Jewel of the Everfree
Chapter 9: Mistakes Made
Previous Chapter Next ChapterSpike sat at the dining room table in Twilight's Castle organizing multiple scrolls and reports from the various townships within Equestria; while finishing up the last bite of his ocean salmon salad sandwich, and a tea cake for dessert.
The young dragon felt a pressure build within his chest; and with a single, controlled breath he produced a tiny gout of green flame, which seemed to de-incinerate a scroll before his eyes.
The parchment dropped down into his awaiting claws, and his heart skipped a beat after seeing the midnight blue wax seal with a crescent moon emblem upon it.
Spike was tempted to break it open, and read the valuable information locked within. But this was a Princess's letter, for Princess's eyes only. He had never broken protocol before, and he wasn't about to start now.
Even though he really wanted to.
Instead, Spike cut his thoughts short, and immediately added the scroll to the top of the growing pile of documents.
He stood and collected all the scrolls, files, and folders in his arms, before taking the shortest path to his destination; which lead through the throne room.
The little dragon wasn't so little anymore. His chair nearly rivaled that of the other thrones surrounding the round, crystalline table.
Spike had learned to control much of his dragon instincts; the most difficult being his greed. After learning about his friend Thorax and his amazing transformation, along with the Changeling's loss of appetite for love. Spike wondered if friendship, and not possessions would help him grow into the big, strong dragon he'd always dreamed of becoming!
So he set about making more of his own friends.
Dragons usually collect gold, gems, and other random valuables for their hoard; but Spike managed to make the ponies of this small town his treasures, and it bore marvelous results!
His green spikes became more regal and less rending, and his purple scales shone like a thousand precious stones.
But there was one treasure he'd dearly like to have back in his hoard.
Spike thought of her as he gazed upon the white throne emblazoned with her three-diamond Cutie Mark.
The Cutie Map was deactivated for the time being. The throne room was crowded with thaumatalogical instruments used in the measurement and control of Magical energies. Leaving Spike to look for a new work-space. Though he'd rather be playing Ogres & Oubliettes on it right about now; for nothing else other than to distract himself from all the stress that had built in the past few weeks.
He briefly wondered if his chair would continue to grow with him, or if it would simply disappear once he became too big. The last thought scared him, as if the castle itself were to reject him, and he'd no longer be Twilight's number one assistant.
In the back of his mind, he knew, that time was still a long way off.
Spike eyed the large table and let out a growling sigh that held all the frustration, boredom, and anger towards the relic, and all the inconvenience it brought upon him.
He hefted everything in his arms, and walked through the cold, cavernous hallways of Twilight's Castle. The young dragon easily reached for the door handle - he once had to jump for - while cradling the documents in one arm and under his chin.
He entered the library, and navigated past a small maze of chalkboards whose heights matched that of the vaulted ceiling inside the impressive athenaeum. Only an Alicorn, or a keen-eyed Unicorn could ever make use of the towering blackboards. Nary a single inch of their surface was spared from being used as they spanned around the entirety of the library; virtually replacing the walls and shelves.
The book shelves spanning the walls were barren, their contents laying in heaps on the floor all around the rotunda. A 'miniature' model of the Smoky Mountains - made of books - served as the backdrop for Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer; who were already in deep discussion behind a large, ornate wooden desk. Whose surface was cluttered with compasses, protractors, and other navigational tools. A left over daisy and daffodil sandwich (stale), along with a half finished mug of black liquid (cold), added to the mess of organized chaos.
'Coffee' as the Bovines called it, was Twilight's new late-shift friend.
"...she can only spare half a dozen, I know that's a lot less than what you were hoping for, but since-" Starlight Glimmer said, while Twilight stared down at a book she was likely re-reading.
"Wow, Rainbow's covered this much of Equestria already?" Spike exclaimed, eyeing a large map of Equestria, and of lands beyond.
Much of the cartographer maps were covered in red markings and grid-like patterns to indicate Dash's progress, and of possible locations for her to search next.
There were also color coded pins tacked onto the maps as well. Blue pins represented Rarity's cutie mark as it had appeared on the Cutie Map, and larger Red pins were the location of cities and townships; whose territories were saturated in red markings. Many of the areas that were densely packed with blue pins had already been searched, and now all that remained were the countless thousands of others spread evenly throughout Equestria and beyond.
"Spike, don't interrupt while others are speaking," Twilight chided, while putting down the tome.
"Oops, sorry Twi. Hey, Starlight," he greeted the pink unicorn, with a sheepish grin.
"Hi Spike," Starlight greeted him back with a warm smile, letting him know his presence was welcome.
"So, where is she now?" he asked out of curiosity, while placing the parchments on the 'clearest' part of the table.
"Today she's covering most of the mid-eastern sectors of Equestria," Twilight answered. Her purple horn glowed a pink aura, levitating the newly arrived scrolls towards her, while quickly skimming through them.
Starlight looked between her mentor and the maps, while making a face like she knew something was amiss.
"Wait, that includes almost half of the Everfree Forest. Wasn't she covering the outskirts of Vanhoover just yesterday?" Starlight Glimmer asked, with a hint of suspicion.
That was some serious distance, far too much, even for Rainbow Dash; who had yet to break Wind Rider's Mustang Marathon record.
Even Spike felt there was something wrong with this picture.
"She couldn't have covered that much area in a day, can she?" Starlight Glimmer questioned. "I thought we agreed that she'd stick to doing standard A.S.R. routines," she finished suspiciously.
Pegasi who were trained in Aerial Search and Rescue would normally search a given area in one of many flight patterns; the most common being Plowing, in which a pegasus would fly in a grid-like pattern, and Circling, which required landmarks for the pegasus to fly around and gradually increase their distance away from the marker.
"I know it seems like a lot, but according to this report from the weather ponies at the Tempest Citadel, the storms over the Everfree forest are going to be picking up soon. I want her to check it thoroughly before they do. So it's fine, she'll stop to rest and resupply in Baltimare, before heading out again," Twilight informed her protégé.
"Has she?" Starlight Glimmer questioned. "I don't think she's stopped searching since the first night Rarity... How much rest has she been getting?" she asked after shaking the depressive thoughts from her mind to keep the subject on Rainbow Dash.
Twilight Sparkle didn't say anything, as she busied herself by going through the reports Spike had brought in order to avoid the question.
"Twilight, how much rest is she actually getting?" Spike asked a little more firmly than his own recent discipline. He knew Twilight had been avoiding this discussion for awhile.
Twilight winced, knowing she wasn't going to be able to weasel her way out this time.
"The same as when she was training full-time with the Wonderbolts. So... two or three hours a day." Twilight admitted.
Spike balked at that, while Starlight Gimmer didn't look surprised.
"Knowing Rainbow Dash she's most likely going days without sleep. You have to stop her. She's going to collapse from exhaustion if you don't!" Starlight exasperated.
"I've tried! She refuses to quit, until she finds Rarity. And she's so certain she will too..." Twilight flapped her wings in frustration, leaving them unfurled and on display.
Starlight Gmimmer put a hoof on the table to emphasise her point. "Not even the best Wonderbolts can function on threehours of sleep a day for a month straight! And this is Rainbow. Dash. we're talking about here, the pony who naps, like, twenty times a day. I swear ninety percent of our 'chillaxing' sessions were her just napping, and the rest was me listening to her talking about the Wonderbolts. At her insistence, I might add."
"I know. It hasn't been easy getting more support from capable Pegasi, especially since Queen Chrysalis is still at large. The majority of our guard is still on high alert. There just isn't enough to spare for a prolonged search and rescue." Twilight finished somberly.
"Especially since we still don't know where she ended up..." Starlight added, matching her melancholy teacher's tone. Though the silent question of 'if she ended up anywhere' lingered over their heads.
"Which hasn't made it easy on Dash, still, it was her idea to search every inch of Equestria for Rarity, alone. And that's not all..." Twilight trailed off, getting Starlight's attention. Who's dreaded to hear any more bad news.
"Spitfire sent me a letter stating she was going to have to dishonorably discharge Rainbow from the Wonderbolts, if she doesn't report for duty soon." Twilight sighed, feeling the weight of her friend's future on her shoulders.
"Why would they be worried about a single, rogue Changeling queen? She's not that powerful, is she? She still needs tons of love to even think about going up against us again. Plus, she doesn't have a way to efficiently feed without her drone army, and wasn't her whole hive converted when Thorax metamorphosed?" Starlight questioned.
"No, there were many that were still loyal to her, not to mention the countless number of scouts that were out looking for ponies to take back to the hive at the time of the 'Great Change', as they've come to call it." said Twilight.
"I thought Chrysalis' plan was to capture only the most loved of Equestria?" Starlight asked thoughtfully.
"Do you really think she would've stopped at just us?" Twilight questioned her pupil, with a raised eyebrow.
Starlight nodded in understanding.
"Can't you, or the other Princesses do something about it?" Starlight asked.
"I've already looked into it. The Wonderbolts are a part of Cloudsdale's Unification Treaty, it states that Cloudsdale is considered a sovereign nation, with their own rules, regulations, and independent military force. It essentially allows them government, within our own government. Well, since the Wonderbolts were created by General Firefly, who was still under oath of loyalty to Cloudsdale, the Wonderbolts are considered part of their military force. Though... they were originally made up of their forces to begin with." Twilight finished her lecture, looking a bit peeved.
"What about Captain Spitfire? Surely Rainbow can be given an extended leave of absence, o-or something, right?" Starlight asked, now grasping for any solution to come to mind.
"She has several higher ranking officials above her, pressuring her to kick Rainbow out! She's been covering for her as much as she can, but she can only hold them off for so long!" Twilight pleaded.
"So basically the Wonderbolts belong to Cloudsdale, and they have to follow the same code of conduct as their regular military. But the treaty states that Cloudsdale is unified with the rest of the country, but not really, and because of that, the Crown can't interfere?" Starlight questioned in an annoyed tone.
"Exactly." Twilight said, with a single nod.
"That's horseapples!" Starlight exasperated.
Twilight only frowned, and nodded in agreement.
Spike felt it was a good time to interrupt without upsetting anypony. "Princess Luna just sent in this letter." he held out the scroll in his open claws, anticipating the magical grab.
Twilight wasted no time in snatching the scroll from Spike, and breaking the wax seal.
Twilight's eyes darted quickly over the parchment, before scoffing and throwing the letter on the table.
Starlight Glimmer levitated it towards her, and read aloud.
Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,
It is with heavy regret that I must inform you of my continued failure of a successful dreamwalk into Rarity's subconscious. While it is not unusual for me to have some difficulty in connecting with my little ponies, there are many reasons which can contribute to such a challenge.
My experience leads me to believe that outside forces are at work. Whether or not these forces are intentional, or simply natural due to the unpredictable nature of Magical forces, I have yet to determine either theory to be correct.
As you know, my first attempt to force myself into her dreams ended in disaster, as with the second. The third is most disturbing, as the 'doorway' to her mind is simply gone, and has yet to reappear in the weeks since its disappearance.
This leads to my second conclusion, and I regret to say that the worst may have happened to our dear friend.
I am truly, and deeply sorry Twilight, but there are many others I must tend to. Please understand that I have neglected my duties for a single soul, and cannot expend any more time, on any one pony.
Please note that I will not abandon our dear friend, and ask that you take solace in the knowledge that Rarity may still be alive. I am choosing to remain optimistic that wherever Rarity is, she is simply out of our reach, yet not beyond rescue.
With deepest sympathies, Princess Luna, Ruler of Equestria, Moon Warden, Bringer of the Night.
P.S. Our sister and I agree it would be in Equestria's best interest if the contents of this letter didn't reach the public. We cannot predict what the implications could be, if the kingdom ever found out an Element has passed on.
"No... she can't be..." Starlight dropped the letter from her magic, and stared distantly ahead.
Spike felt a weight forming in his gut. The thought of never seeing Rarity again started to take root, until Twilight's voice interrupted the depressive thoughts.
"We're not giving up, Princess Luna says she might still be alive." Twilight encouraged.
"Why did the Princess have so much trouble connecting with her?" Starlight asked thoughtfully, more to herself.
"I don't know, my only theory is magical interference. There are thousands of magical ley lines that run through the Everfree forest, and I've discovered many that connect directly to the Tree of Harmony. They could be the culprit."
"Do you really think she could be in the Everfree?" Starlight asked, thinking she could go with Twilight's plan if her reasons were good enough.
"Yes..? Maybe..? I don't know!? There are still lands far beyond our borders we haven't checked yet!" Twilight exclaimed throwing her hooves in the air! "The Griffin Commonwealth, Yakyakastan, the Dragon Lands, the list goes on and on!"
"And are you going to have Rainbow Dash check them all by herself?" Starlight asked with a tone in her voice.
"I know this looks bad, but I want Rainbow to check the Everfree over, before the weather hits! According to this report, this year's storm clouds are going to be harder to manage than any in the last decade!"
"And what are you going to do if Rainbow gets stranded out there too? Are you going to go out and find both of them by yourself? You know not even she can fly in an Everfree storm, much less you!"
"What would you have me do then!? I'm doing everything I can!" Twilight demanded, waving a hoof for emphasis.
"Call her back, and find a better way! Help me finish the tracking spell! Whatever you do, don't let Rainbow throw her life away on a lost cause!" Starlight exasperated, extending a hoof at each solution.
"Rainbow would give up everything, if it meant there was even a chance of finding her. And I feel terrible, because I don't want her to! She'll be labeled a deserter if she does, but at the same time she has her loyalty to her friends to consider. Why shouldn't I do any less!?" Twilight argued back, placing a hoof over her heart as it ached with the possible fate of one of her closest and dearest friends resting in her hooves.
"Twilight... we've- you've lost one friend already, don't lose another." Starlight begged her mentor to see reason.
"I haven't lost, nor am I going to 'lose' anypony else! Rainbow Dash knows what she's doing, and I trust her to take care of herself!" Twilight's argued back, her cheeks burning red in anger and frustration.
"Then what about her career! Are you really just going to let her throw away her life's dream!?" Starlight exclaimed, her own cheeks flushing as well.
"She's the greatest Wonderbolt who's ever lived! All the others can't deny it, they wouldn't dare kick her out. She has the support of myself, and the other Princesses." Twilight held her head high, trying to make herself as big as possible, hoping her mere presence alone would get Starlight to back off.
Starlight started evenly. "It's not going to matter... You said so yourself that they're independent from the crown." She reminded her, while flicking her ears back and forth, clearly annoyed by Twilight's futile gesture.
"Then maybe it's about time my status, and my power equated to something." Twilight stated darkly.
"You're starting to sound like me." Starlight warned, keeping her ears pinned back.
"Then maybe that's what I need to do. What I should do." Twilight muttered while looking at the maps with all the countless pins stuck in them.
"I know, and you know, you don't mean that." Starlight stated with a firm hoofstomp, letting her mentor know where she stood on the matter.
"Can I say something?" Spike stepped forward, hoping his presence will help calm them down, he regretting letting the argument go on for as long as it did. "I think we should get Dash back here for a bit of rest, and debriefing. Then we can leave it up to her to decide whether or not to keep going."
"We all know what she'll choose. Besides, she shouldn't be out there anyway. She's not even a certified rescue pony." Starlight Glimmer muttered.
"Spike. Go wait outside until we're done." Twilight glared at him, as if daring him to disobey her command.
Spike looked at her with a hurt expression, she'd never ordered him like that before; and the look on her face spelled trouble for him if he disobeyed.
"Pff, whatever." Spike wanted to keep arguing, but knew when to concede defeat. And removed himself from the room.
Spike thought about storming off to his room out of spite, but decided better against it, and leaned his back against the wall next to the library door, and crossed his arms, letting his temper stew.
He could barely hear their muffled voices, even as the steadily rose through the door.
"- ALL I'VE BEEN DOING IS TRYING TO FIND RARITY!" was all Spike could hear, before the door flew open, narrowly hitting his shoulder.
"Starlight, wait! I'm sor- wham!..." Twilight called out, but it was too late. The door had already shut. Spike watched in shock as the pink unicorn galloped down the hallway, and round the nearest corner out of sight.
The dragon entered the library once again. The chalkboards were shifted over, and some leaned against each other, clearing a straight path back to Twilight and her desk.
Spike was prepared to give Twilight a stern talking to, about how she's been treating her friends. But the melancholy look of his best friend and caretaker made him hesitate.
"Send Dash a letter... tell her to come home... then you can take the rest of the day off, Spike." Twilight said somberly, never bothering to look at him, as she slowly sat down. Looking completely lost.
"Twilight, are you- sure?" Spike asked, uncertain if he heard her correctly. She never gave him time off like that.
Twilight only gave him a single nod.
Spike did as she asked, without needing to check with her on how she wanted it written. He knew already, from his experience writing her letters after all those years, and continued to do so. He knew what her favorite phrases were, her favorite words to use, and the manner in which to use them.
If Spike wanted to, he could write anything he wanted, and nopony would know. He could make anything happen, but he learned his lesson about that a long time ago, when he pretended to be 'Princess' for a day.
Spike took a moment to look back at his caretaker, before sliding the royal letter into the post box out on the balcony of the castle, awaiting to be picked up by the afternoon mailpony. Who would see the royal wax seal of Twilight's cutie mark, and expedite it to another pegasus, or griffin who could deliver it over far longer distances. Until it finally reached its destination, The Royal Sonata Hotel in Baltimare where Rainbow would be staying, and awaiting further instructions.
"It's done." Spike said, simply.
Twilight didn't even react, choosing to stare blankly at the map, with all of it's countless blue pins, while sitting on a large cushion.
Until she felt the smooth scales of her once baby dragon gently wrap around her neck. She could feel the warmth of his body press against her, and with a little pressure, broke her emotional dam.
"I'm sorry, Spike" she barely managed to whisper.
"I know you are, it's okay." he reassured her.
"I'm not giving up, not ever." she said, with all the conviction of a crying foal.
"I know you won't."
"I'll find her."
"I know you will."
Spike felt her accept his embrace, by nuzzling her cheek against his chest, and letting the length of her horn rest just under the side of his chin.
"Is there anything else I can do?" Spike asked, not wanting to let go just yet.
"No, you can go Spike. I need some time to think about what I'm going to do next." she said, breaking the embrace, and letting her hoof linger on his shoulder.
She was so proud of him, he was her rock, her foundation to lean on, whenever things got tough. He was growing up to be the big, strong dragon she'd always knew he'd become.
Twilight put on a brave face for his sake, and waved their goodbyes. Wishing him a good day off. Once he'd finally left the room, she could finally vent her emotions.
"We're not giving up on her. I'm not giving up. Rarity isn't the kind of pony who would quit so easily. She can endure so much, how could I do any less." Twilight whispered, trying not to accept the inevitable truth.
"Not until I find a piece of her... just one piece. Then I'll know... I just want to know." Twilight whispered until her voice cracked, then covered her face, and cried silently in the empty library.
Knock-knock!
"Starlight? It's Spike." said Spike, speaking through the closed doorway of Starlight Glimmer's room.
The door cracked opened a moment later, revealing a puffy eyed Starlight Glimmer.
"Hey Spike... come on in." Starlight opened the door, and stepped aside for him to walk through. "Sorry about the mess." she apologized in a melancholy tone, with all the sincerity of a zombie.
Starlight Glimmer's room was a mess, worse yet, it smelled like she hadn't left it in days. Spike didn't mind, having been used to the smell of a ripe mare, any time Twilight would pull an all night study session. A habit in which she clung to whenever there was an event that needed planning, or an expected delegate.
There were more blackboards in her room, a near identical mirror to that of the library. They crowded the room, each filled with complex equations, which added a chalky smell to the air. Not even the castle's crystalline windows were spared from having mathematical, and thaumatalogical formulas written on them!
An uncountable number of pink teacups were stacked high upon the window sills, along with half-finished pastries, and their tiny plates.
Her desk was just as bad, if not worse. It was littered with used parchment, one unfortunate casualty had tea spilled all over it, and sat stained and wrinkled atop a pile of similar scrolls. While the waste basket in the corner by the desk was overflowing with crumpled wads of discarded notes.
"Just wanted to see how you were doin'." Spike said as he pulled out Starlight's desk chair, the only 'clean' (aside from the dust) piece furniture in the room, and sat across from her as she jumped up and sat on her bed.
"Spike, you know I would never ask you to go against Twilight, but-" Starlight started, but was surprised to have Spike silence her by lifting a claw.
"I know what you're going to say, and it's all okay. I've already sent a letter out to Rainbow, just as Twilight asked me to."
"Thank goodness..." Starlight sighed in relief.
"Things got pretty heated in there, huh? I wanted to say something, but it just didn't feel right."
"I'm glad you didn't, that fight was a long time coming... Sniff. Was I wrong, Spike; to have Rainbow called back? You care about Rarity probably more than anypony, what do you think should be done?" Starlight asked, hoping to reaffirm her decision to bring Rainbow back.
Spike was rarely ever asked for his opinions on important matters. Usually he just blurted them out when he felt they were worth hearing at best. Or hilarious at worst.
"I do care about her, and I miss her, but I don't think either of you were right, or wrong in deciding what Rainbow should do. It's her life, she should be the one who decides what to do with it."
"You're right, but we all know Rainbow is going to go with what her heart tells her. And her heart is telling her to scour every inch of Equestria! I don't care how 'loyal' or brave she is, a bad plan, is a bad. plan!" Starlight emphasised.
"Well, she doesn't call herself 'Rainbow 'Danger' Dash' for nothing." Spike shrugged.
They both chuckled at that, lightening the mood.
"I know what I did wrong. I insinuated that Rarity wasn't my friend, and she-." Starlight sniffed again, and put an arm to her mouth, trying to hold back her tears.
"Is she..?" Starlight wanted to ask the question, but feared what the answer would be.
"You know how Twilight is when pressure gets to her, she can't deal with it without the others around... Rarity was Twilight's first real friend after Princess Celestia decreed for us to live in Ponyville. The others took a little longer, but without Rarity as an anchor to everything back home in Canterlot..."
"I understand... but that's no reason to ignore what's right in front of her."
"She's always had problems with anxiety. Her freak outs were always so epic, but now..."
"It's scary."
"Yeah... this isn't anything like those times... I think she's getting desperate."
"And her other friends are paying for it." Starlight stated dourly.
"You know I'd be right out there with Dash, if I had wings. Instead I'm here... pushing paper." he snorted in annoyance, a puff of smoke blowing from his nostrils.
"Out of everypony, you've been the one coming up with some really good ideas. I just wish we could've built on them. Like your suggestion to use your dragonfire to send Rarity notes, and let her know we're thinking about her."
"A lot of good that did us. How was I supposed to know, it had anything to do with imprinting... I could get if it was just Twilight, but Princess Celestia too! That hardly makes any sense."
"It just goes to show how much we don't know about dragon magic. Other than it seems to defy all types of magical laws."
Spike still felt he contributed far less than everypony else, if anything, his 'ideas' only distracted those who could actually get things done.
Starlight Glimmer could sense Spike's melancholy thoughts.
"I know it seems like we don't appreciate what you do around here, Spike. But I want to thank you for helping me, if you weren't around, I know I would've went crazy at the start of all this chaos." Starlight smiled warmly at Spike, knowing she would've starved herself, if he wasn't around to remind her to eat.
Spike couldn't help letting himself swell with pride after hearing that! And for a moment he could swear he just got a little bit stronger.
"Chaos..." Spike echoed distantly, as another idea ignited in his mind. "That's it!" he exclaimed raising out of his chair! "Chaos! Why didn't I think of this before!? What about Discord!? Can't he figure out where she is? Or snap his claws to bring her back?"
Starlight nearly leapt back in surprise by his outburst, but soon put on a sad smile.
"I asked him not long after Twilight requested Princess Luna's assistance. He went on this tangent talking about 'powers beyond our comprehension', and something about 'upsetting the narrator?" she finished confusedly, even that last part sounded weird, even for Discord.
"Figures, just like him to come up with some cryptic reason about why he doesn't want to help." Spike said, while crossing his arms and sitting back down with a pout.
"Yeah, he said that he was too convenient of a solution, and that we shouldn't worry about it, because 'we ponies always have la dee da, goodie goody endings'. But he appreciates that somepony thinks of him, whenever we need somepony with powerful magic." Starlight added, trying to make it sound positive.
"So what does Twilight have you doing now?" Starlight asked, wanting to change the subject.
"She's given me the day off. It's weird, I really wasn't expecting it, I could really use the break, but at the same time I don't know what to do with myself." Spike shrugged. "Want some help cleaning up?" he asked, looking around at the mess.
"No, I'll take care of this, I wouldn't feel right making you work on your day off. Besides I really need to go through my notes again. I can't help, but feel like I'm missing some really important detail." she nodded in thought, already working on new solutions to her problem.
"Okay, but promise me something, would you?" Spike asked, as he stood up.
"Anything."
"Get some rest. Rainbow isn't the only one going non-stop around here."
"Only if you'll do the same, enjoy your day off, Spike."
"Will do."
They hugged each other goodbye, and Starlight gave Spike a longer, harder hug right before they were about to let go, just to emphasize how much she appreciated him.
Spike didn't have any plans for the day, he was hungry, but didn't feel like eating right away. Especially not after everything he'd just learned. So instead he decided to take a walk to clear his mind, and wandered into town.
Just like Spike, Ponyville had grown significantly since the appearance of Twilight's Castle, and the surrounding area bustled with the construction of half-finished homes.
Property values had skyrocketed since its appearance, especially those nearest to the structure, and ponies eager to cash-in were in much better living conditions, albeit, further away from the castle.
Rich nobles had bought out many of the properties surrounding the structure, in a pompous competition to have the biggest, most luxurious mansion nearest to the Princess of Friendship herself.
After all. Who wouldn't like to say they're neighbors with royalty?
Which was unfortunate for the few 'common' ponies who wanted that honor to themselves, as their homes lucky enough to be nearby, were dwarfed by their much richer neighbors, ruining their view of the castle.
Though when the wealthy petitioned to build a gate to keep the commoners off their property, which would've surrounded everything including the castle. Twilight immediately shut it down, stating that everypony is welcome to visit the castle, and strived to keep the main road leading up to it as friendly, and inviting as the nobles would allow.
Which they'd always immediately back off whenever they sensed Twilight's ire, wanting to stay on her good side.
Spike continued to walk until his mind blanked, allowing him to take in the sights. Until he spotted a white mare in the distance. His heart skipped a beat, before settling again once he noticed the mare was much younger than the one he missed. Her musical note emblazoned on a shield cutie mark, bore no resemblance to the three-diamond mark he used to follow everywhere it'd go.
The white filly was trotting backwards out the door of a music shop, waving her hoof and saying her goodbyes to the ponies inside.
"Hey Sweetie Belle, how's it going!" Spike asked a little more excitedly than he meant, causing Sweetie to jump and neigh in fright. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." he smiled sheepishly, while rubbing his head.
"Spike!? W-what're you doing out here? Aren't you always working around this time?" she asked, surprised by the sudden greeting.
"Twilight's given me the rest of the day off." he shrugged.
"Really? So do you have any plans?" Sweetie asked, while adjusting her saddlebags. A faint lime-green aura surrounded the straps, and a second combed through her mane. As if she were touching up her looks.
"I'm not really sure, honestly, I don't really know what to do with myself." he said, while thoughtfully rubbing his chin.
"Same here. I was thinking about going home, and calling it a day." she said, while rotating the tip of a hoof back and forth on the ground.
"So what've you been up to?" he asked quickly, not wanting to end the conversation there.
"I just got out of my piano class." she said, with a nod towards the door she just came out of. 'Clef da Capo de Leitmotif's Music School' was written on the glass door, with various musical notes surrounding the title.
"Cool, cool... How's that going?" he asked, struggling to keep the conversation going.
"Pretty good, I think. Ever since I saw Countess Coloratura, well, 'Ra-Ra' now, perform at the charity show, I just really wanted to give it a try. Ms. Chopsticks has been a really good teacher, and I think my talent helps a little." she smiled, feeling happy he asked about the lessons.
"That sounds great Sweetie Belle. I-I can't wait to hear it at the talent show. I asked Twilight months ago for that night off."
Sweetie Belle only looked away and grimace.
"I mean, if you aren't ready, then that's okay. I'm sure it'll still be a great show." Tone it down Spike, she's obviously a little self-conscience about it.
The pair just stood at the doorway until Sweetie Belle had to break the uncomfortable silence surrounding them.
"So is Twi- is Princess Twilight mad at me?" she asked, and couldn't bear to look him in the eyes again.
"Nah, she's not mad, she never was, in fact I think she's worried you might still be mad at her."
"What? Really?"
"Yeah, she didn't sleep for three days straight after what happened." both winced at that. Spike knew he shouldn't have mentioned how much she had affected the Princess of Friendship. And Sweetie just felt worse for hearing it.
"Could you tell her that I'm sorry for what I said, and for my behavior. I just feel terrible, I didn't mean to call her an 'evil enchantress who took my sister away'. I was just so-." Sweetie said, struggling to finish her sentence, as all the negative feeling welled up again.
"I'll let her know. About the apology, not all the other stuff." Spike finished for her.
"Thanks Spike." she smiled regretfully.
Another uncomfortable silence.
"Did you have anything you want to do today?" Sweetie asked, as she shifted bashfully on her hooves.
"I don't have any plans. I really wasn't expecting to have the day to myself, kinda wish I brought my list with me." he said wistfully.
"Not the one where you smell your feet." she grimaced, and scrunched up her nose.
"Nope, that one's just for the weekends." he teased.
Sweetie just scoffed in laughter, and rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile at his little joke.
"Want me to walk you home?" he offered, wanting to be of use to somepony at least.
"Sure! I could use the company."
"Great!"
The pair walked until they passed by Sugarcube Corner, where Pinkie had a sign out advertising free baked goods, made by her, for anypony who found Rarity and brought her back.
'Free Lifetime Supply of Pinkie's Famous Cupcakes from Now On and ForEverrrr!', it had a foal's drawing of a pink pony munching happily on a cupcake, with a bite taken out of it.
"So what's everypony else doing to help find my sister, any news?" Sweetie Belle asked, as they passed by the sweet shop.
"Rainbow's still searching all over Equestria for her, and Starlight is still working on a spell to track her down." Spike caught Sweetie Belle making a face at that. "Twilight's been so bogged down with royal duties she's hardly been able to help, and I'm doing all I can to lighten the load for the both of them."
"I heard Fluttershy's trying to get her animal friends to help too, but it's mating season for most of'em, so they've been a little... distracted." Sweetie said.
That got a blush out of both of them, and they promptly looked away from each other as they walked along the town's main street. Sweetie felt embarrassed for making the situation awkward, and she couldn't bear to speak or look at him again, until they made it to the marketplace.
Buildings, wagons, and tents in a festival of colors lined the main road on both sides all the way to the train stop. Where the majority of the town's goods were imported and exported.
Ponies were bustling about buying groceries for the week, or simply shopping for pleasure. While others were selling their wares, and produce in their respective stalls. The pair casually browsed while listening to the sales ponies advertised their wares and prices.
"Would the filly like a pot? No finer pots in brass or silver!"
"Sugar dates! Sugar dates and figs! Sugar dates and pistachioooos!"
"Fresh fish, we catch'em, you never buy'em..." sighed a very grumpy looking griffin.
"Apples! Get'cher apples here! Sweet Apple Acres' crispy delicious treats! Only ten bits a bushel! Fifteen for two!" called a familiar farm pony's voice over the crowd.
"Well howdy there ya'll!" Applejack waved at the pair as they approached her stall, while she was busy with another customer. The Apple family's stall held not just apples, but fresh baked goods as well, like apple fritter, apple pie, apple cobbler, apple funnel cake, apple... you get the idea.
"Be with ya in a moment." Applejack reassured the pair, giving them time to browse.
Even from the distance separating them, they could smell the scent of alcohol on Applejack's breath.
Applebloom was there as well, looking a bit worrisome as she struggled to help her customer while keeping an eye on her older sister. Applejack was just finishing up with a mare who bought a couple apple pies, and a bushel of apples.
"Here, lemme help you with that." Applejack nabbed the basket full of apples, and tried to dump them all into the mare's saddlebags. Applejack's intoxicated mind caused her to sway and overfill the bags, causing the weight to tip the mare over, and fall to the ground right on top of a pie and splattering its sweet gooey goodness everywhere.
"Go home Applejack; you're drunk!" The mulberry mare yelled, wiping away the apple filling from her face and coat.
"Like yer one t' talk, Berry Punch!" Applejack argued back defensively, until Applebloom swiftly placed herself between the two snarling mares.
"Applejack! Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea if you did go home, ya know? T' get some rest." Applebloom intervened, trying to calm the two irate mares. She helped Berry Punch with her bags, even giving her a few dozen extra apples, and an extra pie on top of her original purchase to satisfy her customer.
Applejack reared her head back, ready to deliver that stubborn Earth Pony pride she was infamous for, until she looked around at the mess she made, and after seeing the faces of her friends and the ponies around her, Applejack knew what she had to do.
"Ah surgarcubes.... You're right lil' Bloom. You sure you can bring the stall back home all by yerself?" she asked her little sister, her ears and face drooped in shame.
"We can help her out if she needs it." Spike added, hoping to reassure Applejack enough to get her to leave.
"Well... alrighty then, I'll see you back home." Applejack started to leave, but turned back, and faced Sweetie Belle. Applejack took off her hat, and held it to her chest as she spoke to the filly. "Sweetie Belle? I- I jus' keep thinkin' that- that if I didn't say anythin', then maybe- maybe she'd still be here..." Applejack finished soberly, looking down in shame; unable to meet the young mare's eyes.
"Don't worry, Applejack, my sister'll be back home before you know it!" Sweetie tried to put on a bright smile, and to feign as much enthusiasm as she could for the somber farm mare.
Applejack smiled and tipped her hat, before finally taking the long trek home.
"I'm sorry about that ya'll, Applejack's been hittin' the cider pretty hard." Applebloom explained, unable to meet her friends eyes, too embarrassed by her older sister's behavior. "I heard Big Mac talkin' to Granny about our dad, said that he used to have a problem with cider before... Well, now they're worried Applejack might have same problem," she finished somberly.
"I'm sorry to hear that Applebloom," Sweetie Belle consoled her friend, leaning shoulder to shoulder with her in support.
"Me too," Spike added, while doing the same on Applebloom's other side. Spike felt like he was leaning against a solid rock instead of the young farm filly he's known nearly all his life. Spike couldn't believe how much Applebloom had grown, she was bigger than Sweetie Belle by a large margin, considering their age, which was nearly identical. She was almost as big as a full grown mare, but the Apple family were always considered big ponies. Maybe not as big as other pony races such as Alicorns, nor as tall as Saddle Arabians, but big nonetheless. Spike was certain that Applebloom was going to develop the same lean, yet slender, musculature just like her older sister.
Applebloom broke the embrace and faced her two friends. "Not as sorry as my sister's gonna be when our brother gives 'er a stern talkin' to." Applebloom said with a steely face, then relaxing as she continued talking to her friends. "An' speakin' of talkin', have ya decided yet? About what we're gonna do?" she asked Sweetie Belle in a secretive tone.
Spike was perplexed at the change in topic.
Sweetie Belle put on a sad smile and shook her head. "I just don't feel right about it. 'm sorry Applebloom, I know you worked really hard on everything."
"That's okay, jus' remember we're behind you a hundred and ten percent. So if you decide t' change yer mind, even at the last minute, we'll be with ya." Applebloom gave a little salute and a smile, letting her friend know there wasn't anything to be sorry for.
"Did you want some help with your stall?" Spike asked, gesturing to her wares.
Applebloom shook her head. "Nah, I can handle this, ya'll go on ahead, I gotta get t' sellin' these here apples b'fore the market ends. Here, ya'll can have one on me," she finished, tossing each the pair an apple from her premium stock.
"Thanks Applebloom, see ya later," They said their goodbyes, and continued to look around at the other stalls while enjoying their apple treat.
"So how are you doing, Sweetie? With everything that's been going on." Spike asked.
Sweetie Belle took a bite of apple, more to give herself time to think, rather than sate her appetite.
"Not good. My parents and I have been helping as best we can, but we're nowhere near as good as Rarity at managing her shops. I've had to turn away several customers, simply because there aren't any clothes for them to buy at the moment. Sassy Saddles has been trying to pick up the slack, so have the sales ponies in Manehattan. But without my sister keeping up with the trends, and making new original designs... I'm not sure how much longer her shops are going to last with them reproducing all my sister's old work..." Sweetie's ears drooped, as she stared at the ground.
“Sorry to hear about that Sweetie, is there anything I can do to help out?” he offered.
“I don’t know. I don’t really wanna think about it right now... Why don’t you tell me what you’ve been up to, Spike? Have you ever thought about doing anything besides working with Princess Twilight?" she quickly changed subject, wanting to distract herself from all the problems she was facing.
"You know Twilight'll have a fit, if she ever found out you called her by her title?" he chuckled, making a joke for her sake. Sweetie only nodded, and rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Well, ever since I tried pretending to be a Princess for a day, I realized there was so much I didn't know about being a good leader. So, I asked Princess Celestia to write me a letter of recommendation, so I can go to a real school."
"Really? Have you picked out a school yet? Where do you want to go?" she asked excitedly, her eyes lighting up.
"Nowhere, nopony accepts dragons in their schools." he shrugged.
"Oh Spike, that's awful! I'm so sorry!" Sweetie felt sick that nopony would accept Spike.
"It's okay, it all worked out in the end." he said, giving her a knowing smile.
"What are you going to do; what happened?" Sweetie Belle knitted her brow in concern.
"Princess Celestia wrote me a personal letter one day, asking about how things were going for me. Well... I didn't want lie to her, aaand maybe I vented my frustration a little, but in the end she decided to tutor me personally, just like Twilight." Spike finished excitedly, with a big toothy grin.
Sweetie Belle lit up excitedly at the news as well. "Spike, that's great! I'm really happy for you. So what are you planning on studying?"
"Politics, government, and economics mostly. I love being Twilight's number one assistant, but ever since I met Ember, I figured who would be a better diplomat between the ponies and dragons than a dragon raised by ponies." Spike emphasised.
"Oh... Rarity told me about her." Sweetie Belle sneered with jealousy.
Spike caught her change in mood, and was going to ask her about it, until they heard a pony calling out for them in the distance.
"Hey you two!" Scootaloo shouted as she came skidding in on her scooter, kicking up a plume of dust and stopping just short of the pair.
The orange filly with the pink mane had her bottom lip pierced with a single, simple ring, along with a multitude of different piercings in each of her ears. Ranging from bands to studs, and spikes, including a sizeable gauge putting a hole in her left ear. She had her fur dyed recently, showing off a thorny rose on one shoulder, and the back of her hind legs had laces wrapped in a bow.
There was just something disturbingly sexy about the 'art' Spike thought as he looked her up and down.
Scootaloo was also dragging behind a small red wagon advertising a local restaurant. 'Parmesan Primo-Vera's Pizzeria: Delivered Hot in 10 minutes, or it's Free!' Spike wondered what Scootaloo did with the rest of the nine minutes and fifty seconds she usually had left over.
"Hi Spike, gosh, it feels like I haven't seen you in ages; how've you been!?" she asked excitedly, as she rushed in to give Spike a tight hug.
Spike welcomed the embrace and was nearly bowled over as she reared up and pushed her body against his; getting a whiff of her 'airy' scent from the sweaty filly. While she in turn smelled him, and didn't bother being very subtle about it, 'mmm-ing' as her snout pressed against the smooth scales of his neck.
Spike barely caught sight of Sweetie Belle bristling at the sight of their embrace, before he and Scootaloo broke the hug, and she went to give her best friend a hug too. The two fillies embraced each other while nuzzling their cheeks together as all close filly friends do, while Spike answered Scootaloo's question.
"Busy. Twilight's just given me the rest of the day off. It's good to see you too Scoots." he said with nervousness and butterflies in his gut from the intimate hug. Scootaloo was always the most impulsive of the group, never hiding her true feelings from anypony she cared about. Though lately things were getting a bit more physical than he was used to.
"So what's been going on? Any news about Rainbow Dash yet?" Scootaloo asked, taking off her helmet, and shaking out her damp messy mane.
The pair caught Scootaloo up on everything that was going on at the castle.
"What!? What a load of horseapples! They'd never kick her out! Do you know how many hundreds, no, thousands of fans in the Rainbow Dash Fan Club will be furious!?" Scootaloo asked them seriously.
"Um, hundreds?" Spike guessed nervously.
"Thousands?" Sweetie Belle squeaked, following his lead.
"A lot actually!" Scootaloo exclaimed, throwing both hooves in the air. "If there's one pony who can find somepony who's lost, it's Rainbow Dash!" She grinned confidently.
"Thanks Scoots, I just wish I was as optimistic as you are." Sweetie said, looking down with a sad smile.
"Don't worry, I know from experience." Scootaloo reassured her, remembering the night Rainbow found her lost in the forest, and became her big sister. Hoping to pick up her friend's spirits. "So what are we gonna do for the thing?" she asked with a hoof to her mouth, as if the conversation should only be heard by the trio.
Spike noticed the change in tone for the second time.
"It's not happening... sorry Scoots, I know you were looking forward to showing off all those cool moves." Sweetie Belle answered looking down, unable to meet her friend's eyes.
"Hey, it's alright, I totally understand." Scootaloo said supportively, while patting her friends back with a wing.
Sweetie gave her a thankful smile.
"Well, I gotta go collect my bits for the week. Here, you guys can have this. The last knucklehead stiffed me because I was too early, annnd also maybe because I walked in on them while they were doing things." she smile sheepishly, handing the pizza over to Spike, which was still pleasantly warm to the touch. "I mean, how was I supposed to know they were gonna be rutting when I got there?"
"S-Scootaloo!" Spike and Sweetie exclaimed simultaneously, with both their faces turning a beat red.
"Just sayin' you shouldn’t leave the front door open when you’re expecting a delivery, especially since our season's coming up soon, speaking of which, who're you planning on doing when the time comes?" Scootaloo asked with sultry grin, while holding her hoof up to her mouth, winking an eye, and nodding towards Spike. As if only she and Sweetie could hear the conversation.
"Scootaloo don't say things like that, what's gotten into you!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in embarrassment, covering her eyes with her hooves, while her cheeks flushed an even brighter shade of red.
"Nothing yet! Bye you guys!" Scootaloo hopped back on her scooter, and took off with her wings beating like a hummingbird. Leaving the two alone with beat red faces.
Spike's hearing wasn't as acute as a pony's, but he heard every word, and promptly looked away, pretending he didn't, with a blush on his face too.
The couple decided to eat their free pizza at Creamy Delights Ice Cream shop, so they could enjoy some shakes with their meal.
"You don't happen to have any rubies you could sprinkle on there, do you?" Spike asked the blue-grey mare behind the counter, as she set the tray down with their drinks, and received an 'are you kidding me' kind of look for his inquiry. "Guess that's a no."
"It's my treat." Spike said, as he paid for their drinks with the bits he kept in a little pouch around his waist.
"Thanks, but no thanks Spike. I just don't feel comfortable receiving anymore favors."
"Ah, ah! No buts, it's part of my Dragon Code. 'A noble dragon always pays for the lady's meal!" he stated, with his head held high, and a hand on his chest, in an exaggerated emulation of regality.
Sweetie snorted a laugh, and rolled her eyes in surrender to his insistence. Knowing how he gets whenever he'd go on about his 'Dragon Code'. It was nice, yet a little awkward having him pay for her meal, but the feeling of butterflies in her stomach when her called her a 'lady' was a pleasant experience.
"Are you disappointed that nopony offers gemstones, still?" Sweetie asked, as they sat down in a booth with their shakes.
"Meh, it's alright, I've learned to cover for myself." Spike said as he dug around in his coin pouch, and pulled out a few small ruby gems. Then crushed and sprinkled them generously over his peppermint shake, before stirring them in.
"Sorry about Scootaloo, she should know better than to act like that."
"Nah, it's alright, I'm used to it from her. We're all friends, right?"
"Yeah, but some fillies should keep their hooves to themselves." she mumbled while laying her ears back, and putting on a steely face.
"Huh?" Spike asked in mid-bite.
"Nothing!" Sweetie brightened, and quickly took a bite of pizza to prevent herself from talking again.
Spike shrugged and took a big bite out of his own slice (tomato slices, spinach, and black olives, on alfredo sauce), then washed it down with a peppermint flavored shake. One advantage to being a dragon is, you never have to worry about brain freeze.
The pair ate in silence, doing a bit of pony watching, until Spike's curiosity got the better of him.
"So what were Scoots, and Applebloom going on about? Sounded like you guys were speaking in some sort of secret code."
"Oh, yeah... You know the talent show that's coming up?" she asked somberly, and dreaded to tell him about what was going on, but he deserved to know.
"Yeah, the one going on this weekend?" he nodded, noticing her melancholy mood, and worried he might have touched upon a sensitive subject.
"Yeah... I've decided not to compete in it." she grimaced, and shrank into herself, waiting for the inevitable verbal bashing to come.
"What? But why!? You've worked so hard on- everything!" he exclaimed, and feeling disappointed he wasn't going to hear her sing.
"I know, but the Crusaders left it up to me to decide what we were going to do. They said they'd be behind me no matter what my choice is. So, I decided we should hold off, and help find my sister in any way we can." she said with conviction, but in her eyes there was only regret.
"Sweetie Belle..." Spike admonished, not believing a word he was hearing.
"It's okay. I really wouldn't feel right performing while my sister is miss-ing. Sniff!" Sweetie choked, her eyes shimmered, and she quickly wiped them away.
Spike placed a claw on her withers to comfort her.
"Please Spike, I just really don't want to talk about this anymore. Can we just pretend that I didn't say anything."
Spike worked his mouth trying to think of something to say. He could tell she wasn't happy about her decision, from the way she'd take dainty, halfhearted bites of her pizza.
"What about the other Crusaders? Aren't they doing something to help out?" he asked, hoping to find a way to convince Sweetie Belle to change her mind.
"We've got Crusaders in every major city doing everything they can to help out, and spread awareness. They've really went above and beyond just for me."
Their little group had grown and extended throughout every major province and beyond. They even had chapters just for colts, and some were even mixed, with Gabby having her own chapter; not just for ponies, but griffins, minotaurs, buffalo, and even a few dragons.
Spike looked out the window by their booth, while his mind buzzed with ideas.
They finished their meal, and were once again on their way to Sweetie Belle's house. It wasn't much different from the other two-story buildings that lined the street, near the center of town. Nopony would ever guess a couple of multi-Bittionaires lived there, but Spike was one of the very few who knew the truth.
As the pair walked, Spike's eyes would wander over Sweetie Belle's features.
Sweetie had grown into a fine young mare. She was filling out in all the right places, and there was no doubt she'd be considered beautiful with her flawless white coat, and her two-toned pink, and light purple mane. Pretty enough to rival her older sister, not just in looks, but talent as well.
"Well, this is me." Sweetie Belle said as she fidgeted on her hooves, in front of the doorway.
"Sweetie? W-would like to go out with me tonight and... I dunno, do something? Like, together?" Spike asked, not wanting the day to end just yet. Plus, he still needed to figure out how to get her to agree to doing the talent show.
"You mean... like a date?" she squeaked.
"Well... yeah, sure! I mean, it doesn't have to be a date, but I just really wanna to do something nice for you." Spike said, while putting on his best smile.
His dragon fangs didn't bother her, in fact, she hardly noticed them anymore. Actually she couldn't remember a time she was ever afraid of him. The once baby dragon had teeth more akin to a cat than a giant pony-eating dragon. But now they were larger, and his fangs were longer to where he couldn't hide them for the ponies sake anymore, try as he might.
To her, it was just apart of him, and who he was.
Sweetie was in no condition to go on a date. Her hair was a mess, her hooves were sore from walking all day, and to top it all off, she felt dirty. Though she knew Spike would wait for her if she asked him to, but she never wanted to treat him like a doormat like all the other mares. She liked him so much better when he'd take charge, and not act like a pincushion.
"Maybe some other time. I'm just feeling really exhausted from today." she sighed tiredly.
"Oh... yeah, we did have a pretty big day today, huh?" he said, hiding his disappointment.
"But I'll be free next Moonday!" she blurted, then sealed her lips shut, staring at him. Trying and failing, not to sound desperate.
"Oh, sure, great! See ya then Sweetie." Spike agreed with a strained smile. Moonday was two days after the talent show. He'd have to try something now if he was going to help her. His mind raced as Sweetie waved her goodbyes and cracked open the door to her home.
"I think you should do it." Spike blurted out, before the door was halfway open.
Sweetie gave him a worrisome look, and darted her eyes around, as if searching for confirmation for what she had heard.
"Do... what?" Sweetie asked, as she tensed near the doorway, inching her way inside.
"The talent show, I think you should do it." Spike swallowed, knowing this wasn't going to be easy.
"Spike... we talked about this." she sighed tiredly.
"I know Rarity would want you to do it. Not only that, but you could use this as an opportunity it to help promote awareness." The reason wasn't good enough, he knew that. The whole town already knew Rarity was missing within the first couple of days of the incident. Sweetie Belle and the other Ponyville Crusaders helped with that. There really wasn't anything else they could do.
Sweetie winced, and was starting too look upset as she stood halfway through the doorway.
"If you can't do it for her, then do it for yourself. You're a great singer, Sweetie Belle." Spike said encouragingly, trying to convince her to continue on.
"I can't, Spike." Sweetie's voice caught in her throat, as it swelled shut.
"Why not?"
"I don't deserve to." Sweetie Belle whispered somberly.
"You know, Rarity would say something like 'The show must go on, darling!'; why can't you be more like that?"
"So is that all I am to you? A replacement Rarity?" she snapped at him, her eyes full of tears that were falling freely down her cheeks.
"What!? That's not it at all!" Spike balked at her, like she had just slapped him across the face.
"Maybe you're just looking for a new piece of flank to follow around!" She spat at him.
"What is your problem, Sweetie Belle." Spike fired back, his own ire beginning to show.
"You wanna know what my problem is?! I'll tell you! It's because I hate how everypony is going through their lives like nothing ever happened! Like my sister didn't matter! Do you know what the last thing I said to my sister was!? I told her 'I hope I never saw her again'. How can I perform at a show knowing that was the last time I was ever going to see her!?" she ranted, with the tears streaming down her face. Letting out all the pain and frustration the last few weeks had brought her.
"So what if it was!?" he shouted back without thinking, his eyes widened as the reality of his mistake became clear. Spike immediately regretted saying it, as a queasy feeling spread throughout his stomach.
Sweetie's eyes slowly widened as well, in disbelief and hurt.
"Wha- why would you say that..?" Sweetie whispered, while her eyes welled with hot, angry tears. "Why would you say that, Spike!?" she yelled.
He told her everything. About Luna's letter, about the royal gag order. Everything.
"That's not true, that's impossible! I don't believe you! No. NO! Rarity isn't- my sister would never give up! She's still out there, and I don't care what anypony says!" she screamed at him, a faint green aura engulfed the door, and slammed it shut. Causing the door knocker to fly upwards, and rap against its surface.
Spike tried to rush the door, but was too slow, and rested his fist against it. For a moment he thought about breaking it down, but instead he rested his head against his fists. Then mentally berated himself, while banging his head against his fists on the door.
After a few moments he gave up, and made the long trek back home to Twilight's Castle, with his head hung low regret.
Sweetie Belle cried herself to sleep that night, letting out all the pain of her mistake.