//------------------------------// // Making Amends // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Fluttershy has spent the past few hours crying due to her remarks and the scolding she received. She hates herself for mentally scarring Spike by comparing him to an evil tyrant. Angel Bunny and every one of Fluttershy's animals tries to comfort her. Discord arrives inside Fluttershy's cottage to check on her. He's aware of the tiff between her and Spike. Fluttershy turns to see Discord after hearing the poof of her best friend. "Hey, Fluttershy. How are you feeling?" Discord asks, knowing Fluttershy may spew a curse word about her feelings. "I feel like-" Discord blows the airhorn as Fluttershy finishes her comment. "Discord! I didn't even say sh-" A clone blows the trumpet to censor Fluttershy's swearing. "Then, what did you say?" Discord is curious about Fluttershy's vocabulary. All day he censored Spike's profanity. "I said I feel like a monster!" Fluttershy sniffs. "Oooooooooooh," Discord realizes his mistake. He leans down to hug her friend. "Sorry for the assumption. My clones were with Spike and Twilight. They were spewing profanity today." Fluttershy turns around, using her right hoof to hold her head in sadness. "I know." "So, what are you planning?" Discord stops hugging. Fluttershy looks down. "I don't know. I want to apologize for trying to starve Spike even though I didn't know he was starving, to begin with." "That's a good start," Discord uses his chaos magic to spawn a bowl of nails without any milk. He needs the iron for his body. "Also, you know Spike will buy other chickens to feast on now that he ate his, right?" "Yes. Also, I should not interfere when Spike buys chicken or other animals he needs for consumption. No matter how painful the cries of animals will get to me." "What will you do to draw out their cries?" Discord eats the bowl after eating his nails. "Have any earmuffs?" Fluttershy knows seeing the slightest reaction from any creature will melt her heart and spring into action in an endless loop. Discord snaps his paw and gives Fluttershy soundproof earmuffs. "Here you go." Fluttershy puts them on. Fluttershy hears nothing but silence. Discord is blabbing about something, and he becomes hard to lipread. Fluttershy listens to her sub-conscience and agrees to wear the earmuffs every time Spike flies by with a new animal for him to devour. Just close her eyes and think of something to distract her instincts. "I will reveal Spike and Twilight my new earmuffs to cancel any screams of other animals Spike wants to consume," Fluttershy removes her new earmuffs to hear Discord's response. "Nice idea, Fluttershy. Also, do apologize to Twilight for your remark about comparing Spike to Midnight Sparkle. The new Twilight treats her Spike as a son and has warned you and the others about certain behaviors towards Spike," Discord reminds Fluttershy. Fluttershy sighs. "I know." The next day. Fluttershy wakes up after having a not-so-good sleep. She dreamt about the comparison and how Spike killed and ate her alive. Fluttershy goes to her kitchen to make eggs and drops them. The remarks from Twilight and Cozy get to her. She shrugs the feeling and puts the eggs away in favor of having a salad for breakfast. "Okay," Fluttershy takes a bite out of the lettuce and tomato. "Today, I make amends to Spike and do what he wants from me..," Fluttershy gulps with the probability of purchasing a chicken to lend to Spike. She faints a bit, seeing the chicken's facial reaction of betrayal within that instance. It's heartbreaking for her. Spike wakes up after a good night's rest. Twilight (Sci-Twi) wakes up and rubs Spike's head. They smile and hug each other, knowing today will be a great day. The two get out of bed and fix it together. Twilight encourages Spike to hop on her back and go to the kitchen. Spike complies, smiling widely, and gets on Twilight's back. Twilight trots to the kitchen with Spike and sees Chrysalis and Terax having breakfast. Terax tackle hugs Spike. Spike pretends that the hug knocked him off Twilight, and the two laugh. "Let's play, Spike!" Terax persuades Spike energetically. "After breakfast. I'm hungry," Spike sees Twilight opening the fridge to reheat yesterday's chicken. Spike starts drooling, knowing he'll stuff himself with more delicious meat. "Okay!" Terax flies and lands on Chrysalis' head. "I see you two are in a better mood," Chrysalis said, drinking her jasmine tea. "We had our learning session with the Princesses. Well, magic class Twilight endured, I was there for moral support and to learn what spells I can add to my arsenal." "Interesting. Anything good, Spike?" Chrysalis finishes drinking her jasmine tea. "Not really. The session is more for Twilight to utilize her magic power to greater lengths. Also, Twilight." "Yes, Spike?" Twilight puts the chicken in the oven. "I'm going to get my tattoo on my chest later today," Spike said. Twilight's eyes widen in pure shock. She slowly turns to gaze into Spike's eyes. "...what..?" "Well, I'm tired of being referred to as the Fairy Dragon. I know I have exact similarities, but I'm not Spike the Fairy. I want everyone to refer to me as Guardian Dragon, Guardian Spike, or Spike Guardian Dragon. I need a name that sticks out and creatures to respect my name. So, I'm getting a tattoo on the center of my chest." "Spike, getting a tattoo hurts; a lot. A needle going into scales may do more damage than you think," Twilight is nervous about Spike's decision-making. "Twilight. I swam in lava. A needle won't damage me," Spike scoffs at the idea of a needle hurting him. "I don't want to hear you cry or tap out once the needle touches you, mister," Twilight sharply replies. She understands the frustrations all too well since the last Twilight went astray and killed thousands for her ambitions. The comparison with the probability of history repeating itself. "As if I'm going to allow a needle to make me cry," Spike overconfidently says. "Don't you dare get a tattoo, Terax!" Chrysalis sternly says, hoping her tone will convince her son not to backtalk or be encouraged to follow Spike's footsteps. "Yes, mommy! I won't get one!" Terax shouts, hoping not to displease his mother, especially in front of her friends. "Good," Chrysalis' tone sounds motherly and polite. Smolder and Garble enter the kitchen. The two see Spike sitting with Chrysalis and Twilight. "Hey, Spike. Want to come and train with us in the Dragon Lands?" Smolder asks, hoping to spend time with Spike and gain his love interest. "Maybe later today. I'm flying to Manehattan to see Tats," Spike replies. "For what?" Smolder and Garble ask. Twilight sighs. 'Spike wants a tattoo on his chest." "A TATTOO?!" Garble and Smolder didn't like the sound of Spike getting a tattoo. Dragon tolerance for pain is different for sharp ends on items. "If you can convince Spike to decline the tattoo, be my guest. I have no power over Spike," Twilight said. She starts making coffee. "You're his mother! Do something!" Smolder shouts. "Get an emblem like Fairy Dragon did, bro," Garble tries to persuade Spike to avoid a tattoo experience. Spike snorts at the mention of Fairy Dragon. His friends and Twilight see a different shade from him. It's unnerving to see the hostility of the other Spike. "This is something I need. I hear creatures daily calling me the Fairy Dragon. I don't have Spike the Fairy's emblem and have no intentions of getting a replica. I'm getting a tattoo that symbolizes the definition of being a Guardian Dragon." "Oooooooh," Smolder understands Spike's motive better. She and Garble understand the desire but needles on scales hurt like hell. Well, anything sharp hurts. Spike thought long and hard about his design for an emblem to showcase on his chest. He hopes Tats can draw his depiction before marking him. After breakfast, Garble and Smolder told Twilight they'll escort Spike to Manehanttan since they flew there not long ago. Twilight wants to go with them but remembers that Neighsay needs her assistance for a research project about Grogar's relic possibilities. Twilight and Spike hug each other before departing. Chrysalis feels Terax attempting to fly and follow Spike, so she uses her magic to withhold Terax in place. Terax pouts, wishing that he could go with his best friend. Spike activates his energy wings and takes off with Garble and Smolder. Silverstream and Ocellus notice their friends flying and tag along for the ride. They become ecstatic to see the possible new image of Spike's chest with an emblem clarifying that Spike is the Guardian Dragon. Fluttershy is outside her home, tending to the chickens. After filling their bowls with grain, she looks up and sees Spike, Smolder, Garble, Ocellus, and Silverstream. They are flying not far from her home, so she decides to approach Spike with an apology. Smolder and Garble lead the pack, guiding them on a fast route to Manehattan when Fluttershy intercedes their flight. She hovers in front, panting from using most of her energy. "Fluttershy?" Smolder and Garble wonder what she has to say. Spike glares at her; he's still upset about being compared to a genocidal maniac. Ocellus and Silverstream remain silent. They show no emotion. "Spike.., I know you detest seeing me after making that awful remark about you and Midnight Sparkle. I'm not here to scold or make any rude comments." "Save it, Fluttershy. The next thing you're going to say is, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for comparing your first kill to a narcissistic lunatic who wanted to purge all the magic to restart time and regain what," Spike knows the apology is either exact or similar. Fluttershy sighs heavily. She looks at Spike sincerely while trying to withhold her tears. "You're right. Those words you've spoken are similar to what I was going to say. Also, I want to grant you any wish." Spike's eyes light up after hearing Fluttershy is willing to grant him a wish. "Any wish I ask, and you won't cringe, cry, or try to convince me into wishing for something else?" Spike wants clarification that Fluttershy won't cop out after hearing what he wants. "Anything," Fluttershy expects Spike to wish for a chicken brought to him. She's mentally preparing herself to fulfill anything that may compel anguish from animals' cries. "What is your wish, Spike?" Fluttershy starts having butterflies in her stomach; it's painful to witness the squeals of chickens, but she will force herself to tolerate the situation. Garble and Smolder turn to Spike. They suspect him of asking Fluttershy to buy another chicken at Cherry's ranch. Ocellus and Silverstream become suspicious of Spike's thoughts possibly running wild with a side of sadism. "How many bits you have on you?" Spike asks Fluttershy. He smirks at the idea in case of a setback. "Not much..," Fluttershy gulps. She starts sweating due to Spike's smirk. "Bring your purse," Spike commands. "Of course," Fluttershy flies home. Fluttershy releases her tears since the others won't notice her crying quietly. Her animals see the despair written on Fluttershy's face when she arrives. Angel Bunny is worried-sick about his owner and hops to her. Angel Bunny rubs the right side of Fluttershy's neck. "Oooooh," Fluttershy sadly groans and grabs her purse from the closet. She does an initial count. "Seventy-five bits," Fluttershy finishes counting, and Angel Bunny flops. He knows Fluttershy would not take that many on errands. "I'll be back later..," Fluttershy closes her eyes and embraces her laborious challenge. Spike, Garble, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream waited patiently for Fluttershy. Spike doesn't intend on scarring Fluttershy since she's caring for her animals, but he's not sure how much the tattoo will cost him. Since Fluttershy yearns to do right with Spike, Spike will oblige to her offer. Fluttershy returns, and the others see dried-up tears on her face. Spike sighs heavily. "Alright, we're flying to Manehattan. Think you can keep up with the long trip?" Spike asks Fluttershy. "Uh-uh," Fluttershy sadly shakes her head. "How long is the train ride to Manehattan?" Spike asks his friends. "Five hours," Fluttershy answers Spike's question. Spike groans. "No matter. A little sightseeing on the train wouldn't hurt." The train ride from Ponyville to Manehattan took seven hours. There was a train delay with sheep sleeping on the train tracks. Spike received unwelcomed attention from many peers, asking for an autograph from Spike the Fairy. Spike's anger arose with the pestering, and he threatened to turn into a demon dragon to harm those who asked another question. Instead of every creature cowering in fear, they encouraged Spike to turn into Fairy Demon Dragon. Fluttershy felt ashamed of herself for dragging Spike into an unfortunate circumstance. Her drive for wanting Spike's forgiveness may have dropped severely since more ponies chanted Fairy Dragon's name. Smolder and Garble did their best to push back the crowd without causing harm but were overwhelmed by the numbers. Spike gets out of the train with Smolder, Garble, Fluttershy, Silverstream, and Ocellus. They get swarmed by the paparazzi, asking about making progress like Spike the Fairy; Spike flies away from the pestering ponies taking many flashed pictures of him. The others followed Spike away from the train station, with many ponies proud of taking photos of Spike, making sure to edit them by plastering the Fairy Tail Emblem on the chest. Spike is on a Manehattan rooftop panting heavily. "I'm sick of them!" Spike finally yells out his frustration. "Fairy, Fairy, Fairy, Fairy, FAIRY! I'M NOT SPIKE THE FAIRY!" Spike unleashes a surge of sparkling green flames from his roar in anger. Silverstream flies down to the streets to ask random pony folk about a tattooer named Tats. Also, it's to avoid a meltdown from Spike. "Then why are we here, Spike? Am I going to buy you a chicken here?" Fluttershy asks. She thought Spike wanted to come here to try Manehattan's chicken. "No," Spike shakes his head. "You're here for another reason, Fluttershy." "Trust us. You'll be surprised about Spike's resolution," Smolder said. She hopes that Tats is around the corner or someplace nearby. Silverstream rejoins the group. "I have the address, Spike," Silverstream gives Spike a business card. Spike reads the card. The back of it details a map. "Alright, the shop is," Spike walks to the edge of the roof and points down to the sign that read Tats' Parlor. "There..," Spike turns to Silverstream. "Whoopsie," Silverstream couldn't believe that the mare who gave her the business card was next to the tattoo shop. Spike hovers down. Everyone follows Spike as Fluttershy gets nervous. Her eyes widen in shock at the title sign above the door; Tats' Top Visuals. Fluttershy snaps out of her daze when the bell chimes. She understands now. Spike wasn't getting a chicken; he was getting a tattoo! Spike gazes around the shop. A red mare unicorn with a black mohawk mane, fishnet tube socks, a leather jacket, a black gothic-spike collar, several tattoos all over her body, and a cigarette in her mouth turns to see Spike and his friends. Her jaw drops along with her cigarette. Never in her life had she expected to see Dragons walking in her shop, especially Spike. "Hey, are you Tats?" Spike asks the mare. Tats shake her head to wake herself up. She stomps on the cigarette. "Yes, I am," Tats smiles widely at Spike. "What can I do for you?" "I'm here to get a tattoo on my chest," Spike points to the center. Tats' eyes glitter in excitement. She gets to tattoo the Fairy Tail Emblem on the exact replica's chest. "Please, have a seat on the chair," Tats points to a comfy lounge chair near several mirrors. She watches Spike walk over to the chair and sits. He relaxes and gets comfortable. Smolder, Garble, Ocellus, and Silverstream scour the different artwork in Tats' shop. They are amazed to see the different styles of work Tats can do. One, in particular, will make Spike cringe. The Fairy Tail Emblems. Fluttershy sees the cute animal tattoos and how realistic they look. "What are you looking to get?" Tats asks. "I want an emblem that shows what a Guardian would be. Something that symbolizes protection and ready to fight!" Spike becomes enthusiastic. Tats gets an elegant idea. "I'll be right back in a few. I'm going to draw a few sketches in the back," Tats trots to her art room to draw out the idea of being a Guardian. Fluttershy strolls up to Spike. "So, I'm paying for your tattoo?" "Yes. You help get me the tattoo, and I'll forgive your mistake." "Deal," Fluttershy shakes Spike's left claw with her right hoof. She's glad Spike is not using her to buy a chicken. "Spike!" Garble grabs Spike's attention. "Smolder, Silverstream, Ocellus, and I will explore a bit while you get your tattoo!" "We won't be long," Smolder assures Spike. "I'm curious to see what Times Square looks like!" Silverstream shouts in excitement. "Same with me!" Ocellus concurs. "Alright, Fluttershy, and I will come for you after I get my tattoo," Spike responds. He doesn't want his friends to succumb to boredom in the shop. "Later, bro!" Garble and Smolder shout as they leave the store. Ocellus and Silverstream walk with them. Spike takes a deep breath. Second thoughts run wildly in his mind about the pains of a needle. The pain tolerance of Dragons gets the better of Spike and his decision-making. Fluttershy calms and decides to encourage Spike to see through the tattooing machine. Fluttershy reminded Spike about the intense pillow fight a year ago. A few moments later, Tats returns to Spike with a sketch she believes symbolizes what a Guardian should be. It's a Fairy Tail Emblem with a longer wingspan. Spike is not thrilled and frowns at the image. "Something wrong?" Tats is confused by the sudden sadness. "I didn't ask for the Fairy Tail Emblem!" Spike is upset and sounds frustrated. "Well, I remember Spike the Fairy called himself the Crystal Fairy Guardian Dragon. So, I figured that you wanted something similar to his form. That's why, when I tattoo you, I'll add the UV ink light to make your tattoo sparkle." I don't want a FAIRY TAIL EMBLEM!!! I'M NOT THE FAIRY DRAGON!" Spike yells angrily at Tats. "Nonsense, don't judge a book by its cover," The fan side of Tats gets the better of her, and she insists on giving Spike the tattoo she made. Spike furiously moans as every pony and creature will forever see him as someone else. Fluttershy confronts Tats. "Excuse me. Is that how you talk to your customers?" Fluttershy assertively asks Tats. Tats turn to Fluttershy. "What do you want?" Tats rudely responds. "I want you to give my friend the tattoo he wants! He detests being someone else and is trying to live his life! Not someone else's!" Fluttershy barks back at Tats. Tats smirks at Fluttershy for being insistent. "When somepony tries to block, show them how I rock!" "This is my shop, lady! Be a dear and leave since you're disruptive!" Tats points to the door and shoves Fluttershy by the door. "Bye, now." Fluttershy grits her teeth and slowly trot to Tats. She does her STARE at Tats, and she whimpers from Fluttershy's vicious glare. "GIVE SPIKE A GUARDIAN TATTOO THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY FAIRY TAIL REFERENCE, OR ELSE!" "Yes, Ma'am!" Tats runs to her art room and designs new sketches. Spike couldn't help but laugh at the transition. Fluttershy sighs in relief. "Never thought of doing the STARE to somepony else again," Fluttershy turns to Spike. "I'm sorry for using my STARE, forcing you to hand me, Daisy." "I understand, Fluttershy. I should have known better than to come to you during the storm." Tats slowly trots to Spike with a new design. She trembles a bit from the STARE Fluttershy unleashed. The drawing details a heater shield with a capitalized G in the middle; on the sides, there are two long angelic wings that angels would have. "Is th-th-this better..?" Tats hopes that the redesign will please Spike. "What colors you'll use?" Spike asks Tats. "Any colors you choose," Tats replies, hoping not to receive the stare from Fluttershy again. Spike asks for the outline of the tattoo to be black, the heater shield to be purple, the capital G to be black, the angelic wings to be gray, and UV sparkle dots to glimmer all over the tattoo. Tats comply with Spike's request. Fluttershy stands next to Spike for support. Tats uses her magic to levitate the tattoo machine. "This won't hurt a bit. It's going to hurt a lot." "WHAT?!" Spike mentally prepares himself. "Hey! Why can't you be gentle?" Fluttershy is tempting to use the STARE again. "He's not the first dragon to receive a tattoo. Dragons have a weakness for sharp stuff, sweetie. He's my first dragon to tattoo, but I have my experiences with other dragons on the receiving end." "I'm ready. If you need to knock me out, by all means!" Spike closes his eyes. Tats place her design on Spike's chest and slowly peels the paper off. The instant the tattoo machine touches Spike's chest, he screams in agony. However, he refuses to tap out, knowing that Grogar will use different spells that would cause more severe injuries than a tattoo machine could ever do. Fluttershy is heartbroken by hearing Spike screaming in pain. She wonders if Twilight warned him about getting a tattoo. Six hours later. Tats finish her work on Spike's chest. Spike is tired of crying and screaming over a needle machine. He pants heavily from the entire traumatic experience and regrets going through the process of achieving his heart's desire. Fluttershy checks on Spike and sees the UV lights activating. The size of the tattoo is similar to the size of Fairy Dragon's Emblem. She wondered if Tats did that on purpose. Garble, Smolder, Silverstream, and Ocellus returns after getting sidetracked by the parades in the city. They brought food for Spike and Fluttershy. They see Tats turning off the lights in her shop and notice the UV lights appearing on Spike's chest. They come closer to feast their eyes on Spike's new tattoo. "Dude, that's killer," Garble said in awe. "Now everyone will know the Guardian Dragon, huh, Spike?" Smolder checks Spike's condition. "I hate needles," Spike said after the six-hour session. "We warned you," Garble and Smolder say in unison. "Why get a tattoo instead of a stamped emblem?" Ocellus asks. It would make sense for something less painful. "I've uncovered a spell within the new library in Castle Central. When I cast it, it'll protect the art from anything. In hindsight, it's pointless, but for me, it's a blessing. Tattoos are artwork, so the magic with protect my new emblem," Spike places his left claw on his tattoo. "Now, everyone will refer to me as the Guardian Dragon," Spike turns to Tats. "How much in total?" "Seventy bits," Tats replies. Fluttershy tosses the bag of bits to Tats, and she flinches. She's afraid of Fluttershy. "Keep the change," Fluttershy puts Spike on her back and leaves the shop with the others. Tats immediately shuts the door to her shop, bolt-locking them; so no one enters for the rest of the night. "She doesn't like you, Fluttershy," Ocellus said. She wonders what Fluttershy did to make a tough unicorn quiver. "Oh, don't mind her. It was business," Fluttershy states. "Let's go home." "Agreed," Spike activates his energy wings and increases his size. "Fluttershy, hold on tight. We're taking off." Fluttershy gets on Spike's back and wraps around him. She tries not to worry about the flight speed since Spike tolerated the long train ride. "RACE YA!" Spike leaps and takes flight. "YOU'RE ON!" Garble, Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream take flight. They race each other back to District Ten. An hour into the race, clones of Discord appear and interrupts the fun. They inform every creature that Twilight and Neighsay sent them since the trip took far longer than anticipation. Fluttershy is relieved and yet saddened that the race got halted. She enjoyed her time with Spike and the others. With a snap by Discord's clones, everyone is back home. Safe and sound. Spike looks around and sees Twilight in their room. Twilight hugs Spike after worrying for quite a while; She becomes awestruck at Spike's tattoo. Spike reveals how his day went. The explanation took an hour, and Twilight sighed about the pestering ponies and paparazzi indulging the idea of meeting Spike the Fairy. Everyone knows the story and should have learned that her Spike is far different than Fairy Dragon. Twilight recommends Spike spend time in the Crystal Empire. Show their new Brave and Glorious what Guardian Dragon can do. Spike takes it to heart and decides to stay at the Crystal Empire for a few weeks. Spending time with Flurry Heart and Princess Cadance wouldn't hurt, either. Spike said tomorrow he'll go indefinitely. Spike wants to eat, spend time with Terax, and then sleep.