A New Start.by DigitalisChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1 Author's Notes: For those that were expecting this story: I'm deeply, completely, absolutely sorry for having made you wait so much. I had my mind in other things and couldn't find the time to write. It didn’t matter to Twilight Sparkle how much her former assistant Spike had changed. He had left Ponyville as just a baby dragon, short, a bit chubby, and always with a smile on his face. Now he was a young drake, tall and slender, with a pair of wings that could make any pegasus jealous, and walked with majesty on his four legs, but he still could stand on two, it seemed. And as he didn’t look as a kid, he didn’t act like a kid. True, he was still almost a child, but he showed a maturity Twilight had not seen before. He had the manners of royalty, his moves were swift and smooth. His voice had changed to match his body, although it didn’t sound forced like when he had had his growth spurt; it was now smooth and yet firm. He had changed a lot, he was now more mature, but that didn’t bother Twilight. Because in the end, he was still the same clumsy dragon. “Ow!” He cried when his head hit the frame of the door. He was a bit taller than Twilight now, but he hadn’t noticed until it was too late. He rubbed his forehead, while Twilight snickered in front of him. “These doors… I’m okay, Twilight, I’m okay.” Spike sighed and looked around. It seemed that nothing had changed in his absence. “It’s nice to be home.” “I missed you, Spike.” Twilight said, sighing. “The library wasn’t the same without you.” Spike looked around again. “Well, certainly it is a lot cleaner than I thought it would be.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I can take care of myself without someone watching over me, Spike.” “Oh, well, I suppose I can leave, then.” “Wait, no!” Before he could do anything else, Twilight had wrapped him in her hooves in a protective way. “I missed you a lot. Please don’t go away again.” She said, almost with tears in her eyes. Spike just smiled and brushed her mane with his claw. “I won’t go anywhere. I’m here to stay. I promise.” They stood like that for another moment, before a loud thumping on the door took them back to reality. Then a voice was heard. “Twilight! Open up! Or I’ll bring down the door!” It was Applejack’s voice, and it sounded pretty concerned about something. It took Twilight a moment to realize that maybe she had seen the big dragon guards that had come with Spike, and had left some minutes ago. She quickly went to the door and opened it. Outside were not only Applejack, but the others too: Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. “Twilight! We came here as fast as we could! What happened?! What were those dragons going here and what did they want?!” Twilight smiled, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Oh, don’t worry about them, they left already. And…I think it’s better if you see it yourself.” She let them in the library. That was where they saw the young dragon in there. “Hey girls.” He said, waving a claw. In a second, Pinkie had closed the distance with the stranger, and was hugging him so tightly that he thought his eyes would pop out their sockets. “Spikey-wikey is back! I missed you so much, Spike! Now I can make you a ‘Welcome Back’ party and invite everypony…!” “Pin…kie…can’t…breathe…” Spike managed to say. Pinkie released him and the dragon wheezed a few times before regaining his composure and hugging Pinkie back. “I missed you too, Pinkie.” It was in that moment that the other girls processed what had happened, and what Pinkie had said. Fluttershy spoke what they were thinking. “Spike…is that you?” Spike let Pinkie go and looked at the others. “Yes, it’s me.” Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash gasped in unison, and ran to greet him. Applejack gave the dragon a big hug just like Pinkie. Rainbow Dash got on his back and spread his right wing. “Wow, look at this baby. You really grew up while you were there.” She complimented him. Rarity looked at him, inspecting his new body. “Wow, Spike. You look marvelous.” Spike blushed deeply, and smiled. “T-Thanks, Rarity. You’re still as beautiful as ever.” “Oh, thank you darling.” She answered, and gave the dragon a quick kiss on his cheek, which made him blush more, while the others laughed at this. Some things never change. Finally, he turned to Fluttershy, who just stared at him. “Uhm, am I scary to you right now?” He asked. Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh, goodness, no! I mean, you were a bit, at first, but knowing it was you, well…I know you wouldn’t hurt me.” Spike smiled, and gave the pegasus a quick hug, which she returned. “Hey, cool armor by the way.” Rainbow Dash commented, hovering over the group, glancing at the armor and the sword he was still carrying. “Oh, yeah, I really like it too. Although is mostly ornamental, but it’s still useful in battle.” This made Twilight feel a bit uncomfortable. “You…didn’t have to fight, right?” Spike smiled sheepishly, and rubbed the back of his head. “Well, now that you mention it…” “Spike!” “Hey, calm down! Nothing happened to me! And I know how to defend myself! I’m not defenseless anymore!” He quickly added. “I will tell you everything that happened there. But first, can I take this thing off? I want to relax a bit.” “Sure.” Twilight went with him as he started to go upstairs. “Do you remember where the room was?” Spike rolled his eyes. “Of course I do. I haven’t forgotten everything about Ponyville you know.” He went to the bedroom he used to share with Twilight. Sitting on his perch, Owlowiscious hooted sleepily. “Hey, buddy. Do you remember me?” “Who.” “Me, Spike.” “Who.” “Me, Sp…” He stopped and facepalmed. “Oh, I can’t believe I fell for that.” The owl hooted silently as if he was snickering. Spike’s pet phoenix, Peewee, came in the room and sat on his new perch, next to his feathered friend. The little phoenix had grown a lot in a month. Spike went to his old bed, a basket in the floor. He chuckled when he saw the small size of it. ‘Guess I’ll have to buy a new bed.’ He took off his armor and sword, and left them there, before going downstairs again. There the girls were now sitting in a table, while Twilight had made tea for everyone. The former prince sat down next to Twilight. “So, where do I start?” He said, clasping his hands together. It was good to be home. Chapter 2As the day went on, Spike told the others about what had happened during his stay in Draconia, giving as many details as he could. All of them listened with wide eyes until he finished. Then, Rainbow Dash spoke first. “Okay, so let me see if I got it right: Not only had you fought this guy who if I listened correctly was the king of giants, their most skilled warrior, a guy more than twenty times your size, but you actually won? Spike, I never thought I would ever say this, but you are Awesome. With capital A.” “Indeed, darling.” Rarity took a sip of her tea. “But did you really have to crawl on his body? That sounded so gross.” She shuddered at the thought of herself doing something like that. “Well, I couldn’t think of something else.” Spike said in his own defense. “Well, the important part is that you won, and ended a war before it even started.” Twilight interjected, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you for that, Spike.” This made Spike smile. He was happy things were getting back to normal. “Wait, wait.” Applejack quickly interrupted, remembering something. “There’s something I still don’t get. If you’re the prince of your kingdom, how can you be here? I mean, isn’t there some kind of rule that doesn’t allow you to stay out of your country?” “Hmm, well, technically, yes,” Answered Spike. “Normally I couldn’t, but I’m not just the prince now. I’m also an ambassador, which means I can stay as long as it’s needed. And for now I’m staying here in Equestria.” “For how long?” Twilight inquired. “Well, until it’s time to go back. Don’t worry, it will be in a long time. But now that I think about it, my status as ambassador is still official, so I’ll have to talk to Princess Celestia as soon as I can. But that can wait for now. Tell me, anything important happened while I was gone?” Applejack chuckled. “You have no idea.” She said, earning a knowing look from the others. The girls told Spike everything that had happened during his absence. In the end, Spike’s reaction was pretty much the same that the others wore after he had told his story. He was wide eyed and slack jawed. “So, while I was out, an army of changelings attacked Canterlot? And you brother got married after that? Man, I always miss the good stuff. I mean, I could have made him a bachelor party!” The girls laughed in agreement. In that moment they noticed that it was already night. “Oh my! It’s already night?” Fluttershy commented. “I’m sorry girls, but I have to go back home, the animals at home must be waiting for me.” “Yes, me too. I have to make dinner.” Rarity added. “As well as me.” Applejack said, and Rainbow nodded. Then they noticed something odd. “Hey, where’s Pinkie Pie?” The six looked around, the pink pony was nowhere to be seen. Rainbow saw a note on the chair she was using, and read it aloud. "’Had to go really quick. Didn’t want to interrupt you. Don’t worry Spike, I’ll make a Welcome Back Party soon. Pinkie Pie.’" “Well,” Twilight said. “She was polite at least. I’ll talk with her in the morning.” Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy said goodbye and parted ways to their respective homes. Twilight and Spike were left alone. Spike smirked. “Well, I’ll go make dinner. You just wait a bit.” “Oh, no.” His friend cut him when he was making it to the kitchen. “You just came back here. At least let me do it this time. You just rest.” Spike rolled his eyes but accepted. In few hours they had already eaten, and where heading to the bedroom. That reminded both of them. “Tomorrow I’ll have to go buy a new bed for you.” Twilight said. “For now, you can sleep in mine.” Spike chuckled. “Thank you, Twilight, but I’m not helpless. I’ll use the couch.” Twilight sighed. “Alright, good night then.” “Good night, Twilight.” He said, going downstairs. Both of them quickly fell asleep with a smile on their faces. In Canterlot, the next day, there was a bit of commotion. Rumors that a group of dragons had landed near Ponyville, only to leave shortly afterwards, had spread quickly through the city, and that had unsettled its citizens. Celestia and Luna, while they weren’t really worried about it, had their guard up due to the incident that had happened a month ago. On that time Celestia was busy reading a list of new laws that several cities and towns had sent and needed approbation, when a guard came into the room, asking for attention. “Yes, what is it?” Celestia asked, taking her sight out of the list, and looking at the guard instead. The guard nodded and cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, there’s somepony that is asking for your presence outside. He’s… a dragon.” “A dragon?” Now Celestia had her full attention on the guard. Was this related to what had happened in Ponyville yesterday? “Did he state his name?” “No, Your Majesty. He said he… wanted it to be a surprise. I don’t know of what kind.” The Princess nodded and stood up, leaving the list she had been reading aside. “Very well, I’ll go talk to him.” She went to the castle gates. There a pair of guards where standing at both sides of a really young dragon. He was standing on four legs, with a regal appearance. Whoever he was, he had to be someone important, despite his size and age. The purple and green coloring made Celestia think of something, but she quickly put the thought aside. It had to be a coincidence. The drake bowed with elegance. “Princess Celestia of Equestria. It’s good to see you again.” He said with a calm tone. “The pleasure is mine, but have we ever met before? I don’t remember seeing you before.” Celestia stated with a puzzled expression. “On the contrary, I think you still remember me.” He looked at her in the eyes, smiled, and puffed a small green flame. Then, everything fell into place for Celestia. It really was him. Against the odds, he was there, standing in front of her, changed on the exterior, but still the same inside. “Spike?” The dragon smiled again. “Yes, Princess, it’s me. I’m back.” Author's Note Sorry for the low quality of this chapter. I had trouble writing it, but I promise it won't happen again. Chapter 3For a split second, Celestia’s mask of royal stoicism broke, but she recomposed herself quickly. Instead, she reached down and nuzzled Spike. “Spike, I-I’m so happy to see you again. I missed you so much.” She said, her voice trembling a bit. He hugged her back. “I missed you too.” Both of them entered the castle. Spike explained the princess about his new situation as ambassador, and the new diplomatic relations between Equestria and Draconia thanks to this. Celestia just nodded and smiled all the time. Finally, they arrived at her personal bedroom. Once the door was closed and they were alone she finally dropped the façade. She hugged the dragon tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. “I missed you so much. I thought I would never see you again.” She said, sobbing. Tears were streaming down her face, and Spike quickly understood that despite her appearance, she had been as hurt about his departure as the rest of his friends. He returned the embrace. “It’s okay. I won’t go anywhere for now.” They just stood there for some more time, before Celestia recomposed herself and let him go. They agreed to meet once a month or more should the situation require it, but otherwise Spike would stay in Ponyville with Twilight. Some hours later and Spike was back in Ponyville. He entered the library and immediately he felt something was wrong. For once, all the windows were covered, and he couldn’t see anything. Suddenly, the light was turned on, and Spike saw why. As she had promised, Pinkie had set up a ‘Welcome Back’ party, with everyone in Ponyvile invited. Streamers were hung from the walls and ceilings, balloons were everywhere, and there was a big banner in the wall, which said ‘Welcome back, Spike! We missed you!’ “Surprise!” Pinkie leapt out of nowhere, startling Spike. “See? I told you I would make you a party. Come on, enjoy the party!” Spike shook his head. Of course she could do it. She was Pinkie Pie after all. He joined his friends and enjoyed the rest of the party. It was a nice time, and Spike was happy for it. Some hours later and almost everyone had left, leaving just him and the girls to clean the library and tidy up once it was over. While he had enjoyed life as royalty, what Spike wanted most was to live his old life as Twilight’s assistant once more. He had no problem grabbing the broom and sweeping the floor. The others were cleaning the tables, getting rid of the trimmings and putting everything back in order. “Hey, Spike.” Rainbow Dash approached him after pulling down the banner from the wall. “You think you’ll be free tomorrow afternoon?” “Yeah, why for?” “Well, I thought we could go flying after I finish working at the weather team. Come on, I want to test those wings of yours.” She pointed Spike’s wings for emphasis. Spike shrugged. “Why not? I’d like to see if I can beat you.” “Right, of course.” Rainbow snorted. “Keep dreaming about it. So, tomorrow after lunch?” “It’s a deal.” Pony and dragon shook hoof and claw in agreement. Nearby, Twilight and Rarity were looking at the two while they were putting some books back to place. “It seems everything is back to the same.” Twilight commented. “Yes.” Rarity assured. “Although not everything, you have to admit he has changed. He’s more mature now…” “Yes, I know that.” “And much more handsome.” “Yeah… wait what?” “Oh, please.” Rarity looked at Twilight. “Look at him darling. Right now you two would make a nice couple. Don’t you think?” “W-What? You can’t be serious!” Twilight was flustered now. She shook her head, blushing. “I mean, yes, he is, but for me is like a little brother for me. I would never think about him like that.” Seeing her friend snorting at what she had said, she narrowed her eyes. “Besides, if I remember correctly Spike was head over heels for YOU. And YOU were the one talking about marrying a handsome prince, so are you going to do your move now or you are waiting for him?” She finished her sentence with a smug smile. It was Rarity’s turn to blush now. “I… well… uhm. Look at the time! I would love to stay and chat, darling, but I have to go home and finish an order. Bye!” She giggled and left in a hurry, which left Twilight staring at the door with her mouth open. The purple unicorn blinked. “It was just a joke!” She yelled, hoping her friend would listen. “Well, that was unexpected.” The next day, Rainbow had just finished her shift and flew to Ponyville’s outskirts, where she would meet Spike. She was eager to know how fast Spike was. She saw him waiting under a tree. “Hey, Spike!” She called and landed. “Ready for a race?” “Of course!” He stood up and walked at her. Both stood in position, ready to take off at Rainbow’s command. “Alright: ready… set… go!” Both took off and flew towards Sweet Apple Acres. They were nose to nose, which impressed Rainbow. “Wow, you’re faster than I thought!” She claimed. “But not fast enough!” And quickly and easily got ahead of him. “Let’s see that!” Spike yelled back and caught up with her. They passed through the orchards near to the ground, avoiding the apple trees as if they were obstacles. The two passed Applejack and the momentum made her spin in the place, leaving her dizzy afterwards. “Hey! Watch it you two! I’m still working here!” She yelled angrily at the pair that was already flying off the farm. Of course, Rainbow Dash was faster than Spike, and she got to the tree where they had started from faster. She pulled up and landed next to the tree smoothly. Spike wasn’t so lucky, as fast as he was he couldn’t stop at time. “Watch out!” He crashed against Rainbow Dash, and both stumbled to the tree. Spike recovered quickly and shook his head. “Ugh, my head! Are you alright?” “Yeah, I’m fine…” She trailed off when she noticed that Spike was on top of her… their faces were really close to each other. They stood like that for a moment, both of them staring at each other’s eyes, before Spike shook his head and got off her. “Rainbow! I’m so sorry. Here, let me help you.” She grabbed Spike’s hand with both fore hooves and he pulled her up. As soon as she was on her four hooves she turned around, trying to hide the slight blush in her face. Spike did the same, blushing as well. “Well…” She rubbed a hoof against the back of her head. “That was cool. You are really fast.” “Thank you. So… want to keep flying around?” “I’d love to, but I think I have to go home for now.” “Oh, okay. Bye.” Both parted ways, the memory still printed in their minds. ‘My, he’s really good looking. I never realized that.’ Rainbow thought while she was heading home. Chapter 4In Canterlot, Celestia was taking a time off her duties, and was currently on a walk through the gardens. She stopped at a clearing, where her sister Luna joined her. “Enjoying the air, sister?” The younger sister asked. Celestia just smiled. “Yes, I needed some time to think right now.” “Think about what, if I can know?” “You are probably aware of Spike’s fate, aren’t you? The fact that he was the heir to the throne of Draconia.” Seeing Luna nod, she continued. “Well, yesterday, as you might have been told, I got the news that Spike had returned to Equestria as an ambassador. He has changed a lot.” “I actually wasn’t aware of that last part, Celestia.” Luna commented. “But what is exactly your point here?” Celestia sighed and smiled. She hadn’t thought she would have to explain ancient history to make Luna understand her point of view. “As you know, Draconia’s citizens are descendants of the Fifth Dragon General, the only one that rebelled against the World Eater in the old days. They are not like the other dragons. However, they still despise ponies, refusing to have contact with us since the foundation of their kingdom. But now, with Spike acting as the bridge between both kingdoms…” “There is a possibility to become allies with them.” Luna finished. Celestia nodded. “Yes, I hope that with Spike’s help, Kiguroth will be willing to put aside differences and make an alliance with Equestria.” Then she was strangely silent. Luna frowned. “That’s not everything, is it?” Celestia sighed, and her shoulders slumped. She sounded sad. “No, it’s not. He… he has changed a lot, Luna. He is not the little baby dragon I used to take care of. I didn’t even recognize him when we met. I…” “You’re afraid that he is somepony different now.” Celestia nodded. Luna walked up to her sister and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Sister, he may have changed on the outside, but in the inside I assure you he is still the same. And that’s what it matters.” Celestia looked at Luna and smiled. “You’re right, Luna. Thanks for that.” Luna chuckled. “You are welcome, Celestia. So, how about we go inside? I think it’s time to go back to our duties.” Spike went back to the library on auto-pilot, his mind going back to the ‘incident’ with Rainbow Dash. They had ended up so close to each other… He shook his head. “It was nothing. Just an accident, nothing else.” He told himself. “Yeah, by tomorrow she will have forgotten about it.” “Back so soon? I thought you would take longer.” Twilight raised her head from the book she was reading when she heard the door closing. Spike rubbed the back of his head, again thinking about the reason of why Rainbow had left so quickly. “Uhm, she remembered something and had to leave, I think.” He stammered. Twilight eyed him suspiciously, but just shrugged. “Well, still you two had a nice time, didn’t you? Why don’t you do it more often? I’m sure Rainbow would like to have a flying buddy.” “Yeah, it would really be fun.” ‘Minus the last part, of course.’ He thought. “Oh, by the way,” Twilight lifted her gaze from the book one more time as Spike was heading the kitchen to eat something. “Your new bed arrived while you were out. I already put it in the bedroom. Why don’t you go test it?” “Alright. Thanks, Twilight, I’ll go check it right now.” He got out of the kitchen and went upstairs. Time for a legendary nap on the new bed. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Dash slammed her head against her hoof. “Really, Rainbow? Really? Something happens, you are left in an awkward position, and you just panic and leave! I can’t believe it!” After she had left Spike under the tree, she had gone straight to her house. There, she started berating herself for acting so stupidly. “Come on! You’re not a filly, stop acting like one! You’re Rainbow Dash, for pete’s sake!” She rested her head against the table. “Ughh, what will he think of me now…” She sighed, and got up. “Alright, I’m gonna fix this! I’ll go to the library right now, tell him I’m sorry for leaving like that, and ask if he would like to repeat it... The race, not the accident.” She quickly corrected herself, blushing a bit. Then she realized that she had been talking to herself all this time, with not even Tank to hear her. She frowned. “Okay. First of all, I have to stop talking to myself when nopony is around.” “Wow, this feels so good…” Spike sighed while he relaxed in his new bed. It was beyond comfortable. It was… He had no words to describe how good it felt. He spread his arms, legs, and wings and closed his eyes. Right now he felt like sleeping until it was night time. Suddenly, a faint noise made him get up and look around. It was a faint rumbling, like something was moving through the air at high speed. He looked around and at the open window. “Watch out!” Came Rainbow’s voice from outside. Spike didn’t have time to react. Rainbow Dash came into the room at high speed and incapable to stop in time, and crashed over the young dragon. The force of the crash sent both to the floor. Spike shook his head and looked at Rainbow, who was on top of him, a bit dizzy after the crash. “Rainbow, what in…?” Just then the pegasus regained consciousness and looked at him. In the same position as some time ago, just inverted, she just managed to yell at the air. “It keeps happening!” Right before the door opened, and a confused Twilight Sparkle found herself looking at both of them, along with a surprised Applejack. As Spike had made his way to the bedroom, Twilight went back to her book. Not much time passed before somepony knocked on the door. Sighing for having been interrupted for the second time in a day, she made it to the door. Applejack was standing there. “Hi, Applejack. What are you doing here?” Twilight asked curious. At this time of the day her friend was usually still working on the apple orchards. “Hi Twilight. Can I speak with Spike for a moment?” The famer pony did not sound very happy. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Why?” “Oh, I don’t know.” Applejack answered, with a bit of sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Maybe for almost knocking me down in his little race with Rainbow Dash, AND knocking down the apples of at least half the apple trees in the fields.” Twilight tilted her head. “But wouldn’t that make you finish faster.” Applejack sighed, and tried to calm herself down. “Twilight, we weren’t prepared to pick up those apples yet. For what I know, Big Mac and Apple Bloom are still picking them up from the ground, and it’s gonna take time.” Twilight shook her head. “Alright, I’ll let you talk to him. Just don’t be too harsh, it wasn’t his intention. He’s up-“ *THUMP* “-stairs.” Both ponies had heard the noise coming from upstairs, and quickly hurried to the bedroom. When they got there they found an odd sight: Rainbow Dash, on top of Spike, both of them on the floor. Twilight and Applejack watched with confused looks. Spike and Rainbow looked at them. The dragon spoke first. “Uhm, I can explain?” Author's Note Alright, sorry for the delay. I know I shouldn't take so much time with chapters as short as these are, but I did. So I apologize for having done that. I'll try to write faster, and since in the next chapter I will be getting to a part that I had planned and wanted to write, it should be easier for me. One last thing. I have also been working in another fic that is not related to this one. If you're okay with it, I'll try to finish it before writing another chapter of this one. Chapter 5After quickly getting up to their feet and hooves, and being chewed out by Applejack about their reckless behavior in their race and not caring about making her work harder than it already was, Spike and Rainbow Dash were both dragged back to Sweet Apple Acres to help pick up the fallen apples. The task took them all the rest of the afternoon, and the sun was setting when they finished. “There! That was the last one.” Rainbow Dash detached herself from the cart full of apples she had been pulling, leaving it in the barn along with three more carts. “Whew! I didn’t know AJ’s work was so hard, it left me exhausted. Maybe I’ll try to not make it so difficult from now on.” “Really?” Spike asked as both left the barn. Rainbow looked at him for a moment and snorted. “Yeah, right.” Both of them laughed a bit as they walked through the orchard. Applejack met them a moment later. “We picked up all the apples.” Spike told her. “And?” The farmer raised her eyebrow. Spike elbowed Rainbow, who rolled her eyes. “And we’re sorry for causing trouble.” She reluctantly said. “It won’t happen again.” Applejack was still not convinced. “I swear. Really, Pinkie Promise.” She finished crossing her heart and putting her left hoof on her eye. “Alright.” Applejack then turned to Spike. “And you?” “Heh heh, yeah, I’m sorry too.” He answered sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Well, if you don’t do it again it’s all forgiven.” Applejack then looked at the horizon. The sun had set, and it was night already. “It’s getting late, I guess you want to go home soon.” “Yeah, Twilight will surely be waiting for me.” Spike said. “Yeah, I should go home too.” Rainbow added. Applejack started trotting back to her house. “Alright then. Bye!” “Bye, Applejack!” The farmer and the winged duo parted ways, Spike and Rainbow Dash taking the road back to Ponyville. While they were walking, Rainbow remembered why she had gone to the library in the first place. “Hey, Spike. Listen, about what happened today…” “Uhm, yeah, sorry for falling over you.” Spike blushed a bit under his scales upon remembering what had happened earlier that day. “No, no, that’s okay.” Rainbow shook her head. “I’m sorry for flying away like that. I just panicked. Really, nothing happened back there, right?” “Right…” Both stood there looking at each other for a moment, before looking away, blushing a bit. “Anyway, if you want to hang out like that, you know, another race and such, I’m always available for that.” “Oh, okay then. I would love it.” Spike said with a smile. It took them a bit more time before they were near Rainbow’s house. She said goodbye and flew back. After that, Spike went back to the library. The young dragon felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The embarrassment of the accident was now gone. Not that it was a big deal anyway. And he could hang out with Rainbow Dash more often. With a smile still on his face, he entered the library. Twilight was there, reading a book as usual. She lifted her sight from the book and looked at her assistant. “So, did you finish picking up the apples?” “Yep.” He answered, going straight to the kitchen. “And did you apologize to Applejack?” “Yep!” He said from the kitchen, where he had started preparing dinner. “Good.” She said with a grin. “And may I ask why you are so happy right now?” “Nothing important.” He answered. “It’s just that this has been a good day.” Two days passed without incidents of any sort. Spike and Rainbow Dash went out to race every afternoon, and the others went on their usual business. Right now, Rarity was taking a break, she had been trying to draw designs for new dresses for the whole morning, but until now nothing had come to her mind, and the few ones she had been able to think of had been scrapped down for not being good enough for her. “I don’t have any luck or inspiration today.” She said to herself with a sigh. “Maybe later.” In that moment she heard a rustle in the front door and went to see what it was. It was mail, as usual. “Let’s see: bills, bills, bills, a letter from Cherilee about Sweetie Belle –this one goes to mom and dad-. Wait, what’s this?” One envelope caught her attention: a bit larger than the others, and it was written with a very fine writing. It addressed her, so she opened it in the moment and began to read the letter inside. Her eyes widened and her smile grew bigger and bigger as she read it. Finally, after she finished the letter she jumped in the air and let out a filly-like squeal. “I can’t believe it! This is my dream come true! I have to tell the others!” With that she got out of the Boutique and headed towards one of her friends’ house, almost skipping like Pinkie Pie. In the library, both Twilight and Spike had finished breakfast already, Twilight was reading a book in the middle of the room while Spike was busy cleaning the shelves with a duster. A knocking on the door interrupted the unicorn’s reading, who quickly stood up and walked to the door. “I’m coming! Wait a moment!” She opened the door and was greeted by her friend. “Oh, hi Rarity! You look…happy today.” Twilight was a bit taken aback by Rarity’s attitude. The normally calm pony was almost skipping in the place just like Pinkie Pie would, and had a big grin in her face. “Twilight, you’re not going to believe this! I’ve been officially invited to the Equestrian Fashion Week, in Manehattan! I’ll be able to show all my work to the rest of Equestria! Can you believe it?” Her voice was to octaves higher due to her excitement. “Here, read it.” She handed a letter to Twilight, who grabbed it with her magic and started reading it. "’…Officially invited to the Equestrian Fashion Week… Will start the 3° of July.’ That´s in a month. Wow, congratulations, Rarity!” Twilight gave the letter back, happy that her friend had such luck. “Have you told the others?” “Oh, yes, I have. But that’s not all.” Rarity smiled widely again and rubbed her hooves together. “I’m also allowed to take some ponies with me, and I was thinking if you and the others would like to come. What do you think?” Twilight gasped and put a hoof on her mouth. “Are you serious? I would love to. Thanks, Rarity.” “Well, good for you.” Spike landed next to the mares, still holding the duster. “I hope you enjoy it.” He said with a smile. At hearing this, Rarity giggled. “Darling, do you think I’m going to leave you alone while we have all the fun? You can come with us too if you want.” Spike was surprised at this. “Wow, really? I mean, of course, I would love to.” Rarity clasped her hooves together in glee. “Perfect, darling! We are all going to Manehattan!” Author's Note I've decided to focus a bit more on the main six instead of just Spike. I hope you like it, and sorry again for the delay.
Chapter 1 Author's Notes: For those that were expecting this story: I'm deeply, completely, absolutely sorry for having made you wait so much. I had my mind in other things and couldn't find the time to write. It didn’t matter to Twilight Sparkle how much her former assistant Spike had changed. He had left Ponyville as just a baby dragon, short, a bit chubby, and always with a smile on his face. Now he was a young drake, tall and slender, with a pair of wings that could make any pegasus jealous, and walked with majesty on his four legs, but he still could stand on two, it seemed. And as he didn’t look as a kid, he didn’t act like a kid. True, he was still almost a child, but he showed a maturity Twilight had not seen before. He had the manners of royalty, his moves were swift and smooth. His voice had changed to match his body, although it didn’t sound forced like when he had had his growth spurt; it was now smooth and yet firm. He had changed a lot, he was now more mature, but that didn’t bother Twilight. Because in the end, he was still the same clumsy dragon. “Ow!” He cried when his head hit the frame of the door. He was a bit taller than Twilight now, but he hadn’t noticed until it was too late. He rubbed his forehead, while Twilight snickered in front of him. “These doors… I’m okay, Twilight, I’m okay.” Spike sighed and looked around. It seemed that nothing had changed in his absence. “It’s nice to be home.” “I missed you, Spike.” Twilight said, sighing. “The library wasn’t the same without you.” Spike looked around again. “Well, certainly it is a lot cleaner than I thought it would be.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I can take care of myself without someone watching over me, Spike.” “Oh, well, I suppose I can leave, then.” “Wait, no!” Before he could do anything else, Twilight had wrapped him in her hooves in a protective way. “I missed you a lot. Please don’t go away again.” She said, almost with tears in her eyes. Spike just smiled and brushed her mane with his claw. “I won’t go anywhere. I’m here to stay. I promise.” They stood like that for another moment, before a loud thumping on the door took them back to reality. Then a voice was heard. “Twilight! Open up! Or I’ll bring down the door!” It was Applejack’s voice, and it sounded pretty concerned about something. It took Twilight a moment to realize that maybe she had seen the big dragon guards that had come with Spike, and had left some minutes ago. She quickly went to the door and opened it. Outside were not only Applejack, but the others too: Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. “Twilight! We came here as fast as we could! What happened?! What were those dragons going here and what did they want?!” Twilight smiled, rubbing the back of her head with a hoof. “Oh, don’t worry about them, they left already. And…I think it’s better if you see it yourself.” She let them in the library. That was where they saw the young dragon in there. “Hey girls.” He said, waving a claw. In a second, Pinkie had closed the distance with the stranger, and was hugging him so tightly that he thought his eyes would pop out their sockets. “Spikey-wikey is back! I missed you so much, Spike! Now I can make you a ‘Welcome Back’ party and invite everypony…!” “Pin…kie…can’t…breathe…” Spike managed to say. Pinkie released him and the dragon wheezed a few times before regaining his composure and hugging Pinkie back. “I missed you too, Pinkie.” It was in that moment that the other girls processed what had happened, and what Pinkie had said. Fluttershy spoke what they were thinking. “Spike…is that you?” Spike let Pinkie go and looked at the others. “Yes, it’s me.” Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash gasped in unison, and ran to greet him. Applejack gave the dragon a big hug just like Pinkie. Rainbow Dash got on his back and spread his right wing. “Wow, look at this baby. You really grew up while you were there.” She complimented him. Rarity looked at him, inspecting his new body. “Wow, Spike. You look marvelous.” Spike blushed deeply, and smiled. “T-Thanks, Rarity. You’re still as beautiful as ever.” “Oh, thank you darling.” She answered, and gave the dragon a quick kiss on his cheek, which made him blush more, while the others laughed at this. Some things never change. Finally, he turned to Fluttershy, who just stared at him. “Uhm, am I scary to you right now?” He asked. Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh, goodness, no! I mean, you were a bit, at first, but knowing it was you, well…I know you wouldn’t hurt me.” Spike smiled, and gave the pegasus a quick hug, which she returned. “Hey, cool armor by the way.” Rainbow Dash commented, hovering over the group, glancing at the armor and the sword he was still carrying. “Oh, yeah, I really like it too. Although is mostly ornamental, but it’s still useful in battle.” This made Twilight feel a bit uncomfortable. “You…didn’t have to fight, right?” Spike smiled sheepishly, and rubbed the back of his head. “Well, now that you mention it…” “Spike!” “Hey, calm down! Nothing happened to me! And I know how to defend myself! I’m not defenseless anymore!” He quickly added. “I will tell you everything that happened there. But first, can I take this thing off? I want to relax a bit.” “Sure.” Twilight went with him as he started to go upstairs. “Do you remember where the room was?” Spike rolled his eyes. “Of course I do. I haven’t forgotten everything about Ponyville you know.” He went to the bedroom he used to share with Twilight. Sitting on his perch, Owlowiscious hooted sleepily. “Hey, buddy. Do you remember me?” “Who.” “Me, Spike.” “Who.” “Me, Sp…” He stopped and facepalmed. “Oh, I can’t believe I fell for that.” The owl hooted silently as if he was snickering. Spike’s pet phoenix, Peewee, came in the room and sat on his new perch, next to his feathered friend. The little phoenix had grown a lot in a month. Spike went to his old bed, a basket in the floor. He chuckled when he saw the small size of it. ‘Guess I’ll have to buy a new bed.’ He took off his armor and sword, and left them there, before going downstairs again. There the girls were now sitting in a table, while Twilight had made tea for everyone. The former prince sat down next to Twilight. “So, where do I start?” He said, clasping his hands together. It was good to be home.
Chapter 2As the day went on, Spike told the others about what had happened during his stay in Draconia, giving as many details as he could. All of them listened with wide eyes until he finished. Then, Rainbow Dash spoke first. “Okay, so let me see if I got it right: Not only had you fought this guy who if I listened correctly was the king of giants, their most skilled warrior, a guy more than twenty times your size, but you actually won? Spike, I never thought I would ever say this, but you are Awesome. With capital A.” “Indeed, darling.” Rarity took a sip of her tea. “But did you really have to crawl on his body? That sounded so gross.” She shuddered at the thought of herself doing something like that. “Well, I couldn’t think of something else.” Spike said in his own defense. “Well, the important part is that you won, and ended a war before it even started.” Twilight interjected, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you for that, Spike.” This made Spike smile. He was happy things were getting back to normal. “Wait, wait.” Applejack quickly interrupted, remembering something. “There’s something I still don’t get. If you’re the prince of your kingdom, how can you be here? I mean, isn’t there some kind of rule that doesn’t allow you to stay out of your country?” “Hmm, well, technically, yes,” Answered Spike. “Normally I couldn’t, but I’m not just the prince now. I’m also an ambassador, which means I can stay as long as it’s needed. And for now I’m staying here in Equestria.” “For how long?” Twilight inquired. “Well, until it’s time to go back. Don’t worry, it will be in a long time. But now that I think about it, my status as ambassador is still official, so I’ll have to talk to Princess Celestia as soon as I can. But that can wait for now. Tell me, anything important happened while I was gone?” Applejack chuckled. “You have no idea.” She said, earning a knowing look from the others. The girls told Spike everything that had happened during his absence. In the end, Spike’s reaction was pretty much the same that the others wore after he had told his story. He was wide eyed and slack jawed. “So, while I was out, an army of changelings attacked Canterlot? And you brother got married after that? Man, I always miss the good stuff. I mean, I could have made him a bachelor party!” The girls laughed in agreement. In that moment they noticed that it was already night. “Oh my! It’s already night?” Fluttershy commented. “I’m sorry girls, but I have to go back home, the animals at home must be waiting for me.” “Yes, me too. I have to make dinner.” Rarity added. “As well as me.” Applejack said, and Rainbow nodded. Then they noticed something odd. “Hey, where’s Pinkie Pie?” The six looked around, the pink pony was nowhere to be seen. Rainbow saw a note on the chair she was using, and read it aloud. "’Had to go really quick. Didn’t want to interrupt you. Don’t worry Spike, I’ll make a Welcome Back Party soon. Pinkie Pie.’" “Well,” Twilight said. “She was polite at least. I’ll talk with her in the morning.” Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy said goodbye and parted ways to their respective homes. Twilight and Spike were left alone. Spike smirked. “Well, I’ll go make dinner. You just wait a bit.” “Oh, no.” His friend cut him when he was making it to the kitchen. “You just came back here. At least let me do it this time. You just rest.” Spike rolled his eyes but accepted. In few hours they had already eaten, and where heading to the bedroom. That reminded both of them. “Tomorrow I’ll have to go buy a new bed for you.” Twilight said. “For now, you can sleep in mine.” Spike chuckled. “Thank you, Twilight, but I’m not helpless. I’ll use the couch.” Twilight sighed. “Alright, good night then.” “Good night, Twilight.” He said, going downstairs. Both of them quickly fell asleep with a smile on their faces. In Canterlot, the next day, there was a bit of commotion. Rumors that a group of dragons had landed near Ponyville, only to leave shortly afterwards, had spread quickly through the city, and that had unsettled its citizens. Celestia and Luna, while they weren’t really worried about it, had their guard up due to the incident that had happened a month ago. On that time Celestia was busy reading a list of new laws that several cities and towns had sent and needed approbation, when a guard came into the room, asking for attention. “Yes, what is it?” Celestia asked, taking her sight out of the list, and looking at the guard instead. The guard nodded and cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, there’s somepony that is asking for your presence outside. He’s… a dragon.” “A dragon?” Now Celestia had her full attention on the guard. Was this related to what had happened in Ponyville yesterday? “Did he state his name?” “No, Your Majesty. He said he… wanted it to be a surprise. I don’t know of what kind.” The Princess nodded and stood up, leaving the list she had been reading aside. “Very well, I’ll go talk to him.” She went to the castle gates. There a pair of guards where standing at both sides of a really young dragon. He was standing on four legs, with a regal appearance. Whoever he was, he had to be someone important, despite his size and age. The purple and green coloring made Celestia think of something, but she quickly put the thought aside. It had to be a coincidence. The drake bowed with elegance. “Princess Celestia of Equestria. It’s good to see you again.” He said with a calm tone. “The pleasure is mine, but have we ever met before? I don’t remember seeing you before.” Celestia stated with a puzzled expression. “On the contrary, I think you still remember me.” He looked at her in the eyes, smiled, and puffed a small green flame. Then, everything fell into place for Celestia. It really was him. Against the odds, he was there, standing in front of her, changed on the exterior, but still the same inside. “Spike?” The dragon smiled again. “Yes, Princess, it’s me. I’m back.” Author's Note Sorry for the low quality of this chapter. I had trouble writing it, but I promise it won't happen again.
Chapter 3For a split second, Celestia’s mask of royal stoicism broke, but she recomposed herself quickly. Instead, she reached down and nuzzled Spike. “Spike, I-I’m so happy to see you again. I missed you so much.” She said, her voice trembling a bit. He hugged her back. “I missed you too.” Both of them entered the castle. Spike explained the princess about his new situation as ambassador, and the new diplomatic relations between Equestria and Draconia thanks to this. Celestia just nodded and smiled all the time. Finally, they arrived at her personal bedroom. Once the door was closed and they were alone she finally dropped the façade. She hugged the dragon tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. “I missed you so much. I thought I would never see you again.” She said, sobbing. Tears were streaming down her face, and Spike quickly understood that despite her appearance, she had been as hurt about his departure as the rest of his friends. He returned the embrace. “It’s okay. I won’t go anywhere for now.” They just stood there for some more time, before Celestia recomposed herself and let him go. They agreed to meet once a month or more should the situation require it, but otherwise Spike would stay in Ponyville with Twilight. Some hours later and Spike was back in Ponyville. He entered the library and immediately he felt something was wrong. For once, all the windows were covered, and he couldn’t see anything. Suddenly, the light was turned on, and Spike saw why. As she had promised, Pinkie had set up a ‘Welcome Back’ party, with everyone in Ponyvile invited. Streamers were hung from the walls and ceilings, balloons were everywhere, and there was a big banner in the wall, which said ‘Welcome back, Spike! We missed you!’ “Surprise!” Pinkie leapt out of nowhere, startling Spike. “See? I told you I would make you a party. Come on, enjoy the party!” Spike shook his head. Of course she could do it. She was Pinkie Pie after all. He joined his friends and enjoyed the rest of the party. It was a nice time, and Spike was happy for it. Some hours later and almost everyone had left, leaving just him and the girls to clean the library and tidy up once it was over. While he had enjoyed life as royalty, what Spike wanted most was to live his old life as Twilight’s assistant once more. He had no problem grabbing the broom and sweeping the floor. The others were cleaning the tables, getting rid of the trimmings and putting everything back in order. “Hey, Spike.” Rainbow Dash approached him after pulling down the banner from the wall. “You think you’ll be free tomorrow afternoon?” “Yeah, why for?” “Well, I thought we could go flying after I finish working at the weather team. Come on, I want to test those wings of yours.” She pointed Spike’s wings for emphasis. Spike shrugged. “Why not? I’d like to see if I can beat you.” “Right, of course.” Rainbow snorted. “Keep dreaming about it. So, tomorrow after lunch?” “It’s a deal.” Pony and dragon shook hoof and claw in agreement. Nearby, Twilight and Rarity were looking at the two while they were putting some books back to place. “It seems everything is back to the same.” Twilight commented. “Yes.” Rarity assured. “Although not everything, you have to admit he has changed. He’s more mature now…” “Yes, I know that.” “And much more handsome.” “Yeah… wait what?” “Oh, please.” Rarity looked at Twilight. “Look at him darling. Right now you two would make a nice couple. Don’t you think?” “W-What? You can’t be serious!” Twilight was flustered now. She shook her head, blushing. “I mean, yes, he is, but for me is like a little brother for me. I would never think about him like that.” Seeing her friend snorting at what she had said, she narrowed her eyes. “Besides, if I remember correctly Spike was head over heels for YOU. And YOU were the one talking about marrying a handsome prince, so are you going to do your move now or you are waiting for him?” She finished her sentence with a smug smile. It was Rarity’s turn to blush now. “I… well… uhm. Look at the time! I would love to stay and chat, darling, but I have to go home and finish an order. Bye!” She giggled and left in a hurry, which left Twilight staring at the door with her mouth open. The purple unicorn blinked. “It was just a joke!” She yelled, hoping her friend would listen. “Well, that was unexpected.” The next day, Rainbow had just finished her shift and flew to Ponyville’s outskirts, where she would meet Spike. She was eager to know how fast Spike was. She saw him waiting under a tree. “Hey, Spike!” She called and landed. “Ready for a race?” “Of course!” He stood up and walked at her. Both stood in position, ready to take off at Rainbow’s command. “Alright: ready… set… go!” Both took off and flew towards Sweet Apple Acres. They were nose to nose, which impressed Rainbow. “Wow, you’re faster than I thought!” She claimed. “But not fast enough!” And quickly and easily got ahead of him. “Let’s see that!” Spike yelled back and caught up with her. They passed through the orchards near to the ground, avoiding the apple trees as if they were obstacles. The two passed Applejack and the momentum made her spin in the place, leaving her dizzy afterwards. “Hey! Watch it you two! I’m still working here!” She yelled angrily at the pair that was already flying off the farm. Of course, Rainbow Dash was faster than Spike, and she got to the tree where they had started from faster. She pulled up and landed next to the tree smoothly. Spike wasn’t so lucky, as fast as he was he couldn’t stop at time. “Watch out!” He crashed against Rainbow Dash, and both stumbled to the tree. Spike recovered quickly and shook his head. “Ugh, my head! Are you alright?” “Yeah, I’m fine…” She trailed off when she noticed that Spike was on top of her… their faces were really close to each other. They stood like that for a moment, both of them staring at each other’s eyes, before Spike shook his head and got off her. “Rainbow! I’m so sorry. Here, let me help you.” She grabbed Spike’s hand with both fore hooves and he pulled her up. As soon as she was on her four hooves she turned around, trying to hide the slight blush in her face. Spike did the same, blushing as well. “Well…” She rubbed a hoof against the back of her head. “That was cool. You are really fast.” “Thank you. So… want to keep flying around?” “I’d love to, but I think I have to go home for now.” “Oh, okay. Bye.” Both parted ways, the memory still printed in their minds. ‘My, he’s really good looking. I never realized that.’ Rainbow thought while she was heading home.
Chapter 4In Canterlot, Celestia was taking a time off her duties, and was currently on a walk through the gardens. She stopped at a clearing, where her sister Luna joined her. “Enjoying the air, sister?” The younger sister asked. Celestia just smiled. “Yes, I needed some time to think right now.” “Think about what, if I can know?” “You are probably aware of Spike’s fate, aren’t you? The fact that he was the heir to the throne of Draconia.” Seeing Luna nod, she continued. “Well, yesterday, as you might have been told, I got the news that Spike had returned to Equestria as an ambassador. He has changed a lot.” “I actually wasn’t aware of that last part, Celestia.” Luna commented. “But what is exactly your point here?” Celestia sighed and smiled. She hadn’t thought she would have to explain ancient history to make Luna understand her point of view. “As you know, Draconia’s citizens are descendants of the Fifth Dragon General, the only one that rebelled against the World Eater in the old days. They are not like the other dragons. However, they still despise ponies, refusing to have contact with us since the foundation of their kingdom. But now, with Spike acting as the bridge between both kingdoms…” “There is a possibility to become allies with them.” Luna finished. Celestia nodded. “Yes, I hope that with Spike’s help, Kiguroth will be willing to put aside differences and make an alliance with Equestria.” Then she was strangely silent. Luna frowned. “That’s not everything, is it?” Celestia sighed, and her shoulders slumped. She sounded sad. “No, it’s not. He… he has changed a lot, Luna. He is not the little baby dragon I used to take care of. I didn’t even recognize him when we met. I…” “You’re afraid that he is somepony different now.” Celestia nodded. Luna walked up to her sister and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Sister, he may have changed on the outside, but in the inside I assure you he is still the same. And that’s what it matters.” Celestia looked at Luna and smiled. “You’re right, Luna. Thanks for that.” Luna chuckled. “You are welcome, Celestia. So, how about we go inside? I think it’s time to go back to our duties.” Spike went back to the library on auto-pilot, his mind going back to the ‘incident’ with Rainbow Dash. They had ended up so close to each other… He shook his head. “It was nothing. Just an accident, nothing else.” He told himself. “Yeah, by tomorrow she will have forgotten about it.” “Back so soon? I thought you would take longer.” Twilight raised her head from the book she was reading when she heard the door closing. Spike rubbed the back of his head, again thinking about the reason of why Rainbow had left so quickly. “Uhm, she remembered something and had to leave, I think.” He stammered. Twilight eyed him suspiciously, but just shrugged. “Well, still you two had a nice time, didn’t you? Why don’t you do it more often? I’m sure Rainbow would like to have a flying buddy.” “Yeah, it would really be fun.” ‘Minus the last part, of course.’ He thought. “Oh, by the way,” Twilight lifted her gaze from the book one more time as Spike was heading the kitchen to eat something. “Your new bed arrived while you were out. I already put it in the bedroom. Why don’t you go test it?” “Alright. Thanks, Twilight, I’ll go check it right now.” He got out of the kitchen and went upstairs. Time for a legendary nap on the new bed. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Dash slammed her head against her hoof. “Really, Rainbow? Really? Something happens, you are left in an awkward position, and you just panic and leave! I can’t believe it!” After she had left Spike under the tree, she had gone straight to her house. There, she started berating herself for acting so stupidly. “Come on! You’re not a filly, stop acting like one! You’re Rainbow Dash, for pete’s sake!” She rested her head against the table. “Ughh, what will he think of me now…” She sighed, and got up. “Alright, I’m gonna fix this! I’ll go to the library right now, tell him I’m sorry for leaving like that, and ask if he would like to repeat it... The race, not the accident.” She quickly corrected herself, blushing a bit. Then she realized that she had been talking to herself all this time, with not even Tank to hear her. She frowned. “Okay. First of all, I have to stop talking to myself when nopony is around.” “Wow, this feels so good…” Spike sighed while he relaxed in his new bed. It was beyond comfortable. It was… He had no words to describe how good it felt. He spread his arms, legs, and wings and closed his eyes. Right now he felt like sleeping until it was night time. Suddenly, a faint noise made him get up and look around. It was a faint rumbling, like something was moving through the air at high speed. He looked around and at the open window. “Watch out!” Came Rainbow’s voice from outside. Spike didn’t have time to react. Rainbow Dash came into the room at high speed and incapable to stop in time, and crashed over the young dragon. The force of the crash sent both to the floor. Spike shook his head and looked at Rainbow, who was on top of him, a bit dizzy after the crash. “Rainbow, what in…?” Just then the pegasus regained consciousness and looked at him. In the same position as some time ago, just inverted, she just managed to yell at the air. “It keeps happening!” Right before the door opened, and a confused Twilight Sparkle found herself looking at both of them, along with a surprised Applejack. As Spike had made his way to the bedroom, Twilight went back to her book. Not much time passed before somepony knocked on the door. Sighing for having been interrupted for the second time in a day, she made it to the door. Applejack was standing there. “Hi, Applejack. What are you doing here?” Twilight asked curious. At this time of the day her friend was usually still working on the apple orchards. “Hi Twilight. Can I speak with Spike for a moment?” The famer pony did not sound very happy. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Why?” “Oh, I don’t know.” Applejack answered, with a bit of sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Maybe for almost knocking me down in his little race with Rainbow Dash, AND knocking down the apples of at least half the apple trees in the fields.” Twilight tilted her head. “But wouldn’t that make you finish faster.” Applejack sighed, and tried to calm herself down. “Twilight, we weren’t prepared to pick up those apples yet. For what I know, Big Mac and Apple Bloom are still picking them up from the ground, and it’s gonna take time.” Twilight shook her head. “Alright, I’ll let you talk to him. Just don’t be too harsh, it wasn’t his intention. He’s up-“ *THUMP* “-stairs.” Both ponies had heard the noise coming from upstairs, and quickly hurried to the bedroom. When they got there they found an odd sight: Rainbow Dash, on top of Spike, both of them on the floor. Twilight and Applejack watched with confused looks. Spike and Rainbow looked at them. The dragon spoke first. “Uhm, I can explain?” Author's Note Alright, sorry for the delay. I know I shouldn't take so much time with chapters as short as these are, but I did. So I apologize for having done that. I'll try to write faster, and since in the next chapter I will be getting to a part that I had planned and wanted to write, it should be easier for me. One last thing. I have also been working in another fic that is not related to this one. If you're okay with it, I'll try to finish it before writing another chapter of this one.
Chapter 5After quickly getting up to their feet and hooves, and being chewed out by Applejack about their reckless behavior in their race and not caring about making her work harder than it already was, Spike and Rainbow Dash were both dragged back to Sweet Apple Acres to help pick up the fallen apples. The task took them all the rest of the afternoon, and the sun was setting when they finished. “There! That was the last one.” Rainbow Dash detached herself from the cart full of apples she had been pulling, leaving it in the barn along with three more carts. “Whew! I didn’t know AJ’s work was so hard, it left me exhausted. Maybe I’ll try to not make it so difficult from now on.” “Really?” Spike asked as both left the barn. Rainbow looked at him for a moment and snorted. “Yeah, right.” Both of them laughed a bit as they walked through the orchard. Applejack met them a moment later. “We picked up all the apples.” Spike told her. “And?” The farmer raised her eyebrow. Spike elbowed Rainbow, who rolled her eyes. “And we’re sorry for causing trouble.” She reluctantly said. “It won’t happen again.” Applejack was still not convinced. “I swear. Really, Pinkie Promise.” She finished crossing her heart and putting her left hoof on her eye. “Alright.” Applejack then turned to Spike. “And you?” “Heh heh, yeah, I’m sorry too.” He answered sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Well, if you don’t do it again it’s all forgiven.” Applejack then looked at the horizon. The sun had set, and it was night already. “It’s getting late, I guess you want to go home soon.” “Yeah, Twilight will surely be waiting for me.” Spike said. “Yeah, I should go home too.” Rainbow added. Applejack started trotting back to her house. “Alright then. Bye!” “Bye, Applejack!” The farmer and the winged duo parted ways, Spike and Rainbow Dash taking the road back to Ponyville. While they were walking, Rainbow remembered why she had gone to the library in the first place. “Hey, Spike. Listen, about what happened today…” “Uhm, yeah, sorry for falling over you.” Spike blushed a bit under his scales upon remembering what had happened earlier that day. “No, no, that’s okay.” Rainbow shook her head. “I’m sorry for flying away like that. I just panicked. Really, nothing happened back there, right?” “Right…” Both stood there looking at each other for a moment, before looking away, blushing a bit. “Anyway, if you want to hang out like that, you know, another race and such, I’m always available for that.” “Oh, okay then. I would love it.” Spike said with a smile. It took them a bit more time before they were near Rainbow’s house. She said goodbye and flew back. After that, Spike went back to the library. The young dragon felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The embarrassment of the accident was now gone. Not that it was a big deal anyway. And he could hang out with Rainbow Dash more often. With a smile still on his face, he entered the library. Twilight was there, reading a book as usual. She lifted her sight from the book and looked at her assistant. “So, did you finish picking up the apples?” “Yep.” He answered, going straight to the kitchen. “And did you apologize to Applejack?” “Yep!” He said from the kitchen, where he had started preparing dinner. “Good.” She said with a grin. “And may I ask why you are so happy right now?” “Nothing important.” He answered. “It’s just that this has been a good day.” Two days passed without incidents of any sort. Spike and Rainbow Dash went out to race every afternoon, and the others went on their usual business. Right now, Rarity was taking a break, she had been trying to draw designs for new dresses for the whole morning, but until now nothing had come to her mind, and the few ones she had been able to think of had been scrapped down for not being good enough for her. “I don’t have any luck or inspiration today.” She said to herself with a sigh. “Maybe later.” In that moment she heard a rustle in the front door and went to see what it was. It was mail, as usual. “Let’s see: bills, bills, bills, a letter from Cherilee about Sweetie Belle –this one goes to mom and dad-. Wait, what’s this?” One envelope caught her attention: a bit larger than the others, and it was written with a very fine writing. It addressed her, so she opened it in the moment and began to read the letter inside. Her eyes widened and her smile grew bigger and bigger as she read it. Finally, after she finished the letter she jumped in the air and let out a filly-like squeal. “I can’t believe it! This is my dream come true! I have to tell the others!” With that she got out of the Boutique and headed towards one of her friends’ house, almost skipping like Pinkie Pie. In the library, both Twilight and Spike had finished breakfast already, Twilight was reading a book in the middle of the room while Spike was busy cleaning the shelves with a duster. A knocking on the door interrupted the unicorn’s reading, who quickly stood up and walked to the door. “I’m coming! Wait a moment!” She opened the door and was greeted by her friend. “Oh, hi Rarity! You look…happy today.” Twilight was a bit taken aback by Rarity’s attitude. The normally calm pony was almost skipping in the place just like Pinkie Pie would, and had a big grin in her face. “Twilight, you’re not going to believe this! I’ve been officially invited to the Equestrian Fashion Week, in Manehattan! I’ll be able to show all my work to the rest of Equestria! Can you believe it?” Her voice was to octaves higher due to her excitement. “Here, read it.” She handed a letter to Twilight, who grabbed it with her magic and started reading it. "’…Officially invited to the Equestrian Fashion Week… Will start the 3° of July.’ That´s in a month. Wow, congratulations, Rarity!” Twilight gave the letter back, happy that her friend had such luck. “Have you told the others?” “Oh, yes, I have. But that’s not all.” Rarity smiled widely again and rubbed her hooves together. “I’m also allowed to take some ponies with me, and I was thinking if you and the others would like to come. What do you think?” Twilight gasped and put a hoof on her mouth. “Are you serious? I would love to. Thanks, Rarity.” “Well, good for you.” Spike landed next to the mares, still holding the duster. “I hope you enjoy it.” He said with a smile. At hearing this, Rarity giggled. “Darling, do you think I’m going to leave you alone while we have all the fun? You can come with us too if you want.” Spike was surprised at this. “Wow, really? I mean, of course, I would love to.” Rarity clasped her hooves together in glee. “Perfect, darling! We are all going to Manehattan!” Author's Note I've decided to focus a bit more on the main six instead of just Spike. I hope you like it, and sorry again for the delay.
