Curse of the Werepony 2

Chapters

Confessions
Revelations
Responsibilities
And Many Happy Returns

Confessions

Curse of the Werepony 2
Chapter 1: Confessions.
By Steven Little
My Little Pony is © Hasbro.

In the late hours of the night, a mighty thunderstorm raged outside the Carousel Boutique. Rarity, the store’s sole proprietor, lied awake in her bed gazing at a picture of herself with a specific purple earth pony stallion with a green mane. Casually, she looked at the heart shaped frame next to it on her nightstand. A photograph of a small young green and purple dragon was held within it. 'Oh Spike, why do you always seem to be out of town when I need you the most.' She thought to herself.

The blue eyed unicorn mare quickly sat up in her bed when she heard the door to her bedroom slowly creek open. A white unicorn filly with green eyes and a curly purple and pink mane and tail, poked her head into the room. "Rarity, are you awake?" She asked in a whispered tone.

"Sweetie Belle, it's two in the morning. What in the name of Luna are you doing still awake at this hour?"

"I couldn't sleep. The thunder keeps waking me up." She said. The young unicorn scuffed her right front hoof against the floor. "I was wondering if maybe I could stay here with you tonight?"

"I see; well the noise is keeping me up as well. I suppose it would be all right as long as you don't fidget too much." Rarity said, smiling at her.

As the filly bounced over to the bed, Rarity lowered the picture of Spike face down. Sweetie Belle put her head under the blanket at the edge of the bed then climbed up the side and burrowed her way next to Rarity. The elder unicorn giggled at her antics. "Hey sis, who's that stallion in the picture over there?"

"Oh him,” She asked nonchalantly. "He's nopony too important."

"Then how come you have a picture of him on your nightstand and how come you're kissing him?" Sweetie Belle asked her suspiciously.

"He's just a pony I met a couple of months ago. But he's not around anymore and I don't think he's coming back." She told her.

"Why not sis?"

Rarity looked away, obviously not wanting to answer the question. With a heavy sigh she faced the younger unicorn. "Sweetie Belle, that stallion was and still is very special to me. However, in a way he doesn't exist anymore. It's a very complicated story and I don't think you are old enough to understand."

"Rarity, I'm ten years old. I'm not dumb." She said with an upset pout on her face.

"Oh no no no Sweetie Belle, I would never think you were dumb." She said hugging her tightly. "It's just, well; I'm not sure how you'd take it if I told you the truth."

"How bad can it be?" The unicorn filly asked. "I promise I won’t freak out or scream or anything if you tell me. I promise." She said, crossing her heart with a hoof.

"I suppose you have a right to know, especially with recent developments." She admitted. "Sweetie Belle, you remember a couple of months ago when the girls and I had to go to Canterlot for a few days?"

"Yeah, you said Spike was sick or something like that and they needed you at the palace."

"Correct. But I wasn't entirely truthful with you, Spike wasn't sick; he was bewitched by a terrible curse. You see; Spike had been turned into a Werepony.

"A werepony, what's that?" Sweetie Belle asked confused.

"A werepony is what happens when a young dragon like Spike is bitten by a pony with pony pox. At the light of the full moon the dragon changes into a pony. Twilight didn't mean to bite him when she was sick, it was an accident but that's what happened."

"That doesn't sound so bad." She said

"You don't understand dear. The stress of changing back and forth form dragon to pony over and over again was too much for Spike's body, and if left untreated, it would have eventually killed him." Rarity explained.

"Oh my gosh, that's horrible! So, does that mean…"

Rarity picked up the photo and set it between them. "Yes, the purple stallion in this picture is Spike."

"He's really cute." She said bluntly.

"Yes, I was quite taken with him as well, but I want you to understand. Spike was always Spike, sort of. His personality didn't really change."

"What do you mean sort of?" She asked.

"This is the complicated part I was warning you about. You see, while Spike was a pony his emotions were, how shall we say, overpowering. When he got sad, he got very sad, when he was happy, he acted a lot like Pinkie, bouncing around and wearing a smile so big, it could light up the night."

"Uh huh." Sweetie Belle commented, watching her sister getting lost in the description.

"But when Spike got mad, that's when he nearly turned into something quite scary."

"What happened?" The filly asked. "He didn't hit you or anything did he?"

"Absolutely not; actually another pony, a very rude and mean pony tried to grab me and take me with him, but when I told him no, he hit me across the face." She said touching the almost completely healed bruise on her face. "Spike went wild. He thoroughly trounced that stallion in a matter of seconds and when the police came to arrest that other pony Spike told him that if he ever came near me again, he'd kill him. I was very touched by Spikes gallantry and a little frightened as well."

"Wow. So, what happened next?" The younger unicorn asked.

"Well, we had dinner and talked, a lot, mostly about me and him. You see, before I knew Spike had changed into a pony, I had said some very mean things about him. After a lot of apologizing, Spike forgave me and to be honest we had a very wonderful evening. He was a perfect gentalstallion the whole time. We walked through Canterlot and he showed me all the sites that not many ponies get to see. We stumbled upon a party and we danced together for half the night. Oh Sweetie Belle, it was so romantic."

"It sounds like it." She sighed happily, Rarity's tale playing out in her mind.

"Spike was getting tired so we stopped at a very nice spot away from prying eyes and we talked some more. Spike had to make a decision, weather to go back to being a dragon or stay as a pony and risk only living for another ten years or so. He actually decided to stay as a pony."

"Really?" The filly asked. "But I saw him a couple of days ago when he left the shop. If he chose to stay a pony, why is he a dragon?"

"Because I talked him into it,” Rarity confessed. "I couldn't let him do that. I couldn't let him betray who he is just for me."

"Wait, what?" She asked confused.

"You need to understand Sweetie Belle, Spike and I have uhm. You see, Spike confessed that he's had more than a crush on me for a long time. He said that he loved me. And I realized that while I've been chasing after stallions I've looked over the one boy that makes the others pale in comparison.

"You're in love with Spike?" She asked in shock.

"To put it bluntly, yes, I love him." Rarity said, picking up the heart shaped picture frame on the nightstand. She carefully gave it to Sweetie Belle as if it was the most precious thing to her. "Spike and I shared something wonderful that night. It's something I don't think I'll ever forget as long as I live."

"You two had sex?" The shock was obvious in her voice.

"I forget sometimes that they already covered sex-ed in your class. I swear they keep introducing it earlier and earlier. Oh well. No Sweetie Belle, we did not have sex; it was much more than that. I've never felt that loved in all my life. And now something's come up and I don't know what to do."

"What's wrong Sis, you look worried."

"It's nothing. It's just, I think, I think I might be pregnant." Rarity hugged her sister tightly. "Oh Sweetie Belle, what am I going to do?"

"Well, Miss Cheerlie said that when ponies think they might be pregnant, they should go to the hospital and have a test done then they'd know for sure. So maybe tomorrow you should go there and find out."

"Of course! Hey, when did you get so smart?"

"I learned it from you big sis." Sweetie Belle said, yawning loudly.

"Oh my, it's so late; we should get some sleep if you're going to come to the hospital with me tomorrow." Rarity said, placing the pictures back on the nightstand then laying her head against the pillow.

"Can I really come with you?" The little unicorn asked with excitement.

"Absolutely, I'd love to have you with me for this."

"You're the best big sister ever." She said snuggling next to her. "You should probably send mom a letter too just in case. I miss mom, I wish she were here right now." She said as she fell asleep.

Rarity softly stroked Sweetie Belle's mane as tears softly spilled down her cheek. 'Momma's here my darling, I'm sorry to keep the truth from you for so long. Soon dearest, I promise, as soon as things aren't so stressful, I'll tell you.'

===============================================================

Rarity and Sweetie Belle strolled into the conservatively furnished lobby of Ponyville General Hospital. "Good morning Nurse Redheart."

"Good Morning Sweetie Belle. What brings you and your sister here today? I hope you're feeling okay." The nurse said from behind the reception desk.

"Oh, it's not me. Sis here thinks she got herself knocked up so she needs to see a doctor to make sure." She said cheerfully.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity shouted in embarrassment.

Nurse Redheart had nearly turned completely red. She waved a hoof at the two unicorns. "It's fine, I've heard much worse. Is it true though, do you think you're pregnant?"

"I think so; my estrus is two months overdue. I don't know what else it could be."

"I see, Sweetie Belle you'll need to stay here until the doctor has had a chance to examine your sister okay?"

"Sure thing, I'll just hang out and read. Have fun sis!"

The unicorn hung her head in frustration as she followed the nurse back to one of the examination rooms. "Miss. Rarity, it really is okay. There's no need to be embarrassed, we handle these sorts of things all the time. They usually turn out to be false alarms." Redheart opened the door for her and allowed her to enter. Wait here and the doctor will be with you shortly.

Rarity waited for what seemed like forever when the doctor walked in. The doctor had a brown coat that was mostly hidden by his light green smock. His curly orange hair was held in a weird shape by his head mirror, almost like a muffin. The stallion was known as the local pediatrician and apparently he took care of pregnant mares as well. "Good morning Miss. Rarity. What brings you here today?" He asked.

"I think I'm pregnant sir. My estrus is two months late." She informed him.

"I see. Well lots of things can cause that. Not to be too blunt but have you engaged in intercourse lately?"

Rarity blushed wildly. "Uhm yes, two and a half months ago."

"Nothing since?" He asked.

"No." She said.

"Sorry, I really do not mean to pry but what about before the last occurrence?"

"It's been a very long time since I've been with a stallion, a little over ten years actually." Rarity stated emphatically.

"I see, well, we best have a look. Please lay on your side and I'll have a listen." Rarity lay down on the examination table while the doctor put on his stethoscope. He breathed lightly on the instruments head to take the chill from the metal then placed it against her abdomen. He moved it around to several places, listening carefully each time. Finally the doctor stood up and stretched his back. "No doubt about it, you're pregnant; strong heartbeat too. I'd say two and a half months is about right. Would you like to listen?"

"Can I?" She asked.

The doctor put the earpieces in Rarity's ears and placed the head back against her abdomen. She listened closely, ignoring the various noises her stomach made. Straining her ears she finally heard it. 'WUB-DUB, WUB-DUB, WUB-DUB'.

"As you can hear, a perfectly healthy heart beat. Now, I don't think I need to tell you but no drinking and if at all possible avoid any kind of noxious fumes from glues, paint or any kind of harsh chemicals.

"Yes sir, I understand." She said, sitting up. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I know of your profession and I want you to try and avoided any kind of strenuous use of your magic. I've heard how you can use your magic to practically create an entire wardrobe in only a few minutes. Recent studies have suggested that strenuous use of magic may cause complications."

"I understand. I could use a vacation anyway. It'll give me more time to focus on other matters." Rarity said.

"Very good; now I want to see you back in here next month and the month after to track your pregnancy’s progression.” The doctor could see concern growing in the mare’s expression. “It’s nothing to be concerned about, it’s just better to be safe than sorry."

"I understand. How does the first Monday of next month work for you?" She asked him.

"I'm sure it will be fine. I'll pencil you in up at the front desk. Until then, try and take it easy." The doctor said as he opened the door for her. "The lobby is down the hall to your left."

"Thank you again sir." She said as she walked away from the examination room.

Out in the lobby, Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep. "Sweetie, Sweetie Belle, it’s time to go."

The young unicorn yawned and stretched. "Hey sis, how'd it go?"

"You're going to be an aunt."

"YAY!" She cheered.

"Sweetie Belle, I need to run some errands around town so why don't you go play with your friends for a while." Rarity leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Please dear, whatever you do, please don't tell anypony about the baby. I want to talk to Spike about it first. He deserves to hear about it from me okay?"

"Okay big sis, I won’t say anything, I promise." She said as she bounced out the door.

===============================================================

The bell above the door of Sugar Cube Corner rang merrily as Rarity entered the confection store. Approaching the counter, the unicorn's nose was assaulted by the aroma of the many cakes, pies, muffins, and other pastries that had been freshly baked that morning. "Good morning Miss Rarity. What can I do for you today?" Mr. Cake said as he entered from the kitchen. Mr. Cake was a tall lanky stallion with a distinct under bite. His coat was brilliant amber yellow and his mane and tail were light orange that set off his green eyes nicely.

"Hello sir, I was wondering if Pinkie Pie was here today and if you by any chance might have some strawberry muffins back there."

"Pinkie's still upstairs, says her Pinkie Sense has been going crazy so we gave her to take the day off." He told her, placing a basket of muffins on the counter. "And here you go, we just pulled a whole batch of strawberry muffins out of the oven. Have as many as you like."

"Thank you sir." Rarity scooped up the whole basket and trotted upstairs.

Pinkie skipped over to her door and opened it after she heard a light knocking. Hiya Rarity." She said as her ears flapped like mad and all four of her knees were twitching.

"Pinkie dear, are you all right?" She asked concerned.

"Oh yeah but my pinkie sense is telling me somepony has important news and if I leave my room I might miss the pony who has the really big news for me. Oh I wonder what it is." She gasped. "I wonder if it's a new flavor of sweet like chocolate, pecan, pistachio nut cookie! Oh wait, that can't be it because I invented that last week." The pink party pony noticed the basket of muffins on Rarity's back. "What's with the muffins?"

"Oh, sorry, I was hungry." She tried to explain.

"Yeah, okay but all of them? I mean you never really eat all the much."

"I guess I'm just really hungry and I really wanted to talk to you about something." Rarity said, popping a muffin into her mouth and munching away happily.

"You're the pony with big news for me? But I thought you weren't that good at baking so how could you come up with a new cookie recipe? Unless, maybe it's not cookies, maybe you designed a new line of chef hats or aprons or oh, did you make a special dress for cooking?"

Rarity put the basket on the ground and ate another muffin, waiting for Pinkie Pie to finish her ramblings. "Pinkie."

"Do the hats have ribbons or maybe flowers?"

"Pinkie."

"Oh, I hope the dress is all frilly and lacy but the frills might get too close to ovens and catch fire. You may have to remake it so it's safe for the kitchen."

"Pinkie Pie!"

"Yes Rarity?"

"Pinkie, I'm pregnant." Rarity told her.

The pink pony's body returned to its normal state. "I guess that was it. Wait, you're pregnant, again?"

"Yes." She said casually, eating another muffin.

"Oh Rarity, I'm so happy for you." Pinkie Pie said, hugging her tightly. "So, who's the lucky daddy?" Pinkie asked.

Rarity stopped eating mid muffin and set it down. She looked away from her, unsure of what to say. The white unicorn blushed slightly and whispered her answer to Pinkie.

"Could you say that again? I didn't quite hear you."

Rarity whispered again, a little louder.

"One more time?" Pinkie asked.

"It's Spike." Rarity confessed.

"What?" She shouted. "You and cute little Spikie wikie? But that, that's not even possible; I mean he's only a baby dragon, he's not old enough to well, you know."

"Well, he was old enough when he was a pony." Rarity said blushing.

"Oh. Ohhhhhhh, I get ya’. So when you had him all to yourself while he was a pony, you put the moves on him." Pinkie said smiling, nudging Rarity slightly.

"So, you’re not disappointed?"

"Disappointed? Are you crazy? Rarity, I'm so happy for you! I've always though you and Spike would hit it off; you're too perfect for each other."

Rarity smiled in spite of herself. Ever since I came to Ponyville, for ten years, I've looked for the perfect stallion, that one of kind pony that I could trust with anything. Who knew my perfect pony would turn out to be a dragon?"

"Weird huh? Hey I have a great idea! Twilight and the others are planning Spike’s birthday party at the library; we should go and tell them the good news too!" Pinkie suggested bouncing around her guest.

"What, right now?"

"Sure, no time like the present. Grab your muffins and let's go." Pinkie said pulling Rarity out the door with her and down the stairs.

===============================================================

Back at the library, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were entertaining the newest visitor to Ponyville, Spike’s sister Emerald. The main area of the library was just that, a library. On the north wall was a small fireplace but the rest of the walls were covered in bookshelves from the floor to the ceiling. The west area of the room had a small broad staircase leading to a large area with a table and stools. This portion of the library was called the nook and was backed by a large bay window. This spot was where ponies could have a snack while they read or give them room to spread out while studying. The center of the room had a large sunken area where the main reading table was located. The pit, as it was called, was lined with couches around its perimeter. The east wall had a door that led off to the upstairs living quarters and another that led to the kitchen and first floor bathroom. The four mares sat around the table in the nook talking to their new dragoness friend.

"So, how you likin' it here in our little town Emerald?" Applejack asked her.

"I like it just fine, thank you very much."

"Oh my, you have such lovely manners." Fluttershy said.

"I suppose so. Part of a dragon's education is comprised of lessons in manners and proper etiquette." Emerald explained.

"So they send you to school just to teach you how to curtsy and say thank you? Sounds lame."

"Rainbow Dash, that's not a very nice thing to say. You know, you could benefit from a little of that yourself." Twilight reprimanded.

The dragoness laughed. "Oh Twilight, it's quite all right. I must agree with Miss Dash though, the lessons did get quite tedious after a while." She said. "I'm glad I'm done with it. The history and geometry lectures I'm attending now are much more interesting."

Pinkie Pie barged her way into the library with Rarity and her muffins in tow. "Hiya girls! I brought Rarity to help plan little Spikie's party." Rarity and the pink party pony looked up and the green dragoness sitting at the far end of the table. Emerald's name suited her perfectly. Her scales were the most perfect emerald green color Rarity had ever seen. She sat almost half as much taller than the others and her eyes were deep purple in color as well as the spines going down her back. Unlike Spike however, it appears she walked on all fours instead of upright like her brother.

"Uh, heh heh. I'd love to stay but I have something I need to take care of." Rarity said as she headed towards the door with her basket of muffins.

"Oh no you don't." Pinkie said, grabbing hold of Rarity’s tail with her teeth and dragging her to the table.

"Pinkie, if Rarity has other plans you really shouldn't stop her from leaving." Twilight told her.

"The only plan she has is to avoid you girls and especially you Miss Dragon."

"Avoid me? Have I done something wrong?" Emerald asked.

"No, not at all." Rarity reassured her.

"Rarity, tell them. It's nothing to be ashamed of." Pinkie told her.

"But." She hesitated.

"Rarity, either you tell them or I will." Pinkie Pie threatened. "You never made me promise not to, so don't think for one second I won’t."

"Rarity, what's Pinkie babblin’ about? Applejack asked.

The white unicorn was staring daggers at Pinkie Pie. She looked around the room; expressions of concern were on the faces of all her friends. Rarity hung her head and sighed in defeat. "I'm, I'm pregnant."

There was a collective gasp around the table. "Rarity, that's wonderful news." Twilight said. "Why wouldn't you want to tell us, were your friends after all?"

"I wasn't sure if you'd understand." She said.

"Just wait, it gets better." Pinkie said smiling.

"Pinkie Pie!" Rarity complained. "Why do you have to make this so hard?"

"Uhm Rarity, if you don't mind me asking, I was wondering. Who's the father? I never really see you around with anypony."

"Fluttershy has a point Rarity. You spend all your time hangin’ with us. When did you find the time to snag yourself a stallion?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"It came up rather unexpectedly. I never thought this would happen. I didn't plan for it, it just happened." Rarity looked up at Twilight, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Twilight, please forgive me. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"What's going on Rarity?" The purple unicorn asked.

"It's Spike. Spike is the father."

"Oh my." Fluttershy said, trying to hide the blush on her face.

"Golly." Applejack said.

"What!?" Twilight shouted.

"You did what, with my baby brother!?" Emerald shouted equally as loud as Twilight.

"Wait, wait, so let me get this straight, while Spike was a pony, you jumped his bones?" Rainbow Dash asked. "So awesome!"

"That's not awesome, it's practically molestation!" Twilight shouted again. “I know I said you two were good together but I didn’t mean anything like this or at least not this soon!”

"I never thought you'd be the type of pony to take advantage of somepony as innocent as little Spike." Fluttershy said.

"It wasn't like that at all. You all know what happened when Spike and I left the castle that night right?" Rarity asked, hoping they'd remember.

"Yeah, you told us. That big jerk Blue Blood was gettin’ fresh with you and hit you, then Spike beat the tar out of him." Applejack said.

"Yes, but after that we sort of went on a date. He was so sweet and a perfect gentlestallion. He behaved more like a Prince than Blue Blood could ever hope to be. I treated him to dinner for his gallantry in defending me and later, he took me dancing. It was so wonderful. We sat under the stars at the overlook and talked for a while. He looked into my eyes and I looked into his. He was so cute and innocent and the things he said to me; nopony has ever said those things to me or touched my heart in the same way. Oh, it's so hard to describe."

Half the mares in attendance sighed at the romantic scene the white unicorn painted for them. "Wow Rarity. It sounds like you're really in love with him."

"I am Fluttershy. I haven't felt this way in such a long time."

"But Rarity, you had to know Spike would return to being a dragon. Didn't you even consider what might happen?” Twilight asked her.

"Of course I knew." Rarity said, tears falling from her eyes. "I was there remember? I helped you seal his form. I forced him back to the young dragon he was supposed to be and it nearly broke my heart to do it."

Applejack and Fluttershy walked around the table and hugged her, trying to comfort the emotional unicorn. "It's okay Rarity, we were just a little shocked, that's all." Fluttershy told her.

The pregnant mare felt Emerald's claw rest comfortingly on her back. "Tell me dear, if you say you love my brother so much, why would you do that? Why would you force him to go back to being a dragon?"

"I had to. Spike wanted to stay a pony." The five other ponies and even Emerald gasped in shock. "Yes, that was my reaction as well. He knew it meant only living another ten years or so but he said he'd rather live ten years with me then go back to being a dragon. I couldn't, I wouldn't let him sacrifice his life for me, and so I made him promise he'd become a dragon again."

"Oh dear, I think I understand now. Rarity, you gave up your own happiness just for him." Fluttershy said.

"I'm hoping I don't have to give that up Fluttershy darling. Even though he isn't a pony anymore, I still love him. I know some ponies may think it's wrong to love a dragon, let alone one that young but I don't care, I still love him. It's not because he's a dragon or a pony but because he is who he is. I'd do anything for my little Spike."

Emerald lightly patted Rarity on the back. "Well, I have to give it to my baby brother; he really knows how to pick them." She chuckled. "If you want, I'll talk to him about this when he gets back from Canterlot; and Rarity, please don't cry. You're a good pony and I'm happy you love my brother so much. He's lucky to have you."

"I can't say that I'm entirely comfortable with this but it's apparent that you really do have feelings for Spike." Twilight said. "With that in mind I'll help out however I can."

"You can count on me and RD too Rarity!" Applejack announced.

"Yeah, we'll help anyway we can." Rainbow added in.

"Yay! This calls for a party!" Pinkie shouted.

"I appreciate this, all of you but no. No, I have to do this myself. If it's going to mean anything at all, I have to be the one to tell Spike that he's going to be a father."

Revelations

Curse of the Werepony 2
Chapter 2: Revelations
By Steven Little
My Little pony is © Hasbro

In the royal city of Canterlot, the two ruling Princesses were finishing up their examination of a young dragon that had very recently gone through a life threatening ordeal. Spike, sat on the edge of the bed in one of Canterlot Castle's many guest rooms, a white and violet aura surrounded his little body as the two Princesses gave him one last checkup. Organs, muscles, bones, metabolic rate, everything was checked thoroughly until both were satisfied with the results. "Well Spike, everything looks fine. There's no residual trace of the curse in you." Princess Luna told the young dragon.

"Does this mean it's finally over?" Spike asked, hopefully.

"I think it's safe to say, you have nothing to worry about." Princess Celestia told him.

"That's a relief. Thank you your majesties, really, you have no idea how relieved I am." Spike told them.

"There is one concern I have though." Celestia said.

"What's that? I thought you said I was okay."

"Oh, you're fine Spike but I discovered that when we sealed you in this form, you weren't entirely dragon at the time. It seems that you still have some pony left in you." She said.

"I noticed that too but I wouldn't be too worried about it Spike, it doesn't appear to be harming you at all." Luna told him. "Well, now that all that's out of the way, I was curious; how are you and Rarity doing?"

"We're doing okay I guess." He said.

"You guess?" Princess Celestia asked. "Is everything all right?"

"Well, at first everything was great. Rarity wanted to do everything together and of course, I didn't mind. Any time I got to spend with her was time well spent. But lately she's been kind of distant." Spike sighed. "I think some of the ponies around town have been talking. I don't think they like her being my marefriend. Or more to the point, they don't like the fact that I'm the one she chose to be with."

"I don't understand." Luna said. "I know dragons can cause ponies to be a little apprehensive but you're just a little guy and you've lived in Ponyville for over four years. Surely the ponies there have had enough time to get used to you by now."

"It's nothing like that Princess. A lot of the ponies there are friends of mine and they don't seem to have a problem with it but there are a few ponies there that don't approve of our relationship. I've heard some of them talking when they didn't think Rarity or I could hear them. They think that ponies and dragons should stick to their own kind. I love her, she loves me, why should it matter that I'm a dragon?"

"Have you talked to her about this yet?" Celestia asked him.

"Not yet. I planned to as soon as I got back to Ponyville. There was something I wanted to ask her but I'm not sure how she'll take it."

"What's that?" Luna asked.

"Well, even when I'm old enough to, you know, she and I will never be able to have kids. I'm just wondering if she's thought about that. I don't know, do you think I'm rushing things with questions like that?"

"Not at all," Princess Celestia told him. "In fact I think it's very grown up of you to be thinking about that. Some mares are very picky when it comes to the subject of foals but I wouldn't count children out all together."

"What do you mean? She's a pony, I'm a dragon, we're not the same species, and heck I don't think were in the same phylum. I mean she's a mammal and I'm a reptile. I don't think it's possible that the gametes would blend correctly."

"It's nice to see you were paying attention to the classes Twilight brought you to." Celestia said, smiling. "However, you are incorrect. In some rare cases there have been crossbreeds between dragons and ponies."

"Really?" He asked.

"Yes, but like I said, it is very rare and if it doesn't work out, there is always adoption." She suggested.

There was a sharp knock at the door. "Enter." Luna called out.

The head of a white Pegasus guard poked through the doorway. "Your majesties, please pardon the intrusion but the carriage for your guest is ready and waiting to take him back to Ponyville."

"Very good, Spike will be with you shortly." The Princess of the Night told him. The guard pulled his head out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"One last thing before you go, Spike." The Solar Princess said. "I've recently received a letter from Twilight informing me that your sister Emerald has arrived in town for your birthday."

"But she wasn't supposed to be here for another week. This is great!" He said joyfully.

"I take it you're excited then." Luna said.

"Of course I am. For the longest time I thought I didn't have any family left, except for Twilight that is. Now I get to meet my big sister for the first time. I wonder what she's like. I wonder what she's going to think of me and Rarity being together."

"Well, why don't you get back to your home and your lady and find out?" Luna encouraged him.

Spike hugged both of the regal ponies. "I will and thanks for everything Princesses."

Celestia and Luna watched the little purple dragon as he raced out of the guest chambers. "You should have told him Tia."

"I did not want to worry him unnecessarily. He has enough to deal with at the moment. Besides, what good would it have done to tell him that one of those cross breeds turned into Discord?"

===============================================================

Off in the rocky windswept hills southeast of Ponyville, a white unicorn mare and a green dragoness were hunting for gems. "That is quite the talent you have their Rarity." Emerald said.

"Thank you, but it's nothing all that impressive." She told the dragoness.

"You're far too modest. I know several dragons that would give their left wing for a talent like that." Emerald told her.

"Really now, you're going to make me blush." Rarity said. "I wanted to thank you again for helping me gather these last few gems for Spike. He's usually the one who helps me."

"I see. I bet he always went fishing for a kiss when you were finished too." Emerald said smiling.

"Absolutely not," Rarity said resolutely. "Spike has always been the little gentledrake. He never made untoward advances on me. I guess that's why I didn't fully know how he really felt about me until the earlier incident."

"What do you mean?" She asked the pony.

"You see Emerald. Many of the ponies here and in Canterlot think of me as a bit of a tease. I've always been on the lookout for the perfect stallion for me and if I detected even the slightest hint of shallow affection, I cut them loose. I did not want somepony to like me only because of what I looked like. I've looked for ten years for that special pony but all of them liked me for what I was and not who I was."

"That's a long time to be alone." She said.

"Oh, I've never been alone. I've always had Sweetie Belle to cheer me up when I was feeling low but a girl needs a mate. I'm used to stallions hitting on me and trying to get in my bed. Spike was different. He'd do little things for me; go out of his way to make sure I was happy and never once asked for anything in return. I was caught off guard; it wasn't an approach I was expecting."

"I guess that's the difference between ponies and dragons. A drake like Spike will come at you sideways, unexpectedly. They'll sidle right up and before you know it you’re talking like old friends." Emerald halted the wagon she was pulling and looked around silently.

"Is everything alright darling?" Rarity asked, becoming concerned.

"I think we’re being followed. Look, over there, did you see the bushes move?"

Rarity looked across the bare rocky landscape to the bushes screening a short drop off. A glint of orange sparkled from the shadows. The white unicorn sighed and relaxed. "Rover, will you and your two friends stop skulking in the shadows and introduce yourselves properly?!"

Three Diamond Dogs slowly crawled out of the bushes. Each of them were brushed and groomed, their nails trimmed and manicured. Each of the three males wore a blue vest and a collar with a different gemstone. "Apologies Miss. Rarity," Rover said in his gravely voice. "We were afraid of your dragon companion. We are used to seeing you with Mr. Spike."

"That's quite alright dear. I'm happy you are continuing with the lesson I left you. And I see you've kept up with the grooming as well." Rarity said happily.

"Actually, no; Patches has been doing all the grooming for us recently." He said.

The unicorn mare looked to the largest of the three Diamond dogs. "Is this true Patches?"

"Yes Miss. Rarity, I don't know why but I love the washing and grooming and brushing; it's just fun for me." He told her, his voice almost as gravely as Rovers.

"You should visit the Aloe twins at the spa in town when you have the time, you could learn a lot from them." She told him.

"Thank you Miss. Rarity, I will."

"If you don't mind me asking, why were you three following us?" Emerald asked them.

The smallest of the three answered in his high-pitched screechy voice, toning it down as best he could. "We wanted to give Miss. Rarity a gift for helping us with these lessons. Our trading partners have been more generous with us since Miss Rarity gave us lessons in proper grooming and speaking." He said.

"So we wanted to thank her and since we know she likes gems we got some for her." Spot said, moving aside the screen of bushes revealing three carts loaded with gems.

"Oh my, thank you, all of you. I'm touched, really." Rarity said.

"That's quite generous of you. If you hitch them to the back of my wagon, I'll pull them home." Emerald offered.

"I couldn't ask you to do that darling. I insist on taking at least one of them myself." Rarity said firmly.

"Absolutely not, not in your condition; that's my niece or nephew you're carrying and I will not have you stressing yourself unnecessarily." Emerald stated resolutely.

"Condition," Rover asked. "Are you all right Miss. Rarity?" The other two Diamond Dogs busied themselves with hitching the carts to the back of Emerald’s wagon.

"Yes dear, I'm fine." She said. "Spike will be back later today so I suppose we should get these home. Thank you again boys, keep up with the bathing. I promise I'll come back soon for a visit and with a few more lessons."

The three Diamond Dogs waved to the unicorn and dragoness as they walked back toward town with their burden of gems. "Goodbye Miss Rarity! Goodbye Miss Dragon Lady!" They called out in unison.

===============================================================

Emerald and Rarity stashed the mass of gems at the Carousel Boutique and made their way over to the library. "Do you think Spike will like the gems? I mean he's a dragon so I know he'll like them but do you think they'll be acceptable as a birthday present?"

"I suppose so. He'll have enough for his own personal horde. However, dragons don't give presents of material possessions on birthdays or special occasions normally."

"Why ever not?" Rarity asked her.

"With dragons, especially drakes; that sort of thing tends to lead to greed and jealousy. I learned in one of my history courses that a war between two dragon clans broke out over a gift that was given to a Clan Lord. Another Clan Lord perceived the gift to be greater than the one given to him." She explained. "Once the war was over, it was decided that gifts of physical objects would be forbidden. So now if we want to give something to someone it usually takes the form of poetry, stories or even just taking them out for a meal."

"I see. We had a similar problem with Spike a few years ago on his birthday." Rarity told her. "He became very greedy and started taking anything he could get his claws on. He grew larger and larger until he turned into an absolute monster of a dragon that nearly destroyed the town."

"How'd you get him to come back to his senses? It usual takes a clan leader or an elder to calm their greed." The dragoness asked her.

"Spike told me that it was his memories of me that snapped him out of it." A red blush showed brightly on Rarity's white cheeks as she remembered what the young dragon told her that day. "He had changed back to his old self and we were falling from a great height. It was then that Spike told me how he felt. I wish I could go back in time, I would do everything different starting with that day. I wouldn't have treated him so badly."

"Rarity, Twilight told me about what happened between you and my little brother when he got cursed. I didn't say it yesterday but I wanted to thank you for convincing him to become a dragon again and saving his life. He's the only family I have left." Emerald sat outside the library, facing the unicorn. "Spike forgave you for the things you said and the way you acted didn't he?"

"Yes, but I can’t help but feel guilty about it still. I feel as though I still have something to make up for. After all he's done for me over the years; I owe it to him to make sure he's happy for a change."

"Good feelings and happiness are not things to be repaid, but accepted, enjoyed and returned in kind. If what I've seen from you so far is any indication, I think you and Spike are going to be very happy together for a very long time." Emerald hugged the white mare tightly. Looking up into the sky she saw the small outline of a carriage being pulled by two white pegasi in golden armor. "Speak of the drake; I think that's him coming now."

Rarity panicked. "What, already? He wasn't supposed to be back till later! What am I going to do? Spike can't see me like this!"

"Calm down, I'm sure he'll be happy just to see you, besides your stomach is barely showing your pregnancy."

"Trust me, Spike will notice." She said fervently. "Please, you have to hide me."

"Okay, let's get into the library and wait for him. While he's talking to me you can slip out the back." Emerald said opening the door. "I don't think he's seen us but in case he has and he asks about you, what should I tell him?"

"Just tell him I had to get some last minute orders finished and that I'd see him later. I think he'll believe that."

As the carriage came to a rest in front of the library, Spike jumped out and walked to the front. "Thanks guys, I appreciate the lift home."

"No problem Spike." The pegasus on the right of the carriage said.

"Could you tell Twilight, hi, for us?" The pegasus on the left said. "Let her know we all miss her at the castle and that one of the librarians said she actually misses tripping over Twilight's piles of books."

The small dragon chuckled. "Will do, have a good flight back." He said, waving to them as they flew away. Spike walked into his home finding the main area of the library deserted. "Twilight, are you home, Twilight?"

The unicorn in question rushed out to greet her adopted little brother with an enthusiasm he had grown accustom to over the last few months. "Spike, welcome home!" She said hugging him tightly. "Did everything go okay with the Princesses?"

"Yup, they said I'm fit as fiddle and there’s no trace of the curse left." He informed her.

"That's great Spike, now things can finally go back to normal." Twilight sighed.

"Yeah, normal,” Spike said dejectedly.

"From what I've heard, normal would be like a vacation for you little brother." Emerald said, smiling as she walked into the room from the kitchen.

Spike just stood there and stared at the green dragoness, tears slowly building up in his eyes. "Twilight, is that...?"

"Yes Spike; this is Emerald, your big sister." Twilight said.

Spike rushed up and hugged the dragoness as best he could. Emerald in turn carefully hugged him back, tears, streaming down her face. "Oh Spike, I didn't think I'd cry. I was afraid I'd never see you again and here you are, healthy, happy, and thriving. I hear you even have a girlfriend. I'm so happy for you and proud too. I know mom and dad would be as well." She said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Rarity watched the happy reunion through the window at the back of the library. "I'm happy for you Spike." She whispered to herself as she rushed back to her home.

===============================================================

Spike spent the rest of his day talking with his sister getting as much information about her and their parents as he could. He wanted to know everything he could about the family, the clan, everything. The next morning, Spike was so excited about the recent events he wanted to invite Rarity over for breakfast with Twilight and his Sister. Humming a merry tune he sauntered up to the Boutique and knocked on the door. Rarity slowly cracked the door only enough to look out at the little purple dragon. "Oh Spike, how are you this morning?"

"I'm okay. Can I come in for a moment?" He asked.

"What, uhm no, I'm sorry dear but I think I'm coming down with something." She said, faking a cough. "I wouldn't want you to catch it."

"You're sick? Are you sure you don't want me to come in and help? I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself if you're not feeling well." He said.

Rarity couldn’t help but blush at his offer. 'Oh Spike you're such a gentledrake.'

"No Spike, I couldn't possibly ask you to do that. It's okay, I'll be fine." Rarity reassured him.

"I see. Well if you feel better, you should definitely come over. My sister Emerald is in town and I'd really like a chance to introduce you."

"I will, I promise. Now you run along Spike, I don't want you to get sick too."

"Okay Rarity. I'll see you later I guess." He said rather downtrodden. The unicorn mare slowly shut the door till she heard the latch click home. She sat with her back against the door, sobbing softly. Spike just stood there outside the boutique listing to the mare he loved crying. Slowly he walked away taking a single look back than shuffled his way home.

Every day that week, Spike would go see Rarity; and every day she would have a new excuse as to why she couldn't come out and why he couldn't come in. The young dragon sat in his room crying after being turned away a seventh time. Emerald lightly knocked on his door. "Can I come in?" She asked.

"Sure." He said, wiping the tears from his eyes.

"What's bothering you brother? I haven't seen much of you the last few days. Is everything all right?"

"To be honest, I don't know." He said, depressed. "You remember Rarity, the unicorn I told you about?"

"Yes, your little girlfriend. I remember you telling me about her." Emerald recalled.

"I wish you wouldn't call her that. She has a name." Spike said slightly irritated.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Yes, I remember her."

"It's okay Emmy." He said. "It's just, she's been making excuses to keep me at hoofs length all week and I'm starting to think something might be wrong."

"What do you mean?" She asked him.

The small purple dragon sighed heavily. "I can only think of two things that would make Rarity act like this." He said sadly. "Either she doesn't love me anymore or she’s jealous of you and just plain doesn't want to come out while you're here." He informed his sister.

"Jealous of me, why do you think that?" She asked him.

"Well, with the exception of the rest of our friends, she's had me all to herself and now you come along and she has to share me with somepony else." He explained.

"From what you and your friends have told me, that doesn't sound like her." Emerald said.

"Trust me, she can be very jealous at times but you’re right, in these circumstances I don't think that's it either. That only leaves one thing. Rarity doesn't love me anymore." Spike said. He sniffed loudly, wiping his nose.

Emerald hugged her little brother as he started to cry, his tears flowing down his cheeks and down her scales. "It's all right Spike, I'm sure everything will turn out okay."

Twilight had been listening in on the conversation between the two dragons. 'Okay Rarity, this has gone on long enough.' The lavender unicorn thought to herself. Walking downstairs quietly, so as not to alert the dragons to her presence, she left the library and made her way through town to the Carousel Boutique and the home of a certain pregnant unicorn.

===============================================================

On her way to the boutique Twilight ran into Pinkie Pie and told her of what had been happening the past week. The pink party pony was speechless, but only for a moment. "I can't believe her." She said indignantly.

"I know Pinkie. What are we going to do?" She asked her hyperactive friend.

"What are we going to do? I'll tell you what we're going to do. We're going to march over there right now and demand why she’s trying to sabotage Spike’s birthday party."

"Wait, what?" Twilight asked a little confused. "I'm talking about Spike. He's sad, and depressed, and has it in his head that Rarity doesn't love him anymore."

"I know. That's what I'm talking about. If Spike gets any sadder, than he won’t want a party at all and we've been working so super hard planning this party for the last month." Pinkie said.

"Are parties all you think about?" Twilight asked her.

"Of course not; but parties, especially a party for one of my friends, is serious business." She corrected the lavender unicorn.

"But Pinkie, everypony in town is friends with you." Twilight argued.

"Exactly, now let’s get over to Rarity's before things get worse." She said as she galloped away, Twilight close behind her.

Pinkie beat Twilight to the door of the Carousel Boutique and pounded on it. The door slowly creaked open. "Pinkie, Twilight, what brings you here today?"

Before she could say anything, Twilight jumped up and clamped Pinkie Pie's mouth shut. "Rarity, may we please come in?"

"Yes of course, please; do come in." She said, opening the door to allow them in.

"Rarity, we have to talk to you about…" Twilight was cut off mid-sentence when she saw the state her friend was in. Her mane and tail were unkempt her coat was dull and dirty as if neither had been washed in days. On top of everything the shop was in shambles and Rarity herself appeared to be at least ten pounds heavier, her stomach starting to bulge out. "Oh my goodness, what happened to you Rarity?”

The white unicorn tried to smooth out her ragged mane with her hooves. "I'm sorry girls, I know I must look terrible. My magic hasn't been working right recently. The doctor warned me that strenuous magic use might harm the baby but he didn't say anything about this."

"You were warned about using magic and you did anyway?" Twilight asked in a chastising tone.

"Sorry Twilight I needed something to keep myself busy." Rarity told her.

"So instead of spending time with us and especially Spike you go and do something that might hurt your foal?" The purple unicorn asked her firmly.

"It was only a little magic." She protested meekly.

Pinkie looked around the store and summed it all up in an instant. Walking over to Twilight she whispered in her ear. "Hey Twi, why don't you go on home and I'll talk with Rarity; comfort Spike as best you can and let him know that Rarity will be at his party tomorrow. Oh, and when he goes to sleep tonight slip him a slumber spell so he won’t wake up until at least nine tomorrow."

"Sure Pinkie, hey wait; how did you know about the slumber spell?" She asked.

"Oh would you look at the time. See you later Twilight, say hi to Spike and Emerald for me!" She shouted as she pushed the lavender unicorn out of the shop and shut the door behind her.

"Pinkie dear, was that really necessary?" Rarity asked her.

"Yes, because now that she's gone, you can tell me what's really going on.

"Whatever do you mean?" She asked the party pony.

"I can understand that the store got ruined by some misfiring magic but for all the years I've known you, you've never ever ever let yourself get that dirty. When was the last time you took a bath?"

"It was a few days ago I'll admit, but it can't be that bad." She said.

Pinkie Pie pushed Rarity in front of one of her wall mirrors. "Not that bad huh?"

"Oh dear goodness, I look an absolute fright. Sorry Pinkie but I need to take a shower immediately." Rarity said racing to her bathroom.

"Don't worry about me; I'll just wait here for you." The party pony told her.

Rarity took her time in the shower, making sure to scrub and clean herself back to her usual pristine condition. After brushing her mane and coat, she wandered out into the main lobby of her store to find it had also been cleaned, returned to its normal sparkling state. "What happened? The store looks marvelous." Rarity said.

"You were taking so long in the shower, I decided to clean things up a bit." Pinkie said, sitting in the middle of the spotless room. "Now that you're all pretty again, how about telling me what's really going on?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." The white unicorn stated.

"Come on Rarity. You haven't left the shop all week. Poor little Spike Wikey is at home right now crying his little eyes out because he thinks you don't love him anymore." Pinky informed her.

"How do you know that?" She asked.

"Twilight told me. She also told me that you've been making all sorts of stuff up just so he won’t see you." The pink pony said. "I don't get it Rarity; you've been obsessing this whole time about how you're going to tell him but when he comes to see you, you turn him away."

"Oh Pinkie, I didn't mean to hurt him, I want to tell him I just don't know how. I don't want him to see me like this, not until I figure out what to say."

"Have you thought about trying, 'Hey Spike, how you doing? Wanted to let you know I'm pregnant and you're the father.' See, easy."

"I can't say that to him! If I said that he'd be scared for sure." She said.

"Is that what this is all about, you're afraid he'll get scared and run out on you like Sweetie Belle's father?" Pinkie Pie asked. Rarity sat there looking at the floor as she gently stroked her hoof along her stomach. "It is isn't it? You really think Spike would walk out on you? Rarity, how could you. This is Spike we're talking about. He loves you. How could you think he'd do something so, so, bad?"

"I can't help it. Every time I think of a way to tell him, I keep thinking of Sweetie Belle's father. When I told him, he ran out and wouldn't talk to me anymore; he ignored me and eventually left for school in Phillydelphia."

"Well, his birthday party is tomorrow so you can tell him then. It'll be like an extra special birthday present! And don't worry about how he'll react. I'll be there and all our friends will be there too. If Spike does try to run, Rainbow Dash will beat him up and drag him back."

Rarity chuckled a little. "I hope it doesn't come to that. You're right Pinkie Pie; as long as my friends are there I think I can do this." She said with a grateful sigh. "I'll tell him at the party. After everything he's done for me," she said, stroking her stomach again. "And everything he's given me, he deserves the truth. I did have a question for you though."

"What's that?"

"Why did you ask Twilight to use a slumber spell on Spike tonight?" Rarity asked her.

"Oh, that's so you, me, and Emerald can sneak all those gems you have for him up to his room. When he wakes up and sees all those gemstones around him he'll be super happy again and then he can have fun at his birthday party and maybe if we're really really lucky, he'll forget about this past week."

"But, that's, Pinkie you're a genius! I had no idea how to give him the gems Emerald and I gathered for him but that's just perfect. And I can do a little something extra for him too. I feel just awful about making him wait and giving him the wrong idea about me."

"Try not to worry about it. I have to get back to the bakery I'll bring Emerald by around ten tonight and we can start moving those gems. From what I've herd, there's quite a few."

===============================================================

Spike woke late the next morning. Stretching out, he slowly opened his eyes to what he thought must be a dream. His room had been filled with gems of every size, shape, color, and variety. The midmorning sun shimmered and sparkled off their faceted surfaces and lit the entire room with a kaleidoscope of color. Amongst the jewels was an envelope with a fanciful letter S written on it. Spike walked over and picked it up noticing a familiar scent emanating from it. Sliding the envelope under his nose he inhaled deeply. 'Rarity's perfume.' He thought to himself. He carefully opened the envelope and read the letter softly to himself.

"My dearest Spike. I am so terribly sorry for how badly I've treated you this past week. It was wrong of me to try and keep you away. I realize that now. You must believe me when I say that I still love you very much. You are very special to me in ways that I find hard to express. I only hope these gems that Emerald and I obtained for you will make up for my poor behavior.

Something very important has come up and I've wanted to talk to you about it ever since you returned from Canterlot, but have lacked the courage. When you get this, Twilight, Emerald, myself and all our friends will be downstairs waiting to make your special day the most special it can possibly be. Pinkie and the rest of us have planned a party for you and afterwards hopefully I will get a chance to speak with you.

My love, for as long as I live and beyond,

Rarity Filigree"

Tears were welling up in the dragon's eyes. 'She still loves me!' He thought to himself. 'This is going to be the best day ever!' Spike raced out of his room and down the stairs.

Running down the stairs, Spike rocketed into the reading room of his library home. The small purple dragon stood there at the bottom of the stairs completely speechless. The room was decorated with all manner of streamers, balloons, and brightly colored paper lanterns. Every inch of every table in the library bowed under the weight of pies, cakes, cupcakes, candy, punch, fruit, chips, dip, and anything a pony or dragon could ever want. Standing in the reading pit at the center of the library were his friends. Each one of them wore a smile as big as the sun. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, his sister Emerald, Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Lyra Bonbon, Ditzy, and The Doctor, even Dinky and little Tootsie Flute; they were all there. Twilight approached him and levitated him onto her back. "Happy Birthday Spike, we're all here to make your birthday the best day you've ever had." She told him. "At Emerald’s suggestion, we're giving you a traditional dragon birthday party."

"Really? This is going to be so awesome!" Spike shouted.

"Not so fast there Spike." Rainbow Dash said. "Dragons don't give presents."

"What?" Spike said a bit dejected.

"Now Miss. Dash, that's not entirely accurate." Emerald corrected. "We have gifts just not those of material possession. You don't want a repeat of your first birthday in Ponyville, do you Spike?"

"You know about that?" He asked.

"Of course she does sugar cube. When she came to town, your sister wanted to know everythin' about you, so we all told her." Applejack said.

Behind all the ponies and his dragoness sister, Spike saw the object of his ultimate affection. Rarity was wearing a loose fitting red dress and the fire ruby necklace that always reminded the little dragon of the fondness the unicorn held for him. Spike hopped off of Twilight's back and walked right up to Rarity. "I hope you're not too upset about not getting any presents dear." She said.

"It's okay Rarity." He said, giving her a tremendous hug around her neck. "Being able to hold you again is all the present I need."

The white unicorn mare hugged the small dragon back, wrapping her forelegs around him. "I've missed you too Spike."

"Awwwwwwwwwww." Dinky, Tootsie Flute, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders said in unison.

"Oh Spike, that's so sweet." Fluttershy commented, watching the happy couple.

"Okay, enough of the mushy stuff, we've got some partying to do!" Pinky announced with her usual gusto.

The party started in earnest. Lyra and Bonbon were providing the music care of Lyra's sound system she brought over for the occasion. The Doctor was dancing with Ditzy and the five fillies were chasing each other around the room, occasionally grabbing a bite to eat from the various food laden tables around the room.

While Spike was escorting Rarity to the buffet, Rainbow Dash sauntered up to the small dragon. "Hey Spike, I have an extra ticket for the show the Wonderbolts are having in Cloudsdale this afternoon and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. Think of it as a birthday present that doesn't break your sister’s rules."

"Thanks Rainbow, I'd really like to but I kind of want to spend time with Rarity today, sorry." He said, trying not to disappoint his friend.

"Hey, that's okay. I understand that you want to spend time with your squeeze."

"You know though, Scootaloo is a big fan too, why don't you ask her?" Spike asked. "I'm sure she'd flip out if you asked her to go."

"Thanks Spike, I think I just might." Rainbow said, ruffling his head spikes with her right hoof. "Hey Squirt, come over here, I wanna’ talk to you for a moment."

Spike and Rarity approached the buffet table when they heard Scootaloo shout with joy. "That was very nice of you Spike." The white unicorn said as she piled food onto a plate.

"It was nothing really. To tell the truth, I'm not that much of a Wonderbolts fan and I knew Scootaloo would jump at the chance to hang out with Rainbow."

After filling their plates, the unicorn and the dragon sat on one of the sofas that lined the reading pit to enjoy their food. They sat their together watching their friends dance and chat with each other. Spike’s eyes were riveted on the fillies that rolled around on the floor, wrestling. "Two bits for your thoughts?" Rarity asked.

"Huh, oh sorry, I was just watching Sweetie Belle and thinking about how much I envied her father."

Rarity nearly dropped her plate. "How can you possibly envy that jerk? He walked out on me and Sweetie Belle." She whispered in an almost angry tone.

"I envy him because he was able to give you something that I don't think I ever will. I guess I just need to know that you're going to be okay with that." He said, looking down at his almost untouched food.

"Darling, what are you talking about? She asked.

"A baby Rarity, I’m a dragon you're a pony; I don't know where this relationship is going but if it's permanent like I hope it is, than I need to know it's okay that even when I'm old enough, I may never be able to give that to you."

Rarity set her plate down and looked the little dragon in the eyes. "Spike Dear, did you read the letter I left for you in your room?" She asked him.

"Yes, it was beautiful." He said.

"Yes well, I don't think you need to worry about not being able to give me a foal."

"Why's that?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rarity leaned closer to him and whispered into his ear. "You already have."

"Wait, what? But we haven't, I mean, I can't." He stammered.

"You could and you did when you were a pony, remember." She asked him softly.

Spike had a faraway look in his eyes. "I don't think I'll ever forget that night." He said with a sigh. "How long until; you know?"

"If everything goes okay, I'll deliver in about eight to nine months." She informed him cheerfully.

"I see." Spike set his own plate down and addressed the room. "Everypony, I appreciate you coming to my party but I have to go now. Please enjoy what's left of the celebration."

Spike started towards the door when a white hoof reached out and stopped him. "Spike, what's going on?" She asked, desperation showing on her face.

"I'm sorry Rarity." He said, not able to look her in the eye. "There are a few things I have to do and it can't wait anymore. I'll see you later." Spike kissed the mare softly on the cheek then walked out the door leaving behind the room full of shocked ponies.

Responsibilities

Curse of the Werepony 2
Chapter 3: Responsibilities
By Steven Little
My Little pony is © Hasbro

The door of the Peach Pit Tavern swung open, ringing the small bell that hung above the door. The tavern was not an overly large establishment. There was a sitting area for customers to enjoy a meal and a drink by themselves or with a friend. A small stage sat against the north wall where bands, comedians, or actors would perform. Against the far wall was a full bar with a line of stools in front. To the right of the bar was a hallway that led off to rooms that ponies could rent should they need a place to stay for the night. Behind the bar, waiting to attend to her customers was Peach Bellini. The mare's mane and tail were brown and the color of her coat was obviously her namesake. Her cutie mark looked like a tropical drink and she always seemed to have a red rose in her hair and a silk scarf around her neck of one color or another. She smiled as Spike walked in the door, "afternoon Spike, oh, and happy birthday."

"Thanks Peach. Do you have time to talk?" He inquired.

"Sure, what's up?" She asked.

Two young stallions, one red and one, an amber color, walked in from the back room. "Hey boss, we just finished unloading today's order from the delivery wagon, did you want to check over the invoice before we put it away?" The red pony asked. He was not overly tall but certainly taller than Peach and his blue eyes were partially hidden by his blond mane. His cutie mark of an apple cider jug, gave away his profession as a bartender.

"Thanks Cider." She said. "Just a minute Spike, I'll be right back."

The amber stallion with the brown mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a cactus wearing a chef's togue, approached the bar, his green eyes shining and happy. "Hey Spike, how's it going bud?"

"Hey Sandy, I'm doing okay I guess." The little purple dragon said with a sigh.

"What's going on buddy? You sound depressed." Sandy asked him.

"I've been out looking for a job but no one will hire me. They all say the same thing; I'm too young; I'm too small. What's a guy got to do to earn a few bits these days?"

Peach and Apple Cider walked in from the back room. "Sorry about the wait Spike. We didn't mean to eavesdrop but are you really looking for work?" Peach asked.

"Wait." Apple Cider said. "Don't you work for Twilight?"

"Being Twilight's assistant doesn't pay at all. Something unexpected has come up and I need to start bringing down a steady pay." He informed them. "You guys wouldn't happen to be hiring would you?"

"Sorry Spike but winter is starting and that's also the start of the slow season for us and business doesn't usually pick up till late spring. If you can wait that long, I'm sure we kind find something for you." Peach told him.

"Thanks Peach but I need something sooner than that." He said as he got up and walked toward the tavern's exit.

"Good luck Spike, I hope you find something." Sandy said as the young dragon walked out the door.

"I don't like this, boys. I don't know what's really going on but it doesn't sound good. I'll put the inventory away, I want you two to get down to the library and talk to Twilight about this."

"Sure thing boss, let's go Sandy." Cider said as he made his way toward the front door.

===============================================================

Spike stood at the front gate of Sweet Apple Acres. "Well Spike, this is the only place in town you haven't tried." He said to himself. "If this doesn't work I guess I'll have to try back in Canterlot."

The small dragon walked down the dirt road lined with towering apple trees on the left and bordered by a wide open field to his right. "Hey Spike, what brings you down to the farm today. Aren't you supposed to be havin' a birthday party at the library?" Big Macintosh had spotted him on his way to the barn to deposit a cartload of apples. "Ah'm sorry I couldn't make it, somepony needs to work the farm."

"That's okay Big Mac, the party's over anyway, at least for me." Spike said.

The large red earth pony stallion unhooked himself from the cart and approached the small dragon. "Why don't you come inside for a bit?" Macintosh invited. "I need to take a break anyway."

Spike followed him inside and sat at the table. "Has Applejack returned yet?"

"Not as such." He said rummaging in a cupboard above the sink. "She was here then took off again in a hurry. She was lookin' for you. I s'pect somethin' happened at the party."

"You could say that." The dragon said, tracing invisible patterns on the table. Big Macintosh set a bottle of apple brandy on the table with two glasses. "What's this for?"

"AJ told me you liked this when you had a drink with her and Pinkie, back when you were a pony. I figure what's going on back at the library and whatever's got you this down can only be helped by a drink with a friend." He said pouring a small amount of the amber liquid into the glasses. "So, why don't you tell me what's goin' on?"

Spike gulped the liquor in a single quaff. "Rarity's pregnant and I'm the father."

Macintosh swallowed his drink, coughing slightly. "Come again?"

"AJ told you about what happened a few months ago right?" The purple dragon asked.

"Yeah, she told me that some sort of curse turned you into a pony and that you and Rarity got into it. To be honest, I always thought it was pretty bad the way she treated you sometimes. I guess everthin' came out then."

"Yes." Spike said. "She didn't know it was me at the time but I did eventually forgive her and she's treated me much better ever since, even though I'm not a pony anymore. That last night I was a pony, she and I went out on a date, one thing led to another and it just sort of happened."

"Good for you Spike. Rarity is a fine mare and I know of a few stallions that are plenty mad that you got her instead of them." The large red stallion said with a smile. "So I take it she told you at the party?"

"Yeah, she did. It's not that I've never thought about having a family with her, in fact I've been thinking lately if it was even possible. I really am happy about it but it's just a lot earlier than I expected." Spike said swallowing the rest of his second drink.

"I understand Spike. Ma told me she felt the same way when she was carryin' me. She was only eighteen when I came along. She told me it was hard but her and Pa managed." Big Macintosh told him. "So then, if you're so happy about bein' a father, why are you here instead of back home with your mare?"

"Because I need a job Big Mac; Rarity shouldn't have to shoulder all the financial responsibility by herself. She's already taking care of Sweetie Belle. I need to help. I want to do the right thing."

"I can respect that. I'm proud of you Spike. A lot of stallions in your position would have run off and ignored their duty." Big Mac told him. "I have to tell you though; I don't think you're gonna' find any work around Ponyville this time of year. Things are pretty slow right now. I'd have you do some work for me around the farm but apple bucking season came early and me, Caramel, and AJ have it nearly done already." He apologized. "How far along is she anyway?"

"Rarity told me her due date is in eight to nine months." Spike told him.

"Well then, you have plenty of time. Give it four or five months and then go lookin' for work again. By then, winter wrap up will be keepin' everypony busy and I'm sure a pony or two will have work for you." The red farm pony said. "In the meantime, you should get back to the library and let everypony know that you're okay and if you haven't already, you had better let Rarity know how you feel. The last thin' you want is for her to think you ran out on her."

"I will but there's just one place I want to try first. Thanks Big Mac, I appreciate it."

"All right but are you sure you're okay to walk? You've had four glasses of this stuff." He asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay. You know, I don't think alcohol affects me as a dragon, I feel fine. It's still good though. I'll see you around Mac."

===============================================================

Rarity sat sobbing on the sofa, surrounded by her friends. "He left, he just left. I don't understand." She cried. "We were just talking. He was worried that we'd never be able to have a family together and when I tell him I'm pregnant he gets up and leaves."

"I'm certain everything is going to be all right Rarity." Emerald told her.

"She's right Rarity. Don't go jumping to conclusions, that's Twilight's job." Pinkie Pie said.

"Hey!" Twilight objected.

"Did Macintosh say anything when you checked with him?" Fluttershy asked.

"I told y'all what he told me. Spike hadn't been to the farm but if he shows up Mac said he'd tell him to come home." Applejack repeated.

Twilight went to answer a loud knock at the front door. Opening the door she found Apple Cider and Sandy waiting on the other side. "Hi boys, is there something I can help you with?"

"Hey Twilight, Peach sent us over here." Cider said.

"She was concerned about Spike. Did you two have a fight or something?" Sandy asked her.

"Spike, you've seen Spike?!" Rarity asked frantically, racing to the door. Sandy jumped behind Apple Cider, using him as a shield against the upset mare. "Where is he?! Where is that no good dragon?!"

"We don't know." Cider told her. "He came in looking for a job. He said he'd been all over town looking for one. Peach told him we didn't have anything open and to try back in a few months when business picks up again, then he left. That’s when Peach told us to come talk to Twilight about it."

"A job, but Spike works here why would he be looking for a job?" Twilight asked.

"Well, Spike told us that you don't pay him and something's come up recently that requires a great deal of money. He left the tavern after that; we don't know where he went." Sandy said from behind his friend.

"But why would he do that? Spike doesn't need a job; I make enough bits for all of us." Rarity said, trying to make sense of the turn of events.

"Uhm, maybe Spike wanted to buy something for the new baby." Fluttershy suggested.

"But if he wanted to do that all he had to do was ask me, I'd have given him the bits." The lavender unicorn said.

"I s'pose I could shed a little light on this." Big Macintosh said as he cantered up to the library. "Cider, Sandy; ya'll best get back to the tavern. I can take it from here." The two stallions gratefully thanked him and galloped off.

"I take it Spike came by the farm lookin' for work?" Applejack asked.

"Eeeyup. That he did and I had to turn him down."

"But why?" Rarity asked.

"I take it he hasn't come back yet then. Well he did say he wanted to check one more place but darn it all he should have been back by now." The red earth pony said.

"Macintosh, please answer my question." Rarity pleaded with him.

"That little dragon of yours has it in his head that he has to support you and the little one. Yeah, he told me about it, congratulations by the way." Macintosh told her.

"But that's, that's ridiculous." Rarity said. "I never expected him to do any such thing, he doesn't have to."

"Drakes." Emerald said, exasperated; covering her face with a hand and shaking her head.

"Well that makes sense." Rainbow Dash said.

"How can that possibly make sense?" Twilight asked. "He doesn't need another job for that. All he's ever had to do was ask. I'm sure something could be worked out."

"Maybe that's the problem Twi. Maybe Spike's tired of having to ask your permission to do everything." Rainbow said.

"What are you talking about?" Twilight asked her.

"Think about it. Spike wants to buy a cupcake; he has to ask you first. If he wants to take Rarity out to dinner, he has to ask you. Now, he's going to be a dad and guess what, he still can't do a thing without checking with you first."

"She's kinda has a point there Twi." Applejack added in. "I know you think of him as a little brother but you have to understand that he's growing up and now he has other responsibilities."

"That he does and I respect what he's trying to do but I told him that nopony was going to hire him since work is kind of slow this time of year." Macintosh said. "I suggested that he go home but it looks like the stubborn little dragon didn't listen."

"Where do you think he went?" Applejack asked.

"No idea sis."

"I have a way of finding him." The Doctor said, heading for the door. "I'll bring him back, I promise."

"You're not going anywhere without me." Rarity demanded.

"Or me." Emerald said

"Or me." Ditzy said hugging the Doctor. "Could you watch my muffin Fluttershy?"

"Yes, I'd love to." Fluttershy said.

"Fine, you can come but the rest have to stay here. We'll be back in no time."

===============================================================

The three ponies and one dragon traveled as fast as they could back to Ditzy Doo's home at the edge of the White Tail Woods. Running around to the back of the mailbox shaped house, they stopped in front of a large blue rectangular box. "Is this it?" Emerald asked. "How is this blue box supposed to find my little brother?"

"Step inside and all your questions will be answered." The Doctor said as he and Ditzy walked in.

"But there can't possibly be room for all of us in there." Rarity protested.

Ditzy poked her head out the door. "Will you two get in here already? We can't do anything till the door closes sillies."

Emerald and Rarity cautiously stepped inside and marveled at the enormity of it all. The room was enormous. All around were ramps leading to a central platform. With all the switches, dials, levers, and other miscellaneous odds and ends, the two visitors could only conclude it was the control center. "How can this be?" Rarity asked. "This can't be possible, it's, it's, smaller on the outside."

"That's what I said!" Ditzy confirmed.

Emerald looked up and saw a spiral staircase leading up and up to an impossible height. "This breaks every law of science I've ever learned."

"Yes well, that's all well and good but we're here to find Spike, not look at the scenery." The doctor said as he ran around the central control panel flipping switches and spinning two wheels then pulled a lever. "There we go, I have a single dragon life sign just north of town."

"Where?" Rarity asked rushing up the ramp.

"Over here, on the screen. Deucedly odd, what's up there? Why would Spike go there?"

"The only thing up there is an old quartz mine. I used to go there all the time for crystals a customer wanted for a gown. It's nearly three in the afternoon, he's probably hungry; he's always hungry this time of day." Rarity informed them.

"Has Spike ever eaten quartz before?" Emerald asked.

"Not to my knowledge. Why? I mean one gem is like any other to a dragon isn't it?" Rarity asked.

"No, quartz crystals aren't like other gems. Most Gems are used for food but quartz; well quartz affects dragons like alcohol affects you. The higher the crystals clarity, the stronger it's effect." Emerald explained. She could see the anxiety building on the white unicorn's face. "I'm sure Spike, as young as he is, doesn't realize what he's doing. All the same he shouldn't be consuming too much, it'd be like a colt drinking a whole bottle of wine by himself."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Where is he again Doctor?" Rarity asked.

"Hold on girls, Doctor's going to take us there in the blue box!" Ditzy said.

"I hardly think this is an occasion to move the TARDIS less than three miles." He said.

"Oh come on, it'll be fun." Ditzy said, snuggling up to him.

The chestnut colored stallion smiled. "Oh okay, what the heck. Hang on ladies!" The Doctor started pulling levers and pushing buttons at random. The strangest of sounds seemed to come from everywhere and then as suddenly as it started, it stopped.

"What, is that it?" Rarity asked.

"Just go out the door. You'll find Spike not far off." The Doctor said.

Emerald cautiously opened the door and stepped out to find her brother sucking on a small piece of rose quartz. "Hey Emmy, what are you doing here!?" The little dragon shouted. "You should really try this stuff, I don't think I've ever tasted gems like these before."

"We're here to take you home Spike." Rarity said, walking out of the TARDIS behind the dragoness.

Spike stared at Rarity for a while. "Pretty pony." He said, drawing out the words. Stumbling to his feet, he staggered over to the unicorn, took her head in his hands and kissed her deeply. "You are the prettiest, sexiest, mare I've ever seen; I mean it. Princess Celestia herself can't hold a candle to you. I love you Rarity"

Rarity was blushing harder than she ever had before. "Oh my, I'm sure it's just the crystals talking." She said as Spike climbed on her back, laying out and hugging her neck.

"That's another way dragons differ from ponies dear." Emerald told her. "When a dragon gets inebriated they drop all pretenses and say exactly what they mean. No false bravado, no understatement of things for the sake of pride or reputation, but the unabashed truth."

"So, what he just said?" The unicorn mare asked.

"The complete and honest truth straight from his little heart." Emerald confirmed.

"Oh Rarity I'd stroke those perfect flanks of yours all day and night if I thought you'd let me."

"Okay, time to go home!" Rarity announced as she carried the half sleeping dragon into the TARDIS.

===============================================================

Spike woke the next morning in his room surrounded by his gems, his sister sleeping on a pile of them in the corner. The small dragon grabbed his head in pain. "Ow, ow, ow,ow. Why does my head hurt so much?"

Emerald sat up on the pile of gems she was using as a bed. "Hey Spike! How's the head!?" She yelled.

"Ow! Not so loud." He complained.

"That'll teach you little brother. Never eat quartz unless you're willing to pay for it the next morning." Emerald told him, a large toothy grin gracing her face. Spike crawled out of bed and started packing gems into a bag. "Hold on now, what are you doing?"

"I have stuff to do. I need to get these gems to a farm northwest of town." Spike informed her.

"How many of them are you taking and why?" She inquired.

"All of them; well not all of them, I'm leaving the purple amethysts and diamonds. I'm taking the rest to a friend's home to sell them."

"But why? Those gems were from Rarity."

"She'll understand. I need the bits and so does she; she just doesn't know it yet. Now, are you going to help me or just sit there and tell me I'm being foolish like everypony else does?" Spike asked her.

"I'll help you only because this appears to be important to you. But while we're going to the farm I want a full explanation."

===============================================================

Emerald quietly helped her brother pack up every ruby, every emerald, and every gem with the exception of two varieties. She pulled three wagons of gems behind her as Spike rode atop her back directing her to their destination. "Top of the morning to you Spike my boy."

"Doctor, what brings you out this morning?" Spike said, as the chestnut colored stallion with wild dark brown hair approached the two dragons.

"Just out for a bit of morning air with Ditzy and Dinky." He explained.

"Hi Miss Dragon; hi Spike. How are you this morning?" Dinky asked.

"Oh, we're just fine little one; except for Spike who's working through a quartz hangover." Emerald explained.

"That reminds me; Spike, may I have a word with you, just a short little chat?" The Doctor asked.

"Sure, no problem I guess."

"Ditzy, why don't you and Dinky go with Emerald? Spike and I will catch up soon." The chestnut stallion suggested.

"No problem Doc." The gray pegasus said. "See you later. Come on Emerald let's go. By the way, do you like muffins?"

The doctor shook his head as the gray mare with a blond mane and tail trotted off next to the dragoness. Her daughter, the little unicorn filly with a mane and tail the same color as her mother, trotted beside her. "That girl and her muffins. I swear one of these days I'm taking her to Beta Kataough Four. The people there all look like muffins, did you know that?" He asked.

"Actually, I don't think you told me about that one Doctor." Spike said.

"Really? I could have sworn I told you about them before. Yeah, muffins, the whole race looks like giant muffins, ever variety you can think of. Only problem is, they eat everything that gets too close to them, even each other. Bit odd isn't it?"

"Knowing Ditzy, she'd probably cause their extinction." Spike said chuckling.

"Most likely."

"Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?" Spike asked as they walked along.

"No. I wanted to talk to you about Rarity. You remember what I told you about me and the TARDIS and everything right?" He asked.

"Yeah, you told me you weren't really a pony like the rest of them; a Time Lord right?" The purple dragon asked.

"That's right; I'm a Time Lord, the last of the Time Lords actually and that's what I needed to talk to you about. I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. You’re not the only man, er, dragon to fall in love with a pony."

"You mean, you and Ditzy; really?" Spike asked, scratching the scales on his head.

"Yes. Imagine my surprise when it finally occurred to me that I was actually falling in love with her. Me, the Doctor, last of the Time Lords, veteran of the last great time war, in love with a pony. Funny isn't it?"

"I guess so, but you're a pony now so I don't see why that would be a problem. I mean; it's not like you've got ponies saying stuff behind your back. You should hear some of the things some ponies have said about Rarity and me when they thought we couldn't hear them."

"You mean things like freak, crazy, stupid, things like that?" The Doctor asked, staring off into space.

"Ponies are really saying stuff like that about you?" The little dragon asked, concerned.

"I wish they were saying it about me, I have a thick skin, I can handle it. I hear them saying those things about Ditzy and it really pisses me off!" He shouted. "They judge her without really taking the time to get to know her. She's such an affectionate, loving, understanding, patient girl. The way she raises her little girl, forget about it. In all of time and space, I've never seen a better mother than her. And what a mind; I tell you what Spike, you give her enough time and that girl will think her way through a brick wall. Do you have any idea how rare that is?" The chestnut pony asked him.

"I guess not, I always thought Ditzy was just a happy mare who didn't let anything bother her. I know Twilight and the others have always liked her, especially Lyra and Bonbon."

"Yes, you and your friends have always been kind to her, with the exception of Rainbow Dash."

"Oh she rubs everypony the wrong way from time to time." Spike explained.

"Yes well, most ponies only see her as the mare with weird eyes that bumps into things. She doesn't mean to but they don't care, all they do is point and laugh at her without a thought to how she might feel."

"So, does Ditzy know how you feel about her?" Spike asked.

"No, or at least I've never said anything. You see Spike; I can't be romantically involved with her. It wouldn't be fair to her. What if I have to leave and I'm never able to come back? What if I get stuck in a parallel dimension?" He said with a sigh. "I couldn't do that to her. She deserves better than that, better than me."

"I know how you feel. I used to be like that myself. A month back, Princess Luna told me during one of my checkups, that it didn't matter what I looked like, or the fact that I was a dragon that would most likely outlive Rarity. She said, Rarity chose me and nopony else and that's what matters. Everything else is pointless." Spike informed him. "Think about that Doctor. Think about telling her and consider the possibility that she feels the same way."

"Hey now, who's supposed to be counseling who?" The Doctor asked with a smile on his face.

"Sorry about that"

"Not at all old boy, now what do you say we catch up with the girls before Ditzy talks your sister to death?" The Doctor asked, tossing Spike onto his back and galloping down the road.

And Many Happy Returns

Rarity knocked on the door to the library, planning to have a nice long talk with her little dragon. "Good Morning Rarity." Twilight said when she answered the door. "I take it you came to talk with Spike?"

"Yes, he and I have a lot to talk about. Is he awake yet?" She asked.

"I don't think so. I haven't seen him come down yet. I bet he's sleeping off those crystals from yesterday." Twilight said. "Come on, let's go wake him up."

Rarity followed the lavender unicorn up to Spike’s room and gently knocked on his door. "Spike darling, are you awake, Spike?" There was no answer. "I'm just going to pop my head in." The white unicorn silently stepped into the room to find it devoid of her dragon. The only thing she immediately saw was his empty bed, a scroll addressed to her resting on it.

"Is everything all right Rarity?" Twilight asked. Walking into the room she found Rarity sitting on the bed reading the letter.

"Dearest Rarity,

First I want you to know that I love you, never doubt that. I had to go out of town for a little while but I will be back later this afternoon. Emerald is with me. There's so much I want to talk to you about but it will have to wait until I return. Please be patient with me.

Always yours, Spike."

"Gone again," Rarity said. "One of these days, I'm going to have to glue his feet to the floor."

"Hey Rarity, didn't you give Spike a bunch of different gems yesterday?" Twilight asked her.

"Why yes, I gave him a wide assortment of gems; enough to fill four carts. Why do you ask?"

"Well, it seems that most of them are gone. Look around; the only gems left are diamonds and purple amethysts. All the others are gone." Twilight stated. "You don't think he could have eaten them do you?"

Rarity got up and walked around the room noting the lack of gems. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a bundle of scrolls sticking out from beneath Spike's bed. "Darling, even a dragon with Spike’s appetite couldn't have eaten all of them over the span of a single night."

The white unicorn pulled out the scrolls and started looking through them. "What do you have there?" Twilight asked.

"They're blue prints." She unfurled the bottom right corner and saw the date and project code written there. "Twilight, these are the plans for the Boutique, my Boutique. Why in Equestria would Spike have these?"

"All these scrolls are building plans. Each of them is a separate room and they're very detailed but I have no idea what they have in common." The lavender unicorn said.

"You don't think Spike took these do you?" Rarity asked.

"No, well, not all of them anyway." She said. "Look at these plans here; they're the originals for the Carousel Boutique. Now look at these scrolls over here. Each one of them have Spike’s signature as the planner. I think he drew these."

"I didn't know Spike could draw and design like this." The white unicorn said with surprise.

"Well, I've asked him to draw diagrams in some of my letters to the Princess, but those were just copies of ones I had on a blackboard. I guess he's gotten pretty good at making his own. He must have been planning this for months." Twilight reached for the last two scrolls and opened them. "And now I think I know why." Twilight laid out the final two scrolls in front of Rarity. They depicted and exploded view of a large two story building. The lower floor was a clothier's workspace and storefront while the upstairs was a home consisting of a kitchen, dining room, living room, utility room, two bathrooms, a master bedroom and two smaller rooms. In the bottom right corner of the page was written, Home/Business of Rarity Filigree.

"This, this is my home. At least that's what it looks like but it's so much bigger. This is at least three or four times the size of the current shop. Spike drew this for me?" She asked slightly confused.

"I think Spike was anticipating your relationship going further and worked on this in the hopes that you and he would live together." A sudden bolt of revelation struck Twilight. "That's it! Spike was working on this in the hopes that your relationship would grow. When you told him you were pregnant, all he could think of were these plans. I'm certain, deep down Spike knows he's too young to really provide for you but I think he's trying to raise the money to give you this, a home for you, him, Sweetie Belle, and your foal."

"Then, the gems…"

"I think he's taken them to sell. He can't find a job, not for some time, so he's taking the only possession he has of value and selling them to raise the bits. It doesn't make sense though. Why would he take all the gems but leave these two types behind?"

Rarity smiled. "They're us Twilight, the diamonds and amethysts, it's me and Spike. He left them here, together, as a message to me. It was his way of letting me know that no matter what, he was coming back." Rarity said, wiping a tear from her eye. The white unicorn walked out of the room, levitating the blueprints behind her. "I'll wait for him here at the library, but in the meantime, I'll be studying these."

===============================================================

Spike and Emerald waved goodbye to Pinkie's two younger sisters as they walked away from the rock quarry the pink pony grew up on. "They were nice." Emerald commented.

"Yeah, Pinkie's sisters are pretty cool. I still can't believe how many bits they gave me for all those gems." He said indicating the cart full of bits his sister was pulling. "I should have just enough to carry out my plan."

"And what plan might that be little brother? You never told me what you needed all this money for." Emerald inquired.

"I'm going to give Rarity a present. It's a gift for her, Sweetie Belle and now for the baby too." Spike said.

"Are you going to tell me what it is or are you going to make me guess?" The dragoness asked.

"It's a home. Rarity lives in her shop and since Sweetie Belle moved in they've been sharing the space above the store’s main showroom. She works so hard she deserves a real home so I got a hold of the shop’s original plans and I used them to design a new home for her, a real home. I had planned on waiting a while to give this to her but with the baby coming; I need to do this sooner."

"That's pretty ambitious little brother. Have you told Rarity about it?"

"No, not yet. I don't know how to broach the subject but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Until I do, could you help me hide all these bits at the library? I don't want her to find out until the plans are finished." Spike told her.

"Sure thing,” she said.

===============================================================

As the two dragons approached the library from the back allies, so as not to be spotted hauling around a cart full of bits, Rarity rushed out the door to greet him. "Spikey!" She called out, tackling the small dragon to the ground, smothering him with soft quick little kisses all over his face. "Spike I missed you so much. Emerald would you be a dear and bring that cart inside."

"No problem Rarity. Twilight, could you give me a hand, err hoof?"

"Of course," she said, giggling at the dragoness’ slip in vernacular.

"Spike, we have a lot to talk about and you are not getting away from me this time." Rarity used her mouth to pick the dragon up by the end of his tail and happily trotted into the library with her precious cargo.

Rarity dropped the dragon onto one of the seats around the reading pit and sat down next to him. On the table in front of them were Spike's plans spread out across its surface. "When Twilight and I were looking for you, I found your letter and I found these as well. Spike, what is all this? Why do you have the construction plans for my home?" Rarity asked him.

"They're not done yet." The young dragon said, leafing through the plans. "You weren't supposed to see these until your birthday. It was going to be my present to you. I figured six months would be plenty of time to raise the money but then everything changed."

"Spike, I appreciate this but you don't have to do this for me." She reassured him.

"Yes, yes I do." He said, looking away from her, not able to face the pony he loved. "The Princesses told me that it didn't matter what our differences were. All that mattered was how we felt about each other. That's all well and good but there are times when I still think you deserve better. You deserve somepony who can take care of you, somepony that can provide for you and Sweetie Belle, and I'm neither. This was the best I could do. I thought that if nothing else I can give this to you, prove that at the very least I can give you a real home, and not just a couple of rooms above your store."

Rarity grabbed the small dragon and forced him to look at her. "Now you see here you stubborn little dragon. I have never asked you for anything or demanded anything from you until now. Spike, I don't ever want to hear you devalue yourself again. You are one of the most important things in my life. I don't know what I’d do without you." The two lovers hugged each other tightly, tears of happiness streamed down their faces. Pulling back from the embrace, Rarity looked down at his cuddly face and bright shining eyes. Leaning in again she kissed the small dragon lightly on the lips.

"Are we interrupting anything?" Spike and Rarity looked up to see Twilight, Emerald, and Princess Celestia standing just inside the doorway.

"Princess!" The two lovers shouted in unison. Rarity and Spike separated to either end of the couch, each blushing wildly. "I'm sorry Princess, we didn't expect you, please excuse what you saw." Rarity said.

"It's quite all right." Celestia said with a small smile. "I've come because a friend of mine seems to be having a little trouble as of late."

"I'm sorry your majesty, I didn't mean for you to get any further involved in my problems. Both you and Princess Luna have done so much for me already." The small dragon said.

"Funny you should mention my sister. When Twilight sent me a letter informing me of everything that had been happening since your return to Ponyville, it was Luna that suggested a course of action that I think will work out for all parties involved."

"Princess, just out of curiosity, where is Princess Luna? I thought she'd want to be here since she took such an interest in Spike’s problem." Twilight asked, trying not to sound too expectant.

"Luna said she had some important research to do. She sends her apologies." Celestia said. "Back to the matter at hoof; Twilight, it has been decided to increase the stipend you receive from the treasury. The increase should be more than enough for you to pay Spike a fair wage for the work he performs for you and here at the library. Spike, I appreciate that you want to do this on your own but I need you to understand how important your assistance to Twilight is. I would consider it a personal favor, if you continue your work with her. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes your majesty. Thank you. This is more than I could have hoped for." Spike said, hugging Rarity tightly.

Princess Celestia walked next to the table and quickly perused the blueprints. "Spike, did you draw these?"

"Yes your majesty, it's a gift for Rarity and the baby." The young dragon informed her.

"Baby, what Baby?" The Princess inquired.

Rarity swallowed hard. Telling her friends was one thing but telling the ruler of Equestria was quite another. Rarity's heart rate increased as her anxiety swelled. Spike could see her begin the sweat and shake. He stroked her mane slowly in an attempt to calm her. The white unicorn mare looked down at the little dragon smiling back at her, his eyes radiating the love and concern he felt for her. She turned to face the Princess’s questioning gaze. "Yes your highness; I'm pregnant and Spike is the father. While he was a pony, we were, intimate. As a result I'm now carrying his foal."

"Just as I suspected, and I couldn't be happier for you both. Although, I wish Twilight had been a little more complete in her last letter." Twilight smiled awkwardly. "As much as I’d love to stay and catch up with each of you, I fear I must be going. I wish you all the best, and Spike?"

"Yes Princess?"

"Instead of building a completely new second floor; have the current boutique lifted and placed on top of the newly built first floor. The two rooms up at the top can serve as an attic storage space and the old shop can be cleared and rebuilt as the new living space. That should cut down on building cost and complete the new building in half the time." She suggested.

Spike studied the plans carefully. "You're right Princess. Doing it that way would cut the cost almost in half. Thank you, thank you so much for your help."

"It's my pleasure Spike." The Princess said with a smile. "Do let me know when the baby is born, I'd like to pay another visit and see him or her if I could."

"Of course your majesty, you are always most welcome in our home." Rarity said.

"Our home?" Spike asked.

"Yes darling; our home." She said, pulling the little dragon close to her. The Princess smiled at the loving couple one last time before departing back to Canterlot.

===============================================================

Spike couldn't believe how fast eight months could pass. The new boutique had been finished a week before and with all the bits they saved from construction, not only were they able to buy all new furnishings for their home, but Rarity was able to completely stock and set up her new studio and the main sales floor with the best and the latest of dress making equipment. The upstairs apartment was completely different from its old life as a store. Their home had an open space design to allow for the best possible air circulation. The kitchen, washroom and laundry room were off to the left of the front door while three bedrooms and bathroom made up the right half of the second floor. Sandwiched in between was a large family room furnished with sofas, a radio, and an oval coffee table in the center. Spike was back in the master bedroom with Rarity, resting after an exhausting night with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. There was a loud knock at the front door. Rarity moved to get up but Spike held out a claw to stop her. "It's okay, I'll get it; you just rest here." He said.

"Spike, I'm pregnant, not disabled. I can do things for myself you know." She argued.

"I know but it's kind of hard for you to get up and the baby's due anytime now. I don't want you exerting yourself if you don't have to."

The white unicorn kissed her dragon lover. "That's very sweet of you darling but I'm fine, I promise. This foal isn't coming for a while yet. The doctor said it'd be at least another month so don't worry."

"Well, I'm already up so I'll go see who it is anyway." He said, running out of the bedroom. Spike reached the door as somepony knocked again. On the other side of the door stood all five of his dearest friends. "What are you guys doing here? Is everything okay?" He asked concerned.

Pinkie bounced into the front room, shaking all over like she'd been on a sugar bender. "My pinkie sense is going nuts. It's telling me something really really important is happening here. It's not quite a doozy but it's still acting like its super important." She said in between shaking fits.

"Little miss spaz, has been bouncing all over town telling us we had to follow her." Rainbow Dash said grumpily, as the rest of the ponies entered into the living room.

"I'm sure Pinkie Pie has a very good reason for gathering us Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said softly.

"But I was in the middle of flight practice when she tackled me to the ground." The cyan blue pegasus argued.

"You practice every day Rainbow, it ain’t like one day missed practice is gonna' hurt anythin'." Applejack said.

"Sorry to barge in on you and Rarity, Spike." Twilight apologized. "Pinkie was rather insistent that we come over. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. Me and Rarity just finished cleaning up after the girls' sleepover and we were taking a nap. Then you guys came over." He explained.

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom raced into the house. "What's going on Spike? Is there anything we can do to help?" Scootaloo asked.

"Spiiiiiiike!" Rarity yelled from the back room.

The small purple dragon ran back to the master bedroom to find Rarity in a panic, the red satin bed sheets around her soaked. "What's the matter, are you alright?" He asked concerned.

"My water broke. Spike, the foal’s coming; it's too early!" She cried out.

Twilight and the others rushed into the room. "What's going on Spike?" She asked, worried.

"Twilight, Rarity's water broke and it's nearly a month too early. What should we do?" The purple dragon said fearfully.

Fluttershy knew that every moment counted as she started uncharacteristically barking out orders. "Twilight, please, go to the hospital and get the doctor quickly!"

Pinkie seemed to blow up like a balloon then settled down to her normal appearance. "I guess that was it." She said smiling.

"Now isn't the time for jokes Pinkie." Applejack said. "Is there anythin' we can do Shy?"

"Yes, I'll need you here but Pinkie, could you look after the girls, they really shouldn't be here right now."

"Sure thing." The pink party pony said as she started to gather up the three young ponies.

"But why can't we stay?" The three fillies complained.

Spike approached the three girls and placed a hand on Sweetie Belle's shoulder. "Sweetie, I really need you to go in the other room with your friends. I promise I'll explain everything later."

"Okay." She said dejectedly. Pinkie ushered them out the door and into the living room.

"Can I help?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes, I need you to go get a cloud filled with water, quickly."

"Fast is what I do Shy. Be right back." Dash said as she flew out the bedroom window.

"Applejack; you and I are the only ponies I know with any experience birthing. Until Twilight gets back with the doctor, you and I are going to have to help Rarity. I know it's not the same as helping one of your sheep but you're the best option right now, I'd say we should get her to a hospital but I don't think we should move her right now." Fluttershy said with a confidence that was normally out of character for her. "Rarity, are you okay with this? I know it's a lot to ask right now but I want to be sure that you don't mind."

Rarity was breathing heavily after her last contraction. "I trust you Fluttershy; you too Applejack. All you girls are my very best friends."

"Is there any way I can help?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, you can get your tail up there with Rarity and help her through this. Havin' a foal ain’t always the easiest thin', sometimes it can be pretty hard on the mare." Applejack told him as he climbed on the bed next to his marefriend.

"Just hold her hoof and help her through this Spike. Applejack and I will do the best we can." Fluttershy reassured them both.

A powerful contraction quaked through Rarity's body. The white unicorn cried out, as the muscles in her abdomen seemed to catch fire. "Hold on Rarity." Spike said, hugging her as tightly as he could.

Rainbow Dash came charging through the window with a small cloud in the shape of a basin, filled to the brim with fresh rainwater. "Is this okay?" She asked.

"That's perfect Rainbow." Fluttershy said as she climbed on the bed. She quickly washed her hooves in the cloud basin and moved the unicorn's tail out of the way. "Oh my, you're already fully dilated, this shouldn't be happening so fast. I wish Twilight would hurry back with the doctor." Another contraction ripped through Rarity. She cried out as the contraction washed over her, tightening her embrace of the little purple dragon in her hooves

"I'm not sure what to do, this is happenin’ much too fast." The farm pony said, concerned. “I’ve never seen anythin’ like this on the farm. Where is Twilight with that doctor?”

"Applejack, I don't think this foal is going to wait for the doctor, it wants to be born and it wants to be born now." The yellow pegasus said. "Rarity when the next contraction comes I want you to push hard okay?"

"I'll do the best I can." Rarity said, breathing hard.

The next contraction came hard and fast. "Push, Rarity; push as hard as you can." Fluttershy encouraged her. The contraction eased off and Rarity was able to breathe again. Her whole body was trembling.

Spike held her tighter. "I'm here for you Rarity."

The white unicorn smiled down at the little purple dragon she held in her hooves. Another hard contraction racked her body.

"Push Rarity, oh, I can see the nose. Push hard." Fluttershy said excitedly. The white unicorn pushed as hard as she could. First the nose then the head of the new foal was pushed out.

"We're almost there Rarity. On the next contraction I need you to give it all you've got." Applejack encouraged her. The next contraction came fast and painful. Rarity cried out as she pushed the foal further out. As soon as Fluttershy saw the little hooves she hooked her own front hooves under the foal’s front legs and gently pulled the baby from Rarity's body.

With a flash of light, Twilight appeared in the room with Doctor Stable from Ponyville Hospital. "Sorry it took so long, the hospital was dealing with an emergency."

The sudden noise and flash of light from Twilight's entrance startled the foal and it began to cry fervently. "Well Twilight, it looks like your friends were able to cope without me, but if it's all the same I'd like to take a look at the foal." The caramel colored, unicorn physician walked over to the bed and inspected the crying foal cradled in Fluttershy's forelegs. After a while the doctor picked up the foal from Fluttershy, cut the umbilical with his magic and set the foal down between Rarity and Spike. "Congratulations you two, it's a boy; a unicorn as well. Despite being a little underweight, your foal appears to be healthy."

"Thanks Doctor Stable, we appreciate your help." Spike said.

"What are you thanking me for, I didn't do much. To be honest Spike, when you two first told me that you were the father, I thought you were pulling my leg. But I guess having a curse turn you into a pony makes all the difference. All the same, I'd like you to bring the little guy by the hospital so we can get all the information for the birth certificate; any idea what you're going to name him?"

Rarity brushed the short, wispy, royal purple mane out of the foal’s face, careful not to knock her hoof against his small, light purple horn. "I was thinking of naming him Garnet." She said.

Spike lightly kissed her cheek. "I think Garnet is a great name."