Chapter 4: Dancing Deceit

“You honor us with your presence, Princess Ember,” Spike said, doing a small bow as he stood beside his mother. “Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“What in the fang happened to you, Spike!?” Ember exclaimed, perplexed, as she eyed up and down the dragon in front of her.

“Alright, who are you and where is the scrawny sack of scales?” Smolder asked with crossed arms.

“It’s me,” Spike replied with a smile. Celestia giggled as the exchange. “We’ll talk once I’m done here, alright?”

“Alright isn’t enough, Spike. Where did--” Ember circled a hand at him. “--this come from?”

“Wait, so you are that wimpy toothpick!?” Smolder exclaimed. Her expression soon dropped and twisted into mild confusion as she heard something in the distance, like an echo. “Hey… does anycreature else hear that?”

Ember, Spike, and Celestia fell silent as the three of them shifted their heads around to hear better. “Yeah… I hear something. It… sounds like, jingling?” Ember questioned.

“...Oh sweet Harmony, no,” Spike whispered. “Mother, is it alright if we head inside until that’s over?”

“Why? What’s going on?” Smolder asked as the jingling grew louder and was soon accompanied by other instruments and faint lyrics. “Wait, is that… is that singing?”

“...all our dreams will come true right here at the Gala. At the Gala~...” A chorus of voices sang in unison.

“It is singing! Why are they singing?” Ember asked, looking confused at Spike and Celestia.

“Musical Harmony… it’s kinda hard to explain, Ember. But once you get wrapped up in it, you just flow with it for a few minutes,” Spike sighed. “I like it! But bursting into random musical numbers is just weird!”

“That reminds me,” Celestia replied with some humor lacing her voice. “I have to go light the sparkling bridge to signal the start of the Gala,” Celestia leaned down to kiss Spike’s cheeks. “Have a good evening,” she bowed her head before teleporting away.

“Come on, I’ll guide you to our table,” Spike said, waving a hand at his two friends, signaling to follow him. “Unless you want to join in?”

The clamor of trumpets could be heard, followed by the faint sounds of pegasi flying at astonishing speeds. “‘Been dreaming I’ve been waiting, to fly with those great ponies! The Wonderbolts, their daring tricks; spinning ‘round and having kicks!~” A mellow yet energetic voice could be heard in the distance.

“Lead the way!” Smolder shouted.

“Out of the way, Smolder!” Ember yelled as she flew past her cousin.

Spike shrugged as he made haste up the stairs and into the Grand Salon. He could see several nobles and other guests already inside. Most nobles were sitting by their assigned tables, while others were mingling in dry, dull dick-measuring contests. He was quick to catch up with Smolder and Ember, guiding them to their table.

“So, Smolder, why didn’t Garble come?” Spike asked as he sat down on his seat.

“You know how Gar-Gar is. Though he’s been… acting weird, you know? Trying to be tough and bullying other smaller dragons,” Smolder replied with a worried snort. “I wish Gar-Gar could be a little more like you, Spike. You’re not afraid to be who you are.”

“Garble can be a prick and a boulder-head,” Ember replied, nodding in agreement with Smolder. “But the Dragon Lands aren’t the nicest place to live on, and you know us dragons, we aren’t exactly the friendliest of species,” she said with some disdain. “And why are you whining about Garble not being himself, Smolder? Or should I say miss-little-tea-party-princess~” Ember said in a childish, annoying voice.

“I told you to not tell anyone that, Ember!” Smolder punched her cousin’s arm, blushing madly as her eyes darted back and forth between Spike and Ember.

“What’s wrong with liking tea parties?” Spike replied with a smile. “I enjoy them from time to time.”

“Oh…” Smolder blushed. “So… y-you like cute silly stuff too, Spike?”

Spike raised an eyebrow and extended his arms.

“Point taken,” Smolder replied, smiling awkwardly at him. “Speaking of that. Where did those come from anyway?” She said, pointing at his muscles.

“Oh, these?” He said flexing his arms a little. He then looked down at his chest, torso, belly, and legs. Gone was the lanky dragon they saw the last time they saw each other. Now, Spike was built and packing some decent muscles. He wasn’t ridiculously built, but his frame was now strong, confident, secure, and proud. His pecks were somewhat toned, his belly sported a modest lean but strong frame, and his legs didn’t look like twigs anymore. His shoulders were broader, his chest stuck out, and even his tail was slightly thicker and longer. “I decided to train up a little, that’s all,” he shrugged. “Figured out that since I’m a Prince, then I should at least look the part, no?”

“Well, there’s looking like a Prince and then there’s whatever this is,” Smolder pointed out.

“Can’t say I don’t like the changes,” Ember began, smiling. “Even for a dragon before experiencing the Molt, you were rather lanky, Spike.”

“I might start exercising too. Can’t let the squirt beat me, now can I?” Smolder said arrogantly.

“Squirt? You’re eight months older than me, Smolder,” Spike countered, unamused.

“Wanna fight, Spikey?” Smolder taunted.

“Knock it off, you two,” Ember grumbled, glaring at Spike and slapping Smolder’s head. “But what sparked the change, Spike? You were never interested in how you looked before. And what’s with those gloves?” She asked, pointing at the purple fingerless gloves he was wearing.

Spike’s smile dropped, his expression turning somber. He stared at his hands for a few seconds before rubbing his belly for a short moment. “What I’m about to say must not leave this table, got it?”

“What, afraid we’ll tattle--”

“Got it?” Spike repeated, cutting off Smolder, in a far more serious and firm voice than previously.

The two dragonesses looked at each other. Ember nodded, understanding the unusual seriousness of her friend, and leaned in. Smolder also leaned in, more out of curiosity than understanding, but nonetheless she promised to not say anything just like Ember.

Removing his gloves, he revealed a carved letter over them: a simple D. “I made them myself… so I wouldn’t somehow forget what happened,” he explained. “I was an idiot, you see. I… I let my feelings and my stupidity win over me and I dropped into the Everfree Forest all because I wanted to say my farewells to Twilight Sparkle, a dear friend of mine,” he sighed heavily, his eyes focused only on his twin D’s. “Inside the forest… a Dragon Hunter attacked me.”

Ember and Smolder gasped, horrified. Both clasping their mouths to keep them from shouting any sensible information.

“I tried to reason with him before knowing he was a Dragon Hunter. We fought… I lost. I threatened him… and he almost killed me. Aunt Luna saved me just in time,” he clenched his hands into shaky fists. “I was such an idiot. I thought that just because I am a dragon and a Prince of Equestria I was going to be okay. That nothing could harm me. That I could beat anything. That Dragon Hunter sure did a number on me, though,” he chuckled.

“Oh, Spike…” Ember muttered, reaching out a hand to him until she grabbed one of his fists. “No dragon should ever face those damn monsters. But he’s dead, right?”

Spike smiled as Smolder reached out to grab his other fist. “Yeah. Aunt Luna blasted his head right off. Anyway, he plucked the scales from the back of my hands, where the D’s are. I marked them myself, so I’ll never forget that, while I’m a dragon and a Prince, I am not invincible. No one is,” Spike finished by pulling away his hands and putting his gloves back on. Looking up, he saw a few fireworks in the distance. “Ah, it looks like that‘s my queue. Have a good night, girls. Oh, and, don’t tell Dragon Lord Torch, okay?”

“Promise,” both dragonesses said in unison.

***********************************************

“Spike!” Twilight cheered as she rushed to hug her old friend.

“Twilight!” Spike also cheered, opening his arms to capture his dear friend and spin around a few times. “Oh, it’s so good to see you again after all these months!”

“I’ll say!” Twilight replied. “Look at you! I knew you were working out and that Shiny was overseeing your training, but I didn’t expect this!” She exclaimed proudly.

“Yeah, Shining can be pretty brutal. He’s not the Captain of the Royal Guard for nothing. He’s even worse than Blueblood and Fancy Pants combined, but nowhere near as bad as Aunt Luna and her Guards,” he explained with a playful smile. Looking around, he asked. “Hey, where are your friends? I’d love to meet them at last! That reminds me, sorry I couldn’t visit Ponyville with mom last time, I was busy training. But, hey! Parasprites? I dodged a spear!”

“Ha-ha, very funny, Spike. Those Parasprites almost destroyed Ponyville until Pinkie Pie saved the day,” Twilight said, jabbing Spike’s ribs in good fun.

“So, where are they?” Spike asked once more.

“Well, Pinkie is over there,” she pointed at her pink coated friend sitting on a table on her own. “I think Fluttershy is at the gardens with the animals. Rainbow Dash is going to try to impress the Wonderbolts. Applejack is…”

“Shhoooo Guuuudddd Phaaaeeiiiii!” Soarin half-moaned, half-slobbered himself as he walked into the Salon, his face stained with pieces of pie while his eyes reflected pure ecstasy.

“...That must be quite the pie…” Spike muttered.

“You can thank Applejack for that. Apple Family is delicious,” her cheeks blushed. “I think I’ve gained a few pounds thanks to her and Pinkie’s addictive cooking,” clearing her throat, she continued despite Spike’s knowing smile. “As I was saying, Applejack must be outside selling her products. And Rarity must be somewhere around here searching for Blueblood.”

Spike blinked. “I didn’t know your friend Rarity was part of a noble family. Is she looking for him for some business deal or something?”

Twilight giggled. “Of course not, Spike. Rarity may be sophisticated and elegant, but she’s not a noble. She’s a seamstress. She’s also quite beautiful, if I must say so myself. She’s looking for Blueblood to try and charm him. Hey, have you seen Shiny and Cadance around?”

Spike’s mouth opened in shock and disbelief. “Y-You didn’t warn her? You didn’t tell her?”

“Warn her? About what?” Twilight tilted her head.

Spike smacked his forehead. “Of course you wouldn’t know what’s going on. Look,” he pressed his short snout against hers. “Blueblood has been getting a lot of marriage proposals lately and the mares have been rather pushy about it. Worse yet, many other mares outside nobility think they stand a chance and that they can charm ‘Their Dream Prince’,” he narrowed his eyes.

“And Blueblood, being Blueblood, decided to fight fire with a volcanic eruption. He became ‘Il Douche’ of Royalty. The Bane of All Mares,” he pulled back, looking around. “We have to find them before-please tell me that’s not Rarity,” he said pointing at an elegantly dressed mare currently talking to herself as she (quite poorly) tried to maintain a slow stride as she followed a charming, smiling Blueblood.

“Yup, that’s her,” Twilight bit her lower lip. “S-Should we…?”

Spike shook his head. “We’d only make things worse. Oh, and… Shining and Cadance didn’t come. Something about a late-night meeting with Aunt Blue?”

“Dang it,” Twilight stomped her hoof. “Well, it was nice seeing you again, Spike. Maybe after the Gala, we can catch up some more? I wanted to say hello up here… and rest my hoof a little,” she squeed. “Bye!”

And with that, she was gone. Spike shook his head and chuckled. “Well, mom was right, tonight is surely going to be interesting,” as he turned around to see what else needed his attention, he saw Ember and Smolder chatting with Shifting Sands, High Dune, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, her cousin Silverstream, and the representatives from Mexicolt, Minotauria.

Looking around some more, Spike saw various nobles talking with each other in groups. The pink mare, Pinkie Pie, was looking rather miserable by herself. Deciding on his course of action, he began walking towards her table, but out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Luna forcefully smiling as a group of nobles talked to her. With a quick change of direction, he headed towards his bewildered aunt.

“Princess Luna, if I may be so bold to say, but you look positively gorgeous tonight,” one of the mares praised. “I see you are wearing a gown made in one of my many shops. Of course, only I can achieve such magnificent pieces worthy only for Royalty.”

“Q-Quite,” Luna swallowed. “It is like the saying goes ‘The Moon shines brighter in the Night’! Ha ha ha! Ha…” She said nervously.

The gathered nobles laughed heartily until they had to wipe a tear away with their hooves.

“Oh, Princess Luna, you truly do make the best jokes!” A stallion exclaimed.

“I must agree! We are truly blessed to be granted the presence of our beloved Goddess of the Night!”

“You flatter me, esteemed guests,” she said, taking a step back. “But I am no Goddess. Nor is my sister or any Alicorn for that matter. For all our gifts there are also faults, I’m afraid.”

“Please, Princess Luna, your humor is too much!” Another stallion chuckled. “And your humility! Oh! How it shines upon all of us, a reflection of what we strive!” He then pulled out a small box, presenting a gem-encrusted ring. “Behold, my Princess, one of my finest creations. I call it ‘Kiss of the Moon’, for it reflects your elegance and primordial beauty.”

“O-oh… t-that is… quite something… quite something, indeed. But I may suggest a change of name?” She smiled awkwardly. “The Moon is lifeless and cold. A kiss from it would be quite unpleasant.”

Again, the nobles burst into a fit of high-pitched, overly exaggerated laughs. Luna flinched as she nervously laughed alongside them.

“Ah, Aunt Luna, there you are. Gentlestallions, Ladies,” Spike said respectfully. “It is quite nice to see all of you attending this year’s Gala.”

“Ah, Prince Spike, an honor,” a mare replied, blushing as she bowed her head. The other nobles also bowed their heads in respect. “Have you come to join us, my Prince?”

“Sadly, I have not,” Spike turned to Luna. “Aunt Luna, there is an urgent matter that requires your attention. Please, follow me?”

“Of course, Spike. If you’ll excuse me, I must take my leave,” Luna said, forgetting to bow her head as she hurriedly followed her nephew. They quickly left the Salon, traversed a few corridors until the music died down, and then finally stopped. “Those unbearable, snobby, fake---AAAHH!” She yelled.

Spike laughed. “I don’t know which Luna I love the most, Auntie. The morning ‘I shall vaporize you all’ Luna. The normal grouchy Luna. Or the awkwardly adorable Luna!”

“This is no laughing matter, Spike!” She replied, cheeks burning hot. “And furthermore, I am not grouchy! I am calm, collected, serious, and noble!”

“Maybe that’s why you smile so much, eh?” Spike jabbed, chuckling. Luna snorted angrily but didn’t riposte him. “Why didn’t you leave them, Auntie? They were being quite pushy, even by noble standards.”

“They cornered me as I was making my way to the restroom,” she sighed. “I hate being in crowds or surrounded by fake, arrogant tail kissers. Laughing and praising everything I said and then brushing me aside when trying to correct them. The nerve,” she shook her head. “But I must thank you, dearest nephew, for coming to my aid.”

“Can’t let a lovely mare in peril suffer, now can I?” Spike replied with a smile.

Luna blushed. “You can be quite the insufferable Prince yourself, did you know that, Spike?” Regardless of her words, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I am quite surprised, Spike. I thought you’d be with Celestia or with Twilight Sparkle.”

“Mom and Twily are at the entrance welcoming the few remaining guests to arrive. After that, I think they want to catch up past the Friendship Lessons Twilight writes back to her from time to time. So I figured I should let them have some space. I’ve been around the Gala making sure everything is fine and under control, greeting a few guests, and trying to not devour the buffet table… I’ve had limited success with that last one,” he cleared his throat. “And you, Aunt Luna?”

“Oh, you know, sitting by myself, occasionally waving at our guests, having some tea and food, the usual,” she replied. “I hate the Galas.”

“You hate almost every social gathering, Auntie,” Spike corrected.

“And why would that be?” Luna groaned. “Celestia is the most fitted for that! And yet I have to be dragged to these kinds of events every time. I’d rather spend my time inspecting my duties, training you, or walking the Dreamscape.”

“Speaking of that, Auntie,” Spike started. “I told Ember and Smolder what happened.”

“...Does Celestia know?” Luna asked.

“Not yet. But I’ll tell her after the Gala,” Spike replied.

“Do you think it is wise to tell her? She asked you to not tell anycreature of the incident,” Luna explained. “She might be angry.”

“She could never be angry with me, Auntie. And even she gets angry, she has to know,” Spike said, smiling. “I won’t tell Twilight yet… I don’t want her to feel like my mistake was her fault. I failed Friendship. I failed Harmony that day. I was selfish and greedy and… and acted like a true dragon. I paid the price and almost lost my life because of it. I won’t fail Harmony and Friendship again,” he gritted his fangs. “I won’t be a bad friend that didn’t know about his friend’s departure and couldn’t be there to at least say ‘farewell and good luck’. If I fail at even that, then what kind of Prince am I if not a failure?”

“Hmmhm,” Luna hummed. “Perhaps you are in the right for thinking like that, Spike. But to me, that is not the case. You are a wonderful dragon, my dear. A handsome stallion that does his best for his family, loved ones, friends, and home. You have not failed anyone, my beautiful Prince. Believe me, I know what a failure looks like,” Luna said with a sad smile on her lips, her eyes watching the reflection of Nightmare Moon smirking, mockingly taunting her on the polished shield in front of her.

“Did you fail, Aunt Luna?” Spike asked softly. “You didn’t fail. You managed to get enough control of yourself to keep Nightmare Moon inside you, locked and captured. She is your prisoner, and you are the stalwart guardian keeping her at bay from us. You’re not a failure,” he smiled gently at her. “At least, not to me you’re not!”

“He’s right, you know? You managed to stop yourself from ridding yourself of Celestia and ruling over Equestria. But you failed from stopping her machinations. Who knows how many secrets and ploys and plans she has ordered behind your back without you ever knowing? Letting Celestia get her way has done nothing but cause distress, all in the name of Harmony. What a colossal hypocrite she is,” the Nightmare spat. “And yet you still allow her to control him. I wonder who’s the biggest coward?”

Silence! Luna ordered in her mind.

Taking a deep breath, Luna turned to Spike. “Spike… I know of the promise Celestia made to you,” she revealed.

Spike felt his heart stop for a full five seconds before answering. “You do?” He asked, his voice a mere whisper.

Luna nodded. “Spike… you don’t have to obey her because of that,” she extended a wing, slapping it against his chest and moving it up and down slowly. “There’s no need to cling to a promise that may not become a reality.”

“I will make it a reality,” he replied, his voice no longer weak. It now boomed with determination, his will, and with boundless confidence. “She has promised me it to be so. And she keeps her promises. I will succeed. I WILL unite the world under Harmony, Aunt Luna. And I will do so using the ideals of Equestria. I shall not fail, no matter how long it takes. The Equestrian Flag shall fly over every land and nation and mountain and field! And then,” Spike’s nostrils flared as they ejected a small stream of fire. “She’ll be my wife.”

Luna pressed on. “But why wait, Spike?” She asked. “It is bodily satisfaction you seek? If you wish, I can grant it to you personally,” she said in a hushed, playful tone. “I’ve seen how you look at her flanks; how much you love them,” she watched Spike’s cheeks turn red, his previous determination gone. “Her derriere is quite impressive, is it not? Expected, given her size. Mine arse may not be as big, but it is quite grabbable and squishable. Though, if you prefer them big, I can start gorging myself on cakes, much like Celestia does.”

“Honestly, the only thing bigger than her ambitions is her gluttony for all things sweet, more so of cake. I wonder…?” She looked back at her rump, shaking it a bit. “Maybe will cookies work as well? Doughnuts? I do prefer doughnuts! Oohhh! How about mooncake?”

“I don’t know if you’re trying to be sexy or cute, because, honestly, it works both ways,” Spike replied, stifling his laugh.

Blushing madly, Luna reeled back and coughed. “What I’m trying to say, Spike, is that you don’t have to wait out on Celestia. I can fulfill your carnal desires quite easily. Continue on your task, your desire to be a symbol of Equestria, if that is what you wish to be, but only because that’s what you wish for yourself, not because of a promise.”

“I love her, Aunt Luna,” Spike replied before lunging forward, embracing her neck and petting her back. “I love Celestia with all my heart, and I know she loves me just as much. I know you, too, love me. And I love you. I love my family. I love my friends. I love Equestria. That’s why I do it,” he pulled back and kissed Luna on the lips, catching her by surprise. “I’m not perfect… I know that now. But I will better myself, for I can now follow the true will of Harmony and Friendship.”

“I-if that is what you wish,” she leaned in to whisper at his ear-fin. “But remember, my door is always open for you from now on, Spike,” she pulled away, turned around, and strutted with an exaggerated sway of her hips. On one particular step, she almost stumbled, and then she went rigid. “Excuse me for a moment!” She blurted out and teleported away.

In silence, Spike waited for Luna’s return, all the while rubbing his belly and the back of his gloved hands. Not two minutes later, she was back.

“That feels so much better now,” she said happily. Suddenly, they felt a rumble through the castle. “Do you feel that?”

“Earthquake!?” Spike blurted out before the two of them rushed to the Salon, ready to help in the evacuation procedures. When they arrived back at the Salon, they stumbled on Celestia and Twilight also arriving at the scene. And then, a crash. As one, the four entered the Salon and found several decorative pillars down and broken, a shattered statue, four disheveled looking mares, and confusion all around.

“Well… it can’t get any worse,” Twilight mumbled.

“Twi…” Spike facepalmed, exasperated.

Then, a greater rumbling was heard, followed by the doors to the Garden bursting open and dozens of animals flooding inside the Salon. Behind them all, fleeing in terror from the beast behind them, a pegasus mare appeared.

“You’re… going TO LOVE ME!” She roared.

Then, pandemonium.

Celestia leaned down to Twilight and whispered. “Run.”

*************************************************

“That was a disaster…” Twilight groaned.

“Seriously, I leave for a few minutes and everything goes down the drain!” Spike chuckled. “I missed all the action, too!”

“It must’ve been quite amusing!” Celestia cheered

“We’re sorry, your highness,” Applejack began. “We didn’t mean to ruin the Gala like that…”

“Uhu…” Rainbow whimpered.

“You said it, AJ,” Pinkie agreed.

“Tonight has been by far my worst night yet!” Rarity grumbled. “How could Prince Blueblood treat me like so!? I’m a lady, for Celestia’s flank! Oh… ummm, beg your pardon, Princess.”

“None taken, dear,” Celestia replied, looking back at her flank. “I do have a nice flank, after all,” she said, launching a quick glance at Spike, catching him staring at it discreetly.

“O-Oh my!” Fluttershy whispered, blushing fiercely.

“I wonder why it is so enormous?” Luna said, unamused and in a sarcastic tone.

“I just want to put this night behind me…” Twilight sighed, defeated. “Sorry for ruining the Gala, Princess.”

“Oh, Twilight. The Gala is always awful and so boring,” Celestia giggled. “I had a feeling that inviting you and your friends to the Gala could ‘liven up’ the evening a little. I simply failed to predict to what degree! However, as you may come to learn, even if something doesn’t go quite with your expectations, it can end up as a memorable experience if shared with friends.”

Twilight beamed at her mentor. “Thank you, Princess Celestia,” her stomach then chose that precise moment to make itself known. With a dainty giggle and a blush, she continued. “Now, if only there was a place where we could grab a bite and relax for a while?”

“Luckily for you, I know just the place,” moving in front of the small group, he bowed. “Ladies, welcome to Doughnut Joe’s! The place to get doughnuts in all of Canterlot and a great place to unwind!” Opening the doors to the establishment, the burly pony behind the counter smiled from ear to ear.

“Well, well, well. If it ain’t Twilight Sparkle and Prince Spike in the flesh! Come in! Come in! It’s been ages since I last saw the two of you together!” The pony exclaimed.

“Pony Joe!” Twilight replied, waving a hoof. “Triple-Filling and Extra Sprinkles specials and keep them coming!”

“Got it, kiddo!”

“Now, you have to tell me everything!” Spike demanded. “Oh, where are my manners. I am Spike Solaris, Prince of Equestria, at your service. Any friend of Twilight is also my friend,” he presented himself.

As the five mares began introductions, Pony Joe arrived with two full trays of doughnuts at their table along with cocoa cups. And as the friends talked, the Royal Sisters devoured (with grace and elegance. They were in public, after all) doughnut after doughnut.

“Where do I even begin?” Twilight asked rhetorically, a small smile spreading across her lips.

As Spike heard their tales and got to know Twilight’s new friends, he relaxed and gobbled down a few doughnuts.

This is what Harmony is all about. This is what Friendship strives to achieve for all. Nothing can nor will ever break it. For Friendship. For Harmony. The world shall unite as one. Harmony wills it, he thought happily.

***********************************************

A few days later after the Gala, Ponyville’s Third Grade Elementary School’s class arrived at Canterlot’s labyrinth for the annual tour. With three fillies arguing and bickering all the while, no pony noticed a small crack appearing on a certain statue, followed by an ominous laugh.

Chapter 4 End.

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!