Sparity Forever

Author’s Note: Thank you all for your wonderful input on chapters 1 and 2! Obviously, chapter 2 was met with some criticism due to my use of the human-to-pony cliché. I hereby apologize for that by juicing up this chapter a bit more; hope you enjoy it!

I must note, though, that Phoenix as an ex-human was a necessary addition to the story in order for chapters 4 and 5 to work. Nevertheless, I again apologize for the surprise change of the story’s direction.

Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to ChainReaction, a dedicated and supportive fan of my story since it first appeared here, and an amazing author as well. His interesting horror story "Feral" will also feature as the primary inspiration for the sequel to "Sparity Forever", yet to be named *wink*. Also, for the last section, I had inspiration from dlazarous’ "Curse of the Werepony" and Senorita~De~La~Nieve's "The Magic of Love"

Enough chit-chat, time is candy!

Warm sunlight poured through the fashonista’s bedroom through a thin sliver between the silk curtains, a white unicorn mare deep in her slumber. She mumbled in her sleep as she softly tossed and turned, a wide grin plastered over her face.

“….but of course, Twilight…. no no no, I insist I design your wedding dress…. darling, you mustn’t worry, it’s no trouble at all….”

Giggling could be heard from just outside the room, as the door creaked open ever so slightly.

“….no no, dear, it’s the least I can do, consider it your wedding gift….”

Sweetie Belle peered her head in the doorway, listening acutely to every word her sleeping sister mumbled.

“….oh Twilight, I promise this will be the most elegant dress you’ve ever seen…. I’ll give you a hint, I’m decorating it with….”

The pleasant, mouth-watering aroma of freshly-cooked pancakes and maple syrup wafted into the room, filling her nostrils.

“….pancakes?”

Sweetie fell back hard on her flank as she burst out laughing, which abruptly woke the slumbering Rarity, chortling as she did. Tossing her sleeping mask to the side, she made an attempt to clamber out of the clumped mess of bedsheets, ultimately entangling herself as she tumbled off the plush bed. This only amplified the young filly’s squeaky laughter, as she now lay on her back, flailing her hooves about the air.

Releasing herself from the tangled mess of silk sheets, the white mare was prepared to unleash her full wrath upon the laughing filly, until the delicious pancake scent passed through her nostrils once more, lifting her slightly off the floor as she floated out the door and down the stairs as if in a trance. She arrived at the bottom of the staircase to find the scent becoming more…. crispy, smoky.
Snapped from her floating trance, Rarity trotted into the kitchen, only to discover Spike dressed in a knee-length white apron and chef’s hat, tipping a ceramic plate of black pancakes into a plastic garbage bag, his expressionless face suggesting no reaction to the event, as he continued back to the opposite counter, ready to give the pancakes another try.

“Spike, darling, would you like some help?” the purple drake flinched at the familiar voice, which had almost seemed a bellow in the relatively quiet kitchen.

Turning to face her hastily, he replied with a smile “Oh, um, good morning Rarity!” he looked over at the garbage bag, then slowly back to Rarity “I was, uh…. trying to make you breakfast in bed….” Spike lowered his head a little, eyes glancing at the immaculate tile floor as he rubbed the back of his head. The white mare trotted over with a gentle smile on her face and kissed him on the forehead. He immediately blushed at the event, eyes wide open and focused intently on her crystal blue eyes.

“My little Spikey-Wikey, you don’t need to trouble yourself with such a thing!” she suddenly realised that she hadn’t applied her makeup or fixed her currently scruffy mane and tail, but the thought provoked no visual reaction, as she had received no comment from Spike on the subject. She blushed a little at the realisation that her cute little gentledrake adored her regardless of her appearance. Rarity continued. “However, you may assist me if you wish. Just give me a few minutes to fix up my coiffeur, apply some eyeliner-“ her stomach grumbled loudly.

“You don’t need makeup to cook breakfast, gorgeous.” He giggled, receiving a warm smile from the red-faced Rarity.

“Ohhh Spikey-Wikey.” She wrapped her front hooves around the young dragon, squeezing him tightly. “Well I am rather hungry,” she released him from the hug and swung an apron over herself with her magic. “Let’s get started!”

After they had cleaned up, Spike hugged Rarity goodbye as he left for the library.

“Bye Spike-Wikey!” Sweetie Belle called in an imitation of her sister’s voice, chuckling.

Back at the library, Twilight finished writing her letter to Princess Celestia, requesting on behalf of Pinkie Pie that their newest resident be allowed a short visit to Ponyville for a welcome party. Rolling up the parchment and applying the seal, she placed it neatly on the edge of a large log table in the centre of the room. Her ears jerked upright as she heard a knock at the door. She happily trotted over and turned the handle, swinging it open to see Spike standing there, wearing a content smile.

“So, Spike….” the purple unicorn mare grinned widely. She was immediately wrapped in the drake’s short, scaly arms, and returned the gesture by wrapping him in her front hooves.

“Thanks for supporting me last night Twilight. I had a great time, and I got to spend a lot of it with Rarity, despite the newest destructive adventures of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” He released his grip.

“Aww, no problem Spike. She really seems to like you.” she giggled a little. “So…. Where are you thinking of taking her for your first date?”

“Oh, well, um…. I hadn’t actually given it much thought, ahehe.”

Twilight giggled again, knowing how busy one’s mind is when attempting to keep the Crusaders under control. “Well, let me help you come up with some ideas.” She tapped her hoof against her chin. “Hmm…. Well, I hear Golden Harvest now runs that fancy dinner restaurant a few doors down from Sugarcube Corner.”

“….do they serve sapphires?”

Twilight facehoofed. The conversation abruptly ended as another knock was heard at the door, though this time hasty and impatient. As Spike turned the handle, the door burst open, and Rainbow Dash whisked through the doorway, tackling Twilight to the floor.

“Twi, do you have the new Daring Do?!” eagerly blurted out the cyan blue Pegasus, her unique multi-coloured mane and tail flicking about enthusiastically. She quickly lowered herself to the ground as she spotted the young purple dragon as he closed the door, rubbing his face with one claw. “We-he-hell, how did ya go, big boy?” she grinned profusely.

Twilight interjected. “Got your book right here, Dash.” The Pegasus in question quickly spun around, and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. “Try not to tackle me AGAIN next time.”

“Uh, ahehe, sure thing Twi.” She stretched her wings and hopped up into the air.

Twilight shifted a plain blue book with Daring’s profile on the cover off a nearby shelf and over to Dash with her magic.

“Hey, Dash?” asked Spike.

“What’s up, my dragon pal?”

“Seeing as how you and Applejack, uh….. well, what I was wondering was….”

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “You need some first date advice, big boy?” Spike looked away from her, trying to hide his blushed cheeks. Flying around him and lifting his face up to hers with her hooves, she grinned. “Hey, look, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous.”

The purple drake interjected. “Actually, I’m not really all that nervous, oddly enough. The thing is, that, um….. I kinda haven’t got much of an idea what to do on the date. What to talk about, where to go, what to-“

“Hey, I suggested dinner at Golden Harvest’s place!” interrupted Twilight. Dash suddenly looked as though a light bulb had appeared above her head.

“Hey, I know!” she exclaimed. “Why don’t you double date with me and Applejack at the restaurant? We could give you a few tips here and there, and we’ll steer conversation the right way for ya at dinner!”

Spike’s ears perked up in excitement. “Hey, that’s perfect! Thanks Dash, you’re the best!” he gripped the Pegasus in a brief hug, then ran off out the door.

“That was really sweet, Dash.”

“Least I could do. You noticed how happy Rarity is around him?”

“Yeah, those two will be so cute together.”

Silence fell between the two, and seconds felt like minutes.

“Well, I guess I’ll see ya round, Twi.”

“Alright. See you later, Dash. Return the book by tomorrow, I’d like to read it myself, you know.”

Dash nodded, then closed the door behind her as she flew off. The purple mare stood there for a few more moments, then slowly wandered about the library.
‘Come on Twilight, don’t start thinking about that. You know everypony around town; nopony is interested in you.’ she stopped for a moment, as the thought suddenly hit her. ‘Well, there is ONE pony you don’t know…. and he is rather handsome….’

Spike was only around the corner from Carousel Boutique now, and he felt overjoyed as his mind simulated the events of the night to come. ‘This will be perfect, Dash is a genius!’ Just as he was a few strides away from the door, it swung open, and Rarity came out from the vibrant interior, her eyes darting around the area until they met with the young dragon’s and threw a huge grin over her face.

“Spikey-Wikey! Perfect timing darling, I need to ask you something.”

“Sure, Rarity! What’s up?”

“Well as per our first date tonight, could we perhaps share dinner at Carrot Flambé, the new restaurant that opened last week.”

“Actually Rarity, that’s what I was hoping to ask you when I came here.” They chuckled in unison, but their eyes remained locked.

“Oh, well isn’t that the funniest thing, dearie? Great minds think alike, you know!” she continued to chuckle.

“Also, um, would it be okay if we double-dated with Rainbow Dash and Applejack?”

“Ooh, what a fine suggestion, Spikey! I haven’t spoken properly with them in ages…. Except for my birthday yesterday, of course, but it would have been rude to break up our lovely chat.” The drake smiled, and she continued “They’re such a charming couple, perhaps we could get some pointers, eh Spike?” she nudged him with a wink.

“Great! Well, I’ll see you tonight Rarity, I suppose you’re busy with work today.” He looked at her expectantly.

“Right you are, and don’t you ask to help, you’ve already helped me plenty by keeping a watch on Sweetie and her friends. “

“If you say so, milady.” He said with a regal voice, bowing. Rarity simply giggled at the gesture and trotted off with a wave of her hoof.

Orange-red hues radiated across the cloudless sky, and distant specks darted about the sky, gathering clouds of pure white and scattering them here and there. One speck left a faint rainbow trail as it curved around and plummeted towards the vast array of apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres. The object slowed considerably, then finally came to a complete halt as it landed on four hooves outside the large red barnhouse. Folding her wings in, Rainbow Dash knocked the door gleefully with a front hoof and straightened the lavish, multi-coloured dress she had outfitted herself in, matching her mane extravagantly. The large door creaked open, revealing Applejack in a similarly-styled dress, again matching her features elegantly.

“Well howdy there Dash.” She gave her a peck on the cheek. “T’was a mighty kind idea of yours here, real sweet of y’all.”

“Heh, no problem Applejack. Besides, you remember our first date?” they chuckled a little. “They’ll need all the help they can get.”

The two trotted off together, hoof in hoof, towards the restaurant they had all agreed upon earlier that day.
Meanwhile, as Spike left the library, he fumbled with his black bow tie, dressed in a short, matching tuxedo, with a white inlay and crimson red trimmings. Happily jogging down the path, his mind turned to his date, and imagined her spending a full hour or two beforehand on her mane alone, which made him giggle silently to himself.
Arriving at the restaurant, Spike was greeted by Rainbow Dash and Applejack, waiting outside hoof in hoof, and they both waved cheerfully as he approached.

“Wow, nice dresses you two!”

“Thanks!” replied Dash and Applejack in perfect unison, smiling and tilting their heads at precisely the same angle as well, as if they were one mare.

“I suppose Rarity’ll show up looking more dazzling than the stars themselves, as always.”

“Aww, now see here Spike, that’s exactly the kinda compliments you’ll be needin’ to give somepony like Rarity quite regularly; she’s a very emotional pony, and in secret she’s actually quite lackin’ in confidence.” Applejack gave a reassuring smile.

“Right into the advice, then?”

“Yer damn right, Spike mah friend.” She glanced at her marefriend, then back to the young dragon. “Ah know how ya feel, ya know. Ain’t no need ta be nervous; ah’m sure she’s just as nervous as you are right now, so it’s up ta you ta reassure her, make her comfortable.”

“Yeah, and if you can make her laugh, it’s a sure thing!” added Dash.

Applejack chuckled as she faced Dash. “Just not the way you did on our first date, sugarcube.”

“Hey, you told me the place was boring!”

“Yeah, but that don’t entitle ya’ll ta throw a blueberry pie at the waiter’s face!”

“It made you laugh, didn’t it?”

“S’pose it did, but don’t ya go doin’ it again, ya hear?” she couldn’t hide her smile, nor did she want to.

“WOAH!” exclaimed Spike as he spotted his date walking regally towards them. All jaws fell to the ground as Rarity approached, draped in the most stunning ensemble they had ever laid eyes upon, which had actually been her original design for Twilight’s birthday dress two years ago. The extravagant headdress design seems to flow gently in the light breeze of the night, gleaming with the same deep purple hue as her mane, and the long silky white and gold-trim garb flowed from her back and draped off her flank, hovering mere centimetres off the ground, layered with rows of glamorous peacock feathers.

Rainbow Dash leaned over to Spike and whispered in his ear, nudging him. “Weren’t you supposed to be walking her here?”

“She wasn’t supposed to be ready for another half hour…. how did she create that in today alone? I never saw any sketches or fabric-lined ponyquins in the boutique this morning.”

Rarity interjected. “Now now, darlings, no need to comment on how astonishing I look; your expressions and lack of speech are praise enough.” And indeed they remained silent, casting their eyes over the astounding masterpiece she had fashioned.

She glanced over at her date, who was lost more in her eyes than the exquisite ensemble itself. Letting out a ladylike giggle, she trotted over and planted a kiss on his cheek, instantly turning it red.
“Spike darling, I am ever so sorry for denying you the custom of walking me here, I was simply ready quite early, and rather famished if I do say so myself.”

The drake bowed to her, turning sideways as he did and arcing his arm in a gesture towards the door. “Mares first.”
The elegant white unicorn stepped through the doorway, conscious of her headdress as it brushed the arched ceiling or the doorjamb. Rainbow Dash and Applejack followed suit, the latter wrapped in the Pegasus’ wing.

Spike had reserved a circular lounge table against the back window, and as expected, all attention within the restaurant was aimed at Rarity and her fabulous ensemble. A yellow-coated pony with a carrot-orange mane and green eyes trotted over, her cutie mark a bundle of three carrots.
“Heya, gals and Spike! What can I getcha?”

“Howdy there, Harvest! I’ll have the apple pie and a chocolate milkshake.” Replied Applejack.

“Mmm, I’ll have the same!” added Dash.

“I’ll have the rainbow salad, thank you dear, and a glass of chardonnay.”

“Uhh, I guess I’ll just have some hay fries and a chardonnay as well.”

They all turned to the drake. “Spike darling, aren’t you still a little young for alcohol?”

“Alcohol doesn’t affect dragons like it does ponies.”

“Cool!” grinned Dash.

“And just how did you discover that in the first place?” Rarity winked, and Spike simply laughed with a sheepish grin. Laughter filled the table as what seemed like only a minute or two passed, as their meals arrived. Applejack and Rainbow Dash devoured their pies relentlessly in what might have seemed a race, while Rarity slowly munched away at her salad, taking ladylike sips of her chardonnay as she shared light conversation with her drake, giggling and chuckling at the occasional joke. None of them had noticed the young dragon ate his fries in a similar manner to his date, even sipping his wine as she did. The cyan pegasus and the farmer clinked their mugs together and locked eyes, indicating a drinking contest. Chugging their beverages, the white unicorn surprisingly cheered them on, as did half the restaurant.

“You folks all done?” asked Harvest, collecting their plates, glasses and mugs.

“Yes, thank you dear. That was absolutely delicious.” Smiled Rarity. Lifting her purse to the table with her magic, Spike raised his claw.

“It’s okay, I got this.” He smiled reassuringly.

“Now darling, I can’t let you do that.”

“Really, it’s okay, Princess Celestia increased the library’s stipend a few months back, and with Twilight often engrossed in her research, I earn quite a good wage simply cleaning and organising.”

“Are you truly sure? The boutique has had a good amount of business in the last week.”

“Yeah, it’s fine Rarity. Besides, I invited you, and it’s my pleasure.”

“Well, alright then, thank you very much Spikey-Wikey.” She reluctantly put her purse away.

“I got me and Applejack, Spike.” She smiled at her marefriend adoringly. “Thanks to her nagging me so much to help out around the farm, I’ve gotten less lazy, and the weather team promoted me.”

“Wow, that’s great, Dash!”

“Alrighty then, have a nice night you gals and, er, drake!” grinned Harvest, as they paid accordingly – plus a hearty tip – and left.

The four of them gathered in a group hug as they parted ways. “Thank ya kindly for allowin’ us ta come along!” Applejack beamed.

“Oh, it was our pleasure, darlings. We should really get together more often, say, the spa next week?” the white mare waved a hoof as they trotted off laughing. She looked at Spike. “I was serious, though.”

Spike chuckled and took her hoof in claw, leading her around the bend and down a brightly-illuminated pathway. Spotting Fluttershy’s cottage in the distance, she spoke up, a slightly confused look on her face. “Spike darling, where exactly are we going? Did you not say there was a lovely view in this area?”

“It’s just atop a hill between Sweet Apple Acres and Fluttershy’s cottage.” He replied reassuringly. She nodded with a smile, and they headed up a grassy incline, then down a short incline, behind a row of oak trees.
“I hope this doesn’t ruin my dress.” Rarity thought to herself, scanning the area for patches of dirt, gravel or similar terrain. She let out a loud gasp as Spike motioned for her to stop, gesturing over to her left. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened as the majority of the Everfree forest lay out before them, allowing a clear view of many of its regions, with the exception of the swamp.

“Sp-Spikey…. it’s…. beautiful….” Taking in the awe-inspiring view, she looked between groups of trees to see their shadows dancing about the soft grass, flowing in the gentle breeze. As she looked up at the night sky, she was left speechless by the countless stars shimmering amongst the navy-black abyss, Luna’s magnificent full moon shining brightly in the centre of it all. Knees buckling, her legs gave way as she fell gently onto the cushiony grass, staring in awe at the perfect picture before her.

Levitating her young gentledrake over to her, she pulled him close to her and embraced him in a tender hug. Spike looked up to see her large, crystal blue eyes shimmering in the moonlight, as they stared back down into his. Placing one hoof behind his back, and another behind his head, she slowly pulled him closer, gazing deep into his emerald-green eyes. A light blush formed on her cheeks, giving her a warm sensation as she closed her eyes softly, as he did the same, and gently pulled him the final inches as she pressed her lips against his. Spike’s cheeks quickly went red as a shiver wriggled down his spine, and unintentionally, he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. Rarity felt a similar shiver down her spine, but found that she enjoyed the sensation, and returned the gesture, exploring the drake’s mouth with her tongue.

Moments felt like hours as they finally parted, eyes slowly reopening, still fixed upon each other’s. Both Spike and Rarity possessed deep red blushes on their faces, and they wrapped each other in their arms and hooves as they sat staring up at the sky. A bright speck of light suddenly appeared, which quickly sped across the navy black canvas and disappeared.
Unbeknownst to the loving couple, Applejack had witnessed the entire scene a couple hundred metres away from her bedroom window on the second floor of the Sweet Apple Acres barnhouse.

“Awww, well ain’t that just the most gorgeous thing ya ever saw.” She said to herself.

“I know, right??” called her filly sister, waving her hoof from the adjacent window.

“APPLEBLOOM!” she darted back into house, giggling echoing throughout.