Scales and Riches

by Valuable Ashes

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Slice of Life, Human
Length: 1682

A jewelry store protects something from the outside world.

A jewelry store stood between buildings of old and unkempt. The jewelry store was special. Not because of the shiny floors and clear glass windows but because of a secret that the owner hides and protects.

Published 2021-06-01 10:20:00 UTC
Last updated 2021-06-01 10:20:00 UTC

Scales and Riches

It was late afternoon and the city was quieting down after a busy day. Stores outside were closing up except one. A two-story jewelry store that was owned by one person, Jonathan. His store doubled as his home. Making it easier to work and easier to sleep after work.

The sound of the doorbell roused Jonathan from his thoughts. He stood up on his legs, ready to meet the new customer. He was a man of old. Currently in his late 50's. He combed his black hair with his hand and faced his potential customer. Many would come to his shop, from girls looking for jewelry to show off to boys searching for an engagement or wedding ring.

The man he faced was wearing a suit and black slacks. At first glance people would have thought that this man was a simple businessman but Jon knew better. The suited man placed a box on the wooden counter and opened it. In the box were three diamonds all cut into small pieces and shining from the light that reflected off the single light bulb that lit the store.

"I'm sure we haven't met before but I would like to offer you a trade. I saw your advertisement out there. You are looking for gems, correct? My seller would like to sell you these diamonds... for a hefty sum" The man said with a smile on his face.

Jon knew who he was facing because he has been a target for many con-men. Must have been his old age that made it that way. He internally sighed and looked in to check the so-called "diamonds".

The jeweler put on his gloves and picked up a diamond. He checked for any signs if it's fake. The diamond shone brightly and reflected the light from the bulb over him. He tapped it on the counter and searched for any scratches but found none. Even so, he was suspicious of the gems.

"I'm going to check this in my workshop. I'll be back in a moment" Jonathan replaced the diamond in its spot and took the box from the man's hands. He headed to his workshop to study the gems.

"Please, take your time" Once Jon was out of view, the con-man silently celebrated. "Another person successful tricked" he thought.

When Jon came back, he stood still eagerly awaiting the amount of cash he would be receiving. What he didn't expect was that the box of diamonds was forcefully pushed back in his hands.

"You think you can fake me with your diamonds? I'm tired of your tricks. We are now closed for today" The jeweler pushed the man out of his shop before closing the door. He flipped the 'open' sign to 'closed' and walked back to his workshop. The con-man, in disbelief, left the area while cursing.

Jonathan opened the door to his workshop and walked up the steep stairs. Once up there, he sat on a couch. He cupped his face and let out a tired sigh. He could understand the reason why people would lie or go to great lengths just to grasp money. He could do it himself but it disgusted him to high levels.

The workshop was fairly lit. A window behind the couch lit up the room with a golden color. Indicating that the sun was about to dip below the horizons. A table with a desk lamp on one part of the room and shelves containing valuable gems locked in jewelry boxes and antique coins. In front of him was his bedroom door. While he couldn't see in it, he knew that only a bed table and a blue bed awaited him there. As well as... someone else.

Pat... pat... pat

He could hear footprints coming from behind the door. In moments, the door swung open and a small dragon appeared in front of it. He looked at Jon and walked closer to him. Once near, the young drake tapped Jon bringing the jeweler to look at him. He chuckled and lifted him up beside him.

"Why were you shouting? Was it another one of those tricky men?"

"It was. Remember those diamonds I made you lick?" After mentioning the word 'diamonds' the young dragon made a disgusted face.

"Yeah, it tasted horrible. It's like plastic but not like plastic"

"I wasn't able to know if they were actual diamonds so I brought them to you. Sorry about that, Spike"

"It's okay. I forgive you" The two sat in silence before Jonathan asked him a question.

"Spike, my shop has closed now and because I have nothing left to do today. Would you like to come with me to the park?" Spike's eyes were wide. This was because for the entire time he was in here, he was told not to go outside so as to not be found by others.

Jon told him that humans, unlike ponies, are scared of anything that isn't human and might do something that could separate them both.

"The park? Outside?" Spike asked in disbelief.

"It's okay for you to not go. I understand you're scared but I don't have any plans for tonight and knowing that most people would be asleep by then. It would be a chance for you to look at this world without being in danger"

This was it. A chance to see the outside world. How Spike longed for a day like this. He didn't need to think much and accepted Jon's offer. The man smiled at him and stood up.

"We'll be leaving once it's night" He stood up and walked downstairs. "I'll have to buy something first. Stay here and turn the lights off until I come back"

Night fell and the lights in nearby apartments slowly died out. Spike watched from the workshop window. The lights were shut off in the room like what Spike has been told to do. The door to the bedroom opened wide and Jonathan came into view wearing a black jacket and grey pants.

"Here, wear this" Jonathan gave Spike a small black T-shirt and cap. "If people do spot us, they'll just think your a kid walking with his grandpa. Tuck your tail in the shirt too"

Spike eyed the clothes and put them on. It fit him perfectly along with the cap. Jonathan was looking at him before he face palmed and let out a groan.

"What? What's wrong?"

"I forgot the pants"

"What's got you worried about pants?"

"Because... never mind. Do you mind even if you don't wear pants?" Spike shook his head. Jonathan stopped for a second before moving on. Pony culture was both fascinating and confusing at the same time.

Jonathan did have a headache after he was told about magic and how that affects his everyday lifestyle. Truth to be told, he would love to have telekinesis so he wouldn't have to move when he's doing projects.

Jonathan gestured Spike downstairs to the store front. Once they were both there, he opened the door and they were greeted by the gentle breeze outside. While Jonathan inhaled fresh air, Spike was wallowing his first look at the town that wasn't restricted to windows only.

Besides the beautiful night sky, there were buildings in the distance that were tall, eye catching, and most of all fascinating. Jonathan stepped out the door while Spike kept standing there. He chuckled when he saw Spike in awe.

"Enjoying the view? Come on, it will be better if you follow me to the park. It has more free space there" Spike nodded subconsciously and took Jonathan's hand.

The walk was silent but the man knew that Spike was having a blast. From what he was told, technology was far more primitive than this world was. The few neon lights and an occasional car passing by would slightly scare the young dragon but his curiosity was far more greater than his fear.

Before they knew it, they were already in the park. Jonathan took a spot on a bench and Spike followed suit. The man put his arm around the baby dragon and hugged him close. The bench was the best spot in his opinion. Not because it was away from the majority of the park, but it was because it was like a front seat to the moon.

"Spike, did you have any friends before you came here?"

"I had a few. They were all nice"

"That's good to hear. Did you have a family? You always talk about ponies and never about dragons"

"That's because I never knew my real family. I was raised by Twilight and I lived with her ever since"

"Twilight, huh? Do you see her as your mother?"

"More like a sister" They both sat in silence. Another chilly breeze whistled around them. There was a long pause before Spike spoke up.

"Do you think... do you think I'll be able to get back home?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was teleported here from a failed experiment. I thought at first that I was teleported someplace else. When I came here and looked at your world map, I never saw Equus on it. I'm in an entirely new world. All by myself. Alone" Even though Jonathan never saw it. He could tell that Spike was on the verge of crying.

"Spike, you're not alone. You have me. And I promise you, you will get back home"

"H-how do you k-know?" Spike sniffed.

"Does your sister love you?"

"Yeah"

"Love you so much that she will do anything to keep you out of harm's way?"

"Yeah"

"Then that's enough to tell me that she will stop at nothing to get you back home"

Spike sniffed and hugged Jonathan all the while sobbing quietly. With his free hand, Jonathan patted Spike's head. They sat there beneath the moonlight. Looking at the stars and keeping a look out for comets. It was a calm night for both of them. A night more valuable than the most valuable gem in the world.