> Spike's having a......ruff time
>  by DeltaXeno1138
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As he and Twilight travelled through the portal back to Equestria, Spike couldn't help but a feel weird. Aside from the sensation of being stretched out and travelling through a swirling vortex into another world. The first time he went through, he could feel as though something was changing, which he soon saw was his transformation into a dog. Now though, it almost felt natural, as though there was no change.

Maybe this is it how it feels to return to your original form Spike thought as he went through the vortex. He emerged to see that Twilight had come through before him somehow, despite having entered first.

"Whoo, it is good to be back home" Spike said with relief, only to see everypony looking at him with surprised looks, even Twilight, who's jaw was hanging open.

"What? Do I have something on my face?"

"Spike?" Rarity asked cautiously after a few seconds of silence "Is...is that you?"

Spike raised in eyebrow in confusion. "Well yeah, who else would it be?" he turned to Twilight, looking for an explanation, noticing that the other three princesses were also in a state of shock.

"Princess Celestia?" Twilight said as she stepped next to her mentor.

"Yes Twilight?"

"Does going through that portal cause you to hallucinate?"

"No Twilight" Celestia said as she slowly shook her head, her eyes still wide.

"Spike's a-"

"Yes Twilight"

Spike still had a confused look on his face as he looked between the two alicorns. "Somepony wanna tell me what's going on?"

"Um, Spike?" Twilight said nervously "You might want to look in the mirror."

".......Okay?" Spike said with a look of confusion as he turned to face the mirror. He was slightly startled to see himself in his dog form. "Haha, cool! Hey Celestia, you never said this thing could show you how you look in the other world." Spike began to make the cliché mirror gag movements.

"Um Spike" Celestia began "It doesn't do that."

"Whadaya mean?" Spike asked "I can see myself as a dog like I was in the other world."

"Was? Past tense?" Rainbow asked, only to receive an elbow in the side from Applejack.

"Rainbow hush"

"What? We can all see him as a dog" Rainbow defended, causing Spike to turn around in confusion.

"What now?"

"Spike" Twilight said as she approached her still canine brother "You're.....still a dog."

Spike cocked an eyebrow before his eyebrows raised in surprise. He realized that he could feel he was on all fours. He slowly looked down to see paws in place of clawed dragon hands. His eyebrows formed a V as he sat down. 

"Twilight?" Spike said as he looked up at his sister "Did I get hit on the head with something?"

"Um.....no"

"This isn't a dream?"

"No Spike" Twilight replied warily with a shake of her head.

"Uh huh, I see" Spike said as he began to stroke his chin with his paw "Well then......

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" Spike began to freak out, looking at his paws, turning in place to look at his canine body. "Twilight! What is going on?! Why am I still a dog?! Why aren't I a dragon?!"

"I don't know I don't know I don't know!" Twilight exclaimed as she followed Spike's franticness "What are we gonna do about this?! Is there a book about changing a dog into a dragon?! But we don't even know that much about dragons! How can this book have that kind of information?! It could be a fake! The spell could go horribly wrong! Spike could end up worse!"

"Worse?!"

"Worse!"

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

The adoptive siblings were now running in a circle of panic, one following the other after Twilight's irrational rant. The others looked on worried and very confused.

Rainbow Dash leaned toward AJ to whisper "I got lost, what's going on?"

"You tell me" AJ whispered back.

The panic display lasted for another ten seconds before it was halted by being enveloped by Celestia's magic golden aura.

"Okay that's enough. Twilight! Spike!"

"AAAAAAAHHHHH yes Princess?" Twilight responded calmly.

"What's up?" Spike responded as well.

"Calm down" Celestia said as she released her hold on them "I think I have an explanation for this."

"Please give" Spike pleaded.

"Well" Celestia began "You both came through as the portal was closing. My best educated guess, is that the retreating magic didn't manage to change Spike back before he came out the other side."

"I....guess that makes sense" Spike said "But then how come Twilight managed to come back as a pony?"

"I believe it has to do with her status as an alicorn, and the fact that she was carrying the element of magic. It most likely compensated for the magic leaving the portal."

"Now that definitely makes sense" Twilight said "Well, let's get to changing Spike back. Girls, go get your elements."

"Wait a moment Twilight" Celestia interrupted "Just what are you planning to do with the elements?"

"Yeah Twilight, what were you planning?" Spike asked suspiciously.

"Well isn't it obvious? We need to get the Elements of Harmony together and use their power to change Spike back to normal. Like we did with Princess Luna."

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple or possible Twilight."

"What?! Why not?"

"I must agree with my sister" Luna chimed in "Using the elements on young Spike is not the way to proceed with this conundrum of alternate form not reversed."

"............Huh?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"We shouldn't use the elements to try and change Spike back into a dragon" Twilight translated.

"Oh. Well why didn't she say that?"

"Why can't we use the elements Princess?" Twilight asked, ignoring Rainbows comment.

"The Elements are meant to restore harmony. Obviously" Celestia explained "They stopped Discord from bringing eternal chaos, they stopped Nightmare Moon from bringing eternal night and brought back my dear sister, and they helped you to realize your destiny as a princess. Spike is not corrupted or a threatening force. He just........has a different form. Using the elements wouldn't do anything."

"But then" Spike interjected "How am I supposed to change back?"

"I believe I know how. You must step through the portal into the other world again, and then step back into our world. You should return to your natural dragon form then."

"Well that's great" Spike said enthusiastically "But, isn't the portal closed?"

"Yes" Celestia replied solemnly "Unfortunately that is the catch. You must wait thirty moons before the portal of the Crystal Mirror opens again. I'm afraid you're going to be a dog for a while Spike."  

"Yay! Puppy dog Spike!" Pinkie exclaimed before snatching Spike into a tightening hug "He so cutesy wootsy I just wanna scratch his little tummy and ears and head; Can I keep him Twilight?! Can I can I can I can I can I can I can I pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaase?"

Spike was now blushing with embarrassment and trying to pull free of the excited party planner. "Pinkie!" Spike whined "Stop, this is embarrassing. And no you can't keep me." The four princesses couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the display.

"Then can I keep him?" Fluttershy asked excitedly "Spike was already cute as a baby dragon, and now he's a puppy!" Fluttershy squeed, adding to Spike's embarrassment and fidgeting. "I'll feed him, and care for him, and play with him, and give him check ups."

"Well that might sound nice" Spike interjected "I'm gonna have to say no. you can't keep me either Fluttershy. And nopony else ask."

"Technically I'd be keeping you Spike" Twilight said, earning her a glare from her brother.

"Not helping" Spike groaned, annoyed.

"Oh but they're telling the truth Spike" Rarity chimed in after stifling a laugh "You really are quite adorably this way" she said as she began to scratch his chin, changing Spike's mood almost instantly.

"Maybe this won't be so bad" Spike said to himself more than anypony else. "And besides, I already took pretty well to this in the other world. How bad could it be over here?"


 
Blah blah blah, Equestrian Brad encounter later, blah. 

Twilight and Spike finally arrived back at the Golden Oak Library after their train ride back to Ponyville. The ride was somewhat humorous, for the Mane Six. Spike was not amused.

"I hope he's house trained Twilight" Rainbow said while containing a laugh "Cuz if he isn't, he's definitely not coming to my house."

"Rainbow" Twilight said somewhat annoyed.

"If he isn't" Rainbow continued "He'll....hehe....end up in the....in the dog house AHAHAHAHAAA!" Rainbow collapsed on the ground laughing and holding her sides.

"Dashie!" Pinkie exclaimed in an angry tone "That's not nice. You're giving Spike a........ruff time!" Pinkie herself collapsed alongside the blue mare, laughing along.

"Haha" Spike said sarcastically "Like I haven't heard those before. But yeah they were kinda funny" Spike conceded without any bad blood. 



Twilight closed the door to the library as they entered late at night. After her time in the other world, it was good being back in her Ponyville home. Spike felt the same, looking forward to sleeping in his bed, which he humorously realized was more suited to his current form.

"Huh" Spike said to himself.

"What?" Twilight asked.

"Nothing. I just realized that my bed is technically more accurate for my dog body."

"Oh yeah, hehe" Twilight realized somewhat nervously "I take it you'll still want a regular bed once you're back to being a dragon?"

"Well yeah" Spike said somewhat smugly as they made their way upstairs "Did you think me being a dog was gonna get you off the hook?"

"O-of course not!" Twilight responded anxiously "In fact I was looking through some catalogs to find you one."

"Uh huh, sure"

"No really I was!"

"Good night Twilight" Spike said slightly amused with a shake of his head as he climbed into his bed. He then did what all dogs do and turned a few times until settling down. He chuckled to himself, realizing it had come naturally. Guess I'm gonna have to get used to that too.

A minute later, Spike heard the window open followed by the light flapping of wings. Owlowiscious must be back. Oh great, he's probably gonna rope me into another back and forth about me being a dog. I can hear it now. 'So I'm a dog now' 'hoo' 'Me' 'hoo'

"[Ah Mister Spike, good to see that you and Miss Twilight have returned]" 

Spike's eyes shot open upon hearing slightly British accented voice that somehow seemed familiar.

"[My word, it appears you're now a dog]" the voice continued "[That's very interesting. I would very much like to hear how this came about.]"

Spike sat up and turned to the library's resident owl. "Owlowiscious......did you hear something?" Spike asked suspiciously.

The owl cocked an eyebrow at the dragon turned dog, causing Spike to look around the library in search of the source of the voice. After a few seconds without any results, he shook his head and laid back down on his bed. This whole thing's making me lose it. Starting to hear voices.

"[No, but I did say something]" the voice said, causing Spike to spin around to look at the owl it had originated from "[And it appears as though you can understand me.]"

Spike stared at the owl he had known for four years currently speaking to him with wide eyes and a hanging jaw.

"[Well this is actually quite grand]" Owlowiscious continued "[I've always wanted to carry  on a conversation with you. Though technically I have, but you've never understood me before.]"

"............." Spike continued to stare at the owl only to break out in a laugh "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" and then faint, causing him to fall out of his bed and slam into the floor.

"[Oh dear]"
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"......understood him?!""

"That's what Owlowiscious says Twilight"

Spike began to stir and slowly open his eyes as he heard familiar voices. The last thing he remembered, he was in the library getting ready to go to sleep after returning from the Crystal Empire and discovering that he had returned to Equestria as a dog. Then there was just black. His vision cleared as he recognized the roof of Fluttershy's cottage, leaving him to wonder why'd he be there.

"[Indeed]" another voice stated "[I believe It may have to do with his now being a dog. How did that come about by the way?]"

Spike's eyes shot open when he heard the voice, his vision completely clear along with the blackness filling his memory. He shot up to attention, but he had been laying on his back, and in his dog form, he couldn't sit upright. So his legs flayed about as he eventually got up on his legs.

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Owlowiscious all turned suddenly to look at the dragon turned dog as he struggled getting up. He turned to face them, his eyes wide and head quickly shifting between the ponies and the owl. They looked at him with wide eyes before he responded. He realized that he must've fainted and Twilight had brought him to Fluttershy's cottage, but his mind was occupied with his reason for the fainting.

"Who-who-who said that?" Spike asked shakily.

The three individual looked at each other unsurely before Owlowiscious responded. "[I believe that was me Mister Spike. I was just explaining to The Caregiver why you suddenly lost consciousness]"

Spike hurriedly backed away while wearing the same expression of wide eyed uncertainty before being stopped by Fluttershy's couch.

"Ow....Owlowiscious...talk" Spike stammered to the confused and concerned ponies.

"Spike" Fluttershy said in a surprised tone "You understood Owlowiscious?" she finished, stepping forward with a raised hoof and a tone of wonder.

"You-you-you heard him...too?" Spike asked with surprise.

"Of course" Fluttershy responded happily "It is my special talent" she pointed out while looking to her cutie mark.

"Oh-oh yeah" Spike said while nodding his head shakily "That's good. Because I thought I was going CRAZY!"

"Spike, Spike calm down" Twilight said as she hurried over to her adoptive brother, placing a supportive hoof on his shoulder as he panted heavily "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this."

"[Yes Mister Spike]" Owlowiscious said "[You should take some deep breaths. You wouldn't want to stress yourself too much.]"

"HahaHA! okay" Spike responded while raising a paw to the owl "If you're so concerned about my well being...I'm gonna need you to not...talk!...right now. I'm still uh, getting a handle on this."

"[Certainly Mister Spike]" Owlowiscious responded with a nod and receiving a nervous laugh from the dog in response.

"Well Spike" Twilight began "I think that your being a dog now allows you to understand other animals. So you're probably going to be hearing a lot more voices from the animals. Ooh! this will be interesting learning experience!" Twilight suddenly grabbed both of Spike's cheeks in her hooves "You have to tell me everything about your conversations so I can take down notes" she said eagerly.

Spike's distress and confusion died down from Twilight's explanation, but was soon replaced by a weirded-out feeling from his adoptive sisters ranting.

"Oh! You could ask that squirrel why he won't move out of our treehouse no matter how many times I have Fluttershy try to convince him."

"Twilight" Spike said slightly muffled from his cheeks being pressed together "Put...me...down." Twilight suddenly realized she had been holding Spike in the air. She had gotten up on her hind legs and began flapping her wings to keep herself up.

Twilight looked up at Spike with a blushing smile before setting him down. "Hehe, sorry. But still, please tell me so I can take down notes."

"Well...okay" Spike said unsurely "but I don't think they're gonna appreciate a one time conversation since I'm going to go back to being a dragon."

"Oh, I could always translate for you Spike" Fluttershy happily offered "That is...if you wanted to."

"Um...thanks for the offer?" Spike replied. He then took a moment to think to himself. "Well...I guess it will be pretty interesting to talk to other animals."

"And take notes" Twilight interjected.

"And take notes" Spike said with a roll of his eyes.

"Actually, Owlowiscious has told me he'd like to have conversations with you" Fluttershy informed "I've offered to translate, but he said he would prefer it to be direct."

Owlowiscious nodded in agreement, bring Spike's attention to him. "Oh yeah, you can go ahead and talk now Owlowiscious."

"[Thank you Mister Spike]" Owlowiscious said gratefully/

"You know you don't have to call me 'Mister' Spike" the dog said with slight amusement.

"He called you mister?" Twilight  asked.

"Oh yes, he does that" Fluttershy explained "Owlowiscious is very nice and formal. He even has titles for us."

"Really?" Twilight responded, fascinated "Interesting. What are they?"

"Well, he doesn't really use them too much. He usually uses miss or mister" Fluttershy explained "But for you he has "The Librarian..."

"Oh Owlowiscious" Twilight said bashfully with a wave of her hoof "The Librarian. You charmer, you."

"Really?" Spike said

"He calls me The Caregiver" Fluttershy continued "Pinkie: The Party Planner, AJ: The Worker, Rainbow: Showboater, and Rarity: The Seamstress."

"Rainbow doesn't have 'The' in her name?" Spike wondered.

"[I don't believe showboating deserves a 'The']" Owlowiscious informed.

"Oh" Spike replied and soon explained to Twilight when she asked for a translation.

"Well, we better be heading back" Twilight said after Fluttershy made sure Spike had no outstanding injuries "You need to get some rest Spike, and so does Fluttershy. Thank you by the way for making sure Spike was okay Fluttershy. Sorry to be an imposition."

"Oh no, it's no trouble at all Twilight" Fluttershy said "It is my career after all. I'm more than happy to make sure Spike's okay."

"Thanks Fluttershy" Spike said "I really appreciate it. You're a true friend."

"A true true friend?" Twilight asked cheekily, earning her an annoyed glare from Spike.

"What did we discuss Twilight?"

"Hehe, sorry."

The adoptive siblings and owl exchanged goodnight's with the pegasus and heading back to the library.



Once the trio returned to the library, Spike was surprised to hear that Twilight was going to stay up. She explained that she was going to read up on canine knowledge in order to assist him should he have any other inquiries. Any feelings of surprise in Spike disappeared when Twilight said she would be reading. Spike headed upstairs while Owlowiscious stayed behind to assist Twilight.

"[Have a good rest Mist- I mean, Spike. Sorry to have caused you so much distress.]"

"Ah, it's no problem Owlowiscious" Spike said "Good night." Spike went to bed and fell asleep wondering what the next day would have in store for him.



Spike awoke suddenly in the middle of the night. He rubbed one of his eyes with a paw before getting up out of his bed. He noticed that the only source of illumination was the moonlight streaming down from window. He then heard light snoring and turned to see Twilight asleep in her bed, while technically wearing her blanket, as her wings protruded from two cut holes. He then remembered that this was only the second time that Twilight had attempted sleep after getting wings, humorously recalling their night in the Crystal Empire.

Spike walked down the stairs and noticed Owlowiscious was gone. It wasn't surprising, considering the bird's nocturnal nature. He considered asking Owlowiscious what it was he did when he wasn't in the library during the night.

He then walked into the kitchen and noticed that Twilight had left a bowl out with water for him, the bowl having been labeled "Spike" with a marker. Spike chuckled slightly to himself, recalling having seen so many dog bowls and collars with his name. He took a quick drink before heading back upstairs. He still couldn't discern why he had woken up, since he didn't actually feel thirsty. The answer came to him in the form of a howl. 

The sound had startled the pup and caused him to move to the window and gaze out into the night. He soon heard another howl and realized that he had heard one in his sleep. He had dismissed it as a dream. Another howl soon followed, and Spike could actually discern its purpose. The canine was calling out to other dogs. Sort of like a "Hey. Anyone one else out there awake?" Spike's head slightly shifted to the left when he heard another howl, some distance away from the first. The howl was a greeting response "Yo what's up?" which was soon followed by at least five others. 

"How's it goin?" 

"Sup bitches?" 

"I was sleeping!"

"Who wants to meet up at the pond?"

"I'm down"

"Woof woof!"

Spike stared out the window in slight wonder at being able to understand what all these dogs where saying to each other. He noticed that one sounded rather familiar somehow, but he couldn't put his paw on it. He started to feel the urge to open the window and give out a howl himself, maybe announcing himself as a new member to the dog community. He turned upon hearing a quiet and light groan from Twilight's bed, and saw the alicorn put a pillow over her head in her sleep. Spike chuckled to himself and decided against howling when Twilight was sleeping ten feet away. 

Spike stood on his hind legs, his forelegs resting on the windowsill as he peacefully listened to the distant howling of the dogs. Once his eyes started to feel heavy, he retreated back to his bed and went back to sleep. As he drifted off, he wondered if he could possibly make some canine friends.



Spike awoke in the morning to the sound of birds chirping and Twilight preparing her breakfast. He stood up and placed his front paws on the floor and stretched out like dogs do. He then gave himself a quick shake to loosen up and headed downstairs for breakfast. He was pleasantly surprised to catch the scent of pancakes upon entering the kitchen.

"Morning Twilight"

"Morning Spike, did you have a good nights sleep?"

"Sure did. Boy, those pancakes smell good. I'll have four please, with plenty of syrup."

"Ehhhh" Twilight cringed "Sorry Spike, but...these are just for me."

"Huh?" Spike was confused, he couldn't recall doing anything bad recently that would revoke his pancake privileges. "Why can't I have any pancakes Twilight? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, of course not" Twilight said quickly "It's just that...I found out in my books that dogs shouldn't really eat a lot of the same things ponies do. Dogs have different dietary requirements and restrictions. I'm afraid...you're not going to be able to eat a few of the things you usually do until you change back."

"Oh" Spike said dejectedly "Well...that sucks. I mean, I knew I wouldn't be able to eat any gems, but I didn't think I wouldn't be able to eat other things. Wait...what am I supposed to have for breakfast then?"

"Actually, I prepared you a salad" Twilight replied happily while lowering a bowl to the ground with her magic, soon accompanied by an apple "And an apple."

"A salad?" Spike questioned "Aw come on Twilight, salad isn't exactly my favorite. Couldn't you just give me one pancake?" Spike looked up at the alicorn with pleading eyes, but they had no affect.

"No can do Spike, we don't want you getting a tummy ache. And I know salad isn't your favorite, but it's really the only thing we have that you can eat. Lettuce, spinach, peas, and carrots. I'll look into getting you some dog food later, and some treats."

Spike grumbled in disappointment, looking down at the bowl with his breakfast salad. He was looking forward to the dog treats, but not so much the dog food, as he hadn't tried the puree or dry pellets in the other world. Suddenly, a brilliant idea formed in the young canine's head. A way to use his new form to his advantage.

"Twilight" he said as he approached his sister, who was busy preparing her plate of pancakes "Could I please have just one pancake?"

"Sorry Spike, but no" Twilight said without turning to address him.

"Please?" he said, refusing to give up.

"No"

"Please?"

"No Spike"

"Pretty please with oats, chocolate chips, cinnamon, whipped cream and a cherry on top?" he said as he stepped back and prepared himself.

"What part of No Don't you understa-" Twilight cut herself off when she turned to face her canine brother while holding her plate with her magic. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Spike sitting down with his back straight and his front legs bent in a begging position while he gave her literal puppy dog eyes.

Awwwww Twilight thought to herself How could I resist tha- No! He's doing this on purpose.

Spike continued his begging act while smiling smugly on the inside as Twilight continued to stare. He knew that the alicorn's unfinished sentence was proof his idea was working.

He's jusso cute and innocent Twilight thought in a baby voice No he isn't! This is a ruse! But those eyes!

Spike then gave a begging whine and pawed at the air with one of his paws. The purple princess practically broke right there, but her instinct was able to kick in.

I'm gonna give him a whole stack! Why do I see purple feathers? Twilight brought her head back to see that her wings had somehow extended and covered her face to shield her from the cuteness gaze.

"Oh come on!" Spike exclaimed after Twilight shielded herself, which made Twilight smile triumphantly from behind her wings.

"Ha, didn't break me. Now I said no, and that's final. So eat your salad like a good bo- I mean brother" Twilight turned away and removed her wings and moved to the table with her plate of pancakes.

Spike stepped to his salad bowl and apple and looked up at the table. "Can't I eat at the table?"

"Sorry Spike, but even if you had a stool, you wouldn't reach" Twilight explained slightly sorrowfully.

"Can't you give me some books to sit on?"

"And get dirty paw prints on them?" Twilight asked in disbelief, resulting in an eye roll from her brother. 

"Fine" Spike conceded and reached his head down to take a dejected bite of his salad. He raised his eyebrows slightly upon noticing there was the smallest modicum of improvement to the taste as he munched. He had no problem eating the rest before moving on to his apple. Twilight smiled happily at Spike's...not happiness but she didn't really want to say compliance, but it was the only thing she could think of. She then smiled and chuckled silently to herself at seeing Spike struggle with his apple. He had turned it on its side and its smooth surface combined with the clean hardwood caused the apple to slip out of his paws before he could take a bite. This continued for a few seconds until he finally grabbed it in his teeth first, then held on and was finally successful in eating it.

Once the adoptive siblings were finished with their breakfast Twilight washed their dishes while Spike took a drink from his bowl. Suddenly his head raised before he darted for the door and started to frantically scratch at it, drawing Twilight's attention. She hurriedly walked into the living room to see Spike's frantic scratching.

"Twilight!" Spike said urgently "I gotta go! Now!"

Considering his urgent behavior, Twilight decided to wait to address his doglike action. "One or two?"

"One" Spike responded urgently.

Twilight opened the door to allow him out. Spike immediately dashed outside, followed by Twilight, who saw him standing behind a bush next to the library.

"Turned away from the library mister!"

"Right" Spike replied before doing a one eighty, his gaze now facing the library. After doing his business, Twilight informed him they would be going over to Fluttershy's for a check up. When questioned about this since they had been over the night before, she clarified that that was just to check that he hadn't injured himself and this was to make sure there were now apparent irregularities. Spike saw the logic and walked with her through town to Fluttershy's cottage.

As they walked through town, Spike noticed some new voices and looked to see they were coming from the few birds and a couple of squirrels. He paid no attention to their...conversations and instead took joy in mares taking notice of him. They petted him and scratched his ears, which Twilight didn't mind until the eleventh time they had to stop.  

The pair finally managed to reach Fluttershy's cottage after a few more stops, and at one point a freak out from a pony who heard Spike talk. They entered to find Fluttershy feeding her woodland friends. "Oh hello Twilight, Spike. You're here for the checkup right?"

"Hello Fluttershy" Twilight responded first "And yes we are."

"*sigh* Let's get this over with" Spike said, exasperated.

"Okay Mr. Dramatic" Twilight responded sarcastically "You've spent a little too much time with Rarity. Now behave while Fluttershy gives you your checkup."

"Actually, I could use your help getting a bag of feed down first Twilight, that is...if you wouldn't mind, unless you'd like me to give Spike his checkup first, then we could do it after, unless you don't really like lifting heavy things, then maybe I could ask Mr. Bear to help, unless you're worried he be to big to fit in the kitchen-"

"Fluttershy, Fluttershy" Twilight speedily interrupted with a chuckle "It's fine, I'd be happy to help."

"Oh, okay, thank you" Fluttershy responded gratefully "Sorry if I rambled."

"No worries Fluttershy" Twilight replied "It's fun when one of us has a Pinkie moment."

Fluttershy chuckled in agreement as they made their way to the kitchen. Fluttershy told Spike he could wait in the living room and make use of the dog toys she had strewn about the floor. Spike was tempted, but he decided against it, as he was still getting used to his dog mannerisms.

Suddenly, Spike heard the sound of another dog's panting and running, which was approaching him. Just as he turned, he found himself on his back, having been tackled by the dog he heard. He rubbed his head before opening his eyes to see a close up version of the face of a very familiar, and happy canine.

"[Hi! I'm Winona! What's your name? I haven't seen you before, Hey you look kinda familiar, You smell kinda familiar too, Who's your master? Are they new too? Are they nice? Do you wanna play?!]"

"Winona no! Down girl!" came Fluttershy's stern reply as she and Twilight returned from the kitchen.

"[Oh no!]" Winona said as she jumped off of Spike and approached Fluttershy "[Did I make you angry Caretaker? I'm so sorry! Please don't be upset!]"

"Don't worry Winona, I'm not upset" Fluttershy said "You just need to remember it's not polite to jump on dogs you don't know. Well...technically you do know this one, but still."

"[Yes Caretaker]" Winona replied "[I'm glad you're not upset with me. What did you mean when you said I knew this dog?]"

"Oh yes" Fluttershy remembered before pointing to Spike, who had raised his head to look questioningly at the exchange "This is actually Spike. You remember him don't you?"

"[The Royal Librarian's big lizard assistant?]" she asked while cocking her head at Spike, who was still taking in his understanding of Winona.

"Dragon Winona" Fluttershy specified "It's not nice to call dragons big lizards."

"Royal Librarian?" Spike asked with an amused smile as he picked himself up.

"She means a librarian who's royalty" Fluttershy specified "Not a librarian working for royalty."

"Winona calls me Royal Librarian" Twilight also asked with an amused smile.

"[Would you prefer Princess Librarian your highness?]" Winona genuinely asked Twilight, who received a half chuckled translation from Fluttershy.

"Oh well, she doesn't have to" Twilight gushed with the slightest tint of pink to her cheeks "Unless she wants to of course."

"[As you wish Princess Librarian]" Winona replied before turning back to the silently chuckling Flutters "[So how could Princess Librarian's dragon assistant be a dog now?]"

"Magic" Fluttershy explained, deciding not to give the collie information she wouldn't really get much of.

"[Ah. May I give Spike a proper hello as you call it?"]

"Of course" Fluttershy permitted as she indicated to the spectating Spike.

Winona approached Spike and sat down before addressing him. "[Hi. I'm Winona. But since you're Spike I guess you knew that already. I'm sorry about tackling you earlier. I just get excited when I meet a new dog. Even though you're not actually new.]"

"Uh...hi Winona" Spike said a little awkwardly "Don't worry about it. Not the biggest surprise I've gotten since I came back as a dog." Spike's eyebrows formed a V when Winona suddenly stepped forward and began to sniff his behind. He stepped away after a second with a questioning look. "Um...what are you doing?"

"[That's how dogs say hello]"

"Oh yeah" Spike said, recalling that he had heard that piece of information "Well then I'm glad I'll be going back to being a dragon in thirty days. I don't really want to get used to that."

"[You're not gonna stay a dog?]"

"No. In fact, me being a dog was sort of a hiccup."

"[Oh]" Winona turned back to Fluttershy, who had been enjoying the cute exchange with Twilight "[Can I play with Spike Caretaker?]"

"Of course you can Winona, after I give Spike his checkup."

"[Great!]" Winona replied before departing for the kitchen for some food and water.

"Follow me this way Spike" Fluttershy said as she led Spike into another room, followed by Twilight.



After Spike received his checkup, most of which he had Twilight step outside for to spare himself of further embarrassment, he exited with Fluttershy into the living room, where Winona was waiting on her back. She stood up happily when she saw Spike return.

"[Hey Spike, how'd the check up go?]"

"...Fine"

"[Kind of embarrassing?]" Winona asked knowingly.

"Yeah"

"[I know how you feel. You get used to it. It's better when your owner isn't right there. That's why I'm glad my master usually stays back home.]"

"Alright Spike" Twilight began "Me and Fluttershy are going to chat for a bit, meanwhile you can play with Winona."

"[Okay. Sounds like fun]"

Fluttershy and Twilight tilted their heads curiously at Spike's barked response, but brushed it off. "Okay then...have fun you two."

"So..." Spike said as he and Winona were left alone "What would you like to do? I don't have much experience playing as a dog. I've really only played with a balloon."

"[How bout a rope wrestle?]" Winona asked happily.

"...Sure?" Spike said, unaware of what a "rope wrestle" was.

Winona walked behind Fluttershy's couch and ran back carrying a rope chew toy which she shook lightly when she stopped. Spike raised an eyebrow as Winona looked on expectantly, her tail wagging. "[Grab on]" came Winona's eager and muffled reply. Spike complied and grabbed the other end in his teeth, pulling the rope toy up. He was suddenly pulled lightly by a tug from Winona, which he reciprocated. It wasn't long before the pair were speedily moving about Fluttershy's cottage, attempting to take the rope from each other.

Winona was eventually able to get it for herself, but that didn't stop Spike. "Oh no you don't" he said as he began to chase her around the room, all the while laughing and calling after her. "Get back here! I'm gonna getcha! [Hand over the rope!]" 

Winona eventually got tired and leapt up onto the couch, followed by the equally tired Spike, who still made for the rope and grabbed it in his teeth. The two playfully tugged at the rope from their own ends without much effort, eventually collapsing on the couch and releasing the toy. The two dogs layed on their backs on the couch, panting happily and tired in typical dog manner. "[That was fun]" Spike said "[I never knew I could have that much fun hanging out with you of all...individuals Winona]" Spike said while turning his head to adress his playmate.

"[Ditto Spike]" Winona replied "[And it looks like you're getting the barking down.]"

"[Huh?]"

"[Excuse me!]"

The two dogs got up to their feet and looked down to the source of the irritated voice. A white bunny that they were both, unfortunately familiar with.

"[Oh great]" the two dogs said simultaneously, causing them to look at each other for a second before turning back.

"[You're in my spot]" Devi- I mean Anti Chri- I mean Damie- I mean Angel Bunny said in a very annoyed tone.

"[Oh come off it Angel]" Winona replied "[Since when it is your spot?]"

"[Since I sat there way before you did and named it mine, Winny]"

"[I told you not to call me that]" Winona growled in a low voice.

"[Wow]" Spike chimed in "[Just when I thought he couldn't get more annoying. Now I can understand him.]"

"[Okay I don't know who you are]" Angel said, now addressing Spike "[But since you're new, I should tell you I've got a bit more pull with Mother, so I could have you called off that couch and put outside in a heartbeat.]"

"Angel!" came the outraged reply of the bunny's "mother".

"[Oh hi Mother]" Angel said to Fluttershy, putting on a mask of innocence.

"That is not how we talk to our guests, new or otherwise" Fluttershy said as she entered the room with Twilight in tow "And he isn't new. This is Spike, Twilight's dragon assistant. He's been temporarily tunred into a dog through magic, and I expect you to be on your best behavior when you two are playing together while he's like this."

"[Of course Mother]" Angel replied happily, earning an eye roll from Winona "[I wouldn't do anything to upset you.]"

"[From this point on you mean?]" Winona asked smugly in a hushed voice so only Spike and Angel would hear. Angel scowled and his ears drooped while Spike chuckled under his breath.

"Wait" Spike said "Sorry to interrupt, but doesn't 'when you two are playing while he's like this' imply I'll be spending more time with him?" Something he really had no intention of.

"Well you will be coming over for a weekly check up during this time Spike" Twilight informed.

"Oh" Spike replied dejectedly.

"You could still play with Winona when she's here" she offered.

"Oh" Spike replied happily, his tail wagging "Well that's good."

"[I can't wait]" Winona barked happily "[I don't have too many dog friends to play with.]"

"Okay Spike" Twilight "We should get back home. It's late and you want to be well rested."

"Couldn't we stay a little longer?" Spike asked "I was hoping to play with Winona a bit more."

"Sorry Spike" Fluttershy responded "But Applejack will be here soon to take Winona home."

"Aw man. Wait, hey Twilight, could I go over to Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow?" He hopefully asked Twilight "I don't have much to do tomorrow anyway since I won't really be able to sweep or mop."

"Uh huh" Twilight said smugly "I don't see why not. Oh wait, aren't you going over to Rarity's tomorrow?"

"Oh yeah" Spike said slightly confused. How could I forget about going over to Rarity's?! "I guess I could go over after."

"I suppose there's no harm in that" Twilight concluded "Alright then, you can go after Rarity's."

"[Great!]" Spike barked happily.

The two exited Fluttershy's cottage and headed for the library, bidding the pegaus goodbye. Spike stopped when he heard Winona call out to him. "[Bye Spike! I can't wait for you to come over tomorrow!]"

"[Bye Winona! Me too!]"

Twilight thought the barking exchange between the two was cute, not knowing that Spike was unaware of his own barking.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, after spending another night listening to the dogs and another salad and apple breakfast, Spike left the library for the Carousel Boutique to visit Rarity. He had promised to come over and help her prior to the mirror world adventure. He would soon however discover a difficult truth.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique. Where every garment is chic, unique and oh, hello Spikey Wikey. I wasn't expecting you today."

"Hi Rarity" Spike said as he entered "What do you mean? I promised to come over and help you a few days before we went to the Crystal Empire."

"Oh yes, you're correct" she said as she approached Spike to scratch his chin "I guess I assumed you wouldn't be doing much of what you usually do since you became an adorable little pup."

"Nothing could stop me from coming to help you Rarity" Spike said dreamily as he stared up at the mare scratching his chin.

"Aw, aren't you a sweetie. Well, lets be on then" Rarity stopped her scratching, turned and began walking to her work room. Spike was in tow with his head still raised.

"Alright then Spike get me a-" Rarity stopped herself when something hit her. Spike was now a dog...........no duh.........And dogs grabbed things with their mouths, leaving slobber. She shuddered at the thought of dog saliva on anything of hers. "Um....I could use some-" she stopped again. The only thing she could think of that wouldn't involve slobber was having Spike be ready with pins. But he didn't have his scales to protect him, and it wouldn't exactly be acupuncture. I couldn't have Spikey Wikey do that. He'd be literally hurt and Twilight would be furious. Not to mention how Fluttershy would react, bless her animal loving heart. "Well....I don't really need you to do anything for me right now Spike" she said as she levitated a needle and thread to herself "So you can just....sit back for now."

"Are you sure?" Spike asked, surprised.

"Yes dear. I don't need you to do anything at the moment."

"Well...okay" Spike said slightly disappointed as Rarity turned back to her outfit in progress. He lied down on the ground, waiting for any instruction he could receive from Rarity. A few minutes later, he had an odd sensation that someone unwelcome was approaching.

"[Don't mind me mistress]" a sophisticated voice said "[I'm just looking for another comfortable spot. I know you won't mi-. What...is that doing in our home?]"

Spike spun around to face the individual and was surprised and for some reason uneasy to see that it was Rarity's cat, Opalescence. Rarity turned upon hearing an irritated meow from Opal, and suddenly grew nervous. Oh dear. I can't believe this didn't come to mind. I would've taken her to Fluttershy's.

"Excuse me....that?" Spike asked crossly with an offended face.

"[Oh I'm sorry]" Opal said falsely apologetic "[I meant to say that mutt]"

"Whatchu just call me Opalescence?"

"[How do you know my name?]"

"Um, Opal" Rarity said nervously as she stepped in. She couldn't understand Opal, but could tell that her pet was giving an attitude. "This is Spike, you remember him yes?" she said as she put a hoof between the two.

"[The Librarian's over grown lizard slave?]" Opal said with a tone of amusement "[Okay, that is hysterical.]"

"........I'm sorry what did you just call me?" Spike said, loud and angered.

"Um Spike?" Rarity said as she began to pull Spike away towards the front door "Perhaps you should wait outside. I really am not in need of your help today after all."

"[That's right]" Opal said as she followed, not breaking her smug stare from Spike's angered one "[Mutts are not welcome in our home.]"

"Hey you got a problem with me?!" Spike shouted after Rarity got him out the door.

"[Yes I do]" Opal said venomously as she hid behind one of Rarity's hind legs "[You see the way he talks to me Mistress?]"

"Opalescence behave!" Rarity said disapprovingly at Opal's hissing "Spike I really think you should go."

"[Yeah. Get out of here. Stop wasting your time trying to court my master. Not that you even have a chance anymore as a mangy canine.]"

"Hey you wanna go?! [We'll go right now you cu-!]"

"Opal enough! Spike! Please go!" Rarity pushed Spike away and shut the door. "Opal! I am very displeased with you."

"[What did I do?! He was mistreating me in my own home.]"

Spike began to bark furiously at the door in response. 

"Okay, that is it missy. No treats for the rest of the day."

"[You can't be serious!]"

"I will hear no more out of you. Now go to your bed."

"Ha!" Spike shouted in triumph "Serves you right!"

"[Oh you want a taste of my claws?! You don't have those scales anymore! I will mess you up!]"

"[Like to see you try!]"

"Opal! Bed!"

"[This isn't over mutt!]"

Spike chuckled to himself in smug triumph before Rarity came out of the boutique, closing the door behind her. "I am so sorry Spike. I should've thought about how you would react around cats. Though I don't much appreciate you fighting with Opalescence when you've still got your sensibilities."

"Hey, she started it."

"I don't care if she did Spike." Rarity took a deep breath, anxious about what she was about to say. "I'm sorry Spikey Wikey but, I'm afraid you can't stay here so long as Opal is present."

"Hey, fine by me."

Rarity was slightly surprised that Spike wasn't objecting. "Well...you could...come over when I send her over to Fluttershy's."

"Sounds good to...me" Spike tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. Upon hearing a hiss, Rarity turned to see Opal staring down from her bedroom window. Spike began growling in response.

"Opal!" Rarity snapped, causing her pet to retreat back inside. "Um...perhaps you should leave before a chase ensues Spike."

"I've got somewhere else to be anyway" Spike grumbled as he turned around end began to walk in the direction towards Sweet Apple Acres.

"Um, goodbye Spike" Rarity called out as Spike walked away.

"See ya Rarity" Spike called back. When he turned his head, he caught sight of Opal staring at him smugly, bringing a growl.

"Opal!" Rarity snapped again when she turned to see what Spike was growling at.



Spike's anger simmered down as he made his way to Sweet Apple Acres. Stupid cat. Acting like she's better than me. Well at least now I have more time to play with Winona. As Spike got closer and closer, he couldn't help but notice how taller the tree's appeared to him with his new size.

Inside the Apple family house, Winona stood up from her laying down position when she caught a familiar scent approaching. "[Spike's coming!]" she said happily before taking off out the open door.

Applejack stared curiously in the direction that her dog ran off. "Ah wonder what's got her all worked up."

Spike  was fifty feet away from the Apple house when he heard the sound of running and smelled something familiar. He turned to see Winona running towards him, and thanks to the distance, he had more time to react. He go into a light run towards Winona with a smile on his face. Once they got near enough, Winona jumped at him, and he jumped to the side to avoid being tackled.

"[Hey!]" Winona exclaimed happily.

"Dodged ya" Spike chuckled before they started to jump around while facing each other and panting happily.

"[Hi Spike! You're here early!]"

"[Yeah! Rarity didn't really need my help]" Spike said as they stopped jumping and sat down "[And I had a bad run in with Opalescence"] Spike growled under his breath.

"[Oh. You met the cat" Winona said understandingly "[Yeah. None of us really like her. Don't worry, you can come with us next time we have some fun with her.]"

"[Whadaya mean?]" Spike asked inquisitively.

"[It's a surprise. Come on, let's go to the field.]" Winona ran off towards the field with Spike following. 

In the distance, Applejack couldn't help but smile at the display as she stood in the doorway of her house. She thought it was cute, and about time she saw Winona hanging out with another dog. Looks like the gal's taken a likin' to Spike. Hope they don't get into any trouble. *inner chuckle*

Spike looked around questionably as he and Winona walked through the field of uncut grass some distance away from the main farm. "So what kind of fun do we have in the field?"

"[Grasshopper chase]" Winona answered as though it were obvious "[They're tasty.]"

"What?" Spike asked with a scrunched face.

"[And go!]" Winona leaped into the air and fell into the grass, flattening the area she'd landed on and releasing a number of grasshoppers. She started to give chase, occasionally switching to one that appeared closer. Spike shrugged his shoulders and followed Winona's lead, and found himself actually enjoying the activity.

The two canines laughed as they jumped around the grass, chasing the grasshoppers. Spike eventually got tired and collapsed on the grass, releasing some dandelion seed heads into the air. "That was actually pretty fun."

"[See?]" Winona said as she stepped through the grass. Spike turned his head and saw that she had a grasshopper in her mouth. "[I caught one]" Winona said happily and muffled before eating the insect.

Spike looked on questioningly "Are they really tasty?"

"[Yeah they are]" Winona said before lying down next to Spike "[You should try one next time. If you catch one of course.]"

"Hmm, maybe." 

The two slipped into comfortable silence, just staring at each other, Spike on his back and Winona on her stomach. Huh spike thought to himself She's actually kinda pretty. He then noticed that Winona was staring at him a certain way while she panted. "Why are you staring at me?"

"[Oh. Was I staring?]" Winona asked as she stood up and turned away "[You thirsty? I'm thirsty.]"

"I could go for a drink" Spike said as he stood up.

"[Come on]" Winona said as she tilted her head in another direction "[I know a pond we can get a drink at.]"

"Okay" Spike said as he began following his new friend.



Spike was surprised by what he saw when they reached their destination. The pond Winona had spoke of was like a small pool and was next to a small apple tree apparently planted far off from the farm. An assortment of flowers surrounded the area and a couple dragonflies flew over the water. The water reflected a small shine from the corner. It was essentially a mini oasis that was simple yet beautiful in its own way.

"Wow"

"[Right?]" Winona said as she approached the pond "[The water is always cool and is great for dips during the summer.]" Winona began to drink from the pond, with Spike soon approaching to do the same. And he found the water to be quite enjoyable with a unique taste.

Once Spike was satisfied, he found himself once again just staring at Winona as she slowly continued to drink. he thought it was cute how a few droplets of water remained on her muzzle. Winona noticed Spike's reflection in the water and stopped drinking to turn to him. They both smiled at each other for a few seconds before Winona addressed him.

"What?" Winona asked with a small chuckle.

Spike blinked away his stare while stammering, amusing Winona. "Uh...so this pond is good for swimming?" he asked as he looked back at the water

"[Yeah. Here, give it a try]" Winona said deviously as she stepped behind Spike.

"Wait what? Ah!" Spike shouted as he was suddenly shoved into the pond by Winona. Winona laughed playfully after her sneaky action, but stopped when she didn't see Spike resurface. 

"[Spike?]" she took a closer look, but the water was more reflective, preventing her from seeing the floor of the pond. "[Spike?]" she said again with a slight tone of worry. She didn't have time to react when two purple paws emerged from the water and pulled her in. Spike's head emerged from the water, laughing triumphantly at his return trick. "[Hey!]" Winona exclaimed once she emerged from the water.

"Haha, [gotcha again]" Spike said playfully, only to receive a splash in the face. "[Hey!]" Spike and Winona soon began a splash fight as they swam around in the pond. Thankfully the water was only deep enough to reach their necks so long as they stood on their hind legs. They eventually tired and swam back to shore. They shook themselves off, laughing as they hit each other with the drops on their fur.

"[Let's head back for some lunch]" Winona suggested "[We can dry off on the way.]"

"[Sounds good]"



Spike and Winona entered the Apple family house to find Applejack and surprisingly, Twilight. "Hey there Spike, Winona" AJ greeted "Did y'all have fun?"

"[Hello Master. Yeah, we had a lot of fun.]"

"Hey AJ, yeah we did. What are you doing here Twilight?"

"Hey Spike. I came to check up on you. And I heard about what happened at Rarity's."

"Hehe, yeah" AJ chuckled "Twi was jus' tellin me all about it. It's pretty funny."

"Yeah" Spike said slowly "Me and Opalescence aren't really gonna be the best of friends."

"Well once you apologize to her, you don't have to interact with her whatsoever" Twilight informed him.

"I'm not gonna do that" Spike said simply.

"[Good]" Winona said.

"Excuse me mister?" Twilight asked crossly "You need to make peace with her."

"Peace? With her? Uh yeah, no. She insulted me just cuz I'm a dog. In fact she insulted me when referring to me in the past tense."

"What did she say exactly?" AJ asked curiously.

"She called me a mutt and an overgrown lizard and she said I was your slave."

"What?!" Twilight exclaimed, outraged.

"But the worst was..." Spike trailed off and looked to the surprised Applejack and slightly angry looking Winona. He indicated to Twilight to kneel down, which she complied to. Spike whispered in her ear about Opal telling him about his chances with Rarity, which caused her to gasp in shock.

"That little! Who does she think she is talking to you like that?!"

"Which is why I will not apologize, even if she does."

"Well I guess that justifies your barking at her."

"Barking?"

"[You actually barked at her?]" Winona asked, surprised "[Wow, nice.]"

"What did Opal say?" AJ asked, immediately feeling weird for having asked.

"She said-"

"Twilight!" Spike exclaimed before raising his eyebrows at her.

"Something that hurt him very personally."

"Well, can't say I'm surprised" AJ said "It's one of the reasons I got Winona instead of a cat. And Ah don't like cats."

"[Preach Master!]" Winona barked happily.

"I guess you don't have to apologize Spike" Twilight said "Especially since Rarity didn't really ask for you to apologize. But Opal should definitely give you one."

"I'm not disagreeing with you Twilight" Spike said "But I'd prefer not to since I don't really see it going too well."

"[Yeah! Like she gets to even talk to you again]"

"Thank you Winona."

"Well we'll have to talk about it later on" Twilight continued "Do you wanna head back to the Golden Oak Spike?"

Spike turned to Winona before responding. "Actually Twilight, I kinda wanted to stay a bit longer."

"Really?" Twilight asked, a little surprised.

"Yeah. We've been having a lot of fun."

"Yah know Twi, he could stay over for the whole day" AJ suggested "We ain't herdin today so Winona's free to spend more time with him."

"Really AJ?" Twilight asked "Are you sure?"

"Course Ah am. And ya said you've decided to let Spike have more time ta himself since he can't do much as a dog."

"Can I Twilight?" Spike asked eagerly while running up to Twilight and placing his front paws on her leg "I promise to be on my best behavior."

"Uh, pbbb" Twilight was flabbergasted "I don't see why not. Sure you can."

"Thanks Twilight!" Spike moved to Winona very happily "[Did ya hear that Winona? I can stay over for the night.]"

"[Great! We're gonna have lots more fun.]"

"Well let's get these two love birds some lunch before they go back out" AJ chuckled.

"What, whatcha say?" Spike said, slightly alarmed.

"Hey, now you get to try dog food Spike" Twilight said, knowingly ignoring his question.

"Winona?" Spike said as he turned to said dog very frantically "What did your master say?"

"[I didn't hear what she said]" Winona said with a smile.

"Seriously! What did she say- I'm surrounded by females, I'm not gonna win this" Spike said, admitting defeat. AJ and Twilight chuckled at Spike's yielding. Twilight left soon, explaining she had more to do at the library. AJ prepared a can of dog food for both Spike and Winona, the former being slightly hesitant to eat the meat puree. But he actually found himself liking it when he tried it, and he ate the rest without hesitation. 

Afterwards, Spike and Winona spent time together in the living room, playing like they did in Fluttershy's cottage. The difference was that later, Apple Bloom arrived from her crusading and played ball with them, after embarrassing Spike with comments of how cute he was and keeping him. 

"Aw, Spike is jus' so much cuter now. Could we keep him Applejack? Please?" Apple Bloom called up the stairs.

"How many times must I say this?" Spike asked as he rubbed his temple "Nopony gets to keep me! I still live with Twilight!"

"There's your answer sis" Applejack called down from her bedroom.

"Aw" 

Spike and Winona went back to rope wrestling after Apple Bloom got tired of playing ball with them. She stepped into the kitchen and was soon accompanied by Applejack, who joined her in watching the cute little display of the two dogs playing.

"So is Spike gonna stay a dog from now on?" Apple Bloom asked with a light tone of hope.

"Nope. He's supposed to change back in about twenty seven days."

"Oh....that's too bad. It looks like Winona's taken a likin' to him."

"He ain't goin away Apple Bloom" AJ said with a chuckle "He's jus' goin back to bein a dragon. He can always come over to play with Winona whenever he wants."

"Well yeah Applejack, but I mean it looks like she's taken a likin to him." 

"Yeah....I kinda noticed too" Applejack said a little somberly.



After dinner, and a misunderstanding with Granny Smith on whether or not Spike was a stray, Spike was told that he would have to sleep in the barn with Winona. Granny Smith was a little strict in her old ways of not having dogs in the house other than to eat and or play. Though Winona made it clear that she didn't mind, especially since she liked to go out for a while at night.

"[You wanna have a roll in the hay?]" Winona asked Spike as they entered the barn, making him freeze in place.

"..........What?"

"[It's fun and feels good, watch]" Winona said before throwing herself back into a pile of hay and started thrashing around and rolling around "[Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh, ahhh.]"

Spike blinked at the display. "Okay......at least it's not what I thought you meant. Eh, I'll try it." Spike turned around and threw himself back into the hay. He stayed motionless until he looked over at Winona for a frame of reference. He turned back and slowly repeated her actions, and picked up speed when he felt how great it was. Soon enough, he was just like Winona "Ahhh, ahhh, [ahhh, ahhh.]"

"[See?]" Winona said once they stopped "[I told ya it feels great]" She got up and shook off the hay clinging to her fur and indicated to Spike to follow her.

"Where to now?"

"[The pond]"

"Again? We were there already" Spike said as he got up and shook off the hay on his fur.

"[During the day]" Winona pointed out "[But you gotta see it during the night. And I want you to meet my dog friends.]"

"I thought you didn't have any other dog friends."

"[That everyone else knows of]" Winona clarified "[We only meet up at night when our masters are asleep.]"

"Oh."

Winona stopped just outside the barn and gave a howl, slightly startling Spike. "[Hey guys! Meet up at the pond in twenty five! You're finally gonna get to meet my new friend!]" Before the responses came, Spike realized that Winona was one of the dogs he had heard the last two times.

"[It's about time we get to meet him]"

"[Yeah! Maybe she'll finally stop talking about her boyfriend so much!]"

"[Is he cute?!]"

"[He's not my boyfriend and I've only talked about him the last two nights!]" Winona howled in an annoyed tone. Her response caused Spike to blush in embarrassment at the implication.

"[So he's available?! Then is he cute or not?!]"

"[Just...meet at the pond in twenty five]" Winona responded in frustration. The last comment from the previous dog made Spike blush in flattery. 

Spike and Winona began to walk towards the pond in slight awkward silence. Spike decided to relieve some of the tension. "So...why did you say twenty five when it takes us about ten minutes to get there?"

"[I wanted you to see it before it gets crowded. Trust me, it's way better.]"

When they arrived, Spike could see what Winona had meant as they sat down beside each other. During the day, the pond was like an oasis with simplistic beauty. But at night, it was breathtaking. Crickets chirped a steady and peaceful song, there was a light cool breeze that caused the grass to sway, fireflies bobbed in the air, and the pond itself seemed as though it was a piece of Luna's beautiful star arrangement.

"Wow"

"[Told ya]"

"It's...it's beautiful Winona. I guess I should say...thanks for showing me this."

Spike was surprised when Winona leaned in a nuzzled him lightly before she responded. "[No problem. That's what friends do.]" Despite it being quick, Spike found that he had enjoyed the small display of affection. And considered repeating it.

"[Not your boyfriend huh?]"

The two suddenly jumped away from each other at the sound of a female dog's voice.

"[How many times have I asked you not to do that Heather?]" Winona addressed the slightly taller Afghan hound that emerged from the grass. She had light brown fur that was cut short and was about a head taller than Spike and Winona.

"[Enough so it never gets old]"

"[And I said he wasn't my boyfriend]"

"[Really?]" asked another female. She emerged and was to Spike's slight surprise, a border collie like Winona, but about an inch taller and with slightly more hair that was black with patches of white. "[Ooh girl, he is cute]" she said as she walked a circle around Spike, earning a narrowed eye glare from Winona. "[What's your name cutie?]"

"Um...Spike" he responded somewhat nervously with a hint of blush.

"[And he speaks pony? I'm finding it hard to believe Winona didn't snatch you up. But that just means there's more for me.]" The border collie leaned in towards Spike's face as she spoke the last sentence seductively, making Spike blush furiously and become very nervous.

Winona suddenly stepped in between the two, forcing the other collie to back away. "[Okay, okay, that's enough Rose. I brought him here to meet you guys and invite him to the raid, not set him up with you.]"

"[Yeah lay off the new guy Rosie]" said a male this time in a cockney accent, who turned out to be a basset hound. "[Winona doesn't need you scaring off her new mate.]"

"[Mate?!]" Spike exclaimed.

"[He means friend]" Winona quickly explained before turning back to the others "[And he isn't my mate mate either.]"

"[And I'm sure he won't be]" came another female voice, this time sarcastic and sophisticated. She was a standard dachshund with reddish brown fur. "[Right William?]"she said addressing the basset hound as she stood next to him.

"[Right my lovely Rita]" William replied as he nuzzled the dachshund affectionately.

"[How is it that Miss Classy over there can get herself a guy and I can't?]" Rose asked.

"[Probably because she doesn't come on super strongly to every 'cute' dog that usually has a girls already]" another male voice said, who was revealed to be a grey Siberian Husky, who was soon followed by a Yorkshire terrier who spoke next.

"[I keep tellin ya girl, I'm right here waitin foya]" Spike was...taken aback by the dog's nasally voice.

"[Ugh. Keep dreaming Randy]" Rose responded dismissively. 

"[Aw come on girl. You know all the bitches love Randy.]"

"[Well this bitch, don't]"

"[Damn girl. Why you gotta be so cold?]"

"[To put it simply Randy]" the husky chimed in "[Your a playa. But she ain't playin.]"

"[Cold hard truth that's also a deep line]" Randy said impressed "[Big boss Liam does it again. Respect]"

"Big boss?" Spike asked inquisitively.

"[That's right]" Randy quickly responded before anyone else could "[Liam here's the leader of our entourage. So you're the new guy right? So what's your story pup? Where you from? What's yo deal?"

"Um...I'm Spike...and I'm from Ponyville...well Canterlot actually"

"[Whaaaaat? We got another Canterlot dog?]" Randy said, apparently very interested "[Yo this is gonna give us some serious swag points with the other packs.]"

Spike turned to Winona with a questioning look. "[Don't mind him. He's just...eccentric.]"

"[So you're from Canterlot too?]" Rita asked stepping forward "[Well it's about time. I haven't had a fellow Canterlot dog to talk with since I came out here.]"

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I'm not gonna be too much for conversation about Canterlot. I've been living in Ponyville for a few years now."

"[Oh]" Rita said a little disappointed "[Well that's alright darling. At least we have another Canterlot dog in our group.]"

"[Why would you want to move from a dope, rich city to a place like this?]" Randy asked.

"Oh, well Princess Celestia sent me and Twilight here so Twilight could learn about friendship."

"[Hold up]" Randy said with a raise of his paw "[Did you just say Princess Celestia?! Your master is royalty?! Dude, that makes you royalty! Is this one of those Prince and the poor pony kind of deals where a prince makes the super dumb decision to temporarily live in the slums and have someone else take his place meanwhile?]"

"Um...no and I don't have a master. I only recently became a dog."

"[I think the kid's a few crumbs short of a biscuit]" William uttered to Rita.

"[No he means it]" Winona chimed in "[He wasn't always a dog. He's Princess Librarian's dragon assistant. He got turned into a dog by some kind of magic.]"

"[Really?]" Heather asked "[Actually I do see some resemblance. And that would explain how he can talk in pony.]"

"You've seen me?"

"[In a newspaper about how you saved the Crystal Empire.]"

"[Hold up one more time. So not only is this dude royalty, but he's the dragon that saved an entire empire after fighting off an army of shadow ponies and slaying their king?!]" 

"What?" Spike asked as his eyebrows formed a V.

"[And we've got him in our group?! This is the most baller thing to ever happen to us!]"

"[I never said he was in our group]" Liam said, stepping in.

"[Aw come on Liam!]" Randy begged the leader "[We gotta have him in our group! We take him with us on tonight's raid and they'll tell stories about us forever. We'll be the pack that every other pack now and in the future will try to be like. It would be stupid not to have him! And I know you're not stupid.]"

Liam cocked an eyebrow at his eccentric subordinate. "[Ahem. With all due respect sir.]"

"[Uh huh. What say the rest of the pack?]"

"[I'd like to have another Canterlot native in the group]" Rita stated "[Even if we won't converse that much.]" 

"[If Rita doesn't object, neither do I]" William said.

"[I think it would be interesting having him]" Heather said.

"[I definitely don't mind him joining]" Rose said in a sultry tone.

After giving Rose a quick glare, Winona put in her two bits. "[Well I didn't intend for this to happen. I just wanted you guys to meet him and maybe invite him to tonight's raid. But, I've got no complaints. I'm all for it.]"

"[Very well then]" Liam acknowledged before stepping towards Spike "[Congratulations young pup. You are now a part of our pack.]" Liam howled into the sky, and was soon followed by the others, including Winona. 

Spike couldn't believe what had just happened. He was now an offical pack member! He felt a great feeling of acceptance and joined in at the last bit of the collective howl.

"[Welcome to the pack mate]"

"[Simply smashing]"

"[This oughta be interesting]"

"[We be ballin with our new member!]"

"Wow. Thanks guys. So what's this raid you keep talking about?"

"[It's one of the best things ever Spike. And with you on our side, we're gonna be the dopest, most legendary pack of them all.]"

".......Winona?" Spike said as he turned to the border collie.

"[That surprise I told you about earlier? About having some fun with Opalescence?]"

"Yeah?"

"[We're gonna raid her usual get-together she has with all her cat friends.]"
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So what's the deal with this raid again?"

Spike was running alongside Winona with Liam leading in front of them, while the rest of the pack trailed behind. Randy, surprisingly, was keeping pace with Liam, running alongside the husky. Heather ran behind Liam and Randy and in front of Spike and Winona. Rose ran close behind the two youngest members, with Rita and William at the tail, running side by side.

"[It's kind of a tradition for dog packs to occasionally crash a cat party!]" Winona said in response to Spike's question, having to yell due to the wind rushing past them as they ran. Spike would've asked earlier if the pack hadn't taken off almost immediately, forcing him to catch up. "[Trust me, it's super fun!]"

"[If you say so]" Spike said while mentally shrugging his shoulders "[How is Randy keeping up with Liam?! His legs are super short!]"

"[None of us knows! It's freaky right?!]"

"[I heard that!]" Randy exclaimed as he suddenly appeared beside the pair, startling both of them "[And to answer your question: It's just one of the things that makes Randy a baller!]" Randy picked up some speed, returning to Liam's side, not waiting to hear any response Spike had. Which was to look at Winona questioningly.

"[Just go with it]"

After five more minutes of running, Liam called out to the rest of the pack "[Coming up on the cat house!]" and slowed his run until he was just walking, the other dogs doing the same. They eventually stopped about forty feet away from an abandoned and shabby house, which had lights coming from the windows and jazzy music emanating from it.

"This...is where...Opalescence...is?" Spike asked as he panted from the long run.

"[I know right?]"

"[You can chit chat later]" Liam said with authority "[Let's get some water and plan the raid.]" Liam began walking to a nearby pond that looked nowhere near as nice as the one they had all convened at.

"Wait, there's no plan?" Spike asked as he followed with the rest of the pack.

"[Dogs don't really plan ahead for things]" Winona informed him "[At least not in great detail.]"

"[That's right]" Randy said, once again approaching the pair "[But don't think that means you can doubt Liam. No one questions Big boss Liam, new guy. Come on, you gotta be hydrated if you're going in first.]" Randy walked away, joining Liam at the pond to get a drink, leaving Spike confused.

"I'm going in first?"

"[Yeah, he-he]" Winona said nervously as they approached the pond "[I kind of forgot to mention that; Liam will explain it to you.]"

Spike cocked an eyebrow at the statement, but decided not to press further and joined the rest of the pack for a drink. As they all lapped their tongues at the water, Spike stopped when he caught Rose eyeing him very intently, causing him to stop and look at her in confusion. Rose stopped drinking and winked at him in response, which made him turn his head down and resume drinking at a nervously faster pace, much to the Rose's amusement and Winona's narrow eyed annoyance.

Once they finished, Liam explained to Spike that it was tradition for the newest pack member to burst in on the cat's get-together and begin the raid by shouting "Cat Raid." Spike felt a little unsure, but received vocal support from the rest of the pack as he approached the house.

"[You'll do fine mate!]"

"[We all do on our first time]"

"[This should be easy after fighting off an army and slaying a king]"

"Uh, I didn't actually-"

"[I believe in you cutie]" Rose said, interrupting Spike's response to the Yorkshire.

"[Rose!]" Winona growled threateningly to the fellow border collie. "[I believe in you too]" she uttered to Spike "[And stay away from her.]"

"[Thanks, and you don't have to tell me twice]" Spike assured her before shuddering slightly "[She kind of scares me. So, how do I do this? Just run through the door?]"

"[If you want]" Winona said with a shrug "[Do what your gut tells you.]"

Spike turned to face the house and began to take in it's appearance, calculating how to proceed as the jazzy music continued. He wanted to make a good impression with the rest of the pack, especially Winona. He then noticed that the ceiling had a hole in the roof and there was a discarded ladder leaned against one of the walls. It was missing the first few steps however, starting about a head above him. He looked around and found a small tree with a few cardboard boxes stacked near it. 

He quickly ran to the boxes and hopped onto them before jumping to the lowest branch and grabbing hold with his front paws. He struggled lightly before pulling himself up completely and walking across it. Once he reached the end, he readied himself and jumped forward, latching onto the first of the remaining steps with his teeth. He was able to pull himself up to hold on with his paws and begin climbing up.

"[Creative]" Liam noted.

"[Athletic]" Rose noted, eliciting another threatening growl from Winona.

Spike reached the top of the ladder and was able to pull himself onto the roof and approached the hole. When he looked in, he couldn't believe what he saw. The jazz music had stopped, now replaced by a single harp, which was being played by Opal. The real shocker was that she was singing her own solo in an amazingly beautiful voice, for a cat. Perfect the dog in Spike's mind said, still sore at the cat. He then took note of some boxes directly below, which would allow him to jump down, surprise the cats, interrupt Opal's solo, and begin the raid. The universe seemed to have other plans however.

Spike stepped closer to the hole and his paw rested on a tile that was a little too loose. The tile soon slid out of place, throwing Spike off balance and causing him to fall through. 

"[Where every note is ouuuuut of siiiiiiiii-]"

"Whoa!" Spike exclaimed as he fell through, interrupting Opal, and drawing the attention of the cats and the pack waiting outside. Spike landed through the loose lids of the box, the force of the impact causing it to fall off the stack, land on another box, launch a plate into the air that shattered on the floor in the middle of the feline audience, startling most of them before finally landing on the floor. 

The pack readied themselves as they heard the commotion and the few startled screeches. The cats looked at the box on the floor curiously, while Opal looked on annoyingly at having been interrupted.

Seconds passed before Spike finally took the opportunity. He burst through the top of the box and shouted the words "CAT RAAAAAAIIIIIIIIID!" The rest of the pack immediately charged in through the doorway and a hole in the wall while barking. The cats screeched in surprise and scattered, running off or running throughout the house while being chased by the barking pack members.

"[ARF ARF ARF! ARF ARF!]"

"[That's right! All the pussies run away when Randy's in the house!]"

Heather was about to respond but took a moment to think, and decided not to "[Nah, too easy]." Randy's small barks didn't actually do much to scare the cats, more like annoy them away.

Spike soon joined in, barking with the rest of his pack. As he ran around, chasing and barking at the felines, he felt a form of exhilaration he had never felt before. The rush, the adrenaline, the feeling of showing that dogs were far better than cats, it was incredible. It got the addition of warm and comforting when he chased alongside Winona. She looked powerful and assertive when she barked at the cats, and beautiful from the way her fur moved about.

"[Damn it Winona we had a deal!]" Opalescence exclaimed from a shelf she had leapt up to.

"[Yeah!]" Winona confirmed "[That I would talk to the pack about no more raids. They said no.]"

"[Oh I'm going to tell The Caretaker and she will tell Mistress and she- YOU!]" Opal exclaimed when she saw Spike join Winona's side, looking up at her smugly. "[Oh you will definitely face the consequences for this.]"

"[Well this makes us even for how you talked to me!]" Spike barked at the feline. Opal would've responded if Liam didn't step in to bark at her, scaring her off comically.

"[AAAAAH!]"

Another minute later, the remaining cats finally exited the house, running off into the night and leaving behind the triumphant dogs.

"[That was the most baller thing ever!]" Randy shouted.

"[You're nuts junior! You're nuts!]" William exclaimed.

"[Simply smashing Spike]" Rita complimented.

"[Definitely not what I expected]" Heather commented.

"Aw you guys" Spike replied bashfully.

"[Arousing]"

"[Rose!]" Winona shouted angrily.

"[I must say I'm quite impressed]" Liam said, stopping the immanent struggle between the collies. "[You'll make a fine addition to our pack, young Spike.]" Spike beamed with pride at Liam's comment, incredibly glad to receive the husky's praise for some reason. 

"[See Liam?]" Randy stated as he stood by the leader's side "[I told you this would be good for us. Now even more bitches will love me.]"

"[Even more?]" Rose asked "[As in there were already some who did?]"

"[Ha ha ha]" Randy said sarcastically as the others chuckled at his expense "[That was so funny I forgot how to laugh.]"

The pack all said their goodbyes and final congratulations to Spike before going their separate ways. 

"[I'm gonna spread the word about this to the other packs]" Randy stated "[We're gonna be Legends!]"

Rose offered to accompany Spike to the Apple farm to "congratulate" him even more, to Winona's displeasure. Thankfully, Spike informed her that Twilight was expecting him back soon and most likely wouldn't like a strange dog in the library. Rose disappointingly rolled over, ha-ha, and departed while swishing her tail slowly.

"[Ugh]" Winona groaned in response "[Wait, I don't remember The Librarian saying that.]" Spike looked at Winona with a smirk, eliciting a gasp of surprise and happiness "[No way! You lied!]"

"[She doesn't know that]" Spike said smugly "[Come on, let's go to the pond again, I'm still a little hyped from the raid.]"

"[Sure!]" Winona replied as she caught up to Spike. During the walk, she took a moment to admire Spike in the moonlight. He was rather cute, and the way he started the raid was amazing. She quickly shifted her head forward when Spike almost caught her. 



"[Here we are]" Winona said as they approached the visually stunning oasis.

"[And it's still beautiful]" Spike noted before casting a look to Winona "[Along with it's present company]." Winona's head reared slightly in surprise before she looked away, blushing lightly. Spike thought the little display was incredibly cute before noting the abundance of fireflies and getting an idea. "[Hey, watch this]" he said before running toward the insects. 

Winona looked on curiously as Spike began to snap at the fireflies, catching them in his mouth. Spike turned to Winona and gave her a toothy smile, which appeared luminescent from the fireflies stuck behind his teeth. She laughed at the display before approaching him and lightly brushing his head with a paw, causing him to release the insects. "[Goofball]" she said with a chuckle.

"[So, you wanna just stare at the stars?]" Spike asked a little bashfully.

"[Love to]" Winona replied before taking a seat beside her friend. After a minute of staring at the stars, she shifted her eyes to Spike and back to the sky before scooting closer, snuggling the purple and green dog. Spike didn't even question why she did this, laying his head on top of hers with a smile, lightly snuggling the top.

After a few more minutes, Winona removed her head from Spike's shoulder, drawing his attention. The two young canines looked into each others eyes, noting how the reflected moonlight made them sparkle slightly. Ina moment of boldness, Winona leaned forward and lightly bit Spike's snout very gently, which made Spike reel back in confusion. In response, Winona looked away in embarrassment, blushing profusely. Oh gosh, why did I do that?!

Spike took a moment to recall something he learned from his mandatory studies from his earlier childhood. I know that from somewhere. Oh yeah, wolves bite each others snouts as a sign of affection. Spike then realized that Winona basically kissed him, and that it did feel quite affectionate to him. 

"[Hey]" Spike said, drawing Winona's attention. Winona looked at Spike unsurely, only to receive a reassuring smile from him. She eventually smiled back, relieved that Spike wasn't mad or shocked beyond belief. Then she was surprised when in his own moment of boldness, he lightly bit her snout as she did to his. The two smiled at each other for a short time before Spike walked to the nearby tree and laid down, indicating to Winona to join him. Winona gladly complied and laid down next to Spike, snuggling in with content.

Deciding to come out on top, Winona turned to Spike and liked his cheek, making him blush like mad. The two snuggled into one another and let sleep take a hold of them. 

The last thought that went through Spike's mind was: Interesting development..........Dear Celestia, that was a Twilight thought.

The last thought that went through Winona's mind was: Take that, Rose! And yay!
> Chapter 5 (incomplete)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike's eyes lightly clenched shut after opening slightly, a light glare from the sun having irritated them. He slowly opened them again after the irritation subsided. He beheld the scenery of the pond, brightly lit by Celestia's morning sun, which made it slightly more beautiful than before, almost the polar opposite of it's appearance at night.

He admired the view for a few seconds before lifting his head up slightly and releasing a yawn, which was laced with a light whine like noise, much like the yawns of other dogs. He looked to his side upon feeling something shift against him. He saw Winona cuddled up next to him, still asleep. Memories of the day before resurfaced, causing him to give a small laugh, recalling how fun it had all been.

Wow Spike thought to himself as he continued to look at Winona's sleeping form She's never looked this pretty before. She looks so peaceful, and the sunlight makes her fur look all shiny, and soft.

"[Mm, Spike]" Winona moaned in her sleep as her tail wagged slightly "[Thanks for staying with me.]"

Spike smiled before lowering his head, nuzzling back into Winona and closing his eyes, feeling a great amount of comfort against her. "[No problem.]" Twenty minutes passed as Spike rested with Winona asleep at his side. Unfortunately, their peace was interrupted when they heard somepony calling to them.

"Winona! Spike! Are you two out here?!" The dog's ears stood up upon hearing Applejack's voice. Spike and Winona grumbled as they began to shift, the latter waking up slowly.

"[Good morning, Spike.]"

"Good morning, Winona." Spike's eyes were barely open for a few seconds before they went completely wide. "
Oh no. [Winona wake up. Wake up!] Spike barked as he nudged Winona anxiously.

"[Grr, what? I'm up. I'm up] Winona groaned in annoyance as she sat up and used her body to shove Spike away, rubbing the sleep from her eyes with a paw.

"[We didn't get back last night! We stayed out here the whole time! They're looking for us!]"

Spike's statements were like a splash of cold water, making Winona shoot her head up in alarm, now fully aware and alert. "[Oh no, you're right! Master must be worried! And she might even be angry. She's almost never angry with me. Come on! We gotta go!]" Winona quickly sped off in the direction Applejack's voice was coming from, Spike clumsily rushing to get on his own paws to follow.

"[Winona, wait up!]"

"Winona?! Spike?! That you?!" The two dogs barked as they got closer and closer to Applejack, who started running towards them once she saw them. All three stopped in time to prevent a collision. "There ya'll are. Where in tarnation have you two been?!"

"[I'm so sorry Master!]" Winona wined as she lowered her head while looking up at Applejack, her ears lowered in sadness "[We didn't mean to worry or upset you!]"

"Yeah, we're sorry Applejack. Time kind of got away from us. We stopped somewhere to rest and we kind of dozed off. We were just having so much fun."

"Yeah, so Ah've heard" Appplejack muttered a little crossly.

"Huh?"

"Well, as long as yer okay, Ah suppose there ain't no harm done. Come on, we gotta get back to the barn. Twilight wants to see ya about somethin Spike. Best not keep her waiting." Applejack broke into a light run, allowing the dogs to keep up with her as they made their way back.

"Applejack. What does Twilight wanna talk to me about?" 

"Ah'm afraid that business is between the two of you. Fer now" she said as she briefly looked at Winona. The two dogs exchanged confused glances, unsure of what she meant.

Five minutes later, the trio were reaching the house, and as they got closer, they saw Twilight waiting for them outside. Spike's run decreased in speed as he soon noticed her expression wasn't particularly happy. She was also tapping a hoof somewhat impatiently. Spike's run soon became a hesitant walk, as he got closer and closer to his caregiver, Winona and Applejack already reaching her.

"Um, hey Twilight" Spike nervously said after finally coming up to her, doing his best to avoid eye contact "I uh....I wasn't expecting you. We didn't exactly say when you'd come pick me up." Twilight merely continued to look at him while she tapped her hoof, her eyes squinted, her lips pursed, and an eyebrow raised.

"You....have something to answer for, mister."

Spike winced at the tone in her voice, though he was still oblivious to why she seemed so mad. "Uh....is this about me staying out all night with Winona?"

"Partly. But that's not the main reason I'm not too happy."

"Then....what is?"

"Why don't we step inside? AJ, Winona" she said as she turned to the dog and Earth Pony that had been watching nervously "this kind of concerns you as well, I'd like you to join us."

"Yeah, sure thing Twi" Applejack replied somewhat nervously, never having seen her friend like this, though being quite familiar with it. It was how Granny got with her or her siblings when they did something wrong. She was in angry mother mode. 

Twilight and Applejack walked into the house with the dogs following behind them, Winona having stuck back. She walked next to a very nervous Spike before nudging him slightly to get his attention. She gave him a reassuring look before giving his snout a quick, gentle bite. Spike smiled before giving her an appreciative nuzzle, slightly less nervous now.

Spike, Winona and Applejack took a seat on the couch as Twilight stood before them, her face now calm, yet her demeanor still gave off an aura of peeved. "So Spike, would you like to tell me what exactly you and Winona got up to last night?" she asked as she began to pace.

"Well....." Spike hesitated remembering the pack was meant to be secret from owners "we chased some fireflies, hung out at a small pond a bit, ran around in the grass. We just played around a bit."

"Sounds like a fun time" Twilight noted, still unnervingly calm "Did you by chance run into anyone?"

Does she know about the pack somehow? Spike wondered, alarmed at her question. "Um...not that I can remember, really."

"Really? Are you sure you didn't run into say....Opalescence?" she said as she came to a stop and looked at Spike questioningly.

Both Spike and Winona sat up straight in alarm, briefly shifting their eyes to each other. Applejack looked on confused, unsure as to why or how they would run into Rarity's cat out here.

"Uh....w-w-well, we uh.....we might've GAH!" Spike exclaimed as his ear was suddenly enveloped in magic and lightly tugged outward.

"[Hey!]" Winona barked in protest, standing up, ready to jump. She was held back by Applejack, who was looking on a little unsurely.

"I can see the red on your ears mister. Tell me the truth."

"Okay okay! Yes! We did! Let go of my ear!"

"And did you cause any kind of trouble?" she continued, ignoring his request and Winona's growling.

"Maybe....ow! Fine! Yes! But it wasn't even that bad! Definitely not enough to warrant this!"

"Attacking Opalescence in the middle of the night with a pack of wild dogs is considered 'not bad' to you?"

"What?!" Spike exclaimed, along with Winona and Applejack.

"According to Fluttershy, that's what Opalescence is claiming" Twilight explained as she finally released Spike's ear.

"[That lying little...!]"

"We didn't attack her!" Spike exclaimed as he rubbed his ear to alleviate the light pain "All we did was crash her stupid little cat party! And they're not wild! They have their own masters."

"Cat party?" Applejack repeated.

"But you were with a pack of dogs? Complete strangers?"

"They're not strangers, they're this pack Winona hangs out with."

"[Spike!]"

"Ya mean Winona's friends?" Applejack interjected.

"You know?!" Spike and Winona asked simultaneously.

"Yeah, Ah know their owners and Ah've seen Winona come back from spendin time with em late at night. They definitely ain't wild."

"Maybe not" Twilight acknowledged "But I'd still like to know about this party crashing."

"All we did was bust in and bark at them, chase them out. That's it" Spike stated firmly.

"[Yeah, that's it!]" Winona barked in affirmation.

"Hmm" Twilight hummed as she narrowed her eyes "Well I suppose there was no real harm in it. But I can't say I approve of such troublemaking. I would expect this kind of thing from an ordinary dog like Winona, but you're supposed to be smarter than ordinary dogs."

"[Hey]" Winona said in an annoyed groan while Applejack raised a brow, looking at Twilight crossly.

"No offense Winona, Applejack."

"I got caught up in the moment, Twilight. I got accepted into a pack of really nice dogs, new friends, and they invited me to do something fun, and at the expense of a bunch of cats. Thinking they're better than us, that they could go up against us, insult us and get away with it. I wasn't gonna pass that up."

"[That's right!]" Winona barked in approval while Twilight and Applejack looked at each other unsurely, curious about Spike's words.

"Well....I guess I can't be mad at you for just wanting to have some fun, and you didn't mean any serious ill intent. Regardless, I'm still disappointed in you, which is why we're going to go to Rarity's to sort this out. You're going to apologize to Opalescence. Even if you don't like it, at least do it for Rarity. You don't want her upset with you, do you?"

Spike wanted to protest having to apologize to Opalescence, but Twilight made a good point. He didn't want Rarity mad at him. This was a time for pride swallowing. "Okay...I'll apologize to the ca- to Opal. For Rarity."

"Then let's go. Fluttershy is with them tending to Opalescence. She'll act as a translator and mediator." Spike and Winona rolled their eyes at the mention of Opal being "tended to" before jumping off the couch to follow Twilight. 

"She hasn't apologized to me yet" Spike grumbled under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

Twilight stopped when she saw Winona and Applejack following. "Actually, I think Winona and Applejack should stay here."

"Huh?"

"Why shouldn't we come too, Twi? Ya said this concerns us too."

"Yes, but I think Winona's presence might make Opalescence more agitated and yield some less than stellar results. Plus, I'm sure you have to give Winona a talking to of her own." Spike looked up at Twilight and back to Winona worriedly.

"Ya do have a point there. And Ah do need to talk to Winona about this." Winona shrank back slightly under Applejack's look of disapproval.

Spike approached Winona, catching her attention. "She does have a point. It would probably be better if Opal didn't have a reason to be more annoying." He then nuzzled the side of her head reassuringly, alleviating her worry. "[I'll be fine. I can handle that drama queen. And you'll be fine too.]"

"[Thanks]" Winona said after breaking the nuzzle. She then gave Spike a quick lick on the face, surprising him and the mares present. "[Good luck.]"

"[You too]" Spike said with a light blush on his cheeks before turning around and walking outside. Twilight and Applejack's eyes followed him while Winona stared after him. The two mares looked at each other with the same expression of "Huh."

"Twilight, you coming?"

"Oh, right" Twilight said after shaking her head slightly. Before getting out of earshot, she turned to Applejack and whispered "I think we should talk about....that, later."



Twilight opted to have her and Spike walk to Rarity's so they could talk, partly to alleviate any uneasiness he still had and to find out more about his connection to Winona. She simply asked if he had been having fun with her and what she was like.

His praising response made it clear that he held Winona in high regard, and that he had become quite attached to her. What she saw at the Apple residence made her think that attachment was deeper than seemed from his words. This made her happy and worried for him. I'm glad that he's found a companion, but what'll happen when it's time for him to change back? She put aside her concern for the moment as they arrived at the boutique.

"Rarity" Twilight called through the door after knocking "I'm back.....with Spike." The door opened, Rarity standing in the doorway with a somewhat hasty expression.

"Hello Twilight. Hello Spike." Spike had been expecting Rarity to sound upset, but instead she sounded a bit worried. "Please, come in. Fluttershy is waiting inside." 

As the pair entered, Spike's ears perked up at the low sound of agitated growling. "Rarity?" Spike said, ignoring the growls for the moment "You know I would never intentionally do something to upset you, right?"

"Of course I do, Spike."

"Then you don't think I actually attacked Opalescence?" Rarity hesitated. "Right?"

"Well we're all here to get this cleared up and resolved. And the sooner, the better." Her avoidance of answering the question worried him. 

His worry would be replaced with annoyance upon coming into the living room, where Fluttershy was waiting with Opalescence, who was stretched out on a pillow on her side as if recovering, her agitated growling now louder. He rolled his eyes as he got closer, making her retreat slightly. "[Relax you overgrown cotton ball], I'm here to make peace.”

"Spike, that wasn't very nice!" Fluttershy chastised, making Spike wince, cursing himself for forgetting she could understand him when he spoke in dog.

"[And he insults me after attacking me]" Opal whined in outrage "[How can you bare to allow this rude, wild beast into our home Mistress?]"

"Opal!"

"What did they say to each other?" Rarity asked. Fluttershy told them the traded insults.

"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed in an objecting tone.

"I can't help it! Whenever I'm near her I'm just off put, on edge. I can't get over it!"

"Most dogs and cats I know are usually like that around each other" Fluttershy explained "I just didn't consider that Spike would be the same way."

"See?" Spike said before turning his attention to Rarity "Why aren't you saying anything to Opal?"

"Well....I don't exactly know if she's justified in calling you that or not."

"What?!"

"[How would I not be justified?!]"

"Well like I said, we're here to clear this up. I'll determine if she's justified once I hear the story from both sides."

"[Oh, I am more than happy to tell you exactly what happened, Mistress. Then you'll see I am entirely justified.]"

Spike rolled his eyes as he thought This oughta be good. He then sat down with a deadpan expression, waiting to hear Opal's story as Fluttershy translated.

"[So there I was, on the windowsill of your bedroom, minding my own business, when I heard some clattering from the trash cans.]" Spike cocked a brow at her claim of being at home rather than at a party. "[Like any good cat, I jumped down to investigate, so that I may warn you if there were any criminals or pests about. 

"[Then, from the darkness of the trash can shade, I saw a pair of glowing green eyes and heard viscous growling. I was absolutely paralyzed with fear, so much that I couldn't even call out to you. Then that]" Opal jutted her head in Spike's direction "[mangy beast leapt and attacked me!]"

Spike reared his head back as he squinted his eyes, his mouth partially open in disbelief, silently asking "Are you serious?"

"[I held him back with all my strength! He barked right in my face, getting his putrid dog slobber all over me. Left my fur a disgustung mess, you almost wouldn't believe it Mistress. He almost bit my head off, but I was able to wrangle free. Unfortunately, he was able to harm me the slightest bit. He clamped his teeth around my leg and almost shredded it, exactly as you saw Mistress. If the Caregiver didn't live up to her name so excellently, I might've lost my leg!]"

Spike had an upturned paw pointed at Opal while his now more intense look of disbelief switched from Opal to Twilight, the latter being silently asked You're not actually believing this, right?

"The injury wasn't actually that bad-"

"[Then I swatted at his muzzle]" Opal continued, cutting off Fluttershy's interjection "[He wasn't expecting me to fight back, so he ran off like the coward he is. But don't let me forget, to literally add insult to injury, that bitch mate of his was there, cheering him on the whole time!]" Fluttershy replaced Opal's description with Winona, who she assumed she meant. But Spike had heard her loud and clear.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL HER?!" He leapt forward as he stood and began to growl.
> Author’s note: the least I could do
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. I hate that I’ve left multiple stories incomplete for a long time, especially having been on the reader side of that multiple times. I don’t wanna say that I’ll never finish them, but with how long it’s been, I can’t in good conscience say that I ever will, mainly the older ones like this. But I figured at the very least I could provide closure by revealing the rest of what I planned to write.

I reread the chapters to see if I forgot anything, I did, namely the secret pack being not so secret. I’ll be making some addendums for detail, bridging points to points. Stuff in bold is what I would add or change now for better consistency and even more detail I didn’t consider back then, so that won’t line up with some of the original intent.

The rest of Chapter 5
Opal half acts scared that Spike’s gonna attack her “again” and everyone steps in to prevent an altercation. Spike reveals what Opal called Winona, which Fluttershy uncomfortably confirms, leaving Twilight and Rarity appalled. Opal’s lie is seen through. In retaliation, Twilight points out this doesn’t line up with her previous claim of there being a whole wild pack. Opal tries to claim the ordeal was so frightening and stressful that she couldn’t keep all the facts straight. Even Rarity doesn’t believe that. Twilight also reveals that Spike confessed to a less severe version of the original claim, which surprises Opal. Spike confidently reveals his side without any lies. It probably would’ve been a good idea to have Applejack come along for verification. Opal sees she can’t win this and confesses to the lie, but still demands that Spike be punished for what he actually did.

Rarity questions the mention of a cat party and Opal freezes. Twilight also asks for clarification as Spike didn’t do so when he mentioned it. He does, and Rarity is even more appalled that her pet was out late at night, in a dirty abandoned house, spending time with cat friends she was unaware of. She says she’ll have a talk with Opal about it after, but for now, she just wants this business with Spike to be resolved.

Twilight agrees and tells Spike to go on. He grumbles a bit about having to go first since Opal started it with her insults, but he steels himself and apologizes in a professional, if not exactly happy, manner. Rarity has to say Opal’s name with a warning tone and Opal relents but is clearly much less happy as she apologizes. Everyone departs from Rarity’s courteously, and Rarity says she has work to do so she’ll let Opal rest off her leg injury, however she got it, (likely self inflicted scratches or bite) since Spike doing it was clearly a lie. But she promises they will have that talk about her night time activities. Opal now has a grudge against Spike.

Chapter 6
Spike and Opal’s beef may have been “officially” squashed, but Opal certainly wasn’t gonna let it go, so she resolves to find the dogs’ meeting spot to enact her revenge in a few days. Being the kind of pampered pet she is, she’s hesitant to go into the woods, but if Rarity can do it, so can she. Unfortunately she gets lost and eventually runs afoul of some timberwolves. Naturally she’s scared and cries for help.

Having heard both sides, Twilight thinks it’s fair to ground Spike for a few days. Winona isn’t allowed to visit and vice versa. She also gives him a stern talking to about interacting with strange dogs, and that she wants to meet this pack he’s joined. Once the grounding is over, he goes to hang out with Winona again, and Twilight notices how happy he is about it. She reminds herself about having a talk with AJ about it.

Spike and Winona are ecstatic to see each other, the latter says she was also kind of grounded too with no snacks. Applejack also contacted the pack’s owners to tell their dogs about it, and they were all surprised that their masters knew about Winona. After having some fun, they happened to have gotten near the woods and they hear Opal’s cries. Spike may not be fond of Opal, but he still has a good heart and doesn’t want her seriously harmed. Especially because it would devastate Rarity. He tells Winona to go get Applejack while he charges in to find Opal.

Spike arrives right before the timberwolves attack, bravely faces them, and tells Opal to get to safety. Too scared to argue or care about her grudge, she climbs up into a tree and watches. Spike impressively manages to evade the wolves’ attacks for a bit, but quickly starts getting bit and scratched. He does manages to give some good bites of his own on legs an tear off some sticks, but they’re too big and strong. He’s scratched, bit, got an injured leg, barely able to stand, and bleeding a bit.

Applejack, Winona, and Rainbow Dash arrive right before the wolves can make their killing strike and make him a meal. The two mares deal with the wolves while Winona gets in some bites while they’re distracted. Spike collapses seeing that help has arrived. With the beasts dispatched, everyone comes to Spike’s aid. Even Opal comes down from the tree, shocked that he risked himself for her. After confirmation that Opal is safe, he loses consciousness.

Chapter 7
Spike is taken to Fluttershy to be treated (This was long before they established a veterinarian pony, so I figured the animal caretaker would have at least some knowledge in that field.) The injuries weren’t fatal, but not anything to take lightly either. It’s decided it’s best to keep Spike at Fluttershy’s while he recovers, just in case. Twilight is of course hysterical to the point of tears and stays with Spike the entire time. Winona also stays the entire time.

Spike is out for about five days. Winona leaps onto him when he wakes up, incredibly happy that he’s awake, and gets off when he makes it clear his injured areas still hurt. Twilight tearfully hugs him and also chastises him for  getting into such a dangerous situation and scaring her, but is more relieved than angry. He’s informed that they stayed the whole time, and shockingly, Opal kind of did too. Fluttershy’s cottage is no pigsty, but it is still a bit dirty with so many animals, so she only visited a few hours each day. But she did visit every day to see how he was doing. She showed a surprising amount of concern for him.

The rest of the Mane 6 are informed and arrive to express their happiness at his recovery, and also pride for his actions. Rarity acts similarly to Twilight. Opal came along as well, and she awkwardly approaches Spike to thank him for saving her. This is very uncharted territory for her with a dog. She also apologizes for her intent to take revenge on him, even though she didn’t manage to. Spike is a little ticked about that, but Fluttershy and Rarity reveal she confessed this the day after he saved her. She was summarily punished (including for her insults and secret night parties) with no cream, no treats, no expensive fancy catfood, and having to help Fluttershy bring what she needs to redress Spike’s injuries.

Spike appreciates the apology and only wishes he could’ve seen her suffering the punishment, which Winona verifies was hilarious. Opal, slightly annoyed, makes it clear that they’re not friends, but is still grateful and willing to let her grudge go. The beef is fully squashed.

Chapter 8
After a few more days at the cottage, Spike is cleared to leave, but he still needs to take it easy for a bit. Paranoid mom Twilight refuses to let Spike go anywhere alone while he’s not at 100%, so she accompanies him to Sweet Apple Acres when he wants to spend time with Winona. Applejack brings Winona over more often than Twilight brings Spike, so he doesn’t have to exert himself too much.

The pack also comes by Sweet Apple Acres for a visit during the day, revealing they visited while he was out, with their owners’ permission. Winona claimed they were all dogs they met during the day and doesn’t reveal about their night time hang outs. The pack had to come to terms with their secret not being secret. Randy is still struggling with it, worried about their cred. Liam points out that having a now two time hero should help, especially with his second act being so unbelievably noble. A dog risking their life for a cat. A cat! Liam even says he would consider passing on leadership to Spike if he were older. The whole pack praises him for his actions that they would probably never consider doing.

Spike is incredibly flattered and bashful, and then nervous when Rose makes another pass at him. Winona makes her back off again, and bashfully claims he doesn't need her cuddling up to him and leaning on him when he’s not 100%. Spike wasn’t that affected but he agrees.

Once Spike is 100%, he starts hanging out with Winona at Sweet Apple Acres more frequently. Spike is permitted to hang out with the pack, but Twilight would probably set a rule he has to be back by 10:30, even when he spends the night at Applejack’s, so he misses out on a couple pack hours. But he figures he’s lucky to be able to hang out with them at all.

After the timberwolf scare, everyone was so relieved Spike was okay, but Twilight especially. And she’s so happy to see him make the best of his situation of being a dog and have such a good friend in Winona. All this combined makes it slip her mind to have her talk with Applejack about the two of them being so close. Applejack was affected too, even if to a lesser degree. It was significant enough that she’s also happy to see Winona and Spike be such good friends. She’s also proud of both of them, Spike for his bravery, and Winona for her loyalty to him. So it also slips her mind to have the talk, including the fact that Winona’s heat was soon approaching.

One night, the pack meets up at the pond again and the longtime members, except Winona, reveal they managed to snag some discarded alcohol and want to celebrate Spike's full recovery. Spike is hesitant but eventually decides screw it. Now I would say it’s probably champagne and they point out it was discarded because there was less alcohol than there was supposed to be, which is already low I guess, so it’s even weaker. That helps convince Spike to indulge in some. And alternatively, they would’ve had the party in the Apple barn to avoid getting Spike in trouble.

The pack has a fun night with toys they brought along, snacks, and chasing each other around. Spike spends most of his celebration time with Winona and keeps ducking advances from Rose. This leaves Rose a little dejected and her buzz is enough to not turn away some surprisingly nice comfort from Randy. The pack eventually all departs, little later but not too late before Twilight’s set time, but Spike and Winona decide to stay behind at the pond. Spike has been noticing Winona seems prettier than usual somehow, and there’s a weird new smell to her, but he likes it a lot.

The love puppies get to talking about how much they mean to each other, Winona especially because of how scared she was when Spike almost died. He promises he’s not going anywhere, lightly buzzed and forgetting he means to change back into a dragon, and gives her a muzzle bite. She gives one back, and they start licking each other's faces. Animal instinct takes over and it goes further.

The next morning, Rose wakes up with a minor headache, and Randy tells her “good morning, boo” as he lays next to her. Rose is shocked and confused, and turns to see him with a very big smile. As she starts to ask what they’re doing in a field together, memories of the previous night come back, and she’s mortified. She wishes they had gotten some much much stronger alcohol that would’ve made her forget. Randy is ecstatic to have mated with Rose, who quickly shuts down any possibility of them being any kind of thing, and threatens to hurt him if he spills about what they did. He agrees not to tell anyone, perfectly content that he managed to get this far.

Chapter 9
Spike and Winona wake up at the pond snuggled up with each other. They soon realize they could be in trouble and decide to head back, but they do take their time to enjoy the walk together. They awkwardly acknowledge they’re a little more than friends and agree not to tell everyone about it or the huge step they took last night. 

Applejack greets them and throws them a bone (ha ha) by promising not to tell Twilight about their little late night party that she could hear, as long as they don’t do it again. Same thing with the barn party scenario but mainly the party itself rather than being out later since they were right next door.

Spike and Winona continue spending time together, it becomes most of what Spike uses his free time for. He doesn’t consider that the portal’s reopening time is approaching. Part of setting this pre-Rainbow Rocks was to avoid the solution of circumventing the portal’s time limit with the magic journal. I now realize thirty days is a bit much, even if about half has been covered. The other half is certainly a bit too long for Twilight and Applejack to never remember the talk they agreed to have about the two love puppies. So I would now add that Twilight has been researching while Spike is with Winona to find a way to open the portal early, at the very least concerned he’ll get too comfy as a dog.

Winona starts to gain a bit of weight and is eating more than usual, which is rationalized as the reason behind the former. And a couple times she’s less attention seeking than usual. But everyone has off days. Signs of dog pregnancy or a coincidence.

Spike gets reminded, or informed that thanks to a method Twilight discovered to open the portal sooner, that he’ll be able to become a dragon again in just a few days. He’s surprised by this and actually kind of forgot about wanting to change back. He’s told he should probably explain to Winona and the pack about this.

Chapter 10
Spike goes to Winona first, who is shocked and almost demands to know why, until she remembers this was all and accident and meant to be undone. She becomes sad and accepts it, saying she’s happy for him getting to go back to normal. He promises he’ll still visit and play with her. She acknowledges this, but they both internally say to themselves that it won’t be the same.

Spike breaks the news to the pack later that same day. Everyone is varying degrees of sad about it, but they do wish him well. A similar sentiment of still hanging out with them is made, with the same internal observation. Liam is the most composed and says it was a privilege to have him as part of the pack. Randy asks Spike if he’s sure and says they could have so much fun and enjoy fame as one of, if not the best dog pack in their territory from having him among them. Spike assures them they’re good enough without him, but yeah losing him is a pretty big hit.

Rose is very sad and affectionate, not having been able to get Spike as her mate. She whispers a one night offer in his ear, since he still has a few days. Since he and Winona are unofficially together, the latter decides she’s had more than enough of this and is about to give Rose what for. But Spike unknowingly prevents that by doing the gentlemanly thing and saying he’s very flattered but isn’t interested in her that way and politely refuses.

He also jokingly adds he’s kinda rooting for her and Randy, which makes her panic and demand to know what he heard. He clarifies that he’s only talking about Randy’s continuous attraction and advances that everyone has seen. Rose nervously backs off and Randy helps her save face by making another such advance for her to reject. Everyone laughs it off, but Liam and Winona are the most suspicious about this.

The day arrives. Spike, the Mane Six, and the Princesses gather at Canterlot Castle for the portal’s reopening and Spike’s return to his dragon form. I think I started mixing up Canterlot Castle and Twilight’s castle, because the latter makes a lot more sense for something I had decided. So I would probably have the portal brought to the library, which would better fit the original outline. Spike is surprised and sad that Winona didn’t come along. She chose not to because she thought it would hurt too much seeing him go and return in the form she hadn’t come to love, which she doesn’t share with anyone.

The portal is opened, and Spike doesn’t immediately go through it. He silently considers whether he’d actually be happier as a dog, not having as much responsibility, getting to play all the time, hanging out with the pack, and get to be with Winona. He also considers that this is kind of crazy since he’s been a dragon and accustomed to a certain way of life for much longer, and now he’s remembering his crush on Rarity and the hope that one day something could form between them. He makes his decision.

Ending 1 That’s right! I couldn’t decide, so I figured why not do two different endings?!
Spike walks through the portal, briefly entering the human world, then walks back through after a few seconds. He steps back out the Equestria side in his original dragon form. Everyone claps and cheers for him. They bring up the positives of him not being a dog anymore, like going back to his regular diet, being able to help Rarity again and have…less of a problem with Opal. Hopefully.

This works to bring up his mood, and he starts enjoying having his old body back. Standing on two legs without much balance necessary, scratching himself with his much sharper claws, breathing fire, sending messages to Celestia with his fire even though she’s right there, having a prehensile tail, but especially digging into a bowl of gems the princesses had prepared to celebrate his return to form.

Afterward, Spike nervously and somberly goes to visit Winona. She’s happy but also sad to see him again back to normal. He reiterates his promise to still visit and play with her, which does make her happy, but not as much as she’d be if he were still a dog. He keeps that promise, and while it’s bittersweet, they’re still good friends. Now having his original responsibilities back, Spike has a lot less free time to play with Winona, but he does make whatever time he can.

Ending 2
Before Spike can carry out/voice his decision, Winona barges in barking. Spike and Fluttershy can understand that she’s calling for him and telling him to wait. He’s surprised and happy she came, much happier than if he decided the opposite of what he just had. Winona starts spilling her heart out to Spike, with Fluttershy translating for everyone else.

Spike is the best friend she’s ever had and has never had as much fun with other dogs. And she knows he’s enjoyed being a dog, and he could keep enjoying it with her and the pack. But he’s more than just a friend. She loves him.

Fluttershy hesitates out of surprise before saying that last bit. Everyone else is shocked, Twilight most of all, Applejack second most. Pinkie is letting out a really big aw but behind her arm so she doesn’t interrupt.

Spike recovers from his own shock. They basically knew each others feelings, but they are both pretty young, so to hear it out loud is still pretty affecting. Spike takes a second to get it out, but he confesses that he’s in love with her too, (Twilight feels woozy now), and is about to tell her about his decision. Believing he’s gonna say he still needs to change back, Winona interrupts him and says that one other thing might change his mind. She wants her puppies to have a proper father.

Twilight faints, everyone else exclaims “What?!” in surprise except for Pinkie and AJ. Pinkie is excited, AJ is outraged. A very surprised Spike asks for confirmation of this multiple times, as does AJ, which Winona does. She realized she was experiencing symptoms she saw with another pregnant dog. Fluttershy inspects her real quick, asks about these symptoms, and confirms she’s very likely pregnant.

Spike regains his composure, Twilight is woken up, and he reveals that before she came in, he had actually decided not to change back. Same reaction of surprise from everyone, but now Twilight is outraged. Winona asks if he’s serious, and he says he’s twice as serious now, since they’re gonna have puppies. She tackles him and licks his face happily, he laughs and tries to get in a few of his own.

Twilight levitates Winona off and tries to talk some sense into Spike, asking if he’s crazy. She points out that he’d be leaving his normal life behind, how he isn’t supposed to be a dog, and to think about all the things he’d never get to experience anymore and now things he never will, like getting bigger, or growing wings, enjoying gems, or getting to pursue certain romantic interests when he’s older. She finishes by saying she doesn’t want to lose him.

This does give Spike a moment of pause, but after looking at Winona, he tells Twilight that she isn’t losing him, he’ll just be different. It’s not as if he’s turning into a full animal since he’s clearly retained his intelligence and ability to speak. He also asks her to consider his feelings about this. He found a new happiness he never knew he could have, and even love. He took into consideration what he was giving up, and accepted it. And if that weren’t enough, how could he possibly leave Winona as the sole parent to their puppies?

Twilight tries to think of more things, but Spike hugs her foreleg and assures her he’ll be fine. Tears stream from Twilight's eyes as she hugs him back and says he better be. And they’re going to get every book on parenting and puppy raising they can and study them together. Spike jokingly asks if the portal is still open. Everyone laughs.

Everyone shows support for Spike’s decision, though some find it awkward that he’s gonna be a dog permanently from now on. But they especially praise him for choosing to be responsible and be a father to his puppies. Applejack is especially welcoming of it, much to Spike’s surprise as he did notice her earlier anger. She explains his decision to remain a dog and be a father helped cool her down. She whispers to him that he’s lucky he did, because if he went back to being a dragon and then it was revealed he mated with her dog and got her pregnant without her permission, she probably would’ve made him into a belt and boots. Spike is now even happier about his choice.

The pack is very happy Spike is sticking around and congratulate him and Winona. Much to everyone’s amusement, they also congratulate Rose and Randy, as their little night of lightly buzzed passion has also resulted in imminent puppies. Rose is very unamused, but her attitude changes when Randy starts acting much more mature, since he’s going to be a father also.

Spike and Winona live happily together, awaiting their puppies.