Finally, after a nearly entire week of rigorous, intense and tiring exercise and as Logan himself proclaimed, Spikes training was officially complete as it all came to that day, with Peter, Twilight along with the rest of the Avengers, Sunset, Felicia, Spitfire wearing her Wonderbolt drill sergeant uniform along with the Elements of Harmony including Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy as well as Trixie and the Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shinning Armour, they were all present on the clearing of the Whitetail Woods, acting like a spectators for Spike, so they could all witness and possibly hope for their little baby dragons progress and his training that Logan gave him went on and possibly payed off.
“I got a very funny, bad feelings about this….” Peter muttered unnervingly by though seemingly not looking it like that, yet young stallion could feel a hint of tensions as well as fear that were filling the atmosphere, before yet trying to shift into his more positive side. “But, we all have come here just because you are our friend and one of us Spike, and we all believe in you.”
“That’s right.” Twilight added, although sounding and sharing her knights concerns, the young princes encouraged herself to remain strong and believing for Spikes sake. “No matter what happens, we are all willing to stay right behind you at all costs.”
“Seriously….” Rarity than declared, a concern being vocally present in her voice, yet also denying quite a scowl to Logan, hoping that the gruff stallion wasn’t pushing Spike too hard. “I could relate to all that hard work, drudgery and rigorous training Spikey had to endure this entire week Logan fixed for him….”
“But….” Now Rainbow Dash intervened by finishing the fashionista unicorns statement, not also still being able to comprehend the sense of all that training with her own voice was slightly wavering. “What does it actually got to do with that Spikes giant dragon alter ego of his anyway?”
“I believe and maybe….” Sunset Shimmer spoke off considering. “And as Princess Celestia herself mentioned early, an actual entire sense of this whole training and exercise that Logan has instored was all about for Spikes to prepare and get into shape, as well as mental development and boosting up his own confidence.”
“Its true, though.” Spitfire added by sensibly confirming Sunsets statement as evidently, the Wonderbolt captain who also acted a drill sergeant for young cadets. “Gaining a confidence in yourself is important. I am saying this myself as because being the drill sergeant and instructor to Wonderbolts cadets back in academy.”
“So far….” Princess Celestia spoke off thoughtfully by figuring out the entire sense of all that training. “By judging from the progress Spike has made so far under Logans tutelage and own guidance over the course of the last days, it may by quite possibly Spike might have gained enough confidence as well as faith in himself he needed in the process along with working out his physical condition and his own force of will being reinforced, evident by enduring all that drudgery.”
“Yet that way….” Luna went on by completing her older siblings reasoning. “Spike might hopefully and eventually assert dominance by taking a grip on his alter ego giant dragon, so he could finally maintain a control over it.” Luna declared declared hopefully, yet though iron clade maidens voice bore an undercurrent of uncertainty.
“But….” Trixie though intervened stammering as an unfortunate dark thought associated with her mind. “What if everything goes wrong by Spike once again loosing control and turning into his monstrous self again.” Trixie muttered unnervingly yet also in quite a blunt like manner, filling the minds of otherpony with tension and uncertainty, yet as she noticed with an edge of an eye an annoyed as well as distraught look Spike bore on his scaly face. “Um….No offense, Spike….”
“You are so much faithful hun, really.” Felicia huffed sarcastically over her stage magician friends scepticism and rather lack of faith in Spike.
“Oh dear…..” Fluttershy murmured out a pure terror, her voice sounding low bellow by a whispering by recalling unfortunate and rather horrible events that transpired lately, by Spike eating the forbidden Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, by unleashing its great yet destructive power and unfortunately turning himself into a giant savage dragon version of himself, breaking his way through the Cantterlot castle walls and flying going after the Squirk and the Avengers, yet Cadance gently placed her hoof over pegasus shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly to make Fluttershy feel more secure.
“Guess in that case….If anything goes awry, we wouldn’t have much choice but to just do what is necessary.” Shinning Armour stated in an unfortunate yet very serious manner, bearing unreadable and quite dark expression, by considering an idea of using any means necessary as well as a brute force if anything would go wrong. Yet though and evidently, the captain of Royal Guard seemed to be rather apprehensive and reluctant by such ideas, as he was obviously and just like his younger sister also very well concerned over Spikes well-being, inwardly begging stars for faith being on their side.
“Well…..If anything goes wrong, Princess Luna would just had to use her telepathy and psionic abilities in order to succumb Spike again. She did it once back in Manehattan on Liberty Island, she would sure do it again, right?” Applejack stated hopefully, yet a blonde farm pony evidently seemed to be just as concerned like her friends, also worrying for Spike greatly.
“Lets just hope so this wont be necessary….” Cadance declared by trying to act more positively than the rest of the ponies as she edged closer to her husbands side, although ruler of Crystal Empire was quite failing in the process by doing so, also unable to supress her simultaneous concern for Spike as well.
“Um, Logan….” Fluttershy murmured in protest and hesitation present in her meek voice. “Are you sure Spike needs to do this?”
“He doesn’t have to……Or does he?” Pinkie squeaked in an attempt to prove the contrast, although not quite sounding very hopeful anyway, as the ever happy party pony couldn’t manage a smile in the situations like these.
“Actually, Pinkie…..I got to.” Spike spoke off, attracting everyponys attention, sounding somehow apprehensive and wavering. “Look you guys. I know it all has been rough and edgy for al of us with Grogar and now with those Elementals, with me not being much help as well as giving you all hard time and worriers lately with my newly gained powers. And if I cant control myself, I wouldn’t be much use to you as a friend, nor as a part of the team.” Spikes voice though instantly shifted into a more positive and hopeful one. “Yet, with Logans help and his training, this is my chance to finally make a difference and prove myself.”
Spikes simple yet also very motivating and inspiring words that bore so much sense and value earned him a couple of collective gazes of others standing around. “Was it just Trixie, or does it actually makes sense?” Trixie murmured for herself with a baffled expression, yet deep down, an azure unicorn couldn’t help herself but to be greatly inspired by Spikes statement, as well as the others seemed to be alike.
“You just might knock yourself out, kiddo.” Peter dully quiped, yet honestly out of everypony present of the clearing, young stalling was evidently having the most faith and respect for Spikes determination and decision, being though on the pair with Twilight for whom Spike had always been like her little brother like figure, more than willing to support their little scaly friend by any means necessary.
“Logan…Spike….” Princess Celestia spoke off as she closed her gap between herself and Logans and Spikes side. “We have been observing you and your tactics of training thoroughly along with Spike making a gradual progress under your tutelage, yet I can honestly say that I am quite impressed, as you have shown to be though strict and firm yet also fair teacher, showing a genuine concern yet also care for Spike in the same time, more like in a master having a relationship with an apprentice.” The snow white royal alicorns voice sounded gentle, deliberated as ever, also being filled with hope and faith for Logans own doing yet Celestia shared a look with Spike. “I frankly believe and having a faith that by your influence Logan, and as Peter himself mentioned before, Spikes chances over overcoming and taking a control of his alter ego are more than hopeful.”
“Hurm….Whutever.” Logan merely grunted in response and more like indifferently shrugging his shoulders like it was nothing.
“Spike…...” Twilight then trailed off as she edged closer to Spike, her voice though sounded strained as young alicorn bore a both unreadable yet also concerned look. “To be honest, I don’t like the things you have done lately. Joining us as the Avengers, that’s still optimal, yet though recklessly exposing yourself to danger as you have taken on Grogar, engaged Lavan back in Macintohs Hills and then furthermore going so far by eating the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak to gain a greater power in order to fight Squrik…..Yet also saving us all in the process.” However, Twilight demeanour though softened as the mare denied a baby dragon a warm smile and gently supporting Spikes chin with her hoof. “However…….I do along with others respect your decision and more what you intent to do.”
“If you truly want to do something in order to a right thing, then go for it and don’t let anypony to tell you otherwise.” Luna spoke off by encouraging Spike, her voice sounding yet firm and decisive yet also soft filled with kindness as the Princess of the Night gave Spike a warm smile on her own.
“We are all standing right behind you, little buddy.” Now Peter declared decisively like he would be speaking up for everpony around, by giving his own support to young dragon on the fullest and giving Spike a decisive wink of his eye.
“Yeah, go for it big guy.” Rainbow Dash energetically blurted out, yet though honestly encouraged Spike on her best judgement.
“Alright, kid….” Logan than spoke off like for all the ponies present around as he turned to Spike as the X-Men sounded very firm, no-nonsense and serious. “Everythin' ya have learned about yerself fer this entire week, yer strengths and yer limits….It all comes down ta this moment. Today, best hope ya kin overcome yerself in order ta best that inner dragon within ya.”
Spike took a deep breath as he looked around by sharing a mutual look with everypony, Peter and Twilight, The Princesses, Shinning Armour, the Avengers, Elements of Harmony and of course Logan. Out of the sudden, a warm and somewhat joyous like sensation started tingling right out of the depths of his chest. He trusted his friends and family that were indeed more than willing to stand up for his side and support him by at any cost necessary. Yet, feeling himself a way stronger as well as encouraged by all of his friends combined support and belief in him, at the time like this, Spike was short of words as he could do nothing but taking another deep breath and then exhale, knowing what to do and that all came down to this.
Spike made though a couple of hesitant steps backwards several meters away from everyponies position to have some space, taking a sit on the ground by fixing his legs into signature meditation like position, stretching on his muscles by relaxing his body and by remembering Logans training, young dragon took a couple of deep intakes of air via his nostrils, by instantly using his abdomen in the process in order to breathe, exhaling and contracting it several time in a regular and rhythmic like motions, breathing in and out tranquilly, before closing his eyes and trying recollect his thoughts, meditating.
“What is he doing?” Pinkie asked below a whisper as she along with others watched Spikes process quite in awe, yet also being slightly taken aback, if not even distraught about the abdominal breathing technique baby dragon was demonstrating while meditating, although Twilight gently yet energetically bumped her pink party pony friend into her shoulder, shooting her a slight glare as it was better to keep peace and quiet for Spikes sake.
Spike meanwhile kept meditating for several moments passing like spring and winter exchanging as he was continuing taking a deep breath and then again exhaling via his belly via pranayama technique Logan taught and instructed him, while meditating and focusing himself by recollecting his thoughts, yet in the instance and quite for everyponys concern, sudden rattles started coursed throughout Spikes entire body before his eyes eventually shut themselves open and much for evevrypony horror, his usually deep slitted emerald green irises lost themselves behind a fiery crimson red like glow like a demon, as quite a ferocious snarl escaped right out of young dragons throat.
“Oh boy! Here it comes…..” Peter muttered unnervingly, cringing involuntarily as in the instance, his Spider Sense within the centre of his cranium went on overdrive, blurring literally like crazy to the point when it nearly felt quite painful on an incoming and in the point a very severe threat yet to come, almost just like the time during the night at Canterlot when that massive magic explosion occurred behind horizon.
In the instance and by deepening Peters worries even further, not to mention the blurring within his head intensifying even further and much for everyponys horror, Spikes body trembled in tis centre and just like back on Canterlot, it slowly yet steadily started undergoing its horrifying transformation. A traces of fiery dark crimson aura escaped and was radiating out of his body, before it steadily started gaining on mass and growing into a way more bigger yet muscular gigantic like size, his arms growing much bigger and muscular alike with his claws growing much sharper along with his hinder legs gaining mass yet morphing into a way more reptilian/avian like, his tail instantly also started prolonging itself when being over nearly twice as long as Spikes body, his face undergoing a strange metamorphosis, prolonging itself into a more lizard like, the fang within his mouth growing longer and sharper, a brown sharp horns popped their way out of the top of Spikes head, growing along with green scales over his cheeks, along a pair of actual bat like wings emerged right out of the Spikes back, that were steadily growing in size before eventually spreading out by even generating a miniature gust as they bore a wingspan over fifty feet .
Peter, Twilight, Luna, the Avengers, The Princesses, Shinning Armour and the Elements of Harmony were standing aside and with a pure horror filling their eyes, they all dully stared as Spikes was steadily transforming, turning into a monstrous like dragon version of himself, yet they all just stood on place like attached with bewildered gazes, unable to say a word as Spikes enormous shadow was engulfing their frames, making them somewhat feel so tiny and insignificant. In the instance a very horrendous roar erupted right out of Spikes throat that was changeling throughout the entire Whitetail Woods, if not even everypony could also hear it back in Ponyville.
Somehow and strangely though and much for ponies utter awe, instead of starting to thrash and going into a savage uncontrollable rampage just like back on Liberty Island and instead of attacking his friends yet though, Spike out of the sudden started cringing, forcing himself into his knees and writhing himself like being in spasm and having some sort of convulsion.
“Stand by, everypony!” Princess Celestia bellowed in a very alert and cautious like manner, her usually calm and deliberated voice lacking her usual lightheartedness and on the contrary sounding very serious as royal white alicorn forced herself into a defensive like stance while the Avegners, Elements of Harmony and Shinning Armour mimicked their rulers action, everypony instead Fluttershy who was cringing and hiding herself behind her friends out of fright with Candace comforting the pegasus.
“Peter. Twilight. Get yourselves ready as well.” Celestia instructed Peter and Twilight as they both merely nod their heads, getting themselves ready to the worst before the ruler of Equestria shifted her gaze to Luna. “Luna. You might as well use, yet though merely a sufficient amount of your psionic abilities, so you once again could subdue Spike without causing him any sever harm.”
“No! Everypony stand down!” Logan however bellowed, which though sounded more likely above an order, as the X-Men jumped right in front of his friends, bearing a very firm and stern look.
“Logan….” Twilight mumbled in an utter confusion by her mutant friends actions.
“Ya gat ta believe in Spike ya guys!” Logan stated decisively, holding his position firmly, acting like some sort of blockage between ponies and Spike, as in his giant dragon form was still involuntarily shivering himself on ground in convulsions aback. “He cant do it on his own! He needs all our support!”
“Logan is right!” Peter murmured by steadily starting to understand his gruff partners statement and actions as a realization struck young stallions mind like a rock. “We all got to trust Spike you guys, by giving him the strength!”
“Indeed!” Twilight muttered by also finally taking the point yet the young princess energetically turned around by sharing a look with everypony standing around. “We must all have a faith in Spike you guys! Lets believe that he can surpass his inner dragon!”
Everypony, the Avengers, Trixie, the Princesses, Shinning Armour, and the Elements of Harmony although being taken aback and bearing a collective and somewhat confused gazes, yet by also starting to understand and getting the point of Twilights simple yet so much sensible words, they all mentally knocked themselves out to be strong not to lose their faith and by also each giving their own support to Spike as they could, although Fluttershy found her task somewhat complicated out of fright.
“YOU CAN DO IT SPIKE!!!” Pinkie Pie squeaked aloud, hopping on place uncontrollably.
“COME ON LITTLE FELLA!!!” Apple Jack bellowed by cheering out on her own for Spikes sake yet the blonde farm pony was whooping unnervingly.
“Spike! You got to hang on!” Cadance howled in a frantic like tone, a concern being evidently present in pink alicorns mare voice, evidence by her breathing going ragged, yet nonetheless doing her best to support Spike on her own as hard possible.
“Stand up now Spike!” Shinning Armour demanded firmly in order support Spike as well, and although trying to keep it together, the prince of Crystal Empire was also obviously concerned just like his wife as well as the rest of the ponies around for Spikes sake.
While still cringing and shivering himself like out of sever spasm and convulsions on the ground and unwillingly causing a small tremors coursing throughout the clearing, yet out of the sudden a very strange inner feeling took over Spike, as a dragon seemingly, yet even went numb both physically and mentally to the real world and yet like acting out of instincts and by hearing some sort of deep inner voices in his head, echoing through the confines of his mind.
Yet like acting out of the instincts, Spike out of the sudden took a couple of deep intakes of air via his nostrils, by once again using his abdomen in order to breathe, exhaling and contracting it several times in a regular and rhythmic like motions, taking all the air in and out steadily in order to actually regulate his ragged seething like breathing.
And somehow, Spike actually managed, as evidently all the fury and rage was continuously dissipating within him, steadily calming himself down with the fiery dark crimson aura that was engulfing his body faded away, as in the instance, Spikes eyes shut open yet instead of its crimson red glow bearing its original slitted emerald green colour shape, as the dragon slowly yet steadily bend his gigantic frame down before touching the ground by using the tail to balance himself, standing on all his four.
“Wow! This is kinda cool.” Spike eventually and much for everyponys combined shock and awe spoke off, his voice though changed, sounding a way deeper and mature with a slight tone of growling, yet though inwardly still having exactly the same tone of his very own playful, sweet and youthful self, as he rose his right large front paw as he was checking his very brand new…..Self, although somewhat confused and rather baffled about his new so called adult form.
“Spike….?” Peter casually trailed off, yet also not feeling his Spiders Sense blurring within the centre of his head anymore, giving himself enough courage and reassurance, young stallion made a couple of though hesitant steps forward, closing his gap between himself and Spike.
“Do you feel alright?” Twilight softly asked, a concern still being vocally present in her voice as young princess exceed Peter in his tracks, edging closer to Spikes side and gently placing her hoof over her little scaly brother like figure massive arm.
“Well….” Spike stated somewhat sheepishly while still being quite confused and uncertain about his new form, checking himself out rather unconditionally. “I feel a bit…..Different. This new form…..Its a bit unorthodox and rather pretty freaky. But….I also feel good. I mean….Really good. Its pretty weird. Not knowing what to think….” Spike murmured as the memories of the past filled Spikes mind. The same feelings he expressed the same day back then when he along with Peter and Twilight were transported back to Earth as Dr Strange created a spiritual vessels for them to bear their spirits, although in Spikes case gaining his giant adult dragon form. So it was no wonder for Spike to feeling a little bit out of his game, yet this all eventually should change and pass out.
“You have done it kid.” Logan however spoke off in quite an triumphant like manner with a surprisingly content grin on his gruff face attracting Spikes attention, yet strangely, there was a faint tone of relief present in the gruff stallions voice. “Ya have concurred and controlled yer inner rage as well as overcommin' yer own self. Yer trainin' has payed out, truly overdoing yerself. Good job.”
Peter chuckled and playfully bumped Spikes massive arm with his elbow. "It's only up to you to decide what you will become. If you become a monster, it'll be because you want to be, but I know that's not the case with you. Not you. To me and Twilight, you may be a little….bigger now, but it doesn’t matter nor changing anything. You'll always be our little brother."
Twilight smiled, gently rubbing Spikes clawed palm with her hoof. "Of course. You've always been a very noble and gentle soul, Spike. There's no need for you to be ashamed about your current condition and state. And even though looking different now, no matter what happens, you'll always be the same gentle dragon for me, that I know and love."
Feeling himself comforted and encouraged by both Peter and Twilights kind and honest words, Spike than though shifted his large head on his long neck around, centring his emerald green lizard bright eyes on the other pony standing aside. “So guys, be honest. How do I look?” The dragon stated with a way more confident and somewhat boasting like tone, like he would like to boast himself a bit about his brand new form, wondering what his friends, especially Rarity had to say.
“Well….Well….Ehm….” Fluttershy murmured incoherently while quite failing to find a suitable choice of words.
“What to say…..You are….All grown up alright big fella. Literally….” Applejack dully trailed out for Fluttershy in response with though an undercurrent of slight uncertainty present in her voice.
“You are just so big now. Really big….” Pinkie Pie squeaked, a puffy maned party pony was whooped herself in an odd mixture of both awe and slight trepidation alike.
“Come to think of it…” Rainbow Dash spoke off in a slight excitement filling the pegasus voice, flipping her wing by springing herself into the air and started checking out Spike with quite an interest. “….You actually doesn’t look that bad at all, dude. You actually look pretty cool now as an adult dragon.”
“Aside from spitting fire, flying, thrashing and busting things up around of course….” Trixie murmured sarcastically in recall of recent and unfortunate events with Spikes case, yet though inwardly the stage magician still felt somewhat uncertain about her little scaly friends current form. “But frankly, I think I had liked you a way better before when you were….eghm…..younger.”
“My word, Spike…..” Rarity murmured slightly unnervingly as she slowly yet surely approached the dragon yet the fashionista watched her little scaly little friend in sympathy with her deep ocean blue eye. “This new form of yours….Is indeed astounding and rather very unorthodox to bear, looking a way more different now then you used to be, with all that size, horns and wings…..” Yet the elegant unicorns expression though greatly softened forming into a way more sympathetic and honest one. “But that’s all absolutely not important how you look like, because inside you are still the same noble, generous and sweet little dragon as always. And that will not change no matter what, Spikey Wikey.”
Raritys voice sounded undeniably soft, gentle and soothing as the fashionista without any single sign of hesitation or trepidation reached out and touched Spikes large arm with her hoof, as her simple yet honest and sensible and understanding words filled Spikes heart with joy and delight, also feeling some weight being lifted from his shoulders as a great sense of relief associated with the dragon.
Then however Luna step forward, gracefully yet also a little cautiously trotting by closing her gap while having her royal ocean blue eyes centred on Spike, bearing though still a bit cautious and concerned expression on her face, somewhat inwardly forcing Spike to somewhat taken aback bend himself down as his head was right on Princess of the Night reach. In the instance, Lunas eyes disappeared behind a bright glow of white as she rose up and placed her hoof over Spikes forehead, as she usually did while reading others minds by trying to find out more about the subjects mental state.
“Princess Luna?” Twilight murmured while carefully observing the co-rulers of Equestrias doing as she kept reading Spikes mind. Yet after a several moments passing, Luna instantly took her hoof of Spikes forehead as her eyes turned back into their original ocean blue colours, stepping away from Spike a bit.
“I have surveyed the situation about Spikes state…..” Luna trailed off, her voice sounded decisive yet bearing quite an unreadable expression on her face, by attracting everyponys combined attention.
“And….?” Trixie muttered asking, the azure unicorns usually boastful voice sounded with a combined nervousness and trepidation as a slight hint of tension filled the atmosphere, yet much for everyponys awe as well as relief, Lunas blank and unreadable look over her dark blue facial features significantly softened, as even a dark blue alicorn princess managed honest and serene smile.
“Yet….I am more than positive to bear a good news.” The Guardian of the Nights expression though momentarily stiffened a bit. “About Spikes current mental state….His adult dragon alter like ego, it is still present within the confines of his mind, inhabiting the same body. Yet….By actually performing those so called pranayama breathing techniques Logan taught him, Spike has actually managed to relax both his body and mind and therefore somehow managing to summon and awake his alter ego at will, as well as getting into a perfect sync with it, being fully in charge and able to control his actions as well as actually being able to guide that monster within him.”
“So does this mean that Spike isn’t actually turning himself into dragon version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in an Equestria like style of sorts?” Peter quipped by asking over Spikes condition yet having a faith in his best friends analysis while everypony around were hopefully expecting the conclusion.
“As sort of and as I can by certain…..No, Peter.” Luna replied with a slight chuckle by affirming Peters offhanded question, much for everyponys utter relief.
“Thank goodness….” Twilight along with Fluttershy and Rarity simultaneously sighed in relief, feeling a great weight being lifted from their shoulders as well as the local tension in the atmosphere was slowly fading away.
“For now…..” Sunset Shimmer trailed out, her voice was slightly wavering as an unfortunate thoughts filled the confines of fiery maned unicorns mind. “With Logans training, Spike has actually managed to surpass the Crimson Gem of Cyttorkas corruptive power and taking a hang on his alter ego….For now one. Yet…..Dont you think, Princess Luna…..He might actually lose it again? I mean, sometime later?”
Yet much for everyponys dismay, Luna though didn’t answer Cadances question as her expression suddenly and slightly darkened a bit out of seriousness, bearing a very unreadable and unfortunate look.
“Mmm….So it can….” Felicia awkwardly in a very unfortunate way grumbled to herself like be reading and distinguishing royal dark blue alicorns facial expressions, by also once again filling the hearts of the otherpony around as well as Spikes himself with uncertainty and slight trepidation.
“About Spikes current state of mind, the matters about great power of dark and corruptive origins like the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak definitely mustn’t be taken lightly Sunset Shimmer. Yet we all should better stay on our guard in case for time being, for both ours and Spikes own sake.” Luna explained in quite cautious like way, yet though her demeanour softened a bit by sharing a very sympathetic look with Spike as obviously, the Guardian of the Night was concerned about fully grown dragons state and well-being as Peter, Twilight and the others were.
“Guys….” Logan however out of the sudden spoke off, sounding very decisive by getting everyponys combined attention. “Aside from yer concerns and about the kids state and little giant scaly friend alter ego issues, I ain't think it should necessarily happen by losin' it again.”
“It shouldn’t, Logan?” Peter, Twilight and Spike simultaneously blurted out in awe, their synchronized voices sounded hopeful and expecting by gruff stallions arguably positive thinking.
“Guess…..I believe….” Logan grumbled somewhat sheepishly, scratching the back of his mane like considering how to put it. “As long as th' kid maintains a self-control and discipline by keepin' his emotions at bay and by rememberin' th' rules and just in case from this one, a daily routine mornin' exercises, regularly practisin' pranayama as we have been practicin' along by meditatin' twice or at least three time fer a day over a course of an half or an hour in order ta maintain his touch, he should be just fine. Before though fully adjustin' ta his alter ego.”
“Yup. There is nothing better than a very early warming up exercises, little buddy. It will do you just fine.” Peter declared in a very nonchalant, though also somewhat relieved like manner, earning a little somewhat exasperated look from Twilight, yet the young stallion deep down knew why so.
“I suppose….That just might by quite plausibly by doing so, Logan.” Luna stated as she patted her chin with her hoof by carefully considering and taking in Logans words, yet though sounding very hopeful and positive about the idea.
“Otherwise….” Princess Celestia who so far remained quiet by carefully observing the situation and taking a few graceful steps forward. “Spike might have also wear a protective amulets along by participating a very special rituals that usually serves to ward a certain types of curses. Yet….” Celestia though for a moment. “I also don’t think that anything of these would be necessary in Spikes case. All you got to do is exactly what Logan said, by routinely maintaining the protocol about all those exercises, pranayama breathing techniques practice and meditations sessions.”
“Yet….” Logan though trailed out when out of the sudden yet one more idea came to his mind, thought sounding somewhat hesitant and like against his will. “As much as crazy this idea might sound, but….by also somehow releasin' some extra steam than necessary would also make a little trick on its own. I usually do that that way by workin' out back in Danger Room of Xavier Mansion before goin' out fer relief and focus.”
“That doesn’t seem so bad, at all. Besides, fooling around actually helps at times to clear your head off, right Twilight?” Peter stated by nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders by actually agreeing with Logans suggestion yet chuckling and playfully though more likely a bit provocatively Twilight.
“Um….Yeah, sure. Well….At least more or less.” Twilight nod her head by also, though somewhat reluctantly acknowledging both Logasn and Peters idea, as in that point, an unfortunate or more likely a ridiculous memories filled the confines of young princess mind, making her feel out of the sudden awkward.
“I think I could just manage that, even without the use of all those amulets and rituals participations as you put it, Princess Celestia. Thanks Logan.” Spike chuckled somewhat sheepishly reassuring by shrugging his shoulders, yet though taking Celestias and Logans advice seriously nonetheless.
“Good kid.” Logan than spoke off in a very confident like manner as he edged closer to his apprentices side. “And now turn back.”
“Turn back? I….Um….?” Spike muttered in an utter awe and shock, being quite caught off guard over Logans unexpected demand by actually turning back in his original little baby dragon self.
“Sure. When ya have managed ta turn yerself in at will, ya kin also turn back.” Logan simply and rather very dully replied.
“Yeah little buddy. You got to pull yourself together. You just, couldn’t pass and fit into Golden Oak Library that way. Otherwise we would have to build a doghouse….A very big doghouse for you, at worst cave at least to live in as a lodger.” Peter muttered in an odd mixture of awkwardness and sarcasm alike, earning a slight glare from Twilight, prompting her knight to keep his antics for himself at the moments like these.
“Can he actually do that anyway?” Pinkie Pike asked by curiously tittle her head to the side while otherpony bore quite a confused and uncertain like looks, wondering about the possibility.
“Princess Luna?” Twilight hopefully asked by exchanging a glance with Luna.
“Theoretically….” Luna though by considering the possibility thoroughly, yet the tone of her voice sounded hopeful and positive. “Logans statement is quite sensible and truly for Spike, while actually being able to take his adult form via concentration and at will, he could actually also turn back that way.”
“But….” Spike muttered, still not yet feeling himself too much sure what to do.
“Ya kin do it kid.” Logan spoke off as he edged closer by gently placing his hoof over Spikes large arm, his voice though as gravelly as ever yet sounding surprisingly soft and deliberated. “Just focus.”
“Got it, Logan. Focus……” Spike replied a little sheepishly yet feeling himself a way stronger and more encouraged by his mentors words and support, the dragon made a couple of steps backwards, unfortunately and involuntarily causing the ground to shake a bit under his tremendous mass, before taking deep intakes of air via his nostrils, by instantly using his abdomen in the process in order to breathe, exhaling and contracting it several time in a regular and rhythmic like motions, breathing in and out tranquilly, before closing his eyes and trying recollect his thoughts.
And eventually, after a few moments passing, a very magnificent thing happened, as Spikes body once again started undergoing yet another metamorphosis, changing yet this time in reverse, everypony around found themselves staring with astonished gazes as Spike was slowly yet steadily shrinking and loosing on the mass in the process, his snout, neck, limbs and tail shortening, with even his wings were shrinking itself back into his back, before finally and eventually turning himself back into his original baby dragon self.
“Ta-dah!” Spike nonchalantly and triumphantly trailed out although feeling himself somewhat dazzled and gloomy, which might have been evident via the effects of the transformation as he and as Luna put it needed some time to better adjust to his newly gained abilities. Spike stumbled a bit nearly losing his footing, yet Peter and Twilight were both there as they caught their little scaly friend into their hooves.
“You have done it, Spike! You have done it!” Twilight exclaimed, unable to contained all the accumulated joy and happiness along as she hugged Spike on the fullest, being more than very proud of her number one assistants effort. “We are so much proud of you.”
“Who is the man now, little buddy.” Peter quipped joyously as he playfully bumped Spikes shoulder with his hoof, also and just like Twilight unable to be any more prouder for his little brother figures bold and determined act.
In the instance, everypony, the Elements of Harmony as well as the Avengers, the Princesses along with Shinning Armour, Trixie and Spitfire all burst into a simultaneous applause by stomping their hooves to the ground by solemnly acknowledging Spikes brave act before they run to Spikes side, smiling earnestly as the fear and trepidation that was filling the atmosphere faded away completely as the joy, happiness and appreciation took its place. Rarity forced her way through the crowd wrapping her hooves around Spikes neck, nuzzling her cheeks over Spikes affectionately. Spikes smile only grew, being evidently more than happy with himself as all his friends embraced him, words of praise and gratitude filling baby dragons ears.
“Well done, my friend.” Luna declared, smiling warmly as the iron-clad maiden bowed her head to Spike by expressing a respect of her own to young dragons efforts. “You were able to conquer your inner demons and surpassing your own self. You have a very remarkable and indomitable force of will, with nearly that on a pair of Peter himself. In such a young age….” The Guardians of the Night tone however and oddly shifted into somewhat disbelief, if not even quite jealous actually.
There was lots of matter to talk about, so many questions to answer about Spikes current case, while Logan however was standing aside, keeping a distance from a crowd, yet somewhat old grumpy Canadian mutant felt…happy, which was quite a wonder for someone so much hardcore like Logan for instance, a very same warm feelings he felt that night back on Canterlot while along with Parker, Sparkle, Luna and the Avengers rescuing Princess Celestia from Grogars grasp, expressing a great sense of self-satisfaction and delight, a faint yet a very honest smile nonetheless formed of stallion stony straight face.
However, suddenly everyponys attention landed right on Logan, yet gruff stallions brow furrowed by studying his cohorts facial happy and delighted expressions before though gasping aloud as Spike rushed his way forward him like a missile and wrapping his scaly hands over the X-Mens neck tight. “Thank you Logan. Thank you so much.”
And as it wasn’t quite enough, Logan nearly stumbled back once Twilight rushed her way to his side and wrapped her hooves around the gruff stallions neck, into a warm embrace. “I just cannot thank you enough Logan for your willingness. You have helped Spike.” Twilight stated thankfully, even tightening her grip on Wolverine.
“You are the man, old chum.” Peter cheerfully stated and playfully yet a bit energetically with the slightest amount of his spider strength bumping Logan into his shoulder with his hoof, quite for gruff stallions annoyment while the others crowded around the X-Men, as words of praise and respect filled the gruff stallions ears from the side of his newly gained pony friends.
“Nice one, dude.” Rainbow Dash declared excited and bumping Logans shoulder with her hoof with quite a force of her own while flipping her wings in the mid-air, therefore unwillingly prolonging the X-Mens exasperation.
“That was really some training, alright partner.” Applejack added by also expressing her respect to Logan.
“Where did you actually learned all this stuff, anyway?” Shinning Armour though couldn’t do anything but ask with an utmost curiosity, despite his usual reserved and no-nonsense attitude as the royal guard captain.
“Peter has mentioned that you were traveling a lot in your early life? Have you actually learned those so called pranayama breathing techniques on some of your travels, Logan?” Cadance asked, unable to contain her own awe and curiosity.
“Hurm….” Logan grumbled somewhat sheepishly, thinking how to put it, yet though somewhat want necessarily wanting to give in much. “More or less, darlin'. Pranayama breathin' techniques, it’s a little trick that I caught from some monks when once bein' in Tibet, in order ta gain a better grip and keepin' myself at check.”
“Oh really?” Pinkie Pie squeaked astonished and like a blur appearing right just a few inches away from Logans face, staring with her deep sparkling blue eyes filled with joy and sensitivity as she grabbed and Logans bearded cheeks, much for the gruff stallions utter dismay. “You sure got to tell us more about your travels.”
“Logan….” Rarity than spoke off as the fashionista gracefully made her way though the crowd by stepping in front of Logan, bearing a very solemn and humble expression like true lady. “I know that as much as you can be eghm….Unorthodox and rather eccentric at times and I admit that I have been having some doubts about you. Yet, you have also shown to be also honest, willing, noble at the same time and as well as willing to care and help the others around, like you have just done more than enough for our little Spike. You have my deepest gratitude.” Rarity stated in the most respectful tone she could muster before bowing her head to Logan in lady like manner by expressing her respect to the X-Men.
“Ain't mention it darlin'. I will call ya sometime.” Logan chuckled by indifferently shrugging his shoulders yet quite a devious and rather flirty look formed over his hirsute face, oblivious to the dismayed look the fashionista bore, evident by her white cheeks gaining a colour shades of pink by embarrasement, yet despite that, deep down the gruff stallion felt himself being very touched as Raritys words and own gratitude had seemingly a great impact on his psyche, though remaining stoic and reserved as ever.
“I have to say dude…” Spitfire than spoke off. “When you first came into Equestria, and If being you transformed into a pegasus instead of an earth pony, you would make a perfect instructor in Wonderbolts Academy one day, that’s for sure.”
“Logan….” Princess Celestia out of the sudden gently spoke off as she gracefully closed her gap between herself and the X-Men, yet everypony around step aside out of the alicorns way in a respect for their beloved ruler, as Celestias step forward Logan, staring at the gruff stallion with a very awed and respectful expression. “Indeed I don’t know what to say yet being deeply impressed by your accomplishment, about training Spike by helping, showing him the way how to deal with his adult dragon alter ego and the Crimsons Gem of Cyttoraks influence. It was about to deal with a very great yet unstable forces of mythical and corruptive origins. Yet, you have actually managed to deal with all that on your very own without an usage of any magic at all only with your skills and talents. I must say you have succeeded all of my expectations.” Celestias demeanour though slightly darkened as an unfortunate and also rather dark thoughts filled the confines of royal white alicorns mind and heart. “You….You have actually managed something exceptional, that actually even I couldn’t manage and fail to do so….. ” Yet, Celestias demeanour eventually softened by cherishing as the mare bowed her head to Logan out of the most respect she could muster. “You have my deepest respect and admire, my friend.”
“Looks like your profession as the X-Men as well as position as a tutor and mentor back in that so called Xaviers Institute back in New York of Earth as Peter put it indeed precedes you, Logan.” Luna declared by also expressing her own awe and respect to Logan.
“Hurm…There was nothin' ta it.” Logan grumbled somewhat hesitantly by trying to find suitable sorts of words. “At some point, guess when everythin' else, like all that magic and spells over everythin' backfires, there just goes nothin' but just usin' and trust yer instincts as well as common sense. That’s whut I do.”
“I guess so…..” Twilight murmured as she considered Logans sorts of words, that though sounding simple yet actually bore lots of sense as the gruff stallion was actually quite right about his judgement.
Out of the sudden, Pinkie Pie peeked out, as the pink party pony attracted everyponys collected attention, her deep blue eyes being as wide as pair of saucers and literally gleaming with excitement and joy. “How about we all return back to Canterlot and definitely throw a party for Peter, Twilight, Spike, the Avengers and Logan as well for this.”
“Indeed….” Rarity added in agreement with Element of Laughters proposal. “I mean, saving the Manehattan, fighting off that horrible Squirk the Elemental Lord of Water, with Spike though either bravely or rather recklessly using the power of that Crimson Gem of Cyttork to fight and eventually beating that monster afterwards in the same day, as well as Logan actually helping Spike out in order to take a control over his adult dragon alter ego, this is definitely worth to celebrate.”
“Sounds good to me. I am quite hungry anway.” Peter nonchalantly quipped by playfully stroking his belly, quite for Twilights dismay, rolling her eyes slightly exasperated.
“Princess Celestia….” Rainbow Dash the addresses and shifted her attention to Princess Celestia her voice sounded both promising and hopeful, yet nonetheless keeping her humble and respect to the ruler of Equstrias as ever. “How about we use the Canterlot Ball Room, shall we?”
“Of course, Rainbow Dash.” Princess Celestia merely nod her head with a very bright smile by giving the pegasus as well as everypony her approval, by having no objects against the idea of party, as the Princess of the Sun was apparently more than happy to comply everyponys request.
“Then lets go everypony.” Spike bid his friends to go as everypony immediately and without hesitation followed their little scaly friend in the process being about to leave the clearing. Everypony though expect Logan, as the gruff stallion just stood on place like a stump, being seemingly dug deeply into himself evident by his head being bend down staring to the ground, as once again unfortunate thoughts were spiralling within the X-Mens mind like a small boat on a stormy sea.
“Um, Logan…..Are you coming?” Fluttershy who though realized Logan wasn’t coming with an edge of her eye asked quite in awe, therefore everypony suddenly stopped in the process as they all shifted their collected attention back to Logan from behind.
“Hurm….Whut?” Logan grumbled as he instantly woke up from his apparent daydreaming by recalling and sharing a look with everypony. “Nah. Ya just go ahead guys. I will catch up with ya later.” Logan quite for everyponys awe though dismissed the offer joining the party, yet his tone though sounding still gruff as ever, yet strangely sounding somewhat different, more like a humble solemn like.
“Oh come on, old chum.” Peter stated quite in a mix of both disbelief as well as a slight outrage while edging closer to his gruff partners side. “Its just fair enough that you found an excuse for not joining the party the day when we helped out Chris and the Changelings and fighting Lavan. There is just not a chance you could get away with this again by not taking a credit for what you have done so far.”
“That’s right, Logan.” Twilight added as she also closed her gab between herself and the boys, though her voice sounded a way more softer and deliberated, yet it also bore a slight undercurrent of dismay. “This is such an exceptional moment for all of us, especially with you having some extra credit on this by helping Spike out. You should be really proud on yourself.” Twilight stated and soothingly patting Logans shoulder.
“Yeah, you have really deserved this one, dude. Just enjoy this moment a little bit.” Now Spike added as baby dragon also joined Logans, Peters and Twilights side, bumping the stallions shoulder playfully by trying to cheer his mentor up.
“Oh come on. Logan.” Pinkie Pike who also joined the group gently yet energetically edged closer to Logan and wrapping her hoof over the X-Mens neck, prompting the ever grumpy Canadian ponyfied mutant superhero to lighten up a bit. “Just come with us and join the party. It will be fun and you might to relax and come to other thoughts that way.”
“Sorry ta hear that……” Logan grumbled by gently swatting the pink mares hoof off, his voice though strangely started wavering, shifting into a somewhat more solemn like, as the gruff stallion shifted his gaze to the ground like wanting to avoid his friends gazes, strangely and unlike his companions not feeling that much happy at all, with a strange twinge of quilt catching up to him.
“But, Logan…..” Twilight stuttered incoherently quite in disbelief as Logans sudden and rather very odd change of attitude quite startled her, wondering and well as concern started brewing within her of her mutant pony friend being alright at all.
“Ain't….Just ain't……Sorry….” Logan though replied on the verge of a mere whisper, shaking his head dismissively before sharply turning his back to his friends and just started trotting away.
“Logan wait!” Peter called out in vain by trying to stop Logan in his track, though it was to no avail as the X-Men just disappeared from the sights of everypony in the nearest bushes of the forest.
“This is really becoming more like a bad habit.” Felicia dully muttered by sceptically shaking her head while everypony just stood on the clearing unable to avert their gazes from the forest where Logan just disappeared, bearing a confused and rather quite dumbfounded gazes, failing to get what had just got into their ponyfied mutant superhero friend.
“You are making a friends with quite an interesting individuals, Parker.” Trixie dully stated, much so sarcastic like as she in a rather hesitant like way joined both Peters, Twilights and Spikes side at the edge of the forest.
“Seriously Peter….What is up with him?” Sunset Shimmer asked uncertainly, her voice was slightly wavering by concern, also unable to just get what had just happened about Logans sudden and rather foolish departure.
“I don’t know Sunset….” Peter murmured though sounding over the verge of a whisper while sharing a simultaneous concerned glance with both Twilight and Spike before averting his attention back to the forest where Logan just went to, staring at it dully. “I just…..Dunno….”
Yet though unbeknown to young stallion, Luna who stood by her older sisters side behind, was also staring at the forest intently, bearing a rather very concerned expression over her dark blue features, like inwardly the princess of the night felt something was definitely not right about Logan at all.
The matters at hooves started getting rather out of control. A concern about Logans reserved and rather odd behaviour was slowly and steadily brewing and really getting not just to Peter, but also for Twilight, Spike, the Elements of Harmony, the Avengers and the Princesses as well, yet furthermore, the situation wasn’t getting any easier too much by also Logan being somewhat reluctant, stubborn and unwilling to talk about his personal matters, even when his friends meant well and just wnating to help their mutant superhero friend out somehow if they could.
Yet, more this entire drama was getting far, the more it was started getting clear that this all had to end sooner or later, for Logans own sake.
Meanwhile, somewhere on west side of Equestria, in the Smokey Mountains region, yet another, a third and final cloud of magical fallout after a massive magic explosion of place of power that occurred several weeks ago near the Crystal Mountains region was spreading his way and floating right around the peak of the highest of the mountains.
Though and just like the other two fallouts and like having a mind on its own, the sparkling magic cloud started slowly descending by finding its way through a hole right within the side of the mountain, seeping right into the depths of the mountain. In the instance and out of the sudden a very intense wind potent to the force of the whirlwind started bursting as apparently a gloomy stormy clouds instantly formed right over Smokey Mountains region, like there would be a storm to come.
And in the instance, a lightning stroke right out of the sky, its near blinding glow flashed the entire region and the thunderous roar echoed throughout the entire area. In the same moment, wide crackles started forming and spreading over the side of the mountain like a spider web, before a loud explosion occurred, causing the rocks smashing all around and rising the dirt, as something that strangely looked like a light grey cloud fallout of an accumulated air and wind itself burst its way right out of the mountain, residing as well as being evidently imprisoned within there for a very long long time.
The cloud fallout moved on, like actually having a mind on its own flew around in an extremely high velocity and strangely, like being in a perfect sync with an upcoming whirlwind and storm as an electrical current and sparks channeled thought it, as it out of the sudden started gaining some sort of form more like a ghost or specter, taking a shape of a very slender shaped like face, its snout resembling more like a beak, having a curled like beard in a cloud like style, having long elven shaped like ears, a long dark grey hair resembling the whirlwind itself waving right from its head, yet a very slender golden like eyebrow formed over its forehead with a very bright lime green glowing eyes, yet bearing a very malicious and mischievous like expression, releasing a very loud maniacal laugh that carried and echoed throughout the air.
To be continued…..