To The Heart Through the Stomach

Spike the Dragon was just as legendary as the Mane 6 and all the royals of Equestria combined. To many ponies, he was the first known dragon to grace the streets of Ponyville when he accompanied Twilight Sparkle to help with the Summer Sun Celebration long before she ascended to alicornship. To those in the Crystal Empire Spike helped end the threat of King Sombra and was the first to help build a bridge between ponies and changelings. To others in Equestria Spike was the father of the first known pony/dragon hybrids born in Equestria. But of course to Spike’s closest friends he was a regular dragon ready to assist in any way possible. He was very devoted to his family despite the age difference and obvious height difference between him and his wife Rarity. Spike still shared a close relationship to Princess Twilight and her family. When he wasn’t helping Rarity tend to the boutique or watch over Claire and Turquoise Spike enjoyed the weekends he would spend with his godchildren Starburst and Night Light. Spike would act as surrogate father of sorts to Starburst in particular whenever her parents were busy which seemed like most of the times. His habit was to help his closest friends see the absolute positive in life which served him well whenever he interacted with Starburst in her less than cheerful episodes. Spike’s habit was particularly useful when it came to helping Claire and Turquoise overcome their insecurities over their mixed genes.

It was late in the afternoon when Spike pounced the streets of Ponyville whistling a tune that he had been addicted to since his childhood days. He greeted a few ponies and other creatures here and there until his eyes caught a sign above a stall that read “CHEDDAR QUICHE SQUARES. 5 BITS FOR EACH BOX.” Spike’s face lit up and he walked his way towards the two fillies that manned the stall. “Hey, girls,” he said with a broad smile.

“Oh, hi, Uncle Spike!” said Pixel with wide eyes. “I thought you were helping out Princess Twilight?”

“Oh, I was done a long time ago,” Spike replied. “I just needed to check up on your Aunt and your cousins down at the boutique. So you’re selling quiche squares?”

“Yup,” said Api proudly. “Made by the Apple Family.”

“Anything baked by the Apples is great in my book,” said Spike. “I’ll take ten.”

“Deal!” said Api with a broad smile. She then directed Pixel to a stack at their left. The unicorn filly levitated ten boxes in front of Spike and in turn the dragon placed a brown sack of bits on the stall’s surface. He then picked up the boxes with the tip of his tail and carefully placed them on his back. “Thanks a million, ladies,” said Spike. He reached into his saddlebags, pulled out a huge sack of bits and placed on the stall. “There’s a big fat tip for you girls,” said Spike. “It’s a hundred bits. Think of it as a “thank you” gift.” The jaws of both Api and Pixel slackened. Api picked up the sack and shook it a little. “Thanks, Mr. Spike!” said Api through a big grin.

“You’re most certainly welcome,” said the dragon. Spike walked a few feet away but suddenly turned around to face the fillies. “Hey, Pixel, aren’t you supposed to be home helping your mom with that interview she’s having with that magazine?” said Spike. Pixel’s eyes went wide with horror. Earlier in the day she asked for Sweetie Belle’s permission to help Api with her quiche sale. Sweetie Belle gave Pixel her blessing provided that Pixel be home by three in the afternoon to assist in Sweetie Belle’s interview with the entertainment magazine Equestria Entertainment Weekly. “What time is it, Uncle Spike?” asked the unicorn filly. Spike pulled out a pocket watch from his saddlebag and popped open the lid. “About 2:45,” said Spike.

“Oh, my gosh!” exclaimed Pixel. “I totally forgot! You don’t mind running the stand yourself for the rest of the afternoon, do you, Api?”

“Don’t worry about it,” assured Api. “There isn’t much quiche the sell anyway. Take the rest of the day off.”

With those words Api took a box of quiche squares and handed it over to Pixel. “While you’re at it take a box,” Api said. “Your mom might like some.”

“I don’t know,” said Pixel shaking her head. “She’s a big music star. She wouldn’t wanna put on weight.”

“Well she isn’t on tour right now, is she?” asked Api.

“Well, no.”

“Good. Then one box wouldn’t hurt.”

Pixel’s magic engulfed the box and she turned away. “Dad might like some of these too,” she said to herself. “Uncle Spike, do you think you could drop me off by my house. I might get there faster.”

“Sorry, kiddo,” said Spike. “Your mother wouldn’t be happy if she found out I took you flying again.”

“Please, Uncle Spike. I don’t wanna be late.”

“Oh, what the heck? I’m sure Sweetie Belle would understand.”

Spike lowered his massive tail which acted as steps for Pixel. After Pixel climbed on his back Spike spread out his wings and took off into the sky. As they flew the box of quiche started slip off of Spike’s back. Pixel quickly caught it with her magic and held onto it with her front hooves.

***

Spike swooped down to the ground and landed gracefully on his feet. He straightened himself up and made his way to the Carousel Boutique. About twenty minutes earlier he dropped off Pixel at her house. Needless to say, Sweetie Belle was pretty upset that Spike took her daughter flying again after specifically warning him on several occasions how dangerous it is to take a filly her age flying. Spike felt that his sister-in-law should have shown more gratitude for at least getting her daughter home on time with only five more minutes to spare. Spike walked through the large door and discovered the main room looking different than what he was used to. There was a long runway in the midst together with studio lights on both sides. There were ponies applying makeup on two young mares that he was familiar with: Anthea and Princess Nidra. His wife and his children together with Cotton Candy were assisting in setting up the set and getting Anthea and Nidra ready. The one pony Spike was most aware of was the old earth pony mare at the camera: Photo Finish. She was in some ways responsible for him being honest about his feelings for his future wife. “Spikey Wikey!” exclaimed Rarity as she ran towards Spike. They both shared a small kiss and Spike once again beheld his surroundings. “Did I miss something?” he said.

“Oh, Photo Finish is here to pick who would be in the fashion spread of her magazine,” explained Rarity. “It’s tough competition between Annie and Nidra. So what we’re doing right now is supposed to determine the right mare for Photo Finish’s liking.”

“I could remember Photo Finish,” said Spike with a nod. His voice then lowered to a whisper “Is she still this overdramatic lady from when I was a kid?” Spike said in his wife’s ear.

“You have no idea, darling,” said Rarity softly.

“And seriously, how did Nidra get into this?”

“If the rumors about her are true, then my best guess is that she’s trying once again to prove that she’s worth the affections of Turquoise. Honestly, youths these today.”

The members of Photo Finish’s entourage added the finishing touches on Anthea and Nidra’s makeup. “Alright ladies,” announced Photo Finish. “Now is ze time for your final task. On dis runway each step you make must radiate confidence, passion and poise. It is only through dese traits zat readers, particularly today’s youth, gain inspiration to partake of the clothing zat sells all across Equestria. Remember, no mistakes or you are finished.” The fashion photographer trotted behind her camera and powered it up. “Princess, make your way to ze runway,” said Photo Finish.

“Turquoise, my dear, watch carefully so that you would know exactly what to look for in a lady,” said Nidra to the dragon pony that stood behind her. Gracefully, the bat alicorn climbed the steps of the runway and readied herself for Photo Finish’s instructions. Meanwhile Spike and Rarity took their places next to their children, Cotton Candy and Anthea. “Alright, Princess, begin!” said Photo Finish. Nidra walked her way down the narrow runway slowly but elegantly. She stopped midway displaying the best poses that came to her mind. Photo Finish’s continued compliments only fed Nidra’s ego. Though Anthea’s eyesight was poor at best, from listening to Photo Finish’s compliments she knew that Nidra was possibly hitting every right note. Cotton Candy then took note of the nervousness on Anthea’s face. “Don’t worry, Annie,” assured the earth pony. “You’re gonna do great.” Cotton Candy turned to her right and noticed Spike and Rarity eating from a box of quiche squares. Her eyes brightened and she walked over to the massive dragon. “Hey, Mr. Spike, what’s that stuff?” asked Cotton Candy.

“These are some quiche squares I bought,” said Spike “Sweet Apple Acres’ finest. If you want some I got some boxes on that chair over there.” Spike pointed to a single folding chair that was stacked with nine boxes. Cotton Candy trotted over to chair opened a box ate a quiche. Her eyes widened in delight. She then took a box and trotted over to the rest of the group. “Hey Annie,” she said “you gotta try one of these quiche squares. They’re delicious.” Cotton pulled out a quiche and handed it over to the blind unicorn mare. Before Anthea could take a bite the quiche was engulfed with a blue magical aura and it floated away. It floated all the way towards Claire whose horns were glowing with the same color magical aura that was wrapped around the quiche thus revealing that it was her who took away the quiche square. “Sorry, Annie,” said Claire. “But you’ve got a competition to win. You can’t have any distractions. Don’t worry. You’ll get some when the competition’s over.” With those words the quiche made its way into Claire mouth.

“Hey, can I have some of those?” asked Turquoise. Cotton passed the box over to Turquoise and he took one bite of the quiche. A broad smile stretched from ear to ear on his face and he wolfed down the rest. “I’m gonna past these onto every pony else,” said Cotton Candy.

“Make sure you leave a box for Annie after the competition,” reminded Turquoise.

Meanwhile Nidra arrived at the end of the runway and did a twirl. She turned her back towards Photo Finish’s camera and looked over her shoulder displaying a look with half closed eyes and pursed lips. “Splendid, Princess!” exclaimed Photo Finish clapping her hooves. Nidra then trotted all the way to the end of the runway. She climbed down the stairs and made her way towards the group. She stood right next to Turquoise making both their shoulders touch. Turquoise blushed slightly when he noticed the princess a little too close. “You were pretty great up there, Nidra,” said Turquoise.

“But of course I was,” said Nidra with a haughty laugh. “It would be interesting to see if the blind commoner could do any better.”

“Never underestimate the daughter of The Element of Kindness,” said Cotton Candy giving Nidra a stern look. Cotton Candy guided Anthea up the stairs and unto the runway. “Show ‘em what you got, Annie!” said Cotton Candy punching her hoof into the air. Anthea turned to the direction of Photo Finish’s camera seeing nothing but blur. She took in a deep breath and exhaled gently. “Alright, Anthea,” said Photo Finish. “Strut!” Anthea’s left front hoof stepped out first, followed by her right front hoof. Soon the young unicorn mare was making her way down the runway. Mentally, she went over the steps that Rarity and Claire that showed her earlier that day. She squared her shoulders and put on the most confident face she could think of. It was quite the challenge since she never knew exactly how a confident face looked like and had no example to draw from. With every step Anthea made the Photo Finish’s camera went off capturing every moment. Anthea made graceful steps until she arrived at the midst of the runway. She shifted to her left and looked to her right in the direction of the camera. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” said Photo Finish. “Doze eyes! Simply Beautiful!”

Anthea’s performance brought approving smiles and nods from Rarity and her family. Cotton Candy cheered on loudly. The only one who did not seem to be captivated by the sight was a certain bat alicorn. A scowl made its way upon Nidra’s face. She shook with rage as every compliment Photo Finish rendered upon the unicorn mare. “Yup, Annie could light up any picture,” said Turquoise. Nidra turned sharply to face the young dragon pony stallion. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung slightly. Turquoise did not take notice of the shocked expression on the princess’ face. He was too caught up in the fact that Anthea was well on her way to being chosen for Photo Finish’s magazine. Nidra looked back at Anthea who was starting to make her way towards the end of the runway. Nidra internalized that she could not allow the blind unicorn to best her once again. Not in front of the fashion photographer she had admired for so long. Nidra’s eyes darted all over the area until her eyes were fixated on a bottle of body oil at the corner of the room. That oil was used when both Nidra and Anthea did their beach scene to give their fur some glow. A sly smile stretched across the bat alicorn’s face. All it took was one little mistake for the blind unicorn to be out of the running for Photo Finish’s magazine; one mistake that Nidra could easily arrange without detection. Nidra recalled a feat of magic that her mother Princess Luna performed that involved invisibility on inanimate objects. Princess Luna performed the feat in preparation for an event where enemy threats would likely seek to steal Canterlot’s prized royal artifacts. She made this possible by shooting a beam of magic at an object and the object turned invisible to the naked eye. Princess Luna was even able to carry this object with her magic and no one would see the object wrapped in her magic. Weeks later Nidra was able to convince her Auntie Celestia to teach her this magic under the pretext that it would make Nidra more prepared to protect Canterlot Castle’s valued possessions from thieves. It took Nidra five months to master this feat and though her magic was not as strong as Celestia’s and Luna’s, Nidra was able to perform this magical feat for about five minutes. Concentrating hard on this bottle of body oil, Nidra shot a beam of magic at the bottle and it became invisible. She then carefully levitated it over to the runway and poured the entire bottle over the runway not once attracting the attention of those present, especially Photo Finish. Nidra then levitated the empty bottle in a nearby trash can and before the bottle hit the bottom of the can the invisibility spell wore off.

Anthea struck a pose near the edge of the runway. “Ausgezeichnet, Annie!” exclaimed Photo Finish in her native tongue.

“Awesome job, Annie,” said Turquoise.

“Right on, Annie!” cheered Cotton Candy.

“Splendid!” said Rarity clapping her hooves.

“You go, kiddo!” complimented Spike.

“Great job, Annie,” said Claire. “Great job!”

A warm smile appeared on Anthea’s face. The self-doubt she harbored earlier in the day had all disappeared. She was now certain that Photo Finish would definitely choose her for the magazine. Anthea was now on top of the world. She turned around and started to make her way down the runway. She arrived in the center of the runway when suddenly she skidded a few meters to her right. She struggled to keep her balance and stay upright but the now slick runway was making that impossible for her. Whenever she tried to keep her hooves firm on the surface she would skid in all different directions. She kept slipping and sliding until the runway was no longer beneath her hooves. She fell right off the runway landing flat on her back. Almost immediately Rarity, her family, Cotton Candy and the members of Photo Finish’s entourage rushed to Anthea’s side. Only Nidra stayed behind in the corner of the room suppressing a laugh. Anthea struggled to her hooves looking around in confusion and with a pained look on her face. “Annie, are you alright?” said Turquoise helping Annie to her hooves. He felt guilty that he did not move fast enough to save her from hitting the ground.

“My flank hurts a little, but I’m alright,” said Anthea.

“That was such a horrible fall you took, darling,” said Rarity.

“Not a word of this to Mrs. Fluttershy, Cotton Candy” said Claire pointing a stern claw at the earth pony mare. “Got it?” Cotton nodded her head and made a zipped lips motion across her muzzle.

“Sweet Clestia!” exclaimed Photo Finish as she rushed to Anthea’s side. “Vhat did I tell you? I said to maintain poise und grace.”

“I’m sorry, Photo Finish,” said Annie. “I just slipped and fell.”

“I’m very sorry, Anthea,” said Photo Finish. “But since you have proven dat you cannot follow simple instructions, I simply cannot feature you in my magazine.” The fashion photographer’s announcement seemed to suck the wind out of Rarity’s family and Cotton Candy. The only one who seemed overjoyed was Nidra who had a gleeful expression that none in the room seemed to notice. “Come on, Mrs. Photo Finish,” pleaded Spike. “it wasn’t her fault.”

“It was a simple mistake, Photo Finish,” said Rarity. “These things happen.”

“Yeah, give her another chance,” said Cotton Candy with pleading eyes.

“Yeah, come on,” added Turquoise.

“I’m very sorry, everypony,” said Photo Finish shaking her head sadly. “But as I stated before, the one mare who can maintain poise, confidence and passion iz ze vone dat shall be in ze magazine. Anthea has shown that she cannot maintain poise.”

“But she showed passion and confidence,” said Turquoise with a hint of desperation. “Two out of three isn’t bad.”

“Vone mistake and you are done,” said Photo Finish sternly. “Dat iz vhat dis industry is built on.” The fashion photographer then turned to the bat alicorn. “Princess, get yourself ready,” said Photo Finish. “You are now ze face of dis year’s Summer Edition!”

Nidra could not stop beaming. She fought the urge to squeal with delight and maintained poise the way a princess should. “Well, I’m obviously humbled by this honor, Photo Finish,” said the bat alicorn. “But I assure you that you will not regret your decision.”

Annie bowed her head in sadness. She was so close and had hit all the right notes and just like that, her goal was snatched away on account of one foolish mistake. Turquoise wrapped his claw around her. “I’m sorry, Annie,” said Turquoise with an obvious sad tone. Anthea let out a deep sigh and looked up to him. “It’s alright,” said the unicorn mare with a weak smile. “Even though mom and I aren’t related by blood, I guess it’s not in any of our destinies to be models.”

“Rarity!” announced Photo Finish. “Bring out your apparel. Ve must begin shooting our first photos for this year’s Summer Edition.”

Rarity cocked her head and displayed a look of confusion. “What, now?” said the unicorn mare.

“These photos of ze princess must be delivered in two weeks,” responded the fashion photographer. “I need a new wardrobe on ze double. Ve go!”

Anthea’s heart sank. All her life she was always a pony who always tried to look at the glass half full be it her blindness or the fact that her birth parents allegedly abandoned her. This situation however was one she could not live down. As far as Anthea was concerned she excelled in every competition for Photo Finish’s selection. When it came to the runway walk, her goal of accomplishing something grand was stripped away all because of one little blunder. A mistake that could have been avoided. But how could she have possibly foreseen that something slick was spread across the runway? Come to think of it, Anthea could not recall such a slippery substance being present on the runway the first time she walked across it “It’s gonna be alright, Annie,” said Turquoise. “You’ll always be a top model in my book.” A smile formed on Anthea’s face and Turquoise started to lead her to the corner where the quiche squares were located. “The Apple Family’s quiche squares should help you get your mind off things,” said Turquoise. When they arrived at the corner where the chair with the quiche boxes were supposed to be located, all they found was the chair. Turquoise displayed a look of confusion and he looked around finding some members of Photo Finish’s entourage indulging themselves in quiche. “Hey, Cotton Candy did you leave a box for Annie like I asked?” said the young pony dragon hybrid.

“Yeah, there’s supposed to be a box on the chair that you’re looking at,” responded the earth pony mare. Turquoise looked around again and saw a box hovering in a golden magical aura. Next to the floating box was Nidra whose face was covered in crumbs and she was in the process of shoving a quiche in her mouth. “Um, Nidra, I think those were supposed to be for Annie,” said Turquoise. The princess looked at him in confusion and then at the floating quiche. She also looked at Anthea. Nidra then shrugged and a smug grin appeared on her face. “Well, your mouth can’t eat what your eyes can’t see,” said the princess as she shoved the remaining quiche in her mouth.

“Not cool, Nidra,” said Turquoise pointing a stern claw at the princess. Annie let out a sigh. “Well, I’d better get going,” she said softly.

“I’ll take you back home,” said Turquoise.

Turquoise then started leading Anthea to the entrance. “Turquoise darling,” called Rarity. “Will you be a dear and help your father and I get the place fixed up for Nidra’s photo shoot?” Turquoise displayed a look of annoyance. As beautiful as Nidra was Turquoise did not like the idea of staying back to help the mare who beat her girlfriend. Cotton Candy then took note of Turquoise’s expression and ran to Anthea’s side. “Don’t worry, T,” said Cotton Candy. “I’ll take her home.” Turquoise looked on as Cotton Candy led his marefriend to the front door. “Why waste your time with that blind commoner when you could be better acquainted with a winner?” said Nidra walking past him. Turquoise turned to face the princess who levitated the crumbs off of her face with her magic and right into her mouth. “Nidra, you’re a pretty mare,” Turquoise began hesitantly. “But with all due respect, there’s only one mare for me.”

“When my face is on Photo Finish’s magazine cover, you may want to reconsider that statement,” said Nidra. She then walked away not before passing her tail along Turquoise’s chin eliciting a blush from the young stallion.

At the entrance Cotton Candy and Anthea were inches away from the door when Cotton Candy suddenly felt a sharp pain. The pain was then followed by a rumble. Cotton Candy stopped dead in her tracks and started holding her stomach while letting out a painful groan. “Candy, are you alright?” said Anthea taking note of the earth pony mare’s groans.

“My stomach hurts,” groaned the earth pony mare. “But I’m sure I could trot it off.”