Somepony to Love

Chapters

Chapter 1: A failed confession (properly edited)
Chapter 2: Whatever it takes (properly edited)
Chapter 3: A Riddle and a potion (properly edited)
Chapter 4: Cutie Mark Crusaders to the rescue (properly edited)
Chapter 5: Can anypony find me? (properly edited)
Chapter 6: An emergency meeting (properly edited)
Chapter 7: The art of courtship (properly edited)
Chapter 8: A fresh start (properly edited)
Chapter 9: BIG (properly edited)
Chapter 10: Reflections (properly edited)
Chapter 12: The new pony in town
Chapter 13: Stalker
Chapter 14: Sisters
Chapter 11: Discord (properly edited)

Chapter 1: A failed confession (properly edited)

In a world filled with magic and wonder, there is a far away land called Equestria, which is ruled by two majestic pony princesses. Princess Celestia, a white alicorn, was a wise, graceful and benevolent leader who was universally loved and adored by all. Her royal duty was to raise the sun each day for her subjects. Her younger sister, Luna, the co-ruler of the land, was responsible for raising the moon as well as being the watcher of the night. I am sure many of you fillies know of Luna's transformation into Nightmare Moon, and her reformation thanks to a certain group of ponies, but this story is not about them nor the city in which they reside, Canterlot.

Our story begins in a tiny village just a train ride away from the nation's capital, called Ponyville. A quaint, little town famous for its sweet apples and friendly ponyfolk. It was not a grand city like Manehattan or Fillidephia, but it was the home of the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. Princess Twilight and her friends were known throughout the land as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. They are the Mane 6, the defenders and heroes of Equestria. Since the defeat of Tirek, Princess Twilight and her friends have been tasked by Princess Celestia to spread the Magic of Friendship.

But this story is not about them either. It is about one of their friends.

His name is Spike. A young dragon who has unassumingly played a much larger role in the fate of this world on more than one occasion.

I hope you fillies are willing to listen to his story, for it is a simple story. A story of his quest to find his place in this world of ponies and to find the one he is destined to be with.

It was a clear sunny day. A good day. A brilliant day, for this would be the day where all this young dragon's dreams were going to come true. He just knew it.

After completing his chores, Spike the Dragon had spent the morning cleaning and shining his purple and green scales, preparing himself for this moment. All the while, Princess Twilight Sparkle looked on her faithful assistant with pride and apprehension. Just outside the castle walls of their home, near the center of town was the Carousel Boutique. It was there that he was to find what his heart longed for, the Town's beautiful seamstress, Rarity. He went into the kitchen, grabbing a boutique of red roses and proceeded on with his quest.

"I'm off Twilight. Wish me luck," said the purple dragon as he began walking with a skip in each step.

She nodded with a gentle smile. Deep inside she had mixed feelings; hopeful yet worried as to how the mare would respond. Despite her concerns however she stood by and decided to remain supportive. "Good luck, Spike."

Since he first arrived in Ponyville, Spike had harbored a deep crush for the white unicorn with her blue crystal eyes and luscious violet curls. Whilst most of the Town's inhabitants (and probably the mare of his affections herself) were fully aware of the young Dragon's feelings, nopony said anything. They simply dismissed it as nothing more than a childish crush. A feeling that would more than likely go away over time and be nothing more. Twilight was the only pony to try and warn Spike that his affections may not be reciprocated but he didn't care. He didn't care what anypony thought. He knew what he felt, and it felt right.

He soon arrived at his destination. The young dragon gulped.

This is it, he said to himself. This is going to me the moment where our relationship starts and love blooms in its full glory.

Drawing a deep breath, flowers in claw, he knocks on her door. As he waited patiently for her to arrive, he started to recite the speech that he had prepared earlier. The speech that would help him win her heart. He continued to wait a little bit longer, but unsure if his presence was known, he nervously knocked again and called out, "umm ... Hello ... Hello, is anypony there?"

A few seconds later, he could hear shouting between two mares and what sounded like the breaking of glass behind the closed door. Concerned he moved closer, leaning his ear to the door to hear what was going on. At that precise moment however it opened, causing spike to lose his balance and he quickly fell flat on his face, the flowers falling to one side.

"Jeez Rarity, it was one time- Oh hello, Spike. What are you doing there? ... and on the floor? Are you okay?"

He groaned and looked up. Standing before him was Rarity's younger sister, Sweetie Belle. Thinking that she was a rather cute filly in her own right, he stared blankly at her before remembering why he was there. Quickly picking himself (and the flowers) up, he tried to recover from a rather awkward moment. "Nothing, I ... umm," panicking he tried to think of an excuse but instead cleared his throat with his goal is mind. "Is Rarity home?" He asked rather hopefully.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and groaned rather audibly. "Yes she is. Careful though, she’s in a particular mood."

"THAT'S BECAUSE YOU USED ALL MY GOLDEN SILK!" Rarity shouted from inside, making her way to the door.

"Oh my gosh! RARITY, THAT WAS YEARS AGO! THAT MOTH RIDDEN MATERIAL IS PROBABLY UNDER ALL THAT RUBBISH IN YOUR ROOM," shrieked Sweetie Belle.

"SWEETIE BELLE, YOU KNOW THA- Oh hello Spike," Rarity said rather sweetly to the dragon standing before her. "What brings you here today, Darling?"

The change in tone was quite unsettling but considering this is what the two sisters were normally like, he thought nothing of it. "Umm... Can I speak with you alone ... inside for a moment," the Dragon asked nervously.

"Of course, Darling," speaking at first with that sweet tone, but then immediately changed into a venomous glance at her sister. "Sweetie Belle was just leaving!"

Ignoring her sister, she looked at Spike gleefully. "Yep, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are going to meet at the clubhouse to think about how we can market our services to everypony in Equestria."

It had been only a few months since the Cutie Mark Crusaders got their Cutie Marks but their aspirations to fulfill their destiny grew with each passing day ... and the lack of clientele.

"Good luck with that," Spike replies. "Hey, maybe you can ask Fluttershy to open a Twitter account or use the Web! That would help spread the word."

"That's a great idea Spike! We can ask her to talk to her sparrows! Or maybe her spiders! Or canaries, Or-"

"Ah-hem", coughed Rarity rather loudly, interrupting the flow of conversation. Whilst Rarity was very proud of her sister and her accomplishments as a Crusader, she was not very impressed with her antics and the trouble she often found herself in. And with Spike's rather unhelpful suggestion, she was certainly not looking forward to having to apologise to her dear friend, Fluttershy, about any potential misuse of her animals.

Getting the hint, Sweetie Belle poked her tongue out at her sister. "Yes I get it! I'm going! I'm going!", but just she was about to leave she quickly whispered into the young Dragon's ear and winked. "I hope it all works out."

Spike blushed, matching the color of his flowers. "I-I-I-don't know what you mean."

Giggling, the filly ran to catch up with her friends. "Bye."

Rarity sighed. "I am sincerely sorry about my dear sister, Spike. She can be rather excitable. Ever since the girls got their Cutie Marks, they’ve been very impatient in sharing their special talent."

"It's fine, Rarity. I think they’re amazing," Spike replied honestly, earning a warm smile from the mare. "Anyway can I please come inside? I have something I want to talk to you about."

Seeing the flowers behind his back, and noticing the urgency in his voice, she knew what was coming. It wasn't the first time Spike tried to confess, but it was just pure luck that each time he came over, they were interrupted. The past few months her Cutie Mark would light up conveniently summoning her to the castle to complete whatever friendship mission she and her friends had been tasked with. Today would be the exception to the norm. Without any hesitation in her voice, she replied, "Darling, of course. Are you thirsty? I was about to prepare a cup of tea for myself before Fluttershy comes over. We have an appointment at the Spa this afternoon."

Spike sat at the table in her kitchen watching Rarity put the kettle on. "Umm... Rarity," he said looking at her lovingly.

"Yes, Darling?"

He got off the chair and moved towards her. "These are for you."

"Why Spike, they are lovely," she replied as she looked at her dear friend. "Thank you, I will put them in a vase."

Before she has the chance to leave, however, he mustered up the courage and shouted rather excitedly. "Rarity!"

Surprised, Rarity responds cautiously. "Yes, Spike?"

"I ... I ..." Come on you can do it Spike, it's not as if she’s going to crush your spirit and soul. With everything we’ve been through together, there is no way she'll say no. "Rarity, I love you" he ended.

Well so much for that great speech you had prepared you dolt.

Rarity doesn't move but looks at Spike with a hint of sadness and sincerity. Rarity knew how he felt. She’d seen how he looked at her. It was no different than the looks she got from other stallions or even the odd mare, but this was Spike. Her dearest friend, Spike-Wikey. While she adored him, she never thought of him in that way. Rather than play the fool, she thought it'd be best to be honest with him. It would hurt them both him, and possibly even break their friendship, but he deserved at least that much.

She glanced at Spike, who was desperately looking for some positive sign. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. "I am sorry Spike. I truly am, but I am afraid I can’t respond to your feelings with the same affection and admiration as you have for me," she replied softly with her eyes closed.

It was his worst fears come true. He stood there. Hollow.

"I know this is hard for you to accept but I love you dearly, but only as a precious, precious friend," she said sadly.

Unable to comprehend or understand the logic behind her words. If she loved him why didn't she say yes. Surely this would be the next step in their relationship? Tears were forming in his eyes as she continued.

"I just don't see you like that, Spike."

He shuddered. Oh he knew where this was going. He just didn't think she'd be like this too.

"It's because I am dragon isn't?" he spit looking angrily down at the floor with a clenched jaw. "Just admit it. Everypony else thinks so".

"How dare you think I am that shallow.! You being a dragon has nothing to do with it," Rarity retorted quickly but held back from saying anything further seeing the tears begin to roll down his face. Spike refused to look at her, however; she continues albeit in a softer, gentler tone. "The truth is Spike-"

"Is it my age then, Rarity?" his voice interjected, quivering under each breathe. "Is it because I am too young for you?"

"No Spike it's-"

"Is it because I'm not your dream stallion?"

"Spike."

"Then what Rarity? What is it that you don't like about me?"

Almost in tears herself, she tried to interject before it gets worse. "Spike, please listen. Let me explain-"

"You don't need to explain anything. I know what you truly think! That I am just some stupid, childish dragon. I will never be your dream stallion, but I will show you. I will prove it to you that I can be that and more. I will change and I will be somepony whom you love"

Before she could say anything else, Spike stormed off. The pain was too great to bear.

I’ll show her. I’ll show her that I can become her dream Stallion and then she'll accept my feelings

Rarity left him alone, knowing it would be better for to him to be alone then to crush his spirit any further. There was a sadness within her that she could not bear. She was upset beyond comprehension but she couldn't lie to him or herself. She needed to be honest, and not just to appease his school boy crush.

In that moment she was reprieved as a friendly face appeared in the form of a yellow pegasus. Fluttershy got the tail end of the conversation. Looking sadly at the dragon walking away in tears and back at Rarity with tears of own, she asked concerned, "Is everything alright? What happened? I can come back later if you need."

The reservoir of Rarity’s will crumbled at the question. Unable to hold back any longer, she ran to Fluttershy, hugging her and breaking into great sobs. "I had to break my dearest friend's heart".

Author's Note

Well this is my first story, ever. I hope you all enjoy it. I have already planned out how this story will go and I hope it works out. Please tells us what you think and don't be too harsh, especially to poor Rarity.

Chapter 2: Whatever it takes (properly edited)

Back at home, Princess Twilight and her student, Starlight Glimmer were busy working hard in the castle's library. Princess Twilight had planned to spend the day researching eastern philosophy and magical theory and its potential application to modern magic with Starlight's help. There was, however, a slight problem.

"So maybe ... if you put Caponicus's theorem of relativity into Hippus's equation ... but Starwhirl's three laws of magic equilibrium clearly states otherwise.... hmm," mutters Starlight as she bores into her notebook, whilst shifting her gaze into three books levitating around her.

"Uh-huh," mumbled Twilight, staring dully outside the window with a hoof underneath her chin.

"Wait! No. But that's- Yes. No ... Unless."

"Uh-huh..."

This exchange had been going on for an hour, the two mares deep in their thoughts with neither paying attention to the other.

"Ah! Of course! I got it! By Luna's moon, I've got it," Starlight shouted triumphantly. "It all makes perfect sense now when you put it like that. So what do you think, Twilight? Twilight?"

Starlight turned to look at Twilight for the first time, who has noticed Starlight calling for her.

"Hmm..."

Intrigued, Starlight moved towards her teacher waving her hoof over Twilight's face. "Ahem. Umm ... Hello? Twilight?"

Twilight didn’t flinch as she continued staring outside.

Starlight sighed. She knew a simple trick to get her teacher's attention when it was necessary, but she rarely liked to do so. The last time she did this, Twilight made her reorganize the pantry, cutlery, and linen closets every day for a month. First by color and size. Then by brand. Then in order of when and where she bought them (which required looking up the receipts and reorganizing those too), before settling on by special occasion. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and nothing was getting through to Twilight in her current state.

"Twilight, Pinkie came over and spilled her chocolate milkshake all over your first and only edition of Sun Shoes's Art of Wares. Spike burnt your favorite dress, and Princess Celestia is coming over within the hour to see how our friendships lessons are going," Starlight said casually.

"Uh-huh ...." replies Twilight simply.

Confident that she was heard, Starlight backed away slowly and started counting down. "Three ... two... one."

Suddenly Twilight's eyes widened, the left twitching, face convulsing and her jaw dropping. "Wait! WHAT! OH NO! OH NO! OH NO!" Twilight screamed in a panicked frenzy as her brain tried to process everything that had just been said. "I need to look at my schedule, my diary, next week's timetable - SPIKE WHERE ARE YOU? SPIKE!"

It was a sight to see, one that would have made Rainbow Dash proud. Running up and down like a headless chook, Twilight was desperately looking for her assistant. Flashes of light appeared everywhere as she teleported throughout the castle while Starlight stood watching this. Realizing it may be better to hide, she stopped when all of a sudden, Twilight abruptly teleported in front of her. Starlight collapsed underneath Twilight's intense gaze. Twilight's left eye was still twitching as she gasped for each breath as she tried to regain her composure.

"Princess Celestia isn't supposed to come until next week,” said Twilight dangerously with a strained voice. “The dress should be at Rarity's and Pinkie is not allowed in the restricted section since she last smeared pink frosting over my Daring Do collection."

Sheepishly, Starlight broke into a nervous smile. Raising her forelegs, she shrugged and chuckled, "hehe ... Bazinga."

"STARLIGHT!" Twilight yelled, restraining the anger in her voice. "I haven't had a near meltdown like that since the last time you told me that one of Fluttershy's animals had desecrated Luna's birthday present and Rainbow Dash crashed and broke the bust of me that was given to me by Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan who was coming over the next day to sign an important trade deal. Why in all of Equestria did you do that?"

Feeling a little guilty at the cruel prank, Starlight looked away shamefully. Kicking her hoof, she responded, "I'm sorry, Twilight. I tried calling your name several times, but you were so deep in thought, I couldn't even get your attention."

Twilight eyes widened and relaxed, but quickly closed. With the adrenaline rush finally passing, she was able to regain some composure.

"Is something on your mind? You can tell me," Starlight continued hoping to alleviate Twilight's mood.

Twilight sighed. "I'm sorry, Starlight. I've been thinking about ... a friend."

Unsure what to make of it, Starlight took the opportunity to make amends and satisfy her curiosity. "Hey, it's no sweat. Why don't we put these books away, and we can talk about it. We can even make it into a friendship lesson. I’ll go prepare us some afternoon tea."

"That sounds good," Twilight smiled. "Thank you, Starlight."

Starlight nodded and promptly left for the kitchen. Feeling a bit more relaxed, Twilight sat down and used her magic to put the books away. A couple of minutes later, she heard the door open down the hallway. She got up and moves towards the entrance, but stops midway as Spike enters the room, his eyes red and puffy.

Twilight bits her lip. Obviously things didn't go as planned. Making her way over to the dragon, she asked cautiously, "so, how did it go, Spike?"

Spike clutched at his chest tightly and looked down dejectedly. "She doesn't love me."

Twilight gasped and covered her mouth with her front hooves. "I'm sorry to hear that, Spike," Twilight said sympathetically. She extends her forelegs and pulls the dragon into a reassuring hug. "Is there anything I can do?"

Wiping his face, he closes his eyes. His voice filled with determination he asks, "Twilight, I need you turn me into a pony."

She pulls away from the hug and looks at Spike perplexed at his request. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," Spike replies sternly. "I need you to turn me into a pony."

"But why Spike?"

"So that Rarity will love me."

"Did she say that to you?" asked Twilight, raising an eyebrow.

"No, but she didn't have to," Spike muttered.

"Spike, I can't do that. Listen, let me talk to Rarity, maybe this is a big misundersta-""

"Then can you at least make me older?" he pleads, the tension raising in his voice. "You're an alicorn now; surely you are capable of the age spell. I need to become older so that she will take me seriously."

"Woah, hold up, Spike. Why wouldn't she take you seriously?"

"Duh! Because I'm a kid, Twilight. She is a full grown mare, and I'm Spike-Wikey!" he said, imitating Rarity in a mocking tone. "Nopony takes me seriously!"

"Of course she does Spike, you're her friend. I don't understand. Where is this all coming from?"

"Does it matter? Look, Twilight, I don't ask for much, but I’m begging you. Please change me so that she will look at me, so that she will love me. Please, will you do this for me?"

Twilight didn’t even blink twice before she replied flatly. "No."

Baffled, Spike looked desperately at his friend. "B-but you're the Princess of Friendship and Magic. You have the power to do everything. You can change me." He collapsed on his claws and knees, and begged, "please, Twilight."

Undeterred by his pleas she repeated, "I said no, Spike."

Crushed, he looked at his claws in disgust. "But I need-" he whimpered under his breath. "I ... need ... this."

"Spike, you’re not making any sense. Let me go over and speak with Rarity. We can get this sorted. I promise."

"You're the Princess of Friendship and Magic. You're supposed to be my friend, but you won't even help me."

"Spike, I am offering to-."

"Twilight, look at me!" he roared glaring at her.

"I am, Spike," replied Twilight with her brow crossed. "So what?"

"Don't you see what I am? Rarity was my only chance. I thought she could look beyond what I see in the mirror."

"Spike, do you honestly believe she thinks like that?" Twilight retorted defending her friend.

"I don't know," Spike admitted. "All I know is that if Rarity doesn't love me, then how can anypony love me?"

"Spike, stop pleas-"

"HOW CAN ANYPONY LOVE A DRAGON!"

"SPIKE!" Twilight shouted angrily. "THAT IS ENOUGH!"

"Forget it. If you won't help me, then I’ll go and find some other pony who will!"

"SPIKE, GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" demanded Twilight.

Defeated and angry, he ignored her and ran down the hallway. He turns sharply around the corridor and crashes into Starlight who was carrying a plate of sandwiches and drinks with her magic.

"Careful, Spike," huffed Starlight as she balanced the platter.

Spike turned his head sharply and glared at Starlight, startling her. He looks away bitterly before he scampered to his feet and bolted for the door.

His unusual reaction and lack of an apology agitated and surprised Starlight. She had never seen Spike like this before.

“Where’s he off to?” she wondered. She shook her head, snapping any ill thoughts before proceeding into the library. She wasn't going to let Spike’s rude behaviour get in the way of a friendship lesson with Twilight. But she had a right mind to express her annoyance with Twilight nevertheless.

"Hey Twilight, I've got afternoon tea,” chimed Starlight as she entered the room.

“I just saw Spike leave in a hurry. Well more like crashed into, but boys will be boys. Anywho, I wonder where he's off to- Twilight are you alright?" Starlight asked.

Twilight was crying. "Spike confessed his feelings to Rarity."

"Oh," replied Starlight as she was hit by a sudden realization. His odd and rude behaviour made sense to her now, and she chastised herself for not noticing earlier. "So then you were thinking about Spike earlier."

"Yeah," admitted Twilight. "I didn't think it would go this badly. I knew he had a crush on her, but I never knew he felt like that. Why would he think like that, of course, everypony loves him."

"Yeah but Twilight, I think he means more."

"I know. It's just he's like my little brother. I've known him for years, I just never thought that he ... that he felt this lonely," Twilight said, another tear forming in her eye.

"So ... do you think you'll change him then?" Starlight asked innocently.

"Even if I could, I wouldn't," replies Twilight. "The only change can come from within. No matter what he looks like on the outside, if that special somepony doesn't see what is inside his heart, then he will never truly be happy. I am doing this for him." Twilight shifted and moved towards her pupil with a stern gaze. "Starlight, if Spike should ask -" but before she could finish, Starlight raised a hoof and smiled sadly.

"It's okay I understand."

Twilight sighed, "I better go to Rarity's and see how she is going."

"I better come too," offered Starlight.

Chapter 3: A Riddle and a potion (properly edited)

"Ah would like to welcome y'all here today for the 210th meetin’ of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and our 12th meetin of the Cutie Mark Crusaders with actual cutie marks," Apple Bloom announced proudly to the delegation of ponies in the clubhouse.

"Wahoo!" cheered the other two crusaders (and said delegation), clapping their hooves together. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Forever!"

Apple Bloom looked across the room, motioning her hoof for silence and continued, "now on the first item of the agenda... Cutie Mark Crusader requests. Scootaloo would ya please inform us whether there has been any ponies needin our services?"

Scootaloo stands and moves in front of the podium carrying a box tipping it over to reveal its empty contents. "Unfortunately it’s the same as last week. Zip, zero, na-dah," Scootaloo stated sadly. "But our luck should change right, Sweetie Belle?"

"Yep as this brings us to the next item on the agenda - " Sweetie Belle squeaked happily. She then took a very deep breath and said very quickly, "potential-opportunities-to-expand-our-services-to-all-other-fillies-and-colts-in-Equestria-to-help-them-find-their-cutie-marks-and-to-help-adults-rediscover-their-special-talents-and-meaning-of-their-own-cutie-marks".

The others stood there blankly, Sweetie Belle huffing and puffing proudly. Scootaloo was the first to speak, breaking the silence. "Say-what now?"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and groans. "Advertising. Seriously don't you read these things?"

Offended, Scootaloo put a hoof on her chest and scoffed, "of course I do, but it's confusing when you say a whole sentence within three seconds instead of ... instead of ... saying what would otherwise take to say in fewer words."

"Summarize, " Apple Bloom said correcting Scootaloo. "Ah believe the word you’re looking for is to summarize"

"Huh?"

"Summarize, it means to give a brief statement of the main points of something. Or to reduce the number of words it needs to explain something. Summarize," Apple Bloom explained. "O, and it's less words, not fewer words."

"I KNEW THAT!" Scootaloo shouted becoming very frustrated.

"Well if ya did you wouldn't have looked so confused."

"STOP USING WORDS I DON'T KNOW!"

"Maybe you should try reading more instead of just idolizing Rainbow Dash," Apple Bloom smirked.

"AT LEAST I CAN SAY I AND YOU."

Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes at her friends, refusing to get involved in their ridiculous squabble. She looked out the window to find some peace, when all of a sudden she saw a familiar purple dragon walking past.

"Hey look it's Spike," Sweetie Belle beamed pointing outside, interrupting the fight between the two. "He's usually got some good ideas," she said as she ran towards the door and called for the dragon."Hey Spike! Spike, wait up."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stopped to look at each other dumbly for a brief moment but quickly snapped to attention and shouted in unison, "hey, Sweetie Belle, wait for us."

Spikes was no longer crying as he began the long journey into the Everfree Forest, but his cheeks were still stained. Angry and bitter at his closest friend refusal to help, he was determined to seek the only other pony he knew that had the power to change his body, Zecora the Zebra. As he continued walking, he heard a pony calling out his name.

"Spike," shouted Sweetie Belle trying to get the dragon's attention. "Spike!"

"Oh hey, Sweetie Belle. What are you doing here?"

"I saw you walking from the clubhouse and thought we could ask for your help," she began happily, but stopped as she took a look at the dragon's face and realized he had been crying earlier. "Spike, what's wrong?" the tone in her voice changing to that of concern.

Wiping his face, Spike choked "It's -"

"Hey, Sweetie Belle, wait up," Scootaloo yelled interrupting the dragon, Apple Bloom not far behind her. "Oh hey, Spike."

"What brings you here?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Oh hey guys. I'm off to see Zecora," Spike replied. Before he said anything else, he decided that it'd be better to lie than having to repeat his story. Especially in front of his crush's little sister. "... Umm ... there's a book that I wanted to get from for her. Listen I better get going. I'll see you around."

Spike waved his claw and turned to walk away. Concerned, the Crusaders looked at each other before Sweetie Belle asked, "Do you want us to join you?"

"No it's okay," Spike said raising his claw without looking back. "I sort of need to do this ... on my own," whispering the last part underneath his breath.

The three fillies stopped and looked at each other, then watched Spike walk deeper into the forest. Sweetie Belle turns towards her friends, "hey guys I'm worried about Spike. Do you think we should follow him?"

"Ah dunno, it looks like he had a lot on his mind," Apple Bloom said unsure. "Maybe we should give him some space."

"Heck no, he has a problem and this may be an opportunity to help a pony in need," Scootaloo said with vigor.

Apple Bloom still appeared unsure, questioning whether they really should be breaching Spike's request for privacy, but then Sweetie Belle's eyes widened, grateful for her friend's support. "Do we still have that still have that gear from when we were trying to get our spy cutie marks?"

Scootaloo replied with a satisfied grin, "of course".

Deep in the Everfree forest lies a tree cottage, home to the mysterious and wise potion master, Zecora. She was humming a nursery rhyme over a boiling cauldron, when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. A little surprised to get a visitor at this hour, she walked over to greet her guest. "Well, well. If it isn't a dear friend that I treasure. Spike the Dragon for what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Hi Zecora, I'm sorry if this is a bad time."

"I always enjoy the company of those from Ponyville town. But please explain why you wear that frown?"

Outside the cottage a short distance away, the three fillies were desperately trying to eavesdrop using the latest equestrian spy gear at their disposal. "Sweetie Belle, it's my turn" whispered Scootaloo angrily. "You got to use the ear thingy last time".

"Listening device," Apple Bloom corrected whilst focusing her Binoculars.

"Don't correct me," Scootaloo snapped.

"Well if you read the instructions instead of just tearing up the box, you'd know what it was called," Sweetie Belle retorted in a as a matter of fact tone of voice.

"Would you stop hogging it" demanded Scootaloo.

"Listening device," Apple Bloom corrected. "It's called a listening device."

...

Back in the cottage, Spike cleared his throat. "Zecora, I need your help. I need you to help me become a stallion."

Zecora furrows her brow and looks into Spike's eyes attempting to read the dragon mood. "I am curious to question, for what has brought about this intention?"

"I ... I confessed to Rarity how I felt.... and she rejected me."

"Why then did you come to me for your fable? Surely the Princess of Magic is also capable?" Zecora asked innocently.

"I did, but she wouldn't help me," he spat bitterly.

"So indeed you are seeking a remedy, which would hope to change thee? To what extent dare I ask? How far willing are you to complete your task?"

"As far as it needs to go," Spike responded with determination. "I'll climb whatever mountain, swim whatever lake and drink whatever you make. I am willing to go that far."

The zebra raised her brow at the dragon and said, "Well it is unfortunate that no concoction I could make, would be able to change your fate."

Spike looked up at Zecora with fear and anguish. "Are you saying I'm destined to be alone?"

"It appears you do not understand," she replied in a reassuring tone. "For what I see, you and your path are already quite grand."

"Huh?"

Ignoring his confusion, she continued. "My dear dragon friend, I know of a way to bring your sadness to an end. On the top shelf is a book with a potion I can brew. It will reveal what you need to do. It may help make your dreams come true."

"Really? Then I will take it," beamed Spike, the first good news he had heard all day.

Zecora reached for the book and read the recipe. She grabbed various ingredients and mixed them into a bottle, producing a clear potion. She then poured it into a cup offering it to the dragon, but before Spike could take it, she pulled him in closer. "A warning before you consume this drink. You need to stop, listen and think. What did the mare ask of you? Did she say to change your scales from green to blue?"

Confused at this riddle, he gave her a puzzled expression. "Sorry what?"

"This potion will change you to the desire of your destined. Are you sure that is what she and you had intended?"

Taken aback, Spike responded defiantly, "Of course it is, that is why I am here. I need this to become the stallion of Rarity's dream."

"Then no matter what change shall start, are you ready to accept the consequence with all of your heart?"

Spike stood there for a few moments. Deciphering the last of Zecora's riddles, he began to understand what she was saying and the lesson he was being given. He was ready to become somepony else for Rarity which could potentially mean losing what it meant to be him. He hesitated for a few more minutes before looking back at Zecora with a determined smile. "I have never been so sure of anything else."

Zecora nodded sadly with her eyes closed, accepting the dragon's decision. She handed him the cup and was silent. Spike took a deep breath.

This is it. Don't get scared now.

He rose the cup to his lips and started drinking.

Chapter 4: Cutie Mark Crusaders to the rescue (properly edited)

Excited and scared. Optimistic and apprehensive. Satisfied and yet unsure. An array of emotions swept through Spike as the liquid slid down his throat. Nevertheless, however, he knew this is what he needed to be happy.

I can't believe this is it. Goodbye Spike the dragon, and hello Spike the amazingly and devilishly handsome pony.

He continued to drink the potion, expecting the foulest concoction, but was surprised that it actually tasted pleasant. In fact had he known any better, he could have sworn he was drinking chocolate milk. Finishing the last of it, albeit now savoring the taste, Spike dropped the cup from his claws. Wiping his face, his lips curled into an uneasy smile. Feeling the need for theatrics, he looked up to ceiling, closed his eyes, and raised his arms up triumphantly into the air and waits.

And waits.

And waits, still holding his pose.

And waits, his arms beginning to falter as he holds his pose.

A couple minutes have passed since Spike drunk the potion, but still nothing had happened. Eventually his arms tire and they drop to his sides. Disgruntled, he looked at Zecora whom had raised her a brow in response. "Hey Zecora, what gives? How come the potion didn't w-?"

At that moment, Spike's left arm suddenly jerked and flailed uncontrollably. Alarmed, Spike held down his arm, and soon regained control, but his attention is brought elsewhere as his body began to emit a dim glow. "Umm ... Zecora?" Confused, he patted himself down, turning to the zebra for answers. "Zecora?"

Zecora sat on her rump, put a hoof to her chin and calmly looked back but didn’t say anything. Bemused, frustrated and impatient, he opened his mouth to shout but no sound came out. Not even a whisper could be heard from the stunned dragon as the light from his body brightened further, illuminating the room and its surrounds.

Just outside, the Crusaders had long stopped their fighting as they watched the spectacle before them. Light poured out of every gap in the small tree cottage and was pulsating with each passing second. Without a second thought, the three fillies sprang to action, galloping towards the nearest window to witness the action inside. Blinded by the increasing intensity of the light, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom turned away, shielding their eyes but Sweetie Belle didn’t move, desperately calling out to her friend. "SPIKE!"

Spike looked to the window seeking the source that called out his name, but before he could recognize the pony, the light reached critical mass and the room exploded in a flash. The shockwave caused the Crusaders to scream outside in surprise, and tumble backwards. Hitting the ground hard, the three fillies were knocked out. Spike stood there for several seconds, wobbling to and fro before succumbing to the overwhelmingness of the situation and fainted.

For the briefest of moment, there was silence. Zecora, whom had been unaffected, simply walked over to Spike and then to the Crusaders outside her cottage. A coy smile appeared on her face as she looked back at Spike's body once more. "Hmmm ... ".

Half an hour had passed since Spike had drunk the potion resulting in the catastrophic light show that rendered him and the Crusaders unconscious. The light had scared most of the woodland creatures making the tree cottage and the surrounding forest eerily quiet. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Eventually the silence broke as a small groan could be heard.

Spike was on the ground, dazed and confused. Blinded by recent events and a momentary lapse in his memory, he forgot where he was and who he was with. Rubbing his face, Spike groaned once more before picking himself up. His vision was slowly returning, albeit still a bit blurry, he sees the faint outline of a black and white pony standing a short distance away. As the pony moves closer to him, he shortly recognized the owner. "Zecora?" At first he is unable to hear anything other than a high pitched ringing sound, which also affected his sense of balance. With as much strength as he could muster, he slowly walked towards the zebra. "Zecora?" Spike called out weakly again, but loses his footing and stumbles. Luckily, Zecora was there ready to catch him, breaking his fall. "Arrgh ... what happened?"

"Shh... Relax, Spike, you need to sit. You have been through quite a bit," said Zecora with a reassuring smile on her face, her eyes hinting to a nearby chair.

His vision had not yet fully returned, however he was able to hear the zebra well enough. Spike nodded, acknowledging the mare's request. As he sat, Zecora offered him a cup. "Please drink this should you falter." He glanced at the blurred image and back at Zecora inquisitively. Not understanding at first, she realized his hesitation and let out a soft chuckle. "Do not worry it is only water."

Accepting her offering, Spike took a few sips from the cup. The water was cool and crisp, and much needed for his parched throat. Spike tried to look around to gain his bearings but is unable make much of the hazy picture. Slowly, the memory of the past events were returning to him. His failed confession with Rarity. His fight with Twilight. His last ditch effort to change his fate at Zecora's. The potion.

The potion.

His eyes widened at a late realization, he jumped out of the chair. "Where is a mirror? Zecora, do you have a mirror?" Spike asked desperately.

Zecora raiseed her hoof to the other side of the room, leading to a full length mirror.

Spike turned quickly, but still feeling a little weakened his limbs gave way and he tripped over. Without any further delay, he quickly picked himself up and headed towards the mirror. After everything he had been through, after everything he had done, he only hoped that the potion had worked and done its magic.

A wide smile made its way onto his face as he reached his destination but he stopped abruptly. Taking a deep breath, he rubbed his eyes to clear his vision once more. Finally ready, he opened his eyes looks at his reflection with initial excitement and ... sees the same purple and green dragon standing in front of it.

Shattered, he dropped to his knees in defeat. Spike felt empty and numb.

The potion failed. Just like his confession.

Depressed beyond measure, tears began to form at the corner of his eyes. He looked up at Zecora who was standing over him. There was so much he wanted to say and ask at that moment but was unable to do so. He opened his mouth once more to speak but nothing came out. Only his tears.

Zecora doesn't say a word but moves closer to Spike. Using her front hooves, she pulled him into a hug. Surprised, Spike remained motionless not knowing what to do as the tears rolled down his cheek. The warmth of her embrace soothed the dragon's aching heart and soon he broke down crying into her chest.

She held him for several minutes as the hurt and anguish he felt came pouring out. Zecora sympathized with the dragon, sharing her love as he shared his pain. Once he was able to calm himself down, whilst still holding the mare, he asked, "Zecora, why didn't it work? I thought the potion was meant to change me?"

Rubbing his head gently, she replied in a soft gentle tone. "Spike, I am sorry for the confusion, but this potion was not meant to change your constitution. Do you remember I said to you? Its purpose was to help make your dreams come true." Zecora paused allowing Spike to think and speak his mind, but the dragon remained unsteady, unsure of what to make of the cryptic message. He held her tightly and didn’t respond. Sensing his distress she continued. "It was only meant to help you find, what is already deep inside."

He had enough. It'd had been a long day and he was tired both emotionally and physically. Spike gently pushed her away, wiping his face attempting to regain his composure and dignity. "Zecora, thanks for trying to help me. I'll figure it out on my own."

Not wanting to stay any longer, Spike turned to leave, his head sunken low. Before he reached the door, however, Zecora blocked his path having not quite finished with the dragon. She lifted his face with her hoof, and gave him a small peck on the cheek. Taken aback by this sudden act of affection, Spike blushed and stood dumbly.

"Don't be disheartened little one, for your journey has just begun." Spike looked away but Zecora smiled. "You claim that Rarity is to be your lover, but there may be another."

Spike put her hoof down, remembering what he had earlier said in his fight with Twilight.

... if Rarity doesn't love me, then how can anypony love me?

"Spike, stop pleas-"

"HOW CAN ANYPONY LOVE A DRAGON!"

He shook his head, but the words echoed in his mind unable to forget. As much as it hurt to be rejected, he wasn't ready to think about any other possibilities. He still loved her and he wasn't ready to give up just yet.

Zecora sighed sadly her message not getting through to him. And she was being direct with him this time. She sighed once more but placed both her hooves on Spike's cheeks pulling him to face her. "If you can or will not listen to me," she began before pushing Spike out the door, "then maybe you should seek the assistance of these three."

Outside the cottage, the Crusaders were laying on the ground groaning in pain.

"Arrgh ... did someone catch the number of that bus?" said Scootaloo stretching her wings.

"Bus? ... more like a train," replied Sweetie Belle as she struggled to get up.

Spike was shocked to see the three fillies before him. He raised an eyebrow at Zecora, and asked. "Seriously?"

Zecora chuckled and pointed down to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom was standing up now and answered. "Yeyup."

Chapter 5: Can anypony find me? (properly edited)

Spike stared down at the three Cutie Mark Crusaders questionably. The three fillies were staggering at this point, still recovering from Spike's earlier light show. He placed a claw over his face and shook his head in disbelief. Whilst he knew the girls' hearts were generally in the right place, their help often ended up with him (and them) acquiring too many bruises for his liking. Furthermore, to ask the sister of his crush for love advice was too low of a blow for his pride to take. Having made up his mind, he backed away slowly, not wanting to stay a minute longer.

"I'll think about it, Zecora," he lied, but before the zebra could interject, he bolted down the path back to Ponyville. "Thanks for trying anyway."

Zecora shook her head and let out a defeated sigh. She tried her best, but nothing was going to change this stubborn dragon ... yet. The potion she made him drink would help open up his heart to other possibilities. She just needed help for it to work. Her gaze returned to the three fillies who had nearly fully recovered.

"Zecora, what happened to Spike, " asked Sweetie Belle, sheepishly rubbing a hoof over her eyes to clear her vision.

"Speaking of which, where is Spike?" Scootaloo asked, looking around. "I could’ve sworn he was here just a minute ago.”

Zecora turned away to hide the brief smile that appeared on her face. There were plenty of ponies who would and could help, but for now, she had best keep this a secret.

"Young Spike has returned home," she began but then returned to face the three fillies. Her smile disappeared, replaced instead with a raised eye brow appearing annoyed that her privacy had been invaded. "Minding his own business should you know!" Zecora now looked menacingly at the three who were squirming in their hoofs. "Now, come inside you Crusaders of the Cutie Mark. You need to explain why you were under my tree covered in bark."

The three girls were caught red-hoofed. They looked at each other blushing before looking back at the annoyed zebra with wide sheepish grins on their face, walking backwards slowly.

"We - ah - would love to but" Scootaloo gulped, turning to Apple Bloom unable to think of a good excuse.

"But Scootaloo has ummm -" Apple Bloom trailed struggling to think of a reasonable explanation.

"A-summer-school-grammar-and-spelling-assignment-that's-due-tomorrow," Sweetie Belle squeaked loudly and far too quickly, hoping to sound convincing. "And we need to help her complete it, or she'll have to repeat the grade. The silly filly," bumping a hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder.

"Yeah," Scootaloo giggled nervously but was a bit too slow to realize what had just been said. "Wait, what?"

"So we’d love to stay but... we gotta go, bye!" Apple Bloom said loudly, galloping away; Sweetie Belle followed just behind.

Scootaloo stood there for a few seconds, but quickly scrambled to her hooves and fluttered her wings, desperately trying to catch up with her friends though still somewhat confused. "Hey Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle! What assignment! Wait up!"

As she stood there watching the three fillies, Zecora chuckled to herself satisfied with the good deed done for the day. She then turned to go inside to clean up the mess inside her hut.

After a while, the three fillies managed to get a fair distance away from Zecora as they made their way back to Ponyville. "You (huff) think she knows?" asked Sweetie Belle as sweat trickled down her cheeks.

"Ah (huff) don't think (huff) she has (huff) a clue," said Apple Bloom hopefully.

"Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom. Wait (huff)" shouted Scootaloo trailing just behind.

"Ah think (huff) this is far enough (huff)" said Apple Bloom, ignoring the orange filly.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle slowed, allowing Scootaloo to catch up. Eventually the three fillies stopped in the middle of the path allowing them time to catch their breaths. After a few moments rest, Sweetie Belle wiped the sweat off her brow and looked at her friends who were still exhausted and gasped for air. "So what now? Should we go after him?"

Apple Bloom shook her head. "Ah think we should call it quits," Apple Bloom said to her friend.

"But he needs our help," squeaked Sweetie Belle with a disbelief look at Apple Bloom. "If you weren't so busy fighting with Scootaloo, you'd hear how much he needs a friend right now."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and pointed an accusing hoof back at the white unicorn. "Firstly, yah did as much fightin as us, and second, Ah know what was said, but he clearly needs space to think things over."

"But-"

"Doncha remember the last time we tried to intervene in another ponies love affair?" asked Apple Bloom remembering an unfortunate incident involving a love poison. Sweetie Belle turns away blushing. It was her idea originally, and her friends were equally excited at the romantic prospect of their teacher and Apple Bloom's brother getting together, but the effects of the poison were too strong which would have condemned Ponyville to inevitable, certain doom. "Ah know yah wanna play matchmaker and yah a hopeless romantic, but do yah think we should really get involved this time?"

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to retort, but Scootaloo interjected unaware of the exchange happening between her friends. "Okay, what assignment?" she asked annoyed and scared.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stopped momentarily, staring blankly at Scootaloo wearing an eye wide expressions. They slowly turned to meet each other’s gaze. Their faces seized into hidden giggles trying to contain themselves. They failed however and fell down, rolling over in roars of laughter. The bizarre nature of the question had broken the tension between the two fillies, snapping them out of their argument at Scootaloo's expense. "What's so funny?"

"Scoots," Apple Bloom tried to speak but was unable to regain her composure, "yah don't have ahn assignment."

"Yeah that was just an excuse to get away from Zecora," giggled Sweetie Belle. "You don't need to worry."

Scootaloo mouth opens agape as the revelation dawns on her. Upset with her friends (but mostly herself at the obvious), she turned her head away from. "Why did you guys do that? I was seriously worried," pouted Scootaloo who starts to tear up. "I hate it when you tease me like that. I'm not a silly filly."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle quickly stop laughing as they look at the exasperated pegasus. "Look, Scoots, it was all in good fun. But for what it's worth, Ah'm sorry," Apple Bloom says apologetically using her left hoof to pull her into a hug. "We'll try not to tease yah so much."

"Yeah, me too," Sweetie Belle said mimicking Apple Bloom, whilst rubbing her cheek lovingly against Scootaloo's.

The warm embrace by her friends had calmed the pegasus, who quickly returned their hugs in full. Apple Bloom is the first to break away, a beaming smile with a great idea. "Hey, let's get a cupcake at Sugarcube Corner to make up," offered Apple Bloom.

"Yeah it'll be our treat," added Sweetie Belle helpfully.

Scootaloo wiped away a small tear satisfied with her friends' generosity. "Sounds good," agrees Scootaloo but a smirk soon appeared on her face, "hope you can afford the Pinkie Pie special."

The three girls giggled and resumed their short trek into Ponyville. As they neared the famous sweet shop, however, Sweetie Belle jumped joyfully, her hoof pointing over towards a green and purple dragon. "Hey looks it's Spike!" Sweetie Belle said out loud looking back at her friends. "If we hurry we can catch up!"

Before Sweetie Belle could move, Apple Bloom pulled her shoulder, a concerned look on her face. "Sweetie Belle, ah understand how yah feel, but doncha think we should leave him alone?"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes in disbelief. Not this again. "Look I'm sure he needs our help," Sweetie Belle countered, stealing a glance at the dragon before turning back to her friends, "please, let's just see how he is going?"

Apple Bloom switched her gaze between the pleading unicorn and the saddened dragon. She let out an exasperated and defeated groan. "A'right fine, but - "Apple Bloom said raising a hoof onto Sweetie Belle's snout, interrupting the unicorn’s glee "- we should approach him gently, in case he doesn't want to talk about it."

"Okay, I understand," Sweetie Belle responded nodding her head. "But come on, before we lose him."

The two fillies made a quick dash in the dragon's direction, leaving behind the confused pegasus. "Wait, what about my cupcake?"

Spike continued walking through the streets of Ponyville unaware that he was being followed by the three fillies closely behind him. It was a sunny mid-afternoon and the Town's ponies were bustling about. Spike eventually reached the fountain in the middle of the town, where he sat on the bench, his elbows on his knees and his claws underneath his chin.

What was he to do now?

He went to both Zecora and Twilight for help but to no avail. Now he arrogantly refused the zebra's suggestion to get help from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He only felt trepidation particularly at the uncertainty for his future and what moves he needed to take. His mind began to wonder. His thoughts began to haunt him as unpleasant memories resurfaced.

...

"Rarity, I love you."

"I just don't see you like that, Spike."

"What did you just say?"

"HOW CAN ANYPONY LOVE A DRAGON!"

... your journey has just begun...

...

Shaking his head, he watched the Town's ponies going on about their own daily business, unaware of the turmoils in the young dragon's heart. "Do you think you can find me a purple carrot?" asked a light blue unicorn mare sweetly to the large red stallion.

"Eenope," he replied looking over his apple cart.

"Ah, Mr Cake, can you please -" shouted a black pegasus stallion, a light green earth pony mare by his side.

"Sorry, I have to make this delivery first," yelled out the baker as he ran with a cart full of sweets.

"Please somepony, I've misplaced my bow!" a brown mare with a black mane called out desperately to the crowd. "Can anypony help me?"

Suddenly, Spike stood up, unable to hold back his emotions any longer, takes a deep breath and begins.

Cannnnn~
Anyponyyy~~~
Find me-eee~
Somepony toooo~~
LOVE?

Each morning I get up I sigh a little
Can barely stand on my feeeet~
(Take a look at yourself) Take a look in the mirror and cry
Rare, what you're doing to mee~
I have spent all my years in loving you
But I just can't get no relief. NOOOoo~
Someponyyy~ (somepony)
Ooh someponyyy~ (somepony)
Can anypony find meee~
Somepony to looovvveee~?

I work hard (he works hard)
Every day of my life
I work till I ache my bones
At the end (at the end of the day)
I take home my hard-earned gems allll~ on my own (yes, on my knees on)
I get down (down) on my knees, (knees)
And I start to pray (praise his soul)
Till the tears run down from my eyes, yeah
Someponyyy~ (somepony)
Ooh someponyyy~ (somepony)
(Please) can anypony find meee~
Somepony to love?

(He works hard) Everydayyyy~ (everyday)
I try and I try and I tryyyy~
But everypony wants to put me down
They say I'm goin' craaazy
They say I got a lot of water in my brain
I've got no common sense
(He's got) Got nopony left to believe
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

(Oh), Ooh somepony
Ooh, (somepony)
Anypony find me
Somepony to love
(Anypony find him somepony to love)

Got no feel, I got no rhythm
I just keep losing my beat (just keep losing and losing)
I'm okay, I'm alright (he's alright, he's alright)
I ain't gonna face no defeat (yeah, yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
Someday I'm gonna be free, ooh~

Find him somepony to love
Find him somepony to love
Find him somepony to love
Find him somepony to love love love
Find him somepony to love
Somepony (somepony ) Somepony (somepony ) Somepony (find me)
(Somepony find me somepony to love)
Can anypony find meeeee~
Somepony toooo
loooovvveeee?

(Find me somepony to love)
Ooh
(Find me somepony to love)

As the singing subsided, the Town ponies looked at each other confused at the sudden musical outbreak. Thinking nothing of it, they all continued on about their merry way. Big Mac comes over to Spike, placing a hoof underneath his chin and raising his head. "Cheer up, Spike," he said warmly. "Ah'm sure things will work out."

Spike wiped away a small tear off his cheek. He thanked Big Mac kindly as he walked away but Spike looked down grimly. Eventually he would need to go home and face the music (figuratively speaking). Twilight was sure to be upset by his earlier outburst. He knew that Twilight cared for him but he didn't know what to say or do that could repair the things he had said. He regretted saying a lot of things that day.

Behind the fountain, Sweetie Belle looked at both Apple Bloom with puppy dog eyes. Apple Bloom could feel her own heart pleading with her to intervene despite her better judgement. Scootaloo nudged Apple Bloom in the side, gesturing her head towards Spike and demanding an immediate response. Defeated and outvoted, Apple Bloom sighed. "Yeah a'right, let's go."

As Spike made his way through the crowd, his path was suddenly blocked by the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The girls looked at him sympathetically and unsure. Bemused, Spike returned theirs with a blank stare. "Can I help you?"

"Ummm..." Standing there awkwardly, Sweetie Belle raised a hoof behind her head unsure what to say to lighten her friend's spirits. Impatient, however, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded to each other and nudged their hooves into her side, prompting the startled unicorn to speak. "Spike, we heard everything!" Sweetie Belle squeaked nervously and ended abruptly.

"Guess the truth is out now," Spike joked half-hardheartedly.

"Well that musical number certainly didn't help," replied Scootaloo. Realizing what she said aloud, she smacked her face with a hoof chastising herself and earning a scornful glare from Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom moved in front of Sweetie Belle, gently pushing her to the side. "Look, tha point is we are sorry to hear what has happened.

"And we want to help you out," added Scootaloo helpfully.

"I appreciate it but-" he began but is interrupted by the white unicorn, the sudden outburst causing him to tumble backwards onto his side.

"Please Spike, let us help you. I'm sure we can help change my sister's mind. You are a great pony. She'll come around, I promise," she begged. Three pairs of eyes were now boring into the dragon as he looked at them nervously. They were serious and sincere in their offering, but it didn't feel right to the dragon.

As Spike opened his mouth to refuse their assistance for a third and final time, Zecora's words however played at the back of his mind. "If you can or will not listen to me, then maybe you should seek the assistance of these three."

His head dropped down for a moment thinking again about these words. Honestly, what do you have to lose? he thought to himself. His lips curled into a weak but grateful smile as he looked up at the three fillies standing over. "Alright, Crusaders will you please help me find my special somepony."

The girls looked at each other in triumph. "Alright Spike, meet us at the clubhouse and we'll go over some plans," said Sweetie Belle happily.

"But first," Scootaloo said her hoof raised defiantly earning a questionable gaze from the two fillies and the dragon. "My cupcake."

Author's Note

Well I finally managed to fit it in. The song is "Somebody to love" by Queen. I don't own the song, and modified the lyrics slightly to fit the story. The colours below should help identify the singers.

Spike
Every pony
Female ponies
Male ponies
Big Mac

Also if you are interested below is the actual song.

The image is a screencap from MLP, and again not mine.

Chapter 6: An emergency meeting (properly edited)

A couple of hours earlier, an emergency meeting was called in the throne room at the Castle of Friendship. Applejack and Pinkie Pie watched as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew into the room. The two pegasi panted heavily on the spot. Meanwhile, Twilight and Starlight were outside, locking the doors and casting many silencing spells over the castle to prevent any risk of being overheard. The topic of today's meeting was to be kept top secret, and no pony would be allowed to interrupt its proceedings.

Twilight and Starlight soon joined their friends, where they had congregated around the large crystal table in the centre of the room.

Rarity was the last to join them.

She went to 'powder her nose' in a vain attempt to hide the mascara still running down her white cheeks. Each mare had taken their respective throne with the exception of Starlight, who was using a chair from the library, leaving Spike's vacant. This was a deliberate act of respect for the missing member.

Once everypony was settled, Twilight rose standing on her chair. "Hi everypony, I'd like to thank you all for coming here so quickly."

"Well yah said this was urgent, Twi," said Applejack. The country pony looked over at Rarity who was still sobbing into a very damp, silk hoof kerchief. "Can yah care to explain?"

"Yeah, Fluttershy was a little light on the details," Rainbow Dash added, still panting for breath. "I nearly got into a major sandstorm with Spitfire when she came onto the runway like that."

"Oh, I'm sorry, but it's just-" mumbled the yellow pegasus apologetically. She squirmed in her seat, remembering Spitfire's rant regarding protocol and safety. The Captain's voice still ringing in her ears.

"It's okay, Fluttershy. I'll explain everything," Twilight said reassuringly. Before speaking any further, Twilight turned to Rarity seeking permission to reveal the reason behind their summons. Wiping away the last remaining tear from her eye, she nodded weakly but held a firm look on her face. "Earlier today, Spike confessed his feelings to Rarity."

Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat with their mouths agape at the news. The two mares looked at Rarity and then their friends who all nodded in confirmation. Fluttershy dropped her head sadly, but Pinkie remained stoic. Applejack cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "So ... Ah'm assumin yah had to tell him the truth then?"

Rarity could feel the tears come once more, as she closed her eyes nodding sadly. Her friends looked at her then each other sharing their concerned and saddened expressions. "So what happened?" asked Rainbow Dash softly.

Before Rarity had the chance to speak however, Pinkie Pie placed a hoof over her shoulder to intervene. "I'll take it from here," she said reassuringly, earning a baffled look from everypony before she instantly returned to her seat. "After Spike confessed, Rarity couldn't avoid responding to his feelings honestly anymore and tried to let him down easy. But it didn't work, and instead it blew up in her face. Spike thought the reason was because of his age or the fact that he was a dragon, unable to accept that it is simply because she doesn't see him that way. Thankfully Fluttershy was there to comfort Rarity."

Pinkie paused to offer a high hoof to the yellow pegasus, signalling a good job. Unsure what to make of it however, Fluttershy just stared back in response. Not waiting for a second longer, Pinkie moved on continuing with the rest of the story. "Meanwhile at the library Twilight and Starlight were having this massive study session, but Twilight was distracted, because she was thinking about Spike, but Starlight didn't know that and didn't like being ignored so she decided to get her attention by pulling a prank that caused Twilight to have this massive meltdown of the most EPIC PROPORTIONS"- Pinkie throwing her arms up in the air emphasizing the lavender mare's reaction, "- which I must say well done," winking at Starlight before taking a long sip of a chocolate milkshake that appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

The others were stunned, looking between Starlight and Twilight. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and even Rarity all snickered under their hooves at Twilight each contemplating the number of things Starlight could have said to agitate their lavender friend. Starlight looked at the others, blushing sheepishly and shrugging her shoulders at Twilight, gesturing another apology. Twilight's brow twitched as she fixated on Pinkie's last words, remembering the so called 'well done' prank. Offended that her response was taken out of context, she placed a hoof to her chest trying to demonstrate a calmer, more rational demeanor. "Excuse me Pinkie, but I did not hav-"

"Feeling guilty," Pinkie Pie continued interrupting the annoyed alicorn who was groaning in her seat, "Starlight, goes off to make afternoon tea to make amends, but then Spike comes home and asks Twilight to turn him into a pony thinking that was the reason behind Rarity's rejection. Twilight bluntly refuses to help him hoping to snap him out of his funk which may have worked except she misunderstood the severity of Spike's depression and feeling of loneliness. So he storms off mad and angry at Twilight, nearly crashes into Starlight on the way who doesn't realize what's just transpired."

As she gave the girls time to absorb the information, Pinkie placed a hoof under her chin questionably at a sudden realization. "Speaking of which... Starlight, I'm amazed you didn't hear any of that," said Pinkie pointing at the unicorn with a bewildered face. "Anywho, he has gone off to go find some other pony who he thinks can help him."

"So where is he now?" Applejack asked looking across the room, not expecting an answer.

"Probably Zecora's, but he'll probably bump into the Cutie Mark Crusaders along the way. And that is where things are up to now. I don't think he's taken anything yet but... we'll probably find out later."

The mares stood, jaws agape as Pinkie finished, digesting the information they had all been told. Starlight was the most amazed at how the party pony (who wasn't present at all) was able to recount the story succinctly and even fill in some missing gaps. The others had just simply acknowledged the peculiarity that was Pinkie Pie.

"So what do we do now?" asked Rainbow Dash keen to fix the situation.

"Twi, you know him best. What do you propose?" asked Starlight looking at her teacher with keen interest.

"Oh-oh! I know!" Pinkie Pie squeaked loudly jumping out of her seat trying to grab her friend's attention.

"I'm not sure, I've never seen him like this," Twilight responded unhelpfully. "Maybe we should talk to Princess Cadance.”

"Ah think he just needs time and space to think things over," Applejack suggested.

"We can't leave it like this. This could totally destroy a lot of friendships," Rainbow Dash interjected.

"Rainbow's right. He won't give up, and he'll just dwell over this moment, haunting him for a very long time," Twilight said analytically.

"Pick me! Pick me!" begged Pinkie Pie jumping in the background desperate to get a chance to speak.

"Maybe he can come over and play with the animals," added Fluttershy. "Whenever I get upset, I just snuggle a cute, little woodland creature and make myself feel all better."

"Yeah, I don't think that'll help him," chuckled Rainbow Dash, letting her friend down gently. "I could take him to see a Wonderbolt show."

"Please!" pleaded Pinkie Pie appearing randomly amongst her friends.

"Perhaps there's a memory spell we could use that'll help him forget his problems," added Starlight.

"Starlight!" responded Twilight, abhorrent by the proposition. "He needs to move on, not forget,"

"Kidding! I was kidding," she joked.

"I know! Why don't we throw him a party?" Pinkie Pie suggested springing from her seat and throwing confetti into the air.

"Listen, Ah know your heart is in the right place, Pinkie, but Ah don't think that's a good idea," Applejack said sternly, the party mare sinking back into her seat. "Spike wouldn't appreciate it now. That dragon just needs time to think and reflect. He needs to move on."

"But we need to cheer him up somehow," Pinkie said sadly, her mane deflating and losing its luscious curls.

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms, feeling unsatisfied. "I'm with Pinkie. It just doesn't feel right."

"Ah know bu-"

"We must throw him a party. It'll be a Spike appreciation party," interrupted a voice on the other side of the table. The girls all stopped, shocked and surprised at the source of the suggestion. Rarity had been quiet throughout the meeting, however, like Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, she felt the need to be proactive and support her friend. Especially given that she was the source of the dragon's heartache. "He needs to know how much he is appreciated and loved by everypony. Scales and all!"

"Are ya sure?" asked Applejack hesitantly, not wanting to dampen the mare's spirits.

"Absolutely!" she said assertively. "We'll invite eveypony he knows and show that stubborn friend of ours."

Twilight walked over to Rarity, who still looked determined. The girls watched Twilight raise her hoof as she pulled the white unicorn into a warm hug. "Rarity, I think that is the sweetest, kindest and most generous thing we can do for him."

Pinkie Pie jumped with glee. "This will be the best Spike appreciation party EVER!" she beamed, firing a shot from her confetti cannon.

The seven ponies looked at each other, filled with determination and purpose. "Alright girls, the party will be set in the next couple of days so we'll need to prepare.

"Let's make it a surprise party!" cheered Pinkie.

"I'll help you prepare your checklists," Starlight offered.

Twilight nodded. "Thanks Starlight, I'll especially need your help to organize the invitations seeing as Spike won't be able to."

"And I'll deliver them," shouted Rainbow Dash, a hoof raised in the air before landing proudly on her chest. "Dragon mail is going to be out of the question and I'm the fastest pony there is!"

"Sorry all, but Ah need to go back home to help Big Mac finish the chores," said Applejack walking towards the door, the others puzzled by their friend’s sudden departure. She turned just as she reached the door, and winked to her friends. "Plus Ah'll need to start cooking all sorts of food right away."

"Pinkie can you and Rarity make up the decorations?" Twilight asked the girls. Rarity nodded, whilst Pinkie saluted in full military attire acknowledging her royal duty.

And with that the meeting was closed, everypony now had their part to play. As they were making their way to leave, Pinkie pulled Fluttershy aside and whispered into her ear, "by the way Fluttershy, the Crusaders are going to ask you a favor later and whatever tactics those girls use. Just say no."

"Okay?" responded the yellow pegasus wondering what the Crusaders could want.

Chapter 7: The art of courtship (properly edited)

"Here you go deary, one Pinkie Pie Special."

"Thank you, Mrs Cake!" Scootaloo grinned as her mouth watered at the sight and smell of the delicious dessert. Not waiting for anypony, she faceplanted into the cupcake, as per the instructions given underneath.

"Here's your apple tart," said the baker handing the plate in front of Apple Bloom, before placing the other in front of Sweetie Belle, "And your coconut lemon slice. Spike, I'm sorry but we are out of ruby red cupcakes at the moment. Mr Cake has offered to get some if you want. Are you sure we couldn't get anything whilst you wait? Some chocolate milk, perhaps?"

"No," Spike answered loudly, waving his arms profusely startling the poor baker. The memory of Zecora's potion and the aftermath were still fresh in his mind. Upon realizing his rude behavior, however, he cleared his throat. "Sorry, no it's fine. I'll just have a jade muffin. Thank you."

Mrs Baker nodded her head having accepted the apology and walked back into the kitchen. When she was out of sight, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked at the desserts and then each other. Without a second hesitation, they switched plates correcting Mrs Baker mistake. Sweetie Belle was now enjoying the sweet apple tart whilst Apple Bloom was savoring that sweet, sour and almost sherbet like flavor of the lemon slice.

The meeting had been moved from the clubhouse to Sugarcube after Scootaloo's persistent reminding her friends of their promise to make up for the earlier teasing. Much to Spike's initial hesitance about the public setting, they agreed to the change in venue. After all, they were hungry too.

Mrs Cake returned with a bright jade green muffin on her serving tray, "and here you go Spike, the last jade muffin."

Spikes eyes widened at the delicious treat before him. For such a sour and bitter day, it was nice to change that with a sweet treat. "Thanks, Mrs Cake."

"If you kids need anything just gives me a call, I'll be at the counter."

"Thank you, Mrs Cake," the Cutie Mark Crusaders respond in unison. Mrs Cake smiled and nodded once more, before returning to the sweet shop counter.

Spike took a quick glance at his cupcake, before looking at the girls enjoying theirs. He took a moment to appreciate them and smiled kindly. "Hey girls, I want to say thanks. It means a lot that you are helping me out like that."

"Of course, Spike," Sweetie Belle responded.

"Yeah, I mean what are friends for?" Scootaloo grinned winking at Spike, pink frosting just on the corners of her mouth.

"So anypony have any ideas?" asked Apple Bloom, before taking another bite, moving back to the business at hoof.

"I'm not sure," Spike said sadly. "I thought being direct would work, but she outright rejected me."

"He should play it cool, like Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo suggested imitating a heroic pose and throwing a few air punches. "Everypony loves a hero."

"Hmmm ... Rarity isn't like that at all though," Sweetie Belle replied, shaking her head. "She's more into guys like Tenderhoof. The mature, sophisticated, worldly, gentlecolt types. You know your typical Prince Charming."

"Yeah that worked for her last time, y'all remember," Apple Bloom chuckled, remembering Rarity's failed attempts at garnishing Tenderhoof's attention and affection despite his own infatuations with her sister, Applejack.

"So we have to make him more like dad then?" asked Scootaloo cringing at the thought.

"No, no, no. Not that old," Sweetie Belle laughed. "Any other ideas?"

"Well Applejack always said that honesty is the best policy," Apple Bloom said to herself, tapping a hoof to her chin.

"Yeah but that didn't work," Scootaloo added incredulously. "She rejected him outright, remember?"

"Ah was tryin to think out loud, Scoots" Apple Bloom retorted, annoyed that her train of thought had been interrupted. "Gees, Ah was going to suggest somethin else."

Spike groaned audibly before the girls broke out in another squabble. At hearing Scootaloo's words, his confession and the events thereafter were brought to the forefront of his attention. Loathing himself at his embarrassment and stab at his pride, Spike excused himself from the table, wanting a moment to gather himself. "Hey guys, I'm just going to the bathroom to wash up," he said sadly.

"Oh okay, Spike," Sweetie Belle answered, watching the dragon intently as he left. She continued to stare at the dragon's direction for a few seconds longer even after he had long disappeared from view. "Gee, I hope he’s okay."

This act of worry had not gone unnoticed by Apple Bloom, who raised a questioning glance at her friend. "So Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom began, wiping mouth with a napkin.

"Ummm ... yeah?" Sweetie Belle answered looking back at her plate and taking the final bite of her tart.

"So how do yah feel about Spike?" she asked flatly.

Sweetie Belle choked. To say she was surprised was a gross understatement. She hit her chest, struggling to breath, desperately attempting to dislodge the last piece that was stuck in her throat. Scootaloo's ears perked up at Apple Bloom’s question and more so due to Sweetie Belle's reaction. "Yeah I'm curious too," Scootaloo added.

Sweetie Belle grabbed the glass of water beside her and drank, successfully clearing her airway.

"What are you on about?" she asks angrily, taken aback by the sudden question. Her cheeks begin blushing hard.

"Ah'm talking about you and Spike," she repeated once more grinning, enjoying her friend's flustered state.

"So do you have any feelings for him?" Scootaloo teased nudging the white unicorn in the side.

"H-he's just a friend," said Sweetie Belle protesting at the though and brushing her mane back. Before her friends could probe any further, a figurative lifeline was thrown in the form of two familiar ponies each carrying their own load of heavy books and newspapers respectfully. "Hey Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," Sweetie Belle beckoned them over, attempting to change the subject. "What bring you girls here?"

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon glanced in the direction of Sweetie Belle waving her hoof with the other crusaders. "Oh hey girls. Diamond Tiara and I are doing some light reading," said Silver Spoon pointing her hoof to the heavy books that were in her saddlebag. "Our fathers have an important meeting in Manehattan, and they have invited us to come along with him."

Whilst Silver Spoon couldn't contain her excitement; Diamond Tiara couldn't hide her displeasure. "Daddy and Mommy want me to read these newspapers and books about the pony economy. He says I need to brush up so that I can better mingle with their friends," said Diamond Tiara disinterested. "They want me to show their business partners how mature and business-like I am."

"So why don't you tell them?" asked Scootaloo.

"Oh don't worry, I'm working on it," Diamond Tiara replied gesturing to the others that she's got it covered. Before going any further, she glanced at Silver Spoon and then at the Crusaders. Placing a hoof behind her head, she blushed acting, unlike her usual confident self. "I'm not really interested in these sorts of things."

Silver Spoon nodded, as the others watched in confusion.

"Since I lost the student election, I realized that I could do some real good," she finishes before playfully nudging Silver Spoon's side and winking back at the Crusaders, "with the help of my friends, of course."

Silver Spoon nodded cheerily, beaming a smile at the three girls. "The playground is only the start! We want to do other community projects that many ponies can enjoy."

"I know my ability to get ponies to do what I want would certainly make the family business stronger, but I'm thinking of becoming a lobbyist or politician instead."

"Diamond Tiara for President again?" Apple Bloom joked causing all the fillies to giggle at the inside joke.

Diamond Tiara wiped a joyful tear from her eye, before looking seriously at the girls, and then Silver Spoon. "We both learned more about each other and our friendship, thanks to you three."

"Well it was thanks to you as well, Diamond Tiara that we found our Cutie Marks and discovered our special talent," said Scootaloo.

A late realization dawned on Diamond Tiara, as she noticed the four plates for three ponies. "Actually what bring you girls here? Are you here to help another pony?"

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nod their heads in unison. "Yeah, we're here helping Spike get Rarity to fall for him," answered Scootaloo.

"That is unless Sweetie Belle has something she wants to say?" Apple Bloom asked, a coy smile and suggestive look forming on her face.

"Oh, and there he is," squeaked Sweetie Belle, ignoring her friends as she saw the purple and green dragon. "Hey Spike!"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo giggled to themselves as the blush returned to Sweetie Belle's cheeks. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon smiled knowingly at each other as they too watched the dragon make his way back. "Is there anything we can do to help?" asked Silver Spoon.

"Nah, it's cool, we got this," Scootaloo replied confidently.

"If we think of somethin, we’ll give you a holla." says Apple Bloom.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon nodded and walked back to the counter to place their order as Spike returned to his seat. "Hello Spike," the two said in unison and interrupting Spike's train of thought.

"Hey guys," Spike replies waving to them as they make their leave. "So you girls think of any other ideas?"

"Well, Spike, before Scoots interrupted -," Apple Bloom began throwing a quick annoyed glance at the orange pegasus before continuing "- Ah thought we could help yah become a romantic like, like one of them gentlecolts from them fairy tales."

"Yeah, Rarity loves all those romantic stories," added Sweetie Belle. "She mostly reads crime mystery novels, but I know she also enjoys reading the odd romance novel when she's alone in the house."

"Like dancing, and music, and flowers," Scootaloo added daydreaming away. Truthfully, Scootaloo loved those romantic stories too, not that she'd want to admit it too much. Realizing her moment of weakness she chastised herself at what her hero, Rainbow Dash, might have thought. "Not that I like that sort of thing," she added protecting her tomboyish ego.

"Become one of those good old fashion lover boys, Granny Smith keeps goin on about!" Apple Bloom said loudly.

"I don't know ..." Spike began, but before he could protest, the girls begin to sing:

You can dim the lights, and sing her songs full of sad things.
You can do the tango just for two
Try to serenade and gently play
On her heart strings
Be a Valentino that's what you'll do

Ooh love, Ooh lover boy
What're doing tonight, hey boy
Set your alarm turn on that charm
And become a good old fashioned lover boy

(Scootaloo puts her head on Spike's chest.)
Ooh let me feel you heartbeat
(Grow faster faster)
Ooh can you feel that love heat
Come on and sit on that hooot~ seat of love
(Apple Bloom push Scootaloo onto his lap as she mocks the behaviour of a love-struck mare.)
And tell her how you feel after all (wink)
I like for you and I to go dancing?
Say the word your wish is my command
(Getting off Spike, the girls continue dancing)

Ooh love Ooh lover boy
What're doing tonight? hey boy
Write her letter, feel much better
And use your fancy patter as you talk to her

Dining at the Ritz, you'll meet at nine precisely
(One two three four five six seven eight nine)
You'll pay her bill, she'll drink her wine
Riding back in style in a carriage will do quite nicely
Just take me back home that should be fine
(Come on and do it)
Ooh love Ooh lover boy
What're you doing tonight hey boy
Everything's alright just hold on tight
That's because I'll become a good old fashioned lover boy

The three girls finished, huffing as they watch the dragon's mood lighten filling with a new found sense of hope and confidence.

"So what do yah think then?" asked Apple Bloom.

"Oh I’m pretty sure, I can handle being romantic, but," Spike paused for a moment reflecting on their earlier conversation, "you said that she likes the mature, worldly, gentlecolt type, right? Well, what do we talk about then?"

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom all looked back at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as they enjoyed an apple pie between them. They smiled to each other, as they come to the same idea.

"Do you know much about the pony economy?"

Author's Note

What another song? Anyway this song is "Good Old Fashioned Lover boy" by Queen. I modified the lyrics heavily to fit the story removing parts of the original song, just to tighten it up but included some a couple of lines about the dance moves and actions to better understand the meaning behind the lyrics. The colours below should help identify the intended singers.

Sweetie
Applebloom
Scoots
Girls together.
Spike

I don't own the original song, and if you are interested in listening to it here the actual song.

Chapter 8: A fresh start (properly edited)

"Sweetie Belle. Darling, have you seen my scissors?"

"No I haven't, Rarity," replied the young unicorn filly as she was pretending to read a book. "Did you try the chest drawers? Where they are usually kept?"

"Sweetie Belle, I don't appreciate that sort of tone," huffed Rarity, "and of course I did. It was the very first place I looked."

"Top drawer?"

"Yes, I already said-"

"Underneath your diary?" she asked not looking away from the page.

"Well um.... no I didn't," Rarity admitted, feeling particularly foolish.

"Maybe you should go check then?" smirked Sweetie Belle.

"Hmm... Ah yes! There they are, thank Celestia," smiled Rarity happily before curtly adding, "And I guess you too, Sweetie Belle."

"You're welcome," Sweetie Belle remarked with a sarcastic grin.

Sweetie Belle continued to watch Rarity work on some super secret project that she wasn't permitted to know about. Not that she cared mind you, for she had her own (more important) plans that would soon to come to fruition.

The plan, she and her friends had formulated was simple. Spike would invite Rarity out for the day, giving him the chance to show off his mature scales and for Rarity to see the young dragon in a different light. In order for the plan to be successful however, he would need mature topics of conversation. That is where Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came in.

The two girls had been tutoring Spike in the basic principles of business, pony economics and trade, every afternoon for the past few days at the Crusader's clubhouse. The Crusaders were present at every lesson providing Spike with moral support.

Groaned Diamond Tiara as she rubbed her temples in a circular motion.

"What?" asked Spike incredulously. "It's a perfectly logical point."

"I won't deny that but," Diamond Tiara began, "the difference between macro and micro economics is not just a single letter!" she huffed.

"Well I know ... but it is an interesting fact," Spike said proudly.

"Will you be serious!" snapped Diamond Tiara.

Sweetie Belle chuckled at the memory. All jokes aside, Spike was genuine in trying to understand and learn this tediously boring subject, all for a chance to be with the pony he loved. She admired his tenacity, and hoped that his efforts would be rewarded.

Despite her sincere wishes and goodwill in supporting Spike’s endeavors, something was annoying Sweetie Belle. She couldn't quite understand it. She felt agitated whenever she thought of Rarity and Spike spending the afternoon together.

Unable to understand these feelings towards her sister, and not wanting to share them with her friends, she found other 'creative' outlets to vent her frustration.

"Oh sweet Celestia," Rarity muttered before she screamed in frustration from behind her closet door. "SWEETIE BELLE! HAVE YOU SEEN MY SEWING NEEDLES?"

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Did you check your desk?"

Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock.

Rarity groaned. "Sweetie Belle, can you please get that? If it is a customer, please tell them that we are closed for the time being, thank you."

Sweetie Belle placed the magazine down, and curtly walked down stairs. She opens the door and smiles at Spike who was waiting nervously.

"Umm ... Hey there, Sweetie Belle."

"Oh, hi Spike," said Sweetie Belle very loudly so that the mare upstairs could hear her. "Why don't you come in."

"Eek!" Could be heard in response. Spike accepted walking in stiffly. "So is everything going to plan?" he whispered nervously.

Sweetie Belle nodded with a satisfied, devilish grin and winked. "Yep, I've hidden Rarity's rubies and jades so she'll need to get some. Why don't you go upstairs."

Crash. Bang.

Spike chuckled. "Umm ... no. I think I'll give her a minute."

"Ah, sure thing," replied Sweetie Belle.

The two stood around awkwardly, not sure of what to say to the other.

"So.... how are things at the Castle?," Sweetie Belle asked, hoping to ease her nerves. "Have you made up with Twilight yet?"

The dragon looked glum. "Uh... I – I…yeah no I haven't," he admitted. "To be honest I haven't seen her in awhile. Or Starlight Glimmer for that matter. When I came home the other day, I was ready to apologize but I only found a note saying:

Sorry Spike. Friendship Mission. Let's talk when I get back. Gems in the fridge but don't spoil your dinner. Twilight.

"Heh, wonder if she's still mad with me?"

Sweetie Belle looked at Spike sympathetically. She moves closer and wraps her hooves around Spike, taking him by surprise. "I'm sure it'll be fine," she says sweetly, "you mean the world to Twilight. I know you guys will make up. You guys are practically family after all."

"You think so?" he asked weakly.

"Well, take it from me," she replied with a bit of sass. "Big sisters can be annoying but they eventually come around."

Spiked smiled warmly. "Thanks Sweetie Belle."

"You're welcome," she beamed. The pair glanced at each other briefly before turning away blushing. "So..."

Smash. Slam.

Placing a hoof over her forehead, Sweetie Belle shook her head.

"Yeah," Spike began clearing his throat, "I better go upstairs and see Rarity."

"O-Of course" Sweetie Belle blurted before mumbling sadly under her breath, “you should ....”

After taking a couple of steps, Rarity came bolting stopping the dragon in his tracks. She was huffing, her mane was unruly and sweat was running from her brow.

"Spike, what a pleasant surprise,” stammered Rarity as she looked at him nervously whilst trying to catch her breath. “What can I do for you?"

Spike and Sweetie Belle both stared at Rarity momentarily. Sweetie Belle was smiling devilishly. Spike coughed into his claw and pulled back his green scales hinting at Rarity to do the same. “Umm … Rarity.”

“Hmm?” she responds questionably. She took a glance at her reflection in a nearby mirror and immediately blushes. “Oh my, please excuse me for a moment,” she chuckled sheepishly as she grabbed a brush using her magic from the nearby counter to fix her mane.

“Rarity, I going to Sugarcube corner to catch up with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom,” called Sweetie Belle.

“Okay, Sweetie Belle,” acknowledged Rarity as she focused on her reflection in the mirror. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”

“Bye, Spike,” said Sweetie Belle, before whispering, “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” he responded and turned his gaze back to Rarity fondly as she straightened her hair. He then quickly shakes his head to clear his thoughts and focus at the task in claw. "I'm um... want to say that I am sorry for the other day," he began.

She whips her mane back into position before turning to Spike, smiling warmly. “Oh darling, there is nothing you need to apologize for. If anything it is me who should be apologizing to you.”

“Thank you, Rarity.”

“Anyway, Spike, I do appreciate you coming by but I am very sorry, as I do have to get back to work,” Rarity said apologetically.

“Wait!”

“Yes, Spike?” replied Rarity shocked by Spike’s sudden outburst.

“I was wondering if I could help you?”

“I-ah, come again?” stammered Rarity.

“Yeah, I think it would be great, if we could go out some and get a fresh start on our relationship,” he proposed optimistically.

"Friendship?” She corrected him.

“Yes, that’s what I meant of course,” he chuckled nervously.

"Ummm … I don’t know ..."

"Unless you don't want to," he sighs sadly, looking at her with large puppy dog eyes.

"No! Of course, I do,” Rarity blurted out, not wanting to upset Spike. She sighed, and looked back at Spike apprehensively. This would be a perfectly good chance to make a fresh start and ensure they were on the right hoof. “... I need to find more gems anyway."

Spike was dancing happily inside. “Great, I’ll go get the cart.”

“Thank you, dear,” she replied warily. “I’ll just get myself ready,” she added as she grabbed a nearby violet hat.

“Here let me get that for you,” Spike said with a mock bow, opening the front door as gentlecoltly as possible.

“Thank you, Spike.”

As they walked down the street, Rarity turned to Spike. “You know Spike,” Rarity began. “I don’t understand why but as of late all lot of my possessions have been disappearing.”

“Oh really?” he chuckled nervously. “I wonder why?”

Chapter 9: BIG (properly edited)

“Ah can’t believe yah managed to talk me into this!” complained Apple Bloom galloping at full speed behind Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“Come on we’ve got to hurry, or we’ll never catch up with them,” called Sweetie Belle leading the pack.

“I can’t wait to see him in action,” grinned Scootaloo excitedly.

“Ah’m getting a terrible sense of deja vu,” groaned Apple Bloom.

“De Ja what now?” asked Scootaloo with a baffled look.

“Deja vu, it means,” Apple Bloom began but then decided now wasn’t the time to explain, “oh never mind.”

“But, that doesn’t make any sense,” replied Scootaloo. “How can you get a sense of never mind?”

“For Pete’s sake, Scoots, it means -”

“Shh, quiet!” interrupted Sweetie Belle, grinding to a halt. Luckily her friends were able to stop just in the nick of time avoiding a collision. “I think I can see Spike and Rarity,” she puffed as she pointed a hoof in the distance. “Come on. We’re nearly there.”

Pulling out a rock costume from behind some bushes, the Crusaders huddled underneath and quietly made their way closer to the couple up ahead. Scootaloo chuckled earning a curious glance from Apple Bloom. “You know, this reminds me of the time we tried to get our Cutie Marks for spying,” she whispered.

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes incredulously. “Yeah, Ah know and, if Ah remembered correctly it didn’t quite work as well as we hoped,” she sniped sarcastically.

“Shh,” hushed Sweetie Belle as they were creeping slowly forwards. “They’ll hear us.”

After an awkward and quiet 20 minute walk, Spike and Rarity soon reached their destination at Rambling Rock Ridge. Neither had spoken to each other since they had left Ponyville. Both of them were nervous.

Rarity was not sure what Spike wanted or what he had planned to say to her. Given that he had invited her, she felt it would be polite for him to start the conversation. Spike on the other hoof was terribly nervous. Throughout their entire journey, he tried to find the opportune moment to speak, but his nerves got the better of him and kept his mouth shut.

“So … where did you want to start?” asked Spike, hoping to break the awkward silence.

“Hmm...” pondered Rarity rubbing a hoof underneath her chin, “I was thinking we could start by looking for some jades and rubies. Shall we start over there then? Next to the large boulder.”

“Sounds good.”

The Cutie Mark Crusader were within an earshot distance away of the two. The rock costume seemed to camouflage their presence almost perfectly. "Are yah sure this is such a good idea?" asked Apple Bloom nervously.

"Relax Apple Bloom," Scootaloo replied reassuringly. "Spikes got this."

“That’s not what Ah meant,” groaned Apple Bloom.

“Will you two please be quiet,” pleaded Sweetie Belle. “I’m trying to listen.”

Putting the plan into action, Spike cleared his throat. "So, uh how's business going?" he asked nervously.

"My business is doing really well,” answered Rarity as she picked up a gem with her magic to examine it. “Sassy is doing an excellent job managing the Canterlot Carousel, and I have been getting a lot of orders at my Manehattan store. If it wasn’t for Cocco Pommel, I don’t know how I could keep up."

"That's great to hear."

"Why do you ask, Spike?” asked Rarity grabbing another as she placed it happily in the cart.

“I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately,” Spike began, “about the pony economy.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I’ve been reading about the latest economic forecasts,” he began solemnly, ”apparently the market is on the downward trend.”

Rarity raised an eyebrow and stopped searching for gemstones. “Is that so?” she asked with a curious tone.

“According to Major Capital, ponies aren’t able to borrow bits like they used to.”

“Major ... Capital?”

“Yes, Major Capital is Equestria’s leading expert on the bit exchange and housing market,” Spike boasted. “She’s the best pony to get your financial advice from.”

“Huh,” replied Rarity, “I must admit, I’m not too familiar with that pony.”

“Well, last week she warned that there aren’t enough bits going around because of a housing balloon looming over Manehattan,” Spike explained. “Once it bursts, the balloon will crash into the stock market causing a lot of economic problems.”

“I beg your pardon? Balloons?”

“Yeap. Gosh makes you feel kind of sorry for the ponies that balloon lands on. You’d think they just move the balloon.”

“Darling, I think you mean bubbles.”

“Why would bubbles crash into the stock market?”

“Spike, dear,” she chuckled as she tries to explain. “The housing bubble is an expression where the price of houses is overpriced when compared to their actual value. It’s not a real bubble or balloon for that matter.”

“So what do they mean when she says it’s going to crash then?”

Rarity contemplates how best to answer this question without confusing the poor dragon and herself. Pondering the question once more, she shook her head and instead excused herself for her lack of knowledge. “I’m not too sure Spike, I’m not an economist,” she smiled.

“Huh. Guess I’ll need to read more about it,” he muttered to himself.

“I’m sorry Spike, but I don’t pay too much attention to those sorts of issues,” she admitted.

“You don’t?” asked Spike dumbfoundedly.

“Yes, I don’t find pony economics at all captivating. I design works of art. I do it for the pleasure of making ponies fashionable and setting the latest trends.”

Oh! Horse apples! Spike cursed to himself. What am I going to do now?

“Spike, what has brought this up?”

“Ah …” Spike stared at her blankly for a second.

As Spike struggled to answer the question, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were observing intently; each filly reacted differently to the situation. Apple Bloom was pulled her face in embarrassment as she empathized with the poor dragon. Scootaloo watched on baffled, failing to register how their plan was falling apart. Whilst Sweetie Belle was glared angrily at her sister, blaming her for Spike’s blunder.

How dare she embarrass Spike like that especially after all his hard work! she thought to herself.

“Umm … I … ah…” stammered Spike, still desperately searching for an answer.

“Spike? Are you okay, darling?” asked Rarity with concern.

“Is it getting hot in here?” he responded nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Sweetie Belle was barely able to contain herself, however, and let out a fierce, low audible growl. “Grrrrrr.”

“Shh,” hushed Apple Bloom quickly covering Sweetie Belle’s mouth. “She’ll hear us.”

Unfortunately, Rarity did hear something. A familiar voice. She turned to the source of the sound, before glancing just over her right shoulder. The three fillies froze as Rarity stared in their direction.

“Do yah think she can see us?” whispered Apple Bloom, still holding her hoof over Sweetie Belle’s mouth.

Scootaloo shakes her head. “I don’t think so,” she said with some confidence. “This costume is fool-proof. There is no way she will be able to recognize us.”

But she does. It was the same rock costume she had made for the Cutie Mark Crusaders last year when they tried for their bird watching cutie marks.

Rarity frowned silently and groaned. She didn’t know what these girls were up to, but she did have a fair idea that it somehow involved meddling in her affairs with Spike. It was probably one of her sister's schemes. After all, she was acting particularly suspicious this morning. Thinking about it carefully, she decided to play along with the ruse.

Spike, on the other hoof, used this distraction to cleverly think of how he was going to get the conversation back on track. "Well, I was thinking about how it would have affected you. Like just yesterday I was reading in the Manehattan Times that the cost of silk has skyrocketed," said Spike.

"Really?" she responded in mock surprise.

"Yes didn't you know the silkworms went on strike after they weren't getting enough leaves," he smiled proudly, not picking up on the sarcasm.

"Spike, dear," said Rarity deflating Spike’s enthusiasm, "that was three years ago."

"Huh?" he stutters. “It was?”

"Yes, I'm sorry dear,” Rarity chuckled.

"Really?" asked Spike feeling mortified and the world falling beneath his feet.

"Yes, and it was silkworm farmers, not the worms that had to renegotiate the contracts they had with the silk manufacturers. They were demanding for fairer wages, not leaves."

“When it said green, I assumed it was leaves," said Spike disheartened

“Spike, that’s another expression for money.”

"Oh.”

“It got extremely unsavory that it even went to the Fair Materials and Trade Court in Canterlot."

Spike was at a loss for words. He squats for a moment contemplating the countless hours he had spent trying to understand this stupidly dull topic. His efforts had been for naught.

For Rarity, however, it was one of the cutest things she had seen. Her Spike-wikey was trying to show her how much he had grown, but only to put his foot in his mouth and get muddled along the way. Having had her fun though and sensing his distress, Rarity decided to change the dragon’s mood.

"So I hear that there’s a new comic book coming out,” she began. “Splinter-mane?"

“Spider-mane,” he responded dully, “yeah, it's pretty awesome!"

"I would love to hear more about it," she inquired, hoping to bait him.

“Really?” he asked hopefully.

“As honest as Applejack,” she winked with full sincerity in her voice.

Spike jumped up excited. Maybe this was a conversation that would go better for him. After all, his extensive knowledge of comic book heroes could match Twilight’s knowledge of astro-magicks.

"It's about this alien from another planet that gets bitten by a spider and becomes a superhero,” said Spike merrily.

“Ooo! That’s sound absolutely interesting. Please go on. What happens to him?”

“He gets mysteriously gets summoned to our world where he becomes a unicorn. He becomes a sensation and ends up saving his world and ours. He gets help from a princess and a particularly cool dragon,” he boasted with a wide grin on his face.

Rarity said nothing and continued to watch the dragon fondly, giggling along with his cheerful attitude.

"He's got nothing over Super-mare or Drac-thor the Mighty though," he smiled and posed for the white unicorn standing before him. He then proceeded to demonstrate a few scenes from the comic as Rarity continued to watch in earnest.

“What is he doing?” whispered Scootaloo.

“Improvising,” replied Apple Bloom.

“Impro-what?”

Apple Bloom groaned incredulously. “He’s basically changing the plan, doing something else and succeeding.”

“Oh. why didn’t you just say that?” asked Scootaloo. “Sometimes I think you just use big words to make yourself sound smart.”

Apple Bloom glared at Scootaloo but kept her mouth shut. Now wasn’t the time to get caught.

Sweetie Belle ignored them as she watched the two intently, especially her sister as she wondered what she’s really up to? As Spike finished the last of his scenes, Rarity clapped her hooves together. “Bravo, Bravo.”

Taking his cue, Spike turned to bow and blow kisses to his audience. Not realizing what was happening, Rarity slowly walked provocatively towards him, smiling along the way. “You know, Spike,” she began seductively.

“Yeah,” he gulped.

She lowers her head towards his. He closes his eyes and puckers his lips hopefully, but lucks out as she instead kisses his forehead. The move was still effective. However, he stammers and looks up, blushing. She takes a step back, turned around and smiles.

Scootaloo’s and Apple Bloom’s eyes widened watching this amazingly romantic display unfold before them. Scootaloo was clapping her hooves with excitement. Sweetie Belle, however, glared jealously at her sister as her temples began throbbing in a silent rage. Proverbial steam was coming out of her ears.

“It's really sweet that you are trying to be more adult, but,” then she playfully rubs his cheeks with her hoof and pouts her lips together before skipping away. “I prefer you like this. My cute Spikey-Wikey,” she ended poking her tongue out and winked. She giggled and resumed her hunt for gems, skipping away.

Spike’s jaw dropped. He’d just been baited, and worse of all, he fell for it. Flustered, frustrated and embarrassed, he groaned bitterly, chastising himself for falling for her ruse. He muttered a few profanities under his breath as he begrudgingly followed after her, pulling the cart along with him.

As the two continue their journey deeper into the ranges, Apple Bloom pulled the costume off feeling somewhat disappointed. “Well that could have gone better,” she grumbled.

“So … what just happened?” asked Scootaloo rhetorically.

“I’ll tell you what happened,” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. ”Spike got played!”

Author's Note

First Spidermane is a real fanfic written by Maximum Reborn. It's an awesome read and definitely one you should check it out if you like Spiderman ... https://www.fimfiction.net/story/9347/spiders-and-magic-rise-of-spider-mane

Also did you pick up the other easter egg?

It's the chapter title! :pinkiegasp:

"Big" is a movie starring Tom Hanks. It's about a 13-year-old boy who turns into a man after making a wish. It's a pretty good film, and I won't be surprised if it gets a remake :ajbemused: . I'd definitely recommend giving it a watch. :ajsmug: If you watched it or read the synopsis, you'll understand why I chose the title name. For more info look it up here, and please no spoilers :raritywink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_(film)

Chapter 10: Reflections (properly edited)

“Spike, I must thank you for such a fantastic afternoon,” beamed Rarity. “I haven’t felt this joyous since I was a filly.”

“Hmm … yeah, sure,” Spike muttered as he pulled the cart full of gems.

“It has been such a long time since I’ve been outside gem hunting,” she continued, singing merrily. “Look we’re almost home, just a little longer.”

“...I’m glad,” he grunted spitefully.

“This particular emerald just speaks volumes to me,” she awed, using her magic to levitate a large, oval shaped gem, admiring the rays of green light shining through it. “Oooh, I feel so inspired right now!”

“...”

Rarity glanced over her shoulder and peered at the young dragon. “Oh, darling, you’re not still upset about earlier are you?” asked Rarity.

Spike stole a quick glance at Rarity before turning away to avoid her gaze. “... maybe ...”

“I’m sorry, Spike. It’s just you were just so cute and adorable that I just couldn’t resist it. Please forgive me,” she cooed.

Against his better judgement, he glanced into her puppy dog eyes and sighed. “Where did you want these gems?” he asked coolly.

“Oh - ah, just leave them there by the entrance, please,” she answered using her magic to open the front door. “I’ll sort through them later.”

Spike nodded and dropped the handle of the cart. “Do you need anything else?”

“No thank you, Spike,” she replied.

“I’ll see you later then,” said Spike but before he could leave, Rarity blocked his path.

“Really, Spike, I can’t exactly let you leave empty hoofed, now can I?” Using her magic, she held a small basket and presented it to the young dragon. “Here. Please accept this apology gift for my cheekiness earlier and my way of wanting to start a fresh too.”

Before he could stop himself, Spike licked his lips as he looked greedily over the basket of assorted gems. “I did want to give these to you later, but I guess now is as good as time as any,” she continued.

He looked between the white unicorn mare and the delicious gems in front of him. Although they looked delicious, he held his claw back from reaching for them. He wasn’t ready to forgive Rarity just yet. “No it’s okay, Rarity,” Spike said stubbornly. “I don’t need them.”

“Please, darling,” she insisted resorting to her puppy dog eyes and pouted lips. “Please, Spikey-Wikey.”

Spike looked at her again. He couldn't help it; she was just too darn cute. Spike grumbled for a few seconds before finally caving in. “Fine, but just for the record” - he said as he grabbed the basket and shoved a claw full of gems into his mouth - “I can not be bought so easily.”

Rarity chuckled. “Of course not. I never assumed so.”

“See you later, Rarity,” said Spike, as grabbed another claw full of gems.

“Bye, darling,” replied Rarity with a soft smile on her face. She watched the dragon until he was out of sight, and then turned merrily bringing the gems inside with her magic. Her stomach growled as she closed the door behind her.

“Oh my, I must be famished,” she blushed.

Rarity proceeded into the kitchen but was surprised to see Sweetie Belle sitting at the table, rolling an apple between her hooves. The filly was quite agitated and refused to acknowledge her sister’s presence. Rarity hid a smirk underneath a hoof, feeling very pleased with herself.

“Oh, good evening, Sweetie Belle” chimed Rarity. “Did you have a good afternoon with your friends?”

Sweetie Belle ignored her as she continued rolling the apple back and forth.

“Sweetie Belle, are you okay?” asked Rarity as she continues to play aloof. “Is something the matter?

“Everything’s fine,” hissed the young filly, “Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that you do appear out of sorts,” she said cautiously.

“It’s nothing.”

“Did something happen?”

“Gosh, Rarity, just mind your own business will you,” snapped Sweetie Belle as she jumped off her chair, and exited the room.

“Hmph!” Rarity scoffed, snapping her face away and slamming her eyes shut, “I could say the same thing.”

She shook her head, dissipating any negative thoughts. Now was not the time to get upset. She trotted back to the front room and used her magic to grab the large green gem once more. “That’s enough fun for now. I have to get back to work,” she said with fiery determination.

The next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were waiting at the clubhouse for Spike to discuss the results of yesterday’s plan. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were watching anxiously as Sweetie Belle as paced the room up and down fuming. “Rarity”, “Spike”, “Stupid, and “Ungrateful” were the only words that could be understood in between her growls and incoherent babble.

“You ask her,” whispered Scootaloo.

“Why do Ah hafta?” retorted Apple Bloom.

“Because I did it last time remember?” reminded Scootaloo with gritted teeth.

Apple Bloom groaned under her breath. Whenever Sweetie Belle got worked up, her heightened vocal range could pierce eardrums bringing full grown stallions to their knees.

“Umm … Sweetie Belle,” approached Apple Bloom hesitantly.

Sweetie Belle continued to pace and growl unaware that Apple Bloom was trying to get her attention.

“Sweetie Belle,” said Apple Bloom louder this time.

Sweetie Belle stopped for a second and glared at Apple Bloom. “Yes?” she sneered dangerously.

“Sweetie Belle, are you umm okay?” asked Apple Bloom nervously, rubbing a hoof on her shoulder.

“Of course, I am,” she snapped. “Why wouldn’t I be.”

“It’s just that-”

“You’ve been pacing up and down for the last 30 minutes, growling and muttering to yourself liked some crazed pony” interjected Scootaloo with a stern voice. “And whatever’s got your tail in a knot; you don’t need to take it out on your friends.”

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to speak but reflected on her behaviour and thought better of it. Her anger dissipated somewhat and regretted her actions, especially towards her best friends. She sat back onto her rump with her face to the ground and let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. I’m just so angry at Rarity. I just can’t believe how she treated Spike,” she explained. “He deserves so much.”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other and glanced at Sweetie Belle sympathetically. “Listen, Sweetie Belle, we get why yah’re upset,” said Apple Bloom gently.

“Just don’t take it out on us, okay?” winked Scootaloo as she and Apple Bloom gave Sweetie Belle a comforting hug.

“I’m sorry,” said Sweetie Belle as she returned their warm embrace.

Just as they broke away, however, Spike entered the clubhouse gloomily. “Hey guys,” he waved halfheartedly. The girls had looked at each other before they walked to the dragon.

“Hi, Spike. So how did the plan go?” inquired Apple Bloom with a large, fake smile. “Did yah managed to win her over?”

Scootaloo raised a baffled look at Apple Bloom’s question. “What are you talking about; we saw-”

“Nothing,” blurted Sweetie Belle nudging Scootaloo into the side before she could finish. Sweetie Belle glared at the oblivious pegasus, before looking back at Spike chuckling nervously.

Fortunately for them, Spike didn’t notice as he sat on a chair near the window. He slumped his head into his claws dejectedly. “Yeah, went as well as you could have hoped for,” he mumbled.

“That bad, huh,” remarked Apple Bloom sadly.

“It’s okay, Spike,” cheered Scootaloo confidently. “We can come up with a new plan. Something that will truly win her over.”

“Yeah, best not to lose heart now Spike,” added Apple Bloom.

“Spike, you’re a great pony,” said Sweetie Belle. “My sister just needs to see that.”

Spike looked up at the girl, wearing a weak but grateful smile. Although he still felt dejected, their optimism and concerns raised his spirits. It felt good to talk it over with his friends. Their continued support gave him strength and courage. His chest felt warm in response to their feelings. “Thanks, everypony.”

“So Scootaloo, do you have a plan?” asked Apple Bloom with a smug, knowing look.

Scootaloo clapped her hooves giddily. “You bet I do!” she shouted.

Spike watched as Scootaloo revealed the many different romantic plans and possibilities she had been working on. He sighed inwardly before turning his body on the chair and looking out the window.

His mind pondered over the events from yesterday. It was nice just being in Rarity’s company, but it felt stiff and unnatural. And, although his heart pounded at the sight of her, he couldn’t help but question. Would Rarity return his feelings? If not, what then? Would there be anypony who would love him? Would he find that special somepony?

He closed his eyes as these questions lingered. Sensing his distress, Sweetie Belle interrupted the heated debate between Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Umm guys, do you think you can give us a minute,” she whispered before gesturing to the dejected dragon.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stopped for a moment and looked at Spike sitting alone. Without any further explanation, the two fillies winked and began to make their exit. “Sure, we’ll go outside and get some snacks,” offered Apple Bloom.

As they leave, she walks over to the dragon. “Is something on your mind, Spike?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Nah, just thinking things over,” answered Spike firmly. He steals a quick glance at Sweetie Belle, who was wearing an affectionate but worried expression. Her adoring eyes continued to look into his, and Spike could not help but cave in and share the questions that plagued his mind.

“Actually, I was thinking,” as he spoke, Spike’s words felt cold and hollow, as though as if some other pony was talking on his behalf, “I thought whether anypony would love me? I mean, I’m a dragon? Little is known of my kind because ponies are too scared to find out. So how would they think of me in the romantic sense? Would anypony love me? I did hope that Rarity would be the one to see past that, but now I’m just not sure. Will I find that special somepony?”

He had never revealed these feelings to anypony, not even to Twilight. And now, he was spilling his deepest, darkest fears to Sweetie Belle. The sister of the one he loved or at least thought he loved. He felt ashamed at his confession, but for some reason, he also felt relieved. His heart felt lighter than before, and he could breathe a little easier.

Sweetie Belle’s eyes began to water as she looked at him sadly. She cautiously placed a reassuring hoof out onto his shoulder and looked at him affectionately. He looks back at her and waits. “Spike, I-” she paused for a moment as something captured her attention in the corner of her eye and looked beyond the dragon. “Discord!”

“Discord?” he asked baffled at the mention of the draconequus. “Sweetie Belle, what on-”

“No Spike, look!” she repeated pointing a hoof outside.

Spike turned to look at the direction. Perplexed once again he sees Discord riding a yellow cloud singing loudly and badly. Sweetie Belle face broke into a sly smile and she bolted for the exit leaving the perplexed dragon behind.

"Hey, where are you going?" shouted Spike.

"Spike, come quickly. I have an idea."

Chapter 12: The new pony in town

At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was sitting at her dressing table getting ready for the day. She, Twilight, Applejack and Starlight had planned to catch up in town to discuss their plans for Spike’s appreciation party. Applejack had finished her chores earlier that morning and decided to check up on Rarity before meeting with the others. A decision she soon came to regret.

“Oh for Pete sake! We’re going to be late. Aren’t you just about done yet?”

“Applejack, please,” moaned Rarity as she continued brushing her mane whilst gazing at her reflection in the mirror. “I am almost finished. I’ll be another five minutes. Ten minutes at most.”

“That’s what you said half an hour ago,” grumbled Applejack as she tapped her hooves impatiently.

Rarity ignored Applejack’s remark as she continued. Once she was satisfied with her mane, Rarity placed the brush down, sprayed on some perfume and puffed up her mane. She gazed at her reflection adoringly one last time to ensure there were no imperfections. “See all finished. How do I look?”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Like Sunday Morning! Can we get going now?”

“Of course we can,” answered Rarity. As the two made their way down the stair however, Rarity stole a quick glance at a nearby wall clock. “Oh my stars, is that the time? Sweet Celestia, we’re going to be late!”

“That’s what I’ve-

“Come along, Applejack,” Rarity interrupted, “we must pick up the pace if we’re going to meet Twilight on time.”

Applejack bit her lip. “Remember what Granny Smith always says, if you got nothing nice to say, than yah sure as heck don’t say anything,” she whispered to herself.

“Hurry up, Applejack!”

“Remember what Granny Smith always said,” repeated Applejack through gritted teeth.

“You’re late,” stood a bemused alicorn princess watching her friends catch their breath.

“I’m really sorry, Twi,” huffed Applejack. After her second puff, she swallowed and turned to Rarity, who in her haste had become dishevelled undoing all her hard work. Applejack looked at the frazzled unicorn smugly. “Rarity was getting ready.”

At this snide remark, Rarity snapped her head back causing every strand of her hair to flick back into place, and reveal the dazzling mare underneath. She smiled at some onlookers who were equally impressed by her transformation and beauty. She batted her eyes at them as they passed, before turning back and sticking her tongue out at the country mare. “Perfection takes time, Applejack. Not that you’d understand.”

“You’re right, Rarity. Ah don’t,” retorted a bemused Applejack.

Rarity ignored Applejack and instead turned to Twilight, hoping to change the subject. “So how’s everything going?”

Twilight stood stunned for a moment at her friend’s instant recovery, before shaking her thoughts and regaining her composure. “Everything is going according to schedule,” she beamed. “Rainbow Dash has finished mailing the invitations and thankfully nearly everypony has confirmed that they’ll be coming. Fluttershy’s animal orchestra is still rehearsing, but she’s confident that they’ll be ready. I was hoping to catch up with her later after we arrange the cakes from Sugarcube Corner.”

“Sound’s good,” nodded Rarity. “Let’s get moving. We can talk along the way.”

“Twi, where’s Starlight?” asked Applejack at the belated realization. “Wasn’t she meant to join us?”

“Starlight is on her way to see Trixie,” answered Twilight, earning perplexed looks from Rarity and Applejack. “She wanted to ask her if she would be willing to put on a show for the party.”

“Trixie, huh?” asked Applejack with a slight frown. “Do you think that’s such a good idea?”

“I don’t mind at all,” smiled Twilight. “Trixie has come a long way and is a much better pony. She’s also Starlight’s friend. How about you girls? How are things going on your end?”

“Me and Granny Smith just finished baking the last of the apple pies,” said Applejack proudly. “The rest should be finished by tomorrow morning.”

“And I’ve just finished the last of the party decorations,” added Rarity joyfully. “They are absolutely divine. Oh Spike will be so pleased.”

“Wasn’t Pinkie supposed to be helping you?” asked Twilight.

Rarity shrugged her shoulders. “She said she needed extra confetti and two more cannons. I haven’t seen or heard from her since.”

“No need to fret, Twi,” reassured Applejack. “Pinkie is the most reliable pony Ah know. And Ah’m sure she has her … um reasons.”

“Oh I’m not worried, Applejack,” replied Twilight. “It’s not like her to miss a party.”

“How’s Spike doing these days?” Rarity asked cautiously, hoping that yesterday’s impromptu outing with Spike didn’t damper the drake’s spirits.

“I don’t know,” Twilight sighed, earning a curious look from her friends. “I have been trying to avoid him these past couple of days. It’s just so hard to keep this all a secret you know.”

“Oh darling, I completely understand your predicament. Even I have trouble containing my excitement,” said Rarity sympathetically.

“Yeah, Ah bet Pinkie Pie is having a hard time too,” chuckled Applejack.

The trio giggled as they remembered when Pinkie Pie’s struggled desperately to keep Cadance and Shining Armour’s pregnancy a secret so many moons ago. They continued on to Sugarcube Corner enjoying each other’s company, when the mood was suddenly and unexpectedly interrupted.

“Rarity!”

“Hmmm? Did you call for me, darling?” asked Rarity as she looked at her friends.

Applejack shook her head. “No, it wasn’t us.”

“Rarity!” it called out again, though this time a bit louder. “Rarity!”

“Who in Celestia could that be?” wondered Twilight.

“Rarity!” came the cries of the strange pony.

“I’m not sure, Twilight,” Rarity replied slowly as she tried to identify the pony calling for her. The voice sounded familiar but she wasn't sure. She couldn’t quite put her hoof on it.

“Rarity! HEY RARITY,” it shouted though this time a bit louder.

The constant cries for her attention started to grate Rarity. In any case she had other things to do, and her friends came first. “Whoever that pony is they are just going to have to wait. I’m not available at the moment,” said Rarity dismissively as she made her way to the front of the pack. “Let us carry on, shall we?”

Despite her best efforts to deviating their attention back to their original goal, a commotion was happening behind them, as the random pony continued to beckon the bemused seamstress. Twilight’s curiosity got the better of her and began to search for the pony calling out for Rarity.

“Rarity, where are you? Rarity? RARITY!”

“Whoever it is I think they really wants to talk to you,” said Twilight attentively pointing a hoof in the direction of the voice.

“What makes you say that?” asked Applejack with a smug face.

“It doesn’t matter anywho,” snapped Rarity, who was becoming quite agitated. “We have-

“RARITY, THERE YOU ARE!” shouted the stallion across the busy street. His bright green eyes fixated on his prize, earning an incredulous groan from the seamstress.

“Guess he found you,” snorted Applejack enjoying her friend’s annoyance.

Rarity glanced curiously for the briefest moment at the purple unicorn who was panting excessively. He seemed handsome enough, but his desperation oozed out of his hungry eyes. That combined with his pathetic earlier attempts to beckon the mare’s attention only sent shivers down her spine. “Hmph,” was her only response before snapping her head away and ignoring him.

Twilight and Applejack switched between the two, before following Rarity.

The stallion eye’s widen for a moment. Had Rarity not hear him properly? he thought to himself as he watched the trio turn tail and leave.

“RARITY! WAIT FOR ME!” he yelled, galloping at full speed towards the trio. In his haste however, he tripped over his own leg. The moment of which caused him to stumble forward and leap into the air screaming. “WOAH-WOAH-WOAH!”

To his luck and surprise he landed, his back in a toy pram with his legs in the air. He sighed a short breath of relief but was cut short when it began to roll onto the oncoming traffic.

“THAT’S MINE” screamed a filly

The three mares stopped and watched as the stallion, bumped clumsily and comically crashed into every colt, filly, mare and stallion in his path. “GET OUT OF THE WAY!” he shouted.

“Hey watch it!” shouted an angry pony pulling a milk cart.

“CAREFUL” screamed another.

Rarity stood stupor when suddenly the pram snagged a pebble, sending the stallion flying towards her. Helplessly stunned below, her eyes widen as the collision seemed inevitable.

Suddenly Applejack yanked her to safety, just in the nick of time as the purple and green blur whizzed past smashing into an unsuspecting flower cart.

When the dust settled, the stallion’s head was spinning as his eyes rolled about in different directions. “Oww … ” he groaned.

“Oh my gosh, are you alright?” asked Twilight approaching the fallen pony cautiously.

“Yes I’ll be fine,” winced the unicorn as he rubbed his side. “I’m still getting used to all this.”

“My flowers...” whimpered a pink mare. “My stand,” was all she could utter before she fainted to the ground.

“Sorry,” he chuckled nervously. “I’ll pay for those.”

“He-hm” came a furious cough.

The stallion’s attention was suddenly diverted to the angry mob that had congregated around him. Each pony glared menacingly at the one responsible for the carnage. He smiled at them sheepishly with his hooves raised submissively. “And any other damage I’ve caused too. Sorry everypony.”

His response was not well received by the furious mob. They opened their mouths to express their grievances but were stopped by Twilight who stepped between them.

“OUT OF THE WAY!” screamed a pony.

“He broke my pram-pram,” cried a filly.

“THAT PONY HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!” screamed another.

“And he will,” Twilight stated firmly. “He has already apologised and has already agreed to pay for any damages that he has caused.”

“But Princess-”

Twilight raised in the hoof in the air ceasing any further protests from the crowd. “Everypony, I understand your anger, but clearly this was an accident,” she began to explain with a stern but gentle voice. “Let us handle this. In the meantime, please send me a letter with your details, any damage he caused and estimated repair costs. Once this is done, he’ll be sure to repay each of you in kind.”

“We will guarantee it,” added Rarity smiling to the crowd reassuringly before throwing a venomous glare at the apologetic stallion. It had been partially her fault for ignoring him in the first place and now she felt somewhat responsible.

“Come on y’all,” called Applejack, beckoning the crowd to reason. “Y’all, this is the best way to deal with this mess. So long as nopony got hurt then the rest can be settled easily.”

The crowd murmured to themselves as they considered their request. Although the only pony hurt was the foolish purple and green stallion, it still didn’t feel as though justice had been served adequately. Quiet whispers became louder and more audible, suddenly tempers flared once again as the more disgruntled ponies became for vocal.

“What do we do Twilight?” whispered Applejack who, like Rarity, was began to feel a little nervous.

Twilight said nothing but instead began to glare back at the crowd, beckoning her friends to do the same. The crowd seemed unmoved by their stern gazes or display of defiance.

Twilight gulped. She couldn’t explain it, but she felt compelled to protect this stallion. He felt familiar. His mannerisms and speech. It was almost like he was a younger brother. Her horn started to glow as she prepared herself to take more drastic action if necessary.

Just as all hell was about to break loose, and Twilight ready to unleash her magic, the mood of the crowd suddenly changed. Fear replaced anger as their faces turned ghost white. The girls were surprised by the change of events as the angry mob became submissive sheep. As powerful as Twilight’s magic was, she was normally reserved and therefore wouldn’t have scared any pony.

Taking advantage of the situation, Twilight stood forward. “Please everypony,” she said gently to the crowd. “We ask you to be reasonable. We promise to get this sorted. And so does he,” said Twilight whilst pointing to stallion.

The stallion was bewildered at how Twilight had subdued at the frightened crowd that he himself remained still. Applejack impatiently nudged the stallion who snapped to attention. He stood up quickly, brushing the dirt off his coat, and hung his head shamefully. “I’m sorry everypony. I didn’t mean to cause any harm. Will you please forgive me?”

The crowd remained still for a few seconds. Not a word was said, but instead they nodded vigorously at the stallion.

“Great!” beamed Twilight, pleased with her mediations skills, “now that everything has been settled, how about you all go home-” before she could finish her sentence however the crowd disappeared“- and begin writing those letters.”

“Wow Twilight, you can be scary,” said Rarity with a sigh of relief. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Those ponies ran off faster then a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs,” commented Applejack.

“Hmmm,” pondered Twilight as she wondered about their suspicious behaviour.

The stallion who was none the wiser, sighed a breathe of relief before thanking his rescuers. “Thanks everypony,” he smiled. “I owe you one.”

His moment of reprieve however was dashed as Applejack snapped her attentions and mood to the stallion. “What in tarnation is wrong with you?” she yelled.

“I’m - I’m sorry,” he replied shamefully as he stood up.

“What you did was completely unacceptable,” childed Twilight as she placed a hoof across Applejack gesturing her to end her tirade before beginning her own. “You could have nearly hurt somepony. What were you thinking?”

“I know. It’s,” he looked at the ground shamefully rubbing a hoof against his shoulder, “it’s just that I - I was in a hurry … I just needed to see Rarity.”

Rarity as stood in front of Applejack and Twilight. The pair watched as the white unicorn looked over the purple stallion. “I’m here now,” she said with a bit of contempt. “Is there something I can do for you? Mr?”

“Sp-,” was the sound that came from his mouth but he stopped mid sentence when he suddenly remembered Discord’s warning. If he was to reveal who he was, then the spell would break and he would become a dragon once more. He looked desperately around for ideas at creating a new alias for his altered form. By sheer luck and coincidence, a smug pony walked past pulling a cart with a large sign which read: PYRO TECH! For all your firework technical needs (an ACME company).

“Sp-Spyro,” he blurted out loud. Satisfied with his new name, he clears his throat and repeated himself, albeit clearer and calmer this time, “I’m Spyro!”

“Spyro?” repeated Twilight slowly.

“Yes, that’s me” he answered, smiling proudly to himself for coming up with such a unique and clever pony name.

Twilight looked at Spyro suspiciously. Something about this pony seemed off, and yet familiar.

“So what can I do for you?” asked Rarity once more.

Spyro stopped briefly, and contemplated how best to answer this question. In all the excitement of his new body, he never thought about what to do next. He looked over at Rarity, the dazzling and beautiful seamstress and began to ponder. Rarity was a young, sophisticated fashionista with a love for the arts and culture. She loved to read those gossip magazines particularly the articles about the lives of the rich and famous. He couldn’t act like himself or risk being exposed.

Furthermore, clearly Rarity wasn’t interested in him as per her ruse from yesterday’s outing. Along with his name and appearance, he would need to go further and change his personality. He’d need to act like a celebrity or better yet, like a Canterlot stallion.

“Well?” asked Applejack impatiently. “You plum down nearly get yourself killed and summon an angry mob to get me here so what do you want?”

Spyro snapped back to attention. He smiles at the unsuspecting trio. He closes his eyes before spinning on the spot, snatching a boutique of trodden flowers from the broken cart behind him. With a flirtatious smile, he presents them to Rarity as a gift which leaves only the mare stunned. Blowing a hoof kiss and putting on his best Canterlot accent, he states, “I simply wish to go on a date with you beautiful maiden.”

Chapter 13: Stalker

20 minutes earlier.

“Come on Apple Bloom! We need to hurry,” shouted Scootaloo as she gritted her teeth, galloping as fast as she could. “We need to warn Ponyville!”

“Ah’m hurrin! Ah’m hurrin!” replied Apple Bloom. Although she was trailing just behind Scootaloo, her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t stop herself from thinking about the bizarre scene that had happened only moments ago.

A unicorn hugging a ferocious dragon.

It was weird. Not only because the dragon itself appeared taken aback but also appeared as though it had blushed by this display of gratitude. It didn’t make sense. She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes. And of course, there was Discord, which only added further chaos and confusion to the mix.

Unfortunately, the two fillies didn’t even get a minute to process the scene when all of a sudden the dragon decided to follow the purple unicorn as he galloped towards Ponyville. Without a second thought, Scootaloo leaped forward, beckoning Apple Bloom to follow.

Apple Bloom knew they were somehow connected, but she just couldn’t put it together. It was as if a dark shade clouded her mind. She started to slow down, which did not go unnoticed by Scootaloo.

“Hurry up, Apple Bloom, we’re losing them,” Scootaloo shouted again.

Apple Bloom didn’t respond this time. She shook these thoughts out of her head and picked up the pace. They were getting dangerously close to Ponyville, and whatever thoughts she had would have to wait … for now at least.

They continued their pursuit but were just a bit too slow to keep up. The dragon also seemed to notice them following her, and changed its course hoping to throw the girls off her track.

“It’s going into the forest!” shouted Scootaloo.

“What do we do now?” asked Apple Bloom at the sudden fork in the road.

“We follow the dragon!”

“THE DRAGON!” blurted out Apple Bloom. “Are you crazy? We should tell Applejack-”

“There’s not enough time!” asserted Scootaloo. “We need to make sure it’s not heading towards Ponyville.”

Apple Bloom groaned. She didn’t like this plan one bit, but had no time to argue as Scootaloo was already running straight into the forest. The two fillies continued to gallop as fast as they could against the thick leaves and branches hampering their way. Despite their best efforts and its massive size, the dragon had managed to successfully escape their grasp. The two fillies stopped and looked around, hoping to get relocate the dragon’s tracks, but it was to no avail. It was gone.

“Oh, horse apples! We lost it,” Scootaloo spat angrily as she continued to look around for any sign of the dragon.

Apple Bloom took the chance to quickly catch her breath and think about the next course of action. Truthfully she was relieved knowing that the two friends had no chance against it. “Let’s head back to Ponyville. We need to tell Applejack and the others. They’ll know what to do.”

Scootaloo contemplated Apple Bloom’s proposal and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. We need to warn them!”

“Let’s head back the way we came. It’s probably the quickest way back.” Scootaloo nodded once more, and without another word the two fillies were off, galloping in the opposite direction in which they came.

A few minutes had passed when the large dragon emerged from her hiding spot. “Whew, they’re gone,” she sighed with a breath of relief. “I thought I’d never lose them.”

Unbeknownst to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, the dragon they had been chasing was in fact Sweetie Belle who had been hiding in the canopy of the tall trees. Once her friends were out of sight, Sweetie Belle began to beat her new wings, quickly gaining altitude. Her newfound dragon instincts took over as she flew high above the forest. Using the clouds as cover, she hovered just over Ponyville as she scanned the town, searching high and low for the purple unicorn.

“Okay Spike, where did you go?” she said to herself. She was looking westward, when a sudden crash near the market square caught her attention. “Huh? What was that?”

“What happened?” wondered Sweetie Belle as she began her descent. Landing, she started following the trail of destruction that had been left behind. There were hardly any ponies around. The few she could see were cursing angrily as they congregated into a large crowd. It looked as though they had gathered around what appeared to be her sister, Twilight, Applejack and - (gasp) “Spike”.

Wasting no time, Sweetie Belle landed quickly and quietly behind an old alleyway. She creeped as best she could through the wide, empty streets. Thankfully the ponies were all distracted which allowed her to get nice and close. She peeked over one of the roof tops, just behind Spike and the others watching the scene unfold below.

“THAT PONY HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!”

“And he will. He has already apologised and has already agreed to pay for any damages that he has caused.”

“But Princess-”

“We’ll guarantee it,” added Rarity smiling to the crowd reassuringly before throwing a venomous glare at the apologetic stallion.

Sweetie Belle glared silently at her sister with seething rage. If it was an accident, like Twilight said, what gave Rarity the right to act like that towards him. “If only she knew how Spike truly felt,” she muttered under her breath.

“Come on y’all,” called Applejack, beckoning the crowd to reason. “Y’all, this is the best way to deal with this mess. So long as nopony got hurt then the rest can be settled easily.”

Sweetie Belle watched on helplessly with a mixture of worry, anger and frustration. She restrained herself as the crowd murmured to themselves, hoping that they would all calm down and accept Twilight’s offer of compensation. But her prayers went unanswered as tempers flared once again with the more disgruntled ponies becoming more vocal.

Twilight responded by glaring back at the crowd, beckoning her friends to do the same. The crowd seemed unmoved by their stern gazes or display of defiance. Twilight’s horn started to glow as she prepared herself to take more drastic action.

Sweetie Belle bit her lip in vexation. She couldn’t just leap out, scales and all, and ask them to stop … or could she?

Just as all hell was about to break loose, and Twilight was ready to unleash her magic, the mood of the crowd suddenly changed. Fear replaced anger as their faces turned ghost white. The three girls were surprised by the change of events as the angry mob became submissive sheep.

Unbeknownst to the group of four ponies however, Sweetie Belle stood strikingly fierce at the meek crowd below. She had strategically placed herself just behind Twilight and the others, giving the illusion that the crowd was looking at the Princess of Friendship, and not some fire breathing monster. She glared and snarled at them silently, bearing her white fangs for all to see.

Applejack impatiently nudged the stallion who snapped to attention. He stood up quickly, brushing the dirt off his coat, and hung his head shamefully. “I’m sorry everypony. I didn’t mean to cause any harm. Will you please forgive me?”

Sweetie Belle shot her eyes wide open, pulling the upper corners of her lips causing them to tremble dangerously and allowing a little smoke to escape from the sides. The crowd remained still for a few seconds as though waiting for their orders. Slowly she nods her head and points at the apologetic stallion, threatening the crowd to do the same, which they do so vigorously.

“Great!” beamed Twilight, pleased with her mediations skills and none the wiser to Sweetie Belle standing behind her. Knowing that her presence was no longer required, Sweetie Belle sleeks away, returning to the shadows once more and flicking her tail to dismiss the crowd, “now that everything has been settled, how about you all go home -” before she could finish her sentence however the crowd disappeared“- and begin writing those letters.”

“Wow Twilight, you can be scary,” said Rarity with a sigh of relief. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Those ponies ran off faster then a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs,” commented Applejack.

“Hmmm,” pondered Twilight as she wondered about their suspicious behaviour.

From behind a dark alley, Sweetie Belle snickered to herself. She couldn’t believe how effective that was. Now that the situation had been defused, Sweetie Belle watched the four closely, unwittingly wagging her tail openly in sight of everypony.

Elsewhere, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo made it back to Ponyville. They were tired and exhausted, having gotten lost a few times as they tried to make their way out of the forest. They had finally gotten back on track however, and were more eager to complete their mission.

“What should we do?” asked Scootaloo.

“We need to find Applejack and the others,” answered Apple Bloom with hopeful determination, “we need to warn them about the -.

“DRAGON!”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo came to a grinding halt as the abrupt screams pierced the otherwise calm streets. Color drained from Apple Bloom’s face as she came to a stark realization.

They were too late.

And now Ponyville was in danger. A mix of tears and sweat began pouring down her face as she too began to panic.

“Snap out of it, Apple Bloom,” shouted Scootaloo shaking her shoulders vigorously. “We need to find Twilight and the others.”

Apple Bloom shook her head. Scootaloo was right. Now was not the time to panic. If there was any group of ponies that could save Ponyville, it would be her big sister and her friends. With a newfound sense of hope and determination Apple Bloom swallowed her fear and regained her composure. “You’re right,” she said simply. “You’re right.”

“Listen, we can cover more ground if we split up,” said Scootaloo. Apple Bloom nodded in agreement and waited for further instructions. “I’ll go find Rainbow Dash and Twilight. You see if you can find Applejack and Rarity.”

And with that Scootaloo sped off, leaving Apple Bloom behind. Truthfully, Scootaloo was scared beyond belief but she couldn’t let her fear get to her. She headed towards the park where Rainbow Dash was sure to be napping.

Scootaloo galloped at full speed, in between buildings and along the side streets but tripped as she tried to turned a sharp corner. Rubbing her aching head she turned to see a stampede of frightened ponies come barrelling towards her. Scared, hurt and alone, Scootaloo could do nothing but wait to be trodden on.

Just then however, at the last possible second, a blur of colors came dashing past, saving the orange filly from the thunderous hooves of the panicked ponies.

“Hey!” shouted a raspy voice whilst throwing an angry hoof at the group of ponies, “why don’t you watch where you’re going. Geez, what’s with everypony?”

Tears of relief began to swell in Scootaloo’s eyes as she looked up at her savior. “Rainbow Dash.”

The multi-colored pegasus cocked her head and threw back a proud smile, “Hey, squirt, what’s up?”

“A date?” repeated Twilight with disbelief.

“A date,” smiled Spyro, winking at the unsuspecting white mare. Instead of being moved this romantic gesture, however Rarity felt repulsed. She managed to contain her displeasure however behind a wide smile.

Applejack was even less impressed and made no efforts to hide her annoyance. “You’ve got some nerve,” glared Applejack. Before she could go any further however, Twilight lifted her wing stopping Applejack in her tracks. Applejack looked at Twilight confused, but said nothing. Twilight however remained silent observing the new stallion ever still suspiciously. Applejack started to catch on that something was amiss though she couldn’t quite put a hoof to it.

“Umm.. yes well as flattering as that is,” Rarity replied slowly, “I have to decline.”

“But I just got changed -”

“Yes, well you see,” interrupted Rarity. “I have made plans already and we must be on our way.”

“Can I come along? After all, I’m a strong dr- pony,” he said. “I can carry your bags.”

“It’s quite alright you don’t need to really.”

“Please my lady,” persisted Spyro hoping to come off as romantic. “I insist”.

“Rarity, it’s alright, you go ahead and have fun,” Applejack insisted.

Rarity was shocked. She had hoped her friends would back her up, not throw her in the deep end. “Wait, but-” she began to protest.

“It’s fine, Rarity, we can handle things here,” reassured Twilight.

“Let’s go Rarity,” beamed the oblivious stallion.

“Are you quite sure?” asked Rarity with pleading eyes to her friends begging them to save her.

“Go!” prompted Applejack. “Go have fun.”

“My lady,” grinned Sypro.

Rarity rolled her eyes and groaned. “Well if you must insist.”

“Don’t stay out too late,” joked Applejack.

“You kids behave yourselves,” smiled Twilight.

Rarity threw a venomous glare at her friend’s betrayal. Defeated however, she sighed as Spyro continued to lead the way. Applejack and Twilight waved the two ponies goodbye until they were no longer within earshot.

Applejack gravitated her head towards Twilight’s, whilst keeping her grin and asked, “you don’t suppose?”

“APPLEJACK!”

“Apple Bloom, what in the-”

At that moment, Apple Bloom leaped onto her sister with her forelegs held out wide and latching onto her leg. “You have to come help quick!” Apple Bloom shouted hastily as she pulled on Applejack’s leg frantically, beckoning her sister to come.

Twilight and Applejack looked at the frightened filly confused. “Woah, slow down there nelly,” comforted Applejack. “What in the hay has got you so worked up, Sugarcube?”

“There’s a dragon on the loose in Ponyville,” she screamed. “It just scared a whole bunch of ponies.”

“Wait, what dragon?” blurted out Twilight.

“A big white dragon,” replied Apple Bloom. “Scootaloo and Ah were following the dragon. It was heading to Ponyville but then disappeared and it reappeared again.”

“What in tarnation were you thinking?” chastised Applejack.

“We didn’t want to originally,” said Apple Bloom defensively. “We went to get some snacks then we saw Spike and Sweetie Belle chase after Discord and then we saw the unicorn hugging the dragon and then -”

“Discord,” shouted Applejack in surprise.

“Wait a minute,” said Twilight, “back up, you said you saw a unicorn hugging a dragon?”

“Yep,” answered Apple Bloom with a quick nod, “a purple unicorn with a green mane.”

Twilight’s eyes began to widen. It all started to make sense now. “Applejack, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Ah sure do, Twilight,” said Applejack without a doubt. “We better get to Fluttershy’s post haste.”

Sweetie Belle tried not to struggle too much as she slithered across the sparse forest of bushes along the path that Rarity, and Spyro were walking. She couldn't help but flinch as she felt her new wings get snagged on a few of the nasty branches of the treacherous bushes. Her large body felt so contorted and scrunched up as she compacted herself as close to the ground as she could without emptying her lungs of all air. In some ways it felt like the time she'd tried to stow away in one of Rarity's bags... In hindsight, the fashion show hadn't even been that interesting after all.

It'll be worth it, Sweetie Belle reminded herself as she watched Spyro and Rarity.

The two had been aimlessly trotting in awkward silence. Nerves got the better of Spyro (aka Spike) who looked around hopelessly for some sort of conversation starter, whereas Rarity was disinterested, frustrated, and bored.

Come on Spike, talk to her, Sweetie Belle silently coached Spyro as she watched him choke on his own words, and Rarity barely suppress the urge to scowl back.

“So where are we going?” asked Spyro in a childish manner. Realising his mistake, he quickly cleared his throat and repeated himself. This time with a thick Canterlot accent. “Pardon my ignorance, Rarity, but where are you taking us?”

Rarity rolled her eyes incredulously. “My dear, Spyro, given your desperate pleas to take me along this little outing of yours, I had assumed you had a plan already in mind.”

“O-o-of course I have,” he spluttered. Her words pierced his heart as his mind began to race to think of a romantic destination. “I thought I’d take you to the Ponyville Theatre. According to the Canterlot Chronicle, there is meant to be a delightful and truly magnificent play on this weekend.”

“And which playing you are referring to,” asked Rarity sharply.

“I was referring to-

“The only reason I ask,” she said interrupting the stallion in mid sentence, “is because the Theatre has been closed for renovations for the past fortnight.”

Spyro’s jaw dropped but he quickly recovered with a new plan. “Well how about the lunch? I heard-”

“I just ate,” Rarity interrupted again as she looked over her hoof.

Spyro's stomach fell as Sweetie Belle’s temper began to rise. What is with Rarity, she scowled at her sister. Why is she being so mean?

“Dessert then?” he begged, his voice slightly cracking.

“Not hungry,” she said as she snapped her head away.

Spyro sunk his head in agony. He couldn’t believe it. Was he not the perfect looking stallion that Rarity had wanted? The beautiful seamstress was rejecting every possible romantic gesture and proposal. His heart began to whimper as he failed to understand why she was being so blunt.

Puffs of smoke came bellowing from the flared nostrils of the dragon lurking in the shadows. Sweetie Belle was doing her best to remain calm and hidden, but she was fuming with malicious rage. Why doesn’t she give him a chance? After everything he’s done for her, she spat inwardly, her tail knocking over a nearby flower pot and causing it to smash into the ground. Sweetie Belle froze in place hoping that she hadn’t been noticed.

Unfortunately the smashed pot did catch Rarity’s attention as she searched curiously to find the source of the noise. Failing to do so however, she quickly gave up and instead looked at the dejected unicorn before her. Rarity’s felt a tinge of guilt as she reflected upon her behavior. “Listen, Spyro … I’m terribly sorry for having taken my frustrations out on you. It's that I just have a lot going on at the moment and now is really not a good time. Maybe we can meet again some other time under different circumstances, but for now I really must be going,” and with that she slowly backed away. If she was quick enough, maybe she could catch up with Twilight and the others.

Still feeling vexed however, Spyro muttered venomously underneath his breath, “where are you going?”

Rarity was taken back at the tone of question, but understood why he was behaving so. She decided to forgive him, given the morning the unicorn just had. “If you must know, my friends and I are throwing a party for a very special pony."

Wait! What's going on? What party? Sweetie Belle thought in complete confusion.

"Special pony?" Spyro asked jealously as his accent slipped for a second or two. "Like a special somepony?" Spyro pressed earning a noticeable disapproving scowl from Rarity, and a flinch from Sweetie Belle.

She doesn't have a special somepony! Sweetie Belle silently insisted. I know she doesn’t. Her large body rustling the bushes she lay in as she almost sprang out of them like a coiled snake.

"No," Rarity corrected him as she turned to look the bitter purple stallion in the eyes, losing whatever patience she had. "He is a far more special friend to me than a meager stallion-friend," Rarity chastised the inconsiderate purple stallion. Her hoof waved back and forth in the air in a bitter combination of pointing, and a chastising wag.

“Hmph. If this pony is so special, why aren’t you with him?” Spyro muttered.

That was the last straw for Rarity. She'd tried to humor him at first and was even able to forgive his transgressions in light of her later blunt refusals, but this was unacceptable.

“How dare you!” she growled between gritted teeth.

Alarmed by her sudden anger, Spyro tumbled a few steps backwards falling hard on his flank. Rarity walked slowly towards him, slamming each hoof in the ground, glaring at him with murderous intent. “I will have you know that the pony I speak of is a dragon!”

“What? Dragon?” spluttered Spike, leaving Sweetie Belle absolutely perplexed.

“And he happens to be a very dear friend of mine, and more a gentle colt then you will ever be!”

Oh no! Sweetie Belle silently screamed in horror as she watched the whole scene unroll.

“But I thought-”

“Well you thought wrong!” shrieked Rarity. “Now leave!”

Spike, quick! Tell her everything! Sweetie Belle pleaded, even though she knew her thoughts were unheard by Spyro.

“But-” Spyro stuttered as he looked at the white mare in complete confusion, and a hint of horror.

“Leave!” Rarity commanded as she pointed a hoof sternly back down the path.

Spyro looked at her dejected and confused more than ever. He sunk his head low and retreated slowly. In the nearby distance, a certain dragon was watching and glared at the fashionista. She scorned the ground and slipped away.

Rarity had just made it home. She had never been so furious at any pony. “That pompous nincompoop,” she began muttering to herself as she grabbed her keys. “Such a rude, inconsiderate brute.”

She stomps towards her chair, and uses her magic to grab a bowl of ice cream. Taking a large scoop, she stuffed her face, her thoughts wondering about the events of the day. The image of the stallion and their interactions were still raw in her mind. “I can’t believe him. Can’t he take a hint! What a persistent, egotistical, narcissistic jerk !”

Knock, knock, knock

“Oh, Sweet Celestia,” groaned Rarity. “Who in the world could that be?”

She leaped off the couch and stomped towards the door, still bitter and annoyed. “I’m sorry but we are closed,” she said aloud but politely.

The pony behind the door seemed to have ignored her and responded by knocking harder on the door.

“Hmph, how rude!” scoffed Rarity. “I’m going to give that pony a piece of my mind!”

Rarity closed her eyes and sighed as she attempted to regain her composure. But the knocking persisted louder and harder than before, and she became increasingly frustrated. Swearing underneath her breath, she hurried to unlock the door.

Knock, knock, knock

“I’M OPENING IT!” she snapped.

Rarity slammed the door open, huffing and puffing on the spot. She quickly took a deep breath, straining not to throttle this disrespectful individual.

In her politest business voice, she fixed her mane. “Excuse me but we are clos-ed-dah-dah-dah-dah” stammered Rarity as her jaw dropped and eyes widened.

“You,” hissed the monster as its reptilian eyes glared on the stupefied and terrified unicorn.

“EEEEEEK!” shrieked Rarity as she shivered in fear.

“You have a lot to answer for!” the beast growled as it moved forward; smoke fumed out of its nostrils.

“Wh-wh-what can I do for you m-m-m-mister dragon?” stammered Rarity as she stumbled backwards.

“Huh?” escaped Sweetie Belle’s lips. She caught her reflection in a nearby mirror. Her ferocious spiked tail continued to wave around behind her. Discord’s spell hadn’t broken. She was still a dragon.

“M-m-m-mister dragon?”

Sweetie Belle glanced at her sister who was still cowering beneath her intimidating figure. She clenched one of her claws, licked her lips and grinned sinisterly.

Oh, this is going to be fun

Chapter 14: Sisters

“And so I said to the miner pony, you better apologize to that mountain. You just nicked his big toe!”

“Oh Discord,” chuckled Fluttershy, “That’s just too funny.”

“Thank you, dear Fluttershy,” he said smiling proudly. “It’s always a pleasure being in your wonderful company. And I do love our little tea parties.”

“Oh, speaking of which, I nearly forgot,” said Fluttershy. “Rarity and Twilight are having a party for Spike. He’s been feeling a bit down at the moment, and we are hoping to cheer him up. We were hoping you could come along. I’m sure Spike would appreciate that.”

“Ooo a party does sound like fun! Actually, its funny you should say that because I just saw Spike and his little friend Charity Bells on my way here,” he responded earning a slight perplexed response from the yellow pegasus.

“Who?”

“But how can I possibly go looking like this!” announced Discord in mock despair, pointing out his now missing lower half before throwing himself Rarity style onto the sofa. His antics earned him yet another heartily chuckle from Fluttershy’s and interrupting her train of thought. “I’ll just have to get a new pair I suppose,” he grumbled sarcastically, “I’ll be back in jiffy. Ta! Ta!” He then snapped his fingers and disappeared, leaving Fluttershy alone in her cottage.

Fluttershy was just about to make a fresh pot of tea, when suddenly she heard a knock at the door. Putting the teapot down for a moment, she goes to open the door expecting the draconequus to return. “Oh hi Twilight. I thought you were coming later today- ”

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but is Discord here?” asked Twilight.

“He just went to get a pair of legs for the party. He’ll be back in a moment. Why? Twilight, is something wrong?”

Twilight sighed. “Fluttershy, we need to have a little talk.”

Rarity could not believe her luck. First, an awful morning with some random narcissistic stallion which interrupted her plans and now there was a terrible fire breathing dragon in her shop admiring its reflection.

Not wanting to waste this chance, Rarity slowly crept towards the kitchen. With any luck she would be able to make her escape through the back door. She was just inches away when she was suddenly pulled back. She snapped her head back to see the dragon’s claw dragging her tail closer to its jaws.

“And where do you think you’re going,” it snarled.

“G-g-getting a glass of water,” lied Rarity “I-if it’s not t-t-to much trouble-”.

“Oh but it is,” sneered the dragoness. “I want to talk to you. See, you have caused a great deal of trouble.”

“M-m-me?”

The dragoness appeared to be in no mood to play games. “Yes you!” she snarled as smoke fumed from her nostrils.

“EEEK!” screamed the unicorn.

“SILENCE!” it bellowed, shocking the mare into submission. She continued to tremble under the beast’s intense glare. “Good, now listen here. I have a few questions for you. Do you understand?”

Rarity nodded feverishly.

“Excellent,” grinned the dragoness. “Firstly, the purple unicorn stallion that came to see you.”

“W-W-What about him?”

“Why did you turn him down?”

“I”, began Rarity but stopped shivering for a moment and looked at the dragoness confused. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me!” she growled in a low voice. “After you finally agreed to go on that date? You didn’t even give him a chance. You just kept on rejecting him! Why?”

A perplexed expression began to form on Rarity’s face as she tried to understand the dragoness’ motives. “Were you by any chance following us?”

“Yes, now answer the question,” pressed the dragoness; her patience wearing thin.

“Why does it matter to you?”

“It matters greatly. Spike would do anything for you! He even became a unicorn for you. Now tell me!”

Rarity jaw dropped at this admission. “Wait? Spike? That was Spike.”

“Of course it was! Who else did you think it was?” the dragoness shrieked. “Now answer the question!”

Rarity was flabbergasted. “B-b-but h-how?” she stammered.

“Oh Celestia! I DID IT!” the dragon screamed in blind fury unable to contain her rage any longer. “I asked Discord to transform Spike into a pony so that he could go on a date with you! I even transformed into a dragon-” and in a poof of smoke Discord’s spell had finally broken, “- for you! We did this for you!”

A sudden flood of memories came and smashed into Rarity. How she had treated Spyro, thinking he was some pompous jerk, when in fact he was the sweet dragon she had known and loved. A tide of regret and guilt came in, as she chastised her blunt and rude behavior. “Oh, Spike. Oh, what have I done?”

“Now, if you don’t answer the question,” threatened Sweetie Belle in a cute low growl, “I’ll burn you and this shop to a crisp.”

“Um... Sweetie Belle,” interrupted Rarity flatly. “Sweetie Belle, dear, you can stop now.”

“THAT’S IT! EAT- huh!?!”

Rarity didn’t say a word but instead pointed to the mirror on the far side of the room where a small filly now stood in former place of the dragon. Sweetie Belle fumed as her cheeks burned brightly.

“Sweetie Belle, this has got to stop,” Rarity stated. “You need to stop meddling in Spike’s and my relationship.”

“Relationship? What relationship?” she retorted. “You don’t have a relationship.”

“Of course, I do,” Rarity retorted “We are friends. He is a dear friend of mine.”

The filly wasn’t satisfied and continued her tirade against her older sister. “You don’t love him! You don’t care for him!”

Rarity didn’t shy from the fact and instead stood her ground. “That’s not true. I do. I do indeed love, Spike.”

Sweetie Belle was stunned. She was not expecting Rarity to confess these feelings. She collapsed onto her flank underneath the shock and confusion, and perhaps something more.

Rarity swallowed and continued her explanation as calmly and as rationally as she could. “I do love Spike, the same way I love Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and the others. He is my friend. One of my best friends. And I love him as such. Are you satisfied now Sweetie Belle?”

It was dead silent. Not a word was exchanged. Not a cricket chirped. Just silence.

“It’s not the same,” said Sweetie Belle. Her head sunk her head as she glared at the ground. The unicorn filly’s body shook with rage as she remembered Spike’s hidden pain. Rarity didn’t understand Spike. Not like she did. “I don’t understand,” she muttered underneath her breath. “He did it for you.”

“Sweetie Belle?”

“He did it for you.”

“Pardon me?”

Sweetie Belle threw her head up and glared at her sister. “He did everything for you. He loves you. It has always been for you. Always you.” Each word became progressively louder and louder as tears filled the corner of her eyes. “And after everything he has done. After everything he has been through. You just - ”

Rarity watched stunned as the filly poured out her heart.

“I hate you.”

The words pierced Rarity’s heart with incredible anguish. “Sweetie Belle.”

“I HATE YOU!” she screamed. “I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!” she screamed before storming off and slamming the door behind her.

Rarity watched helplessly as her sister disappeared from sight. I HATE YOU echoed in her mind over and over again as tears began to swell around her eyes. “Keep it together, Rarity,” she said out loud as she fought back her tears. “She’s angry. She didn’t mean it.”

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, feeling hurt and ashamed. “I know it’s hard darling, but you are doing the right thing,” she said reassuringly to her reflection. “You just have to be honest and true with yourself … I hope you can do the same thing too, Sweetie Belle.”

Chapter 11: Discord (properly edited)

“You think we got enough apples, Apple Bloom?” joked Scootaloo as she slapped the side of her full saddlebag.

“Yeyup! Ah think we gave them enough time,” replied Apple Bloom with a smug look on her face. “Let’s go back now.”

The two friends giggled as they began their short walk back to the clubhouse. They had gone back to Sweet Apple Acres, to give their friends a chance to talk and be alone.

“Hey, Apple Bloom… I’ve been meaning to ask, but," inquired Scootaloo hesitantly, "what’s it like to have a big brother?”

“What? Yah mean Big Mac?” pondered Apple Bloom. “Ah dunno, okay I guess. Ah love him and all if that’s what you’re askin? Why do ya ask?

“Just wondering,” replied Scootaloo.

The mood between the two became suddenly awkward as they wandered back.

“Have yah got a letter from your Dad?” Apple Bloom asked hoping to change the subject. “Wasn’t he off on a trip somewhere?”

“Yeah he was,” replied Scootaloo sadly, “but, I haven’t heard from him in a while. He goes off so often I hardly see him. This time he was supposed to be back last month. Guess he’s still out there … sigh, I just miss him.”

Before Apple Bloom could dig any deeper, the two fillies stopped and watched Sweetie Belle and Spike running out of the clubhouse, following a yellow cloud with a strange looking creature on top of it.

“Where are those two going?” asked Scootaloo.

“Ah don’t know but we better follow them,” said Apple Bloom, dropping her saddlebag and galloping after them.

The draconequus was singing loudly, proudly and terribly off key whilst performing amazing aerial acrobatics on top of a yellow cloud. His eyes were slammed shut as he focused heavily on his singing, oblivious unable to hear the sound of a white filly calling his name just beneath him.

"Discord! Discord!"

"Fa La Head Sha La," sang Discord before pausing for a moment with a claw underneath his chin. “Actually, I don’t think I remember the rest of the lyrics. Oh well.”

"DISCORD!"

Discord stopped abruptly in mid-air. However, the cloud continued projecting forward. Floating for a moment, he shook his head from side to side searching for the source of the voice that called his name.

"DISCORD!" shouted Sweetie Belle as she galloped chasing after him.

“Ooo! What do we have here?” grinned Discord. He disappears in a flash of light and reappears in front of the filly at the base of a hill. ”Why isn't it one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Rarity’s little sister … Taco Bell was it?”

“It’s Sweetie Belle,” corrected the white unicorn. “Discord, can-

“Wait, wait, are you a Cutie Mark Crusader or are you considered marked now? I can never quite tell,” he joked shrugging his shoulders.

“Discord.”

“See I still haven’t got mine,” he complained as he shoved his expanded rear end in front of her face. “I’ve tried everything, but nothing works.”

“Discord,” groaned Sweetie Belle as Spike arrived. Spike keeled over, panting as he struggled to catch his breath.

“Oh, if it isn’t Spike too,” he said clapping his claw and paw together. “For what do I owe the pleasure?”

"Discord, we need your help," said Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie Belle what are you- oomph" before he could finish, however, Sweetie Belle, nudged him into his side, cutting him off as she stared at Discord.

Intrigued, he conjured up a business chair and desk, wearing a tailored suit. He sat on the chair whilst smoking a bubble pipe. “What can I do for you?” asked Discord with a curious, smug look.

“Can you turn Spike into a pony?” she asked directly.

“WHA- oomph.”

“Hmm… maybe I can,” he said at first with a smile before spinning on his chair facing them with a frown. “Maybe I can’t. It really depends on the weather,” he said whilst pulling out a weather map and pointing to the forecast. “Hmm … a meteor shower over Ponyville. That can’t be right?”

Sweetie Belle let out an exasperated groan. “Discord!”

"Yes, Yes, Yes. I heard you the first time. Sheesh, you don’t need to get so antsy," said Discord dismissively. He then turned to look at the Spike and Sweetie Belle who were waiting anxiously for his answer. “So you want me to change him into a pony? Tell me; this doesn’t have anything to do with Spike’s twice failed attempt to win Rarity affections?” he inquired in a mocking sympathetic tone. "Hmmm?”

“How did you-?”

“Oh Spikey-Wikey, everypony knows,” said Discord wearing a Rarity mask. “Don’t worry though, your secret’s safe with me,” he winked before laughing aloud.

“Discord, please focus,” said Sweetie Belle. "Will you change him into a pony?

"Pardon me, Shiny Shells, why should I help exactly?"

“We don’t need to do this,” whispered Spike, pleading with Sweetie Belle to leave. But she ignored him.

"Please," she pestered.

"Hmmm … you haven’t convinced me,” he said provocatively whilst swinging on a hammock. The hammock disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Discord reappeared magically above her, his face within inches of hers.

“Tell me something though,” he began with a sadistic grin and standing straight. “What is it like to be under the constant shadow of your sister?”

“What are talking about?” she asked hesitantly.

“Rarity, your sister. A hero. A member of the Mane Six. The very symbol of generosity. A successful business mare,” explained Discord with mocked admiration. Sweetie Belle and Spike glanced at each other questionably as Discord continued. Neither liked the direction of this conversation.

“Your parents and friends must be so proud of her,” he sung with high praise and esteem, wiping away a proud tear. He sighs sombrely. Suddenly his face turned menacingly, and his tone changed becoming vicious and vile. “Whereas you will always play second fiddle to everything she does."

Her eyes widen in shock as a figure of Rarity stands tall looming over the filly, as a crowd of ponies rush towards her knicking Sweetie Belle to the ground. The figure is blowing kisses to her fans as she waves them down eagerly. "All your achievements will pale when compared to the fantastic Rarity. The little sister of a greater pony.”

These words and images had cut her deeper than any knife could. Her heart was breaking as she shivered. Her eyes began to water as Discord continued his relentless sadistic rant.

“Nopony to notice you, whilst your sister remains in the spotlight. Forever in the spotlight and you ... in the shadows.”

Sweetie Belle blocked her ears and resisted the urge to cry, slamming her eyes shut. “Sure some ponies will say they love you, but you know it’s all a token gesture. All they actually want is to be with your sister, Rarity,” wailed Discord mockingly as the figures of her two friends magically appear. Their eyes cold, distant and full of disdain as they bore into the white unicorn.

Didn't yah realize, Sweetie Belle, we were only friends with you because we wanted to get closer to Rarity, sneered a shadow image of Apple Bloom.

She's a hero! A real mare to look up to and admire. You're just a back-up. A replacement, laughed the shadow image of Scootaloo.

Stifling her tears, she calmed as a reassuring claw was placed on her shoulder. "Spike," she muttered hopefully, but the color of her face drained as the dragon smiled cruelly.

Why would I want you? I will only ever loved, Rarity, he smiled coldly. You're just a tool for me to get to her.

Sweetie Belle wasn’t able to hold on for much longer, as two strands of tears rolled down her cheek. “Well Rarity 2.0? Tell me how does that feel?”

“Discord! That is enough!” shouted Spike angrily, snapping Sweetie Belle from her depressed state. The haunting images disappeared as he moved in front of her, glaring angrily at the startled draconequus.

“What is this?” said Discord was taken aback.

“Spike,” sniffed Sweetie Belle, wiping away her tears.

“Her name is Sweetie Belle,” roared Spike with a clenched fist. “And she is a star in her own right. Brighter than any other I’ve ever seen. She will be a great mare just you watch.”

“Really?” asked Discord.

“Yes, she is!” bellowed Spike, “and you better apologize to her right now.”

He never felt so angry than he ever had been before. How dare he insult his friend like this, and for no reason other than to upset her. Discord shifted his gaze between the dragon and the unicorn, hiding a smirk before shrinking in size and humbling his appearance.

“I am sorry,” he said as he lowered his head apologetically. “I may have taken it a bit too far.”

Spike wasn’t ready to forgive him, but Sweetie Belle gently pushed him to the side. “Will you change him, please,” she begged once more.

“Don’t bother Sweetie Belle,” sneered Spike. “He's just a jerk.”

Discord hung his head in shame and looked up at her pleading face. “I will do it," he said before reappearing to his normal size. "For you, Sweet Cheeks.”

At these words, Spike jaw dropped. “You will?”

“You WILL?” shrieked Sweetie Belle giddily and jumping on the spot.

“Careful with that squealing will you!” he responded annoyed as he covered his ears. “You could damage somepony. Yes, I will, but I must stipulate a few conditions. In order for my magic to work, I will need to turn a pony into a dragon, so that Spike can become a pony. It is the natural order of magical transformations that requires it so.”

“I never heard of that,” remarked Spike cautiously.

“Well that’s the price,” asserted Discord, crossing his limbs. “Take it or leave it.”

“Is it permanent?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Afraid so,” said Discord apathetically.

“I’ve had enough of this. Forget it, come on Sweetie Belle,” snapped Spike as he stomps away.

“We’ll do it,” said Sweetie Belle standing firm.

Spike looked at her in shock. Sweetie Belle would do something like chance her species just so he could have a shot at Rarity. He couldn’t believe it. “What are you - oomph- will you stop that!” “What are you - oomph- will you stop that!”

“Change me into a dragon, so that Spike can become a Pony.”

Spike shifted his body in front of hers, placing his claws over her shoulders. “No, Sweetie Belle, you don’t need to do this.”

“I want to, Spike,” she said smiling with a hoof on her chest. He looked into her eyes hoping to reason with her but she was stubborn in her resolve and refused to yield. She wanted Spike to be happy, and after that gallant display, he deserved that.

He looked away and sighed defeatedly.

“Oh huzzah! My good deed for the day. Fluttershy will be so proud,” cheered Discord.

“No, wa-”

Without any further protest from Spike. He snapped his fingers between his paws, and within an instant, Spike and Sweetie Belle are engulfed in two pink bubbles levitating them above the ground. He then removes his fang, and with a toothless grin, pops both bubbles to reveal a baby dragon and a young unicorn.

“Hmm … something’s not quite right,” he muttered to himself as he reads his magical cookbook. “Oh, I know what it is! The spell hasn’t quite finished baking, sorry back you go!”

Spike shakes his head furiously to regain his senses. “Hey, Disco-”

Spike is interrupted as Discords grabs them both and throws them into a large oven. Setting the timer, he waits for a few seconds. He looks up the hill and sneers.

“Is that Discord?”

“Ah dunno, Scoots,” answered Apple Bloom, “but he can’t be up to any good. Let’s go down and find out.”

“Yeah -woah? HEY!” growled Scootaloo as she and Apple Bloom are pulled off the ground, held up by their tails.

“PUT US DOWN,” demanded Apple Bloom as she struggles to break free.

“Sorry but you are going to have to wait,” said Discord dismissively as he encapsulates them in a magical chest.

“LET US OUT” protested the fillies.

At the base of the hill, the timer ticks for a few more seconds before it rings loudly. Smiling sadistically, Discord teleports back to the large oven and slams the door wide open. Steam comes gushing out.

“Ah, there we go much better,” he said pleased with himself. “We can’t let Rarity see you as a colt, now can we?”

The dragon and the pony lay dazed and confused.

“Huh, wha?” groaned Spike, as he tried to regain his senses.

“Did it work?” asked Sweetie Belle dazed and confused.

“Of course, it did,” huffed Discord as he conjured a full-length mirror and placed it in front of them. “Did I give you any reason to doubt me?”

The two looked at their reflection in shock and awe. Spike trembled. Standing before them was a young, dashingly handsome young stallion, with a purple coat and bright green mane.

“Sweet Celestia,” he muttered in disbelief, even as he rubbed his face incredulously with his hooves.

Hooves. His hooves. His face broke into a wide grin.

“Look at me., I’m gorgeous! AHA!” he sang whilst dancing and prancing about in jubilee. “Good gracious, my voice! Sweetie Belle, can you believe it!”

He turned to face Sweetie Belle, who now resembled a full-grown, adult dragon. She couldn’t believe her transformation either. She was nearly double the size of Ember, with huge white wings and an impressive dangerously looking spiked tail. Her horns were pink matching her previous mane. She used her now forked tongue over her sharp fangs. Her features gave her a terrifying appearance that even scared herself.

“Congratulations, Spike,” she replied sadly in a deep voice.

As Spike continued to relish in his image, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but anguish over her own.

“Also I should mention if you reveal who you truly are or Rarity figures it out, the spell breaks and you revert to your normal selves again,” warned Discord. “Now, I must get going, I do have a party to get ready for.”

“Huh what? Wait,” shouted Sweetie Belle but it was too late as Discord disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

At that same moment, the spell containing Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in a magical chest was released and they were free. The two landed hard on the ground momentarily dazed and confused.

“Grrr. Ah’m gonna tell Applejack the minute Ah get home,” growled Apple Bloom as she rubs her head.

“No time for that now, we have to hurry,” shouted Scootaloo, beckoning her friend to follow.

Apple Bloom nods, galloping down the hill beside Scootaloo. Whatever Discord was planning, it wasn’t good. As they near their destination, however, they stop abruptly and hide behind a nearby tree, shaking in fear. The sight confused them, as much as it scared them.

“Thank you, thank you!” said the unicorn as he hugged the belly of a giant furious white dragon who was blushing a deep shade of red.

“You better get going,” said the dragon in deep, husky voice.

“I will,” he declared as he turned and galloped away leaving the dragon behind. “Wait for me, Rarity.”

The dragon waved goodbye, and remained stationary for a moment. As the stallion’s moves further away, however, the dragon begins to start pacing up and down as though contemplating her next move.

“What on earth?” asked Apple Bloom in a quiet whisper.

They continue watching as the dragon seemingly changed her mind and follows the stallion galloping towards Ponyville.

“What the hay is going on?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Ah don’t know, but we have to save that pony and warn Ponyville!” yelled Scootaloo as she galloped at full speed.

Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment but joins her friend’s eager chase. She couldn’t help but think about whether she had recognized those two figures.