//------------------------------// // A Size Problem // Story: The Last Keeper of Harmony // by Rammy //------------------------------// ** 15 years after Luna's redemption ** A groove nearly an inch deep bored deep into his mind. It screamed at him, laughing evilly at his plight. If he could he would destroy the groove but he didn’t want to have to re-shelf the library as punishment, again. A tired claw moved slowly across the groove. With his eyes he could see every imperfection, every scratch, every, single, one. Why am I stuck like this? As if to answer his silent question Twilight spoke, putting her hoof lightly on his shoulder, "I have gone through every book on dragon biology that I could find from Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, and the Castle of the Two Sisters. I even tried talking to some dragons during the recent dragon migration. Big mistake. No one can seem to explain your lack of growth not even Zecora who helped during your *cough* greed growth. The only theory that I have is that it has something to do with your hatching,” His eyes remained downcast, even after she pulled Spike’s head towards her, “Spike, I will not give up I’m sure the answers are out there, somewhere." Spike looked up at his sister. "I know Twilight…” Changing the subject, to end the uncomfortable conversation he asked, “Isn't it time for a Council of Friendship?" Twilight blinked a bit, chewing her lip. It was clear to Spike that her mind debated on whether to keep trying to cheer him up or to let it go for the moment. Spike hoped for letting it go. "Of course, are you coming? Or do you need some time?" "No, Twilight. I'm coming." Spike followed Twilight still trying to put on a smile. The morning's council went by unusually slow—or maybe it was fast. Spike had a hard time concentrating on the matters at hand. He could vaguely remember several dealings with conflicts between griffons and ponies on Equestria's frontier. The typical family dispute between Derpy and her husband. There was even a letter from Princess Celestia asking for a consultation from the council on a matter concerning some of the nobles in Canterlot. Spike rarely put forward any input on the issues being discussed and debated. Why am I so small? How can I protect the ones I care for? How can I be a noble dragon when I'm so small that they all have to protect me? When they broke for lunch at the park for a light picnic of daisy sandwiches and cider Spike still didn’t feel well. Spike had a small ruby for a treat from Twilight. She had tried giving him a few more gems but Spike only replied that he wasn't very hungry. Spike did feel hungry but something else gnawed at him that was more powerful than a growling stomach. He sat there staring off, clawing his ruby idly. One by one, the girls eyed each other as they shared a knowing glance. It was clear that they knew that there was something on his mind. Usually he would be more attentive at the meetings. He was usually the one to take notes on the proceedings but Rarity had to take over when he fell behind. He hadn't been that disinterested for years. He loved to help. The final straw for them must be the ruby. He loved gems so much that he had a tendency to eat all his saved gems while making a gem cake leaving none for the cake. Rarity was the first to speak. "Spike, are you are right, darling? You have been unusually quiet this morning." "I'm fine, Rarity," Spike mumbled, not looking up. "Are you sure Spike?" Rarity pushed further, using her signature poutty face. "Nothing is wrong!" Spike finally looked up, frustration leaking through his voice. "Darling, we are only concerned about you. We are all friends here. We just want you to be happy. Please, we want to help." She tried to put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder but Spike only moved away from the gesture. "You can't help. No one can. No one... no one..." With a puff of smoke Spike got up hastily and ran back to the Palace of Friendship sobbing as he went. "Let him go girls. I think he just needs some time. I'll try talking to him later," Twilight sighed putting a hoof in front of Rainbow slowing shaking her head. “Not now Rainbow.” The rays of Celestia's sun was low in the sky when Twilight stood outside a door. She inwardly debated on whether to knock or not her hoof rising and lowering. After a bit of against won and she softly called out. "Spike?" "Yes, Twilight?" Came the weak voice of Spike. "It will get better. Don't give up. We will find an answer." "I know..." His voice trailed off at the end. “You know that we are all here for you. Every book I've read says that its not good to hold in your emotions. Your friends don't want you to go through this alone. Don't forget that.” “I know Twi!” Spike suddenly snapped. He cringed a bit before starting again, ”I know Twi… I'm just tired, okay... can't we talk about this tomorrow?” Twilight again found herself in debate. Warily, she went with not pushing further. "Sure thing. G'night my little brother." She slowly turned around, trotting off to her study. Spike once again stared into the dark void with stars. He sighed heavily at this and waited patiently. He had gotten used to this happening over the years. He bet ten bits on what the first words would be. "I'm coming soon," The voice called out. "This is getting old.” Spike tapped his claws. I owe myself ten bits. He smirked to himself. After the usual no response, Spike let out condensing, “Hello?” Again, no response. He was not in the mood for this, not tonight. He snorted, flames and smoke coming out of his snout. He was doing that more lately. Twilight didn't know why his flames came out like that when he got angry. They never did before. “Who are you?" Spike shouted to the voice trying to get it to at least talk. "Really? My little brother..." Spike's anger finally boiled over, "Enough! I'M NOT YOUR BROTHER!!! I AM TIRED OF YOU TALKING IN RIDDLES AND INVADING MY DREAMS!" Spike spewed a torrent of green flames. His eye’s blinked feral-like for a moment. His claws clenched so hard that a bit of blood trickled down his hands. "Calm yourself, Spike. I will tell you everything..." "YEAH RIGHT YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT SINCE... since." Spike's voice died a bit at the end. He sat down and wrung his tail a bit, blood smearing his bright scales. "Your birthday all those years ago?" The voice finished Spike’s sentence. "Hmph." "I know you are angry, and you deserved answers. You need to remain harmonious on this plane or we will invite the ‘Dark One’ here. If he finds you too soon you may not live long enough to receive the answers you seek." "I… I..." "You’re frustrated about your size." The voice is on a roll tonight. Spike mused. Still he needed to ask, "How did you know??!?" The voice chuckled, softly. “Really?" Memory after memory played before Spike all of them similar. One was especially sore for him as it showed him snapping at Rarity earlier that day. He cringed a bit really not wanting the reminder. "Plane of Memories... how could I forget?" He crossed his arms. "I know why..." Spike interrupted throwing his arms up in desperation, "Tell me! I need to know." He started running around, begging, trying to find the voice so that he could get his answers. "You keep invading my dreams for years. You never tell me your name. You know I'm having troubles and still you don't tell me what I need to know. What I must know! No more riddles… please.” Great, now I'm pleading with a disembodied voice! Spike facepalmed at the ridiculousness of his pleading. "Patience...” The voice went silent for a moment, ”But I will not tell you here...hmmm... It's time, time that I come see you in person..." "Hello?" The silence went on for a while before Spike’s vision blurred and faded into black. Gah, not again!