. He gets the feeling of achievement when he saved the Crystal Empire, but this…. it felt different. Spike liked it.

Twilight, Starlight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy quickly tossed Rachel the five bits as they ran towards Spike, who was hopping off of the stage and pushed the screaming fans off of him.

“Guys! I was kidding!” Rachel laughs out loud but helds the bits in her hands. She really didn’t mean to bet.

“That was amazing!” Twilight shouted as she jumped into the air, her wings picking up air so she could wrap her arms around his shoulders and gave him a huge hug. Using her magic to push the screaming fangirls off of him to do so.

The other girls gave Spike hugs as well and commented on how amazing he was on stage. How they had absolutely no idea that he had that talent in him. Apologizing for laughing at the dragons can’t sing comment from before.

Spike chuckled softly, trying to wrap his arms around all the mares in front of him. “I didn't know I had it in me.” He said before looking up at Rachel. Still holding the bits she earned but had the most tenderly smiles he’d ever seen in his life. Not even Fluttershy could even top this one.

“Never doubted you for a second, Big Guy.” She smiled.

“Spike…” Rarity then steps up.

The other girls pulled apart and also turned to the white mare. She subconsciously rubbed her left arm with her right hand as she approached the dragon. Her ears dipped downwards.

“Yes?” Spike then straightens up.

“I...I am terribly sorry...for the way I acted the other day.” She said softly, looking up to his green eyes. “I never realized… how much I actually hurt you all these years.” the dragon’s gaze softened when he heard those words coming out of her. “I’m sorry...I can only hope we can just...start over, just forget what happened and go back to the way things were.” She steps up and put a hand on on his arm. “If you’ll have me…?”

“Rarity… as much as I want to forget...I can’t.” Spike said. “What happened, happened. There’s no change to that.” He then smiled at her softly. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t stop relying the ol’ noble dragon to help.”

Rarity smiled back, with more feeling towards him than she ever has before.

Grrrrrrrrrr!

Spike then blushed and put a hand on his stomach. “Oh boy, I’m hungry!” He chuckled nervously.

“Good thing too.” Rachel then comes up, “You’re friends are buying lunch.” She grinned. Spike looked at her and grinned back.

“You better give me half of that. You did bet on me, I should get half of what you get.” The dragon smirked, elbowing the human on her shoulder.

Rachel grabs a hand of his and puts the bits into the palm of his hand. “Never leaving ya hanging.”

“Let’s quit yappin’ and get to snackin’!” Pinkie then got in the middle of the two and grabbing their hands. “Let’s go lets go!” She then starts dragging them to where the foods were.

After getting a couple of milkshakes, fried funnel cakes, apple fritters and a colossal basket of fries, the gang then takes a seat at a wooden table.

The dragon licks his lips at the fritters before digging out the leftover baggie of gems - holding now about five left - setting them aside and started eating again.

His friends sitting in either side of him. Rarity was right next to him. Looking up with her big blue eyes and batting her little lashes at him. Seeing a whole new light of him.

But...Spike wasn’t even paying attention to her like he normally would. He ate his fritters with smile. “Boy these are good!”

“Not as bad as mah family recipe,” Applejack said, munching on one as well. “But they sure are not half bad.”

Pinkie shakes a thing of sugar, caking the fried dough in white powder before eating it all in one bite. “DELICIOUS!” She giggled.

Rainbow Dash just eats a salad. Something about trying to stay fit. Wonderbolts do not tolerate flabby members or something she put it that way.

“i gotta say, Spike.” Starlight then said with a smile. “You were amazing out on stage.”

“Thank you.” Spike grinned as he chewed his food.

“Most talented that I’ve seen so far.” Rarity giggled. Which resulted in a nod from the dragon that just made her silently grunted.

“Maybe the Ponytones would be interested in you.” Fluttershy smiled, sipping on her milkshake.

“Ponytones?” Rachel asked behind them. They all turned to her. She was holding a thing of fries and a chocolate-vanilla milkshake in both of her hands.

“It’s a hometown acapella group in Ponyville.” Spike answered, sitting up when he looked at her. Rarity’s left eye twitched a bit in sight of the human. “Though it’s a nice offer, Shy, but I’m going to have to say no.” He then said to Fluttershy, looking at her. “Besides, Big Mac may feel as if he may get replaced.”

AJ chuckled. “Yeah, he’ll probably feel that way. Don’t want ya two to get in a tussle for something silly.”

“I like to hear them one day. Acapella is cool.” Rachel said honestly that made Flutters blushed and her hair hiding her face.

Rachel nodded to them before turning around and went to find another seat since the bench was completely filled with no room, even for her small stature compared to them all.

Twilight and the other mares - beside Rarity - gave each other a look, almost communicating mentally and knowing exactly what they should do.

Rainbow Dash then gets up. “Take my seat, Rach.” She said, maneuvering her legs over and offering her a seat. Rachel turned to see that.

“Oh, are you sure?” Rachel asked hesitantly.

The cyan mare blew her rainbow bangs out of her eyes. “I’m practically done. You take my seat.”

“Oh, okay, thanks!” Rachel said as she walked over to the table and sat down.

“You know, I’m going to get more food.” Starlight said as she grabbed her things and moved away from the tables as well.

One by one, the girls made some sort of excuse to get up and move away from the table. Confusing both Spike and Rachel as they got up and left them alone. Almost. Rarity was still sitting there, taking a sip of her mineral water.

“What’s gotten into them?” Rarity asked.

She was then engulfed in turquoise blue aura and was lifted up with her drink in the air by Starlight’s magic. “H-hey! Put me down!” Rarity shrugged as she was being carried away from Spike and Rachel.

The two watched this and blinked. “Well….that was interesting?” Rachel cleared her throat.

“Yeah, it was…” Spike said, seeing the girls sit at another table across ways from them. Leaving them...Ohh! Now he gets it.

He turned to Rachel and smiled. “At least we get to hang out alone for a bit.” He said, relaxing now. “I really wasn’t expecting everyone join in.”

“I don’t mind at all, actually.” Rachel said, eating a fry. “Family is meant to gang up on the new arrival.”

“Family? Family don’t embarrass you in front of company.” Spike sighed, scratching the scales on his neck.

Rachel giggled. “Big Guy, from what they told me from the stories and how they think highly of you. The years you all spent with each other, that’s family.” She then points at them. “Those girls have the right to embarrass their baby brother.” The dragon blushes. “The twins embarrass my ass all the time. That’s what family does.”

“I meant to ask this before? How did you come to contact with them?” He asked, taking a bite out of his fritter. “I mean, they threatened to throw your stuff overboard, take your stuff and all.”

The human snickered. “It’s just how they are.” She said, dipping a couple of fries into her milkshake before eating it with a smirk. “Boy this is good. Anyway, how I met them...you already know that I took the money the government gave me and blew it all on traveling equestria and broke down in Fillydelphia. It was late one night, no money to get a room or food. So I slept in some box between a laundry mat and a strip club.”

Spike sat up and smirked. Like any other guy, his mind goes in all sorts of direction when thinking of nude mares dancing.

“Ruby and Gemcity are strippers yes, but come back to earth, Big Guy.” Rachel laughs, seeing the look on his face. “It was three in the morning when the two got off of their shifts. One of those two ended up stepping on my leg, scaring the living hell out of me and I jump up screaming.” She then scratching her cheek. “Let’s just say things got involved with pepper spray, a box of old moldy pizza, a poor innocent kid who just happened to be out late at night, magic and a trip to the slammers for all three of us.” She laughed at that.

“Oh shit,” Spike blurted out laughing. He couldn’t even begin to imagine how that all trasended. “What happened next?”

“Well, after being processed and having ponies who never seen a human before looking at me like I’m some alien - which I am, come to think about it - they put all three of us in the same holding cell for the night. At first, all three of us were fuming pissed at each other over something that was clearly a misunderstanding. We then started talking and didn’t stop till morning broke. One of the guys from the Settlement place came to bail me out and take my ass back to the Settlement place. Out of the blue, Ruby then told him, bold faced lie, that I was living with them and it wasn’t my fault that I was dragged with them to jail. Some legal motion was then set in, met the two Princesses Luna and Celestia and they let Ruby and Gemcity take me in legally during the Year Trial. Been with those bitches ever since.” She smiled at the end.

“We’ve been through so much in seven years that we became closer than blood.” Rachel said. “Though there are times where I want to beat them silly.”

Spike giggled, reaching over, snagging a fry before eating it. “Oh I know.” He teased from this morning.

Rachel reached over and playfully pushes him on the arm. “Now, you told me about how you and Twilight met, what about the rest of the girls?”

“You interested in them?”

“As much as they are interested in overhearing us.” Rachel grinned, subtly looking towards the mares watching them like hawks. When Spike looked up, the girls quickly moved their heads and pretended they weren’t doing such.

Spike narrowed his eyes at them before making a mischievous grin on his face and turned to the human. “It’s a doozy though.”

She leans in close, propping her arm on the table and putting her head on her hand and had the same grin on hers. “I do love me a doozy.”

So, Spike started telling Rachel what happened. What transpired him and Twilight to move from Canterlot to Ponyville, how The Princess didn’t want anything to do with friends and just wanted to study her flank off and yet one by one, all the girls warmed up to her during the battle of Nightmare Moon. From Pinkie gasping outloudly and ran off as soon as Twilight opened her mouth and later on throwing her a welcome to the neighborhood party; AJ having her joining the family reunion; Rainbow Dash messing up her mane with her speed and lightning by accident; Fluttershy more interested in the baby dragon than Celestia’s student; Meeting Rarity as she was decorating the town hall (though he didn't add the part where he had a major crush on her from that day on till a few days ago). Meeting Starlight and having her taken in - though serious but the human understood it. But the rest, all ended up with Rachel having a hysterical fit, in tears laughing which had Spike laughing as well.

The two soon started swapping out stories from their pasts - though most of Rachel’s was when she came to Equestria (which says a lot from her not mentioning her homeworld). Both of them chatting away, enjoying the time they had on that table.

Across ways from them, Twilight and the others were trolling at their table, watching them.

“Aww, they look so cute together.” Fluttershy giggled, her hands were together and gave a long sigh filled with ogling happiness.

“What do you guys think of Rachel?” Twilight asked them as they were trying to spy on the two.

“So far, she’s seems pretty okay by me.” Applejack said. “Smart too.”

“Yeah, who knew that she knows more about dragons than all of us.” RD chuckled. “And we all had a dragon with us for years!”

“I haven’t seen Spike smiling like this before and it’s awesome!” Pinkie shouts, which caused the other girls to hush her.

“I know.” Twilight said, looking at the two. “There’s something about her that’s making Spike act like this. Though it’s only been a day, but I can already see a change within him. I just hope he doesn’t get hurt.”

“He will.” Rarity grumbled, which caused all the girls to turn to her.

“Excuse me?” Starlight asked.

The unicorn stood up and braced her arms on the table in a slamming manner. “While I was in the bathroom, I overheard that human and her so called “friends” plotting to use Spike for their sick perverted games.”

“You’re just being over dramatic, as usual.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “You don’t know that.”

“We don’t know her!” Rarity emphasis towards the human. “I heard what I heard. Those unicorns and that human wants to do such barbaric acts towards Spike. And her, she’s using her looks to get him under her spell and it’s working.”

Applejack raised a brow towards the mare. “Like you do?”

Rarity blankly blinked. “What…?”

Fluttershy sighed softly and looked at her. “Rarity, you use your looks to get what you want. It’s how you had Spike wrapped around your finger.”

“But I heard what she and her heithing friends talked about him!” Rarity shouted.

Twilight sighed, shaking her head. “Okay, we’ll keep an eye on her, but Rarity, you need to calm down.”

“How can you girls be nice to her?” Rarity asked with a growl.

“Um, hello? It’s called giving her the benefit of the doubt.” Rainbow Dash replied, crossing her arms. “If she does something to hurt him, we’ll be on her ass for it. No one messes with our little buddy. But until we have proof that she’s scheming against Spike, leave them be till then.”

“I will have to agree with Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. The other girls nodded in agreement.

Rarity sits back seething. Something was up and she’ll get to the bottom of this Rachel. The dress ruining, rude, manipulative homosapien will not take Spikie Wikey away.

“We’ll give her a chance.” Twilight said before Pinkie Pike hushed them.

“Something’s happening!” She hissed at them, pulling out a pair of binoculars out of her curly mane and looked through them. Seeing the two species interacting with each other.

The colt from before runs up to them, well it Spike. From what they saw from afar, some words were exchanged , the colt looked more excited than frightened earlier before. His mother runs in then, still terrified like from before, grabs her son’s hand and pulled him away. At first, Spike just shook his head, feeling like crap when all of the sudden, Rachel gets up from the table and stood in front of the mother and her boy.

Rachel said something to her, motionioning her hands towards Spike and towards the table where Twilight and the others sat. More words exchanged and the mother’s mood lightened and even became sort of a fan girl and came to Spike. Giving hugs and autographs which lightened Spike’s mood already.

“Well, look at that.” Starlight chuckled, watching that.

“She’s good! Even though we’re too far to hear a dang thing!” Pinkie said, setting the binoculars down on the table. “Why are we even this freaking far?”

Twilight giggled and looked to her assistant and the human and smiled. “We’re letting them have their time.”

Rarity’s horn sparked even more of a brighter green.

Back to the two…

Spike chuckled as he waved Skyheart and his mother Riversong off. He was very impressed how quickly Rachel changed the situation and turned back to her. “That was awesome. What did you say to her?” He asked her then.

Taking a bite of her last fry, she smirked at him. “All I told her that you were The princess of friendship’s loyal companion and she put two and two together.” She chuckled.

“Companion? You mean assistant?”

“Big Guy, you’re more than an assistant. The years all of you been through together, the adventures you told me, you’re a companion. An awesome at that.” Spike smiled and blushed. Though he was used to being praised in the Crystal Empire, the way she does it...made his heart fluttered softly.

“You know…” Rachel then said, pushing her trash aside and smiled at him. “The scavenger thing that’s tonight, it’s a two person event.”

“So I’ve heard.” Spike smiled, liking where she’s going with this.

“Well, how about you and I do it together?” She then asked him.

The dragon smiled and nodded. “I would like that, alot.”

She giggled, moving her bangs out of her eyes. “Good.”

Hours soon past. Celestia’s sun descended for it’s rest and soon Luna’s moon rises. When night arised, it changed the mood of the island drastically. The creatures participating in the scavenger hunt gathered around the docks of the ship where the Captain and the resort manager had gather the participants for a few words.

“Everypony listen up, this is the first time the cruise liner and our resort destination have came up together for this event.” Captain Sea Sun begins. “The scavenger consists in partnership, meaning you and your partner must work together to retrieve the five objects.” He held up five fingers in the air for everypony to see. “The items you all must seek will be handed out shortly. But first, a few words from my associate.”

Captain Sea Sun soon stepped aside and this sort’ve gangling zebra wearing a baggy blue shirt and shorts steps up to the group.

He cleared his voice before speaking. “Yes, hello. My named is Xerath, I am the resort manager here. Before all of you get into a groups of two, a few simple rules.. Number one: in order to get the prize, you must have all of the exact items in your possession. Number two: with the map you will also be given, you must stick to the path. If you rinder off the course, you will be disqualified. Number three: You must be vigilant towards your opponents and must not steal from one another or else not only you’ll be disqualified, but you will be escorted from the island and will be banned until further notice. Be respectful towards our laws and rules and all of you should have a good time.”

“Now,” The captain spoke, “gather your partners and come up to retrieve your map and list and go have fun. All of you have until this hourglass-” A few shipmates pushed a cart that contained a big hourglass. Sea Sun grabbed for it and turned it upside down and set it down, the sand began to fall to the other side. “- is full. This is three hours. It starts now!”

Ponies started running up towards them and went frantic on grabbing the items they needed before taking off. Leaving the captain and the manager tangled up and were seeing stars.

“I’ll get it.” Rachel chuckles, elbowing the dragon playfully before she walked over to the two and helped them up in the process.

Spike held back and waited when he felt someone tugging at his arm. “Let’s darling.” It was Rarity. His eyes shifted down and looked at her. “You and I are quite amazing when it comes to finding objects, don’t you think?” She giggled.

The dragon just narrowed his eyes at her. “What are you doing?” He asked her.

“The hunt, darling,” Rarity replied. “Well I figured since you and I have always find objects to use for my fashion line, this would be a piece of cake for the both of us.” She pressed up against his arm. His arm squeezed against the mare’s breasts. Normally, he would be all for it, especially the feel of her boobs on him. But now… he just pulled his arm out of her grasp.

“Sorry, Rarity, but Rachel already asked me and I said yes.” Spike said, smoothing out the wrinkles on his arm.

Rarity scuffed. “She doesn’t know anything about-”

Spike then got into her face. His gaze darkened and his chest bulged up. “Rarity, I’m only going to tell you once, whatever it is you have going on or what you have against Rachel, it needs to stop. Now.” The way he said it gives Discord’s scary voice and look a run for his bits. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.”

“Yo, Big Guy!” Rachel called Spike. He turned around and saw her waving the items they needed to start the hunt, along with a flashlight and a small woven empty picnic basket to use. “Let’s go! I wanna get this started!”

He chuckled. “Coming.” He said before giving one last warning look to Rarity, silently telling her again to stop ahead before he walked over to Rachel and they left together.

They walked towards the forest before Rachel looked at the list. “Okay, the items we need to find is: A Luminous crystal; four firefly flowers, an amore worm, a twig of a…” She squinted at the page to read it properly. “A twig from a dragon sneeze tree.”

Spike let out a nervous gulp. “A-a dragon...sneeze tree?” He asked, just to be sure as his tail nervously tucked between his legs and wrapped around one of them.

“Yeah, is there a problem?” Rachel asked him, looking up.

“Well, yeah, there is.” Spike said, scratching his snout. Just even thinking about those stupid trees makes his nose itchy. “I’m, uh, allergic to them…” He admits as he scratches. “All dragons are. Hence the name…”

“Oh.” She put the paper down for a second. “I didn’t know.”

“Neither did I till I nearly burned Canterlot.” He grumbled in remembrance. “It didn’t help when Twilight made me in charge...that didn’t go so well either.”

“Yikes.” Rachel said. “I’ll make sure not to let you get anywhere near them.”

“I’ll keep my distance.” Like fifty miles away, Spike thought but wasn’t true. He will though keep away from them.

The human lifts up the list again and looked at the rest. “Lastly is some stone that has similar markings of Princess Cadence’s cutie mark etched on it.” She shown him the list.

Spike looked and he let out a snicker. “Hey, it does look like it.”

The two embarked on the journey to find the objects. The first one was soon to be an easy find. The map had lead them inside of a cave where a whole lot of those crystals lay inside, lighting the darkness where their flashlights could not pierce through. Obviously footprints of their competition came through there. Spike just grabbed one, placed it in the basket and walked out with the human.

“Sweet.” Rachel takes the pencil she was using before and crossed off the crystal on the list. “One down, four to go.” then stuffs the writing utensil in her pocket.

“Where’s your sketchbook?” Spike asked.

“Pinkie Pie took it, remember?” Rachel smirked. “Apparently you’re not the only one who’s enjoying my artwork.”

How can anyone not? It’s amazing, Spike wanted to say, but instead, “Yeah, Pinkie does has some sticky fingers.”

“I’ll say,” She giggled. She then opens the map and begans reading off where they needed to go.

The dragon looks about the crystal. He tilted his head slight, though the crystal was more of a yellow color, the shape reminds him of something. “Strange déjà vu.”

“What is?” Rachel then asked as she looked at the map. “Sheeh, I am so not a cartographer”

“The shape of this crystal.” Spike said. He takes it out of the basket and held it up to show her. “What shape of it do you see?” He asked her.

Folding up the map and tuck it in the waistline of her shorts, Rachel looked up and study it a bit. “Hmm, some say the shape looks like a symbol for Batman.”

“Bat-who?”

The human giggled, he’s got so many movies to watch, she thought before looking at the crystal. “A heart. It looks like a heart.”

He looked at her confused with the bat thing before giving her a nod. “Yeah, a heart. This crystal reminds me of the Crystal Heart.”

“Crystal Empire’s heart?”

“Yeah,” He says again. “I remember years ago when I was a little kid. The Empire was under attack, influenced by a tyrant called King Sombra.” Spike explained to her. “Twilight and the others tried to keep the Crystal Ponies filled with love and hope. Things didn’t go as planned and I ended up delivering the Crystal.” He chuckled.

Rachel stopped walking and looked at the dragon. “You’re that Spike?” Her eyes had grown big in realization. “I only been to the Empire once - a beautiful the empire was - those statues and paintings hung all over...that was of you?”

Spike chuckled, seeing her reaction. “Yeah...even today those ponies see me as a hero.”

The human then gets on her knees and began bowing. “I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!” Spike started to laugh because even though he was used to seeing this with the Crystal Ponies and they mean it, the way Rachel was going at it in a more comical way which only made the dragon laugh harder. “I’m not worthy to be in your presents, oh Spike, the Brave and Noble.”

“Get your ass up.” Spike laughed, shaking his head.

Rachel giggled and stood up, dusting the dirt off her knees. “Seriously though, I did not realize you were that Spike. I bet it’s awesome having all those mares fawn over you.”

He grinned. “It has its perks. But I don’t abuse the power.”

“I would.” She said.

“Trust me, if I held any power, I let greed get to me and it always ended up bad.” He said. “One time, me and a friend of mine Big Mac decided to spend guys night Discord’s way. He persuade me to use the status I held for the Crystal Ponies and…” He blushed embarrassingly. Thanks to that bastard’s manipulation abilities, he and the others bedded with a few mares that night. What was worse was the fact Spike couldn’t remember what exactly transpire that night. All he remembers was Discord trying to get Spike to talk to some other female instead of the ones he’s used to and then BLAM! He wakes up in some low down motel with some crazed fan mare laying next to him naked.

Fucking Discord.

“Oh, don’t say anything else.” Rachel chuckled. “Just you saying Discord gave me all I needed.”

“Thank you.”

The two soon went about the island, following the map, finding the items they needed for the hunt. Though Spike is an excellent hunter, he was purposely taking his time walking beside Rachel. Making wrong turns on the map, confusingly picking up the wrong worm, dropping the stone through a crack so they would have to backtrack to get another stone. His mind wasn’t fully into the hunt. He was using this time to spend more time with the human. Though, winning would be a good bonus, spending this moment with her, listening her crack some hilarious jokes, chatting straight up bullshit and they both know it. He never had that before with anyone in his life. Not even his friends, not to Thorax, not to Ember, Big Mac, the CMC, the girls, anyone in his life, he felt more comfortable around this human.

He even told her things he couldn’t tell others. Personal stuff and she just listens. He felt like she understands him more and sympathizes with Spike.

They soon came across a rather patch of yellow flowers with orange bulbs overtaking this clearing. Rachel looked at the list, studied the pic on it and looked back. “Huh, so these are the firefly flowers.” She said. “I thought the name looked familiar.”

“Oh?” The dragon raised a brow as he bent down and grabbed five from the ground and plucked them up.

“These flowers have a special surprise, when they are heated up at a certain high temperature, they give out a display of lights. Something resembles fireflies, hence the name.” She explained before looking up at the dragon. “I have a coworker, a cocktail waitress, she has the ability to identifying and examining flowers. She gets flowers from admirers a lot.” Rachel chuckled. “She’ll blab about every flower she gets and I just happened to listen.”

Spike smiled and looked at her. “Good to know. That’s very interesting to hear actually.” He said before standing up. He put the five flowers in the basket and hands a sixth to her.

Rachel smiled and grabbed it from him.

With a tiny burst of fire puffing out of his mouth. The fire hits the flower, engulfing it whole. The flower sucked up the flame, the orange bulb grew and grew, doubling in size before it pops open. A tiny light hovers above the yellow flower. Given out this beautiful glow.

“Wow…” Rachel spoke in awe, looking at the tiny light as it disappeared a moment later. Just this tiny light brought something in her eyes. Though it was a glimpse, Spike saw this.

He grabbed her hand and lead her to the middle of the patch. “Wait here.” He tells her before walking off a few feet.

“Spike, what are you doing?” Rachel asked as he stood about forty meters away.

“Okay, this should be far enough.” Spike muttered to himself. He turned to Rachel, making sure she was watching closely. Seeing that she was far enough.

Spike inhaled deeply, his chest extended out. The familiar taste of sulphur rising from his fire glands, tasting it on his tongue. His snout casted a light fiery green before a stream of green fire shout out of his mouth. The fire shot down the line of flowers, Rachel was at enough distance so she wouldn’t get burn. The dragon continued to breathe fire, slowly walking around in a circle, setting a large amount of flowers in a green blaze. There would be enough for the scavenger hunt, but this amount was just enough.

Enough for this…

Like that single flower from moments ago, the yellow petals absorbed the flames, sucking up the flames till it disappeared. The orange bulbs grew and grew before they all exploded, but instead of that tiny floating light like the first one. The lights exploded in a brilliant display of lights hovering all around them. Tiny dancing lights floating about.

“Oh my...Spike...” Rachel gasped out, seeing the lights over them. Her mouth being covered in her hands in surprised. Her eyes sparkled, twinkling at the sight of the lights. As pretty as a painting, as beautiful in person.

Spike looked at the lights in awe as well. He didn’t realize that these would be beautiful to see. The dragon reached for one of the floating lights. Wanting to try something. His hands heated up the same temperature as his fire and touched a light. As soon as he touched the light, that light exploded, sending an array of dancing lights, looking like stars lighting up the patch of flowers they were in. That itself sent a domino affect to those still floating in the air. A burst of brilliant light lit up the night. It was so bright and amazing looking that it could be seen by Luna who was looking over the night in Canterlot.

The dragon shifted his gaze away from the lights and looked at Rachel. He could’ve sworn he felt his heart stopped when he saw her. Really, truly saw her. The way the lights shined down upon her, the look in her eyes. The way they shined, her smile seemed brighter, her laugh as the lights floated around her, some floated around her neck to look like she was wearing a necklace. This feeling he was experiencing… this wasn’t how he felt when he first saw Rarity, this was different. Much, much different.

He wanted to kiss her.

“This is beautiful.” Rachel said looking at the lights just as they started to disappear, slowly, one by one.

“And so are you…” Spike said then. The human turned from the lights and looked up at him

Their eyes gazed into one another as the amber died down. The fire of desire between them grew as the gap closes in. Spike raised a hand up and placed it on Rachel’s cheek, his thumb gently rubbed against her smooth skin. Rachel placed her hands on his chest and brought herself on her tiptoes, trying to get to as tall as she could for him.

They leaned in as the last of the lights started to dissipate. Their lips reached, they were so close that they could feel their hot breaths on their skin - and scales, seconds of sealing this silent want, which was clear to be seen by the two. Both had closed their eyes and their bodies pressed up against the other, the~

SQUEAK!

The sound booming squeak caused Spike to jump, which causes him to accidentally headbutt Rachel in the face.

“Oh fuck!” Rachel shouted, stumbling back and gripping at her nose with her hands. Blood started to seeping out of her fingers and her eyes watered.

“Shit fuck! Rachel I’m so sorry!” Spike frantically said. I can’t believe this! He thought as he dug into his pockets and pulled out some tissues and rushed to bring them to her. Spike recognized that loud squeak from anywhere, though it sounded miles away, he knew what it was. “I’m so gonna kill Pinkie Pie.” He snarled as he helped Rachel.

“What does she got to do with this...oh shit that fucking hurt.” Rachel groaned, removing her bloody hand and pressed the tissues to her bloody nose and tilted her head back and took deep breaths.

***

The two soon returned to the ship, being that they were gone more than three hours intentionally and didn’t win a prize. They didn’t care. On the way back was awkward silence between the two.

They didn’t say anything else since the incident. Lucky that her nose didn’t break but there was so much blood you might’ve thought she was dying or something. Turns out it’s how she is internally. She’ll bleed like a stuffed pig, even from a paper cut it takes a while for the bleeding to stop. But after a few bottles of orange juice and some cookies she was better.

Spike on the other hand...he felt like shit. He had his moment and now, because of Pinkie Pie and her cannon, he hurt Rachel.

He occasionally glanced over his shoulder as they walked to the ship to make sure she was okay. That she wasn’t mad of him. Way to go, numbnuts, Spike thought, rubbing his snout and grunted.

“Spike, it’s fine.” Finally, Rachel spoke as the boarded. She walked over to the railing and leaned against it, looking up at him. “It’s an accident, I’m better now.”

“You sure?” Spike muttered at her. “You got hurt...because of me.”

“No, I got hurt because I didn’t know your friend had a cannon.” Rachel said. “But I’m not mad. Accidents happen. Pinkie didn’t intentionally set it off.”

Spike sighed. “I know.” He said but his ears were still drooping. “Well… good night.” He said.

As he turned away, he felt a pair of soft lips pressing against his cheek. He turned to the human and blushed red and his ears came back up. “Don’t be such a downer, there’s always tomorrow we can hang out.” Rachel said with a smile, pressing a hand to his heart. “Another day to start anew.”

The human would feel how fast his heart was beating in his chest, only caused her to grin. She patted him before retracting her hand. “Good night…” She said before she turned herself to walk.

“Wait.” Spike said suddenly, grabbing her hand before she could leave. “There’s something I gotta ask you something, something important. If I don’t ask it now, I’ll forever be a worthless chicken.”

Pushing her bangs out of her eyes, she gazed up at his eyes. “Yeah, what’s up?”

Spike took a few deep breaths before looking at her. “Will….when we hang out...c-can it be a...well what I am trying to ask is…” He stuttered, biting his lips. He let out a growl, mainly to himself. “Rachel, do you want to go out on a date tomorrow?” He finally spat it out.

Rachel blinked before smiled softly. She stood on her tippy toes again and gave him a small peck on the lips that caused the dragon to stiffen up. “What took ya so long?” She giggled.

The dragon started chuckling nervously. “Well, I...well um…” Not counting Discord and his asshole tricks, this was...the first kiss of his that he could actually remember. He became a bumbling wreck.

“See you in the morning, Big Guy.” Rachel said, tapping him on the nose before walking away. Looking back he could see that she was just as red as he was from the kiss. But there was no ounce of regret. “Don’t be late for our date in the morning.” She said before walking away giggling like a little school girl.

Date...date...date… That word echoed in his brain. Circling in and out of his ears.

“I have a date…” He mutters. “I have a date.” He says it again but this time louder and more enthusiastic. “I HAVE A DATE!!” He said it this time as a roar filled with excitement and joy, his arms up in the air like he had made a touchdown of his life. His first da-

Then it finally hit him…

“I have a date…” He spoke softly. He began to sway before passing out right on the deck.

And so it was this, the dragon fainted

With his heart pumping and untainted

With new feelings emerges for the girl

Spike will plan to give his first date a whirl

Rarity slowly growing monster emerges

With her jealous intentious urges

She plots and plan as she sews up a hem

On how to get Rachel away from him.

The green-eyed monster is afoot

What she plot will surely be obscure

To split the new couple apart

Before events ever start

Heart of a dragon, love of a human

The morrow’ date to them will surely not ruin.

The events has only just begun and nothing is ever going to stop

But the saddest part of that day was the fact that Spike never received his favorite soda pop