Toughen Up, Buttercup...

by Solum

Chapters

• Chapter 1: Soft Scales
• Chapter 2: Face to Face
• Chapter 3: Sign Here, Please.
• Chapter 4: Special Kind of Goodbye
• Chapter 5: Early Afternoon
• Chapter 6: Departure

Chapter 1: Soft Scales

The weather in Ponyvile suited Spike mood nicely; cold and overcast. He'll admit that he didn't feel like the happiest dragon in the world at the moment. Spike just got back from another big, dangerous adventure with Twilight and the gang and let's just say that his performance in high stress situations needs a little work. Okay, a lot of work. He just can't protect his friends against the threats of Equestria, let alone himself. If it hadn't been for Twilight's skill in magic, AJ's strength, Pinkie's energy, Rainbow's speed, Fluttershy's stare, and Rarity's skill in...Um... fashion, Spike would had been dead long ago. He was useless to the team, and mostly bringing them down from their potential. He never really noticed how much he really weighed down on them.

How embarrassing... The dragon in a group of ponies is the least valuable member. Spike let out a sigh. Why do I have to be so weak? The walk back to the library was long and needed a topic to talk about. Luckily Twilight noticed her assistant was in distress. She decided to break the ice.  

"Spike?" His ear twitched in response to his name. "I can't help but see you're in deep thought, is anything bothering you?"

He signed again, louder this time. "I guess you can say something is "bothering" me."

Twilight gave him a curious look. There was a small pause.

"...Would you like to talk about it?" She asked, offering a smile.

Spike kept his gaze on the floor. "No, thanks."

"Are you sure?" She egged on. "I could help you with whatever's on your mind."

Spike looked up to her. She was about a foot taller than him, she wore a comforting grin. Seeing his friend in such a cute state didn't help him feel better.

"No, Twilight, you really couldn't help me." Spike replied in a low voice. "Thank you for offering though."

She stepped in front of him and started walking backwards. "Oh, come on, Spike." She stared into his green eyes. "You can always try talking about it with your big sis."

"Please, Twilight, you wouldn't understand." He broke her stare and focused on the ground again.

Twilight's smile faded, her face changed into one of understanding.

"Alright Spike, I'll leave you be this time," He looked up again. "But if you won't spill to me, you should a least tell someone else of your problems. You shouldn't keep things bottled up."

She's right, I have to open up to someone. "I'll think about it." He answered, giving the same attitude of sadness. But who can I trust other than the girls? Well, I shouldn't blab to a mare about this stuff, I don't think any of them care about being weak. No, this is a guy topic. Spike paused his thoughts, they arrived at the crystal library. He opened up the giant main door and stepped inside, Twilight soon followed.

"I'll be in my room if you need me." Spike started his way to his chambers.

"Okay, I'll start on dinner." She called back. "Do you have any requests?"

"No, anything is fine." He turned down a hallway out of Twilight's sight.

I hope he feels better soon. I can't stand to see him like this. She continued her path to the kitchen.

I need to speak to a stallion for this kind of stuff. Spike laid on his bed searching his mind for a familiar face. I really wish I had more guy-friends. He sat up and rubbed his temples hoping to think harder. His mind stopped on a face. AHA, that's it! He's always been there for me before...

Spike rushed over to his desk and grabbed a quill, ink, and a small scroll. He began writing:

Dear Shining Armor,

Hey big bro, How have things been going? Well, the reason why I'm contacting you is because I'm not feeling so hot myself. I feel like a weak coward that only gets to tags along with Twilight because she feels sorry for me. I keep putting me and my friends in danger. I'm not strong enough, physically or mentally, for the threats they face. If things keep up I might get everyone hurt or worse. I need your help Shining, I hate being useless. Can you help a brother out?

-Spike the dragon.

Spike rolled up the scroll and blew his magic fire on it. The paper faded into smoke and flew out the widow. That should do it. I hope he replies soon...

"SPIKE! DINNER IS READY!" He heard Twilight's call. He shrugged. Well, can't have a stallion to dragon talk on an empty stomach.

Spike got up form his desk and followed the smell of freshly prepared food, surprisingly, feeling better already.

Twilight just finished setting up the table when Spike walked into the dining room. Seems like he feels better now. I wonder what was eating him.

"What are we having tonight?" He piped up, looking at the bowl in front of him.

"Just a simple salad. I put gems in yours." Spike sat down on the opposite side of the table. Twilight looked at him and grinned. "So, you brightened up."

He returned the smile. "If you must know, I took you advise and opened up to someone about my issue."

"Really? Who?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, just your brother. He's the only colt I can trust." Spike nodded.

"Great, but why did you need a colt?" She took another bite.

"Mares just don't get guy problems." He shot back smugly.

"There's a good reason for that." She quipped back.

"Whatever, you're just jealous that we bros got each other's backs." Spike slid on his black shades and crossed his arms.

Twilight shook her head and giggle a bit. "Yea, yea, just eat you dinner bro."

They continued eating in a peaceful quiet. I hope he responds soon...

Chapter 2: Face to Face

"I'm going to take a long bath, honey!" Shining called to his wife. "Do you need the bathroom?!"

"No, that's fine, dear!" Cadence yelled in response. "I can always use one of the other bathrooms we have in this castle!"

"Oh right..."  Shining grabbed a towel and head towards the master bathroom, 1 of 47 in the Crystal Palace. He locked the door behind him and turned on the hot water. The bath fill up. Shining undressed and stepped in, letting the heat melt his stress away. He signed in comfort.

"Damn, I really needed this..." He sunk deeper into the warm water.

A noise above his head made him open his eyes and look up quickly. His gaze was met with a cloud of smoke that hovered over him.

"What the-" The cloud changed form and a scroll appeared out of thin air. Shining shot up his arm from the water to catch the falling scroll before it got soaked. Hmm, it's been a while since Spike sent me a letter. He dried off his hands with his towel before opening the little paper. I wonder what's wrong. Probably Twilight getting in trouble. His eyes scanned the paper. When he was done reading he placed the scroll on the counter behind him.

Nope, looks like baby brother is the one in trouble, and what a problem he has! Shining rubbed his chin slowly, then stopped. I would suggest the Royal Guard, but I know Spike. I think he's looking for some extra training. He pulled the plug to the bath tub and started drying off. He needed to get dressed and speak to Spike in person about this.

Shining Armor got suited up in his Caption's uniform, grabbed a couple sign up sheets, and called to his wife.

"Cadence!" He yelled.

"I'm in here!" She answered back.

He followed her voice to the master bedroom. She was laying on the bed in a seductive pose, with a hand on her hip and the other making circles on the mattress.

"You know, I have the rest of the day off..." She coed and gave the best bedroom eyes that she could. "We could find something to do to pass the t...Hey, why do you have your uniform on? "

"Sorry dear, not now." It almost hurt him to refuse. "Duty calls."

"What?" She whined. "I've been planning this all day!"

"I'm sorry, but Spike needs my help." His eyes wandered her body. "Uhh... I'll make it up to you when I get back."

"Hmph!" She sat up and crossed her arms. "I'll be tired by then!"

Shining signed. "It will only be an hour or so this time, I promise."

"You promised last time..." Shining rubbed the back of his head. Cadence gave up. "Fine, go. I guess I'll just have to wait."

She huffed and got up from the bed. She dragged her feet while walking to the bathroom. "Well, at least I don't need to have my hair all nice now." She grumbled. Shining Poked his head through the doorway.

"Oh, and one more thing,dear?" He said sheepishly.

"What now?" She mumbled angrily.

"Would you might teleporting me to Ponyvile?" He gave her a pleading look.

Cadence rolled her eyes. "Fine."

"I love y-" Shining disappeared from her sight.

Wow, he really takes his time responding. Spike's glaze lifted up past his comic book. Wait a minute... How is he going to respond? I don't know if he can even send letters back to me. He brought his hand up to his forehead. Well, so much for "guy talk". A knock echoing through the library interrupted his train of thought. The knock came again.

"Spike! Could you get that, please?!" Twilight called from her room.

"Yea, I got it!" He yelled back. Probably just the mailmare.

Spike climbed off his bed and made his way to the front door. He turned the knob and pushed the door open. Standing on the front step was non other than the caption of the Royal Guard.

"Shining Armor?" Spike sputtered.

"S'up little bro?" Shining stepped forward. "Do you have time for a little talk?"

"Yea, of course, come in." Spike lead his guest to the living room. They sat down on different couches. Shining laid down a folder on the coffee table. It had the symbol of the Royal Guards on its cover.

"Who is it, Spike?!" Twilight yelled from upstairs.

"It's your BBBFF!" Shining joked.

Twilight ran down the stairs and zipped to the living room.

"SHINING!" She cheered. Shining stood up from the couch and opened up his arms, inviting her with his embrace.

"It's been a while Twily." he said petting her hair.

"Too long." Twilight pulled back from the hug. "So, what are you doing here?"

"Actually, I'm here to talk with Spike." Twilight tilted her head.

"About what?"

"I got a letter from him about a half hour ago explaining some problems he's having." Twilight looked at Spike with curiosity. Spike returned a sheepish grin.

"Oh really? What kind of problems?" She asked.

"Sorry, Twi. I can't release that information." He answered sternly.

"And why not?" She crossed her arms.

"Bro code." Shining winked a Spike while Twilight face palmed. "Anyways, I think I got a solution for his problems."

Spike's face lit up. "You do?"

Shining nodded to him. "Yep." He bend down to the table and opened the folder. He looked up to Spike and grinned.

"All you need to do is sign some papers..."

Chapter 3: Sign Here, Please.

"Oh no, Spike." Twilight scolded. "You can't possibly be considering this!"

Shining spoke up in Spike's defense. "He would be taken good care of, sis."

She turned to her brother. "I know that, I just don't want to be here by myself for two months!"

Shining stroked the back of his head. "Uh... Well actually, training for the Special Forces runs for a year." Twilight sharpened her glare.

"That just proves my point further!" She slammed the folder shut and shoved into shining's chest. "Now, we are done discussing this! OUT!"

She picked up Shining and his folder with her magic and stared pushing him to the door.

"WAIT! Twilight, this could really help him!" He yell, trying to change her mind.

"Thank you for coming, Shining." She replied flatly. "Your offer is appreciated, but Spike is not inter-"

She was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. She turned and was met face to face with Spike. He wore a calm smile and pleading eyes.

"Twilight..." He spoke in a low, soothing voice. "I want to do this."

"W-wha-"

"I need to do some growing up. There's a whole world outside of this library that I want to see on my own." She was shocked at his sincerity. "I'm not fit for the kinds of adventures we go on, I'm just too much of a risk to our friends."

Twilight opened her mouth in protest, but was again silenced by Spike speaking up.

"One of these times I'm going to get one of you girls hurt. I need to learn how to defend myself and how to protect you guys. If joining the Special Forces is how I get that experience, then that's what I'll do." Spike kept his cold stare on her.

Twilight lowered her head. "Is this really what you want?" Even though her face was hidden, Spike could tell she was tearing up. "To leave town, to leave us?"

"Yes, Twilight." She slumped her shoulders and released Shining Armor from her magical grip.

"I don't want you to go." She fell to her knees, holding her hands to her face. "I'll be here alone..."

It crushed Spike and Shining to see her like this. Spike bend down and quickly wrapped his arms around her in comfort. She returned the hug and cried into his neck. Spike stood her back up and guided her to the couch. Shining picked up the contents of the folder and followed them. Spike sat Twilight down on the couch.

"Sorry for upsetting you, Twi." Shining apologized, laying down the documents on the table.

Twilight wiped her tears away and took a deep breath. "It's fine, Shining. I guess it is his choice and I'll stick by him on it."

"Alright, let's get started." Shining turned the papers towards Spike. "You guys have a quill and ink nearby?"

"-And here." Spike read through the paper and signed where Shining pointed out.

For forty five minutes Shining Armor walked Spike through the documents one by one. Twilight stood by and listened in on what the Special Forces had to offer, she even began taking notes after a while. Spike was surprised on how well she was coming around to the idea.

"And since you're a minor, I'm gonna need Twilight's signature here." Shining pointed again.

Twilight looked up from her notes and paused. She moved closer to the table and with quill in hand, she hesitated. I'm signing an entire year of his life away... She glanced at Spike with a hint of concern. He nodded, giving her permission to proceed. Her attention went back to the piece of paper before her. She signed in the box given to her and dropped the quill. She was already regretting her decision.

"Well, that's the last one." Shining gathered up all the documents and slipped them back into the folder. He reached his hand out to Spike. Spike took it and shook it. "Welcome to the guards!"

"Thanks for your time, Shining." Spike said warmly. All three of them stood up and exchanged glances.

"So, when do you want to ship out, rookie?" Shining bent down and closed the folder. He then picked it up and tucked it under his arm.

"As soon as possible. The sooner I go in, the sooner I get out." Spike answered, smiling at Twilight. She returned the smile.

"Alright well, the next train to boot camp leaves at twelve fifteen tomorrow."

"I'll take it." Spike replied quickly.

"Okay, I'll turn in this paperwork and schedule you for tomorrow's train." Shining shook Spike's hand again and then hugged Twilight. "It was nice seeing you two again."

"And you too, BBBFF." Twilight jeered.

"Haha! That will never get old." Shining grinned at her. His grin turned sheepish and he rubbed the back of his head again. "Hey, Twilight, mind teleporting me back home?"

"Not at all." she giggled.

"Thanks again, guys. Spike, good luck." Twilight charged up her horn. "You'll need it."

With a bright flash of light, he was gone from the room. Now it was just Spike and Twilight. She looked at him with a smile, but it soon faded.

"I'm proud of you, Spike." She said. "Most ponies don't have the courage to join the Force."

"Thank you, Twi." She turned and started for her room. "Where ya going?"

"I'm going to bed early. We have a long day tomorrow."

"Alright, I've got something to do first." Spike went for the door.

"Okay Spike, be back before sundown."

"Will do." Spike exited the library and closed the door behind him.

Shining Armor slowly opened the door to the master bedroom. He poked his head into the dark room. He slid his body through the doorway and closed the door. He made his way to his side of the bed and started undressing. Man, I'm tired. He looked over at the flat bed and stopped. Wait, where's Cade-

"Ooo, looks like daddy's back early..." Shining turned around to a barely dressed Cadence. "Bed. Now."

"Yes, ma'am."

Chapter 4: Special Kind of Goodbye

The streets of Ponyvile were starting to die down in activity. The Sun burnt down slowly towards the horizon, it would be another hour or so until sunset. Spike made his way through the empty town. This is going to be tough... But it must be done. Spike fell deeply into thought as he walked. How was he going to break it to her? How was she going to react? Questions and doubts raced through his mind, making the outside world a blur. He was able to snap out of it when he arrived at the front door of Rarity's house, the Carousal Boutique. No problem, she'll understand, right?

He reached out to the door with a closed fist. He knocked three times and waited.

Rarity sat at her work desk, she was almost done with the last dress of the day. She worked with her magic to attach the final gem to her liking. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with a spare handkerchief.

"Yuck." She threw the cloth into the hamper. "All this work is simply dreadful. But the business is worth it." She straightened up her back and lifted her chin. "Plus, I am more than capable to handle the rush." She smiled confidently and got up from her desk. While putting the dress she finished on the cloths hanger, she heard a knock from downstairs.

Whats this? A customer at this time of day? She took a look at the clock overhead, seven fifty it read. Almost eight at night? There can't possibly another buyer now. She walked to the window and looked out, trying to get a glance of the one who disturbed her work. Well, I was done, but still! As she looked out the window, a green haired, skinny teenager came into view.

Ooo, little Spikey! She hurried down the stairs to the door. I do wish he came earlier. He could have been a big help around here today.

"COMING!" She sang out.

Spike heard Rarity call out through the door. His palms were sweating in anticipation. The door of the Boutique opened inward to reveal the goddess herself. She wore a white shirt, black skirt, and her work glasses. To Spike, she was the most beautiful pony in the world, and her beauty only radiated when she smiled.

"Spikey Wikey, What a pleasant surprise!" She pulled the door in more. "Come in, come in! I just finished up my last dress."

"H-Hello, Rarity." Spike stumbled on his words. Rarity lead him into her shop.

"Have a seat, darling." She pointed to the couch as she disappeared into the kitchen. "Do you want anything while I'm in here? Tea? Juice?"

"No, I'm fine, thank you." Spike called back.

Rarity reappeared from the kitchen with a glass of wine in hand. She walked with the sway of her hips over to the couch where Spike sat and plopped down next to him. Spike felt his face light up.

"So, what brings you to my humble home?" She batted her eyebrows at him.

Spike squirmed a bit and adverted his gaze from her, but spoke up. "I-I came to talk to you about something."

"Oh? What is it, dear?" Rarity could tell that Spike was on edge. He looks strangely serous about something, maybe I shouldn't tease him today. She dropped the cocky smile on her face and put her hand on Spike's shoulder. He looked up to her. "You can tell me anything, Spike."

Spike cleared his throat, it felt good that she knew the importance of what he was going to tell her.

"Rarity, I'm going to be leaving town." Rarity's eye opened in concern.

"S-Spike, what are yo-" she was silenced by Spike raising his hand.

Spike continued, "I'm joining the Special Forces branch of the Royal Guard."

Spikey's leaving? Is this some twisted prank?

"I get on the train out tomorrow." She saw by the look on his face that this was no joke. "Which brings me to the real reason I came over here. I've had a sneaking suspicion That you've known about this for a while, but I would still like to get it off my chest."

Rarity was still in shock, listening to Spike talk so calmly about such a subject. I can't believe it. He's actually going to confess. Little Spikey is growing up...

Spike ran his fingers through his hair and signed. "Rarity, I lo-" His mouth was closed by Rarity's hand, mascara was running down her left cheek.

"Please Spike, you don't need to go further." She choked out.

Spike looked away from her again. "I understand."

Spike felt a pair of arms wrap around him and pull him in. Ooh Spikey, you're such a sweet boy. He returned Rarity's hug and was swept into her warm embrace. But you're just a boy... Rarity let go of him and fetched another handkerchief with her magic. Silence loomed over the room while she cleaned up her face.

"When will you be back?" Her voice still broken and weak.

"Training will take a year to complete. I'll come and stay here until I get orders from Celestia." She nodded at his answer.

Spike just noticed the darkness of the room and looked outside. Shoot, I better get home. Twilight might be worried.

He signed again and stood up from the couch. "It's getting late. I promised Twilight that I would be back by sundown."

"Yes, of course." Rarity followed her guest to the door. He opened it and stepped out.

He turned around to face her."My train leaves at twelve fifteen."

"Yes, I will be there." She smiled at him. "Goodnight, Spike."

"Goodnight." Spike answered back.

Rarity closed the door and he dropped his head. Well, that could have gone better. But also worse. So, I'm split. Spike started on his way back to the library. Once again in deep concentration about his future. Soon he was home, he opened the door and made his way to his room. Once inside he locked the door behind him. He then got out ink, a quill, and four pieces of paper. On these he wrote the news of his departure to the rest of his friends, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, and Pinkie Pie. He also included the time the train was leaving and his name.

He blew his fire over them one by one to send them on their way. When he was done, he brushed his teeth and undressed. His head hit the pillow and he instantly fell into a deep sleep.

It's not right, but it's now or never...

And if I wait...

Could I ever forgive myself?

Chapter 5: Early Afternoon

Spike woke up to Twilight's voice addressing him.

"Spike." She grabbed his leg and shook him. "Spike! Get up, you're going to be late."

Ugh, why is her voice so annoying in the morning. Spike opened his eyes and met the glare of his lilac friend.

"Twilight." He mumbled through the covers. "What time is it?"

She looked up at the clock on the wall. "Almost ten." Spike groaned at her answer.

"Five more minutes." he rolled over to face the wall.

His eyes slowly closed and he started drifting back to sleep. There was a weight lifted from his body and the flutter from a cool breeze forced his eyes back open. Twilight, so help me...

"Spike, we don't have time for this nonsense." She dropped the blankets that she ripped of Spike's bed. "You have to get ready for your departure."

He rose from his bed and stared angrily at her. "Yeah, in two hours!"

She frowned at him. "Get ready Spike, we'll leave at eleven fifty."

With that she left him alone in his room and walked downstairs. Man, I'm glad I'll be getting some money flowing... Houses in Manehattan aren't cheap. Spike climbed off the bed and made his way to his closet. He threw on some cargo pants, a black hoodie, and a pair of boots. Then he brushed his teeth and headed downstairs.

Spike entered the kitchen to find his purple companion reading a book and drinking a mug of coffee. She lowered the book looked at him.

"Breakfast is on the counter." She pointed at the scrambled eggs sitting in a frying pan.

"Thanks, Twi." He got a plate and a fork out of the cabinets.

Spike served up what he wanted and sat down at the table. He put a fork-full in his mouth, then shifted his eyes to Twilight. As he chewed, he read the cover of the book. Military Training: Special Forces. Hmph, I didn't know they make books about that. He got Twilight's attention by speaking.

"So, whacha readin'?"

She look up from her book again. "Oh, I'm just getting a better understanding of what you're going to be going through." She narrowed her eyes and shot him a smug grin. "And let's just say that you're not going to like boot camp."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Well, I already know I'm not going to like it, but what else you got?"

She kept her smile on. "They have wake up call at five o'clock... Everyday."

He dropped his fork along with his jaw. "I'm not going to make it."

Twilight giggled at his reaction. "Now Spike, not with that attitude. I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"Yea, thanks Twi." He said sarcastically. He picked up his fork and continued eating. "So, what else is in that book?"

Twilight talked more about what they do in boot camp to Spike while he ate his eggs. She told them about the exercises, discipline, and combat training they taught. Spike finished his meal and started asking questions of his own. Twilight kept her eye on the clock, she needed to give Spike time to pack up and finish getting ready.

"Okay, that's enough." Twilight stopped her teachings. "It's eleven o'clock, go pack up."

Spike looked at the clock too. "Alright, I'll be down soon."

He put his dishes in the sink and walked upstairs to his room. He grabbed a backpack and started filling it with his stuff that he thinks he would need. He searched his room for necessities. While he put on the backpack, he put a watch on his wrist and quickly fixed his hair. Spike was all ready to go now, he looked at his watch. 11:43 He walked downstairs and called for Twilight.

"Are you ready, Twi!?"

"Yea, are you?!" She yelled back.

"Yep! Let's get going!"

"Okay, okay." Twilight appeared in the hallway. "Let's go."

Rarity walked through town, thinking to herself. What Spike did, or almost did, was on her mind ever since he left yesterday. She just couldn't let him confess his love for her like that. She couldn't tell him that she didn't feel the same way, it would crush him. Yes, she has thought about the possibility of dating little Spikey Wikey, but she just can't see it working out.

She continued to think until she arrived at the train station. She wanted to get there a little early to apologize for her behavior yesterday, she really wasn't in any position to silence Spike like that. She walked onto the docking area and imminently saw her friends waiting on a bench.

"Rarity! Hey RARITY!" Pinkie shouted out to her. Rarity approached her friends. "Did you hear? Spike is joining the military! Isn't that exciting?"

"Yes Pinkie, very." Rarity noticed that neither Twilight nor Spike were here.

"Well, howdy Rarity." Applejack tilted her hat in welcome. "Ah recken your here ta see Spike off?"

Rarity nodded. "Indeed, he hasn't arrived yet?"

"Nope. Him n' Twilight haven't even showed up yet." AJ answered.

Rarity took a seat and waited with her friends. She looked up at the train station's clock and signed.

11:55

Spike and Twilight walked together in silence. He didn't feel like talking anyways, his mind was busy thinking about what the future held for him. His thoughts drifted from subject to subject; Rarity, boot camp, Twilight. All the buzz in his head was making him nervous. Worrying passed the time well, though. When Spike finally shook out of it, the train station was already in sight. He looked down at his wrist.

"Come on, Twi." Spike picked up his pace. "It's almost noon. We have to make sure I'm signed in."

Twilight kept walking. "Calm down Spike, we're on time."

"I know, I just want more time to give you guys a proper goodbye."

Twilight nodded at him and started jogging  to keep up to the drake's long strides. They rounded a corner of the station and saw four old friends waiting on a bench. The fifth made a beeline towards Spike and glued to his chest. Her pink hair was deflated from the curly structure it had before.

"Please don't go Spike." She sobbed into his torso. "Who will I throw 'Happy Birthday, Spike' parties for?"

"Pinkie..." Spike lifted her head up to face his. He gave a comforting smile. "You're only going to miss one."

Pinkie calmed down and smiled back.

"Now, you all wait here." Spike addressed the group of mares. "I've got to check in with the conductor."

Spike left the group of friends and cut through the station. Spike saw a stallion wearing Royal Guard armor and holding a clipboard in one hand. He was wearing a different style of the armor, he definitely wasn't just part of the Guard. The armor he had on was silver with a deep black outlining. Spike approached the man.

"Uhh, is this the train going to Special Forces boot camp?"

"Yes it is." He looked up from the clipboard and eyed Spike. "Name?"

"Spike, Spike the dragon." Spike said weakly.

"Ah, here you are, recruit." He made a check with his quill. "Alright, you're all ready to go. You have ten minutes to say your farewells."

Spike returned to his group and frowned. Apple Jack noticed right away.

Ten more minutes.

The relegation zone... I saw this coming from the start.

Chapter 6: Departure

"What's wrong, sugar-cube?" The group shifted their attention to Spike and waited for a response.

"I have ten more minutes with you guys." His shoulders slumped solemnly and he looked at the ground.

The six fiends saw the hurt hidden in his body language and closed in on the drake for a hug. Spike felt a warmth surround him, cheering him up. He looked up at the familiar faces that have always been there for him before. He felt safe in their arms, knowing that they would always support him.

"We're going to miss you, Spike." Fluttershy said in a soothing tone.

The group hummed in approval. It was Spike's turn to cry. He was leaving the only home he knew, a home that contained the best friends he could ask for. He reached out to the mares and tightened their hug.

"I'll miss you girls more." He whispered to them. "But I have to do this, I have to go. I'm going to learn how to protect you, and I'm going to return better than you guys could ever imagine. I'm going to make you proud."

"The Forces recruit train is now boarding." An amplified voice rang out.

Spike let go of the mares turned to his train. there was a line in front of the stallion with the clipboard. He nodded to the new recruits one by one and they boarded the train. Spike took a step back from the group and looked at their saddened faces. he didn't want to leave them like this.

"Good luck to ya, Spike." Apple Jack said, wiping her eyes.

"I be back soon." Spike turned away from them again and started making his way to the train.

"Spikey, wait!" He stopped and faced Rarity. She quickly leaned up and kissed his cheek while slipping a piece of paper into the pocket of his sweater. She pulled away from him and smiled. "Please return soon."

Spike's mind was swirling, he received pecks from Rarity in the past for helping her out, but this kiss had more weight to it that heated Spike to his core. He grabbed Rarity and pulled her into a hug.

"I will." he whispered.

He stepped back looked at her. She wiped at her face with the back of her hand, leaving black streaks in her fur. She smiled through her tears and stared back at him.

"Goodbye Spike." Rarity turned away from him and made her way back to the group of friends.

Spike continued his way to the train, still in a stupor. He lined up with the other passengers outside of the train's entrance.  The man with the clipboard watched as the last of the enlisted recruits stepped on the train. He signaled and then nodded at the engineer and boarded the cabin, closing the tram's doors behind him. The train hissed and let a cloud of smoke rise from it's engine. Spike found his way to an open seat and sat down with his backpack on his lap. He looked out the widow to see six of the closest friends he had waving a final "goodbye". He smiled and waved back.

The train shuttered and started to inch forward, gaining speed slowly. Spike stared at his friends until he couldn't see them anymore, hopefully imprinting their faces in his mind. It will be a while before he gets a chance to see them again.

Once Spike was out of sight, Twilight broke down and crumbled to her knees. Trying to hold onto her emotions while her number one assistant left her proved too much for her to handle. Fluttershy was the first to join Twilight on the ground to comfort her, the other soon followed.

After awhile they got Twilight to her feet an on her way home. The group split up when they reached main street. Fluttershy offered to walk Twilight home. Twilight refused, she would rather be alone right now. Twilight silently parted from the group and teleported to the library. She went straight to her bathroom and turned only the cold water on in her shower. She locked the door and stepped inside. The chilled water ran over her mane but didn't ease her worried thoughts.

Rarity felt bad for Twilight, seeing Spike finally leave the nest must have been hard on her. Rarity made her way to the boutique and closed up shop for the day. She went to the kitchen and made herself a late lunch, only to realize that she wasn't hungry. She sighed and looked down at the meal, her mind still focusing on Spike.

How am I suppose to last a year without the little cutie around?

Spike kept staring outside with his hand supporting his head. Once the train maintained a constant speed, the man with the clipboard stood up in the front of the cabin.

"Good afternoon recruits," the train car went silent,"I am your Recruit Division Commander. The train will arrive at base in an hour."

One of the passengers rose his hand. "When's lunch?"

The rest of the passengers look at the stallion and frowned, some giggled.

"Ha! Since you all are new here I'll let that one slide. You will all be served lunch at the barracks, after you talk to the Chief  Petty Officer of course. Oh and next time," the Commander leaned down into the stallion's face. "You do not speak unless spoken to, recruit."

The stallion sunk into his seat and nodded.

"Now that we understand, please enjoy the last hour of your civilian life." The Commander went back to his seat and the noise picked back up in the train car.

Spike went back to looking out the window. His hand found their way into the hoodie's pockets. Spike was surprised when his hands brushed up against a thin piece of paper. He pulled it out and held it in the light. He smiled and read the wording to himself.

Return safely, Spikey.

Underneath it was a bright red lip mark. Spike flipped the paper over and grinned.

There's all these secrets that I can't keep

Like in my heart there's that hotel suite and you lived there so long,

It's kinda strange now you're gone...