> The Rattle
>  by abdlpony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> It Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        “No Spike, we don’t need anything done today. You can have the day off, oh, but we’re all too busy to do anything with you. Pfft, what a joke…” the drake muttered to himself while he lazily strolled the seemingly endless castle hallways. He paid little attention to where he was going and began to wonder just how big the castle was. Of course it was entirely possible he was traveling in circles, though, it didn’t seem like it. Hallways grew darker and darker, only barely being lit by lanterns that never seemed to go out, no windows existed in the furthest parts of the structure.

        “They wouldn’t even notice if I disappeared,” he said bitterly. He thought back to all the adventures and things Twilight and her friends had been on, then he compared them to how many times he had actually been invited. There wasn’t a lot. While it filled him with a tad bit of loneliness, he understood why. He was a child, they were adults. It was simple logic, it wasn’t as if their younger sisters got to go too. Still… “I’m so bored!” He lacked stimulation and had known for some time, it was a horrid feeling.

He walked by an open doorway, large enough to fit well over ten full grown ponies. This one was different, instead of leading into a fully dark room with nothing in it. This doorway lead to a mostly dark room with something in it. Something very small that very much did not belong. He stood there, open mouthed as his brain shut down, trying to come up with an explanation. There, seated on the ground, surrounded by a tad bit of light, was a foals rattle. It was purple in color and had a star embroidered on the top, not unlike Twilight’s cutie mark. A six pointed star, and a long handle.

“What the…?” He walked up to the thing, but didn’t dare touch it. He looked behind him to make sure he was truly alone. After all it could easily be one of Pinkie Pie’s or Rainbow Dash’s pranks, but it didn’t seem that way. What would be the joke anyway? “Heh, we caught you holdin’ a rattle, Spike. Baby!” He giggled a bit and sighed. “Still, where’d this thing come from?”

It didn’t belong in a castle, no foals lived there. That wasn’t the eerie thing, it was the fact that each room before the last was always empty. So, why was this one not? Spike scratched his head, but quickly jerked it back when he heard a voice. Or, he could have sworn he heard one, laughing.

“Who’s there?!” He yelled out, his voice echoed through the hallways, but he got no response in return. “I’m warning you-- woah!” He had turned around quickly in order to get into a defensive stance. While he knew he couldn’t do much physically, he at least had dragon fire on his side. Well, when it had decided to work, it wasn’t always reliable. However, upon turning around his foot had stepped onto the mysterious rattle, which in turn caused him to topple over after attempting to balance on it. The rattle had smacked right into his face, or in actuality he had ended up smacking his face into it. Whatever the case, he had felt a sudden shock come from it. Was that magic? he asked inwardly, feeling dazed on the ground.

For a few moments he laid there, trying to catch his breath. His face hurt, but for some unexplained reason he felt a bit better. He was no longer fearful of the unknown, or the laughing voice. No. For now, his whole world revolved around the rattle. He stood up, but never took his eyes off of it. It’s mine. he thought in a giddy manner. He smiled as wide as he could and went to reach for it, but something stopped him. He shook his head a few times and even went so far as to smack his own face. “Snap out of it, dude. It’s a foals rattle! A stupid foals rattle. And that’s all,” he stated firmly.

He then smirked and kicked the thing half way across the room. He heard the tiny bits and bobs inside rattle out loud, which caused him to freeze again. “Just a… rattle…” His smirk faded and he trailed off. He began to breath in and out, just imagining himself playing with it, shaking it. For some reason it enticed him more than anything. More than a gemstone cake or hanging out with Rarity. “My rattle… it’s mine.” In the back of his mind he could have sworn he heard laughter again, but he paid it no mind. He had a rattle to play with.

He shakingly walked up to it and then instantly swiped the thing into his waiting claws. With each metal bead inside that shook, he felt a calm and warm feeling from with inside. The more he shook it, and he shook it good, the happier he felt. A pleasant buzzing feeling began to form as his brain fogged over. My rattle! My rattle! My rattle!!! He wanted to scream it, but he felt so dizzy and giddy that it didn’t seem right. He simply existed in the moment, allowed the rattle to take him away.

“Oh Spike? Where are you?!” Spike heard a familiar voice call out.

For a moment he snapped completely out of his daze. For a single solitary moment he knew what he had been doing and knew it was wrong. When the moment passed, he wasn’t so sure it was wrong. He stopped shaking the rattle and sighed. She might think it’s wrong… He gently placed the rattle back on the ground and leaned down to whisper to it, as if it were alive. “I promise I’ll be back later.”

“Spike?!”

“Coming, Twilight!”





        Only a day later and Spike had forgotten about his boredom, but certainly not the rattle. His rattle. All throughout the day he had been given various chores and while he would ordinarily not mind, it was starting to get to him. He would occasionally find himself shaking out of anxiety, just pondering what had become of the foals toy. What if it’s gone?! he thought fearfully. He twisted around on his step ladder and looked to the red wood door that lead to the halls. A longing feeling creeped into his consciousness, stronger than it had ever been. He worryingly looked back at the shelves of books he was meant to dust and sort, then back to the door. I have to check on it… my rattle.

        He hopped down from the stool and left his duster right next to it. Without even looking if the coast was clear, that Twilight was not around, he bolted for the door. All the while he was running through the halls, it never even crossed his mind to worry for his well being. The young drake simply wanted his rattle, that’s all that mattered to him. Not his dignity or sanity, but desire. By the time he reached the familiar looking doorway, he was exhausted. However, there it was, his rattle. Laying exactly where he had left it.

        He caught his breath and ran up to it, his pudgy legs making him waddle just a bit. “F-finally!” He cracked a large smile and shaking, he picked it up. The first rattle of his day made his heart flutter. His eyes drooped down, and he appeared in his giddy daze again. He began to shake it more and more, each one making his brain feel more and more foggy than before. He had a droopy smile and eventually he took a seat on the cold stone floor. With each shake he felt warmer and warmer, more relaxed and as if the world was fading away. This is great… he thought hazily. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed since he entered, but a few more shakes of his new favorite toy and it didn’t matter to him.

        Through his daze he felt a few thoughts bubble up. Twilight should try this, it’s fun! Then a pang of jealously spiked up when he imagined the unicorn mare using his toy. She’ll get her own. He went to stand up, when out of the blue his feet felt wobbly. He tried to walk in place, but he continued to wobble, nearly hitting the side of the wall with his body. After a few tries, he eventually fell onto his claws and knees. His rattle rolling over and stopping on the wall. This feels… good. He started to walk on his claws and knees, and some how it felt more natural. He waddled less and felt far less dizzy. “But, my rattle,” he slurred. He stared at the thing for a few moments, simply remaining perfectly still on his knees. Then a quick idea formed. Without thinking, he promptly stuck his mouth over the handle of the toy and snatched it up. He could now rattle his rattle while walking away to greet Twilight! It was perfect!

        “Heh, I’m a pony.” He giggles at his joke and continued to ‘walk’ in place. Every so often the toy would make more noise, making him feel he was doing the right thing. He didn’t feel anything about the current situation was strange at all. Each time he giggled, he heard a stronger one echo in the back of his mind. It felt right. Eventually he reached the doorway that he had left open and walked back into the main library.

        He looked around and immediately spotted Twilight inspecting the books that he was meant to clean.

        “Spike? Where are you?”

        “Over here… Tw-Twilight,” He slurred again, walking up to her on all fours. A small line of drool escaped his lips as he spoke.

        Twilight turned around, startled and inspected him. “Uh, what are you doing, Spike?”

        He couldn’t think of any response, so he shook his head a bit and smiled. “Rattle,” he simply spoke.

        Twilight squinted her eyes on him. “Spike, you’re scaring me. Your… your eyes.” She inspected them and found that his pupils had widened significantly. “Spike, have you been using hallucinogens?!” Her voice raised just a few more octaves than she would have liked, but all signs pointed to her young friend doing something very bad.

        Spike tilted his head, like a dog looking confused. “Twilight…. you gotta try this.” He tried to tell her about the rattle, but he lacked the ability to do so. He barely understood, in his current dazed state, where he was.

        Twilight had her answer, or so she assumed. She glared at him and used a bit of magic to remove the toy from his hand. Where did he even get this? She shook her head and set the thing aside. “Spike, you’re coming with me--”

        Spike’s adrenaline shot up the instant the rattle was out of his grasp. Suddenly he was aware of what was going on and he didn’t like it. He growled at her and screamed out, interrupting her. “Give that back, now!”

        Twilight was taken aback by his sudden change in attitude, she stepped back fearfully. Must contain his… well, whatever they are. She made a mental note to not let him have the rattle back. She gathered up quite a bit more magic and levitated him up into the air. “Spike, what did you take?”

        “I said, give it back!” He tried to scratch at her, but the thick fog of magic would barely let him move.

        Twilight sighed. When this is over, him and I are going to have a very long chat. She was shocked to learn her young friend, practically a brother, was doing such things. But he had to be dealt with. She started to walk away toward her new lab, with him in tow. The two passed by a few very well lit halls of purple crystal. “We have to find out what you took, Spike. Don’t want to tell me? Fine!”

        The two entered into her lab. Already on various tables were dozens of experiments going. From potion bottles of various sizes and colors. To a few machine, mapping out only she knew what. Each machine printed out paper that would gather on the ground. On a nearby chalk board were dozens upon dozens of formulas and drawings that had been neatly written out. The chalkboard was actually several stitched together. This was her lab, her sanctuary. She walked the drake over to a nearby test bench and easily strapped him in. His arms were strapped him at any rate, he had already began to kick his feet wildly.

        “Glad I invested in this. It was useful, like back in my old lab. I had to use one on Pinkie Pie, remember?” she asked, hoping to get any response out of him.

        “Let me go!” he roared at her.

        She sighed. “Well, I also have a similar device that I used on her.” She then levitated out a helmet that had various wires all over it. THe thing connected to a nearby machine that also could print out paper. “This should help us find out what you did.”

        Spike ignored her, the more he was away from his rattle, the more erratic he became. The more frustrated. I have to get it back!

        From within his mind, he heard the laughter again, only this time he heard something that wasn’t. Have her play. Spike froze when he heard it, but the over need to get his rattle made him forget again. Over and over he continued to pull at the straps to no avail. Have her play. Have her play.Have her play. The voice repeated, with his succession Spike began to sweat even more. At one point he pulled so hard he felt a muscle in his body almost burst. Finally, he couldn’t take it. In a last ditch effort, he focused on his fire and then promptly blew onto his restrains. They broke and disintegrated in an instant.

        “Alright, I think we’re ready!” She turned around, only to stare back in shock. Spike was gone and his restraints were too.

        Spike ran back out of the lab as fast as his legs and arms would carry him. Still dizzy from before, he felt walking on all fours was just quicker. However, there was one small change. Instead of practically needing his rattle, the voices in his head were driving him to do something else. Practically near the point of madness, Spike simply had to have Twilight play with his rattle. It was the right thing to do. Again, like before, nothing else mattered. Only Twilight receiving the rattle, like a gift.

        He grabbed it in his mouth and darted back to the lab. Not bothering to look where he was going, he ran straight into an angry Twilight. The rattle hit her square in the head, as it was sticking out of his mouth. There was a rather loud zap, followed by Twilight hitting the floor.

        “What did you… do…?” In an instant her anger vanished to confusion. All of a sudden the proud mare with the title of princess felt confused. She felt dizzy. She began to breath in an out wildly, attempting to ease her anxiety. Her eyes darted all around, until she found Spike, seated next to the rattle. Rattle… Hesitantly, she smiled and picked it up with her magic. However, before she could even shake it, she heard voices of her own.

        Let him play. She looked down at Spike, who looked up with pleading eyes. She nodded, not bothering to care that his pupils had practically tripled in size. She hoofed him the rattle and watched him play with it. The voices stopped. She continued to stare at him and admire him. He was having fun with his rattle, it made her feel good.

        She spoke, though she trembled in excitement. Dozens upon dozens of thoughts flooded her mind. Each one more strange than the last. She soaked them in, but didn’t mind them one bit. “Sp-Spike, do you, uh, like that?” She asked.

        He looked up and nodded. “Yes! It’s gr- good!”

        Twilight felt a warm tingling sensation creep into her consciousness and nodded. He felt good, which made her feel fantastic! Why had she been so upset with him before? She shook her head and then knelt down to hug Spike. “I’m so glad.”

        The voices returned to her mind, she listened. Others. Others must feel good. She nodded, that seemed sensible. Why shouldn’t other ponies feel good? “Spike, why don’t we invite our friends over? They can see your rattle.”

        “Yeah! That’s a good idea! Let’s go!” He went to stand up, but fell flat on his butt. “Ow…”

        “Aww, don’t worry, Spikey. Uh, Spike,” she paused and corrected herself,”why don’t you ride on my back?”

        Spike nodded, and took a few tries to climb on. For some reason it seemed far more difficult, but he shrugged it off once he was on.

        Others must feel good.





        Unlike Spike Twilight was able to easily navigate town without bumping into others. The voices continued to drive her, to plan for her. It was like putting her brain on autopilot. They held all the answers and the more she listened, the more it seemed like they were her own thoughts.She had to find her friends, they just had to see Spike’s new toy. For some reason it felt important; she didn’t even bother to shut down her experiments. Lab experiments didn’t make ponies feel good after all, as far as she knew.

        The longer it took the two to reach their first destination the more irritated Twilight felt. The voices were relentless, which turned to anxiety. Eventually, though, they reached Fluttershy’s cottage. Tucked away on the other side of town, away from noisy ponies or any distractions. It was the perfect place for the pegasus mare to care for her animal friends. They eventually found their friend, busy feeding her birds out front. The mare was humming and singing to them, while flying all over. Making sure that each and every bird got a treat.

        “Fluttershy!” Twilight called out. Instantly the mares beating of her wings stopped, only to start up again when she was finished being startled. Twilight walked up to her and waited for the mare to speak.

        “Oh, um, hi Twilight. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m a little busy. Do you mean coming back later, maybe? If that’s alright…”

        Twilight nodded. “Sure, but first, how do you like Spike’s new rattle?” She asked in a excited manner.

        Fluttershy tilted her head and saw that indeed Spike was shaking a rattle. The drake seemed appeared to be solely focused on doing so. Fluttershy looked down and shook her head. “Twilight, I don’t think Spike should be playing with foal toys. He’s not really a foal, even if we joke about it. It could damage his development, why one time I had this otter who--”

        Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing! Fluttershy didn’t want Spike to feel good! She had to stop this. She turned around and interrupted her friend by speaking over her. “Spike! Use it on her, now!”

        Spike could only shake his rattle more and look at her in confusion. “Rattle…” He muttered.

        Twilight face hoofed and quickly summoned a bit of magic. She then levitated the drake high into the air and over to Fluttershy, who was standing there awkwardly with a raised brow. “Um, sorry about this, Fluttershy.”

        “Oh, it’s alright I-- eep!” Twilight then quickly moved the drake into her, slamming the toy into the mare's head. She had done her duty, her friend would feel good. Fluttershy stumbled over, causing her birds to fly away.

        The pegasus mare stood up, shakingly. She looked around and in an instant her eyes shot to Spike’s rattle. It looked beautiful, why would she ever wish to take it away from him?! I’m a horrible friend! Horrible! Instantly she began crying shamefully, she was supposed to be the element of kindness. How could such a horrible pony try and take a foals toy away?

        Twilight hesitated, and put Spike back on her back. She felt bad. She wrapped her hooves around Fluttershy into a hug to try and calm her down. “What’s wrong?”

        “I- I-” She paused and sniffed a bit. “I’m a bad pony.” She then began to openly cry while Twilight tried her best to shush her.

        “No, no you’re not. You just don’t know any better,” Twilight said confidently, all stemming from the constant voices. Her voices. “Just like a foal, you just need to be taught right. That’s all,” She said softly. “No more crying, okay?”

        The second Twilight said foal, Fluttershy’s head buzzed pleasantly. For some odd reason the word felt right. Was she a foal? Certainly she often cried like a foal. Though, she never really thought she was one. Foals didn’t live on their own or take care of animals. But Twilight seems so sure, and she feels so nice… just petting me. “I am?”

        Twilight began to gently brush her hoof through her mane. Twilight herself felt so right in that moment, like she was meant to care for the very big foal. Of course she still had jobs to do, other friends to see. Twilight figured she better hurry up. “Of course, Fluttershy. You always have been just a foal. Do you feel better?”

        Fluttershy slowly nodded, because she actually did, for about a minute. Twilight had started to wave as she walked away. For some odd reason, Fluttershy panicked and ran up to her. Then promptly tackled her and began to beg. “Oh, please don’t leave, Twilight! Please!”

        Twilight attempted to shake her free, but Fluttershy wouldn’t budge. What do I do?! Instantly her eyes snapped back to Spike’s rattle. He seems so content with it, but I can’t just give it to her… think, Twilight! Think! The voices continued to drive her, she had to make her friends happy! There was no other way. Fluttershy continued to beg and plead, causing the buzzing in Twilight’s head to make a full back flip. Instead of being a pleasant tingle, it had become a full fledged nightmare. She had felt pain before and then there was this.

        “Enough!” She yelled, then instantly began to cast a spell she was never meant to use. I’m sorry, Princess. I must keep my friend happy! She began to imagine what her teacher would think of her if she ever saw her use it again. It was only taught once to help further her education; but it was a banned spell. She watched Fluttershy’s tears fall and felt the intense pain gnaw at her instead. There was no other way. She looked down solemnly and finished the spell, encasing Fluttershy’s head fully in her mist.

        “Fluttershy, listen to me. Right now,” Twilight commanded. Almost immediately Fluttershy let go of Twilight and stared up at her. One glance at the mare’s eyes would suggest she looked vacant. “In a moment I’m going to cast another spell on you. It will wake you up and make you conscious again. You will be highly suggestible, you will not panic either. Understood?”

        Fluttershy nodded extremely slowly, soaking in the new information. “Will wake up, not panic.”

        “Good…” Twilight knew while it was silly to cast a relaxant spell on the mare before a suggestibility one, she still felt it was necessary. She didn’t want Fluttershy waking up and running off from the shock. Let’s hope I remember how to cast this. She took a deep breath and concentrated on Fluttershy’s mind. She not only had to wake her up again from her relaxation daze, but she had to cast another spell. One that would remove her ability to deny others. In essence, one that would remove her will, but keep her thinking and conscious like any other day. It wasn’t just banned because it was dangerous and you could make ponies do practically anything. No. It was banned because it could cause permanent damage to ones mind if not cast properly. Or if left unchecked. Not that Twilight really cared in her voice induced daze. What mattered was Fluttershy’s happiness, not her freedom. Twilight essentially thought.

        She finished the spell, and Fluttershy stood up. The mare blinked a few times, but seemed mostly okay. “Fluttershy? How are you?”

        “Okay, I think. I feel weird…”

        “Fluttershy,” Twilight commanded, causing the mare to drop her thoughts and look up. “Are you still Fluttershy?”

        The mare tilted her head to the side. “Why wouldn’t I be? Are you feeling alright, Twilight?”

        Twilight smiled and nodded. Least she’s not begging anymore. “Yes, yes I am. I have to go help our friends. Would you like to help as well?”

        “Oh, of course! Who are we helping?”

        Twilight frowned. “All of our friends, you know…”

        Fluttershy nodded. “So Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash?” She asked, Twilight nodded with her eyes closed. Proud that her foal friend figured it out. “Well, there’s Spike. Oh and how about The Cutie Mark Crusaders? Are they are our friends? Do they count?”

        Twilight opened her eyes in shock, but nodded. They were certainly her friends. With each one listed off, the voices grew stronger and more relentless. She had to help them too!

        “Oh, and what about Miss Cheerilee? Is she our friend?” Fluttershy spoke as softly and kindly as ever. Little did she know that with each friend she listed off, it was simply making more work for Twilight. With each pony listed off, it caused her pain to soar even higher. Eventually Twilight’s eye began twitching.

        “Of course there’s--” Twilight stuck her hoof in her mouth, and began to breath in and out. Over and over. Fluttershy glared at her and tried to push it out, but Twilight wouldn’t budge.

        “Twilight, listen to me. Stop listing off friends, now. Understand?” Despite Fluttershy’s inner anger, she nodded frantically. “Good, I’m going to remove my hoof and then you’re going to help me.” She did and Fluttershy nodded.

        “Oh of course, but please don’t do that again. It’s very unsanitary you know,” Fluttershy scolded.

        Twilight then calmed down some, as did her voices. At least she’s still FLuttershy. That’s a good sign that I didn’t mess up the spell… right? A small concern bubbled up about it, but eventually it was drowned out again. She has to be happy, only way. “Right. Fluttershy, before we start we need to do a few things.”

        “We do?”

        Twilight smiled down at her, being just a shy bit taller. “Oh, of course.” Twilight’s voice had taken on an almost seductive tone. The voices had continued, turning into thoughts. She is a foal, she must be protected! She didn’t just intend to help her friends feel better. She wanted them to be safer too. They were all foals, not just Fluttershy! I can’t believe I almost forgot! What was I thinking?! she thought in a daze.

        “Okay, what?”

        “Fluttershy, you’re an animal caretaker. Surely you know foals shouldn’t just be wandering around without protection”

        Fluttershy blinked in confusion, then shook her head. “Protection? Twilight, animals don’t wear diapers usually.”

        Twilight panicked and shot her face forward, nearly smacking into Fluttershy’s own. “Well they should! Don’t you think?!”

        “Oh, I don’t--”

        “Fluttershy, you think all of your animals friends should be protected. Just like you should be!”

        “I should?!” She questioned, feeling shocked.

        “Yes, Fluttershy! You’re a foal, aren’t you?”

        “Well, I’m not so sure--”

        Again, Twilight interrupted her. Fluttershy was in a highly suggestible state, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t think for herself if she wanted to. “You are sure! You want to wear diapers, you need them! Just like our friends do too! You’ve always wanted to wear them, but you’ve just been too afraid to try.”

        Fluttershy nodded. Slowly Twilight’s sentence creeped into her mind. It made perfect sense! She’d always been afraid to before! What would others think of her?! They’re diapers! Foal items for little ones who didn’t know better. Other ponies would think she was a freak! “T-Twilight, I can’t do that. What would others think of me?” The mare shuddered. “B-but I want to! I’ve always wanted to!”

        Twilight sighed. Her friends could wait just a bit, she had to calm Fluttershy down. She walked forward and hugged the mare once more. “I know you have. It’s alright. Do you have any in your cottage?”

        Fluttershy shook her head, but then she took on a curious expression. If she had always wanted to, wouldn’t she at least have some stashed away? “Why, no, of course not. Why would I? Huh, Twilight if I’ve always wanted them--”

        Twilight saw this and spoke up again. Again, suggestible but that didn’t mean they couldn’t figure loop hopes in Twilight’s logic. Not without a lot of convincing anyway. She needs to be happy! Careful, Twilight, she can’t know it was a lie! The voices became louder, almost scolding Twilight for her mistake. She must be happy. Must be a foal. Twilight never bothered to question the voices. Instead, she spoke above Fluttershy again. “We need to get you some diapers, Fluttershy.”

        Fluttershy immediately forgot about her curiosity from before and firmly nodded. “Y-yes, I suppose so. We need to get me some diapers, but I can’t wear them… I can’t.” Fluttershy’s cheeks burned crimson, just imagining herself in them nearly made her faint. Even if she wanted them more than ever before

        Twilight hugged her again. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. You can wear them, you’ve always wanted to. Just keep thinking about them, keep imagining those diapers. Don’t stop,” Twilight gently commanded.

        Fluttershy did imagine them. Large diapers fit for a large foal. They seemed so perfect in her mind, They even had a flap to tape around her tail. For a single moment Fluttershy felt a pleasant buzzing feeling in the back of her head. “Diapers…” She muttered, while wearing a dopey smile. Twilight Sparkle smiled a bright smile at her.

        Perfect. She’s happy! Twilight thought with excitement.

        The buzzing eventually stopped, however, and Fluttershy tilted her head again. Twilight’s expression changed to one of enjoyment to shock. What was wrong now?! Fluttershy cleared her throat. “Uh, how do we get diapers for my size? I really want them, Twilight! But how?!”

        Twilight cursed under her breath. She could easily trick Fluttershy, telling her she was indeed wearing them. However, it would just make Fluttershy question her more. She needed real diapers! Then she had an idea. “Rarity!” She announced to the world.

        Fluttershy staggered back a bit. “Uh, Rarity? What about her?”

        “She can make you diapers in your size. I’m sure she knows how craft cloth diapers! It’s perfect!”

        Fluttershy’s smile never came, though. “OH, no, no, no, no, no! I can’t let Rarity know I want them, Twilight! Not ever! That is not okay!”

        Twilight sighed. “Fluttershy, focus on the diapers. You’ve always wanted them.” Just saying the words made Fluttershy calm down some, her eyes glazed over, but it wasn’t enough. “You’ve always wanted your friends to know too.”

        “Oh, right… silly me. Rarity should know?”

        Twilight giggled some. She forgot that the spell often made the target not only more gullible, but a bit more unsure of themselves. Not unlike a foal at all. She’s a foal. Must be happy. The voices continued. “Of course she should! All of our friends should know! You were just too afraid to tell them!”

        Fluttershy nodded, it certainly sounded like her. Twilight began to walk a bit ahead, finally, but Fluttershy’s voice stopped her yet again. “Um, Twilight. Why do I want them now? I don’t remember being a foal before either…”

        Let it be said that no spell is perfect, even banned ones. “Fluttershy, you want to be happy.”

        “Well of course.”

        “Aren’t foals happy? They’re always smiling and giggling.”

        Fluttershy frowned making Twilight’s eye twitch again. “Well, not always. Usually they’re more curious and--”

        Fluttershy now had Twilight’s hoof in her mouth again. Which, again, caused the mare to glare. “Oh, right. Fluttershy you enjoy having my hoof in your mouth, only while it’s there, though.”

        The glare eventually vanished, making the mare nod and blush.

        “Good. You want to be a happy foal.”

        Fluttershy nodded again. “I- I know…” She said slowly. “But why?”

        “Because I said so! Okay? You’ll never be happy until you get your diapers and wear them and use them for everything! Alright?!” Twilight fumed at her, about ready to burst from the screams of voices and gnawing pain. She would do anything to make them stop.

        Fluttershy’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh… oh dear. Twilight, we have to see Rarity! Right now! I c-can’t be sad forever! Let’s go!”

        The voices stopped momentarily. Twilight shakingly smiled. When they started up again they seemed more calm and the tingling pleasant feelings finally returned. Must be happy. “Then come along, Fluttershy. We have to see Rarity!” Fluttershy, like a lost puppy, followed Twilight away from her cottage. Both of them failed to notice that while they were speaking, several of her animals had started to become unruly.

They both walked on hastily into town. Meanwhile the drake on Twilight’s back continued to wag his favorite toy. Blissfully unaware that with each wag a powerful spell had been being cast. With each wag, the spell was imprinting itself on both Twilight and Fluttershy. Even himself. With each wag he felt happier than before. Twilight certainly didn’t know her thoughts were wrong, how could she. They were her thoughts, just like this was Spike’s rattle.
> So Many Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Twilight and Fluttershy traveled through Ponyville as quickly as they could, which may as well have been getting nowhere fast. There were so many ponies out and about that it seemed amazing that anypony ever got anywhere, at least to Twilight. She has to be happy! Why won't these ponies just move?! Twilight thought frantically, worried that they had, some how, been pushed to the side ending up in the marketplace.

        “Oh, Twilight, do you think anypony here might sell d-diapers for my- my- my,” Fluttershy stuttered a bit, blushing over the statement, “size?”

        Twilight shook her head. “No, we have to find Rarity.” She tried to push through others, but it seemed impossible. Ponies seemed far too busy to get out of their way.

        “Okay, um, will she have foal supplies too?”

        Twilight blinked then turned around. “Huh?”

        “Oh, it’s, um, it’s just you said I wanted to be a happy foal, right?” Fluttershy questioned meekly, with just the utterance of the words it seemed to ignite a spark in her brain. Tickling only pleasure.

        “Yes, don’t you?” Twilight pressed, hoping the suggestions were enough.

        Fluttershy shuttered for a moment; just being questioned about it seemed to cause quite the opposite effect. Pain. Lots of it. She quickly went to reply, eager to get rid of anything resembling pain. “Of course! Yes! But, um, don’t foals do more than just use and wear diapers?”

        Another innocent question was asked by the butter mare, and suddenly the situation became much more complicated. Twilight shuddered, and twitched. Of course she was correct, she had said she would only be happy as a foal? Did I say that or just with diapers? I don’t remember! Twilight thought, desperately trying to remember exactly what she had declared, but the voices were quicker. Foals, all of them!

        “You’re right, Fluttershy.” Twilight looked around, trying to see if she could spot a stand that sold foal supplies. Instead, she found an entire store dedicated to the items. Outside it was a simple building, constructed from bricks, something you would easily find in Manehattan. A sign hung from above, embroided on it was a cutie mark. A diaper pin and a babies bottle, along with a single heart behind it. Obviously the owner’s.

        She turned to the cowering mare and smiled. “Follow me.”

        “Um, okay.”

        Thankfully, a path had been cleared by the simple shake of the mystical rattle. WIth each shake, Spike had banged a pony on the side, causing them to back up in confusion. They walked inside and shut the door behind them, they were greeted immediately.

        “Welcome to Foal’s Paradise! Is there, uh…” A mare had said, at the front counter. She appeared to have a light pink coat, along with a white mane and tail. She was an earth pony, with the same cutie mark as the sign from outside. She hesitated, then looked to Spike, spotting the rattle. “I hadn’t realized he was actually a baby dragon, Princess Sparkle. I take it you need some supplies for him?”

        Twilight blinked in confusion. “Of course he’s a baby. And, as a matter of fact, yes. I need some foal supplies for Fluttershy here,” she said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

        “I see, what for?”

        “Um, for myself?” Fluttershy squeaked out.

        The mare chuckled and shook her head. “I mean, what needs does your little one have? Do you need high chairs? Foal food? Bibs? Clothes?”

        Twilight spoke up, before Fluttershy could complicate things again. “We need all of that, anything for a foal Fluttershy’s size. Also, do you happen to sell diapers in her size?”

        The mare, to her credit, remained as silent as possible. She chuckled nervously and started to back away. “Um, Princess Sparkle--”

        “Just Twi is fine.”

        “Right, Twi. We don’t do that here… could you both please leave my store? Like… now.”

        Foal, she is a foal! Twilight shook her head and sighed. “Well, I’m afraid we need some help. You see--”

        The mare scowled. “You most certainly do, but not here. Now would you-- ouch! Hey, you brat!” The mare scowled, as Spike stood up and tossed his rattle directly at her head. “Control your.... b-baby d-dragon.” She started to breath rather quickly, feeling dazed. The same spell that had taken over all three of them, had slowly began to sink into the mare’s mind.

        “I- wha…?” They watched the mare stand there for what felt like hours. Until her head began to droop, along with her eyes.

        “Are you feeling better?” Twilight asked, smiling as wide as she could. The mare could only stare and slowly nod in return. “Well, good! I didn’t catch your name?”

        “It’s… Tender Care.”

        Twilight nodded, while levitating the rattle over to Spike. “Nice to meet you, Tender Care. Now, could you help us find some foal supplies for Fluttershy?”

        The mare nodded. “Of course, but, um, I don’t have diapers in her size. Oh dear, diapers…” She trailed off, feeling a slight buzzing in her head from the utterance of it. She looked around and smiled. I need to order more supplies! What was I thinking? Only having foal supplies just for foals a foals size?!

        “That’s okay, my friend Rarity can probably craft some for any size. What we really need is--”

        The mare whipped around, then nearly smacked her face into Twilight’s. “Sh-she can?” The possibilities whirled through Tender’s mind, it seemed endless! “Could she for my store?! I need more than just diapers for a foal’s size! I need all sizes, Princess!” The mare’s eye twitched, a part of her surfaced. What am I thinking?! This is wrong! But a stronger part of the spell was still very active, sifting through her thoughts and memories. Not unlike Twilight’s suggestibility spell, it had a very sinister nature. Not to mention, it was far stronger than the pony’s will. Foals, all of them foals. Help them, she thought, feeling as if it were her own will.

        Twilight backed up in surprise and nodded. “Oh, I’m certain she could, but…” Twilight trailed off, knowing she had the mare’s attention.

        “Yes?! But what?! Please, Princess! I need them for my store, I’ll do anything!”

        Twilight turned back to Fluttershy and smiled seductively.

        “Twi- Twilight? What’s wrong?”

        



        The mare waved them off, her eye twitching just as strong as before. I feel so weird… so good, though. She shook her head, trying to fight off the strange feelings, but feeling as if it were getting more difficult to even try. She watched the princess and mare walk away, with a wagon she had let them have. It was filled with essentially half of the supplies from her store. Maybe I shouldn't have let them just have all of that… She shook her head, ridding her thoughts of any self doubt. I’m doing the right thing! Twilight said so!

        “Erm, Twilight?”

        “Yes, Fluttershy?”

        “Should we really have just asked her to give us all of this?” Fluttershy’s tail motioned to the wagon they were pulling. Inside it laid jars of foal food, formula, toys, stuffed animals and loads of other things. “It just seems like… stealing.”

        Twilight shook her head. “Don’t worry. We’ll pay her back, once we talk to Rarity.”

        She nodded, looking back at the supplies with a worried expression. “I-I don’t think paying her back with some adult diapers is going to make up for the cost of these, Twilight.”

        Twilight’s eye twitched for perhaps the fiftieth time that day. She slowly turned to Fluttershy and spoke in a calm and collective voice, ensuring her spell was still active. “Fluttershy, little foals or big foals don’t need to question every little thing, you know.”

        “P-perhaps not, but aren’t you always saying it’s important to--” Again, Twilight shoved her hoof into the mare’s mouth. The suggestions took over, causing Fluttershy to blush but smile, it felt good.

        “Fluttershy, I want you to stop questioning me. I know what’s best for you and for all foals. Happy foals don’t question commands…” Twilight trailed off, feeling a buzz go through her brain. It felt so pleasurable and so primal, that she actually felt worried on what the voices were doing to her. “On, they, um…” She looked into Fluttershy’s eyes, the innocent smile and her dopey eyes. She knew, at the very least, something was very wrong. Slowly, still with her hoof in a mare’s mouth, she backed up at her son. At least, he seemed like her son, now. Oh, oh my… what am I doing?! Twilight shook her head as quickly as she could. Her eyes shot over to Spike’s rattle and she scowled. “Spike, get rid of that! Right now!”

        You foal! You won't be happy! Stop! Twilight fought off the voices, shaking her head as much as she could. Even if they felt like they were her own voices, she knew they had to be a lie. Nervously, she watched the drake consider her command. He looked at the rattle, frowning. Then he smiled and looked to Twilight.

        “O-okay, Twilight,” he said, his voice sounding dopey, but at least like he was still in command. He didn’t want to disappoint Twilight, he would never do that! Just a dumb rattle… He was about to toss it on the ground, when a feeling, in the back of his mind, stopped him. He remembered being told what to do by Twilight, all the time. He remembered being treated more like a servant than a friend. He remembered constantly being left home alone, when he wanted to desperately be with her and her friends. To be included with the group as an equal, instead of a burden or someone to be watched after.

        She lies, use it on her! His thoughts commanded. Anger swirled within him, he scowled and looked back at Twilight, while tapping a few of his claws over his rattle.

        “S-Spike? Spike, what’s wrong? It’s me, Twilight. Get rid of the rattle! You need- oof!” 

Without a second’s thought, Spike swung it down, hard. Making sure it hit Twilight squarely in the head. It rattled once more, making Spike smile to hear his rattle do its job.

Twilight shook her head, looking around, confused. “I wha?” Slowly, she removed her hoof from Fluttershy’s mouth and set it down. Things seemed okay again. Why was I worried before?

“Twilight, are you okay?”

She looked over to Fluttershy, then swiftly remembered what they had been talking about. “Yes, now, where was I? Ah, Fluttershy, do you want to be a happy foal?”

“Yes, I would like that very much, but--”

Twilight happily shoved her hoof back where she felt it belonged. “Good, I want you to be a happy foal too. Happy foal’s don’t question what they’re told. They just listen, uh, to me anyway. Happy foal’s listen to Twilight Sparkle and do exactly what she says. And right now I want you to be very quiet and just follow me, okay?”

Fluttershy had no chance in even breaking free of the rattle’s spell, let alone Twilight’s. Happily, she nodded. Of course she should be quiet! I always listen to Twilight anyway, why wouldn’t I? she felt silly thinking other wise. Fluttershy nodded her head over and over, but said nothing.

Twilight sighed in relief and nodded. “Good,” she paused and wiped her hoof on the grass, “then follow me, like a good foal!”

Fluttershy shuddered a bit, feeling the pleasure centers of her brain light up. The three cantered forward, eager to pay the nice mare back. And to, of course, help out their friends.





Rarity, hearing the bell of her front door ring, looked up from her work. Before she could see who was coming in, she instinctively spoke. “Welcome to… to…” She trailed off, watching in curiosity as her friends entered. She was the most curious on Spike’s rattle, and why in Celestia’s name he even had one. I don’t think he’s actually that young, is he?! It seemed like a silly thought, but the sheer horror of that reality took over her thoughts for a moment. I’ve imagined things about him! What if he really and truly is-- her thoughts were interrupted, by Twilight clearing her throat.

“Oh, Twilight! What brings you three here?” she asked, her voice cracking just a bit.

“We need some help, Rarity. Can you craft diapers in adult sizes? Using your machines?” Twilight asked, in the most natural tone she could muster.

The word adult flew over her head and instead Rarity was left to think on her concerns. He is! Oh no. No, no , no, no! This is the worst possible thing! He’s really a baby dragon! I have to tear up my diary, right now! Twilight must never know of--

“Rarity, are you alright?”

“Y-yes, of course. I can craft some diapers for my Spikey ,” she quickly corrected. “Ho- how many do you need?”

Twilight blinked, looking back at the drake. I can’t believe I let him ride on me without protection. What kind of mommy am I? “Nice thinking, Rarity! I guess I’ll need about a dozen for him, but we also need some for Fluttershy. Oh, and we need you to craft a new line of them for the foal shop.”

Rarity, nodded thinking over how she could design some for a dragon. “I’d have to measure Spike’s waist. Though why now, Twilight? Surely he’s been… toilet....trained…” Rarity trailed off several times, just now getting at the exact nature of Twilight’s requests. Did… did she ask for diapers for Fluttershy?

Twilight, remembering that the drake had gone through the toilet training process, nodded. “Of course he is, but we still need some. No more toilets for him, or Fluttershy.”

She’s gone mad, poor Fluttershy must be too afraid to respond. She looked over to the butter pegasus, examining her facial expressions. Why does she seem so calm? “Fluttershy, dear, I’ll, erm, need to measure you in the back! Yes! Just follow me!”

Fluttershy looked to Twilight for guidance, who nodded without thinking. The mare walked past Rarity and into her showroom. Rarity shut the curtains on it and walked over to Fluttershy, whispering in her ear. “Dear, I don’t know what’s going on with Twilight, but we have to run. Celestia knows what’s going on through that mare’s head. Must be some stress induced fantasy of some sort.”

Fluttershy shrugged, but remained silent, like a good foal.

“Are you okay? C’mon, we must leave, now! If we hurry we can catch a train to Canterlot. From there we can contact Princess Celestia. She’ll know what to do.”

Fluttershy immediately turned around, away from Rarity and run out of the room. She began pushing Twilight forward, as per her voice’s request.

She must be a foal!

“Fluttershy, what’s wrong?”

Rarity watched from her room, ready to bolt at any moment. What is she doing?!

No sooner had Fluttershy squeaked something, Twilight had understood. “You can speak again, for now. Uh, sorry about that.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Um, Rarity thinks something is wrong, Twilight.”

That’s strange, she thought then shrugged. “Rarity,” she called out, “what’s wrong?”

Rarity, realizing her mistake, chuckled nervously. “Oh, nothing, Twi. I just forgot my…” Rarity decided to stop talking and simply run for it. Why didn’t I think of that? There was only one entrance, and thus exit, in her store, but it was worth a shot. She bolted through the curtains and sailed past them, not bothering to look at them. She didn’t make it, not before a certain rattle smacked her in the side of the head, still glowing a bright purple.

Rarity staggered forward, nearly toppling over as thought after thought continued to invade her mind. “Wh-what’s going on?” Slowly, she turned around then spotted Spike, perched on Twilight’s back. “Oh, right, diapers… yes, diapers. Twilight! What are you doing?!”

The unicorn quirked a brow while levitating the toy back to where it belonged. “Hmm?”

The mare scoffed, then swiftly levitated Spike high into the air. “He could burst at any moment. What were you thinking letting him ride on out unprotected?! Think of your glorious coat! The scandal! A princess’s coat must never be soiled or dirtied, especially not in that way! Especially not my carpet”

Twilight shook her head and rolled her eyes. “It’s just pee, Rarit- oomph,” Twilight tried to get out, but was interrupted as a certain mare’s hoof was shoved into her mouth. Why is that becoming a theme?

“Do not utter that word, it’s dirty. Now, you two wait right here and I’ll measure Spike and hopefully find some newspapers for him to sit on.”

“Rarity…” Spike muttered, feeling an odd calmness wash over him that hadn’t come from the rattle.

“Yes, dear, I’m Rarity.” She then wrinkled her nose in disgust, imagining the ‘baby’ drake doing what foals often did. “Come along,” she said and quickly levitated him along with her, walking back to the show room.

Twilight sighed and started following her. “Come on, Fluttershy. Now.”

“Oh, yes Twilight.”

They found Rarity using measuring tape along Spike’s body. WIth each measure she would write down a note and move on. “Yes, what is it?” she asked impatiently.

“What about my other requests? Fluttershy needs diapers too, and the shopkeep.”

“Fluttershy’s not a foal, dear. Stop joking around.” Rarity giggled, then gently set the drake down on a towel she had folded up and placed under him.

Twilight frowned and looked to Fluttershy for support.

“Y-yes I am. Twilight said so… I think.”

The voices continued to practically beg Twilight to fix things, something was wrong and she had to get to the bottom of it. I don’t understand. The rattle should have made her see the truth! She needs to be happy, Fluttershy… and Rarity. S-should I use my spell on her too? The voices, eager to push her, made the decision. Thus, she had a choice. “Rarity, I need you to listen to me.”

“Not right now, this must be done first. You can wait in the front room for now.”



“Not now.”

Twilight flared her nostrils. Element of Generosity, huh? Without much effort, she cast another suggestibility spell on Rarity. “Rarity, you need to listen to me.”

“Need to listen…” Rarity muttered, her eyes glazing over.

“When I wake you with another spell, you will not panic. You will listen to me from now on, understand?”

Slowly, Rarity nodded her head, not bothering to even speak.

Twilight nodded herself and cast one final spell, waking the new Rarity. The mare, seeming confused, went back to work on Spike’s diaper. Though, she seemed much less focused, but oddly enough she didn’t respond.

“Rarity,” Twilight said, wondering why she would not speak up.

“Yes, dear?”

“How are you feeling?”

Rarity hummed a bit, then shook her head. “Okay, a bit under the weather I suppose.”

“Right, will you listen to me?”

“Yes, Twilight.”

“Good, after you’re done with Spike’s diaper, I need you to make one for Fluttershy. Then I--”

“Yes, yes, I heard you before. Diapers for Fluttershy and the foal store. I’m not deaf, it would be my pleasure though.”

Fluttershy blushed, thinking of what to say next. It didn’t seem like a crazy suggestion so she blurted it out. “What about Rarity, Twilight? Should she wear diapers too? Is- is she a foal?”

For once the voices did not scream out or insist anything. Twilight hesitated, but then shook her head. “No,” she firmly stated. “Rarity, you don’t want anypony having ‘accidents’ in your store, correct?”

“Of course not!”

“Then be prepared to craft diapers for anypony you see. It’s…” She shuttered as she felt the voices push her to keep going. It felt great just thinking of the possibilities. “It is your responsibility to make sure the town is well protected, understand?”

She firmly nodded, then Twilight stopped the spell. After instructing Fluttershy to wait for her diaper to be finished and to wait for her to return, Twilight left. She had work to do.