“Birds are so annoying,” Spike grumbled from his sleep. A light invaded the darkness of his closed eyes, shooting claw to block out the light. He sighed in relief, but his ears will assaulted the the crips of the birds. “Can’t you shut up for five minutes? And you, sun, can you stay down for an hour?”
A fire combusted in Spike’s shoulder, which he loosely grabbed. Spike sprung forward, a bit out of breath. Light no longer invaded the room, even though Spike had removed his claw from his eyes. He took a gander around the room, and another realization was made.
“The chirping, it… stopped.”
Looking to his window, the blinds blocked any light from entering. Despite… the light just entering seconds before. Spike didn’t close it in his sleep, did he? And, upon sliding the blinds and looking outside, there wasn’t a bird to be seen.
The bizarreness of the morning substituted his need for coffee, as he now stood wide awake.
Did Twilight do this? Spike let go of his shoulder. Or maybe I’m just seeing things. Bah, I should go get Twilight to set appointment with a doctor for me.
Spike stood up from his bed and intended to do just that. He descended the staircase - and, while doing so, heard a soft humming resonating from the kitchen. Setting that as his destination, he found Twilight at just the place; buttering a pan, except, she wasn’t using butter.
“Twilight, what are you doing?” Spike asked as he leaped off the bottom steps into the kitchen.
Twilight jumped at the sudden noise, dropping what was not butter into the pan.
“Oh! G-Good morning, Spike! Did you have a nice sleep?” Twilight positioned herself so that her body hid the pan.
“Yeah. Aside from few strange dreams.” Spike scratched the side of his head, inching his head past hers. “But I think what you’re doing right now is even more strange.”
Looking around the kitchen, Spike found upon the table, were set many different ingredients that were never meant to mix. Spike couldn’t help but shake his head.
All Twilight could offer was a sheepish smile. “You’re always the one making meals around here, so I figured I’d cook you breakfast as part of your birthday gift.”
Spike sighed as he approached the lavender mare. “Twilight, the collection of Dante books were more than enough. And I’d rather not see them burn up along with the rest of the library, because someone decided to cheese instead of butter.”
“What?” Twilight said. “I didn’t use cheese.” Spike raised a brow. Twilight went to the pan and lifted the object. She licked it. “Okay. So it’s cheese.” Twilight levitated the cheese to the trash - which caused Spike to bite down on his claw.
You never waste a single ingredient; you can always find a place for it. Am I going to have to show that to you, Twilight?
Taking a breath, Spike entered the kitchen. He surged through the drows, and retrieved his trusty apron. The apron was a bit small for Spike now, but he was too torn to throw it away.
Spike looked to what ingredients Twilight left out. He put a claw to his mouth as he thought.
Better keep it simple. If I make it complex, she may give up on it. Funny for a mare of her status.
Spike mentally slapped himself for having such a thought.
What the heck am I thinking? Even though it’s true- Ah! There I go again!
Out of all the ingredients on the table, the eggs and toast made the most sense.
Maybe I’m just grouchy because I haven’t had breakfast yet. Now, as for such; teaching Twilight how to make French Toast should be easy enough.
Putting away what items he didn’t need, Spike washed his claws and prepared to make the meal. Twilight trotted out of the kitchen.
“Hey,” Spike said, turning off the tap. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Twilight turned around, looking guilty. “Oh. I thought you were going to take over cooking; seeing how I’m now really that much help. I’m probably just going to spend the morning catching up on Daring Do’s latest adventure.”
“Oh no you’re not,’ Spike said as he held another apron. “You’re going to be helping me make breakfast today.”
“Oh-Oh, okay,” Twilight said. She seemed confused at first, but nonetheless, she put on the spare apron. “I just hope more of a help than a burden,” she joked. Spike glared at her for a moment, then went to butter the pan.
Cast an eye back, Spike saw the same confused look on Twilight. Whenever Spike asked for anything, he was typically shy or mostly joking. But this time, he flat out ordered her to do it. It felt… good, for Spike to have some control. But Twilight, well, he wasn’t sure what she was thinking.
Twilight approached the drake, who had finished buttering the pan. He shot her another glare, only fueling Twilight confusion.
“Spike,” Twilight asked, “is everything alright?”
“Everything would be a lot better if you started cracking the eggs,” he replied.
“Alright,” Twilight said. She shrugged, and got to work on the carton and bowl present. She levitated an egg, and smashed it against the bowl.
Whatever she had planned in her mind, it didn’t go as well as it did in reality.
Spike groaned at her stupidity, but caught himself before he could make a remark.
What am I doing? I’m getting angry over small little things
Spike took a breath, trying to calm both his heart and his mind. He approached Twilight and assisted in the clean up.
“Don’t be overconfident just yet,” Spike began, wiping the counter with a paper-towel. “Cooking is the same as every other art; you gotta get used to it first. Here.” He instructed with his claw to pick up another egg.
Twilight complied.
“This time, do it lightly. Hit it multiple times if needed.” Twilight nodded. She narrowed her eyes on the bowl, which caused Spike to lightly chuckle. She hit the egg once, just to make a small line; she did it again, this time with more force; the egg cracked. Twilight smiled with glee, as she poured the egg into the bowl.
“See,” Spike said with a smile, “now you have better idea on how much force you should use. The same principle can be used for most things in cooking.”
Twilight giggled. “Thanks, Spike.”
He only nodded as he returned the work. The two began cooking the meal, all the while humming a catchy tune.
“I guess Spike was just a little moody from waking up,” Twilight reasoned under her breath.
After a while, the unicorn and dragon finished up in the kitchen, and the fruit of their work were eight pieces of french toast… and two omelets.
Seeing how it was supposed to be Spike’s day off, and he was primarily the one making breakfast, Twilight saw it fit for herself to clean the kitchen; as it was really the only thing she could do. She sent Spike to the table with the food. But like the kind drake he was, he waited for her before eating.
Spike smiled as Twilight took a seat.
With a hungry stomach, and mouth more than willing to obey, she dug into her plate. But as she did so, Twilight noticed that Spike had taken both omelets. But surely, she must of come to the conclusion that Spike’s a dragon, and he needs more food.
That made sense.
What didn’t make sense, however, was Spike stealing a toast off her plate. He ate it with no shame.
Twilight looked at him, flabbergasted. “Spike?”
“Yeah?”
“What do suppose you’re doing?”
“Eating.”
Twilight had to shake her head at the response, and her tone became aggressive. “Yeah. But you’re eating off my plate, without asking.”
Spike looked at her, expressionless, as he appeared to munch on nothing. His behaviour caused Twilight's forward head to form temporary wrinkles.
“You should at least eat the food off your plate before asking for more; don’t bite what you can’t chew.” Twilight looked at Spike’s plate, only to notice it missing. “Wait, where is your food?”
Spike pointed to his chest.
“You even ate the plate!?” Twilight’s wings spurred open.
“Yeah,” Spike answered as he leaned back in his chair. “I also ate the fork and the knife. The knife went down pretty easy, but the fork is having a harder time. It feels it’s cutting stuff on the way down.”
Twilight looked at Spike with an open mouth, but he did not care what thoughts she possessed.
“Look at the time,” Spike said, in the most boring way possible. “It’s bedtime already!”
Finally, Twilight spoke some words. “But you just woke up!” Twilight quickly glanced at the time. “Bedtime isn’t till eleven pm!
“Oh wow, look at the time.” Spike pointed at the clock. “Eleven o’clock. Time to go hit the hay.” Spike rose from his chair.
“Didn’t you hear what I just said? The clock reads at-” Twilight glanced at the clock, only for it to point to eleven o’clock. “Spike, it’s only eleven AM.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course I’m sure.” Still, Twilight did a double check. “It’s a eleven… pm?”
“I’m glad you agree.”
Twilight did a double take, at both the clock and the drake. “How did you do that?”
Spike remained silent.
Twilight sighed as she tried once more. “Where do you're going, mister? It’s not even night out!”
All Spike did before we went to sleep, was point to the window.
Not a speck of light existed outside.
Twilight collapsed into her seat. She spoke no more words, instead filling her mouth with more toast.
The pen striked the page. What the pen left, were words. The words then described useless rules that the ponies from Ponyville wanted. For example, a pony wanted the ability to sue Sugar Cube Corner, because her ice cream had melted, and that they weren’t informed that her that ice cream would melt. Twilight would’ve normally laugh at such a request, but since she received the complaint a few dozen times, she was debating about putting a sign up in the bakery.
No, I wouldn’t do that to Pinkie. Twilight thought. But I could set fire to this pile - or better yet, to the drake upstairs. It wouldn’t harm him, but would give him a good wake up call for how he acted earlier.
Twilight looked at her desk: Two stacks of paper stood tall, awaiting her approval. So, she move the two off to the side, and promptly slumped on the desk.
What am I supposed to make of that, anyway? I know that wasn’t Spike; sometimes he tries to act cool, but he never takes it that far. He was acting odd at first, but returned to normal. Can I assume the same is happening again? But if this becomes an occurrence, does that mean something’s wrong with him? Or is he simply going through puberty?
Another thought struck Twilight: one that caused her to bite her lip.
His greed wouldn’t be coming back. Right? He beat it, a while back. And today wasn’t really anything too bad.
But… it can get worse. And if it does, then that’ll mean-
Twilight stopped the train of thought there. Whether it be a possible cause, she didn’t want to think about it now. She didn’t want to think of anything. Looking at the time (which she fixed), Twilight decided to go to Sugarcube early, and have a few cop of coffee before her friends came.
Retrieving her bag from the wooden stool, Twilight called out to Spike. “Spike, if you’re awake: I’m heading out to meet with the girls!”
Snore.
Twilight left the tree house, and flipped the open sign closed. Upon doing so, Twilight noticed something odd.
Only the treehouse seemed to be covered in night. For only a few steps away, one could see the sun at it’s peak.
Twilight came to conclusion that the big, green cloud above the treehouse, was responsible for the darkness.
The cloud covered the tree house and most of ground below it. The green cloud looked as if it consumed other clouds to achieve its size, and even though clouds carried no weight in them; it felt to the eye that they carried something within.
“Hmph!”
Twilight looked in time to witness a blue blur strike the cloud. The blur rebounded, and would’ve been launched in the opposite direction if it weren’t for it’s wings, halting the wind. The blur tuned to into Rainbow Dash.
“What in the hay is up with this cloud?!” said Rainbow. She noticed a green blob on her left forehoof, and quickly tried to wipe it off. “Yuck. What is this?”
“Rainbow!” Twilight called.
“Twilight?” asked Rainbow. She looked all over, until her eyes found the purple mare standing on the ground, out of the clouds darkness. “What’s up with this cloud? You mess up on a spell again?”
“No! It came out of nowhere. Though, I may know who caused it to come here.” Twilight spouted her wings, and met the cyan mare in the air.
“Who wodda bring this here?”
Twilight tried to look at the library, but couldn’t see past the cloud. “I think Spike may be behind this.”
“Spike?” Rainbow asked. “How could Spike, a dragon with barely any magic, and no wings, collect enough clouds to create this thing?”
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around it myself. But for now,” Twilight looked to the cloud. “We need to find a way to get rid of this.”
That question caused Rainbow to smirk. And for Twilight to frown. “Well, normally. Since when I’m a working mare, I’d bring it to the factory to dispose of it, and to see what it’s compounded of. But seeing how it’s my day off - I’m going to do this instead.”
Dash flew back a great distance. She singled for Twilight to move, and Twilight flew as far as she could. Taking a breath to steady herself, Dash zoomed forward. Moments before impact, Dash stop flapping her wings and got into a stance. And with all her monument and force, Dash twisted her body, and her kick came as strong as ever against the cloud; which broke into half, and hurried to the Everfree Forest. The other half stayed.
“Grr.”
Dash raised her leg, and side sweep the other half.
Boom!
Thanks to the separation, the cloud was lighter, and sped off in the opposite direction from its brethren.
“One half: goes to the forest. The other? Hopefully makes it to the factory.”
Twilight’s jaw hung low. She looked to right and left, and once again for that day, couldn’t wrap her mind on what happened. Dash only smile.
“Ya see, Twilight? Sometimes all you need is a good kick to get things movin.”
Twilight managed to close her mouth, and following Dash’s lead on landing.
“Anyways, you were telling me Spike was somehow behind this? Forgive my, uh, intrusion. But I don’t think Spike would be capable of that. Hay. I would have a hard time creating a cloud that big and strong.”
“I don’t know how to explain what happened today. I’m still trying to think about what just happened now.”
Dash chuckled, putting on a grin.
“Don’t,” Twilight started, “I’d rather not hear a speech about how awesome you are.”
Dash kept her mouth shut.
Twilight sighed, and shook her head. “Do you mind if we go to Sugarcube corner early?”
“Not a problem with me.”
“Thank you.” Twilight sighed blissfully. Looking forward to coffee and some food to eat. “I’ll try and tell what happened with Spike.”
So the pegasus and the unicorn made their way to the sweets shop.
Ponies trotted apple stands to grape stands. Finding the best deal they could for the bit they had.
Twilight watched the ponies from the window, as they went about their normal day. Twilight had forgotten what a normal morning looked like, after what had transpired with Spike.
Twilight giggled giggled at the claiming pace of the town.
“Twilight,” said Dash. She was concerned with the way she was acting. “Are you okay?”
“Sure,” Twilight said. Than proceeded to drop her head on the table. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“For a lot of reasons, actually.” Dash waved to Ms. Cake, who came over to the table.
“Why, hello girls,” Ms. Cake greeted. Twilight kept her head buried on the table. “Um, Rainbow dear, is she okay?”
“I hope so,” Dash answered.
“Well, can I go get you some sweets to brighten up your day?”
Twilight didn’t move. “Just coffee, thank you.”
Ms. Cake looked to Dash, but she had nothing to say on the matter.
“I’ll have a few cupcakes, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all, dear.” Ms. Cake glance at Twilight once more, before leaving to go start a new batch of sweets, and brew another jar of coffee.
Dash sighed and shook her head. Using her forehooves, she grabbed Twilight’s head, and pointed it towards her. “Alright, level with me. What really has you so depressed?
“It’s like I told you,” replied Twilight in a tired tone, one that couldn’t be fixed by coffee. “Spike’s been acting weird, and I don’t like it.”
“You’re leaving something out. This isn’t even like your typical depression – like when you thought Celestia was going to send you to magical kindergarten. Something’s eating at you and you spill what it is.”
Twilight raised her own head. “Look, Dash. What’s eating me is probably something I’m over thinking.”
“So say it.”
“If I say it, than I may cause panic over nothing. But if I don’t say it, then if does happen, then no one will be ready for it. This is the conundrum I’m in.”
“As much as I hate to say it,” Dash began, “coffee won’t help what’s wrong with the heart.”
“Fine,” Twilight said. She sat proper in her seat. “But you cannot over-react, nor tell anybody about my suspicions.” Dash zipped her mouth and placed her hoof under her chin. Twilight leaned in, as did Dash. The two got close.
“Would you mind not doing that in here, dearings?” asked Ms. Cake. Twilight and Rainbow recoiled back into their seats as Ms. Cake placed the coffee and cupcakes on the table.
“No, we weren't gonna-” Twilight hastily worded defensive was cut short by Ms. Cake, pouring cream into her coffee.
“I know. I’m just kidding with you dear.” Ms. Cake smiled. She left shortly afterwards.
Both mares sighed. Afterwards, Dash dug into her treats, while Twilight sipped on her coffee.
“So,” Dash started. “What’s this secret that’s killing you?”
Twilight took another sip before answering. “I think Spike’s greed is returning.”
The cupcake residing in Dash’s mouth was splattered out, covering some of the table. Twilight wasn’t surprised, as she took another sip of coffee. Dash grabbed a napkin and cleaned up the mess, while she had a hard time controlling the jerky movements of her body.
She wanted to scream and get all the answers, but Dash isn’t one to break a promise. So she breathed deeply, threw away the napkin, and leaned in close. “That’s all?” Dash asked, though some nervousness found their way into her words, “so what?”
“So what? I don’t want my little brother destroying this town a second time!” Couple of heads gazed their way. Twilight did her best to smile at them. She turned bad to Dash, lowering her voice.
“I still need to meet Spike for myself to see how he’s changed. But seem alright from what I seen last night. But if the purple dragon is up to the same scheme as before, than all we gotta do is beat him before it get’s out of hoof. Or, if it does get out of hoof; beat him anyways!”
“Dash. I appreciate the advice, but please don’t beat Spike.”
Dash rubbed her forehoof; not making eye contact with Twilight. “It wouldn't hurt that much.”
“Dassh.”
Rainbow Dash sighed. “Fine. I won’t hurt the little bugger… as long as he doesn’t come to deserve it.”
“I suppose that’s better than nothing. Now, we don’t know what’s fully wrong with Spike - for all we know, it’s nothing. But still, I’m glad I told you, and I want only for you to know.”
“It’s a sealed deal , Twilight. Now,” Dash took one of the delicious cupcakes and slid it Twilight’s way. “Loosen up a bit. Or else our friends will get concerned.”
Twilight smiled, and took a bite out of the cupcake. “Once again, your right, Rainbow Dash. Thanks.”
“Like I’m ever wrong.”
“Whoahee, Pinkie and Dash sure love their soft cookies!” Applejack said. She took a bite out of her tanish cupcake, which had little frosting on the top to add sweetness.
“I agree, that a nice treat does sweeten up life,” said Rarity. She took a bit out of her cupcake, but the frosting cause her to recoil from the sweetness. “But should only be enjoyed now and then. Not every day like how those two eat.”
“Uhm… I think it’s fine… That is, if you, um, eat enough healthy things like apples or carrots to offset the sweets,” Fluttershy said. She took a small bite out of her cupcake. “It also helps if you take smaller bites. Or at least, that’s what I think.”
Applejack and Twilight laughed at Fluttershy’s words. Rarity frowned as she looked away, trying to keep her head high.
Twilight halted her laughter, as she picked up her green and white cupcake. “I have to agree with Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “But you could always take of the icing.” And with Twilight’s magic, she levitated the frosting off the cupcake; causing both Applejack and Fluttershy to giggle.
Twilight suddenly felt like she was being invaded somehow - causing her to shudder. She looked to her purple aura, only to see a pink tongue stealing the icing. In one lick, it was gone. Twilight sighed as Pinkie giggled at the taste.
“Needs to be more sweeter!” Pinkie said. Everyone was caught up in the conversation to noticed that the two had returned, and with a bag containing a lot of soft cookies. Dash took a seat as Pinkie placed the bag on the table.
Rarity sighed, as she looked at the window like Twilight did before.
I’m going to run around this town twice to burn off what I’m going to eat.
Applejack felt guilty for smiling at her friend’s misfortune. Looking around, all her friends were munching away happily on the soft cookies; the chocolate chunks melting in their mouths. Seeing it getting silent, Applejack figured she get a conversation going.
“You know, I kinda understood what Spike meant last night,” Applejack finished another cookie, so hard to stop eating; even when talking. “Mm. Playing games like pin the tail, or dancing to the crazy toones - it made me feel like a lil’ filly again. Growing up really isn’t all that fun. Heck, even eat these cookies, I’m worried about how long I’m gonna work until I burn ‘em off.”
Upon hearing Spike’s name, Twilight and Rainbowdash choked on their cookies. Luckily no one noticed as they forced themselves to swallow.
Fluttershy, being the only one with a strong will, stopped halfway eating her cookie to give her two cents. “I wouldn’t say growing up is a terrible thing. I kinda like how much we’ve a progressed from being kids. But I do agree with Applejack; we did have a lot less responsibilities as fillies.” Fluttershy finished her cookie.
“Yeah. Spike weren't wrong about that statement,” said Applejack. She finished her last cookie - grabbing a napkin, she wiped her mouth and looked to Twilight. “How is the little dragon enjoying his gifts?”
“Oh! S-Spike?” Twilight stuttered. “He fine! He loves his gifts-” Twilight looked away and cleared her throat “-thanks for again for the blanket.”
Twilight refusing to keep eye contact struck AJ as odd. “Uh-oh. Did he not like the design of the blanket? Big macintosh insist on going with green flame - somthing dragon like. But I thought the apples would remind him of us.”
“Nononono, that’s not it at all! He loves the the apples more than anything - reminds him of the apple family everytime he see’s it!” Twilight began to sweat.
Applejack narrow her eyes on the mare. “Are ya’ sure about than hun’? I can easily get Applebloom to sew a new cover.”
“AJ, we love it. That’s not the problem.”
“Oh, so what is the problem, Sugarcube?” Applejack pressed further.
Twilight’s pupil shrank, as her coat was starting to get wet from her sweat. She looked to Rainbow Dash, who had halted in her cookie munching. Her mind went through possible explanations, but not one of them would’ve saved their cabosse. So she shrugged her shoulders.
Some help you are, though Twilight. With everyone’s eyes on her now, she had no choice but to speak a bit of truth. Twilight took a breath; closed her eyes, and relaxed her shoulders. She… cleared her mind.
“The problem isn’t that Spike doesn’t like your gift; he loves it. It’s just, this morning, he’s been acting incredibly weird. And for privacy's sake, I don’t want to speak of it.”
That should settle that, Twilight thought.
“Alright, Sugarcube,” Applejack said defensively. “If it was somthin’ you wer uncomfortable speak about, you could’a said somthin’.”
“I think me sweating and being uncomfortable is a pretty good hint that I’m uncomfortable,” restored Twilight. The two looked at each other with narrowed eyes.
Applejack went to speak of not liking Twilight’s tone, but Fluttershy - despite having a much softer voice, was heard first. “Twilight, I do know that you didn’t want to talk about Spike, but I do hope you don’t mind my asking if he is okay?” Fluttershy asked, and promptly hid behind her mane - scared of either Twilight snapping at her or hearing poor news about the drake.
Twilight went to do what Fluttershy first feared, but couldn't find her voice.
Dang it, Fluttershy. I can’t get angry at you when you’re like that! And I can’t say no, either. Curse you and your over politeness!
“Well, um~” Twilight stopped to think. She didn’t want to lie to the pegasus. “Physically he’s fine. Just this morning, Spike said and did some things he normally wouldn’t do.”
“Oh-oh,” Fluttershy said, coming out of her pinkish mane. “Is he going through puberty?”
Twilight sat back in her seat, and used her hoof to knock on her head. “Uhh~ maybe that’s the case. But I’ve already caught him late at night in the bathroom alone, and he was standing and not going pee, so I think he’s already went through it.”
Everyone stopped eating cookies. and looked at the bookworm with agape mouths. Twilight stared back, confused on what they were confused about.
Rainbow cleared her throat. “Um, Twilight pal. I don’t think that’s what Flutters meant by the question.”
Something unlocked in Twilight’s brain. “Ohh! No. Just, the things he did in the mourning; puberty doesn’t bring about eating a plate as well as fork and knife.”
Twilight went to eat a cookie.
“What?” asked Applejack.
“Dah, dang it!” exclaimed Twilight, who dropped her cookie at the realization of her mistake. “Pretend I didn’t say anything, please?!”
The others weren’t sure to make of the comment.
Pinkie thought that Spike mistaken it all for food.
Rarity was convinced he had done it on accident
Rainbow thought the same as Rarity, but Twilight’s worrying had made her start to worry as well.
Applejack and Fluttershy weren’t quite sure how to comprehend that statement. So their minds turned off for a few moments.
All were intention on questioning Twilight further; despite her plea not to. But the drake of their subject had entered the establishment as well, and caused all of them to shut their mouths.
The drake took a moment to clasp his claws as one, and reach up as high as he could to the ceiling (which he now wasn’t to far away from), stretching his body. He felt immediate satisfaction upon hearing the pop his body gave him. Upon letting out a long held breath, he saw the girls setting at the table. He waved.
Twilight looked at her five friends. “We’ll talk about this later, okay?” Everyone nodded.
Spike approached the table, and he looked at everyone with a smile. “How’s it going, everyone? I didn’t know you girls were meeting again today.”
“You didn’t know that, because today’s your day off,” Twilight said, kinda harsh. Her eyes studied the dragon for anyone differences.
Twilight’s rudeness went over Spike’s head. “Oh yeah, that’s right. Excuse my intrusion.”
“And what are you doing up? I thought you were because it’s dark out, you’re supposed to sleep?”
“I tried sleeping. But I had these weird dreams; ones that I didn’t like. And then I realize you can’t get much done when you fall… asleep.” His eyes widened upon seeing what was left of the oven baked cookies. He tried to look away, but his eyes refused. The saliva his mouth produced didn’t help either.
“Yer drewing, hun’,” Applejack said. Internally giggling at Spike. “If ya’ want, Sugarcube, you could hav’ one.” Spike quickly bowed to Applejack, with the biggest smile he could form. And like a fragile object, he picked the cookie softly, and deposited into his mouth. His eyes shut on their own.
Spike’s behaviour struck the girls of sort of odd, but nothing that Spike wouldn’t normally do. Even as a teenager, Spike still acted as a kid.
I’m lost, Twilight thought, just this morning, he was aggressive, and over the top weird. Now he’s just weird and polite! What’s going on here, what inside of him changed? Wait!
Twilight looked him up and down, almost to the point it looked like she was listing to a heavy metal band, and noticed something.
He’s grown - Spike’s taller! Not by a lot, but he’s gotten taller. Unless my mind's playing tricks on me, or he’s simply growing up! No, why do I keep second guessing myself?
Twilight realized her breathing became frantic, and stopped thinking. Going to square one, she followed her breathing exercise, and naturally, her shoulder lowered, and her mind became less foggy. Twilight looked at Fluttershy, only to noticed he hid part of her face behind her mane.
Fluttershy’s fear of dragons. She got passed it when coming to Spike; she was fine yesterday. Did she also notice something about Spike, instinctually causing her fear?
“Uhm, Spike. If you’d like, you could take a seat with us,” Fluttershy offered, her tone awfully low. “We still have some cookies to share.”
“Nah, I do appreciate the offer. But, I have some things to think about. Weird things.” Spike stood there for a moment, heavily in thought. He then shook his head, ridding the idea, and went to to leave.
Rainbow Dash buried his way. “Heya, buddy,” Rainbow said with a forced tone. She wanted to keep Spike along longer, or speak one on one with him, so she could get to the bottom of things. “I just thought of a cool trick that you and me could do. It would start like-” Rainbow’s explanation of the fake trick was cut short, by the purple scaled claw pushing her aside, and the owner of the said claw walking past her.
“That’s nice,” Spike said, walking away from the group.
“Wha-” Rainbow was stomped by the actions that occurred, and went to yell at the drake.
Until his tail passed by her as well, carrying along a few delectabile cookies.
“Hey!” Rainbow yelled to Spike. “You’re stealing our cookies!” Spike turned his head so that only half his face showed, and what he showed them was half a grin.
“Why, you,” Dash mutter, rolling up invisible sleeves on her arms. She was going to chase after the drake and make him fear for his life.
I get to beat the drake that stole my cookies, and burn off those said cookies at the same time. What a perfect plan, Rainbow!
Unfortunately for Rainbow, the pink and blue aura enveloping her wings held her back. Though her legs really did try to run after the drake.
It’s no use chasing after the drake if it’s going to cost me my wings.
Dash halted in attempts in retrieval, and threw her hooves up in surrender. Rarity and Twilight sighed, relieved that they prevented a scene.
“Take a seat, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity insisted. Looking around to see if any eyes were on them. “No need to cause a ruckus over cookies. Even if they were straight out the oven.” Her last words carried regret within them.
“Fine,” Rainbow said. She took a seat, and laid her head on the table like how Twilight did previously. “But I am going to get back at that dragon.”
Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at her friends childish behaviour. If Fluttershy had to say, Pinkie and Spike were alike in that way. “Speaking of that dragon,” Fluttershy took a quick glance at Spike, who had taken a seat at table nearest to a wall. He leaned his head on his claws, slowly eating the cookies he stolen as his eyes were glued to a particular part of the table.
“Spike doesn’t really seem all that different from yesterday. Taking the cookies was a little cheeky for him, but I don’t think he’s changed at all.” Fluttershy looked back at Spike to make sure he didn’t hear what she said, but raised an eyebrow at the brown stallion who had taken a seat at the same table as Spike.
“I have to agree on Flutters on this one, Twi,” Rainbow said, lifting her head from the table and keeping it held high. “Do you think Spike could be responsible for that huge simily cloud in the sky?”
“Rainbow!” Twilight yelled, irritated by Rainbow not keeping her promise.
Rainbow Dash brought her head down, and tried to hide her eyes. “My bad, Twilight.” Twilight responded by rubbing her eyes - caffeine starting to lose it’s effect on her.
“Uhm, pardon my intrusion, Twilight. But what did you say Spike did this morning?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.”
“I don’t know how, but when I told Spike it’s still mourning, so that he couldn’t go to sleep. He somehow manage to summon a cloud filled with a strange liquid that covered the treehouse in darkness, making it look like it was night-time.”
Applejack kept her eyes on Twilight - she didn’t say anything, she just sat there and thought. Then she spoke. “So, Twi. You’re tryna tell me that little gentle drake manage to make a big cloud appear?!” Applejack broke into a small fit a laughter, one that Rarity partook in as well. “Come’on, Sugarcube. We all know Spike’s not the type to even talk back!” With a hoof, Applejack suggested that they all should look at the purple and green dragon.
“See,” Applejack said, “he may look a whole lot bigger, but he’s still the kind little drake on the inside.”
The mane six looked, and what they saw was this: Spike, calmly sitting in his seat, as a stallion wearing a rather nice scarf talked about his day. Then, Spike socked him right in the face, causing him to go flying. “HOLY COW!” Applejack cried, as everyone raised from their seats and looked.
The stallion found himself stuck in the wall, and tried to dislodge himself from it. He looked to Spike and asked. “W-Why the hay did you do that?”
“Cause you talked too much,” said Spike. He finished his last of the cookies, then stared at anyone looking at him. No one chose to start anything, so they returned to their seats. Spike smiled, and felt good. So be bid farewell to Ms. Cake, and waved goodbye to the girls as well, who didn’t know what to do in response. Spike left a tip as well, hoping it being big enough to repair any damages.
Having a hard time to close their mouths, the Mane Six looked to one another, not sure what emotion to express besides bewilderment. So they decided on the following words: “What in Celestia’s name just happened!?”
No longer than five minutes ago, Spike took a seat at Sugarcube Corner.
Spike raised his tail to the table, and unwinded his tail, depositing the tastily gooey goods upon the table; all for him to devor.
Even though Spike could eat the cookie with his tongue along, he instead took a small bite out of it, deciding to saviour the treat.
*SNAP*
It sounded as if someone snapped their finger in Spike’s mind; his head suddenly feeling heavy. Spike used his left claw to catch his head, his elbow using the top of the table for support. Letting out a long held breath, Spike threw the other half of his cookie into his mouth; his eyes looking at a crumb on the table.
What’s wrong with me today? My arms…
Spike right claw came into view; moving it around as he studied it.
When I woke up, it’s like I couldn’t feel it. Not because I had slept on - it felt like something else, a feeling I can’t describe. Am I just having an odd day? No! That can’t be the case.
Spike resumed eating the cookies, as they fueled his thinking power.
I was to weird this morning. Some came about me; it gave me more confidence. Typically, when Twilight spills something on the ground, or spends the night studying and leaving the mess for me. I’ll maybe complain, but I’d end up cleaning up after her anyway. At times, if I talked back, or forcibly said no, then I doubt she would get mad. But I never had the courage to do so. But today…
Spike sneaked a peek at the girls, seeing by their facial expression if he could find out what they were talking about. They seemed to be joking around; as if Twilight forgot about this morning already.
I felt deserved, like she owed me! There was a fire, and it spoke for me. I’m not going to lie; it felt good standing up for myself, and the look on her face! It was priceless - I caught in the act and she knew it! But then, I became so mad. Why? The tiniest annoyance she did amplified, I contemplated things I shouldn’t. But I was able to fight against it, though. And boy, it was fun; we were making together and singing songs, just when we were kids. I felt as if I was needed. But, it didn’t like that.
Why should you have to clean up after others, and in return, are given nothing but a mouthful?
Wha-
“Hey-ah, Spike!” said a nearby voice. Spike raised his head to see a well built stallion, who despite being indoors, kept a scarf which reached his back legs. “Mind if I take a seat?” Spike nodded and smiled.
Upon taking a seat, the stallion - as if initially - rose his hoof and pointed it at Spike, just as he was going to speak. “Next, you’re going to say: ‘long time no see, Jo.”
“Long time no see, Jo- Huh!” Spike made a sound, and his face scuffed. Jo lightly laughed with a smile. Jo had a special talent of knowing what you were going to say - he calls it a talent, others bad manners.
Spike had met Jo not to long ago. He never told Twilight about it, but Spike snuck out one night to go catch a concert. Long story short, a fight broke out, and soon the crowd were at war. Jo was on the receiving end of Spike’s punch, but he somehow manage to electrode Spike with his bare fist. Seeing how the party was getting crazy, the duo decided to a truce, and fought along one another.
“I’ve been good, Spike my friend. How about you, any luck with the mare’s or lady dragons?”
“No such luck, unfortunately,” Spike said. He found himself heating up and twiddling with his claws.
“Don’t tell me you’re the type to get nervous around the ladies?” Jo didn’t need to use his power, as Spike’s silence alone gave him the answer. “Ah,” Jo said. He hit his hooves together, and pointed to himself. “Listen up, Spike! Make sure you got no wax in your ears, because I’m going speak some words that’ll give you a game to your name.”
Insults you, then tells you to listen. Is this what you’re life’s become?
It’s you… Tch. He’s merely joking, his personality itself is almost a joke.
Joking or not, he’s still talking to you as he pleases.
“There’s many approaches you can go about. I personally go for the straight up method - it’s a straight shot, up or down is for her to decide. But if you try hard enough, you can get them to say yes.”
I’m sure he just admitted to forcing a girl to like him.
Quiet!
Jo continue on with the way to woo the ladies; pick lines; flirting; poses and appearances. Though throughout the one sided conversation, Spike found his eyes closing on their own. He didn’t want to be impolite and tell Jo to stop; they were still relatively new friends, and Spike didn’t want to act rash.
So you change yourself - or rather, act differently, so that someone will accept you?
Well... kinda. I don’t want them to see me as a negative, and runoff.
You’re concerned with other's opinions?
Greatly.
“Now Spike, I see a bit of myself in you- No No, not like that, ‘ya pervert!” Spike was confused. Jo simply shook his head and continued with the speech. “When I was young, there was this young mare, Suzi. Oh boy, the look in her eyes!” Spike lost control over his eye lids and momentarily fell asleep. He woke to feeling pain on his wrist. Jo had zapped him once more.
“Keep awake, Spike my boy. The master is about to tell you when he was a beginner like yourself.”
Come on, Jo! You’re a nice pony, I really do love your antics. But you need to shut the heck up. That mouth, going up and down - moving, the movements creating sounds that I dislike. Please stop.
Jo isn't’ the type to stop on his own - or even when told to stop. It takes action to make his type stay silent.
Yeah…
You know. If you truly dislike his speaking, you could simply punch him: that’ll shut him up.
But… It’s not right to hurt someone just because they talk.
That is true - to a certain extent. But his words are harming you, aren’t they?
Well… A little bit.
And that is simply not right! Spike, I am here to give you that fire; the flame that allows you to stand up for yourself and fight back. Don’t view me as an enemy, but be weary if you chose me as a friend.
I do not know what you are.
Something that’s trying to support you.
Now, let’s make Jo silent. The two voice said in unison; combing.
Spike didn’t cock his arm backwards; he took his fist from laying on the table to Jo chest: his draenic strength enough to sent the pony flying into a nearby wall. It wasn’t the sound of a pony combing the caught everyone’s attention. No, it was the sound of Spike’s fist moving that called the eyes of everyone nearby.
The world still spinning for him, Jo spoke to the three Spike’s he saw.
“W-Why did you punch me?”
“Because you talked to much!” Spike said. He turned to leave. “By Jo!” Spike said with a smile. Jo tried his best to wave back to the three Spike’s that left: Smiling Spike; grinning Spike, and weird Spike. Jo closed his eyes so the world would stop moving.
*SNAP*
As soon as Spike left the bakery, he became out of breath. He slouched over, as he tried to consume as much air as possible with each breath. Spike grabbed his right claw, and looked at it as if it were to suddenly disappear: for he felt nothing in it.
Spike’s back suddenly felt heavy, and he took a precious moment from not looking at his claw to see his surroundings. The world became a lot scarier - everyone looked the dragons. Some eyes held no expressions; others fear of what he had done; some sympathy if he was alright; some held some emotion which Spike couldn’t understand. Regardless, all looked to him, and he didn’t like that feeling. He wanted to leave.
Left claw carrying his dead right one, Spike tried to run away from the eyes. Pain shot through his body: his legs were starting to become weak as well.
I-I-I-I c-a-n’t stay he-ere.
Spike settled on limping, and did his best to get away from… them.
“Mommy,” asked a little filly, who hid behind her mother’s hind legs. “What’s wrong with that dragon, is hurt; did he hurt someone. Who is he mommy? Will he be okay?” Spike’s breathing became more hysterical upon hearing the filly’s question, which he couldn’t answer himself. Tears welled from his eyes, and he tried even harder to escape.
The mother of the little filly lowered her head to her daughter, and rubbed her cheeks alongs hers. “I don’t know, sweetie,” answered the mother. “Just know that you're safe.” Spike stopped limping; choking back sliva.
Safe. Safe is when there’s a threat before you, but you’re protected by something. The filly is protected by her mother, but what’s she protecting from? If it’s a being, typically it’s referred to a monster! But, the only being she referencing is me. The mom protects the daughter from the monster! I’m the monster.
Spike. I didn’t mean to have this effect on you - your mentality is to weak. You need to calm-
I need to escape! Monsters harm - I don’t want to harm. If leave, the only one I can harm is myself.
Spike tried to raise his head high.
Spike, as your future roommate, I can’t have you freaking out. You’ve already hurt Jo. But you can make that the only pony you-
I hurt, Jo. I hurt, JO!
SPIKE! Stop intupp-
Spike turned his teary head around, looking at the mother and filly, along with Sugarcube Corner.
I need to check on him!
Spike cried again, and hiccupped. All the eyes - not some - but all the eyes looked at him. The worst eyes looked at him, the confused eyes of his friends.
Don’t think Spike. You need to heal Jo, or he’ll die!
Spike started to regain control over his right claw again. It felt weak, but Spike didn’t care. He needed to save his friend.
Spike, wait! You’re arm is not ready. Don’t do it!
“I’ll… Save you, JO!” Spike said. He rose his right claw to Sugarcube Corner. Nothing happened at first, but Spike desperately kept the claw up.
The mane six weren’t sure what to make of what was happening. Spike had stolen their treats, punched a pony for a bad reason, and was now crying and seemed to be in pain. No words could explain their confusion.
Then, consuming Spike’s right claw was a green aura. Small it was, but it took over Spike’s claw. Spike seemed to focus everything into it.
Rainbow Dash broke from silence. “Spike claw. It looks like Twilight’s magic.” She looked to Twilight.
Twilight didn’t blink. “How,” she asked. “How could Spike…” Twilight’s trail of thought was interrupted by multiples thuds coming from within Sugarcube Corner.
“Wha- Hey. Put me down!” said a masculine voice.
*THUD*
*THUD*
*THUD*
“Alright, Alright! You can keep on holding onto this awesome bod, but stop whacking me against stuff. Oh- nononono!” Then, Jo smashed through another wall, and was carried by green aura to Spike.
“Spike,” Jo asked, “what’s going here buddy?”
“I’m going to save your life!” Spike answered. He moved his left claw towards Jo.
“I don’t like this Spike. I DON’T LIKE IT!”
Spike. Stop. What your doing would end up as you intended - you’ll end up killing him instead.
“I’ll shall end your suffering, by creating something new!” Spike said in a voice that was not his.
Finally, Spike’s claw made contact with Jo (who had shut his eyes in anticipation). Then, from the claw came a purple aura (similar to Twilight's), and it spread throughout Jo’s body. He felt pain whenever the arua went over a spot that already hurt Jo.
This pain, felt Jo, while it hurts, it doesn’t in the way it should. What is Spike actually doing?
“Tck. OW!” Jo cried out, and then fell unconscious.
Spike withdrew his left claw, his mouth agape. His friend, Jo, wasn’t moving. Spike looked around at the eyes one more time, they all were mad or horrified. Spike couldn’t take it. The aura on his right claw started to grow.
Spike. If we end up as multiple parts after this, I’m blaming you.
The green aura spread up Spike’s shoulder; to his other arm; down to his toes, and up to his head. The Arua consumed him, and with a blinding light, Spike disappeared.
“Spike!”