The Big Switcharoo

by RobtheMorpherPony

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sweetie Belle, Main 6, Other, Romance, Spike, Comedy, Dragons
Length: 7722

Two Spikes, one switch

We all know about Spike, dragon assistant to Twilight Sparkle. But what we never saw got to know about was Spike, a pony conclier assigned to Twilight Sparkle. Confusing yes? Turns out, there's an alternative universe to Equestria called Brimstone, and in this world, everything we thought we knew about our favorite ponies had some strange...counterparts.

And now, these two Spikes will find out just how similar yet different their worlds really are. And maybe, there might become a reason for their switch to remain permanent.

Looks like I'm keeping the isekia'd Spike train rolling. Seriously, there's been a trend of MLP:FiM's Spike being isekia'd into all sorts of things. But I doubt anyone's thought to isekia Spike into an alternate version of Equestria known as Brimstone.

Yeah the tags are basically spelling out what the heck you can expect. I shouldn't even try to hide my plans for this side project. So I won't bother. Just look at the tags and tell me what you think I have planned. Because I've officially gone mega crazy creative mode with how I'm tackling this.

Pray for Spike the Dragon's sanity; because it might not last long. Also, the teen rating is just to be absolutely safe, even if "kissing" isn't a mature warning tag. I...consider the act of kissing to at least be something that not everyone and their dog should be allowed to read.

As a side note, I couldn't find an outright pic of a Pony version of Spike & the dragon version of Spike we all know and love in one picture. So, I opted for the current picture instead. If someone out there wants to make a picture of Pony Spike & Dragon Spike in the same picture, or if someone finds on, link me to what you made/found, and I replace the current cover.

I may end up just keeping this one around for a sequel, as this is only meant as a prequel story to a much bigger side project.

Published 2024-02-08 13:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-02-10 00:04:02 UTC

Chapter 1: World Building (??? Side)

We all know the story of Equestria and everything that revolves around it. We all know the story of Twilight Sparkle, a purple unicorn who goes onto become an alicorn.

But what we never got to know, was if there was a dragon side to Equestria.

Well believe or not, there is one. There always has been. It's not only an alternate universe version, but a near perfect mirror.

The first difference, is that instead of being mostly by ponies, this alternate Equestria's primary species is dragons.

The second difference, is that the country isn't called Equestria.

It's called "Brimstone".

Brimstone is ruled by it's Dragon Lord Torch and his consort Celestia. At least it did, until shortly after Celestia gave birth to their daughter Smolder. Shortly after Smolder was born, Torch was struck down by the rebellious pony population, so with authority handed to her until Smolder was old enough to rule the country, Celestia had the pony who delt the finishing blow executed and the rest of the pony population banished from Brimstone's borders.

It should be known though, that Brimstone houses three different kinds of dragons: The magically gifted and brainy Magic Dragons; the super strong and aquatic traversing Water Dragons; and finally, the masters of the sky and agile Sky Dragons. Each dragon had their own kind of special breath ability.

Celestia and her sister Luna however, were unique in that they had the ability to use all three breath abilities, and had the perks of all three different kinds of dragons; being magically gifted like Magic Dragons, able to traverse water like Water Dragons, and having wings enabling flight like Sky Dragons.

Celestia had hoped dragon kind would accept that she would share responsibility with her sister Luna until Smolder was old enough. But the public began to shun Luna. This ultimately led to Luna becoming a fearsome demon dragon known as Nightmare Moon, who then proceeded to seal Smolder inside an Egg that could only be hatched by a dragon such as Celestia. During the battle with her sister, Consort Celestia called upon the power of the legendary artifacts known as the Medals of Honor which caused Celestia to imprison her own sister in the moon.

Celestia had all information regarding her sister hidden. And as for Smolder? She wanted to wait until a Magic Dragon who had the potential of becoming just like Celestia & Luna was able to hatch her, and free her from her cursed prison. Celestia knew she only had one thousand years to do so.

While Sunset Shimmer showed the most promise, she was unable to. Still, Celestia believed that Sunset Shimmer could be her daughter's salvation. However, one day Sunset Shimmer had helped a dying pony couple cross the border. This pony couple believed that there could be a way for the banishment to be lifted on their species, and wanted to plead their case to Celestia. However, it was during this, that ponies hunted them down and nearly killed them. They did have a baby colt, who ironically, was unlike any other pony.

Most ponies were known to either have wings, or not have wings. Yet this colt, this one had a horn. Such a miracle did not escape Celestia. Therefore, she took this as a sign. If this colt could prove to be the link between Ponies & Dragons at long last, then maybe, just maybe, everything could be fine.

Not long after that though, was when a Magic Dragon called Twilight Sparkle had the biggest magical surge Celestia had ever encountered. A magical surge that made her and her sister pale in comparison. Celestia was able to calm this dragon, and learn that her name is Twilight Sparkle.

With Smolder free from her imprisonment now, Celestia put forth a decree: Until Smolder was old enough to take the throne, she was to live in the nearby small town of Dragon Vale. The public accepted this, as Dragon Vale was a testimate to the unity of the three dragons tribes.

As a second decree, until Spike can act as a diplomate between Ponies & Dragons thanks to his unique characteristic of being the only known pony with a horn, Spike would act as Royal Chronicler, and Chronicle all of Twilight Sparkle's accomplishments as well as his own.

This is everything that happened a few years ago before the start of the first season in the Equestrian Timeline we know so well.

But little could either side known, that a change was about to occur with their respective Spikes. One was a dragon assistant to Twilight Sparkle, and is unique in his own right. Meanwhile Spike the Pony is a young pony colt whose horn makes him stand out amongst the ponies of his universe.

And these two spikes are about to learn about the mirror's world in a way that will change everything.

Two Spikes, one switch.

That's how it all begins...

Fimfiction Presents...

A story produced by Rob Snowden...

And protected by LeoKingdomProductions...

A thought project brought up on a whim...

The Big Switcharoo

Chapter 2: Golden Oaks Library (Equestria Side)

To say Twilight Sparkle was glad to be heading back to the Golden Oak's Library to grab Spike so Pinkie Pie could do her party which she was actually looking forward to, was an understatment. She was actually both happy and sad. But she did want to bring something up to her mentor, Princess Celestia.

Right now though, Twilight and her friends were arriving at Golden Oaks Library with the sister rulers when suddenly a great massive surge of green magic happened. "Wh-what was that?!" Twilight exclaimed as she quickly rushed for the door.

That...almost felt like a magical signature that could rival Twilgiht's. But that's impossible. Sunset's aura was red, not green. Princess Celestia thought to herself, rushing after her pupil.

The rest of the ponies soon followed behind, but when they opened the door, there was an obvious sign of a magic spell having been cast, and instead of one male dragon, they instead found a purple unicorn colt. A colt, who looked seriously worn out.

"...Okay quick check...don't think I'm going to be able to use magic for a good several days. Best limit myself to levitation spells until I get my reserves back up." While the ponies knew the colt they were looking at couldn't be Spike, the voice was identical.

"...Okay...did Spike seriously just turn himself into a pony?" Rainbow Dash asked.

That had attracted the colt's attention, who turned towards the ponies. "...Other...ponies? I don't understand..." The colt said.

"...Spike? Is that...you?" Twilight asked.

"How do you know my name? Wait, don't answer that." The colt said. "First, tell me your name."

"It's me. It's Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said.

"This is seriously messed up." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Yeah okay, this is...much more then I expected to happen." The colt said. "So as you know, my name is Spike. And I can already guess the rest of your names. In order from left to right: Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity."

"So, can ya tell us what the heck is going on with ya all of a sudden Spike?" Applejack said. "By the way, while you were listing our names off, Pinkie Pie got between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."

"Guess somethings don't change, no matter which version of Brimstone I'm in apparently." Spike said.

"Brimstone? This is Ponyville in Equestria." Rainbow Dash said. "Twilight, are we sure this is Spike?"

"I couldn't say for certain. One quick check: Spike, what's my favorite thing to do?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"That's an easy one: Your favorite thing to do is reading! Also, I'm going to guess some events here: When you came here, Pinkie Pie ran off to organize a party, you ate too much at the Apple Family Reunion, Rainbow Dash ran into you messing up your looks, Rarity freaked out at both that and the fact your from the capital city, and last but certainly not least, the last thing I was awake enough to realize before you ran off to stop Nightmare Moon, is that you tucked me into bed because I was sleepy." Spike said. "So, how close did I get?"

"I...I just...whoa..." Twilight said. "That's...basically all correct."

"Okay, so...it is Spike..." Rainbow Dash was a little freaked out now. "Yet, I don't think he's our Spike. I may not be an egghead, but I'm starting to pick things up that this Spike isn't our Spike."

"Yeah, Rainbow Dash nailed it right on the head. I'm actually from an alternate version of your reality." Spike said.

"Wow. So, you were a pony that ended up becoming a chronicler for Twilight Sparkle then?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"That's err...that's exactly correct. How did you know?" Spike asked.

"Just a hunch." Pinkie Pie said.

Celestia came forward. "So, tell me Spike...exactly what kind of alternate reality did you come from?" She asked.

"...Horn...Wings...do you have super strength of some kind?" Spike asked Celestia.

"I do." Celestia answered.

"...I'm fainting now..." Spike said before doing what he just said, and fainting.

"...Was it something I said?" Celestia asked.

A bit later, Spike was now able to tell the ponies exactly what his world was like. Including the fact that in his universe, Equestria was instead called Brimstone.

"...So let me get this straight: In this alternate reality, you were the only pony of our group while we were the dragons?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yep. I have it all chronicled in my two books." Spike said.

"You kept records?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. It's basically my job. That's what I was assigned to do." Spike said.

"...I would like to talk to you a bit in private. Before that, we have a party to attend." Twilight said.

"What kind of party?" Spike asked.

He got his answer, and Princess Celestia made a decree later that day.

Now it was time for Twilight to have her private talk with Pony Spike.

"So, why did you want to talk with me privately?" Spike asked.

"I was just curious...did you have a crush on the other Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"...Wow, I really should've met this other me. Or at least chatted with him before I suddenly decided to use his life aura to switch places with him." Spike said.

"...Going to come back to that. So, how do you feel about the Rarity of this world?" Twilgiht asked.

"Oh for sure she's too old for me. Because dragons live for longer then ponies, it wouldn't have been too much of an issue for me to get with the dragon version of Rarity. Here though, not so much. I did notice a filly who looks kind of like her at the announcement of Luna's return though. Not sure about her so much though. Willing to at least try." Spike said.

"...Yeah I think Rarity said her name was Sweetie Belle and that Sweetie Belle is her younger sister. Come to think of it, you two are about the same age." Twilight said.

"Oh yeah, more of a chance there. And same age too. That's great!" Spike said.

"...Your handling this really well." Twilight noticed.

"Hey, I cast the spell on purpose. I knew it would have me exchange places with an alternate version of myself. And it did. It worked. Granted, things are much different then I was expecting, being in a Pony filled version of my own world rather then a dragon one. But hey, could be worse for me." Spike said.

"...Makes me wonder exactly how my Spike is doing in your world." Twilight said.

Suddenly Spike looked like he was constipated. "...Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh...I honestly didn't even think of that. Whoops." Spike said.

Chapter 3: Volcanic Ash Library (Brimstone Side)

Around the same time as when Equestria's Twilight was returning to Ponyville's Golden Oak Library, Brimstone's Twilight was returning to Dragon Vale's Volcanic Ash Library.

"Hope Smolder was able to stay up to keep an eye on Spike to make sure he got sleep." Twilight said.

"You encountered my daughter?" Celestia said.

"I did. She wanted so badly to help, but I told her that Spike needed her help more. He is still a pony at the end of the day." Twilight said.

"That is fine, actually. This was better." Celestia said.

"Twilight!" A female voice said. At that point, an orange dragonness suddenly ran up to the group. "I...I have a situation..."

"What's wrong Smolder?" Twilight said.

"I...I fell asleep watching Spike. And when I woke up, I noticed he was out of his bed. So I headed downstairs to find him and...well...the rest your better off seeing for yourself." Smolder said.

The group entered the Library, only to find a purple dragon sleeping on the floor where clear signs of magic being used were detected. "...Spike cast a spell to turn himself into a dragon?" Twilight said.

"Nuh uh. That's not Spike. At least, not the Spike we know." Smolder said. "He has a pony smell on him, but he smells more like a genuine dragon, then a pony turned into a dragon. I should know. I am the daughter of Celestia."

"Smolder, there's a reason why I wanted you here in Dragon Vale: I want you to make friends with your future subjects. I don't want you acting like your better then them. I don't want you heading down a path that would make you a tyrant." Celestia said.

"...I get it mom. I'll be good. I'll try and make friends. Going to be hard though." Smolder said.

"Well judging from the way this dragon is, he's actually not too different from Smolder." Twilight said, as magical auras were scanning the sleeping dragon.

"Wait, what do you mean he's not different from me?" Smolder asked.

"Smolder, you may look like a Magic Dragon now, but given time, you will undergo a process where you gain the same attibutes as me." Celestia said.

"Yeah I figured that much. I mean...wait..." Smolder said. "Does...does that mean this dragon is the same?"

"I don't know how, but yes; he'll become a combination of our three dragon tribes just like how Consert Celestia is." Twilight said.

"Wow. So it really isn't our Spike." Rainbow Dash said.

"Ugh...why are so many ponies talking?" The purple dragon asked, as he groggily woke up. But then he suddenly went wide eyed.

"Oh good, your awake. Greeting, I am--" Twilight began before suddenly the new dragon looked like he was trying to go back to sleep.

"...Seriously? Dude is actually trying to go back to sleep?" Rainbow Dash said.

"He must think what he saw is only a dream." Twilight said.

"I know what'll wake him up." Pinkie Pie said.

"And now I understand why the bookshelves are up so high off the ground..." Twilight said as Pinkie Pie suddenly let loose a turrent of water from her mouth that was dousing the sleeping dragon in cold water.

The Purple dragon spluttered as he was forced awake. "Okay so this isn't some strange dream." He said.

"Afraid not sport." Rainbow Dash said.

"So...do any of you know what exactly happened?" The purple dragon asked.

"Looks like a spell book was opened to a specific spell. A spell called 'The Big Switcharoo'." Twilight noted.

"...Wait really?" Rainbow Dash checked the book. "Huh. Says here that the spell is designed to switch you with someone who bears your exact same life signature. You trade places with them from the same point in time as yourself when you cast the spell."

"...So your saying this dragon is just another Spike?" Smolder asked.

"Seems that way." Rainbow Dash said.

"So, is this some kind of version of Equestria where every there's dragons as the majority instead of ponies?" Spike asked.

"Got that right." Smolder said. "Except it's not called Equestria. It's called Brimstone."

Spike suddenly felt himself get a crush on Smolder. T-talk about beauty. She easily outshines Rarity. Gotta play it cool this time though. She's a dragon. Probably not like Rarity at all.

"Well I dare say, this has been one heck of an experince for the dreadful dear." Rarity said.

Spike noticed the white dragoness, but despite noticing her beauty was even greater, something inside him was saying that being attracted to this Rarity was just wrong. What's happening to me? Spike thought to himself.

"So, bet you'd like to stick around for a party huh? Because until we figure out how to undo this, your stuck here." Smolder said.

"Sure...I suppose I could do that." Spike said while trying to be cool. And failing.

"Good. Because your coming with me, cutie." Smolder said, grabbing him and running off with him.

Rainbow Dash was actually the last one to leave. That's because she noticed what the other dragons missed: There was a note attached to the spell. It said the following:

Warning: If both versions of you suddenly find an attachment in your new worlds, then this spell cannot be reversed. Not even a being capable of ripping through reality like it was nothing could switch you back. So whatever you do, don't gain any romantic connections in your new worlds, or your both stuck for good.

Rainbow winced upon reading this. Well obviously this Dragon Spike likes Princess Smolder enough. Heck, I can see it. It's basically all over his face. And she certainly likes him back. Never heard her call any boy dragons "cutie" before Dragon Spike. So I guess, if Pony Spike finds his own romantic connection...then they're stuck switched like this. She thought to herself. Also, whoever named this spell "The Big Switcharoo" needs to be punched in the face. The Sky Dragon thought to herself. She did notice that the spell's author was some drake named "Star Swirl the Bearded". Never mind; if this was made by Star Swirl the Bearded, then no way in the world am I going to punch Twilight's idol in the face. Welp, there goes my plans on punching the namer of this spell in the face. Rainbow thought to herself.

"Hey wait for me!" Rainbow Dash called out as she rushed after her friends.

Author's Note

In case it wasn't obvious, Twilight & Rarity in this reality are Magic Dragons, Fluttershy & Rainbow Dash are Sky Dragons, while Applejack & Pinkie Pie are Water Dragons.

Oh, and I couldn't really come up with a clever name for what to call Brimstone's version of Celestia & Luna. Calling them Alicorn Dragons just sounds wrong in my head. Mostly because "Alicorn" sounds so...pony. And Brimstone is clearly not pony. So if anyone has any names that you would call the draconic equivalent of an Alicorn, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below. Because yes, you guys can effect the sequel to this small side project by coming up with a name for these "Alicorn" dragons. I'll pick the one that sounds the most correct out of the suggestions; the more creative you get with it, the better the odds I'll actually pick that one.

Next chapter, the romance starts. And hoo boy, it's going to start off hard. I did say in the long description that the tags left nothing to the imagination. And you should already know which two ladies the two Spikes are going to have romantic feelings towards. Here's one final hint: They are the same age as the two Spikes. And you can already guess who they are from both this chapter and the previous one.

Chapter 4: Sweet & Spicy (Equestria Side)

Author's Note

Right now, the only suggestion I've gotten in regard to what I asked about in the last author's note is "Composite Dragon" and that's...not really all 'there' for me if you get what I'm saying. It just doesn't sound as special as calling the pony versions of Celestia & Luna "Alicorns" does. I prefer something that gives off that same vibe; that same sense of "this is a special dragon species" like with Alicorns. So, here's hoping this time, the comments give me something that actually would make the dragon versions of Celestia and Luna sound special. Because they are.

Also, I am not going to specify whether certain characters that are being addressed or are speaking are their Pony selves or dragon selves with the sole exception being the two different Spikes on occasion. I'm already separating the realities with putting "Equestria Side" and "Brimstone Side" in the chapter titles. If you're not paying attention to those, then that's your own damn fault if you get confused. I put those in the chapter titles for a reason people. If you're not paying attention to that much, then I have to ask where in eternity did you learn to read, and if I need to educate you on how to read a fanfic.

Chapter 4: Sweet & Spicy (Equestria Side)

It's been a couple of days since Pony Spike cast his special spell that caused him to switch places and realities with Dragon Spike.

And right now, Rainbow Dash is at the Golden Oak's Library looking through books with Twilight.

"Remind me again why I'm helping you look through these books?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Because I want to know if there's a book written by Starswirl the Bearded in this library." Twilight said. "He was the most renowned Unicorn mage of his time after all. In fact, some of the magic I trained in to get into Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns were things I read about in books made by Starwirl the Bearded."

"You sound like you idolize this pony a little." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, think of it this way: If it weren't for Starswirl the Bearded's works, we probably wouldn't even be talking to each other right now." Twilight said.

"...And suddenly mad respect for you just reached an all-time high. Didn't you say you mastered some of your magic when you were a filly?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, that's right." Twilight said.

"...I really don't give out respect towards others that often, but, in your case...super mega respect Twi. Honestly, I'd say you're like the me of Unicorns." Rainbow stated.

"What's that supposed to mean? You've called me an egghead multiple times." Twilight said.

"Well, I'll probably hold back on the egghead jokes from now on. Because you're just as awesome as I am. And I don't say that about any pony lightly." Rainbow said. Twilight was notable silent. "...Are you reading a book?" Rainbow asked.

"No; no, I'm not. I was just unsure of how to respond to that statement in the right way is all. So I just didn't." Twilight said.

"...Huh. Yeah, probably good that you didn't accidently put your hoof in your mouth. Figure of speech, obviously." Rainbow Dash said.

"I know about idioms Rainbow." Twilight said.

"Not sure what idioms are, but it sounds complicated. I'll leave the big brain stuff to you." Rainbow Dash said.

"Thought you said tha--"

"Found one!" Rainbow Dash interrupted Twilight, almost shoving a book made by Starswirl the Bearded in her face.

"...Right." Twilight said and started skimming through the book.

As she did, suddenly Rainbow Dash stopped her. "Hold up a second, go back two pages." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Oooooookay..." Twilight did so. "...'The Big Switcharoo'?"

"...Thought you said this Starswirl was a mega important mage?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Guess that didn't leave any room for creativity in naming his spells." Twilight said. "But this is it. In black in white basically. This spell states that it can allow you to switch places with an alternative version of yourself. At least, that's what it does in simple terms. It's using the caster's own unique life signature, and using it to switch them with their alternate self."

"Huh. Question: What does it mean life signature? I followed behind the whole 'it makes you switch places with an alternate you' part, but what's this life signature mumbo jumbo?" Rainbow Dash said.

"In other words, it's a teleportation spell on steroids, because it's using the user's very soul to do it's teleportation." Twilight said.

At that, Rainbow Dash gulped. "...On a scale of one to ten, how juiced up by steriods are we talking?" She asked.

"Enough that it would make Celestia controlling the sun & moon for a thousand years plus seem like it was being done by a toddler." Twilight said.

"...So, basically, this is one of those 'eleven or higher' situations..." Twilight said.

"Let me put it this way: Pony Spike is lucky he only got out of that with magical exaustion for the next few days." Twilight said. "Because if this spell is cast improperly; the results would be too morbid to even think about."

"...Okay, whoa. That's WAY beyond an eleven. That's sounding like this spell is one hundred times more powerful then a teleportation spell." Rainbow Dash said.

"I did say it was a Teleportation spell on steroids." Twilight said.

"...What's this other part?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Confused, Twilight checked. It was in pretty small text. "How did you notice such small text?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Not important as what this says. Because if I'm reading this right, if both spikes get a romantic attachment to some pony or some dragon; and I do mean both of them; they are stuck being switched." Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight's eyes became pinpricks. "Rainbow Dash, do you mind--"

"Checking to see if Pony Spike makes Sweetie Belle fall for him? You got it." Rainbow Dash said before flying off.

"Well...yes. I was going to ask that. Thank you for doing it." Twilight said.

Meanwhile, Pony Spike had come across Sweetie Belle, and got inbetween her and the neighborhood bully Diamond Tiara.

"Whose the new colt?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Well, he's got a cutie mark at least. So, I don't care where he came from." Diamond Tiara said.

"Don't. Even. Move." Spike said.

"...What?" Diamond Tiara said. Suddenly a cart came by and splashed mud on both her and Silver Spoon said.

"And that's why I said, don't move. You really should pay more attention to your own surroundings, then picking on some pony." Spike said.

"...I hate this colt already. But he's lucky I need to go home now." Diamond Tiara said.

"Hey wait up!" Silver Spoon said before the two left.

"Um...thank you." Sweetie Belle said.

"Hey, it's what a pony should do right?" Pony Spike said.

"Those two are always bullying me because I don't have a cutie mark." Sweetie Belle said.

"You shouldn't have to get some facial mark to stand out." Spike said.

Sweetie Belle was a bit confused, but she figured the new Pony must've misheard her. "...Well whatever. Thanks for standing up for me. I'll see you around." Sweetie Belle said, before she gave Pony Spike a kiss on the cheek.

Spike just smiled. "...Well that was easy." He said. "...Why do I suddenly feel like telling some pony to get ammunition for a paper stapler?" The colt asked and then headed back to the library.

He didn't even realize he was being watched by Rainbow Dash. "...Oh Twilight's not going to like this." Rainbow Dash said and speed off ahead.

As Pony Spike came into the library, he was suddenly hit in the face with a pillow. "ARE YOU INSANE?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"...What did I miss?" Pony Spike asked.

"Something big." Twilight said, before giving him a bookmarked page of the spell he cast, with the small text highlighted.

Upon reading it, Spike's eyes became pinpricks. "...Eeeeeheheh...can I use the excuse that I just go too excited to not check for warnings?" Spike was sweating.

Twilight sighed. "Well all the same. What are the odds the dragon you will even try for romance?"

"...You're actually asking me? Me? An alternate version of Spike if your spike will go for romance?" Pony Spike asked. "...You do know who you're asking, right?"

Twilight just groaned. "...This spell is going to be a one-time deal isn't it?" She asked. "Of all the ponies, dragons, or whatever else in both our realities, did you have to be the one that wanted to cast this spell?"

Chapter 5: Spicy & Sweet (Brimstone Side)

"What do you mean there's a big warning about romance in the spell our Spike used?" Twilight asked. She was in the Volcanic Ash Library with Rainbow Dash who; as we've just heard; had mentioned the warning she noticed.

"It's right here; just look." Rainbow Dash said, showing the book to Twilight.

Twilight did notice there was some small text on the page of the spell which was called "The Big Switcharoo". "...How on Brimstone did you manage to see this small text?" Twilight asked.

"Always been able to see things like this whenever I'm flying. Which is constantly. Not really sure why." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Something to keep in mind for later." Twilight said. She then quickly read the same warning Rainbow Dash read.

Meanwhile, while this was going on, Spike was with Smolder taking in everything about Dragon's Vale. "Everything almost looks like some sort of...draconic counterpart." Spike said.

"Doubt that's a coincidence. I mean, you did swamp places with an alternate you." Smolder said. "Speaking of which, let's keep that on the down low. Just enjoy the sights why don't you? Act like you've just...moved here or something."

"That's not hard to do, because I've defiantly did a 'or something' here." Spike said.

Smolder giggled. "Good to know you've got a sense of humor." She said. She suddenly looked very serious.

"...May I ask what's wrong?" Spike said. Then he looked behind him. There was a red dragon there.

"...Hello Garble." Smolder said.

"Seems you've attached yourself to the new dragon. May I ask why?" The red dragon asked.

"May I remind you that I've already given you one chance to even romance me, which you failed. Misarably." Smolder said.

"Yeah. One chance. And not anymore than. I really think I can get it right the next time." Garble said.

"There is no 'next time' for us Garble. I specifically said up front you had one chance to romance me." Smolder said.

"Don't make me do something we both know your mother won't like." Garble said.

"...Leave her alone..." Spike suddenly said in a dark voice.

"Well, the little dragon things he can get in on this conversation huh?" Garble asked.

"I said..." Spike suddenly got really big all of a sudden. "Leave her, ALONE!" Spike said in a much deeper voice.

"Okay okay; whatever you say! I'll be good. I'll never bother her again mighty Nova Dragon!" Garble said before he flew off in a huge panic.

After he was gone, Spike shrunk back. He noticed Smolder was looking at him with wide eyes. "...What?"

"How did you...even do that?" Smolder asked.

"I...I don't know. I just reacted." Spike said.

"Well, I do know one thing: You're already doing way better then Garble at winning me over, cutie~" Smolder said, before she gave Spike a kiss on the cheek. This made the purple dragon fall over in a collection of hearts. "You're quite the goofball, but I have a feeling we're both going to enjoy each other's company, cutie~"

"If I'm reading this right, then if both our Spike and this Dragon Spike get romantic connections, then this spell becomes a one-way act; they'll never be able to switch back." Twilight said.

"Yeah. That's the gist of it." Rainbow Dash said.

"But that would throw off EVERYTHING Consort Celestia has been planning. Without our Spike, peace between our kind and ponies will never happen!" Twilight said.

"Well didn't your magic say that Spike has the potential to grow into a Nova Dragon? Because that's what I got out of that." Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes, but what does that...oh..." Twilight realized what was being put down. "Huh. With the right magic training, this Spike could get a pony disguise. Or something along those lines." She added.

"Yeah. So really, what's the big deal? What harm could having the two Spikes be switched around like this actually do? Worst case scenario on our end, is that ponies will never be peaceful towards us. Not that I'm putting much stock into that." Rainbow Dash said. "No offense to Consort Celestia or anything, but I was thinking that her plan to make peace with the ponies was a long shot at best, and very unlikely to work. Because if she tries, and it backfires, then we'll lose her too. Or worse."

"I know. I get that. I think she believed what with our Spike being the first pony ever that sported something other than wings, that it could've been a sign that ponies could be just like us." Twilight said.

"Yeah, no offense again to Consort Celestia and all, but...I can already see the flaw here." Rainbow Dash said.

"Flaw? What flaw are you talking about?" Twilight asked.

"The flaw is that those ponies could argue we used our magic to create some kind of pony abomination. After all, until our Spike came along, there were only two types of ponies: Those with wings, and those without." Rainbow Dash said.

"...I guess I can understand that logic. And honestly, that does sound like something they could accuse us of doing. They did after all, kill Dragon Lord Torch unprovoked, which is what led to their banishment from Brimstone in the first place." Twilight said.

"Exactly. So whose to say they wouldn't have done something worse?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"...You have a point." Twilight said. "But what if this Dragon Spike was going to do something in the mirror reality that could've prevented a war or something worse?"

"...Okay yeah now that would be a problem." Rainbow Dash said. "Well, if there are counterparts to all of us, then that must mean there has to be some magical artifacts like the Medals of Honor. If worst comes to worst, our pony counterparts could just use their counterparts to the Medals of Honor to fight back against the dragons. You know, without killing them. Like how we were able to restore Luna back to being Luna."

"Okay, I guess that would be a last resort if it comes to that. But really, what are the chances that both Spikes will form romantic connections?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"...You do realize that the first thing this Dragon Spike did was start going gaa gaa over Princess Smolder, right? Whose to say that our Spike didn't find some pony his age to get involved with on the pony side of things too?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"...Well now that you mentioned that, it really does mean this spell was a one-way trip. Huh. I guess the best thing we can do is make Dragon Spike feel at home here." Twilight said.

"Your just going to accept that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"This is still a Spike at the end of the day. Are we really going to make this Spike feel like an outcast? Especially when he's going to become a Nova Dragon someday?" Twilight asked.

"...You've got me there..." Rainbow Dash said.

Extra A/N: And with this, the romance part of the story is done. The next two chapters will deal with the realization that the switch is permanent, and a final chapter to show off how Pony Spike being in Equestria changed things for them. However, there won't be any single chapter to showcase how Dragon Spike will change things for Brimstone. I did say this was a small side project. That's because it's a lead up to something much, much bigger~

Chapter 6: Pony Consequences (Equestria Side)

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 7: Dragon Consequences (Brimstone Side)

Twilight sighed. "So, it seems the dragon version of Spike ended up with your daughter." Twilight said. Consort Celestia was over to chat about what she had heard in regard to their recent addition to Dragon Vale. The two were in the Volcanic Ash Library.

"I think the two will be glad to have each other. It's not often that two Nova dragons fall in love with each other. Even if right now, they both look like Magic Dragons." Celestia said.

"You did mention that, you'll see your husband again someday. So, Nova Dragons don't live forever." Twilight said.

"No, we do not. We live longer than all other dragons yes, but not forever." Celestia said.

"Well, that's good, I guess. If anything, it makes sure that Spike and Smolder will eventually see us all again when their time comes." Twilight said.

Oh trust me, my student; they aren't the only ones. Celestia thought to herself. Not willing to reveal something she had seen in Twilight just quite yet. It's something the consort wants to keep in her back pocket. At least for now.

Meanwhile, Spike was with Smolder, and the two were with two other dragons. Smolder introduced them as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"So your the new drake huh. Smolder did mention that there was a new drake in town." Scootaloo said.

"It's very nice to meet you." Sweetie Belle said.

"It's nice to meet the both of you too." Spike said.

"These two have been the only two dragons I've met that don't mind me being who I am." Smolder said.

"So, you get along well?" Spike asked.

"Yeah. So far things have been great between us. And I'm hoping to have more friends soon." Smolder said.

"Hey, whose the two dragons walking this way?" Spike asked.

"Oh. That's Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. The two have a bit of a history as pranksters. It's all harmless and in good fun though, so, no drake can be too upset with them." Smolder said.

"Hey, there's a new drake here." Diamond Tiara said. "Don't think we've been introduced; name's Diamond Tiara." She said.

"I'm Spike..." Spike said.

"Whoa wait, like the pony? I guess there would be a dragon called Spike at some point. I shouldn't have been surprised by that." Scootaloo said.

"...Oh. It's you." Diamond Tiara said.

"Huh? Did I do something?" Scootaloo asked.

"Only upstaged me as the most popular dragon at school recently." Diamond Tiara said. "...I kid, I kid! I'm just messing with you!"

Scootaloo just shrugged that off. "...Sometimes your pranks can be so...weird." She said.

"That wasn't nice." Spike said, his tone a little dark.

"Whoa calm down. Okay, it was only supposed to be a little joke. Something to try and get some laughs. I wasn't trying to start anything. Just...calm down." Diamond Tiara said. "Look, if it upsets you that much, then Scootaloo, I apologize for my joke."

"It's fine. Just...try to make a better joke next time." Scootaloo said.

"I'll see what I can come up with. Hope you get in the air soon, Scootaloo. I want to see you do some super slick air moves someday." Diamond Tiara said and left with Silver Spoon.

"...Wait, what was that?" Spike asked, a little confused now.

"That was basically how things work. Bullying is very frowned upon and punishable via a curse by dragon law. So if you do do anything beyond just teasing some drake, you get cursed. And trust me, those curses are no joke." Sweetie Belle said.

"I heard about this one water dragon who bullied another dragon so badly, that he ended up being cursed with all sorts of things that he was never heard from again." Sweetie Belle said.

"I still get chills at night just thinking about that." Scootaloo said.

"So, what did she mean by Scootaloo getting in the air?" Spike asked.

"Been having issues flying for a good while now. I'm hoping that I can get in the air someday soon. I want to fly like my idol, Rainbow Dash some day." Scootaloo said.

"Oh. Well, then it was good Diamond Tiara was very encouraging. That was actually nice of her." Spike said.

"Well, that's the way Brimstone is. Isolation through any means is grounds to be classfied as bullying. And we've already been over that." Smolder said.

Dragons who basically eliminated any way racial stuff things could isolate others? Bullying being punishable through curses? And dragons who are just so friendly, that it's crazy? What kind of world have I been teleported into?! Spike said.

"Hey Spike, you look faint. Do you need to lay down for a while? We can go to our special little meet-up place if you need to do that." Smolder asked.

And then Spike fainted. "...I think that's a yes." Scootaloo said.

Some time later, Dragon Spike returned to Volcanic Ash Library. "So, how was your time with Smolder today?" Twilight asked.

"Well, it was interesting to say the least. It's just...I think I'm learning way too much, way too quickly. And it's becoming overwhelming to me a little." Spike said.

"I...guess things must seem so odd to you. It doesn't help that Smolder was just so...eager to get with you." Twilight said. "By the way, you've effectively set a record on getting her to have romantic feelings for you."

"Well, I did protect her from a dragon who couldn't take a hint." Spike said.

"...Oh. You must mean Garble. Yeah, there's a reason Consort Celestia fired him for misconduct in the Knights Formation." Twilight said.

"Wouldn't that be a dishonorable discharge technically?" Spike asked.

"...What's a discharge?" Twilight said.

"...Apparently, this learning thing is going to become a two-way street for both of us." Spike said.

Author's Note

There's only one chapter left after this, and it's a summary of how MLP:FiM changes with a Pony version of Spike instead of a dragon version of Spike. And yes, the anti-bullying stuff in Brimstone is by design. It actually helps give context for Pony Spike putting a curse on Pony DT in the last chapter.

But in regard to what happens after this in regard to our favorite purple dragon from MLP:FiM? That's the big side project I've been teasing this entire time. It won't be announced for a while, but safe to say, I've got plans.

Epilogue: Changes on the Pony Side (Equestria Side)

Since both versions of Spike had ended up getting a romantic attachment, it meant that the effects of "The Big Switcharoo" were permanent. Leaving Pony Spike stuck in Equestria. His involvement with Equestria, ended up effecting things quite drastically, admittedly. For starters, it made Celestia have to come up with an alternative of using dragon magic to send scrolls back and forth. Which admittedly worked. So not much had to be worried about. Especially when it came to needing to send Twilight's friendship reports back to her in order to deal with Discord.

Pony Spike was able to quickly find out that Queen Chrysalis had impersonated Princess Cadence very quickly, since his super advanced magic dispelled her disguise right in front of the main six and Shining Armor and Princess Celestia right before any wedding plans were even made. Which led to a whole situation where Celestia was easily able to gain an upper hand against the Changeling Queen as she hadn't had as big of a love boost in the original version of events.

This did lead to her entire hive turning on her and deciding to follow Celestia's lead from then on. Effectively turning turncoat right away since Chrysalis's plans went sideways in such a drastic fashion, that they were against their former queen right from the get-go. Even Pharynx turned against Chrysalis, as he had seen firsthand how easily ponies were able to defuse her plan.

With Pony Spike by her side, it was so easy to find the Crystal Heart for Twilight that it made things way too easy. So, Pony Spike dug deep, and discovered the truth. With his advanced magic, he freed Sombra from his curse, defeated the Umbra, and saved Radiant Hope from the realm of the Umbra. All within two hours of finding the crystal heart and just before the crystal heart put the nail in the coffin for the Umbra for good.

Sombra and Hope did go off together away from the empire. While it did bug Princess Celestia that Sombra was being forgiven for his time as a pony cursed by the Umbra, she ultimately accepted the outcome, as she at least knew her first student was alive and well.

...The less said about when Twilight became an Alicorn the better. Trust me on that one. It led to some very awkward moments in the human version of Equestria. Very, very awkward moments. Moments better left unsaid then actually said. Trust me, your minds would not comprehend what happened.

Not much changed with Lord Tirek. Starlight did find that she could not remove Spike's cutie mark no matter how much she tried. Which led to an early discover that she still had her cutie mark. Though she did still try to prevent Twilight & her friends from meeting up by going back in time. Which led to things playing out there more or less the same. Not even Spike complained there.

However, it's the dragon stuff that was really interesting. Despite Dragon Spike not getting involved, Ember still managed to get the Dragon Sceptor in the end. Which led to her wanting to get to know pony culture, as she was quite interested in learning more about ponies. Safe to say, relationships with the dragons were going great despite Dragon Spike not being involved.

Everything else though, was more or less the same, just that Pony Spike & Sweetie Belle would end up getting married and having kids. Three to be exact.

But as for Dragon Spike; the one that we all know and love?

Well, his new story has only just begun...

Witness Dragon Spike's adventures in the alternate world of "My Little Dragon" in the sequel story...

My Little Pony:
My Little Dragon

Author's Note

Since some pony mentioned it, I added in a Discord mention. Go blame the guy who mentioned it down in the comments as to why this chapter had to be unpublished then republished. They know who they are. And they should be shamed for it.