Off Dayby yodajax10ChaptersCelestiaLunaCadanceCelestiaIt was a lovely afternoon in Ponyville, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were walking up to Twilight’s castle. For they all assumed that today was their ‘Twilight Time’, in which they practice more of their skills or if they just want to hang out with Twilight for fun. Once at the doors of the castle, they all looked up in amazement. It had only been a while since Twilight’s house was destroyed by Lord Tirek, but Twilight had a new castle now. Still, it was quite something to simply gaze upon. Apple Bloom then snapped out of it and knocked on the double doors three times. The doors then opened, revealing Spike. “Oh, hi, girls!” Spike grinned. “Howdy, Spike,” Apple Bloom spoke. “Is Twilight around?” Spike looked confused as the Crusaders all walked inside. “Uh...Twilight?” “Yeah, today’s our Twilight Time!” Scootaloo smiled. “Didn’t she tell you?” Spike scratched the back of his head, nervously “Uh...I think you got the schedule’s wrong. Twilight’s with Celestia, Luna and Cadance today. They’re helping out with a summit somewhere.” “Awww,” The Crusaders all looked down in disappointment. “I was hoping she was gonna help me lift a ginormous building today!” Sweetie Belle complained. “Twilight never told me anything about that. That’s not even in our advanced unicorn magic study books,” Apple Bloom spoke as they began to leave. “Hey, a filly can only dream.” Sweetie Belle shrugged. Spike walked up to the Crusaders before they could exit. “Hey, wait!” Spike spoke. “You don’t have to leave already,” “But what can we do?” Scootaloo asked. Spike tried to think. “Well, we can all just hang out here,” Spike took notice of something in Scootaloo’s bag. “Hey...what’s that?” Scootaloo looked at her bag and pulled out a box. “Oh!” Scootaloo spoke. “This is Ogres And Oubliettes!” Spike’s eyes widened and a grin formed. “No kidding?!” Spike laughed in enthusiasm. “I love that game!” “Ya do?” Apple Bloom asked. “Yeah, me and Big Mac play it all the time on Guys’ Night!” Spike explained. But then he blushed. “...Which is a secret,” Apple Bloom giggled. Spike was never good at keeping secrets. “You wanna play a round of it?” Scootaloo asked. A grin formed wide on Spike’s face. “Would I?” He then beckoned the Crusaders to follow him upstairs. “Come on!” The Crusaders followed Spike upstairs until they reached the room with the Cutie Map. “Me and Big Mac have been using the Map to play on recently.” As Spike and Scootaloo began to get the game ready, Apple Bloom started thinking about something. “Hey, Spike?” Spike turned to Apple Bloom. “Yeah?” “Ah was just thinkin’,” Apple Bloom sat up on one of the chairs. “Didn’t you say you were raised by Twilight and Princess Celestia?” Spike paused a bit to find the right words for his answer. “Yep, that’s true,” Spike nodded. “Well, what is Princess Celestia like in real life?” Apple Bloom asked. “Oh, she’s awesome!” Spike affirmed. “And really funny!” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “...Funny?” “Yeah, she’s actually really good with jokes.” Spike told the Crusaders. “You know, sometimes when things are tough in Canterlot, she...calls for a certain dragon to help.” “Really?” Scootaloo asked. “Sure!” Spike nodded. “I’ve helped her fight off an army of giant cockatrices in Canterlot and she helped me find Twilight a birthday present in the mountains!” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “You fought monsters?!” “At times, yeah.” Spike shrugged. “Can ya tell us about one?” Apple Bloom jumped in the air as she and Sweetie Belle leaned in closer to Spike. “Come on, please?” Sweetie Belle asked. Spike thought for a second. “Sure! Wouldn’t hurt to.” The Crusaders leaned in as Spike began to tell the story. Spike was riding atop Celestia, dashing across Canterlot’s rooftops and charging at a nemesis who somehow remained one step ahead. This antagonist in question was a giant beetle, black on the body but with red spots lining its wing cases. Its giant, vice-like jaws seemed like they could slice a pony in half. Celestia had met it outside her palace and tried to be polite, but the bug would have none of it. And try and try as she might to catch the bug, it stayed away from her. At last, the beetle stopped in the village square, ready to attack a pony. Celestia and Spike were hidden in a dark alleyway, the princess’ horn glowing with energy. “I have a plan,” she alerted Spike under her breath. “Take something and throw it the bug’s way. But do it quick!” She tilted her head at the other wall and Spike searched the ground. He found a small rock at his feet, and on impulse threw it out of the alley. It did not hit the bug, but graced in front of it, distracting it from its path. This caused the beetle to turn and look in Celestia and Spike’s direction, diverted by its new assailants. It charged the Sun Princess, but she was ready for it. “I have you now,” Celestia threatened as she charged her horn. Right as its jaws began to close, she blasted the beetle with a paralysis spell, trapping it in place. All the beetle could do was move its eyes in confusion as an aura of purple contained it. Later, Celestia would move the beast further into Everfree, but for now, she would let it stay. It would take hours for the spell to wear off anyway. Celestia sighed and wiped her forehead with her hoof. “That’s the last time I try to reason with a beetle that big,” Celestia laughed. This battle was not without witnesses. A few dozen ponies right then rushed up to the dragon and princess. The crowd cheered at their heroism and rallied around the crowd. “Hooray Celestia! Hooray Spike!” They crowded the two heroes, but Celestia put up a shield to avoid having Spike be trampled. Spike moved in closer to Celestia, who looked pleased with his own valiance in this situation. Celestia looked down and winked to Spike. “Good job out there,” Celestia leaned her head down and kissed Spike’s cheek. Spike blushed at this gesture. “Quite the...hero’s treatment, I guess.” Celestia chuckled and whispered. “Would you like to go for a victory flight?” Spike’s eyes grew big as he grinned wildly. He loved flying with Celestia. “You bet!” Celestia leaned her back down as Spike remounted her. She spread out her wings and began to talk in a robotic voice. “You are now boarding the grand Celestia. We will begin flying in a matter of seconds.” Spike burst out laughing as Celestia smiled. She then began to gracefully float before soaring into the sky, up to the clouds. Spike felt proud after he finished his story, and the Crusaders were all amazed. “Wow…” Scootaloo spoke with widened eyes. “You really helped the Princess beat that giant bug?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Don’t mean to toot my own horn, but...yeah.” Spike spoke with a smug shrug. Apple Bloom was the only one who appeared skeptical. Out of all the Crusaders, Apple Bloom was the closest to Spike, almost like a sister to him. She knew the most about him and there was something fishy about that tale. “Hold on a second there,” “What?” Spike asked. “Ah spent the night with you and Twilight before,” Apple Bloom spoke. “And there was a storm brewing, you were plumb goose-pimply scared by it!” Spike remembered that night, when he was frightened by the storm, upon a couple flashes of thunder, he zoomed under Twilight’s covers, and with no hesitation let him sleep with her. Spike chuckled sheepishly. “So, that happens once in a while. But Celestia told me there’s nothing wrong with being scared by that.” “How can you be scared by a thunder storm, yet not a humongous bug?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, it actually happened that same night after I helped Celestia.” Spike started. Later that night, Spike was sleeping in the guest bed in Canterlot Castle. He would have been pleased to room there under normal circumstances, as the room was quite large and the bed was one of the most luxurious in the palace. Unfortunately, it had to be this time of his night when his eyes opened for no reason then to just ruin a good sleep. Now, he felt uncomfortable as he looked around, and noticed everything was pitch black, except the window that showed it was pouring outside. CRACK-KABOOM!!!!!! “Yaaaugh!!!” Spike jumped in fright by the loud thunder outside. He was usually scared of thunder, and the fact that it was this loud wasn’t helping. With his whole body, shivering in fear, he tried to not think about it. “I’m not scared,” Spike reminded himself. “I helped fight a giant bug!...Yeah...there’s nothing to be chicken of-” KABOOM!!!!! Spike yelped as he hid his head under his pillow in fear. Suddenly, he heard his bedroom door swing open, which made him even more terrified. “Who’s there?!” Spike clenched his eyes shut, waiting for the worst. All of a sudden, he felt something warm and gentle stroke his head. He looked up and saw Celestia with her horn glowing, while sitting right next to his bed. “Spike,” Celestia spoke in a concerned voice. “I could hear you from the hallways. What happened?” “Celestia!” Spike quickly jumped up and tried to wipe his tears away. “I-i-it’s not what it looks like!” CRACK-BOOM!!! “Oh!” Celestia was startled by the loud thunder as she turned back to Spike who was shaking non-stop. “It’s nothing! I-i-i-it’s just thunder!” As Spike kept trying to be calm by chuckling, he was still a nervous wreck. “And I di-didn’t know what to do, because I feel like shouldn’t be scared and-and-!!!” He suddenly felt Celestia’s hoof bring him close to her chest as she began to hold him in a warm embrace. “Shhhh…” Celestia spoke in a soothing voice as she rubbed his back. “It’s okay, Spike, I’m here...Shhhh...take deep breaths,” Spike took a couple deep breaths, as he finally began to calm down. He then noticed a yellow glow around him, and noticed it was Celestia putting a little shield around them for additional protection. He then heard Celestia’s heartbeat, and it was definitely a more soothing thing to hear then lightning. He sighed in content listening to that calming sound. “Thanks, Celestia,” Spike sighed in relief, with his head in Celestia’s neck. “I just don't get it.” Celestia nuzzled Spike’s head. “Get what?” “But I shouldn’t be acting like this,” Spike worried. “I mean, after that giant bug we fought, I felt pretty brave! But here I am, being scared of the dark and thunder. What’s...what’s wrong with me?” “Nothing is wrong with you, sweetie.” Celestia spoke, softly. “Everypony even the bravest has their own secret fear. In fact...did you know I’m terrified of balloon rides?” Spike’s eyes widened. “Balloon rides?” Celestia nodded. “The feeling of going high in the air, and stuck in one place during the ride I always…always…” Spike tried to suggest the right word for Celestia to finish. “Found uncomfortable?” “Oh, I hated it!” Celestia laughed. “My last experience felt like a century ago.” “Was it?” Spike asked. Celestia paused, before chuckling again. “Well...yes, actually.” Spike giggled at that, as Celestia kissed his forehead. “It all started when I was traveling to Griffonstone. My chariot was broken and needed to be repaired. So…” A century ago, the Princess of the Sun was with two guards, ready to go into a balloon. “Alright!” Celestia spoke in an awkward tone. “Here we go! I’m excited for this!” She then turned to her two guards. “Are you two excited?” She asked them with a nervous laugh. “...Yes...your majesty…” One of the guards spoke. “That’s the spirit!” Celestia spoke as the guards got in the balloon. “We’re all set!...Ready to take a ride! I’m ready for this! I know I’m-” “Your highness?” Asked the second guard. Celestia noticed the guards waiting for her in the balloon. “Oh!” Celestia chuckled. “But of course.” Celestia then hopped in, as the guards removed the ropes keeping the balloon still and it began to float. “And no sooner,” Celestia narrated. “I began to lose it.” “Yes! Isn’t this nice?” Celestia began to sweat. “Feels nice being in the balloon...in the air...in one space! Ha-ha-ha!...How much longer?” She asked with her voice cracking. “We...just started.” Spoke the first guard. “It should take us an hour to get there. “Oh! You don’t say!” Celestia began taking deep breaths. “Well, let the waiting begin!” Celestia’s breathing began getting faster and bigger with each passing minute, as her sweat almost felt like a waterfall. “What color are you thinking?!” Celestia asked the second guard. “...Well...I’m-” The second guard tried to think. “WELLI’MTHINKINGOFGETTINGOUTOFHERE!!!!” Celestia then jumped out of the balloon and began flying away and yelling like a lunatic. The guards were left speechless. “Uh...did the princess just go squirrely?” Asked the first guard. As Celestia finished the story, she turned to Spike who was more than surprised. “Wow…” Spike exclaimed in surprise. “And you never went on another balloon again?” “Nope,” Celestia spoke. “In fact, I decided to get more chariots built.” “How many?” Spike asked. “Oh, not much.” She then leaned down and muttered the answer to Spike, trying not to laugh. “Twenty.” Spike tried to hold in his laughter too, before he and Celestia both began to laugh. BOOM!!!! The sound of thunder scared Spike as he stopped laughing and clutched Celestia’s chest and neck, shaking. Celestia kept her hooves around the dragon, making him feel tender and warm. An idea then flashed in Celestia’s head. “How would you like to sleep with me tonight, Spike?” Spike’s eyes widened as he grinned. “Really?” He then looked down, blushing. “You really don’t mind?” “Of course not,” Celestia used her magic to levitate Spike on her back and affectionately rubbed her muzzle on Spike’s snout. She then turned and began to speak in a robot-like voice. “You are now boarding the grand Celestia, we’ll begin to move in a matter of seconds,” “Celestia!” Spike laughed. “We’re not even flying!” “I know,” Celestia smiled as she began to walk to her bedroom with the dragon on her back. “But that never gets old.” Luna“Great story,” Apple Bloom applauded. “Celestia seems really nice!” “Yeah, she is. I was a bit flattered also.” Spike looked across the room at the three ponies and remembered why they were here. “Okay, let’s get to work on the game. Who are your characters?” He asked. “I’m Garbunkle the magician! Level 30 enchanter to be precise!” “Ah’m Lady Sternhoof!” Apple Bloom spoke proudly. “I’m a level 23 paladin!” “Lollygag!” Sweetie Belle introduced. “Level 27 cleric!” “And I’m Cloudburst!” Scootaloo spoke. “He’s a level 35 ranger!” “He?” Spike asked. He, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave a confused look to Scootaloo. “That’s right! I’m playing a stallion!” Scootaloo spoke, triumphantly. After a couple seconds, they all shrugged. “Alright,” Spike sighed. “I’ll try to set the scenario and we can get playing. I remember a place that came to me in my dreams once. It was a huge desert with only a few stray rocks. Perfect for this campaign.” The little unicorn perked up about hearing Spike’s dream memory. “Dreams? You know, Spike?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Princess Luna has the power to enter anypony’s dreams! Since you’re close to Princess Celestia, does Luna help your dreams too?” “Believe it or not,” Spike declared. “Luna’s the princess I see most often outside of dreams.” “How so?” Sweetie Belle asked. “She’s my dragon sitter.” Spike answered. Scootaloo spit out her drink. “Dragon sitter?!” Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “Jiminy Crickets! How did y’all ever get to that conclusion?” “It all started after my first Nightmare Night in Ponyville.” Spike exposited. “I’ve been getting lonely since Twilight and her friends are always out, and since Luna’s new here-” “After a thousand years?” Sweetie Belle asked. Spike’s eyes widened. “Uh, yeah, that! So, she decided to watch over me whenever I was alone, since she doesn’t do much in the day.” It was night. Twilight and company had gone off to help Fluttershy move some animals into another part of the woods, they wouldn’t be back at least until the next evening. This left Spike on his own...bored. He sat on the balcony, looking up at the stars. He suddenly heard the downstairs door open, and he grinned excitedly. “Luna!” Ever since the Nightmare Night festivities, Luna had presided over the youth as his dragon sitter. Because Luna didn’t have that much to do in Canterlot in the day next to Celestia, despite being a Princess herself. He happily ran downstairs to see her, and noticed her sitting on the couch, looking a bit stubborn. Spike was confused, but he still wanted to lighten the mood. “Hey, Luna!” Spike waved to Luna from the stairs. Luna looked up and saw Spike upstairs and gave a sad smile. “Hello, Spike.” She then turned away. Spike took notice of Luna’s mood and looked concerned. “Luna?” He climbed up on the couch to sit next to her. “Luna, what’s wrong?” Luna looked down at Spike, looking at his worried face, that was saying he wanted to help. She let out a sigh. “Things have been...trouble for me.” “Trouble?” Spike asked. “You’re aware of my ability to enter dreams, dragon youngling?” Luna spoke. “Yeah, which is awesome!” Spike looked up to the princess, happily. Luna smiled at Spike upon that comment. But she looked down again. “Ever since I’ve been brought back from Nightmare Moon, almost every filly and colt has been terrified of me. I want to change and help out any way I can...but even the youngest of pony folk turn away.” Spike noticed a tear fall from Luna’s eye and quickly ran up to hug her belly. “Hey, come on, Luna.” Spike tried to show his comfort for the Princess of the Night. “It is taking a while...but you’re great with some kids already! That’s how you got to hang out with me!” Luna smiled at the baby dragon and wrapped a hoof around him. “Twilight Sparkle is lucky to have you as a friend, young Spike.” Luna spoke as she stroked his scales. “Well, I try.” Spike admitted with a joking shrug. After almost a minute in the warm embrace, Spike got an idea. “Hey, Luna! I think I know how I can help!” Luna raised an eyebrow. “Help?” “If you wanna get better interacting with kids, you gotta get on your playful side!” Spike encouraged. “I do have a playful side,” Luna blushed. “Though it is at times hard to show,” Spike thought for a second. “I know!” He spoke. “You could read a bedtime story!” As Spike went through Twilight’s collection of books, Luna could only looked confused. “Bedtime story?” “Yeah!” Spike pulled out a book and ran up to Luna. “That’s always a great way to bond with kids! Come on, please? It’ll be fun!” Luna sighed looking at Spike’s eager expression. How could she say no to a face like that? Later, the two were upstairs in the bedroom as Luna helped tuck Spike in his basket. Spike passed along the book and she started reading from page one. “Okay,” Luna cleared her throat and began to read. “Once upon a time…”. “No, not that one,” Spike pointed at the book. “Try another one.” Luna was confused. “But I barely even started yet. How do you know what I am going to say?” “It’s an anthology book, so you don’t have to start at the beginning,” Spike answered snuggling deeper under the covers. “Try going to the middle of the book. All the good stuff’s towards that part.” Luna rolled her eyes as she leafed through the book. She skimmed some of the titles until she found one that piqued her interest. It was called “The Pony who Gazed at Stars”. Quite fitting the Princess of the Night would want to read into that one. Luna started the story in a blank monotone, as though she were trying to grasp the meaning of the words and soak in their subtext for herself. “Once there was a filly named Crystal Soul. She loved nothing more than to look up and observe patterns in the skies. Every night she would tell her mother, ‘Mom, does that cluster of stars look…?” “No, no.” Spike waved his arms out in disapproval, cutting her off mid-sentence. “More emotion. And…” He giggled just a little at what he was planning next. “It’s always more fun if you read in their voices.” “But how do I know their voices?” Luna was getting frustrated now. “I’ve never heard them before.” Spike patted Luna in assurance. “Just make something up. Anything is fine.” Luna resumed reading from where she last left off. “Every night she would tell her mother, ‘Mom, does that cluster of stars look like anything to you?’ And her mother would respond with answers like ‘A pony lying down’ or ‘A dog’.” She deepened her voice for the mother and rose it for Crystal. Spike giggled at the high-pitched voice in particular. The more Luna read, the more invested she got in the story. Crystal Soul would try to build a telescope to map the stars after a comet crossed the sky. It took a great deal of convincing, but Crystal’s words were at last able to grant her mother’s approval to build that giant telescope in her room. At last, Crystal Soul observed that mighty comet and discovered a whole new set of stars in the sky. She even found her Cutie Mark in the form of a giant telescope later that night. So every few months, when the comet made a pass over her home, Crystal Soul would remember that it was her own. “The End,” Luna closed the book. It was a nice story after all. Even as Princess of the Night, Luna still wondered what she could see in her own starry skies after dark. The character of Crystal Soul resonated with her more adventurous side, so she felt confident in her choice of story. Then, she remembered why she was reading it and looked down. Spike smacked his lips and rustled around inside his basket. His eyelids were weighing down on him, but he was still trying to fight off that last wave of sleep for as long as he could. He was able to mumble a few words for Luna as she got up to leave. “No, Luna. Wait,” Spike squeaked out. “I’m not all that tired. Just one more. Please!” Luna smiled as she tiptoed forward to the little dragon. “It’s alright, dragon youngling. This story was wonderful. I had fun, you had fun. And we can have much more time to do fun things tomorrow.” “Okay,” Spike yawned in response. At last, his eyelids gave way and he faded from consciousness. But just before he drifted off, Spike whispered, “I knew you could do it…”. Luna was flattered. She had done it. Maybe she was better with kids than she thought. As her eyes watered in happiness, she knelt down to Spike. Though he was already fast asleep, Luna still wanted to express her gratitude in some way. “Thank you, Spike,” She whispered to him as she kissed his forehead. She stayed by his bedside for the rest of the night, resting her head on Spike’s shoulder to keep him warm, as she fell asleep herself. Author's Note Having Luna as Spike's sitter is from a story I co-wrote with SuperPinkBrony12 called The Princess And The Dragon. Cadance“It was sweet of her to do that,” Sweetie Belle smiled as Spike concluded his next story. “Yeah, it was,” Spike replied. “And Luna got through the whole book after a few nights. She loved every one of them.” “That’s cool,” Scootaloo dismissed as she danced around the map. “But I can’t wait to get started with this campaign. Let’s go!” The four of them set up on the map and Spike began to set the stage. As he told the story, the map transitioned to show the desert plain. “You are walking around in the desert with your carrying cases, parched beyond all help, and you look for some sort of landmark to show you are close to civilization.” “Gee,” Sweetie Belle panted. “This map is so immersive. Feels like I’m actually there.” “Yeah, it’s great!” Spike cheered as the Cutie Mark Crusaders got further into the game. He continued his setup. “And for miles, no resources. Not even the smallest apple tree can provide you with food now.” Suddenly, the four heard a rumbling sound. Apple Bloom looked down at her stomach and patted it. “Sorry,” Apple Bloom grinned nervously. “Ah guess this scenario made me a little hungry.” “We’re actually kinda hungry too, Spike.” Scootaloo spoke as Sweetie Belle nodded. Spike looked down and thought. He then got an idea. “I know, how about we go to the Hayburger?” The Crusaders all grinned excitedly. “Yes!” Sweetie Belle hopped in the air. “I haven’t been there in a while!” “Well then, ladies.” Spike spoke climbing from his chair. “Shall we?” As the Crusaders and Spike began to make their leave, Spike paused for a minute. “Wait, guys!” Spike said. The Crusaders all stopped and turned to Spike. “What is it, Spike?” Apple Bloom asked. “Well…” Spike started. “We’re all friends, and friends keep secrets right?” “Why Spike?” Scootaloo asked. “If you got a secret, we won’t tell anypony!” “Okay,” Spike said. “And I know it might be weird for Sweetie Belle to hear it.” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “Here it goes,” Spike then cleared his throat. “It’s about Rarity...and I-” “You have a crush on my sister.” Sweetie Belle spoke. Spike looked and saw the Crusaders giving him bored looks. “I used to!” The dragon blushed. “H-how did you know?” “Everypony knows, Spike.” Scootaloo said. “Fluttershy’s bunny told us.” “Angel told you?” Spike spoke in a shocked tone. He looked down and muttered. “I never should’ve trusted that little…” “How long have you been crushing on my sister?” Sweetie Belle asked, folding her arms. “Now, now.” Spike spoke, with his cheeks red. “That’s...actually NOT the secret I was going to tell. Rarity wasn’t the only pony I had a crush on before.” “Who else?” Apple Bloom asked. “Well, let me tell you the real secret,” Spike spoke. And he began to tell another story. Spike walked around the Crystal Empire and sat down by a statue, he looked around and noticed everypony walking with their loved ones and let out a sigh. Today was supposed to be a special day; a day of unity and sharing with that special somepony. But as a dragon, Spike did not have that. He was just...Spike. All by himself. As always. Spike’s sorrows were mollified by a voice from behind. “Hi there, Spike!” Spike turned and saw Princess Cadance walking up to him. “Oh, hi, Cadance.” Spike stammered in the presence of a princess. “Is everything alright, Spike? You’re just sitting here all by yourself.” Cadance stood next to Spike in concern. Spike was about to speak, but he looked down. “It’s...it’s not that big a deal.” “Spike, you know you can tell me anything.” Cadance spoke, raising his chin. “I’ve known you since you hatched.” Spike looked down, not sure how to put it. “Well...it’s kind of personal...Have I told you I was in love with Rarity about a year ago?” Cadance was surprised. “You were in love with her?” “Yeah, but I’m over it now!” Spike quickly waved his claws. “It’s just that...well, Rarity already knows about it...but I feel like even though I moved on...she’d only think of me as that dragon who had a little hatchling crush on her.” Spike rested his head on his claw, not sure of what to do, until Cadance began to gently stroke his cheek. Spike closed his eyes and smiled, feeling Cadance’s warm touch. “Spike,” Cadance began. “From experience, I know for a fact that isn’t true.” “What do you mean?” Spike asked. Cadance giggled. “Don’t you remember?...You had a crush on me when you were smaller.” “Oh,” Spike nodded. But suddenly, realization hit him as his pupils shrank. “Wait, what?” Cadance chuckled. “Relax, Spike.” She then used her magic to place Spike on her back. “Come on, I want to show you something.” She then walked towards her castle with Spike. Cadance took Spike up to her bedroom and walked towards her closet. “So, what’s going on, Cadance?” Spike asked. Cadance then pulled out a box and put it in front of her and Spike. “Tell me, if these look familiar.” She spoke, opening it. Spike looked inside and saw two piles of various doodles and drawings. Though all were of various quality and style, they seemed to reflect a similar theme and involved two recurring characters. His eyes widened as memories began to return to the dragon’s mind. “Holy...I remember these!” Spike reminded the princess, looking at some of the pictures. He saw one was a Spike looking heroic while Cadance was next to him. Another one showed Spike protecting Cadance from a manticore. Another showed Spike dancing with Cadance. Another showed Spike with a guitar next to Cadance, like he was going to sing to her. “I, uh, was only learning at the time.” Spike nervously chuckled on how silly his art looked. After looking at a couple more pictures, Spike turned to Cadance. “You...you really kept these?...You still love me even after my crush?” “Of course.” Cadance spoke with a hoof on his shoulder. “Every one of these drawings warmed my heart. And with you and me not seeing each other much over the years, I wanted to keep the memories of you alive.” Cadance petted Spike’s scales. “When you give love away, it will come back to you twice as strong. Even when the love passes to some other pony, the love given will remain no matter where you go or how much of it was given. Love is the strongest force of all. Ever changing, but never forgotten.” Spike smiled at that, touched that Cadance never forgot about him. But he noticed the princess chuckling. “What?” “But tell me, Spike. Since you moved up to Rarity,” She leaned down to the dragon, staring at him lovingly. “You haven’t forgotten my good looks, have you?” She joked as she batted her eyelids. Spike’s face began turning red in blushing while looking at Cadance. “Well...well, I...you-you’re beautiful, don’t get me wrong...but, uh...I...you’re with Shining Armor, and-” Cadance laughed as she nuzzled the blushing dragon’s cheek. “That’s quite alright, Spike.” She gently set Spike on his feet and put her hooves on his shoulders. “Rarity loves you as one of her best friends, Spike. Just remember, that while the love in crushes may come and go, the love in friendships remain.” Spike smiled, feeling a lot better and hugged Cadance’s chest. “Thanks, Cadance.” He spoke while nuzzling his head in the princess’ chest fur. Cadance smiled warmly and wrapped her hooves around Spike, holding him close. “No problem.” She added with a kiss on his forehead. “And that’s what Cadance likes about me the most,” Spike finished as they walked out of the Hayburger. “Wow…” Scootaloo spoke. “Who knew you were quite the ladies’ man, huh?” Scootaloo playfully elbowed Spike as he blushed. Back at Twilight’s castle, Twilight herself finally returned, with Celestia, Luna and Cadance with her. They all looked at the note on Twilight’s gate. Twilight put her hoof on the door. “Good thing you locked it, Spike.” “Ah, look.” Luna pointed in the distance, recognizing the fillies she visited in dreams. “There he is with the little Crusaders.” Twilight saw Spike and the Crusaders exiting the Hayburger. Twilight and the Princesses got a little closer, but not too much that they were not seen by them. Apple Bloom then walked up to Spike and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Ah don’t mean to ask this, but...with ya’ll being so far away from Canterlot, do you ever miss them princesses?” Spike sighed. “Sometimes, but it’s always worth waiting ‘till I see them again. I mean, to me they’re not just princesses, next to Twilight, they’re the closest I have to a family.” Celestia, Luna and Cadance were all touched by Spike’s comment. Cadance held her hoof to her heart, Luna’s cheeks turned red as she blushed and Celestia’s eyes watered up with tears. “Wait a minute,” Cadance spoke. “Who are they?” Twilight heard the sound of mean laughing as she saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walk up to Spike and the Crusaders. “Well, well!” Diamond Tiara sneered. “If it isn’t the blank flanks! What are you messing up with today?” “None of your business, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom snapped. “We’re heading back to finish our game!” “Let me guess,” Silver Spoon teased. “That Ogres And Oubliettes game? That’s only for nerds!” “Now, now, Silver Spoon!” Diamond Tiara spoke. “That means it’s perfect for them!” As the bullies laughed, Twilight and the princesses grew annoyed and angry by their teasing. “Hey, cut that out!” Spike stepped in. “I play that game and I think it’s awesome!” Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Who asked you to but in, lizard?” “Hey, you can’t talk to Spike like that!” Sweetie Belle stood in front of the bullies. “Yeah! He’s the most awesomest dragon ever!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed in the air. “And Ah don’t think the princesses would take kindly to y’all teasing him, either!” Apple Bloom glared at Diamond Tiara. “Oh, really?” Diamond Tiara smirked as she stepped closer to Spike. “Well, Spike. If you really friends with the princesses of all Equestria, where are they now, hmm?” “They...they’re at a summit.” Spike spoke, trying to defend himself. “I thought so,” Diamond Tiara rose her head in a smug way. The princesses got more angry, but Luna was taking it the worst. With a snort, She began to walk towards them. “Why, I have a right mind to-!” “Wait, Aunt Luna!” Cadance stepped in her way, making her stop. Twilight nodded. “We’re all angry too, but we need to be calm and-” Twilight noticed somepony missing. “Wait, where’s Celestia?” The bullies didn’t notice what was going on and continued teasing. “Like any princess would want a dragon as a friend!” Silver Spoon teased as she and Diamond Tiara continued laughing. Suddenly, in a burst of magical light, Celestia appeared between the bullies and Spike with the Crusaders. The bullies were shocked and surprised by this sight. “Pr-Pr-Princess Celestia!” Silver Spoon stammered. Celestia smiled and lowered her head to Spike. “Oh, hello, Spike.” She spoke in a sweet voice. “And how are you doing today?” Spike was surprised by Celestia’s sudden appearance. “Oh, hi! Well, uh...we’re doing fine! We just got a bite to eat and we’re heading back to the castle.” “Well, that’s good to hear.” Celestia ruffled Spike’s scales. She then turned to the bullies, still smiling. “And I can imagine you weren’t giving my friends any trouble, were you?” “Oh, they’re...they’re YOUR friends?” Diamond Tiara spoke in surprise. “I...I had no idea! Small world!” “Do you think she heard what we said?” Silver Spoon whispered. Diamond Tiara flipped around. “Will you just...shush! I’ll take care of this!” Diamond Tiara looked back up to Celestia, sweating. “Now, your highness...you see...w-w-w-w-w-we were only-” The bullies took notice of Twilight, Luna and Cadance in the distance and grew horrified. They looked back up at Celestia who was still smiling. With a yelp, the bullies quickly ran away in fright. Once the bullies were gone, Celestia turned back to Spike. “I...uh…” Spike spoke, nervously, not expecting to be in the presence of the princesses this day. “Thanks for helping us back there and-” Suddenly, to everypony’s surprise, Celestia let out a small squeal of delight as she picked up Spike and spun him in the air. She then held him to her neck, laughing. “Oh, Spike,” She spoke, nuzzling his forehead. “We all missed you so much.” Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. “Did Princess Celestia just squeal?” Celestia than handed Spike to Luna as she hugged him tightly with her hoof. “And we weren’t just going to let anypony bully you while we’re around.” Luna then handed Spike to Cadance who held him with her hoof and rubbed her nose against his cheek. “No matter how far away, there’s still three princesses who will always love you,” She then kissed Spike on the cheek as all the princesses shared a group hug with the dragon. “Awwwww!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both spoke, as Twilight smiled warmly. As the group hug ended, they all noticed that ever since Celestia made the scene, Sweetie Belle only had a reaction of awe. “You okay, Sweetie Belle?” Twilight asked. “...THAT WAS AMAZIIIING!!!” Sweetie Belle began hopping in the air, excitedly. She looked up to Celestia. “I mean, I mean, nopony was there and then, and then BOOM! You were right in front of us! It’s just-I mean it was-!” Sweetie Belle then sighed of the amazing thing she saw. Luna leaned her head to Cadance and whispered. “I told you they’re quite enthusiastic.” This caused both her and Luna to chuckle. Twilight then turned to Spike. “You know, Spike. Me and the princesses were talking, and they told me they need a little a certain dragon for a little ‘Royal Business’ next week.” Twilight finished with a wink. Spike grinned as he looked up to the princesses. “Royal Business?” The princesses nodded as Luna ruffled his scales. “Yes!” Spike cheered. He then looked over to the smiling Crusaders. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his head. “Hey, guys?” Spike asked the princesses. “Is it alright if I bring three guests along?” “I don’t see the trouble.” Celestia nodded. Spike gave a thumbs up to the Crusaders who looked confused. Sweetie Belle turned around and looked back at Spike, and pointed at herself, thinking if Spike was referring to them. Spike nodded happily. Huge grins formed on the Crusaders’ faces as they began happily jumping in the air. “We’re going on Royal Business! We’re going on Royal Business!” They all cheered as they shared a group hug with Spike, happily laughing. THE END Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed the story. Spike having a crush on Cadance was based on another story written by a different author. But I don't know which one.
CelestiaIt was a lovely afternoon in Ponyville, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were walking up to Twilight’s castle. For they all assumed that today was their ‘Twilight Time’, in which they practice more of their skills or if they just want to hang out with Twilight for fun. Once at the doors of the castle, they all looked up in amazement. It had only been a while since Twilight’s house was destroyed by Lord Tirek, but Twilight had a new castle now. Still, it was quite something to simply gaze upon. Apple Bloom then snapped out of it and knocked on the double doors three times. The doors then opened, revealing Spike. “Oh, hi, girls!” Spike grinned. “Howdy, Spike,” Apple Bloom spoke. “Is Twilight around?” Spike looked confused as the Crusaders all walked inside. “Uh...Twilight?” “Yeah, today’s our Twilight Time!” Scootaloo smiled. “Didn’t she tell you?” Spike scratched the back of his head, nervously “Uh...I think you got the schedule’s wrong. Twilight’s with Celestia, Luna and Cadance today. They’re helping out with a summit somewhere.” “Awww,” The Crusaders all looked down in disappointment. “I was hoping she was gonna help me lift a ginormous building today!” Sweetie Belle complained. “Twilight never told me anything about that. That’s not even in our advanced unicorn magic study books,” Apple Bloom spoke as they began to leave. “Hey, a filly can only dream.” Sweetie Belle shrugged. Spike walked up to the Crusaders before they could exit. “Hey, wait!” Spike spoke. “You don’t have to leave already,” “But what can we do?” Scootaloo asked. Spike tried to think. “Well, we can all just hang out here,” Spike took notice of something in Scootaloo’s bag. “Hey...what’s that?” Scootaloo looked at her bag and pulled out a box. “Oh!” Scootaloo spoke. “This is Ogres And Oubliettes!” Spike’s eyes widened and a grin formed. “No kidding?!” Spike laughed in enthusiasm. “I love that game!” “Ya do?” Apple Bloom asked. “Yeah, me and Big Mac play it all the time on Guys’ Night!” Spike explained. But then he blushed. “...Which is a secret,” Apple Bloom giggled. Spike was never good at keeping secrets. “You wanna play a round of it?” Scootaloo asked. A grin formed wide on Spike’s face. “Would I?” He then beckoned the Crusaders to follow him upstairs. “Come on!” The Crusaders followed Spike upstairs until they reached the room with the Cutie Map. “Me and Big Mac have been using the Map to play on recently.” As Spike and Scootaloo began to get the game ready, Apple Bloom started thinking about something. “Hey, Spike?” Spike turned to Apple Bloom. “Yeah?” “Ah was just thinkin’,” Apple Bloom sat up on one of the chairs. “Didn’t you say you were raised by Twilight and Princess Celestia?” Spike paused a bit to find the right words for his answer. “Yep, that’s true,” Spike nodded. “Well, what is Princess Celestia like in real life?” Apple Bloom asked. “Oh, she’s awesome!” Spike affirmed. “And really funny!” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “...Funny?” “Yeah, she’s actually really good with jokes.” Spike told the Crusaders. “You know, sometimes when things are tough in Canterlot, she...calls for a certain dragon to help.” “Really?” Scootaloo asked. “Sure!” Spike nodded. “I’ve helped her fight off an army of giant cockatrices in Canterlot and she helped me find Twilight a birthday present in the mountains!” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “You fought monsters?!” “At times, yeah.” Spike shrugged. “Can ya tell us about one?” Apple Bloom jumped in the air as she and Sweetie Belle leaned in closer to Spike. “Come on, please?” Sweetie Belle asked. Spike thought for a second. “Sure! Wouldn’t hurt to.” The Crusaders leaned in as Spike began to tell the story. Spike was riding atop Celestia, dashing across Canterlot’s rooftops and charging at a nemesis who somehow remained one step ahead. This antagonist in question was a giant beetle, black on the body but with red spots lining its wing cases. Its giant, vice-like jaws seemed like they could slice a pony in half. Celestia had met it outside her palace and tried to be polite, but the bug would have none of it. And try and try as she might to catch the bug, it stayed away from her. At last, the beetle stopped in the village square, ready to attack a pony. Celestia and Spike were hidden in a dark alleyway, the princess’ horn glowing with energy. “I have a plan,” she alerted Spike under her breath. “Take something and throw it the bug’s way. But do it quick!” She tilted her head at the other wall and Spike searched the ground. He found a small rock at his feet, and on impulse threw it out of the alley. It did not hit the bug, but graced in front of it, distracting it from its path. This caused the beetle to turn and look in Celestia and Spike’s direction, diverted by its new assailants. It charged the Sun Princess, but she was ready for it. “I have you now,” Celestia threatened as she charged her horn. Right as its jaws began to close, she blasted the beetle with a paralysis spell, trapping it in place. All the beetle could do was move its eyes in confusion as an aura of purple contained it. Later, Celestia would move the beast further into Everfree, but for now, she would let it stay. It would take hours for the spell to wear off anyway. Celestia sighed and wiped her forehead with her hoof. “That’s the last time I try to reason with a beetle that big,” Celestia laughed. This battle was not without witnesses. A few dozen ponies right then rushed up to the dragon and princess. The crowd cheered at their heroism and rallied around the crowd. “Hooray Celestia! Hooray Spike!” They crowded the two heroes, but Celestia put up a shield to avoid having Spike be trampled. Spike moved in closer to Celestia, who looked pleased with his own valiance in this situation. Celestia looked down and winked to Spike. “Good job out there,” Celestia leaned her head down and kissed Spike’s cheek. Spike blushed at this gesture. “Quite the...hero’s treatment, I guess.” Celestia chuckled and whispered. “Would you like to go for a victory flight?” Spike’s eyes grew big as he grinned wildly. He loved flying with Celestia. “You bet!” Celestia leaned her back down as Spike remounted her. She spread out her wings and began to talk in a robotic voice. “You are now boarding the grand Celestia. We will begin flying in a matter of seconds.” Spike burst out laughing as Celestia smiled. She then began to gracefully float before soaring into the sky, up to the clouds. Spike felt proud after he finished his story, and the Crusaders were all amazed. “Wow…” Scootaloo spoke with widened eyes. “You really helped the Princess beat that giant bug?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Don’t mean to toot my own horn, but...yeah.” Spike spoke with a smug shrug. Apple Bloom was the only one who appeared skeptical. Out of all the Crusaders, Apple Bloom was the closest to Spike, almost like a sister to him. She knew the most about him and there was something fishy about that tale. “Hold on a second there,” “What?” Spike asked. “Ah spent the night with you and Twilight before,” Apple Bloom spoke. “And there was a storm brewing, you were plumb goose-pimply scared by it!” Spike remembered that night, when he was frightened by the storm, upon a couple flashes of thunder, he zoomed under Twilight’s covers, and with no hesitation let him sleep with her. Spike chuckled sheepishly. “So, that happens once in a while. But Celestia told me there’s nothing wrong with being scared by that.” “How can you be scared by a thunder storm, yet not a humongous bug?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well, it actually happened that same night after I helped Celestia.” Spike started. Later that night, Spike was sleeping in the guest bed in Canterlot Castle. He would have been pleased to room there under normal circumstances, as the room was quite large and the bed was one of the most luxurious in the palace. Unfortunately, it had to be this time of his night when his eyes opened for no reason then to just ruin a good sleep. Now, he felt uncomfortable as he looked around, and noticed everything was pitch black, except the window that showed it was pouring outside. CRACK-KABOOM!!!!!! “Yaaaugh!!!” Spike jumped in fright by the loud thunder outside. He was usually scared of thunder, and the fact that it was this loud wasn’t helping. With his whole body, shivering in fear, he tried to not think about it. “I’m not scared,” Spike reminded himself. “I helped fight a giant bug!...Yeah...there’s nothing to be chicken of-” KABOOM!!!!! Spike yelped as he hid his head under his pillow in fear. Suddenly, he heard his bedroom door swing open, which made him even more terrified. “Who’s there?!” Spike clenched his eyes shut, waiting for the worst. All of a sudden, he felt something warm and gentle stroke his head. He looked up and saw Celestia with her horn glowing, while sitting right next to his bed. “Spike,” Celestia spoke in a concerned voice. “I could hear you from the hallways. What happened?” “Celestia!” Spike quickly jumped up and tried to wipe his tears away. “I-i-it’s not what it looks like!” CRACK-BOOM!!! “Oh!” Celestia was startled by the loud thunder as she turned back to Spike who was shaking non-stop. “It’s nothing! I-i-i-it’s just thunder!” As Spike kept trying to be calm by chuckling, he was still a nervous wreck. “And I di-didn’t know what to do, because I feel like shouldn’t be scared and-and-!!!” He suddenly felt Celestia’s hoof bring him close to her chest as she began to hold him in a warm embrace. “Shhhh…” Celestia spoke in a soothing voice as she rubbed his back. “It’s okay, Spike, I’m here...Shhhh...take deep breaths,” Spike took a couple deep breaths, as he finally began to calm down. He then noticed a yellow glow around him, and noticed it was Celestia putting a little shield around them for additional protection. He then heard Celestia’s heartbeat, and it was definitely a more soothing thing to hear then lightning. He sighed in content listening to that calming sound. “Thanks, Celestia,” Spike sighed in relief, with his head in Celestia’s neck. “I just don't get it.” Celestia nuzzled Spike’s head. “Get what?” “But I shouldn’t be acting like this,” Spike worried. “I mean, after that giant bug we fought, I felt pretty brave! But here I am, being scared of the dark and thunder. What’s...what’s wrong with me?” “Nothing is wrong with you, sweetie.” Celestia spoke, softly. “Everypony even the bravest has their own secret fear. In fact...did you know I’m terrified of balloon rides?” Spike’s eyes widened. “Balloon rides?” Celestia nodded. “The feeling of going high in the air, and stuck in one place during the ride I always…always…” Spike tried to suggest the right word for Celestia to finish. “Found uncomfortable?” “Oh, I hated it!” Celestia laughed. “My last experience felt like a century ago.” “Was it?” Spike asked. Celestia paused, before chuckling again. “Well...yes, actually.” Spike giggled at that, as Celestia kissed his forehead. “It all started when I was traveling to Griffonstone. My chariot was broken and needed to be repaired. So…” A century ago, the Princess of the Sun was with two guards, ready to go into a balloon. “Alright!” Celestia spoke in an awkward tone. “Here we go! I’m excited for this!” She then turned to her two guards. “Are you two excited?” She asked them with a nervous laugh. “...Yes...your majesty…” One of the guards spoke. “That’s the spirit!” Celestia spoke as the guards got in the balloon. “We’re all set!...Ready to take a ride! I’m ready for this! I know I’m-” “Your highness?” Asked the second guard. Celestia noticed the guards waiting for her in the balloon. “Oh!” Celestia chuckled. “But of course.” Celestia then hopped in, as the guards removed the ropes keeping the balloon still and it began to float. “And no sooner,” Celestia narrated. “I began to lose it.” “Yes! Isn’t this nice?” Celestia began to sweat. “Feels nice being in the balloon...in the air...in one space! Ha-ha-ha!...How much longer?” She asked with her voice cracking. “We...just started.” Spoke the first guard. “It should take us an hour to get there. “Oh! You don’t say!” Celestia began taking deep breaths. “Well, let the waiting begin!” Celestia’s breathing began getting faster and bigger with each passing minute, as her sweat almost felt like a waterfall. “What color are you thinking?!” Celestia asked the second guard. “...Well...I’m-” The second guard tried to think. “WELLI’MTHINKINGOFGETTINGOUTOFHERE!!!!” Celestia then jumped out of the balloon and began flying away and yelling like a lunatic. The guards were left speechless. “Uh...did the princess just go squirrely?” Asked the first guard. As Celestia finished the story, she turned to Spike who was more than surprised. “Wow…” Spike exclaimed in surprise. “And you never went on another balloon again?” “Nope,” Celestia spoke. “In fact, I decided to get more chariots built.” “How many?” Spike asked. “Oh, not much.” She then leaned down and muttered the answer to Spike, trying not to laugh. “Twenty.” Spike tried to hold in his laughter too, before he and Celestia both began to laugh. BOOM!!!! The sound of thunder scared Spike as he stopped laughing and clutched Celestia’s chest and neck, shaking. Celestia kept her hooves around the dragon, making him feel tender and warm. An idea then flashed in Celestia’s head. “How would you like to sleep with me tonight, Spike?” Spike’s eyes widened as he grinned. “Really?” He then looked down, blushing. “You really don’t mind?” “Of course not,” Celestia used her magic to levitate Spike on her back and affectionately rubbed her muzzle on Spike’s snout. She then turned and began to speak in a robot-like voice. “You are now boarding the grand Celestia, we’ll begin to move in a matter of seconds,” “Celestia!” Spike laughed. “We’re not even flying!” “I know,” Celestia smiled as she began to walk to her bedroom with the dragon on her back. “But that never gets old.”
Luna“Great story,” Apple Bloom applauded. “Celestia seems really nice!” “Yeah, she is. I was a bit flattered also.” Spike looked across the room at the three ponies and remembered why they were here. “Okay, let’s get to work on the game. Who are your characters?” He asked. “I’m Garbunkle the magician! Level 30 enchanter to be precise!” “Ah’m Lady Sternhoof!” Apple Bloom spoke proudly. “I’m a level 23 paladin!” “Lollygag!” Sweetie Belle introduced. “Level 27 cleric!” “And I’m Cloudburst!” Scootaloo spoke. “He’s a level 35 ranger!” “He?” Spike asked. He, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave a confused look to Scootaloo. “That’s right! I’m playing a stallion!” Scootaloo spoke, triumphantly. After a couple seconds, they all shrugged. “Alright,” Spike sighed. “I’ll try to set the scenario and we can get playing. I remember a place that came to me in my dreams once. It was a huge desert with only a few stray rocks. Perfect for this campaign.” The little unicorn perked up about hearing Spike’s dream memory. “Dreams? You know, Spike?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Princess Luna has the power to enter anypony’s dreams! Since you’re close to Princess Celestia, does Luna help your dreams too?” “Believe it or not,” Spike declared. “Luna’s the princess I see most often outside of dreams.” “How so?” Sweetie Belle asked. “She’s my dragon sitter.” Spike answered. Scootaloo spit out her drink. “Dragon sitter?!” Apple Bloom’s eyes widened. “Jiminy Crickets! How did y’all ever get to that conclusion?” “It all started after my first Nightmare Night in Ponyville.” Spike exposited. “I’ve been getting lonely since Twilight and her friends are always out, and since Luna’s new here-” “After a thousand years?” Sweetie Belle asked. Spike’s eyes widened. “Uh, yeah, that! So, she decided to watch over me whenever I was alone, since she doesn’t do much in the day.” It was night. Twilight and company had gone off to help Fluttershy move some animals into another part of the woods, they wouldn’t be back at least until the next evening. This left Spike on his own...bored. He sat on the balcony, looking up at the stars. He suddenly heard the downstairs door open, and he grinned excitedly. “Luna!” Ever since the Nightmare Night festivities, Luna had presided over the youth as his dragon sitter. Because Luna didn’t have that much to do in Canterlot in the day next to Celestia, despite being a Princess herself. He happily ran downstairs to see her, and noticed her sitting on the couch, looking a bit stubborn. Spike was confused, but he still wanted to lighten the mood. “Hey, Luna!” Spike waved to Luna from the stairs. Luna looked up and saw Spike upstairs and gave a sad smile. “Hello, Spike.” She then turned away. Spike took notice of Luna’s mood and looked concerned. “Luna?” He climbed up on the couch to sit next to her. “Luna, what’s wrong?” Luna looked down at Spike, looking at his worried face, that was saying he wanted to help. She let out a sigh. “Things have been...trouble for me.” “Trouble?” Spike asked. “You’re aware of my ability to enter dreams, dragon youngling?” Luna spoke. “Yeah, which is awesome!” Spike looked up to the princess, happily. Luna smiled at Spike upon that comment. But she looked down again. “Ever since I’ve been brought back from Nightmare Moon, almost every filly and colt has been terrified of me. I want to change and help out any way I can...but even the youngest of pony folk turn away.” Spike noticed a tear fall from Luna’s eye and quickly ran up to hug her belly. “Hey, come on, Luna.” Spike tried to show his comfort for the Princess of the Night. “It is taking a while...but you’re great with some kids already! That’s how you got to hang out with me!” Luna smiled at the baby dragon and wrapped a hoof around him. “Twilight Sparkle is lucky to have you as a friend, young Spike.” Luna spoke as she stroked his scales. “Well, I try.” Spike admitted with a joking shrug. After almost a minute in the warm embrace, Spike got an idea. “Hey, Luna! I think I know how I can help!” Luna raised an eyebrow. “Help?” “If you wanna get better interacting with kids, you gotta get on your playful side!” Spike encouraged. “I do have a playful side,” Luna blushed. “Though it is at times hard to show,” Spike thought for a second. “I know!” He spoke. “You could read a bedtime story!” As Spike went through Twilight’s collection of books, Luna could only looked confused. “Bedtime story?” “Yeah!” Spike pulled out a book and ran up to Luna. “That’s always a great way to bond with kids! Come on, please? It’ll be fun!” Luna sighed looking at Spike’s eager expression. How could she say no to a face like that? Later, the two were upstairs in the bedroom as Luna helped tuck Spike in his basket. Spike passed along the book and she started reading from page one. “Okay,” Luna cleared her throat and began to read. “Once upon a time…”. “No, not that one,” Spike pointed at the book. “Try another one.” Luna was confused. “But I barely even started yet. How do you know what I am going to say?” “It’s an anthology book, so you don’t have to start at the beginning,” Spike answered snuggling deeper under the covers. “Try going to the middle of the book. All the good stuff’s towards that part.” Luna rolled her eyes as she leafed through the book. She skimmed some of the titles until she found one that piqued her interest. It was called “The Pony who Gazed at Stars”. Quite fitting the Princess of the Night would want to read into that one. Luna started the story in a blank monotone, as though she were trying to grasp the meaning of the words and soak in their subtext for herself. “Once there was a filly named Crystal Soul. She loved nothing more than to look up and observe patterns in the skies. Every night she would tell her mother, ‘Mom, does that cluster of stars look…?” “No, no.” Spike waved his arms out in disapproval, cutting her off mid-sentence. “More emotion. And…” He giggled just a little at what he was planning next. “It’s always more fun if you read in their voices.” “But how do I know their voices?” Luna was getting frustrated now. “I’ve never heard them before.” Spike patted Luna in assurance. “Just make something up. Anything is fine.” Luna resumed reading from where she last left off. “Every night she would tell her mother, ‘Mom, does that cluster of stars look like anything to you?’ And her mother would respond with answers like ‘A pony lying down’ or ‘A dog’.” She deepened her voice for the mother and rose it for Crystal. Spike giggled at the high-pitched voice in particular. The more Luna read, the more invested she got in the story. Crystal Soul would try to build a telescope to map the stars after a comet crossed the sky. It took a great deal of convincing, but Crystal’s words were at last able to grant her mother’s approval to build that giant telescope in her room. At last, Crystal Soul observed that mighty comet and discovered a whole new set of stars in the sky. She even found her Cutie Mark in the form of a giant telescope later that night. So every few months, when the comet made a pass over her home, Crystal Soul would remember that it was her own. “The End,” Luna closed the book. It was a nice story after all. Even as Princess of the Night, Luna still wondered what she could see in her own starry skies after dark. The character of Crystal Soul resonated with her more adventurous side, so she felt confident in her choice of story. Then, she remembered why she was reading it and looked down. Spike smacked his lips and rustled around inside his basket. His eyelids were weighing down on him, but he was still trying to fight off that last wave of sleep for as long as he could. He was able to mumble a few words for Luna as she got up to leave. “No, Luna. Wait,” Spike squeaked out. “I’m not all that tired. Just one more. Please!” Luna smiled as she tiptoed forward to the little dragon. “It’s alright, dragon youngling. This story was wonderful. I had fun, you had fun. And we can have much more time to do fun things tomorrow.” “Okay,” Spike yawned in response. At last, his eyelids gave way and he faded from consciousness. But just before he drifted off, Spike whispered, “I knew you could do it…”. Luna was flattered. She had done it. Maybe she was better with kids than she thought. As her eyes watered in happiness, she knelt down to Spike. Though he was already fast asleep, Luna still wanted to express her gratitude in some way. “Thank you, Spike,” She whispered to him as she kissed his forehead. She stayed by his bedside for the rest of the night, resting her head on Spike’s shoulder to keep him warm, as she fell asleep herself. Author's Note Having Luna as Spike's sitter is from a story I co-wrote with SuperPinkBrony12 called The Princess And The Dragon.
Cadance“It was sweet of her to do that,” Sweetie Belle smiled as Spike concluded his next story. “Yeah, it was,” Spike replied. “And Luna got through the whole book after a few nights. She loved every one of them.” “That’s cool,” Scootaloo dismissed as she danced around the map. “But I can’t wait to get started with this campaign. Let’s go!” The four of them set up on the map and Spike began to set the stage. As he told the story, the map transitioned to show the desert plain. “You are walking around in the desert with your carrying cases, parched beyond all help, and you look for some sort of landmark to show you are close to civilization.” “Gee,” Sweetie Belle panted. “This map is so immersive. Feels like I’m actually there.” “Yeah, it’s great!” Spike cheered as the Cutie Mark Crusaders got further into the game. He continued his setup. “And for miles, no resources. Not even the smallest apple tree can provide you with food now.” Suddenly, the four heard a rumbling sound. Apple Bloom looked down at her stomach and patted it. “Sorry,” Apple Bloom grinned nervously. “Ah guess this scenario made me a little hungry.” “We’re actually kinda hungry too, Spike.” Scootaloo spoke as Sweetie Belle nodded. Spike looked down and thought. He then got an idea. “I know, how about we go to the Hayburger?” The Crusaders all grinned excitedly. “Yes!” Sweetie Belle hopped in the air. “I haven’t been there in a while!” “Well then, ladies.” Spike spoke climbing from his chair. “Shall we?” As the Crusaders and Spike began to make their leave, Spike paused for a minute. “Wait, guys!” Spike said. The Crusaders all stopped and turned to Spike. “What is it, Spike?” Apple Bloom asked. “Well…” Spike started. “We’re all friends, and friends keep secrets right?” “Why Spike?” Scootaloo asked. “If you got a secret, we won’t tell anypony!” “Okay,” Spike said. “And I know it might be weird for Sweetie Belle to hear it.” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow. “Here it goes,” Spike then cleared his throat. “It’s about Rarity...and I-” “You have a crush on my sister.” Sweetie Belle spoke. Spike looked and saw the Crusaders giving him bored looks. “I used to!” The dragon blushed. “H-how did you know?” “Everypony knows, Spike.” Scootaloo said. “Fluttershy’s bunny told us.” “Angel told you?” Spike spoke in a shocked tone. He looked down and muttered. “I never should’ve trusted that little…” “How long have you been crushing on my sister?” Sweetie Belle asked, folding her arms. “Now, now.” Spike spoke, with his cheeks red. “That’s...actually NOT the secret I was going to tell. Rarity wasn’t the only pony I had a crush on before.” “Who else?” Apple Bloom asked. “Well, let me tell you the real secret,” Spike spoke. And he began to tell another story. Spike walked around the Crystal Empire and sat down by a statue, he looked around and noticed everypony walking with their loved ones and let out a sigh. Today was supposed to be a special day; a day of unity and sharing with that special somepony. But as a dragon, Spike did not have that. He was just...Spike. All by himself. As always. Spike’s sorrows were mollified by a voice from behind. “Hi there, Spike!” Spike turned and saw Princess Cadance walking up to him. “Oh, hi, Cadance.” Spike stammered in the presence of a princess. “Is everything alright, Spike? You’re just sitting here all by yourself.” Cadance stood next to Spike in concern. Spike was about to speak, but he looked down. “It’s...it’s not that big a deal.” “Spike, you know you can tell me anything.” Cadance spoke, raising his chin. “I’ve known you since you hatched.” Spike looked down, not sure how to put it. “Well...it’s kind of personal...Have I told you I was in love with Rarity about a year ago?” Cadance was surprised. “You were in love with her?” “Yeah, but I’m over it now!” Spike quickly waved his claws. “It’s just that...well, Rarity already knows about it...but I feel like even though I moved on...she’d only think of me as that dragon who had a little hatchling crush on her.” Spike rested his head on his claw, not sure of what to do, until Cadance began to gently stroke his cheek. Spike closed his eyes and smiled, feeling Cadance’s warm touch. “Spike,” Cadance began. “From experience, I know for a fact that isn’t true.” “What do you mean?” Spike asked. Cadance giggled. “Don’t you remember?...You had a crush on me when you were smaller.” “Oh,” Spike nodded. But suddenly, realization hit him as his pupils shrank. “Wait, what?” Cadance chuckled. “Relax, Spike.” She then used her magic to place Spike on her back. “Come on, I want to show you something.” She then walked towards her castle with Spike. Cadance took Spike up to her bedroom and walked towards her closet. “So, what’s going on, Cadance?” Spike asked. Cadance then pulled out a box and put it in front of her and Spike. “Tell me, if these look familiar.” She spoke, opening it. Spike looked inside and saw two piles of various doodles and drawings. Though all were of various quality and style, they seemed to reflect a similar theme and involved two recurring characters. His eyes widened as memories began to return to the dragon’s mind. “Holy...I remember these!” Spike reminded the princess, looking at some of the pictures. He saw one was a Spike looking heroic while Cadance was next to him. Another one showed Spike protecting Cadance from a manticore. Another showed Spike dancing with Cadance. Another showed Spike with a guitar next to Cadance, like he was going to sing to her. “I, uh, was only learning at the time.” Spike nervously chuckled on how silly his art looked. After looking at a couple more pictures, Spike turned to Cadance. “You...you really kept these?...You still love me even after my crush?” “Of course.” Cadance spoke with a hoof on his shoulder. “Every one of these drawings warmed my heart. And with you and me not seeing each other much over the years, I wanted to keep the memories of you alive.” Cadance petted Spike’s scales. “When you give love away, it will come back to you twice as strong. Even when the love passes to some other pony, the love given will remain no matter where you go or how much of it was given. Love is the strongest force of all. Ever changing, but never forgotten.” Spike smiled at that, touched that Cadance never forgot about him. But he noticed the princess chuckling. “What?” “But tell me, Spike. Since you moved up to Rarity,” She leaned down to the dragon, staring at him lovingly. “You haven’t forgotten my good looks, have you?” She joked as she batted her eyelids. Spike’s face began turning red in blushing while looking at Cadance. “Well...well, I...you-you’re beautiful, don’t get me wrong...but, uh...I...you’re with Shining Armor, and-” Cadance laughed as she nuzzled the blushing dragon’s cheek. “That’s quite alright, Spike.” She gently set Spike on his feet and put her hooves on his shoulders. “Rarity loves you as one of her best friends, Spike. Just remember, that while the love in crushes may come and go, the love in friendships remain.” Spike smiled, feeling a lot better and hugged Cadance’s chest. “Thanks, Cadance.” He spoke while nuzzling his head in the princess’ chest fur. Cadance smiled warmly and wrapped her hooves around Spike, holding him close. “No problem.” She added with a kiss on his forehead. “And that’s what Cadance likes about me the most,” Spike finished as they walked out of the Hayburger. “Wow…” Scootaloo spoke. “Who knew you were quite the ladies’ man, huh?” Scootaloo playfully elbowed Spike as he blushed. Back at Twilight’s castle, Twilight herself finally returned, with Celestia, Luna and Cadance with her. They all looked at the note on Twilight’s gate. Twilight put her hoof on the door. “Good thing you locked it, Spike.” “Ah, look.” Luna pointed in the distance, recognizing the fillies she visited in dreams. “There he is with the little Crusaders.” Twilight saw Spike and the Crusaders exiting the Hayburger. Twilight and the Princesses got a little closer, but not too much that they were not seen by them. Apple Bloom then walked up to Spike and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Ah don’t mean to ask this, but...with ya’ll being so far away from Canterlot, do you ever miss them princesses?” Spike sighed. “Sometimes, but it’s always worth waiting ‘till I see them again. I mean, to me they’re not just princesses, next to Twilight, they’re the closest I have to a family.” Celestia, Luna and Cadance were all touched by Spike’s comment. Cadance held her hoof to her heart, Luna’s cheeks turned red as she blushed and Celestia’s eyes watered up with tears. “Wait a minute,” Cadance spoke. “Who are they?” Twilight heard the sound of mean laughing as she saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walk up to Spike and the Crusaders. “Well, well!” Diamond Tiara sneered. “If it isn’t the blank flanks! What are you messing up with today?” “None of your business, Diamond Tiara!” Apple Bloom snapped. “We’re heading back to finish our game!” “Let me guess,” Silver Spoon teased. “That Ogres And Oubliettes game? That’s only for nerds!” “Now, now, Silver Spoon!” Diamond Tiara spoke. “That means it’s perfect for them!” As the bullies laughed, Twilight and the princesses grew annoyed and angry by their teasing. “Hey, cut that out!” Spike stepped in. “I play that game and I think it’s awesome!” Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Who asked you to but in, lizard?” “Hey, you can’t talk to Spike like that!” Sweetie Belle stood in front of the bullies. “Yeah! He’s the most awesomest dragon ever!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed in the air. “And Ah don’t think the princesses would take kindly to y’all teasing him, either!” Apple Bloom glared at Diamond Tiara. “Oh, really?” Diamond Tiara smirked as she stepped closer to Spike. “Well, Spike. If you really friends with the princesses of all Equestria, where are they now, hmm?” “They...they’re at a summit.” Spike spoke, trying to defend himself. “I thought so,” Diamond Tiara rose her head in a smug way. The princesses got more angry, but Luna was taking it the worst. With a snort, She began to walk towards them. “Why, I have a right mind to-!” “Wait, Aunt Luna!” Cadance stepped in her way, making her stop. Twilight nodded. “We’re all angry too, but we need to be calm and-” Twilight noticed somepony missing. “Wait, where’s Celestia?” The bullies didn’t notice what was going on and continued teasing. “Like any princess would want a dragon as a friend!” Silver Spoon teased as she and Diamond Tiara continued laughing. Suddenly, in a burst of magical light, Celestia appeared between the bullies and Spike with the Crusaders. The bullies were shocked and surprised by this sight. “Pr-Pr-Princess Celestia!” Silver Spoon stammered. Celestia smiled and lowered her head to Spike. “Oh, hello, Spike.” She spoke in a sweet voice. “And how are you doing today?” Spike was surprised by Celestia’s sudden appearance. “Oh, hi! Well, uh...we’re doing fine! We just got a bite to eat and we’re heading back to the castle.” “Well, that’s good to hear.” Celestia ruffled Spike’s scales. She then turned to the bullies, still smiling. “And I can imagine you weren’t giving my friends any trouble, were you?” “Oh, they’re...they’re YOUR friends?” Diamond Tiara spoke in surprise. “I...I had no idea! Small world!” “Do you think she heard what we said?” Silver Spoon whispered. Diamond Tiara flipped around. “Will you just...shush! I’ll take care of this!” Diamond Tiara looked back up to Celestia, sweating. “Now, your highness...you see...w-w-w-w-w-we were only-” The bullies took notice of Twilight, Luna and Cadance in the distance and grew horrified. They looked back up at Celestia who was still smiling. With a yelp, the bullies quickly ran away in fright. Once the bullies were gone, Celestia turned back to Spike. “I...uh…” Spike spoke, nervously, not expecting to be in the presence of the princesses this day. “Thanks for helping us back there and-” Suddenly, to everypony’s surprise, Celestia let out a small squeal of delight as she picked up Spike and spun him in the air. She then held him to her neck, laughing. “Oh, Spike,” She spoke, nuzzling his forehead. “We all missed you so much.” Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. “Did Princess Celestia just squeal?” Celestia than handed Spike to Luna as she hugged him tightly with her hoof. “And we weren’t just going to let anypony bully you while we’re around.” Luna then handed Spike to Cadance who held him with her hoof and rubbed her nose against his cheek. “No matter how far away, there’s still three princesses who will always love you,” She then kissed Spike on the cheek as all the princesses shared a group hug with the dragon. “Awwwww!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both spoke, as Twilight smiled warmly. As the group hug ended, they all noticed that ever since Celestia made the scene, Sweetie Belle only had a reaction of awe. “You okay, Sweetie Belle?” Twilight asked. “...THAT WAS AMAZIIIING!!!” Sweetie Belle began hopping in the air, excitedly. She looked up to Celestia. “I mean, I mean, nopony was there and then, and then BOOM! You were right in front of us! It’s just-I mean it was-!” Sweetie Belle then sighed of the amazing thing she saw. Luna leaned her head to Cadance and whispered. “I told you they’re quite enthusiastic.” This caused both her and Luna to chuckle. Twilight then turned to Spike. “You know, Spike. Me and the princesses were talking, and they told me they need a little a certain dragon for a little ‘Royal Business’ next week.” Twilight finished with a wink. Spike grinned as he looked up to the princesses. “Royal Business?” The princesses nodded as Luna ruffled his scales. “Yes!” Spike cheered. He then looked over to the smiling Crusaders. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his head. “Hey, guys?” Spike asked the princesses. “Is it alright if I bring three guests along?” “I don’t see the trouble.” Celestia nodded. Spike gave a thumbs up to the Crusaders who looked confused. Sweetie Belle turned around and looked back at Spike, and pointed at herself, thinking if Spike was referring to them. Spike nodded happily. Huge grins formed on the Crusaders’ faces as they began happily jumping in the air. “We’re going on Royal Business! We’re going on Royal Business!” They all cheered as they shared a group hug with Spike, happily laughing. THE END Author's Note I hope you all enjoyed the story. Spike having a crush on Cadance was based on another story written by a different author. But I don't know which one.
