Chapter 10
Chapter 10
"Oh my gosh!" Pinkie gasped, throwing her hooves up to her cheeks.
"Whoa, Spike! I mean…whoa!" Rainbow Dash said.
Spike barely heard them, or the others, as they chattered amongst themselves. Part of his brain registered Twilight putting a hoof on his shoulder. Everypony was talking at once—to each other, to him, to Princess Luna—but Spike didn't especially care to listen to what any of them had to say.
"I'll do it," Spike said.
"And then after that, we'll need to throw a Holy-Moly-Spike's-An-Antique party, and after that we'll need to organize a search party to find all his two-thousand year-old brothers and sisters, and after that—" Pinkie stopped talking when Twilight shoved her hoof in the pink pony's mouth.
"Hold up, what?" Twilight spun at Spike. "You'll do what?!"
"I'll go trade myself for Rarity," Spike said. "The dragons don't want her. They want me."
The purple unicorn gaped at him. A passing cloud over the moon covered her face in a temporary shadow. "No. No way, Spike," she said, shaking her head. "Not going to happen."
"But what about Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked. Her voice sounded weak, and Fluttershy gently covered her with one wing as a sea breeze blew in. "We can't just leave her!" the filly exclaimed, looking up at Fluttershy, who hugged her a bit tighter.
"Rarity can handle herself for now. If there's anythin' I've learned through the years, it's not to underestimate that gal," Applejack said. The cloud passed, and the moonlight beamed down on them all once again. "Besides, we don't even know exactly why they want little Spike."
Fluttershy shivered. "It could be for something…dangerous," she said.
"Wait, if it's dangerous for Spike, it's dangerous for Rarity! At least he'll have the whole 'being a dragon' thing going for him. What's Rarity got to keep her safe?" Rainbow Dash snorted.
"I'm not letting Spike walk into a trap," Twilight said, stepping in front of Spike protectively.
"Don't I get to make that choice for myself?" Spike fumed.
"Maybe we could make a fake egg and give them that instead!" Pinkie suggested brightly. "Oh, oh, let's give it purple spots!"
"That's the stupidest thing I've heard in a long while, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash said.
"No, this is the stupidest thing you've heard in a long while: blllblllblllbllbllllergh!" Pinkie stuck her tongue out at the pegasus.
"Quiet, all of you!" Princess Luna stamped her hoof.
Everypony settled down quickly, looking up at the alicorn.
"Now, listen," she commanded, glaring at each of them. Spike shrunk back. "There's a lot to explain, and even more to do. Arguing will not assist in any of this."
Twilight hung her head. "I'm sorry, Princess."
"Oh, me too," Fluttershy said. "I didn't realize we were arguing."
"Well, we weren't exactly playin' nice," Applejack admitted. "Ah think we're all just a little high-strung because of the general situation."
Spike crossed his arms. High-strung, huh? The only reason Rarity was in danger was because of him. He was pretty sure that gave him the right to be as high-strung as necessary. Nopony's going to keep me from rescuing her. Not even Princess Luna. I'm a dragon. Apparently my egg was laid over two thousand years ago! I should be in charge of me. And if I want to save Rarity, then that's what I'll do.
"Indeed."
Princess Luna's gaze lingered on Spike, as if she knew his thoughts and was daring him to take off without hearing her out. But as much as he wanted to, the sensible part of him did realize that whatever she had to say probably was important. Rarity would need to wait just a little longer.
"First: I must explain what happened a millennium ago. It might enlighten us as to why the dragons are looking for these eggs today," Princess Luna began.
Spike plopped down in the sand, listening intently.
"I bought Spike's egg over a thousand years ago, before my…transformation. I needed assistance to change who I was," she explained, looking more than a little uncomfortable discussing the subject. "Dragons kept in their eggs gain a remarkable power—they are able to rapidly change to match the age of their egg, given the right incentive. I sought to harness this power. I wanted to change myself, but even with my level of magic, I could not change the core of my being without aid."
And then, with that one brief explanation, everything made sense. A chill went straight through Spike. Dragons change to match the age of their egg? Does that mean…I'm supposed to actually be as big and mean as I was on my birthday? His eyes flew wide. No! No way, that's not me! That can't be me!
"By using Spike's egg, I was able to complete my transformation," Princess Luna continued. "At that time, his transforming power was great, but that was over a thousand years ago. He has had much more time to collect this power within him and grow it to even higher levels than what he had that fateful day all those years ago. And it is that power that the dragons want."
"But…dragons don't have magic," Twilight said, trying to understand. "They couldn't use Spike for any sort of transformation."
"They couldn't use him to transform any of them, true," Princess Luna said. "But they could have him transform himself."
Spike blanched. No. No. I can't. I…
"Oh, I get it!" Pinkie said. She poked Spike in the side. "Like that time you turned into a giant rampaging monster and destroyed Ponyville! That's what the dragons want!"
"That, from what I understand, was only the beginning of what your dragon friend was capable of," Princess Luna said.
"Okay, enough!" Spike said, twirling to face the whole group with false bravado. Everything in him shook, from his stomach to his scales. "Who…who cares why the dragons want me? The point is, they'll let Rarity go if I go see them."
"But Spike…what if they just make you turn into a huge beast again?" Twilight asked.
"What if they do?" Spike retorted. "For Rarity, I'll—I'll…" The shaking overtook him, and he curled into a ball on the beach, wrapping his arms around his knees.
No. He didn't want to ever go back to being that horrible monster. That wasn't who he was. But if it means saving Rarity…
"Princess, could you maybe go back to the part about gargoyles invading Equestria?" Rainbow Dash asked. Spike was extremely thankful for the subject change, and it seemed Princess Luna was as well. Talking about her transformation into Nightmare Moon had taken its toll on her carefully masked emotions.
"Yes," Princess Luna said, almost with too much enthusiasm for such a dark topic. "In fact, that is the primary reason I am here. My sister and I have analyzed the gargoyle threat to Equestria, and believe that it is twofold: first, they're after our resources. Specifically, our mountainous resources. Gargoyles absorb rock for power, and can produce it right back out again as weapons. Equestria is ripe for the picking, so to speak, in that regard."
So Fluttershy was right about the gargoyles' affinity for rocks, Spike thought to himself, glancing over at the pegasus. She was only half-listening, as she attended to the wounds of the moustached sea serpent who was still out cold. Sweetie Belle had been placed in the care of her two young friends, who each sat on either side of her, keeping her warm as the night grew more and more chilly.
"Second," Princess Luna continued, "The gargoyles pose a more immediate threat. They have attacked several villages already, looking for…food."
"Oh no!" Pinkie exclaimed. She grabbed Applejack by the shoulders. "Applejack, we have to protect Sweet Apple Acres!"
Applejack sighed. "Ah don't think that's what the princess was implyin', Sugarcube."
"Huh? Then what…?" Pinkie blinked.
Twilight grimaced. Spike swallowed, rubbing at his neck. He was pretty sure he knew what Princess Luna had meant, but he didn't want to be the one to break it to Pinkie.
"We've got to stop them," Rainbow Dash declared, before that topic could go any further. "We can use the Elements of Harmony again!"
Princess Luna shook her head. "There is no one villain in this. The Elements can defeat evil, but only if it's concentrated in a particular area. This threat is widespread, and requires different tactics."
"Then what can we do?" Twilight asked. She sounded just about as desperate as Spike felt.
"I need to borrow two of your friends to return with me to Equestria, Twilight Sparkle," Princess Luna said. "And then you must go to meet with the sea serpents. We must enlist their aid, and the dragons' aid as well."
"Two of my friends?" Twilight asked.
"Yes. Rainbow Dash, you're the one who can do the Sonic Rainboom, correct?" Princess Luna asked.
"You bet I can!" Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest proudly.
"Perfect. We're going to combine that with Shining Armor's shield spell and use it to blast the gargoyles out of Equestria, town by town."
"Awwww, yeah!"
"And Pinkamena Pie?" Princess Luna asked.
"Present!" Pinkie jumped into the air, waving one hoof.
"Pinkie?" Twilight blinked. "You need Pinkie?"
Princess Luna's mouth twitched back, as if she doubted her own choice now that she was confronted with the cotton-candy-colored pony. "Yes," she eventually said, using her magic to levitate the bouncing Pinkie back onto the sand. "From what I understand, she has a particular expertise that may prove invaluable in determining where the gargoyles will strike next. You grew up on a rock farm, correct?" she asked Pinkie.
"Sure did!" Pinkie replied, saluting. "I'm at your command, Princess-Ma'am!"
Princess Luna took a deep breath. "Yes. Well. Thank you. I will take the two of you back to Canterlot."
"You're splitting us up?" Twilight clarified, taking a tentative step forward.
"In war, one must often make difficult decisions," Princess Luna said. "You will see your friends again, Twilight Sparkle. For now, you and the others must proceed to the sea serpents meeting isles. There, you must gain an audience with the dragons to discuss this war and how to deal with the gargoyles beyond Equestrian borders."
And turn myself in, so that Rarity can be free. Spike's claws pinched the insides of his fists. I'm coming, Rarity. I promise.
"What about the girls, here?" Applejack asked, gesturing to the fillies. "We can't take them with us to meet with sea serpents and dragons and plan attacks on gargoyles. You see what happened to Sweetie Belle!"
"Hey, wait a second!" Scootaloo objected. "We can totally help with battle planning!"
"Yeah, come on! We chased off the gargoyles before!" Apple Bloom said. "Cutie Mark Crusaders: Warriors!"
"Yeah!" Scootaloo high-hoofed Apple Bloom, and they both turned expectantly to Sweetie Belle.
But Sweetie Belle didn't offer them a high-hoof. Instead, she looked at them both sadly. "No, guys. I don't think so."
"What?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
"Listen, I know we all want to help," Sweetie Belle said quickly. "But you two weren't in the last battle. And that one only had a handful of dragons and sea serpents in it. I can't imagine what a battle with even more giant reptiles would be like. It's no place for us."
"But we could get our cutie marks in fighting!"
"And you could save your sister!"
"Spike's already going to do that," Sweetie Belle said.
Spike's heart nearly broke at Sweetie Belle's simple declaration of trust.
"And I don't want my cutie mark in fighting," the filly continued. "I don't think either of you understand. This…this just isn't something we should get involved in. Besides, somepony's got to make sure Stef'an gets healed up okay."
"But Fluttershy's already doing that!" Scootaloo said, gesturing to the yellow pegasus by the sea serpent's side.
"Speaking of," Twilight said. "As long as we're dealing out responsibilities, Fluttershy, I think I have a very important job for you."
"Oh dear," Fluttershy said, ducking behind the sea serpent's bulk. "Wh-what do you want me to do in this…w-war?"
"We can't just leave these fillies by themselves," Twilight said. "Why don't you stay here and keep an eye on them?"
Fluttershy, who had been wincing in anticipation of her assignment, opened her eyes suddenly. "Oh! Oh yes, I can do that!"
"Perfect," Princess Luna said. "And Applejack, that leaves you to accompany Twilight Sparkle. She will need your help on the eventual battlefront."
"Me, your Highness?" Applejack asked, her eyes wide. "You want me to help with a battlefront? Ah thought we were just meetin' with sea serpents and such. Plannin' things and the like."
"I'm afraid we'll all be in battle soon enough," Princess Luna replied. "And having a strong, level-headed pony like you at the frontlines might be crucial."
"I can't think of anypony I'd rather have by my side in such a situation," Twilight said, smiling at the Earth pony.
If Spike had any emotion left to spare, he'd be twisted up in jealousy. However, he noticed that nopony had mentioned his role in all this for quite some time. "Hey, uh…Twilight? Can we talk for a moment?"
"Sure, Spike," Twilight said, turning away from a now-determined-looking Applejack. "What is it?"
He pulled the unicorn aside, dragging her up the beach a ways. "Listen," he said, once they were out of earshot of everypony else. "I know you don't like this, and to be completely honest, I don't either. But if I offer myself up to the dragons, Rarity goes free."
"Spike—"
"No, listen! I know that they're probably going to try to make me into a huge monster again. But maybe I'm supposed to be! Maybe that'll save everypony from the gargoyles! Maybe, I just need to—"
"Sacrifice who you are?" Twilight asked. "What good could possibly come from turning you back into that greedy thief, Spike? That's not you!"
Spike balled up his hands. "That's where you're wrong, Twilight. That is me. Somewhere, deep down. That's who I am. And if I can save Rarity…if I can help save everypony…I need to try."
Twilight was silent, looking out over the dark ocean.
"I'm over two-thousand years-old, Twilight. I think I'm old enough to make my own decisions," Spike said, narrowing his eyes.
"Oh, Spike, you're not two-thousand years-old," Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "Your egg was hatched this century. I know, because I was sort of there, remember? It doesn't matter how long you were in that egg, you weren't born until I magicked you out of it! So that means I'm older than you—"
"But that doesn't mean you get to tell me what to do!" Spike said, not giving up so easily. "I mean, you know, besides sweeping the library and stuff."
Twilight went back to silence again.
"Twilight, Rarity's in real danger," Spike pleaded. "And I'm the only one here who has a way to save her. Please, Twilight…"
"Spike," Twilight said slowly, shutting her eyes. "If I don't tell you what to do, why does it sound like you're trying to ask my permission for this?"
"Because I…" Spike trailed off, closing his mouth. Oh. He leaned forward, and gave Twilight a hug. "I love you, Twilight."
"I love you too, Spike," Twilight said, wrapping a hoof around him.
They sat like that for a long time, with the stars twinkling overhead.
"And then he told me that he was out late because of gargoyle target practice!" Moxie huffed. "But I know he was just harassing sea serpents again. It's one of his favorite pastimes."
"He's got some nerve," Rarity said. It was dark out now, with just a few torches lit around her cave-prison. They'd been talking for a while…or rather, Moxie had been talking for a while, and Rarity had been cycling through a small variety of generic replies.
Meanwhile, her full attention was on slowly, magically shifting a boulder near the far side of her cell. Minutely, smidge by smidge, Rarity was pushing the rock in-between two bars, delicately widening the gap. She had to be quiet about it, because she'd already underestimated her guard's superb hearing before. Rarity was not the type to make the same mistake more than once, nor was she the type to put all her creativity into one design. If she didn't end up winning Moxie over, escaping through her own jail bars would work quite nicely as an alternative.
A gentle night breeze floated through the cave entrance, pushing Rarity's mane just enough that it tickled her head wound, sending a rather sickening sensation through the unicorn.
"Our egg is just weeks away from hatching," the dragon continued, missing Rarity's grimace of discomfort. "You'd think he'd want to be around more often!"
Rarity steadied her breath, resisting the shudder that tried to go through her body. "I don't even know why you stay with him, frankly, dear," she said, budging the boulder another eensy bit.
"Not stay with him?" Moxie seemed genuinely startled by the suggestion. "But he's my mate. Why wouldn't I stay with him?"
Rarity quickly abandoned her magic as Moxie's eyes fell on her. "He doesn't seem like much of a mate if he won't even spend time with you," she said in a rush, hoping that Moxie hadn't noticed the glow of her horn moments earlier. "I mean, really."
"But…he's my mate. We're bonded," Moxie said, gazing down at her from the mouth of the cave. Her huge, scaly brow drew together, perplexed. "Do ponies not mate for life?"
"Well, ideally we would," Rarity said. She shuffled her body a bit, hoping to keep the dragon's eyes on her and not on the back of her cell where the rock remained lodged partway between the bars. "But realistically, that doesn't always happen."
"Realistically?"
"Love is a fickle thing, dear," Rarity said. She felt like she was talking to a child and winced as Moxie's expression crumbled before her. "Sometimes it doesn't work out in the long run…oh, but don't worry! I'm sure you and your mate can sort out your differences!"
Great, Rarity, now you've gone and made the poor dear cry!
Moxie wrapped her huge dragon arms around herself. "We have to…we have to! I love him, we're bonded! He's my life-mate!"
Look what you've done, Rarity, she mentally berated herself. Fix this! Think: what would Fluttershy do? Rarity reached a hoof through the bars to pat Moxie on the side. "Oh, don't cry, darling! It'll all be fine; don't worry your pretty head about it. Everything will work out."
Moxie wiped at her eyes. "You think so?"
"Why, of course!" Rarity exclaimed. "You love each other, and that will get you through anything!"
Moxie nodded, sniffling loudly. "You know what? You're right. You're absolutely right. I had no idea ponies could be so wise! For such short-lived creatures, you sure have some brains in those tiny heads of yours."
"Er…thanks," Rarity said, deciding to take that as a compliment.
"My mate and I have some issues to work through, but we can handle it." The dragon sighed contentedly. Smoke tendrils trailed from her nostrils after she closed her mouth. "Wow, I haven't felt this calm in ages! You're a really good listener, you know that?"
"So I've been told," Rarity said, really just wishing she could get back to working on the other part of her escape plan. But Moxie's eyes were casually surveying the cave, and Rarity knew she had to keep her focused and talking. "So…an egg! That must be so exciting for you. Is this your first?"
"Yes, it is," Moxie replied. To Rarity's relief, she went back to looking out the cave entrance. "Everyone keeps saying that as soon as it hatches, time is going to fly by, but for now I just can't wait until my sweet baby comes out! I feel like it's taking forever. Do you have any ponylings of your own?"
"Me? Children? Oh no, no, no," Rarity said quickly, as she resumed budging the boulder. "I'm not…ah…quite ready for that stage of life."
"Ah," Moxie said. "No life-mate. I see. Probably for the best seeing as you're locked up here."
No life-mate yet? Rarity bristled. Well, that's quite the assumption! But then Rarity paused her magic for a moment. A thought struck her. A thought that, by all rights, shouldn't even have entered her mind in her current predicament. But…
This could be your chance, Rarity! You actually have a real, definitively adult dragon with you. You could ask her about…
But then Rarity's face fell. How could she go about any of this without revealing Spike's existence?
Rarity pursed her lips together, abandoning her escape attempt for the time being. This would take her full concentration. She tucked her mane back a ways, keeping it from brushing up against her head wound again, as she thought up how to begin. She mentally went through everything they'd been discussing so far until…Ah-hah! There's an idea. Lead with that.
"Dear, you said that time will fly once your egg has hatched," Rarity began casually. "With dragons living for such a long time, I imagine it must actually take years for young dragons to get to your size."
"Oh yes. My baby won't even surpass you in size until he or she is at least three years old," Moxie said.
The unicorn's eyes flew open wide. "Wait—baby dragons are as big as ponies by their third birthday?" Rarity asked, making sure she'd heard correctly.
"Perhaps fourth, but yes," Moxie said. "Around that age. Really, every dragon is different. Some grow much faster than others."
"Well…to be my size by four years-old is actually growing quite quickly, by pony standards," Rarity said. And by Spike standards…
"Oh really? Well, that's still plenty small to get crushed…or worse." Moxie shuddered. "Us dragons aren't always the most careful of species, I suppose."
Rarity laid out the facts in her mind, as she would pieces of fabric on her work table. So Spike was laid in his egg over two thousand years ago. And he's far, far smaller than he should be for his current age, even subtracting two thousand years. Dragons grow fast so they don't get hurt by older dragons. Except Spike, for some reason. Perhaps that's why they want him and his fellow eggs? Though, a tiny dragon against a horde of gargoyles doesn't make much sense…
Regardless…all this drastically calls into question Spike's status of "baby" dragon. Something special is definitely going on with him. "Kid", indeed! Take that, Applejack!
Something akin to giddiness fluttered up inside Rarity, which was absurdly out of place as she sat in her dark prison cell, dealing with a bloody head wound and a giant, fire-breathing guard.
"Ahem, so," Rarity continued, delving deeper. "I'm afraid I'm just a tad bit unfamiliar with dragon life, as is probably evident to you by now. Just how fast do dragons grow up?"
"Grow up?" Moxie looked puzzled again. "Grow up to what?"
"Uh…you know," Rarity said, waving one hoof. "Grow up. Become an adult dragon. Stop getting bigger. That whole…er…thing."
Moxie tilted her massive head to one side. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. Dragons continue to grow for their entire lives. There isn't a stopping point."
Rarity bit her lower lip and looked away. As interesting as that fact was, it didn't answer her real question. Maybe she should be a bit more blunt. "Well…in pony society, at least, one completes growing and then is usually deemed old enough to, as you might say, take a mate. Is there such a marker in your culture?"
Moxie shrugged. "A dragon can take a mate whenever they find their life-mate."
"Even if they're still young?" Rarity gasped.
Moxie looked at her a little funny. "Well, a dragon won't claim a life-mate until they're old enough."
"But that's what I'm asking…what is 'old enough'?"
"When a dragon finds their life-mate," Moxie said.
Rarity resisted the urge to bang her head against one of her jail bars. Did all dragons use such circular logic?
"You ponies are an odd sort," Moxie observed.
Rarity groaned, sinking a bit where she sat. But despite her frustration, a tiny glimmer of hope had been kindled deep inside her. A glimmer she didn't want to fully acknowledge, because along with it came another emotion she wasn't sure she was ready to face…
So…dragons are old enough to claim a…er… "life-mate" whenever they find theirs. And when they do, they mate for life.
Rarity shifted in place, attempting to sort through the implications of this new information.
If Spike had truly fallen for her, he was, by dragon terms, old enough to become romantically involved. No matter his age in years, apparently. Though with the knowledge that his egg was laid over two millennia ago, Rarity wasn't even sure what age to put him at anymore, anyway.
If Spike had truly fallen for her, he would stay by her side for life. For life.
If Spike had truly fallen for her.
Rarity had no idea her stomach could flip so many times in a row. Behind all the emotions roiling inside her, the new, terrifying one surfaced front and center.
If.
But if not…Spike might fall for somepony else. And be bonded to them forever. Somepony other than me!
The emotion, Rarity realized with growing alarm, was fear. Her brain spun, trying to process this. It was like she'd been knocked upside the head by Rojo all over again.
She was petrified at the prospect of Spike being devoted to her—and her alone—forever. However, even more than that, Rarity, the smart, classy, independent fashionista of Ponyville, was afraid to lose the affections of one tiny, scale-covered library assistant to anypony else.
Oh dear.
Rarity was in trouble. And not just because she was locked in a dragon prison cell.
"So this is it then, is it?" Applejack took her hat off, standing near Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash flew overhead of the pair. "You two be safe now, y'hear?"
"You betcha!" Pinkie Pie giggled.
"Yeah, don't worry, we'll be fine," Rainbow Dash said, waving one hoof dismissively as she fluttered in place. But after a moment's pause, she rubbed the back of her head, looking away. "But uh…yeah, you be careful, too, AJ."
Spike stifled a yawn. It was really, really late. His tiny dragon body demanded sleep, but he wouldn't give in.
"Spike?" Scootaloo asked, walking his way from up the beach.
"Yeah?" he turned to face her and the other two fillies. Apple Bloom supported Sweetie Belle's body as they walked. Meanwhile, Twilight and Princess Luna magicked the golden raft they'd found by the sea serpent into the water, casting some spell together to make it float on its own.
"Just wanted to say good luck," Apple Bloom said. "Y'know. With everythin'."
"She means not just the war stuff. She means the figuring out who you are stuff, too," Scootaloo said.
"He knew what ah meant!" Apple Bloom stamped her hoof.
Spike smiled. "Thanks, guys," he said. "Really."
"Spike?" Sweetie Belle said. Her voice sounded exhausted, and Spike wasn't entirely sure she should be moving around at all. But Fluttershy was still distracted trying to get the sea serpent to wake up, so that must've been how the other Crusaders got their friend all the way up the beach without getting stopped.
"What is it?" Spike replied.
"Rarity's not going to be very happy if you get hurt for her sake," Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom leaned up against her even more, so the filly could remain upright. "So don't do anything too dangerous, okay?"
Like giving myself over to the dragons so they can use me as a weapon in a war against gargoyles? "Uh…yeah. Sure," Spike said. "I'll try."
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchanged looks, and Spike knew he wasn't fooling anypony.
"Ready, Spike?" Twilight called from the ocean's edge.
"Look after her?" Spike asked to the two uninjured fillies. Sweetie Belle drooped where she stood.
They nodded.
"Spike?"
"Coming!" Spike called back to Twilight, looking one last time at Sweetie Belle. Rarity was going to be devastated to learn what had happened to her sister. But nothing more he could do about that now.
As he walked up the beach to meet Twilight, Princess Luna stepped in front of him.
"Spike," she said. "A word of caution."
"Yes, uh, Princess?" Spike replied, stopping. His toes curled in the cool sand, and he wished he still had his blanket. He'd somehow lost it in the gargoyle fight.
"Transforming is a dangerous business," she said, gazing down at him. "It's easy to lose control and let the…other you take over."
"Believe me, I know," Spike huffed. Like I need to be reminded of that.
"So it is wise to avoid it if possible," the princess said.
"And if it's not possible?"
"Then find a way to come back," Princess Luna said. With that, she turned and walked away.
Spike stared after her. You say that like it's just that easy. He narrowed his eyes. Oh well. The cards were dealt, and he had to deal with what he had.
Twilight and Applejack waited for him on the golden raft. Spike had to wade through the lapping ocean waves along the shoreline to get to them. He climbed aboard upon reaching them, shivering. The water certainly hadn't helped him feel any warmer. Blanket, I miss you…
Twilight magically pushed them away from the shore, swelling the water underneath them to assist in their travel. Princess Luna's horn glowed exceptionally bright, and Spike wondered if she was casting them some sort of final good luck spell, until he realized she was using her power instead to assist Fluttershy in waking the sea serpent.
As the huge serpent moaned, the princess turned to face their raft. "Best of luck, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Spike!" she called, her royal voice easily projecting over the ocean.
"Send us a postcard from Sea Serpentia!" Pinkie Pie said, waving.
"Uh…sure, Pinkie!" Twilight called back.
"Good luck with protectin' Equestria and all!" Applejack said.
"Oh, please be careful!" Fluttershy called out. "And tell me everything about the sea serpents when you return! That is, if it isn't too much trouble..."
"Will do, Sugarcube!" Applejack said, waving her hat.
Rainbow Dash gave them a parting salute, and the fillies all waved enthusiastically.
Spike squatted, sitting down on the raft and wrapping his arms around his knees. Everypony was putting on a brave face. It was admirable, really. But it did make him feel pretty lame for barely holding back from hyperventilating at what was to come. As they pulled farther and farther away from the shore, Spike gripped his knees tighter. He'd made his choice. There wasn't any turning back now.
I'm coming, Rarity. Anything, for you.
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Oh, wow! I am speechless, this is getting suspenseful, emotional, and awesome! I feel this music should be playing as the group seperates to go to their respective destinations.
Spike, this is for Rarity, and if you do transform into a big rampaging dragon, you got the strength to overcome.
Yeah, cause splitting the Mane Six up worked so well in Fallout Equestria....thanks Luna.
Rarity 1 A.J. 0... as long as we ignore the whole captured by dragons matter.
Well, Rarity and Spike seem to have quite a few complicated things to deal with. It was a sweet and and very informative chapter.
Courage is not the lack of fear, but the ability to overcome it.
The first few chapters were pretty boring, but this story slowly picked up pace, and now the latest two or three chapters… WOW!!! This is officially my most anticipated story for updates! MOAR!
I LOVED THIS CHAPTER (I guess I say that after I finish reading every new chapter, well... I love this story then? xDD) and you updated fast!!
hahaha flutters...
ok Twi, that one was... cruel xDD
LMAO and here you go again, Flutters! xDD
<3 that's one of the reasons of why I love this cpuple so much.
and a final comment... something's telling me Spike's turning to rampage soon or later... Rarity won't like that! but of course, he'll have to find a way to get back, and I imagine who could help him once again to do that?
This story is getting epic! I originally clicked on this story so long ago because I was simply looking for a good Sparity fic. What it has grown into is amazing. This chapter is full of feels. The group has split, the enemy is advancing and darkness looms. Yet hope remains. I am reminded of another inspiring story.
I love this story.
Poor Moxie...
And well well... Rarity has finally learned what she wished to do so... and wow is she emotional about it.
I'm guessing Spike is so small because he's actively been suppressing his growth, or the shrinking spell by Celestia is hampering his natural growth as well?
I feel that some really good plot is coming and that this is just a calm before the breaking of the storm. Look forward to seeing how everything turns out.
2695312 I seriously approve of your videos.
"I'm going alone."
"Of course you are, and I'm coming with you,"
Interesting take on the dragons. I like it.
Also Spike the sacrificial hero! Nice ring to him.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Yes keep going this is getting awesome. I would like it if at some point in the story they bring in the dragon zord.
So at some-point Spike is going to turn into a castle-sized mass of Gargoyle murder and uncontrollable destruction/mayhem?
Spike, you must become a rampaging monster and squish all the gargoyles.
For they have been eating ponies, and all pony-eaters are to be slain with due viciousness and savagery such that no creature ever dares to attempt it again for fear of the dreadful end that shall fall upon them.
NOBODY EATS MAH PONIES!!
2696140 if he doesn't then I will be very disappoint!
Btw, this story is probably the single greatest pony story ever! It's actually because of this that I'm actively searching for Sparity fics now.
Totally my favorite version of Spike in this story.
Great job, and good update time! Update like that more often and you'll be the best writer on this website! 
But absolutely fantastic chapter! Definitely as good as "How to woo your lady in 9 easy steps." I like the suspense of this war. Infact i love this story!
Keep up the great work! 
Another excellent chapter. I like Moxie.
I love Sparity but the mother-son-sibling relationship between our favorite dragon and Twilight always makes me cry
. It's so beautiful.
I wonder if Moxie ends up playing a larger role in this story, besides just being exposition and an obstacle. I hope so; I like the gal.
The fecal matter is quickly approaching the level of being reality.
I wonder if his desire to save Rarity can be aided by himself convincing his mind that the other dragons are hording Rarity thus his greed for his most important "gem" would allow him to grow.
Rarity needs to ask about greed in relation to growth in a dragon. Something else must be able to fill in or else their uncontrollable greed would prevent them from actually falling in love. Additionally, I'd think the giving of gems to your hoped mate would be a sign of love seeing as an act of generosity would be counter-intuitive to a dragon's greed; but if they are willing to give to someone else, they must honestly deem them worth more than the gems.
This is actually true many reptiles. Also true of many reptiles, they grow fast.
Spike, the überdrach.
And so all the brave players went off to prepare for the eventual battle...
Getting everyone set for what's to come makes it feel all the more epic, and of Course Spike will be willing to trade himself for Rarity. I also love Rarity's part here. Oh, she's in trouble all right.
Hope Ste'fan and Sweetie will be ok.
My favorite chapter so far!
Good job! 
Hmmm. So dragons don't stop growing, ever. That's awesome in its own right, because it summons up images like She of the Wyrmstadt (the ancient dragoness whose wings unfurled blot out the sky, from It Takes a Village). But it's also cool because it highlights how different Spike is from other dragons. We may have learned that he has the power to grow to reach the size he would be if his egg had hatched sooner, but we still don't know how he's been staying the same size since he moved to Ponyville or longer, and I'm looking forward to exploring that side of the issue because I feel like it'll probably have important emotional resonance behind it.
Also I love the description of Rarity's feelings when she realizes how dragon aging and romance works. You can practically hear the gears in her head coming to a screeching halt when she becomes aware of how she feels about Spike possibly ending up with someone else, and what that implies about her feelings for him in general. It's a great moment.
So, I wonder how willing the dragons will be to treat ponies (and maybe the sea serpents too) as allies instead just tools for their own purposes. When two or three groups have a mutual enemy, it's obviously far better to cooperate with each other than to blackmail and antagonize the other groups to coerce them into begrudgingly giving something up that might be far less valuable than a willing partnership would be. Even if Spike and the other four could become absolutely gigantic, I'm not sure how much difference they could make.
I'm really enjoying how everything else is developing too, I just can't think of anything substantive to say about it. The story keeps getting more and more interesting.
I almost expected her to say, "They're entering the Tyrannosaur paddock." Yep, I've seen Jurassic Park too many times.
It was pretty obvious, Fluttershy.
Great chapter for Spike, now that one of my favorite story arcs has finally become relevant. He realized he will have to make a very personal sacrifice and become the Incredible Hulk once again to save someone dear to him. There have been at least four other fanfics in which Spike used his greed growth as a superpower, and more than a few other instances. My hope is that he will still have control of himself if the dragons force his growth.
Now, I gotta disagree with Rarity a bit here. What I would've preferred to hear her say was that it's next to impossible to find a partnership that benefits both lovers in every way. For everyone to find the right partner every time would be an impossible feat of flawless decision-making. 'Course, if it's an indisputable rule that dragons mate for life, that would probably have been the wrong thing to tell her...
Regardless, you have the best theory on dragon life cycles I've ever heard. Mine is that they read a legal age about five or six years after hatching, but yours actually fits with what we've learned from canon: that a dragon's physical state is a reaction to their environment. Were such a thing canon (obviously not gonna happen), it would be a development to cheer over; there would be nothing to stop Spike from being with a mare.
2711324 Somebody caught my Jurassic Park reference!!!
My fanfic author life has been made. Done now. I can pack up and go home.
You know, it just dawned on me that my lifelong obsession with dinosaurs might have influenced why Spike is one of my favorite characters...
2711502 It was intentional? Alright! Now you just need someone to deliver Samuel L. Jackson's JP catchphrase.
2711572 It was totally intentional. I figured no one else had a mind that worked like mine, though, and would add in the proper ending to that fairly generic phrase. I'm extremely impressed that you did.
Now I'm trying to decide who would be best Samuel L Jackson. I'm thinking either Rainbow, AJ, or Fluttershy.
2713578 Being a strong supporter of the underdog, I would suggest Spike say it right when he knows things are about to get heated. Though it would be fun to hear it from Twilight as well. Eh, it all depends on if you even find a place to use it.
Also, in JohnPerry's Mission: Implausible, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia exchange Nedry and Dodgson's dialogue. The delicious part is that they actually are secret agents.
2713665 Hah! Yeah, no, that line won't actually be in the story. I don't like to make overly obvious references. More fun to hunt down the true fans that get the more subtle ones.
This is quickly becoming a favorite as your story and world expands. Sparity's not really my thing, I'm more into Rarilight/Raripie
, but this is really good stuff. Your dragon lore is intriguing, and you handle the characters well. Looking forward to the next installment!
"Of Age" is what should be opening in theaters this Sunday, not freaking Equestria Girls.
In any case, I've really enjoyed the story so far. It can be hard to pinpoint precisely what it means to make a story seem "like the show," but I think you've nailed it.
2695312
That is exaclty how this scene feel. Aaaw, it's enough to bring tears to my eyes to see these ponies (and dragon) breaking up.
To Paleowriter: Well done still. Though I'm really wondering how this will go further. Are we going all serious warfic? Oh well, I'll just have to see.
So our heroic dragon is thousands of years old, looks like a child, and is ready to fall in love? Sounds familiar . . .
th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/053/7/7/nowi___fire_emblem_awakening_by_somegu-d5vt1l7.png
Seriously, I am getting a bit of a creepy vibe from all the effort to justify that the character who always acts like a little kid in the show isn't actually a little kid. I'm not criticizing your writing or your characterization, it's just a little off-putting.
threw out this story you have effectively made me feel what the characters are feeling in their situations. I've been nervous excited anxious and on the verge of tears all with a few laughs. That's a mark of a great writer.
Waitaminute, you mean Luna used Spikes egg to become Nightmare Moon? On the one hand, that's a pretty creative concept (along with the idea of dragon strength depending on egg age). On the other, I really don't like the idea that Luna so willingly traded her... equinity? Whatever the pony term for 'humanity' might be. That may just be headcanon getting in the way, though.
I get grabbing Rainbow Dash. Her role makes sense. But Pinkie Pie? You can't tell me she's the only rock expert in Equestria. It's not like there's only one family of rock farmers out there. Still, one less character to have to deal with in massive group conversations...
Huh. Who wold think a near-death experience would make Sweetie mature a little bit? Heaven knows every other brush with death she's had (including nearly having her head bitten off by a gargoyle) didn't do it. Curious...
I love how you've made the dragons look at things in completely different logic from ponies. It really gives a sense of an alien culture.
"I will take the horseshoe to Maredor!"
Sorry, couldn't help it.
Tag unnecessary.
God damn it, Pinkie.
This could be a lot stronger. Luna could use her Royal Canterlot Voice, literally cowing everyone into submission, shaking the trees near the beach, making any of them tremble. It would also increase the fact that the situation is rather urgent, since ponies are arguing all round like time isn't actually of the essence.
I realise that this is supposed to be Spike coming to the realisation here, but it just comes off as telly exposition aimed at the reader. We have already figured this out from Luna's explanation. You could honestly lose it from the paragraph, keep the rest as it is, and it would be fine.
Redundant tag. Cut it.
Oh hey, one of the Crusaders is being logical! I approve. She should be, considering what happened to her. Cheating death can have a huge effect on a person's psyche.
?!Your* and the tag could go too. "Me, Your Highness?" Applejack's eyes widened.
Y'know, I've always liked the idea that Dragons are embodiments of the Seven Sins. Maybe Spike isn't limited to growing from excess thievery (greed). Perhaps he could eat a lot (gluttony), or be made to think incredibly highly of himself (pride), or just get super angry (wrath). Potentially any sin could work... but I'm speculating here; back to it!
Awww. *sniff*
I, uh, think this would make more sense if Moxie had actually said "yet" as well.
Comma on the inside.
Circular logic! My favourite kind!
Oh, boy. Rarity's finally getting answers. But how will she handle them? Here's hoping she doesn't have a mental breakdown...
There are no better two characters to talk about this like they are. Spike and Luna have that in common. They're the only ones present who truly understand. Good job putting them together in more ways than one.
The cool thing about the ending of this chapter is that it almost feels like the start of a journey, even though the story is halfway done. The other cool thing is I was listening to Homesong, by Timbaer, as I read the last scene of this chapter. It just really seemed to fit like a glove to the writing. Too bad there's no video of it; you'll need to get the first Seeds of Kindness album to listen to it.
Then use the Crystal Heart! Or get Cadence and Shining to make another love shield like they did to stop the changeling invasion!
Edit:
Well, that's better, but they should still just try the Crystal Heart. I wonder what would happen if they used the Elements through the Crystal Heart, considering it sends a blast of love magic through the world powered by the ponies around it.
I love hwat Rarity is foing here with Moxie. Not only is it kind of awesome and hilarious to see a pony talking with a giant dragon lik they were at a spa (*Thinks of the 100th*) Its a fun little contrast, but there is something else here that is better. It once again shows why Rarity is such a wonderful character. Any other character that is in her same frame (the lady like fashion girl) would be sobbing, crying, and afraid. Not this girl! Why she is scared, she is busy thinking of ways to break out, to get out of her predictament, and how to use other ponies to her avantage. Her talent is finding the inner beauty of others and this means she can also look into what makes one tick. She is a fashion girl and a lady who wants to b noble, so she knows how to talk. All of this meshes into a mare who knows how to take care of herself in a horrible situation.
Wich again, brings me to how Spike is feeling here. It is not just his age that he is feeling bad about, but his own worth. Even if he is a drgon of extreme power, how does that compare to a speedster who can defy physics, a super-strong mare, or Pinkie. That is like comparing your abilites to a group conisting of Flash, Hulk, and Deadpool. Ad onto this, the girls can take care of themselve, really. So, Spike is probably wondering what he an do to help, when he is on the precipice of legends. I alos love how this is gong to how he feels about Twilight, and showing that they love each eeply and will always be there for one another.