Blue

An ugly day. Spike hated it from the bottom of his heart. Rain was falling, the temperature was low, and to top it off, he was alone. The usually warm and comfortable library looked gloomier than ever. Twilight left him in charge while she sorted out things in Canterlot—at least, that was the idea. Celestia called upon her superior organizing skills in order to oversee tasks that required focused attention—with the unrest, many new 'blue-related' problems popped up, and with the combined number of old and new petitions, the alicorn was being slowly overwhelmed. Hopefully, Twilight would be able to ease her burden.

Spike looked out of the window. He has been gradually getting taller over the past four years, but the murder of Rarity really induced a growth spurt. Dragons mature by greed normally; however the pain of losing his first love was a definite step towards becoming a grown-up. He now towered over most ponies, but was really slim at the same time; he relished the thought he didn't induce fear around himself. His thoughts wandered back to Rarity.

Rarity...

When he heard the news, he nearly died inside. Losing somepony so close to him... He wished he'd been taken away instead. Gradually, these thoughts faded away, leaving only sadness and grief behind. He knew that the one most devastated by the fashionista's death was not him, but Sweetie Belle. The universe seemed to play a cruel joke on her; not only she lost her best friends, then she lost her parents, and her sister got murdered. Spike visited her when she was released from the hospital, and back into Ponyville; when he saw her in Carousel Boutique, he quickly excused himself; he couldn't stand to see her scarred face. By a strange string of events, Babs Seed and Diamond Tiara moved in with her, determined to help her recovery in any way they can. He decided that their company was more than enough than a lousy dragon staying there, too, his presence only reminding the poor mare of her late sister. All in all, since they were nearly grown up by now, (Babs was about a year younger when Twilight came to Ponyville) they were left to do as they please. Inheriting both her parents' and her sister's house and money, she was pretty well-endorsed as of the moment. If she played her cards right, she wouldn't have to worry about sustenance until the end of her life.

Spike shook his head. All this reminiscence made him even more depressed than he already was. Maybe he should just close up the library, and write a letter to Twilight or the princesses—no. There is only one princess left. Cadence was dead, and Luna was banished. If the little tidbits he picked up when he visited Canterlot a week ago were true, Discord was destroyed, and Chrysalis was still at large, hiding somewhere until she can regain her strength. That made Celestia the single most powerful entity in Equestria. Some spread rumours that she intended to rule Equestria as it's sole monarch again. Spike didn't really believe these, but he could remember Luna as Nightmare Moon all too well; if power would corrupt the sun princess, she could be really nasty.

He waved that traitorous thought away. Celestia was like a mother to Twilight, and he can't disappoint the unicorn by accusing her mentor based on baseless conjuncture. He returned to reading the book that has been lying open on the desk he inherited from Twilight.

"Year 217, the day after the Summer Sun Celebration. My research into the matter of the existence of the mysterious 'Escalite', protector of ponies, traitor to dragonkind, has been approved by the princess herself. She seemed to realise that this enigmatic dragon could indeed be a powerful means of protecting our borders. Since the last sightings of the majestic beast, decades passed by the hundred; many think that it didn't even exist. My research shows, however, that it indeed aid us in our darkest hours; when the invading armies of Dramor, the lithe green dragon, last Dragon King of the First Era invaded our fair nation, it was Escalite who stepped into the fray, and single-clawedly slaughtered many of the best fighters the King had, including himself. Afterwards, the dragons were scattered, and never heard from again to this day as an empire. I believe that even if this dragon disappeared before our beloved princess was named ruler of our country, it has not faded away..."

Spike closed his eyes. The book was about a dragon who was ponykind's saviour—in a gruesome, but somewhat heroic way. Reading it was a stupid idea anyway. Why would it give him inspiration as to what to do with his life? He just wanted to be useful... Twilight is currently in a high position in the government, Applejack leads a militia-like organisation that deals with both fugitives and would-be changeling attackers, Pinkie and Fluttershy do their best to keep Ponyville united... What has he done? Nothing. Maybe it's time to close up shop before he decides to do something unnecessarily drastic. Sighing, he stepped towards the door to close it. Suddenly, it sprang open, revealing a slightly disturbed cream coloured mare. She looked at Spike, who stopped in the middle of raising his claw.

"Is this a bad time?"

"No, not at all, Bon Bon. What brings you here today?"

"Actually, I'm looking for a book on edible plants of Equestria. Would be nice if you've got a map, too."

"Just a second." Spike replied, tiptoeing his way to an upper shelf, which he reached if he stretched out real far. He picked up two books, and placed them on the counter.

"Here they are, 'Plants of Equestria', and 'Geography of the World'. How long would you like to borrow them?"

"Indefinitely." Bon Bon stated shortly. Spike scratched his head.

"I'm really not supposed to give them away. What if other ponies need those books?"

Bon Bon raised her head, and looked at him pleadingly.

"Please!" She glanced around, confirming nopony is in sight, then leaned closer. "Truth is... I am going to leave town. I need that book to survive in the wilds. I'm not sure where I can go... but I'll try with all my might to stay alive. Because Ponyville... changed. There is nothing left for me here."

Spike looked at Bon Bon, and remembered the good old days... days when said mare happily watched the antics of the six ponies who changed Equestria's fate... together with her sister, Lyra. Spike's eyes lit up with determination. Maybe he is not a hero like Twilight and her friends... but he'll be damned if he doesn't help a pony in need. He strode to a small wardrobe, and pulled out some saddlebags that looked like they were camouflaged. He put it on the desk beside the two guidebooks.

"Alright, I'll give you the books... also, take this. You'll need it if you really plan on leaving. It's a special 'camo' saddlebag that Rarity designed years ago... The others agreed it's easy to hide in the wilderness. I wish I could do something else..."

Bon Bon stopped him with a serious expression.

"Nothing more is necessary, Spike. I just wish for a chance to hide myself until this passes over. For I believe it will pass over. This farce can't be played on forever, not even by the smartest of ponies. The truth will surface... That is what keeps me going. I thank you, Spike. I know letting something go that belongs to our deceased beloved... hurts. Also, don't belittle yourself. Not many have the courage to assist us blue ponies... not even when they should be keeping their common sense. Take pride in your work, and provide a ray of light in the darkness of ignorance. Farewell."

Spike could only nod in response. He watched as the mare carefully tucked away the books in the saddlebag, which she promptly put on. She turned back to Spike with a sad, yet warm smile. Suddenly, she leaned forward, and gave a peck on the surprised dragon's cheek.

"May you always do what is right."

A moment later, she was gone. Spike reached up to where she kissed her, thoughts in a daze. He slowly let his claw sink back to his side. What was he thinking? Moping around won't do anything. There is only one thing to do.

He will write a letter to Princess Celestia.