“Bwah!”
Spike shot up, breathing heavily. He took a quick look at his surroundings. Back in the library. Morning, by the looks of it.
He hastily ripped his bedsheets off himself and grinned instantly--it had worked. He flexed his claws and toes just to make sure they were real. Then, he leapt out of his small bed and quietly cheered to himself, raising a fist into the air. It never felt so good to be so small.
At the end of his bed was Peewee in his nest, sleeping soundly. Spike beamed at the sight of his pet and leant over him.
“Hey Peewee,” he whispered, as the phoenix hatchling let out a big yawn, eyes still closed.
Twilight’s bed was empty, but the bedsheets had been neatly made. Spike sniffed the air, detecting a delectable scent in the air: pancakes. He licked his lips with glee and began to drool at the mere thought of getting some of them into his stomach.
The whelp rushed down the stairs but stopped just before entering the kitchen. He slowly turned the corner and there she was, flipping pancakes.
Twilight stood at the kitchen counters, her horn glowing and various kitchen utensils floating besides her. She flicked the frying pan, sending a pancake flipping into the air before landing exactly where it took off from. She smirked in light of her skill, humming a little tune.
She was back to normal. Everything was.
It almost felt weird, seeing her like this again. She looked secure, assured and even a little bit arrogant. Yet she was still the same old Twilight that Spike had come to cherish.
He couldn’t stand around any longer, and rushed to the mare’s side, giving her a big hug. “Twilight! You’re back to normal! You’re okay!”
The unicorn yelped in surprise, but managed to maintain her magic. She looked down at the dragon, raising a curious eyebrow. “Of course I am, Spike. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Spike blinked. He probably could’ve said all that a bit better. “Uh...just messing with you,” he lied, grinning sheepishly.
“Er, okay then...” Twilight gave him a suspicious look, then gestured to the table. “Breakfast is almost done!”
Spike sat himself down, awaiting his meal. “Why didn't you wake me up?”
Twilight paused, her utensils frozen in the air. “I...don’t really know.” She shook her head, smiling. “It doesn’t really matter. You’re awake now.”
Spike bit his lip, staring at the librarian. For a moment, he was worried that he’d done something else to her, like wipe her memory. But she wasn’t having any of those migraines, so she seemed fine.
Soon enough, Twilight put down plates, cutlery and the food down on the table. Each of them had two cupcakes each, with a blob of butter on them. Twilight sat herself down, getting a newspaper and reading it in front of her as she ate.
“Hey Twilight, can I have chocolate sauce on these?” Spike asked.
“No you can’t. We’ve run out and even if we did have some left, I wouldn’t want you covering them in the sauce like last time,” Twilight answered sternly, but she wasn’t outright scolding him. Spike couldn't help but hid a smile from her. Strangely, the fact that she was in charge of him again felt good. He felt safe and without any weights dragging him down.
Also, she’d remembered the time when Spike got the table covered in chocolate sauce and had to like it all up. Good times. Good, messy times.
“Okay then,” Spike said simply, tucking into his meal. He savoured the taste, making a noise of satisfaction. “Mmmmmm! These are great!”
“Thanks Spike.” Twilight lowered her newspaper, grinning at the dragon. “Even if you say that every time I make them.”
“Only because it’s true!” Spike defended, then took another bite.
Twilight went back to reading. “I had the weirdest dream last night. Really weird.”
Spike gestured for her to carry on with a wave of his claw. “Go on.”
“I dreamt that I was a filly again. Already that’s a little strange, but anyways: you were in my dream too. And you must have been taller than I am now!” She pointed at Spike. “You took care of me, kind of like I do now, I suppose. There was also this party with all our friends but...” Her mood suddenly went melancholy. “I can’t remember much else after that...”
Spike almost dropped his cutlery in shock, but recovered when he saw Twilight’s sad face. “What’s wrong?”
The librarian furrowed her brows. “I don’t know. Just thinking of that dream makes me feel sad, but also happy too.” She flicked the newspaper, putting her attention back to it. “Odd.”
“Yeah, you said it...” Spike stared at his pancake, going quiet.
“Oh, before I forget--I’m going to see Rainbow Dash today,” Twilight stated. “She asked me a couple of days ago to time her in some new stunt she’s been practicing.”
Spike stopped himself from taking another mouthful and put his fork down. “About that...”
The mare looked at him suspiciously. “Hm?”
This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for.
“Listen Twilight. We need to talk.”
Twilight put down her newspaper, looking at Spike with concern. “Okay then...what about?”
Spike exhaled deeply. “That dream...was real.”
The mare stared at him bluntly. “Spike, if you’re going to talk nonsense, then I’m not interested
,” she berated, going back to her newspaper.
“No! This is serious, Twilight! You need to listen!” Spike slammed a fist on the table, stealing the librarian’s attention. She looked at him with wide, surprised eyes and awaited his explanation.
“Lately, I’ve been feeling...” Spike mused over his choice of words--he’d have to pick them carefully. “Annoyed at you. You’ve been hanging out with the others almost all the time and leaving hardly any for me. You just stick me here to my thing by myself, ignoring all that we’ve been through together!”
Twilight’s ears lowered. “I’m sorry about that Spike, but, I don’t see what this has anything to do with--”
Spike held out a claw. “Let me finish. So one night I saw a shooting star and made a wish and...we kinda swapped lives. I was like you and you were like me. You were a filly, who could barely do any magic at all and didn’t have many friends. At first I thought it was great! But then I started to feel really bad for you and I tried my hardest to set things right. You learnt some magic and I got you some friends. Heck, you were even a Cutie Mark Crusader! Then another shooting star came and I made another wish and...here we are.”
Spike bit his lip fiddled with his claws anxiously, watching Twilight. Her face was a blank slate, completely unreadable.
“But I’m really really sorry Twilight for doing so stupid!” he cried desperately, his voice cracking up occasionally. “I’ve learnt my lesson and I’ll never ever do something so stupid again, I promise!”
There was a brief pause before Twilight spoke. “Spike.”
That single word made the dragon feel like his guts had just been twisted with a knife. Waves of guilt washed over him, as he looked down, awaiting his punishment. He deserved it.
“Why are you apologizing?”
Spike looked up to see Twilight looking just as apologetic as he was. “What...? You believe me?”
“It’s a crazy story, but you sound sincere enough to make it believable.” The mare shuffled over, wiping a tear away from Spike’s cheek. “I’m really sorry for acting the way I have been, Spike. I just thought--” She froze for a moment and Spike could just see a glimmer if that insecurity he saw when she was a filly. “I thought you liked being my number one assistant. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I do, honestly! But...” By this point, Spike wasn’t thinking about what he was saying. He felt it. “I thought that the easiest solution was the best, but it just made everything worse. I should’ve told you about it earlier and for that, I am sorry. I know that was my fault. But...there is some silver lining to all this.”
Twilight cocked her head to the side slightly. “Hm?”
“I’ve learnt so much. I know what I’m good at now--being your assistant.” Spike put his hands on his chest. “That’s me. That’s who I am and nothing can change that. I won’t ever be you, and you won’t ever be me. But that doesn’t mean I have to be stuck to my role all the time. I should have the time to go out and...just have fun, really.”
Twilight then pulled Spike into an embrace, nuzzling his head lovingly. “I’m sorry for forgetting what we have together, Spike. Our lives have completely changed. I still remember wandering Canterlot Castle’s halls with only you by my side. And now we live here, a town where everypony seems to know each other! I guess we’re still adjusting to it all...” Spike could see her eyes watering. “But we can do that together. Promise.”
Spike responded by hugging Twilight even tighter. The two then sat there together for a few moments, letting their embrace do the talking.
Spike was the first to speak up again. “So, can you remember it all now?”
Twilight rubbed her head. “Well no...it still feels like a dream to me, rather than an experience. It doesn’t feel like it actually happened.” She shook her head, dispelling those thoughts. “Come on, let’s finish breakfast and go see Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, breaking away from Spike and going back to her meal, although she was somewhat reluctant about it.
“You got it!” Spike cheered, then let his tongue fly out of his mouth and wrap around the rest of his pancake. It was gone in only a few seconds, followed by a large gulping sound.
Twilight rolled her eyes, snickering. “That always disgusts me and fascinates me at the same time.”
Spike grinned confidently, puffing out his chest. “What can I say? I’m a pretty cool dragon.”
“Five point seven seconds! A new record!” Twilight announced, showing Rainbow Dash the timer as the athlete landed.
“Bah! That isn’t nearly fast enough!” Rainbow Dash protested, flexing her wings.
“I dunno, Rainbow. Looks impressive enough to me,” Spike added. Performing five corkscrews in that time certainly looked brilliant enough. Then again, Rainbow didn’t let anyone beat her. Not even herself...strange as that sounded.
“Spike’s right. You shouldn’t exert yourself too much,” Twilight advised, prompting a groan from Rainbow.
“Fine. I’ll take a break. But I’ll get back to it later, you’ll see.” The pegasus then reclined on the grass next to her companions.
“So, how’s Scootaloo doing?” the whelp asked.
“How the hay should I know?” Rainbow put on leg over the other, gazing up at the sky, forelegs propping up the back of her head.
Her retort confused Spike for a little while. Spike thought that Rainbow was already training the little filly. So...how much did he actually change? He shivered at the thought of it, but the others didn’t notice.
“Maybe you should give her some lessons in flying,” Spike offered casually. “You could show off your awesomeness that way.”
Rainbow rubbed her chin with a hoof. “That’s not a bad idea, actually. Yeah, I’ll go do that sometime.”
“Yoohoo!”
The trio raised themselves to see Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie coming towards them. Twilight gave the newcomers and wave and trotted over to them.
“Hey girls!” Twilight greeted, and they all responded in turn. Rainbow and Spike joined them shortly and the gang was all together.
“What y’all doin’ here?” Applejack queried.
Rainbow brushed her chest. “Just been practicing an awesome trick. Five corkscrews in five point five seconds,” she announced, trying not to sound impressed with herself.
“Five point seven,” Twilight corrected.
Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively towards the librarian. “Whatever.”
“That sounds mighty impressive, Rainbow.” The farmer gave the flyer a cocky grin. “But I betcha can’t ever beat ma applebuckin’ record.”
Rainbow didn’t take the bait. Or at least, she acted like she didn’t. “Well that’s just unfair; I don’t buck apples every day like you do.”
“Yes, well, us four were heading to Sugarcube Corner, if you’d like to come with,” Rarity said, going on to continue, if it weren’t for Pinkie.
“Yeah! The Cakes made this new type of cupcake and it’s really really good so we should go over there right now and have some!” The energetic pony bounced up and down repeatedly on the spot.
“Um, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Fluttershy mentioned, her voice soft and polite as always.
Rainbow shrugged half-heartedly. “Well, I was gonna get back to flying but...I guess cupcakes sounds good too.”
“I’d love to come!” Twilight looked down to Spike, smiling gently. “How about you, Spike?”
“Obviously!” Spike cried, leaping onto Twilight’s back.
Rarity came over to the dragon, rubbing the top of his head affectionately.“Aaaaw Spike, you’re such an adorable thing aren’t you?”
Spike couldn’t help but blush. “Heh, I guess I am.” Though as nice as Rarity’s compliment was, it confirmed one thing: she still saw him as a friend. Her slightly patronising tone towards him told him that much. A part of him regretted leaving behind a world where he may have gotten together with her, but another told him that maybe, just maybe, he still had a chance.
At the very least, he still had her as a friend.
“Come on guys! Let’s go! Otherwise all the new cupcakes might be gone!!” Pinkie yelled, pushing Rainbow Dash along.
“Yeah, okay Pinkie, we get it.” The athlete sighed and flew up into the air, making Pinkie almost trip over.
“Onward!” Spike shouted, pointing a finger out into the distance. “To glory! And cupcakes!”
His hammy ‘war cry’ resulted in everyone else giggling at him. But that was just fine--things finally felt right. As the group headed over to Sugarcube Corner, Spike looked at each of his friends, smiling contently. He was a part of their group. No, he was their friend. And he wasn't the center of attention either. No one was.
"Hey Spike?" came the quiet voice of Fluttershy. "How are you today?"
Spike smile grew as he answered assuredly: "Pretty fantastic! How about you?"
"Oh that's good to hear. And I'm feeling pretty fantastic too, but I always feel like that around my wonderful friends," Fluttershy answered sweetly.
"Yeah, they are pretty wonderful." Spike looked at the others, chatting merrily to each other. He raised his voice in order to get their attention. "Hey guys?"
Everypony stopped in their tracks and turned their heads, waiting for Spike to go on. "I just wanted to say: I'm so glad we're friends." Okay, so it was a bit sappy, but he wanted to say it. It was the truth, anyway.
A chorus of 'aaaws' came from the others (except Rainbow Dash). Pinkie then suddenly pounced at Spike, knocking him off Twilight and onto the ground.
"We're super duper glad we're friends with you too, Spike!!" Pinkie exclaimed, holding Spike in a powerful cuddle.
"Heh, okay Pinkie you can--wait guys! Noooo!!" Spike couldn't do anything to stop the rest of the gang from piling onto him, gathering around in a massive group hug. It hurt quite a bit, getting crushed by six full grown mares, but it also felt good too. He belonged here, with them. Nothing could change that.
Unless he kept getting squashed by everypony. "Guys...get off before my bones break..." Spike weakly called out from the bottom of the pile.
"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie chirped, bouncing off Spike, the others following suit in less dramatic ways.
"Hey everypony!" Rainbow Dash shouted, pointing in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. "Last one there is a stinky ol' mule!"
"Oh, you're on," Applejack replied, her eyes narrowed. She set down her hat and started galloping off into the distance besides Rainbow, the two pretty even with each other.
Rarity picked up her pace a little. "Well I suppose a little gallop will do me some good." The dressmaker then broke off into a full gallop, leaving the others behind.
"Oh wait! Don't leave me behind!" Fluttershy squeaked, going as fast as her legs would take her.
That just left two behind. Twilight and Spike looked at each other, nodding in understanding. The mare lifted the dragon onto her back with her magic. "You ready, Spike?"
"Chaaaaaaaarge!!" Spike extended an arm, giving the order. He then held on for dear life as Twilight bolted ahead, the wind rushing through her mane. Spike cheered her on, laughing with childish glee as they overtook Fluttershy and Rarity.
It felt great to be back.
“Shush Peewee! Just lemme do this.” Spike put a finger to his lips as the phoenix chick hopped after him, glowing in the darkness of the library.
Twilight was asleep, after getting a belly full of sugary treats. She nearly threw up, much to Rainbow and Spike’s amusement. Spike didn’t suffer from such a problem, even after engaging in an eating contest with Pinkie. Surprisingly, Applejack joined in for a bit, revealing just how big of an appetite she had. Spike snickered quietly as he remembered the faces Fluttershy and Rarity had when he walked up to them, face covered in icing and crumbs. None of them seemed to have the same 'dreams' Twilight had but maybe that was for the best.
With the help of Peewee’s natural light, Spike found some parchment and a writing quill with ink. He was having a good sleep, but he suddenly woke up with a drive to do this.
In the library’s main room, he lay down and put his things in front of him. Peewee sat next to him, looking at his owner with anticipation.
“I figured that this would probably be a good thing,” Spike whispered. He then flexed his fingers and started scribbling on the parchment.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learnt...well, I learnt a lot of things! I learnt that if you’re good at a job, you should try your best to embrace it because no one else might be able to do that job as good as you can. But that shouldn’t be an excuse to let it drag you down. You should be able to balance work and fun whenever you can.
That leads me onto what I learnt next: responsibility is a pretty tough thing to be able to manage, but it’s really important. Everyone has their responsibilities and they should try their best to stick to them. More ponies should be like you, Princess, because I’m sure you have the most responsibilities of all!
Finally, I learnt that if you have a problem with your friends, you shouldn’t try to avoid it. If you do, you’ll probably end up making things worse for yourself. Instead, you should talk to them about it and make sure they know why you have a problem with them. If they’re truly your friend, they’ll understand.
Your Faithful Student,
Spike the Dragon
Spike looked over his writing and nodded in satisfaction. He then rolled up the parchment into a scroll and put it to his lips. He puffed out green fire, enveloping the scroll and sending it off to Canterlot Castle. Hopefully Celestia wouldn’t mind him sending it at night, but he had before and she had never taken him up about it.
The whelp yawned, making his pet yawn too. “Come on Peewee, let’s get some sleep.” He tiptoed up the stairs, smirking as he heard snores coming from Twilight. He slipped into his bed and Peewee hopped into his nest.
Spike curled up in his bed and closed his eyes. “Goodnight Peewee. We definitely don’t wanna be tired for the picnic tomorrow.” It wouldn’t be long before he was deep asleep, dreaming of the fun he’d have the next day.