Chapter 16: the landing pad
Daybreak, 2 minutes away from ponyville station
"Ponyville station, up ahead!"
The booming voice of the conductor rang through the entire cabin. It didn't even jolt the statue like royal guards. However, this wasn't the case for spike and trixie. Waking them from a small slumber they decided to partake in. Spike started waking up first. Letting out a massive yawn and looking towards the window.
The first thing he noticed was the smell. the scent of fresh grass and manure. The small town was only feet away from the station. No matter the issue, spike always connected the scents with home. He let out a sigh of relief, glad to return with a clearer head. While he looked out the window, he was indirectly looking at a resting trixie.her closed eyes directed at said window. It was about time to leave anyways, so he made an attempt to wake her.
At first, he tried a light tap on the head. responding by shaking his boney finger off her head. turning towards the opposite direction. That direction happened to be right in front of him. For a moment, spike froze and his heart skipped a small beat. He didn't want to admit it but she did look slightly adorable.Not wanting to stew in that mind space for too long, he decided to just screw any subtly.
"We're here!" spike exclaimed.
The suddenly loud voice jolted trixie out of her peaceful sleep. her head snapped towards the drake that waked her. Turning her slightly bloodshot eyes into a weapon of judgement. Making him feel more guilty then he already did.
"sorry... " was all spike could say.
Trixie sighed, sitting completely up in her seat. She then turned her gaze towards the window. Seeing the train slowly parking into the nature covered station. The scent of fresh grass hitting her nose slightly mellowed her mood.
"So.. what's the plan?" spike asked.
When she heard him ask this, another sigh escaped her mouth. This had been what felt like the 50th time he asked this question. Paranoid about what fluttershy would ask about the surprise trip.
"I go visit rose, you go visit fluttershy...:"
Spike nodded, also waiting for the rest of the plan. Maybe it's cause she was still waking up. But that nod was pretty smack able at the moment.
"If asked about me, I was with Rose, be there for at least an hour just in case she needs proof" trixie finished.
Spike heard the obvious annoyance in her tone while speaking. While he felt slightly bad for quizzing her like that for the whole trip. He wanted to be super damn sure his story was unimpeachable.
"Tell me, why is the truth not an option?" trixie asked.
"Hi fluttershy, yeah i went on a trip without telling and took the mare that lives with me…"
"Right, right.." trixie immediately understood.
"I really like her, messing it up is not an option for me" spike followed up.
"You won't, I promise you that" trixie replied in support.
"Thanks…" spike replied with a smile.
Both of them felt the harsh rumble of the train car coming to a stop. Returning to the town that both of them call home. Holding a new sense of purpose within. Both hoped their change would work out for the better.
As they stepped out of the train. Trixie held a warm feeling in her heart. One that you only get when your truly home. A feeling that's been foreign to trixie for a long time. Her gaze then moved to the dragon beside her. There was a level of joy that she hadn't seen in him. Something she wanted to bottle up and take for herself. Trixie was a bundle of nerves, not looking forward to revisiting her stage magic.
These feelings must have become visible. Because she then felt a scaly claw flowing through her mane. The feeling made her internally blush and made eye contact difficult.
"You're not gonna mess it up either, I promise." spike said with a bright smile.
She offered a small nod in reply. For some reason, these words made her feel comfortable. Enough to look the drake in the eyes and smile. Something she always ends up doing when around him.
"Alrighty, let's get movin!" spike exclaimed.
Both of them are moving in lockstep but heading to different places after leaving the station. Spike was honestly excited to see his marefriend. Hoping that she's doing well and is able to make up for lost time.
Fluttershy's hut, mid day
"What the he…"
Spike couldn't even fathom what he was seeing. Fluttershy's small hut was a wreck. The amount of woodchips spread across the floor. Signs of outside wall damage and the most important one. There was now a massive gaping hole in her door. Spike's head was filled with worry and fear. Hoping to actually find her in this mess.
The first step was the hardest to take. Fearing what he might find inside of the heap. Even if she is inside. The idea of her being mortally wounded scares him too. So, with all of this in his mind. He made a blind dash through the door, not even caring to open it.
The inside, while not looking as bad as the outside. There was still an amount of disarray that was noticeable. A story could be put together when looking at it hard enough. However, that story wasn't important in his mind. A damaged looking fluttershy just laying on the floor was. There was a small cut on her face and her eyes were closed. Spike put a claw on her and shook her lightly.
"Fluttershy… fluttershy!" spike exclaimed, who wasn't moving immediately.
Did this happen because he wasn't here? Did he fail at the job rainbow gave him? Who's responsible for this? Is it someone connected to an old enemy? These were the thoughts running through his head. Not wanting to confront those answers.
Before he even had a moment to shed a tear. He heard a small but audible yawn. His gaze returned to the mare on the floor. Her eyes fluttering open, seeing the dragon above her. The dragon that she's been missing for days. The one that takes up a majority of her headspace. Her next action was almost like instinct.
She lifted her head and moved it closer to spike's. Both of their eyes were locked into each other. This is when she decided to lunge in and kiss him. At first, it was quite unexpected for spike. However, he soon gave in and let himself melt into it. A feeling that was far from unpleasant for him. It's almost like they were in an isolated bubble of time. Only resuming when they choose for it too.
The audible smack was the sign of them letting go. All she could do after that was just look at him. Part of her wanting to barrage him with questions. Where was he and why didn't he tell her where? But, those questions were all put in the backburner. Leaving her with only one thing to say to him.
"I missed you… spike" she said, still flustered from the kiss.
"I.. i.. Um, well, me too" spike replied, just as flustered.
Fluttershy giggled, finding him rather cute this way. Spike so desperately wanted to ask what happened. But her flowing pink mane was distracting him in a way it didn't before. He was captured in this moment and wasn't ready to leave it.
Spike then remembered the gift he got her. Which he dropped outside and quickly went to retrieve. He held the small doll behind his back, hoping to still keep it a surprise. He walked over to her. Still clutching it behind his back.
"I got you a present" said Spike softly.
He then revealed the small doll. Fluttershy looked at the felt copy of her. Admiring the craftsmanship of the doll. However, she still found the idea of it funny. She chucked but still grabbed the small object with her teeth. placing it down next to her. Her gaze returned to the drake.
Spike took a seat next to her. provoking fluttershy to nuzzle up next to the drake. Making up for all the lost time they had. She had so many questions to ask him. Where was he? Where was trixie? Why did he leave without telling her? These questions soon fell away as they were side by side. Yesterday was hectic enough, she just needed a moment to breath. rarity was something to think about later.
"Hey, sorry i…" spike was ready to explain…
"Shhh, let's just lay here for a while.." fluttershy interjected.
Spike really wanted to know who attacked her. He really wanted to explain his absence to her as well. But honestly, he felt the same way. After questioning their relationship for a split second while in canterlot. Having a moment like this is what he needed. To the point where he even forgot the reason why he was questioning it.
This was their own moment, frozen in time. Both of them were not going anywhere for the time being.
Ponyville, rose's shop, same time
"Well, this place changed.."
Were the first words that came out of trixie's mouth. Talking to herself and only herself. The glass panes, items sitting on the window sill. On display for any passing pony. She could see the inside of the store. A new, dark red color was plastered on the walls. Along with new blue flooring. Their were more shelves and things seemed more organized.
"Seems like someones moving up... " she commented.
She was glad to see her thriving. Especially after the low point that her mistake caused. As she thought of that fact, something crossed her mind. How would she react to the idea of her doing show magic again? Is that even fair to do something like that in her presence? She decided to at least try burying thinking like that. This encounter was already making her nervous in the first place.
"Trixie? Is that you?"
A familiar voice was calling out from behind her. A voice that got her more excited then expected. Turning around to see the mare she was looking for. Hauling a cart attached with a massive amount of junk in it.
"Guess some things never change…" trixie said sarcastically/
"You're telling me…" rose replied with a toothy smile.
She quickly detached her load to embrace her old friend. Something that caught trixie by surprise. She didn't think rose would be the type to miss ponies in this way. Especially her, but that's just the self hatred talking. It's almost like she wasn't the one who was responsible for her livelihood being ruined. Maybe telling about doing a show should be the last thing they talk about. Rose disconnected from the embrace. Her smile not dropping for a second.
"Let me take in this stuff, come in, come in!" rose said in excitement.
Seeing rose so excited to see her gave trixie a warm feeling. She then followed the mare, taking her haul to the back of the store. There was a tinge of fear in her. Knowing how messy the backroom of the store has always been. Wondering where she was even gonna put all of the junk she has.
"Today we're closed, gotta sort through all this new stuff" Rose said as they were walking.
"I could help, give us a chance to catch up" trixie replied.
Rose nodded in response. Wanting to show excitement but the load she was carrying said otherwise. Trixie took a look at the pile and saw the usual. Bones, knick knacks and other various oddities.
"Just wait until you see the backroom, I actually managed to clean it…" Rose said with a huff.
Trixie was in shock, how much did she end up doing without her? She felt double sided about that fact. On one hand, she did feel bad about her doing that on her own. On the other, she's just glad it wasn't a project assigned to her.
"Could you hold the door open?" rose asked.
Trixie was surprised they already reached the back of the building. She then rushed to the back door and pushed it open. only managing to get a small glance inside. But that small glance already showed great improvement.
"Thanks!" rose said, pushing the heavy cart through the door frame.
Trixie followed after her, letting go of the door behind her. She was greeted with a full look at the newly organized backroom. What used to be just an empty and disorganized room now had a sense of order to it. She added about 4 massive cherry wood shelves to the backroom. While they took up a decent amount of space. There was still an amount of floor space left to move around in.
Rose moved her heavy load towards the back of the room. There was a spot just large enough for her cart to be in. she stopped there and dropped the cart. Letting out a massive sigh of exhaustion and relief.
"If you knew… how long…" Rose was trying to speak but still needed to take breathes.
"Just take a seat drama queen" trixie replied with a small chuckle.
"Trixie, I just got you back and I already want you to leave," rose said sarcastically.
"Can't return this gift to sender" Trixie replied.
Both of the mares started laughing. However, Rose's laugh quickly turned into a cough. She was running on fumes at this point. Yet, she still pushes out belly laughs with her friend. Trixie had a small worry about them not being able to connect again. But this current moment proved her ever so wrong.
"Why don't we get something to eat?" trixie asked.
"A baked pastry does sound good right now…" rose pondered.
However, just that small amount of pondering was taking energy away. She started to slowly slump down to the ground. Taking a resting position next to the cart she was previously carrying. Once she felt the slightly rough ground below her. Rose could barely feel the hooves she was standing on.
"Or, I could just bring it here" trixie said, looking at how tired her friend looked.
"Pink.. sprinkled.. Please…"
Were the last words that rose was able to get about before loud snores followed. Trixie looked at the sight in front of her. Seeing the most headstrong mare she's ever known, snoring like a foal. It was the most adorable sight she bore witness too.
"I hope she meant donuts.." trixie said to herself.
She made her way out the door.. The only thing on her mind being the donuts in question. Moving her sleeping friend from the dirty floor not even crossing her mind.
Ponyville, main square, outside of cake's bakery
Today was a pretty active day in town. You could just feel the energy of all the different ponies. From workers pulling their loads to loud voices of various conversations. Only being canceled out by the noise of hooves meeting the dirt floor below them. Creating small dusty clouds beneath.
You tend to notice these things when you're stuck waiting in a massive line. Ponies backed up into each other. You couldn't even take a nice seat outside on the bench. Groups of ponies already laid claim to that spot. Trixie was especially frustrated by this. Not really wanting to wait so long for a donut. All she could do was stand and pony watch to the best of her ability. Being in the back
did have some decent perks to it.
Trixie sighed, hoping that rose wouldn't be waiting up on her. Honestly, with her luck, that's exactly what she's doing. With all this free time in hand, she tried to get a good look ahead of her. Bobbing and weaving around the massive back of the brown stallion in front of her. Hoping to do it without grabbing that much attention. She made out a small blue sign on the front side of the building. Only seeing the word "wonder" on the side of it.
"Wonder...:Trixie accidentally said out loud.
This gained the attention of the big pony in front of her. Seeing the small mare trying to read the sign. While he wasn't that much taller then trixie. His frame held a lot more bulk then hers. Having the heft of your typical farm hand. A light black stubble grazed his face. A place where it seemed a full beard was.
His hair was the same color. Short cut and barely reaching his shoulders. While he had a stature that was slightly intimidating. In reality, he was quite welcoming. Responding to trixie's struggle earnestly.
"Wonderbolts" the stallion interjected.
"Hmm" trixie reacted, noticing she got his attention.
"The wonderbolts are doing a meet and greet at the bakery" the stallion finished.
"Oh. um.. Thanks" trixie replied.
"You a fan?" the pony asked.
"Nah, just here for donuts" trixie replied with a small chuckle.
As trixie heard the name, something about it was nagging her. An important detail or person she is supposed to remember. The most that hit her was how they were a talented group of fliers.
"My little one is a big fan, his favorite is the rainbow haired one…"
"Rainbow dash.." trixie said, following a nervous gulp.
"Yeah!, wait, do you know her?" the brown stallion asked.
"Sort of…" trixie replied nervously.
So far, she's patched up with two of the mane six. One tried to kill her and Celestia knows where she is. Two are missing in action and that only leaves rainbow. Depending on who she ends up visiting first. Her loyalty may be just enough to make trixie a target. Hopefully she ends up talking to the right mare first.
"Based on your tone, i'm guessing you weren't friends," the pony inquired.
"You could say that, lotta regrets my friend…" trixie replied with a sigh.
"Chin up, most of these big shots don't even remember that kind of stuff" the pony replied.
"Thanks" she replied, surprised by the kindness of this stranger.
"Hey, we're all stuck here, might as well be kind" the pony replied.
While the stranger did make her feel slightly less nervous. The line that was originally something she couldn't wait to get through. Holding her back from the sweet donuts she wanted. It suddenly was like a death row. Forgetting the whole point of even being here. The idea of being face to face with an old foe. Consumed her mind more then some stupid donuts.
"If i may ask, what's you name?" the pony asked.
She almost didn't give a name at all. Starting to feel the weight and curse of it again. However, she pushed those thoughts back. Seeing a stranger as a new opportunity for someone to see a new her. Rainbow might go up there and expose her for what she truly is. But in this line, right now, she decided not to worry about it.
"Lilac.." she replied, using the first name that popped up in her head.
Fluttershy's hut, 30 minutes later
A tone of warmth filled the hut of the yellow pegasus. The fireplace, crackling and burning a bright orange. That orange flame, bathing the couple in warmth. The pegasus was nuzzled against the side of a purple dragon. That dragon, running his scaly fingers through her pink mane. This action brought a great amount of bliss to the mare. The dragon couldn't help himself anyways. It's soft nature and bright color were alluring to him.
"Have I ever told you, I absolutely love your hair?" spike said with a warm smile.
"Only for the thousandth time today" fluttershy replied with a chuckle.
"Like, I've always thought that, even back then.." spike continued.
"That's news to me" fluttershy replied.
"I had my secrets… even from twilight" spike replied.
"Keeping secrets from her must have been a full time job" fluttershy replied.
"Do i even need to confirm that for you?" spike asked with heavy sarcasm.
Both of them bursted into bright and bold laughter. They spent most of their time together looking back. Remembering the times before they all split off to their own worlds. Times that spike and fluttershy can look back at fondly.
"Speaking of twilight, she's gonna be an ambassador" spike said, his smile not dipping.
Hearing this gave fluttershy a small look of shock. She turned, looking directly at him with her bright green eyes. Ears perked up in interest of this new development. Mostly surprised that something like that hasn't happened sooner.
"Wouldn't she already be one?" fluttershy asked, somewhat genuinely confused.
"For a while, she was doing transcript work for the princesses" spike replied.
Fluttershy nodded, understanding the full picture. Her gaze returning to the crackling fireplace in front of them. As she watched the flames dance around, her thoughts were set ablaze. She had another question for the drake.
"Wouldn't this mean she'd be traveling more?" fluttershy asked.
"Yeah…" spike replied, the thought of that sinking in.
Fluttershy heard his tone sink rather slightly. She turned to him and saw his face morph to a rather downtrodden one. A sigh also escaped his lips. She could tell this is the first time that this idea sat in his mind. She nuzzled her fuzzy head against him. Giving him comfort but also attempting to gain his attention.
"Are you ok?" fluttershy replied in a softer tone.
"Yeah… it's just, things have really been changing" spike replied, his gaze deep in the fireplace.
Fluttershy nodded in reply, her gaze not leaving the drake. His stare looked blank, almost like he wasn't there. Resting in his mind and traveling in his thoughts. She returned her gaze to the fireplace as well. Having some things she needed to reflect on as well. However, the next thing he said gave her some alarm.
"Not really sure where i'm gonna fit in it all.." he said ina very passive tone.
Almost like it was his deep subconscious speaking. Once she heard this, her head immediately snapped back to the drake. Reminded her of something she used to say to herself. Spike turned and saw the pegasus looking directly at him. Expecting her to respond to that comment.
"Spike, where is this coming from?" she asked him, her voice ringing with concern.
Being honest with himself, it was something that slipped out. A momentary window into his subconscious. So, he didn't necessarily have an answer prepared for her. In his head he needed some time to come up with an answer.
He then took a look to the left. Seeing the door with a massive hole and wood chips scattered around it. With an audible snap from his fingers, he had it. Looking at his marefriend, face turned from concern to confusion. He knew exactly what to do.
"You tell me what happened, I'll tell you what's on my mind" spike replied.
This ask jolted the pony beside him. Backing her away slightly from the dragon she was nuzzled into. She knew that the conversation would end up here eventually. But she wasn't truly ready to confront it yet. She turned her head towards spike, regretting the words to come from her lips.
"Deal.." she replied in a meek and soft tone,
With that response there was a small bit of silence. Only the cracking of wood in the fireplace could be heard. She then sighed, mentally preparing herself to tell the tale.
"R..r…:"
She tried to speak but the words weren't coming out. Deadlocked by the amount of fear and shame the event held. Spike's head never turned away, in expectation for what she was gonna say. She took a massive gulp and let out a gust of air from her mouth. Almost like a train engine letting off steam. With that, she was able to speak.
"Rarity… me and rarity fought" fluttershy said, the words finally coming out.
With those words, spike couldn't hide his audible gasp. His face morphed into one of shock. Out of all things, this isn't what he expected. He turned his head to her front door again. The context of it becoming frighteningly clear.
"W..why?"
Were the only words that could leave spike's mouth. He hoped she was gonna tell him about some changeling control. Or a mystical spell gone wrong. Something that doesn't make his previous friend and crush be capable of this much violence.
"We had a disagreement and pushed each other too far…" fluttershy replied.
To be fair, this was a pretty big simplification. She hoped that it was good enough for him. To her, this was the truth at the moment. Two friends pushing until their breaking points. Something that, to fluttershy, was inevitable. Her gaze was fixated on the purple drake. Studying his reaction through his expressive emerald eyes.
The only thing he was trying to put off was shock. Shock in the audacity of her previous friend. Shock that this all happened when he was away. The only thing he hoped was that this fight was not on his behalf. Her getting hurt over something that was long since erased from his mind. When he turned to look at her, he saw the distance they built.
Fluttershy a couple of feet away. A sense of shame clearly visible on her face. He soon realized how much this would have been to carry. While rarity was a concern to him. The only thing that mattered was the feelings of his marefriend.
"Fluttershy, i'm not mad.." spike stated, his voice softening.
Fluttershy's body didn't move an inch. Almost like his voice wasn't registering to her. Thoughts were spinning in her mind. His words were not meaningless, they just didn't apply. Him being mad was the least on her mind. Without turning her head, she spoke.
"I shouldn't have stuck my nose where it didn't belong.." fluttershy's tone was gravely stern.
"But that's who you are, no helping that" spike replied, adding a soft smile.
With those words, she finally turned her attention to the drake. his warm smile gave her a small bit of comfort. However, she still held herself to the highest responsibility. She sighed, ready to respond to him.
"Maybe…"
Were the only words that left her mouth. Proving that spike did give her something to think about. At first, these words gave her a feeling of reassurance. Thinking back on why she said what she said. However, for some reason, while she was thinking about those words. Something that tracy said to her popped up in her mind.
"She said I was brave…" fluttershy said passively.
"Rarity?" spike asked, intrigued at what she was getting at.
"No.. one of her new friends.." fluttershy replied.
Once this exchange happened, this heavy hit of emotion hit her. Sadness and guilt filled her heart. But it had nothing to do with the events of the day. Or the fight that occurred at the end of it. This was something deep and long held. Not made any better by turning to her dragon.
His eyes were filled with so much kindness. A kindness that was unwavering no matter what was thrown at him. Once she thought of this, there was this heavy guilt. Looking at his face and remembering all the times they were filled with tears.
"Can i tell you something?" fluttershy muttered.
"Sure, what's up?" spike replied.
She was quiet for a moment. Having something on her mind and wanting to let it out. However, she didn't exactly know how to put it. Holding onto these feelings was no longer an option for her. She let out a heavy sigh and let out what was on her mind.
"... i wish i did more…" fluttershy stated, her voice semi shaky.
"Shy… i can't see where…" spike was about to respond before she interjected.
"I could have prevented it, done something other then watch!"
That shaky tone was slowly building to a bellowly fire. A fire that burned as brightly as the orange behind them. However, her eyes were the opposite of this fire. Water welling up in her eyes. But, she was nowhere near ready to break into a sob.
"Fluttershy.." spike cooed, trying to close the distance between them.
Fluttershy couldn't hear him over her sniffling. She had no interest or want to cry at the moment. Fighting herself, trying to hold back her overflowing emotions. She turned to finally notice her drake. Trying to get close, trying to embrace her. Just looking at him was enough to damage her emotional wall. She quickly jerked away from him. Keeping her head down towards the floor. Attempting to hide the welled up tears in her eyes.
"I saw it.. I saw it coming and…" the strength her voice previous held dropping.
Hearing her break down like this. It got something to click in his head like never before. Finally understand how the whole rarity situation made her feel. For a second, he didn't know how to react. Then, something built up inside of him. The more he thought about it, the more it frustrated him.
Whatever hurt he felt was long gone. Something about this hurting her hit a cord. A cord that he didn't even think existed. He turned his head towards her marefriend. Her tears like acid for his heart. The frustration building more and more. Up until he finally outburst.
"THAT'S ENOUGH" spike bellowed.
A fury that was close to the species he was. Something that jolted the yellow pegasas. Whipping her tear stained eyes towards the dragon. Her body was slightly shaking. Never hearing that type of intensity from him. This amount of intensity was also a new feeling for spike.
A feeling that he didn't like at all. He didn't like seeing Fluttershy's body shake in fear of him. That frustration did exist for a reason. He couldn't hold it in but after letting that intensity out. He felt this weight lift. He then decided to say what he was holding in his head.
"I hate seeing you beat yourself up for my mistakes…" were the first words he said.
Those words were ones he never said out loud. His mistakes, something he hated saying out loud. Personally, he wasn't really a fan of replaying his mistakes. But, when he said it, it became rather clear. How important not letting stuff like this fester is.
"I was afraid… and that fear…" while he was speaking, he choked on a word.
Fear, that stupid word made him choke. He felt this massive lump in his throat. Almost like he was holding back his own tears. His crying days felt like they were over at this point. He wasn't even in love with rarity anymore. So why is this stupid lump forming in his throat.
"Stopped you from moving" fluttershy finished.
The words spilled out of her automatically. A feeling she's related to heavily. She glanced over at spike, his own head down. For the first time during their conversation. She could look at the drake without tearing up. Without thinking about the past they were talking about.
"What i'm trying to say is… i blame myself more then her" spike replied, a sigh attached.
Hearing these words from him almost felt like a reflection. Turns out the big dragon had more in common with the shy pegasus. Her body started moving on it's own. Sliding closer to the drake, isolated on the floor.
While his head was tilted downwards. He felt her soft fur touching his scaly skin. A small nuzzle peaked attention to his side. Looking over, he was met with her bright green eyes. Filled with the same emotional kindness he got used to. Her eyes looked wet from barely being able to hold back tears. Yet, he could still read deep empathy in them.
"I understand more then you know…" fluttershy softly replied.
When he heard those words from fluttershy. It let loose something that's been rattling around in his mind. Something he never truly looked deeply at for years. Letting the hurt exist and never wanting to return to that feeling. Now though, it didn't hurt as much as it used to. However, now came another matter.
His full focus was now on fluttershy. Her pink mane, frizzed and grazing on her face. Eyes glazing over and slightly reddened. Irritated by the tears that used to be in them. Once she noticed him staring, a small but bright smile escaped her lips. His heart started to race a thousand in this moment.
"I think I got it" spike said aloud, gaining Fluttershy's attention.
"Hmm?" she replied, curious as to what he meant.
He became slightly embrassed. A part of his mind slipping out into this current moment. Something about his place and where it will be. Something about that occurred to him. Sitting here,being with her, something about it made sense. More then anything that has been occurring lately. He sighed, hating that he got caught. Also knowing that he's about to say something stupidly corny.
"My place, at least, where I think it is…" spike replied.
Although his statement sounded rather shaky. His voice held a solidarity to it. A sense of purpose. As bright as the crackling fireplace in front of them. He stopped himself from finishing for a second. Slightly distracted by the bright green eyes looking at him. Hanging on every word he was about to say. However, those same eyes reassured the truth of his next statement.
"It's still here… with you" spike stated.
Once those words left his mouth. Both of them became rather flustered. The couple whose eyes were always compelled to each other. Couldn't even look each other in the eye without turning a bright red. Both of them started finding the floor a really compelling place to look. Though, they didn't dare move apart from each other.
While fluttershy's head was still down. A small thought entered her head. A remnant of her conversation with rarity. Holding him back was something she didn't even wanna accidentally do. She took a breath, regaining her composure from the statement he made. Turning her head to face him.
"Are you sure?" fluttershy asked, her voice turning stern.
Spike felt the level of seriousness this question held. This has been something on her mind for a while. So, with that, he wanted to reassure her. He took his scaly claw and caressed her cheek. A small but bright smile appeared on the dragon.
"More sure then i've ever been" he replied.
Those words were like a pleasant melody for her. A reassurance she desperately needed. Helping slowly erase the words of rarity from her head. Part of her wanted to not simply take his word for it. But, those words felt too good to ruin. Her smile was bright, looking the drake in her emerald eyes. Those same eyes, staring back at her. His hand was still on her cheek, holding it. That face, that smile, at this point he couldn't help it.
This time it was his turn. Holding her cheek, he slowly inched closer to her face. Proceeding to give her a small peck on the lips. However, before he could crane his head back. Fluttershy jumped into him. The amount of force knocking the both of them to the ground.
Fluttershy was on top of her beloved drake. Dropping her head down to deepen their kiss. A move that shocked but didn't bother the young drake. Matter of fact, his heart was racing a mile a minute. Only beat out by fluttershy's heart, running the same enhanced pace. Both of them slowly parted their lips. Their foreheads connected to each other. Eyes locked on, heavy breaths in synchronization.
Then, when facing directly towards each other. Fluttershy on top of the drake and spike just speechless. The level of spontaneity and surprising strength. He was both amused and amazed at it all.
"Um.. wow" spike said with a small chuckle.
Said small chuckle was followed by fluttershy's own. Slowly lifting her weight from the dragon. Falling perfectly perpendicular from him. Back to the floor, belly up and eyes fixed to the ceiling. Strands of her bright pink mane stretching out on the floor. Spike was already belly up but he turned his gaze to her. She looked so happy and with him of all dragons.
That in itself felt like a small joke. Letting out a small snicker. However, something else popped up into his mind. A question that devoured any other thought in his mind. He looked at his marefriend and uttered the following words.
"I'm gonna have to talk to rarity, aren't i?" spike asked, a sigh attached to that question.
Fluttershy wasn't sure how to answer him. She had her personal answer and what seemed like the right one. However, after today's talk, her perspective was shifting slightly. Her eyes parted from the ceiling and back to spike.
"If you feel that's right, not like i can stop you" she replied with a smile.
Spike nodded, accepting the response as intended. This is something that he needs to do. Something that he's been mentally avoiding for years. Twilight was first on the list of ponies he was avoiding. Rarity is last and he was not looking forward to it.
As soon as that was decided in his head. Another matter called to him. A massive grumble uttered from his stomach. He hasn't really eaten for a majority of the day. The food on the train wasn't great. plus, fluttershy didn't really have anything substantial in her cupboard. Shopping being something she planned to do today. So, with nature calling to him. He knew where the rest of the day was going.
"Wanna go get something to eat?" spike asked with a small chuckle.
"The Cakes,i'm really really am craving something sweet" fluttershy replied.
"Sounds good to me" he replied.
Both of them lifted their bodies from the floor. Turning towards the door. Fluttershy was about to leave. Until she saw the mess that was currently her mane and face at the moment. She let out an audible gasp before addressing spike.
"You were going to let me walk out the house like this?!" fllutershy exclaimed.
"Hey, at least no colt would even think of hitting on you.." spike replied, trying to add humor.
"NOT FUNNY" she loudly exclaimed before dashing to the back of her house.
Ponyville, main square, cake's bakery, 1 hour after fluttershy's hut
Lilac, a name that was seemingly pulled out of a hat. Based upon a vibrant and bright colored flower. A name used to hide an identity she wasn't fond of. Hiding is something she's a bit familiar with. The desperate want and need to be somepony else. Finally having a chance to abandon the mare known as trixie lulamoon. These thoughts were swirling in her head. thoughts she's been able to keep a bay for a while. Moving too fast or having something else in mind. It's only when she seems to be revisiting a fragment of her past.That's when her head becomes messy and unclear. The only thing anchoring her to the ground was the stallion infront of her. Constantly engaging her in conversation.
"Wow, the line is really speeding up.." the stallion commented.
Trixie nodded in response, noticing the amount of ponies leaving. The line was naturally becoming shorter and shorter. Each pony walking out with a signed piece of something. From baskets of goods with a signature attached. To even seeing the rare mare or stallion with writing on their forehead. Writing that trixie didn't really care to read at the moment.
"Why on their foreheads?" trixie asked aloud.
"Guess so they'll never forget" the stallion replied.
"This world never ceases to surprise me" trixie replied, a snicker attached.
That small bit of comfort was soon shattered by a realization. Looking forward, she noticed they were only three ponies away from the door. The open door leading into the main shop. The place where she assumed rainbow dash was. Her heart started racing a couple miles a minute. Wanting nothing but the line to stall. Nothing but to be frozen in a pocket of time forever. Afraid of how this new stallion would react to the truth. Whether or not the truth was gonna be told in the first place. The line of ponies moved again, inching her closer the door frame.
Her breathing started to quicken. Each gulp of air becomes more and more toxic. Hoping that whatever this feeling is, was internal. Not wanting to make a fool of herself with a bunch of strangers.
"Lilac…"
She was stuck, her breathing became more rapid. The air around her got tighter and tighter. She started to feel slowly disconnected from the world. The ponies, the ground, the voices. They were all blending together and became noise in her mind. She closed her eyes, trying to shut it all out.
"Lilac!" the stallion exclaimed.
The stallion, the nice one, he's calling her. Yet this wasn't the voice she was paying attention to. It was the voices all around her. All seemingly talking about her and staring at her. It all made her want to scream. Her breathing was out of control at this point. She was doing exactly what she didn't wanna do. Make a scene.
"Lilac, look at me!"
The voice held a sense of command. Yet his tone still felt remarkably low. Still, it held enough weight for her to focus on him.
"Don't focus on them, only on me…" the stallion stated, lowering his tone.
While still having no control of her breathing, she nodded. Tuning the rest of the line out. Staring deep into his brown eyes. Not transfixed but locked into them.
"Now, breathe with me, in…. Out…" he said, making his breaths rhythmic.
She followed along, keeping track in her head. Never moving her eyesight away from him. Her breaths were slow but steady. Coming down from the erratic mess that was earlier. The stallion noticed his direction was working. Giving off a small but soft smile. A smile that was an added comfort to the mare.
Once she regained herself. Her eyes glazed away from the brown stallion. She noticed, not a lot of ponies were looking her way. It perplexed her, did nobody notice? The stallion saw the confusion in her face. Deciding now was the time to comment.
"My son, he deals with a lot of panic attacks, anxious as all hell.." the stallion started.
Trixie heard him but the words were unbelievable. The great and powerful trixie and anxiety. Two concepts that didn't really fit together. She sighed, slightly embarrassed by this revelation. letting rainbow dash of all mares do this to her.
"Makes the world feel a lot scarier then it actually is" the stallion finished with a small chuckle.
"So that's how…" before trixie could even finish, he interjected.
"Yep, caught it before it turned into something big"
Trixie nodded, looking forward. They were one pony shy. The door was one movement away from being inside the shop. She felt her heart start to lift again. Wanting to stand in place, fearing what's behind the frame. However, her time to freeze was soon over. The pony behind her moved, meaning she had to as well.
"Shoot, I assumed they would have a separate table for autographs," the stallion commented.
"Hmm?" trixie reacted in confusion. Until she saw the inside.
The cake's bakery, still as small as ever. Something that never truly changed over the years. However, the place did look a lot nicer. The floor was made of nice black and white marble tiles. What smelled like freshly painted walls had a nice coat of white. Giving the place the look of an old school diner.
There didn't seem to be any places to sit. Trixie assumed that it was mostly due to the nature of the business. Set up more for taking orders to go and not sitting with them. She liked the look of the place. It felt very comfortable and homey. However, these thoughts soon became irrelevant.
From behind another pony in line. She saw just a hint of the cyan colored mare. Wearing her traditional blue wonderbolts uniform. Small yellow lightning bolts peppered on the suit. Aviator goggles hanging on her neck. Turns out, she was a guest receptionist for the shop. Taking orders and signing things. She had the biggest smile on her face.
"Huh, not how I expected them to do it.." the stallion commented.
"Didn't think, rainbow knew how to even take orders" trixie replied.
"It's not that hard… sometimes…" he replied to her with a chuckle.
The idle bit of conversation was taking her mind off. Helping her not jump into fight or flight. Wanting to dash away quickly, abandon the whole thing. However, something else, something louder was telling her otherwise. Her head, a voice, telling her not to run.
She looked forward, they were at least five orders away from the checkout desk. She sighed, looking straight ahead. One pony was down, four more were left. The pace of her heart was picking up. However, this time, she was determined not to let it crumble her.
"You only came for donuts, right lilac?" the stallion asked.
Matter of fact, it gave her this sense of energy. Every nervous beat added to this feeling of power. Two ponies left the line, a couple, two more ponies were left. Trixie nodded in response to the stallion's question. A bit of a late reaction but her mind was on the incoming interaction.
"Hey, it feels silly but I never asked for your name, did i?" trixie asked out of the blue.
"Didn't think it was important…" the stallion replied passively.
"You asked for my name though" Trixie replied, puzzled by his response.
"Fair enough… tonic, tonic is my name" he replied with a smile.
"Tonic, huh, never would have guessed that" she replied with a small snicker of her own.
Another pony left the line. There was one more behind them. However, her order was quick and to the point. It seemed she didn't even want a signature. So with a quick nod and a speedy exit. The last pony walked away and broke for the exit.
The cyan mare still held a smile on her face. Even knowing that the pony didn't care about her. Something that was a shock to trixie. She, as a mare, might have changed. Giving her a slight bit of hope. However, that confident stance was slightly dashed.
It started with the shock in her expression. The moment their eyes met. The stock line rainbow had disappeared. Even when seeing the shock in her face. She couldn't show any sense of fear. So she kept her eyes on her. Waiting for the name she was hiding from. The name she hid from the stallion beside her.
"Trixie…?" rainbow said, disbelief ringing in her voice.
Tonic was silent and in shock. What reason would she have to lie about her name? Yet, that panic attack he saved her from. Something about it, the pain he saw in her eyes. Gave him a reason to at least assume she's not a threat.
"Rainbow…" trixie replied in a low and nervous tone.
Rainbow was taken slightly a back by her tone. On top of that, her body language was off. No matter what scenario she was in. Yet, now all she sees is the complete opposite. Not even able make eye contact with her. Her stance was unsteady and shaky. She didn't really know what to make of it.
"I'm… well, i think…" trixie tried getting words out. Her nerves were starting to return.
"Sorry?" rainbow asked, assuming that's what she was going for.
Trixie nodded, not even able to spare audible confirmation. Something that felt quite embarrassing for the light blue mare. She was never personally intimidated by her before. She almost got blasted away by rarity. Why is this the thing that spooks her the most?
For a short moment, the two didn't share any words. Tonic had a goal and he didn't even speak. Then, a massive belly laugh broke the deafening silence. That laugh coming from the cyan mare in front of them. It slightly jolted both of them.
"Dude, that was years ago!" rainbow exclaimed, her laugh still bright and loud.
"But i…" before Trixie could finish…
"The worst thing you did was because of that stupid amulet!" Rainbow interjected.
"I made you a slave!" trixie exclaimed in slight frustration.
Once tonic heard this, he whipped his head towards trixie. In utter shock with what he just heard. Matter of fact, all of this was a lot to process. Did he just help some kind of supervillain? No wonder she had so much anxiety before walking up to her.
"Ms dash, she does have a point.." tonic said in bewilderment.
Rainbow dash was still in mid laugh while hearing this. She needed a minute to catch her breath. While doing so, she looked up towards the line. While there weren't as many ponies left. She was still obligated to finish up before taking a break for the day. So, she quickly regained her composure and responded.
"Trust me, I know her, it's a long story my dude" she replied with a smile.
"Did, did you just defend me?" trixie asked in shock.
"If you call the truth a defense, sure…" rainbow quickly responded sarcastically.
Her head was split between two modes at the moment. The work pony that had a job to do. Seeing the line becoming more and more inpatient. The other side, a very interested mare. Just looking at trixie she saw a story. A story that she was more and more interested to unpack. Also desperately wanting a break from any type of work.
"Ok, so, I have like 30 minutes before break,meet me outside, ok?" rainbow asked.
Her voice irradiated unchecked excitement. A vibe that both trixie and tonic picked up on. If there is one thing that rainbow did. It was starting to make trixie feel more comfortable. A trait she didn't usually associate with the cyan mare. So, she nodded in acceptance with this request.
"Awesome… oh!, I forgot, did you wanna order something?" she replied with a nervous chuckle.
With that, trixie placed the original order she came for. Her tone while placing it was slightly lighter. One of her bigger worries was slightly lessened. Honestly looking forward to the conversation they were gonna have. After placing said order, she stepped outside of the line. Waiting for tonic to be done with his business before heading outside. While watching him place his order.
She felt slightly awkward about the whole thing. The truth was out but not in the way she planned. Rainbow was a lot more positive then she thought. But tonic, his impression was one refusing to leave her head. All she could do is wait, wait for him to face her.
With his business attended to. He held a cyan colored cap in his teeth. One with rainbow dash's cutie mark garnished on the lid. Placing it in a brown satchel he had strapped to his chest. One that trixie didn't even notice before. With that, he nodded and slid his body out of the line.
When he made it out the line. He didn't notice trixie immediately. His head was still processing what was revealed to him. He could handle the lie about her name but enslavement was something else. Then, when outside of the crowd, he spotted her. And whatever disposition he had about her instantly dissipated.
Their eyes met for a second before her gaze hit the floor. Her face held this heavy amount of guilt. Reminding him of his younger son. A son who he was slowly running out of ways to help. To the point where a stupid hat was his last resort. He looked at that face, that downtrodden face. His mind already knew what to do. Making his way next to the nervous mare. Standing on the outside of the line.
She noticed his presence. Looking up at him, knowing this was the time. The time to apologize for leaving out details. She couldn't stand looking at him without doing that. Hoping to salvage a small friendship. One that she really wanted to keep around.
"Sorry about…" before trixie could even get the sentence out..
"It's fine, really, just a lot to process is all" he interjected, alongside a small awkward chuckle.
"If you wanna abandon ship, that's totally fine…" trixie replied, her tone shaky and awkward.
"I'mma do that when things are just getting interesting, hell no!" tonic replied with a smirk attached.
Hearing this, that small smirk reappeared on her face. Gratefully relieved that he didn't truly turn on her. At Least, before he hears the full story. A story that she wanted buried forever. A story that was on constant repeat in her head.
"Let's head out, 30 minutes passes by faster then you think" tonic said, a smile on his face.
Trixie nodded in agreement, returning that smile. A simple gesture that brought comfort to her. They walked out of the small bakery shop together. Awaiting their conversation with star flier of the wonderbolts.
an: so... its been awhile. lot of stuff happened to delay this chapter. like a massive move to another state. but I'm totally back and wanna never have yall waiting this long for a chapter again. I'm am so excited for the next set of chapters. its super cool I promise :)
thanks for reading
mysterypen