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? Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Early Afternoon Estimated time remaining: 10 Minutes