It's been a few years, but it finally happened. Rarity finally told him it just wasn't gong to work out. Now all Spike wants to do is sit in his room and wallow in his misery. Fortunately, Rainbow Dash has other ideas. After all, she needs a partner for the Equestrian Unity Challenge and he could use some time away from home. Of course, making a partnership work is hard enough without the introduction of unexpected rivals or unexpected feelings.

(Written for the fourth SpikeDash competition. As this is under some constraints as a contest entry, this may see later expansion.)

(Thanks to Rocinante for pre-reading/editing.)