• Published 24th Feb 2020
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Spike The Brony Dragon - red4567



A human in Spike's body will do whatever he can to change the future for the better.

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Chapter 35 (Secret of my Excess)

It was a week until Spike’s birthday, which was almost close to my real birthday by a couple of days. That seemed rather convenient. At least I wouldn’t forget it.

I knew this episode would come someday. In the show, Spike goes on a greedy rampage on his birthday, and by the next day he turns into a giant greedy monster. If it weren’t for him remembering that fire ruby, Spikezilla would’ve literally stolen Ponyville right off the map.

I really hoped that the same wouldn’t happen to me. I just had to be careful not to ask for stuff on my birthday, but I wondered if it was easier said than done.

“There you are, my precious.”

After pulling out some books from the shelf, I opened the secret compartment. Inside, there was a decorated box, which I took out. As I opened it, a heart-shaped ruby glistened in the light. I gave it a good lick. It had a hint of cherry that was obvious, but not overwhelming. Part of me wanted to eat the entire gem in one bite, but I knew I had to resist the temptation.

I gave a good chuckle as I picked the gem up from the box. Suddenly, I heard the sound of books crashing and tumbling from the other room.

Oops.

“Spike! What are you laughing at?!” Twilight called out.

I quickly entered the room. There, I saw Twilight covered in fallen books. I must have interrupted her “reshelving day.”

“Sorry about that,” I said. “To answer your question: I’ve been aging this fire ruby for months! It’s almost ripe. I’m gonna eat this bad boy on my birthday. It’s like a birthday gift for myself.”

“How did you get a fire ruby?” Twilight asked. “I don’t recall Rarity ever giving you something like that.”

“I found it during one of the gem hunts last year. At first, I thought it was rather interesting how it was naturally heart-shaped, so I kept it to myself. I was going to tell Rarity later, but after I did some research and found out it was a rare fire ruby, I knew right then that I should keep it for a special meal.”

“I suppose your birthday dinner counts as a special meal?”

“Of course.”

“Hello? Anypony home?” A voice called out.

It was Rarity’s. She entered the library and noticed the fire ruby.

“Is that a fire ruby?!” Rarity zipped right up to me. “That must be at least twenty carats! No inclusions! Pristine facets!”

“And very delicious,” I added.

“Uh, if you guys don’t mind?” Twilight called out as she reshelved some of her books.

“Oh, uh...of course,” Rarity said. “I just came by to see if you had any books on historical fashion.” She then turned to me. “Did you say ‘delicious’?”

“Yeah.” I polished the gem. “My birthday’s next week, so I’m saving this for my dinner.”

Just like in the show, Rarity was rather interested in the fire ruby. I couldn’t blame her. The gemology book said that finding a fire ruby out in the wild was super rare, and its cost was through the roof as far as gems go. That was even if it was possible to find a store that sells it. I knew the one in Canterlot didn’t sell anything like it.

“I hope it’s as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike,” Rarity said after receiving her book about historical fashions. “I've never seen anything quite so stunning before.”

“I...guess you really like it, huh?” I asked.

“Like it? It's magnificent!” Rarity swayed her mane.

“Then you should have it,” I handed Rarity the gem. “Something like this shouldn’t be eaten. It should be with someone like you.”

Rarity was overjoyed by the thought of my generosity. She even kissed me on the cheek. I couldn’t help but blush.

“Wow, Spike, that's one of the kindest, most generous things you've ever done,” Twilight said. “I've never seen Rarity so happy!”

“Yeah, neither have I,” I replied as I rubbed my cheek.

I watched as Rarity headed out the door with her new ruby. That’s when something occurred to me. I did like the fact that Rarity kissed me, but that was it. It was just good. Not spectacular or wonderful. Just...good.

“Spike? Is everything alright?” Twilight asked.

“Huh? What?” I blinked.

“You were spacing out again. Are you worried about that fire ruby?”

“N-no. It’s just that...” I sighed. “Remember that secret I told you?”

“Which one?”

“You know...the one about Rarity and Fluttershy?”

“You mean your crush on them? Yeah, I remember.”

“Well...I’m still having trouble deciding between the two. I think I like Fluttershy better, but I’m afraid of breaking Rarity’s heart.”

“Oh, Spike, you’re just like that stallion in the comics with the two mares. I’m not a love doctor, so I wouldn’t know who you should go with. That’s up to you to decide.”

I sighed. “You’re right.”

I don’t know which mare I should start a relationship with. Fluttershy’s my favorite pony, but if I started a relationship with her, what would Discord think? He already knew I didn’t come from this world, but if he figured out I started a relationship with Fluttershy during his stone nap, I might never hear the end of it.

Come to think of it, does he know I have an affection for Fluttershy? If he does, I really hope he and Fluttershy are just friends.


The week flew by pretty fast. The library was already decorated for my (Spike’s) birthday.

“Just about finished, Spike?” Twilight asked as she arranged the punch bowl. “Everypony will be here soon.”

“Almost, Twilight.” I adjusted the ribbon on one of the shelves. “There, now everything’s perfect.”

“I still can’t believe you’re turning twelve so soon,” Twilight said as I slid down the ladder. “It seemed like only yesterday I hatched you from that egg.”

“It certainly does feel that way.” I rubbed the back of my head.

So Spike’s gonna be 12 years old? That would explain the greedy thoughts and the molting, though I always thought he was younger. So that would mean Twilight was 10 years old when she hatched me, which means I was born in 1999. That would probably put me in the Gen Z category. Funny enough, Spike’s birth year is only a few years later than mine.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. The rest of the girls arrived and wished me a happy birthday. They all gave me presents just like in the show.

“Thank you, girls,” I said. “I don’t normally get this many presents on my birthday. The only thing I get for my birthday is a book. From Twilight.”

I didn’t have to turn around to know that Twilight was just about to give me one.

“Speaking of presents,” Rarity said, “this is from my new line of taffeta capes.” Rarity pulled out a pink cape and showed it to all of us. “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 then nuzzled me, and I couldn’t help but blush.

I really enjoyed all the presents the girls gave me. Applejack gave me an apple-themed blanket; Rainbow Dash, a barbell, Fluttershy, a painting; Pinkie, a rubber chicken; and Rarity, a mirror.

"I can't thank you all enough for these gifts!" I exclaimed. "I wish this party would last forever."

"The party can't last forever," Pinkie Pie said. "'Cause you have to go to Sugarcube Corner, 'cause the Cakes said they have a special surprise for you, 'cause it's your birthday!"

"Really? I'll head there right now. I'll be right back."

I exited the library and rushed to Sugarcube Corner. There, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake at the counter.

"There's the dragon of the hour!" Mr. Cake announced. "Happy birthday, Spike!"

"Thank you," I replied.

"When we found out it was your birthday," Mrs. Cake said, "we couldn't resist trying out a new recipe: sapphire!"

Mrs. Cake handed me a plate that had a vanilla cupcake with blue frosting and sapphires.

"Thank you very much!" I said as I picked up the blue treat. "It almost looks too good to eat."

"You're welcome, Spike," Mrs. Cake. "Hope you'll enjoy it." She then walked away from the counter clutching her belly. "Easy, my little ponies."

"Hey, is Mrs. Cake all right?" I whispered to Mr. Cake. "She looks like she ate something terrible."

"Oh, she's fine," Mr. Cake replied. "In fact, she's better than fine. Because soon, she's going to be a mother."

"Oh, congrats. Will it be a boy or girl?"

"Both. We're gonna have twins."

"That's good to know...wait, if Mrs. Cake's pregnant, how come she's still working? Shouldn't she be resting until the babies arrive?"

"The doctor said it's fine for her. As long as she doesn't do anything too wild, she can still work."

"I see."

I left Sugarcube Corner as I munched on the sapphire cupcake. The sapphires tasted really good. They had a hint of blue raspberry.

"What a day," I said as I licked the frosting off my fingers. "I reached my twelfth birthday, my best friends gave me gifts, and I got to enjoy a delicious cupcake. This truly is the best—!"

Crash!!

During my boasting, I bumped right into Cheerilee, spilling her groceries all over the place.

"Oh, jeez! I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. "I didn't see where I was going."

"That's okay," Cheerilee said as she picked up some of her dropped produce. "What's got you so excited?"

"It's my birthday today. I just had this sapphire cupcake the Cakes made. I'd definitely recommend it...if you're a dragon, of course."

"Well, happy birthday, Spike! I wish I had something to give you!"

"Oh, that's okay. I don't care about how many gifts I get. You wishing me a happy birthday is good enough."

"Still, I don't want to feel guilty about not giving you anything. Oh, I know!" Cheerilee pulled a white hat out of the bag and placed it on my head. "There you go."

"Thanks. You shouldn't have."

"Don't mention it, Spike. Everypony should get fun gifts on their birthday."

"Wait a minute. Why did you have a hat in your groceries?"

"No reason." Cheerilee shrugged.

After I hugged Cheerilee as a thank you for the gift, I headed back to the library.

Then I saw a kid bouncing a ball. That's when it happened.

Nothing.

Seriously, I didn't feel anything. I didn't want the ball. Somehow, not wanting it was more concerning than wanting it. If I felt some need for it, I would've tried to resist, but instead, the desire for the ball never crossed my mind. That was weird.

Maybe since I already knew about Greed-induced bigness, I subconsciously made sure I didn't get any greedy thoughts.

I left the kid alone and made my way back home. That's when I saw Junebug drinking some water.

Maybe I should give it a test.

"Hey, Junebug," I greeted. "Good to see you. Did you know that today's my birthday?"

"Happy Birthday, Spike," Junebug said.

"Thank you, that means a lot."

Once again, I didn't feel any greedy thoughts. I guess I really had full control of my greed.

"Well, I better be going now. I'll see you soon," I said.

"Bye, Spike," Junebug said. "Have a Happy Birthday."

I waved to Junebug as I went back to the library. I saw Twilight just coming out.

"Oh, there you are, Spike," Twilight said. "I was just about to look for you. Uh...where did you get that hat?"

"Oh, Cheerilee gave it to me," I replied. "I told her it was my birthday, and she gave me this as a gift. I said she didn't have to, but she insisted."

"Uh huh."

We went back in the library and continued the party. It really was fun celebrating my birthday with all my friends, including my favorite pony.


The next morning, I woke up without any problems. The lack of items around me proved that I didn't go crazy from greed. I breathed a great sigh of relief. I then heard Twilight yawning.

"Wow, what a rough night's sleep, Spike," Twilight said as she stretched. "I had the weirdest dream."

"Really?" I rubbed my eyes. "What was it about?"

"Well, it was kind of crazy. A giant metallic creature was destroying Ponyville. Then you transformed into a fifty-foot dragon and fought back. Just when the creature was about to win, Fluttershy grew fifty feet as well and helped you take it down. You guys were able to defeat the creature, and then you hugged...and that's when I woke up."

"That is a crazy dream." My stomach rumbled. "Oops. I guess we should have breakfast now."

"I agree."

We later made breakfast and ate in the kitchen. I couldn't help but think about Twilight's dream.

"You know," I said to Twilight, "about your dream, what if part of it comes true?"

"Don't be silly, Spike," Twilight replied as she ate her corn flakes. "Fluttershy can't grow that big, and there's no such thing as a creature made of metal. Unless it was a machine, of course."

"I meant me growing big. I remember Smolder telling me about Greed-induced bigness, and I don't want it happening to me."

"Me neither. Were you having greedy thoughts recently?"

"No. None. But I had a few questions about growing from greed."

"Well, I can't teleport us to the Dragon Lands. It's too far for my magic. And I doubt Smolder can send letters the same way as you do."

"Maybe there's someone here who knows about dragons."

"Spike, nopony here knows about dragons. The only info we got was what you told me from Smolder."

"I didn't say anything about a pony knowing dragon culture."

Twilight tilted her head.


A few minutes later, we were at Zecora's hut. I knew that in the show, Zecora knew about Greed-induced bigness.

I've read about Zebrica a while back, and there was a section that talks about the zebras' relationship with dragons. Their standings were neutral, but they exchanged information about each other’s culture like they were on very good terms. That knowledge was passed down through many generations as accurately as possible. This could explain why Zecora knew about dragons more than anypony else in Ponyville.

"About dragons, I know a thing or two," Zecora said. "You wish to learn something. Is this true?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I know how greed can make me grow, but is there a limit to how big I can get? Is there a way for me to prevent it?"

"The maximum greed size isn't exact. It differs for each dragon, and that's a fact. Greedy thoughts come and go. Preventing them completely isn't something I know."

"If you ever feel like you're going greedy, try to think of a generous thought," Twilight said. "Like when you gave that fire ruby to Rarity."

"I'll keep that in mind," I said. "But...there was one more thing I wanted to know. What if I could use my Greed-induced bigness for good?"

"I don't follow."

"What if I could grow at will without hoarding stuff? Is it possible? I mean, I've seen creatures do that in my comics."

Twilight rubbed her forehead. "Spike, if you're talking that raging saddle…"

"Her name is Saddle Rager."

"Whatever. If you're talking about her, forget it. That comic book of yours is fiction. F-I-C-T-I-O-N."

"I'm just asking if it's possible. Is it, Zecora?"

"Growing without a hoard isn't fiction," Zecora replied. "But it's rare, even to those with an addiction. Dragons had no need to grow up so fast. Their parents and others were already vast."

"So it is possible, but it's unlikely."

"I would not recommend trying if I were you. There's no telling what you might do. Do you best not to succumb to greed. Destruction is the last thing Ponyville needs."

"Don't worry. I won't get greedy anytime soon. I was just curious."

We left Zecora's hut and headed back to Ponyville. As we left the Everfree Forest, I noticed Fluttershy's cottage in the distance. In Twilight's dream, Fluttershy and I hugged. That reminded me of my dilemma.

Should I really go for Fluttershy? Even if I gave Rarity that fire ruby? I don't want to break Rarity's heart, but this could be my only chance to be with Fluttershy before Discord comes back.

"Come on, Spike!" Twilight called out. "We've got to clean the library and sort the books out."

"C-coming!" I yelled as I hurried to catch up with Twilight.

As I helped Twilight with cleaning the library, I kept thinking about what I should do. That's when I decided what must be done.

"Twilight," I said as we finished cleaning. "There's something I need to do. It's pretty important."

"Go ahead, Spike," Twilight said. "Do what you need to do."

I nodded and left the library.


I cautiously approached the boutique. I bit my lower lip as I nervously knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Rarity’s voice said on the other side of the door.

I opened the door and headed inside.

“Rarity? Where are you?” I called out.

“Just a moment, darling.” Rarity trotted down the stairs wearing a cape. I noticed the fire ruby attached at the center of her chest. “Spike, how wonderful to see you.”

I rubbed the back of my head. “Rarity, do you have a minute? There’s something serious I need to talk to you about.”

Rarity’s smile dissipated. “Oh. Is it about the ruby?” I shook my head. “Then what?”

“You might want to sit down for this.”

Rarity got out the fainting couch. We both sat down on it.

I took a deep breath. “I’m sure you know about this, but I sorta have a...”

“I know, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity replied. “I suppose the same goes for Fluttershy?”

I nodded. “I guess you already know that.”

“It was pretty obvious when you asked her to the Gala last year. I guess you’ve made your decision...and are here to tell me.”

“Yes.” I clasped my hands together. “Please don’t be upset, Rarity. You’re a really beautiful pony, and anyone else can confirm that. I wanted to be in a relationship with you since the day I met you, but...nothing clicks.”

“Spike...”

“I’m sorry, Rarity. In a different world, we could’ve done our best to be together. Resolve any conflicts. Do what significant others do. But I can’t see it happening. It’s not your fault; I just don’t feel the love around you the same way I do for Fluttershy. I really don’t want to sadden you, but just being friends is as far as we can go for now. I’d like for us to be together and have the whole world see us that way, but I don’t think I can be truly happy if that were the case.”

Rarity wrapped her arm around me. “Spike, darling. If you want to be with Fluttershy, then go ahead.”

“Y-You’re not upset?”

“It was only a matter of time before you would make your big decision, and given everything, I kind of expected this. But don’t worry about me. You should follow your heart, and ignore what society thinks. It’s not about making the world happy, but making you happy. You can’t be somepony or somedragon who tries to make everyone happy all the time. You should have your own opinions, your own goals, your own lover. It’s what makes you...you. I know it sounds cliche, darling, but do whatever makes you happy.”

“Thank you.”

Rarity and I shared a hug.

“I should be going now,” I said. “Thanks for talking with me. You can still keep the ruby.”

I headed out the door.

“Oh, and Spike?” Rarity said.

“Yeah?”

“I’ll still be here for support. If things go sour for you two, you know where to find me. We’re still friends, after all.”

“Thanks.”

I walked down the path to Fluttershy’s house. I still couldn’t believe what happened back there.

Old Spike, if you can hear me, I’m sorry for not choosing Rarity.

Once I approached Fluttershy’s cottage, I knocked on her door. Fluttershy quickly answered.

“Oh, good afternoon, Spike,” Fluttershy greeted. “How are you today?”

I sighed. “Not good. Can I talk with you?”

“Oh, my. Come on in. I’ll brew some jasmine tea.”

I sat down on the couch as Fluttershy prepared the tea. She quickly returned with the tea tray. She poured a cup and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I said as I took a sip.

“So what’s been going on?”

I told Fluttershy about what happened between me and Rarity.

“...in the end, we decided to be just friends,” I concluded.

“Spike...” Fluttershy put her teacup down. “Was Rarity upset?”

“I don’t know.” I looked away. “I honestly don’t know. She didn’t sound upset, and she mentioned that she knew I’d go for you, but I’m afraid to find her on the couch chowing down ten tubs of ice cream in her bathrobe.”

“Did you hear her crying when you left?”

“No, but she did say she would be with me for support...”

“Then I guess she wasn’t upset.”

“But still, why is she taking the friendzoning thing well? I’m afraid it’ll be like in those stories where one pony says the other took it well, only to cut to said other pony crying their eyes out.”

“You’re still friends with her, Spike. It doesn’t mean you should stop talking to her. You can still interact with her.”

“I guess so.”

“There’s something I’d like to know, though. Why did you choose me? I’m just some ordinary pegasus.”

“To me, you’re more than that. You’re kind, lovable, adorable. You’re not afraid to stand up for yourself if things go bad. You’re great with every sort of animal, and you’ll face your fears to save your friends. I really do feel like we should be together.”

“Oh, Spike.”

We hugged once again. It was just like that night at the Gala. It seemed like everytime I hugged Fluttershy, all my worries melt away.

“But are you sure we should be together?” Fluttershy asked.

“Don’t worry.” I then whispered in Fluttershy’s ear, “Between you and me, I’m actually older than you think. In dragon years, I’m the same age as you.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’re a dragon, and I’m a pony. Is it really okay for two different species to be together? Especially if one of them is a dragon?”

Have ponies really hated dragons that much? I can’t wait until the later seasons.

“You know, a mare once told me that it doesn’t matter what society thinks. What matters is what you think. So, do you think we should be together?”

Fluttershy thought about it for a minute.

She then smiled and said, “I’m willing to give this a try.”

We shared one more hug together. It really was a great day. I didn’t go greedy, and I started a relationship with my favorite pony. The only downside was that I had to friendzone Rarity, but if what Fluttershy said is true, I shouldn’t worry about her being upset.

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