Molt Down: TLC Timeline

In 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.