Princess Spike
Pony's Log Number 510: With great power comes great responsibility, and Spike is about to learn that the hard way...especially since he didn't learn his lesson the last time...
Today in the grand city of Canterlot, several ponies had arrived for a very important event. Some tents had also been set up in the main lobby of the Canterlot castle and those who had been invited to attend the event were wearing special ID tags around their necks or clips on their shirts. The ponies then gathered around an object covered in a large white cloth. Just then some trumpet fanfare was heard as the four alicorn princesses and the only alicorn prince made their appearance. Each of them was wearing their own crowns and had their wings majestically opened.
"Welcome to the Grand Equestria Pony Summit!" Luna announced as she arrived, followed by Princess Celestia.
"You delegates have traveled far and wide to represent your cities as we seek to celebrate and learn from all the unique places that make up the wonderful land of Equestria," said Celestia as Cadance, followed by Twilight, Mario, and last, but not least, Spike appeared. It should also noticed noted that both Mario and Twilight had bags under their eyes, "At tonight's welcome reception, Princess Cadance will dedicate this beautiful friendship statue made up of gemstones from each of your home cities." The large cloak was removed to show a rather large pony statue made entirely out of different gem stones. The crowd oohed and awed in amazement. Spike began to lick hip lips since seeing all the gems made him hungry.
"Down boy," said Mario gently but firmly as Twilight raised a foreleg in front of Spike to make him settle down. Spike just smiled apologetically.
"Now I'd like to turn things over to the two who organized the summit," said Celestia, "Princess Twilight Sparkle and her handsome husband Prince Mario Star." The crowd cheered for both ponies as the royal couple took to the center front of the stage.
"Thank you, everypony," said Twilight in a tired tone, "With delegates from over fifty cities attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this is the largest Grand Equestria Pony Summit yet. And let me tell you, putting it all together had led to more than one sleepless night. Right dear?"
"Yes it has, honey," said Mario in his own tired tone, "But it was worth it knowing that we could put together a Summit that all our fellow delegates can enjoy and will remember for years to come!"
"We're so excited to have you here and to learn more about life all across this great land of ours," said Twilight.
"May you all have a pleasant and enriching experience," finished Mario as the crowd cheered. Spike then poked Twilight from behind.
"And now our faithful assistant Spike would like to say a few words," Twilight announced as Spike took to center stage.
"Um, hello, everypony!" Spike said to the crowd, "I'm here to help any way I can. So if there's anything I can do for any of you-"
"We love you, Princess Twilight!" shouted a pony named Neigh Sayer, cutting Spike off.
"Please settle down," Mario said gently and firmly, "Our assistant has a few words to-"
"We love all the princesses!" shouted another delegate as the crowd cheered. Mario looked annoyed and a little hurt.
"Just the princesses?" Mario asked.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
"Prince Mario is so cute!" shouted another female delegate as a few younger female ponies cheered for him. Mario flinched as their squeals and rolled his eyes.
"Me and my big mouth," Mario muttered. Spike just slumped over in defeat and sighed. Luna took noticed.
"I guess everypony loves a princess," said Spike, "Hmph."
"What about a Prince?" Mario asked Spike.
"What about you?" Spike shot back as Mario made a long face.
Even as a royal alicorn, Mario still felt like he got no respect.
(Main Theme)
Later on that day in the castle tower Twilight and Mario were staying in, Spike was inside doing his own things when he heard somepony banging on the door. Spike rushed to go open the door when Cadance burst the door open and walked inside.
"Ugh!" said Spike as the door closed to show poor Spike pasted to the wall.
"Spike!" Cadance called out since she didn't know that she had slammed the door on him. Spike slid down to the floor, several books from the shelves fell right in top of him. Cadance saw everything.
"Spike?" she called out again.
"A little help!" Spike groaned as he was buried under a pile of fallen books as he extended a claw for help. Cadance used her magic to pull Spike out of the pile of books.
"Spike, we need you!" Cadance said desperately.
"Of course!" Spike replied, "What can I do?" Suddenly the doors opened and there before them was Twilight. The purple pony was looking very tired, woozy, and disoriented.
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Spike asked.
"I'm sorry, Spike," said Twilight in a tired and woozy tone, "I just..." Twilight then yawned loudly, "...need a quick...nap." Twilight then wobbled sideways toward the pile of books.
"Napkins!" said Twilight woozily, "Tell the delegates I'll..." Twilight just mumbled as she hugged the books and fell asleep.
"She and Mario have been awake three straight days preparing for the summit," said Cadance.
"Wait, if Twilight and Mario haven't slept in three days," said Spike, "Then where's..."
"There you are!" said Mario as he appeared in even worse condition as Twilight, in fact, Mario was hanging into the doorknob with his fore-legs just to keep himself standing up, "I am disappointed Cadance. I didn't expect such...umm...clumsiness from you."
"Come again?" Spike asked as Cadance rolled her eyes. Mario wobbled over to them and nearly fell down.
"I have decided to send Shining Armor back and keep you," Mario continued. There was a brief pause.
"That's...unfortunate?" Spike replied, feeling very puzzled.
"I should think so too!" Mario snapped, "You both have upset my arrangements! Now Shenran will have to help with the goods work while you get your flank mended. Shenran won't...like...thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..."
THUD
(Lose a life fanfare)
Mario then fell onto his back and fell asleep.
"What was that all about?" Spike asked.
"Mario's so tired that he thought I was a steam engine who damaged one of the Canterlot Towers by backing my flank into it," Cadance explained, "and he kept saying that he planned on keeping either me or Shining Armor on his railway."
"Mario, you can be a total nutcase sometimes," Spike remarked.
"I'm not nutcase, I'm lovable! Get it right!" Mario shouted, sitting straight up before falling into his back and instantly going back to sleep. Spike groaned.
"Uhh, I hate it when he does that," said Spike.
"It's his equivalent to sleepwalking," Cadance explained, "Mario's has random outbursts when he desperately needs sleep or gets under alot of stress."
"I've noticed," Spike remarked wearily.
"We need to make sure they get some rest today," said Cadance, "They'll never be able to attend the welcome reception in this condition. Can I count on you to see to it that they aren't disturbed?"
"I promise!" said Spike, "I won't let you down!" It wasn't long before Twilight and Mario were snoring as they slept soundly in their bed. Spike did a patrol in the front of the bed holding a giant telescope in his claws. Spike then jumped into a chair and used his telescope to examine the surrounding area from an open window. Through the telescope, Spike noticed a mare pushing a baby carriage, a pony sitting at a table at the cafe, and a mime pony performing to a crowd. All was quiet and peaceful.
"Perfect," said Spike, but was soon interrupted when he heard a bird singing on the tip of a rooftop.
"Not on my watch," said Spike as he headed directly to the singing bird.
"Uh, excuse me?" Spike asked the bird, "Can you keep it down a little?" The bird just stared at him for a moment before flying right into the open window of Twilight and Mario's room!
"Oh, no!" Spike exclaimed as he rushed back to the tower. He quickly opened the door and found the bird perched on top of Twilight's horn and singing.
"I'll give you birdseed! Worms! Anything!" Spike pleaded from the edge of the bed, "Just please stop singing before you wake the princess and prince!" The bird looked down to see the alicorn couple snoring before giving Spike a smile and flew out of the window.
"Huh, I can't believe that worked," said Spike. It was then he heard the cheer of some crowds nearby. He looked outside to see some ponies were playing a game of polo. The polo ponies and the crowds were also shouting. Spike looked at Twilight and Mario and noticed that they were groaning and turning about in their sleep. Outside, a polo pony went to take a shot to score a point.
"Hyah!" Spike shouted as he dived in front of the goal and caught the ball, blocking the player's chance to score a point. The polo players were shocked, but their shock soon turned into anger as they stared the little dragon down.
"Uh, hi fellas," said Spike, "Sorry to break up your game, but there's sort of an important diplomatic summit kind of thingy going on, and it involves a princess and prince needing to sleep, and, uh..." Spike stuttered as the polo ponies glared and surrounded him, making the little dragon drop the ball, "...maybe you could move your game somewhere else?" Before Spike could get an answer, he heard the sound of a chainsaw buzzing. He noticed a pony trying to trim the branches from a nearby tree.
"Uh, the princess and prince thank you for your understanding!" Spike shouted to the polo ponies watched Spike zoom away. Spike appeared before the Horticultural Pegasus and stood on a tree branch.
"Excuse me," Spike asked the Pegasus, "Do you have to do this right now?" Spike then sneezed, exhaling some fire as he did so, and looked up at the trees. His eyes were now all swollen and puffy.
"Oh, no! Are those dragon sneeze trees?" Spike sniffled.
"Uh, these are too top-heavy," said the Horticultural Pegasus, "Wouldn't take too much to bring these beauties down." The trees creaked to the side to show that they were in danger of tipping over.
"Can't you just wait a few hours?" Spike asked in a strained tone.
"Sorry, it's a public hazard," said the Horticultural Pegasus, "I got my orders."
"Well, I've got my orders too from Princess Twi...Twi...Twilight...AH-ACHOO!" Spike then sneezed again, this time scorching the Pegasus's goggles, "and Prince Mario."
"Princess Twilight? Prince Mario?" said the Horticultural Pegasus with a short laugh, "Why didn't you say so? Gee, I reckon they'll keep a few more hours." The Horticultural Pegasus lifted his burnt goggles off his face and walked away.
"Huh. Good thing I've got the princesses...and the prince...on my side," said Spike to himself as he stood up, but then Spike was given the rumbling of his life when a unicorn stallion was using a jackhammer to do his work. Spike yelped and vibrated about until he saw an orange wooden cone and grabbed it.
"Aw, come on!" Spike shouted annoyingly, "Excuse me? Excuse me sir! I really need you to-" The stallion stopped working, "-stop right now!" Spike then realized that the jackhammer rattling had stopped, "Oops."
"Lemme guess, the noise?" said the Public Works Pony, "Sorry, but we can't have a broken water main!" He showed Spike a large pipe that was cracked in a certain spot.
"Ugh, you couldn't do this yesterday?!" Spike asked annoyingly.
"Hey, pal," the Public Works Pony retorted, "I'm just tryin' to make sure everything runs smooth for the summit!"
"But there is no summit without Princess Twilight and Prince Mario," said Spike, "And she needs things to be kept quiet around here. So if you don't mind, I'd-"
"All right, all right," the Public Works Pony replied, cutting Spike off, "if that's how they want it." He then got into Spike's face, "But if something happens, it ain't my fault!" The Public Works Pony walked away as Spike surveyed the surrounding area. Everything was at near-silence and Spike smiled, feeling very pleased with himself.
"Hmph!" said Spike as he made his way to the front door of Twilight and Mario's room with a red gem in his claw, "Princess Twilight and Prince Mario will be rested, Princess Cadance will be proud, and Princess Spike deserves a little reward. Hah! Princess Spike." Spike laughed to himself and licked lips as he eyeballed his red gem. It was then two delegates appeared as they made their way up the staircase. They were arguing with each other. Spike was still looking at his red gem when the two delegates approached him.
"...Oh, lemme tell you somethin', alright?" said the male delegate named Joe Pescolt, "I worked forever on this speech, and I know I have more-"
"Uh, hi," said Spike casually, "Can I help you?"
"My friend here, the distinguished pony from up Manehatten," said the mare named March Gustysnows, "and I are in a bit of a pickle, and we need the Princess Twilight and Prince Mario to resolve it."
"Uh, can you talk a little quieter?" Spike asked, "and maybe come back later?"
"Oh, sure now, gosh, I wish we could," said March Gustysnows hastily, "but, uh, we're supposed to give speeches about out local economies in five minutes, and we've been booked in the same hall!"
"I had the room first," said Joe Pescolt, "And let's be honest, my speech is more important!"
"Point of order there, sir," said March Gustysnows, "but I think you'll find that my speech is the more important one, don't'cha know?"
"Look, youse is gonna have a lot of unhappy delegates on your hooves unless we get a ruling from Princess Twilight and Prince Mario," said Joe Prescolt. The two delegates stared Spike down. Spike bit his lips as the two delegate stared at him with more stern looks on their faces. Spike sighed in defeat as he walked inside of the room. He slowly tip-toed up to the bed where Twilight and Mario were fast asleep. Spike just reached Twilight's side of the bed when the purple alicorn sat up, making Spike squeal in fright.
"Does someone need scheduling?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, uh, yeah," Spike answered, "Two delegates have speeches book in the same hall. What do I do?"
"Okay, no problem," said Twilight, "Just put the hay in the apples and eat the candle, hm?" Spike was left speechless.
"Huh?" Spike replied as Twilight yawned, fell back into her pillow, and went back to sleep.
"Oh, I need an answer, but Twilight can't even think straight!" said Spike, "Oh! Maybe Mario can help me! He's been sleeping long enough to-"
"GIGANTIC DONUTS!" Mario shouted with a goofy looking face as he sat up, making Spike squeal again as Mario fell back into his pillow and was snoring loudly once again. Spike just snorted.
"Something's wrong with you," Spike muttered to the snoring Prince, but then began to panic when he remembered the delegates outside, "Oh my gosh, what am I supposed to do?!" While Spike was panicking and unsure about what to do, he didn't wait too long to head back outside where the two delegates were waiting impatiently for him.
"Well? What did they say?" Joe Pescolt demanded, "They picked me, right?"
"Hey, hey, hey. Let's not be too hasty there, good sir," said March Gustysnows, "I got a feeling they went with me." Spike just looked uneasy.
"He-hey, if she didn't pick me," Joe Pescolt protested, "it ain't hard to see that an insult to all of Manehattan. You know what I'm sayin'?"
"And it'd sure be a shame to see something like a schedule issue create a nasty old rift between Whinnyapolis and Ponyville," said March Gustysnows. Spike just looked more uneasy and nervous.
"So? What did the Princess and Prince say?" Joe Pescolt demanded.
"Come on, now!" March Gustysnows added as she and Joe Pescolt started Spike down, "Spit it out!"
"Um, they said that..." Spike stuttered, "Well, they said that they...they want you to..share it?" Spike flinched as the two delegates had blank looks on their faces.
"If that's what the princess and prince want," said Joe Pescolt as he offered the mare a hoofshake, "what are ya gonna do?"
"The princess and prince are always right!" said March Gustysnows as she returned the hoofshake.
"Listen. No hard feelings," said Joe Pescolt, "This is not about you or me, alright? I mean, this is..."
"Now there ya go, we got a solution!" said March Gustysnows at the same time as Joe Pescolt, "I have no hard feelings..." Spike sat down by the front door to the room and sighed.
"Now, back to more important things!" said Spike as he grabbed a bowl loaded with red gems and started eating them. Spike had barely finished his snack, rubbed his now full belly, when he heard some more complaining delegates approaching.
"Combining those two talks was a disaster!" said a rather annoyed delegate, "The hall was overcrowded and the speakers just shouted over each other!" Spike was stunned.
"Huh? B-but-" Spike stuttered.
"Why would the princess and prince have made such a decision?!" The Annoyed delegate continued as he got into Spike's face. Several other rather annoyed delegates chattered with each other as they made their way up the tower.
"Uh, by order of Princess Twilight and Prince Mario," said Spike, "BE QUIET!" His voice echoed as the other delegates stopped grumbling and glared at the little dragon. Spike then went to speak when a Pegasus delegate named Fluffy Clouds cut him off.
"I was really looking forward to the "Don't Spend All Your Bits" Speech," said Fluffy Clouds, "but when I went into the hall..." He began to tear up, "...a pony had taken my seat. A pony who used to be my friend!"
"Your friend took your seat?" said Spike, "Hah, big deal! Why don't you just-"
"No offense," said Fluffy Clouds snootily, "but I don't need some random dragon's opinion. I-I want to hear what Princess Twilight and Prince Mario think." Spike didn't hesitate to show that he was offended as he sighed with a huff.
"Fine," Spike said hastily as he opened the door to head inside and then closed it. He looked to see Twilight and Mario snoring in their bed. Spike then exited the room and headed back to the delegates.
"The princess and prince say no friendship should end over a seat," said Spike, "You should forgive your friend!" Fluffy Clouds gasped.
"Of course!" said Fluffy Clouds, "Oh, the princess and prince are so wise!" The other delegates just chattered to each other in the background.
"I could tell these delegates anything as long as they think it came from Twilight and Mario," Spike pondered as he got a devious smirk on his face. He quickly turned around to address the delegates.
"Alright, who's next?" Spike asked to delegates.
It wasn't long before Spike began to listen to the problems of each delegate with a smirk on his face. A female donkey then appeared to Spike about her issues, Spike then faked walking into the room and coming out before he gave the donkey a thumbs up. The female donkey smiled happily and zoomed off. Then another mare delegate appeared and spoke her problem to Spike. Behind the delegate was a long line of other delegates and VIP guests had come to seek "Twilight and Mario's" advice. Then another stallion and mare were arguing with each other when Spike did his routine and then gestured a solution to them. Both of them smiled at the idea. Then another stallion appeared as Spike stood listening with a smug look on his face. Spike then did his routine to get "the princess and princes" advice before shaking his head. The stallion walked sadly away. Then a griffon delegate appeared and Spike gave him a thumbs up. Another stallion approached and Spike gave him the OK sign with his claw, gave a mare a thumbs down, and then a thumps up to another stallion. The line of delegates continued to shift but seemed never ending, but Spike didn't seem to mind that a bit. Then Fluffy Clouds came back, nervously seeking more advice. Once Spike gave him a thumbs up, he hovered happily away. Spike then dusted off his claws when Fancy Pants appeared before him.
"So, how can Princess Twilight and Prince Mario be of service?" Spike asked smugly.
"Well, as host city, the Canterlot delegation feels it's only right that we should get passes to every meeting and party, yes?" Fancy Pants asked.
"Well, that doesn't seem fair-" said Spike before correcting himself, "I mean, Princess Twilight and Prince Mario doesn't think that seems fair."
"Ehhh...yes, yes, very well," said Fancy Pants, who was clearly disappointed but was gracious about the decision, "It was worth a try though, wasn't it old chap, hm? Please send my regards to Prince Mario. I look forward to seeing my friend at the reception later this evening." Fancy Pants then took his leave as Spike felt very excited.
"This is great!" said Spike, "I just took care of a whole bunch of stuff that Twilight and Mario won't have to worry about when they wake up! Wonder if anypony else needs the princess and prince's help?" Spike then rushed inside and pulled down a long checklist and looked it over as he walked outside.
"If I can check a few of these meetings off Twilight's and Mario's schedule," said Spike to himself, "Then when they wake up, they won't have to think about anything but the reception." Spike put on a devious smile and he headed down the tower to get to work.
At the Canterlot outdoor cafe, a mare with a dark blue coat, orange mane and tail with the former tied into a pony tail, and wearing red glasses was sitting at a table drinking a cup of coffee. Her name was Frazzle Rock and she was sitting quietly at the table when Spike arrived.
"Uh, it says here you have a meeting with Princess Twilight and Prince Mario?" Spike asked.
"Uh, yuppers," said Frazzle Rock with a slight lisp in her voice, "They wanted me to prep them on all the gemstones in the Citizens of Equestria statue before the reception tonight." She showed Spike a picture of the statue.
"Okay, go ahead," said Spike plainly. Frazzle Rock looked a little puzzled.
"Uh, well, I'd rather, um, tell the princess and prince directly," said Frazzle Rock.
"Well, if it helps," Spike replied, "you can call me "Princess Spike"." Spike battled his eyes at her. Frazzle Rock gave the little dragon an awkward look and got up to leave.
"No-no-no, it's alright," Spike reassured her, "The princess and prince asked me to take care of a few things for her. That's why I came to find you."
"Um, if you say so," said Frazzle Rock hesitantly.
"The princess and prince say so!" said Spike smugly.
"Uh, okay," said Frazzle Rock, "Let's start with topaz..."
Once the discussion with Frazzle Rock was complete, Spike moved into the next thing on Twilight and Mario's list. He approached the Public Works Pony, who had just bitten into a juicy apple.
"I'm here for your two o'clock!" Spike announced.
"You?!" the Public Works Pony interjected as he dropped his apple, "But I'm supposed to be briefing Princess Twilight and Prince Mario on the progress with the water main!"
"I speak for the Princess and Prince," said Spike firmly.
"Uh, well, uh," the Public Works Pony stuttered, "can I start fixing it again? I'm getting a little worried, to be honest." Down below the pipe gave a groaning and was vibrating dangerously, ready to burst. Spike didn't notice.
"Actually, Twilight and Mario still need their rest," said Spike, "and their no-noise policy is still in effect for a few more hours. Sorry." The Public Works Pony just walked away with his jackhammer in his magic grip. Spike walked off with a smug look on his face when there before him was...Cadance.
"Hey, Spike. What's going on?" Cadance asked.
"Oh, you know," said Spike casually, "just settin' 'em up and knockin' 'em down!"
"What do you mean?" Cadance asked, not understanding the little dragon.
"Not only have I kept things quiet so Twilight and Mario could sleep," Spike explained, "I also took care of all their afternoon meetings so they won't have to worry about them when they wake up." Spike had expected Cadance to be proud of him, but instead she just gave him a skeptical look.
"Are you sure they'd want you doing that?" Cadance asked, "There are so many things to keep track of at this summit."
"Nah, don't worry," said Spike confidently, "I got it covered. I know Twilight and Mario so well, it's easy to make decisions like them!"
"Oh, okay," said Cadance and not hiding the hesitation in her tone, "Well, thank you for keeping Twilight and Mario's stress levels down. As long as that's the real reason you're doing it?" Cadance gave the little dragon a skeptical look.
"Well, why else would I be doing it?" Spike answered innocently.
"You're not enjoying speaking for Twilight and Mario a little bit?" Cadance asked as she lifted his chin so they were making eye contact.
"Enjoying it?" Spike replied and laughed nervously, "No way! The only things I'm doing by order of the princess and prince are for the good of the summit!" Spike just smiled as Cadance gave him a minor glare. She might not have done any foal-sitting in years, but she well remembered her experiences with Twilight and Mario when they acted like this. She knew Spike wasn't telling the whole truth and that something was up, but rather than call him out on it, she said nothing and flew off. She had barely gone out of sight when Spike turned around and chuckled deviously to himself.
It wasn't much longer before he was enjoying himself at the Canterlot spa.
"By order of the princess and prince," said Spike as he reclined on his stomach as a male masseur pony messaged his back. Then he was with a griffon chief as he presented Spike with some gem frosted cupcakes.
"By order of the princess and prince," said Spike as he grabbed a cupcake and ate it in one bite. The griffon chief just rolled his eyes indignantly. Next, a painter was doing a painting of Spike reclining on a chasse sofa. While Spike was posing for the painting, the painter had exaggerated Spike's appearance to make him more muscular.
"By order of the princess and prince," said Spike through gritted teeth to keep his pose on the chasse sofa. After that, Spike was just sitting in his own personal chair at the main dining table. Each of the princesses and prince also had their own seat. Spike was just reclining comfortably with his feet on the table and a bowl of gems beside him. He was enjoying himself immensely.
"Princess life is good!" Spike sighed contently as grabbed a green gem and ate it.
"It sure is," said a voice. Spike turned to see Cadance walk up to him, "but it's also hard work, isn't it? And shouldn't it be the Prince life?"
"Nah, pony's have the highest respects for the princesses, not the lone alicorn prince," Spike said dismissively.
"And that's something we're going to change," said Cadance, not hiding the annoyance in her tone, "especially since Mario works very hard at being a good Prince. But I was asking you if you find the life of a princess and a prince hard work."
"Eh, it's not so bad," Spike replied in the same tone.
"Spike, I'm concerned you might be abusing your relationship with Twilight and Mario," Cadance said firmly.
"What are you talking about?" Spike snapped as he admired himself in the reflection of a gem, "I'm a great princess!" Spike then froze at what he had just said.
"Er...I mean Prince...I mean...Twilight's a great princess and Mario's a great prince!" Spike corrected, "And I've been working hard to help them! When two delegates had a falling out, I'm the one who fixed their friendship! I listened to that pony drone on about gems for forty-five minutes so Twilight and Mario wouldn't have to! I moved a polo match away from the tower so they could sleep! And I didn't even eat that delicious looking statue! I'm a decision making master!" As Spike spoke, Joe Pescolt and March Gustysnows shook hooves. Then Spike was seen with Frazzle Rock as she spoke about the statue and the little dragon got so bored that he face-planted the table. The polo ponies were seen outside the city trying to play their game inside a tiny fenced area. He then pointed toward the gem statue as he finished speaking. Cadance just said nothing and glared at him.
"Okay," said Spike as he slumped forward and sighed, "So maybe I did get a little carried away making decisions. But it's not like anything bad happened." Just the fact Spike said that was asking for trouble.
Then...it happened.
A polo pony who had no space to move around as he swung his mallet at the ball, making it fly over the outside wall of the Canterlot city limits and then hit one of the dragon sneeze trees. Since the dragon sneeze trees had gone untrimmed, the tree the ball made contract with tipped over into another tree, causing a mini domino effect until the third tree landed hard on the straining and groaning water main. The water main then burst, sending a large gush of water...through one of the castle windows and right into the reception room! This also included part of the dragon sneeze tree.
"AAAAAAAAAAAH!" Cadance and Spike screamed as the water swept them away and flooded the reception hall. Cadance then rushed to a dry platform and shook her mane dry.
"This is unexpected!" Spike called out as he held onto the leg of an overturned table that was floating above the water.
"I'll shut off the main!" Cadance called out, "You get rid of the water!" Cadance then flew out of the window. Spike then noticed his bowl filled with gems, he dumped the gems out and used the bowl to start bailing the water. However, Spike was in such panic that all he could do was bail the water onto his floating table.
Outside, Cadance was with the Public Works Pony as she used her magic to create solid crystals that sealed the water main shut.
Back inside and just outside the reception room, the flooded water was making the front doors groan. Fancy Pants had arrived and noticed the straining doors. He used his magic to open the door, which caused the water to overtake him and flow quickly out of the room. Spike looked around to see that all the water was gone and quickly rushed to the statue.
"At least the statue's okay," said Spike as he felt his allergies kick up. He turned to see some dragon sneeze flowers near him.
"Oh. Oh, no. Oh, no!" Spike groaned, "ACHOO!" Spike sneezed so hard that the gems that made the statue scattered and clinked all over the floor. Spike sniffled as he saw all the gems scattered about.
"Oh, bless me..." Spike groaned. It wasn't much longer before three ponies arrived with Fancy Pants. They saw the mess and Spike. Fancy Pants was furious.
"Oh, my! What is the meaning of this?!" Fancy Pants demanded.
"Well, uh, you see," Spike stuttered, "There was this polo game, and-" Fancy Pants wasn't listening as he angrily faced the Public Works Pony.
"How could you let a water main burst on Canterlot's most important day?!" Fancy Pants asked angrily.
"Hey, don't look at me!" said the Public Works Pony, "Princess Twilight and Prince Mario said to stop working on it!"
"Well, what about these trees?!" Fancy Pants angrily asked the Horticultural Pegasus, "I ordered them trimmed to avoid just such a situation!"
"But the princess and prince told me to stop, bub!" the Horticultural Pegasus replied.
"Why would the princess and prince make such horrible decisions?!" Fancy Pant remarked, "This could have all been prevented!" The other delegates started shouting angrily.
"Please, everypony, listen!" Spike called out, "I'm so sorry all this happened!"
"What are you apologizing for?" Fancy Pants asked, "These are Princess Twilight's and Prince Mario's awful decisions. And here I thought Mario was mature enough not to resort to petty revenge to make the elite look bad, or full on sabotage a summit!"
"Sabotage?!" Spike spluttered.
"I'm about to blow my stack on Princess Twilight and Prince Mario," said March Gustysnows, "I'll tell you that for nothin'."
"Yeah, me too!" Joe Pescolt added.
"I'll not let Princess Twilight and Prince Mario give Canterlot a bad name in the eyes of Equestria!" said Fancy Pants sternly, "Come on, everypony! Let's go give them a piece of our minds!" The other delegates all shouted in agreement as they took off for the royal couple's tower.
"Please! You've got it all wrong!" Spike shouted but nopony was listening as they all rushed up the staircase of the tower. Spike used the outer railing, and a speed horseshoe power up to boost his top speed so he was able to outrun the crowd of angry delegates and stood in front of the doors to the royal couple's room.
"Wait!" Spike panted but then lowered his voice, "I mean...wait!"
"What is it now?!" Fancy Pants snapped, "There's an angry mob here that demands satisfaction!"
"It's just that, uh, we don't want to wake the princess and prince, do we?" Spike stuttered, clearly trying to stall and not have to confess the truth. It was about to backfire him.
"Wake them?!" Joe Pescolt shouted, "What?! You're tellin' me that they're asleep?!" This only made the delegates angrier. Spike rushed inside as they tried to get in, but Spike managed to keep Fancy Pants from barging inside as Spike shut the door and locked it. Spike tried to catch his breath as the delegates banged on the door.
"Princess, Prince, we must speak at once!" Fancy Pants demanded. Spike lost patience.
"They are SLEEPING!" Spike shouted but then clasped both of his claws over his mouth. Twilight and Mario were still snoring as Spike released a sigh of relief as he walked up to her. He had barely reached the side of the bed when Twilight and Mario yawned and sat up on the bed at the same time.
"Momma mia," Mario remarked as he stretched his fore-legs, "I needed that!" He then noticed the little dragon nearby.
"I'm glad you're here, Spike," said Twilight as she and Mario climbed out of the bed, "We've got a lot to do! Do you know if the water main was fixed?"
"And did my good friend Fancy Pants make sure to trim down those dragon sneeze trees outside so they didn't tip over and fall on anypony?" Mario added. Spike didn't answer any of their questions.
"Uh, you both seem well-rested," said Spike.
"I haven't slept like that since I was a filly!" said Twilight.
"Make that a colt for me since I'm a boy," said Mario.
"You haven't?" Spike replied, "Well, at least I got one thing right. And it was the one thing Cadance asked of me. Maybe I did do a good job today." It was then Spike winced as he heard the banging doors. Twilight and Mario heard them as well.
"What's going on out there?" Mario asked as Spike rushed to the doors, but then Spike yelped as the doors burst open as the delegates entered all shouting at once, knocking Spike backwards. Mario and Twilight looked a bit stunned until Mario narrowed his eyes and stepped forward.
"STOP THAT SHOUTING!" bellowed Mario to get everypony to settle down.
"Fancy Pants, what's wrong?" Twilight asked worried.
"Don't play games with me, Princess!" said Fancy Pant angrily as he got into the purple pony's face, "You know why I'm here!"
"No, she doesn't," said Mario sternly as he raised a fore-leg in front of Twilight, "And how dare you speak to my wife in such manner!"
"Don't you play innocent with me, Prince!" Fancy Pants snapped, "You're just as much to blame as she is!" Mario looked puzzled.
"You're coming in clear, but you're not making any sense," Mario replied.
"Is this about the special privileges you wanted?" Twilight asked as she nervously took a couple of steps backwards and got slightly behind Mario, "Because this seems a little extreme!"
"The special privileges?!" Fancy Pants spluttered, "The last thing on my mind is special privileges!" Twilight and Mario turned to see Spike trying to sneak out of the open window.
"What's going on, Spike?" Twilight asked, making Spike freeze in position.
"Spike," said Mario sternly, "Explain this behavior!"
"Um...you needed to sleep," Spike replied as he turned to face the alicorn couple, "And Princess Cadance told me you weren't to be disturbed. And then there was this bird, and, well...long story short, I made a few decisions on your behalves." Mario glared at Spike.
"What did you do?" he demanded in a low tone. It wasn't long before Twilight and Mario, as well as the angry delegates appeared before the destroyed reception hall. Cadance was already there and filled the royal couple in on some other decisions Spike had made. Mario and Twilight were in shock.
"A few decisions?!" Twilight retorted.
"You call this a few decisions?!" Mario added angrily.
"Well, maybe more than a few, but I had good intentions! Honest!" Spike replied, but then turned to see Cadance giving him a stern glare. It also didn't help that Mario was very, very angry. Spike knew if he didn't start telling the truth now, he was going to be in even more trouble.
"Until I...didn't anymore," Spike confessed, "I'm sorry, Twilight and Mario. I guess I got a little carried away. It-it just felt so good to have ponies caring about my opinions on such important matters. I guess I was just enjoying feeling like a princess...and a prince too." Mario just took a long sigh as he noticed how upset his wife looked at the ruined decor. Then was glaring at Spike as the little dragon explained himself.
"Spike," said Mario in a slow but still angered tone, "We appreciate your help and assistance in helping us, but not with your behavior this afternoon! You have caused a disturbance that has put the entire Summit in jeopardy!" Spike was ashamed as the other delegates grumbled in agreement.
"As for you!" thundered Mario as he spoke severely to the delegates, "You've been worse! You MADE the disturbance!"
"I beg your pardon?!" Fancy Pants exclaimed, shocked at Mario's statement. The other delegates were just as stunned.
"Ever since we've arrived to prepare for this summit," Mario explained sternly, "I've seen several delegates disregard and disrespect my wife and I's number one assistant. Spike may not be a princess or a prince, but his opinion still holds value as a pony, a dragon, and to this summit." He turned to Fancy Pants, "A wise pony once taught me that you don't need to have status, elite or royal, to make your voice heard and make it matter. Every voice is important. Just like you gave me that respect..." Mario went back to addressing everypony, "...I expect that same respect and courtesy to be given to Spike as well. Spike may have made some poor decisions today, but he may have never let things get this out of hand if he didn't feel like his voice was not important!" Spike couldn't help but cry. Despite all his mistakes, Mario was still willing to defend him. Fancy Pants, as well as the other delegates, looked ashamed.
"And let me make one thing clear," Mario added in a softer but stern voice, "My wife and I weren't asleep because we chose to disregard your concerns. We collapsed from exhaustion because we spent three days without sleeping preparing this summit for you all."
"They needed the rest in order to have the energy needed for the reception," Cadance added, "That's why I had asked Spike to make sure they weren't disturbed."
"Oh...oh my, I...I see," said Fancy Pants stuttered as he turned to Mario, feeling rather embarassed, "My sincerest apologies, your majesty. Guess when I saw all the commotion I let my anger cloud my judgment...as well as my mannerisms. Guess we all jumped the wrong conclusions without getting the proper facts. We had no idea that was the case. I guess if we had listened to Spike we might have known that." The other delegates nodded in agreement and made a general apology to the royal couple. Spike just stayed quiet as Twilight approached him.
"Well, Spike," said Twilight, "One of the most important things a princess and a prince can do is realize when they've made a mistake and fix it."
"How can I do that?" Spike asked.
"You could start with them," said Cadance as the delegates were all glaring at him. It was clear they weren't going to apologize unless Spike did it first. Spike timidly climbed up to the stage and looked nervously at the three alicorns. Mario gave him an encouraging smile as Spike sighed.
"Uh, hi there, everypony," said Spike timidly, "So I guess I owe you all an apology. It's funny. Here we are at a summit that brings together ponies from all across Equestria, and all I could think about was myself. You all came here to celebrate the things that make each of our cities so unique and special. But instead of getting into the spirit of things like all of you, I used my friends' position to make myself feel good." As Spike spoke, every delegate gave him their full attention. Spike then sadly looked at his reflection from a blue gem as he finished his speech. The delegates just remained silent for a moment as they watched Spike try to repair the statue himself, but struggled to keep the very foundation from falling apart. It didn't take long before Fancy Pants walked up to the little dragon.
"The Canterlot ruby goes here, old sport," Fancy Pants told him as he used his magic to set the gem into place.
"And ours goes here, don'tcha know?" said March Gustysnows as she put her gem into place. Soon the rest of the delegates all walked up to Spike. Together, they reassembled the statue. It didn't take long before the sculpture was finished and looking better than before.
"Does this mean you forgive me?" Spike asked once the sculpture was complete.
"Sure!" said Joe Pescolt, "and we're sorry we made you feel like your opinion wasn't important." The others nodded and spoke in general agreement.
"You know," Joe Pescolt added, "the whole idea of the statue is that when each of us plays our own small part, it adds to somethin' great."
"Quite," Fancy Pants agreed, "Just like how all our cities make up the beautiful land of Equestria."
"Well said my friend," said Mario.
"I hereby dedicate the Citizens of Equestria statue to everypony who plays their part, no matter how big or small." All the delegates cheered as a pony offered Spike a special bouquet of flowers. Just one problem.
The bouquet was made out of dragon sneeze blossoms!
"Aw, come on!" Spike sniffled as his allergies kicked in. Cadance, Twilight, Mario, Joe Pescolt and March Gustysnows all winced since Spike was facing the statue as the little dragon inhaled.
AHH-AHH-AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...
Long story short, this would be the first and last time a statue of this kind would be presented at any summit. Or least they would consider using some sort of glue to keep it together next time around. But for the first time in Equestria, a new law was passed unanimously by all delegates that day.
All dragon sneeze trees were banned from Equestria, with the exception of major dragon related emergencies.
Spike, as well as his nose, were very grateful.
Later that night, Mario and Twilight were looking out their room's window as they watched the stars twinkle in the night sky. Spike yawned from exhaustion. As punishment, he had been very busy helping clean up the rest of the reception mess and, with a special protection spell, helped uproot all the other dragon sneeze trees that were going to be taken out of Canterlot next morning.
"Aren't you two heading to bed soon," said Spike tiredly.
"In a bit, little bro," said Mario, "We're not feeling as tired since we had that long nap beforehand."
"We're also grateful that the other delegates agreed to give us our personal space until the morning," said Twilight, "No need for a late night patrol..."
"Or somepony making decisions behind our backs," Mario added with a smirk.
"I get it!" said Spike annoyingly, "Ugh, trust me. I'll never be doing that again. My allergies can't handle it." Twilight and Mario chuckled as Spike tucked himself into bed.
"Hey Mario?" Spike asked.
"What's up?" Mario replied.
"Thanks...for earlier," said Spike, "even thought I messed things up...you still stuck up for me."
"Well, your opinions do matter, Spike," said Mario, "Plus you couldn't take all the blame for what happened either. Even Mom says that ponies need to understand that my wife and I are only meant to provide gentle guidance and wisdom to others. We don't have the answers to every little problem or solution and ponies shouldn't expect that of us. Plus we should be able to have a moment to ourselves without ponies causing a riot for not helping them solve their problems immediately."
"You can say that again," said Spike, "but hopefully next time, I'll let them know when you two need your personal space and you both will offer them help at a later time."
"Or if it's an immediate problem like that scheduling conflict," said Mario, "Just re-direct them to Cadance, Celestia, or Luna."
"I'll remember," said Spike, "Hopefully the rest of the summit won't be as hectic."
"Oh, after what happened today, I think we can handle just about anything that might get tossed at us," said Twilight.
"Agreed," said Mario.
"Great, good night you guys," said Spike.
"Good night, Spike," said Twilight and Mario as they continued to stargaze together.
"I think we've learned a lesson too," said Twilight.
"About what, dear?" Mario asked curiously.
"We need to change our scheduling and planning so we get plenty of rest," said Twilight, "We can't keep skipping sleep to prepare for events like this."
"Yeah, you're right," said Mario, "but we can worry about that later. For now, let's just rest the way we know best."
"What might that be?" Twilight asked in a cute but innocent tone.
"Cuddling and watching the stars together," said Mario softly. Twilight giggled as she tucked her head under his chin.
Sometimes the most romantic dates...
...are simple, peaceful moments of togetherness.
I never felt like Spike should have taken full blame for everything that had happened. Sure, he made poor and selfish decisions by will, but being ignored by the others delegates is what motivated him to do so. Now you know that Mario isn't afraid to speak his mind with the elites and delegates!
Plus the alternate ending was just to put some closure on what seemed like a bit of a cliffhanger. Most could guess what happened when Spike sneezed in front of the statue, but at least in writing you can walk away with a more satisfied answer and a more fulfilled ending to the episode.
I also did double parodies from the Railway Series because I couldn't find a place for one in Slice of Life.
Kudos if you caught the Yu-Gi-Oh anime joke!
Next time: We've got yaks, anxious ponies, and lots of SMASHING!
Peace Pony Fans!