The King's Son

Spike left the castle and saw that all of the snow has melted, which isn't something new for Spike. He did remember this one time where it snowed for one day and the ponies were saying it's was time for winter wrap up. Spike was confused at that, seeing as how it only snowed for one day, but as he continued to live in Ponyville over the next few years, this became nothing new to him. Spike stopped thinking about that though as he continued to where he would find Shooting Star, which is now Derpy and the Doctor's place.

Spike walked through Ponyville, enjoying the crisp morning air and the quiet stillness of the town. As he approached Derpy and the Doctor's house, he could hear the sounds of laughter and conversation from inside. The festive decorations seemed to be put away since it was the day after Hearths Warming, but the home still felt inviting to him.

He went up to the door and knocked a few times to get their attention. Derpy answered the door and she smiled seeing Spike.

"Good morning Spike. Come on in." she exclaimed as she stepped aside, letting him enter the abode. Spike walked in and instantly smelled the sweet aroma of fresh muffins. He also saw the doctor fiddling around with what looked like a strange gadget. Derpy picked up the muffin tray and brought it over to Spike. "Would you like a muffin, Spike?" she asked.

"Sure, Derpy, I'd love one," Spike replied, feeling the warmth of their hospitality wash over him.

Shooting Star bounced over to the Doctor, who looked up from his gadget with a grin. "Morning, Spike. How was the castle when you got back?"

"It was fine. Twilight and her friends are back from the Crystal Empire. They had quite the party up there," Spike said, trying to keep his tone light, trying to hide the angst that gnawed at him on the inside.

Derpy frowned. "I still don't think it was fair that they leave you behind like that, especially on a big holiday where you're supposed to spend it with family."

Spike tried to avert the sadness. "You don't have to worry about me guys. I'm used to it. I've pretty much grown numb to them leaving me behind to do chores while they have fun."

At this, the Doctor frowned. "That's even worse, Spike. You shouldn't have to go through with that."

Spike sighed, his shoulders slumping a little. "I know, but it’s just the way it is. I'm glad I got to spend Hearth's Warming with you all, though. It made it special."

Derpy put a comforting hoof on Spike's shoulder. "Well, you're always welcome here, Spike. Anytime you need a break from the castle or just want to hang out, our door is open."

Shooting Star, her eyes filled with determination, added, "And if you ever need to talk or need help with anything, I'm here for you too, Spike. You're my friend, and friends look out for each other."

Spike's heart warmed at their words. "Thanks, you guys. It means a lot."

Shooting Star, willing to change the subject asked, "Hey Spike, I'm gonna go explore Ponyville today and see what it has to offer. Would you like to come with me?"

Spike beamed at that. "I'd love to. I actually came here to ask you if you'd like a tour around the town.

"Well the answer will be a yes Spike."

Hey Derpy, hey Doctor, would you like to come with us on this tour of the town?" Spike asked.

Derpy shook her head. "Sorry Spike, but I have to deliver some invitations for a wedding that's going on in a few days here in Ponyville. I may see you two while delivering them though."

The Doctor also shook his head. "I can't come either because I have some amazing ideas for new inventions and I want to have some time to work on those."

Spike nodded, understanding. "No worries, Derpy. No worries, Doctor. Shooting Star and I will make sure to enjoy the tour and maybe bring you back some stories."

Derpy smiled warmly. "Have fun, you two. Ponyville is a wonderful place with lots to see. Oh, and be sure to try the Apple family's cider stand if they're open today."

With a final wave, Spike and Shooting Star left Derpy and the Doctor's cozy home and stepped out into the bright, crisp morning. The streets of Ponyville were bustling with ponies going about their day, many of them still in high spirits from the previous day's Hearth's Warming celebrations.

"So, what would you like to see first in town?" Spike asked her.

Shooting Star thought for a moment, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "How about we start with Sweet Apple Acres? Derpy mentioned their cider, and I’d love to see the farm.”

Spike nodded, leading the way through the town. “Good choice! Sweet Apple Acres is one of the most iconic places in Ponyville.” So Spike and Shooting Star started walking towards Sweet Apple Acres and soon after they started walking, they arrived in the marketplace.

"This is the marketplace Shooting Star, this is where ponies buy things. It's pretty self explanatory." Spike explained.

"I've been here before, when Timor unleashed those wild beasts onto the town. They were about to eat me, but you saved me from the beasts like a knight in shining armor."

Spike snickered. "Like that will ever happen. He's married."

"What?"

"What?... Anyway, moving on."

They moved through the bustling marketplace, Spike pointing out various stalls and vendors as they passed, such as the candy shop which Bon Bon sold her sweets at, and a couple more stands where there were apples and pears being sold. The sights and sounds of the market were vibrant, with ponies chatting and haggling over goods, creating a lively atmosphere. Shooting Star marveled at the variety of items available, from fresh produce to hoofmade crafts like paper.

As they reached the end of the marketplace, they started making their way towards Sweet Apple Acres. The path led them past rolling hills and picturesque fields, the air filled with the scent of apple blossoms.

When they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, they were greeted by Applejack, who was busy tending to the apple trees. She waved as she saw them approaching. "Well howdy, Spike! I thought you would still be in the castle with Twilight working.

Spike sighed and gave a smile. "Twilight gave me the day off to to whatever I want, so I am giving a tour around Ponyville to my new friend here. Sweet Apple Acres was the second place on our agenda after the marketplace."

Shooting Star decided to introduce herself. "Hi there. My name is Shooting Star and I'm new to Ponyville. I was actually gonna explore the town by myself, but then Spike asked if he could give me a tour of the town, so now he's showing me around. We were actually hoping to try some of your sweet, delicious apple cider that I heard a lot about, if it's available, that is."

Applejack nodded warmly. "Nice to meet ya, Shooting Star. And you're in luck! We just finished a fresh batch of cider this mornin'. Follow me and I'll get ya both a cup."

As they followed Applejack to the cider stand, Shooting Star took in the beauty of the farm. "This place is amazing," she said, her eyes wide with admiration. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Sweet Apple Acres is one of Ponyville's pride and joys," Spike explained. "The Apple family works really hard to keep it running."

They made it to the apple cider stand where Applejack started making two cups of cider and handed them to Spike and Shooting Star. "Here you go you 2. They're freshly made and full of flavor."

They took a sip, and Shooting Star's eyes lit up with delight. "This is delicious! Thank you, Applejack."

"Anytime, sugarcube," Applejack replied with a grin. "Enjoy yer tour of Ponyville. There's plenty more to see."

"Actually Applejack, before we leave, is your family here. I think Shooting Star should get to know the entire apple family." Spike asked.

Applejack smiled warmly at Spike’s suggestion. "Of course, y’all should meet the rest of the family. Follow me, they’re all around here somewhere."

As they walked through the orchard, Applejack pointed out different areas of the farm and talked about the various activities that kept them busy throughout the year. The apple trees stretched out in neat rows, their branches heavy with ripening fruit, and the scent of apples filled the air.

They soon reached the farmhouse, where a pony with light green fur and pure white hair was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair, enjoying the morning sun. Applejack waved to her. "Granny, we've got some visitors!"

Granny Smith looked up and smiled. "Well, ain't this a pleasant surprise! Who do we have here, Applejack?"

Applejack introduced them. "This is Spike, Twilight’s assistant, and his new friend Shooting Star. Spike’s givin’ her a tour of Ponyville, and they wanted to meet the family."

"It's always nice to meet new friends. I'm pretty sure the rest of the family is already on the field."

Just then, a giant red stallion walked up to the house, carrying baskets of fresh apples, freshly bucked. "Howdy." was all he said.

Applejack introduced him as well. "This here’s Big Macintosh, my big brother. He’s the muscle of the family."

Spike chuckled. "Hey Big Mac! Good to see you. Are you still on for guys night in a few days?"

Big Mac smiled. "Eeyup."

Shooting Star smiled shyly. "It's really nice to meet all of you. Your farm is beautiful."

"Thank ya kindly," Granny Smith replied. "We put a lot of love and hard work into it. It's been in our family for generations."

Apple Bloom came running out of the house, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Who's here, Applejack?"

Applejack laughed. "Apple Bloom, Spike is here and his new friend Shooting Star. He's showing her around since she's new to the place."

"Well howdy Shooting Star. It's nice to have you at Sweet Apple Acres."

Shooting Star smiled warmly at the younger Apple sibling. "Thank you, Apple Bloom. It's wonderful to be here and meet all of you."

Apple Bloom's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "If y'all got time, I can show ya around the farm and maybe we can go see the clubhouse. My friends and I usually plan how to get our cutie marks there."

Spike glanced at Shooting Star, who nodded eagerly. "That sounds like fun, Apple Bloom. Lead the way!"

As Apple Bloom led them towards the clubhouse, the trio chatted about various aspects of farm life. The clubhouse itself was nestled in a tree, painted with bright colors and adorned with posters and drawings from the Crusaders' adventures. Shooting Star admired the creativity and effort put into it.

"This is amazing, Apple Bloom," she said, genuinely impressed. "You and your friends have done a fantastic job."

Apple Bloom beamed with pride. "Thanks! We’ve had lots of adventures here, and we're so close to getting our cutie marks, I can almost taste it."

After spending some time at the clubhouse, they made their way back to the farmhouse. Spike and Shooting Star thanked the Apple family for their hospitality and promised to visit again soon.

"Y'all come back anytime," Applejack said with a wave. "And enjoy the rest of yer tour!"

As they left Sweet Apple Acres, Shooting Star turned to Spike, her face glowing with excitement. "This has been so much fun already, Spike. Thank you for showing me around."

Spike smiled, feeling a sense of fulfillment in making his new friend happy. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. So, where to next? We still have plenty of Ponyville to explore."

"How about that building that looks like a cupcake."

"Sugarcube corner it is. They sell many delicious things which I believe you will love." So the pair walked back into the town where they saw a cupcake shaped building in the distance. As they entered, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air. Ms. Cake walked up to them, smiling.

"Hi Spike, Welcome back to Sugarcube Corner. Who's your friend?"

"Hi Ms. Cake. This is my friend Shooting Star. She's new here and I'm giving her a tour." Spike said

"Hello Shooting Star, it is a pleasure to meet you. Since you're new to this town, your order will be on the house." Ms. Cake explained.

"Really? Thanks. In that case, I'll have a blue cupcake with sapphires." Spike ordered.

"And I will have a regular chocolate cupcake." Shooting Star ordered.

"Coming right up." With that, she went to the back of the counter and got a both their orders. She came back and gave Spike and Shooting Star their orders. "Here you go you 2. Have a great day."

Spike and Shooting Star left the store and continued the tour. They came across a building that looked like a carousel.

"That over there is the Carousel Boutique, where Rarity creates her amazing fashion designs," Spike explained, his eyes lighting up with admiration.

Shooting Star glanced at the elegant building with curiosity. "I'd love to meet her sometime. Her designs must be incredible if you're this excited about them."

Spike blushed slightly but nodded. "Yeah, Rarity is really talented. And she's always happy to meet new ponies."

They continued walking, eventually arriving at the town square, where the large, ornate town hall stood proudly. Spike gestured to the impressive structure. "This is the town hall. It's where Mayor Mare holds meetings and important events take place."

Shooting Star looked around, taking in the hustle and bustle of the square. "Ponyville really is a charming place. There's so much to see and do."

Spike smiled, pleased with her enthusiasm. "I'm glad you're enjoying the tour. There's still so much more to show you. How about we head over to Fluttershy's cottage next? It's a bit of a walk, but it's worth it."

Shooting Star nodded eagerly. "I'd love to see Fluttershy's cottage. I've heard she has a lot of adorable animals there."

They made their way out of the town center and along a path that led to the outskirts of Ponyville. The scenery gradually changed to more rural and tranquil surroundings, with lush green fields and the occasional woodland area. As they walked, they chatted about their favorite activities and interests, growing more comfortable in each other's company.

After a pleasant walk, they arrived at Fluttershy's cozy cottage, nestled near the edge of the Everfree Forest. The cottage was surrounded by a variety of animal homes and feeders, and the soft sounds of birds singing and animals chattering filled the air. Fluttershy was outside, tending to a group of rabbits.

"Hey, Fluttershy!" Spike called out as they approached.

Fluttershy looked up and smiled warmly. "Oh, hello Spike. It's so nice to see you. And who is your friend?"

"This is Shooting Star," Spike introduced. "She's new to Ponyville, and I'm showing her around."

Fluttershy walked over, her gentle demeanor putting Shooting Star at ease. "It's lovely to meet you, Shooting Star. Welcome to Ponyville."

Shooting Star smiled. "Thank you, Fluttershy. Your cottage is beautiful, and the animals are so adorable."

Fluttershy beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like it. Would you like to meet some of the animals?"

Shooting Star nodded eagerly. "I'd love to."

Fluttershy led them around the cottage, introducing them to various animals and sharing stories about each one. Shooting Star was enchanted by the peaceful environment and the care Fluttershy put into looking after her animal friends. Spike watched with a smile, happy to see Shooting Star enjoying herself.

After spending some time with the animals, they thanked Fluttershy and continued their tour. They walked back towards town, discussing what they had seen and planning their next stop.

But as they were walking, something caught Shooting Star's eye. "What happened over there Spike?" He turned and saw what she was looking at. It was a a charred crater that used to hold a very special tree.

He sighed and looked down. "That used to be the golden oaks library, and it also used to be... my old home?"

That made Shooting Star's heart stop. "Wh-What happened?"

"A monster by the name of Lord Tirek attacked Equestria and in an attempt to kill Twilight, he destroyed our old home." Spike said in a monotone voice.

Unexpectedly, Shooting Star hugged him. "Oh Spike, I'm so sorry about that."

Spike hugged back and told her, "It's ok Shooting Star, you don't have to worry about it. I live in a castle now, it's just... different."

"Well I hope things get better for you Spike. You deserve it."

"Thanks. On a side note, would you like to meet Twilight at the castle?" Spike asked.

"Sure. I would like to see her and see how she's like." And with that, they walked over to the castle. Once they got there, they opened the doors and saw her walking around, exploring.

Twilight saw them and walked over to them. "Hi Spike. I hope you're having a great day off."

"I am Twilight. I'm showing my new friend around Ponyville since she's new here."

"Well, it's great meeting you Shooting Star. I'm Twilight, the princess of friendship. Spike knows this town really well so you'll be in great hooves. Or claws in his case."

"This was actually the last place of the tour we're touring, so I'm gonna bring her home now."

"Aw Spike, such a good gentledrake. Kind of like the time Cadence taught him all about love when we were younger."

"See you around Twilight." Spike said with a wave. Twilight waved back and they left the castle.

As they were going back to Derpy's and the Doctor's place, Spike and Shooting Star began talking. "Thanks for giving me the tour around Ponyville."

Spike nodded and said, "No problem. A friend of mine should always know where to go when walking around town." They continued walking until they got to their destination. Spike and Shooting Star said their goodbyes and hugged before Shooting Star went into the house and Spike made his way back to the castle.