King Sombra has been a recurring cycle of evil and tyranny on the Crystal Empire for over a millennia. With every defeat he grows more hateful and stronger. However, when a young heir comes up with the most absurd solution, it just might have a chance to stop the cycle. But will it? Follow along as two polar opposites clash and discover their true desires.

You see a message sent ten minutes ago from someone who has not been online for the last ten months.

You are Spike, and that message is from Rarity.

Just being a friend is simple and safe, according Spike. He’s not cut out to be anything more than that: he isn’t the dashing hero that an amazing pony like Rarity expects and deserves. When a random act seemingly breaks their friendship, and when he’s given a chance to relive that moment in hopes of finding a way to fix it, he’ll discover just how complicated, and also how simple, his and Rarity’s relationship is.

Written in honor of Pia-chan's contest
Preread by Bugsydor

Greatness is a desire created by fantasies. Rarity has always wanted to be the greatest fashionista, and Spike the greatest hero. Yet when they get what they want, they find themselves empty instead. The two then enjoy a weekend together.

Ever since he and Twilight Sparkle had first moved to Ponyville, Spike's had a crush on Rarity. At first he'd thought it was a secret - the big secret in his life - but he'd soon come to realize that the signs he had been displaying since day one were...really, really obvious. His first reaction had been mortification, followed by anger (after all, how could his friends have just let him act like that?!), but eventually he'd come to the conclusion that, sometimes, a friend within a circle just happens to develop a crush upon another friend, and that it's really no big deal.

But then something starts to nag at him: If Rarity's known about his feelings for some undetermined amount of time, how come she's spent all this time without even acknowledging that she does know? So, he decides to ask if he can come over for tea, with the intention of discussing these thoughts and feelings with her.

NOTE: Sex tag is for brief mentions of it during their conversation. There's no explicit talk, and it's not a recurring point of discussion.

Spike had always caught my eye, but I wasn't expectin' for him to steal my heart. After his fight with Twilight, I thought bringin' him on the farm would help him, not harm us both with a good time. Though I wonder... can I get him to like me back?

Edited by the up and coming, FanficReader920.

Drunk Applejack by xcopyen002

How often have we been invited out, and yet, left alone? Spike knows the pain of being alone at a party, and apparently, so does Princess Luna. What will the two learn about each other as they get progressively drunk throughout the night?

Rarity has a rather unladylike moment of panic when she thinks Spike has moved away without telling her. Twilight is amused.

Short oneshot that just sort of fell out of my head this evening.

Spike and Starlight became friends the moment life put them in the same castle. As they grew closer over the years, they didn't think anything could break their friendship.

Unfortunately, all it took was one night to throw that belief into chaos. Now, they have to not only work together but battle their own doubts and insecurities to figure out a way to fix the broken bond between them.

Edited by Curify

Artwork by lockerobster

Note: This story deals with some mature themes and may not be comfortable for all readers. Just a heads up.

IN RELATIONSHIPS, some things must be said, while others are best left unspoken. At the end of an exasperating day, Spike and Rarity camp in the desert and talk.

Story Paladin: Cerulean Voice ● Editor: BlueBook ● Proofreader: Tigerose

Featured on Las Pegasus Tribune 5^th Jan 2014 Site defunct - replacement pending
Featured on Equestria Daily 21^st Jan 2014
Third place winner Sparity Contest 13^th Feb 2014
Featured in Top Tier Fanfics to Read for Spike Day! 19^th Jan 2018
Featured in 50+ Fanfics To Read for Rarity Day! 10^th Sep 2018