//------------------------------// // This feels...bad // Story: A Not-So Draconian Adventure // by Rock-Lee //------------------------------// Spike would say, "And... That's it," while closing his eyes, waiting for some reaction from all the girls in front of him. They would currently be at Sugar Cube Corner; Spike had asked Twilight to invite all the other girls to tell them something important, and he had just told them everything he had been enduring for months—how he wasn't from that world, how he was trapped, how the dog Spike was the real one, and how he had gone months without contacting his original universe. The room would fall into an overwhelming silence after Spike's revelations. The girls would look at him with expressions of surprise and confusion, slowly processing the information they had just received. Spike's words would echo in their minds, leaving them stunned by the truth they had just learned. Twilight, being the first to react, would approach Spike with a look of concern and understanding in her eyes. "Spike, are you okay?" Twilight would ask softly, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "How... how do you feel after sharing this with us?" Spike would open his eyes, meeting the gaze of each of the girls. His heart would be pounding in his chest as he awaited their response. He knew he had dumped an overwhelming amount of information on them, and he wasn't sure how they would react. "I'm... I'm okay," Spike would respond, his voice trembling but firm. "It feels... it feels liberating to finally be able to say it out loud. Although I also... also feel scared and a little overwhelmed." The girls would exchange looks among themselves, processing Spike's confession. Each of them would have a unique reaction to the news, but they would all be united by a deep sense of concern and support for their friend. "Spike, no matter where you come from or who you are, you'll always be our friend," Fluttershy would say sweetly, placing a hand on his. "We'll be here for you, no matter what." "If someone has been messing with you, we'll help you sort it out!" Rainbow would declare, looking fiercely around the room as if she were ready to face any threat. "Spike, no matter what, we'll always be here to make you laugh and brighten your day," Pinkie would say with a radiant smile, conveying her message of positivity and friendship. "Darling, you can trust us to stand by your side, especially at a time like this," Rarity would say softly, offering her support in a more serene and reassuring manner. "Spike, no matter what happens, you can always count on us to help you face any challenge," Applejack would say with determination, showing her steadfast commitment to her friend. "It's good that you can finally tell the truth to the others," Sunset would say, letting out a sigh that she might have been holding back for months, due to the concern she felt for little Spike. "Spike, thank you for trusting us with this," Twilight would say with gratitude. "I'm here for you, as I always have been... Or as I would have been if you were our Spike... Heh, it's a bit confusing, but believe me, together we'll find a way to help you figure this out." "Then Spike... do you have any idea how you can go back or contact your... other world?" Rainbow would say as she grabbed her milkshake glass and began to drink from it. "Yes, I've been thinking about that," Spike would respond with determination, gathering his thoughts as he looked at his friends. "I still don't have a clear solution, but I know I can't give up. I'll keep looking for a way to return to my world and my original form." "Maybe we can try the journal again?" Sunset would say, remembering the book Twilight had given her to communicate between worlds, but Crystal had blocked it from her first attempt. "Yes, that could be a good idea," Spike would reply, nodding enthusiastically at Sunset's suggestion. "Although we don't know if it will work, it's worth a try. Plus, now that all of you know the truth, maybe together we can find a solution." "And... will you tell the others?" Twilight would say, remembering basically all their families, Spike's friends, and his classmates, Celestia... basically everyone. "I... I'm not so sure," Spike would scratch his head, unsure if it would be a good idea. "Twilight always taught me to have a backup plan, and... Maybe in case I don't return, spare me explanations that wouldn't be necessary." "We'll be here to help you in any way you need, Spike," Rarity would add kindly. "If you decide to share this with others in the future, we'll be by your side to face the consequences together." "Exactly," Applejack would nod with determination. "Take your time to think about what's best for you, Spike. We'll be here for you, regardless of your decisions." "But... we're in a friend's day anyway!" Pinkie would say with two trays of cupcakes in each hand, reminding the girls why they were there originally. "Thank you, Pinkie," Twilight would roll her eyes but with a smile. "It's exactly what we need right now." After half an hour of eating cupcakes, Spike would say goodbye to the girls to go to one of his friends' houses, who had offered to help him catch up on the tasks he had missed in the classes he shared with the other kids, taking that time to think a little. "Are you really going to hide the truth from your friends?" A little pony version of Twilight would say as she stood on his shoulder. "Oh, please, what do you know? You are just part of my brain trying to make me realize my mistake!" Spike would roll his eyes slightly, trying to avoid the question. The little version of Twilight would look at him with that expression that made him laugh so much, but that he knew only meant a sermon. "Spike, I understand it may be difficult to decide whether to share this truth with your friends," the little Twilight would say with a soft but firm voice. "But remember that trust is fundamental in any relationship. If you decide to hide the truth from them, how do you think they'll feel when they find out you've been keeping something so important from them?" The words of little Twilight would resonate in Spike's mind, making him reflect on his decisions. He knew that honesty was important, but he also feared the possible consequences of revealing the truth to his friends. "I know, Twilight... It's just that... I don't want to unnecessarily worry them," Spike would respond with sincerity, feeling a lump in his throat. "And... I'm not sure how they would react... And to be honest, I like being treated like... a kid, you know? I don't want all my interactions from now on to be about going back..." "But Spike-" "There's no discussion!" Spike would say before snapping his fingers and transforming Twilight into a version of Rarity with an exaggerated 1950s hive-shaped blond hair. "Ohh! That store has shoes! Shopping shopping shopping shopping!" That imaginary version of Rarity would say before trotting away in the air, leaving Spike alone. The little Twilight-Rarity would disappear with a flash, leaving Spike alone with his thoughts. Although he had tried to avoid the conversation, he knew that little Twilight's words were valid. Spike would lean against the wall, starting to breathe heavily, starting to feel like that first day he was in that world, starting to hyperventilate and sweat excessively. "Darn it... H-How did Celestia say I should control myself?" Spike would say with a hand on his chest trying to remember that conversation. Spike, trying to control his accelerated breathing, would try to remember Princess Celestia's advice on how to handle his emotions in moments of stress. Closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing, he would try to remember the words of wisdom he had received. "I can do this," he would repeat to himself in a low voice, trying to calm himself down. "I just need to remember what Celestia told me and focus on calming down." With effort, Spike would try to follow the deep breathing techniques Celestia had taught him, inhaling slowly through his nose and exhaling gently through his mouth. As he focused on his breathing, he would feel the tension in his chest gradually decrease. After a few minutes of practicing deep breathing, Spike would notice that his heart was beating less forcefully and that his breathing had stabilized. He would feel calmer and more in control of his emotions, ready to face the rest of the day with a clear and serene mind. "Thank you, Celestia," Spike would murmur with gratitude, after a couple more minutes to calm down, continuing his walk, arriving at his friend's house, where he would ring the doorbell and wait a couple of seconds. "Spike! My brother!" Rumble would say, opening the door with a big smile on his face, giving Spike a strong "manly hug" before inviting him inside.