The sounds, the taste, the jubilee. Everything was here at Canterlot Castle, Equestria. The citizens of Canterlot thought it was fitting to host an event to nullify any resentment any creature had with one another during the conflict. All, mostly important creatures and upper middle class, came in vibrant dresses and suits to enjoy luxurious delights and each other’s company at the capital city.
Walking down the corridor to the main area are Spike the Dragon and his unicorn friend Rarity. Dressed in the finest clothes, design and sewn by Rarity, they proceed down the hall to the ballroom. Rarity absorbs the atmosphere, delight by her wildest dreams that she has the chance to be around multiple fashion designs from around the world. Spike would have the same feelings for taking out his lifelong love to an event like this, but this wasn’t the case. Spike had things on his mind, things that aren’t connecting and just don’t add up. After resting from the last battle the capital had with corrupted roc, he needed time for himself, but he also didn’t want to let done Rarity. He saw how happy she was as she marveled at the grandeur of the ball.
“I must say, this ball the citizens of Canterlot created is nothing like the Grand Galloping Gala. The infusing of some of the other creatures’ cultures into the overall Equestrian setting makes the ball more focus on unity than only the victor.”
While looking, she saw an enormous dress worn by a yak.
“And it’s a good thing too” she exclaimed. “All these beautiful outfits are just what I needed to see. If only I have the time to just get each one from each land and investigate all the fine details. I can make use of that for an outfit that any creature would die for!”
“That would really be something Rarity” said a pondering Spike in a crestfallen tone.
Rarity notice Spike’s tone and decided to try shake him out of it.
A crooked small came onto her face. “What about this… scaly dress shoes made from dragon scales?”
Spike’s facial expression didn’t change.
“I have the perfect name…Dressy Pricks” she exclaimed in a small grand hoof wave.
“All we need is scales; like to help with that?”
“Give you my…what?” Spike’s train of thought was halt as he heard what she said.
In a serious voice, he said “Why my scales for a product most ponies won’t buy. That’s like an insult to their faces.”
Rarity knew this, so she blankly said “I know. I’m glad we’re making sense to each other.”
Spike realize what she was doing and felt embarrassed for not listening to a close friend.
“Sorry Rarity. I guess I was just…”
“Thinking?” broke Rarity.
“Yea.”
Since he was a young small dragon, Rarity knew Spike. She knew his mental state have not be the same ever since the events of the conflict. She, too, was also affect by all of that. Equestria, no, the whole world had change from what happen. Even though Rarity’s homeland wasn’t too much involve with the fighting, she knew the after effects will hurt many beings. She knows moving onward is the only thing they can do, but can Spike move forward from that?
Holding his arm tight, she said in a sincere voice “I can see by your behavior that it hasn’t be easy coming back to regular living…If you call regular living as evil, random, magic events that happen to ponies in Equestria.”
Spike chuckled a little.
“But we both know how important it is for friends to express openly about their feelings; even if it’s a problem with each other. I want to know what is wrong with you.
Looking straight at him, she exclaimed “Even if I cannot help you, talking about it will at least get the thread turning.”
Spike heart thud. A close friend that he has deep feelings is concerning herself for him. Not to mention, it’s at a ball where in her wildest imagination she can see all the amazing fashion from around the globe.
He turned and held her hoof in his claws.
“Rarity… I am so sorry I have been distance with my thoughts. I really need to talk to somepo…somebody about this.”
She smiled, concluding to herself that he will talk.
“But…” Spike stated. The smile on Rarity’s face was flipped.
“I don’t know myself what is wrong with me. So, I been thinking, sorting, trying to making things connect. I need to talk about these issues, but I want to analyze these by myself before I start sharing it to everyone I care about.
He firmed his grip on her hoof.
“To make sure I understand…”
Rarity knew she was beaten. She could try more, but what was the point? He wasn’t read to speak about it. For all she knew, coming out to something like this may not be so helpful to his state of mind.
“Well take all the time in the world, darling. We can leave the ball and give you…”
As she was turned, Spike quickly turn her about-face.
“No!”
She was shocked by his actions, but Spike recovered by saying “We should enjoy this ball; don’t be generous because of me.
“Maybe this ball will help me store things out” he exclaimed as he lifted his claws up in hope.
Without anymore debate, she gave in.
“If you insist” she said.
Quietly the couple enter into the ballroom, arm in leg, being enveloped into the atmosphere of the ball. Together Spike and Rarity venture to different social circles, exchanging greetings and compliments to other creatures. However, as time pass, Rarity got engulf into the ball and left Spike with his own vices.
“For now, Rarity, it’s for the best” said Spike in a low tone.
The music was changing and Spike realize a dance was commencing. Trying to be formal and not looking depress, Spike waltz with a stunning crystal pony mare. To his standards, she was more beautiful than Rarity. The two exchange greetings and dance. They both smile and enjoy the waltz. However, as he was dancing, Spike slowly shifted back in his mind.
In it he was in a dark cave, where a hot spring was producing calming and relaxing heat. Drops of water dripped on his head and made a calming sound when it lands in the spring. He was in the edge of it, sitting crisscross and head lower. There he sat like the famous sculptor of the thinking gorilla he observed at a museum from a distance land, submerge in thought. For Spike, this was his oasis from every creature. A place that he goes to just do one thing he has done that feels like an eternity…think.
One after other, voices came back. Some he wished he forgotten, while others he cherished.
“Keep going…you can do this!”
“It doesn’t matter what the griffons will do; they will always deceive you.”
“If all this wasn’t happening, we could be more than just mere enemies.”
Above all of them, he remembered one voice that make him question it all.
“Did I really restrict you…could you do more if you left me?” asked the princess.
Slowly, he breath in and out once.
“Could I?”
Author's Note
Hope you like that taste of my idea. I want to try my hand at this, but I never had the time til now (with how the world is currently in 2020) Tell my truly what you think about it in the comments below and share some of your story ideas so I can read and connect with you. Have a blessed day!
