Author's Note

The cover of this research journal has a bright purple star, like many other journals on the research shelf in this private library. While a few journals are pristine, most are burned, tattered, or stained in some way.

The cover of this journal looks wet even though it is dry, and the thick binding has a pockmarked surface—as though someone dribbled acid over it. The binding label is simply RESEARCH LOG (PRIVATE), with no further external labeling.

April

Tuesday, April 7th, 15NMR:

Spike, if you’re reading this, then stop right now. You are not allowed to read this.

I’ll tell you everything in time. Please stop reading now.

I’ve decided to progress with the experiment. The plan I’ve developed is sufficient, and I don’t see any workable alternatives. If things are left as they are, my #1 assistant could end up seriously hurting himself or his ~~mare~~ hen-friend. Spike is an adult now, and it’s not my place to tell him what to do. But if I do nothing, then Gabby will likely be seriously hurt, and Spike may be scarred forever.

I’ve done the math, and Griffons can’t carry a dragon egg to maturity. While Spike has matured to being an adult and is comparable to a fully grown pony in size, he’s no where near fully grown for a dragon. Dragons mature over hundreds of years, and with his magic he’s likely to grow to a maximum of several hundred meters. Any of his sired spawn will at minimum be the size of his own egg, and likely be much larger.

Spike is an anomaly. While dragons are incredibly dynamic in their morphology, he is uniquely the only male dragon I’ve encountered who is humanoid like us equestrians. More importantly, I have observed that he has similar physiology and biology to ponies. I can’t be sure of what would happen should he attempt to reproduce with an equestrian, either a pony like myself or a griffon like Gabby. No other equestrian race lays eggs—they all have primarily mammalian traits to include live birth. I remember how large Spike’s egg was, and at best it would be non viable in a griffon. At worst, it could kill her—not unlike what can happen to a small female dog that has mated with a very large one.

I need to understand more about dragon reproduction. I need to study the biomagical process that creates and nurtures a dragon egg, and the most effective means is through direct observation and testing of relevant materials. I need to fully understand the risks so I can protect Spike from making the biggest mistake of his life.

Additionally, I need to deter him from sexually pursuing Gabby. While I am not in any position to disallow him from pursuing her, there are other methods which have worked to influence his decisions in the past. I will apply modified classical conditioning methods that have previously worked to help him acclimate to a regular bed time, and to wake up on time. This is for his own good, at least until I fully understand the dragon reproductive cycle.

No ethics board would approve what I am about to pursue, and so I am not submitting to one. I know Spike isn’t a consenting test subject, but I have no other options. I also know how he would respond if I asked him directly, and it would at best be negatively. I need to be careful in what I reveal to him—for his own good. The discoveries, and results, will be kept private. This journal is the only documentation I will keep.

I’m doing this for Spike, not for academia. Still, a level of academic rigor will be necessary in order to develop a methodology to assist him.

Wednesday, April 8th, 15NMR:
Entry 1:
I have convinced Spike to allow me to collect his semen. I explained to him that I am formulating a study of the dragon reproduction cycle, and as my #1 assistant, he’s best positioned to help supply me with materials. The conversation was quite awkward, and he only agreed contingent on me never telling anypony where I got my sample. I didn’t reveal that I never intended to.

He was very nervous that this may be considered cheating on Gabby. I took the opportunity to ask if they were sexually active. Thankfully, he claimed they are not. I then convinced him that it was medically and scientifically necessary for me to collect the semen on my own. He didn’t seem completely convinced, but I assured him that I had spells to ensure the proper preservation of the semen.

This is a true statement, but I could probably develop a device that contained the necessary enchantments. I simply don’t have the time. My hands will work just fine as both the spell focus and the collection tool.

Entry 2:
The collection failed. I was not familiar with dragon penises. I am not familiar with any penises. It took a long time to manipulate (23m:14s), and Spike was nervous the entire time. He kept asking if we were done yet, and I was clearly making him uncomfortable. I definitely squeezed him too hard at least once, which surprised me. Dragons, especially Spike, are notoriously resilient to pain. When it became obvious that I wasn’t going to get the sample, I apologized.

He apologized as well. He’s worried that something is wrong with him. After his penis retreated under his scales and we put his pants back on, I reassured him that it wasn’t his fault, and offered a hug that he cautiously accepted.

We were both relieved when the attempt was over. He has agreed to try again with me tomorrow. I informed him that I will do more research.

Observations:
Spike's penis is pink in color, and soft to touch. There is a deflated ridge line that runs the length across the top. It is flaccid, but lengthy when revealed from his scales; at least the length of my hand and a quarter. The penis is warm to the touch, much warmer than his scales. Its texture is soft and rubbery, like stiff putty with a much higher surface tension. There is no traditional flare at the tip, but there is a unique bulbous formation covered in small nodules instead. When flaccid, it is similar in appearance to a thick shoot of asparagus. My hands comfortably fit around it, and it is about the same circumference as a circle made with my index finger and thumb. More accurate measurements will follow once we are both more comfortable with the process.

Entry 3:
Personal notes:
~~Magical influence?~~ Needs to be a pleasant experience.
~~Familiarity?~~ He knows me and the lab. That value is already optimal.
Physical technique? Based on the research, I am lacking. Will practice.
State of mind? He’s too nervous. Have to calm him down.
~~Intimacy~~? This would not be an appropriate means to pursue the experiment.
Reciprocity? There may be some room here for me to compromise and help him feel sexual excitement without encroaching into the territory of sexual intimacy.
-Visual stimulation? I could remove clothing as a reward for him? Breasts?
-Audio stimulation? Sounds of affirmation? Informing him that his penis is large?
-~~Tactile stimulation?~~ This is dangerously close to intimacy, but perhaps allowing him to grab my breast would give him the push he needs? Do dragons like breasts? Is there another body part he might sexually enjoy? I will not be taking my pants off.

Thursday, April 9th, 15NMR:
Entry 1:
Collection of semen failed, but the extraction was a success. I opted to provide visual stimulation by taking my shirt off. He was interested in my breasts, but pretended not to be. I encouraged him to look in order to build his excitement. The techniques I practiced were also much more successful. Stimulation lasted longer than the previous attempt (31m:45s), but had visibly better responses throughout. Spike’s penis is much larger when erect, but accurate measurements were not made during this extraction. ~~He also asked me to stop less often~~ He was less curious about when the procedure would be over than the last time this was attempted.

Unfortunately, the semen was contaminated as neither of us were prepared for the expulsion. The semen ended up on my cleavage, where I did not have proper containment spells prepared. I must admit that I was surprised by the initial ejaculation, and dismayed that the majority had ended up on my chest, so I failed to collect any from the following spurts. Most ended up on me, while some ended up on the floor, with a small amount on his scales.

While the failure to collect the semen was unfortunate, the success in extraction was a great stride forward. I expect to have a usable sample tomorrow. I was unable to take proper observations due to the surprise of the event.

Spike was both surprised and relieved when he ejaculated. The biological expulsion appears to be highly pleasurable to him. He was unsure what to say after, so he informed me that he’s never “seen it do that” before. After further questioning, it’s apparent that he does not and has not masturbated. Male dragons seem to develop their sexual urges quite differently than male ponies. A young stallion would be several years into masturbation by this age as part of his normal growth.

It’s good I was Spike’s first ejaculation experience ~~and not Gabby~~ for reinforcement purposes. Now he will start to associate me with the pleasurable state of mind that comes with the action, making the rest of his conditioning much easier.

Observations:
The bulbous head seemed to pulse right before ejaculation. The nodules stiffened slightly, their erectile tissue hardening. What’s the purpose? Stimulation? Similar to feline? There was a noticeable scent, but it is hard to describe. His body tensed, similar to a flinching response but apparently more pleasurable. After ejaculation, the bulbous nodules seemed to quiver slightly, and the penis went flaccid over a 1 minute period. He described it as sensitive after the ejaculation, similar to an equine’s refractory period.

Entry 2:
Getting this semen off my fur is a nightmare. Going to have to investigate proper cleaning methods. Ask Rarity?

Entry 3:
Removal failed until the semen dried, at which point a fine fur comb was easily able to remove the flakes from my fur. I collected the dry semen for later analysis. I will avoid getting it in my fur in the future, but knowing there is an effective method is re-assuring. I’m confident that if needed I could rapidly dry and then remove the semen via magic. Perhaps I should compose a spell for this?

Friday, April 10th, 15NMR:
Entry 1:
Success! I managed to extract the semen and collect it in a standard 50 ml stasis vessel. This time, I watched for visual and tactile clues that I had recognized from yesterday’s attempt. Specifically, the tightening and slight twitching of the shaft of his penis during my stimulation. I’m excited to get the sample under a microscope. Spike was clearly relieved that it had gone well, and even seemed to enjoy the extraction slightly more this time.

I opted for the shirtless visual stimulation again, and once again encouraged him to look at my breasts. Notably, I found this oddly stimulating as well. It’s probably my exuberance at finally getting the sample, but I would be remiss if I didn’t make a note documenting my half of the experience. I’ve never had a pony stare at my naked breasts, and I could almost feel his eyes on me. I’ll have to ask him what he was imagining later.

The stimulation time was slightly shorter than yesterday (29m:11s). This time I was able to take rough measurements while I stimulated him. His penis is almost the length of my forearm when fully erect, and appears tapered. The base is as thick as my balled fist, while the rough bulbous tip is about as thick as my index and middle fingers pressed tightly together. The little nodules, which I will call soft-spikes, are slightly bigger than 1 mm in diameter, and about 3 mm tall when erect. They are soft bumps, 1 mm tall before ejaculation, even when the rest of the penis is fully erect. There is no medial ring, but the soft tissue across the top hardens into a stiff textured ridge that runs the length, likely to provide stimulation for the partner. Spike also claims that pressure across the ridge is particularly pleasurable. He doesn’t have much to say about stimulation of his soft-spikes, only saying they “feel weird but good” when they’re engorged.

The amount of semen collected was 25 ml, slightly more than an average stallion (according to the literature I’ve found on the subject). Some was lost, sticking to my fur again, so I’d guess the total ejaculate was closer to 30 ml. The ejaculate is thick and white in the containment, and there are visible white strands that are forming within the fluid.

Entry 2:
The semen is nothing like pony semen. I’m beginning to doubt it would be viable in a creature that’s not a dragon. The sperm navigates towards heat using some unknown means of propulsion. There’s no visible flagella. The sample responded poorly to standard stasis spells, attempting to fuse with the magic coating the glass. Most of the viable sample was destroyed by this process before I could observe it under microscope.

Glass?
Light?
Magic?
Diffusion?

Saturday, April 11th, 15NMR:

Entry 1:

Spike had a date with Gabby today. I was uncharacteristically nervous about it. Side effect? I shouldn’t have He returned before dinner, and when I asked he stated that they just hung out by the lake all day. I have separately confirmed from Pinkie Pie that this was, in fact, the case. Spike hasn’t been known to lie to me, but something makes me unsure.

Entry 2:

Sample extraction was commenced after dinner. It went well. There was a similar amount of sample extracted, 24.5 ml, and the extraction time was shorter (24m:54s). I think he’s getting more comfortable with the process. I know I am.

I re-applied the visual stimulus of my breast and the verbal encouragement. He didn’t need the encouragement to watch my chest again, but it seems to arouse him. I’ve made sure to start every session at exactly 9 pm. I believe consistency will be key in re-enforcing this behavior.

He appeared nervous after we were done, and asked how many more samples I’d need. I explained that I was having trouble with containment, and I’d really prefer not to go through the awkwardness of our first two sessions with a stranger, so I’d really appreciate it if he continued to donate his semen for the foreseeable future. I did not explain the other half of the experiment.

He said that he was happy to help out with my research, but that it all was very weird because I’m something of a sister and a mother to him, so he was having second thoughts about this. I didn’t answer him.

I feel guilty.

Entry 3:
Notably, after the newest sample was examined again, I found myself ~~aroused~~unable to sleep. I’d intended to sleep after putting it into stasis, but I couldn’t. I’ve been awake longer than usual. I keep imagining his penis, and remembering how it feels in my hand. It is warm, and I enjoy feeling it transition from the soft slug-like flesh that comes out between his scales to the long, hard member that eventually releases the semen into my grasp. It feels empowering? I try not to think about how he was little and cute long ago. He’s big and strong now, and that’s the Spike in my imagination.

I’m doing this because I have to.

~~He is I’ll be~~ He’ll be ~~oka~~ fine.

Sunday, April 12th, 15NMR:

Extraction and collection went well once again, but something important happened. Spike was ready exactly at 9, as expected. Stimulation took longer than expected (35m:04s) and the collected amount was lower than I’ve had before (12ml).

I asked Spike if he had any idea why that might be, and he confessed that he masturbated earlier in the day using his claws, directly into the toilet. He added that the heat from his ejaculate made the water bubble.

I asked him why.

He said that he felt like trying it. Then he rapidly mentioned that his claws don’t feel as good as my hands, and that he just wanted to see what it was like.

I had to think about this. I reminded him that he was wasting valuable research material by literally flushing it down the toilet. He timidly agreed. I think I was angry. I told him not to do that, and if he wanted to ejaculate off schedule then he should find me to assist. He assured me it was a one time thing, and that it didn’t feel anywhere near as good as me, so he’s not interested in doing it again. He’ll stay on schedule.

I believe him, but at the same time there’s a nagging feeling that I don’t. I felt betrayed, and oddly hurt.

Once I calmed down, I asked him if there was any way I could encourage him not to do that. He couldn’t think of one.

The interaction was strange. It felt more like when he was little again, and in trouble for accidentally burning a book binding. He’s an adult now, but he looked so cowed and listened to me so easily.

He trusts me so much. ~~I’m his only family, after all.~~

what am I doing?

Summary for the week of April 13th, 15NMR:
13th: 25 ml, 24m:17s
14th: 26 ml, 23m:58s
15th: 23 ml, 22m:30s
16th: 20.5 ml, 23m:42s (Claims he was dehydrated)
17th: 28 ml, 19m:30s (Ensured he wasn’t dehydrated)
18th: 27.5 ml, 19m:12s

Semen report for the week of April 13th, 15NMR:
The collected semen is consumed by the standard protective spells within hours. Without the spells, it’s within minutes. The method of neutralization appears magical in nature. The dragon sperm attempts to bind with any mineral, spellwork, or magical signature present. Glass storage is problematic, and the containment spells themselves are eventually neutralized by the sperm.

Method of sperm motility is believed to be magical in nature, but has yet to be discovered. The most effective method for storing appears to be non-magical refrigeration. Semen stored in an ice chest inside of the containment vessel appears viable for magical adhesion for days instead of hours.

Mundane cold slows the process significantly.

I spilled some of this on my chest when we started, and once or twice since. Should I be concerned?
-In tests, Alicorn blood treats the magical sperm like any other magical invader, it’s attacked by the autonomous immune system almost immediately. Unlikely to be side effects, at least for me. Unknown how griffon immune system would respond, if at all. Could be catastrophic if the sperm attempts to adhere to common cellular magic, disabling the basic cellular matrix that keeps most biology functioning. Spike has been carefully warned about the potential danger.

I need to design an experiment around this possibility immediately. Deceased tissue should have sufficient lingering spell forms to observe any initial effects.

His semen is not hot enough to make water boil, I’ve held it in my hands. However, it clearly does. I believe this is a magical reaction. Further investigation of this phenomena is forthcoming.

Observations for the week of April 13th, 15NMR:
Spike has grown comfortable with the extraction process. He has seen Gabby on three days, and has not pursued any sexual advances with her. He claims that he is not sexually attracted to her, only romantically. I do not understand, but I trust him. Mostly.

He watches me during the day now. I can feel his eyes linger on my chest when we talk. I encourage this behavior, and am wearing clothing that facilitates it. The other part of me he watches are my hands. Sometimes I catch him discretely measuring his claws against them. I’m proud of his curiosity, but he needs to be taking notes. I’ve counseled him on this multiple times in the past.

I can see his agitation grow as we approach session time, usually the signs start around 8 pm. Is this arousal? Or is he showing signs of distress? I have not asked him about it. He has not complained, and the behavior change is likely only noticeable by someone particularly close. Observable signs are minor, but include erratic movement, rolling shoulders, a slight change in the timbre of his voice, and constant nervous tapping with his claws.

I have lost sleep. Instead of sleeping, I think about what I’ve done. I have spent a little over three hours cumulatively holding his penis since we’ve started, and yet I think about it when I lay in bed. I enjoy the weird slipperiness of it, the way the skin slides sensuously as I stimulate him, the warmth in my hand, and more tactile observations. There’s also a particular scent that accompanies it.

I’ve taken, un-hygienically, to not washing my hands after extraction. The initial purpose was to let the residual semen dry so I could brush it off, but I now have a purely selfish reason instead of a practical one. Once the sample is safely put into storage, I smell my hands. His scent lingers on them making me feel warm and my heart race.

The spells I now use prevent the semen from adhering to my hands at all anymore, but the scent of his skin remains. I believe he has some subtle musk glands at the base of his shaft. Most mammals have them, so I expect dragons have something similar. Especially Spike with his pseudo humanoid morphology. At some point, I should do an intentional extraction of the gland fluid, but this isn’t a priority right now. The situation is not as anticipated, but I also don’t intend to stop. The practice ~~of smelling the~~ is harmless.

He called me mother yesterday. I am the worst mosis pony.

I have to continue this. I’m beginning to believe there is a very real danger hidden in his semen.