//------------------------------// // Secret of my Excess // Story: Dusk Dawns // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// "Hold it… hold it… ah, there! Got it!" Spike reported, fixing the banner above one of the library bookshelves. Dusk, who had been holding it in place with his magic, ceased the spell. "Excellent that looks perfect. Great work, Spike." "Same to you, bro," he returned, sliding smoothly back down the ladder. "We make a pretty good team, huh?" "When it comes to putting up party decorations, we are truly unstoppable," nodded Dusk, looking around at the specially decorated library. There was a reason why the library had been decorated as such. Not long after Twilight's own, it was now Spike's birthday. Or technically hatchday, as they didn't know the exact day that his egg had been laid and Twilight had just marked the day she'd hatched him for the celebration. As such, they had been getting the library ready for his party, to which they had all been invited to. Everything was looking good, with confetti, party horns and hats all making the library look livelier than it usually did. They'd even placed hats on the horse head sculptures that decorated the desks. Dusk had been informed of it before he'd left for Canterlot and had kept it in mind, hatching on an idea while down in the Crystal Cavern. His gift for the dragon was all ready to be presented. "It's quite remarkable how yours and Twilight's birthdays are so close together," commented Dusk, as they moved on to setting up the food. "Yeah, I know." He placed some cakes on the table. "This is gonna be the best!" "It's your first birthday in Ponyville, isn't it?" "Yeah. They were usually a lot quieter, because of Twilight and her feelings towards friendship," he explained. "It was only ever her and the Princess, which was still great, but… kind of boring, really." I know how that feels, Dusk thought, thinking of his own birthday. Hardly a cause for celebration or fun... Not wanting to put a damper on his fellow assistant's happiness however, he kept a smile on. "I'm sure this one will be a lot better then," he assured. "After all, Pinkie's coming, so that's a guarantee for frivolity and fun right there." "Just so long as she loads confetti into the party cannon and not cake, like last time," he noted. "Still, that was pretty tasty anyway." "Rarity should be glad to come along too, I'd imagine." He smiled fondly at Spike. "That really was a great thing you did for her yesterday." "Yeah… I know…" He sighed happily and touched the cheek she had kissed. "I still can't believe you haven't washed that cheek," noted Dusk. "You're still not planning to?" "Nope and I never will." "I see…" He let a mischievous smile grow. "You know, Twilight has tasked me with the removal of said stains. She's saying it's become far too dirty and that I might be able to finally rid your face of whatever might be starting to infest it…" "Dusk, no!" The dragon scrabbled away, his eyes wide with terror. "You wouldn't!" He pulled out a washcloth, waving it menacingly. "I can see her point. It had gotten to be quite filthy, hasn't it? You know how I hate refusing her and I can partially see where her concern arises. It is my duty, as her second assistant and coltfriend…" "No! By Celestia, no!" "It would be for your own good, Spike. You need to look presentable for your guests." "NOOOOOOOOO!" He quivered and shook in Dusk's shadow. When the unicorn didn't move forward, he peeked out cautiously, to see him smiling good-naturedly at him, putting the cloth away. "I said I partially saw her point." He offered him a hoof. "I didn't say entirely." "You mean… you're not gonna…?" "Of course not," he laughed. "What do you take me for? I know how much that kiss from Rarity meant to you and I'm not going to rob you of it. You're my brother in library-assistantship, after all." "Oh, right. Then… why'd you have to scare me like that?!" he protested. He shrugged. "Who says I don't like to have a little fun now and then?" "Wow. When did you grow a sense of humour like that?" "It's still getting there, but I guess the girls are starting to rub off on me," he said. "I wouldn't have actually done it and it was a little funny. Just a little. Teasing's okay between friends, right?" "Right, heh…" He hurriedly changed the subject and Dusk wished he hadn't. "Hey, when's your birthday? It'd be great if yours wasn't too far away too." "You um… you wouldn't be interested in that…" mumbled Dusk. "Yeah, I would!" insisted Spike. "Come on, you can't seriously expect us to miss out on your birthday? Wouldn't you be disappointed you didn't get a party?" "I um… wouldn't know…" "What do you mean?" "Spike, it's really not important…" "Yes, it is." He rounded fully on him. "Come on, what do you mean?" "I… I don't…" "Tell me, come on!" He placed his hands on his hips and glared. "Don't make me force it out of you!" "You know, you really don't look very intimidating like that…" he pointed out, with an awkward laugh. "Really? I always thought… hey, don't change the subject! How wouldn't you know about a proper party?" "I think we should get back to…" "Wait," he realised, "you mean… you've never had a birthday party?" Dusk remained silent. As much as he'd gotten used to friendship, he still had that old feeling, small, but it was there, that his problems weren't important, that he could handle his own problems without needing to bother others with them. That was how he'd done it before, because he'd never really had anypony to tell. It was why he kept him hidden… even as his growls echoed in his brain… He didn't want to appear selfish and sad, especially when it was meant to be Spike's special day. He didn't want to ruin his enjoyment of it, but apparently, that looked like it wasn't going to happen. "That's it, isn't it?" His glare lessened, his expression softened. "Well um… no," he admitted. "Not one like this, anyway…" "Aw, that just sucks!" he protested. "Why not? Did your parents hate fun?" "They'd… always wish me a happy birthday, maybe get me a present or treat but… mum was usually away and dad… well…" He trailed off and didn't continue on that. "And, of course, I never had any friends…" Spike grimaced sympathetically. "Dusk… I didn't know. I'm sorry…" "It's fine, it's not your fault…" He forced a smile. "Besides, it's supposed to be your birthday. I don't want you getting sad because of me." "Hey, if I am, it's your fault," he chuckled jokingly. "Well, I promise that, on your birthday, you're gonna have the best party that you ever had." "Spike… come on, be serious…" "I am being serious!" he insisted. "I promise, dragon's honour, that on your birthday, you are gonna have the biggest and best party ever. We're all gonna make sure of it." "You… you really mean that?" "Of course I do!" He slapped his leg affectionately. "Come on like you said, we're like bros, you and me. Of course I mean it. It may even be as good as this one's gonna be! Or, you know, cutting it close. I don't want you to have all the fun." "I should hope not." Dusk looked over to Spike. "You'd… you would do that?" "Duh? I'm your friend, we all are," he reminded him. "We don't want you to be miserable on your birthday." Dusk felt that smile take over now, replacing his negative feelings. With how his parents had been, he'd never really paid much mind to his own birthday. He always thought it would be nice to have the cake, the presents… friends. But like friendship itself, he felt it was a happiness others deserved, but not himself. He remembered that Pinkie had said she knew everypony's birthday… so there was hope… something to look forward too. "Spike, I… thank you." "No problem." He walked over and rapped him on the head with his fist. "When are you gonna get it in there that your friends are here for you, huh? When are you?" "I don't know, stop that…" "That's not an answer!" He rapped him more incessantly. "Come on, say you're gonna!" "Spike, stop!" "Say it! I can keep this up!" "Okay, okay, I'll remember that!" The dragon stopped and Dusk shoved him off, the two of them laughing. "Yes, I'll definitely remember that." "Good, you'd better." He bared his claws. "Next time, I'll use these." "What in Equestria are you two doing in here?" Twilight walked back in, levitating a table and some punch. "Just getting the decorations up, Miss Sparkle," replied Dusk innocently. "Yeah, Twilight, what did you think we were doing?" added Spike. "Honestly, you two…" Twilight just smiled and set up the table. "I find it hard to remember a time when you just did your work without any noise at all, like we were gonna bite you if so much as whispered." "Is that a bad thing?" asked Dusk. She bestowed a kiss on his lips. "You figure it out. So, just about finished then? Everypony will be here soon." "Perfect! Everything looks perfect!" he said brightly. "Not quite everything," said Twilight, giving him what Dusk had before. "A washcloth? I don't get it." A hard glare soon got the message across. "Ah, no way, Twilight. I said I wasn't gonna wash the cheek that Rarity kissed, and I meant it!" The unicorn, however, wasn't going to take no for an answer. The devious smile that came on her face prompted Dusk to stand back and Spike to run away, as she started chasing him around the library, brandishing the cloth like a weapon. "It's over, Spike! I'm cleaning that cheek!" "Never! Dusk, help!" "I said I wouldn't clean it, I never said anything about her," said Dusk. "Besides, I know enough not to stand in her way when she's decided on something. Unless I have a death wish." "Traitor!" So, Dusk stood back and watched the rather amusing scene, where every time Spike tried to flee, Twilight would simply teleport him back to the closest point to her, either with the intent of catching him or wearing him down. Due to Spike's feelings on the matter and Twilight's determination, it was only a matter of time until one of them gave in. But even Dusk was surprised when, on about the sixth time she teleported him, Pinkie appeared instead, blowing a party horn. "Happy birthday!" she cried to Spike, once he reappeared. Taking advantage of his happy state, Twilight rushed in and successfully wiped the dirt off his face. Spike glared as she smiled triumphantly and Dusk chuckled a little. "Party time, woohoo!" she added, throwing confetti into the air. The others arrived too, all carrying gifts in their mouths. "Are those... for me?" asked the baby dragon. "You bet they are, birthday boy," affirmed Applejack, giving him hers. "Happy birthday, Spike," wished Fluttershy. They all added their presents to the steadily growing pile, until Spike couldn't support the weight any longer and dropped them. He looked around at the presents in apparent bewilderment that he was even getting them. "Don't you know you get presents on your birthday?" asked Rainbow. "Well, actually, this is my first birthday in Ponyville... I usually just get one present... from Twilight. A book." Dusk happened to glance around when Twilight came downstairs, a book wrapped in a golden bow following her. She heard Spike and hid the book promptly, a sheepish smile and a blush coming to her cheeks as she backed away. Dusk took the book from her and levitated it to a shelf, earning a grateful smile from the mare. It wasn't too big of a problem. He could just say that his present was from the both of them, since she was in it. "Speaking of presents, this is from my new line of taffeta capes." Rarity levitated out a purple cape, almost like one a member of royalty would wear. "I'm going to make one for each of you! I've been inspired by the generosity of my little Spikey-wikey, who gave me this beautiful fire ruby, one of the kindest acts I've ever experienced." She rubbed her cheek affectionately against Spike's, who blushed but smiled, as did Dusk. The two of them were rather sweet, if a little bit strange considering that he was still a baby, but still, it was a crush and everypony had crushes when they were young. As things started to get into full swing, Dusk went around to mingle, ending up in a conversation with Rainbow and Pinkie. "Great party guys," complimented Pinkie. "I still say it might have gone better if you'd let me help out, but still great work!" "I'm glad we have the blessing from the paragon patron of pony parties," alliterated Dusk, with a smile. Rainbow gave an exaggerated laugh and slapped him hard. "Ha! Good one, Dusk! Oh, sorry…" "Um… thanks and no problem." He shook off the drink that Rainbow had spilled on him as a result. "We're all friends here, no need to apologise." "Yeah, heh heh, all friends here…" She smiled nervously and diverted her eyes elsewhere. "Speaking of apologies, I wanted to say sorry for messing up your date," Pinkie added sincerely. "I thought I was going to help make it better, but I guess I just wound up looking silly." "It's okay, Pinkie," assured Dusk. "You had the best of intentions, even if things didn't go the way you wanted. Just, next time me and Twilight do go on a date, take comfort that we'll be fine and if we do need help, we'll ask for it." "Yes sir, Mr Psychic sir!" saluted Pinkie. "You can count on me!" "So um, how did the rest of your date go then?" asked Rainbow, in a would-be casual voice. "Very well," answered Dusk, hoping it was just out of interest that she was asking. "Really? It did? No other, you know, slip-ups, bumps or disasters happen? Anything like that?" "Apart from maybe what happened at the restaurant, no and even that turned out fine," he told her. "Oh… right. Right I'm gonna do the… you know, with the thing…" With that, she left rather quickly elsewhere. "That was a little weird," observed Pinkie, once she'd eaten three cupcakes whole. "What do you think had her more jumpy than a jumping bean with a rabbit on a pogo stick?" "I don't know..." This wasn't entirely dishonest, mainly because he still wanted to avoid the other answer, even if it had practically stammered him in the face. "Hm, maybe she should go see a doctor about her face going all red," she commented. "She might be getting the sniffles. It is that time of year." "Maybe…" Even if he didn't want to think of the other possibility, he did note that she hadn't apologised for her own actions on their date. What was really going on with her? A question he sort of knew the answer to, but Jock could have just as easily been mistaken. No offense to the stallion, but he wasn't exactly the brightest bulb and Dusk had just undergone a great change in his life and standing. A lot of ponies had been staring at him at the party, a fact he wasn't too comfortable with, and Jock had been feeling rather resentful to Dusk at the time. He could have just as easily made it up. Even if Rainbow had been staring at him, it could have been for entirely different reasons. So why did he still remain unconvinced by these perfectly rational reasons? He put them aside again and decided not to worry about it further. If needs must, he would handle it if he had to. Right now, it was Spike's party and he was going to enjoy himself. If not for his own sake, then for Spike. He smiled as the baby dragon played Pin the Tail on the Pony, a bright and happy smile on his face. Apart from noting that he was always with Twilight, back in Canterlot, a time that seemed like such a long time ago, he'd never really thought much of the dragon. He'd thought it might be interesting to talk to him and if he might be friendly, but not much else. Now, he had become as close and good a friend as the girls were to him. Strange how things worked like that. It sort of made him wish that he had a few more friends of the same gender, just so that he might have more to relate to and a little variation. He had Jock and Muscles, but they weren't exactly local, nor did he feel he had much in common with them. He thought about maybe Nightfall, but he had a feeling that he wouldn't want to be bothered. Perhaps though, he might expand if he had the opportunity… Not much point worrying about it now, he thought. Just enjoy the party. Once the party games and socialising were done, they moved on to opening Spike's presents. Applejack had got him a new quilt that she'd made, Rarity a new suit, Rainbow some weights, Fluttershy a fire stone that would increase the potency of his fire and Pinkie a cuddly toy. Needless to say, Spike was very grateful. "Applejack, I can't thank you enough for this great blanket. I really needed a new one," he said to her with a hug. "C'mon, Spike, ya already thanked me fifteen times. Ah'm startin' to get a lil' embarrassed," she said, pushing him away. "I know I keep thanking you guys, but I'm just so grateful." "Hold on Spike, you haven't opened my… our present yet," he corrected, pulling out a package of his own. "Yeah we… hope you like it." Twilight didn't even know what it was, but she went along with it. "Now you even pick out gifts together?" He rolled his eyes and tore open the box. "Whoa… no way." Dusk smiled as he pulled out a gemstone, but not just any gemstone. This was another he'd taken from the caverns while he'd been leaving and taken to a professional diamond cutter in Canterlot. The result was a sculpture, depicting Dusk, Twilight and Spike, all carved together in a little model from the crystal, with an inscription bearing the words 'legendary librarians' on the platform they stood on. "Wow… when did you get this?" he asked, his eyes shimmering. "While we were in Canterlot, right Dusk?" she asked. "Indeed." He stepped forward and smiled. "In a way, I consider you and Twilight to be like a… well, a family, I guess. Not that I don't feel that way towards the rest of you, but… you two are my closest friends and I wanted a way to represent that. Twilight thought it was a good idea, so… we went for it." "Yes, a great idea," Twilight agreed, smiling just as warmly to Dusk, whose face was now a beet red. "This is… this is…" He was at a loss for words and just settled for hugging them both. "Thanks guys… you're the best." "Aw, isn't that just the sweetest thing?" cooed Rarity. "Yep, ah can see it now, one happy family. Mummy, daddy and an adorable baby boy," Applejack added, pointing to Dusk, Twilight and Spike in turn, who all blushed at the implication. "I, uh, wouldn't go that far, Applejack," Twilight murmured uncomfortably. "I would!" piped up Pinkie. "I should take a family photo of you guys!" "Ugh, somepony get me a bucket," gagged Rainbow. Spike didn't even protest like he normally would, he just beamed. "This is the greatest! I wish this party could last forever." Pinkie, who had been bouncing on a balloon until it burst, dashed over at these words, shoving Twilight and Dusk aside. "Duh! The party can't last forever 'cause you have to go to Sugarcube Corner, 'cause the Cakes said they have a special surprise for you, 'cause it's your birthday!" she announced. "No way!" Overcome with excitement, Spike hurried to the door. "I said the party couldn't last forever, but it doesn't need to end right now!" she called out, even as the door slammed. "Awwww…" With Spike gone, they all decided that there was little point to continuing the party, even though Pinkie tried very hard to argue in its favour and the girls had other plans throughout the day anyway. They bid their guests farewell, Rainbow again lingering for a little at the door and shifting uncomfortably on her hooves, before darting off suddenly. Nopony but Dusk seemed to think on this behaviour though. He was glad he didn't have to think too much about that whilst he helped Twilight to clear up the library in the aftermath of the party. With the two of them working together, Dusk knew that it wouldn't take them long to tidy things up. After that, it would be back to helping Dusk conjuring up a ball with his magic. At last, something that didn't involve fighting, even if it was a little difficult. Or a lot. "Do you think I'll manage this time?" he asked her. "We only started out last night and I didn't do too brilliantly." "You will, but not without significant practice and effort," she reminded him. "It took me a while to master conjuring solid objects. In essence, that's what you can already do, just on a vague level in a way, but due to the nature of your magic, it'll take even longer." "So I'm adapting it?" "Essentially, yes. That' why we're starting out with just a hollow ball first," she went on. "It's relatively simple and less complicated than, say teleportation. That requires even greater power and concentration, because you're not only performing a type of conjuration on yourself, but also trying to transport to a specific point, taking into account as well biological make-up of skin, internal organs, blood, that sort of thing. With this, there's a lot less elements at play, therefore making it simpler." "I understood most of that, so it does make some sense," he nodded. "Good, though I'm sure Luna's already explained that to you." "She did, but I like hearing explanations from you." He passed her a flirtatious smile. "I like hearing you talk technical." She giggled and blushed, returning the smile. "Well, anytime you're unclear about what she's teaching you, just come to me. I'd very much like to explain in more detail, if that's the case." "And I would very much like to um… to hear what you have to say on the matter," he returned. "I'm sure you would." She laughed nervously, but her smile was genuine. "I think we're getting better at this flirting aspect of our relationship." "I felt so too." Nothing was perfect, but they were trying at least. "It is quite incredible how your magic would be capable of doing this," remarked Twilight, disposing of the left-over wrapping paper. "It still might take years of development and study, but I can only imagine what you might achieve with it when you have mastered it." "I find it to be quite staggering myself." He idly conjured one up. "Hard to believe that years ago they were just some coloured lights that I preferred to hide." "Well, years ago you didn't think you were anything special, now look at you." She smiled brightly. "It's your typical boy meets girl, boy fawns over girl, girl changes boy's life in ways he never thought possible." "Of course, classic story telling," he agreed. "Have I ever told you how grateful I am for that?" "You have, but that doesn't mean I don't like hearing it." She looked around in satisfaction. "Right, I think we're done here." "Spic and span," agreed Dusk. "As your husband, I was pleased to have helped keep my wife's house clean." Twilight whipped her head around, her eyes wide. "Dusk, what are you saying?! We're not actually married! We've only been dating for about a month!" He'd only been attempting to flirt in the aftermath of Applejack's comment. This wasn't the reaction he'd expected and he immediately felt ashamed for implying such a thing. "Twilight I… I didn't actually mean that we… that you and I are… sorry…" He hung his head in shame. "Oh, you meant to… oh, right." She looked a little abashed at her reaction. "Sorry, Dusk. I kinda took that the wrong way." "Well… I probably shouldn't have brought it up, thought more about it-" "Dusk, no, it was my fault," she insisted. "I didn't realise you were just flirting. I was just concerned that you were being a little… forward." He looked up to see her with an apologetic smile and felt better. "I suppose it was a… mistake on both our parts, let's say." "You can see it that way, if you like. I just don't want you feeling bad about yourself because of my mistake," she assured. "Being called somepony's… wife just startled me a bit, I guess." "Fair enough, I understand. Every mistake brings something new to learn, right?" "Exactly. They hugged, the incident forgotten for now. "Come on, let's go and find Spike. I'd have thought he'd be back from the Cakes by now." "Sounds like a good idea." He held the door for her as they stepped out into town. "I suppose a nice, relaxing walk around town will help me make up for my mistake." "There's nothing to make up for, Dusk. We're both still learning, as far as this relationship is concerned." She did, however, step close beside him. "It's sweet that you'd think of me though." "I try my best," he replied. Even so, he couldn't help but dwell on what had happened, her reaction to a reference of deeper commitment. It called to mind a few other things, like that she didn't really use affectionate names for him much and he in turn didn't for her, mainly because he wasn't sure she'd approve. He also, now and again, noted her glancing around unsurely, as he sometimes did, whenever they did public displays of affection. He knew they were both still relaxing into it, maybe not being entirely sure of how to act, but he still couldn't quite shake the feeling in his stomach he got when he did notice it… It didn't take them long to find the baby dragon, whom they found in a Stetson hat he hadn't been wearing previously, carrying a ball in his tail and talking to a pony Twilight identified as Junebug, who worked as a florist. What Spike was saying to her as they approached certainly didn't make him feel comfortable. "Aren't you gonna give me something? You know, like a birthday present?" "Um, I... I don't have anything," she said to him nervously. "Well how about those flowers? I'll take those…" He reached out with his claws to take them and he probably would have, were it not for an… intervention. "Spike!" Twilight caught him on an ear spine with her magic, setting him aside and smiling apologetically to the mare. "Uh, sorry, Junebug, I think Spike might've gotten a little carried away." "Uh, no problem... H-Happy birthday, Spike!" she wished, heading off elsewhere. "What are you doing? You're out here demanding gifts now?" she asked of him, when she let him go. "Just because it's your birthday, you don't have the right to just take what you please," added Dusk. "I know it's your first one in Ponyville, but doesn't mean you can just expect to receive more from the ponies here." He shook his head, like he was breaking out of a trance. "Wow, you're right, Twilight. You too, Dusk. I don't know what got into me. Thanks for snapping me out of it. I'd better go give Cheerilee her hat back," he said, pulling off the head wear in question. Twilight smiled in understanding. "No problem. See you at home later?" "Sounds good! Bye!" "It's a shame about the hat," said Dusk, as they left him to it, "it looks good on you." "I know, but thanks anyway! Bye!" He waved them off, until they turned a corner, out of sight. "So, he gets the whole day off, I assume for his birthday?" asked Dusk. "That sounds fair to me. You don't mind a little extra work?" "Not at all," he replied. "Good, thanks." She glanced back in Spike's direction. "I'm glad that we came along when we did. I hope this birthday stuff doesn't go to his head." Dusk was going to make a joke that he was her child, not theirs, but remembered her reaction before and thought better of it. He just settled for a nod and walked with her to the library, to return to work. Arriving on time, as always, Dusk walked into the library expecting a return to normality. Spike hadn't returned since he and Twilight had spoken to him, but they didn't think much of it. They just assumed he was out enjoying his birthday and went on as normal, albeit without his presence. He'd had a few extra duties to do in the dragon's absence and he didn't advance very far in the conjuring, so Twilight had just settled to spend the day taking it easier than normal. While they might not have been entirely comfortable out in public, in private they discovered they were a lot more comfortable with each other, a fact Twilight confirmed was perfectly normal in a book she picked out. They just spent it resting on the couch, snuggled together, talking, reading or just enjoying a comfortable silence. When Spike hadn't come back in the evening, they just ordered pizza and ate at the library. Apart from that, there was nothing too remarkable and Dusk had enjoyed every minute he'd spent with her. Awkward moments had been rare and they just took happiness in each other's company, without needing to worry about prying eyes or Spike's complaining, things that often ruined the experience for them. Walking into the library that morning, he expected a day just as good as yesterday. How wrong he was. He noted their absence and called for them. "Twilight? Spike? Hello?" They were usually awake by now. Where were they? "Dusk! Quick, up here!" came a worried call from Twilight. "Something's wrong with Spike!" He galloped up in a heartbeat. "Wrong as in he ate too much caaaa… by Celestia!" When he'd left Spike yesterday, he'd only come up to his chest in height. Now, like many other stallions before him, he towered over Dusk, his body, arms and legs having greatly lengthened in height. Spike looked to be examining is new limbs, while Twilight had several books open to look for a solution. "Dusk! Do you know what's happening to me?!" asked Spike. "Apart from a massive growth spurt, no." He looked him up and down. "I'd say this is just you growing up, but this happened in days… it doesn't seem possible." "That's what I was thinking," agreed Twilight. "Now Spike, what happened yesterday when we left you?" "I went to talk... to..." His eyes glazed over and they wandered around the room, like everything in it was something precious. They finally settled on a globe and he stumbled over to it, spinning it around idly with his claw. "Spike? Spike?" Dusk danced a colour shape in front of his face. "Who did you talk to?" "Oh, um... I don't remember. Hey, can I have that globe? You're not using it, right?" Before either of them could answer, he took it with his tail and crawled up the wall like… well, a lizard. He deposited it on a pile of random items, including one of the horse sculptures from downstairs, a gramophone and a rubber chicken, among many other things. "What about this book?" he asked, taking a blue-bound volume. While Twilight teleported up to take the book from him, Dusk walked over to the books she had open and scanned the pages. It was bestiary, open at dragons. It detailed an entry by a pony called Phoenix Wing, a studier of dragons and appeared to relate to what was happening here. "Spike, I'm worried about you. You're usually not so... grabby!" Twilight was saying. "My arms aren't usually this long either." He shot his head up when Spike's voice dropped by several octaves. "What's happening to me?" "This might have something to do with it," informed Dusk. "An excerpt here details an apparent link between dragon maturity and something to do with… greed, I think." "Well, what else does it say?" asked Twilight. "That's it, I'm afraid," he reported. "This is just a reference point from another book, somepony called Phoenix Wing and the full book is a Canterlot exclusive." "Phoenix Wing… that sounds familiar." Twilight thought for a moment, but snapped out of her reverie when she remembered what was happening. "Never mind, it can wait. For now, I think we should take you to a doctor." "Um, Twi?" She looked urgently at him. "Just saying here, but… considering how rarely ponies interact with dragons, considering our general relationship with them, I don't think going to see a doctor would help here. I know I wouldn't know where to start." "I see your point, but who do you suggest we see then?" she asked. "We need to get some kind of help for him!" Knowing they needed a solution, Dusk delved into his mind, backing away when Spike tried to make a grab for his hat. A doctor wouldn't help and he doubted a vet would either, nopony who wouldn't know about what was happening here. They needed somepony with other knowledge and experience, one who would most certainly know what was happening here. He soon came up with a possible candidate and the three of them rushed to the Everfree Forest to find Zecora, keeping Spike from grabbing anymore random items along the way. They stood back while the zebra performed her examination of Spike. "Ooh, he is starting to mature. Of this fact I am quite sure," she informed. "Mature? So he's just... growing up? But that doesn't explain why he keeps grabbing things," pointed out Twilight, taking a vase from his grasp. The alchemist crossed over to her cauldron, depositing a green powder into the murky water. As she spoke, a simularcra of Spike acted out her words, glowing green on the shimmering surface. "A dragon's heart is prone to greed, a steady diet to make growth speed. Then, the resulting bigger size only makes their hunger rise. If this trait should go unchecked, if Spike continues to collect more growth will certainly occur – he is going to turn into a monster." "So that's what that passage meant," realised Dusk. "You mean the more things a dragon collects, the bigger and greedier he gets?" Dusk raised an eyebrow at her rhyme. "But how do we stop him before he's completely out of control?" "If I may," brought up Dusk, "it seems like we just need to stop him gathering more items." "That makes sense, though that might be difficult." "Why?" He looked around to see that, while they were in-depth in discussion, Spike had taken everything in Zecora's hut, much to the displeasure of the zebra. "Oh…" "We'll get it back, now come on, let's get after him! Dusk, you track him," she commanded, galloping out. "Right away." Creating a colour puppet, they both followed it back to Ponyville. As they ran, Dusk felt a tug of sympathy for Spike, hoping that they'd be able to find him and help him before all of this went too far and he either got himself or somepony else hurt. Being taken over by a monstrous nature like this and being turned into something equally monstrous. It was a fate that nopony deserved. He certainly knew that much. They followed the puppet through town, rounding the corner to see Spike in a fierce contest with the Cutie Mark Crusdaers. He was trying to take Scootaloo's scooter. "You're not getting my scooter!" cried the filly, pulling with all her might. "Spike want!" he growled in a voice that certainly wasn't his. Just like his own voice when he… no, not now! Focus, Spike needs help! "Hey, Spike! Check out this amazing broom!" He looked to see Twilight levitating the cleaning instrument like a treasure. "What are you doing?" "Getting his attention." It certainly seemed to work, as Spike lost interest in the scooter and came charging after them, going through another spurt of growth. "Okay, what was the second part of the plan?" he asked nervously. "Run!" "Right!" They galloped alongside each other, Spike's hisses and stomping feet pursuing them. "Right, now he's chasing us. Forgive my asking, but… how does this help?" "We need to get him back to the library and contain him there, now move it!" "Yes ma'am." He shut up and didn't question it further. Making sure he followed them all the way, Twilight enticing him with the broom, they reached the library to excute Twilight's plan. She held the broom while Dusk held the door, shutting it on Spike when he tried to make a dive for it. The two of them propped up their weight against the wood, feeling it shake when he crashed into it. "Now?" "Now, we just keep him in there until he calms down. Hopefully, he'll either revert back to normal size or get a clear enough head long enough for us to fix this," she explained, flinching when he crashed into the door again. "Right, that's a good plan." Suddenly, something occurred to him. "Um, Twi?" "Fight all you want, I'm not letting you out!" Then, to Dusk, "Yes?" "Didn't we just put him in a room… full of books?" "Yeah, so?" Realisation dawned on her face and they opened the door, to see Spike nestled on a pile of books. "Oh Spike, I just re-shelved this room!" They removed all the books, Dusk giving Spike an almost pleading look before they shut the door again. He was only met with the greed shining in his green eyes. "That's no longer a problem then," he said to her. "Yes, now hopefully, we can keep him there until-" A loud crash resounded in the room they'd locked him in. "What now?" "I think he's…" They returned to find a Spike-shaped hole in the wall. "Of course he has." "Right, new plan. I'm going to the farm to find Applejack for her help, you get after Spike and subdue him, in any way you can." "Non-violently, I hope," he said. "If you can, but if there's no other way… well, his scales are pretty thick. I don't think anything you do would hurt him much." "Is that a point in his favour or mine?" He sighed and conjured up another puppet. "Here goes nothing then. She gave him a worried look. "Be careful." "I always am," he returned, galloping off in search of Spike. Following it this time wasn't as easy as before. It kept changing directions, Spike's movement obviously being dictated by the abundance of items for him to add to his ever-growing collection. If he kept getting bigger and fiercer the more he took, Dusk dreaded to imagine the size he might eventually grow to. He remembered that dragon from the Everfree Forest, when he'd run away. No wonder Fluttershy was so scared of them. At one point, he heard a scream that sounded like her, the puppet taking in that direction until Spike changed again. Regardless, he managed to intercept him from the direction of the cottage. He crashed through the trees, carrying what looked like a chicken coup, with a lot of random items shoved inside. A place to store his 'treasures'. His lizard eyes locked on Dusk. He'd grown again, now half as tall as the library he worked in. That hungry look took over when he saw Dusk's hat. "SPIKE WANT!" he roared, reaching out with a free hand to snatch it. "Oh, no you don't!" He jumped back out of his reach. "Nopony takes my trilby. Except maybe Twilight." Spike paused for a moment, still staring at Dusk, but there was a much more familiar look in his eyes now. Had he recognised his voice? Did he still recognise him? Only one way to find out, now was his chance. "You know me, don't you Spike?" he said calmly, keeping his distance just in case. "You wouldn't steal from me, not your fellow librarian. Remember the last time you took my hat? I chased you around the library for half an hour, before I managed to get it back off you. Even Twilight joined in, I remember her laughing, you laughing, while you both ran around with it. It wasn't anything bad, it was all in good fun. Sorry again for hitting you, I didn't mean to." That familiar look seemed to strengthen from his words. Or was he just being hopeful? "Spike, if you're in there, listen to me. This isn't you. All this grabbing, stealing, crashing, that isn't the Spike that I know. He would always be making sure that he was on time for his daily nap, making sure Twilight's breakfast is ready every morning, that behind all the laziness and the back-talk is a hard-working, dedicated dragon, who was always ready to do whatever he had to to see if his friends, both in and out of the library, might need his help." He took a few steps closer. The laughter echoed in his mind again, but this time it was a strength. "I know how this feels, Spike. To have something else take over you, from the inside. Changing not only what you are, but who you are and driving you to do terrible things that you'd never even think of doing. I know exactly how that feels and it seems like it's stronger, but you can beat it. You can be better than it. You just have to try, to fight it as best you can, to never let it have the strength to return, no matter how bad it might be for you… because it'll be even worse if you do." Keeping his eyes locked on Spike's, Dusk could see him moving to put down the coup. "You don't have to do this." He was getting through to him, just a bit more. "Come on, little buddy. My brother in library assistant-ship. We have work to do..." Then, Rainbow Dash ruined everything. "Claws off him, scales!" She charged out of the trees and smacked into Spike, full force. "Rainbow, no! Spike, come back!" But the dragon was already retreating and he knew that his chance had been lost. "Yeah, you run away." She laughed in satisfaction. "No need to thank me, Dusk. All part of the job." "Well, I'm glad you're not expecting thanks, because you're not getting any," he snapped. "Do you know what you just did?" She was taken aback for a moment but, in typical Rainbow fashion, she recovered herself in time to deliver her retort. "Uh, how about saving your flank?" she replied, just as defiantly. "You know, from the dragon that was about to grab you?" "That 'dragon' was Spike and I was getting through to him! I was so close, and then you blunder in, hooves flying like you always do and ruin any chance I might have had to talk him down!" he shouted back. "So, if that was what you were expecting thanks for, thanks… for nothing!" "Come on, you seriously think you were gonna talk him outta what he was doing?" she asked incredulously. "He's out of control and snatching anything he can get his claws on, he's not gonna want to stop for a nice chat and some tea! There's only one way to deal with something like that and that's with these." She smacked her hooves against each other. "Rainbow, you…!" He turned away and kept back his retort. Realising he was getting angry, quite uncharacteristic of him, even in a situation like this, Dusk calmed down and turned back to Rainbow. "Rainbow, you weren't here," he responded in a more level voice. "I was actually managing to get through to him. He knew me, he recognised me. If you'd waited a few minutes, I'm confident he would have calmed down and reverted to normal." "Oh come on, seriously? You don't know that," she dismissed. "He could have just as easily been leading you on, so he could swipe your glasses or whatever. You really need to know when talking's failed and fighting won't." "I do know when that's appropriate and that wasn't one of those times," he said resolutely. "We can't just assume the worst about everything, even the worst of situations. We have to believe that there is always a chance to find a better way, without resorting to violence." The Pegasus shook her head in disbelief. "How come you're always like this? Why is it with you that, even when it looks like they aren't gonna back down, you gotta try and talk your way out of it? I've seen you fight and you can, you were trained by Luna to use your magic to fight. Why didn't you?" "Just because I can, doesn't mean I should." He was still frustrated with her, but he kept his voice level. "We can't devolve every situation into a physical confrontation. We're better than that, all of us. We have to try… I have to try a more peaceful solution, even if I do have the chance to fight back if I wanted to. That is, and always must be, a last resort, because if we just decide to do that, then… how are we any better than the creatures we're fighting?" Rainbow opened her mouth, but closed it again, her expression still a dismissive frown, but not as resolved as before. She looked to be in conflict with her personal views and his own, but he couldn't really be sure. In the end, she settled for shaking her head and sighing. "Ugh, we don't have time for this! We need to try and catch up with Spike, before he swipes anything else or grows any bigger." "I agree," he said, willing to put aside this argument. "Where's everypony else?" "Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack should be right behind me, I just chased him through here and found you," she reported. "We'll need to take him down together and try to find a way to shrink him, hopefully before he sets his eyes on anything else." "Okay, we'll wait here for them and-" A shrill scream resounded in the distance. "That sounded like…" "Pinkie Pie," she finished, just as the others arrived. "You guys hear that?" "We did. Did you manage to handle things, Dusk?" He shook his head in response to Twilight's question. "Well, I'm sure you tried your best. Come on, let's go before he takes anything else." He was about to follow them, but Twilight's words got him thinking, predicting where Spike might try and go next. He'd essentially become a thieving monster now, much to his sorrow, but he was still Spike and he was bound to have more of Spike's memories, his emotions… his desires. Some stronger than others… "Dusk? Dusk, what's wrong?" asked Applejack. "Yeah, come on! We don't have time for this!" repeated Rainbow urgently. "No, we don't…" Deciding what to do, he turned tail and galloped in a different direction. "You all go and help Pinkie!" "Wait, where are you going?" asked Twilight. "We need your help too!" "I know and I'll give it, but I think he'll know where he'll go next!" Urgency gripping him, he increased speed and galloped through town. If there was still some of Spike in there, then Dusk had figured out that of all the things he could steal now with his heightened greed, there would be one thing above all else that he would desire. One thing that he knew he would try to take. Or rather, one pony. He just hoped she was at home… and that he wasn't too late. He soon saw the Carousel Boutique and burst through the door, hurrying upstairs to find the pony he'd been looking for, dressed in her new cape and standing in front of the mirror. "Why, Dusk, hello!" greeted Rarity. "What do you think, hm? Do I not look positively fabulous? I still think it needs a little more ruffle, but I'm not sure if-" "Rarity, I'm very sorry to interrupt," he cut off, "but this is an emergency and I need you to come with me." "Why? Whatever's the matter?" She noticed the worried look on his face, his harried expression. "Has something happened between you and Twilight?" "I beg your pardon? No, noth-" "Dusk, you don't need to hide it from me, I can see how frantic you look," she replied gently. "What happened? Awkward talk? A fight? Oh no, tell me you didn't break up with her?!" "Rarity, no, it's not-" "Oh, I think I know. Dusk, I am very flattered that you might take an interest in me, but need I remind you that you are already in a committed relationship? I didn't take you for the kind of stallion who would go for other mares on the side!" "No, I haven't-" "Oh, it's worse than that, isn't it?" She suddenly let out a loud gasp. "Dusk, how can you… don't tell me that you… you've only been together for a few months! Tell me you at least used protection!" "Rarity!" Concerned with how red his face might be from all of that, he finally managed to get a word in. "This has nothing to do with me and Twilight, this is about your safety. Quickly, we need to go, please!" "Why, whatever for?" The answer to that question came with the ground shaking in regular, rhythmic intervals. Like hoofsteps. "Am I to assume that some form of gigantic beast is attacking our fair town?" He nodded. "And that, whatever it is, it is venturing in the direction of my boutique?" Another nod. "Ah, I see your concern. Lead on then, good sir." They hurried back downstairs out of the dress shop as the steps became louder, the ground shaking beneath their very hooves. He spotted a nearby bush and led Rarity to it. "Quick, get down!" he told her. She stared at it in revulsion. "Dusk, you cannot be serious. I'll get twigs and leaves all over my fur and mane. I might rip my cape!" A deafening roar echoed in their ears. "I suppose, desperate times and whatnot." With added speed, but still some reluctance, she hid in the bush and Dusk beheld what was making all the noise, now staring in through the windows of the Boutique. Spike had now greatly increased in size and was about fifty-feet tall, a huge monster bearing down on Rarity's home and business. He carried what looked like the town's water tower, stuffed full of items that he had been grabbing from around town. Even he was starting to doubt how he could ever return to normal size after this. He stood up from the Boutique and roared in frustration at the absence of his prize. So, he was right. "Is that a dragon?!" Rarity whispered. "What in the world is it doing here? Why has it come for me?" "Rarity, don't tell me you don't recognise who that is. He inspired you for that cape you're wearing." Her eyes widened in shock. "Spikey-wikey?! But-bu-bu-but how?! When did he get so big?" "That's a long story." He turned to see Twilight and the others had arrived on the scene. "Are you okay, Rarity?" "I am. Admittedly, I'm a little shaken, but I'm otherwise still fabulous." "You predicted Spike would come for Rarity?" she said to Dusk admirably. "Good work, looks like you were right." "Well… it was kind of obvious, really…" "Mighta bin, but the rest-a us sure as hay didn't see it," noted Applejack. "We only jus' got here. If we hadn't figured it out, we'da had a mighty hard time gettin' him ta put her down." "Exactly. Good thing you got her out in time," added Fluttershy. "Thanks…" "Indeed. He should know that I'm not the kind of mare that appreciates such things. He should at least buy me dinner and flowers first." "Sugarcube Corner… it was horrible… all that cake!" Pinkie whipped her head to Spike. "You maniac! You smashed it all up! Darn you! Darn you to heck!" Nopony chose to comment on Pinkie's outburst. Rarity gazed pityingly up at him. "Is there no way to get him back?" "I don't know. I've tried, but I was…" He stopped when another thought occurred to him. Spike had been driven enough by his former self to come here, even now he was like this. He'd managed to talk to him and had almost succeeded. Could it be possible if…? "I know that look," said Twilight. "That's your 'I've-just-had-an-idea-but-I'm-not-sure-it'll-work ' look. What is it?" "It's just… I tried talking down Spike before and it almost worked, until I was… interrupted." Rainbow just snorted. "I still think it might work, but not if I try, or even you Twilight." "Then who?" Rarity's answer came in the form of everypony turning to look at her. "Me?! But that's… how can you be sure that I shall succeed?" Twilight bit her lip and looked to Dusk, who nodded, knowing what she was thinking. "Rarity, this is meant to be a secret, as hard as that might be to believe, but… Spike has a… well, a crush, on you." Rarity blinked. "Well, I knew that." She looked around at their bewildered looks. "What? I did. It's really rather obvious, when you think about it. You all seemed to know, from the look of it. Why not I?" "Then… why didn't you say anything?" asked Dusk. "I didn't feel there was any need to," she replied. "I thought it was rather sweet, how he was always wanted to go out of his way for me. Who wouldn't?" "Ya mean, you were usin' him?" Applejack shook her head. "Rarity, even ah thought you were better'n that." "No, no! It's nothing like that! It's just that I… well, I… the attention is nice and he's just so sweet..." "We can talk about this later," cut in Dusk. "Right now, we have an enraged dragon tearing through our home and we need to prioritize." "Dusk, for the last freaking time, talking to him isn't going to work! He's past that!" Rainbow pointed overhead. "Look, here come the Wonderbolts! They can handle this." "I hate to agree with Rainbow, but I fear she's right," agreed Rarity. "I don't see how Spike's crush on me might revert him to normal." "Rarity, I don't think you realise how much it means to him." Surprisingly, it was Twilight who spoke up. "He really thinks the world of you and he can't stop thinking about you. After you gave him that kiss, he didn't wash his cheek until the following morning and even then, I made him do it. And, through all his rage and greed, he still remembered you and came for you. I think that speaks volumes about all this." "You have to try, Rarity. What do you have to lose?" asked Dusk. Rarity furrowed her brow in thought, though her expression remained soft. She looked down at her cape, then at Spike, who was still raging nearby. There was something in her eye that Dusk couldn't really make out. "Very well then. A lady knows when to do her duty." She rose from the bush and stood proudly. "For Spike, I will try. Wish me luck, everypony." She turned around, took a deep breath and walked off towards the towering dragon. "This is so stupid," muttered Rainbow. "How can you even think this'll work?" I don't know, Dusk thought, as Rarity neared Spike. But we're about to find out. The dragon let out another roar, his head spines reduced in length, the Wonderbolts absent from the sky. He hoped they were okay. Through it all, he didn't see Rarity walking towards him, not even when she was right at his feet. "Spike." That was enough to silence him, even above the din. "I understand you've been looking for me. Well, here I am." He turned his head to look at her, that greedy glow returning to his eye, stronger than ever… along with a glimmer of that familiar light he'd seen before. He reached out for her, but she raised her hoof. Remarkably, that made him stop as well. "No, Spike. Come now, I know that you know better than to press one's intentions on a lady like that. It's one of the things I like about you. One of the many things, in fact." She let those words sink in before continuing. "I know it feels like you want to take everything you can see, being driven by whatever it is that's making you do this, but you have to know that you're better than this. I've seen it." She removed her cape, revealing her fire ruby necklace. "You gave this to me, remember? One of the kindest, most generous acts I've ever experienced. You could have just as easily kept it and eaten it for yourself, but instead, you gave it to me. Your generosity was the greater gift to me than this." Spike was dumbstruck, staring at the ruby, not with greed… "I know the real you, Spike. I know how generous you can be, not just with this, but with the free time you give up to help me around my home. I know how much I… I like spending that time with you, the sweet little thing you are and I know that you would never, ever do something like this to your home, to your friends… to me." She reached out with her hoof, brushing against his scales. "Come back to us, Spike. Please." The dragon seemed paralysed from her touch, raising a claw to touch his cheek. The spot where she'd kissed him. All of a sudden, he shook and grimaced visibly. A second later, he reduced in size, right back to where he'd started. It had worked! And he was now fifty feet in the air, with nothing to stand on. "What the… uh oh." Gravity seemed to remember what it was supposed to do and he started to plummet towards the ground, screaming all the way. Before any of them could hurry forward, the blue of Rarity's magical aura surrounded him, carrying him gently back to the ground. "Spikey-wikey, you're back!" She caught him in a tight hug. "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!" "Heh, me too…" He cast his gaze to the town, to the Boutique with its missing roof. The guilt was very clear on his face. Rarity didn't miss it. "Spike, I just have to tell you how absolutely proud I am of you." "Proud of me?" he asked in disbelief. "Yes. It was you who stopped... w-well you, from destroying Ponyville. You are my hero, Spikey-wikey!" "R-really?" he shifted shyly on his feet. "Well, I kinda had help…" "Fair enough, but I was happy to help regardless. My little hero." She rewarded him with another kiss on his cheek. "Now, I'm going to need some help fixing the damage that some brute did to my home. Can I count on you for that?" "As always, m'lady," he replied with a bow and a grin, eliciting a titter from Rarity and a shared cheek nuzzle between the two of them. "Well, ah'll be, that worked!" Applejack noted. "I'm so happy! I'm still mad about Sugarcube Corner, but I'm also so happy!" Pinkie was now alternating between an angry glare and a soppy look at Spike and Rarity. "I think we're going to be occupied for a few days," remarked Dusk, looking at the state of their home after Spike's rampage. "It'll be fine, so long as we all work together. Besides, we have two of the most accomplished unicorns helping out, so it should be done in no time," she added. "I don't think that Trixie is as great as she thinks she is." She looked pointedly at him. "Oh, right, me! Oh… right…" "You knew exactly who I was referring to." She shyly nuzzled his cheek. "Maybe, maybe not." He nuzzled her back and turned around. "Well, Rainbow, I know how much you hate losing, but I want to say I'm so…" But she wasn't there. She'd gone, not even without giving a hint that she was leaving. "Hey, where'd Dashie go?" asked Pinkie. "I don't know. I might have some idea, but…" He trailed off. He had spoken so quietly and everypony was so caught up in their triumph, that they hadn't heard him. For once, he was thankful of that.