The Dragon in Twilight

-5-

Morning came, and Spike awoke with a start. He looked around, noticing that it was still dark outside. He looked across the room towards the clock on the wall, able to make out the time with his night-eyes still active. Five o'clock, still very early. He thought about going back to bed for another hour or so, or perhaps even getting a head start on his chores. But as he sat in his bed, the events of last night began to take focus. That book... Spike thought to himself. Twilight's still going to be asleep for a couple more hours, so maybe...

Spike got up quietly and slid out of the bedroom without a sound, not even bothering to make his bed. He slowly went down the stairs and got to Twilight's saddlebags, still set on the floor from last night. Spike wanted to know what was in that book now more than ever, especially after what it did to Twilight. Whatever she read, he really wanted to know, even if it was something he wasn't supposed to look at. He proceeded to open up the saddlebags, pulling out the cover to the book and unwrapping it again. It was too dark to read the small words of the book, so Spike casually walked over to one of the lamps on the far side and turned it on as he set the book down onto a nearby desk.

Spike flipped through the pages eagerly, trying to find where he left off. After a couple minutes, he found it. It was a conversation with what seemed to be a main character and a friend of hers.

“I tell you, those dragons from the North-lands are nothing but trouble!” Merry tried to convince her friend. “Did you hear about how one of them just flew down here and slaughtered six of farmer Wheatlin's pigs!?”

“But, that doesn't sound like anything they would-” Rosalina was interrupted by the bartender who leaned over the bar towards them.

“You don't understand lady, ponies and dragons don't mix!” the dark brown worker hissed. “If you wanted my opinion, I say buck'em! I don't care if they're some sort of ancient and magical creature, if they come by here again, for whatever reason, just kill'em on sight! We don't need'em!”

To Rosalina's horror, there were several mumbles of concurrence from around the pub. Could dragons really be such a problem?

“But, I'm sure they're not all bad...”

“They're monsters Rosa,” Merry stated flatly. “They're nothing better than the wild animals in the forest. Give'em a chance, and they'll eat you too without a second thought.”

“Vile creatures they are...”the bartender added as he leaned back, content with his addition to the conversation. “If I could run things around here, I'd have every one of those beasts hunted down. Kill the eggs and the babies too!” At this the bartender brought out a large knife from beneath the table as he eyes a lone olive sitting on the counter. He quickly swung the knife down, splitting the olive clean in half. “Just like that! Slice those monsters right in two!”

Spike began to feel his stomach squeeze in on itself. The images that were beginning to slip into his head made him feel ill, and he almost threw the book aside in disgust. Is this what Twilight had been so engaged in reading? Surely this is not what got her so aroused last night... no, there must have been something else. But still, the thoughts he had the day before came back into his mind... what if Twilight was making him work like a slave, just to keep him under her control? What if she secretly hated dragons, and always kept Spike occupied so she wouldn't have to deal with him as often?

Spike felt so confused, but even still, he continued to read on through the story. Perhaps he would find some answers as he continued on... but to his dismay, he did not. The story took a turn soon afterwords towards a strange stallion that the character Rosalina apparently was in love with. Then it went to some scene at a party, and then a while later to this little colt who lost his arm, and then to-

“Spike?”

Spike's body jumped so much right then that the book almost literally flew out of his grasp. Oh no, Twilight! Spike looked to his side, just noticing the beams of sunlight beginning to stream in from some of the windows. He turned his head some more, peering over to a clock on another wall... Eight O'clock!? It's been three hours already!? How the heck does Twilight manage to read so much and not take up her whole day!?

“Spike, are you downstairs?” Twilight asked from the bedroom upstairs.

“Um, yeah, I am!” Spike said as he quickly tried to wrap the book back up in its cover.

He then dashed over to the saddlebags and quickly shoved it inside, closing the bags immediately afterwords and then rushing over to a random dusting brush on the far side of the room. No sooner than the moment he got to the duster did Twilight step out of her room, turning her head to see him dusting the bookshelves.

“Oh, there you are, good morning Spike,” Twilight greeted with a smile.

“Uh, morning Twilight!” he replied.

“I thought you would be down here cleaning,” she continued. “But I saw you didn't make your bed this morning, so I was wondering if there was something going on.”

“Um, no, not really just uh, ya know, cleaning as always! Sorry about the bed, I'll get to it in a minute!”

“It's no problem, I got it for you already,” Twilight said as she began down the stairs.

Spike sighed in relief, wiping a bead of sweat off his forehead before going back to dusting off the bookshelves.

Spike still wanted answers, and he wanted them more as the day progressed. He wanted to know why Twilight was reading a book that made dragons look like monsters, and more importantly, what Twilight thought of the idea itself. He knew he shouldn't ask her himself, for not only would it be incredibly awkward, but it would also let Twilight know that he was looking in her book, which would probably turn out bad for him. So, he decided on an alternative idea...

Spike never really knew what those books Twilight got were about, but he knew where she got them from. Later that day, some time just past noon, he decided it was time to go and pay a visit to Rarity, telling Twilight it was merely another 'go out and help Rarity' bit. But in reality, it was much more than that.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique!” Rarity sang as she heard the door open and the bell on top chime. “How may I help – oh! Spike, welcome!” Rarity greeted as she watched Spike walk in.

“Hey Rarity!” he replied with a wave. “I hope you don't mind me coming over to help you work today.”

“Not at all, Spike! I always appreciate your generosity!” Rarity smiled. “Let's get started then, shall we? I need some help with this dress I'm working on, and I need somepony – or, some dragon – to help me get the proper knits in the proper place. So could you please help hold certain parts down while I work on it?”

“Sure thing!” he said as he eagerly approached.

Spike had not forgotten about the real reason he had came here for, but going straight out to help with Rarity did two things... first, it allowed the whole situation to not seem so abrupt when Spike would bring it up. Secondly, Spike always enjoyed helping her, so... win win.

Time passed, and after an hour Spike had helped Rarity to complete the outfit she had been helping her with. Then came the part where Rarity would begin transitioning to work on another project, thus her mind would be open and always an the outward thinking side... perfect for Spike to make his move. While Rarity looked over her desk, Spike approached slowly, still nervous about what he was about to ask, but knowing that he had to do this, for his own piece of mind. He needed answers.

“Hey um, Rarity,” Spike fiddled with his claws slowly as he stood beside the white unicorn. “Can I ask you something?”

“Why of course you can Spike. What do you want to ask?”

“Well, what do you like, think of dragons?”

“Dragons?” Rarity stopped what she was working on and turned her head to look at Spike. “Well that's a rather peculiar question, what do you mean?”

“I mean, like, what do you – or more, other ponies – think of the dragon race as a whole? Like, do you all think we are just some grumpy beasts or perhaps some sort of dangerous creatures or-”

“Spike,” Rarity stopped him as she turned her body away from her work desk to face him, placing a hoof on his shoulder as she did so. “What's wrong Spike? Nopony – or dragon – simply goes up and asks a question like that. Is something going on with somepony?”

“Well... no, there isn't, I just need to uh... know your opinion,” Spike bit his lip.

“Spike...”

“Please?” Spike gave Rarity a pleading look.

“Well...” Rarity knew something was up, but judging by Spike's reactions, it seemed as though the topic had some sort of deeper meaning. Though she definitely wanted to know what was bothering the young dragon, she decided not to press in much further. “I, I don't think they're necessarily bad creatures, of course.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, dragons are often looked up to as very powerful beings, and also very smart. They are very exotic, and seem to represent the highest tier of strength and independence. They're also magical, so their mere presence brings a sense of brilliance to any setting.”

“But what about interactions with ponies?” Spike started being more specific.

“Well, uh, dragons and ponies don't usually interact that much and-”

“Why not?”

“Well, deary, we're just two different species and-”

“But so are griffons, and cows, and even zebras, but they still get along fine.”

“Spike, please!” Rarity stopped him, taking a deep breath. “Spike... what's wrong? Please, I want to help, can't you just tell me what's bothering you?”

“Just...” Spike looked down, giving out a small sigh as he thought up his next words carefully. “Well... what do you think Twilight thinks about dragons?”

“Twilight?” She raised an eyebrow. “Well, I don't really know, but why don't you ask her?”

“Because, well...” Spike thought again, knowing this might be his only chance, and decided to go for it. “I, I know about the book you gave to Twilight a few days ago, and it got me thinking...”

Rarity's eyes widened to the size of saucers as she took in the words Spike put out. Her heart skipped a beat, realizing just what the baby dragon had gotten himself into. Rarity has already read the entire book, and her mind focused on all the erotic scenes spread throughout. And if Spike somehow got to it and read it, then... oh no, Spike must be wondering what Twilight must think of dragons in that way! And judging by the questions Spike was asking...

Rarity immediately gathered a theory within only a few short moments. Spike, apparently, somehow got the notion that dragons and ponies don't get along – probably due to how the town reacted to the last time a dragon visited. Also, after reading the love story, Spike may be growing some sort of affections towards Twilight, of all ponies! That would explain why he was asking about her specifically. Lastly, he must feel ashamed or guilty for starting to feel that way for a pony, so he's coming to her for some advice perhaps.

Rarity's mind raced, caught between two opposing sides. One wanted to tell him that a book is just a book, and that he shouldn't get his mind so focused from an idea brought out from paper. At the same time, another side of her wondered just how deep his new found feelings went, and wondered if she should somehow help the little dragon in his endeavors. What am I thinking!? Rarity thought to herself. This is Spike here, not just some pony who would make a good gossip story! I need to tell him something... generic, perhaps. Something that didn't quite answer him exactly, but perhaps got him thinking on his own... I really don't want to affect the poor dear too much in this...

“...Thinking about what, exactly?” Rarity managed to get out.

“Well... just tell me this, what does Twilight think about the book?”

“Umm...” What does she think? I'm not so sure but, she usually loves all the books I lend to her, so I can only assume... “Well, I know she really enjoys it,” Rarity said finally after a seemingly long pause. “Probably one of her favorites so far, in fact!” She hoped this would perhaps raise Spike's hopes a bit, just to give him some sort of piece of mind.

Spike's heart sank after hearing Rarity's words. So it's true... He thought. If Twilight likes the book, then she likes everything that went on in there... which means that she hates dragons, and probably hates me too... Spike's body slumped slightly, and he fought back the tears that began to surface.

“S-spike...?” Rarity became concerned, not expecting the suddenly depressed response that she got. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, I guess...” Spike sighed as he started for the door. “Rarity, if it's okay with you, I need to stop short for today... I need some time for myself.”

“Uh, well, of course! I mean, I hope you figure out what you need to Spike!” Rarity called out as Spike was leaving the door.

Rarity, for some reason, couldn't help but feel that she had just done something horrible to her friend.

Twilight had been sitting down on the floor again, the novel of interest spread open in front of her. It had only been about thirty minutes since Spike left, and she had just reached the climax of the story, the turning point where everything came together and the hero made his final stand.

“The castle guards will be here any moment, Rubin!” Markus Malcom announced, his voice thick with crazed laughter. “Oh, in only a few moments, they will come here and kill us both! The only possible chance for you to escape is to accept what you are!”

“Never!” Rubin cried as he looked between his brother and his love.

The castle courtyard burned around them, the once beautiful garden charred black as the walls seemed to sweat fire and smoke at every crack. The night sky was covered in a shroud of smoke, making the moon and stars above invisible. Everything around them glowed red, threatening to destroy them at any moment. But Rubin had to stay, he couldn't leave Rosalina trapped underneath the collapsed gallows.

Just then Markus jumped down off his perch, his dragon wings spread out fully as he landed before him. Rubin stared at him, readying his own claws in case his brother attempted to strike. But he did not, instead he merely stood there, a wild grin still painted on his face.

“Look at you, Rubin... so lost you are!” Markus laughed. “You were dragon from the start, and you will always be that way! Some spell by a crazed scorcerer – hah! – will never change that! You are an outcast, a creature of destruction and chaos! Us dragons don't belong in the pony world, no matter how strong your so called 'love' is!”

“SHUT UP!” Rubin yelled, flaring his wings. “I love her, and nothing can change that! I don't care what society says, or what society thinks, dragons and ponies don't always have to fight!”

Rosalina watched from beneath the pile of splintered wood above her. She dare not move from fear of being skewered at any attempt made by her to escape. She looked up just then, noticing the top of the pile beginning to catch flame. She looked back at Rubin and Markus, the two dragons squaring off against each other. Rosalina didn't care about her love being a dragon, she just wanted him, for who he was inside. He cared for her, he was there for her, he would do anything for her, he loved her, and she loved him.

“It's fate, my brother! It's always been, and will forever continue to be! Dragons and ponies are meant to be enemies, that is all set in stone! You cannot begin to hope to change that!”

Rubin looked down at himself, and then over at Rosalina. The thoughts of them together filled his mind, all the joys, all the wonderous times together... and then he looked at Markus, at his brother. His mind brought forth all the pain and suffering in his past, about his parents' deaths and the ones responsible. About the past lovers in his life, and how he had lost them because of what he was...

But now, he is what he is. And he has somepony who finally accepts him for that, and he will never leave her now. Even as the sounds of guard ponies are heard gathering around the outer edges of the courtyard, Rubin stands his ground. He reaches over quickly and grabs a stone sword – one that fell off of a statue of a pony knight that was destroyed earlier – and points it directly at Markus.

“Mark my words, brother...” He begins slowly, his voice clear and his words definite. “Fate does not affect me. I can make my own decisions, because I have the ability to make my own choice in the world. Anything is possible as long as you believe, and I believe that I can make my choice... no matter what stands in my way. My life is my own to control, and nothing can take that from me. I love Rosalina, and she loves me... so I choose...” He stands back in a ready position, the sword pointed upwards beside him. “I choose to fight for my choices, and for what I believe is right!”

“Wow...” Twilight whispered to herself. “What an amazing dragon...”

Twilight read further into the story, passing the part with the great escape, the last confrontation with the main villain, and finally, the end-of-book sex scene. The book was just about finished, and Twilight felt it time for one last session before she gave it back to Rarity. She could already feel the tingles in her stomach as she began to shift around a bit on the floor, moving her rump against it. The first thing that came to mind was a dragon, at first, and then that image morphed into Spike. Twilight didn't know why, exactly, but that was the closest thing she could really find. The only other dragons she knew of were the one from atop the mountain and the one in the forest, and they were both much larger than Rubin was in the book. Her cheeks flushed red as she thought about how the dragon she had been living with for so long was going to be used in her most private fantasies... gosh, what twist of life.

The door opened suddenly, causing Twilight to yelp out in surprise. It was Spike, and he seemed to walk in with his body slumped. Twilight didn't really take note though as she was too busy hastily wrapping the book up with her magic and getting herself off the floor.

“H-hi Spike!” Twilight greeted with an awkward grin. “I didn't expect you back so early!”

Spike stopped. He looked first at the book as it was placed back into Twilight's saddlebags, and then at Twilight and her weird looking grin. He frowned... he knew what she was doing. And now he knew that she didn't want him to see! Spike's mind began to cycle around what had happened in the past few days, running over what he just realized, back to when Twilight was acting weird around the book, then to what happened last night, and finally to what Rarity had told her. Then, he thought about the book.

The Dragon in Twilight... probably about some dark, evil dragon of the night like nightmare moon, and about how this mare and stallion come together in some big mushy romance story to stop, no, to kill the dragon and end up falling in love. And just last night, Spike had began to feel... well, feelings for Twilight, ones he hadn't had before, and then he finds this out...

“Spike...?” Twilight spoke up, seeing him just standing there with a frown on his face. “Are you alright?”

Spike looked down and sighed. He wanted to ask her straight out, but decided against it, thinking of another approach.

“I read it, Twi'...”

“Read what?” Twilight tilted her head.

“Your book...” he pointed his claw to the saddlebags. “THAT book... The Dragon in Twilight.”

“Y-you, you what...?” Twilight began to breath faster, her body shifting swiftly into a state of shock

“Yeah...” Spike sighed, adding bit of a low growl in his voice as he continued. “And I can tell why you tried to hide it from me.”

“O-oh no, Spike, I didn't mean to-”

“Heh, it's kind of funny too,” Spike interrupted, using a sarcastic tone that Twilight didn't catch on to. “I was actually liking it myself.”

Wait...

Twilight began to contemplate what was going on. Was Spike... having the same thoughts she was? No, there's no way he could, but... if he read the story too, then...

“And ya know what else?” Spike said, the rage building inside of him making him apathetic of the secrets he held, and ultimately allowing him to decide to tell her. “I liked what happened last night too.”

“L-last...” Twilight could hardly form words as she began to stutter uncontrollably, her face turning bright red.

So Spike was watching her... how should she feel about this? How should react? Wait... how did he react?

No, he didn't...

“And to think...” Spike paused for a moment, curling his claws into a fist. “That I actually joined you too...”

He did!

This was her chance... Twilight knew the risk, but... he just admitted it. There were more to these feelings she had for Spike, she knew it, and now she knew that he had the same for her. Her heart fluttered a bit at the idea, but perhaps she could have him... Spike, to be her dragon savior. At that point Twilight didn't know whether or not to feel selfish, she didn't know if these feelings were hers or from the book, but she wanted to find out.

“Spike, I-”

“No!” Spike suddenly yelled back. “I'm done with this Twilight, I don't want to be around ponies anymore if they just think I'm some monster!”

“W-w-what!? S-spike, that's not... how did you-”

“Don't lie to me!” He screamed, tears streaming down his cheeks. “I don't know why you even kept me if you thought this way about me! What was I some sort of pet to you? Some little creature you thought you could boss around until I got old enough, and then... and then do away with me!?”

At this, Twilight began to feel her own tears coming up. This is not what she had thought was happening, and her heart was breaking before her as her number one assistant continued to scream. Her mind worked its full capacity to figure it out, but if Spike read the book, then why did he think all ponies thought of them as monsters? It didn't make sense, and she had to stop this before it got out of hand.

“Spike!” Twilight finally said, stopping his rant. “I, I don't know what you're saying! I never thought of you as anything like that... you're my number one assistant, and you're not a monster!”

“LIES!” Spike took a deep breath and blew a large burst of flame, Twilight moving out of the way just in time. “You USED me, and you all HATE me!”

“No, please!” Twilight cried, hardly able to believe that Spike just tried to burn her. “It's not like that!”

“Buck you!” he growled as he turned around and started for the door.

Twilight's heart beat ferociously against her chest. Her mind told her to move, to stop Spike, to try to talk to him, but her body didn't reply. She felt so conflicted, her emotions tilted so much so rapidly that she had a hard time thinking at all. She was able to find the coordination to run up to Spike, to try to embrace him in a hug, but before she could he turned around and swiped a hand at her. His claws met with her cheek, slicing four lines through her fur and drawing blood as the force knocked her head back.

“Go away!” He yelled again, smoke puffing out of his nose with each breath.

“S-spike... no! Spike, you can't go, I won't let you, please!”

“YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!” he screamed, his rage almost overtaking him.

Twilight didn't reply. She stood still, her eyes puffy and red with tears flowing down her cheeks and to the floor as she watched Spike open the front door. She tried to form words, tried to come up with something to say to stop him, but nothing came. She stood there, helpless, hopeless, as her lifelong companion slammed the door behind him...

...and he was gone.