The Forgotten Queen

Chapter 6

Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

Twilight awoke from her nap to the sound of rhythmic knocking. She was sure that her mane was a bit frazzled but otherwise she felt a lot better than before, thus improving her mood. Hurrying down the stairs the librarian gently opened the door with magic to reveal a lavender hued drake standing before her. Without hesitation she wrapped her fore hooves around Spike’s neck in a crushing embrace.

“Oh Spike it’s so good to see you again!”

Spike returned the hug with equal enthusiasm. “Heh, yeah I know it’s been a few months hasn’t it?”

“Come on in Spike, I’ll brew up some tea. I bet you have some interesting tales to tell.”

While Twilight was busy brewing tea in the kitchen Spike sat down on a couch right next to the fireplace. The drake twiddled his fingers, examining each claw in thought. Just four months prior he found out that his beloved Rarity was taken by another. Spike, was of course, heart-broken but it presented a unique opportunity. Coincidently it was also near the young dragon’s growth spurt and as such he felt that it was time to explore the world, a journey of self-exploration as well.

Spike was no longer the diminutive hatchling he once was. He had grown considerably taller and more muscular. His travels took him out to Appleloosa, where he had worked on excavating an emerald mine. Many of the mining ponies admired him for the light he provided them using his flame and the draconic strength of his arms, used to hammer down the stony walls. Spike now stood a full head taller than Twilight, when he took upon his bipedal stance.

Twilight trotted back into living room, levitating a tray with two tea cups and assorted snack cakes. She placed it on the coffee table in front of the couch and sat next to Spike.

“I hope you don’t mind mint tea, it’s all I have left.”

“Nah, I don’t mind Twilight. You weren’t expecting me to come back today, besides I haven’t had mint tea in forever!”

Twilight nibbled on a snack cake. “How did everything go in Appleloosa?”

“Pretty good, I guess. I spent about a month going around doing odd jobs, but then I found that a new mine had opened up and they were looking for workers.”

“Well, I can certainly see that you put on some muscle. Hay, you might even give Mac a run for his bits.”

Spike chuckled. “Mining will do that to ya. I was down there hacking rock for twelve hours a day. I made a lot of friends, mostly earth ponies though. Pegasai are scared to death of tight spaces and unicorns don’t have the stamina for it. Speaking of Mac, where is he?”

“It’s a long story, but basically he’s out helping our new ‘friend’ get his bearings.”

Spike sipped his tea. “You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“Honestly, no Spike I’m not. His name’s Zog and apparently he used to share Pinkie’s body before he got separated from her when she was fighting Frostmere. I somehow released him, and now he’s got a body of his own.”

“So…what is he exactly?”

“Funny you should say that, I really have no idea. As far as I can tell he’s some kind of magical being with powers equivalent to Discord.”

“Isn’t it a bit dangerous to let somepony like that run around Ponyville?”

Twilight sighed. “As far as I can tell he isn’t exactly evil, but he does seem to be quite the prankster. I guess as long as he doesn’t hurt anypony, then it’s fine.”

“Is Mac you know…umm living with you now?”

“He visits often enough, but no he still lives at Sweet Apple Acres. Besides I’m not sure that the library is really built for a stallion his size. I guess if we get a house it’s going to have to be much bigger.”

“Jeez Twilight ya act like you guys are already married or something.”

Twilight blushed. “Oh no no no! That isn’t what I meant, I was just thinking ahead and…”

“I’m kidding but seriously you don’t have to be ashamed of it. The both of you make a great couple.”

“Thanks Spike that means a lot to me. Enough about me already! How about you, have you found your special somepony yet?”

A thin frown formed on the drake’s mouth. “Not yet. Honestly I was so busy I didn’t really have the time to think about it.”

Twilight put her hoof on Spike’s claw. “Don’t worry I’m sure there’s a mare out there for you. I know you’re upset that you couldn’t be with Rarity, but I think any mare would be lucky to have you. You’re kind, generous, and willing to help anypony out no matter what. I want you to know that I’m proud to call you my brother.”

“Do…you really mean that? I’m not even a pony and besides you already have Shining Armor.”

“Yes that’s true but he’s my BBBFF, you’re my little brother. We don’t have to be the same species to be family Spike, consider yourself adopted.”

Spike embraced Twilight. “Thanks…Sis.”

A few tears dropped to the wooden floor as dragon and pony basked in each other’s comfort. With one final squeeze Twilight broke the embrace, seeing Spike in a new light. Never before had she treated him like an adult, but now she knew that she would never see him as a hatchling again. After Twilight finished rubbing her eyes she began to clear her throat.

“I know you don’t want to see Rarity right now but I have a big favor to ask.”

“Umm ok what is it?”

“I was thinking about buying a new summer dress and I need to drop off the initial designs for it at the boutique.  Is it possible that you could take it there for me?”

“No offence Twi, but why can’t you just do it yourself?”

“I’d do it myself but I have to finish some research. Plus I really need to take a shower; I kind of got caught up in my work and forgot.”

Spike laughed. “Just like old times. Alright consider it done!”

After giving Spike the dress designs, Twilight closed the door watching the drake make his way over to the boutique. The librarian chuckled at how easily he bought her little white lie. Under normal circumstances she didn’t like playing cupid but this was a special case. Spike seemed really lonely and of course she knew that he would be the apple of every mare’s eye once he started walking around town. It also helped that Rarity had taken on a very attractive unicorn mare to be her apprentice, who just so happened to be at the boutique at this very moment. With a light giggle Twilight made her way to the bathroom.

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Spike made his way down the street to Rarity’s boutique with dress plans in hand, simply enjoying the sunny and mild Ponyville day. It was a stark contrast to the normally hot and arid climate of Appleloosa. On the way he noticed that Roseluck still was selling flowers from her stand. Ever the gentledrake, Spike decided that he should at least buy some flowers for Rarity even if it was just a friendly gesture. With a roguish grin Spike laid tossed a few bits on the counter pointing to a bouquet of white roses. Grinning from ear to ear Roseluck wrapped the roses in purple colored tissue paper and quickly swiped the bits into her deposit box.

Satisfied with his purchase Spike began to whistle a jaunty tune he had heard some of the miners sing while digging. Laughing to himself he realized that he couldn’t very well sing the lyrics, for they would scandalize the poor denizens of Ponyville. The song detailed lost dreams, mares of the night and copious amounts of liquor. Yes the citizens of Appleloosa could be rather crass and forward about their desires, but they were an honest folk if nothing else. Spike had grown fond of them and maybe just one day he’d venture back there to stake out a parcel of land for himself.

The young drake knocked on the door expecting to hear Rarity’s trademark sing-song voice, but was instead greeted by the sound of shuffling hooves. Much to his surprise the door became enveloped in an orange aura and opened to reveal a unicorn mare. While she lacked the refined beauty of Ponyville’s resident seamstress, which was not to say she wasn’t dazzling in her own way. Her scarlet coat accented her fiery orange mane perfectly. Momentarily at a loss for words, Spike merely stared into the mare’s glistening cyan eyes.

Spike rubbed the back of his crest. “Hello there, umm is Rarity here right now?”

“I’m sorry she’s not here right now, but might I be able to assist you?”

“I’m not really sure. Well I just wanted to drop off some dress designs that my sister wanted Rarity to work on. My name’s Spike by the way, I used to live at the library with Twilight.”

Velvet Thread let out a light giggle. “Hello Spike, I’m Velvet Thread. I moved here from Trottingham a few weeks ago. Rarity took me on as her apprentice, so I can learn how to make dresses.”

“Trottingham huh, well the only other pony I know of from there is Pipsqueak. I’ve never been there, but I’d like to visit some time.”

“Maybe I misunderstood, but you said you had a dress order for your sister? I haven’t seen any other dragons around so…who is she?”

Spike face palmed. “Oh right I forgot that you’re not from around here. Twilight raised me from when I was hatchling, she’s my adoptive sister.”

“Well…that certainly is unusual but I knew a filly back home whose parents were griffons. Anyway, let me take that order for you. Hmm you know the design for this dress isn’t very complicated I bet I could make it myself.”

“I’m not really surprised; Twilight’s always been a practical mare.”

“Spike, if you don’t mind waiting I bet I could have this dress finished in about an hour.”

“Sure, why not. It’s not like I have anything better to do right now.”

Spike patiently sat in on of the many plush chairs decorating the workroom on the upper floor of the Boutique. He watched in fascination as the Rarity’s apprentice worked her magic. She was quite skilled, and seemed to handle multi-tasking several objects at once using her magic with ease. Putting a claw to his chin, Spike realized just how similar she was to Rarity. With a bit more polish this mare was going to be one of the best dress makers in Equestria, he was sure of it.

Velvet, noticing the drake’s stare began to get a bit flustered. “What’s wrong you keep staring at me?”

Catching himself Spike cleared his throat. “Oh no there’s nothing wrong with you! I was observing how similar you are to Rarity is all. You seem to be able to handle your magic quite well.”

“I’ve always been able to do this. In fact, back in magic kindergarten I was top of my class. All of the teachers thought I was some prodigy and wanted to send me off to the Princess’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

Spike grinned. “Sounds like somepony else I know.”

“Despite my affinity for magic, I wasn’t really interested in studying it very much. My aunt was a tailor so I was around clothes and fashion for practically my whole filly-hood. All of those pretty dresses, the dashing suits and amazing hats…I loved all of it. Unfortunately, my parents didn’t and they often pressured me into studying the magical arts.”

Velvet took a deep breath before continuing. “One summer I helped my aunt sew a beautiful dress for one of her clients. It was for some kind of noble-mare from Canterlot. When we got done with it, I ended up getting my cutie mark. My aunt was so proud of me, but my parents were furious. We…had a falling out. They thought making clothes was complete rubbish, they said it was beneath a unicorn of my skill. So after a lot of arguing I left my parents’ house and went to live with my aunt. She gave me some bits to move here to Ponyville so I could learn from Rarity.”

Spike placed his claw on Velvet’s back. “I don’t really know what to say, it’s awful that your parents tried to force you to become something you didn’t want to be. I’m so sorry Velvet.”

Velvet donned a ghost of a smile, genuinely touched by Spike’s gesture. “It’s all in the past Spike, all I can do now is keep moving forward and hope for the best. Maybe…maybe someday my parents will come around.”

“I have no doubt that Rarity will turn you into an awesome tailor. But, I guess you figured that out since she’s the element of generosity.”

“Yes, Ms. Belle has been very kind and accommodating to me. Honestly, I didn’t have enough bits when I first came here to stay at a hotel…so I’m glad she let me stay here.”

Absentmindedly forgetting he had bought flowers, Spike had placed the intended gift upon the coffee table. Velvet’s eyes wondered over to observe the botanical bouquet, but instead of commenting she merely levitated the finished dress into a plain white box.

“Here you are Spike, one completed summer dress. I hope it’s to Twilight’s liking.”

The dress was of simple design, a one piece. It was a butternut yellow with purple flowers scattered throughout. The flowers were interconnected by green thread that resembled stems.

“I’m sure she’ll love it. I really am grateful that you did this…how much do I owe you?”

“You don’t owe me anything Spike, this order was prepaid.”

“Still, you didn’t have to make the dress all by yourself.”

Velvet let out a frustrated snort. “Maybe not, but making dresses is my job. In any case there weren’t a whole lot of orders today anyway so I would have spent most of the day tidying up the boutique.”

Spike handed Velvet the bouquet of roses. “Here I was going to give there to Rarity but I think you deserve them. Think of it as your payment.”

“No…I couldn’t possibly take these. I don’t deserve them, and they’re Rarity’s gift aren’t they?”

“True they were, but I’m sure Rarity won’t mind. Also, I sort of have this dragon code of honor. I have to pay my debts…and well a beautiful mare deserves beautiful flowers right?”

Velvet was glad she had a scarlet hued coat, for it hid her embarrassment quite well. She was flattered by the drake’s gesture, considering it was the first time anypo—one had given her flowers or called her beautiful for that matter. While Spike wasn’t a stallion, he was still dashing and attractive in an exotic way. Much like how some mares would prefer griffons or zebras. She levitated the flowers to her muzzle, inhaling their light perfume like aroma. The roses themselves were beautiful, a rare shade of white. Velvet still felt slightly guilty, knowing that these flowers were a very thoughtful gift, intended for a very special pony. She turned around towards Spike and gave him quite possibly the brightest smile she had ever donned.

“Thank you Spike, they’re beautiful.”

“No problem…well I better be on my way. With Mac busy trying to help out this Zog guy I imagine that Twilight will need some help around the library.”

“Spike wait…ermm I was just wondering since you’re in town for a bit, would you like to maybe get a bite to eat some time?”

“Yeah, I think I’d like that. I know a great place we get some grub! How about I come over around oohhh say around eleven thirty? It’s the perfect time for lunch.”

Velvet responded a bit too enthusiastically. “Awesome…I mean sure that sounds great.”

Hoity Toity’s Mansion, on the outskirts of Canterlot

A powerful flash of dark magic heralded the arrival of Hoity and Trixie to the estate. Bertram ever the loyal butler, stood ready to receive them. Hoity was exhausted from the massive amount of magic he had to use in order to teleport them. He very nearly collapsed on the front lawn. Trixie however was in far worse shape. Her eyes turned green with tendrils of darkness escaping from either side. The poor mare growled like a feral dog, made nearly rabid from the massive influx of dark magic. Lust, greed, anger, jealousy, pride, indeed many negative emotions flowed through her being all at once. Emotion was the key to using dark magic and she was overwhelmed by it.

Hoity sighed. “Bertram please prepare the guest room, Trixie will need to sleep once this is all over.”

“Of course sir, shall I fetch the apple brandy as well?”

“Yes…I imagine I’ll need every drop of it. Thank you Bertram.”

With a polite bow Bertram was off to complete his tasks. Hoity summoned as much dark magic as he dared, only using enough to invigorate himself. Despite being an earth-pony, using magic of any kind tended to sap much of that legendary endurance to nil. He trotted over to Trixie, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.

“Trixie it’s me Hoity, now I would like for you to calm down please.”

Trixie responded but her voice was somewhat lower and raspy. “The power…it’s too much. I…can’t think straight. It makes me want to…kill things and by Luna, I want to rut like a rabbit in spring!”

“It’s the dark magic, that’s what happens when you get exposed to it without proper training. You can use it now, but it’s going to take some getting used to. As I suspected you have quite a bit of repressed anger and well umm…lust. That is why they are trying to manifest.”

Trixie’s horn became enveloped in a black aura. “Oh the things I could do. I could destroy them…yes all those who laughed at me, who called me a charlatan, who cast me onto the streets…treating me like yesterday’s TRASH!”

“Please my dear, listen to me! You mustn’t think such things or the magic will consume you. I know you had a rough past, but everything isn’t so bad now. Focus on the good, listen to my voice and concentrate.”

“What would you know about my life?!? All you’ve ever known is wealth and power. Arrogant rich bastards, the lot of you! You can’t possibly comprehend what it’s like to live day to day without knowing where your next meal is from, or if that shoddy piece of cardboard is going to last through the rain. The worst part is…never having somepony there for you, never feeling the warm embrace and comforting words of reassurance after a hard day…”

Disregarding his own safety, Hoity ran up to Trixie and hugged her as tightly as he could. The show mare’s rant immediately stopped as a look of confusion spread across her face.

“You’re not alone anymore, not so long as I draw breath. I’ll help you Trixie, I’ll do whatever it takes so you can control this. Please just trust me. That’s all I ask.”

Trixie’s voice softened a bit. “You…will?”

Hoity stroked her mane. “Of course, this is my responsibility. Even if it wasn’t I consider you a friend and that’s what friends do, they look out for each other.”

Without warning Trixie pushed Hoity away from her. Her horn began to glow once again, but this time sparks came out of it. As soon as any of the sparks hit the ground they began to form small, black crystals. Trixie dug her hooves into the grass and yelled at the top of her lungs unleashing a massive black colored beam of magic into the night sky. Once all the energy was expended, her eyes turned back to their ruby red color, the green aura no longer affecting them. She then promptly collapsed.

Hoity chuckled realizing that Trixie was just trying to purge herself of all the dark magic she had been building up. It was an extremely crude way of going about it, but nonetheless effective. He was certain that had Trixie aimed the beam anywhere other than the sky it would have sliced through a mountain like tissue paper. Hoity enveloped the now unconscious Trixie in his own dark aura of magic, lifting her onto his back.

Hoity gently slid her off of his back onto a large, purple couch near the fireplace. He proceeded to grab a simple wool blanket with his teeth and draped it over her. Bertram made his way over with a bottle of Applelossan apple brandy on a silver tray, accompanied by a crystal glass. His master gratefully poured himself a generous portion, whilst staring into the fire.

“Thank you Bertram, you may have some too if you like.”

“I appreciate the offer sir; however I no longer partake in alcoholic beverages.”

“To each his own, I suppose. At any rate you can have the rest of the evening off; I’d like to take care of our guest myself.”

“If you insist sir, however if you should require anything at all please do not hesitate to ask.”

Hoity placed a hoof on Bertram’s shoulder. “You know Bertram, you’re best damn butler I’ve had in centuries. I mean that.”

“You flatter me sir, I merely am doing my job.”

“And that is why you are the best. I’m worried about Trixie. She has so much to learn about her new powers. I hope it doesn’t break her. I fear that I’ve thrust her into a world she doesn’t belong in…I had no choice she was dying, it was all I could do.”

“Nopony could have done any better sir. I am certain she realizes you were looking out for her well-being. She will come to accept, perhaps even embrace her new abilities in time…as I did.”

Hoity took one last swig of his brandy. “Maybe but to be fair I offered you my blood and you took it willingly.”

“Indeed I did sir. I simply wanted to cheat father time’s inevitable grip upon my youth.”

“Ah yes, we all have our reasons. I think that once Trixie has recovered enough, I’d like to introduce her to her new family.”

“Are you certain she’s ready sir?”

“I hope so. Imagine the look on her face when she’ll recognize some of them!”

The two stallions shared a laugh in front of the fireplace. Tomorrow promised to be an interesting day, for better or worse not a living soul could say.