Spike's Scootaloo

Chapters

Life's Cryptic Game
Life's Bag of Tricks
Life's Many Obstacles

Life's Cryptic Game

The sheer irony of life has never been fully understood. One day a little baby dragon may be walking down the street, minding his own business. He may even be scanning the lovely little town he’s grown so accustomed to, smiling nonchalantly to the simplistic, aesthetic feel it ceaselessly exuded. And then, in the blink of an eye, it would occur instantaneously. Life would suddenly toss a bag full of its dry wit towards the baby dragon. In his confusion, he’d examine the bag cautiously before realizing it wasn’t so much a gift…but an opportunity. A mysterious chance to experience a life-altering event in its wake. Whether he’d receive it openly or not would be the baby dragon’s own personal decision. He may choose to empty out the contents of the bag and play life’s cryptic game, or he may just drop the bag, turn his head away and continue strolling on into the path of predictability he’d been enjoying seconds before.

Though we all know how these kinds of situations often turn out, don’t we?

No matter how much the baby dragon would convince himself to grasp the truth of ignorance, he’d never be able to keep his eyes away from life’s coaxing opportunity. He’d step away uncertainly and contemplate all the reasons not to play life’s game, yet in the end he’d be swayed by the overwhelming mysticism. There’d be no question about it: he’d give in and finally see what was tossed at him in the first place. What exactly was life trying to say? What was its underlying scheme this time?

All this may happen, and there shouldn’t be any surprise that it would. This is just a mere example of life’s common behavior. It’s all life’s way of reminding everypony how futile it is to attempt controlling it. Because as the minutes pass by, twists and turns are already drawn out for the future.

And there wouldn’t be a moment when we’d have a say in the matter.

Spike’s Scootaloo

“You lost, Spike! You gotta do whatever we say now!” Snips chuckled derisively, pointing a hoof at his draconian companion. “There’s no backing out of this one, too!”

“Dah, yeah! You have to do what we say! It’s the rules!” Snails agreed, nodding.

“What rules? There were barely any rules to begin with!” Spike argued and shook his head, irritated.

“The rules you set up, remember?” Snips grinned mischievously, tapping his temple for emphasis. “You said if you couldn’t sprout wings in ten days, you'd have to do whatever we say!”

“But if you did, we'd have to do what you say.” Snails added, reminding Spike of their established terms.

“Come on, guys! It wasn’t even fair for me at all!” Spike marked childishly, taking any means to fight his demise. “You both knew I couldn’t suddenly sprout wings! This bet shouldn’t count!”

“Nuh, uh! You kept insisting you could do it. You kept telling us we’d freak when we saw your new wings.” Snips wagged a hoof excitedly. “No matter what, you’re not getting out of this. You lost and that’s that. Right, Snails?”

“Yup.” Snails beamed at their achievement. “A bet’s a bet, and we won!”

Snips and Snails tapped each other’s hooves in unison, celebrating their victory over the baby dragon. They did it! For the first time the two actually won a bet between themselves and Spike. And they didn’t even have to do anything! This was an amazing accomplishment for the two young unicorns. Because this particular moment defined a new era in their lives. No longer were they to fail in completing future tasks. Spike, their friend and superior foe, would not be able to look down upon them in contempt after this day. For the two colts were now winners! Formidable adversaries to those who opposed them! What a delicious thought to salivate to!

“I’m not being given a choice, am I?” Spike sighed, kicking the ground dejectedly.

“Not a chance.” Snips smirked arrogantly.

“Nope.” Snails confirmed in triumph.

How could Spike have been so stupid? Making a bet with Snips and Snails was often a means of entertainment for the baby dragon. In almost all cases, he’d wager a contest to the colts that he knew he’d probably be the champion in. Who could climb trees faster, who can recite more famous historical lines, who could cook better-tasting meals, etc. Obviously Spike always took home the gold medal. He couldn’t even allow them to take on these contests solo, because only as a pair did they ever have a chance at actually winning. Either way Snips and Snails couldn’t see the pointlessness of their efforts, yet Spike commended their persistence.

However, the tides had turned in the favor of the other team. Spike had somehow lost a bet with the two goofballs, and he couldn’t believe he’d fallen for their trap. Ten days prior, Snips and Snails had intermittently made comments about the baby dragon’s lack of wings. They had asked to the point of causing Spike embarrassment and frustration. Eventually the pressure had struck at him for far too long, and in a swift retort he’d bet he could produce wings in the course of ten days. Right after they’d immediately accepted and had laid out the terms of victory, Spike had become dumbstruck by his own impulsiveness. He’d recognized his mistake. There was no way a dragon could force the aging process, let alone spontaneously bud body parts!

Although he’d known this fact, Spike had still tried to do it. And admittedly it was a sight to see. He’d sat privately in his little basket, clenching his fists and groaning in exasperation. Somehow! Somehow it could happen, right? There must have been a miracle just waiting to fall upon the baby dragon, right? Wrong. After several days he’d grown discouraged at the impossibility of bringing forth wings using will alone. His fantasy just couldn’t be realized. This was real life, after all. So when the time to surrender to Snips and Snails had arrived, Spike had sulked the entire way to their meeting spot in the grassy fields. Even now he wasn’t able to stop sulking. He lost, and it was a pathetic loss at that.

“Okay, fine. Let’s just get this over with. What do you want me to do?” Spike grumbled, looking away from the cheering colts. “You knew you were gonna win, so you already thought of the punishment, right?”

Snips and Snails instantly went motionless. Staring ahead blankly, the two colts appeared to have been given startling, unexpected news. Spike noticed their familiar, slack expressions, and he deciphered them just as quickly as he face-palmed. They couldn’t be this slow, could they?

“You guys didn’t think of a punishment, did you? Even after ten days.” Spike exhaled, rolling his eyes.

Turning their heads to each other, the two colts shrugged.

“Uh, did you think of something?” Snips asked the taller unicorn.

“Dah, I thought you’d think of something.” Snails drawled back.

“Seriously?” Spike mumbled inaudibly, shaking his head.

“Why did you expect me to think of something?” Snips asked confusedly. “Why do I always have to do the thinking, anyway? Can’t you do the thinking once in a while, Snails?”

“What are you talking about? I think for us all the time.” Snails disputed, annoyed. “It’s your turn to start thinking of things.”

“No, you think of something! I’m tired of thinking!” Snips snapped back.

“You’re tired? Well, then, I’m…dah…” Snails racked his noggin for the next line of thought. “I’m…really tired of thinking! Hah!”

“Really tired, huh? Then I’m exhausted!”

“So? I’m really exhausted!”

“You’re just putting ‘really’ in front of everything I say!”

“See? I’m thinking of things right now! So it’s your turn!”

“I don’t know what to think of! I’m not even prepared for this!”

“Dah, neither am I!”

“Stop it! Please spare me!” Spike shouted, interrupting the colts’ back-and-forth. “Isn’t listening to you two yapping punishment enough?”

Snips and Snails went silent, pondering on the baby dragon’s words. Their jaws hung loosely as they considered whether Spike had actually suffered enough as it was. But that was until Snips fully comprehended Spike’s insult, and he patted Snails’ hoof to alert him to break out of his daze.

“We’ll think of something. So just sit tight and be patient.” Snips said, looking back to Snails. “It’s going to be something embarrassing, too!”

“Yeah, something really embarrassing!” Snails emphasized.

“Great.” Spike responded sarcastically, his eyes half-lidded.

The colts began whispering suggestions to each other, all the while Spike reluctantly watched with crossed arms. What kind of crazy banter were Snips and Snails indulging in now? Spike observed as the two continued gritting their teeth, most likely out of the pain they felt for having to use their brains. It was extremely difficult to not walk away right there and forget the whole thing, but the baby dragon’s inner sense of honor kept him at bay. He understood, though, that his so-called ‘honor’ was gradually being dirtied and tarnished the longer he stood in place. How could it have come to this?

“Hey, look! It’s Spike!” A young female voice was heard at a distance. “And he’s with Snips and Snails, too!”

The three male youths simultaneously whipped their heads in the direction of the voice. A few meters away from their location were the infamous filly trio of Ponyville – The Cutie Mark Crusaders. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo trotted hurriedly towards the alarmed baby dragon and colts. They happily skipped at having run into unanticipated acquaintances. Who knew that today they all would meet up on the same side of the fields? To the three fillies, this day was already turning out to be interesting.

However, ‘interesting’ was one word Spike would have labeled the meet-up. Another word would have been ‘ill-timed’. His face took on a pale hue when he spotted Snips and Snails snickering deviously at the sight of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. That definitely wasn’t a good sign, Spike grimaced. They were planning to involve three innocents into this stupid bet, weren’t they? He could only guess what the two manipulative ponies were thinking. Or perhaps ‘not-thinking’. But whether they were thinking or not no longer mattered to him, because he could sense deep down trouble was near.

“Howdy there, Spike!” Apple Bloom greeted with a smile. “Snips and Snails, how you all doin’ today?”

“Yeah, what are you guys doing out here?” Scootaloo asked excitedly.

“We’re out here trying to get our cutie marks in flower picking!” Sweetie Belle explained, not waiting for the question to pop up. “Today something great’s going to happen! Right, Scootaloo?”

“That’s right! Guys, this morning when I woke up, I could feel a tingling in my body. I just knew then that today was going to be a great day! I could feel it deep inside!” Scootaloo fluttered her tiny wings giddily, hovering a few feet.

Snips and Snails leered at each other after Scootaloo’s statement finished. They now knew exactly how today was going to be a ‘great day’ for the orange foal. Oh, and that included Spike as well. Who could forget about the object of their coming torment? Not the baby dragon gawking anxiously at them. The colts rubbed their hooves conspiratorially as they quietly discussed their conniving plot. Consequently they payed no mind to the three befuddled fillies standing beside them.

“Um, Spike? What’s up with Snips and Snails?” Scootaloo thought aloud, raising an eyebrow at the baby dragon.

“Everything okay?” Applebloom said observantly.

Spike rubbed his face tiredly. “Don’t mind them. They’re just being...themselves.”

“O…kay.” Sweetie Belle nodded, not understanding Spike’s comment.

“Yeah, we’re not really doing anything out here.” Spike said nervously. “We were actually just about to leave.”

“We just got here, though.” Snips said suddenly, jolting the baby dragon. “Why would we leave so soon?”

“Dah, yeah. We’re here to settle something. Remember, Spike?” Snails winked, chuckling.

“Settle something?” Sweetie Belle repeated in wonder.

“We can settle it later, guys.” Spike replied, his eyes widening. “So we should just go and do that, okay?”

“No, we can settle it now. Might as well get it over with.” Snips grabbed Spike’s arm and dragged him away from his spot.

“We’ll be right back.” Snails addressed the Cutie Mark Crusaders, following closely behind Snips and Spike.

The three ignorant fillies remained still as they watched Spike, Snips and Snails argue in hushed voices. The colts seemed to be supporting one another while attacking the lone baby dragon. As time went on it didn’t seem Spike was winning the battle. The hopelessness plastered on his mug was apparent to the pairs of watchful eyes. It then became uncomfortable staring at the entire scene, so the three fillies decided to distract themselves by chatting.

“Nope, nope. Not doing it.” Spike held up a hand. “That’s just going too far.”

“You gotta do it. It’s always been like that for us.” Snips whispered, frowning. “You can’t just tell us what to do when we lose, but when you lose we can’t tell you what to do. That’s so hippopotamus!”

“Yeah, that’s hippopotamus!” Snails scowled.

“It’s hypocritical…” Spike cringed. “And I’m not because I never made you guys do what you want me to do!”

“You have to do it. Otherwise you’re not a real ‘bro’.” Snips stated. “You’ll have broken the ‘bro code’ by breaking your promise.”

“It’s the ‘bro code’, Spike. You don’t mess with that.” Snails said sternly.

Spike was speechless. He couldn’t slip his way out of this one. Snips and Snails had pulled out the ‘bro code’ card on him. There wasn’t anything he could do to salvage his chances at escaping. He was finished. This was it. He either stayed a ‘bro’ or became a ‘ho’. How cruel of a reality was it to lose a bet with the merciless Snips and Snails? It seemed Spike was about to find out.

He stamped his foot, pointing a finger at the two. “If she rejects me, then it’s over, okay? I don’t have to do anything more.”

“Your punishment is asking her. That’s as funny as it can get.” Snips chortled. “Don’t flatter yourself. She’d never say ‘yes’, anyway.”

“I can’t wait to see the look on her face.” Snails snorted, holding back a laugh.

“Whatever.” Spike said, leaving the two colts snickering.

The baby dragon strode speedily to the three conversing fillies, a foreboding aura of unease enveloping his soul the closer he got. He needed to do this soon, or he’d back out. And he couldn’t afford fleeing now. Not while his ‘bro code’ was on the line. There was no other choice but to buck up and progress forward with all his might. It would all be over in a matter of seconds, Spike assured himself. Just one question and it’d be put to rest.

After what seemed like forever, Spike reached the trio. Their attention was already directed towards the baby dragon.

“Hey, girls. Can I, uh…” Spike shifted about awkwardly as he stared at a certain orange foal. “Can I speak to Scootaloo alone?”

“Me? Why? What’s going on?” Scootaloo asked.

“Why do you need to speak to her only?” Applebloom butted in next.

“Is there something the matter, Spike?” Sweetie Belle probed concernedly.

Spike gulped. Why were they making this harder than it had to be?

“N-nothing’s wrong or anything. Promise.” Spike forced a gawky smile. “It’s just that I have something private to ask her. That’s all.”

Scootaloo gazed at the baby dragon’s eyes, and what she saw stunned her. His eyes were wild, and they were practically pleading with the little filly to comply. Recognizing the abrupt seriousness of the situation, she opted to give her draconian friend the benefit of the doubt. Whatever he had to ask her must have been important, she thought. It’d perhaps be better if she listened to what he had to say, whatever it was. For now that was the best course of action.

Scootaloo started to speak up. “Okay, sure. We can–“

“Whatever ya have to say to Scootaloo can be said to us.” Applebloom cut off her friend, holding her tightly. “We’re a team, and we can handle anything you send our way.”

“No, it’s okay–“ Scootaloo started again.

“Like Applebloom said, you can tell all of us. Don’t worry, Spike. We can fix whatever’s wrong together.” Sweetie Belle jibed in, hugging the orange foal affectionately.

“B-But I just need to speak to her privately.” Spike was sweating now.

Why did the Cutie Mark Crusaders have to be so damn close? Couldn’t they split up for a few seconds? That’s all was required for Spike to relay his message. Was there no exception for the baby dragon? For little ol’ Spike? Please?

“It’s okay, girls. I think I can handle it on my own.” Scootaloo struggled under the weight of her fellow Crusaders. “You don’t have to worry about –“

“No, we do it together. We’ll always be there for you, Scootaloo. You know that.” Applebloom gripped onto the filly tighter, consoling her.

“But I think Spike really wants to –“ Scootaloo groaned softly.

“It’s decided. He’s telling all of us.” Sweetie Belle shushed, bringing her attention back to the shriveled-up baby dragon. “Go ahead, Spike. We’re ready.”

“Uh…Umm…That’s…I mean…” Spike sputtered out a nonsensical mumble, clearly panicked.

In the back of his mind, he could see Snips and Snails sniggering uncontrollably at his failure. Everything was turning out perfectly for the two colts, much more perfectly than they had predicted. The Cutie Mark Crusaders – the full cast – were the baby dragon’s audience, and they had front row seats to the humiliating debacle that was about to take place. Spike could feel his brain imploding in on itself as he watched the three fillies inch their heads forward, tuning their ears for the inevitable climax. And this all resulted from such a ridiculously loaded bet. Was the ‘bro code’ truly worth it?

“Scootaloo…Uh…” Spike coughed into his clenched claw.

He could feel his throat closing up. His lungs expanded to their sheer limit, taking in as much air as physically possible. His oxygen levels seemed to be declining to a dangerous low. He couldn’t say it. He just couldn’t!

“Um, you know…I, uh….” Spike blinked feverishly, wiping the profuse sweat off his brow. “It’s funny, uh, because…I’m here because…Umm…”

The baby dragon’s heart pumped erratically. That wasn’t normal. That couldn’t have been a regular heart beat, could it? So what did that mean? Was he dying? Was he really going to die like this? A loser who couldn’t complete a simple phrase? No, that was just stupid. Nopony was going to die. The stress was merely flooding his brain. Knowing this, however, didn’t appease Spike in the slightest.

“What is it? What do ya need to tell us, Spike?” Applebloom’s pupils dilated in curiosity.

“Please tell us, Spike. We’re all ears.” Sweetie Belle’s mouth gaped.

“Go ahead, Spike. I’m listening.” Scootaloo muttered sympathetically.

That wasn’t helping, girls. It certainly wasn’t calming the baby dragon. In fact it was the exact opposite. His body’s functions seemed to have stopped. His body was failing him. Spike was literally about to faint right then and there.

“Priceless!” Snips choked on his own laughter. “We should have won a bet ages ago!”

“He’s gonna say it! He’s gonna say it!” Snails nudged the smaller unicorn breathlessly.

Spike had to say it. Stalling would only bring on heavier pressure. The strength of the tension in the air was destroying him! It wouldn’t be surprising if he suffered from post-traumatic stress after it was all over. If words couldn’t be pulled out, then he’d have to settle with pushing them. The time to fulfill his duty was now!

“SCOOTALOO!” Spike yelled, frightening the three fillies. “WILL! YOU! GO! AGHHH!”

Great, now Spike had terrified them. All three Crusaders had dropped to the ground, trembling right at his feet. They had no idea what was happening. Why was he yelling? Why?

“Scootaloo…” Spike’s chest heaved.

He had to try again. He wasn’t giving up now that he’d gotten this far. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

“Scootaloo…will you…go…” Spike’s face twitched as each word was uttered. “Scootaloo…will you go on a…”

“S-Spike?” Scootaloo stuttered, quivering.

Spike became conscious to a peculiar truth at that moment. It was quite humorous in hindsight. Because this was the first time he had ever done something like this.

“Will you go on a date with me?”

Life's Bag of Tricks

Everything seemed to freeze. It was as if time itself had stopped ticking forward, rendering everypony motionless. Each individual on that particular patch of grass sported a different expression in response to Spike’s question. Snips was biting his bottom lip, ready to burst into a fit of laughter. Snails’s eyes squeezed shut from total amusement. Applebloom’s pupils had dilated so widely the white of her irises were almost completely covered. Sweetie Belle’s jaw hung so low it could just barely touch the soil beneath her hooves. Scootaloo’s face donned an utter blankness so cryptic that even after thorough analysis one couldn’t decipher it. And Spike. Oh, that poor baby dragon. The color in his demeanor had gone so pale it wouldn’t have been wrong to label him a ghost. His eyes seemed to have already glazed over, even before he finished his sentence. The mortification displayed on his countenance was too great for words alone. Describing it would only humiliate Spike even further.

So when time decided to keep moving – when everypony was given a few seconds to register what was just asked by the baby dragon – all eyes were on a certain orange foal. Expectant looks to say something, anything, jabbed at the filly ceaselessly. Applebloom’s face demonstrated she was still experiencing ecstasy. Sweetie Belle’s gaping orifice continued to remain suspended. Snips and Snails’ ears pricked up, and Spike stared ahead without a single thought swimming through his brain. Scootaloo looked to all of them in confusion. She had absolutely no idea how to respond. She couldn’t quite understand why exactly it was asked in the first place.

Instead of forming any kind of audible, coherent word, the orange foal simply smiled sheepishly. Her cheeks took on a rosy shade, and all she could do was produce the only sound that came up her throat.

“Uhhh…”

“OF COURSE SHE WILL!” Sweetie Belle squeaked out excitedly, her voice cracking.

“Ya bet ya, Spike! She’d go out with ya in a heartbeat!” Applebloom bobbed her head giddily. “Won’t ya, Scootaloo?”

“I don’t…I, uh, but…” Scootaloo muttered, overwhelmed.

“What she means to say is ‘yes’!” Sweetie Belle said, attempting to translate.

“When do ya want to take her on this date?” Applebloom hopped. “How about today? You two can have your own private picnic right here!”

Spike’s mind suddenly began spinning. A billion commands were being sent through his nervous system, and he was left helplessly grasping at any one of them. Unfortunately he wasn’t snagging onto anything. Everything was too muddled and foggy for the baby dragon to make sense of it all. What was happening? Wasn’t it supposed to be over by now? Wasn’t he finally free from the bonds of this tortuous punishment? He couldn’t allow it to go on any longer. His heart just couldn’t take it.

With all his strength, the baby dragon replied. “I don’t…think Scootaloo wants to, though. Right, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo shook her head. “Y-yeah, I don’t really get what’s going on right no –“

“She’s just flustered. She’s not thinking straight right now.” Sweetie Belle placed her hoof over the orange foal’s mouth, beaming. “Asking her out on a date is a total privilege for her.”

“How about today at noon? Y’all can be left alone to yourselves right at this spot.” Applebloom chimed in. “We’ll take care of everything. I can supply the food!”

“And I can bring the blanket!” Sweetie Belle added eagerly. “I’ve got the perfect picnic blanket for this occasion, too!”

“Mmph! Hmph!” Scootaloo muffled through her friend’s hoof, struggling to break free.

Spike swallowed loudly. His anxiety levels had now skyrocketed. This couldn’t be happening! Didn’t Scootaloo say ‘no’? That should have been it then! So why was he still distressed? Where was his rejection? Where was it?

“Scootaloo, say something, please!” Spike pleaded desperately.

“It’s a date!” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle cheered, restraining the orange foal.

“So we’re gonnna go now! She’ll be here ready for ya, okay?” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle began dragging the third Crusader away.

The three huddled fillies slowly distanced themselves from the exasperated dragon. With the exception of Scootaloo, the other two Cutie Mark Crusaders shone brilliant smiles as they inched further away. Wait, what just happened? Why were they leaving? No! They were getting away!

“Wait! Hold on a moment!” Spike was ready to make chase, but he found himself held back by two pairs of hooves. Snips and Snails had abruptly entered the scene.

Earlier they had been silently dumbfounded by the whole spectacle before them.

“Let me go, guys!” Spike wriggled restlessly, trying to slip out from their clutches. “What you doing?”

“Let you go?” Snips yelped, whispering. “You don’t even know how lucky you are, do you?”

“Dah, how could you be so selfish? I’m totally jealous right now.” Snails gritted his teeth, preventing Spike from escaping their stronghold. “Scootaloo’s hot.”

“That’s not the point! Now release me!” Spike kicked about frantically. His efforts were in vain, however, because the two colts had him well-confined.

Spike watched hopelessly at the three exiting fillies. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were chatting animatedly to each other while lugging Scootaloo in their hooves. And right before the Crusaders disappeared over a grassy knoll, the baby dragon and the orange foal locked gazes. They both noted the nervousness painfully apparent on their mugs. They also immediately comprehended the spontaneity of this bewildering event. Life had tossed a bag full of tricks to both Spike and Scootaloo, and neither could give a proper response. Open it or walk away? What could life be planning for the two?

Their eyes lingered on each other, wondering what was in store for the future. It was an interesting moment, because for some unknown reason both Spike and Scootaloo’s hearts skipped a beat – a palpitation that shocked their very beings. The filly then blushed and shifted her eyes away as she vanished among the hill with her friends. They were gone, and Spike, Snips and Snails remained.

The date was to occur at noon sharp. What a delightfully charming scenario for these little innocents.

How sweet is it, though, that unbeknownst to the baby dragon, Scootaloo had first wanted to say ‘yes’. And as puzzling as that was for the filly, she didn’t really mind that she wanted to.

Spike’s Scootaloo

Life's Many Obstacles

Life exists to provide constant challenges. There has never been any doubt of this fact. Each and every day life unleashes a new test for its subjects, watching in amusement as those confronted stare in awe. It enjoys teasing and taunting at the pathetically bewildered. It’s pleased by the actions of the humble and wise. It’s never slow to ignore those who walk away in surrender. And it always rewards those who stand victorious at the very end of the trial. Because life isn’t just the entirety of all things present and surviving. No, it’s much, much larger. Life in its essence can be defined as the ultimate teacher of this infinite universe.

Those who disregard the lessons encountered automatically fail by life’s standards. Yet, for those who decide to take the lessons seriously, life tends to give a few chances to pass with flying colors. Because it truly does want those who attempt to learn to succeed. Whether the true benefits of these chances are efficiently put to use relies solely on the receiver. The student either comprehends what it’s been given or throws away an opportunity to advance forward.

Spike the baby dragon had become one of life’s students. A game had been dropped in his path, and it seemed he was set on playing it. He didn’t know if he was going to win. For all he knew his decision to open that little bag had already determined his downfall. But in the midst of his confusion, he was sure of one thing. No matter what came his way during the game, he knew he’d push on. For Spike, making the right moves was indeed a daunting task. However, since he was now a labeled a contender, he felt he needed to at least try. The faithful assistant wasn’t one to go down without a fight.

He just wanted a certain orange filly to hold the same sense of determination. He hoped she’d be able to provide support in his pursuit for that lustrous win. Because if she wouldn’t, he’d be left battling life’s many obstacles all on his own.

Spike’s Scootaloo

To label Spike as ‘nervous’ would be quite the understatement. A better term to substitute would be ‘panicky’. As he stood alone on that field of grass, the baby dragon feverishly shifted his eyes about, searching for his date. Wait, his date? No, he couldn’t be calling her that so easily. There was no way he was planning to go through with it, anyway. She was only a fellow acquaintance that had been pulled into one very bothersome misunderstanding. Poor Scootaloo, Spike thought concernedly. Earlier she had just been innocently frolicking alongside her fellow Crusaders without a care in the world. Though due to the devious scheming of two foolhardy unicorns, the orange pegasus had suddenly become the victim of torment. Because that’s exactly what it was: torment.

Spike turned his head to the culprits concealing themselves in a nearby bush. He clicked his tongue in disgust at them, glaring daggers. Scootaloo had nothing to do with their bet, so why was she involved in the first place? Were Snips and Snails really that willing to sacrifice a blameless bystander for a gamble to watch the baby dragon squirm? Well, they got what they were hoping for. Yet such cruelty could not go unpunished, Spike determined. Once this whole fiasco was over justice must be served!

If only he hadn’t stupidly slipped into such a ridiculous bet. In an alternate reality, Spike would have avoided the humiliation of asking somepony out, Scootaloo would have miraculously discovered her cutie mark, and Snips and Snails would have continued to dumbly go about their own nonsensical business. Nopony would have been harmed. Alas, that reality shall remain conceived purely through fantasy. To the baby dragon’s chagrin, he’d never be able to run away from the true light of his current dilemma. The tiny ounce of honor he somehow retained within him forced Spike to stand his ground. Instead of letting it spread, he needed to the face and extinguish the fire. And meeting Scootaloo at noon for their picnic luncheon was the first step.

His plan to fix the situation was foolproof. He’d formulated the surefire strategy during the two available hours he had until noon. It was an impenetrable plot that guaranteed success. The first step was to admit to the orange foal that he had merely undergone a punishment. The second step was to watch as Scootaloo immediately accepted without further questioning. The third step was to confirm with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle as they understood wholeheartedly and nodded their heads. Lastly, the fourth step was to exact retribution upon the tyrannical Snips and Snails. According to Spike, by the end all would be forgiven and forgotten, and the world would be able to experience a longtime period of serenity. His plan was perfect. Nothing could go wrong if he followed these four easy steps…right?

Seriously, who was he trying to kid?

Spike groaned in exasperation. “I’m doomed.”

Flicking his arm up to the front of his snout, Spike eyed his wrist to catch the time. He then gawked fretfully at the encounter of another pressing issue. He wasn’t wearing a wristwatch. Face-palming for the tenth time that day, he began interrogating himself. Why didn’t he have a watch? If there ever came a time to own one, now was that time! But had he ever owned one? He probably should have possessed some kind of timepiece by now, right? And where was that orange filly? It had to already have been noon! If it was, she was late! Maybe Scootaloo wasn’t coming? Oh, please let that be the truth, Spike pleaded.

“Psst! Psst! Spike, hey!” A hushed voice called out, shocking the baby dragon.

Spike jumped back, alarmed. “Huh? Who said that? Who’s there?”

“You were just looking at us before. How do you not see us?” The voice replied.

Spike’s expression dropped at the realization. “What do you want, Snips?”

It seemed Spike had been too invested in the chaotic workings of his own mind to notice Snips and Snails’ whispered pestering. The two colts poked their heads out from their bush, beckoning their friend with protruding hooves. Spike didn’t budge, however. There was no way he was going to listen to tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum any longer. What were they up to now? Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good.

“I’m not moving.” Spike grumbled. “And I told you guys to get out of here already. There’s nothing to see.”

“We still don’t get why you’re so angry with us.” Snips said, nodding with Snails. “You should be thanking us for this. Scootaloo’s hot, and you’re going to break up with her so soon. You’re wasting such a sweet chance!”

“I’m not breaking up with her because we’re not even going out!” Spike turned his head away in frustration.

“Dah, you’re officially dating her thanks to us, though.” Snails said in defense.

“Agh, we’re not dating! How many times do I have to keep telling you guys that?” Spike recoiled angrily. “It’s enough I had to go through with your punishment, so leave me be!”

“I bet you won’t even do it.” Snips said, ignoring Spike’s demands. “I bet you’re actually really happy you’re dating her. Man, I can’t believe how lucky you are.”

“It’s like even if we win, Spike still ends up winning.” Snails drawled. “That’s so unfair. I want to date Scootaloo, too.”

“Remind me why we’re friends again.” Spike muttered, feeling defeated.

“You’re right. We are friends.” Snips winked to his draconic companion. “Don’t worry. We can help you out with the date if you ever get into trouble. Right, Snails?”

Snails stayed silent for a moment before giving in. There wasn’t any point in hoping for a date with Scootaloo. To Snails, she was Spike’s mare now. Plus the ‘bro code’ refrained the unicorn from ever messing with another bro’s girl. One should never mess with the ‘bro code’, after all. Never.

“Yeah, we’re friends.” Snails stated his resolve. “We’ll be here when you need us, Spike.”

“Trust me, guys. That’s not going to happen.” Spike rolled his eyes. “I would never ask–“

Spike cut himself off short. His pupils constricted into tiny dots, catching sight of three familiar fillies appearing at the peak of the hills ahead. The time had finally come. It was noon.

In a panic, he straightened up his spine and ordered Snips and Snails to hide. The two colts spotted the Cutie Mark Crusaders nearing, and in a similar panic bumped their heads together before finally sinking back into their bush. Spike’s claws clenched and unclenched repeatedly as he took big breaths. This was it. At this moment he needed to remain composed. Stay calm, Spike. Stay…calm…

It was useless. They were getting closer, and he was feeling tenser. No amount of meditation could calm him now. It was really here. His first…date. No, it was not his date! He really needed to stop calling it that. It wasn’t a real date, remember?

“Sweet Celestia, it’s my first date…”Spike uttered, his eyes widening in fear.

Okay, he had to accept he couldn’t control his impending fate. Being in denial wasn’t the correct answer to his woes. Maybe this was in fact his first date. That was okay, right? Spike could handle something as insignificant as a mandatory meet-up. There was nothing more to it…

Still, he probably should have done a better job at preparing for it. He practically wasted two whole hours waiting for Scootaloo. Those hours could have been used more productively. He could have at least taken a quick shower or something. Yet he didn’t. He didn’t do anything but claw at his head like a mental patient. Why didn’t he purchase a rose for her? Why didn’t he race home and put on his Gala suit to appear remotely presentable? Why didn’t he do anything when there were so many opportunities to? His lack of initiative rendered Spike a naked, sweating, empty-handed baby dragon with a frog in his throat.

Wow. The date hadn’t even started and he was already sucking at it.

As Spike fussed over his own stupidity, he forced himself to look over to the encroaching trio. Because the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been huddled closely together, he hadn’t noticed a few odd details in their demeanor. Although when they eventually split into three identifiable fillies, Spike was stunned.

To the left was Apple Bloom carrying a suitably sized picnic basket with her teeth. The food she had promised to bring fit snugly inside. To the right was Sweetie Belle carrying a saddle-pack latched to her back. The picnic blanket, Spike guessed. There was nothing particularly abnormal about those two. They were simply beaming like always. What especially astonished Spike, however, was what Scootaloo brought with her. At first glance he thought she might have been wearing her costume for Nightmare Night. It wasn’t until he carefully examined her that he realized how very wrong he was.

Scootaloo seemed to have been wrapped in some type of mustard-colored garment. Sprinkles of glitter formed patches on the attire’s surface, and Spike could almost make out crayon marks scribbled about randomly. The edges of the cloth were jagged and messy. It was as if the fabric had been cut out with a pair of old safety scissors. Pink, frilly lace dangled freely at the sides, swaying with every step the orange foal took. He gaped when he discovered duct tape was keeping the whole thing intact. Was Scootaloo wearing…a dress? If that’s what one could even label it as.

She was also riding on her trusty scooter. As she eased in closer to his location, the sounds of grass and soil crumpling under the weight of the wheels traveled to Spike’s ears. The baby dragon wondered as to why she had brought the transportation device. Was she perhaps thinking about escaping? He sure would have if he had entered the scene wearing such a failure of an arts and crafts project. Harsh, yes, but it was the barefaced truth.

And her hair! What happened to Scootaloo’s signature mane and tail? Instead of its regular unkempt style, the pegasus’s hairdo had taken on a new look, and it was…interesting. A pronounced fluff of hair creating a bob rested at the top of her forehead. Her tail had curled in on itself, as if it was hurriedly rolled and kneaded into a funny-looking whirlpool. Staring at the mess, Spike could imagine two pairs of hooves simultaneously grooming the foal. Too bad that must have been the case.

Finally, the expression on Scootaloo’s face confirmed all of Spike’s musings. Her visage was the very definition of embarrassment. The height of her shame couldn’t be matched. Averting her eyes in all directions, the orange pegasus gradually sunk into her scooter’s handlebar as she drew nearer. Scootaloo was utterly mortified, and Spike couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

“H-hi, girls.” Spike said awkwardly, greeting the three fillies as they reached his spot.

“Yer date’s here, Spike! Noon sharp, as promised!” Apple Bloom chirped after dropping the picnic basket. “I got yer food all ready in the basket. I hope y’all like apple pie!”

Apple Bloom bounced around Scootaloo excitedly as Sweetie Belle pulled out a large blanket from her saddle-pack. After she had promptly laid out the plaid sheet, the unicorn filly smoothed out the corners with her hooves before speaking up again.

“Everything’s ready for you two.” Sweetie Belle smiled brightly. “You don’t have to worry about returning the stuff back. Apple Bloom and I will be back to collect it when your date’s finished.”

Sweetie Belle nudged Apple Bloom knowingly, winking at her friend with a cute snicker. The yellow filly winked back and whispered something inaudible to an alarmingly silent Scootaloo. Not surprisingly, the pegasus remained discomforted as she stepped off her scooter, staring away from the baby dragon.

“Okay, we’re going now. Make sure to get all nice and snug on the blanket.” Apple Bloom cooed, wrapping her hoof around Sweetie Belle. “Don’t wait on us. Go ahead and enjoy yerselves.”

“No need to rush things either. Just go with the flow.” Sweetie Belle giggled, stepping backwards with Apple Bloom as they took their exit.

Oh, please stop talking, Spike thought. It couldn’t get any more awkward than it was now.

“Good luck!” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle cheered, hopping away.

Spike and Scootaloo watched as the two fillies headed straight for a large bush. Diving inside, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle disappeared within the thicket of branches. Spike slapped at his face with an open palm, feeling as if he was about to blow a gasket. He couldn’t believe how conspicuous the two Crusaders made their departure. They weren’t planning to leave at all. Observing the date was their main motive. It didn’t even seem like they cared to hide that fact either. It was like they wanted the dragon and pegasus to know they were peeping in the bush!

Unbeknownst to Spike, though, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle thought they were being pretty sneaky.

“Seriously?” Spike complained quietly.

“Seriously?” Scootaloo followed, not having heard the baby dragon.

Spike quickly analyzed the situation. Two doofuses were spying at his six o’ clock, and two overeager fillies were at his twelve. Well, if there was any doubt in his mind before, it had vanished by now. Because it was painfully obvious how doomed he was.

Eyeing Scootaloo wearily, Spike decided to assuage both of their nerve-wracked brains. What could he say to break the tension? He figured a compliment should come first.

“Hey, Scootaloo…” Spike said cautiously.

Scootaloo whipped her head to Spike in shock. “Huh?”

Spike gulped. “U-uh…I wanted to tell you that I think your…”

“You…think my what?” Scootaloo asked apprehensively.

Twiddling his thumbs, Spike continued. “I think your, uh, dress…is beautiful?”

Ending a compliment in a question. Spike was the smoothest baby dragon in the land.

Scootaloo didn’t respond. Her face went red from sheer humiliation. She knew Spike thought it looked as grotesque as she did. How could she let her friends convince her to try on something so degrading?

Praising the dress didn’t work in either’s favor, Spike assumed. Because an excruciatingly awkward silence was consuming them as the seconds went by. Maybe complimenting Scootaloo’s new hair would help chip away the uneasiness in the air. That couldn’t possibly backfire, could it?

“I-I think your hair is really pretty!” Spike lied again. “It’s…unique. I really like it?”

Spike watched as Scootaloo’s face went even redder. Why did he keep terminating his flattery with questions? Did he find amusement in interrogating her? Things couldn’t get any worse than this.

Scootaloo couldn’t stand being so helpless. Enough was enough. Her dignity as a rambunctious little filly was being tossed out the door. Was this what it was like to date somepony? Was it required to become somepony she knew she wasn’t? To dress and act in a manner not coinciding to her own? No wonder she always found romance to be nothing but mushy drivel.

“Just say it, Spike. You hate the dress.” Scootaloo groaned. “And the hair, too.”

“N-no, I don’t hate them.” Spike held up a hand in protest. ”You look nice. I swear.”

“You’re lying. Admit it, I look awful.” Scootaloo lifted her hooves to her muzzle. “They even wanted me to get a manicure or something like that. But there wasn’t time. Thank Celestia.”

“I don’t think it looks that bad.” Spike scratched the back of his head.

“Yeah, right.” Scootaloo began squirming uncomfortably. ‘I was too blinded by their kindness. But I can’t do this anymore. This isn’t me. I hate this, ugh, dress.”

Spike’s sympathy for the orange foal reached new heights. If only he hadn’t lost that damn bet!

“Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle did this to you, huh?” Spike gave up trying to lie through his teeth. “And here I thought I was underdressed.”

Scootaloo fidgeted restlessly, her frustration searing. She couldn’t wear this terrible ‘thing’ any longer. She just wasn’t doing it. And nopony was going to stop her. So when she started using her mouth to tear the garment off, she was surprised that it persisted to stick to her frame. She tugged and pulled, but to her distress the ugly frock wasn’t coming off. Her irritation was at its limit as she opted to aimlessly kick at the dress.

“Why isn’t this THING coming off?!” Scootaloo squeaked angrily, wriggling impatiently. “Agh, why is this happening to me?”

Back at Snips and Snails’ bush, the two unicorns gawked in wonder at the proceedings of the date. Unbelievably, they still couldn’t discern whether the date was going well or not. It was taking place a bit too rapidly for their tiny brains to sufficiently take it all in. Was Scootaloo acting so restive because Spike was so charming she couldn’t help it? Was she squealing with joy for being able to date the baby dragon? They had no idea Spike was so suave.

“Spike’s the ultimate ‘bro’, Snails.” Snips whispered in admiration. “The date’s just started, and Scootaloo’s already got the hots for him.”

“I know. We should ask him for some advice after this.” Snails agreed. “Look at him go. He’s just standing there like nothing’s happening.”

Yes, Spike was just standing in place, but it’s not because he desired to. He didn’t have a clue what to do as he stared at Scootaloo battling the piece of fabric latched to her body. Should he help her? Or should he ease off and let the pegasus tucker herself out? Why couldn’t somepony tell him what to do? He was running out of ideas here!

“Why is she destroying the dress we worked so hard on?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle from within their bush. “Did you hear Spike? He said he liked it!”

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “I don’t think he was telling the truth.”

“What? Are ya sure?” Apple Bloom scrunched up her face, confused. “He at least liked her new haircut, right?”

Sweetie Belle bit her bottom lip. “Maybe we involved ourselves a bit too much, Apple Bloom. Scootaloo’s not having fun.”

Apple Bloom’s expression dropped as she realized their efforts had been in vain.

“We messed up, didn’t we?” The yellow filly muttered sheepishly. “Should we help her get the dress off then?”

“I think we should stay put for now. Once she gets it off I’m sure the date will go back to normal.” Sweetie Belle assured, truly hoping for the best case scenario. “Scootaloo’s a Crusader, and she’s a tough filly!”

“Right!” Apple Bloom nodded.

Watching the orange pegasus combat with the unrelenting outfit was a stressful experience for Spike. He had to help. If he didn’t, Scootaloo would likely burst into a fiery tantrum. That wouldn’t be fun at all for him. Not. At. All.

“So annoying!” Scootaloo wailed, her wings fluttering wildly. “Why doesn’t this thing let go?!”

“O-okay, stop moving for a moment. Let me take it off of you.” Spike said, moving towards the agitated filly.

“Get it off of me! Get it off of me!” Scootaloo cried desperately, ruffling up her hairdo with her hooves.

Scootaloo was too muddled to notice Spike trying to grab at the cloth. Her focus was solely on getting out of the dress, and that was it. She leaped and sprang in circles as she clashed with the duct tape. All the while Spike chased in order to assist. The pegasus’s wings propelled her away from the baby dragon’s claws, however. Each time he swiped a talon to snag the garment off, Scootaloo would inch out of the way a split second later. Spike wasn’t able to catch her, and he was beginning to grow just as frustrated.

“I’m trying to help you! Slow down!” Spike yelped, tripping over himself. “Listen to me! You need to be still!”

“I’m trapped!” Scootaloo screamed. “I can’t get it off! It’s stuck!”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle poked their heads out of the bush.

“I-I think she really needs our help now.” Apple Bloom said worriedly.

Sweetie Belle concurred. “You’re right. Let’s go.”

Before the two fillies could jump to their friend’s rescue, though, Spike had already been pushed enough to the edge to finally take matters into his own hands. In a moment of absolute spontaneity, Spike pounced upon the panicked pegasus, hurdling the two entangled beings across the grass. When the ball of scales and feathers ceased its rolling, everypony gasped.

Spike was only trying to help the poor little filly. His intentions were pure. But instead of ripping away Scootaloo’s attire – which was his original goal – he ended up on top of the immobile pegasus. There they were, a baby dragon lying atop a pegasus’s prone body. The contact of their warm bodies silenced Scootaloo into a stupor. Was…Spike pinning her down? But why?

Spike wasn’t actually pinning her to the ground, though he could understand why she would see it that way. The dastardly garment had not only stayed on the orang foal’s frame but had also snagged itself on one of Spike’s protruding spines. So all Spike did was trap himself along with Scootaloo.

He acted quickly. Using his forearms, Spike lifted himself off the mute pegasus. But that only tightened the bonds of the cloth wrapped around them. He couldn’t create a gap between himself and Scootaloo. As he strained against the pull of the fabric, he was inevitably recoiled closer to her. It was useless. He was stuck…because of duct tape.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle didn’t dare make a sound. They couldn’t and knew deep down that they shouldn’t. For some reason, this moment was not to be interrupted.

“Spike?” Scootaloo said suddenly, her eyes meeting his.

“S-sorry about this. I’ll tear the tape off right now.” Spike reached his arm behind himself.

“Okay.” She replied quietly.

Their noses were only centimeters apart. Scootaloo could smell the soft smokiness of the baby dragon’s breath. She was reminded of a homely campfire aroma. And she liked it.

In this type of situation, wouldn’t Scootaloo be trying to push Spike away? Strange, though, that she wasn’t. The thought to do so didn’t even cross her mind. She only stayed silent as Spike picked at the duct tape sticking to his back.

Scootaloo’s cheeks went crimson. She’d never been so physically close to a male before. Studying the dragon’s facial features carefully, she noted the faint glimmer of his purple scales whilst in the sun. As opposed to fur, Spike’s skin was a mystery. They were slick and rough at the same time. The shells of the dragon represented both fortitude and splendor. Dragons in general were considered a danger to the ponies. Yet Spike wasn’t a danger. He was a special dragon.

Blushing, the filly’s heart raced in her chest. Spike had asked her out on a date. When he had asked, she hadn’t known how to respond. She had to admit, though, that she was a little happy that he had. But she still didn’t understand why.

She didn’t know what she was doing. She didn’t feel like herself, yet she didn’t fight her actions. An unfamiliar sensation was possessing her, but she didn’t resist it. Why? Well, she didn’t know that either. Allowing her body to move on its own, the orange filly halted Spike’s extended arm. Startled, he looked back to her.

“What are you doing?” Spike asked, swallowing hard.

“I don’t know.” Scootaloo answered honestly.

The two stared at each other, not knowing what life was to toss at them next. Could there be another obstacle coming their way anytime soon? If so, then what could it be?

Unable to keep their excitement down, Snips and Snails exploded into a grand applause. The noise completely dissolved whatever moment Spike and Scootaloo had created.

“SPIKE’S MADE IT TO SECOND BASE!” Snips hollered, whistling. “HE’S THE BRO OF BROS!”

“GO SPIKE!” Snails bellowed.

Touché, Life. Touché.