Nine Elements presents: Spike the Wereponyby BlueBioWolfChaptersChapter 2: WereponyChapter 1: TransformationChapter 3: ConfessionsChapter 4: ResolutionsChapter 2: WereponyChapter 2: Werepony The next morning as the sun’s rays cascaded into Twilight and Spike’s room through the window, Spike felt the pain from the night before and began screaming in agony. The mares awoke in alarm with these sounds. “Spike!” they collectively said in a worried tone. As Spike convulsed, he turned back into his dragon form, clear agony on his face. Mercifully, he passed out before having to endure much more. The mares saw that Spike returned to normal. “Yippee, Spike’s all better!” Pinkie said happily. “That might be pushing it,” Fluttershy said. “Yeah,” Applejack said. “We’ll still need ta figger out why this happened ta Spike. The trip ta Canterlot ta see the princesses’s still top o’ our list.” “I’ll draft a letter to the princesses,” Rarity said. “Spike can send it when he comes to.” “And we should take the mirror out of his loose dragon scales,” Fluttershy suggested. “There might be a chance he transforms into a pony again, so, we’ll want to have the mirror available so it isn’t stuck in Spike’s body.” Rarity levitated the mirror out of Spike’s loose scales. Slowly, Spike started to wake up. He seemed to struggle even more. “Spike?” Twilight said soothingly. “Ugh,” Spike groaned. “I’m starving.” “We can help you with that,” Pinkie smiled. During breakfast, Spike stuffed his face as if he’d never seen food before. “I guess changing from a dragon, to a pony, and back to a dragon again can affect the appetite,” Twilight observed. “Hopefully, the princesses can tell us more.” Soon, Spike had his fill. By this time, Rarity had finished the letter for the royal sisters. Spike sent it off. “So,” Twilight said. “While we wait for a response, what shall we do to pass the time?” In Canterlot, Celestia and Luna received the scroll. They read through it, growing ever alarmed with each sentence. “The symptoms are clear,” Luna said. “Spike has become a werepony.” “We must alert Spike and his friends at once,” Celestia said. “I’ll send Shining Armor to arrange an escort.” Shining Armor and Princess Cadance had finished their honeymoon the night before. “Understood, sister,” Luna said. Later, Shining had been briefed on what’s happening. “What?” he gasped. “Spike became a werepony?” “Yes,” Luna said. “And as a result, he’s in danger.” “Then,” Shining Armor said. “I’ll protect my little nephew.” “Not that sort of danger,” Luna said. “We will explain later. First, you must escort Spike and the Guardians of Harmony here.” “Right away, your highness,” Shining Armor said before heading out. Back in Ponyville, Rainbow met up with the other Guardians and saw that Spike was struggling to stand. “Hey, Spike,” Rainbow said. “You feeling okay?” “Define ‘okay,’” Spike said. “Need some help there?” she asked. Spike stepped back a bit from Rainbow. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he said. “But, I have this fear of heights now and your tendency to be rough doesn’t exactly help.” “Oh, right,” Rainbow said. “Sorry. Wait, where’d this fear come from?” “Remember the day after my birthday this year and Rarity and I fell from the sky?” Spike asked rhetorically. “Oh…” Rainbow said. “Yeah, that’ll do it.” Soon, a carriage pulled by two of Celestia’s pegasus guards arrived. The door opened to reveal Shining Armor and Cadance. “The princesses sent us to escort you and your friends to Canterlot,” Shining Armor said. “Climb aboard.” Rainbow, noticing how nervous Spike looked, decided to help Spike onto the carriage. The other guardians followed suit with Twilight comforting Spike. “Stay close to me, Spike,” Twilight said soothingly. “I’ll keep you safe.” “As will I,” Rarity said. Spike took deep breaths. Being surrounded by the ones he loved helped to keep him comfortable. Soon, they arrived in Canterlot as the sun was setting. The carriage settled down in front of the castle. Shining Armor and Cadance led the Guardians to the drawing room just as the moon started to rise. Luna and Celestia were already there. “We’ll allow you to get settled in,” Shining Armor said. As Spike climbed down from Twilight’s back, he stepped into the moonlight and his body convulsed before he exploded into smoke and scales while screaming in agony. The other ponies witnessed the abject horror before them. “What the Tartarus is going on?!” Rainbow cried. “It’s what we’ve learned from the letter Rarity sent to us,” Luna said grimly. “Spike has become a werepony.” “A werepony?” Twilight asked. “How did this happen?” “A werepony,” Celestia explained. “Is very rare and can only happen to young dragons. When a dragon is shedding his scales, like Spike was, they become vulnerable. If during this time, their unprotected flesh comes into contact with the saliva of a pony suffering from pony pox, they can be infected and the only cure is a spell performed by four or more casters." “So…” Twilight concluded. “He became a werepony because of me… I was sick with pony pox and I gave him a forehead kiss.” “Did Spike still have scales where you kissed him?” Luna asked. Twilight nodded. “Then, he couldn’t have gotten infected there.” “So, it wasn’t yer fault, Twi,” Applejack said. “We know ya wouldn’t do anythin’ like this on purpose er by accident.” “So,” Pinkie ventured. “Since Spike got hit by a dart that turned him into a werepony… could it mean that that dart had pony pox spit in it? That’s gross!” “A dart?” Luna gasped. “Then, this wasn’t an accident. Another creature planned this!” “But, who?” Fluttershy asked. “And why would they do this to Spike?” When the smoke cleared, Spike was a pony again. But, he seemed weaker than the night before. Twilight gently cradled him in her forehooves. “We must cure him and fast,” Rarity said. “Why more than four?” Twilight asked. "The amount of magic necessary to break the curse and seal Spike into his true form is so taxing that one or even two spell casters alone could die in the process," Luna explained. "That is why at least four are needed. Spreading the strain out is simply safer." “There are at least six of us with horns and magic here,” Twilight said. “The three princesses, myself, my brother, and Rarity.” Spike began to stir. “Spike,” Fluttershy said soothingly. “How do you feel?” “Well,” Spike said. “I felt my bones all breaking and shifting at the same time, so, I’m not exactly feeling so hot.” “‘N with how much ya switch between bein’ cold-blooded n’ warm-blooded,” Applejack noted. “It can’t be good fer yer heart.” The other ponies looked at her in surprise at the detailed hypothesis she gave. “What? Ah can’t learn no bio-lomogy?” “It’s biology, but, that’s not the point now,” Twilight said. “The point is we need to help Spike and figure out who did this to him.” “Our top priority is breaking the curse,” Luna said. “Spike may like being a pony, but, he can’t stay this way.” “Honestly,” Spike said. “I’m not exactly sold on this form.” As he listed his reasons why, he became increasingly sadder. “I can’t walk all that well, I keep tripping, I can’t hold a broom that well, and when I turn into this, I feel like I’m getting torn apart and put back together.” His voice began to break. “I just don’t feel it’s worth the pain it brings.” He started sobbing deeply. Twilight and Rarity comforted the colt. “Let it all out, Spike,” Twilight said soothingly, rubbing his back gently. “For what it’s worth, Spike,” Rarity said. “We care about you as a dragon and we always will. We would never want you to change who you were in an unnatural way.” “Indeed,” Luna said. “Changing into a pony every time the moon rises is a terrible strain on your body. However, my sister and I will not force you into a decision. You can either return to being a dragon or you can stay as you are now, but, you must understand, the constant shifting from one form to the other is extremely harmful and will significantly shorten your lifespan." “The sooner I can be a dragon again,” Spike said between breaths. “The better.” “If he’s cured,” Rarity asked. “Will he stay that weak? Will every day be a struggle for him?” “No,” Luna said. “If he returns to his true form, he will regain his strength and vitality and live out his life as if nothing had happened." “Well,” Rarity said. “I shall do all I can to remove this affliction on our beloved Spike.” “I’m afraid it’s not so simple,” Luna said. “If Spike chooses to stay a dragon, we have to wait until he changes back.” She directed her attention to Spike. “I want you to really think about this, but, do not take too long. The longer you stay like this, the more difficult it will be to change you back. Even with our combined ability, after a week, we will not be able to cure you at all. With that in mind, I'm giving you two days to decide." “I think it’s pretty evident that Spike should be a dragon again,” Rainbow said. “So, why can’t we just wait until the sun comes back up tomorrow and then do the whole magic cure thing?” “We do not wish to force him,” Luna said. “We would prefer he make the decision on his own.” Rainbow sighed. “Fine,” she said with a light huff. “But, I think he said it himself that he would rather be a dragon again.” “I would,” Spike said. “But, I imagine it’ll take a while for the spellcasters to gather enough magic and deep down, I’ve wanted to be a pony.” He groaned in frustration. “I’m so conflicted.” “Hence the two day thinking period,” Luna said. “As the transformation took a lot of energy, it would be prudent for you to get some rest.” “Yeah, sure,” Spike said after taking a second to calm down. “Uh, out of curiosity, do wereponies have mood swings?” “Frequently,” Luna explained. “In your transformed state, you’re in a heightened emotional state. When you feel sad, it borders on depression. When you feel anger, well, we’re well aware of how angry you can get under normal circumstances.” “Yeah,” Spike said sheepishly. “I think it’d be a good idea for me not to get too emotional like this. Normally, the worst thing I'd do when angry is yell. In this state, my anger could hurt somepony and I don’t want that.” “Understood,” Luna said. Shining Armor escorted Spike to the tower room Spike and Twilight lived in two years prior. Author's Note Here's the next chapter. Interesting fact, I legit shed tears when writing Spike sad. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them. Chapter 1: TransformationMy Little Pony: Nine Elements presents: Spike the Werepony Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins Inspired by Curse of the Werepony by dlazerous Chapter 1: Transformation It had been one week since Shining Armor and Princess Cadance’s wedding. On this particular day, Spike was sweeping the Golden Oak Library while Twilight was sick with pony pox. Peewee was fluttering close by keeping the drake company. “Can’t play right now, Peewee,” the little dragon said. “I need to sweep since I’m the only one in any condition to work.” Peewee chirped and landed close by on a nearby flameproof perch made especially for the phoenix chick. Spike’s scales had been falling loose since the day before, but, not alarmingly so. One scale was perched on Twilight’s nose. “Huh?” Twilight muttered to herself, feeling the slightly familiar texture on her nose. She coughed and tipped the scale into her mouth. “Hmm…” At that moment, Spike entered the bedroom and she saw that the spaded tip of his tail had no scales on it. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.” “Jinshu said that this is a pre-molt,” Spike said. “It’s not a complete molt. That won’t happen for years.” “I see,” Twilight nodded. “Did he say when new scales would grow in?” “A week or two,” Spike answered. “And they’ll be more durable than the old ones.” “That’s good,” Twilight smiled. “Until then, my friends will have to do everything they can to make sure you’re safe.” “You need anything while you’re up, mom?” Spike asked. “A cup of chamomile tea would be lovely, please,” Twilight said. “You got it,” Spike said before he rushed to the kitchen. When he got there, he found they were out of chamomile tea bags. “Uh, there’s a slight problem,” he called. “Ah,” Twilight said. “Do we still have Earl Grey?” Spike checked. “Uh, no.” “Orange Pekoe?” “Nope.” “Boy, I never realized how much tea I go through when I’m sick,” Twilight muttered to herself. “Then, I’ll just have a glass of water please.” “Okay,” Spike said. And he prepared a glass of water for his unicorn mom. “Thank you, Spike,” Twilight said gratefully. “After I get better, we’ll pick up some more tea from the tea shop. Fluttershy told me there’s a great shop she frequents run by a pony named Jasmine Leaf.” “I can go there right now,” Spike offered. “I appreciate the offer,” Twilight said. “Though please be careful and try not to be out too long. Make sure you’re home before dark.” “Okay,” Spike said. “Though, that may be a slight problem. Remember when I was at Fluttershy’s earlier today?” “Oh, that’s right,” Twilight said. “She’s working with Zecora to make a cure for my pony pox.” “Yeah,” Spike said. “And I said I’d stop by and pick it up later. That, on top of the trip to the tea shop, will take a while.” “I understand,” Twilight said. “So, be back as soon as you can.” She gave Spike a kiss on the forehead. “It’s a good thing you can’t catch pony sicknesses.” “It sure is,” Spike said. “I’ll be back when I can. Love you, Mom.” “I love you, too, son,” Twilight said. With that, Spike left. Spike had just reached the fountain of Ponyville when he felt a sharp pain in the tip of his tail. “Ah!” Spike exclaimed. “I don’t remember Jinshu mentioning anything about a sharp pain.” He looked back to see that the unprotected part of his tail was pricked by a dart. “A dart? Who in their right mind would…” He plucked it out and inspected himself. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, so, he went to the nearest trash can and disposed of the dart. It was nightfall by the time Spike had made his trip to the tea shop. He was inches away from the fountain when he began to feel strange. “Ooh~” Spike muttered as his body started convulsing. “What’s happening to me?” Falling to the ground, he clutched his stomach as another wave of pain coursed through him. The basket he was carrying rolled off along with a few scales disturbed by the low wind. For a moment, he thought he may have caught Twilight's illness, but, that was impossible since he wasn't a pony. Spike's face contorted in pain. Everything hurt, his head felt like it was going to explode, and every bone in his body felt like it was breaking. His muscles burned and his joints ached. Spike was in absolute agony. He believed his body was being torn apart and just when the pain had become too much to bear, he screamed and exploded in a puff of purple smoke and scales. In a stroke of luck, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity were all present when Spike started aching and were alerted by his screams of agony. “Ah!” Rarity exclaimed. “Spikey-wikey!” “We got ta help him!” Applejack exclaimed. The three ponies rushed to Spike as the smoke cleared. They could hardly believe what was happening right in front of them. Spike’s scales turned to fur, his claws to hooves, and his ear fronds to pony ears. His face contorted into the shape of a colt’s face. Throughout the transformation, the sound of bones breaking could be heard. Mercifully, Spike had passed out from the pain. “Spike?!” Pinkie exclaimed. “What happened to him?” “That don’t matter now,” Applejack said. “We should get him back ta the Golden Oak Library.” “We should make sure to get the things that Spike was carrying home as well,” Rarity said. She used her magic to levitate the items. Among them, she saw a list saying to go to Fluttershy’s to get the cure for Twilight’s pony pox. “Pony pox? Oh, dear. We had best be cautious.” “We’ll have to get the cure,” Pinkie said. “Maybe she can help Spike out, too. We can’t just leave him here.” “We won’t,” Rarity said. She gently embraced the ponified Spike. “Applejack, you go and pick up the Pony Pox cure from Fluttershy. Pinkie and I will keep Spike company until you return.” “Ah say we bring him ta Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “Explainin’ that Spike became a pony’ll be hard ta do without proof.” “Right,” Pinkie said. “Even with you being super-duper honest, Applejack.” “Very well then,” Rarity conceded. She levitated the unconscious Spike onto her back and the three ponies made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage. In the shy pegasus’ kitchen, Fluttershy and Zecora were making Twilight’s medicine. The pegasus was growing a little worried that Spike hadn’t come yet. “Oh, dear,” Fluttershy said. “Spike should have been here by now. We can’t let Twilight’s pony pox get worse.” “The young dragon’s absence is indeed a concern,” Zecora said, well aware of Spike’s typical punctuality. “It is unlike him to take a wrong turn.” They were suddenly interrupted from their guessing by a knock at the cottage door. Fluttershy recognized from the knock pattern after years of studying its nuances that it was Pinkie. Fluttershy answered it. She was surprised to see Applejack and Rarity present as well. “Hello, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity,” Fluttershy said. “By any chance, you three wouldn’t happen to know where Spike is, would you?” “Well,” Pinkie said. “We do, but, he’s not exactly himself at the moment.” Rarity walked into the cottage, presenting the colt that was once a drake on her back. Fluttershy carefully looked him over as Rarity levitated him onto the couch. When she got around his mouth, she saw two little fangs sticking out, fangs she recognized as Spike’s. “Spike?!” Fluttershy gasped. “What happened to him?” “We saw him explode into smoke near the fountain,” Pinkie said. “When it cleared, he turned into this before our eyes.” Zecora walked over to the ponified Spike and looked him over carefully. “Know anything about this, Zecora?” Rarity asked. “I am not too familiar with this transformation spell,” Zecora said. “But, I do notice in his tail there is a peculiar swell.” Rarity inspected Spike’s tail, which was now that of a pony’s. She then found the swell on the tip of his tail dock. “It looks like the remnants from where a dart would shoot him,” Rarity said, inspecting the swell with her Mystic Eyes of Detail. “You better get to the Golden Oak Library,” Pinkie said to Zecora. “We’ll keep Spike company.” “I’ll make sure Twilight’s cure for pony pox is delivered,” Zecora said. “You look after that dragon transfigured.” “Uh, that was kind of a slant rhyme,” Pinkie said. Zecora, deciding not to press, left the cottage with the pony pox remedy in her saddlebag. A few minutes after Zecora left, Spike began to stir. “Huh?” Spike said groggily. “Where am I?” As his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy, all of whom wore baffled expressions. “Oh, Fluttershy,” Spike said. “Thank goodness you’re here. Do you still have the cure for the pony pox available?” “Zecora already left to deliver it,” Fluttershy said. “Are you okay?” “A little drained, now that you mention it,” Spike admitted. “Now, uh,” Applejack said in an uneasy way. “Try not ta freak out, but, uh, yer kinda… different than how ya were a while ago.” “What do you mean?” Spike asked. “Basically,” Applejack said. “Ya turned inta a pony.” Spike carefully listened, but, couldn’t hear Applejack’s belly making the queasy rumbling that came with her lying. This just made him more confused. “Wait…” Spike muttered. “Did you just say that I turned into a pony?” “Ah know it sounds hard ta believe,” Applejack said. “If’n we hadn’t seen it happen, we wouldn’t’ve believed it ourselves.” Pinkie pointed Spike’s face to a mirror she conveniently had available. Instead of seeing the familiar dragon, he saw an earth pony colt older than the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but, younger than the Guardians of Harmony of a light mulberry coat and a moderate harlequin mane and tail with his familiar moderate pistachio eyes. Most unusually, the colt in the mirror had the fangs he recognized so well. “Whoa!” he exclaimed. “I am a pony!” “What were you doing before we found you?” Rarity asked. “Well,” Spike said. “I was on my way to pick up the cure from Fluttershy’s that Zecora had and I was also picking up tea from Jasmine Leaf’s tea shop. On my way to the tea shop, a dart struck the tip of my tail.” “Call it a hunch,” Pinkie said. “But, do you think that dart had something to do with you turning into a pony?” “It’s possible,” Spike said. “It didn’t seem to affect me all that much at the time, so, I threw it away.” “This dart,” Applejack said. “Was there anythin’ about it that could give us some kinda clue as ta who launched it?” “I didn’t really get a good look at it,” Spike admitted. He then proceeded to get up from the couch and attempt to stand up on his hindlegs. However, he found himself struggling to balance on two legs. “Whoa~ whoa!” As he struggled to balance himself, he tripped and landed on his chin. Fluttershy and Applejack helped Spike stand upright on his four legs. “Are you alright?” Rarity asked. “I don’t understand,” Spike said. “I was clumsy before, but, I never had this much trouble standing on two legs before.” “Maybe it’s because your pony legs don’t have claws,” Pinkie said. She held one of his legs. “You have hooves now.” “Oh, right,” Spike said. “Well, I used to walk on all fours like a pony when I was a hatchling. How different can it be with hooves?” So, he slowly started to walk around the cottage on all fours. It was a bit more difficult than he expected. “It’s okay, sugarcube,” Applejack said gently. “We’re here ta help.” Then, a thought occurred to her. “Maybe Jinshu knows somethin’. Ya still got that mirror he gave ya?” “I never leave home without it,” Spike smiled. “I always keep it in my loose dragon scales.” Spike was about to reach for it when it suddenly dawned on him that since he was no longer a dragon, he no longer had scales. “Which I can’t use as a pony…” Suddenly, a loud exclamation burst out of him as he suddenly grew very angry and upset. “I’m such an idiot!” He slammed his mouth shut and calmed down. “Whoa… where’d that come from? Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” “Seeing as we don’t know where Jinshu lives,” Rarity said. “I don’t believe writing a letter to him would do any good. Even if we knew where he lived, it would take the letter days to reach him.” “Maybe Zecora would have some answers,” Fluttershy suggested. “After she gets back from delivering Twilight’s medicine, we can ask her for permission to visit her hut.” “Ah don’t know,” Applejack said. “This seemed new ta Zecora, too.” “Perhaps there’s something in the Golden Oak Library that can explain things,” Rarity considered. “If the library had any books on dragons, Spike wouldn’t need ta get info from Zecora er Jinshu,” Applejack pointed out. “Since the library ain’t got books on dragons, ya really think they got one explainin’ how a dragon turns inta a pony?” “Hmm, I suppose not,” Rarity said. “So, there’s no possible way to figure out what’s going on?” Pinkie asked. “How are we going to help Spike now?” “Well,” Fluttershy said. “There’s the possibility that the princesses know. They’ve been around longer than all of us put together.” “Then, that’s what we’ll do,” Spike said with a determined tone in his voice. “We’ll go to Canterlot and see them.” With that, he ran to the door, only to trip over the floor frame and land on his chin again. “Note to self: try to master walking on all fours before trying to run.” Rarity gently levitated Spike onto her back. “Allow us to escort you back to the library,” she offered. “Wait, what about Canterlot?” Spike asked. “We’ll need to let Twilight know about this,” Rarity said. “She’s your mother figure, after all.” “Yeah,” Spike said with a reluctant sigh. “You’re right. And I did promise her that I would be back as soon as I could. I can’t break that promise.” And so, the mares escorted Spike to the Golden Oak Library. They arrived just as Zecora was leaving. “How’s Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Your unicorn friend is doing well,” Zecora said. “But, her dragon’s current state was difficult to tell.” “We do have a plan to find out more about this,” Rarity said. “The first part is explaining this ordeal to Twilight.” After Zecora left, the mares took Spike inside and went to Twilight’s room. The unicorn was looking healthier, but, still bedridden. “Hey, Twilight,” Applejack said with a slightly nervous tone in her voice. “We’re glad ta see ya doin’ well, but, we have a bit o’ a predicament.” “Is Spike okay?” Twilight asked. “Uh,” said the timid voice of Spike on Rarity’s back. “Emotionally, I’m okay, but, physically? It’s hard to say.” Rarity turned to the side to reveal Spike on her back. Twilight gazed deeply into the mulberry-coated colt’s deep emerald eyes. “Spike?” Twilight gasped. Overwhelmed by the shock, she fainted into her bed. “Well,” Spike said. “That went about as well as expected.” Some time later, Twilight recuperated and slowly came out of her shock. She saw the still ponified Spike clumsily trying to grasp a broom with his hooves. “So, Spike really has become a pony,” Twilight said. “How did this happen?” “We don’t know,” Rarity said. “We were hoping to inform the princesses.” “Do you think you’ll be well enough to join us?” Fluttershy asked. “Since Spike is important to you, you should know why this is happening, too.” “I’ll be going anyway,” Twilight said. “Spike’s well-being is more important to me.” “We best stay here the rest o’ the night,” Applejack suggested. “It ain’t safe ta head home this time o’ night.” “I have plenty of extra bedding you can use,” Twilight said. Spike attempted to settle into his basket bed, only to find it too small for his ponified body. “I, uh, think I’m going to bunk with somepony else,” Spike said sheepishly. “You can’t sleep with Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “You might catch her pony pox.” “True,” Spike said. “You may share a bed with me,” Rarity offered. “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike smiled. He climbed into the same bed as Rarity. “Rest well, Spike,” Rarity said in a nurturing tone. “I can promise you that we’ll all get the answers we need to help you.” With that, they all fell into a peaceful sleep. Author's Note This is a bit of a filler story to tide over my watchers. The story's doc is largely completed by now, so, chapters will be posted daily over the next four days. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them. Chapter 3: ConfessionsRarity kept her eyes on Spike until he was out of sight. Tears fell from her eyes. “Spike is going to be okay,” Fluttershy said gently. “I knew Spike’s life in Canterlot was hard,” Rarity said. “But, what cruel creature would go to the effort of shortening his lifespan?” “We don’t know that yet,” Rainbow said. “But, when we do, we’re going to teach them a lesson!” “It’s absolutely heartbreaking knowing there’s a creature who holds so much contempt for such a sweet little dragon,” Rarity said. “Even if he has a temper, he’s such a gentle little dear. He doesn’t deserve any of this.” “Yeah,” Rainbow said. “If any dragon did deserve this kind of ordeal, it would be Garble. That guy was a jerk.” “Girls,” Twilight said. “It doesn’t matter if any other dragon deserves it. What matters is that this is still wrong.” “Sorry, Twilight,” Rainbow said. “But, I’m just so angry at the idea that someone would hurt our friend like this.” “Maybe it was Blueblood,” Pinkie suggested. “We’ve all seen how much he hates Spike.” “Ah don’t think that’s likely, Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Last we checked, he was locked up n’ ah doubt Chrysalis could’ve bailed him out this time.” “True, but, Shining Armor was away on his honeymoon with Cadance,” Pinkie pointed out. “And apart from Flash, we all know most of Princess Celestia’s guards are terrible at their job.” “Much like with the mystery before the National Dessert Competition,” Twilight said. “We will need to look for clues.” “We should get some sleep first,” Fluttershy said. “We won’t be much help if we’re tired. Especially you, Twilight. The medicine still needs time to fully work and we don’t want you to relapse.” “Fluttershy’s right,” Applejack said. “We all want ta help Spike, but, we got ta take care o’ ourselves, too.” “I shall arrange for you to have rooms here until the decision is made,” Celestia said. “Thank you, Princess Celstia,” Fluttershy said. “If it’s all the same to you, princess,” Rarity said. “May I be in the same room as Spike? As Twilight still hasn’t recovered, I don’t want him to catch pony pox or for the little dear to be alone.” Celestia smiled knowingly. “Of course you may, Rarity. However, given his emotional state now, it’s best not to take any chances. To wit, I’m assigning Flash Sentry and Shining Armor to watch Spike’s door until he makes his decision.” “Thank you very much,” Rarity said. “Hey, I thought of something,” Rainbow said. “Why not have some of the unicorn guards help out?” “Barring Shining Armor,” Celestia said. “Most of the unicorn guards are hardly model unicorns.” One unicorn guard stepped up to the princess and saluted. “Your highness,” he said. “We’ve found the criminal responsible for the shadow government creating the bank account scam.” “Need I say more?” Celestia asked rhetorically. “Point taken,” Rainbow said as the unicorn guard marched on. “Still trying to phase them out?” “Yes,” Celestia said. “It’s a very slow progress.” “Got it,” Rainbow said. Rarity made her way to the room Spike was taken to using her Mystic Eyes of Detail to see the hoof prints Shining Armor left behind. “Here we go,” she said to herself. She knocked on the door. “Who is it?” Spike called from inside. “It’s me, Rarity,” she answered. “Come in,” he said. Rarity entered the room and saw Spike sitting on the bed Twilight slept in before the fateful day she and him came to Ponyville. Even though it had been two years since he and Twilight shared the room, it had not changed in the slightest. It was odd, but, there was no dust, no disorder, everything neat and tidy from her small bed to the stuffed toys patiently sitting on the shelf next to it. Children's books and small tomes on introductions to magic were neatly stacked on the small bookshelf. “It looks as though it was well kept for sentimental reasons,” Rarity said. She then turned her attention to Spike. “I was hoping I could give you some company tonight since Twilight is still recovering from her sickness.” “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said. “I may be 12 in pony years now, but, I’m still not ready to have a room to myself.” “That’s understandable,” Rarity said. “So, we won’t let you be alone.” Spike looked around. “I’ve spent six years of my life in this room,” he said. “To think it looks so small to me now.” “Things do tend to change as one grows older,” Rarity observed. “This pony form is the most I’ve grown in years,” Spike said. “And that’s not saying much.” “Whether you’re a pony or a dragon,” Rarity said as she gently held onto Spike. “You’re the right size to snuggle with.” She nuzzled the top of his head. Spike couldn’t help but smile a bit. “You know what’s strange?” Spike said. “What’s that?” she asked. “In this form,” Spike said. “Hugs feel even warmer.” “That could be due to your own warm blood,” Rarity ventured to guess. She stroked his green mane. “That’s true,” Spike said. “In this form, I’m a warm-blooded mammal.” “And I doubt that as a pony, you’ll be able to eat gems,” Rarity said. “Even magically active ones.” “Since I’ve never seen anypony try to eat any actual gems,” Spike said. “I’m not going to try to myself. Rock candy, on the other hoof, I already like that.” He then tapped his front hooves together nervously. “Is something troubling you?” Rarity asked. Spike sighed. “Rarity,” he said. “Since I’m getting weaker, I have something to confess.” “Yes, Spike?” Rarity replied, looking deeply into his eyes. “I haven’t really been entirely truthful about what I was going to do with that Fire Ruby,” Spike said. “You haven’t?” Rarity gasped in surprise. “The Fire Ruby is magically active and my stomach can’t handle those types of gems,” Spike explained. “I tried eating a magically active gem once and my stomach forced it back out the way it went in. If I tried eating the Fire Ruby, it’d be the same thing all over again. Let me tell you, if I never have to go through that again, it’ll be too soon.” “Oh, dear,” Rarity said. “I can’t even imagine how painful that would be.” “Long and short,” Spike said. “It doesn’t compare to the pain of transforming to and from a pony.” “I see,” Rarity said. “Anyway, please continue.” “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that Fire Rubies aren’t heart-shaped in nature,” Spike said. “True,” Rarity said. “Not even gemstones without magic in them can come in that shape in nature.” “I cut it that way for you,” Spike said. “I knew how much you like gems like that, but, I was afraid of you rejecting it if you knew the truth, so, I made up the story about planning to eat it.” “Oh, Spike,” Rarity said. “If I had known that before, I wouldn’t have felt as guilty to try and take it out of your grasp. That Fire Ruby is one of the most wonderful gifts I could have ever received and I’m still very grateful that you gave it to me.” “It was a way to give you something I wanted to for a long time, my heart,” Spike said. “Oh, Spike,” Rarity said, tears of joy forming in her eyes. Spike sighed. “That sounds so cheesy.” “Regardless,” Rarity said. “It’s still a wonderful gesture on your part. And as for me holding onto your heart, I promise I will take the greatest care not to break it.” Then, a thought occurred to her. “If I may ask, when did you get the Fire Ruby?” “It was that errand I needed to run with Fancy Pants,” Spike said. “We got the Fire Ruby after we got the tanzanite bracelet for my mom for her birthday. I hoped to give it to you on Hearts and Hooves day, but, it wasn’t ready.” “My goodness,” Rarity said. “You’ve planned this for quite a while. That dedication is truly astounding.” “It was finally ready a week before my 12th birthday,” Spike said. “By then, my story about it being my birthday dinner would’ve been more believable.” “I see,” Rarity said. “I’m sorry for lying to you,” Spike said. “I can see why you did,” Rarity said. “But, I do appreciate that you told me the truth now. Honestly, that’s a very romantic thing you did.” She kissed his forehead. Spike couldn’t help but blush happily. He then let out a yawn. “I don’t know about you,” he said. “But, I’m about ready to go to sleep.” “As am I,” Rarity said. “I think we all could use some good rest.” With that, the two fell asleep in a warm embrace. Author's Note Here's the next chapter. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them. Chapter 4: ResolutionsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 2: WereponyChapter 2: Werepony The next morning as the sun’s rays cascaded into Twilight and Spike’s room through the window, Spike felt the pain from the night before and began screaming in agony. The mares awoke in alarm with these sounds. “Spike!” they collectively said in a worried tone. As Spike convulsed, he turned back into his dragon form, clear agony on his face. Mercifully, he passed out before having to endure much more. The mares saw that Spike returned to normal. “Yippee, Spike’s all better!” Pinkie said happily. “That might be pushing it,” Fluttershy said. “Yeah,” Applejack said. “We’ll still need ta figger out why this happened ta Spike. The trip ta Canterlot ta see the princesses’s still top o’ our list.” “I’ll draft a letter to the princesses,” Rarity said. “Spike can send it when he comes to.” “And we should take the mirror out of his loose dragon scales,” Fluttershy suggested. “There might be a chance he transforms into a pony again, so, we’ll want to have the mirror available so it isn’t stuck in Spike’s body.” Rarity levitated the mirror out of Spike’s loose scales. Slowly, Spike started to wake up. He seemed to struggle even more. “Spike?” Twilight said soothingly. “Ugh,” Spike groaned. “I’m starving.” “We can help you with that,” Pinkie smiled. During breakfast, Spike stuffed his face as if he’d never seen food before. “I guess changing from a dragon, to a pony, and back to a dragon again can affect the appetite,” Twilight observed. “Hopefully, the princesses can tell us more.” Soon, Spike had his fill. By this time, Rarity had finished the letter for the royal sisters. Spike sent it off. “So,” Twilight said. “While we wait for a response, what shall we do to pass the time?” In Canterlot, Celestia and Luna received the scroll. They read through it, growing ever alarmed with each sentence. “The symptoms are clear,” Luna said. “Spike has become a werepony.” “We must alert Spike and his friends at once,” Celestia said. “I’ll send Shining Armor to arrange an escort.” Shining Armor and Princess Cadance had finished their honeymoon the night before. “Understood, sister,” Luna said. Later, Shining had been briefed on what’s happening. “What?” he gasped. “Spike became a werepony?” “Yes,” Luna said. “And as a result, he’s in danger.” “Then,” Shining Armor said. “I’ll protect my little nephew.” “Not that sort of danger,” Luna said. “We will explain later. First, you must escort Spike and the Guardians of Harmony here.” “Right away, your highness,” Shining Armor said before heading out. Back in Ponyville, Rainbow met up with the other Guardians and saw that Spike was struggling to stand. “Hey, Spike,” Rainbow said. “You feeling okay?” “Define ‘okay,’” Spike said. “Need some help there?” she asked. Spike stepped back a bit from Rainbow. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he said. “But, I have this fear of heights now and your tendency to be rough doesn’t exactly help.” “Oh, right,” Rainbow said. “Sorry. Wait, where’d this fear come from?” “Remember the day after my birthday this year and Rarity and I fell from the sky?” Spike asked rhetorically. “Oh…” Rainbow said. “Yeah, that’ll do it.” Soon, a carriage pulled by two of Celestia’s pegasus guards arrived. The door opened to reveal Shining Armor and Cadance. “The princesses sent us to escort you and your friends to Canterlot,” Shining Armor said. “Climb aboard.” Rainbow, noticing how nervous Spike looked, decided to help Spike onto the carriage. The other guardians followed suit with Twilight comforting Spike. “Stay close to me, Spike,” Twilight said soothingly. “I’ll keep you safe.” “As will I,” Rarity said. Spike took deep breaths. Being surrounded by the ones he loved helped to keep him comfortable. Soon, they arrived in Canterlot as the sun was setting. The carriage settled down in front of the castle. Shining Armor and Cadance led the Guardians to the drawing room just as the moon started to rise. Luna and Celestia were already there. “We’ll allow you to get settled in,” Shining Armor said. As Spike climbed down from Twilight’s back, he stepped into the moonlight and his body convulsed before he exploded into smoke and scales while screaming in agony. The other ponies witnessed the abject horror before them. “What the Tartarus is going on?!” Rainbow cried. “It’s what we’ve learned from the letter Rarity sent to us,” Luna said grimly. “Spike has become a werepony.” “A werepony?” Twilight asked. “How did this happen?” “A werepony,” Celestia explained. “Is very rare and can only happen to young dragons. When a dragon is shedding his scales, like Spike was, they become vulnerable. If during this time, their unprotected flesh comes into contact with the saliva of a pony suffering from pony pox, they can be infected and the only cure is a spell performed by four or more casters." “So…” Twilight concluded. “He became a werepony because of me… I was sick with pony pox and I gave him a forehead kiss.” “Did Spike still have scales where you kissed him?” Luna asked. Twilight nodded. “Then, he couldn’t have gotten infected there.” “So, it wasn’t yer fault, Twi,” Applejack said. “We know ya wouldn’t do anythin’ like this on purpose er by accident.” “So,” Pinkie ventured. “Since Spike got hit by a dart that turned him into a werepony… could it mean that that dart had pony pox spit in it? That’s gross!” “A dart?” Luna gasped. “Then, this wasn’t an accident. Another creature planned this!” “But, who?” Fluttershy asked. “And why would they do this to Spike?” When the smoke cleared, Spike was a pony again. But, he seemed weaker than the night before. Twilight gently cradled him in her forehooves. “We must cure him and fast,” Rarity said. “Why more than four?” Twilight asked. "The amount of magic necessary to break the curse and seal Spike into his true form is so taxing that one or even two spell casters alone could die in the process," Luna explained. "That is why at least four are needed. Spreading the strain out is simply safer." “There are at least six of us with horns and magic here,” Twilight said. “The three princesses, myself, my brother, and Rarity.” Spike began to stir. “Spike,” Fluttershy said soothingly. “How do you feel?” “Well,” Spike said. “I felt my bones all breaking and shifting at the same time, so, I’m not exactly feeling so hot.” “‘N with how much ya switch between bein’ cold-blooded n’ warm-blooded,” Applejack noted. “It can’t be good fer yer heart.” The other ponies looked at her in surprise at the detailed hypothesis she gave. “What? Ah can’t learn no bio-lomogy?” “It’s biology, but, that’s not the point now,” Twilight said. “The point is we need to help Spike and figure out who did this to him.” “Our top priority is breaking the curse,” Luna said. “Spike may like being a pony, but, he can’t stay this way.” “Honestly,” Spike said. “I’m not exactly sold on this form.” As he listed his reasons why, he became increasingly sadder. “I can’t walk all that well, I keep tripping, I can’t hold a broom that well, and when I turn into this, I feel like I’m getting torn apart and put back together.” His voice began to break. “I just don’t feel it’s worth the pain it brings.” He started sobbing deeply. Twilight and Rarity comforted the colt. “Let it all out, Spike,” Twilight said soothingly, rubbing his back gently. “For what it’s worth, Spike,” Rarity said. “We care about you as a dragon and we always will. We would never want you to change who you were in an unnatural way.” “Indeed,” Luna said. “Changing into a pony every time the moon rises is a terrible strain on your body. However, my sister and I will not force you into a decision. You can either return to being a dragon or you can stay as you are now, but, you must understand, the constant shifting from one form to the other is extremely harmful and will significantly shorten your lifespan." “The sooner I can be a dragon again,” Spike said between breaths. “The better.” “If he’s cured,” Rarity asked. “Will he stay that weak? Will every day be a struggle for him?” “No,” Luna said. “If he returns to his true form, he will regain his strength and vitality and live out his life as if nothing had happened." “Well,” Rarity said. “I shall do all I can to remove this affliction on our beloved Spike.” “I’m afraid it’s not so simple,” Luna said. “If Spike chooses to stay a dragon, we have to wait until he changes back.” She directed her attention to Spike. “I want you to really think about this, but, do not take too long. The longer you stay like this, the more difficult it will be to change you back. Even with our combined ability, after a week, we will not be able to cure you at all. With that in mind, I'm giving you two days to decide." “I think it’s pretty evident that Spike should be a dragon again,” Rainbow said. “So, why can’t we just wait until the sun comes back up tomorrow and then do the whole magic cure thing?” “We do not wish to force him,” Luna said. “We would prefer he make the decision on his own.” Rainbow sighed. “Fine,” she said with a light huff. “But, I think he said it himself that he would rather be a dragon again.” “I would,” Spike said. “But, I imagine it’ll take a while for the spellcasters to gather enough magic and deep down, I’ve wanted to be a pony.” He groaned in frustration. “I’m so conflicted.” “Hence the two day thinking period,” Luna said. “As the transformation took a lot of energy, it would be prudent for you to get some rest.” “Yeah, sure,” Spike said after taking a second to calm down. “Uh, out of curiosity, do wereponies have mood swings?” “Frequently,” Luna explained. “In your transformed state, you’re in a heightened emotional state. When you feel sad, it borders on depression. When you feel anger, well, we’re well aware of how angry you can get under normal circumstances.” “Yeah,” Spike said sheepishly. “I think it’d be a good idea for me not to get too emotional like this. Normally, the worst thing I'd do when angry is yell. In this state, my anger could hurt somepony and I don’t want that.” “Understood,” Luna said. Shining Armor escorted Spike to the tower room Spike and Twilight lived in two years prior. Author's Note Here's the next chapter. Interesting fact, I legit shed tears when writing Spike sad. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them.
Chapter 1: TransformationMy Little Pony: Nine Elements presents: Spike the Werepony Written by Brandon Nell and Blake Hawkins Inspired by Curse of the Werepony by dlazerous Chapter 1: Transformation It had been one week since Shining Armor and Princess Cadance’s wedding. On this particular day, Spike was sweeping the Golden Oak Library while Twilight was sick with pony pox. Peewee was fluttering close by keeping the drake company. “Can’t play right now, Peewee,” the little dragon said. “I need to sweep since I’m the only one in any condition to work.” Peewee chirped and landed close by on a nearby flameproof perch made especially for the phoenix chick. Spike’s scales had been falling loose since the day before, but, not alarmingly so. One scale was perched on Twilight’s nose. “Huh?” Twilight muttered to herself, feeling the slightly familiar texture on her nose. She coughed and tipped the scale into her mouth. “Hmm…” At that moment, Spike entered the bedroom and she saw that the spaded tip of his tail had no scales on it. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.” “Jinshu said that this is a pre-molt,” Spike said. “It’s not a complete molt. That won’t happen for years.” “I see,” Twilight nodded. “Did he say when new scales would grow in?” “A week or two,” Spike answered. “And they’ll be more durable than the old ones.” “That’s good,” Twilight smiled. “Until then, my friends will have to do everything they can to make sure you’re safe.” “You need anything while you’re up, mom?” Spike asked. “A cup of chamomile tea would be lovely, please,” Twilight said. “You got it,” Spike said before he rushed to the kitchen. When he got there, he found they were out of chamomile tea bags. “Uh, there’s a slight problem,” he called. “Ah,” Twilight said. “Do we still have Earl Grey?” Spike checked. “Uh, no.” “Orange Pekoe?” “Nope.” “Boy, I never realized how much tea I go through when I’m sick,” Twilight muttered to herself. “Then, I’ll just have a glass of water please.” “Okay,” Spike said. And he prepared a glass of water for his unicorn mom. “Thank you, Spike,” Twilight said gratefully. “After I get better, we’ll pick up some more tea from the tea shop. Fluttershy told me there’s a great shop she frequents run by a pony named Jasmine Leaf.” “I can go there right now,” Spike offered. “I appreciate the offer,” Twilight said. “Though please be careful and try not to be out too long. Make sure you’re home before dark.” “Okay,” Spike said. “Though, that may be a slight problem. Remember when I was at Fluttershy’s earlier today?” “Oh, that’s right,” Twilight said. “She’s working with Zecora to make a cure for my pony pox.” “Yeah,” Spike said. “And I said I’d stop by and pick it up later. That, on top of the trip to the tea shop, will take a while.” “I understand,” Twilight said. “So, be back as soon as you can.” She gave Spike a kiss on the forehead. “It’s a good thing you can’t catch pony sicknesses.” “It sure is,” Spike said. “I’ll be back when I can. Love you, Mom.” “I love you, too, son,” Twilight said. With that, Spike left. Spike had just reached the fountain of Ponyville when he felt a sharp pain in the tip of his tail. “Ah!” Spike exclaimed. “I don’t remember Jinshu mentioning anything about a sharp pain.” He looked back to see that the unprotected part of his tail was pricked by a dart. “A dart? Who in their right mind would…” He plucked it out and inspected himself. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, so, he went to the nearest trash can and disposed of the dart. It was nightfall by the time Spike had made his trip to the tea shop. He was inches away from the fountain when he began to feel strange. “Ooh~” Spike muttered as his body started convulsing. “What’s happening to me?” Falling to the ground, he clutched his stomach as another wave of pain coursed through him. The basket he was carrying rolled off along with a few scales disturbed by the low wind. For a moment, he thought he may have caught Twilight's illness, but, that was impossible since he wasn't a pony. Spike's face contorted in pain. Everything hurt, his head felt like it was going to explode, and every bone in his body felt like it was breaking. His muscles burned and his joints ached. Spike was in absolute agony. He believed his body was being torn apart and just when the pain had become too much to bear, he screamed and exploded in a puff of purple smoke and scales. In a stroke of luck, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity were all present when Spike started aching and were alerted by his screams of agony. “Ah!” Rarity exclaimed. “Spikey-wikey!” “We got ta help him!” Applejack exclaimed. The three ponies rushed to Spike as the smoke cleared. They could hardly believe what was happening right in front of them. Spike’s scales turned to fur, his claws to hooves, and his ear fronds to pony ears. His face contorted into the shape of a colt’s face. Throughout the transformation, the sound of bones breaking could be heard. Mercifully, Spike had passed out from the pain. “Spike?!” Pinkie exclaimed. “What happened to him?” “That don’t matter now,” Applejack said. “We should get him back ta the Golden Oak Library.” “We should make sure to get the things that Spike was carrying home as well,” Rarity said. She used her magic to levitate the items. Among them, she saw a list saying to go to Fluttershy’s to get the cure for Twilight’s pony pox. “Pony pox? Oh, dear. We had best be cautious.” “We’ll have to get the cure,” Pinkie said. “Maybe she can help Spike out, too. We can’t just leave him here.” “We won’t,” Rarity said. She gently embraced the ponified Spike. “Applejack, you go and pick up the Pony Pox cure from Fluttershy. Pinkie and I will keep Spike company until you return.” “Ah say we bring him ta Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “Explainin’ that Spike became a pony’ll be hard ta do without proof.” “Right,” Pinkie said. “Even with you being super-duper honest, Applejack.” “Very well then,” Rarity conceded. She levitated the unconscious Spike onto her back and the three ponies made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage. In the shy pegasus’ kitchen, Fluttershy and Zecora were making Twilight’s medicine. The pegasus was growing a little worried that Spike hadn’t come yet. “Oh, dear,” Fluttershy said. “Spike should have been here by now. We can’t let Twilight’s pony pox get worse.” “The young dragon’s absence is indeed a concern,” Zecora said, well aware of Spike’s typical punctuality. “It is unlike him to take a wrong turn.” They were suddenly interrupted from their guessing by a knock at the cottage door. Fluttershy recognized from the knock pattern after years of studying its nuances that it was Pinkie. Fluttershy answered it. She was surprised to see Applejack and Rarity present as well. “Hello, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity,” Fluttershy said. “By any chance, you three wouldn’t happen to know where Spike is, would you?” “Well,” Pinkie said. “We do, but, he’s not exactly himself at the moment.” Rarity walked into the cottage, presenting the colt that was once a drake on her back. Fluttershy carefully looked him over as Rarity levitated him onto the couch. When she got around his mouth, she saw two little fangs sticking out, fangs she recognized as Spike’s. “Spike?!” Fluttershy gasped. “What happened to him?” “We saw him explode into smoke near the fountain,” Pinkie said. “When it cleared, he turned into this before our eyes.” Zecora walked over to the ponified Spike and looked him over carefully. “Know anything about this, Zecora?” Rarity asked. “I am not too familiar with this transformation spell,” Zecora said. “But, I do notice in his tail there is a peculiar swell.” Rarity inspected Spike’s tail, which was now that of a pony’s. She then found the swell on the tip of his tail dock. “It looks like the remnants from where a dart would shoot him,” Rarity said, inspecting the swell with her Mystic Eyes of Detail. “You better get to the Golden Oak Library,” Pinkie said to Zecora. “We’ll keep Spike company.” “I’ll make sure Twilight’s cure for pony pox is delivered,” Zecora said. “You look after that dragon transfigured.” “Uh, that was kind of a slant rhyme,” Pinkie said. Zecora, deciding not to press, left the cottage with the pony pox remedy in her saddlebag. A few minutes after Zecora left, Spike began to stir. “Huh?” Spike said groggily. “Where am I?” As his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy, all of whom wore baffled expressions. “Oh, Fluttershy,” Spike said. “Thank goodness you’re here. Do you still have the cure for the pony pox available?” “Zecora already left to deliver it,” Fluttershy said. “Are you okay?” “A little drained, now that you mention it,” Spike admitted. “Now, uh,” Applejack said in an uneasy way. “Try not ta freak out, but, uh, yer kinda… different than how ya were a while ago.” “What do you mean?” Spike asked. “Basically,” Applejack said. “Ya turned inta a pony.” Spike carefully listened, but, couldn’t hear Applejack’s belly making the queasy rumbling that came with her lying. This just made him more confused. “Wait…” Spike muttered. “Did you just say that I turned into a pony?” “Ah know it sounds hard ta believe,” Applejack said. “If’n we hadn’t seen it happen, we wouldn’t’ve believed it ourselves.” Pinkie pointed Spike’s face to a mirror she conveniently had available. Instead of seeing the familiar dragon, he saw an earth pony colt older than the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but, younger than the Guardians of Harmony of a light mulberry coat and a moderate harlequin mane and tail with his familiar moderate pistachio eyes. Most unusually, the colt in the mirror had the fangs he recognized so well. “Whoa!” he exclaimed. “I am a pony!” “What were you doing before we found you?” Rarity asked. “Well,” Spike said. “I was on my way to pick up the cure from Fluttershy’s that Zecora had and I was also picking up tea from Jasmine Leaf’s tea shop. On my way to the tea shop, a dart struck the tip of my tail.” “Call it a hunch,” Pinkie said. “But, do you think that dart had something to do with you turning into a pony?” “It’s possible,” Spike said. “It didn’t seem to affect me all that much at the time, so, I threw it away.” “This dart,” Applejack said. “Was there anythin’ about it that could give us some kinda clue as ta who launched it?” “I didn’t really get a good look at it,” Spike admitted. He then proceeded to get up from the couch and attempt to stand up on his hindlegs. However, he found himself struggling to balance on two legs. “Whoa~ whoa!” As he struggled to balance himself, he tripped and landed on his chin. Fluttershy and Applejack helped Spike stand upright on his four legs. “Are you alright?” Rarity asked. “I don’t understand,” Spike said. “I was clumsy before, but, I never had this much trouble standing on two legs before.” “Maybe it’s because your pony legs don’t have claws,” Pinkie said. She held one of his legs. “You have hooves now.” “Oh, right,” Spike said. “Well, I used to walk on all fours like a pony when I was a hatchling. How different can it be with hooves?” So, he slowly started to walk around the cottage on all fours. It was a bit more difficult than he expected. “It’s okay, sugarcube,” Applejack said gently. “We’re here ta help.” Then, a thought occurred to her. “Maybe Jinshu knows somethin’. Ya still got that mirror he gave ya?” “I never leave home without it,” Spike smiled. “I always keep it in my loose dragon scales.” Spike was about to reach for it when it suddenly dawned on him that since he was no longer a dragon, he no longer had scales. “Which I can’t use as a pony…” Suddenly, a loud exclamation burst out of him as he suddenly grew very angry and upset. “I’m such an idiot!” He slammed his mouth shut and calmed down. “Whoa… where’d that come from? Sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” “Seeing as we don’t know where Jinshu lives,” Rarity said. “I don’t believe writing a letter to him would do any good. Even if we knew where he lived, it would take the letter days to reach him.” “Maybe Zecora would have some answers,” Fluttershy suggested. “After she gets back from delivering Twilight’s medicine, we can ask her for permission to visit her hut.” “Ah don’t know,” Applejack said. “This seemed new ta Zecora, too.” “Perhaps there’s something in the Golden Oak Library that can explain things,” Rarity considered. “If the library had any books on dragons, Spike wouldn’t need ta get info from Zecora er Jinshu,” Applejack pointed out. “Since the library ain’t got books on dragons, ya really think they got one explainin’ how a dragon turns inta a pony?” “Hmm, I suppose not,” Rarity said. “So, there’s no possible way to figure out what’s going on?” Pinkie asked. “How are we going to help Spike now?” “Well,” Fluttershy said. “There’s the possibility that the princesses know. They’ve been around longer than all of us put together.” “Then, that’s what we’ll do,” Spike said with a determined tone in his voice. “We’ll go to Canterlot and see them.” With that, he ran to the door, only to trip over the floor frame and land on his chin again. “Note to self: try to master walking on all fours before trying to run.” Rarity gently levitated Spike onto her back. “Allow us to escort you back to the library,” she offered. “Wait, what about Canterlot?” Spike asked. “We’ll need to let Twilight know about this,” Rarity said. “She’s your mother figure, after all.” “Yeah,” Spike said with a reluctant sigh. “You’re right. And I did promise her that I would be back as soon as I could. I can’t break that promise.” And so, the mares escorted Spike to the Golden Oak Library. They arrived just as Zecora was leaving. “How’s Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Your unicorn friend is doing well,” Zecora said. “But, her dragon’s current state was difficult to tell.” “We do have a plan to find out more about this,” Rarity said. “The first part is explaining this ordeal to Twilight.” After Zecora left, the mares took Spike inside and went to Twilight’s room. The unicorn was looking healthier, but, still bedridden. “Hey, Twilight,” Applejack said with a slightly nervous tone in her voice. “We’re glad ta see ya doin’ well, but, we have a bit o’ a predicament.” “Is Spike okay?” Twilight asked. “Uh,” said the timid voice of Spike on Rarity’s back. “Emotionally, I’m okay, but, physically? It’s hard to say.” Rarity turned to the side to reveal Spike on her back. Twilight gazed deeply into the mulberry-coated colt’s deep emerald eyes. “Spike?” Twilight gasped. Overwhelmed by the shock, she fainted into her bed. “Well,” Spike said. “That went about as well as expected.” Some time later, Twilight recuperated and slowly came out of her shock. She saw the still ponified Spike clumsily trying to grasp a broom with his hooves. “So, Spike really has become a pony,” Twilight said. “How did this happen?” “We don’t know,” Rarity said. “We were hoping to inform the princesses.” “Do you think you’ll be well enough to join us?” Fluttershy asked. “Since Spike is important to you, you should know why this is happening, too.” “I’ll be going anyway,” Twilight said. “Spike’s well-being is more important to me.” “We best stay here the rest o’ the night,” Applejack suggested. “It ain’t safe ta head home this time o’ night.” “I have plenty of extra bedding you can use,” Twilight said. Spike attempted to settle into his basket bed, only to find it too small for his ponified body. “I, uh, think I’m going to bunk with somepony else,” Spike said sheepishly. “You can’t sleep with Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “You might catch her pony pox.” “True,” Spike said. “You may share a bed with me,” Rarity offered. “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike smiled. He climbed into the same bed as Rarity. “Rest well, Spike,” Rarity said in a nurturing tone. “I can promise you that we’ll all get the answers we need to help you.” With that, they all fell into a peaceful sleep. Author's Note This is a bit of a filler story to tide over my watchers. The story's doc is largely completed by now, so, chapters will be posted daily over the next four days. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them.
Chapter 3: ConfessionsRarity kept her eyes on Spike until he was out of sight. Tears fell from her eyes. “Spike is going to be okay,” Fluttershy said gently. “I knew Spike’s life in Canterlot was hard,” Rarity said. “But, what cruel creature would go to the effort of shortening his lifespan?” “We don’t know that yet,” Rainbow said. “But, when we do, we’re going to teach them a lesson!” “It’s absolutely heartbreaking knowing there’s a creature who holds so much contempt for such a sweet little dragon,” Rarity said. “Even if he has a temper, he’s such a gentle little dear. He doesn’t deserve any of this.” “Yeah,” Rainbow said. “If any dragon did deserve this kind of ordeal, it would be Garble. That guy was a jerk.” “Girls,” Twilight said. “It doesn’t matter if any other dragon deserves it. What matters is that this is still wrong.” “Sorry, Twilight,” Rainbow said. “But, I’m just so angry at the idea that someone would hurt our friend like this.” “Maybe it was Blueblood,” Pinkie suggested. “We’ve all seen how much he hates Spike.” “Ah don’t think that’s likely, Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Last we checked, he was locked up n’ ah doubt Chrysalis could’ve bailed him out this time.” “True, but, Shining Armor was away on his honeymoon with Cadance,” Pinkie pointed out. “And apart from Flash, we all know most of Princess Celestia’s guards are terrible at their job.” “Much like with the mystery before the National Dessert Competition,” Twilight said. “We will need to look for clues.” “We should get some sleep first,” Fluttershy said. “We won’t be much help if we’re tired. Especially you, Twilight. The medicine still needs time to fully work and we don’t want you to relapse.” “Fluttershy’s right,” Applejack said. “We all want ta help Spike, but, we got ta take care o’ ourselves, too.” “I shall arrange for you to have rooms here until the decision is made,” Celestia said. “Thank you, Princess Celstia,” Fluttershy said. “If it’s all the same to you, princess,” Rarity said. “May I be in the same room as Spike? As Twilight still hasn’t recovered, I don’t want him to catch pony pox or for the little dear to be alone.” Celestia smiled knowingly. “Of course you may, Rarity. However, given his emotional state now, it’s best not to take any chances. To wit, I’m assigning Flash Sentry and Shining Armor to watch Spike’s door until he makes his decision.” “Thank you very much,” Rarity said. “Hey, I thought of something,” Rainbow said. “Why not have some of the unicorn guards help out?” “Barring Shining Armor,” Celestia said. “Most of the unicorn guards are hardly model unicorns.” One unicorn guard stepped up to the princess and saluted. “Your highness,” he said. “We’ve found the criminal responsible for the shadow government creating the bank account scam.” “Need I say more?” Celestia asked rhetorically. “Point taken,” Rainbow said as the unicorn guard marched on. “Still trying to phase them out?” “Yes,” Celestia said. “It’s a very slow progress.” “Got it,” Rainbow said. Rarity made her way to the room Spike was taken to using her Mystic Eyes of Detail to see the hoof prints Shining Armor left behind. “Here we go,” she said to herself. She knocked on the door. “Who is it?” Spike called from inside. “It’s me, Rarity,” she answered. “Come in,” he said. Rarity entered the room and saw Spike sitting on the bed Twilight slept in before the fateful day she and him came to Ponyville. Even though it had been two years since he and Twilight shared the room, it had not changed in the slightest. It was odd, but, there was no dust, no disorder, everything neat and tidy from her small bed to the stuffed toys patiently sitting on the shelf next to it. Children's books and small tomes on introductions to magic were neatly stacked on the small bookshelf. “It looks as though it was well kept for sentimental reasons,” Rarity said. She then turned her attention to Spike. “I was hoping I could give you some company tonight since Twilight is still recovering from her sickness.” “Thanks, Rarity,” Spike said. “I may be 12 in pony years now, but, I’m still not ready to have a room to myself.” “That’s understandable,” Rarity said. “So, we won’t let you be alone.” Spike looked around. “I’ve spent six years of my life in this room,” he said. “To think it looks so small to me now.” “Things do tend to change as one grows older,” Rarity observed. “This pony form is the most I’ve grown in years,” Spike said. “And that’s not saying much.” “Whether you’re a pony or a dragon,” Rarity said as she gently held onto Spike. “You’re the right size to snuggle with.” She nuzzled the top of his head. Spike couldn’t help but smile a bit. “You know what’s strange?” Spike said. “What’s that?” she asked. “In this form,” Spike said. “Hugs feel even warmer.” “That could be due to your own warm blood,” Rarity ventured to guess. She stroked his green mane. “That’s true,” Spike said. “In this form, I’m a warm-blooded mammal.” “And I doubt that as a pony, you’ll be able to eat gems,” Rarity said. “Even magically active ones.” “Since I’ve never seen anypony try to eat any actual gems,” Spike said. “I’m not going to try to myself. Rock candy, on the other hoof, I already like that.” He then tapped his front hooves together nervously. “Is something troubling you?” Rarity asked. Spike sighed. “Rarity,” he said. “Since I’m getting weaker, I have something to confess.” “Yes, Spike?” Rarity replied, looking deeply into his eyes. “I haven’t really been entirely truthful about what I was going to do with that Fire Ruby,” Spike said. “You haven’t?” Rarity gasped in surprise. “The Fire Ruby is magically active and my stomach can’t handle those types of gems,” Spike explained. “I tried eating a magically active gem once and my stomach forced it back out the way it went in. If I tried eating the Fire Ruby, it’d be the same thing all over again. Let me tell you, if I never have to go through that again, it’ll be too soon.” “Oh, dear,” Rarity said. “I can’t even imagine how painful that would be.” “Long and short,” Spike said. “It doesn’t compare to the pain of transforming to and from a pony.” “I see,” Rarity said. “Anyway, please continue.” “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that Fire Rubies aren’t heart-shaped in nature,” Spike said. “True,” Rarity said. “Not even gemstones without magic in them can come in that shape in nature.” “I cut it that way for you,” Spike said. “I knew how much you like gems like that, but, I was afraid of you rejecting it if you knew the truth, so, I made up the story about planning to eat it.” “Oh, Spike,” Rarity said. “If I had known that before, I wouldn’t have felt as guilty to try and take it out of your grasp. That Fire Ruby is one of the most wonderful gifts I could have ever received and I’m still very grateful that you gave it to me.” “It was a way to give you something I wanted to for a long time, my heart,” Spike said. “Oh, Spike,” Rarity said, tears of joy forming in her eyes. Spike sighed. “That sounds so cheesy.” “Regardless,” Rarity said. “It’s still a wonderful gesture on your part. And as for me holding onto your heart, I promise I will take the greatest care not to break it.” Then, a thought occurred to her. “If I may ask, when did you get the Fire Ruby?” “It was that errand I needed to run with Fancy Pants,” Spike said. “We got the Fire Ruby after we got the tanzanite bracelet for my mom for her birthday. I hoped to give it to you on Hearts and Hooves day, but, it wasn’t ready.” “My goodness,” Rarity said. “You’ve planned this for quite a while. That dedication is truly astounding.” “It was finally ready a week before my 12th birthday,” Spike said. “By then, my story about it being my birthday dinner would’ve been more believable.” “I see,” Rarity said. “I’m sorry for lying to you,” Spike said. “I can see why you did,” Rarity said. “But, I do appreciate that you told me the truth now. Honestly, that’s a very romantic thing you did.” She kissed his forehead. Spike couldn’t help but blush happily. He then let out a yawn. “I don’t know about you,” he said. “But, I’m about ready to go to sleep.” “As am I,” Rarity said. “I think we all could use some good rest.” With that, the two fell asleep in a warm embrace. Author's Note Here's the next chapter. To read the original story, please refer to the following link. Comments? Questions? Thoughts? You know where to leave them.
Chapter 4: ResolutionsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
