Spike

“I can’t believe I did that,” Spike muttered under his breath. Behind him was Sweet Apple Acres, apple trees planted randomly across the fields, with Ponyville lying off to the east. North and east of his old home town was the Everfree Forest, marshlands and swamps, gnarled and haggard trees all clustered together. Spike’s attention was more focused on the dirt and gravel road, extending out in front of him. He had never been so embarrassed in all his life, the purple dragon would be lucky if Rainbow Dash just kept laughing, then maybe he could recover some of his lost dignity.

Applejack had said that it was fine multiple times; that it was in fact her fault for forcing him to try his claw at apple bucking, but it still bothered him. He didn’t know his strength, that was true, but he should have known not to become carried away by peer pressure. I’ll never be able to show my face at Sweet Apple Acres again. The orange pony with the Stetson had promised to give Rainbow Dash a stern talking to when she calmed down, but that wouldn’t do much for Spike’s damaged pride. That poor tree.

He wasn’t looking forward to when Twilight learned of this little incident. She had made a big deal about it this morning over his new peaches and cream oatmeal breakfast, but Spike had only smirked at the studious mare.

“I just think you would do well to know what you’re doing before you agree to it,” Twilight had reiterated for the second time. He remembered playing it off as just her overactive imagination going overboard. She was seated at the table, her back to the window as she enjoyed the mouth-watering breakfast delight in front of her.

The sun’s rays had gleamed in from the window, bathing the dining room, and the tips of the dragon’s scales in the morning light. Spike had been scooping his last spoonful of oats out of the pot to sit and join her. “Twilight, I don’t want to think about that right now. Can’t we just enjoy my breakfast?” He felt bad about it now, walking along the path. I know she meant well, but I had more important things to worry about than what I agreed to do with Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“I’m just saying, it would be nice for them to have told you what it was they were planning. It might become out of hoof if they don’t know how strong you are.”

The dragon’s tail flicked back and forth as he reached the outskirts of the Apple family’s farm. He smiled as he remembered that all too truthful confession back at the library. “I can’t tell you how much I missed your nagging over the years.” In Canterlot everything seemed to be so calm, as far as the royal palace was concerned. There were no constantly distraught mares there who needed his help to reorganise books and papers and scrolls, or to send carefully thought out documents that were revised several times before being sent off to the princess. Even Princess Luna, who he had suspected would be most like Twilight in terms of being busy and stressed over minor things, had rarely been in need of his assistance.

“I am not nagging. I’m simply trying to keep you from injuring yourself or others accidentally. You told me yourself you haven’t done anything like this before, not even in Canterlot.”

“You didn’t seem upset on any other day that I was with somepony.”

“That’s because none of those days required any heavy lifting.”

“I know…I don’t know my own strength yet, but I promised, didn’t I? I’ll take it easy, I swear!” This was leading nowhere. He had shrugged his shoulders and begun to eat his delectable-looking meal. He remembered taking the first bite, feeling his taste buds grin in pleasure. Another job well done with heating. Twilight had been impressed with his flame control as she had watched him work. The oatmeal had boiled nicely and the peaches were arranged in an intricate pattern he had developed to draw the eye. It might have had something to do with being around Rarity for so long. Milk and peach sauce had been drizzled over the meal to complete the simple, but elegant dish.

“I suppose so. Oh, alright! I’m too starving to argue anyway, let’s dig in,” Twilight had said, enveloping a spoon in her magic to sample her meal. The memory of her taking her first bite elicited a chuckle from Spike as he walked. It was her first time eating it, the dragon having discovered the recipe in Canterlot. He had decided to try it out, and from this morning’s trial run, Spike knew it had to be good.

His pace came to an abrupt end, near a tree. Spike felt the gravel under his clawed feet, crumbling under his weight. He was still ambling along, on his way to Fluttershy’s cottage, but his conversation with Twilight had brought up some worrying thoughts that he was reminded of now. That look she gave me…was she scared that I would hurt her? My claws- He had thought long and hard into his pillow about how Rarity had stared at him last night. The eight foot-long dragon could think of no other reason for her to react that way, or at least, he didn’t want to think about the other possible reason.

Spike resumed his journey, and he tried not to think too hard on what had happened that night. Rarity wouldn’t do that if she didn’t care, he thought, passing by some houses on the outskirts of Ponyville. It wasn’t too far from his friend’s house now. I-I mean…if she didn’t like me, she wouldn’t have offered to dance with me. He ground his teeth, trying to forget what his mind was telling him.

“Spike? Are you okay?” His morning with Twilight flashed before his eyes again. The alicorn had placed a hoof over his lower arm. Her worried expression still burned in his mind. Spike had managed to smile back, standing up from his seat.

No, I’m not. He wanted to say that to her now. Instead, the dignitary had replied, “Yeah, I’m alright. I should probably be heading over to Sweet Apple Acres though. I’ll see you later, okay Twilight?”

“Sure, if there’s any trouble, you know where to find me.” The astute mare stood up from her seat as well, and walked over to give him a tender hug before he left.

“In a mountain of books on the floor?”

“A wise guy, huh? Out mister.” She pointed to the door, an amused grin just barely contained on her face. Spike managed to chuckle at the memory, almost feeling himself again.

I can’t let Twilight see me like that anymore. She worries too much about me as it is. Spike wandered down the dirt roads and the streets and alleyways on the way to Fluttershy’s cottage, he just wished it wasn’t so far away. It stood on the northeast end of Ponyville, just a few meters west of the Everfree Forest. Spike knew he could fly there, but he dare not. He didn’t want to frighten some unknowing ponies with a dragon flying overhead.

When he arrived at the door, he knocked three times, stepped back down to the bottom, and waited. ‘Beast…’ Rarity’s words still echoed inside his skull, and even though Spike had an easier time of ignoring them now, he still heard them from time to time. ‘Spike that’s not true!’ She had hugged him then, if only to bring comfort to a friend she had unintentionally injured. He was grateful for that at least, not allowing himself to look into it much further. Just one more day. Spike managed to calm himself as he waited for the door to swing open, a light blush staining his otherwise purple cheeks. Rarity is still a really good dancer, even better than I remember. I could have just danced all night.

“Spike?” said a quiet voice from the backyard. He looked around to the back and saw the timid pegasus, with her ears perked up, most likely to make sure she heard a knocking. But when the two matched eyes, she smiled. “Oh, it is you. I’m so sorry, I was feeding my little animal friends.”

“It’s alright, Fluttershy. May I join you?”

“Sure, I’ll open the gate.”

“No need,” he said, waving his clawed hand. Spike flapped his wings to gain some lift and soared down to meet Fluttershy in the yard. It was only then that he realised that he had just done what he had wanted to prevent from happening on the journey over here. Squirrels and chipmunks squeaked and scurried around, birds chirped or squawked, and fright filled the yard as Spike looked on. All of Fluttershy’s animals were running around the yard, either fleeing or hiding from him, or growling his way. His jaw clenched as he looked to the timid pegasus apologetically. “Sorry.”

“Oh dear,” said Fluttershy, as her head turned this way and that, looking at her fearful animals. “Please settle down all of you. It’s alright, he’s a friend of mine.” Spike sat away from Fluttershy, so as not to seem like he was about to do anything horrible to their caretaker, or them. The situation began to diffuse, most of the creatures realising that Spike hadn’t actually taken any harmful action. The smaller birds and squirrels still hid away in trees or under bushes. The dragon diplomat felt a twinge of guilt run through him at their obvious distress. “I’m so sorry, Spike. They are mostly timid creatures. They don’t know you and…most are new here.”

“It’s alright, Fluttershy. I should have been more careful.” I’m used to it. Spike looked to all of the stressed faces around him, feeling very self-conscious. His heart ached. He wanted to fly away again. Why did I have to be born a dragon? He swallowed and turned back to Fluttershy. “Are you still able to spend the day with me?”

The yellow mare brightened. “Oh, yes, of course. I mean…if you still want to…that is.” Spike nodded gently and relaxed a little bit as he saw the other animals returning to their own business. Some still eyed him suspiciously every so often, he couldn’t really blame them. “Well, just let me finish up here, and then we can figure something out, okay?”

“Alright, I’ll just wait here,” replied Spike, lying down near the gate to the backyard. He didn’t want to frighten Fluttershy’s friends again, so he thought it best if he stayed well enough away, safe from all of those frightened faces.

“Okay. I won’t be long,” said the pegasus, smiling softly at the dragon. As Fluttershy flew off to continue her creature feeding, Spike’s mind shifted back to earlier in the morning when he had encountered Rarity.

When the seamstress had spoken, the dragon jumped a little, too wrapped up in his thoughts to realise where he was going, or who he was nearly bumping into. She was as elegant as she had been at the party, but a saddlebag hung from her back this morning. “Hi Rarity. I didn’t think I’d see you today. Not that that’s a bad thing that I did see you, I was just…thinking about what Applejack and Rainbow Dash wanted to do.” Smooth, Spike, velvety smooth.

Rarity had merely grinned back and waved a dismissive hoof. “Oh think nothing of it, dear. I think if I had been more focused on my own thoughts we would have passed each other by unknowingly. As for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.”

He ground his teeth again. Yeah, until I kick an entire tree out of the ground. Spike crossed his arms as he rested, flexing his wings carefully. I hope she’s okay out there, he thought.

“Spike, you are a dear to offer, but I’m alright. You have plans after all and I’ve managed just fine without your help these last few years.” Spike winced, remembering the harsh tinge to her voice. He knew she hadn’t meant to be so blunt; it was on impulse that he had asked to join her and she had known that. This isn’t four years ago. She was doing this without me without any problems, even back before I came here with Twilight, most likely. “I cannot expect you to drop everything on my account. Not when you have plans already. It would be inappropriate.”

Spike’s wings had felt very uncomfortable at that point. He remembered trying to reposition them in a more familiar place, but never truly succeeded.

The fashionista smiled sweetly at the dragon. “We still can make plans for that, make no mistake. I enjoy your company greatly.” Spike’s legs almost buckled when he heard that. He blushed at the memory as he lay seated on the grass. She…she still enjoys spending time with me.

From behind Balloons and Things, the plan your own party store, the eight foot-long dragon had dared to glance back at the shrinking figure of Rarity.

Spike regretted parting with Rarity on such terms, but Spike couldn’t look into those sapphire eyes any longer. He would surely break. His hesitance to respond to her last sentence was too obvious for her not to have noticed that something was off. The dignitary was almost thankful that she hadn’t galloped after him. I…don’t really have anything planned for us…it’s just…there is something I need to confess. If I can’t say it then, or even think it while talking to her without panicking, how am I meant to explain it to her at the boutique?

He pushed those thoughts to the side for now, seeing Fluttershy soaring over to meet him. Spike raised his head to meet her gaze. “So, Fluttershy, did you have anything in mind for us to do today?” asked Spike, trying to sound cheerful.

“Not particularly, Spike. I haven’t been up to much for a while actually, just the usual. Oh!” Fluttershy placed a hoof over her muzzle. Her face twisted in thought, her apprehension showing plainly.

Spike raised himself up and stepped closer to the shy pony, his interest piqued. “What’s wrong? Did you think of something?”

“Uh, well…yes…” Fluttershy replied, although hesitantly. Spike watched her expressions change as she attempted to find the right words. “I was just…wondering…about what could be further in…inside the Everfree Forest. I’ve always kind of wondered to be honest, but I haven’t been able to explore it. There’s no telling what could be in there.”

There were many mysterious things about the forest outside of Ponyville. Most musings about the Everfree Forest went unanswered. The tree line stretched for miles, over hills and across mountains, near coastlines and in the valleys before Canterlot.

Much of the center was unexplored by anypony. It was frightening to imagine what could be lurking inside, if timberwolves and manticores appeared just on the borders, there was no way of knowing what horrors resided deeper inside. Spike had flown over the forest several times over his years as an ambassador, the Everfree being so expansive it was difficult to avoid soaring over it, but the last time he had been inside was at least four years ago.

Spike hummed his agreement. “I must admit I have always wanted to explore that forest more thoroughly. If you want, I could go with you. I should be able to keep anything in there at a comfortable distance from us.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t.” Fluttershy put a hoof to her mouth quickly. “I mean, doesn’t that seem dangerous? What would my little friends do if I wasn’t able return to feed them tomorrow?”

Spike laughed. “I’ll take care of anything that comes our way. I’ve gone on escort quests throughout my days in Canterlot.”

An heiress from the Griffin Kingdom had requested an escort back to her own lands, fearing that some shadow she had seen while flying to Canterlot might steal her away. Princess Celestia assured her that no such incident would happen on her lands, but nonetheless agreed to provide a guard. The eight foot-long dragon had recovered from his last quest to Zebrica and Camelu – a long and arduous journey which had left his wings aching and sore for weeks – so the alicorn had him escort her back. Spike had agreed easily and the passage from pony territory to the griffin lands went off without any trouble.

“Well, if you’re sure.” Spike nodded in reply, which seemed to relieve the pegasus from her stress and uncertainty. “Okay, why not? I’m sure we’ll find all sorts of little critters that I’ll just want to hug and hold and carry home with me.”

“Did you need to prepare at all for the trip? I’m ready now, so whenever you are we can get going.” Spike took a seat in front of her, looking over at Fluttershy’s cottage and the chicken coop. He saw Angel Bunny standing at the door to the cottage, eyeing him warily, but not coming close to the winged creature. Spike’s smile dripped smugness. Give me the evil eye all you want, you know you can’t do anything to upset me now.

“Oh, I will just let all of my little friends know I will be away for a few hours. Everything else is already taken care of, so we can leave right away.” Fluttershy took flight and began to let the feeding animals know what was happening.

While the timid pegasus sorted out her affairs, Spike found himself reliving last night. I can’t believe I did that; what was I thinking asking her to dance like that? He was smiling despite himself. Though, she said she didn’t mind. The eight foot-long dragon stood up on all fours and gazed around the yard. It hadn’t changed in size much since he last saw it, though Fluttershy probably didn’t really need any new room for her animal friends. The chicken coop was still present closest to the house. A stream ran along on the outside and a bridge joined her home with the pathway at the front. He doubted he would be able to fit into her cottage now. If any house wasn’t built for a dragon of his size, it would be this one.

That thought upset him greatly. It made him worry about tomorrow, when he would meet with Rarity for their…date. He swallowed hard on that word. What if…what if I can’t even fit in through her door? What would she say? Spike glanced up at the sun, set on its descent down for the night to begin. He managed a smile as he raised a clawed hand to shield his eyes. She would probably bring the food outside and eat in the sunlight. I hope she’s alright on her own out there.

Spike shook his head as soon as he thought that. She’s fine. It has been four years since I was helping her with anything. I’m sure she’s doing fine without me. Those last two words were what made him clench his jaws next. I…I am the one that needs her help this time. I just hope this doesn’t break up our friendship.

After Fluttershy finished speaking to all of her animals, Angel Bunny taking up most of that time with squeaks and other such complaints for her leaving him, the two friends took to the skies and were soon over the forest canopy. The sun shone down on them, casting lengthening shadows along the earth as the day drew on. Cirrus and cirrocumulus clouds covered the skies over the Everfree Forest, yet the sun still reached the thick and gnarled trees with its life giving warmth.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in there, hasn’t it?” Spike mused.

Fluttershy chuckled. “I think that goes for the both of us. We haven’t had much need to be in there after all.”

“I guess you’re right,” Spike said, grinning a tooth-filled grin. “So how far do you want to go before we land?” He turned his head downward to squint inside the ancient forest. There really was no telling what could be in there, but that only made the eight foot-long dragon curious. This’ll be much better than relaxing on the grass.

“I’m not sure. We’re already well past the Castle of the Two Sisters. This is farther than I’ve ever been; oh, maybe at the clearing over there.” Fluttershy pointed over to the left. Sure enough, there was a profound break in the tree line next to a hill-side area.

“Sure, sounds good to me.”

Even in broad daylight, Spike could see how the forest closed in around him, stifling the air and leaving a lingering sense of dread. The soil beneath his clawed feet was dry, barely able to support grasses and flowers among the trees.

“Alright, now step softly. We wouldn’t want to disturb any small animals that could be resting or eating.” Fluttershy spoke, taking the lead, just wandering to the rim of the clearing.

“That’s a bit difficult to do when you’re a dragon of my size,” said Spike, good humoredly.

All at once, the environment flooded with all sorts of species; from swallows and sparrows to a large iguana crawling on a tree branch. All around Fluttershy, a group of little yellow birds flew in sync with one another, creating a wedge formation in the sky. Snakes, bees and animals of all kinds permeated the clearing, intent on identifying what had landed near their homes.

Fluttershy’s eyes sparkled with delight at the multitude of different, brightly coloured animals. “Wow, yellow finches. I didn’t expect to see any of those here. They’re so beautiful. Oh, and a blue tongued skink. He must be lost, he’s normally found in a dryer climate, or maybe it’s a new subspecies adapted to live in moist forested areas.”

The afternoon drew on, beams of light still striking the clearing just over the tops of the mountains and trees; however little, it was welcome to the dragon to have the area illuminated, so he could keep a wary eye on the treeline. As Fluttershy spoke with the new animals, some birds seemed bold enough to fly past and even land on Spike’s head. He tilted his head, but he smiled at the interaction.

He lay on his stomach and watched the scene play out with a tired grin. Well, she seems to be enjoying herself at least, Spike thought, glancing back over at the timid pony. I probably shouldn’t move much, I don’t want to disturb the animals. Maybe I can-! Spike’s ears picked up some noise in the distance, interrupting his thoughts.

His senses flared as he turned to face the sound, all his hearing trained on the area it came from. There it was again. His eyes widened. He bolted toward Fluttershy as the birds took off startled by his sudden movement. He wheeled around to stand between the pegasus and the treeline, opening his wings to protect and shuffle Fluttershy away from the edge of the forest. He turned his head as he extended his wings anxiously.

“Get behind me, Fluttershy!” Spike yelled, taking up a defensive stance in front of the timid pegasus.

“What is it, Spike?” Fluttershy replied, flinching slightly as she saw the dragon’s wings fly across her vision.

Spike huffed at the darkness before him. “Just stay there. I heard something and it isn’t friendly. We need to leave as soon as possible.”

Before that piece of advice could be heeded, out of the forest underbrush walked a large black wolf. Spike snarled when he realised, scrunching up his nose. This was no timberwolf, normally spotted on the borders of the Everfree; this was a direwolf, a dark and menacing creature. It was almost six feet-long, though coming up a head shorter than Spike; the black coated wolf had broad shoulders and long, powerful legs. It was something Spike never imagined would live here. The creature bared its fangs, showing off its large canines in an attempt to intimidate the dragon.

“Oh my…” He heard Fluttershy whisper behind him.

The two larger creatures stared at each other in silence, until the wolf placed a paw on the soil of the clearing. The purple dragon clenched his jaw, took in a deep breath and let out a terrifying, deafening roar. The sound echoed through the dense trees, into the skies and in the caverns, far off in the mountains, spooking the birds and other creatures from their resting places.

Everything went silent.

The direwolf didn’t flinch, only continuing her slow approach. She licked her lips, staring at the dragon and Fluttershy. Spike understood what she was really after and shifted his eyes to make certain that the timid pegasus had heeded his warning. Sure enough, she was behind him, trembling terribly. I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I brought us here. I’m going to get us out though. He turned back to face the hungry animal.

The great wolf prowled around in circles, Spike following her every move. He was on high alert; growling low, he always kept himself between the direwolf and Fluttershy.

The wolf lunged at him from his left, going for his neck, but Spike drew back and scratched at the creature’s side. The direwolf dodged out of the way before any serious damage could be made, but did not back down. The animal growled loudly at Spike and paced off further to his left side as another wolf appeared from out of his peripheral vision, running toward the dragon at full speed.

“Spike! Look out!” Fluttershy cried.

Spike twisted around and whipped his tail at the direwolf, hitting him hard and tossing him into a tree. “Fluttershy, be careful! Keep an eye on them, there could be more.” Spike’s right arm tensed up as teeth sunk into his scales. The female wolf had carried out a successful surprise attack, burying her canines farther in, but Spike wasn’t about to admit defeat.

He clenched the fist of his trapped arm and shook the wolf roughly until she lost her grip, throwing her to the ground. With his other arm, he scratched at the wolf’s face, leaving the creature bloody.

“Spike!”

Another intense surge of pain greeted the eight foot-long dragon on his right hind leg. The second wolf had recovered more quickly than Spike had anticipated, and now it had a firm grip on his calf. He grunted in pain at the pressure on his muscles, eyeing the female direwolf through clenched teeth. I can’t fly up and get rid of him that way, because the other wolf will attack Fluttershy. The female was up again, ready to have another go at Spike, but as she started another assault, the dragon took in a breath and let out a stream of green flame in front of the animal. It scorched the ground and burned the plants with a hot intensity, barely missing the wolf’s legs.

This time she did jump in surprise, not expecting this larger creature to breathe fire, Spike assumed. Sensing now that this was a losing battle, she turned tail and ran back into the deep forest. Now relieved of one of the animals, the dragon spread his wings and lifted himself off the ground. With his unhindered hind-leg, Spike scratched at the direwolf’s exposed stomach, loosening the grip on his other leg. At the same time he whipped his tail at the creature’s side, making him yelp in pain. The wolf let go, dropped to the ground and ran.

Spike landed and folded his great wings back to his sides. He was breathing heavily, a bit unprepared for such an agile and intelligent pair of animals, but he was unharmed. The muscles where they had bitten were already aching, but he ignored those feelings.

“Oh my goodness!” cried Fluttershy in dismay, as she cantered over to see him. “Are you hurt, Spike? Let me see! Oh, you poor dear. That was not a very nice pair of…whatever they were. We need to get to the hospital immediately, you could be seriously hurt.”

Spike just smiled and showed her his arm where the direwolf first latched onto it. “Don’t worry, dragon scales. Hardly felt a thing. They’ve actually become much thicker over the years, not that I’ve had much practice in this sort of business to test them. They’re still quite light though, useful for fast turns and flight.”

“Oh, thank Celestia. That was amazing! I’ve never seen a creature like that before. What were they?” Fluttershy asked, still wide-eyed in awe at what just transpired.

“Direwolves. I’ve seen them on my travels, though I have never actually had the pleasure of fighting one before. They’re from the western and northern continents: the Ibexian Tundra to the west and above the Thrashing Shroud Sea to the northeast. I didn’t realize they would be here in the Everfree Forest. I thought the worst would be timberwolves, or a cockatrice.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?” the timid pony asked, brushing Spike’s scales with a tender hoof.

“I’m fine, really; didn’t even draw blood. But we should probably leave here while we can. I don’t know what the learning curve on those wolves is, and I’d rather not have to find out.” Without another word, Spike spread his wings and took off, with Fluttershy close beside him.

“Well, that was a rather interesting adventure. There are all sorts of creatures living deeper inside that I never would have expected could or would want to live in these trees.” Fluttershy stared down at the thick forest, full of old and menacing trees and shrubs. “I don’t think anypony’s been in that deep before.”

Spike smirked. “That’s because they didn’t have a dragon big enough to defend them.”

“Thanks, Spike. I’m still sorry that I put you through all of that for me.” Fluttershy dropped her eyes again to look at the ground far below in sadness. By now, they were out of the forest and nearing her cottage, but the sun was beginning to set behind the mountains.

“Don’t be,” he replied, lifting up her head with a claw to smile at her broadly; that seemed to cheer her up. I’m the one that made you believe nothing would go wrong, he thought. When they reached the cottage it was evening, the sun having set behind the trees, allowing the light of Luna’s night to take over. After a bit of tea and cookies and relaxation, Spike bid Fluttershy goodbye and goodnight.

He took off, his wings unfurled as he made his way in the shimmer of the moon to Twilight’s house. As he soared, Spike peered down at all of the houses and businesses that he missed; almost as much as he missed the ponies that lived or worked inside them.

Quills and Sofas, Spike never understood why those two went together. He had given up before he left for Canterlot; Lyra’s home and Cheerilee’s, Rarity’s boutique. He grinned at the sight of the fashionista’s abode, remembering that their day together was tomorrow. The dragon purposefully didn’t think of anything to do ahead of time, allowing the beautiful unicorn to choose what they would do.

Spike spied the library in the distance and coasted down to land before the front steps. He had grown immensely over the years, and this comparison of dragon and door size made the difference of a few years much more obvious. Pretty soon she’ll have to find a larger door, or I will have to find an apartment large enough for me. He knocked on the door and waited. His tail flicked back and forth slowly. A lavender aura covered the frame as the door opened wide. Twilight stood there, smiling as she looked up to meet Spike’s eyes.

“Spike, you’re back! How was your day with Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?” she asked.

“It was fun. I kicked one of Applejack’s trees out of the soil on accident, nearly beat Rainbow Dash in a flying contest and Fluttershy and I explored the deeper parts of the Everfree Forest.”

Twilight looked startled at the day Spike had gone through. “Why did you kick one of Applejack’s trees out of the soil? And the Everfree Forest isn’t safe for baby–!”

Spike chuckled as the lavender alicorn covered her mouth with a hoof. He missed that mothering side of her while he was on his journeys. He missed her most days, unable to ask her for advice over what to do as a dignitary. Though Princess Celestia and Princess Luna taught him well and answered any of the questions or concerns that he had.

“Oh, Spike, I’m sorry I didn’t mean–!”

“It’s okay. I have to say I missed that in Canterlot. The princesses are nice and all, but you were always there for me back then.” Twilight smiled warmly at the eight foot-long dragon before her. “I also missed proving you wrong on several occasions.”

The smile vanished, replaced with a frown. “Get in here, mister.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Spike said, walking into the home and swinging his tail to keep it clear of any obstacles. Twilight seated herself down in the living room and listened as Spike told her about what transpired today. She commented on the dragon’s lack of foresight with both of the tasks, but was also happy that he had saved Fluttershy from the direwolf. Once all was said and done, both creatures were yawning openly. They bid the other goodnight and Twilight ascended the stairs while Spike remained on the first floor, wrapping himself in his blankets. Twilight blew out the lights with her magic, and Spike soon drifted off to sleep.

Author's Notes:

So, here we are at the chapter that started it all. The fight scene in this chapter is one of my favourites. It is also what made me want to write this whole darn thing. It is the very first thing that popped into my head, and I think I was on the bus, coming home from school.

I hope that I illustrated well enough that Spike was inexperienced with fighting here. The only way that he won was that he was so big, his scales were so tough and he had his fire breath. This chapter also shows just how insecure he still is when trying to tell Rarity his feelings.

The flashback to the last chapter, showing his side of the interaction between him and Rarity, was quite humorous because it shows that he really wasn't prepared to talk to her today, and that he stuttered out a really embarrassing response.

When he reaches Fluttershy's cottage and he startles all of her animals, it also shows that even though they are afraid of him hurting them, he is probably more afraid of the way they look at him.

Okay, another chapter down. Nearing the end of what I have written so far. Ta ta! ^^