> Peeled Apart and Affairs of the Heart
>  by sweeT2010Tooth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prematurely Peeled Produce
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Star light, star bright,
The first star I see tonight;
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.

Dreams. Wishes. These two fairy tale concepts withhold the summation of one's aspirations, goals, and hopes firmly in their grasp. How many see their dreams and wishes come true? Not so many, save those given a lucky break. Many others will need to continue working hard to attain those dreams much like the sweat and toil exhibited in an average earth pony's daily hardship. In the end, a dream is only a dream paralleled in comparison to that of a wish whose goal is not reached without trials and tribulation. If a large enough dream or wish is fully realized, one might find that the end goal has taken too much. This achievement is certainly awarding, but not without cost. Most ponies will tell another to be happy with what they have regardless of wishful thinking. There is a reason for this saying.

The bartering system of dreams and wishes will not only give but take. Those who pursue wishes better have a replacement on hoof to fill in what was taken to achieve that goal lest they desire emptiness e.g. accumulated wealth takes a lot to financially depend on others thus needing established reliance with trusted sources, beauty necessitates commitment through both mentality and products, and lifelong relationships require fully reciprocated devotion. For if that pony cannot sufficiently fill in the missing pieces, feelings of success will fester soon giving into the emptiness and despair of perceived failure. Often this happens in a state of confusion for it is not realized something is missing or taken until its gone.

If love is to be given and taken, prepare for generosity's hardest trial. For in a loving relationship, an equivalent amount of given affection needs to match what was taken. Love warps and exposes us to uncertainty in taking away our shell hoping to find comfort in one's own change and a significant other's affection. In the end, we assume that is enough to stave off regret in the choice made though there underlies a possibility of failure.



[/hr]

Princess Luna looked upon the coming of dawn with happiness in her heart. Last night's beautiful starry sky was appreciated to a degree that humbled Luna. If only every night was like this perhaps her role in raising the moon wouldn't be so lonely. Still, the everlasting melancholy darkness would provide its own coldness even in the humid summer nights. She continued to watch the sky with fulfillment in her heart as the visibility of each star faded away to the coming daylight. 

"Until we meet again my twinkling little friends. Let thy shine show again tomorrow night with a radiant beauty only thee can display," she said with a smile spreading across her face.

"Good morning, dear sister. How fares the night? Word tells me you put on a splendid show again. Even as a filly the night sky has meant a lot to you," calmly spoke a voice from behind Luna.

"As does the day to you, dear sister," replied Luna knowing full well the voice behind her belonged to Princess Celestia. "Last night's display went better than expected. Perhaps that is due to the public announcement of such an occasion or promise of fulfilled wishes. Truly, it matters not for many appreciated the night sky we offered them. We could hear it in their voices and see it in their faces. That gratitude is all that we've ever asked from the citizens under our sovereign reign. This is one reason we grant those wishes, dear sister."

Princess Celestia sidled up next to her sister so as to not disturb her observation of the early morning sky.

"Did you hear my wish?" Princess Celestia said with a sly smile.

"Yes," Princess Luna said with a sigh. "Your wish has not changed much since my absence."

"And that disappoints you? Why do you sigh, dear sister?"

"We are not a little filly, 'Tia. At times we wish thee would stop playing your silly games considering thy age."

"Are calling me old, Woona?" Princess Celestia asked with the sly smile still on her face.

"No, most certainly not," Princess Luna said a little embarrassed to be getting into this conversation. "We merely think thy shenanigans are old...and please do not refer to us by that name."

"So, Woona thinks my shenanigans are old. Dost my ears deceive me or mayhaps she's also concerned about our age? Does Woona need a hug before settling into bed, a story told, or some warm milk?" Princess Celestia asked raising a hoof to her mouth as though silently admitting she'd said too much.

"Y-you..!" Princess Luna stammered, glancing at her sister now feeling slight anger replace embarrassment. "Enough with your foolish antics! You're a grown mare! Act like it!"

"Indeed, I shall as always," Princess Celestia calmly remarked returning to her firm and proper prose. "My intentions were to only see a smile cross your face, but I see that still needs a little work."

"We are not your pet project, sister," Princess Luna fumed returning her gaze to the sky in trying to relax her emotions.

"I see," Princess Celestia remarked with a slight sadness in her voice. "You know very well that is not what I meant. I only want to see my sister happy."

"As you repeatedly mention in all your wishes, dear sister. We know. We see the solemn expression in your face when speaking those words."

"You don't believe them?"

"...We do. More than anything, those words provide us some comfort. As we have said many times, it is a difficult wish whose failure or success can only be told in time. Keep in mind, sister, the regret felt in our absence is not easily bandaged."

"We shall keep at it, then."

"Yes...we shall..." calmly said Princess Luna in such a way that had Celestia observe her sister's facial expression with one eye for any hint of emotion. Celestia was unsure as to the sincerity of Luna's reply for it sounded slightly hollow and cold.

"And what about the second half of my wish? Is that too much to ask, too?" Princess Celestia asked looking up at the sky with a calm expression solidified on her face. Her intentions were now aimed at evoking an emotional response for most of the time Celestia could never tell what was on Luna's mind beneath the cold stance.

"You're not serious, are you?" Princess Luna asked.

"I am."

"No, dear sister. It'll never happen. We're tired of your silly games."

"So, you continue to deny all my requests with anger? How am I ever to get around that wall you've put up, dear sister?"

"We will not wear hoofy pajamas!"

"So be it," Princess Celestia said acknowledging the regretful decline. "Though you're missing the point of my requests. They are not meant humiliate you, dear sister. I'm trying to find out how much of my younger sister still remains."

"Your eyes cannot tell you that?" Princess Luna replied now confused. "We stand before thee."

"My eyes can only tell me so much, dear sister. I need to know with my heart."

Princess Luna did not reply to this statement unsure as to what her sister was expecting. The next half hour was carried out in silence. Both sisters watched as the sun rose above the horizon casting its rays upon the land. Its light illuminated the darkness or rather chased a fleeing departure never able to be together as one. Princess Celestia let out a sigh only audible to her own ears. Perhaps her wish would be granted in time. After all, she had picked out a perfect piece with silky embroidered stitching. Maybe realizing heartfelt happiness expressed from her sister's heart in healing from past regrets. A smile can show her nothing more than a facial expression. Even that simple small gesture is hard to obtain from the Night Princess.

"There was one wish—or should we say wishes—that stood out from the rest," Princess Luna said as though in deep thought.

"Oh? What about?"

"It came in part from that young dragon whom resides by Twilight Sparkle's side."

"I see. What is it that he wished for if I may be so bold in asking? Another medal after the giant mutant cockatrice attack on Canterlot?"

"No, he wished for the continued happiness of his super special somepony and anything she wants."

Princess Celestia's ears perked up at the words 'super special somepony' especially concerning the small dragon involved.

"Really?"

"Yes. Truth be told, I received her own wish soon after."

"A restraining order, I presume?"

"No." Luna lightly laughed at the thought, letting the coldness in her demeanor melt away for the first time in what seemed like weeks. Celestia had not expected the response but smiled to herself in finally getting past her sister's wall.

"What about this wish, then, would make it stand out so much?"

"She wished that her super special somepony would be relieved of a dragon's worry thus allowing him to find happiness in what he seeks most."

"Sister, forgive my rudeness but I do not understand what makes this wish special."

"Do you remember the event from long ago with the dragon and the diamond?"

Princess Celestia's heart skipped a beat frightened as to the direction this conversation was heading. "Yes...yes, I do. Why do you bring this up?"

"Well, dear sister, the pony in question came into full view as I watched her make the wish. The simple manner in which she relayed the wish was spoken with absolute clarity. I could not deny seeing the love for which she held for that young dragon."

"What did you do Luna?" Princess Celestia fearfully asked trying to interpose in on an undeterred speech continued from her sister.

"The truth of the matter is that a dragon and pony can never be together. It is against the laws of nature worsened by the fact that this pony represents the element of generosity and the young dragon is one who will eventually succumb to greed. Can you imagine, dear sister? A relationship matched between one of generosity and the other greed? Banish the thought."

"Luna, please tell me you only gave Spike a mustache or medal," said Celestia almost pleading with her sister.

"No, we did not. Why we merely changed his outward appearance to match what lay hidden within. Casting that spell you used from long ago, we released that young dragon from a future destined to follow the path of greed. Admittedly, we cannot discount the handsome appearance he now exhibits."

"You have made a grave mistake, Luna," Celestia calmly stated trying to remain calm through years of practice.

"That I did not give him a mustache or medal?" Luna asked turning to view her sister's countenance looking for any hint in what she did wrong.

Princess Celestia promptly turned around and exited the balcony to the palace's interior chamber with Princess Luna following in confusion.

"Sister, will you not answer my question?" Luna asked as Celestia approached a small table placed in the center of the room with a small fruit bowl set on its surface. Celestia placed a hoof on a piece of produce sitting in the fruit bowl. She picked it up and held it out to Luna.

"Do you want a banana, dear sister?"

"I do not. Why do you refuse to answer my question?"

A perplexed Luna watched as Celestia peeled the banana, setting it and its peel down on the table. After a few passing moments, she turned to her confused sister.

"A thousand years have passed in your absence, dear sister. Many things have happened. Some of these happenings are harder to discuss than others. Forgive my rudeness for you have once again shed light on another mistake of mine."

"Surely, we've already apologized a thousand ti-"

Celestia raised a hoof to calm her sister and request silence.

"That is but one of many mistakes. There are countless others never spoken," Celestia said turning her head in the banana's direction placing an eye on it. "You know not of what you've done in casting that spell."

"Then stop avoiding the question and answer what we did wrong," an increasingly impatient Luna demanded.

"What you did wrong was not consult me first before making such a rash decision."

"What dost thou mean by that!? We are grown enough to make our own decisions!"

"Not one that horribly affects another so young."

"Sister, once again, you're speaking vaguely. We cannot understand what thou art saying."

Princess Celestia continued to eye the piece of fruit sitting still on the table. Without its peel it would soon lose its delightful taste, spoil, and then eventually rot. Painful memories flooded her mind from centuries ago hoping they had been lost to the sands of time. Sure, she could still perform the same magic from long ago but its outcome was devastating. It had ruined purity, molding it into an unrecognizable mess which decayed as time passed. In addition, she had to helplessly watch as one so pure withered away. She couldn't possibly let this occurrence happen again to the young dragon whom accompanied her most faithful student. She knew not to repeat the same mistake twice.

"Luna, there is a reason I never again cast that spell from the fateful night long ago. I should have told you what became of that dragon who claimed and returned the diamond. Regrettably, there is an event that transpired in your absence involving him too difficult to discuss."

"What happened, dear sister?"

"Let's just say I offered him freedom's reward with an unintentional harsh cost. It is yet another heartache due to failure I must endure. Come sister, I understand you need sleep, but we need to find Spike right away and reverse the change before it's too late. I'll go tell the guards that the Day Court shall remain closed for the day."

With this said Princess Celestia made her way to the chamber's door stopped by Luna's voice.

"Certainly, sister, but what about the banana you peeled on the table? Are you going to let it go to waste as it doesn't take long for some exposed fruit to spoil and become rotten."

"Precisely my point, dear sister. It is yet another mistake I need to clean up before it's too late," Celestia said showing visible signs of remorse.

Princess Luna followed Celestia out of the room passing by the produce still resting on the table. Already had it begun to turn unpleasant.



[/hr]

The loving father delightfully watched his little filly inspect the clothing on display. Her twinkling eyes took into account the varying colors and styles before her. Never had she known that dresses could sparkle so beautifully. Once or twice she glanced at her father for approval wordlessly asking to try out a gorgeous dress sure to make her pretty. The father acknowledged these glances with a smile, an urging motion of his hoof, and silent words of encouragement to try on what she liked best. 

Rarity watched this exchange from a few feet away. Normally, she'd rush forward to help a customer find exactly what they were looking for in desired attire. However, the witnessed interactions between father and daughter reminded her of moments with her own parents. She stood still in a trance happily watching the little filly excitedly take stock of what would make her look prettiest. 

Sidling up next to Rarity, the resplendent purple-coated stallion who helped her run the store likewise observed the exchange between father and daughter.

"Isn't that adorable, darling? To spend one's day in the loving company of another?" Rarity whispered to her companion.

"A little sappy, if you ask me. I mean how hard is it to pick out a dress? Twilight does the same thing with books and it drive me crazy...not to mention the boredom. Do you know how many naps I had to take on average before she found something? Certainly more than I can count with my...um...hooves?" said her companion openly and unashamedly raising a hoof in confusion. 

"Spike, darling! Shh!" Rarity whispered trying to keep the conversation quiet.

"Oh. Sorry Rarity," Spike whispered apologetically. "Say, um, I've been noticing that my...nuzzle(?)...gets itchy a lot. Is that normal?"

"...Perfectly normal, darling. These things will take some getting used to but, rest assured, I'll be by your side to assist in these small matters," Rarity replied turning to her companion only to find him not looking well. "A-are you okay, Spike? What's the matter?"

"I don't know. Feeling a bit under the weather, I guess," Spike said with cheeks turning a light green color. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. I'll be-"

Wobbling on all fours, Spike fell hard to the floor seemingly unconscious. Rarity gasped, raised a hoof to her mouth, and screamed out his name. The father and daughter who had been browsing the clothing on display turned to see the white-coated mare bend down in desperation, trying to wake up her beloved. Her cries of desperation were soon replaced by sobbing as she held the handsome stallion in her hooves whose coat became paler by the second. 

The father told his daughter to stay put as he needed to get help. The white-coated filly with a purple mane didn't have any time to voice a response and watched her father run out the door. Her focus returned to the two on the ground with one sobbing over the other. She could only watch as the stallion on the ground's eyes slowly close taking one last glance at the one he loves.

The one embracing the stallion let out one last desperate wail for her love to return. The filly, on verge of tears herself, continued to watch as a white mist rolled in with no definite origin washing away the sight before her like a bad dream.



[/hr]

Rarity sat up startled and in a cold sweat. Staring forward blankly, she slowly came to her senses realizing that what she had witnessed was only a bad dream. Her eyes darted around the room to make sure the dream was over. In front of a nearby wall-mounted mirror, she found her super special somepony observing his mirrored image with a prolonged stare. Oddly enough Rarity couldn't find the nerve to speak to him still seeing images in her mind from the dream.

After a few passing moments, Spike realized Rarity was awake and watching him, seeing her in the mirror's reflection.

"Um...Rarity? Something feels wrong..." Spike said raising a hoof to rub his face.

It was at this moment that Rarity noticed that the resplendent stallion's coat had lost some of its shine.
> Offset Overshadowing Occurrences
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity continued to eye Spike cautiously for she was not able to formulate a proper response. Although he had only lost a small amount of color, she was nonetheless apprehensive in considering the dream's accuracy. She instead resigned to carefully watch the stallion and take notice of anything out of the ordinary. From head to hoof–nuzzle to tail, Rarity tried to determine the root cause of the problem. It had only been a few hours since their return to the Canterlot room from last night's party, hence Spike's slight degradation in appearance occurring so soon was a cause for concern. 

There were no definite markings on his body indicating a physical ailment perhaps alluding instead to an airborne illness, allergy, or similar affliction. The only visible sign of something wrong was a slight loss of color and shine. However, this observation could in no way suggest the problem's source. It was a curious sight as Rarity had never seen a pony simply lose their shine like this albeit the events caused by Discord.

Spike, who had been looking at Rarity in the mirror's reflection, returned his gaze to the mirrored image of himself. He continued to rub his face with a hoof as though making sure the reflection showed the truth. He wasn't in any pain at the moment, but felt an uneasiness creep along under his coated skin much like slithering snakes slowly moving about. The queasiness from such a feeling is what made him uneasy. 

"Do you need to go to a doctor, Spike?" Rarity asked still unsure on how to formulate a proper response.

"I-I dunno, Rarity. I'm not in pain or anything. Maybe it's the sudden change in how I look having some slight side effects or something. I mean, it did take me a few minutes to walk over to this mirror with the new hooves. It could be that there's something really wrong with me now."

"Why don't be absurd, Spike!" Rarity suddenly came to her senses and quickly clambered out of bed stepping onto the room's floor. "There is positively nothing wrong with you! I do not want you speaking such utter nonsense!"

"So, my appearance doesn't make you like me any less?" Spike asked looking a little glum at the reflected image.

"Of course not, darling! Whatever gave you that impression?" Rarity said trotting up next to the one whom she loved with all her heart. "After all, a proper Lady knows who to give her heart's keys and would not simply retract the offer due to a fault in appearance."

Spike glanced at the reflected image of Rarity standing by his side witnessing the most beautiful smile light up the room. Once again, he noticed the brilliant shine of those blue sapphire-like eyes bespeaking a kind and gentle serene mood. It was that deep blue ocean with waves rhythmically flowing back and forth in their reflective glimmer that soothed the uneasiness felt beneath his skin. 

"Um, did I ever tell you that both your eyes look like beautiful sapphires, Rarity? Not in a delicious way 'cause that'd be weird...but they really are like two gems shining brighter than most others I've seen," Spike said altogether enraptured by Rarity's entire visage but commenting only on a single aspect.

"More than once, Spike-Wikey," Rarity said moving closer to him. "This is why I chose you to be my super special somepony."

"Ya know, I'm really glad things turned out like this 'cause now I get to be with the one I've always considered my super special somepony," Spike said feeling his skin tingle again but with a heartfelt warmth unlike the uneasiness he had felt earlier that morning.

"As do I, Spike. I wouldn't change this moment for anything in all of Equestria," Rarity responded by resting her head on Spike's shoulder. Despite the horrible dream this was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her.

Spike reciprocated his love's gesture by gently nuzzling her. He had felt a little sadness in losing his dragon appearance, but Rarity's love was worth far more than those trivial notions. Maybe in time the uneasiness he felt under his skin would go away. In this moment it mattered not as their love was enough for each other to cast all doubt away. 

With lovingly eyes sparkling with untold beauty, Rarity glanced at her love making a mental note that she was the luckiest pony in all of Equestria. Her eyes met his realizing that, if her eyes were the most beautiful sapphires, his were the most handsome emeralds. 

She was about to gently place a kiss on his cheek when she noticed something peculiar.

"MY WORD! Spike! Look! Your color is returning!" she dramatically yelled out startling the purple-coated stallion.

"Wha...Huh!?" a shocked Spike said turning his attention to the mirror again. "...Whoa! Rarity, check it out! You're right! Most of the color has returned! What's happening to me?"

"I don't know, darling. But it might be most prudent to seek Twilight's council in this matter."

"Yeah, you're right. She would know the best solu–—uh oh."

"What is Spike?"

"Twilight doesn't know I'm a pony."

"Why would that matter, darling? I'm sure she'll be accepting of the matter."

"Yeah, but...um...she has a tendency to flip out over unexpected things," Spike said feeling quite nervous in revealing the news.

"She certainly can be somewhat of a drama queen at times, can't she?" Rarity agreed chuckling slightly at the irony.



[/hr]

Twilight arose from her slumber on the second floor of the Golden Oaks Library the same as any other day. She was rather surprised to find that the day would not have many appointments demanding her immediate attention. After all, now that she was a princess there was an expectation that much more would be required of her. However, there came days when she could relax. She couldn't decide whether to enjoy the free time or fill it up with a checklist schedule, but eventually settled on the latter.

Walking over to a nearby dresser, she levitated a piece of parchment, inkwell, and quill within reach to jot down a few quick list items. Step one on the checklist would be 'make a checklist,' step two would be 'think of checklist items,' step three would be...she suddenly realized the room was too quiet hearing no audible snoring. 

"So," she said to herself still feeling sleepy, "the third step will be finding out how Spike-Wikey's night went! I hope he didn't get any boo boos that need healing!"

She raised a hoof to her mouth trying to stifle a slight chuckle. The idea of Rarity and Spike being together offered a mixture of feelings. Admittedly, she felt it was an endearing and ridiculous young love. She didn't see any harm in it unlike Princess Luna. Why not let the silly crush take its course? Therefore, she believed that one night together wouldn't lead to more than silly romantic details reaching her ears over tonight's dinner conversations. 

The third checklist item was in the middle of being written down when a resounding knock came from below.

"Coming!" she said quickly setting down the quill and heading downstairs.

Upon opening the door, she was met with two cold stares from Celestia's royal guards. For a moment or two, they said nothing awaiting the right to speak from the young princess. They needed her to acknowledge their presence before pursuing any conversation.

"Y-yes?" Twilight asked slightly confused to a visit from these two. "What can I do for the Canterlot royal guard?"

"Miss Princess Twilight Sparkle, at their behest, our royal highnesses seek an audience with you," they said in perfect sync stepping aside to let the two behind them through the doorway. 

A surprised Twilight promptly stepped back to let the two majestic princesses into the library feeling absolutely nervous on why both princesses would visit her early in the morning. The two stepped into the library with heads held high looking down on the mare before them.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! What brings you here!? Has something happened!?" Twilight asked slightly shaking in a nervous response.

"Good morning, my most faithful student. Princess Luna and I have determined an abrupt visit was due in light of an arising problematic situation. It might be a little forward, but have you seen Spike anywhere around?" Princess Celestia inquired eyeing the staircase hoping that a small dragon would come bounding down its steps.

"Spike? N-no, I haven't seen him since yesterday. There was a party that Rarity and he were going to attend last night. They should be back later today."

"We shall wait here then and make ourselves comfortable. My messages sent to him have gone unanswered and I fear the worst," Princess Celestia said turning an eye to the two royal guards in the doorway. She gave a nod and they promptly set off in search for any two ponies matching the descriptions given by Princess Luna.

"Princess, what's going on? Did something happen to Spike?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Twilight. A most unfortunate circumstance has befallen our friend. As we speak, his very life is in jeopardy. If we do not find him right away, I'm afraid all will be lost. I'd rather not go into detail in case it amounts to nothing more than a trivial matter but, rest assured, I will fill you in when the need arises. I'm sure you already have plenty to deal with in taking on the role of a new princess, and it would be unwise of me to offer yet another burden." 

The manner in which Celestia spoke these words implied that something serious had happened to Spike. Normally, Twilight would have pressed the issue but she has come to understand over many years that her mentor's proposed silence in some matters made it too difficult to extract any useful information. The only viable option left to Twilight was to accommodate the two princesses until Spike's return lest further prodding lands her in hot water. Nonetheless, she was absolutely scared concerning Spike's well-being.

"Of course, Princess. Is there anything I can get you two?"

"Tea would be ideal this early in the morning, thank you." Celestia said still deep in thought hoping that they were not too late.

"And you Princess Luna?"

"Dost thou perchance have any wine?" Princess Luna asked with a straight face.

"Dear sister, it is a little too early for wine, don't you think?" Princess Celestia whispered into Luna's ears.

"Perhaps for you, but remember that we should have been in bed hours ago. Our evening is your morning, sister of the rising sun."

"I don't have any wine, but I do have plenty of tea," Twilight said interrupting the two whispering among each other.

"Fine, we suppose tea will have to do–—preferably unsweetened," Luna said not noticing the sly smile crossing Celestia's lips.

"If you could most faithful student, make my tea twice as sweetened to compensate for my sister's lack of it."

Princess Luna shot an angry look at Celestia further irritated by the ridiculous smile. Thinking quickly she retorted a response to her sister's silly little game.

"Surely thou understands the extra sweetness will go straight to thy already enormous plot, right dear sister? T'would be a shame to increase its size," Princess Luna said displaying her own curt smile.

"Agreed. Then, I shall have my tea unsweetened, too," Celestia said trying not to get riled up despite defeat.

Twilight watched this exchange in confusion, but resigned to get the tea and not ask questions. In preparing the tea, Twilight fumbled with the ingredients, greatly worried about Spike's safety. Celestia's words, his very life is in jeopardy, repeated over and over in her mind. Perhaps Princess Luna's fears held some truth or something worse occurred. She stopped making the tea and started nervously chewing on the ends of her hoof. Spike was her assistant, best friend, and unrelated brother. If something were to happen to him...

Nononononono, she repeated to herself trying to drown out the bad thoughts. He's okay–—he has to be. Surely, one night couldn't be that bad? Ohhh...Spike, what did you do!?



[/hr]

Rarity and Spike started heading towards the Canterlot train station destined for Ponyville. Spike clearly was still having a hard time walking with the new hooves requiring that Rarity provide physical support like a crutch. Rarity didn't mind for it felt comfortable walking alongside her super special somepony. Every once in a while she'd lightly rest her head on his shoulder delighted to feel the pleasant touch of his coat. The coat had, once again, lost some of its color but it was nonetheless soft and gentle. Spike, in turn, smiled down on her with loving eyes.

"Well now, good morning Miss Rarity! I was hoping I'd run into you before the departure back to Ponyville!" a voice called out snapping the two out of their trance. Looking ahead they found the voice belonged to the most important pony of Canterlot, Fancypants, with Fleur Dis Lee approaching alongside him. "I daresay last night's party was a smashing success, wouldn't you agree?"

"But of course, darling! I wouldn't have dreamt of denying such a gracious invite and splendid evening!" Rarity responded to the greeting.

"I say! Who's this fine fellow?" Fancypants remarked visually observing Spike's appearance. "Can't recall seeing him at the party or anywhere else in particular. Must be a new face. If that is the case, let me extend my hoof for I do enjoy meeting new ponies!"

Fancypants then shook hooves with a hesitant Spike who awkwardly repeated the gesture's motion with no apparent means of grasping.

"Truth be told, you've already met this fine stallion, Fancypants," Rarity said trying to convey the change in appearance with subtlety.

"I have?" Fancypants asked with curiosity now eyeing the stallion more closely trying to remember a time or place in meeting this stallion.

"Yes...it is rather hard to explain in simple terms, but the one you see before you attended the meeting yesterday at the café."

"Really? The only ponies I remember meeting at the café were you and Prince Blueblood...unless...is this...Blueblood?"

"No," Rarity said chuckling lightly at the thought. "H-he was not a pony at the time."

Realization washed over Fancypant's face. Likewise Fleur Dis Lee's eyes widened in hearing the truth.

"D-do you mean to say this is the young dragon?"

Rarity affirmatively nodded.

"My word! Sweetheart, have you ever heard or seen such a thing?!" Fancypants asked his wife who shook her head. "Remarkable! Whoever thought such a drastic change was possible?"

"He IS quite the handsome stallion. A little pale for my tastes but simply divine in appearance," remarked Fleur Dis Lee making Spike slightly blush.

"Yes, quite. I don't want to be rude, but is the pale color of his coat natural?" Fancypants asked leaning closer to Spike getting a better look at the fascinating stallion.

Rarity tried to voice a response but couldn't. Fancypants considered that he perhaps went too far with the inquiry.

"You don't have to answer, my dear. I only presumed that the question was harmless."

"Why, there's no harm darling! It's only that the changes he's undergoing have us baffled, too."

"Hmm, have you seen a doctor? Though I'm unsure they'd be of help in this case," Fancypants said observing the purple-coated stallion for anything out of the ordinary. 

"No, in fact we were going to seek the council of our dear friend, Twilight Sparkle."

"Miss Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Fancypants excitedly remarked at hearing the name. "Her dancing could use some work, but she does indeed exhibit profound intelligence. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be right to keep you two from catching the train ride back. Give my best regards to your friend, Miss Twilight Sparkle."

"You too, darling! Thank you for the splendid evening as it was quite delightful!"

"Thank you for coming, my dear! I'll be sure to send many future invites! Cheerio!"

Fancypants and Fleur Dis Lee waved goodbye, took their leave, and headed off down the Canterlot street. The curious sight of a young dragon changing into a pony made him take one last look in the direction of the two. He witnessed that Rarity had started leaning her head on the stallion's shoulder hinting that they could be more than friends. He was a little sad that his attempted efforts with Prince Blueblood didn't go beyond reconciling differences but, nonetheless, he was quite happy for the young mare.

A long time ago he had been without love but eventually found it in the one at his side. There came a time in the confusion set upon his yearling years when affection was desired above philandering and material possessions. He found much more in his wife for she completed him and offered what he needed most–—love. Fancypants continued to watch Rarity's head rest on her chosen stallion's shoulder wishing her the best. No one deserves to be alone. Social events can only offer so much before something on a more personal level is required.

The resplendent purple-coated stallion returned the gesture by gently rubbing his head with Rarity's. The affectionate display almost brought a tear to Fancypant's eye causing him to stop in his tracks. Fleur Dis Lee stopped too following his gaze to the two. She offered an almost silent sigh in seeing their publicly displayed love. She, too, needed much love in her youthful years. A boisterous young stallion offered her much more than one-night stands. Too many times had she been trampled on by those seeking quick 'love.' Sure, most considered her to only stick by Fancypant's side for the fame. This led to her being labeled with certain names. However, love is multi-faceted. As a matter of fact, her public appearances were but one of many ways in exemplifying her love for the stallion by her side.

Fancypants and Fleur Dis Lee watched as Rarity and Spike continued walking away. For a moment, it seemed like the purple-coated stallion's color slightly returned although the observing two couldn't really tell for sure. They looked at each other as though to confirm the suspicion. Regardless, they both figured it best to not comment on such an affair. It would all work out in the end for those two. 

Fleur Dis Lee gently nuzzled her husband and he returned it in kind. They both recalled heartfelt reminiscent moments in witnessing this young love knowing full well its greatest benefit. Undoubtedly, it is in fully reciprocated affection that love's charitable grace completes both lovers filling in the voids created by loneliness, self-worthy doubt, and passionate longing.



[/hr]

Rarity and Spike finally made it back to the train station in Ponyville. They discussed many things concerning their future on the train. More than once Spike made a joke out of the matters, but Rarity was dead set on actualizing those future goals. First, they would need to relay the news to their friends. Then, perhaps later–—much later–—Rarity would let her parents know about her chosen super special somepony. Rarity dreaded this thought for she could only think about her parent's shocked reactions but no way to get around it. It was decided that the two would just take things easy for now and let time dictate when these events felt right.

The two were walking down Ponyville's main street when a voice called down to them from above. A cyan-colored pegasus had woken up from a snooze on a nearby cloud noticing the two walking along down below. Curiosity and boredom got the better of her figuring a talk with a friend would do just the trick.

"Yo, Rarity! Wassup?" Rainbow Dash asked floating down in front of Rarity and the stallion standing next to her. It seemed rather strange that Rarity was seemingly holding this stallion up like a crutch. "Who's this guy? He can't walk on his own or something?"

"Why hello there, Rainbow Dash. Darling, it's a pleasure to see you this fine morning," Rarity politely said trying to avoid the real answer for as long as possible.

"Yeeeeeaaahhhh...so what's with you holding up this stallion?" Rainbow asked pointing a hoof at the stallion.

"Heya, Rainbow! It's me, Spike!" Spike unashamedly spoke out catching a look of suspicion from Rainbow.

"Nah, I don't think so–—Rarity, is this a prank or something? If so, you got me good."

"It is most certainly not a prank. This is indeed Spike," Rarity said as calmly as possible.

"No, seriously, Rarity. Where's Spike?"

"He's right here darling." Rarity redirected her look to the stallion in an attempt to make the cyan-colored pegasus see the truth.

Rainbow Dash quickly rubbed her eyes and looked around hoping to get a second opinion. In seeing no one else, she assumed she was dreaming. She figured she would wake up in due time but wanted to distance herself from this one in the meantime for it was starting to creep her out.

"Gotcha. Well, I better get back to flight training. Got some new cool stunts to try out. See ya around Rarity and...Spike," she said winking at the latter pony.

She started to trot off without looking back when a familiar voice screamed out her name.

"RAINBOW DASH, LOOK OUT!"

"Wha-huh? Who said tha-" Rainbow looked around only to be hit in the face with a water balloon. "Okay! Who's bright idea was that!?"

"It was no pony's idea, silly! You should react a little faster next time! I thought you were the fastest pony in all of Equestria!"

Rainbow Dash wiped the water from her eyes to see a familiar bouncing pink pony in front of her.

"That's not funny, Pinkie Pie!"

"It wasn't meant to be funny! I mean I told him to slow down and you to look out didn't I? He was such a bad water balloon. I thought I raised him better!" Pinke Pie stopped bouncing pondering the thought. "Or perhaps he was just born with the devious moistened tendencies!"

Rainbow Dash, undeterred by Pinkie's rambling, made a futile attempt in trying to gain a reasonable excuse for the act of hitting her in the face with a water balloon.

"What makes you think that was a good idea to hit me with a water balloon?"

"WHAT!? MY IDEA!? Nonononono, it was the water balloon's idea. He was always a rogue from the day of his birth!"

Rainbow facehooved right there knowing full well that a water balloon doesn't throw itself. Pinkie continued in her rant.

"Ya know, that was quite an impressive feat of marksmanship, Dashie! You should have seen that water balloon fly through the air from across the street! I've never known water balloons to be skilled in accuracy, but the more you know, huh? So, whatcha up to Dashie!?"

"Pinkie! Chill! I was just getting away from that stallion that keeps calling himself Spike." Rainbow said pointing a hoof in Rarity and Spike's direction.

"That's not Spike, Dashie! Spike's a little dragon, remember?"

"Well, head over there and talk to him if you're such an expert!" Rainbow almost shouted in agitation from the constant pestering.

"Okey dokey!" Pinkie said bouncing towards Rarity and Spike who watched the whole scene unfold. "Hiya, Rarity. Busy day at the Boutique? Who's the stallion?"

"Why hello Pinkie! Darling, meet the new and improved Spike," Rarity said gesturing a hoof towards Spike.

"I dunno about 'new and improved' but yeah, I'm still Spike," Spike said almost blushing at the comment.

"I'll be the judge of that!" Pinkie said producing a measurement tape and cotton swabs from seemingly thin air.

Pinkie then jumped onto Spike forcibly taking measurements while Rarity looked on with a hoof over her mouth. Rainbow Dash, who had returned to the group, started to roll around the ground bursting out in laughter. Spike wasn't putting up much of a fight until Pinkie started using the cotton swabs in every nook and cranny. He didn't know how to walk too well, but he sure knew how to furiously flail his limbs about in refusal of the strange examination. It took about five minutes with Rarity yelling at Pinkie to stop, Rainbow Dash laughing uncontrollably, and Spike calling out for help until Pinkie got what she needed.

An exhausted Spike laid down in the street's dirt trying to catch his breath. Pinkie stood a few feet away studying about forty cotton swabs in one hoof looking for the answer to this Pony Spike riddle. With tongue sticking out and the other hoof on top of her head, Pinkie contemplated the truth held in those forty cotton swabs. She thought she had the answer a few times, but repeatedly went back to re-examining them for she knew they held the answer. 

"Nah, I got nothing. Are you sure he's Spike?" Pinkie finally said turning around to face Rarity.

"Yes, Pinkie, that is most certainly Spike. And, if you could refrain from such rude behavior, it'd be most appreciated," Rarity calmly said trying to hide the aggravation in what she just witnessed.

"Okey dokey! Dashie, that's Spike!" Pinkie said looking at Rainbow Dash for a response. 

Rainbow had stopped laughing on the ground, got back up on her hooves, and wiped a few tears from her eyes.

"Okay, but what's with the cotton swabs when Rarity's word was enough?"

"I dunno. I thought it'd be fun," Pinkie said shrugging both shoulders.

"Wow, Pinkie! You're so random!"

"I try my best!" Pinkie said bouncing up and down in excitement.

"Right–—Hey Rarity, if that REALLY IS Spike, why does he look a little pale?" Rainbow Dash asked trying to change the subject. Rainbow had noticed the lack of color in the stallion's coat even if she still didn't believe it was truly Spike.

"Well, if you must know Rainbow Dash, we're not exactly sure ourselves. We were just on our way to ask Twilight about Spike's coat as this whole predicament is a little confusing."

"Excuse us! But your presence is requested at the Golden Oaks Library at the behest of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!" 

All four ponies took notice of two royal guards who had seemingly approached unnoticed. The serious tone in their voice quickly toned down the atmosphere's light mood.

"Hay now, what's this about?" Rainbow asked wanting an exact reason for the request.

"This is a matter of grave importance between these two and the princesses. We do not need to indulge you with any more information at this time."

"If it concerns them, it concerns us for we're their friends," Rainbow said pointing to Rarity and Spike.

The two stallions looked at the four with cold stares then began to whisper amongst themselves. Coming to an agreement, the two decided to formulate a response to Rainbow's words.

"Very well. All four of you shall accompany us back to the library. Please, follow us."

Rarity helped Spike stand up and the four began to follow these two royal guards with some anxiety. The four would have given the situation more thought, but the guards' quickened pace made it difficult to match their speed leaving no time for the mind to wander. All four ponies followed the two royal guards trying their best to keep up. Spike still had to lean on Rarity for support making the expedited travel rather difficult. In what seemed like only passing minutes, the escort reached the doors of the library. Rarity and Spike felt nervous in their own right. The princesses had traveled all the way out to Ponyville to find these two. Was there something truly that wrong?

The two royal guards opened the door, stepped aside, and ushered in the four following them. As soon as the four went inside, the two guards promptly shut the door behind them remaining outside to stand guard.

Princess Celestia looked up from her unsweetened tea and saw that Spike had finally arrived. Twilight, who had been nervously attending the two princesses, looked up to see the arrival of Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and a pale-looking stallion she'd never seen before. Twilight continued to observe the stallion finding his appearance to be oddly familiar. Princess Celestia cut this thought short rising to her hooves.

"Sister, is this the best option?" Princess Luna asked Celestia rising to her own hooves.

"Yes, for his safety this must be done. We'll see the outcome soon enough and hope for the best. If it is not enough, then there is nothing I can do for I had already failed in this task once before."

Princess Celestia approached the four aiming her horn at the stallion. A bright glow brilliantly shined from its tip in a pure white tone. Twilight rose to her hooves in shock not knowing what Celestia was about to do, but Luna stepped in front her to hold her back. Celestia reared up on her back legs fully spreading both wings. Exhibiting eyes emblazoned with an untold fury, further exemplified in a white magical aura, Celestia fell forward back down on her front hooves casting one of her strongest spells onto Spike.

The illuminated blast from the spell spread throughout the entire library. Everypony attending had to cover their eyes in trying not to be blinded in the white light for it shone like the sun itself. There was no noise except the audible scream that came from Rarity's lips. It took a while for their eyes to adjust, but a gentle voice could be heard from Celestia.

"My dear friend Spike, are you okay now?"

Rarity and Twilight rubbed their eyes in trying to get a better look. As the white spots left their eyes, they both noticed Princess Celestia kneeling down next to Spike who was face down on the floor transformed back into a dragon. Rarity offered only a quiet whimper calling out his name. She then walked towards Spike with visibly shaking limbs, but she was held back with an outstretched hoof from Celestia. Twilight, now realizing that the stallion was Spike, brought a hoof to her mouth in absolute bewilderment. The surreal situation offered Twilight no visible answers and she couldn't manage a vocalized response. 

Twilight needed an answer from Celestia for these morning's unexplained occurrences were too much.

Spike didn't offer any response and they feared the worst. Princess Celestia gently nuzzled the young dragon on the ground looking for a response. It finally came with a simple groan from him.

Some of the ponies sighed in relief except Celestia. She noticed that his scales were gradually turning a pale color. The powerful spell she had just cast would fail in time providing no permanent solution. Regrettably, she would have to witness the hardships of the past arise again to cause new pain.

"My Little Spike. I'm truly sorry. Your Princess has failed you," Princess Celestia said with multiple tears forming in her eyes.

"B-b-bu-but that can't be Spike," Twilight stammered. "Princess Celestia, what's going on?"

"You two," Princess Celestia said directing her words to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. "Take Spike to the Ponyville Hospital, gather the other three elements of harmony, and reconvene here as soon as possible. We need to have a talk about Spike's condition."

"On it, Princess," Rainbow Dash responded acknowledging the request with a salute and promptly lifted the dragon onto her back. A confused Pinkie Pie followed her out the library door glancing back at the group inside.

"Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, come here for a moment," Princess Celestia said rising to her hooves. Rarity and Twilight approached the sun goddess seeking her words with utter confusion displayed on their faces. "Cherish the moments you have with Spike for, from this day on, they might be his last."
> Understanding Upsets Undertaken
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Princess Celestia took long exaggerated sips from her tea cup and closed her eyes in an attempt to avoid the wanton looks. They wanted information albeit from a hurtful memory. She knew about Spike's affliction but needed a moment to gather enough courage for the coming story. Perhaps this would not be the best place to retell such a story. Alas, her sister and the six sitting across the table needed to know something concerning Spike's condition. Today a new burden would rest upon her shoulders for the sun shines its light on many things and carries the weight of illuminating truth.

"So, Princess, what the hay is wrong with Spike?" Rainbow Dash inquired with an earnest desire to know more about her friend.

Celestia calmly set the tea cup down on the table, took a breath to ease her mind, and opened both eyes to view the six before her. A serious look was etched into Rainbow's face and Celestia acknowledged the similar concern expressed by the others. She took a moment to view each face presenting its own level of involvement noticing one beheld a little more than the others. Celestia tried to return her eyes to Rainbow, but the accompanying voice caught her retreating glance.

"I-I don't want to sound too forward but, Princess Celestia, I humbly request you tell us what is wrong with Spike. I certainly could tell...something was off earlier this morning though I knew not the cause. The look in your eyes is understandably one of great concern and pain. However, I need to know what is wrong with my Spikey-Wikey," Rarity said letting two tears fall onto the table's surface.

The Princess looked upon the quickly drying tears watching scenes play out in their reflective surfaces: one of her sister and the other-.

Princess Luna interrupted the passing thoughts with her own voice.

"This is not like thou, dear sister. What is wrong with thee?"

"...Memories from a nearly forgotten time, Luna." Celestia said this painfully returning her eyes to the five sitting across the table. "My Little Ponies, I have lived for more than a thousand years. Countless and innumerable are my experiences, tribulations, and...failures. You all know how I failed my sister for you saw the darkness in her heart. There is another I failed soon after my sister's banishment. It is contained within a memory never told to anypony including my sister.

One fateful night, my sister and I set out to reclaim property stolen by a great accumulation of dragons. They had become brazen to a point where Luna and I feared the increasing raids. You six must understand times back then were very trying when hardships were plentiful in rebuilding Equestria and developing new communities. Our task was not only to return the stolen property but dissuade future raids. Among our many disagreements, my sister and I could not reach a compromise on how best to approach the dragon problem. I wanted to talk peace whereas my sister wanted to demand it."

"T'was a foolish notion, dear sister. Our hooves have caused many troubles and have learned thy lesson tenfold endlessly contemplating our envious anger in an everlasting solitude."

Celestia gave a forgiving look and nod in hearing Luna's words who only meekly smiled back in response. Celestia, however, kept referring to the group as a whole intending to reveal a story held close to her heart.

"My forgiveness should be enough to put those concerns to rest. However, as you six can plainly see, the past enjoys haunting one's present memory in numerous ways. When my sister and I approached the dragon horde celebrating their largest catch, we both found that many had attacked each other seeking claim to others' fortunes. It didn't take long to realize a single jewel—a pure white diamond—had enticed the greedy nature of these dragons into open conflict. 

Remarkably, only a single dragon remained standing, visibly bewildered and shaking having witnessed untold violence. He had claimed the diamond regarding its beauty with nervous eyes. My sister and I continued to curiously watch as this particular dragon turned to his brethren berating and scolding their very nature. He expressed with screams of anguish a wish that he'd reviled his dragon nature since birth wanting a different life than what fate beheld for him.

There came a moment in his outspoken cries when the diamond dispersed an unnatural bright light causing the dragon to fall silent. His eyes fell upon the diamond and, though I'm fairly unsure what he saw, his face struggled into an unfamiliar smile. Perhaps my eyes deceived me in the bright light, but I did not see a dragon holding that diamond which led to my final decision. 

I can clearly remember the tearful dragon whom returned the pure white diamond to our hooves that fateful night. My Little Ponies, I cast a forbidden spell that night with high hopes tearing away the outer scaly skin to reveal what lie within. It is forbidden for a reason due to a particular devastating effect. I'm very sorry that Spike is the next to fall victim to its enchantment...I wish there was more I could do for him..."

The sadness creeping up into Celestia's throat made it difficult to continue the story. Twilight took this opportunity to learn more about the spell. She felt that if she knew more there might be an unseen fix. However, she hadn't yet seen why the spell was forbidden.

"So, this particular spell is the same one cast on Spike?" Twilight asked to which Celestia nodded.

"T'was our fault, Twilight Sparkle," Princess Luna interjected her response to the inquiry. "We assumed it a necessary course of action at last night's display when two particular wishes reached our ears. We would not have cast the spell if it were known to be forbidden."

"What makes the spell forbidden?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I-" Princess Luna tried to respond cutoff mid-sentence by Celestia.

"-it causes one to fester, rot, and wither away to dust," Princess Celestia tearfully said regaining the ability to speak.

"IT DOES WHAT!?" Twilight shouted out in complete shock. 

Twilight's friends expressed the same concern in their own words. Rarity, on the other hoof, simply fainted with a thud on the floor helped back up by Princess Luna.

"Who the hay would use such a spell! That's entirely uncool!!"

"Oh my..."

"WHAT!!? THAT'S NO FUN!!"

"Now jus' on hold on a minute here, y'all!" Applejack said extending a hoof to calm the others down. "Spike's in a real pickle right now! Ah'm sure there's a way ta fix this but flyin' off the handle ain't gonna help!"

"Applejack's right, everypony!" Twilight seconded the opinion. "There has got to be a solution to this problem like a counteracting spell, potion, or..."

"I'm afraid not, My Little Ponies," Celestia said shaking her head with closed eyes. "This spell proved impossible to overcome in the past."

"What about that other spell you cast an hour ago?" Twilight asked hopeful for a solution.

"That is only a temporary fix, my most faithful student. It is a powerful spell meant to envelop another in a protective layered aura."

"So, it's like a shield?"

"Not quite. More like a film or wrapping."

"How come Spike returned to his dragon form if it is only a protective spell?" Twilight asked intrigued about these spells she's never seen performed.

"I do not know. Perhaps that is a reaction to the previous spell," Celestia responded now witnessing a familiar glint in her student's eyes.

"That sounds plausible as some spells can lead to a chain reaction due to properties exhibited in earlier ones. If the second spell temporarily fixes the first, there is a possibility that a solution could be ascertained between the two." 

Twilight started to tap her chin in deep thought. Celestia smiled for this was the very reason she was proud to have her as a student.  Trouble arose countless times with easy fixes seemingly out of reach, but solutions were surprisingly achieved in the enthusiastic aspirations of this filly so young. Celestia trusts her most faithful student and so threw Twilight into harm's way entrusting the young filly with blind ambitions assuming the outcome would not lead to another mistake. She's glad they never did for the princess does not need anymore burdens of guilt. Twilight repeatedly overcame these insurmountable odds to Celestia's relief which is why she was chosen to be an alicorn. The Princess continued to watch Twilight deciding that perhaps her most faithful student would like to see something worthy of interest.

With her horn glowing brightly, Celestia summoned a book from her royal bedroom quarters onto the table before Twilight.

"Huh? What's this?" Twilight asked partly surprised by the book appearing before her.

"My own personal collection of past memories, spells, incantations, political conflicts, and many other things I'd never show to another...except my sister of course."

"Wow," Twilight uttered marveling at the simplicity of the small black book before her. "How can something this small contain so much?"

"You'll see," Celestia responded.

The book sitting in front of Twilight beheld an unremarkable cover hiding away a thousand years worth of knowledge. Celestia opened it up to one particular page whose countless small dots could not be recognized as written words. Twilight's friends rushed to her side and likewise found the book impossible to read. In the next few moments of trying to decipher the innumerable small dots, the written words on the page all at once became readable, enlarging themselves enough to accommodate an observing eye.

"It's enchanted," Celestia stated seeing the confusion in her student's eyes. "An incantation was placed on the book long ago to make it feasible to write this much. One might say it is an optical illusion, but we do not say such things in reference to magic."

"Fascinating! I'd like to borrow it," Twilight said without a second thought on the inquiry.

"When you're older, Twilight," Celestia quickly responded. "In fact, I'm noticing a few wandering eyes."

Celestia's horn started to glow and she blocked out everything except what she wanted the six to see. Pinkie raised a hoof in order to ask a question.

"Yes, Pinkie?" Celestia asked.

"I know I wasn't supposed to see anything, but what is with the 'banana enlargement spell'? It seemed a bit strange."

"Nevermind that spell."

"But-"

"-Best forget what you read. It is for you own good. Its effects are not as pleasing as one would think. In the end, size doesn't matter."

"...Okey dokey," a confused and dejected Pinkie responded.

Princess Luna shot a suspicious look at Celestia concerned about her sister's mental state. What had she been doing in Luna's absence? Celestia noticed the suspicious look deciding to offer a whispered response.

That year we experienced the worst famine as the Pegasi couldn't get the rain clouds to cooperate, Celestia said quietly.

"T'would be true if based on facts, dear sister. Thee always enjoyed enlarged bananas," Luna said rolling her eyes to which Celestia formed a sly smile on her lips.

The facts are that one of those enlarged bananas was more tasteless than one of your moon pies.

"We will not stand thou mockery of our delicious moon pies in comparison to thy tasteless enlarged bananas!" Luna's outburst caught the attention of the six sitting across the table. She quickly averted her eyes elsewhere slightly embarrassed by the abrupt display of emotion.

"Do you see the spell, my most faithful student?" Celestia asked returning the focus to the topic on hoof.

"Oh...yes," Twilight said studying the words again. "The spell unveils the true nature of whomsoever gets hit by it. It seems rather straightforward although the caster needs to realize what lies inside one's heart so-to-speak. The most peculiar aspect of this spell's description are these words: To not err in a face, a dole, and slice is provable of imbuement. Whatever does that mean, Princess?"

"I don't know, Twilight. I only assumed it meant not to make a mistake in casting the spell. Is there something off about it?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but it seems as though the one who wrote the spell was trying to convey a truth about its casting we have not yet realized."

"What makes you say that, Twilight?" Celestia asked curious as to what Twilight was seeing in those words.

"Well, 'err' means to make a mistake. So, the first part does serve as a warning for one not to cast the spell without knowing another's true nature. The manner in which the description explicitly states this indicates that special precautions have to be taken. However, the words, is provable of imbuement, sounds like something else needs to be considered. My hunch is that this spell was incorrectly cast on that dragon and Spike. The answer is in those words. I know it!" Twilight excitedly skimmed the rest of the spell looking for answers. However, her orange-coated friend looked up with a bit of confusion displayed on her face.

"Ma head is spinning from all this riddle talk. Many pardons, Princess, but what happened to the dragon? Did he experience the uh...effects ya told us 'bout?" Applejack asked. "Ah'm just wonderin' if what happened ta him could provide some clues ta help Spike."

"That is an excellent question, Applejack. As said before this is the same spell cast on the dragon from times long past. I'm still a little hesitant in continuing the story as it is not a pleasant memory."

"I-If we could hear the tale it would be most appreciated," Rarity spoke up with a few tears in her eyes garnering Celestia's undivided attention. "It was my...wish that got him into this troubling predicament. I need to know what happened to my Spike."

"T'is not true, young one. We should have known better," Princess Luna said this trying to accept the blame but the white-coated unicorn shook her head in response.

"It is not your fault, Princess Luna, for it is solely mine. I must take full responsibility for these occurrences as Spike is very dear to me."

"Rarity, it is no-" Twilight said trying to dissuade her friend from admitting guilt.

"-No, no, Twilight. My presumptuous behavior is what led up to this conversation. It was a foolish notion to seek love. Be that as it may, I need to know what will happen to my Spike. After all, he is my super special somepony. I implore you, Princess Celestia, to divulge the story of the dragon from long ago."

"Very well," Princess Celestia said closing her eyes trying to recall the painful memory in full. "The events of the dragon's degradation occurred soon before Luna's...final disagreement with me. Therefore, both events transpired simultaneously though I'm not sure which one hurts me more. Listen well for, once this story is revealed, I will promptly take my leave as I have many responsibilities today."

Princess Luna and the six ponies across the table looked upon Princess Celestia as she began to retell a story not disclosed for a thousand years.



[/hr]

Princess Celestia stood above all others in her Day Court. The bustling activity and rife commotion was proving to be overwhelming. Looking from face to face, Celestia tried her best to address all concerns, but she soon discovered that this was not feasible. Today's proceedings were a chaotic mess with flurries of inquiries, insults, and accusations running rampant. She could only involuntarily watch as the court officers tried their best to maintain order.

Sister, what have you done? she asked herself.

"Princess Luna has abandoned us!" one stallion yelled out.

"Good riddance! Kidnapping little yearlings! The nerve!" a noble mare responded.

"It wouldn't have happened if Princess Celestia kept better watch over her!" a third stallion chimed in.

"So, you're blaming Celestia, are you!?"

"What if I am!? What good have these two sisters really done for us in recent years!? My family barely has enough to eat!"

"Watch your tongue, neigh-sayer! Or Celestia will imprison you!"

"Her soft heart doesn't have the guts! Besides, I'm already being tortured under her rule!"

"ENOUGH!!" bellowed Princess Celestia in her rarely used Royal Canterlot Voice. "WE WILL NOT ACCOMMODATE SUCH DISHARMONY! IT WILL ONLY SERVE TO FURTHER DRIVE OUR NATION APART!"

In the following silence, Princess Celestia steadied herself beginning to address everypony's affairs one at a time.

"My Little Ponies, I understand your concerns about my sister's absence from these halls. However, we must work together to find a solution and not come at each other's throats. My sister's leave is very troubling. Rest assured I will not sit idly by while my sister tears our nation apart and kidnaps young colts and fillies. There have already been many talks concerning this matter and, though I wish it would not be so, we might be facing an open conflict. Her...disagreements are causing too much rift."

Sister, why must you leave me with no other choice. Have I not shown you due care? Celestia lamented to herself before continuing. 

"In addition, I have already addressed the famine issue with repeated inquiries sent off to the Pegasi. The clouds are not behaving correctly and it will take a little while to correct the problem. Many alternatives are being taken under consideration as we speak. Know that your Princess is doing everything in her power to-"

The court's doors abruptly opened with a decrepit pony shambling through them. Princess Celestia would not had paid it a second thought, but this particular pony seemed familiar.

"HOW DARE YOU!!" the pony screamed at the top of his lungs with a voice reverberating off of the court's walls unhindered in the silence. "YOU TOOK EVERYTHING AWAY!! NOT EVEN MY MOTHER RECOGNIZES ME!!"

Everypony looked at the new arrival in shock due to both his unsightly appearance and rude entrance. His disheveled and unkempt hair matched the lack of color in his coat. With sobs, tears, and a heaving chest the pony locked eyes with Celestia. Untold bitter anguish and hostility was expressed through gritted teeth. He tried his best to move towards the Princess held back by physical handicaps and the court officers.

"WHO ARE YOU TO DICTATE MY LIFE?! WHAT MAKES YOU THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY IN THESE LANDS!? THIS IS WHY MY BRETHREN DESPISE YOU!!" The ruined pony relaxed in exhaustion unable to physically express the anger in his heart. "I believed you knew what was best. I trusted your wisdom falling prey to it. Now, look at me. LOOK AT ME! I'm more lost than I've ever been before..."

The pony weakly raised a hoof observing its ugly appearance.

"What has happened, young one?" Celestia asked trying to match a face to a name.

"What happened indeed?" he mocked the Princess with a bitter smirk. "Do you not recognize me, pony goddess?"

"Can't seem to recall your name at the moment, I'm truly sorry," Celestia responded maintaining an unwavering prose.

"Then I will not tell you my name lest it be taken, too."

Celestia shifted her weight feeling uncomfortable in this pony's presence.

"I'll ask again. What has happened, young one? Why have you interrupted these morning's proceedings?"

"What happened is that I returned your diamond and received a curse!" yelled the pony shaking a hoof at the Princess.

One of the court officers had heard enough getting ready to push the pony out the doors. However, Celestia stopped the officer with a wave of her hoof.

"A diamond? Do you mean to tell me that you're the dragon from the night my sister and I recovered the stolen property?"

"I was once a dragon. But not anymore. I'm not even sure what I am," said the pony hanging his head in sorrow.

Though those attending could not tell, Celestia experienced withheld shock and confusion. Could the pony standing before her really be the one from that fateful night? Celestia looked beyond his decrepit appearance realizing this was indeed the dragon and something had gone wrong.

"I'm not entirely sure what has happened, young one, but let me help."

"I don't want your help," the pony muttered to himself.

"There are many doctors that could help with your con-"

"-I DON'T WANT YOUR HELP!!" The pony turned his eyes to the others in the room seething with anger. "YOUR PRINCESS IS A FAILURE!! SHE OFFERS ONLY LIES, DECEIT, AND PAIN!! DO NOT BE MISGUIDED UNDER HER RULE!!"

"Please, I can hel-"

"-I RETURNED THE STOLEN PROPERTY...AND YET WAS CURSED FOR IT!! DOWN WITH YOUR PONY GODDESS!! I CURSE HER NAME UNTIL MY DYING BREATH!!"

"Please, I ca-"

"-YOU ALL WANT TO KNOW WHAT AGONY IS LIKE? JUST ASK YOUR PONY GODDESS TO SHOW YOU!!"

"GUARDS! TAKE THIS ONE AWAY TO THE DUNGEON!"

The guards promptly did as they were told hauling away this pony to the dungeon. A confused mass of ponies looked at their princess whom tried her best to remain calm. Only in rare occasions did they witness a pony sentenced to imprisonment due in part to Celestia's caring nature. However, this pony had struck a nerve by trying to publicly defame her character. None dared to make any noise. They listened as the pony was taken away afraid to make any movements.

"THIS IS THE TRUE FACE OF YOUR PONY GODDESS!! REMEMBER IT WELL ON YOUR OWN DEATH BED!! SHE WILL-"

The doors leading to the dungeon quickly shut with the resounding screams abruptly silenced. Celestia said nothing staring off into the distance trying to recollect herself. The mass of ponies remained quiet not daring to make any movements.

"The Day Court is adjourned for today," Princess Celestia said heading off to the dungeon. "Thank you all for coming."



[/hr]

The pony faced the corner of his cell refusing to acknowledge Celestia's presence. She looked in at him through the bars wanting to know more about what happened to him.

"Will you not let me help you?" Celestia asked in the kindest voice she could offer.

"No. You've done enough."

"It is not in my nature to walk away," Celestia persisted.

"Do as you please."

"What I want to do is help. How can I when you will not tell me what happened?"

"...Why do you care?"

"It is in my nature."

For a minute or two an uncomfortable silence hung in the air.

"...Did you do this to me on purpose?" the pony asked weakly holding out a hoof.

"The transformation to a pony form? Yes. But not the condition you appear to be in. Are you in pain?"

"Yes."

"Oh. I'm sorry," Celestia said expressing genuine sympathy. "If I would have known the spell's effect, I wouldn't have cast it."

"...Yeah...ok...If it is any consolation, the new form made me happy for a while. The company of pony kind is more accepting than dragons albeit I still miss my old life. The small village you sent me to accepted me openly and I now have many fond memories of the place. However, it didn't take long for this new body to...turn into what you see. Not a day went by I didn't feel my skin crawl. Then, came the searing pain like another's claws dragged along the underbelly. Every pain-filled fiber in this body indicates something is wrong. All in all, I can sense my end quickly approaching with each muscle's cry of pain from moving about. I didn't belong in that pony village and so returned to a rejecting mother. I'm sorry about the interruption from earlier. I assumed the affliction to be entirely your fault but, perhaps, this is just what I deserve..."

"Would you have preferred a dragon or pony life? I suppose I should have asked you that night."

"I-I don't know..."

"I see. I'll send for a carriage to take you to the local hospital."

"Don't bother. Let me be. This is where I belong. This is what I deserve."

Celestia tried to reason with the pony that a hospital would be more suitable than the dungeon. However, his stubbornness forced her to send him to a hospital without consent. The many doctors and physicians assigned to his case couldn't figure out what was wrong. Their lab reports indicated a healthy pony though his appearance said otherwise. It only took a few days and his condition worsened to a degree almost disabling the ability to walk.

Worry crept into Celestia as she repeatedly looked over her mentor's notes for any cure or counteracting spell. Alas, she did not find a single answer in those riddled words. The best she could do was provide a room in the castle for comfort. She made repeated visits to check up on his status finding the room empty one day. In gathering a search party, she discovered that the pony returned to the dungeon seemingly convinced that the cell is where he belonged deserving the bitter end in losing what made him whole.

At the same time this occurred, Celestia tried to recover the missing colts and fillies taken by Luna. Luna refused to release the yearlings back into Celestia's custody. Murmurs and rumors ran rampant throughout Equestria picking sides for now the nation became divided between two sisters. Particularly disturbing were the murmured accounts of one called, Nightmare Moon, whom gave Luna counsel.

An exhausted Celestia returned to the dungeon seeking a solution not only to the pony's problem but her own failures.

"I've been thinking," the pony weakly said lying down on his side in the cell's dirt facing the wall, "perhaps the air, itself, is hurting me. If I stay still, I don't feel the pain so much."

Celestia decided to blow some air into the cell with her wings. The flowing air seemingly made the pony wince in pain. Celestia apologized and promptly hurried out of the dungeon with renewed hope. She skimmed her book for the spell that would most likely save his life. Having found the spell she rushed back to the dungeon and cast it. There before her laid the dragon from long ago. She smiled with happiness not felt for many days though it faded when she realized his condition remained the same. 

The pony dragon struggled to sit up and stared at his returned claws. He then peered behind him at Princess Celestia with a look of confusion and a single tear escaping his eye.

"I feel a little better...but it still hurts very much," he said before lying back down.

Celestia had one last hope to help the dragon. In requests bordering on pleading, she asked the owner of the pure white diamond to part with it. The owner only did so after many trade offers and one threat of banishment. Upon receiving the diamond, Celestia was surprised to find it lost most of its shine looking rather dull. The owner had even warned that it didn't look quite the same in recent years. This was the first time Celestia had ever seen a diamond lose its shine. Nonetheless, she rushed to the dungeon with this latest endeavor.

Placing the diamond before the dragon, she watched his eyes widen. His claw trembled as he reached out for it but then stopped halfway. For a brief moment, the diamond emitted a bright white light and some color returned to the dragon's scales. Celestia watched in amazement as the dragon strained a smile in response to the diamond's emitted light. However, both the diamond's light and the color of the dragon's scales quickly faded back to grey.

Celestia decided to leave the two alone hoping this would be an unexpected fix. She had other matters that needed attending.

Upon leaving the dungeon, she set out to raise the sun but found it an impossible feat. The moon was locked in place. In anger of this betrayal, Celestia flew off to confront her sister who denied the sun's advance and the moon's retreat. Celestia tried to reason with her but Luna lashed back in fury attacking her sister. Celestia, of course, defended herself knocking Luna to the ground whom shook it off and stood back up unaffected.

"Why must you act in this manner, dear sister?" Celestia demanded.

"Why must thou not listen to us? What makes thou know what's best for Equestria? We offer thee continual support, yet our right to equally rule by your side is neither accepted nor deemed necessary. Our loyal subjects heed only your word. Apparently, we do not deserve the same respect and admiration. Compromising acceptance among our subjects is all we've ever desired, but we're denied this every time because of you! Dost thou even care about us? Are we not more important than your trailing shadow? We are done playing your foalish games! Give us ONE reason to not end your rule tonight underneath the everlasting moon high above," Luna responded in tempered rage by no means holding back countless years of pent up resentment regarding repeated disagreements.

"I'm your sister!!" Celestia yelled out at Luna with tears in her eyes.

"...Not anymore," Luna said letting a purple shroud encase her body. "You are no sister of Nightmare Moon."

What Celestia witnessed emerge from the purple shroud made her heart skip a beat for the being standing before her was most certainly not her sister.

Why dear sister? I've always cared for you though I cannot get around the wall you've built. I fear you take a dark path I cannot follow. Perhaps one day you'll understand that your sister truly loves you with all her heart.



[/hr]

Celestia returned to the castle battered and beaten. She had done the unthinkable. Nonetheless she glanced one more time at the moon before lowering it. On her way to the royal bedroom, a few ponies caught a glimpse of their limping princess. She paid their desires to help no attention heading to the bedroom to find much needed sleep. Celestia didn't know what to think. In fact, she didn't feel much at the moment trying to maintain her composure.

An aide galloped up to her asking if she was all right. Celestia managed a nod not wanting to cause others worry. The aide then informed her that something happened to the dragon in the dungeon. She had tried to give him some food but discovered he didn't move an inch. His scaly skin, in fact, felt like dust when she reached out to touch him. Celestia's eyes shot wide open, and she hurried to the best of her ability to the dungeon. Upon reaching its entrance, she momentarily wished this was just a bad dream.

Approaching the dragon's cell, she noticed him not moving. His left claw remained extended towards the dull diamond before him. Both had completely lost what made them shine. In the rising sun sending in rays of light from a nearby window, Celestia watched as the cell's metal bars casted a defining shadow upon the diamond and the dragon with the latter slowly crumbling away to dust.

"I'm so very sorry. It was an honest mistake. Please forgive me," muttered Celestia turning away and heading back to her royal bedroom holding back a grievous lamentation.



[/hr]

The six ponies sitting across the table didn't make a sound when Celestia finished the story. Instead Celestia promptly rose to her hooves intending to leave.

"Did you find anything in the book, Twilight?" Celestia asked.

"Apart from what I read earlier, no. It's going to take some time to think on what I read. Can I borrow the bo-"

"-No...my most faithful student. Not until you're older. There are things in there I do not intend another to see," Celestia quickly responded snatching up her book from the student's grasp. Celestia then addressed the entire group sitting at the table. "You all now know Spike's fate. Make the best use of your time with him. He'll need you all in the coming weeks."

Princess Celestia quickly made her exit with Princess Luna following close behind not knowing what to say. The six ponies sitting at the table watched both princesses take their leave in silence. It was not until the door closed that Rarity burst out crying with others lending hooves to comfort her.



[/hr]

After returning to the castle, Princess Celestia went to the palace's balcony to lower the sun. Before reaching the balcony's doors, she spotted the banana she had left in the morning hours still resting on the table. Its peel had turned black and the banana most assuredly had spoiled. With her horn glowing she raised the banana and its peel into the air. She then re-wrapped the banana inside the peel with an irrational expectation that the vibrant yellow tint would return. But it did not nor should it. With no other remedy on hoof, she threw it away into the nearest waste basket. Wiping a few tears from her eyes, she exited the room onto the balcony intending to pass from one mistake to another in an eternity of relived regrets.
> Relax, Regroup, Rethink
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Despite a few sobs coming from Rarity, the Golden Oaks Library retained an oppressive silence. The five ponies remained quiet embracing the white-coated unicorn in the comfort of their accompanying hooves. It was all they could offer at the moment to the one who solely blamed herself for the transpiring events. They wanted to offer words of encouragement and hope. However, these words were intercepted by their own grievances remaining stuck in their throats. The five ponies didn't want to cry themselves for the mood didn't need additional depressing displays.

"Ya okay, sugarcube?" Applejack asked not able to withstand the silence any longer.

"...Y-yes, I-I'm fine," Rarity replied trying to stop the sobbing. "A-actually, Applejack, I'm not fine. It's all my fault...Spike's going to-"

"-No, he ain't! Ay don't wanna hear ya talking like that, ya hear me?" Applejack interrupted Rarity trying to curb her friend's guilt. "Stuff like this happens all the time."

"Um, not really. Spike was a pony this morning, remember? That's not normal everyday stuff," Rainbow Dash remarked to which Applejack gave her a warning look indicating the comment was not needed.

"Point is ya don't need to feel guilty about Spike, sugarcube. It ain't gonna help one bit in beating yourself up 'bout it. When life gives ya apples, ya make applejuice...or cider. What ay'm trying ta say is we make the best use of what we've got. After our worst mistakes are all said and done, we need ta believe we've done the best we can do. Otherwise, some silly ol' feelings will get in the way of the next day's responsibilities. Spike needs us right now—he needs you, Rarity. As much as ay'd like ta sit here and mope, it'd be best if we made sure the little guy is doing all right in the hospital."

"You're absolutely right, Applejack. It wouldn't serve any good purposes to sit here and cry. Spike needs us right now. Thank you, Applejack. You're a dear friend," Rarity said wiping her tears away with a foreleg.

"Don't mention it, pardner. We're all feeling a little bit down and out right 'bout now. Ay sure hope the little guy is doing okay. That spell sounds mightily horrible. Ay'd not wish it on my worst enemies," Applejack said to which all her friends verbally agreed. The orange-coated mare turned her attention to Twilight whom seemed like she was in deep thought. "Ya have any ideas on this spell, Twilight? Can we do something fer Spike?"

"I-I don't know. I've never heard of a spell that reveals another's true inner self. Maybe it's our my fault for instilling a pony's life into the young dragon. There just wasn't enough time given to study that spell's description. I need to borrow the book again, but I don't think Princess Celestia is willing to part with it. Her concerns are understandable considering the dragon's fate from long ago. Still, I feel as though an important detail has been overlooked."

"See, sugarcube?" Applejack said addressing Rarity. "Ya have the smartest pony of our generation tryin' ta help. We're all in this together, and we'll help Spike out no matter what tomorrow brings. Now's not the time to play 'Who hid the snakes in the barrel' else precious time will be wasted."

"Why would anypony hide snakes in a barrel?" Pinkie asked with a puzzled look.

"It's just a game, Pinkie, ta pass the time. Kinda like 'Pin the Tail on the Pony'," Applejack said.

"Are the snakes venomous? Can you press charges if you're bitten, assuming you find the culprit?" Pinkie asked still confused.

"The poor little snakes don't get hurt, do they?" Fluttershy asked joining in on the conversation.

"There's no snakes involved. One pony hides the 'snakes' while the others try to find 'em. It's a scavenger hunt with a little mystery," Applejack said relieving Fluttershy of her worry for an animal's safety. Pinkie, on the other hoof, was more confused than ever. "Y'all are thinking too much into this. Ay was trying to say we shouldn't waste time and help Spike. Speaking of which we shoulda been on our way to the Ponyville Hospital. C'mon y'all we need to get going."

Applejack got up with Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy following her to the front door. However, Twilight remained sitting with her mind still focused on finding the solution. Noticing her friends were on the way out the door, she called out for them to stop.

"Everypony, wait a second!" Twilight shouted halting their exit from the library.

"What is it, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Spike doesn't know about the story told to us by Celestia. I suggest we not tell him for the time being as I'm not sure if his heart can bear the news."

"Ay'd rather not keep secrets, Twi...was never too good at it," Applejack responded with honesty in her heart.

"Please, AJ. I'm not sure if him knowing will worsen the condition," Twilight pleaded.

"I-I'll try, sugarcube, but I can't promise anything if he asks," Applejack responded knowing full well the weight carried in honesty's truth. She would try her best not to tell Spike, but there was no guarantee against a slip of the tongue.

This was the best response Twilight was going to get. The other four girls remarked that they would most assuredly not tell Spike about the story or his affliction. A lot had happened that day and they didn't need the added stress of delivering bad news. The six ponies exited through the library's front door making their way to the Ponyville Hospital. Determination filled their hearts with a means to rescue a friend from a horrible fate. They didn't yet know how they were going to help Spike but, nonetheless, they'd be there for him in his darkest hour.

After all, a true, true friend helps a friend in need.



[/hr]

The six ponies traversed the halls of the hospital in search of the right room number. Nurse Redheart had been kind enough to point them in the right direction and it was only a matter of time before they found the room with a matching number. With hearts beating in their chests they found a matching number and passed through the accompanying doorway to a small room with two beds in it. Noticing the arrival of the six ponies, a doctor standing next to Spike looked up at them through glasses sitting on his nuzzle. Twilight immediately recognized his many orange curls.

"Well now, I should have known I'd have this one in my care again," he said looking back at Spike. "He still grabby I take it?"

"Just a phase doc," Spike said seemingly fully awake and eyeing a jar full of suckers. "Can I have another one?"

"No, he's back to Spike being his carefree self," Twilight responded to the doctor's inquiry. "There was another incident as you can plainly see from the lack of color in his scales. I'm so glad he's okay. I was worried."

"I've already given you two suckers within the past hour, wittle guy," the doctor said denying Spike's request then turning his attention to Twilight. Spike folded his arms feeling annoyed in not getting the sucker. "We've had a physician look into the matter but he couldn't find anything wrong other than the discoloration. I've been running my own tests but, seeing as I mostly deal with baby ponies, they provide no conclusive results. Although Spike made it apparent the discomfort felt underneath his scales, there's no way for me to determine the exact cause for the loss of color. Our tests have negative results meaning I have to discharge him from our care. We can keep him overnight and run more tests if you like, but I can't promise that we'll find anything."

"So, you didn't find anything wrong with him..." Twilight said mostly to herself mentally crossing out the hospital as help in this situation.

"Afraid not. Maybe this is another dragon thing," the doctor said. "Perhaps you should try a vet. I wish there was more I could say on the matter, but this a little beyond my experience."

"That's okay. Thank you doctor," Twilight said not expecting much further help from him.

The doctor, Hippocrates, let the six ponies know that they should bring Spike back to the hospital in case his condition worsens. He then quickly left as many other patients required his attention. Spike took this opportunity to reach for the jar filled with suckers, but Twilight slapped his claw with her hoof. Rarity ran up to Spike's bedside and hugged him not wanting to let go.

"Oh, Spikey-Wikey! I'm so glad you're all right!" she said trying to hold back tears of joy.

"I'm okay, Rarity. Really, I'm fine. It sure feels weird being a dragon again."

"Are you in any pain, Spike?" Rarity asked cutting to the chase.

"Not really but it feels like my skin is crawling," Spike said rubbing his left arm.

Rarity refused to let go of Spike. She held on in wishful thinking that he'd never crumble away to dust.

"Promise you won't ever leave me, Spike," she said with eyes closed focusing her senses on the touch of his scales.

"I promise, Rarity. I dunno what's happening to me, but I'm not going anywhere," Spike said slightly confused but nonetheless returned the hug. Much like her sapphire-like eyes, Spike enjoyed the touch of Rarity's silky coat. The warmth in her touch was enough to melt all his cares away. Though he didn't understand the predicament he faces, Spike knew that nothing could go wrong in Rarity's company. He loved her and she loved him; these reciprocated feeling were the only thing that mattered.

It was in this moment that some of Spike's color returned. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie watched in amazement as the purple hues in the dragon's scales slowly returned. If not for the shock expressed on their faces, they would had said something. They continued to witness the strange phenomenon unable to verbalize their emotions. 

Is this the answer? Twilight thought to herself. As though it were a jinx, Spike's color began to fade again after the passing thought. The five ponies were even more confused than before.

"What the hay was that!?" Applejack yelled out in shock.

"I-Is there something wrong, Applejack?" Rarity asked releasing Spike from the embrace looking at her friend for any clues.

"J-just now...some of Spike's color returned and disappeared!" Applejack exclaimed pointing a hoof at the two.

"Really?" Rarity asked surprised as she and Spike had the same thing happen earlier that morning. "This is one of the occurrences we wanted to ask Twilight about on our way to the library. It seems as though this phenomenon repeats itself in sparse moments. Any ideas, Twilight?"

"I'm not sure..." Twilight said pondering the occurrence with a hoof raised to her chin. "Perhaps it's from the hug? Hug Spike again, Rarity."

Rarity did just that with Spike feeling like this was one of Twilight's many experiments on him.

"...No, nothing. Close your eyes and rub up against his head."

Once again, Rarity did what Twilight wanted but nothing happened.

"...Still nothing. Maybe grab onto one of his frills and-"

"-um, before this gets any weirder, I'd like to point out this isn't exactly working," Rainbow Dash cut off Twilight's orders not wanting to witness where this was going.

"Right," Twilight said a little red-faced and embarrassed. "We should head back to the library assuming Spike is up for the trip."

Spike nodded and hopped off the bed onto the ground. Twilight was relieved to see he could still walk. She motioned for the others to leave the room not taking her eyes of Spike. She was determined to find a solution. All the pieces were there, she just needed to connect them. As Spike left the room walking next to Rarity, Twilight's gaze followed the little dragon as he walked out the door. Fluttershy was the second to last in exiting the room. Lightly poking Twilight's wing, Fluttershy shyly gained the attention of the purple-coated unicorn.

"Yes, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

"Um, I wasn't going to say anything but perhaps it's the affection they share that returned some of the color," Fluttershy responded in an almost quiet whisper. 

"Really?" Twilight asked a little surprised. "How come it came back and went away?"

"I don't know," Fluttershy said expressing a slight frown. "But that's what I saw in their hug."

"Thank you, Fluttershy," Twilight said with a slight smile crossing her lips. "That might be the one helpful clue we need to find a solution before it's too late."

"I hope so," Fluttershy agreed. "After all, he's the cutest dragon I've ever seen, and I don't want anything bad to happen to him."

"Me too, Fluttershy," Twilight said returning her eyes to the open door wondering what the future held for the one she's known most her life. "Me too."



[/hr]

On their way back to the library, Spike's curiosity was unrestrained in wanting to know what Celestia said. The Princess had visited on account of Rarity and the young dragon making him wonder if she spoke about the discoloration issue. Twilight came up with an explanation that the Princess thought it would be best he return to his dragon form but said nothing more on the topic. Spike could tell Twilight was holding back information by avoiding eye contact. He's been by her side long enough to recognize the seriousness in her expression and tone of voice withheld something rather important. Nonetheless, he shrugged it off as Twilight's stubbornness would be tricky to get around.

The other five ponies followed along with Rarity sticking very close to the young dragon. Her eyes continually wandered to Spike as though making sure everything was still fine. She noticed that Spike kept rubbing his arms while he talked causing a concern to grow in her heart. He wasn't in any pain, but she knew this was only the beginning of the spell's effects. The sight of her beloved in this condition drowned out his words as her mind raced with possible outcomes and endless conjectures.

"R-Rarity, are you okay?" Spike asked snapping her out of the trance.

"Y-yes, I'm quite alright. What were you saying?" Rarity responded blinking a few times to refocus her attention.

"I just wanted to make sure you're okay with me being a dragon, again? I mean...I'm not a pony anymore so maybe you-" Spike said with dejection.

"-I chose you, Spike, and not some silly old notions about worthwhile appearances," Rarity said disregarding the oncoming negative assumptions with closed eyes. "My heart belongs to you all the same."

"So, you're serious about this relationship...?" Twilight asked jumping into the conversation partly concerned.

"I am," Rarity responded.

"B-but he's a dragon," Fluttershy spoke up in a quiet voice pointing a hoof at Spike.

Rarity stopped walking wanting to make her points clear with the group also halting their advance towards the library.

"Yes, I'm quite aware he's a dragon. However, one must not judge another by their outward appearance. How many of you assume me to be snobbish and self-centered?" Rarity asked the group. Rainbow Dash raised a hoof but had it forcibly lowered by Twilight.

"No, Rarity. We do not think you're snobbish. You're a very good friend to us," Twilight responded turning to look at Rainbow Dash. "Most of us think so, anyways."

"What? She's a drama queen with her frilly little dresses and-" Rainbow Dash responded cut off mid-sentence by Twilight.

"-and she's a good friend worthy of rescue during a deadly free fall," Twilight responded.

"It wouldn't of happened if she hadn't stolen the spotlight with her amazing wings," Rainbow Dash said sitting down and crossing her hooves.

"I've apologized countless times for the incident as it was not right for me to behave in that manner," Rarity said bending down to place a hoof around Rainbow. "I was at my worst that day trying to continually improve since then. It was not right for me to seek attention at the expense of another. Rest assured, on the day you're accepted into the Wonderbolts, I'll be right there cheering for you. Will you let me cheer for you?"

"Of course! I want all my friends to be there!" Rainbow Dash said excitedly. "I didn't say you weren't a good friend. It's just that..."

"...She looks and acts different than most other ponies in this town. Am ay right, sugarcube?" Applejack chimed in with her own response to which Rarity slightly nodded. "Looks can be deceiving, Rainbow. Most ponies assume my brother is dumb due to the fact he don't talk much. They don't bother to look beyond his outward appearance. Spike is in the same boat. Ay swear I don't see a dragon most of the time in looking at the little guy. Rarity has seen something in him that makes her want ta love him. There ain't nothing wrong with that...though ay'm wondering how rolling 'round in the hay is going to work?"

"Rolling around in the hay?" Pinkie asked jumping up and down with some excitement. "Is that another game?"

"N-not quite, sugarcube," Applejack responded.

"What're the rules? How does one win?"

"I'll explain later, Pinkie," Applejack said trying to calm the easily excitable pink pony down.

"Interesting. And you feel the same way, Spike?" Twilight asked turning her attention to the little dragon.

"Yeah, I do," Spike said feeling his cheeks get hot though they still retained a dull color. "Since the first day we arrived in Ponyville I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Rarity means a lot to me and I'm willing to spend everyday of my life in her company. It's not just her beauty, either. It's something about her caring personality that makes me want to stay by her side and not ever leave it. I love the way she looks at me with those sapphire-like blue eyes, the way her coat fee-"

"-All right, I get it! Please don't share anymore details!" Twilight quickly said trying not to gag thinking back on all the romance novels she's read.

"I find that so adorable," Fluttershy cooed with enlarged eyes looking at Spike.

Twilight was the first to begin walking again not wanting to lose her lunch on the street. She wasn't against love talk per se, but Spike was like a brother making the conversation seem awkward. The rest of the group resumed their walking with Rarity and Spike looking at each other with loving eyes.

"Ain't that cute, sweet little Spike is in love with Rarity," Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash who rolled her eyes. Fluttershy, on the other hoof, nodded in agreement changing her mind about the dragon and pony relationship.

The group arrived at the library with Twilight rushing to the books aligned neatly on the shelves. She was not willing to waste any time in searching for a solution as she'd already noticed Spike's color continue to fade. She whispered to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash to help in the search with the three immediately beginning to sift through countless books.

"What're you doing, Twilight? Are you looking for—whoa! you almost hit me with that—something?" Spike asked dodging a book flying at his head.

"Sorry! I can't answer you right now as time is of the essence," Twilight said frantically reading books levitated in front of her eyes.

"Time is...what?" Spike asked confused.

"She's...uh...looking for a book ta reverse the forbidden spell placed on yer body," Applejack stated no longer able to hold back the truth.

"APPLEJACK!!" Twilight screamed out in shock facing the orange-coated mare.

"Many pardons, Twi. Ay can't keep secrets. Spike has a right ta know," Applejack responded knowing this was going to happen.

"Forbidden...spell?" Spike asked looking down at his claws. "Yikes! Do you mean that's what's been happening to me!?"

Spike started to hyperventilate now understanding why the skin under his scales was always crawling. Something was wrong and Twilight wouldn't tell him because there was something really bad about it. 

"What's going to happen to me, Twilight?" Spike asked looking back at Twilight who avoided his eyes by turning her head to the side.

"You don't want to know, Spike," Twilight responded trying to hold back tears in thinking about the dragon from long ago. "However, if you start to feel pain, you immediately let me know."

"P-pain...?!" Spike stammered.

"Listen," Twilight said bending down to meet Spike's eye level. "I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you. I—We will find a solution. Everything is going to be okay. You've been by my side long enough to know I won't let you down, right?"

"Well of course, Twilight! You've always been there for me!" Spike said reassured by his friend's determination.

"Good," Twilight said feeling a little relieved by his words. "Keep that trust in your heart. Your friends are here for you, and we're not going to let one spell change that."

"Agreed. I, for one, will not leave your side," Rarity said kneeling down next to Spike. "Come rain, sleet, or hail I'll always be here for you, my Spikey-Wikey."

Rarity gently rubbed her head up against Spike to let him know she wasn't going to leave his side. Twilight resumed her search of the bookshelves still peeved that Applejack couldn't hold secrets. Admittedly, the orange-coated mare was correct that Spike had a right to know about the forbidden spell. Twilight had to accept this was as a good time as any to let him know. Besides, he would need to be told about it sooner or later, preferably while he was still in good health.

While observing Rarity and Spike together, Applejack felt like she needed to say something. This was a good enough opportunity to have a talk with the young dragon.

"Hey, uh, Spike? Ay've been meaning ta talk ta ya 'bout something," Applejack said catching the dragon's attention. She motioned for him to follow her to the other side of room intending to speak privately. Rarity stood in her spot with a confused look.

"What is it, Applejack?" Spike asked her curiously.

Applejack looked up at the others to make sure they couldn't overhear, then turned her attention to the young dragon.

"Ay know things are going ta get rough for ya from here on out," Applejack began, kneeling down to meet Spike's eye level, "truth be told, the spell turns others to dust—now before you worry yourself over that little detail know that we're all here for you especially her."

Applejack motioned a hoof at Rarity whom was still looking at the two with a confused look. Spike followed the extended hoof staring at Rarity knowing she would most certainly be there for him.

"Ma and Pa used ta say that a pony should inherently be honest with themselves. Now, ay don't know if ya believe yerself to be a dragon or pony on the inside, but Rarity is here for ya no matter what. In the end, it is up ta you to make the choice. Ay know love when ay I see it, and you two are singin' its song in perfect sync. Unless, of course, yer only in it ta till the fields." Applejack said the last sentence attempting to hide a slight smile.

"Huh? 'Till the fields'?" Spike asked turning back to Applejack with a look of confusion.

"Oh...ya know...sow yer seeds, buck until leaves fall, rassle with the wily sn—ya have no idea what ay'm talking 'bout, do ya?" Applejack asked a bit surprised.

"I dunno what you're saying, but I love Rarity if that's what you're getting at," Spike responded completely unaware the direction in which the conversation was turning.

"Good ta hear. It's probably best ya don't find out anytime soon," Applejack said. "The point ay'm trying ta make is that yer trust in Rarity will make everything okay in the end. Be honest with yerself and her 'cause that sort of bond is all that matters at the end of a day. Ma and Pa loved each other very much...and I can't help but see the same thing between ya two. Wish ay was here earlier this mornin' to see what ya looked like. Ay bet ya were mighty handsome. If ever ya need something, be sure ta come hollering. Ay'll be here for you two."

Applejack and Spike returned to the group watching the four other ponies rummage through a multitude of books. Spike lamented that he'd have to clean this mess up later, but was proud his friends were looking out for him. Thinking on what Applejack said, he was glad to have her as a friend. It was easy to talk openly with her and she seemed to know what was best. If he ever needed an ear to hear him out, she would be there. For, in the words spoken from her mouth, he'd receive nothing but the honest truth.



[/hr]

Unfortunately, Twilight and her friends couldn't find any leads to a worthwhile solution. Twilight had suggested encasing Spike inside ice until a cure was found but the others were against the idea. Night quickly approached and the mares had to say their goodbyes for the night. Everypony left except for a white-coated mare who refused to leave Spike's side. Twilight tried to reassure Rarity that he'd be okay, but the mare insisted that she stay. Twilight had an extra bed used for the sleep over from long ago and resigned to let Rarity stay overnight. 

The three headed upstairs for the night with Twilight glancing back at the many books strewn and scattered on the floor. Perhaps there was something she missed, but she felt too tired to maintain focus on the subject. It was hard on her to know that time was against her—against Spike. She hadn't experienced this kind of stress since her exams under Celestia's tutelage.

Climbing into their beds, and basket, the three said good night to one another. The silence of the night was interrupted every now and then by the muffled noises of Spike rubbing his arms which kept Twilight awake. She tried to doze off to sleep but kept visualizing the dragon from long ago in Celestia's story. After what seemed like an hour, Twilight moved about her bed to its foot to peer down at Spike. She looked across the room and noticed that Rarity was sound asleep. Returning her sleepy gaze to Spike, she noticed his rubbing flaked off some dust particles. She didn't know what to do remaining still with an observant eye. 

Before Twilight, laid her assistant, friend, and brother unable to help with a worsening affliction. She had known him since an egg and the two have been inseparable since. Losing him would be catastrophic.

This isn't over. I'll find something, Spike. I won't let the one whom I hold close to my heart wither away to dust, Twilight thought to herself before inevitably drifting off to sleep.
> An Available Answer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The dim light of a morning sun was shining in through the nearest open window. Its peaceful glow illuminated a prolonged melancholy and somewhat darkened atmosphere. The radiated warmth in its rays was cast upon the coldness of the dungeon's stone walls slowly revealing a new day and renewed hope. There were no sounds or birds singing. However, the lack of audible sounds was broken by the muffled movements of a pony awakening in the shadows.

Rarity opened her eyes and was greeted by the morning light. The softened shine would have comforted her, but she found the surroundings unfamiliar when she sat up on the dust covered floor. This caught her by surprise for this was not Twilight's library. She sat in her spot for a few moments trying to figure out what this place was noticing a somewhat odd familiarity wash over her. Her gaze didn't have to wander far viewing the iron bars of the accompanying dungeon cell.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust but, nonetheless, she immediately recognized the dungeon cell before her. She noticed a weak glow coming from inside the cell different to that of the sun's light. The weak glow struggled to maintain its subtle glint flickering with a dull light as though beckoning Rarity forward. She took two steps forward only to stop, now observing the second figure which inhabited the cell. It was hard to distinguish the second figure from the dust covered floor, but his scales were immediately recognized as Rarity's eyes adjusted to the darkness.

Finding courage grow in her heart, Rarity stepped forward closer to the iron bars. She lightly placed a hoof on the door trying to open it but found it wouldn't budge. The clanking sounds of her efforts echoed in the empty air of the dungeon making Rarity stay very still as though apologetic for disturbing the peace. Her eyes fell upon the weak glow in the dungeon understanding what object lay on the ground before her. The object's glint stopped flickering having gained the ability to maintain a steady glow and, in fact, expanding its dim light further illuminating the cell's interior.

Rarity watched with shock as the dim light came across the claw extended towards the object. White light continued to reveal the rest of the dragon's body more clearly from the surrounding darkness except for sunlight's shadow cast upon the cell's iron bars. The dragon was unmistakably the one from Celestia's story. Likewise, the white diamond was the object with the dim light. Rarity held a hoof to her mouth with a silent gasp in seeing the diamond and the dragon. Her eyes passed back and forth between the two taking note of the extended claw trying to grasp what could never be obtained. There was not much left of the two as the diamond had lost its brilliant shine and the dragon nearly matched the dust covered floor.

"Oh my," Rarity whispered to herself. "This simply is not pos-"

"-Who's there?" rasped a voice from within the cell. "Pony goddess, is that you?"

Rarity stood still in the darkness unable to speak. She watched as the claw attempted movement showing signs of life. The dull diamond flickered a few times. This caught the attention of the dragon who slightly shifted his head to view its light.

"Not the pony goddess, then?" the dragon painfully responded to the flickering light. His head shifted into its original position trying to seek comfort but only receiving continued pain. "Who are you? What do you want? Please answer. It really hurts to talk."

"M-my n-name is Rarity," Rarity tried to speak unnerved to be in the dragon's presence. "I-I don't know how I got here. I heard about you and t-the diamond from P-princess Celestia. B-but t-this isn't possible as y-you're-"

"-Dead? Yes, he is," said a voice from the shadows to Rarity's left. She looked over to the darkness finding Princess Luna standing among the shadows. "'Tis but a dream, young one, borne from nightmare's realm. Let it not weigh heavily on thy heart for nightmares can twist all that is pure and good."

"P-princess Luna?" Rarity asked though the princess hung her head low not stepping into the light.

"We betrayed our sister succumbing to dark desires. Twould be a lie to say we've completely changed. Still, our sister truly does desire happiness from thy one she loves. Does she not deserve that affection? Can we ever fully return her love? We know not for only time can tell. We're sorry, young one, for hurting thou closest love. T'was wrong of us to make a hasty decision. Please accept the apology of your Princess. We never meant harm."

"A sister's love is never truly lost, Princess Luna," Rarity said thinking about her love for Sweetie Belle. "I'm sure the love for your sister still resides in the heart. It only needs to be remembered and shared. Sure, Sweetie Belle and I get on each other's nerves, but we're nonetheless sisters. Let Celestia know you remember her as a sister. Time will only distance your relationship with her. Beg my pardon if I presume this wrong, but you should tell your sister that you love her. This is all that she wants."

"Thy truth spoken in thou words reaches our ears. We shall think on it." As quickly as she arrived, Princess Luna left Rarity alone in the dungeon.

"Love..." rasped a voice struggling to speak from within the cell garnering Rarity's attention. "That's all I wanted. I never found it with my dragon brethren. I didn't find it in the companionship held with pony kind. This diamond...it lies to me. It says I'll be loved but none ever said the words. Now my heart remains locked up within solitary confinement befitting a worthy punishment. Do not let the same happen to you, the one named Rarity. Too many fail in this endeavor. Too many squander it. Too many twist it. Too many lose it. The pony goddess changed me, but did not give me what I needed most. Why is it so hard to love and be loved?"

Silence hung in the air with Rarity watching the claw try its best to extend further towards the diamond. It came within inches of it. However, the diamond flickered a few times before becoming completely dull enveloping the cell back into darkness.



[/hr]

The sound of birds chirping nearby was heard as Rarity opened her eyes. She quickly sat up finding herself in Twilight's library. She laid in the bed for a while staring off into the distance remembering the dragon's words. Was there any truth to those words from the dream? She felt much pity grow inside her for the dragon in that he wholeheartedly believed the forbidden spell was justifiably cast on him. If only she could have been able to open the cell's doors, she would have hugged him so that he understood somepony really cared.

"Hey, Rarity!" called a familiar voice snapping her out of the thoughtful trance. "I made breakfast! I figured you would like something nice after waking up."

Rarity turned her head to find Spike standing next to the bedside wearing a chef's hat and apron.

"Oh, Spikey-Wikey! You shouldn't have," Rarity said embracing the little dragon in a tight hug happy to see he was still in relative good health.

"It's nothing, Rarity. I love to do this kind of stuff!"

"No, really Spike, you shouldn't have," Rarity said releasing Spike from the hug with a serious expression coming across her face. "You're sick and I don't want you overexerting yourself."

"I'm not sick, Rarity," Spike said disregarding the concern and flexing both arms. "See? I'm fine and have never felt better!"

Rarity smiled at him for his carefree nature but Spike, himself, was lying in order to not cause her worry. Spike understood the affliction set upon his scales was deadly. However, he had resigned to shrug it off in the company of others especially Rarity. He wanted nothing more than the happiness of his super special somepony.

Truth be told, Spike's mind was riddled with questions. For one, his return to the physical form of a dragon was slightly upsetting. Once again, he would have to hold back the urge of coveting material possessions. Likewise the relationship with his super special somepony would once again be strained for Rarity was a pony. This thought did not detract from his love for her, of course, but was nonetheless an ever present fact. 

Secondly, Spike remembered the odd feeling in being a pony himself. If given another chance to be that stallion, would he choose it? Would he have the nerve to abandon the dragon body? He wasn't too sure at the moment, coming to terms with who he was and what he wanted to be. If only Rarity had woken up earlier, she would have seen Spike staring into Twilight's mirror contemplating who was in the reflection.

"C'mon, Rarity! Breakfast is going to get cold!" Spike said excitedly rushing to the stairs.

Rarity got out of bed and followed him to the stairs. In her descent, she noticed Twilight hunched over a book furiously looking over its contents. Besides the lavender-coated unicorn were multiple stacks of books she had intended to read.

"Good morning, Twilight," Rarity said with an elegant voice. "Have you found anything interesting?"

"Oh...good morning, Rarity," Twilight responded not taking her eyes off the book. "It took a long time, but I might finally be onto something."

"Really, darling?" Rarity asked approaching Twilight's side to get a better look at the book.

"I'm not sure...but so far, yes. Fluttershy made a comment yesterday getting me to think about the spell's effect. If the spell reveals one's inner self, what happens to the outer shell? Maybe that's the problem with casting the spell; it takes away something but expects a replacement to make the subject whole again. This is what the spell's description meant by is provable of imbuement. The only problem is determining a worthwhile replacement."

"So, Spike is missing something?" Rarity asked looking at the doorway to the kitchen the little dragon had just passed through.

"That is my most accurate assumption to describe the affliction," Twilight continued. "Keep in mind that the spell's influence is already in effect. This means the first casting needs to be counteracted. There are two ways to go about this: either we continue looking for an opposing spell or..."

Twilight's voice trailed off with a slight hint of hesitation.

"Or what, dear?" Rarity asked returning her eyes to the lavender-coated unicorn. Twilight broke her gaze from the book staring directly at Rarity.

"You're not going to like it," Twilight said. "The thing about some spells is that the spell, itself, might cancel the first."

"...You're not suggesting," Rarity asked apprehensively.

"...Yes. Yes, I am," Twilight responded with a very serious expression on her face. "We need to recast the forbidden spell."

"Hey, guys! I made breakfast! The least you could do is come eat!" said Spike reentering the room from the kitchen. "Seriously, don't you guys ever eat? I know Twilight doesn't 'cause she studies too much, but I made something special this time!"

Twilight would have yelled at Spike for the rude comment, but her worry made it impossible to voice a reply.

"Coming, dear," Rarity said to the little dragon whispering the next words so only Twilight could hear. "You have my full confidence, Twilight. If that is what we need to do to make things right, I will do it for Spike."

"I never imagined how much you really love him," Twilight responded whispering back.

"Yes, I love Spike with all my heart," Rarity said motioning a hoof to her chest.

"C'mon, guys! It's getting cold and I don't think you want dragon's fire breath added to the taste."

"We're coming, Spike," Twilight said to which the two walked into the kitchen to enjoy the meal cooked by Spike.

Surprisingly, Spike was a pretty good chef in following the recipe books. Twilight and Rarity enjoyed the apple walnut tarts and colcannon cakes. They would have never guessed that the little dragon had this much skill.

"How come I never knew you could cook this good?" Twilight asked.

"Well, you never eat 'cause you study too much," Spike replied to which Twilight had enough of those comments.

"My studying is going to save your life, mister!" Twilight said getting red in the face.

"Boy, somepony woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Spike said to Rarity pretending to whisper it in her ear.

Rarity tried to stifle a light chuckle and Twilight shot her a mean look.

"Oh, come now, Twilight. Spike's only poking some fun at you."

"Yeah, well, I'm going to poke him in the eye!" Twilight said levitating a fork. Spike didn't stick around to see where this was going taking off with the fork giving chase. After running around in a few circles, he quickly ran to the kitchen counter picking up the cutting board and held it out in front of him. With eyes closed, he hoped for the best hearing the sound of the fork running into the board.

"Geez, Twilight! What's gotten into you?" Spike asked setting down the cutting board trying to pry the fork out of it.

"Well, that'll teach you to insult a mare's habits," Twilight said.

"Yeah, whatever," Spike said rolling his eyes.

Just then a knock came from the front door causing all three in the room to glance in its direction.

"I wonder who that could be," Twilight said as the three made their way to the door.

She opened it and found Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie on the other side of the door.

"Hiya, pardner! We, uh, can't stop thinking 'bout Spike and chipped in for something special," Applejack said looking at each of her friends.

"Yep! A Superterrificextraspecialwonderful Surprise!" Pinkie yelled, excitedly jumping up and down while tossing confetti.

"Really?" Spike asked stepping in front of Twilight. "What'd you guys do?"

"Well, first I did this." Pinkie produced a sapphire cup cake out of nowhere topped with icing depicting Rarity's face. The face was perfectly replicated in such a way that a creepy vibe was felt in viewing it. "But then I thought that wouldn't cut it so I wanted to throw an ultra fantastic super mega party! But that would have been a sad party and nopony wants that. So, Mr. and Mrs. Cake suggested that we take you somewhere soothing in your last hou—anyways, BLINDFOLD!"

Pinkie jumped forward tackling Spike forcing him to wear a blindfold and threw him onto her back.

"Pinkie!" Rarity yelled out in shock. "What did I tell you about such horrid displays!?"

"To not do them?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes, darling. A proper lady must refrain from exhibiting such unbecoming behavior."

"But where's the fun in that?" Pinkie asked Rarity with a confused look.

"It's not about fun, darling. It is about acceptable manners and etiquette. Besides, your rough behavior almost hurt Spike." Rarity said this getting a little angry and pointed a hoof at the dragon on Pinkie's back who was gasping for air in being surprised.

"Yeah but I—oh, sorry Spike," Pinkie apologized to the dragon trying to catch his breath. 

"It's all right, Pinkie," Spike said finally catching his breath. "Twilight almost stabbed me with a fork earlier today so this is nothing."

Twilight blushed in embarrassment and guilt as she received stares from her friends.

"Anyways, where are going?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, somewhere nice and relaxing," Fluttershy said speaking up from behind Pinkie Pie. "We all pitched in what little we have to provide Spike with some much needed comfort. It is all we could think of doing for the little guy."



[/hr]

Rarity and Twilight followed the other ponies while walking to their destination. However, they talked amongst themselves unsure whether to go through with the recasting. It was a very big risk possibly accelerating Spike's deterioration. This was a decision that could not be hastily made for it meant a thin line between life and death. They would wait and look for other options. For now, Twilight said that Rarity should stick by Spike's side as that seemed to impede the affliction's progress although Twilight had noticed it progress somewhat rapidly overnight. The white-coated unicorn wholeheartedly agreed to this knowing something Twilight didn't. 

Rarity had her own ideas on what to do for Spike. She didn't know how to go about it and needed time to think. For some unknown reason, she didn't want to tell Twilight feeling no inclination to divulge the information. Her heart was telling her something. On the other hoof, it was possibly something she couldn't express in words to her friend. The rhythmic beating of her heart sounded out what needed to be done in a steady song. She listened carefully to the song finding the answer to Spike's affliction but not the means to obtain it. 

It didn't take long before the group arrived at their destination—the Ponyville Day Spa. Pinkie carefully took Spike off her back, placed him on the ground, and removed the blindfold. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust though they already twinkled with excitement...until he saw the building.

"Oh," Spike said expressing a little disappointment. "You all know I'm a guy, right?"

"Of course we do, pardner," Applejack said happily. "We coulda given ya many trinkets and doohickeys, but we figured this would be better."

"There are tons of stuff better than this," Spike said rolling his eyes.

"Now, don't be shy. Ay thought ya liked this place," Applejack said.

"To relax, yes. Not as a present."

"I, for one, think this is a splendid idea," Rarity said moving ahead of the group and into the spa. 

As soon as the door opened and the bell announced new customers, Aloe and Lotus Blossom glanced up from their activities in excitement. They rushed forward happy to see their star customer's return.

"Oh, what a surprise, Miss Rarity. We were not expecting you back so soon. Have you come for the usual?" both girls asked the white-coated unicorn.

"Not today, I'm afraid. My super special somepony here is in need of some urgent care," Rarity said motioning a hoof to the dragon walking in behind her.

Aloe and Lotus looked at one another in confusion as they saw a dragon and not a pony. Nonetheless, they nodded in agreement and rushed the small dragon to the bath throwing in various herbs and ingredients. Aloe continued to do so whereas Lotus hurried to the other potential customers taking them to various services offered by the spa. In one moment, Lotus tried to touch Rainbow Dash but she refused with extended hooves. Likewise, to the complete shock of the twins, Rarity refused to be treated. She didn't want to take her eyes off of Spike wanting to see how much the spa treatment would help.

This caused great concern to rise in them for their star customer was refusing spa treatment.

"Is there something troubling you, Miss Rarity?" they both asked in unison with Aloe returning next to her sister's side. Rarity shook her head as a response, but Applejack interjected her own words replying to the inquiry.

"Something's wrong with our friend, Spike," Applejack said on the massage table awaiting Quake to begin the treatment. "Ta tell the truth, she's very worried 'bout him...well, we all are. Ya can tell something is off by the way his scales look."

"That we can," the twins said looking at each other with a thought crossing their minds. "It just so happens we've received a new herb that we'd love to try out on your friend. Its properties are sure to cleanse and revitalize the mind and body as it is simply luxurious."

The twins smiled as they rushed to the back disappearing momentarily. They quickly returned with a small packet and dumped it into the bath. They stood still watching the small dragon but soon became disappointed when they didn't see any improvement.

"Something feels funny," Spike said suddenly realizing what it was that changed when he looked down.

The twins giggled to one another to see their success come to fruition below the water's line.

"Is everything okay, girls?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, more than okay," the twins smiled at each other. "Though your friend should stay in the water until the effect wears off. The product had some...side effects."

The devious twins turned back to Rarity having seen their mischief fulfilled.

"Now, onto more important matters," they both said approaching the opposite sides of the white-coated unicorn. They continued the conversation in a hushed tone so the others wouldn't overhear. "What is this we hear about a super special somepony?"

"Well," Rarity began whispering in a similar manner to theirs. "It just so happens I've chosen my super special somepony whom I love with all my heart."

"The small dragon?" both asked in unison.

"Yes, Spike is very special to me. I've come to a point in my life where I desire the company of another. He may be small but he is, nonetheless, very good to me."

"Well," the twins looked at each other. "We can confirm that he is not really that small."

"Now, girls. What have I told you about those tricks?"

"We know. We know. But the temptation is hard to resist. What is wrong with his scales?"

"A forbidden spell was cast on him causing the discoloration. It also turned him into a pony, believe it or not?"

"Pony?" both twins looked at each other in shock.

"Yes, however his body is deteriorating even as we speak. I don't know what to do about it though I had a dream last night."

"A dream? Do tell," the twins leaned in closer to hear Rarity's words.

"In the dream, I met the dragon from long ago who had the forbidden spell cast on him. Fate was unfortunately unkind to him. He mentioned that he was missing a certain something that I think would help in my case with Spike, the dragon in your bath."

"A certain something?"

"Yes, the spell apparently reveals one's true inner self. In doing so, it takes away one's outer appearance setting in motion a turn of events leading to death. The problem is that the spell is easily misused as the caster needs to offer a worthwhile replacement to what was taken. The 'certain something' the dragon told me about could help my super special somepony."

"Lyubof?" both twins asked understanding what Rarity was speaking about.

"Precisely," Rarity affirmed their assumption. "Needless to say I'm not sure how to go about it, but I know it is the answer."

"Perhaps," the twins looked at each other with an idea coming to their minds, "the application likens to cleansing and restoration."

"How so?" Rarity asked them with curiosity and a peaked interest.

"Well," the twins pointed to the bath with Spike sitting in it. "The body first needs to be cleansed of impurities. Then, lotions and ointments are applied to replenish the nutrients a healthy body needs. The application process is simple. What matters most is what nutrients are involved. Or, in your case, who is involved."

The twins became silent awaiting realization to wash over Rarity. It took a moment or two until the white-coated unicorn's eyes shot open understanding what the twins said.

"Do you mean?" Rarity asked pointing to herself.

"Yes," the twins said smiling at her. "It is up to you."

"Thank you, girls," Rarity said returning the smile. "You are very good friends to me."

The twins nodded and returned to their duties. Rarity spotted Rainbow Dash flying over to Spike wanting to stop her. It was too late, though, as she saw what couldn't be unseen making a futile effort to cover her eyes.



[/hr]

On the group's way back to the Golden Oaks Library, Rainbow Dash kept her distance from Spike for good reason. All in all, the entire group felt relaxed though Spike's color did not return one bit. The young dragon then began to rub both his arms catching Rarity's attention. It was a curious sight because this was the first time today that Rarity saw him rub his arms. What she didn't know was that he couldn't resist the urge any longer having tried to hide it. She also noticed that his eyes maintained contact with the ground not looking up.

"Are you okay, Spike?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, I guess," the dragon meekly replied. "I dunno. I'm feeling less comfortable."

"The spa treatment didn't help?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I don't think it did. In fact, I feel a little worse, but that might have less to do with the spa. I-I feel like I'm going to be sick."

Spike stopped walking and fell to all fours on the ground as though expecting to throw up. His friends looked at each other and him not sure what to do.

"Ugh, it feels so weird," Spike said feeling nothing but nausea. "I think it's getting worse...and spreading..."

"C'mon, Spike. Let's get you home," Twilight said raising the dragon onto her back.

The group arrived at the library immediately setting the young dragon into bed. They watched as his scales slightly quivered expressed in the uneasiness felt by Spike. Additionally, the color in his scales was nearly grey. Their failed gift of comfort made them realize they desperately needed a solution, if any were present. Twilight looked at Rarity and she likewise returned the given attention. Twilight understood the implications of this development whereas Rarity could partly discern the truth from Twilight's serious expression. What the others in the room didn't understand was that the progression to which the affliction worsened was quicker than expected, possibly due to Spike being younger than the dragon from long ago. What Celestia had expected to be weeks turned into only a few days at best. Twilight looked to Rarity expressing the concern from earlier that day. 

Were they willing to take the risk of recasting the forbidden spell? 

They had to make a decision, and they had to make it fast.
> Mend Marred Matters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike's scales continued to slightly quiver while he remained laid down in his basket. The affliction had worsened more quickly than Celestia had expected. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash remained by his side worried for his safety. They stood around the young dragon and helplessly watched as a friend and, to some degree, family member endured the effects of a forbidden spell. Every once in a while, each pony would glance at one another looking for an answer except Twilight and Rarity.

"Girls, we need to have a talk. Meet me downstairs," Twilight said walking off to the bedroom's doorway. "Spike, stay in bed."

"But, Twilight. I'm okay. Really, I am," Spike lied trying to get out of bed.

"Not so fast, pardner. Do what Twilight asked," Applejack said lightly placing a hoof on Spike's chest to deter movement. "Ya need ta rest."

Spike reluctantly remained in the basket and watched as every pony head for the stairs except Rarity. She lingered in her spot watching the young dragon and, when her other friends had exited through the doorway, bent down next to Spike's ear.

"Don't worry, Spike. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. We will get through this together," Rarity tenderly reassured the ailing dragon. 

Rarity then lightly pecked Spike's cheek with a kiss, caressed the green scales on his head, and told him everything was going to be okay with a 'trust me' look. She then made her way to the doorway while looking back noticing Spike rubbing a claw against his scaly cheek and smiling back. She warmly returned that smile. However, even a short departure from his side in his time of need made it slightly difficult to form that simple gesture.

Spike waited in his bed overhearing some conversational commotion stir up from the first floor of the library. He tried to listen but found it died down to hushed whispers. Frustration soon matched the uneasiness felt in his scales for he wanted needed to know what they were talking about. Climbing out of bed against Twilight's wishes, he eased his way to the doorway. However, his attention was seized when moving past Twilight's mirror.

The mirror's reflection caught his attention as an unfamiliar dragon returned a slightly confused look. The dragon's scales in the mirror were nearly grey and quivered slightly. Spike extended a claw and touched the glass hoping the reflected image was not true. His touch left the glass leaving a small trace of dust. These small particles of dust caused the small dragon to first squint at them then at his own claw. 

So this is how it ends? Spike thought to himself. I'm a dragon. I should be tougher than this...shouldn't I?

Determination filled his heart and Spike returned his eyes to the mirrored reflection with renewed fierceness.

I AM a dragon! I won't let this keep me down! C'mon, Spike! You are stronger than some forbidden spell! Your friends are counting on you! Rarity is counting on you!

As thoughts of Rarity came to his mind, Spike's hardened look became soft. He remembered the kiss gently placed on his cheek just a few moments ago and raised a claw to, once again, rub the very spot. If she was willing to stick by his side, then he'd do the same for her. He was causing her undue worry and that wasn't right. Actually, maybe it was justified but he had a renewed desire to remain a pillar of strength.

Spike looked around Twilight's room and noticed his basket had quite a bit of dust in it. His habits of cleanliness took over in picking up the basket, carrying it to the nearest window, and blowing off the dust into the open air. A light breeze blew by making his scales tingle slightly more than they should.

It was at this moment, while staring out of the open window, that Spike spotted three shadows quickly pass by on the ground below. The movement made Spike look up wondering what cast the shadows, and he saw three figures flying past far above. The characteristics of the three figures were familiar enough for Spike to immediately recognize the winged creatures. 

This was a very rare occurrence for Spike had never seen dragons come near Ponyville much less recognizable ones. He continued to watch as the one in the center of the group, a dragon with somewhat reddish scales, pointed out the nearby forest. The other two dragons by his side, one brown and the other dark purple, agreed to the command with laughter. Spike was surprised that both they and the ponies in Ponyville ignored each other.

Spike didn't think too much about the event after observing their descent into the forest. He knew that, whatever they were up to, couldn't be any good. Besides, he had more important things on his mind and let his wandering eyes return to the inside of Twilight's room. Remembering that there was an important conversation taking place downstairs, Spike returned the basket to its original spot and edged his way to the doorway.

The young dragon stood at the top of the stairs remaining unseen. He wanted to know what the others were talking about for the conversation most likely regarded his condition.

"That there's crazy talk, Twilight," Spike overheard Applejack whispering but audible enough to where he could hear her words. "One, we can't put him through that again. Two, we'll have to convince Celestia."

"That's why I'm in the middle of writing the letter to her right now, Applejack," Twilight responded. "We don't have a moment to lose. Spike's condition is deteriorating at a rate that will not sustain itself more than a few days. I can't lose him...I just can't."

"Come now, Twilight, don't cry," Applejack said with a somewhat comforting tone. "Everything is gonna turn out fine, you'll see. Besides, the parchment is getting a little wet."

"Spike is our friend, too," Rainbow Dash's voice could be heard. "I'm sure not gonna leave the guy hanging. I mean...I'm not sure what to do, but I'll be here."

"Me too! Spike is the bestest of friends!" Pinkie excitedly shouted to which the others shushed her. "...sorry."

"I'll be here, too, to provide the emotional support," Fluttershy whispered as though by habit, requiring that Spike strain himself to understand what was said. "Although, I believe the little dragon is stronger than most of us think. It is in their nature."

"Ay thought ya didn't like dragons. How do ya know that?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, I can see it in Spike's eyes. Besides, dragons can withstand the hottest lava so why not a spell?"

"Well, ay can safely say that there spell is worse than lava. But, again, how do ya know about dragons and lava?"

"Spike told me all about it when I asked about dragons," Fluttershy hesitantly replied to Applejack's inquiry.

"Oh," Applejack said realizing the simple truth in Fluttershy's words. "Ay sure hope you're right, Fluttershy. Rarity, how are ya holding up?"

"I'm fine, Applejack. Thanks for asking," Rarity calmly and politely answered. "Twilight, please continue writing the letter. We need that spell."

"Oh, right. I'm on it," Twilight said to which light scribbling could once again be heard.

"Applejack," Rarity began. "We need Celestia's spell. It is our best chance at saving Spike. I trust Twilight's confidence in its success, and will follow any leads to curing his ailment. I'm not about to sit on the sidelines and do nothing, disregarding all available solutions."

"Well, ay just find it a little crazy ta reca-" Applejack tried to speak but was cutoff by an impatient Rarity.

"-Furthermore, we're quickly running out of time and are not at liberty to wait this out. We need your full support in this matter. I wholeheartedly believe this work. That spell is the key awaiting another to open the door."

"Ay understand, Rarity," Applejack said with reassurance in her voice. "Truly, ay do. But ay jus' want ta go about it the right way. And what do ya mean about the spell being a key awaiting another to open some door?"

"...It simply means we need the spell." Rarity hesitantly said this as though suddenly realizing she'd said too much.

Spike didn't hear a response come out Applejack perhaps alluding to a cease of inquiries about it. Silence hung in the air for a while with no sounds made in the library. Spike was a little saddened to overhear that the affliction beneath his scales had affected him so much. He could certainly feel it worsening so there was truth behind those words. However, Fluttershy's belief him sustained a slight glimmer of hope. 

"Annnnd, all done," Twilight announced to the others no longer whispering. The noise of a quill against paper also ceased.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door to which a door's opening came soon after.

"Oh, hi there, Zecora! What brings you here?" Twilight asked.

"My house is partly destroyed by those winged buffoons! Those dragons ransacked it like a wild typhoon! Twilight Sparkle, I need Spike's assistance. Perhaps he could persuade them to a peaceful coexistence."

"Dragons? Here? We'll help in any way we can, Zecora. But Spike is a little sick right now and can't com-"

"-I'm coming!" Spike announced himself from atop the stairs heading to their base. "If they're the ones I saw from the window, I know who there are in recognizing them from a while back."

"Spike, no! You're not well right now! Please go back upstairs!" Twilight yelled at him with a slightly pleading voice. She turned back to Zecora and noticed that the zebra had started curiously eyeing the young dragon's grey scales. "Oh, um...before you ask, it's a long story."

"A curious sight will often beget a curious tale. Please tell me of what Spike does ail."

"We'll tell you on the way, Zecora," Spike said approaching the library's front door.

"I said no, Spike!" Twilight hissed through her teeth at him.

"And I say, yes," Spike said crossing his arms and closing his eyes in defiance.

"Please, Spike. I...you need to listen to me," Twilight pleaded, softening her stance in an attempt to not see this event transpire.

"Spike, darling. Please listen to Twilight. It is in your best interest to stay," Rarity said joining Twilight in making sure Spike stays out of harm's way.

"I'm sorry, Rarity. But I have to do this," Spike said beginning to walk out the door.

Spike began the trek to Zecora's hut ignoring the continued pleas of return from his friends. Rainbow Dash flew in front him to block his path, nevertheless he forcefully pushed her aside. It was not so much his physical strength that allowed his passage around her but the surprise she felt in the determination. Besides, she was a little weary about causing him undue pain in holding him back. She resorted to hovering over his left shoulder insisting that he go back to the library. Her efforts were futile as Spike ignored the logic in her words.

The rest of the group rushed after the two vocalizing the same concerns as Rainbow Dash. They soon realized that those words fell on deaf ears. Twilight decided to stop him in his tracks with magic. The halted dragon refused to acknowledge her presence feeling a slight anger rise inside him.

"You just can't let me do what I think is right, can you? I know what you're going to do. Don't do it, Twilight," Spike snarled at her.

Twilight's ears fell backwards, and she raised a hoof wanting to reach out to him.

"Ya know. You really need to trust me more. It's getting to a point where I'm being babied too much," Spike continued, agitated by the unicorn's distrust in him.

"I know, Spike. It's just that-"

"-it's too dangerous for wittle Spike to take care of himself. Yeah, I got the memo."

"...You're right...Spike," Twilight said lowering her head in defeat. "I should trust you more. Can you do one thing for me, though? If you're able to still magically send letters, can you send this one to Celestia?"

Twilight held a rolled up scroll in her extended hoof and let go of Spike. He turned around eyeing the letter but didn't take it.

"Only if you tell me what you wrote," Spike said testing her trust.

"I-I, Spike..."

"If you trust me, then you'll tell me what you wrote to Celestia."

"Fine," Twilight said once again admitting defeat. "I'm asking Celestia for the forbidden spell as we need to recast it on you."

"Gotcha. Why so secretive about that?" Spike asked.

"Well, the recasting of the forbidden spell could possibly accelerate the deteriorating effects, Spike. I-I can't stand the thought of losing you," Twilight said with pained words.

"We can't stand the thought of losing you," Rarity corrected Twilight approaching the side of the lavender-coated unicorn.

"Then, let's do it!" Spike excitedly said taking hold of the scroll from Twilight's grasp. "I already trust you guys. All I ask is you do the same. You don't want to lose my trust, do you? After all, losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend."

Pinkie Pie immediately held a hoof to her mouth trying to hold back the inevitable urge. Her other friends didn't notice the reaction with Spike sending the letter off to Celestia. The group was about ten feet closer to their destination when the pink mare couldn't hold back the words any longer.

"Foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"



[/hr]

On their way to Zecora's hut, Twilight told the zebra about Spike's affliction. She discussed yesterday's events, Celestia's story, and their need to recast the spell. Zecora didn't say too much, paying careful attention to the story, and Twilight couldn't tell what her thoughts were on the matter. This information was new to the zebra so Zecora decided to sit back and watch things play out.

"Never heard of a spell affecting a dragon's scales so deeply. I'm sorry there is trouble concerning the one whom you hold dearly," said Zecora trying to express her sympathy in simple words. The zebra, however, was not shocked at hearing about Spike's change to a pony's physical form. She had seen much stranger things happen especially in the Everfree Forest.

A loud crash heard from up ahead made the group stop in their tracks. Zecora walked in front of the group with Twilight close by her side. The zebra veered slightly to the right of the path they were on looking for cover in the nearby bushes. The rest of the group followed her lead peeking their heads through the shrubbery and witnessed Zecora's hut getting ransacked.

From within the hut, three figures moved about wildly causing all sorts of destruction. Twilight looked at Zecora apologetically, but the zebra remained stone-faced despite having her personal belongings completely destroyed. One of the figures emerged from the hut with a ceremonial mask on his face acting like a crazed animal. The two others joined him outside with fits of laughter.

Twilight observed the three now remembering where she'd seen their faces.

"I know those dragons!" Twilight whispered with a light hint of shock. "They're the same one from when Spike wanted to find out more about dragons!"

Spike didn't feel much like hiding. He was not afraid of these three dragons, but rather desired to speak with them once again over past misunderstandings. Before Twilight could stop him, Spike stepped out of the bushes and headed towards the three dragons enjoying their latest raid.

"Guys, you really need to stop hurting others in these raids," Spike said immediately gaining the attention of the three.

"Well, look at who decided to join the dragon party!" the one with the mask said still holding up the mask. "The one who betrayed our trust!"

"You have a lot of nerve showing your face around us, little shrimp!" the brown dragon said with slight anger in his voice.

"Yeah, we eat traitors like you for breakfast...little shrimp!" the dark purple dragon exclaimed emphasizing the last words.

"Now, now, guys! Let's not be too hasty. Maybe Spike has come to apologize for abandoning his fellow dragons," said the dragon holding the mask deciding to drop it to the ground having found something more fun. "After all, we have some unfinished business."

"What's wrong with his scales, Garble?" the brown dragon asked the one who dropped the masked pointing to Spike.

"Probably a worthy punishment for living with ponies and abandoning dragons," shrugged Garble.

"It's not a punishment. I just have a forbidden spell cast on me," Spike said revealing more than he probably should.

"Well, serves you right," Garble said pointing a claw at the young dragon. "I let you into the gang, treated you like one my own, and was spiked in the back."

"You wanted me to harm a defenseless egg! That was your idea of fun, and I didn't want any part of it! I came to you guys wanting to know more about dragons and who I am...not to harm others!"

"Tell you what, soft scales," Garble said pointing a claw towards the hut behind him. "If you help us in this latest dragon raid, I'll forgive what you did to us."

"No, I won't," Spike said crossing his arms. Garble was having none of this feeling his scales get rather hot.

"If you know what is good for you, shrimp, you'll do it," snarled Garble.

"I said no. That's my friends house, and I'm not going to destroy it for your amusement. She's worked very hard building a life out in this forest. What you are doing is not right."

"No one says no to me!" Garble said baring his teeth and readying an attack on the small dragon.

Spike, nonetheless, remained firmly standing his ground. In the three dragons' flight above Ponyville, he had noticed something peculiar. Why had they chosen to attack a lone hut within the bordering forest and not the town, itself? Spike was taking a gambling risk in thinking that there must be some untold compromise between dragons and ponies. The standoff lasted for a little while with neither side flinching.

"Don't you dare touch a scale on his head!" Rarity screamed running in front of Spike, providing protection with open hooves.

"Oh, one of his pony friends is coming to the rescue. Oh, please, don't hurt my dragon friend," Garble said clutching his face with both claws impersonating one who is in distress. The other two burst out in fits of laughter as though hearing the funniest joke. "What's next? Is your namby pamby pony princess going to show up?"

"Here I am as a matter of fact," said Twilight stepping out into the open with wings open. "As per the agreements between ponies and dragons, your vandalism here is unwarranted. I must ask that you three cease your destruction at once and leave."

"No," said Garble crossing his arms. However, the brown dragon next to his side began whispering something into his ear making the lead dragon reconsider the weight of the decision. "Fine, we'll leave. We know when we're not wanted."

The three dragons were ready to take off when Spike's voice halted their departure.

"Guys, wait! I need to ask something!" Spike called out to them moving in front of Rarity.

"Yeah, what is it, little traitor?!" Garble said finding it hard to hide his growing aggravation.

Spike motioned Garble to a private location where the others couldn't overhear to which the latter dragon reluctantly agreed.

"Well...what is it?"

"I just wanted to thank you from before for accepting me as a dragon. I never knew my parents, and wanted to discover who I am. However, I found out who I am is not the same as what I am...I'm not doing too well right now, Garble," Spike said holding out both claws so the older dragon could see. "Before it is too late, I need to know that there is no bad blood between us for you're the only dragons I have ever truly known. Sure, I may not agree with your actions, but we're brothers, aren't we?"

Garble's look softened as he saw the pleading eyes of Spike. In the company of the other dragons, Garble didn't realize the seriousness of Spike's affliction. He actually had a soft heart for the little guy seeing much of himself in his younger days when flying with much older dragons. Garble had learned at a young age that a dragon's life is not easy, and their ferocious nature made it hard to form meaningful bonds. However, on the day he was attacked by another dragon for being weak, he found out not all dragons are the same. In feeling his wings torn apart by undue hatred, a dragon with whom he'd soon call a friend, stopped the assault.

"Listen, Spike," Garble said kneeling down to match Spike's height but still withholding his emotions felt inside. "We are brothers. They might be your family now, but ponies can't offer that kind of kinship. You're a dragon through and through. I've seen it with my own two eyes. Sure, you can question who or what you are but, all that matters, is the truth beneath those scales. We shape this life to our own will. Don't be sad about it. I don't care much for Ponyville but, if you do, then that's okay...I guess. In the end, you're still welcome in my gang."

Spike's eyes teared up a little bit in hearing what needed to be said. He leapt forward hugging Garble's leg knowing he'd always be a friend.

"O-okay, t-that's enough, soft scales," Garble said pushing Spike off, apprehensively looking back at the other dragons. "I have a reputation to uphold. You take care, okay? If I don't hear from you, I'll come looking."

Spike nodded, flinched, then winced in pain. Garble didn't think too much of it until Spike held his left claw as though in distress.

"What's wrong, Spike?" asked Garble unsure what to make of the young dragon's reaction.

"It's...getting worse..." Spike responded still clutching his left claw.

"Hey...uh...namby pamby pony princess!? I think something is wrong with Spike!"

This remark immediately gained the attention of Rarity and Twilight. Twilight remained still in order to keep an eye on the other two dragons while Rarity rushed to Spike's side.

"Spike? Are you okay, darling?" asked Rarity before noticing he was holding his left claw. "Hold on, I'll get Twilight!"

Rarity rushed back to Twilight letting her know of the troubling development. The lavender-coated unicorn then shot a look of fear in Spike's direction. With the pain slightly subsiding, Spike looked at the claw having never known that kind of pain.

"Spike, whatever that spell did to you, I'm sure you'll overcome it," Garble said reassuring the younger dragon. "I've lived long enough to know a dragon's strength is not to be underestimated. We are feared for a reason not only due to our ferocity but unsurpassed strength. Hang in there, little guy. And, um, have this."

The ever resilient Garble took out a small ruby with a reflective red surface. The small jewel sparkled with a furious intensity when met by light barely shining through the trees.

"I've been meaning to give this to you since the initiation ritual. It represents the fiery bond with which our gang's members coexist with one another. Maybe it will provide you with the strength to overcome this lame pony spell."

Spike took the small ruby marveling at its brilliance. Before he could say thank you, Garble turned to take his leave. The leader dragon had lived a life in not showing sentimentality and was unaccustomed to these strange feelings. He rejoined the other two dragons and, together, they took off into the evening sky.

Once again, a sharp pain was felt in Spike's left claw making the young dragon grasp it. Twilight saw this, called for the others to come out of the bushes, and levitated Spike into Zecora's hut. The hut was a complete mess, but Twilight carved a path to the only bed available. She brushed aside the debris on top of it, and set Spike down on it.

"Does it hurt, Spike?" Twilight asked trying to gauge the degree to which the affliction was worsening.

The rest of group walked into the hut. The ponies joined Twilight's side while Zecora assessed the property damage.

"Yeah, it feels like something sharp being dragged along my skin underneath the scales. Is that a bad sign, Twilight?" asked Spike.

"Yes, it means the spell's effect are entering the next the stage. Discomfort is the least of our worries now," said Twilight carefully observing the left claw. "I just wish I had that answer back from Princess Celestia. I don't know why it's taking so lon-"

As though by mere coincidence, Spike's stomach rumbled with him burping out a rolled up scroll. Twilight hastily retrieved it from the floor needing to know Celestia's answer. Her eyes furiously looked over the words and, upon reaching the end, some of the color drained out of her face.

"Whatever is the matter, darling?" asked Rarity seeing her friend's peculiar reaction.

"She said no," said Twilight with hooves slightly shaking. "She doesn't want the spell recast. S-she doesn't..."

The other ponies in the room each held a hoof to their mouths in realizing their one solution was denied. Even Zecora stopped in her tracks feeling a heavy silence fill the air.

Twilight couldn't believe what she just read in Celestia's response and parroted her last words.

"She said no...she said no..."
> Ominous Ordeal Optimism
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia walked through the halls of the castle with a heavy heart heading to her royal bedchamber. Once again, she had to make a difficult decision but something about this one didn't sit well with her. Why must doing what's right feel so wrong? The choice she made was not intended to harm Twilight. The motive was aimed at protecting the young princess and, yet, Celestia felt like she had partly wronged her student. Celestia trusted the young mare, but this request was simply one she couldn't allow. She'd seen the results of casting that spell and felt the pain in failing to recognize its deadly aftereffects. In denying her most faithful student's request, she was saving the young princess from an everlasting regret.

"Forgive me, my most faithful student," Celestia whispered to herself making her way to the royal bedchamber with a grievous heart.

Admittedly, at the time when writing the letter, Celestia had held the quill to the piece of parchment for what seemed like an hour unable to write a single word. She couldn't make up her mind in granting the request for the burden of failure would most assuredly fall on either Celestia's or Twilight's shoulders. It was through much consideration that Celestia resigned to let the failure be her own. She cared too much for the young princess.

The burden of failure would be hers and not Twilight's to bear.

Celestia approached the doors to her bedchamber with an audible sigh. Today's sun would soon set on more than just Equestria's lands. She would have to let the light retreat and darkness overtake it, hoping that tomorrow's sunlight would be bright enough to stave off the lingering shadows of yesterday's difficult decisions.

Extending a hoof to the extravagantly decorated door, Celestia walked into her room not to her bed but to the nearest dresser. She opened the bottom drawer with her magic and searched through the various items hidden within. It took a moment or two until Celestia found the item she'd been seeking pulling out a small magically locked jewelry box. She levitated it in front of her noting time had worn away its color and, once again, a thin layer of dust covered its surface.

She hesitated before opening the box knowing full well what it contained. It had been a long time since she'd been strong enough to view the item within it. Memories of the past started to flood her mind with whispers spoken in the silence of the room. She could hear his voice in her mind. She could see him laid down in the dirt with a claw extended in futile hope.

Don't bother. Let me be. This is where I belong. This is what I deserve.

With a soft exhalation of breath, Celestia blew the dust off of the box's cover. Despite the many times her servants cleaned the room, a thin layer of dust had always accumulated onto this one box. This phenomenon was another reason that made her nervous in touching the box. With a slightly apprehensive feeling rising inside her gut, Celestia reached out to open it.

"Sister...?" came a voice from behind Celestia slightly startling the princess.

Celestia turned around to see Luna entering into the room.

"Yes...Luna?" Celestia asked. "What brings you here?"

"We've," Luna said staring at the ground unable to meet her sister's eyes, "been thinking about a lot, lately."

"Oh? What about, dear sister?" Celestia inquired with a curious eye.

"...About us..."

"Luna, I've already accepted your apology many times. You shouldn't let it trouble you so much," said Celestia witnessing the pain in her sister's eyes.

"...But it does...to no end, dear sister. Can we ever truly be forgiven?" Luna said with troubled words.

Celestia placed a caring hoof on her sister's shoulder with a warm smile crossing her face.

"I am not one to hold grudges, Luna. You, above all others, should know this,"

"...Because it is in thou nature, but are we truly worthy to be thy sister?" Luna looked up at Celestia with sorrowful eyes yet unable to shed any tears.

"When have I said otherwise? I do not want such thoughts gracing your mind anymore." With a warm touch, Celestia gently embraced her younger sibling.

It was at this moment that a soft light emitted through the box's closed lid catching the attention of both sisters.

"What is that, dear sister?" Luna asked staring curiously at the small box next to Celestia.

"A...keepsake, Luna," Celestia responded eyeing the box with apprehension.

"Of what?"

Celestia carefully opened the box to show Luna its contents. Inside was a small, dull, and worn out object with an unremarkable appearance likening to a common stone. Luna stared at the object with a surprised look as it continued in its struggle to shine. However, the small amount of light it gave off didn't last long, and Celestia was amazed the object could even do such a thing after all this time.

"The diamond, Luna," Celestia said in response to her sister's inquiry. "Retained for a thousand years to remind me that sometimes even a goddess—or older sister—can make the wrong decisions and fail those we care most about."



[/hr]

Twilight frantically paced back and forth in Zecora's hut continuing to eye Celestia's letter.

"Nononononono! This can't be happening! This can't be happening!"

"Twilight, please calm down, sugarcube," Applejack said trying to hold her friend still. "Everything's going ta be all right."

"No! It isn't!" Twilight screamed into the orange-coated mare's face.

"Look, jus' calm down. We can figure this out."

"With what!? Positive thinking!?" yelled Twilight with both hooves extended above her head 

"Well, certainly not with that attitude," Applejack responded pointing a hoof at Twilight.

"What's your answer, then?!" Twilight's frustration peaked when no response came from Applejack as she looked at the ground in defeat. "Does anypony have any ideas!?"

Everypony looked away from Twilight not knowing what to say except one mare.

"Twilight, darling? Please do calm down. This isn't helping," Rarity said with a calmed expression on her face.

"What isn't helping, Rarity, is Celestia's bucking letter!" screamed Twilight angrily shaking the piece of parchment in fury.

"I know that, darling. Truly I do. However, we need to discuss our options. If we do not, then what chance does Spike have?" Rarity said motioning a hoof at the young dragon sitting on Zecora's bed.

"Y-you're right, Rarity. I don't know what to do...but Spike still needs us," Twilight said with a sigh calming her mind.

Spike sat on the bed in silence not overhearing Twilight's frantic outbursts. His eyes were solely focused on the red ruby in his right claw shining brightly with a fiery red hue. Garble had entrusted the jewel to him as a means of motivating the young dragon to stay strong. Spike continued to stare at the bright red ruby ignoring the searing pain that was slowly creeping up his left arm.

More importantly, Spike's personal question was half answered. Spike knew that who and what he is cannot be the same thing. But having growing up with ponies his whole life raised some doubts in his mind as to whether the 'who' would be a simple answer. On one claw, he could say he is a dragon because of his birth. On the other, he could say he was a pony having been raised by them.

It was a serious conflicted observation that raised two questions in his young mind. Was he more pony than dragon or more dragon than pony? But, then, he had the idea that perhaps both arguments were wrong and right. The past conversations he had held with Applejack and Garble returned to his mind as clear as day whispering their honest words into his ears:

Looks can be deceiving, Rainbow. Most ponies assume my brother is dumb due to the fact he don't talk much. They don't bother to look beyond his outward appearance. Spike is in the same boat. Ay swear I don't see a dragon most of the time in looking at the little guy. Rarity has seen something in him that makes her want ta love him. There ain't nothing wrong with that.

You're a dragon through and through. I've seen it with my own two eyes. Sure, you can question who or what you are but, all that matters, is the truth beneath those scales.

Surely, Applejack wouldn't lie, and Spike knew Garble told the truth. The young dragon sat on the bed and pondered these opposing words now understanding the truth. In fact, he had been hiding something from the others unsure what it had meant until now.

"Hey, um, Twilight? I need to tell you something," Spike said now noticing that Twilight had already been looking at him thinking of another solution to the affliction.

"Hmm? What is it, Spike?" asked Twilight getting closer to him.

"Um, actually, I think everyone here should know," Spike said looking around at the whole group.

"What is it, darling?" asked Rarity as the group closed in around him except Zecora who only stayed close enough to overhear his words.

"Do you remember the spell that Celestia cast on me back in the library?" Spike asked to which the group nodded in unison. "I don't think it did anything."

"What do ya mean it didn't do anything?" asked Applejack a little taken aback by the words.

"Just what I said, Applejack. I don't think it did anything. I mean...I didn't feel anything when it hit my scales."

"You should have felt something, Spike." said Twilight interjecting her own thoughts into the matter. "It's a protective spell providing a thin magical layer making direct contact with a physical surface. Unless, of course, you didn't feel it because of the scales. However, it did change your physical appearance. You can't tell us that you didn't feel that."

"That's just it, Twilight," Spike said looking at the unicorn. "I felt the change but not Celestia's spell hitting my scales."

"Well, that's probably because the forbidden spell reacted to the one cast by Celestia."

"Exactly. It felt like the first spell only reacted to the second. But I really don't think the second one did anything. It certainly didn't protect me or prevent what is happening to my scales."

"I'm sure the spell cast by Celestia at least impeded the forbidden one's progression, Spike." Twilight said this immediately considering that perhaps that wasn't entirely true.

"If it had done that, Twiiight, you would have seen my scales in better shape than they are now. What I think happened is it only provided hope that things were better."

"...Like a placebo effect," Twilight said almost to herself thinking about how the spell didn't actually do much to prevent the effects of degradation.

"Uh huh," Spike nodded his head in agreement. "Like I said, I don't think the spell Celestia cast on me did anything."

"...Then..." Twilight started to ask with a confused look. "...Why are you a dragon if the forbidden spell reveals one's inner self?"

"Simple," Spike said looking down at the red ruby in his right claw. "I chose it."

"You chose to be a dragon?" asked Twilight slightly puzzled with the others displaying similar confusion on their faces. Well, except one mare. "I thought the spell had to reveal one's inner self. Are you sure about this, Spike?"

"More sure than I've been about most things, Twilight," Spike said still looking at the ruby. "Often, I've been thinking about who I am. It's not a simple answer. So, why does it have to boil down to one thing? The truth is I partly regretted losing a piece of myself and so, when Celestia's spell hit my scales, I made this choice."

"Ah swear this just gets weirder and weirder. It's making mah head hurt," Applejack said rubbing a hoof against her head. "Ah'm jus' going ta take a breather outside, if it's alright with y'all."

"...Y-yeah, me too," said Rainbow Dash following the orange-coated mare out of Zecora's front door.

"ME THREE!" Pinkie yelled following the two out of the door.

"So, what you're saying is you can make a choice?" Twilight asked barely noticing that her three friends left to go outside.

"Yes, I can feel it in my heart like unspoken words," Spike said looking up at the lavender unicorn. "It is as though I sense the decision that needs to be made. However, I think it applies to who I am which is why I've been thinking about it so much."

"The heart is not a simple instrument that plays a single song," Fluttershy finally spoke up catching the others by surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry. Was I interrupting?"

"Not at all, Fluttershy. It's just that you're so quiet sometimes, darling, that we don't realize you're there," Rarity said. "But do please continue with what you needed to say."

"Well, I just think that there is more to Spike than meets the eye. The little guy is at a point in his life where he's realized a pony—or dragon, I suppose—can be a great number of things. Most ponies can only perceive one reflection or persona of those they meet, narrowing judgement to a single perception. However, I find that sort of thinking is a little limited considering that ponies can be-"

"-LIKE DELICIOUS CAKES WITH MANY FILLINGS!?" Pinkie Pie screamed excitedly pushing her head into the group. The entire group jumped backwards in total shock having almost received a heart attack.

"D-don't do that!" Twilight said trying to catch her breath.

"Do what, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie asked unashamedly. "I was just outside with Applejack and Rainbow Dash enjoying the fresh air of a dangerous forest when I decided 'Ya know what would make this more enjoyable? More friends!' So I came back inside, overheard the talk, and decided this was much more fun than some spooky forest!"

"P-Pinkie, darling! You almost gave us a heart attack with that outburst! Just look at poor Fluttershy! She's frozen in fear!" said Rarity pointing a hoof at the wide-eyed pegasus backed up against the wall.

"...Oh, I did it again, didn't I?" asked Pinkie. "Sorry, Fluttershy. It's just that I just get SUPER EXCITED sometimes!"

"...T-That's o-okay, Pinkie," Fluttershy responded holding a hoof to her chest.

"...If you say so, Fluttershy," Twilight said rolling her eyes. "Spike, are you okay?"

Spike had been startled as well and almost dropped the ruby due to Pinkie's outburst. Nonetheless, he was fine and nodded his head in response to Twilight's inquiry. The lavender unicorn sighed but not in relief because she knew he wouldn't be okay soon enough, and she had no remedies on hoof for the affliction.

"Well, Spike, I'll think on what you said. For now, I'm going outside to get a breather, too. Call for me immediately if anything worsens." Twilight turned away from the young dragon with much sadness in her heart. The atmosphere was very oppressive and, though she had tried her best, everything seemed like it was going to take a turn for the worse. She...needed a break and headed out of the hut's door into the open forest air.

Pinkie Pie followed too apologizing and tugging at Fluttershy's wing to follow. The pink mare thought Fluttershy needed fresh air after being surprised, but the latter pony didn't really like the forest knowing its air wouldn't do her any good. Nonetheless, Fluttershy reluctantly followed her out of the hut.

Spike watched most of the group leave noticing that only two mares remained in the hut—Rarity and Zecora. The zebra resumed her activities of cleaning up after the dragon raid, but Rarity turned her eyes from the hut's front door back to Spike.

"Spike, I want you to know something," said Rarity with a serious expression on her face.

"Yes, Rarity?" asked Spike looking into those blue eyes he loved so much.

"On the night we went stargazing, I chose you for a reason to be my super special somepony. Not because I care whether you are a dragon or a pony on the inside but because I've come to understand we share something special. I'm getting older, Spike, and needed to consider my future. It was necessary to find that super special somepony I'd be inclined to give my heart. Then, I realized something. If ever there was someone always there for me, it was you. I need that in my life. As such, I resigned to hopefully and optimistically give my love away with the best of intentions."

Rarity bent down to match Spike's height on the bed leaning in closer to his face.

"Truth be told, I had a dream about the dragon in which I learned he'd been missing something. Only now do I realize that it is the same with you and me, perhaps others, too. Before that night I had questioned the possibility of us time and time again. Often crushes and similar romantic feelings boil down to short-lived desired affection. However...in your company, I feel something more...fulfilling. I now understand my leap of faith that fateful night was not misguided as I've truly found the one whom I'd most certainly give my love.

The choice between being a dragon or pony will be yours. I do not want you to feel like I'm taking away a piece of you. If what you say about Celestia's spell is correct, then we can bide our time until you're ready. And, if it is something that makes you uncomfortable, we can cause a reaction once again. Until then we will be together because all I truly want is you. Do you understand, Spike?"

Spike nodded hearing the truth in Rarity's words. The two finally had their answers but still needed the solution to Spike's affliction. Rarity continued with a means to an end in her words.

"I'm not going to let this spell take you away from me, Spike. I simply won't allow it. It'll be a cold day in Tartarus before I let that spell have its way. I am going to make this right, Spike. Do you trust me?"

"Of course I do," Spike responded feeling a slight warmth rise inside him.

"Good," Rarity said placing her left hoof over his right claw that held the ruby. Her look softened while looking at the young dragon feeling her heart beat a little faster. Likewise, Spike's heart was beginning to race in looking into Rarity's eyes. "I want you to stay strong until this is over. More importantly, I want you to remember the answer to what I'm about to ask."

"What is it, Rarity?" Spike asked losing himself in Rarity's blue eyes feeling a cooling and soothing sensation run along underneath his scales.

"Do you love me, darling?" Rarity asked looking back at those shimmering green eyes she adored.

"Yes. I love you, Rarity. With all my heart. Do you love me?"

"I do, Spike. I most certainly love you."



[/hr]

"Thou still hast the diamond?!" asked Luna staring at the unremarkable object resting within the small jewelry box. "Thy one from long ago?"

"The very same one, dear sister," said Celestia eyeing the object with sadness expressed on her face in seeing it once again. "I haven't opened this box for centuries, yet the diamond still lacks its shine as always."

"'Twould be entirely true if it weren't for the light we had just witnessed." Luna said pointing out the occurrence that had initially directed her attention to the small box. "Dost thou know why it would do such a thing?"

"I do not," responded Celestia. "The mystery behind this peculiar diamond has eluded my understanding for a thousand years. Even now I cannot comprehend its strange behavior much less know how or why a diamond would lose its shine in the first place."

Both sisters continued to observe the diamond within the small box taking note of its strange dull-like quality. Luna's curiosity was peaked whereas Celestia was simply nervous in looking at it. The diamond had not done much for the latter sister only offering regretful memories. If not for Luna's presence, Celestia would simply close the box and stow it away for the next century as acknowledging the diamond's persisted existence brought on too much pain.

"Are you done looking, dear sister?" Celestia calmly asked Luna wanting to put the small box away as soon as possible.

"Yes, we suppose we've seen enough though it is rather curious to see a jewel such as this. If only we could find out why it-"

Before Luna could finish her words, the diamond immediately sparked to life with renewed energy. An abrupt and unexpected bright white light caused both Princesses to momentarily shield their eyes with a foreleg. It took some time for their eyes to adjust to this sudden illumination but, when they did, Celestia and Luna looked back at the box with shocked expressions and wide eyes. The diamond's shine had returned to its original appearance from a thousand years ago as though nothing had changed.

The shock in witnessing the renewed diamond was enough to make Celestia lose her magical concentration letting the box fall to the floor. The moment the box made contact with the floor, a small thin layer of dust escaped into the air. Celestia immediately went to pick up the small box with her hoof until she heard an audible and familiar voice whisper softly in the room's silence causing her heart to skip a beat.

Wrong decisions can be made with good intentions, pony goddess.
> Utilizing Unexpected Unpredictability
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	She smiled at him and he smiled back at her. Everything was going to be okay and, although his scales would return to a dull-like color, the two were genuinely happy to be in each other's company. Her blue eyes lovingly met his green. They both felt right in what had been seen. They both knew the truth. They both knew the answer much like a fairy tale where the characters lived happily ever after. The young dragon's scales returned to their original state for a moment or two. In this moment, he wouldn't feel any pain but unending happiness to be next to the one he loved. The young mare gently rubbed her hoof against his claw to feel the warm touch. A kind smile spread across her face knowing it'd been a few days since he'd looked so handsome.

"...Spike?" she whispered.

"...Yes, Rarity?" he answered.

"I don't want this moment to end," she said resting her head against his chest.

"It won't, Rarity. It won't," Spike replied closing his eyes and resting his head against hers.

The hut withheld a heavy silence in which Rarity could hear Spike's heart beating. She swore it was beating with joy knowing hers was drumming the same song. A muffled noise behind her made the mare realize that they weren't alone. She didn't immediately regard the noise's source but did open her eyes witnessing Spike's scales begin to dull again. She let out a soft sigh for, though the two had their own answers, they still needed the solution to the affliction.

Rarity lifted her head from Spike's chest and peered behind her to find a surprised zebra observing the two. Zecora remained motionless with a hoof raised to her mouth.

"A curious sight for these eyes to behold. Countless mysteries I've seen and been told. But this forbidden spell's effects far surpass them all. What kind of magic would require a confession to survive the fall?"

An idea crossed Rarity's mind considering the experience Zecora had with strange occurrences. The young mare looked back at Spike taking note that the color in his scales would soon be grey again. They needed all the help they could get, and there was a possibility that Zecora could offer additional support if things don't turn out like they were planned. Having Celestia deny the request for the spell was not needed at a time when options were few. Rarity knew that one should seek help in all places. However, Twilight had enough on her mind. So, Rarity decided that the event the zebra witnessed and the young mare's request should remain a secret between the three of them. 

"Ms. Zecora, I have a favor to ask."

The zebra's ears perked up at the request not knowing what to say. She kept looking at the young mare recognizing a great need in Rarity's voice.

"Of course, young one. What do you need done?"



[/hr]

Twilight slowly walked back into the hut with her head hanging low. Her friends had tried to cheer the lavender unicorn up but to no avail. She was soon followed by the others expressing the same kind of sadness. Even Pinkie didn't feel like smiling. Twilight had looked at every book in the library not finding any answers and, when she did find one, it was denied by the one she trusted the most. She couldn't bring herself to be angry and there was certainly no reason to be happy. Looking up, she noticed Rarity and Zecora standing next to the bed on which Spike sat.

"So, Spike, I'm not sure what to say," Twilight said solemnly to which both Rarity and Zecora made enough room for her to be by the dragon's side. She looked down on his grey scales with sadness in her eyes. "I've been thinking about what you said, but we still need that spell for an actual cure. Without that spell your scales will only continue to..."

Twilight couldn't find the strength to continue speaking. Instead she lifted a hoof and gently touched his left arm in knowing that appendage was affected the worst. The physical contact didn't feel right as though she had wiped a hoof over an old book's cover. She lifted the hoof and observed it finding there was indeed dust on it. Twilight immediately lowered her foreleg not wanting to look at it any longer.

"How are you feeling, Spike?" Twilight asked with some anxiety.

"Believe it or not, Twilight. I feel fine," Spike said in a slightly cheery tone.

"That's good. That's go...wait...what happened to the pain in your left claw?" Twilight asked caught off guard by the response.

"...Well, I suddenly felt a little better."

"Yeah, but how?" Twilight eyed the young dragon suspiciously. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but there was something he was keeping from her.

"Um..."

Before Spike could answer, his stomach began to rumble. He clutched at it with his left claw but, nonetheless, loudly burped with a scroll falling to the floor.

"What's this?" Twilight asked picking up the scroll and unraveling it. Her eyes peered over the words and she lowered the piece of parchment upon finishing it with a look of disappointment. "...Great, just what I need..."

"What's it say, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Celestia wants to talk with us. She's sending an escort in the morning to the library."

"That there's some good news," Applejack said feeling some relief. "I reckon maybe she reconsidered her decision on lending us the spell."

"No, it isn't good news. If she were to give us the spell, she'd have sent it along with the letter or explicitly mentioned it."

"Come now, sugarcube. We can't continue to have our head in the gutter. Nothing good will come from it."

"Y-you're right, Applejack," Twilight said trying to find a source of happiness in the news. "We'll just have to see what she says. For now, everypony should get some sleep and we'll head back to the library in the morning and await the escort. Is it okay if we spend the night, Zecora?"

Twilight looked at the zebra for acknowledgment and the latter nodded with approval. Everypony began heading off to slumber to their own makeshift bedding with worry in their hearts but also hope in Celestia's letter. Spike meant something to each and every one of them and this news seemed like a second chance to save a friend.

The two ponies, Twilight and Rarity, remained by Spike's bedside. After a few more questions asked by Twilight, Spike fell asleep with Rarity kneeling down by his side. The two remained there and observed the young dragon thinking about his safety. One had almost lost hope and the other knew everything would work out fine. Twilight continued to watch noticing that Rarity soon drifted off to sleep, too, with her head resting on the bed's sheets. In all the times she'd seen the two together Twilight still couldn't believe they were this close.

Twilight didn't want to lose Spike. He was close to her, too. In fact, Spike was like a brother and losing him would be catastrophic. Memories of the past flooded her mind from the time when she hatched the dragon egg to the moment when Celestia allowed him to remain by her side. He was a great guy. He never let her down. But now, at this moment, she felt like a failure in watching him wither away. There was plenty of dust already covering Zecora's sheets which gave her an unsettled feeling.

Celestia's first letter soon crossed her mind. Why would the princess deny her request to save Spike? Had she not been chosen an alicorn due to proven capabilities? Even if the second letter's purpose was not about giving her the spell, Twilight decided that she would plead with the princess for it. If they were going to have chance in saving Spike, she needed that spell.

I need that spell, Princess, Twilight thought with renewed determination.

The night's minutes ticked away with Twilight thinking about possibilities. However, she soon fell asleep in the hut's silence.



[/hr]

"Twilight, darling. Wake up. We need to head back to the library."

A light prodding brought Twilight out of her slumber. With a dazed look, she looked around and noticed that everypony was up before the sun's rise.

"R-right...I'm up," Twilight said wearily raising herself up on her hooves. She looked around and saw her friends sitting around Zecora's cauldron having had a stew-like breakfast although Spike remained in the bed.

"Ya might want to brush off the side of yer head, sugarcube," Applejack said motioning a hoof at Twilight.

Twilight looked at the orange-coated mare with a look of confusion and lifted a foreleg up to the side of her head noticing a familiar feeling much like wiping a hoof over an old book's cover. She suddenly realized where her head had been laying down all night and frantically wiped away the dust.

"Better?" she asked the others.

"Better," responded Applejack. "Well, since now everypony is awake, ay figured we'd discuss who will stay behind ta watch over Spike."

"That's easy, Applejack," Twilight said. "It should be Rarity."

"On the contrary, darling, I'm going along with all of you," Rarity said.

"What?! I don't think that's a good idea. You're the only that can offse-"

"-I have to go. This is simply something I must do." Rarity closed her eyes in defiance for she'd already made up mind.

"P-please, Rarity. Y-you need to stay by-" Twilight stammered in fear for Spike's safety as taking the buffer away would only quickly worsen the degradation.

"-Twilight, darling. This is something you're going to have confidence in my choice."

"If it makes y'all feel any better, ay'll stick by Spike's side," Applejack suggested to which Rarity nodded in agreement.

"See, Twilight? Applejack will volunteer for the moment until we return," Rarity said. Twilight cringed at the thought of letting this slide. She knew that the effects would surely worsen without Rarity.

"Fine, let's get going then. Take care of yourself until we return, okay Spike?" Twilight asked turning her head to the dragon who nodded.

"Don't you need to eat something, darling?" Rarity asked.

"...I'm not hungry," Twilight said walking out of the hut and back to the library. The others finished up what they were doing and did the same.

"Remember the answer to what I asked, okay Spike?" Rarity said making sure Spike understood what would be his saving grace.

"I remember, Rarity. Don't worry, I'll be fine," Spike reassured her to which she smiled and followed the others out the door. "At least, I hope so."

"Ay'm sure you'll be fine, Spike," Applejack said approaching the small dragon. "There's a lot of strength in those small arms. After all, ya did save me from that timberwolf."

"I guess I did," Spike said laying back down in the bed still clutching the red ruby in his right claw.



[/hr]

Celestia calmly looked out her royal bedchamber's windows watching a mid-morning sun and waiting for the arrival of her most faithful student. Despite her relaxed demeanor, the princess was feeling quite a bit of anxiety after last evening's event. She would have passed the voice off as a figment of her imagination, but Luna had clearly heard the same words. How could such a thing be possible? Every second spent thinking about the voice made her slightly shiver for she knew it belonged to the dragon from long ago.

"I'm sorry, old friend," Celestia whispered into the silence offered by the room thinking about her past failure. She wondered if a response would come though it did not. "But this is simply a wrong decision I will have to bear. Please understand the burden this would place on my student. I can't allow that to happen."

A soft knock on Celestia's bedchamber door was her only response.

"Excuse us, Princess?" called her royal guards from beyond the door. "Twilight and her friends have arrived!"

"Send them in!" Celestia responded.

The door behind Celestia was heard opening and closing with a few hoofsteps approaching her from behind.

"Twilight," Celestia said still staring out the window with much on her mind.

"Yes, Princess? You called for us?" Twilight responded from behind her.

"How is Spike?"

"Well..." Twilight paused for a second before continuing in her words. "...not very good. The affliction is affecting his scales much more quickly than the dragon from long ago. His condition has already advanced to the feeling of pain. It's only his left claw at the moment, but..."

"I see," Celestia said sighing a little. "Perhaps I should have asked in the letter so as to not take you all from his side. However, I wanted you all to see something."

Celestia walked over to her dresser, sifted through the bottom drawer, and nervously pulled out the small jewelry box. Twilight and her friends looked at it with curiosity. Celestia slowly opened the box revealing a diamond with a shine more brilliant than any they'd ever seen before. The refracted light given off by the diamond made each pony's jaw drop in amazement to know such a thing existed.

"I-Is that the diamond from long ago, Princess?" Twilight asked.

"The very same, Twilight," Celestia said acknowledging the assumption. "I've kept it locked away for a thousand years. And, in all this time, it remained completely dull and void of life. That is...until yesterday around the evening hours. Twilight, did something happen yesterday that I should be aware of?"

"No, Princess," Twilight responded shaking her head. "Not of any occurrence known to me."

"Curious," Celestia said eyeing the diamond in the small jewelry box.

"Princess...?" Twilight asked with a serious expression on her face.

"Hmm, yes, Twilight? What is it?" Celestia asked redirecting her attention to the inquisitive student closing the box.

"...I...We really need that spell," Twilight pleaded.

"I've already given my answer on the matter, my most faithful student. And that answer shall remain the same until I see otherwise."

"Am I not worthy in your eyes?" Twilight said on the verge of tears. "Was it not your trust in my worth that allowed me to be an alicorn?! Are you simply going to stand there and deny my request to save a dying friend!? If that is the case, then I don't want to be one! I need that spell, Celestia! Or Spike is going to die! Is that you want!? You want Spike to die!?"

Twilight ran out of breath and her friends looked on at the two with sadness on their faces. Celestia, on the other hoof, remained emotionless peering down at her most faithful student.

"I never said I questioned your abilities," Celestia said not expressing much emotion in response to her student's outburst.

"Then why deny me this one simple request!?!" Twilight screamed in bitter anger.

Celestia looked away from Twilight averting her eyes elsewhere. She could feel a few pangs in her heart but sincerely felt this was the right thing to do though it caused her student to have bitter feelings.

"You don't understand, Twilight," Celestia said. "I simply can't allow that spell to be recast."

"Princess...?" a voice said catching the attention of the two. Rarity cleared her throat before saying anything further. "If Twilight promises to not recast the spell, can we at least look at the book so as to find a real solution to the forbidden spell's effects?"

Celestia stared at Rarity pondering the request. Perhaps the young mare had a point. This would allow the group to see the spell but also make sure it wasn't recast.

"I...suppose. Twilight, do you promise to not to recast the spell if I show you it?" Celestia asked her student.

"B-but...I...we...yes, Princess," Twilight sighed in defeat lowering her head. "I promise to not recast the spell."

"Very well," Celestia said summoning the book in front of her opening it to the page detailing the forbidden spell. "You have until the end of today to study what you need. Once again, I must remind you all to not let your eyes wander to other pages. For now, I must return to the Day Court as today's proceedings were only put on temporary hold until this meeting was over. When I come back, I expect this book to be placed on the top of my dresser or there will dire consequences. Am I to be understood?"

The ponies in the room all nodded in agreement.

"Good—Guards!" Celestia called out to which two of her royal guards stepped into the room. "I want you to keep a watchful eye on this group until their leave. For, when they are done getting what they need from my book, they are to be immediately escorted back to Ponyville."

Upon hearing Celestia's orders, both guards gave a salute. Celestia acknowledged this with a nod and headed off down the castle's hallways back to the court. Twilight immediately started scanning the book's contents for what she needed. The others did the same though they were unsure about what they'd get from reading the book. Nonetheless, they each meticulously looked over every word trying to find the answer to Spike's affliction.

Seconds turned into minutes as minutes turned into an hour passing by with little to no hope in sight. Rainbow Dash had given up on trying to read anymore and decided to bother the guards for entertainment.

"Ugh, Why's it got to be so riddled?" Twilight said in frustration.

"Have you come up with anything, darling?" Rarity asked.

"I've got some ideas, and I almost feel like I have the whole page memorized now having been looking at it for so long."

"Should we return to Ponyville now?" Rarity once again asked.

"Maybe," Twilight responded to the question. "I'm not sure there's much else I can get from this spell's description."

Just then a noise such like an opening door was heard. The ponies and two guards inside turned around to see Luna arrive.

"We're sorry to bother. We thought our sister would be in her room," Luna apologized before noticing Twilight and her friends were in the room. She also noticed a closed book behind them. "Greetings, Twilight. How fares Spike?"

"Oh, hello, Luna. He's...not doing too good. We've been looking over Celestia's book for an answer but can't seem to find any good leads though I've got some new ideas." Twilight said this pointing a hoof to the closed book.

"Oh," Luna said with a little sadness in her voice. "'Tis a most unfortunate incident that has befallen the young dragon."

"It is," Twilight said lowering her head. "But I suppose we must be getting back to Ponyville."

"Very well," Luna said with a nod. "We shall not keep you."

Twilight levitated the closed book onto Celestia's dresser and the guards led the group away from the room. She hoped the new ideas from reading the book would be fruitful but had some doubts. Nonetheless, she would continue to try her best in helping Spike. 



[/hr]

Celestia walked through the castle's hallways back to her room after the Day Court had ended. She felt slightly exhausted from the court's proceedings and wanted to lay down into bed. For her, it seemed like each day was more trying than the last. It was as though all of Equestria's burdens were upon her shoulders on a daily basis. Celestia was glad the moment she reached the extravagant doors of her bedchamber. All she wanted to do was relax a little after a hard day.

Pushing her way through the doors, Celestia was halfway to bed when she suddenly remembered the book. In fact, Celestia had forgotten to put the small jewelry box away. She turned her head to the left and saw both of the items sitting on the dresser glad Twilight had done what she requested. Truly, the princess was sorry that she had denied Twilight's request to recast the spell. It certainly pained the princess to make that choice. However, it was necessary to save her student from an even worse unfortunate event. Celestia approached the book on the dresser intending to put it away. She marveled at how long this book had been in her life withholding so many secrets.

Lifting the book up and observing it, Celestia then noticed something out of the ordinary. Looking at the underside of the book, Celestia perceived a small gap between the pages such like when a book is improperly closed on a folded page. The princess, all at once, had a realization that something was wrong. She hurriedly flipped though its pages looking for the forbidden spell but couldn't find it. She checked again and again yet it simply wasn't there.

Where is it...? she frantically thought trying to find the page. She stopped searching realizing what had happened. The gap between the book's pages wasn't from it being improperly closed. Celestia ran through the pages again taking note that, on one turn of those single sheets of paper, she could clearly see a rip near the binder.

A page was missing.

Celestia slammed the book down on the dresser in rising anger. This is what she gets for trusting Twilight? Did a promise not mean anything?

"Twilight Sparkle. I am very disappointed in you," Celestia whispered trying to hide her infuriated feelings. The diamond's light inside the jewelry box started to shine more brightly catching the princess's attention but also irritating her further. Feelings of frustration got the better of Celestia as she forcefully pushed the box off the dresser aggravated by its mere presence. The diamond fell out of the box and its shine made the princess shield her eyes. A slightly blinded Celestia momentarily gritted her teeth. There were not many moments that provoked her like this but, nonetheless, her emotions were hard to hold back any longer. She quickly picked up the diamond then stormed out of the room walking at a swift pace feeling much anger rise inside her. Luna saw her sister and tried to say something but Celestia barely acknowledged the greeting only offering an abrupt response. "Luna, come with me right now! We're heading to Ponyville straight away!"

"Why, dear sister? What has happened?" Luna asked trying to get an explanation. Celestia stopped in her tracks and turned her eyes towards Luna in which the moon princess could clearly see the tempered ire.

"A certain student of mine doesn't know when to take no for an answer."
> Romanticized Resolve's Restoration
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"How ya holding up, Spike?" Applejack asked the young dragon lying down in the bed.

She could clearly see the distress in his eyes while he continued to stare down at the red ruby in his right claw. He'd make a noise every now and then like a soft hissing noise while wincing in pain. Applejack didn't know what to do hoping the others would be back soon. If something were to happen under her watch, the guilt set upon the mare's shoulders would strain and weigh her down with more bushels of apples than she'd be able to carry. Normally, she was the calm one in tense situations. However, observing Spike in this condition was really getting to her.

"I-It hurts," Spike said continuing to eye the red ruby in his right claw. "I sure wish the pain would stop. I don't think I can even move my left arm or leg anymore."

Applejack's eyes nervously peered down at the young dragon's limbs but didn't see anything unusual that stood out among them aside from the lack of color. That is until she noticed that particles of dust were more frequently and lightly blowing away off the scales on his left side. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the bed covers underneath those limbs covered in dust.

"Oh my..."

"What is it, Applejack?" Spike asked slightly struggling to speak.

"N-nothing, pardner. J-just thinking 'bout something else," Applejack quickly said returning her eyes to the dragon's. "Ay'm sure the others will back any moment now. We just need ta keep wai-"

Before Applejack could finish speaking, she heard a loud noise spinning her head around to the hut's front door witnessing Rarity burst into the room. Rarity quickly scanned the room looking for something. The unicorn mare soon found the pony she'd been seeking rushing to Zecora's side whom had additionally witnessed the abrupt entrance.

"What the hay!? Rarity what's going on here?" Applejack asked not receiving an answer from the white-coated unicorn. "Rarity, where are the others? Rarity-"

"-Applejack, darling, there's not a moment to lose. Please remain calm until these matters are done," Rarity responded without looking at Applejack giving Zecora something in her hoof. "The others are at the Golden Oaks Library right now looking for an answer to the forbidden spell. They won't find it. There is no real solution other than the one which has been momentarily out of our grasp. In fact, Twilight can't know what I'm about to do right now."

"Rarity, ay don't understand what yer saying..." Applejack said a little confused.

"What I'm saying, Applejack, is that I'm the only one that can save Spike," Rarity said finally turning to face Applejack. "The implications of our situation are such that of three things: Firstly, the one who casts the forbidden spell has to offer something that adequately replaces what was taken. I'm...the only one who can give him that 'something' much like my need of it. Secondly, Princess Celestia never intended to give us the forbidden spell as she doesn't want the spell recast even making Twilight promise not to do it. Lastly, and this is very important, I love Spike. I'm not going to sit on the sidelines while he suffers right in front of me. Seeing as it is in my ability to help him, I will do so without hesitation."

Rarity looked away from Applejack before continuing to speak what she knew to be true in her heart.

"There will come a day, Applejack, when you will need to find that super special somepony that makes your life worthwhile. There will be a moment when, sleeping alone by yourself, that the desired accompaniment of another will reach an unbearable point. You'll ask yourself, 'Who is the right one for me?' and perhaps the answer will be right in front of your eyes the entire time. For, if you do not pursue that wild fancy, then when will you? When will be the right moment? The answer—right now—before it is too late, before you're too old, before you have nothing left to give to others. I spent almost every night at that sewing machine on those silent nights asking myself these questions. Aside from the soft purring of Opalescence, there is no one in my room at night. After a while, that sort of thing gets to you.

So, I took a chance. I made a move. Discovering that it was correct, magical, and a dream come true on a beautiful starry night. Now," Rarity took a moment to pause with a tear coming to her eye, "my chance at real love is going to be taken away. Right now, my better half is withering away before my eyes and the circumstances of the situation are preventing things from getting better. He's in pain. I need to do something for...both of us. These are the affairs of my heart, Applejack, open and true for all to see. I'm simply a rough diamond finding her shine in the love of my better half. Spike's suffering ends today as does mine. It doesn't matter whether he is a dragon or a pony. In the end, he is still Spike. He is my Spike. He is my Love. And I am his Love. I am his and he is mine; two parts of a whole for better or worse."

At the end of Rarity's speech, Applejack didn't say anything for a while. The orange-coated mare didn't understand love on this level but now she did.

"...All right," Applejack said approaching Rarity and giving her a light hug. "What do we need ta do fer, Spike?"

Rarity smiled at Applejack with a simple reply, "Thank you, Applejack. You're a dear friend."

"Don't mention it, pardner. Ay jus' need ta know what mah part is in this," Applejack said to which Rarity lightly chuckled. "Somethin' funny, Rarity?"

"Well, there is one thing you could do," Rarity said looking over at Zecora whom was holding something familiar to Applejack. Realizing what was held in the zebra's hoof greatly shocked the orange-coated mare. "Zecora is going to need some time to figure out the spell's steps on how to recast it. Likewise, I'm going to need some time to cast the spell. If Princess Celestia or Luna come barreling through the door, I need you to impede their advancement until this is over."

Applejack couldn't take her eyes off of the familiar piece of parchment in Zecora's hoof.

"R-Rarity, t-tell me ya didn't..." Applejack said stunned.

"I did," Rarity said with a solemn expression on her face. "We only have one chance."



[/hr]

Twilight scoured the bookshelves looking for an answer. Rainbow Dash had long resigned from the activity lying down on the ground with a bored expression. Pinkie Pie looked at each book with her quickly moving eyes almost touching the pages. Fluttershy couldn't make a decision on what book to grab next, first pointing at a book, reaching for it, then reconsidering the decision.

"Twilight, we've been at it for hours," Rainbow Dash said almost yawning. "If the answer was in one of these books, don't ya think we'd find it by now?"

"I know the answer is here somewhere, Rainbow Dash. Reading the spell's description again gave me some new ideas to help with Spike's affliction," Twilight replied continuing to search book after book without looking at her friend. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"I sure hope it doesn't involve freezing Spike in a magical block of ice like last time."

"No. Nothing like that. Though that was an excellent idea, and I'm not sure why you all thought otherwise."

"It's just, ya know, a bit crazy."

Twilight turned around feeling herself get angry.

"My idea was not crazy! It's a proven scientific fact that cryogenics is a worthwhile research due to its beneficial applications of preserving life!"

"But how's Spike going to party in a block of ice?" Pinkie Pie asked looking up from her book.

"He's not, Pinkie. His conscience will be suspended so-to-speak."

"That doesn't sound like fun."

"It's not about fun. It's about saving Spike's life," Twilight said to which Pinkie looked back at her with confusion.

"Um, it sounds dangerous," Fluttershy said voicing her own opinion on the matter. "I wouldn't want somepony to freeze me in a block of ice."

"I didn't say it was safe Fluttershy, but neither is the forbidden spell cast on Spike," Twilight responded.

"That says 'crazy idea' to me," Rainbow Dash said still a little bored.

"It's not crazy!" Twilight shouted feeling her anger rise. "It's a proven scientific fact that cryogenics is a wort-"

Before Twilight could finish speaking, the library's door was forcefully flung open almost tearing it off its hinges. Twilight and the others looked on at the event with wide eyes as Princess Celestia, followed by Princess Luna, entered the room with apparent anger in her eyes but a calm voice. Levitating next to the Princess was the pure white diamond they had seen earlier that day.

"Where is it, Twilight?" Celestia asked approaching her student with a stern expression that scared the lavender unicorn.

"P-princess, what brings you-"

"-Twilight, I asked you a question. You will respond accordingly or do I need to seek it out myself? I requested that you make a promise not to recast that spell only to have my trust betrayed. Not for one second do I find that amusing. I told you no for a reason. You will understand in due time but, as of right now, you will return the page to me."

"Page? What page?" Twilight asked confused and afraid while Celestia stood towering over her as though she were a small filly.

"The page, Twilight. The page you or one your friends ripped out of my book."

"I-I didn't. I placed the book on top of the dresser as you said."

Celestia continued to stare daggers into Twilight before shifting her eyes to the others in the same room.

"Which one of you took my page? I'm only going to ask once." Celestia looked from one to another finding none able to speak. "I'm waiting."

"It sure as heck wasn't me," Rainbow Dash said waving both hooves out in front her drawing Celestia's stare making her stop the motion feeling panicked.

"Then, who was it?"

Celestia noticed Fluttershy cowering against the bookshelf then shifted her gaze to the pink pony who, for once in her life, remained motionless and speechless.

"I'm going to make this very clear. If somepony betrays my trust and has the audacity to steal from me, they will find the sun not only brightens a day but can burn another rather badly. My patience is already at its limit for today. I do not find this amusing. I do not find this theft funny."

"...N-nono-no, Princess, I didn't steal no page of yours from that book. My hooves are clean," Pinkie said finally gaining the ability to speak holding out both hooves to Celestia but quickly looked down at them. "Well, they were clean..."

"Then, who was it? Twilight," Celestia said returning her eyes back to her fearful student, "You were the only ones that went in and out of my room. One of you has the page, and I'm not leaving until I get it back."

"Sister?" 

Celestia turned her head giving Luna her attention.

"We believe they're one short from those attending this morning. Right now, we only count four. But there were five this morning."

"I see," Princess Celestia said acknowledging the find returning both eyes to her student. "Twilight, where is your friend?"

"W-who? Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"The very same one that, if I recall correctly, asked to have my past memory retold. Then again wanted to view my book a second time. I did these two things out of the kindness of my heart witnessing the earnest look in her eyes. Only now does it make sense who took my book's page. My patience is already at its limit for today. Where is she, Twilight?"

"I-I don't understand. Rarity, wouldn't do-"

"-I ASKED WHERE SHE IS!!" Celestia yelled in a royal canterlot voice never heard before by Twilight making the lavender unicorn's heart almost stop beating.

"S-she...she...she said she needed to go to the boutique...a-and pick up a few things," Twilight tried to speak, now visibly shaken.

"Luna," Celestia said turning to face her sister once again. "Find her. I'm going to stay here in case she comes back."

Princess Luna acknowledged the request with a simple nod and exited the library's door. Celestia remained behind with the four ponies with nothing but a heavy silence hanging in the air. This was the exact reason why Celestia never yelled at her subjects now feeling a slight twinge of guilt at the sudden outburst. However, she said nothing and walked to the library door peering outside of it to the small town. The sun was already at the horizon's edge so Celestia decided to lower it all the way. She knew that a light—any light—in a night's darkness would be clearly visible.

If her thoughts were correct, she'd wait for that light and put an end to it before something truly terrible could happen.



[/hr]

Rarity walked back and forth between Zecora and Spike. Once or twice, she comforted the young dragon to at least slow down the degradation in his scales and ease the pain. Zecora had put Applejack up to the task of mixing a brew that would make this spell casting more feasible. The concoction wasn't a part of the steps, but it would help Rarity by temporarily boosting her magical prowess. The zebra was fascinated with the spell but, as well as the others, couldn't decipher the riddle in the spell description. That riddle, To not err in a face, a dole, and slice is provable of imbuement, perplexed her. 

However, Rarity knew what it meant. The spa twins, her two friends, had clearly told her those words' meaning when she mentioned that the forbidden spell took something from the dragon in times long past and needed something as a replacement. Rarity recalled the twins' words in her mind while she continued to focus on the task ahead:

"Yes, the spell apparently reveals one's true inner self. In doing so, it takes away one's outer appearance setting in motion a turn of events leading to death. The problem is that the spell is easily misused as the caster needs to offer a worthwhile replacement to what was taken. The 'certain something' the dragon told me about could help my super special somepony."

"Lyubof?" both twins asked understanding what Rarity was speaking about.

"Precisely," Rarity affirmed their assumption. "Needless to say I'm not sure how to go about it, but I know it is the answer."

"Perhaps," the twins looked at each other with an idea coming to their minds, "the application likens to cleansing and restoration."

"How so?" Rarity asked them with curiosity and a peaked interest.

"Well," the twins pointed to the bath with Spike sitting in it. "The body first needs to be cleansed of impurities. Then, lotions and ointments are applied to replenish the nutrients a healthy body needs. The application process is simple. What matters most is what nutrients are involved. Or, in your case, who is involved."

Rarity continued to think on those riddled words. The last piece of the riddle, is provable of imbuement, was not only about what to give but who should offer the replacement. Simply put, Spike needed Rarity's love. Spike needed Rarity. This made Twilight's involvement only necessary to understand how to recast the spell. Unfortunately, Celestia threw a wrench into that plan requiring that Rarity take unexpected drastic measures. Twilight would have needed to be reassured and convinced that Rarity, herself, recasting the spell would not break the promise demanded by Celestia. However, there was not enough time for that as Spike's life depended on this resolve.

"Miss Rarity, I now understand the spell's casting you seek. Come over here so we can speak," Zecora said calling Rarity over to her.

Rarity rushed to Zecora's side and the zebra pointed out the motions of the spell's casting to the unicorn. It was very powerful magic requiring a lot of focus. Zecora had been right to brew a particular potion for the task. The zebra went over each step making sure Rarity understood precisely what to do at each given moment. Of course, all these activities would not be physical but mental magical manipulation. Undoubtedly, there would be the added stress burdening the unicorn to get this recasting done right the first time. There would not be a second chance. For, if Rarity fails in recasting the spell, the potion will wear off and Celestia might not allow another try if she found out.

Zecora asked Rarity if she was ready to begin to which a nervous nod answered the zebra.

"Trust your heart, and you'll know what to do. Remain focused on the one who loves you," Zecora said as last words of encouragement. She then took a cup and poured some of the brew into it wanting Rarity to drink the liquid. "Heightened senses result from this hocus pocus. This particular potion substantially increases one's focus."

Rarity took a few breaths readying herself for the coming feat. She closed her eyes and saw Spike smiling back at her the many times he'd wandered into her boutique. He was always there for her. There was always a smile upon his face when he looked at her with twinkling green eyes. The words that left his lips gave her happiness. They made her feel welcome in his life. She knew that, in his company, she would never again fear to be alone or forgotten.

With his healthy face in her mind, Rarity downed the liquid feeling its effects kick in right away. Her senses heightened to a degree indicating a stronger feeling of everything that needed to be done. Applejack and Zecora looked on in wonder as Rarity rushed to Spike's side. The young dragon weakly looked at her knowing this was the right moment.

"Spike? Are you ready?" she asked with a simple smile.

"Yes, Rarity," Spike responded with Rarity placing her hoof in his right claw.

Their eyes met each other's lovingly and they felt their surroundings wash away. This moment belonged to them. Rarity smiled and Spike returned it. Their hearts began to beat faster while Rarity held onto his claw for comfort. In understanding the next steps, Rarity closed her eyes to focus on the recasting. The tip of her horn began to glow a bright white and Spike knew what was coming.

"Rarity," Spike said.

"Yes, Spike?" Rarity responded retaining her focus.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."



[/hr]

Celestia remained at the library's door looking out to the small town. The silence of the night seemed rather peculiar for this night remained more tranquil than most others. There were not many lights on in the town so she had a clear view of the surroundings. Celestia even noticed Princess Luna flying above searching fruitlessly. The oncoming darkness had a calm feel to it interrupted by some window lights and the diamond carried by Celestia. She kept the diamond behind her so as to keep a clear view. It's shine almost seemed to be increasing with each passing moment.

"Sister! There!" Luna called out to Celestia pointing a hoof at the neighboring forest from which a bright white light was increasing in its radiance.

"Let us make haste, dear sister, before all is lost!" Celestia called out to Luna before flying off in the light's direction.

A visibly shaken Twilight approached the doorway upon Celestia's departure noticing the bright white light.

"R-Rarity...?" Twilight asked confused. A figure flew in front of Twilight coming from inside of the library.

"Twilight, c'mon! We've got to go to Zecora's right now!" Rainbow Dash said pulling at the unicorn.

"B-but... Celestia..." Twilight stammered.

"Rarity is our friend! She needs us!" Rainbow Dash yelled trying to drive sense into Twilight.

Twilight shook it off noticing that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy had the same idea.

"Right! To Zecora's!" Twilight said galloping at full speed then taking off into the air with Rainbow Dash easily flying ahead while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy followed close behind.

Celestia and Luna quickly closed the distance between them and the hut. They stopped outside of it witnessing the origin of the white light coming from within. Celestia wasn't going to let this slide. Using her horn, she forcefully opened the door almost tearing it off its hinges. The white light that came from within made it slightly difficult to see but, nonetheless, she moved forward trying to step into the hut.

Rainbow Dash caught up to the princess's and saw Celestia almost enter the building deciding to block her path.

"Princess, whatever Rarity is doing just let it be done. She's our friend," Rainbow Dash pleaded.

"Get out of my way," Celestia calmly said to the cyan-colored pegasus.

"I know Rarity. She's a good friend. I'm sure she means well."

"I'm going to give you three seconds to get out of the way."

"I'd never let a friend down. She's always been there for me."

"One."

"Sure, I don't like her at times but she's my friend."

"Two."

"Friends should be trusted and I trust Rarity com-"

"-Three."

Celestia used her horn to throw Rainbow Dash aside like a rag doll only to be confronted by an orange-coated mare in the hut's doorway.

"Move aside," Celestia said with a stern expression that scared Applejack.

"N-no can do, Princess. Rarity is in the middle of somethin'."

"Luna, move her aside," Celestia said to which Luna came forward and pushed the orange-coated mare to the side making room for Celestia to enter the hut.

Upon entering the room, Celestia could barely see anything. The bright white light permeated the entire building making it difficult to find the source. Its brilliance was only matched by the diamond carried at Celestia's side. Squinting into the light, Celestia could barely make out two figures in the distance where one knelt next to another. She moved a few steps forward only to see a third figure approaching her.

Pony goddess, why is it some of us can't find love? a voice whispered to the Princess as the figure approached making Celestia's heart almost stop beating. Why must it peel us apart? Why must we endure its given heartaches?

"T-this cannot be," Celestia said to which the figure stopped moving closer to her. Luna, too, could see the figure which made her eyes open wide.

I desired one thing. You desired one thing. Is it too much to ask for love in another?

"I did everything I could!" Celestia yelled out at the figure with tears in her eyes. "I tried everything! Not a day went by that I didn't regret the failure!"

Your failure is twofold, the figure said pointing to Luna then repeating its question. Is it too much to ask for love in another? How many times, pony goddess, must you make these mistakes?

"..." Celestia didn't know what to say with many tears forming in her eyes. "I did everything! I love my sister! I tried to reconcile our differences! I tried to save you! Only to watch EVERYTHING fall apart!!"

Celestia looked on in horror as the diamond at her side floated forward of its own accord. The figure reached out for the diamond as it came near. Upon touching the diamond, its shine lit up the figure's face showing the dragon from long ago in a healthy condition with perfect clarity.

Do not make another mistake here tonight. Let another succeed where we failed, the dragon said this with a kind smile before fading away. I forgive you. Please forgive me.

The diamond remained suspended in midair and Celestia could see the other two figures in the distance. She wanted to move forward but didn't. Princess Celestia and Luna remained where they stood next to Appelejack looking on as the two continued with the spell's recasting.

Rarity held her eyes shut feeling the magic flow to the tip of her horn. In her struggle, she gave off a smile. This was it. She could feel the magic course through her body accumulating to the horn. Spike looked up at her noticing the way her mane was swaying in an unseen wind. She was beautiful to him and everything he could ever dream. He could feel his heart beat faster watching her cast this magic for it showed how much she cared for him.

She opened her eyes looking into his letting him know this was the moment. He gave a nod and she smiled touching her horn to his body. He could feel the magic course through him providing a tingling sensation that rippled through his scales. It provided a soothing sensation unlike the previous casting. There was something added to it that warmed him on the inside. He felt her love. He also felt the choice offered to him. 

His mind raced back and forth. He could feel the familiar tugs and pulls on his body. Looking down at his right arm, he saw the hoof touching hers. Rarity noticed this and the look of confusion in his eyes. She moved in closer to him with sincerity and kindness displayed on her face.

"When you're ready, Spike, I'll let you make the choice again after some time has passed," Rarity said lightly pressing her lips to Spike's. Her soft lips were felt against his providing a warm touch. He could smell her bodily fragrance and taste her lips. He closed his eyes to feel the moment transpire in his mind. Rarity's touch reassured him that an inner decision now could be changed later on. The only thing that mattered was her at this moment in time. So, when he is truly ready, he'll let her know. Until then, he'll still stay by her side forever remaining to be the love of her life. 

There would be no loss.

Celestia and Luna continued to watch as the bright white light died down to reveal the two figures in the distance embraced in a loving kiss—a pony and a dragon. The princesses approached the two as did Applejack, Zecora, and Rainbow Dash. Even Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy entered the hut to witness the scene between the two.

There before them all, laid a fully restored Spike with Rarity joined in true love's lock. When Rarity separated her lips from Spike's, both of them stared at each other understanding success was about more than discoloration, degradation, or some forbidden spell. Their success meant a fully reciprocated love that not many find or retain. Rarity had found the shine of her diamond in Spike's love. Likewise, Spike found a rare special jewel unlike any other in Rarity's generous love. Her fears of being alone and forgotten would never be realized. His fears of being mismatched with her would never be realized.

Rarity loved Spike and Spike loved Rarity.

Celestia moved towards the two not in anger but in regret of her previous actions. If not for the dragon from long ago, she would have stopped the forbidden spell's recasting. It would have been another grievous regret set upon her shoulders. So, in moving closer to the two, she displayed an apologetic smile. Likewise, the princess spoke with sincerity in her heart hoping she'd be forgiven.

"My Little Ponies," Celestia said peering back at the others near the entrance then back toward the two in front of her, "Rarity and Spike. First and foremost, please accept my apologies for doubting your capabilities. My past failures blinded me and so I didn't recognize this as a feasible outcome. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Applejack, you all stood by your friends in their time of great need. Luna, I'm sorry for again not recognizing your attempts to express familial love towards me. Additionally, I should have believed your decision was rightfully made on that star-filled night even if the outcome was unknown to you. Worse yet, Twilight, I didn't trust my most faithful student when she needed me most. And I can see you had additional help, too, from a kind heart."

Celestia looked over to the zebra who had watched the whole event play out before her. Zecora bowed her head grateful for the acknowledgement.

"Sister?" Luna asked wanting to reveal something to Celestia that had been on her mind for far too long.

"Yes, Luna?" Celestia responded giving her sister attention.

"We love our older sister. 'Twould be a lie to say otherwise. A thousand years ago, we wronged thee in many ways that should had never occured between family members. Nonetheless, we did. Our sister made a wish and we intend to grant it here and now. We will wear the hoofy pajamas if you still desire that but, in addition, our sister will know our love. Dear sister, we love you now and forever much like mother and father wanted long ago."

"Thank you, Luna." Celestia smiled with happiness and a few tears coming to her eyes. She raised a hoof to wipe them away. Her sister loved her and that was all she ever desired.

"Twilight?" Celestia asked turning to view her most faithful student standing in the doorway. "Can you forgive my wrongful presumptions when all you desired was to save a friend's life?"

"Y-yes, princess," Twilight said bowing her head.

"Consequently, as I have wronged each and every one of you, can you all forgive me?" Celestia asked looking around to those attending finding unanimous nods of approval. "Truly, I am sorry. There's only one thing left to do."

Celestia looked at the diamond levitating nearby in midair grasping it in her hoof. Its shine had only continued to increase perhaps almost rivaling that of the sun continually lowered and raised by her. Celestia looked to Rarity and Spike witnessing love she'd never seen before. Happiness filled the princess up to see these two smiling back at her.

"Here," she said levitating the pure white diamond towards the two, "this gift shall serve as both an official apology and recognition of performing an extraordinary feat to save a friend."

"Not a friend, darling," Rarity corrected the princess taking the diamond in her hoof and looking back at Spike, "but my one true love."

Celestia genuinely smiled with happiness as Luna and the others approached her sides to witness the affections between Rarity and Spike. Luna rested her head on Celestia's shoulder to which the older sister returned the gesture. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight were sniffling while Applejack tried to comfort them. Likewise Rainbow Dash tried not to cry but slowly felt her pride give way to resisted emotions. 

"I love you, Rarity," Spike said looking into Rarity's rich blue eyes.

"I love you, too, Spike," Rarity responded observing Spike's twinkling green eyes. "When you're ready, I'll let you make the choice again after some time has passed. But remember that all I want is you."

With those words said, Rarity went to gently press her lips to Spike's but found he earnestly met her halfway. The two closed their eyes and allowed the moment to envelop them entirely, enjoying each other's soft touch. Rarity and Spike remained like this finding the love they needed most in their significant other. If ever there was a moment where true love shined brightest it was this one exemplified by the pure white diamond's shine in Rarity's right hoof. Truly, the happiest moments between those in love are when they know they're loved. Rarity knew it. Spike knew it, too.



[/hr]

If one were to visit Ponyville, it is said there is one location they should visit. The garments offered at the storefront far exceed most others in all of Equestria. Not only that but customers say they consistently witness an extraordinary change between the two owners. It turns out that the building could be inhabited by a pony and a dragon. Others say it is two ponies but no dragon. There is a lot of magical secrets held in the lands of Equestria, but one truth stands above them all.

Love doesn't have a single identity when the heart beats with a thousand songs.



[/hr]

A soft ring from the doorbell announced a new customer. The curious stallion had come looking for some quality clothing. He looked around the store's interior marveling at the well done designs. The extravagance of some garments far exceeded his expectations. Some sparkled with rare jewels and others were simple crafts. He could plainly see that the owners were skilled in the art of designing and making fashionable apparel. What impressed him the most was the love expressed in the stitching. Many years had he spent in this profession, and he could clearly see it was done with much care. The threading was handled very well. The material, itself, primmed and pressed but not stressed.

Cordial voices called his attention making him look towards the source to see two individuals. Both had friendly smiles and looked very happy. The two looked at each other then back at the stallion before announcing the common greeting.

Welcome to Carousel Boutique where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!