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// Chapter 8-Letters 
// Story: Emerald Fires 
// by FolkloreBrony 
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Chapter 8-Letters
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Rarity stood at the entrance of Spike's room, ever hesitant to knock on the door. What would he be like? Would he yell at her as he had done with Twilight for bothering him at this time, and more importantly, for what she had to say? These thoughts crossed her mind, nagging her not to go in, bring only guilt with them. It made her feel so horrible because she wanted to avoid her friend, and she had no reason to. This metamorphosis was making him sick, and she knew that it was her duty to tend to her friends when they were sick.

Slowly, she reached her hoof out to knock on the door, mustering up the courage to face the reality.

“Come in.”

Rarity stepped in through the door, walking into the room with regrettable expectations. Spike was nowhere to be seen, probably hidden somewhere in the shadows of the dimly lit room. She had never been in his room before, but now she had to admit that it was quite lovely. Like the rest of the castle, the walls of the room were fine crystal, but it had been styled by wooden frames to give it a natural feel, so when the crystal meet with the wood it gave it the texture of clear water falling through wooden doors.

“You look lovely tonight.”

Rarity could not see his face, but the rest of him she could see the resting peacefully in his chair, tucked safely in the dark of the corner of the room. “Thank you, sweetheart.” she said kindly, moving over to sit on the bed.

A disapproving snort escaped his nostrils, “Oh come on, Rarity. Don't call me that, it's too girly.” he wined.

“Oh, I'm sorry, dear.” she giggled. At least he was in a better mood then what Twilight had described.

“Novis told everypony about what's been happening to you. What I would like to know is, how are you?”

“Well,” Spike began, “I'm always thirsty, but other than that, I guess I'm alright.”

“Doesn't it hurt?” she asked.

Spike sighed, “Not anymore.”

“That's good to hear.” Rarity paused for a moment, turning to gaze at the bed for a moment, “That's not really what I wanted to know, to be honest. What I really what to know is, how do you feel about it?”

“Well, it's not all that bad. I mean, at least you won't have to custom make those tuxedos for me anymore.” he shrugged it off, though he was feeling a bit queasy at the moment.

“Your not telling me everything.” she pressed.

“I don't know what you mean.” he lied.

“Spike, why would you want to become a pony?” she asked, leaning forwards on the bed, “You seemed happy as a dragon to me.”

“Oh, that.” Rarity could hear Spike inhaling in the dark, pondering on what he really wanted to say, “It's because I wanted to be respected by you guys and included in your adventures. I want to be treated more than just a baby.”

“But Spike, you ARE a baby.” she reminded.

Spike let out a loud, sarcastic ha!, taking in the irony of that statement, “Yeah, I'm a baby in DRAGON terms, and that's a real joke. I'm a baby, and yet I've got the intelligence and responsibilities of an adult. I'm fifteen for pony's sake!”

“You still have some growing up to do, especially since you've done some very immature things during your life here in Ponyville.” Rarity retorted, though she was beginning to see things from his point of view.

“Rarity, EVERYPONY in this town has done stupid, immature crap. I swear, sometimes I think they put something in the water supply.”

That was true. Rarity couldn't deny it, but the citizens of Ponyville were weird. They had a confused screw-up for a mailmare, some green-tie who went around town babbling about time-travel and would only answer to as “The Doctor”, three flower vendors who would go into epileptic shock if a petal fell off of one of the Persimmons, a jelly obsessed stallion, and a pony who sat human-style everywhere she went. Even her friends were a bit awkward. Stubbornness, social insecurity, and over reactiveness were some of the bigger issues among her circle of friends, issues they were only just starting to work upon.

But were they treating him unfairly? She was beginning to see the truth. Often they would leave him out of their affairs, even in cases where he could have been involved. Now that she thought about it, it really wasn't fair that while she and the others were traveling around Equestria spreading the magic of friendship that he was left at home to dust off the shelves.

“But why haven't you ever spoken up about your feelings before? Surely Twilight would understand.” Rarity reassured, hoping to understand why he had thought this through.

"No, she wouldn't. Twilight still sees me as a baby, and knowing her, she'd probably get a foalsitter to keep me company." Spike said begrudgingly, show that he had spent the time to think this through.

However, there was yet another reason that Spike would have wanted to become a pony for, a reason that was beginning to bother Rarity. A reason she was beginning to fear, a reason she wished would go away.

“Spike, is that the only reason you wanted to become a pony?” she asked.

A quiet fell upon the room. Spike didn't answer right away, now feeling cornered in this conversation.

“You know.”

“Spike, did you think that just because you become a pony, that I would automatically fall in love with you?” Rarity asked, putting her hoof to her side, frowning and raising her eyebrow.

“No. If there's one thing I know, is that you're the kind of mare who deserves respect. To be treated well in a relationship. But that's what I want as well.” he said.

Rarity's expression softened.

“I never expected you to fall in love with me. I guess I see that now. But...I just wanted to at least have a chance.”

“Spike, that's sweet, but,” Rarity sighed, “I don't think we can.”

Spike frowned, “Why?”

“Wouldn't you rather be with your own kind?” she asked desperately as he scowled.

“I want nothing to do with dragons!" Spike snapped at her suddenly, "Their vile, and their cruel! And you're avoiding the question.”

“Spike, I-”

“No! Now I want you to look at me and tell me that I'm wrong!” Spike leaned forward, exposing himself to the light as she gasped. The scales of the right side of his face had fallen off, showing the tender pink flesh underneath. The frails on the top of his head had been replaced with small patches of green hair, the follicles growing all the way down his back. His right eye was colored milky white, unevenly sized with his left. A bulge was growing on his forehead, which Rarity concluded was the beginning of a horn, jutting out painfully. Rarity had to turn away. She felt ashamed of herself for feeling a sense of revulsion. After all, he was her friend. But she couldn't help it, it was disgusting.

“Rarity, look at me.” he said, beginning to feel a nausea spell coming on, “You have to understand. I have feelings for you, and nothing will ever change that.”

“I...I have to go.” Rarity got up and turned, heading for the door as he panicked.

“Rarity, please! I'm sorry!” he called, now regretting his last statement.

Rarity paused. But only for a moment, just so she could wipe a tear that was rolling down her cheek.

“So am I.”

She left, leaving Spike, and what she feared had damaged their friendship forever.
////
Twilight watched as the flame at the end of the candlestick flickered in the stillness of her room. Today had been too much for her to take, so she had to come up here to write a letter to her mentor Celestia. It was always calming when she spoke to her. The Princess always knew how to handle a situation, but as Twilight raised her quell to write, she found herself at a loss for words. She was so used to Spike writing these letters, she couldn't stop thinking about him, and that was interfering with her emotional composure.

Twilight was scared. Spike was so many things to her; he was like a brother, he was like a son. She had looked after him since his birth. But now he was growing. Too fast. She felt cheated out of his childhood which she wanted desperately to be a part of, but now, what was she to do?

Slowly, Twilight dipped the quill into the ink and waited as the words began to form in her mind, taking a deep breath before she began to write on the parchment.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today has been long and tiresome for me, so I'll try to get straight to the point. This morning I, with the company of my friends visited the Canterlot Royal Library in search of answers to the mystery surrounding our newest resident. While searching the restricted section we stumbled across a hidden passage leading to a chamber deep in the heart of the mountain. After using it, however, I would suggest that somepony install an elevator. Rarity left early for personal reasons, but soon after we were discovered by a pony named Ancient Folklore. Based on what he told us, his family has guarded the chamber for centuries. He also told us that the stallion was one of six kings that ruled this land in ages past. However, when we returned to Ponyville, we discovered that he had recovered from his injuries and had paralyzed four of my guards, but was later found with Rarity.

His name is Novis. He is more than I imagined, and nothing I expected. He is well spoken in the way he talks, and Rarity has told me that he seems rather literate, explaining philosophical principles with her and even getting into a debate with her. When I first met him, he seemed calm and polite, and I was certain that things between us would run smoothly.

However, there is another side to him. I brought him to the castle so that we could remedy what had happened to Spike, but the end result did not go well. Spike is being transformed into a kirin, and since I don't know whether you know what that is or not, I will tell you what Novis told me. A kirin is a creature both pony AND dragon, and has the magical traits of both races. Novis said that they were a strong race and that I should be proud of this change. But I can't. Spike is changing in both age and appearance, and I'm afraid that this will alienate him from everypony else. From me. And when I explained this to Novis, while commissioning him the responsibility to look over Spike during this transition, he became violent, and destroyed my Starswirl statue with a single blow.

I'm at a loss of options, Princess. I feel as if Spike's childhood is being taken away from me, and I am completely unprepared to deal with Novis. So, it is with great humility that I ask for your help.

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle

Twilight finished the letter and rolled it up, placing her royal seal upon it before she sent it away with her magic. It was only then that she let out the air she had been holding in. She hoped that Celestia would know what to do, because she simply could not deal with this kind of stress on her own.

She would just have to wait and see what the Princess had to say.

“Mom? Mom! I'm home!”

Twilight turned away from her writing and looked at the door. Nyx had just returned from a day with her friends, and was probably rummaging about the living room looking for her.

“I'm in my room, Nyx!” she called, laying back in her chair.

Nyx opened the door to Twilight's room and stepped in, “Hey mom.” she said as she walked over, “Whatcha doing?”

“Oh, I was just trying to think out a letter to Princess Celestia,” Twilight answered, slunking her head onto the desk.

“You're writing a letter? Why are you doing that?” she asked.

“Well, I already finished and sent it, but I was just trying to get a second opinion about Novis.”

“Who's Novis?” she said, looking at Twilight rather confused.

“Right, you don't know about him yet.” Twilight said to herself, rubbing her temple with her hoof, “Novis is the stallion that's been staying with us for the past two weeks. He just woke up today, and quite frankly he's been giving me a headache.”

“He woke up?” Nyx's eyes widened, filled with excitement, “What's he like?”

“Awful.” she said with a sneer, making Nyx's ears droop, “He has absolutely no manners, at least not where it counts. And, he acts like what's happened to Spike is a good thing.”

“Wait, what about Spike?” Nyx looked up at Twilight, her eyes filled with innocence and question.

Twilight looked at her and sighed, “Come here.”

Nyx complied, allowing herself to be picked up and sat down in her mother's lap. Twilight watched the filly beneath her positioning herslef to get more comfortable, the mare running her hoof through her daughter's hair, “Spike is...going through a change. And, when its over, he won't be the same dragon.”

“What kind of change?” Nyx asked, looking up at Twilight's face.

This was becoming increasingly difficult to say for Twilight, “Spike's being transformed from a dragon into a kirin. He's...also aged a few years, so when you see him next, he'll be bigger than me.”

“Really?” Nyx asked, perplexed by this news.

“Yes. I just hope that he'll be able to have a life after this.” Twilight said as she looked away.

“Why would you worry about that? This is so cool!” Nyx sprang up happily, surprising Twilight with her enthusiastic attitude. However, Nyx soon became silent, a thoughtful look spread over her face, “Wait, what's a kirin?”

“I don't really know. Novis said that they're like a dragon and a pony made into one creature, like a hybrid.” Twilight explained, though she was still wondering why Nyx would think this was “cool”.

“Well, I think your being silly. Spike is Spike, and nothing's ever gonna change that.” Nyx giggled, thinking of the advantages of this, “Besides, now when we play hoofball, he won't get excited and burn the ball.”

Twilight smiled at the simplicity of her daughter's logic. Her words also made her think. Was she being silly? Could things stay the same regardless of the form that Spike took? She had thought that it would destroy their relationship before, but now she wasn't sure.

She didn't have long to think about it, however. There was a magical puff in the air of light and smoke, and out from the cloud, a letter with the Canterlot Royal Seal fell upon her desk.

“Nyx, could you give me a minute? This is an important letter I need to read.” Twilight asked.

“Sure.” Nyx nodded, hopping out from between Twilight's leg and walked over to the bed. Twilight broke the seal on the letter, and began to read the words written within.

Dearest Twilight, My Faithful Student,

It grieves me to know that you are troubled by recent events, and though I cannot be there to help, I would certainly hope that the words that I write can bring peace to your mind.

Regarding Spike, you knew when you were mortal that you would never see Spike grow into adulthood. When you became an Alicorn, you were given the choice to be gifted immortality, and even though you knew that you could give it up at any moment, you refused. Thus, you prepared yourself to see Spike forever as he is now. But since he is growing, I think that you are afraid that he will no longer need you to guide him in life. But this is folly. To Spike, you are a sister, and all siblings need each other. I have seen it. Take your brother as an example. Your loyalty and undying love for him is forever, and just like your relationship with Shining Armor, Your relationship with Spike can never be undone.

Now, concerning Novis. You've described him to me as both calm-minded AND ill-tempered. These are two opposing things and are a sign of a mind at war with itself. This is unhealthy for both himself and those around him, and will drive him mad if left unchecked. He is in pain, Twilight, I know. I've seen it before. Therefore, it is your duty to discover what disturbs him. You have said that he fancies himself with conversation and taking the time to go over areas of expertise when given the chance. This is a common trait of a teacher and a debater. Therefore, it is my suggestion that you approach him as a student, by which will put him at ease, relaxing him to your inquiry.

Twilight, I cannot explain myself, but I have sensed a change in the wind since his arrival. It is not by chance that he has come to us at this time. Some force unseen has worked to bring him here for a purpose, but to what end I cannot tell. Watch him, my student. For I have foreseen that the journey's road that he shall traverse will be a hard one indeed.

Your fellow ruler and friend, Princess Celestia

Twilight finished the letter and looked up. It was true. Twilight had prepared herself to always see Spike as a baby, but now that he was growing up, she would have to redefine her relationship with him. But did he see her as a sibling as well? Did he really feel that close to her as she felt to him?

Brother.

“Nyx, can I ask you something?” Twilight spoke. However, no reply came. Twilight looked behind her, expecting to find Nyx lying on the bed, but the filly was nowhere to be seen. She looked left and right, but she was no longer in the room with her.

Now, where had that silly filly gone?
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Twilight walked down the hall from her bedroom, looking around to see where she had gone. She had checked her daughter's room, gone into the living room and looked into the upstairs kitchen, but she was in none of these places, making Twilight even more curious of where she had run off to.

Twilight turned the corner of the hall and headed for Spike's room. And that's where she found her. Opening the door to his room, what Twilight saw brought made her heart skip a beat. Sleeping on the bed lay both Spike and Nyx, resting peacefully together. The room had been cleaned of its earlier residue, whether by Novis or Spike himself she'd just have to guess. Spike was sleeping on his side, and by the look of the position, Twilight guessed that Nyx had nuzzled herself into a ball right underneath his belly, taking in the warmth of his body. It was a scene that brought a warmth to her heart as a small fear deep inside her was put to rest. She had been worried that Nyx would be afraid of Spike and avoid him, but she now saw that this was not the case.

She wasn't sure if she considering Spike as a brother was even an appropriate look at their relationship, but if one thing was certain, Nyx saw him in that light. The two shared a bond that was as close as the relationship Applejack and Rarity had with their sisters, and just like an older brother when Nyx was in trouble, Spike would come to her defense, and she was confident that he would always be there for her.

Perhaps Celestia and Nyx were right. Spike would always be the same, regardless of age or form. And more importantly, they were family, and they would always need each other. Twilight was being silly to think otherwise, and she was beginning to feel ashamed to have thought of only the negative.

As for Novis, Twilight would take the advice of her mentor. If Novis would respond more readily to the questioning of a student and perhaps opened to a debate, then it was certainly worth a try. But she would have to be careful. Whatever was bothering Novis, she knew that it had something to do with the destruction of his world. But it was puzzling. It was terrible what happened but, there was something about it that was hidden from their knowledge, something that only he knew. But what could be so horrible that he would want to keep it a secret?

She would just have to wait and see to find out.
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