Rainbow Dash's Foolish Prank

Chapters

The Setup
The Execution
Heating Up
Some Regrets
Reconciliation

The Setup

Ten years had passed since Twilight was officially declared Princess of Equestria, ending the more than two thousand year reign of Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna. Inevitably, much had changed since then. And yet, even more had not changed a bit.

On a gentle day in April, Rainbow Dash soared through the skies at altitudes high above the ground. She had already completed her daily responsibilities among the workforce of Pegasi responsible for manipulating and maintaining the weather. With nearly clear skies, comfortably warm air, and only a gentle breeze, the pleasant weather in the areas surrounding Canterlot and Ponyville was there to stay another day. With her day’s work finished for the time being, other thoughts clouded her mind.

Rainbow Dash knew that the day was the second day of April. The day prior had been the first day of the month, April Fool’s. The first of April had always been her favorite casual holiday. For most her life, she always enjoyed the thrill and laughter of a good prank. Sometimes, she even enjoyed being on the receiving end of one. But for the past several years, Rainbow Dash’s previous April firsts had been uneventful. As of yesterday, she had done nothing for April Fool’s for the past eleven years. There was no particular reason why she had stopped her habit. It was just something she had just stopped doing unknowingly. Perhaps she had gotten too busy, and simply no longer had the time to set things up, or maybe she just matured over the years and got over it. As Rainbow Dash raced along the skies, reminiscing of days long past, she felt a familiar sensation, one she had not felt for a long time. Rainbow Dash knew that it had been far too long since she had got a good laugh from a practical joke, and that it was time to change that.

In that moment, ideas and potential plans culminated in Rainbow Dash’s mind. Tomorrow would be the third of April, two whole days from April Fool’s. Surely no creature would suspect a thing if she were to come up with something then. However, Rainbow Dash struggled to actually come up with a good, and original idea. The practical joke was a careful artform. It was the prankster’s responsibility to make sure a joke was both impactful, and yet, did not go too far. A good scheme had to be both clever, and yet, not be too involved require too much effort. Originality was always the toughest part. Rainbow Dash had developed quite a reputation for her silly habit, and all of her closest friends were aware of her various shenanigans that she had subjected any one of them to. Coming up with something none of them had neither thought of nor experienced before, was a challenge to just about any creature. There was also the matter of deciding who to prank. Rainbow Dash only targeted her closest friends, as they were the only ponies she knew that she comfortable in subjecting to such a gesture. There were also her non-pony friends. Gilda, a longtime griffon that Rainbow Dash met as a filly, was probably not a good idea, given both her abrasive personality and her past experiences with practical jokes. Soon enough, a certain purple reptilian creature came to the front of mind.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash’s face broke into a wide grin. Spike was certainly not as privy to her more mischievous side as Twilight or any of her pony friends were. As far as Rainbow Dash could recall, he was never a victim of any of her past pranks. The young dragon was a perfect target. More importantly, Rainbow Dash had an idea. Her grin spread even wider as the pieces of her simple, yet bold plan began falling to into place. All she still needed was the permission and cooperation of a few other ponies she knew.

Later that day, Rainbow Dash made a stop at the royal castle in Canterlot. Being such close friends with the alicorn Princess Twilight, she was allowed free access to most of the castle. The castle guards and the capitol security knew of Rainbow Dash’s habits, and how she preferred to race from place to place during the day. None would question the pegasus as she would soar down through one of the open windows of the castle, land, and casually stroll through the hallways.

Knowing that Twilight always did everything in her power to remain on schedule in her daily routines, Rainbow Dash knew exactly where to find her at that time of day. Rainbow Dash had made it a bit of a habit to stop by to see her friend every so often, and Twilight had come to expect the sudden, unscheduled visits. On one of the higher levels on the castle, Twilight was at her desk in her own private office. She was reviewing important legislative documents pertaining to the ever more complicated and detailed laws of Equestria. Princess Twilight’s intense focus on the stack of several papers in front of her was interrupted by a knocking on her office door.

“Hey Twi, got a moment?”

Twilight took a sigh of both reluctance, and of relief from the advanced legal jargon that she had been reviewing for hours. She figured she made enough progress that day to warrant a short break.
“Come in”, said Twilight.

“I don’t want to keep you for too long. I just had this amazing idea for a late April Fool’s prank, and I was wondering if you would like to be in on it. This won’t take long at all, I promise.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. To her knowledge, it had been a while since Rainbow Dash had last made a move. It was likely only a matter of time until she was at it again.

“What is this idea of yours?”, Twilight said reluctantly, her tone indicating how she was likely going to respond to her friend’s request.

“As you are aware, most of our friends already know of most my tricks. However, I came up with something that will for sure get a good reaction out of Spike. I cannot remember the last time I tried to fool him before, so it’s high time I did. I am certain that he will not see this coming.”

“You want me to help you annoy Spike?”

“Well, we will probably need a bit more than just the two of us, but yeah. I know you and Spike have always been very close. But even now, I’m sure you two sometimes still get at each other from time to time. Consider this as your next move.”

Twilight made another sigh. Spike was by far the most obedient and cooperative creature she knew, and her closest friend. And yet, due to how much they interact, he too was still bound to get on her nerves every so often. A prior incident was still fresh in Twilight’s mind. When she last asked Spike to replace her nearly empty ink wells, Spike refilled all of them with the wrong colors of ink. This error caused Twilight to ruin an extremely long and thorough scroll pertaining to the different classifications and definitions of magic that was outlawed in Equestria. Even though Spike alleged to her that he did not do it intentionally, it did not change the fact that rewriting the entire contents of the scroll from the start took over an hour.

“Fine, tell me about this plan of yours, Rainbow Dash”, Twilight responded.

“Oh, I’m glad you’re interested.”

Rainbow Dash spent the next few minutes explaining her newest scheme. At first it sounded like some harmless mischief. What followed that was some of the more aggressive details on what exactly Rainbow Dash was planning to do. Twilight’s face first expressed shock, and then disgust at the rather intense concepts Rainbow Dash was suggesting. She continued to listen silently, unable to speak a word as intrusive thoughts raced through her mind. Then, Rainbow dash finished her explanation.

“So, what you think Twilight? Are you up for it?”

Twilight was silent a moment longer as she finished processing and interpreting exactly what Rainbow Dash had said. She shook her head and looked back at her friend.

“You are not seriously going through with this, are you Rainbow Dash?”, Twilight inquired back.

“Of course, I am. It will be hilarious. Now, do you want to join me, or not?”

“I don’t think I could do that to any creature, let alone to Spike. I am surprised you’re even considering such a thing. Sorry Rainbow Dash, but I will not partake in any of your antics.”

“Hey, it’s no problem, Twilight. Like I said, I know other ponies who could help me anyway. See you around”, said Rainbow Dash, before jumping up and taking flight out of the office door.

“Wait”, Twilight cried out, in a vain attempt to stop her impulsive friend. But by the time the word left her mouth, Rainbow Dash was already out of the castle and out of earshot. Twilight felt troubled by this. She almost considered warning Spike. But then she remembered just how busy she was, and how little time she had to waste on such silly matters. Besides, Twilight knew that Spike was much older now, and that he was capable of looking after himself. He would be fine.

Rainbow Dash flew around the area, and met up with some of her other friends. Unlike Twilight, the other ponies who Rainbow Dash asked actually seemed to like her idea and were willing to help. After flying from place to place, Rainbow Dash ended her trip at a very familiar estate near the center of Ponyville. It was none other than Carousel Boutique, the residence of her friend Rarity, and the headquarters of her acclaimed fashion empire. Convincing Rarity to cooperate was pivotal in the plan. If Rainbow Dash could get her to cooperate, then getting Spike to unknowingly arrive at the trap that she will set, would be easy.

Rainbow Dash knocked on the front door of the former high end clothing store. After a brief pause, Rainbow Dash heard a cheery, familiar voice sing out, “Come in”, from the other side. After opening and walking through the door, Rainbow Dash was greeted by Rarity, in a rather large, and vastly furnished living space. With several of her own boutique’s now scattered across all urban areas of Equestria, Rarity had long since expanded her living area and workshop throughout the whole building. Once Rainbow Dash took a good look around the place and exchanged pleasantries, she wasted no time finding an opportunity to share her idea.

Rarity seemed curious at first, the idea of pranking Spike catching her interest. But as Rainbow Dash revealed the details of her plan, she noticed that Rarity starting to appear more and more hesitant. While Rarity was not ready to completely reject the idea as Twilight had done, she felt more than a little conflicted on the matter.

“Darling, you cannot truly expect me to go along with this, plan of yours!”

“Oh, come on, Rarity. You’re like, the perfect mare for this. I’m certain we can make it work. I’ve also already got Starlight Glimmer, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and even Flutter Shy on board.”

“This is not a matter if we could, I just don’t think that we should.”

“Why not? It would just be some harmless fun. What’s there to lose?”

“Rainbow Dash, how do you think Spike would feel after all this? This could hurt him.”

“Relax, Spike is tough. He will totally be cool with this after we explain things to him. Besides, I know not to take things too far.”

“Rainbow Dash, I refuse to do something so vulgar and degenerate.”

“Oh, come on Rarity, we both know of all the stallions you met over the years. Surely something like this would be comparable to your, how should I say, past experiences.”

“That was all long ago. Things have changed since then, and I am a different mare now.”

“Well yeah, but what about that one fancy looking stallion you were eyeing up the other week. You know, the one who had asked you out to lunch while you were last in Baltimare. I think you said his name was…”

“RAINBOW DASH!”, Rarity exclaimed, while slamming one of her hooves to the floor, as part of her face blushed. “We only had a few casual meetings, and nothing more! What exactly would he have to do with any of this?!”

“I was just trying to say that you should consider this little prank as a bit of practice, you know, for your later endeavors.”

“And what do you think any stallion, or any other pony for that matter, would think of us, if they knew about this crass little scheme of yours?”

“Like I said, this is all supposed to be in good fun. Any pony who can’t take a small joke is probably not worth hanging around with anyway. Besides, this would be nothing compared to what I managed to get away with in the past.” Rainbow Dash let out a small chuckle to herself after saying that last part. Rarity just looked back at her friend with both concern and distaste.

“Do you really need me at all for any of this?” asked Rarity.

“I need most of Spike’s closest friends to show up to this, and you’re closer to him than any of all of us. There were some other creatures who I would’ve asked instead of you, but this idea will work best if its only done by us ponies. As I said, you’re perfect for the job Rarity. I was also going to ask Scootaloo and her friends if they were interested, but they’re probably still a bit too young and inexperienced for this sort of thing. Well, that and I doubt you would be cool with your sister taking your place instead.”

“You are certainly correct about that last part Rainbow Dash. I will not allow Sweetie Belle, or her friends, to partake in this scandal of yours if I can do anything about it. In fact, I might just tip off Spike later if that’s what you’re going to do.”

“Please Rarity, don’t ruin this now, you have no idea how difficult it was to convince Starlight to find some time after her school lets out.”

“I can certainly imagine why your idea for a prank wouldn’t be near the top of Starlight’s concerns as a school principal”, suggested Rarity, rolling her eyes.

“Hey, I know this is all a bit silly, but that’s kind of the point.”

“Oh no, now you’re starting to sound like Pinkie Pie. Honestly, I’m not the least bit surprised that you managed to put her of all ponies up to this.”
“Look Rarity, I just wanted to know if you would help me with a late April Fool’s Day joke, that’s all. I certainly won’t try to convince you, or some pony else into doing something that they’re not comfortable with. This is your choice to make. I was just really sure that you would have wanted to help me out with this. Afterall, I know how much you love an opportunity to impress others.”

Rarity took another moment to contemplate Rainbow Dash’s offer. She could certainly see the humor in her scandalous plan. And while Rarity hated to admit it, she did take great pride in showing off any her talents and skills in any way possible to just about any audience. The more Rarity thought about it, the more difficult it was to turn down such an opportunity, even if it was all for a joke. And then there was Spike himself. While the event would surely be humiliating for him, Rarity was also confident that he would handle it well. Spike was far more mature than the little dragon she once knew. Besides a shred of dignity, what else was there to lose?

“Well, I suppose you do need me to play my role. In that case, I’ll honored to help,” said Rarity, still somewhat reluctantly. “What exactly would I have to do?”

Rainbow Dash was taken back at her friend’s sudden shift in heart, but was more than glad for it anyway. “Great! Here is what you need to do. I know that Spike will come here later today to deliver your regular shipment of fabrics and sewing supplies, as he usually does on this day of the week. When he comes, tell him that I wanted to speak to him right here, this time tomorrow, at the start of the hour. I’ll give Spike a little greeting, and we’ll take things from there. Do we have an agreement?”

“Agreed”, affirmed Rarity.

“Awesome, see you then Rarity”, exclaimed Rainbow Dash as she turned to leave.

“Rainbow Dash, wait! There is something you should know before you-”, called out Rarity. But she was too late. Rainbow Dash had already taken off at twice the speed of sound, and was already too far away to hear Rarity. Rarity turned back into her home, and got back to the work at her sowing machine that she was interrupted from.

“I’m sure this will turn out just fine”, Rarity assured to herself. “We will just explain everything to Spike afterwards, and this will all be fine.” While Rarity still felt concerned, she also could not deny the subtle yet intense excitement building up inside her for what tomorrow would offer.

The Execution

Spike made his way down to Rarity’s main estate in the afternoon of the third of April. He made sure to arrive just at start of the hour, as Rarity had instructed him to do the day before. Spike wondered why Rainbow Dash of all ponies had wanted to speak with him private. He also wondered why Rarity apparently did not know why Rainbow Dash had asked this, and why Rarity had told him to arrive at such a particular time. Spike then thought that perhaps there was some sort of surprise awaiting him that Rarity and Rainbow dash were trying to keep secret. Although, what that surprise could be was still a mystery. Unless Pinkie Pie was involved in some sort of surprise celebration, there had to be some deliberate reason as to why he had been requested to come to Rarity’s abode. Spike figured he was going to find out why soon enough anyway, and kept marching forward.

Over the past years, it was difficult to miss how much Spike had changed. No longer did Spike have that cute, stout, toddler like, physique he had before. Spike’s body, arms, legs, tail, and even his neck had grown, and he was overall much larger. His wings now spanned a much wider area, making fast flight easier than ever for him. The sets of claws on his arms and legs, and the teeth in his still elongating maw, were visibly longer and sharper than ever. Even the soft, green spurs that spanned the back of Spike’s head, spine, and tail, had grown out and solidified. His larger, broader, and slightly muscular physique was part of the very image of a young adult dragon. Whenever Spike stood upright, he towered over any pony he knew, as well as most other creatures. And yet, Spike was not nearly done growing. Through extensive research and some exchanges with the other dragons living in the Dragon Realms, Spike learned more about his draconic biology. Most importantly, he discovered how all breeds of dragons grow and mature very slowly relative to most other creatures. It would take at least several centuries until he was a fully mature, elder dragon. At that point, he would be as large as he was during that incident where he let his greed consume him, which allowed him to loom over buildings. Spike shook his head, and tried to not think of that horrid incident. He had matured more than just physically over the last decade. During his time serving Princess Twilight as her first assistant, Spike learned more about Equestrian legislature, politics, and customs that most ponies would ever learn during their whole lives. Through this, he had learned to be responsible and dependable enough on his own. While Spike was still in service to his close friend and now full time employer, Princess Twilight Sparkle, and living in his quarters in Canterlot Castle, he was otherwise his own dragon. It would be laughable to even compare Spike as he was now, to the dragon he was just a decade ago.

Spike arrived at the Carousel Boutique. He knocked on the door and paused. “Hello, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, are you there?”, Spike called.

“Come in”, said a muffled voice from the other side, that likely belonged to Rainbow Dash.

Spike opened the door, walked inside, and closed the door behind him. All the drapes on the windows on the ground floor were closed, and no lights were on. While there was enough ambient light coming through the outlines of the windows too see the surroundings easily enough, the room was still rather dark. Spike walked further inside while looking around.

“Hey there Spike”, a voice called out from above. Spike looked up and saw Rainbow Dash descend from above, and land right in front of him. “Right on time.”

“Oh, Rainbow Dash”, said Spike, somewhat startled. “What did you want to talk to me about? And why did you want me to come here? And where’s Rarity?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about Rarity, Spike. She will be arriving soon enough. As to why I wanted to meet you here specifically, I just wanted to speak to you in private. In the meantime, I suggest you get comfortable. The rest of us will keep you entertained for now.”

“Huh, the rest of you?”

“She’s talking about us”, said a familiar voice that most certainly belonged to Applejack. Spike turned and indeed see Applejack emerge from behind some furniture.

“SURPRISE, I’M HERE TOO”, said another familiarly loud, and energetic, voice. Spike turned to his other side to see Pinkie Pie hop towards him.

“I’m glad you could make it”, said another familiar, professionally passive voice. Spike looked over to see Starlight Glimmer emerge into his field of view from the cover of a shadow.

“Welcome Spike”, said another familiar, soft and quiet, voice. Spike turned around and saw that Flutter Shy was standing right behind him.

Spike quickly looked around again to see that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, and Starlight Glimmer were walking towards the center of the room and were staring directly at him with passive expressions. The five of them closed in on Spike, surrounding him. “Oh, you’re all here too”, observed Spike, visually puzzled. “Did Rainbow Dash tell the rest of you anything, because I have no idea what’s going on?”

“Rainbow Dash told us everything, but she said to let her explain things to you”, responded Pinkie Pie in her extremely fast voice.

“Spike, I brought you here for, how I should say, a kind of initiation”, said Rainbow Dash with a suspicious smirk on her face.

“Initiation?”, Spike questioned.

“Spike, we all have been looking over you for a long time, along with Twilight. We watched you from when you first arrived to Ponyville, all the way up until you grew up into the dragon you are today. And as of recently, I thought that it was time to test you.”

“Test, what test?”

“You see Spike, there is a well-kept secret about a certain custom that is practiced throughout Equestria. All colts must go through what I would describe as a ‘coming of age ceremony’ before they can truly be called a stallion. All ponies who know about this custom are expected to keep it secret from those who don’t, until the time is just right. You may be a dragon Spike, but the rest of us all agree that you shouldn’t be exempt from this tradition. Afterall, you practically grew up with us ponies, and I’m more than sure that you’re ready for a test of maturity”, explained Rainbow Dash. The suspicious smirk on her face had grown wider.

“What about this test of maturity?”, asked Spike, sounding just a bit nervous. He observed that the others were all looking at him in a very knowing way, which only raised more concern. There was clearly something important they all knew, and that he did not. Despite now being far larger than any of the ponies in the room, ponies that happened to be some of his closest and most trusted friends, Spike still could not help but succumb to a bizarre sensation of fear from within his subconscious. He hunched over and lowered his head defensively. Spike quickly glanced all around him, trying to find answers, but Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, and Starlight Glimmer all just looked back at him blankly. Spike faced forward again, his head now just above eye level from Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, I don’t think I have the words to tell you exactly what type of test this is. It would be easier for me just to show you”, answered Rainbow Dash as she took another step towards Spike, putting her face just in front of his face.

“What are you going to show me?”

Before Spike could say anything else, Rainbow Dash put a hoof on his cheek, pulled his head towards her, closed her eyes, and kissed Spike on the front of the maw. Spike stared forward, eyes wide, and completely speechless, as the scales on his cheeks turned bright red. Rainbow Dash held her muzzle in place for several seconds before releasing them. “We’re going to find out just how big of a dragon you really are, Spike”, said Rainbow Dash in a deeper tone.

“Come here you”, said Applejack.

Before Spike could recover from what just happened, Applejack had stepped forward, pulled Spike’s head towards her own, and kissed him on the maw. Once more, Spike remained still while this happened. The blush on his face spread even further and burned brighter. Spike felt Applejack’s muzzle press against his front teeth before she decided to release him.

“OOOOOO”, cooed Pinkie Pie, as she bounced around Spike. “It looks like Spike doesn’t know what to say about his super awesome, totally legitimate, highly intensive, coming of age ceremony party”, Pinkie Pie said as quickly as she could. Then she let out a massive gasp, as if she had just made one of the most important revelations of her life. “OH MY GOSH, PARTY!”, yelled Pinkie Pie, nearly as loudly as she could.

Pinkie Pie jumped and ran about, doing flips and other maneuvers. Then she began to pull out several cardboard boxes that she must have previously hidden behind the furniture in the room. Spike just stood still with his mouth clenched shut, unable to say a word. Rainbow Dash and Applejack moved beside each other, both lowering their eyebrows and curling their lips into confident smiles, gazing intently back at Spike. Spike quickly looked back and forth between the two mares as they closed in.

“So, you think your cool enough to be a real dragon Spike?”, taunted Rainbow Dash. “You think you’re all grown up? You think you can please a mare? If so, then prove it. That’s your test.”

“This is your chance, sugar cube. If things get too hot to handle, you better say so, because we won’t be holding anything back.”

“I suggest you prepare yourself Spike, because we intend on really putting you to the test”, added Starlight, in a joking tone.

Thoughts were racing through Spike’s mind at rates he could not even comprehend. Trying to rationalize the situation was futile for him. He finally broke his attention from the two advancing mares and glanced back towards Flutter Shy, desperately trying to get a grasp on situation. Flutter Shy just gave a comforting smile back.

“We won’t make you do anything you aren’t comfortable with Spike”, said Flutter Shy, just barely above a whisper. “If you feel like you need to leave, the door is right there. We won’t stop you if you don’t want to do this, right girls?”

“Yeah!”, exclaimed Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Starlight, in agreement, all at once.

Spike’s mind was racing. Amidst his other confusing and conflicting emotions, he was rather suspicious of Rainbow Dash’s claim. Spike wondered how he could possibly have been ignorant of such a decadent tradition that was allegedly practiced throughout all of Equestria, and how no pony, no other creature, not even Twilight herself, had ever made any mention of it until now.

“Do all colts really have to do this sort of thing before they’re considered stallions? How come no pony has never told me about this before?”, asked Spike.

“Well, all stallions that I know of had likely gone through this at some point. We mares try our best to keep this tradition secret. We don’t want to ruin the surprise factor”, responded Rainbow Dash playfully. “In fact, I was there when Big Mac was initiated, remember AJ?”

“Yep”, vouched Applejack, who now appeared to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Spike could not help but notice how Applejack had looked away when answering Rainbow Dash, or how they both appeared to be holding back laughter. But before Spike could question further, Rainbow Dash had made her next move. She turned away from Spike, slowly and purposely brushing her multicolored tail against both of Spike’s knees. Spike’s attention immediately shifted back to Rainbow Dash, and away from his skeptical questioning.

Then, Rainbow Dash did the unthinkable. She bent her forelegs, lowered her head, and raised her flank upwards. She then started to move her lower body in a rapid, gyrating motion. “Do you like what you see Spike?”, teased Rainbow Dash.

At this point, beads of sweat ran over Spike’s scales. While Rainbow Dash had verbally teased him in the past, it was never anything like this. Not even close. Still, Spike could not help but admire how bold and brazen Rainbow Dash was. She sure knew what she wanted, and how to get it. Her form was also admirable. Rainbow Dash was very thin, yet muscular and firm. There was no doubt that such an athletic stature was the result of years of physical training. And she certainly knew how to move…

Spike shook his head before completing that thought. Rainbow Dash was just his friend. He never through of her like that before, and didn’t want to start now. Despite whatever was going on, he could not give in. Spike knew he had to remain decent, even in circumstances like these.

While Spike was occupied, Applejack had taken the opportunity to move right beside Rainbow Dash. Then, with all her might, she ungraciously slammed her own flank into hers. The impact nearly toppled Rainbow Dash over, leaving Applejack to take over for her friend as she mimicked her motions.

“Hey, watch it”, complained Rainbow Dash, as she regained her balance. Back on all four hooves, Rainbow Dash walked alongside Applejack and continued her routine.

“You’re in for more than just a good time Spike. I’d reckon we got all you could possibly want, and then some more”, advertised Applejack. She then turned her head to face Rainbow Dash. “And I suppose that after all of this is over, you will probably want your share too, huh, sugar cube?”

“Ha, you know it, AJ”, Rainbow Dash responded. The two mares looked at each other, as they continued motioning their flanks in synchronization alongside each other. Blushes formed on their faces as they gave each other knowing smiles.

Spike knew that Applejack was always honest when it mattered. That was something anyone who knew her, could count on. Spike could certainly admire just how open she was with the truth, no matter the situation. And there was another certain truth that had to be acknowledged. Besides Rainbow Dash, Applejack’s frame was noticeably a wider than her friend’s. While not nearly as lean, Applejack was far more muscular than Rainbow Dash, likely due to her long, daily work routine on her family’s farm. Spike was certain that with hips that strong…

Spike shook his head again and looked away from the two mares before completing that other thought. He also decided to temporarily ignore that odd yet brief exchange between Rainbow Dash and Applejack, in light of his other concerns. Suddenly, a blur of pink hair that resembled Pinkie Pie, raced past Spike. Spike looked around to notice that she had somehow already setup makeshift decor for a festive event. Around the room were multicolored balloons on strings anchored around the floor, generic yet vibrant banners strung on the ceiling, several bright revolving projectors shining all frequencies of visible light every which way about the previously dark room, and a sound system with two speakers along the far wall. It was Pinkie Pie’s trademark talent of makeshift party planning on full display. Then, Spike made the mistake of making eye contact with the crazy mare. Immediately, Pinkie Pie stopped whatever she was doing, and began bouncing in place.

“I can tell that this is going to be a wild kind of party. Cheese Sandwich told me all about some of the wild parties he attended and even hosted before we met”, Pinkie said rapidly, as she pranced by. She then reached the sound system she had rapidly set up, and hit a button. Immediately, loud, ambient techno music filled the entire place.
“He told me how they usually take place in a dark space, with loud music like this, and bright multicolored lights flashing everywhere”, continued Pinkie Pie as she ran back around behind Spike, jumping over his tail.

“Of course, there are all also the high, brightly lit platforms that mares are supposed to dance on. There are also supposed to be tall metal poles with revolving shafts in the middle of those platforms that the mares are supposed to use while dancing. I mean, one would think that a large pole would just get in the way, but the point is to use the pole to perform certain dance moves”, mentioned Pinkie Pie as she darted out of Spike’s vision again.

Spike suddenly felt four hooves land onto his two shoulders. Looking towards his backside, Spike saw that Pinkie Pie was now standing on top of him, trying to keep her balance. It was a rather odd experience for Spike as he realized that he was now just large enough to support an adult pony across his shoulders. Pinkie Pie used her rear hooves to latch under Spike’s shoulders, and rested her body over Spike’s neck and draped her body forward. She hung her head down in front of Spike’s, so that her face was directly in front Spike’s own apparently upside down face.

“Hey Spike, how do you like your super awesome, totally legitimate, highly intensive, coming of age ceremony, party, so far? Are you enjoying yourself? How much fun are you having? Is there something else I should add? Should I install those revolving poles I mentioned?”, asked Pinkie Pie rapidly, not taking a single breath.

“Uh, you did a good job. You don’t need to add anything else”, answered Spike, unsure what else to say.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie grabbed Spike’s cheeks with her fore hooves, and quickly pressed her muzzle into spike’s maw. After holding for a few seconds, she released her hold with hind legs, dropped down to the floor below, and landed on all four hooves.

“AMAZING!”, she yelled. Then she gasped as she made another realization. “Oh, I almost forgot! At these kinds of wild parties, every-pony is expected to bust out their wildest, craziest, and most insane ever, dance moves.”

Without spending another instance to think, Pinkie Pie moved to an empty space in the room, and a stray spotlight conveniently shined onto her. She then broke out into an intense flurry of flips, spins, and poses. After that, she lowered her stance to the same posture that Rainbow Dash and Applejack had demonstrated, except that she was facing Spike with her rear pointing towards the opposite direction. Then Pinkie Pie began to rapidly shake her flank vigorously up and down, in beat with the loud music playing from the booming speakers.

“Hey, am I doing this move right Rainbow Dash?!”, cried out Pinkie Pie over the noise as she turned her head back around towards Rainbow Dash, who was now standing behind her.

“You’re doing great Pinkie!”, Rainbow Dash responded, giggling at the display in front of her.

Seeing an opening, Spike stepped away to catch his breath and organize his thoughts. However, Spike immediately felt a hoof pressed against his lower hip. Spike looked up, drawing his attention towards mare who owned the stray hoof. “Hey there hot stuff”, said Starlight Glimmer. Feeling overwhelmed at the moment, Spike took a step back, breaking contact with Starlight.

“Don’t think that I never noticed the big hunk of dragon that you’ve become Spike” asserted Starlight, raising her eyebrows. “I can certainly see what the others see in you Spike. And our friend Twilight you all to herself, nearly every single day. Honestly, I’m kind of jealous.”

“Starlight, come on, you know it’s not…”

“…not like that between you and Twilight”, interrupted Starlight, taking another step towards Spike. “If so, then she sure doesn’t know what she’s missing out on.”

Starlight Glimmer continued to slowly close in again, as Spike continued to clumsily step backwards. Suddenly, Spike stumbled over some unidentified piece of furniture, and lost his balance. Trying to minimize the impact, Spike lowered his stance and sprawled down onto his back as he fell. At the end of his descent, Spike felt something soft on the back of his head, as if he had landed on some sort of pillow. He turned his neck to see Flutter Shy’s calm gaze meet his own. She was laying down on her side, and Spike’s head was now resting on top of her body like a pillow.

“Oh, don’t be afraid Spike. I’m sure this is a lot to overcome. I never enjoyed loud or intense gatherings either. I just want you to know that you’re in good hooves now”, said Flutter Shy, just loud enough to be heard over the booming music.

“What do you mean”, asked Spike, now desperate for a moment of tranquility. Spike felt Flutter Shy’s free wing rest on his back, and one of her fore hooves gently move its way around his neck. He noticed a red blush form across her face, complimenting her sweet smile. Then, she leaned her head in, and gently kissed Spike on the forehead.

“Now, now, Flutter Shy is going to take good care of you” continued Flutter Shy, using the same gentle voice that she used to sooth small, scared mammals. “We can go slowly if you want to. I promise to be gentle.”
Suddenly, Spike remembered the situation he was in. He looked away and saw the door he walked through just minutes ago, when he was completely ignorant of what awaited him on the other side. Nothing was stopping him from getting up and leaving. And yet, for reasons that Spike could not explain, he couldn’t seem to find the will to resist the urge to remain exactly where he was.

Rainbow Dash paced towards Spike with the same confident smirk as before. “So, you ready to get serious, or what?”, she asked slyly. Applejack closed in too, both their bodies now looming over Spike, as he was still resting on his back. Starlight Glimmer joined in, standing beside them. Pinkie Pie began eagerly jumping up down behind the others, appearing in Spike’s field of vision at the apex of each jump. Flutter Shy remained put, continuing to gently caress Spike’s neck with her hoof.

“Oh, he seems ready to me”, observed Applejack. Applejack extended a forehoof, and placed it on Spike’s tense underside. She then began to slowly stroke her hoof over Spike’s abs and across his pectorals. “You sure have a lot more muscle than I thought Spike”, complimented Applejack.

“Oh, I definitely want a turn with all of that”, said Starlight, as she licked along her own muzzle.

“Oh, me too, me too!” chanted Pinkie Pie.

Now Spike was really sweating. A small part of his conscious was telling him to flee the place immediately, and to not find out what these mares had planned for him. He knew he had every right to do so. And yet, nearly every other part of Spike was still urging him to stay put. Afterall, how could he deny the good company of five of his closest friends while he was in such high demand.

“C-come on guys, I-I know we’re all friends, and all, and I’m really f-flattered but…, this… really…, it’s just…”, stammered Spike before trailing off. Spike tried to continue speaking, but only incoherent noises left his mouth. The loud ambient techno track was getting progressively louder, slowly reaching towards its climax. Spike clenched his eyes shut, feeling that he was about ready to faint. Spike was going to have to make the decision before his own body made one for him.

“That’s quite enough!”, called out a familiar voice. Spike, Flutter Shy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Starlight froze in place. Pinkie Pie quickly stepped aside, and kicked one of her rear hooves at her sound system. The two large speakers were silenced. The flashing strobe lights Pinkie Pie set up had conveniently powered down out at that moment. In the now deafening silence and dim room, Spike could hear the breaths and heartbeat of the ponies beside him.

“This has gone on for too long already. I’m coming down there to settle this matter myself”, called out the voice, from the top of the only stairway on the far side of the room. The voice was unmistakably Rarity’s. Then, dainty hooves steps could be heard as Rarity descended down her stairs.

Heating Up

Spike was relieved. If any-pony that was around in that moment was going to save him from this dilemma, it would have to be Rarity. Spike mustered up the will to carefully slide away from Flutter Shy’s embrace, and stood back onto his feet. The rhythm of Rarity’s hooves continued until they were visible atop the stairs above. The rest of Rarity was visible soon after. However, Spike immediately noticed that there was something rather unusual about Rarity’s appearance.

Rarity’s eyes were closed as she held her muzzle high, walking in a confident, deliberate matter. That type of demeanor was not too unusual or unexpected of Rarity when matters were serious. What was, however, was her attire. Spike had often seen Rarity wear her own designer dresses, and various other miscellaneous attire she had for a multitude of different situations. However, Spike had never before seen her dress in anything like the attire that she had on now.
There were many strange social norms in Equestria society involving clothing. The clothes a pony wore in public, if any were worn for that matter, were often just another means of expression. Choosing to wear certain articles could come off as rude or provocative, while wearing nothing at all was almost always acceptable. It did not need to be said that Rarity always took great effort in maintaining her appearance, and took great pride in doing so. Being the renowned clothing designer and fashionista she was, Rarity always strived to appear positively exceptional. It was her professional duty after all, that both she and all her clothing designs were viewed exceptionally against even the highest standards of upper Equestrian society. In order to fulfill such a duty, Rarity had to be aware of every norm, trend, rule, taboo, tradition, and custom there was in pony culture that involved clothing. This left no doubt to Spike that Rarity’s choice of attire was in every way intentional as it had been expertly selected.

Rarity had applied a dark layer of eye liner and eye shadow instead of the more subtle light blue eye liner she casually wore. Her long, regularly maintained, purple mane was not hanging free in luscious curls as it normally did, but was tied back behind her head by a silver hairband. Piercing her ears were two matching sets of small, silver earrings. Most prominent was the matching black corset that tightly fitted along her whole body. Bringing the whole look together were the tight, black, fishnet stockings that she had over each of her four legs, which reached down to her ankles and pressing into her thighs. Lastly, Rarity had put on a tight, cloth band around her neck.

Rarity reached the bottom of the stairs and turned towards her company. When she opened her deep blue eyes, Spike was immediately caught by her stunning gaze. Rarity sauntered over towards the others, her seemingly bored and uninterested expression only adding to her bravado. Spike remained completely still, unable to look away as his maw hung slightly agape.

“Step aside ladies, I shall take things from here”, ordered Rarity, in an authoritative voice.

“Oh my”, whispered Flutter shy, as she got onto her hooves and slowly backed away. The others also began to step aside, as Rarity continued her advance towards the dragon. Towards her dragon.

“Watch out every pony, the deva, has arrived”, announced Rainbow Dash.

“Well, I guess I can’t compete with that”, admitted Starlight, eyeing up Rarity.

Applejack let out a loud whistle as Rarity passed in front of her. “Darn Rarity aren’t you a pretty sight”, she commented.

Rarity continued her stride, appearing to utterly ignore her friend’s remarks. Her eyes were now fixed onto Spike as Spike’s own eyes stared back. She moved right up in front of him, before stopping. Spike hunched over his larger frame once more to meet Rarity just above her eye level.

“Let us get this done and over with, shall we Spike”, offered Rarity.

“But, Rarity, how could you-, why would you-, isn’t this-…?”, Spike sputtered, before trailing off.

Rarity turned her head, and waved a hoof in front of Spike’s muzzle. “Hush now, Spike”, demanded Rarity. “Rainbow Dash told you everything you need to know. If you will allow me, I shall get us started. Now sit.”

Spike, like a trained animal, immediately sat onto his haunches as he was told to. Conflicting urges once again coursed through his mind, urges now several times more intense than those he felt before Rarity had arrived at the scene. Years ago, he would have been elated to be in his current circumstance, being in the close embrace of the one pony who he had adored far above any other. But things have changed. Spike had changed. Rarity had most certainly changed. Spike was still a fair bit pleased to be in his current situation. How could he possibly not want what was still, in his eyes, the full attention of the most beautiful mare in the world? But in this moment in time, Spike questioned if he truly wanted Rarity for the right reasons, or if it was wrong to want her as he did.

“But Rarity”, Spike murmured. “I thought- I thought you said you d-didn’t think of me like that. Now y-you’re…”, Spike said desperately, failing to finish yet another sentence.

“Don’t take any of this personally Spike. We all know about the feelings you had for me in the past. Like Rainbow Dash said, this is just a test. Think nothing more of it”, explained Rarity. “Now, lay down Spike”, she ordered, in deeper, more demanding tone, staring at him with the same bored, unphased expression as before.

“But-”, Spike said reactively.

“Do as I tell you, and lay down!”, commanded Rarity, now sounding very annoyed. She took another step closer, now inches away from Spike.

“You better listen to Rarity, Spike. You sure don’t want to upset her now”, taunted Rainbow Dash, as she flapped her wings to hover in the air, looking down at the scene from a higher angle.

“I agree. Spike, if a fine mare you know comes up to you, and tells you get down, you darn sure better get down”, warned Applejack.

Despite being more than three times Rarity’s size, the one with long claws, sharp teeth, and fire breath, Spike was still mentally defenseless in this circumstance. He didn’t stand a chance to Rarity’s alure. For just a brief instance, Spike had practically lost autonomy of his own body as he couldn’t stop himself from caving to Rarity’s demands. Spike laid down on the floor flatly on his back as he was ordered, spreading his wings out to the sides, stretching out his arms and legs, and completely exposing his underside. His heart loudly pounded in his chest, and his breaths were noticeably heavier. All the scales on his face burned as brightly as they possibly could, as Spike’s conscious retreated behind a cloud of blissful anticipation.

“Good dragon”, said Rarity, in a somewhat pleased tone. Rarity began to walk over Spike’s body, with her left and right hooves on opposite sides of him. She continued to saunter over the obedient dragon, slowly swaying her hips, and careful not to step on Spike’s wings. Spike could feel the hairs hanging beneath Rarity’s underside gently brush the scales along his underbelly.

By this point, the entirety of Spike’s girthy, eighteen vertical inches, had been on full display for all to see. If Rarity had even taken notice of such a detail, she certainly didn’t seem even the least bit phased by it. The other ponies in the room were standing around them, now completely silent.

Standing over Spike’s chest, Rarity roughly mounted her front hooves onto Spike’s shoulders, pinning down his neck and arms to the floor. She leaned forward and moved her face just above Spike’s. Rarity hooded her eyes, and gave the sultriest smile she could muster. “I know you’ve wanted this for a long time, my sweet, sweet, Spikey-Wikey” whispered Rarity.

Rarity used the nickname. That same embarrassing yet endearing nickname that she gave him when they first met. The one that she still used from time to time. A thin trickle of smoke escaped from Spike’s nostrils as tiny flames burned deep within his throat. Spike closed his eyes, relaxed his neck, and lowered his head on its side onto the floor. “I’m all yours Rarity”, Spike whispered.

Rarity looked up and spotted Rainbow Dash, who immediately gave her the cue. It was time for the final phase of the plan. Rarity immediately leaped backwards, away from Spike. Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, Applejack, and Starlight Glimmer, who had slowly stepped away towards the walls of the room, quickly opened the drapes of the windows to Rarity’s first floor estate, flooding the room with light. Before Spike could react to the incoming sunlight, before he could even open his eyes, Rainbow Dash had already flown into position, directly above him. She took out the small digital camera she had hidden in her mane, aimed it downward, and pressed the trigger. A bright flash of light filled the room.

“LATE APRIL FOOL’S!!”, yelled Rainbow Dash, joined by Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, Starlight Glimmer, and Rarity. Spike immediately opened his eyes in bewilderment.

Some Regrets

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie, burst into uncontrollable laughter. The three began hysterically rolling around the floor, wheezing for air between their howls. The laughter that they had been struggling to hold in for the past several minutes, and was finally let out. Starlight let out a hearty laugh herself while Flutter Shy softly giggled. Even Rarity couldn’t restrain herself from a brief chuckle.

Spike shot up onto his feet and looked around the room frantically. He squinted his eyes in response to the now brightly lit room. “Hey, w-what’s going on?”, he stammered. He regained his sight and his eyes focused onto Rainbow Dash, who had just mustered the composure to stand upright on her hooves. “Sorry Spike”, she snickered. “There was no test”.

Rainbow Dash held up her camera, with the newly captured image on the digital display (digital imaging technology had been widely available in the public market for a few years). On the pixelized screen, Spike saw an image of himself sprawled out on the floor, with his limbs out, his belly up, and his eyes closed. While image that Rainbow Dash had captured of Spike did not include any part of him that would have violated any Equestrian laws, the part of Spike’s torso that was visible in the image still made for a rather lurid scene. Taking another look at the picture, Spike noticed that there were red letters etched into the black circular carpet that he was laying on, complimented by a red arrow pointing at him. Spike looked back down at the carpet he was standing on to see the same red letters and arrow, stitched into it. The bright red text spelled out the word ‘HIMBO’.

“MAN, this is priceless!”, Rainbow Dash wailed.
Spike immediately figured out what had happened. There was no secret tradition, there was no initiation, and there certainly was no test he had to go through. He had been tricked. Spike was immediately flooded with shame and humiliation, completely extinguishing any other feelings he would have felt. He tapped his claws together, lowered his head, and looked away from Rainbow Dash. The scales on his face were still burning the same bright red color, but now for a different reason. “Gee, how embarrassing”, he murmured. Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, and Pinkie Pie continued howling in laughter. Flutter Shy and Starlight were still giggling. Rarity, however, was silent.

“We sure appreciate having you around Spike, but not that much”, wheezed Applejack.

“You’re certainly still our friend Spike, but not that kind of friend”, added Starlight Glimmer.

“Yeah, your super awesome, totally legitimate, highly intensive, coming of age ceremony, party, was never supposed to be that wild. Those kinds of parties are for different kinds of occasions. Just ask Cheese Sandwich if you ever see him again”, suggested Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash was still bawling. “He actually believed that all Stallions have to-” laughed Rainbow Dash before cutting herself off. “And he actually lied down, right in the middle of-”, she continued. “You should have seen the look on your face, Spike. Oh wait, you can!”. Rainbow Dash held up her camera to Spike once more.

Spike continued looking down at the floor, now sliding his tail back and forth. “I should have known better. I’m going to leave now”, he murmured. Without another word, Spike quickly crept his way towards the front door, and continued through it.

“Spike, wait”, Rarity called out.

But she was too late. Once out the door, Spike quickly opened his wings, hunched down, jumped up into the air, and flew off as fast as he could. Rarity watched Spike fly away, and vanish into a distant spec in the upper atmosphere. If Spike had any shred of dignity left in him that moment, it was certainly hard to tell. After a few more seconds, Rarity slowly closed the door and turned back inside. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were still grinning ear to ear, looking over the display on Rainbow Dash’s camera. Rainbow Dash was still snorting, finally getting control of her laughter. Gaining some composure, she looked back at Rarity. “Hey, you were great back there, Rarity! You totally killed it. We couldn’t have done this without you”, complimented Rainbow Dash.

Rarity did not respond to Rainbow Dash’s remark. She knew why she did this. She knew exactly why she agreed to Rainbow Dash’s plan. It was because she wanted to feel as alive as she once had.

When Rarity began her career in fashion, she would often model some of her work to live audiences. It was certainly a bold thing to do. When Rarity did, she would not just be revealing her finest clothing, but her life’s work. Her finest pieces would be put on full display to the largest and most critical audiences within the entire industry of modern fashion. Most of the time, Rarity’s boldness would be rewarded in cheerful admiration, fame for her talents, and record high clothing sales throughout the following days. Of course, there were a few times when her own designs made her a subject of notoriety, but Rarity would always be able to recover and learn from the rare failure eventually. Every time Rarity had dared to model her own work, the fashionista would feel nearly uncontainable excitement as she put everything she worked for on the line. No other experience, situation, or the even the threat of death itself would come close to the intensity she would feel when she strode along the catwalk in front of an audience.

But in her most recent years, Rarity simply had not had any opportunity to model. Make no mistake, Rarity’s name was certainly not becoming irrelevant in any way. Far from it actually. Holding the title of “The Element of Generosity” from one of the six elements of harmony, and being one of the friends by Twilight’s side who had saved her county of Equestria numerous times, had given Rarity a pseudo-celebrity status. And more importantly than that, Rarity was also the head of her own business which was now the most successful clothing franchise in all of Equestria. The days when Rarity’s talents as a clothing designer and seamstress were forgotten by the general public, were long ahead of her. But her time as a model was a different story.

No matter how carefully Rarity maintained her appearance, she could not make herself look any younger as the years passed by. She would still wear her newest dresses, hats, and accessories for photo shoots, and would have those photos used for marketing material, along with all the other mares and stallions she hired to model her work. But slowly and gradually, Rarity noticed that she was appearing less and less on catwalks, and that her own marketing department was using her face less and less. All of this, in favor for younger, fresher mares. New faces and bodies were entering the industry, making room for themselves as they pushed away yesterday’s competition. Rarity was still at the peak of her clothing design career, and her beauty product lines were just getting started. But her days as a relevant model were already past her. Yet, her desire to be admired remained. It had been years since she last modeled, and Rarity was willing to do nearly anything to feel as alive as she once did, just once last time.

Of course, Rarity still had her dignity and self-respect. She couldn’t just put on anything in front of any pony, just for the pursuit of attention. No, she had to earn her attention for the right reasons, in the place, at the right time, and in front of the right audience. Rainbow Dash’s plan had offered her all the right circumstances for Rarity to show off her outer beauty to her. Spike made for the best audience. All her other friends just merely contributed to that audience.
It was Spike, the once tiny dragon who had fallen in love with her from the day they had met. The one who always set aside time to assist her in any way, from everything to running important errands, to simple chores. The one who always claimed how beautiful she was, not matter how ugly she felt in a particular moment. The one who would do nearly anything to please her. The adult dragon who still offered to make some of her material deliveries for her. Spike was the perfect audience for Rarity, just as much as he was the safest audience. After all this time, even after everything that had happened between them, there was no way Spike would think anything but the best of Rarity.

All this time, Rarity knew how Spike felt about her. And all this time, she still knew in both her mind and heart that she did not feel the same way towards him. Spike was a dragon, was several years younger than her, and was just not what she wanted in a stallion. This truth had always gnawed away on Rarity’s conscious.
Then one day, still years ago, Spike had gone and made his move. He asked Rarity out on a picnic, in which Spike had clearly intended it as a date. He did everything he could to make his best impression, as they had their picnic in a secluded place. And then, after they were ready to leave, Spike had gone and done it. He poured out his heart, confessed everything, and asked Rarity if she would be his mare friend. All Rarity could do was tell him the truth. Even to this day, Rarity vividly remembered watching Spike fly away from her, as he was unable to hold back the tears upon being told that he will never win the heart of his most beloved mare.

Things were different between the two ever since then. The two continued carry on as friends the best they could. Rarity and Spike had changed over those years, met new individuals, and made their own accomplishments. But what happened between them that day could not be changed.

All of this resurfaced through Rarity’s mind as she saw Spike soar away from her once more. Rarity’s feelings of burning passion and excitement of being admired just minutes ago, had now completely faded. Taking its place were shame, regret, and disgust of her own actions. Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash, who was hovering above the floor in front of her, still snickering underneath the forehoof she held over her mouth.

“RAINBOW DASH, THAT IS ENOUGH!”, shouted Rarity as she stared at her friend. “I can’t believe you, dragging me into this hurtful trick that you call good fun, and humiliating Spike like that!” Rarity looked around the room, glaring towards her other friends. “YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!”, she shouted once more, before taking a breath. Then, Rarity looked down at her own forehooves. “I’m ashamed of myself too. I shouldn’t have done that to Spike”, she muttered.

“Gee Rarity, leave it to you to be so dramatic”, said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes. “It was no big deal. It was just a joke, and now it’s over.”

“It was not just a joke!”, retorted Rarity. “Can’t you see that Spike was hurt and utterly humiliated. It was cruel of us to mess with his feelings just for our entertainment”.

“Oh, calm down Rarity. We all know how Spike used to feel about you, but he has gotten over that by now. Well, for the most part that is. I’m sure he’ll recover in a day or two and be right back to the way he was”, responded Rainbow Dash. Rarity was more than vexed. That last phrase, ‘the way he was’, really angered her. The youthful, innocent dragon that Rarity had met all those years ago, was already long gone. There was no way for Spike, or any of them for that matter, to ever go back to the way they were, no matter how much they wanted to.

“UH”, Rarity scoffed. “Well, if it makes no difference to you Rainbow Dash, do what you want with Spike. Just leave me out of it!”, said Rarity as she turned away and began to walk towards the stairs. She paused and looked down at herself, looking over the fishnet stockings on her forelegs. “I’m going to get changed. I look like a…”, said Rarity, before she clenched her teeth, stopping herself from completing that last sentence. Reaching her stairs, she marched up them towards the second level of her abode.

“Whatever”, said Rainbow Dash with an agitated huff.

“So…”, said Pinkie Pie, looking around. “Does this mean that this party is over?”, she asked.

“YES, PINKIE IT’S OVER!”, shouted Rarity from upstairs, before loudly closing a door.

“OK then. So… what do you all want to do now?” asked Pinkie Pie. An awkward silence hung in the empty room.

“Um, I agree with Rarity. I think we took that a bit too far”, Flutter Shy whispered, looking down at the floor. “Maybe we should do something to make up for it.”

“Well, when the time comes, I’m sure we’ll think of something. But for now, I have other stuff to do today. See you all later”, said Rainbow Dash, as she walked to the front door and opened it. And without another thought or care, Rainbow Dash raced off into the sky and out of sight. Then, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, and Starlight Glimmer left Rarity’s estate.

Reconciliation

A week had passed since the incident. Spike was on his official half hour lunch break, and was roaming along the roads of the outskirts of Canterlot. There was plenty of legal documentation to be done, and numerous financial issues regarding Equestria’s annual spending budget that had to be resolved that day. Despite being on what Spike considered a well-deserved break, we could not help himself from thinking about all the remaining issues and compromises he would have to resolve once he returned to his desk. Spike shook his head. He was on break now, and there was nothing he was going to do about it until he got back. This time was his own.

Spike found a comfortable tree to lean up against, and unpacked is lunch, which consisted of a large salad, and a small container of uncut topaz. Spike ate alone, and his thoughts spread beyond the non-metaphorical mountain of problems that awaited him. Eventually, he thought back at what had happened last week. He still couldn’t stop thinking about it, not matter how much he wanted to forget about it. Spike had made extra sure not to speak with or even be seen by Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, or Starlight Glimmer. That was easy enough for the first five days. All he had to do was remain reclusive, and to try to not be wherever he thought they were. Spike had other friends, and certainly could do without seeing a few particular mares for a while.

Although, a problem did arise yesterday, when it came time for Spike to make his delivery to Rarity’s estate, as he had promised the week prior. He had purchased and gathered everything on the list he made of all the materials and supplies that were running low in Rarity’s work area. But when it came time to drop everything off at its final destination, Spike could not find the courage to speak to Rarity. Instead, he put everything down just outside the front door, knocked as loudly as he could, and took off before she could see him.

Spike was still replaying last week’s events in his mind when he suddenly heard the branches of the tree he was under, visibly shift. He looked up to find a familiar pegasus with a cyan coat and a mane consisting of five contrasting colors.

“RAINBOW DASH!”, Spike exclaimed, quickly getting onto his feet. “Uh, what brings you, uh, all the way over here?”

“I just wanted to check up on you, Spike”, Rainbow Dash coyly answered.

“What for?”, he answered back, while looking away.

“I’m sure you already know exactly what I came to see you about.”

“Well, you better not have come here to bother me again!”, Spike said, crossing his arms.

“I’m not here to do any of that. In fact, I kind of wanted to do the opposite”, Rainbow Dash answered. Spike tilted his head in response, now considering listening to Rainbow Dash. “I’m sorry if I went a little too far last week. I was sure that you would have been cool with everything once it was over.” Rainbow Dash descended from the air, and landed beside Spike under the tree. Spike lowered his stance, and wore a somewhat less hostile expression.

“Well, I suppose it’s okay now Rainbow Dash. I honestly wasn’t too bothered by what you did anyway. I was just really embarrassed by it all, at least for a little while.”

“Then how come none of us had seen you around? I’ve asked Twilight what you’ve been up to, and she claims she has no idea. Honestly Spike, you shouldn’t feel like you have to hide from us. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Spike sheepishly looked aside, putting one of his claws behind his head. “Well, I kind of do”.

“Well, then I guess you and I see things differently. But I want you to know that what regardless of what happened, the rest of us all miss seeing you around, even Rarity. No, especially Rarity.”
Spike looked away from Rainbow Dash again. He thought deeply about Rarity, and everything that had ever happened between the two of them. “I’m sure she does”, he responded sorrowfully.

“Oh, come on, don’t be like that”, Rainbow Dash pouted. “Hey, I came here because I wanted to give you this”, she said while pulling something small out from under multicolored mane with her hoof. Spike turned and held out a claw. Rainbow Dash passed him a folded up photograph. Spike did not unfold it. He knew exactly what the photo was.

“Yeah, very funny Rainbow Dash”, said Spike.

“I needed all the space on my camera to conduct some aerial surveys, so I decided to make some print outs before I erased them all. That photo, however, is the only copy of its kind. I promise you that I didn’t make any others. You’re holding the last copy.”
Spike let out a quite sigh and looked back at Rainbow Dash.

“You didn’t tell any other creature about this, did you?”

“Not anyone who wasn’t there. You didn’t tell anyone either, did you Spike?”

“Nope, not even Twilight”, Spike answered.

“Heh, you know, I actually offered to let her to join in that prank of mine.”

“You did what?!”

“Relax, she said she didn’t want to partake in any of my ‘antics’”, said Rainbow Dash, stressing that last word in a mocking tone. “Unless you revealed anything, I doubt she is still none the wiser.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Yeah, in hindsight, I’m kind of glad Twilight wasn’t there. It might have been super awkward.”

“No kidding” Spike muttered.

“Yeah, Twilight is like an older sister to you, and was also kind of like your caretaker. And with you being her number one assistant, she’s also basically your boss. And yet, she is also your closest friend. I guess you don’t need to add anything else to that list.”

“Well that too. I was talking about how awkward Twilight can be while flirting.”

“And how would you know about that?”

“Lately, Twilight has been trying to get the attention of one of her guards. I’m sure you know exactly who I’m talking about.”

Rainbow Dash put one of her hooves over her mouth and began snickering. “Yeah, I think we all know about Flash Sentry by this point.”

“Well, so does most of the castle’s guards, the castle’s staff, and all of her other royal officials. Although, I suppose it’s an improvement from trying to ask out a character from one of her novels.”

Rainbow Dash could not help but let out a laugh. “Yeah, that’s certainly Twilight.”

Spike let out a laugh himself before looking back at the now unfolded photograph in his claw. “I suppose I did sort of fit the definition of the term himbo, last week, didn’t I. I mean, I should have known right away that you were messing with me.”

“I wouldn’t say that Spike. You’re way too intelligent and self-aware to be called that. Although I suppose you do have the looks to justify the title”, said Rainbow Dash. She then looked around the area before looking back at Spike. “Say, if you don’t mind me asking, aren’t you still close friends with that griffon, I think Gabby was her name?”

“Oh yeah, Gabby and I are still good friends. We actually spent a lot of time together when she last stayed in Ponyville for a while. What about her?”

“Well, I guess I just thought that, you know, you two were closer than friends, and that you sort of finally got over Rarity. I mean, that’s what I thought anyway”, said Rainbow Dash, tripping over her own words. Spike turned away again, this time appearing only mildly flustered.

“Well, I mean, I Gabby and I still spend a lot of time together, that is, whenever we’re both available. I suppose that I could say that we are rather close.” Spike then looked down at the dirt, his eyes full of remorse. “Honestly, how I feel about Gabby is what makes me feel the worst about what happened last week. She would not be happy to find out how I just offered myself up like that. Especially so, if Gabby had seen how I let Rarity of all ponies put her hooves on me.”

“Oh, it’s all fine Spike. Gabby doesn’t have to know about what happened. And even if she did, it was hardly your fault. I mean, it would hardly be fair to expect any straight stallion to resist a whole group of inviting mares. Besides, it’s not like any of us actually went through with anything.”

“Even if I wasn’t thinking straight, what I did was still wrong. I knew I had the option to leave, but I choose to stay around despite my better judgement.”

Rainbow Dash took a moment to contemplate the situation and thought about what Spike had said. “I know you’re not proud of what you did Spike. And sure, I for one should know that you should be loyal to those you care about. But in the end, no harm was done, and you seemed to have learned your lesson. If you and Gabby really care about each other, I’m sure you two could work things out.”

“Perhaps you’re right”, said Spike.

Rainbow Dash looked down at the folded up photograph that Spike was still holding. “Hey, I thought you would have torn up that photo by now and burned the pieces. I know I would have. I got a reputation to keep up. Do you actually want to keep it?”

Spike looked down at the picture again. “You know, I think I’ll keep it for a little while, just as a reminder. After all, I suppose that the incident was still kind of funny.”

Rainbow Dash gave that cocky, trademark grin of hers. “I’m glad you agree.”

“Watch it.”

“I’m just teasing. Although, seriously Spike, don’t feel like you have to keep avoiding me, Rarity, or the others. We don’t think anything less of you. And don’t give up on your romantic pursuits either. You’re certainly in higher demand than you might think.”

“And what makes you say that Rainbow Dash?”

“I’ve been around Equestria, and even the Dragon Lands for a while now. I’ve met plenty of mares, dragons, a few griffons, and even a certain changeling that have had a lot of good things to say about you. Don’t let silly mares like Rarity make you believe otherwise.”

“Hey, Rarity would never say anything bad about me like that.”

“I know she wouldn’t say that. But I’m sure she might have caused you to think that at some point, even if it wasn’t her intention.”

“Yeah, I guess so. But why are you telling me all this?”

“Spike, you know that I’m not into dragons, or reptiles, or anything other than mares and stallions, right?”

“Mares and Stallions?”, Spike questioned, stressing the first word, as he gave a knowing smirk of his own. Before what had gone down last week, Spike had noticed that Rainbow Dash and Applejack seemed to have been spending a lot more and more time together. Now it was blatantly obvious to Spike what they have been up to.

“Come on Spike, you know what I’m about”, said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes. “What I was trying to say before is that I know something good when I see it. While I’m personally not interested in dragons, I can totally agree with all those ponies and other creatures that I mentioned on one thing in particular”, said Rainbow Dash as she began to flap her wings and hover in the air. "Spike, you’re one hot dragon stud”, said Rainbow Dash as she playfully slapped a hoof into his shoulder. “See you around”. Rainbow Dash suddenly took off, leaving a massive gust of wind behind in her place.

Spike stood still, completely dumbfounded at what had just happened. He watched Rainbow Dash as she quickly vanished into a spec within the open sky. Spike then realized that he only had a few minutes left remaining of his lunch break.