Molt Down: TLC Timelineby Joshua CrapoChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter IVChapter IRarity takes a walk with me and Spike behind her so that she can find phoenix feathers for a new dress. Spike inclined because… come on. Actually, I nearly forgot he still had a crush on Rarity. But Spike did come with her so that he can look for Peewee. I remember Spike had a baby phoenix back in the day. After seven years, I’m pretty sure Peewee is all grown up by now. Now, what about me? Well, I haven’t spent any time with Rarity myself this month. I figured a walk to the phoenix nests would be a good opportunity to do that. “Spike, AIta, thank you two so much for accompanying me. And I do appreciate you Spike for showing me the way to the phoenix nests.” When Rarity and I look at Spike, he is resting his arm on his right cheek. “Anything for you, Rarity. Besides, I’ve been meaning to visit Peewee.” I raise my hoof some. “Uh, Spike? Are you okay? What are you doing?” “Um, nothing?” I point to what Spike is doing. “Why are you holding your cheek like that?” “Is there something wrong with your face?” adds Rarity, prompting Spike to sigh. “It’s a stone scale. It isn’t magical or anything like the call of the Dragon Lord. It’s just red, ‘n itchy- ugh, and embarrassing.” Spike starts itching what looks like a pimple on the cheek, then slumps his arm. That stone scale also looks like it’s throbbing a little bit. Rarity and I cringe, Rarity harder then me. “Ooh, precious pants, that does look uncomfortable.” “If only Tim were here right now. He’d relate pretty hard with this situation. It’s nothing to be embarrassed by though. Twilight taught me these tend to come from too much oil gathering in one spot.” Rarity, Spike and I continue our walk when she gets a small idea. “You could pay Zecora a visit. She makes a creme that works wonders…” “Just don’t get the memory broth,” I add, referring to the visit Twilight and I paid where Zecora cleared the cloned save data on the DS carts. The three of us look up and see two phoenixes. Spike points to them. “There’s Peewee’s parents! …but I don’t see Peewee.” “Oh, maybe he moved out,” Rarity speculates. “Everypony has to leave the nest at some point.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see one more phoenix from behind, swooping down and headed for us. I hunch us down on the ground to avoid any close contact with his wings. “Peewee!!!” Spike breaks free of my magic and comes over to see Peewee, who is arriving at the nest when he hears him. Peewee lands on the ground and hugs Spike. Just as the two touch heads, Peewee’s beak accidentally touches the stone scale, causing Spike to jump in pain. “Ouch!” As Peewee jumps back and soars to his nest, he sheds a couple of feathers that Rarity floats into her bag, Spke itching the stone scale. “Perhaps you should pay Zecora a visit sooner rather than later.” Spike groans at Rarity’s suggestion. “I don’t want anypony else to see this. Besides, I’m sure it’ll clear up after a good night’s sleep.” Yesterday, Aita told me about Spike’s situation when they got home. Today, it’s just Starlight and me awake in the castle. Aita’s at school and Spike is still asleep. Sleeping this late means only one thing. Something’s up with Spike. So, I decide to head to his room. I levitate the door and curtains open and walk in. “I can’t believe you’re still asleep.” “Ugh, just five more minutes.” “It’s nearly noon. Aita experienced bradycardia last time this happened. What’s going on?” “Noon? Whoa! I slept like a rock! Which reminds me. All that sleep probably cleared up my stone scale.” I gasp when he faces me. “Um, on second thought, you can go back to sleep if you want.” Spike is left confused until he sees himself in the mirror. He lets out a panicked scream. He then rushes to close the curtains and curl under his blanket. “Spike, what are you doing?!?” “Hiding… from my hideous face.” “I’m sure it feels terrible. But it’s just a breakout; it’s not the end of the world.” Spike reveals his face from under the cover. “That’s easy for you to say. Your face isn’t covered in itchy red spots.” He then goes on an itching spree. “I used to get terrible breakouts, any time I had a final exam with Celestia, who probably never had a blemish her whole life.” “Well, I’m not in magic school.” “No, but these things can be stress related, and you did spend yesterday with Aita and Rarity.” Spike clings his claws to the blanket and laughs nervously. “What could possibly be stressful about that?” “Ugh… you could try Zecora. You could try a creme that-” “-works wonders. I’ve heard.” Spike approaches the mirror again. “But I’m not leaving the castle until my face is back to its adorable self.” Is he… trying to pop one of those stone scales? That looks painful. I light my horn to record a brief excerpt of me and Spike’s conversation. “Fine. Why don’t I go for you. I’ll only be a little bit before I leave.” “Really? You’d do- hm!” Spike suddenly prepares a burp just long enough so that I can duck. A green flame billows forward from his mouth to the opposite side of the room. “Whoa… what was that?!?” “I dunno! I just had a sudden case of- hm!” Spike gets interrupted, about to burp out another large flame. I teleport out just in time and grab a wooden extinguisher teleporting back in, which I spray onto Spike. “...indigestion. I’m so sorry.” “No need. You didn’t do anything. Maybe head into the throne room for safety. I got as much as I need anyway. Just be glad Aita’s at school. I should be back before him.” Spike sighs and takes his leave out of the bedroom. Chapter IIIn the throne room, I take a look at one of the roots to the wall of the castle. I can see my face off of that, thanks to the reflectivity. On the way over to the throne room, I’ve fetched the same outfit - sans the wig - I used as a disguise during the trip I first met Thorax at. I take my shades off, the stone scales now looking very apparent. “Hello there… not handsome.” Ooooh, Spiiiiike! Rarity’s voice calls from outside the room, making me panic and put the shades back on. I turn around and see her at the main entrance as she starts walking in here. “My, what a fetching ensemble you’ve put together. Very noiresque.” Rarity chuckles. “I believe Shadow Spade herself would approve.” “Eh, thanks.” “But I wonder if you would mind taking it off.” I double take at the suggestion. “What? Oh I uh, I… well… you already know about the stone scale, but…” I take the shades off and reveal my face to Rarity, who shrieks in terror. “How much oil is in those, Spikey-poo?!? Did you even try to WASH your face?!?” “I don’t think it has anything to do with that. I’m pretty sure my skin would be slimy if that were the case, which I can tell isn’t.” “But I thought Aita said skin oil could cause stone scales!” Actually, they do. Oh boy another voi- hey wait a minute, is that a dragon? In a sheriff’s outfit? He’s hovering over to me. “So, this is where Aita and Starlight live? Cool.” Rarity gasps. “Are you THE Sheriff Mangle?!? I heard about you when you were personally hired by Stellar Flare herself!” “And the one that personally arrested her.” Mangle chuckles. “I wouldn’t get hung up about it though. So where’s Twilight?” “She’s getting a creme for me.” I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel mute in the process of answering Mangle’s question. Rarity holds out her ear when she fails to hear me, Mangle initially surprised but recognizing exactly what’s happening. “I’m sorry, darling. You went all quiet. What did you say?” asks Rarity. “I said she’s getting a creme for me.” “She’s having a dream of you?” she misunderstands. “Why it’s the middle of the day!” “I SAID SHE’S GETTING A CREME FOR ME!!!” I suddenly shout. Mangle lets out a hearty laugh. “Oh the classic volume shift.” “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, MANGLE?!?” I ask, still shouting on accident until my stomach rumbles. I let out a flaming hot burp that disintegrates my outfit, causing Mangle to laugh even harder. I look around my body, and stone scales are everywhere. “There’s three for three: stone scales, volume shifts, pyrotension. Way to go, Spike. You’re growin’ up.” Mangle gives a thumb’s up. I realize what Mangle described could mean, and in turn, pace the throne room. “No-no-no-no-no, last time I grew up, I was a greedy monster!” “Hmhm, greed-induced growth is not natural like the molt, which is something every dragon goes through. Sooner or later, you’ll end up with your own life, and more wiggle room to do whatever you’d like than at any other age… just try to shower combatively.” Mangle and Rarity’s pupils suddenly shrink at what they smell, Rarity fanning herself. “Eugh… speaking of which. Y-you should definitely do that right away.” I groan again before dashing out of the throne room, but not without burping again, hearing snickering in the distance. After leaving Spike's room, I decide to hurry on over to Zecora's hut so that I have plenty of time to go back home before Aita does. Once I’m there, I intend to obtain a creme to lessen the appearance of the stone scales. So, I project to Zecora my experience with Spike earlier this morning. Zecora chuckles. “Twilight Sparkle, from what you’ve shown me, these symptoms are always meant to be.” “What? What do you mean? Isn’t there anything to mitigate Spike’s breakout? His indigestion?” “Along with what you saw, I can tell, his ailments must be treated well. For odor, give him a shower, but not by day, by hour. A glass of water makes all the difference. Hydration is a good influence. So lastly here’s some skin care, but watch for a red glow if you dare.” While talking about the home remedies, Zecora walks over to the top of two of the first shelves and picks up a salve. I float it into my bag once she’s close enough. “Thanks for your help anyway, Zecora. I know I can’t do too much about this, but I can only hope Aita won’t be in the same place during Spike’s bouts of indigestion.” “Aita’s position is something you both can control. Once you drop this creme off, take him on a stroll.” “Hm… sounds easy enough. I could try that once I drop off the creme. Thanks again, Zecora.” And so, I take my leave. I still am a bit concerned about Spike. That stone scale did look unsettling. I sure hope that was it. Well this morning wasn’t the time to worry about that. I still have school to attend after all. Even still, I never could get Spike off my mind. I guess it was because Miss Cheerilee talked about dragon biology, particularly wings basically being equivalent to cutie marks for ponies. Once school is let out, I see Twilight waiting for me on the road. I run to her and hug her. “Twilight! What a surprise! You never offer to take me home!” “Actually Aita, I dropped off some skin care from Zecora’s for Spike. I figured I’d come get you once school’s done since I was already out and about.” “Oh yeah, the stone scale. Thanks for doing that for him, Twilight. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.” “Also… about Spike’s condition… would you mind me taking you on a walk throughout Ponyville so that I could explain it?” “Sure.” “Thanks, Aita.” So, Twilight and I start our stroll. Chapter IIIAs Rarity advised, I start a shower in an effort to get rid of the odor. I can only hope it will help, and that my fire cooperates long enough to make this a little bit easier at the very least. In the middle of my shower, Rarity knocks on the door. Lucky the curtain is over the tub to keep the water from flowing out into the rest of the bathroom, and my fire breath under some semblance of control. “So sorry to interrupt, Spike,” says Rarity as the sound of her hooves signal her coming into the bathroom. “Mangle left now that you’re educated on this molt. But Twilight dropped off the creme you needed from Zecora’s and left to take Aita on a walk. She put it on the roundtable in the library.” “Sounds- hm!” I burp fire as I try to answer, but not before separating myself from the shower brush out of safety. The fire fizzles out due to the running water, allowing me to take the brush back. “Sounds great. If only I could keep my stomach under control long enough to CLEAN MYSELF!” “Oh, funny you brought that up. Twilight suggested I fetch you a large glass of water to calm your pyrotension while she’s gone.” Rarity sounds like she’s setting down a mug on the sink counter. That must be the water she’s talking about. “Have you talked to Starlight?” From the sound of it, Rarity simply walks out and closes the door behind her, clearly not hearing me trying to speak. I toss the brush I’ve been using over the curtain in the process of planting a claw on my face. “You have to be kidding.” Suddenly the stone scales kick in again. “AH! WHY DO I ITCH SO MUCH?!?” After several wailing grunts, I turn off the water in between scratching, only to have to turn it on again when I have another one of my fire burps. This is sure going to be a long day. Not long after the school disappears from view, Twilight begins conversing. “So, did you see any stone scales, Aita?” “I saw one yesterday,” I reply. “and so did Rarity, but it didn’t look like such a big deal when I saw it, even if it did seem uncomfortable.” “Well, I’m really glad Spike slept in in hindsight then. You would not believe the breakout he had when I woke him up while you were in school.” A breakout, huh? That sure sounds familiar to me. “He’s growing. It’s probably just puberty. I remember Tim used to get acne as a teenager. I’m not entirely sure about dragons, but science videos from back home taught me everyone builds up skin oil that washes away when we shower. Spike probably had excess oil on his right cheek if he had a stone scale there.” Twilight is stunned at what I speculate. “That’s… actually a really good explanation. Spike never did get any dry skin last winter like he usually does that time of year. Well anyway, there was also apparently a body odor.” “Aaaand yeah, this really is starting to sound like puberty, Twilight. What’s next? Vocal impulses? Clock shifts?” “Well, there’s also the fire burps.” I buzz my wings in excitement when I hear that fire is involved. “Ooh, I can imagine it’d be quite the show to watch.” “And a big safety hazard. It’s why Zecora advised me to take you on a walk while Spike is coping.” “Really?” “Of course. I remember the morning before Thorax and Ember met, the former ended up instinctually attracted to the Ceremonial Dragon Fire of Friendship. But close proximity will especially spell disaster for a changeling.” I hang my head in disappointment. “Aw…” “Don’t worry, Aita. Spike’s condition shouldn’t last too much longer. I did some research the past weekend while you two were with Rarity. His-” “Wait, you noticed too?” “Well, he was holding his cheek the entire day, even before breakfast. Anyway, the process seems to take around thirty six hours. Chances are this started early in the morning yesterday, which means he should be done by supper.” “Ah! I don’t think this is gonna be done by supper!” All throughout the castle, I have to constantly stop and rub my back against the walls I’m so itchy, starting with my room, Aita’s, Starlight’s, Twilight’s, the kitchen, the throne room and the dining room - not to mention. In the library, I end up knocking over all four DS’s off the mirror, trying to relieve all this itch. In the middle of using the mirror as a backscratcher, Starlight comes in to see me. “Is… this a bad time, Spike? You look like you’re glowing diamonds.” “That’s not important right now! Where’s the creme?!?” “Here you go.” Starlight floats a potion over to me from on the roundtable that I somehow miseed. She then opens it up. “You wouldn’t happen to see Aita, would you Spike? He’s been gone all day.” “Gee! I didn’t know it was that late! Ahah!” Starlight attempts to come close to me, but is repelled by the odor, which I thought I mitigated with that shower. At least the water helped. “Eugh… are you sure you just got yourself cleaned?” Just as Starlight gathers the determination to fight the odor and put the stone scale creme on me, the glowing fades away, along with the stone scales blending in. “Huh? What just happened?” I sigh in relief. “Finally, I thought that itching would never stop.” “Well, now that that’s over. I guess we’ll just start picking up. Starting with-” Starlight is interrupted when crackling sounds start coming from my body. Looking around me, my skin seems to be hardening, starting from my lower back and spreading to the rest of my body. “W-what’s happening?!? I… I can’t mo-” And so, I am entirely encased in a hard shell. Should’ve known something like that was going to happen. I suddenly get teleported to outside the castle. Chapter IVA moment or two after being teleported to the front of the castle, the ripe stone scales begin weakening, allowing my claws to penetrate through the crusty old coat that eventually cracks and bursts apart. I look at my body one last time. It looks as if the stone scales never happened. I can only deduce my face is back to its adorable self like I said it would when I first woke up. I rub my face to confirm, but once I get to my chin, something touches my left elbow. “Spike! This is amazing!” Oh, I completely forgot Starlight was still with me. “Look!” I go for my chin again and I can feel the same thing touch my elbow. “Did I just sprout wings?” I ask myself, reaching back and seeing what I thought I felt. “I JUST SPROUTED WINGS!!!” I throw my fists into the air in excitement. I then run to Starlight and hug her. “Twilight told me about your stone scales and pyrotension when you woke up, and it give me an idea. Why not grab someone older to teach you what THEY went through. One quick snap to Sire’s Hollow and back, and Sheriff Mangle ended up in Ponyville.” “Wait, so you’re saying YOU sent Mangle? That’s genius!” A while after Twilight talked about me about Spike’s molt, we stop at Sugar Cube Corner and get some cupcakes. Midway through I hear a blast coming from the castle. “Um, Twilight? What was that?” I ask. “I… I’m actually not sure. Do you think that was Spike, Aita?” “Ha- have I rubbed off on you?” I shake my head to clear away the disbelief in what Twilight just did. “Ah! Pff! That doesn’t matter! Come on, let’s go!” Twilight nods and leads the way back to the castle. Once we get there, we hear Starlight happily sigh. Yup. Two and a half years of living with you guys finally led up to that. What Twilight and I both notice is Spike’s new set of wings. “Spike?!?” exclaims Twilight. “How did you get wings?!?” “I don’t know, but they’re pretty awesome!” I gasp, realizing Spike’s newfound ability to fly. “And do you know what this means?!?” “What?” Starlight replies. “We all can stay together in the air!” I explain as I jump and hover above them. “We don’t need the train anymore if it’s just us!” Starlight tilts her head questioningly. “Are you sure? I know I can fly with just magic, but I’ve never gone from town to town before using that alone.” “Well, we could practice together,” offers Spike. “Maybe we could visit Twilight’s old friends more often.” “Actually, I think I have somewhere else in mind.” Twilight? What are you thinking? Are we going to the Crystal Empire? “Pretty convenient they live in the same city home to Glad-” “Actually Twilight, you could’ve just told us you were thinking of Carve and Rusty. Besides, Aita and I aren’t mature enough for admission at Gladmane Grande.” Twilight grabs onto Spike as Starlight grabs onto me, but before we all teleport out of Ponyville, I interject. “Wait a minute. Spike and I went with Rarity to the phoenix nests. Why not Carousel Boutique?” My horn lights up now, allowing me to teleport to Rarity’s bedroom with Starlight. Twilight and Spike soon follow. Rarity turns around and waves to us, only to be stunned when she notices Spike’s wings. “My! What fetching wings you have, Spike! Was this what that molt Mangle mentioned led to?” “Somehow, but that means I’m now my adorable self in the air!” Spike jumps in the air, cheering. Rarity walks over to Spike as he lands, wrapping her hoof around him. “I can only imagine what you might be capable of after your trip to Sire’s Hollow. Seeing how he told you about the molt, he could ALSO teach you some advanced flying, that handsome sheriff.” “So wait, who’s Mangle?” Twilight asks. “I didn’t see any dragons coming in or out of Ponyville. And you’re saying he’s the sheriff of Starlight’s hometown?” Starlight nods yes. “I didn’t know you never heard of him.” “Well, he never did compete in the Gauntlet of Fire,” ponders Rarity. “We never saw him in the dragon lands. Really though Spiky-wiky, the best way you’re going advance your flight is to learn from a dragon willing to teach you based on their experience.” “Oh! Really… and you all wouldn’t mind?” “Not at all, Spike,” I reply. “Rarity’s right. Mangle is the perfect fit for the role.” “As sheriff,” Starlight continues for me. “his role is more than just bringing locals to justice; it’s helping out whoever comes to him that are in need. Why don’t I go with you Spike, that way you won’t be entirely alone. It’s been a while since Dad and I had cookies together.” Spike drops his jaw. “That’d be great! I get lessons from the sheriff, and you get to go home! Good thinking.” He now gives Starlight a friendly elbow. I do have a question about that proposal though. “But what if Twilight gets called by the map while you and Starlight are gone?” “That’s an easy solution, Aita. You can just stay with me.” I blink, looking at Rarity. “That’s right… I never considered I could stay elsewhere.” “Well Spike? Ready to head to my hometown?” “Right behind you, Starlight!” Starlight leads the way out of Rarity room, on the spot going to Sire’s Hollow, Spike following close behind. Rarity watches the two leave, and as soon as they’re out of view, she turns back to me. “You don’t think the map is going to call, do you Aita?” “We’ll see, but I doubt it will. There hasn’t been a friendship problem since Hearth’s Warming. Literally everypony we’re aware of knows us now, even Firelight.” “Whatever happens next,” Twilight adds. “we’ll be here for each other.” Rarity, Twilight and I engage in a group hug. “Now it’s been nice talking, but I do have to get to making that phoenix dress. See you later Twilight, Aita!” We nod at Rarity and leave to go home.
Chapter IRarity takes a walk with me and Spike behind her so that she can find phoenix feathers for a new dress. Spike inclined because… come on. Actually, I nearly forgot he still had a crush on Rarity. But Spike did come with her so that he can look for Peewee. I remember Spike had a baby phoenix back in the day. After seven years, I’m pretty sure Peewee is all grown up by now. Now, what about me? Well, I haven’t spent any time with Rarity myself this month. I figured a walk to the phoenix nests would be a good opportunity to do that. “Spike, AIta, thank you two so much for accompanying me. And I do appreciate you Spike for showing me the way to the phoenix nests.” When Rarity and I look at Spike, he is resting his arm on his right cheek. “Anything for you, Rarity. Besides, I’ve been meaning to visit Peewee.” I raise my hoof some. “Uh, Spike? Are you okay? What are you doing?” “Um, nothing?” I point to what Spike is doing. “Why are you holding your cheek like that?” “Is there something wrong with your face?” adds Rarity, prompting Spike to sigh. “It’s a stone scale. It isn’t magical or anything like the call of the Dragon Lord. It’s just red, ‘n itchy- ugh, and embarrassing.” Spike starts itching what looks like a pimple on the cheek, then slumps his arm. That stone scale also looks like it’s throbbing a little bit. Rarity and I cringe, Rarity harder then me. “Ooh, precious pants, that does look uncomfortable.” “If only Tim were here right now. He’d relate pretty hard with this situation. It’s nothing to be embarrassed by though. Twilight taught me these tend to come from too much oil gathering in one spot.” Rarity, Spike and I continue our walk when she gets a small idea. “You could pay Zecora a visit. She makes a creme that works wonders…” “Just don’t get the memory broth,” I add, referring to the visit Twilight and I paid where Zecora cleared the cloned save data on the DS carts. The three of us look up and see two phoenixes. Spike points to them. “There’s Peewee’s parents! …but I don’t see Peewee.” “Oh, maybe he moved out,” Rarity speculates. “Everypony has to leave the nest at some point.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see one more phoenix from behind, swooping down and headed for us. I hunch us down on the ground to avoid any close contact with his wings. “Peewee!!!” Spike breaks free of my magic and comes over to see Peewee, who is arriving at the nest when he hears him. Peewee lands on the ground and hugs Spike. Just as the two touch heads, Peewee’s beak accidentally touches the stone scale, causing Spike to jump in pain. “Ouch!” As Peewee jumps back and soars to his nest, he sheds a couple of feathers that Rarity floats into her bag, Spke itching the stone scale. “Perhaps you should pay Zecora a visit sooner rather than later.” Spike groans at Rarity’s suggestion. “I don’t want anypony else to see this. Besides, I’m sure it’ll clear up after a good night’s sleep.” Yesterday, Aita told me about Spike’s situation when they got home. Today, it’s just Starlight and me awake in the castle. Aita’s at school and Spike is still asleep. Sleeping this late means only one thing. Something’s up with Spike. So, I decide to head to his room. I levitate the door and curtains open and walk in. “I can’t believe you’re still asleep.” “Ugh, just five more minutes.” “It’s nearly noon. Aita experienced bradycardia last time this happened. What’s going on?” “Noon? Whoa! I slept like a rock! Which reminds me. All that sleep probably cleared up my stone scale.” I gasp when he faces me. “Um, on second thought, you can go back to sleep if you want.” Spike is left confused until he sees himself in the mirror. He lets out a panicked scream. He then rushes to close the curtains and curl under his blanket. “Spike, what are you doing?!?” “Hiding… from my hideous face.” “I’m sure it feels terrible. But it’s just a breakout; it’s not the end of the world.” Spike reveals his face from under the cover. “That’s easy for you to say. Your face isn’t covered in itchy red spots.” He then goes on an itching spree. “I used to get terrible breakouts, any time I had a final exam with Celestia, who probably never had a blemish her whole life.” “Well, I’m not in magic school.” “No, but these things can be stress related, and you did spend yesterday with Aita and Rarity.” Spike clings his claws to the blanket and laughs nervously. “What could possibly be stressful about that?” “Ugh… you could try Zecora. You could try a creme that-” “-works wonders. I’ve heard.” Spike approaches the mirror again. “But I’m not leaving the castle until my face is back to its adorable self.” Is he… trying to pop one of those stone scales? That looks painful. I light my horn to record a brief excerpt of me and Spike’s conversation. “Fine. Why don’t I go for you. I’ll only be a little bit before I leave.” “Really? You’d do- hm!” Spike suddenly prepares a burp just long enough so that I can duck. A green flame billows forward from his mouth to the opposite side of the room. “Whoa… what was that?!?” “I dunno! I just had a sudden case of- hm!” Spike gets interrupted, about to burp out another large flame. I teleport out just in time and grab a wooden extinguisher teleporting back in, which I spray onto Spike. “...indigestion. I’m so sorry.” “No need. You didn’t do anything. Maybe head into the throne room for safety. I got as much as I need anyway. Just be glad Aita’s at school. I should be back before him.” Spike sighs and takes his leave out of the bedroom.
Chapter IIIn the throne room, I take a look at one of the roots to the wall of the castle. I can see my face off of that, thanks to the reflectivity. On the way over to the throne room, I’ve fetched the same outfit - sans the wig - I used as a disguise during the trip I first met Thorax at. I take my shades off, the stone scales now looking very apparent. “Hello there… not handsome.” Ooooh, Spiiiiike! Rarity’s voice calls from outside the room, making me panic and put the shades back on. I turn around and see her at the main entrance as she starts walking in here. “My, what a fetching ensemble you’ve put together. Very noiresque.” Rarity chuckles. “I believe Shadow Spade herself would approve.” “Eh, thanks.” “But I wonder if you would mind taking it off.” I double take at the suggestion. “What? Oh I uh, I… well… you already know about the stone scale, but…” I take the shades off and reveal my face to Rarity, who shrieks in terror. “How much oil is in those, Spikey-poo?!? Did you even try to WASH your face?!?” “I don’t think it has anything to do with that. I’m pretty sure my skin would be slimy if that were the case, which I can tell isn’t.” “But I thought Aita said skin oil could cause stone scales!” Actually, they do. Oh boy another voi- hey wait a minute, is that a dragon? In a sheriff’s outfit? He’s hovering over to me. “So, this is where Aita and Starlight live? Cool.” Rarity gasps. “Are you THE Sheriff Mangle?!? I heard about you when you were personally hired by Stellar Flare herself!” “And the one that personally arrested her.” Mangle chuckles. “I wouldn’t get hung up about it though. So where’s Twilight?” “She’s getting a creme for me.” I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel mute in the process of answering Mangle’s question. Rarity holds out her ear when she fails to hear me, Mangle initially surprised but recognizing exactly what’s happening. “I’m sorry, darling. You went all quiet. What did you say?” asks Rarity. “I said she’s getting a creme for me.” “She’s having a dream of you?” she misunderstands. “Why it’s the middle of the day!” “I SAID SHE’S GETTING A CREME FOR ME!!!” I suddenly shout. Mangle lets out a hearty laugh. “Oh the classic volume shift.” “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, MANGLE?!?” I ask, still shouting on accident until my stomach rumbles. I let out a flaming hot burp that disintegrates my outfit, causing Mangle to laugh even harder. I look around my body, and stone scales are everywhere. “There’s three for three: stone scales, volume shifts, pyrotension. Way to go, Spike. You’re growin’ up.” Mangle gives a thumb’s up. I realize what Mangle described could mean, and in turn, pace the throne room. “No-no-no-no-no, last time I grew up, I was a greedy monster!” “Hmhm, greed-induced growth is not natural like the molt, which is something every dragon goes through. Sooner or later, you’ll end up with your own life, and more wiggle room to do whatever you’d like than at any other age… just try to shower combatively.” Mangle and Rarity’s pupils suddenly shrink at what they smell, Rarity fanning herself. “Eugh… speaking of which. Y-you should definitely do that right away.” I groan again before dashing out of the throne room, but not without burping again, hearing snickering in the distance. After leaving Spike's room, I decide to hurry on over to Zecora's hut so that I have plenty of time to go back home before Aita does. Once I’m there, I intend to obtain a creme to lessen the appearance of the stone scales. So, I project to Zecora my experience with Spike earlier this morning. Zecora chuckles. “Twilight Sparkle, from what you’ve shown me, these symptoms are always meant to be.” “What? What do you mean? Isn’t there anything to mitigate Spike’s breakout? His indigestion?” “Along with what you saw, I can tell, his ailments must be treated well. For odor, give him a shower, but not by day, by hour. A glass of water makes all the difference. Hydration is a good influence. So lastly here’s some skin care, but watch for a red glow if you dare.” While talking about the home remedies, Zecora walks over to the top of two of the first shelves and picks up a salve. I float it into my bag once she’s close enough. “Thanks for your help anyway, Zecora. I know I can’t do too much about this, but I can only hope Aita won’t be in the same place during Spike’s bouts of indigestion.” “Aita’s position is something you both can control. Once you drop this creme off, take him on a stroll.” “Hm… sounds easy enough. I could try that once I drop off the creme. Thanks again, Zecora.” And so, I take my leave. I still am a bit concerned about Spike. That stone scale did look unsettling. I sure hope that was it. Well this morning wasn’t the time to worry about that. I still have school to attend after all. Even still, I never could get Spike off my mind. I guess it was because Miss Cheerilee talked about dragon biology, particularly wings basically being equivalent to cutie marks for ponies. Once school is let out, I see Twilight waiting for me on the road. I run to her and hug her. “Twilight! What a surprise! You never offer to take me home!” “Actually Aita, I dropped off some skin care from Zecora’s for Spike. I figured I’d come get you once school’s done since I was already out and about.” “Oh yeah, the stone scale. Thanks for doing that for him, Twilight. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.” “Also… about Spike’s condition… would you mind me taking you on a walk throughout Ponyville so that I could explain it?” “Sure.” “Thanks, Aita.” So, Twilight and I start our stroll.
Chapter IIIAs Rarity advised, I start a shower in an effort to get rid of the odor. I can only hope it will help, and that my fire cooperates long enough to make this a little bit easier at the very least. In the middle of my shower, Rarity knocks on the door. Lucky the curtain is over the tub to keep the water from flowing out into the rest of the bathroom, and my fire breath under some semblance of control. “So sorry to interrupt, Spike,” says Rarity as the sound of her hooves signal her coming into the bathroom. “Mangle left now that you’re educated on this molt. But Twilight dropped off the creme you needed from Zecora’s and left to take Aita on a walk. She put it on the roundtable in the library.” “Sounds- hm!” I burp fire as I try to answer, but not before separating myself from the shower brush out of safety. The fire fizzles out due to the running water, allowing me to take the brush back. “Sounds great. If only I could keep my stomach under control long enough to CLEAN MYSELF!” “Oh, funny you brought that up. Twilight suggested I fetch you a large glass of water to calm your pyrotension while she’s gone.” Rarity sounds like she’s setting down a mug on the sink counter. That must be the water she’s talking about. “Have you talked to Starlight?” From the sound of it, Rarity simply walks out and closes the door behind her, clearly not hearing me trying to speak. I toss the brush I’ve been using over the curtain in the process of planting a claw on my face. “You have to be kidding.” Suddenly the stone scales kick in again. “AH! WHY DO I ITCH SO MUCH?!?” After several wailing grunts, I turn off the water in between scratching, only to have to turn it on again when I have another one of my fire burps. This is sure going to be a long day. Not long after the school disappears from view, Twilight begins conversing. “So, did you see any stone scales, Aita?” “I saw one yesterday,” I reply. “and so did Rarity, but it didn’t look like such a big deal when I saw it, even if it did seem uncomfortable.” “Well, I’m really glad Spike slept in in hindsight then. You would not believe the breakout he had when I woke him up while you were in school.” A breakout, huh? That sure sounds familiar to me. “He’s growing. It’s probably just puberty. I remember Tim used to get acne as a teenager. I’m not entirely sure about dragons, but science videos from back home taught me everyone builds up skin oil that washes away when we shower. Spike probably had excess oil on his right cheek if he had a stone scale there.” Twilight is stunned at what I speculate. “That’s… actually a really good explanation. Spike never did get any dry skin last winter like he usually does that time of year. Well anyway, there was also apparently a body odor.” “Aaaand yeah, this really is starting to sound like puberty, Twilight. What’s next? Vocal impulses? Clock shifts?” “Well, there’s also the fire burps.” I buzz my wings in excitement when I hear that fire is involved. “Ooh, I can imagine it’d be quite the show to watch.” “And a big safety hazard. It’s why Zecora advised me to take you on a walk while Spike is coping.” “Really?” “Of course. I remember the morning before Thorax and Ember met, the former ended up instinctually attracted to the Ceremonial Dragon Fire of Friendship. But close proximity will especially spell disaster for a changeling.” I hang my head in disappointment. “Aw…” “Don’t worry, Aita. Spike’s condition shouldn’t last too much longer. I did some research the past weekend while you two were with Rarity. His-” “Wait, you noticed too?” “Well, he was holding his cheek the entire day, even before breakfast. Anyway, the process seems to take around thirty six hours. Chances are this started early in the morning yesterday, which means he should be done by supper.” “Ah! I don’t think this is gonna be done by supper!” All throughout the castle, I have to constantly stop and rub my back against the walls I’m so itchy, starting with my room, Aita’s, Starlight’s, Twilight’s, the kitchen, the throne room and the dining room - not to mention. In the library, I end up knocking over all four DS’s off the mirror, trying to relieve all this itch. In the middle of using the mirror as a backscratcher, Starlight comes in to see me. “Is… this a bad time, Spike? You look like you’re glowing diamonds.” “That’s not important right now! Where’s the creme?!?” “Here you go.” Starlight floats a potion over to me from on the roundtable that I somehow miseed. She then opens it up. “You wouldn’t happen to see Aita, would you Spike? He’s been gone all day.” “Gee! I didn’t know it was that late! Ahah!” Starlight attempts to come close to me, but is repelled by the odor, which I thought I mitigated with that shower. At least the water helped. “Eugh… are you sure you just got yourself cleaned?” Just as Starlight gathers the determination to fight the odor and put the stone scale creme on me, the glowing fades away, along with the stone scales blending in. “Huh? What just happened?” I sigh in relief. “Finally, I thought that itching would never stop.” “Well, now that that’s over. I guess we’ll just start picking up. Starting with-” Starlight is interrupted when crackling sounds start coming from my body. Looking around me, my skin seems to be hardening, starting from my lower back and spreading to the rest of my body. “W-what’s happening?!? I… I can’t mo-” And so, I am entirely encased in a hard shell. Should’ve known something like that was going to happen. I suddenly get teleported to outside the castle.
Chapter IVA moment or two after being teleported to the front of the castle, the ripe stone scales begin weakening, allowing my claws to penetrate through the crusty old coat that eventually cracks and bursts apart. I look at my body one last time. It looks as if the stone scales never happened. I can only deduce my face is back to its adorable self like I said it would when I first woke up. I rub my face to confirm, but once I get to my chin, something touches my left elbow. “Spike! This is amazing!” Oh, I completely forgot Starlight was still with me. “Look!” I go for my chin again and I can feel the same thing touch my elbow. “Did I just sprout wings?” I ask myself, reaching back and seeing what I thought I felt. “I JUST SPROUTED WINGS!!!” I throw my fists into the air in excitement. I then run to Starlight and hug her. “Twilight told me about your stone scales and pyrotension when you woke up, and it give me an idea. Why not grab someone older to teach you what THEY went through. One quick snap to Sire’s Hollow and back, and Sheriff Mangle ended up in Ponyville.” “Wait, so you’re saying YOU sent Mangle? That’s genius!” A while after Twilight talked about me about Spike’s molt, we stop at Sugar Cube Corner and get some cupcakes. Midway through I hear a blast coming from the castle. “Um, Twilight? What was that?” I ask. “I… I’m actually not sure. Do you think that was Spike, Aita?” “Ha- have I rubbed off on you?” I shake my head to clear away the disbelief in what Twilight just did. “Ah! Pff! That doesn’t matter! Come on, let’s go!” Twilight nods and leads the way back to the castle. Once we get there, we hear Starlight happily sigh. Yup. Two and a half years of living with you guys finally led up to that. What Twilight and I both notice is Spike’s new set of wings. “Spike?!?” exclaims Twilight. “How did you get wings?!?” “I don’t know, but they’re pretty awesome!” I gasp, realizing Spike’s newfound ability to fly. “And do you know what this means?!?” “What?” Starlight replies. “We all can stay together in the air!” I explain as I jump and hover above them. “We don’t need the train anymore if it’s just us!” Starlight tilts her head questioningly. “Are you sure? I know I can fly with just magic, but I’ve never gone from town to town before using that alone.” “Well, we could practice together,” offers Spike. “Maybe we could visit Twilight’s old friends more often.” “Actually, I think I have somewhere else in mind.” Twilight? What are you thinking? Are we going to the Crystal Empire? “Pretty convenient they live in the same city home to Glad-” “Actually Twilight, you could’ve just told us you were thinking of Carve and Rusty. Besides, Aita and I aren’t mature enough for admission at Gladmane Grande.” Twilight grabs onto Spike as Starlight grabs onto me, but before we all teleport out of Ponyville, I interject. “Wait a minute. Spike and I went with Rarity to the phoenix nests. Why not Carousel Boutique?” My horn lights up now, allowing me to teleport to Rarity’s bedroom with Starlight. Twilight and Spike soon follow. Rarity turns around and waves to us, only to be stunned when she notices Spike’s wings. “My! What fetching wings you have, Spike! Was this what that molt Mangle mentioned led to?” “Somehow, but that means I’m now my adorable self in the air!” Spike jumps in the air, cheering. Rarity walks over to Spike as he lands, wrapping her hoof around him. “I can only imagine what you might be capable of after your trip to Sire’s Hollow. Seeing how he told you about the molt, he could ALSO teach you some advanced flying, that handsome sheriff.” “So wait, who’s Mangle?” Twilight asks. “I didn’t see any dragons coming in or out of Ponyville. And you’re saying he’s the sheriff of Starlight’s hometown?” Starlight nods yes. “I didn’t know you never heard of him.” “Well, he never did compete in the Gauntlet of Fire,” ponders Rarity. “We never saw him in the dragon lands. Really though Spiky-wiky, the best way you’re going advance your flight is to learn from a dragon willing to teach you based on their experience.” “Oh! Really… and you all wouldn’t mind?” “Not at all, Spike,” I reply. “Rarity’s right. Mangle is the perfect fit for the role.” “As sheriff,” Starlight continues for me. “his role is more than just bringing locals to justice; it’s helping out whoever comes to him that are in need. Why don’t I go with you Spike, that way you won’t be entirely alone. It’s been a while since Dad and I had cookies together.” Spike drops his jaw. “That’d be great! I get lessons from the sheriff, and you get to go home! Good thinking.” He now gives Starlight a friendly elbow. I do have a question about that proposal though. “But what if Twilight gets called by the map while you and Starlight are gone?” “That’s an easy solution, Aita. You can just stay with me.” I blink, looking at Rarity. “That’s right… I never considered I could stay elsewhere.” “Well Spike? Ready to head to my hometown?” “Right behind you, Starlight!” Starlight leads the way out of Rarity room, on the spot going to Sire’s Hollow, Spike following close behind. Rarity watches the two leave, and as soon as they’re out of view, she turns back to me. “You don’t think the map is going to call, do you Aita?” “We’ll see, but I doubt it will. There hasn’t been a friendship problem since Hearth’s Warming. Literally everypony we’re aware of knows us now, even Firelight.” “Whatever happens next,” Twilight adds. “we’ll be here for each other.” Rarity, Twilight and I engage in a group hug. “Now it’s been nice talking, but I do have to get to making that phoenix dress. See you later Twilight, Aita!” We nod at Rarity and leave to go home.
