Equivalent Exchange
Preface:
Hidden Power
“Ponydom cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange."
- The book of Equivalent Exchange.
Twilight had gone to Canterlot for the weekend on royal princess training. She was worried about leaving Spike all by himself, but the teenage drake had convinced her that he, and the library, would be fine alone. She left just the day before, the day before it all began.
And that, my dear reader, is where our story beings. With Spike dusting an older bookshelf in the back of the library. A task that he had done many a time.
“Its amazing how *Cough* I dust these books everyday, and yet, they always get dusty the next day. Not that I'm complaining or anything.” He rolled his eyes.
Sarcasm had become a norm for Spikes personalty during his teenage years. For a teenage pony, sarcasm was expected. Same with Spike. But being a dragon, everything seemed to double in extremity. But Twilight always made sure that Spike didn't over do it.
After dusting the books. Spike used his strength to pull the bookshelf out. Now he was able to clean behind said bookshelf.
“Buck! I just cleaned behind this thing yesterday.” Spike covered his nose with a claw. The dust was starting to get to him. But on another note, you are probably wondering what Spike looks like as a teenager.
Well about two years ago. When Spike had turned fourteen. He hit a growth spurt. His body grew larger, just over the size of the average stallion. He was even larger when on two legs. But being heaver Spike now walked on all fours. His wings also grew in. They were small at first, but over the next two years they grew to his size. Though he wasn't as fast as Rainbow Dash, Spike still could get up to great speeds.
Spike started off the job by dusting the back of the bookshelf. Once done, Spike continued on the wall.
“How much *cough* dust *cough* is behind here!” Spikes nose started to tickle. He could feel a sneeze coming on, but before he could cover his nose, he sneezed a green ball of flame right at the wall!
“Oh buck!” Spike ran to the bathroom, got a bucket of water and returned to the wall, pouring all the water on the fire it was extinguished. He sighed in relief. “That.. That was a close one."
But something caught the dragon's eye. Right where the fire was put out, there was a hole the in the wall. At first glance anyone would think that it was made by the fire. But, upon closer inspection, Spike saw what appeared to be a small room.
“What in the name of-” His voice caught dead in his throat. When Spike reached his claw into the hole he felt a book like object.
Pulling it out Spike realized that it, was in fact, a book.
The book was old. Very old. And also huge. Not in size, but in pages. It was black. And the title of the black book was named: Equivalent Exchange. It had no author.
Another thing that caught Spikes eye was a metal chain around it. Making an X like cross that Spike guessed was used for keeping ponies out. Unfortunately for the book, Spike was no pony.
Using his sharp claws, Spike cut off the chain in one fast swipe. The only thing keeping Spike away from reading the old book was now gone.
“Now lets see what your all about.” Spike opened to the first page. “Huh. Chapter one: What is Alchemy?”.
'Alchemy? Now where have I heard that word before?' Spike thought with a claw taping his chin. 'Odd, but, whatever'.
“Alchemy is not only a power, but an art as well." Spike read. "The proper application of this craft requires not only a full understanding of chemistry and ancient alchemical theory, but also a sort of natural talent towards recognizing and manipulating the physical objects with energy, which require uncommon levels of intelligence and aptitude. Those few remarkable individuals capable of studying and practicing alchemy are known as 'Alchemists'."
'Chemistry...', Spike thought. 'Why, I can do that! All those years living with Twilight, and her crazy experiments might pay off after all!'
A smiled appeared on his face.
'But, its also said that you need to know ancient alchemical theory. And, to have also a natural talent towards recognizing and manipulating objects with energy. But I have no clue what any of that means. Better keep reading on...'
A few hours pasted and Spike quickly delved deeper into what the book had to say. It told him that there was an invisible energy in the world and that, with Alchemy, can be manipulated into anything.
But to do so, you need to used the first law of Equivalent Exchange.
“Ponykind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange” The book had told him.
After a day of reading. Spike was hooked onto what the book had to say: Alchemy is almost like magic. But go's much deeper into your soul. Everything in the world is bound to the law of Equivalent Exchange. Anything can be changed, fixed, broken, or created with this law. But remember, you can not create something without first giving something of equal value in return.
Spike closed the book. “Well...” Spike didn't know what to say.
If all this was true than that meant that there was an ancient power in this world, that only a few thousand or more could do, called Alchemy. And that it was far more powerful than any kind of magic use today.
“Man. Twilight is going to be so pissed!” Spike laughed.
Then Spike looked at the clock. “Wow.. 1:30am. I spent the whole day reading. I'd better stop for now before I start acting like Twilight.” He laughed again but soon turned his attention to the book before his claws. “I wonder...” He whispered.
The book had only told him so much so far. He had stopped on chapter one, the next chapter would tell him about how to use Alchemy. But then he remembered that only a certain few were capable of practicing it. He wondered if he was one of those few...
Putting his claws to the wooden floor he concentrated hard. He didn't even know If this was how you gone about doing Alchemy. He had not gotten that far in the book yet. But something inside him said that this was the way to do it. So he listened.
At first nothing happened. But then a small red spark shot out from his claws.
“Ahhh!” Spike screamed and fell backwards.
It didn't hurt, but just shocked the drake. Siting back up. Spike thought that nothing had happened. But a closer look as the smoke cleared made him think differently.
There! Right were he had placed his claws and where the red bolt of lighting had sparked. The wood to the floor had changed. Now, a little miniature wooden dragon was in its place. It looked like a child's toy.
Spike picked up the wooden toy. “Huh...” was all he said.
It was a far cry from the kind of Alchemy he would do in the future. But it was a start....
Author's Note
Better be careful Spike. Alchemy can be very dangerous if used wrongly. Also, What?! Spike didn't use a transmutation circle? But that would mean...
But anyway! how do you people like this new story idea? I've just started watching the anime show, after I finished Attack on Titan, and so far I'm in love! So that's where I got the idea from. :)
Saving mares and Beating wood
Equivalent Exchange
Chapter One:
Saving mares and Beating wood
"Spike, what is this?" asked Twilight, holding a wooden dragon toy in her magic.
Spike looked up from his book and shrugged.
"I don't no," said Spike, returning to his book," Maybe one of the foals from town dropped it here when they checked out their books yesterday."
'That's odd? I thought I had gotten rid of that toy one year ago.' Thought Spike.
Twilight hummed in thought. Then she noticed the book Spike was reading.
"Spike, what book is that? I don't think I've every seen it here before-"
*Knock! Knock! Knock!*
She was cut off by knocks at the door, much to Spikes relief.
Twilight looked to the door, and then back to Spike. She sighed in defeat and answered the door.
Spike smiled behind the black book.
It had been one whole year after the drake had discovered the book called: Equivalent Exchange, and his powers had grown at an alarming rate. In the first month he had read the book completely and practiced the basics of alchemy. Then in the following months he began to practice more and more difficult stages of alchemy.
By the end of the year, Spike had become a great alchemist. But he was far from a master, and from learning all the secrets that the book had hidden within.
To be truthful, all of that was easy. The hard part was keeping his powers hidden from Twilight and Ponyville, and from an increasingly affection Rainbow Dash.
Heck! the only pony that he told about his new powers was Scootaloo, but that was another story....
Twilight opened the door and (Not surprisingly) Rainbow Dash was on the other side.
Rainbow Dash smiled and Twilight returned the friendly gesture.
"Yo whats up, Twilight!" Dash pushed her way inside. Then she noticed Spike. "Hey big guy! What you reading?"
Spike released a green flame from his mouth and sent the book away. Earning a confused expression from Dash. Then he looked up and smiled.
"Oh nothing, just something about the magic of friendship." Spike got up and wrapped his arm around the mare. Making Dash blush. "But more importantly, whats my favorite rainbow mare been up to?"
Dash pushed him away and flew into the air. Still blushing.
"What? can't I come to the library and return a book without being integrated!"
Spike raised an eyebrow.
"Okay first off." Spike crossed his arms. "Dash you don't have a book with you, and second, I only asked you one question... and also, why are you blushing. Are you just happy to see me?"
Spike stuck out his tongue.
Dash landed onto the ground and covered her face with a wing, and growled.
Spike laughed from Rainbow Dash's embarrassment. Dash rolled her eyes and turned to Twilight. She then pulled out a book from her wing and gave it to the librarian mare.
"Here! this is the BOOK that I rented a week ago!" Dash stuck out her tongue at Spike.
Twilight tilted her head.
"But Dash, this is just a menu for a fast food rest- MMM."
Dash stuck her hoof into Twilight muzzle. She laughed nervously.
"Haha.. oh Twilight, your soooo funny!"
Without another word, Rainbow Dash took to the air and flew to the door. She turned back and smiled at Spike.
"By Spike, I'll see you tomorrow at flying practice okay."
Then she zoomed out of the library.
Once Twilight got the taste of hoof out of her mouth, she tuned to Spike and giggled.
"You know she likes you, right?"
Spike grinned.
"I know."
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Spike flew at his full wing mass through the sky's above Ponyville fields.
He had to be quick, Rainbow Dash hatted it when he was late for practice. Even though he had to rush, he was still enjoying his morning flight.
Until...
"HELP ME!"
Spikes ears perked up. He stopped and hovered in place. Then he turned his attention to the Everfree Forest.
That voice sounded really familiar. It almost sounded like...
"SOMEPONY! BUCKING HELP ME!"
Yep.... that's Scootaloo.
Without wasting anymore time, Spike flapped his wings and dashed to the forest.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Spike landed in a clearing inside the Everfree Forest. His eyes widened from the site.
Scootaloo's left wing was trapped underneath a large rock. She was screaming as three timberwolfs surrounded her.
"Yo! wood-for-brains, over here!" Teased Spike.
The timberwolfs stopped their growing and turned to Spike. Scootaloo also stopped screaming and noticed the drake standing there.
Her eyes widened with hope.
"Spike, its so good to see you." She smiled. Then screamed. "Now get me the hell out of here!"
Spike rolled his eyes, and placed his claws together. Then placing them onto the ground as a red spark erected from the grass. And from the ground a long, metal spear came up.
"Yea, yea. Just keep your feathers in place, scoots." He gripped the spear with a claw, and spun it around his body with expert skills. The timberwolfs actuality took a step back in fear.
Spike grinned "Come and get it."
It took a moment, but the wolfs soon got their courage back. They all slowly sounded the drake in a predator fashion. Showing their fangs the timberwolfs got ready for their attack.
"Spike, be careful!" Yelled Scootaloo in worry for her friend.
Spike didn't pay any attention to her. He was to adsorbed in the moment.
There was a long since as Spike and the wolfs stared at each other. The only sounds in the forest were the grass crunching beneath the paws of the timberwolfs.
Until...
"Rarrr!" The first timberwolf pounced.
Spike quickly spun around, and stabbed the timberwolf in the gut. It cried out in pain. Then the drake flung it's body into a tree. Smashing the wooden wolf into many pieces.
He didn't have time to celebrate though, because the second timberwolf pounced.
The wolf was to close to jab it with a spear. So Spike grabbed the wolf with his claws and punched it in the muzzle. The timberwolf snarled and bit into his claw.
"Ah!" Spike hissed with pain. Then he continued to fight with the large timberwolf.
Scootaloo gasped as she saw the last timberwolf slowly sneaking behind the distracted drake. She couldn't let Spike get anymore hurt. So quickly she grabbed a nearby rock with her free wing and through it at the timberwolfs head.
"Haha! take that bitch!" Cheered the pegasus.
Her happiness quickly disappeared when the timberwolf shook off the pain and turned its attention to her.
"Shit..." Her eyes widened. The wolf started getting closer. "Um.. Spike? Help, Please!"
Spike transferred his gaze to the screaming mare as his timberwolf continued snapping at his neck. His eyes also widened at the site.
Quickly turning back to his own fight, Spike unleashed a hail of fire onto the timberwolf. Burning the beast into ashes.
Turning around he placed his claws onto the ground, and a red lighting spark was sent underneath the timberwolf.
The timberwolf stopped its advance and looked underneath itself....
Just as a large rock pillar shot from beneath it. Sending the magical beast high into the sky and far, far away.
Spike sighed in victory, then looked over to a grinning Scootaloo.
"Spike... That. Was. Awesome!" She squealed. Then bushed. "I mean, yea, Like whatever.... I could have done that."
Spike crossed his arms.
"Okay, maybe I couldn't do that, but I could still kick ass!" Boasted the young mare.
The drake laughed and shook his head.
"Shoots, you'll never change." He walked over to her and used his alchemy to release her from the rock. Once free she lost her balance and tripped.
But Spike was there to catch her.
She blushed in his strong arms as he looked down at her and winked.
"And please... don't change."
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
Unannounced to them, Rainbow Dash was hovering high above in the clouds and had witnessed the entire fight unfold. She was worried moments before, because Spike was taking longer than normal to get to flight training. So Dash had went looking for the drake, but wasn't expecting anything like the craziness that she had just witnessed.
So filled with confusion and shock, Rainbow Dash did the only thing she could think of....
She flew to Twilight's.
This would not end well for our drake....
Back on the ground, Spikes dragon ears perked up. He could sense that someone had seen him. He couldn't let that pony, or whoever, get away, in fear that Twilight would find out.
"Sorry Scoots, but I have to go. Are you sure that you can make it home safely, is your wing hurting?" Asked Spike, placing his claw on her shoulder.
She smirked, with a light blush. "Of course I'll be fine. I'm Scootaloo the awesome, baby!"
She flew into the air and did three back flips. Once done she grinned down at the drake.
Spike shook his head, sighing. "You know Scoots, from how quickly your wing healed, I'm starting to expect that you somehow... planed for all this to happen." He winked at her. "You don't have to be in danger for me to talk to you, you know?"
She blushed madly, and then flew off back to Ponyville in a huff. Not even saying goodby, she was so embarrassed.
Spikes smile fell and he opened his wings and took flight. He needed to catch whoever saw him, and quickly!...
