> Love is Blind
>  by Forefront1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Love is Blind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Love is Blind




        Hearts and Hooves day, one of the happiest times of the year for some ponies. A day devoted to spending time with your special somepony, the one you love. Although not everypony could spend time with the one that they adored. That is if everypony also includes dragons.
        Once again, Spike tried to talk to Rarity and tell her how he felt, but once again he failed and ended up looking foolish. Of course then he needed a reason for showing up at her house. That is why he is now walking all over town getting supplies for some suit that Rarity was working on. 
       	"Dumb suit”, Spike muttered to himself, practically drowning in self pity.
        "Why is she so hard to talk to? If I could just have one moment alone with her, somewhere that nopony could show up at all, then maybe...maybe...Aww who am I kidding?” Spike continued to say to himself. “She would never fall for a guy like me.”
        Everywhere he looked all he saw was happy couples enjoying their time together. He saw Big Mac and Cheerilee carefully drinking the juice that they brought to their picnic, just in case the Cutie Mark Crusaders wanted to try again with the love potion idea. He saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake on a stroll with the foals, and although they were crying, the couple still remained happy.
        Spike sighed and continued to gather the things Rarity needed. It took him a few hours to eventually travel all over Ponyville and another half hour to return to Rarity’s. He had collected to giant bags full of fabrics and embellishments. As he entered the door he was hoping to hear Rarity thanking him for his good job. 
        “Rarity! I’m back!” he shouted, struggling to drag the bags inside.
        “She’s not here Spike.” said a voice from upstairs.
        “Oh, hi Sweetie Belle.” said spike as the young filly came down the stairs.
        “So, where is Rarity again?” Spike asked, leaning the bags against the wall.
        “She said something about going over to see Twilight actually.” Sweetie said. “Oh and she told me to give you these.” she said extending her hoof.
        On top of it laid a few gems, all of different colors and sizes, which all looked very delicious to Spike.
        “Sweet!” he shouted, grabbing and scarfing the gems down. “Thanks, Sweetie Belle, here’s what Rarity needed.” he said as he walked out the door.
        “Bye Spike, tell Twilight I said hi!” Sweetie said as she walked back upstairs.
        “Will do.” he replied walking out the door with a wave.
        Spike then hurried to Twilight’s to see what Rarity was up to and see if she needed anything else done. The walk wasn't too far and before he knew it he was walking through the doorway at the library. Inside, he heard Twilight and Rarity talking in the basement. He slowly walked down the stairs just to hear what they were talking about.
        “So this, spell,” he heard Rarity say. “Can turn any living creature into whatever creature you choose?”
        “Yeah,” Twilight said. “Remember after we saved the breezies? Rainbow Dash was begging for me to turn her into a griffon or a dragon.” 
        “Go on.” Rarity said fixing her mane, half listening to her.
        “Well, that got me thinking. I knew the spell I used was purely for turning ponies into breezies and vice versa, but I wondered if another spell could make another transformation.”
        “So you found this spell.” Rarity said motioning to the spell-book on the nearby table.
        “The all-purpose spell of species swapping transformations.” Twilight said excitedly.
        After Spike heard that, he couldn't believe it and decided to make himself known, to get the full explanation. 
        “Hey Twilight, Rarity.” he said walking down the stairs and over to them.
        “Oh hi, Spike, did you get the fabrics I needed?” Rarity asked.
        “Yeah I dropped them off at your place.” he replied proudly.
“Oh thank you, Spikey, whatever would I do without you?” Rarity said embracing him in a hug.
        “Hey, Spike.” Twilight said rolling her eyes.
        “Yeah, whatever.” Spike said forgetting Twilight and enjoying the hug.
        “I take it standing at the top of the stairs was getting boring.” Twilight said with a smirk.
        “Oh...yeah...I guess.” said Spike backing away sheepishly. “So I hear that you found a new spell."
        “Not just any new spell. One of the greatest spells ever!” exclaimed Twilight with bright eyes.
        “So have you tested this spell yet?” asked Rarity, in slight concern.
        “Well...I...uh.” mumbled Twilight.
        “That’s why you called me over.” Rarity said. “Say no more, I’ll do it.”
        “You will?” Twilight said excitedly.
        “Of course darling, you’re my friend, and after all. Who gets to say that they've been another creature before...twice?"
        “A few." Twilight said bluntly. 
"Alright, so since you two are going to be testing magic, I better get out of here. You know, in case I grow another head.” Spike said slowly backing away in fear.
        “Fine, just don’t be loud. I need to concentrate.” Twilight said as Spike went upstairs.
        “Alright, now what creature do you want to turn into first?” Twilight asked excitedly, flipping through the giant book.
        “Wow, never thought that I would ever be asked that." Rarity said, pondering the question. "How about you choose and then I will decide when I think of one.”
        “Alright, just stand there, and you might feel a slight burning but that is normal.”
        Twilight focused her magic and stood very still. After a moment, Rarity was lifted off of the ground and the spell began to work. Rarity began to look in awe, however, the awe suddenly turned to disgust. Her body began to get covered in black spots, her unicorn horn split into two different horns on the side of her head, and then her small muzzle grew bigger and more rectangular. However the biggest change was the large udder that appeared under her stomach. Then, as she was let down onto the ground, she showed her..distaste.
        “A COW?!” she screamed in horror.
        “Sorry," Twilight said nervously, "I was trying to turn you into a dog like Winona, but then I remembered that she watched over the cows at Appleacres and then…”
        “Fine, just change me into something else!” Rarity ranted angrily.
        “Fine, let me try the dog again.” Twilight said, once again consulting the book.
        Rarity was once again lifted off the ground and this time the transformation worked as expected. Rarity’s horns shrank back while her ears grew out and became longer. Her body slimmed down and became sleek and curvier. Her tail, became straighter and more furry. Her hooves also separated into individual toes.Finally her nose became longer and thinner and had separated into her mouth and nose. When the transformation was complete, it revealed a dog that looked like Winona, except with white fur.
        “There you go.” Twilight said with pride
        “Wow,” Rarity said looking up at Twilight. “You are so much taller from down here.” She continued looking in awe at the room around her.
        “Well you are only two feet off the ground.” Twilight chuckled. 
        “This is so cool. Wait what is moving my tail.” Rarity said turning around trying to see her moving tail.
        “Awww, you’re wagging your tail, that’s just adorable.” Twilight said smiling.
        “Amazing, only how do I make it stop?” Rarity said in confusion.
        “It looks like it’s involuntary. I guess you’re really happy right now." Twilight said observing Rarity.
        “Well, I am happy I guess. What creature is next?” Rarity asked with enthusiasm.
        The two ponies spent a good hour testing the spell. Twilight turned Rarity into a deer, a cat, a bird, a bunny, even a buffalo. Some reactions from Rarity went better than the rest. After the hour it seemed like they were out of tests. 
        “Hey, Twilight.” Rarity said nervously.
        “Yeah.” Twilight said looking at the other spells.
        “I-I thought of the creature I want to be turned into.” Rarity stammered.
        “Oh really, what?” Twilight said turning to her.
        “Could you turn me into...a dragon?” Rarity said sheepishly.
        “I think so, although everything you've turned into is much smaller than that.” Twilight said.
        “Is there a way to make it...uh…a pony size dragon?” Rarity thought.
        “Possibly, I’ll try.” Twilight said finding the right spell in the book.
        Just as they were about to get ready Spike came down the stairs again.
        “Hey, I finished everything I had to do so I thought I’d check up on you two.” he said, focusing mainly on Rarity.
        “Were doing fine.” Twilight assured. “Hey Spike watch this.” she continued, concentrating her magic.
        Rarity was lifted by the purple aura again and then began to change. Her unicorn horn shrank back while purple spikes came out of the back of her neck. Her hooves turned into long claws with sharp nails on them. Then two white wings popped out of her back. Finally, her ears became pointed and her mouth stretched out and grew sharp fangs. After a few more seconds she was lowered to the ground to reveal her new dragon form.
        “Oh, my gosh.” Spike said, almost speechless.
        “You like it?” Rarity said turning around to show off.
        “You’re stunning.” he said without really thinking.
        Twilight levitated a mirror toward Rarity and she grabbed it to look at herself.
        “I...I look amazing.” Rarity said, with a huge smile on her face.
        “I take it you like your choice.” Twilight said.
        “Like doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Rarity said, amazed. “This is amazing.”
        “You’re amazing.” Spike whispered to himself quickly.
        “What was that Spikey?” She said, still admiring herself in the mirror.
        “Nothing.” he said, pretending to look away.
        “Well, we’ve had our fun, but I think I have to change you back now.” Twilight said 
        “Well, I suppose all good things must come to an end.” Rarity said. “Alright Twilight I am re- OW!” Rarity exclaimed.
        “What’s wrong?” Spike asked worriedly.
        “I just got a sharp pain in my chest.” she said, clutching her chest.
        “Uhh, Rarity.” Twilight stammered. “I think you have bigger problems.”
        ‘What?” Rarity said looking up.
        As she did that she realized that instead of being pony sized she had now become bigger than an alicorn and was still growing. Everything in the room seemed to get smaller, and Rarity could no longer exit the room by the stairs. After a few seconds her head was no more than a foot away from the ten foot high ceiling.
        “Twilight, what’s going on?” she said in a panic.
“Rarity, I messed up, I actually turned you into a full size dragon. No full size dragon is pony size. Your body must be growing to full size.” Twilight shouted.
“Twilight help!” she cried looking for somewhere to escape the slowly shrinking room.
        “Okay, just stay calm.” she replied frantically as Rarity’s head began to touch the ceiling.
        “I’m growing to fast!” Rarity shouted pushing back against the ceiling.
        “Hang on Rarity!” Twilight shouted, flipping frantically through spell books.
        “I can’t hang on much longer, my neck feels like it’s about to break!” Rarity cried out in pain.
        “Rarity!” Spike shouted in distress.
        “Spike,” Rarity said with tears in her eyes. “If I don’t make it, I just wanted to tell you…” She began, looking down at the drake.
        “What?” He shouted back wanting to know what she wanted to say.
        “Spike get under something.” Rarity said bluntly.
        “Why?” he replied, oblivious to the situation.
        “Just do it. Do it now..AHHHHHHHHH” Rarity said as she pushed through the ceiling with a mighty roar, destroying the library.
        Debris came crashing down nearly suffocating Twilight and Spike, if not for Twilight’s magic shield that she deployed at the last moment. Rarity had grown so much that she even crashed through the library’s ceiling as well, fully exposing her to the citizens of Ponyville. She had grown from a normal five feet as a pony to a total of 40 feet in only a few seconds. Rarity brushed off the rubble and dirt only to open her eyes and find a very stunned Ponyville. For a few moments no one said a word. Rarity just stood there wondering where to start or what to say.
        “Oh dear.” Rarity whispers nervously.
        “DRAGON!!!!!!” They all shout in panic.
        Then the town went into a frenzy and everyone ran into their houses, screaming, while Rarity tried to calm them down. No one paid her any attention though due to everyone believing that she was a ferocious dragon. Suddenly, a thundering roar came from the distance as the Wonderbolts flew at top speeds to fix the problem.
        “Another dragon in Ponyville, huh Spitfire.” Soarin said sarcastically.
        “Those ponies seriously need some royal guards down there.” she agreed with a shake of her head.
        Rarity saw them coming and was struck with fear. She opened her wings and flew away, crying. Spike ran outside just as the Wonderbolts chased her away. He couldn't decide whether to be mad or upset, but he knew he had to find her. He started running after her when suddenly Twilight called from inside what was left of their house.
“Spike don’t go!” she shouted, trying to get his attention.
“No, I have to bring her back so you can fix this.” he said, not even turning back.
        “I mean, don’t go without this.” she said levitating a single red rose over to him.
        “She brought this over saying it was for you. She told me to keep it anonymous but I think it is best that you find out.” Twilight said with a caring smile.
“This is really for me?” he asked in amazement.
“I think that’s something you’ll figure out when you find her.” Twilight said looking at the path Rarity flew.
“Thank you Twilight.” he said hugging her.
“One more thing. Before she flew away I realized that she looked different than most dragons. When I looked through my books quickly I found that she is a snow dragon.” Twilight said recalling her findings.
“A snow dragon?” Spike said holding his hand to his head.
“Yeah, they are much calmer and gentle than regular dragons and they prefer colder climates.” Twilight said trying to quote the book word for word.
“Then that’s where I will look.” Spike said triumphantly.
“Alright, I’m sorry I can’t come with you. I have to take care of things around her. Be safe.” Twilight said quietly to him.
“I will, and don’t worry I’ll find her.” Spike said running off with a wave.
        Spike set off not knowing the trials that were in front of him. Dragons could live for weeks without water and easily a month without food, so that wasn't an issue. However, he had a lot of ground to cover. For hours he walked from Ponyville, through forest and across plains towards the nearest mountains, since the train had been shut down due to the "dragon scare". He then started up the steep path toward the summit in hopes Rarity fled there. He continued to look at the rose he was holding as motivation to keep going. However, the trip began to take a toll on him, making him very tired. After a short time, it began to get dark so he took shelter for the night in a small cave just below the snow line. The next day he ventured into the snow. The temperature dropped significantly, and while dragons have inner body heat, far hotter than any pony, he still shivered. The snow was still falling making it hard to see as he reached a plateau. The plateau was rather big, almost like a valley surrounded by the peaks. There was nothing but snow as far as the eye could see, and Spike almost gave up hope. He called out to Rarity in hopes that she would respond, however there was no answer. Depressed, tired, and losing hope, he turned around to start climbing down, when all of a sudden the winds picked up, the snow started falling down harder, and the temperature dropped even more. Frantically, Spike looked for somewhere he could take cover. He scanned the horizon and saw a cave on the left side of the valley. He sprinted over to it and got in just before he froze. 
He collapsed on the floor shivering and afraid, however, he was alive. He then remembered the rose that he held the entire trip up. He checked it to make sure it was still in one piece and to his relief it was. He sat back against the cave walls and tried to catch his breath. It wasn't until now that he realized how tired he was. By his logic, it was only about midday and he was exhausted. He could feel his eyes slowly closing as he was drifting off to sleep. Just as he was about to close his eyes, he heard a slight whimpering, coming from deeper in the cave. At first, he thought it was just his imagination running wild from the near death experience, however, after a moment of silence, he heard it again. He stood up slowly venturing into the cave even more. He left the rose back where he was sitting, just in case he lost it and couldn't find it. As he crept further the noise got louder and sounded as if it was right around the corner. He was about to check when all of a sudden he tripped on something and fell face first on the ground. Not only that, but as he tripped, a horrified scream echoed through the cave.
        “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” shouted the voice in fear.
        Spike looked frantically around on the ground for a face but only saw darkness.
        “Get away from me, whatever you are!” begged the voice.
        Spike suddenly recognized the voice and was relieved.
        “Rarity, it’s me Spike.” he said calmly to the voice.
        “Spike?” Rarity realized.
        “Yes, I came to find you.” Spike said trying to comfort her.
        “Please go away, I’m a monster.” she said moving further into the darkness.
        “No you’re not, those ponies were just startled, that’s all." He said reassuring her.
        “I know, but I have been in this cave for almost two days, and it hasn't bothered me at all.” Rarity said sadly.
        “What does that mean?” Spike said trying to piece together her point.
        “I don’t know.” Rarity said bursting into tears again.
        “Rarity,” Spike began. “Here come out into the light so I can see you." he continued finding her claw and leading her out into the light.
        They walked out of the cave a bit until he could see and then he turned around. He turned around to the most beautiful dragon, and the most beautiful pony at the same time. Although she had been crying, her eyes weren't the slightest bit red. Her tears made her cheek scales sparkle, like the shiniest gems. Although she had been in that cave for two days, not a scale was out of place, and they were all very clean, and were dazzling. Spike just stood looking at her in awe before Rarity shrunk back again.
        “Don’t look at me.” Rarity said drawing back into the darkness. “I’m a wreck.” 
        “No, you know what Rarity, I am tired of you talking about yourself like that.” Spike said bluntly. “You are the prettiest dragon I have ever seen, and I know that you wouldn't hurt a fly.” Spike said defending her.
        “But the ponies…” Rarity said in protest.
        “Forget what the ponies think. They were wrong. Rarity, I didn’t come all this way to leave you here alone. I came here because I wanted to see you again and get the real Rarity back. I wasn’t sent here by anybody, I came because I knew that without you I couldn’t go on. I now realize that I know this for a reason I should have told you long ago.” Spike said holding her claw and his breath. “Rarity...I love you.” he said with no hesitation.
        Rarity just sat there a moment dazed, leaving Spike in suspense. When suddenly she began to cry again.
        “Oh, Spike.” she said sobbing.
        That was as far as she got, for next thing she did surprised both of them. Although it was awkward, and a little difficult. Rarity leaned in and kissed Spike on the lips. I wasn’t a slight peck either, it was a real kiss. Spike could barely think because of the happiness he was feeling. For all this time, even in his wildest dreams imagined this moment. He didn't expect her to come on so strong, or even to accept his feelings. The kiss seemed to last an eternity but finally they separated.
        Blushing, Rarity looked into his eyes and said “I love you too Spike.” 
        “Really?” he said in disbelief.
        “Yes, I was afraid to tell you at first even though I knew you liked me. I just thought I was a crush you would grow out of. But this year I decided I was going to tell you.” Rarity said still holding his claw.
        “I didn’t know you felt that way, that is why I didn’t tell you. I was going to say something this year too, but you had me getting fabric for that suit you were making.” Spike said in slight annoyance.
        Rarity then giggled a little bit, leaving Spike confused.
        “What’s so funny?” he asked bluntly.
        “I just realized the irony, the suit I was making was for you, as a Hearts and Hooves day gift.” Rarity said continuing to laugh.
        “Really?” Spike said as he realized her plan.
        “Of course.” Rarity replied with a smile.
        “Well, thank you he said, now I wish I had something for you.” Spike said thinking of a gift.
        “Spike, you risked your life to make sure I was alright. If that’s not a gift of love then I don’t know what is, thank you.” She said nuzzling him lovingly with her head.
        “You’re welcome, Rarity.” he said giving her neck a hug.
        “Hey,” She began pointing outside.. “Look outside, the blizzard stopped.” she said happily.
        Sure enough it had, and the sun was setting slowly in the distant, making the entire valley seem romantic.
“If we leave now, we can probably sneak back into town when the sun goes down.” Spike said thinking of a plan to get her back into town.
“You’re, right Spike.” She said stepping out of the cave unfurling her wings. “Let’s go.” she said looking back at him.
Just as Spike climbed up on her back he remembered the rose he had brought. He hurried back inside and found it lying on the ground, still in one piece. He hid it behind his back and then walked back outside and motioned Rarity to pick him up and bring him to her face. 
        “Twilight told me that you brought this for me, but I think I want to give it to you.” he said holding the rose out to her.
        “Oh, Spike.” She said with tears in her eyes. “Thank you, I think that deserves another kiss.” she said playfully.
        So they kissed again, and Spike thought that it was better than the first. Once again, the kiss dragged on for what seems like years, as the lovers were focused on one another. Eventually, the silently broke the kiss and Rarity flew them home. Neither one of them spoke on they way home, they just enjoyed each other's company.
After the flight home, they landed outside of Ponyville just as the sun set. They then quietly crept through the darkness toward Twilight's house. After a few close calls, with the patrolling Royal Guard members called in to comfort the people, they finally made it to Twilight's. Twilight actually heard them coming, since her house still had no walls, and made sure that she was ready to do the spell when they arrived. She focused her magic and a purple aura surrounded Rarity. Rarity’s long body shrank down and fur replaced the scales. Her claws shrank back into hooves, and her wings disappeared. Her fangs and spines shrank to nothing and her mouth shortened and became rounder. Finally her unicorn horn once again grew back into place. Rarity was set on the ground looking like her normal self.
        “Thank you, Twilight. That was a close one.” Rarity said breathing a sigh of relief.
        “Yeah, well you’re not the only one who decided to run away. Rainbow Dash saw you as a dragon and told me to turn her into a griffon." Twilight began, remembering her dumb decision. "Well, I did, and now she took Applejack away to some place for a week for some, and I quote “alone time”.”
        The group shuddered at the thought.
        “Well, I’m glad you’re back to normal Rarity. I’ll go tell the guards that the dragon is gone.” Twilight said walking out, leaving them alone.
        “I’m glad you're back to normal too Rarity.” Spike said hugging the white unicorn.
        “Hey, Spikey Wikey?” Rarity asked playfully. “Now that I am back to normal, why don’t we try kissing one more time?” she asked the ecstatic drake.

=======

        Hearts and Hooves day, one of the happiest times of the year for some ponies. A day devoted to spending time with your special somepony, the one you love. Everypony, with their loved one couldn’t be happier. Especially, if everypony includes dragons.
        Every year, Spike, in his new suit, and Rarity, in one of her dresses, walk all over town talking about whatever, and enjoying their company. It is universally accepted that no couple will ever be as romantic as them. No one is upset though, after all, how many dragons are in Ponyville anyway? Every year they go for a walk, and every so often, someone says that they a white dragon scaling they nearest mountain, with a little purple spot on it’s back. It’s probably just a rumor, though.

THE END