//------------------------------// // Offset Overshadowing Occurrences // Story: Peeled Apart and Affairs of the Heart // by sweeT2010Tooth //------------------------------// Rarity continued to eye Spike cautiously for she was not able to formulate a proper response. Although he had only lost a small amount of color, she was nonetheless apprehensive in considering the dream's accuracy. She instead resigned to carefully watch the stallion and take notice of anything out of the ordinary. From head to hoof–nuzzle to tail, Rarity tried to determine the root cause of the problem. It had only been a few hours since their return to the Canterlot room from last night's party, hence Spike's slight degradation in appearance occurring so soon was a cause for concern. There were no definite markings on his body indicating a physical ailment perhaps alluding instead to an airborne illness, allergy, or similar affliction. The only visible sign of something wrong was a slight loss of color and shine. However, this observation could in no way suggest the problem's source. It was a curious sight as Rarity had never seen a pony simply lose their shine like this albeit the events caused by Discord. Spike, who had been looking at Rarity in the mirror's reflection, returned his gaze to the mirrored image of himself. He continued to rub his face with a hoof as though making sure the reflection showed the truth. He wasn't in any pain at the moment, but felt an uneasiness creep along under his coated skin much like slithering snakes slowly moving about. The queasiness from such a feeling is what made him uneasy. "Do you need to go to a doctor, Spike?" Rarity asked still unsure on how to formulate a proper response. "I-I dunno, Rarity. I'm not in pain or anything. Maybe it's the sudden change in how I look having some slight side effects or something. I mean, it did take me a few minutes to walk over to this mirror with the new hooves. It could be that there's something really wrong with me now." "Why don't be absurd, Spike!" Rarity suddenly came to her senses and quickly clambered out of bed stepping onto the room's floor. "There is positively nothing wrong with you! I do not want you speaking such utter nonsense!" "So, my appearance doesn't make you like me any less?" Spike asked looking a little glum at the reflected image. "Of course not, darling! Whatever gave you that impression?" Rarity said trotting up next to the one whom she loved with all her heart. "After all, a proper Lady knows who to give her heart's keys and would not simply retract the offer due to a fault in appearance." Spike glanced at the reflected image of Rarity standing by his side witnessing the most beautiful smile light up the room. Once again, he noticed the brilliant shine of those blue sapphire-like eyes bespeaking a kind and gentle serene mood. It was that deep blue ocean with waves rhythmically flowing back and forth in their reflective glimmer that soothed the uneasiness felt beneath his skin. "Um, did I ever tell you that both your eyes look like beautiful sapphires, Rarity? Not in a delicious way 'cause that'd be weird...but they really are like two gems shining brighter than most others I've seen," Spike said altogether enraptured by Rarity's entire visage but commenting only on a single aspect. "More than once, Spike-Wikey," Rarity said moving closer to him. "This is why I chose you to be my super special somepony." "Ya know, I'm really glad things turned out like this 'cause now I get to be with the one I've always considered my super special somepony," Spike said feeling his skin tingle again but with a heartfelt warmth unlike the uneasiness he had felt earlier that morning. "As do I, Spike. I wouldn't change this moment for anything in all of Equestria," Rarity responded by resting her head on Spike's shoulder. Despite the horrible dream this was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her. Spike reciprocated his love's gesture by gently nuzzling her. He had felt a little sadness in losing his dragon appearance, but Rarity's love was worth far more than those trivial notions. Maybe in time the uneasiness he felt under his skin would go away. In this moment it mattered not as their love was enough for each other to cast all doubt away. With lovingly eyes sparkling with untold beauty, Rarity glanced at her love making a mental note that she was the luckiest pony in all of Equestria. Her eyes met his realizing that, if her eyes were the most beautiful sapphires, his were the most handsome emeralds. She was about to gently place a kiss on his cheek when she noticed something peculiar. "MY WORD! Spike! Look! Your color is returning!" she dramatically yelled out startling the purple-coated stallion. "Wha...Huh!?" a shocked Spike said turning his attention to the mirror again. "...Whoa! Rarity, check it out! You're right! Most of the color has returned! What's happening to me?" "I don't know, darling. But it might be most prudent to seek Twilight's council in this matter." "Yeah, you're right. She would know the best solu–—uh oh." "What is Spike?" "Twilight doesn't know I'm a pony." "Why would that matter, darling? I'm sure she'll be accepting of the matter." "Yeah, but...um...she has a tendency to flip out over unexpected things," Spike said feeling quite nervous in revealing the news. "She certainly can be somewhat of a drama queen at times, can't she?" Rarity agreed chuckling slightly at the irony. [/hr] Twilight arose from her slumber on the second floor of the Golden Oaks Library the same as any other day. She was rather surprised to find that the day would not have many appointments demanding her immediate attention. After all, now that she was a princess there was an expectation that much more would be required of her. However, there came days when she could relax. She couldn't decide whether to enjoy the free time or fill it up with a checklist schedule, but eventually settled on the latter. Walking over to a nearby dresser, she levitated a piece of parchment, inkwell, and quill within reach to jot down a few quick list items. Step one on the checklist would be 'make a checklist,' step two would be 'think of checklist items,' step three would be...she suddenly realized the room was too quiet hearing no audible snoring. "So," she said to herself still feeling sleepy, "the third step will be finding out how Spike-Wikey's night went! I hope he didn't get any boo boos that need healing!" She raised a hoof to her mouth trying to stifle a slight chuckle. The idea of Rarity and Spike being together offered a mixture of feelings. Admittedly, she felt it was an endearing and ridiculous young love. She didn't see any harm in it unlike Princess Luna. Why not let the silly crush take its course? Therefore, she believed that one night together wouldn't lead to more than silly romantic details reaching her ears over tonight's dinner conversations. The third checklist item was in the middle of being written down when a resounding knock came from below. "Coming!" she said quickly setting down the quill and heading downstairs. Upon opening the door, she was met with two cold stares from Celestia's royal guards. For a moment or two, they said nothing awaiting the right to speak from the young princess. They needed her to acknowledge their presence before pursuing any conversation. "Y-yes?" Twilight asked slightly confused to a visit from these two. "What can I do for the Canterlot royal guard?" "Miss Princess Twilight Sparkle, at their behest, our royal highnesses seek an audience with you," they said in perfect sync stepping aside to let the two behind them through the doorway. A surprised Twilight promptly stepped back to let the two majestic princesses into the library feeling absolutely nervous on why both princesses would visit her early in the morning. The two stepped into the library with heads held high looking down on the mare before them. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! What brings you here!? Has something happened!?" Twilight asked slightly shaking in a nervous response. "Good morning, my most faithful student. Princess Luna and I have determined an abrupt visit was due in light of an arising problematic situation. It might be a little forward, but have you seen Spike anywhere around?" Princess Celestia inquired eyeing the staircase hoping that a small dragon would come bounding down its steps. "Spike? N-no, I haven't seen him since yesterday. There was a party that Rarity and he were going to attend last night. They should be back later today." "We shall wait here then and make ourselves comfortable. My messages sent to him have gone unanswered and I fear the worst," Princess Celestia said turning an eye to the two royal guards in the doorway. She gave a nod and they promptly set off in search for any two ponies matching the descriptions given by Princess Luna. "Princess, what's going on? Did something happen to Spike?" Twilight asked. "Yes, Twilight. A most unfortunate circumstance has befallen our friend. As we speak, his very life is in jeopardy. If we do not find him right away, I'm afraid all will be lost. I'd rather not go into detail in case it amounts to nothing more than a trivial matter but, rest assured, I will fill you in when the need arises. I'm sure you already have plenty to deal with in taking on the role of a new princess, and it would be unwise of me to offer yet another burden." The manner in which Celestia spoke these words implied that something serious had happened to Spike. Normally, Twilight would have pressed the issue but she has come to understand over many years that her mentor's proposed silence in some matters made it too difficult to extract any useful information. The only viable option left to Twilight was to accommodate the two princesses until Spike's return lest further prodding lands her in hot water. Nonetheless, she was absolutely scared concerning Spike's well-being. "Of course, Princess. Is there anything I can get you two?" "Tea would be ideal this early in the morning, thank you." Celestia said still deep in thought hoping that they were not too late. "And you Princess Luna?" "Dost thou perchance have any wine?" Princess Luna asked with a straight face. "Dear sister, it is a little too early for wine, don't you think?" Princess Celestia whispered into Luna's ears. "Perhaps for you, but remember that we should have been in bed hours ago. Our evening is your morning, sister of the rising sun." "I don't have any wine, but I do have plenty of tea," Twilight said interrupting the two whispering among each other. "Fine, we suppose tea will have to do–—preferably unsweetened," Luna said not noticing the sly smile crossing Celestia's lips. "If you could most faithful student, make my tea twice as sweetened to compensate for my sister's lack of it." Princess Luna shot an angry look at Celestia further irritated by the ridiculous smile. Thinking quickly she retorted a response to her sister's silly little game. "Surely thou understands the extra sweetness will go straight to thy already enormous plot, right dear sister? T'would be a shame to increase its size," Princess Luna said displaying her own curt smile. "Agreed. Then, I shall have my tea unsweetened, too," Celestia said trying not to get riled up despite defeat. Twilight watched this exchange in confusion, but resigned to get the tea and not ask questions. In preparing the tea, Twilight fumbled with the ingredients, greatly worried about Spike's safety. Celestia's words, his very life is in jeopardy, repeated over and over in her mind. Perhaps Princess Luna's fears held some truth or something worse occurred. She stopped making the tea and started nervously chewing on the ends of her hoof. Spike was her assistant, best friend, and unrelated brother. If something were to happen to him... Nononononono, she repeated to herself trying to drown out the bad thoughts. He's okay–—he has to be. Surely, one night couldn't be that bad? Ohhh...Spike, what did you do!? [/hr] Rarity and Spike started heading towards the Canterlot train station destined for Ponyville. Spike clearly was still having a hard time walking with the new hooves requiring that Rarity provide physical support like a crutch. Rarity didn't mind for it felt comfortable walking alongside her super special somepony. Every once in a while she'd lightly rest her head on his shoulder delighted to feel the pleasant touch of his coat. The coat had, once again, lost some of its color but it was nonetheless soft and gentle. Spike, in turn, smiled down on her with loving eyes. "Well now, good morning Miss Rarity! I was hoping I'd run into you before the departure back to Ponyville!" a voice called out snapping the two out of their trance. Looking ahead they found the voice belonged to the most important pony of Canterlot, Fancypants, with Fleur Dis Lee approaching alongside him. "I daresay last night's party was a smashing success, wouldn't you agree?" "But of course, darling! I wouldn't have dreamt of denying such a gracious invite and splendid evening!" Rarity responded to the greeting. "I say! Who's this fine fellow?" Fancypants remarked visually observing Spike's appearance. "Can't recall seeing him at the party or anywhere else in particular. Must be a new face. If that is the case, let me extend my hoof for I do enjoy meeting new ponies!" Fancypants then shook hooves with a hesitant Spike who awkwardly repeated the gesture's motion with no apparent means of grasping. "Truth be told, you've already met this fine stallion, Fancypants," Rarity said trying to convey the change in appearance with subtlety. "I have?" Fancypants asked with curiosity now eyeing the stallion more closely trying to remember a time or place in meeting this stallion. "Yes...it is rather hard to explain in simple terms, but the one you see before you attended the meeting yesterday at the café." "Really? The only ponies I remember meeting at the café were you and Prince Blueblood...unless...is this...Blueblood?" "No," Rarity said chuckling lightly at the thought. "H-he was not a pony at the time." Realization washed over Fancypant's face. Likewise Fleur Dis Lee's eyes widened in hearing the truth. "D-do you mean to say this is the young dragon?" Rarity affirmatively nodded. "My word! Sweetheart, have you ever heard or seen such a thing?!" Fancypants asked his wife who shook her head. "Remarkable! Whoever thought such a drastic change was possible?" "He IS quite the handsome stallion. A little pale for my tastes but simply divine in appearance," remarked Fleur Dis Lee making Spike slightly blush. "Yes, quite. I don't want to be rude, but is the pale color of his coat natural?" Fancypants asked leaning closer to Spike getting a better look at the fascinating stallion. Rarity tried to voice a response but couldn't. Fancypants considered that he perhaps went too far with the inquiry. "You don't have to answer, my dear. I only presumed that the question was harmless." "Why, there's no harm darling! It's only that the changes he's undergoing have us baffled, too." "Hmm, have you seen a doctor? Though I'm unsure they'd be of help in this case," Fancypants said observing the purple-coated stallion for anything out of the ordinary. "No, in fact we were going to seek the council of our dear friend, Twilight Sparkle." "Miss Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Fancypants excitedly remarked at hearing the name. "Her dancing could use some work, but she does indeed exhibit profound intelligence. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be right to keep you two from catching the train ride back. Give my best regards to your friend, Miss Twilight Sparkle." "You too, darling! Thank you for the splendid evening as it was quite delightful!" "Thank you for coming, my dear! I'll be sure to send many future invites! Cheerio!" Fancypants and Fleur Dis Lee waved goodbye, took their leave, and headed off down the Canterlot street. The curious sight of a young dragon changing into a pony made him take one last look in the direction of the two. He witnessed that Rarity had started leaning her head on the stallion's shoulder hinting that they could be more than friends. He was a little sad that his attempted efforts with Prince Blueblood didn't go beyond reconciling differences but, nonetheless, he was quite happy for the young mare. A long time ago he had been without love but eventually found it in the one at his side. There came a time in the confusion set upon his yearling years when affection was desired above philandering and material possessions. He found much more in his wife for she completed him and offered what he needed most–—love. Fancypants continued to watch Rarity's head rest on her chosen stallion's shoulder wishing her the best. No one deserves to be alone. Social events can only offer so much before something on a more personal level is required. The resplendent purple-coated stallion returned the gesture by gently rubbing his head with Rarity's. The affectionate display almost brought a tear to Fancypant's eye causing him to stop in his tracks. Fleur Dis Lee stopped too following his gaze to the two. She offered an almost silent sigh in seeing their publicly displayed love. She, too, needed much love in her youthful years. A boisterous young stallion offered her much more than one-night stands. Too many times had she been trampled on by those seeking quick 'love.' Sure, most considered her to only stick by Fancypant's side for the fame. This led to her being labeled with certain names. However, love is multi-faceted. As a matter of fact, her public appearances were but one of many ways in exemplifying her love for the stallion by her side. Fancypants and Fleur Dis Lee watched as Rarity and Spike continued walking away. For a moment, it seemed like the purple-coated stallion's color slightly returned although the observing two couldn't really tell for sure. They looked at each other as though to confirm the suspicion. Regardless, they both figured it best to not comment on such an affair. It would all work out in the end for those two. Fleur Dis Lee gently nuzzled her husband and he returned it in kind. They both recalled heartfelt reminiscent moments in witnessing this young love knowing full well its greatest benefit. Undoubtedly, it is in fully reciprocated affection that love's charitable grace completes both lovers filling in the voids created by loneliness, self-worthy doubt, and passionate longing. [/hr] Rarity and Spike finally made it back to the train station in Ponyville. They discussed many things concerning their future on the train. More than once Spike made a joke out of the matters, but Rarity was dead set on actualizing those future goals. First, they would need to relay the news to their friends. Then, perhaps later–—much later–—Rarity would let her parents know about her chosen super special somepony. Rarity dreaded this thought for she could only think about her parent's shocked reactions but no way to get around it. It was decided that the two would just take things easy for now and let time dictate when these events felt right. The two were walking down Ponyville's main street when a voice called down to them from above. A cyan-colored pegasus had woken up from a snooze on a nearby cloud noticing the two walking along down below. Curiosity and boredom got the better of her figuring a talk with a friend would do just the trick. "Yo, Rarity! Wassup?" Rainbow Dash asked floating down in front of Rarity and the stallion standing next to her. It seemed rather strange that Rarity was seemingly holding this stallion up like a crutch. "Who's this guy? He can't walk on his own or something?" "Why hello there, Rainbow Dash. Darling, it's a pleasure to see you this fine morning," Rarity politely said trying to avoid the real answer for as long as possible. "Yeeeeeaaahhhh...so what's with you holding up this stallion?" Rainbow asked pointing a hoof at the stallion. "Heya, Rainbow! It's me, Spike!" Spike unashamedly spoke out catching a look of suspicion from Rainbow. "Nah, I don't think so–—Rarity, is this a prank or something? If so, you got me good." "It is most certainly not a prank. This is indeed Spike," Rarity said as calmly as possible. "No, seriously, Rarity. Where's Spike?" "He's right here darling." Rarity redirected her look to the stallion in an attempt to make the cyan-colored pegasus see the truth. Rainbow Dash quickly rubbed her eyes and looked around hoping to get a second opinion. In seeing no one else, she assumed she was dreaming. She figured she would wake up in due time but wanted to distance herself from this one in the meantime for it was starting to creep her out. "Gotcha. Well, I better get back to flight training. Got some new cool stunts to try out. See ya around Rarity and...Spike," she said winking at the latter pony. She started to trot off without looking back when a familiar voice screamed out her name. "RAINBOW DASH, LOOK OUT!" "Wha-huh? Who said tha-" Rainbow looked around only to be hit in the face with a water balloon. "Okay! Who's bright idea was that!?" "It was no pony's idea, silly! You should react a little faster next time! I thought you were the fastest pony in all of Equestria!" Rainbow Dash wiped the water from her eyes to see a familiar bouncing pink pony in front of her. "That's not funny, Pinkie Pie!" "It wasn't meant to be funny! I mean I told him to slow down and you to look out didn't I? He was such a bad water balloon. I thought I raised him better!" Pinke Pie stopped bouncing pondering the thought. "Or perhaps he was just born with the devious moistened tendencies!" Rainbow Dash, undeterred by Pinkie's rambling, made a futile attempt in trying to gain a reasonable excuse for the act of hitting her in the face with a water balloon. "What makes you think that was a good idea to hit me with a water balloon?" "WHAT!? MY IDEA!? Nonononono, it was the water balloon's idea. He was always a rogue from the day of his birth!" Rainbow facehooved right there knowing full well that a water balloon doesn't throw itself. Pinkie continued in her rant. "Ya know, that was quite an impressive feat of marksmanship, Dashie! You should have seen that water balloon fly through the air from across the street! I've never known water balloons to be skilled in accuracy, but the more you know, huh? So, whatcha up to Dashie!?" "Pinkie! Chill! I was just getting away from that stallion that keeps calling himself Spike." Rainbow said pointing a hoof in Rarity and Spike's direction. "That's not Spike, Dashie! Spike's a little dragon, remember?" "Well, head over there and talk to him if you're such an expert!" Rainbow almost shouted in agitation from the constant pestering. "Okey dokey!" Pinkie said bouncing towards Rarity and Spike who watched the whole scene unfold. "Hiya, Rarity. Busy day at the Boutique? Who's the stallion?" "Why hello Pinkie! Darling, meet the new and improved Spike," Rarity said gesturing a hoof towards Spike. "I dunno about 'new and improved' but yeah, I'm still Spike," Spike said almost blushing at the comment. "I'll be the judge of that!" Pinkie said producing a measurement tape and cotton swabs from seemingly thin air. Pinkie then jumped onto Spike forcibly taking measurements while Rarity looked on with a hoof over her mouth. Rainbow Dash, who had returned to the group, started to roll around the ground bursting out in laughter. Spike wasn't putting up much of a fight until Pinkie started using the cotton swabs in every nook and cranny. He didn't know how to walk too well, but he sure knew how to furiously flail his limbs about in refusal of the strange examination. It took about five minutes with Rarity yelling at Pinkie to stop, Rainbow Dash laughing uncontrollably, and Spike calling out for help until Pinkie got what she needed. An exhausted Spike laid down in the street's dirt trying to catch his breath. Pinkie stood a few feet away studying about forty cotton swabs in one hoof looking for the answer to this Pony Spike riddle. With tongue sticking out and the other hoof on top of her head, Pinkie contemplated the truth held in those forty cotton swabs. She thought she had the answer a few times, but repeatedly went back to re-examining them for she knew they held the answer. "Nah, I got nothing. Are you sure he's Spike?" Pinkie finally said turning around to face Rarity. "Yes, Pinkie, that is most certainly Spike. And, if you could refrain from such rude behavior, it'd be most appreciated," Rarity calmly said trying to hide the aggravation in what she just witnessed. "Okey dokey! Dashie, that's Spike!" Pinkie said looking at Rainbow Dash for a response. Rainbow had stopped laughing on the ground, got back up on her hooves, and wiped a few tears from her eyes. "Okay, but what's with the cotton swabs when Rarity's word was enough?" "I dunno. I thought it'd be fun," Pinkie said shrugging both shoulders. "Wow, Pinkie! You're so random!" "I try my best!" Pinkie said bouncing up and down in excitement. "Right–—Hey Rarity, if that REALLY IS Spike, why does he look a little pale?" Rainbow Dash asked trying to change the subject. Rainbow had noticed the lack of color in the stallion's coat even if she still didn't believe it was truly Spike. "Well, if you must know Rainbow Dash, we're not exactly sure ourselves. We were just on our way to ask Twilight about Spike's coat as this whole predicament is a little confusing." "Excuse us! But your presence is requested at the Golden Oaks Library at the behest of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!" All four ponies took notice of two royal guards who had seemingly approached unnoticed. The serious tone in their voice quickly toned down the atmosphere's light mood. "Hay now, what's this about?" Rainbow asked wanting an exact reason for the request. "This is a matter of grave importance between these two and the princesses. We do not need to indulge you with any more information at this time." "If it concerns them, it concerns us for we're their friends," Rainbow said pointing to Rarity and Spike. The two stallions looked at the four with cold stares then began to whisper amongst themselves. Coming to an agreement, the two decided to formulate a response to Rainbow's words. "Very well. All four of you shall accompany us back to the library. Please, follow us." Rarity helped Spike stand up and the four began to follow these two royal guards with some anxiety. The four would have given the situation more thought, but the guards' quickened pace made it difficult to match their speed leaving no time for the mind to wander. All four ponies followed the two royal guards trying their best to keep up. Spike still had to lean on Rarity for support making the expedited travel rather difficult. In what seemed like only passing minutes, the escort reached the doors of the library. Rarity and Spike felt nervous in their own right. The princesses had traveled all the way out to Ponyville to find these two. Was there something truly that wrong? The two royal guards opened the door, stepped aside, and ushered in the four following them. As soon as the four went inside, the two guards promptly shut the door behind them remaining outside to stand guard. Princess Celestia looked up from her unsweetened tea and saw that Spike had finally arrived. Twilight, who had been nervously attending the two princesses, looked up to see the arrival of Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and a pale-looking stallion she'd never seen before. Twilight continued to observe the stallion finding his appearance to be oddly familiar. Princess Celestia cut this thought short rising to her hooves. "Sister, is this the best option?" Princess Luna asked Celestia rising to her own hooves. "Yes, for his safety this must be done. We'll see the outcome soon enough and hope for the best. If it is not enough, then there is nothing I can do for I had already failed in this task once before." Princess Celestia approached the four aiming her horn at the stallion. A bright glow brilliantly shined from its tip in a pure white tone. Twilight rose to her hooves in shock not knowing what Celestia was about to do, but Luna stepped in front her to hold her back. Celestia reared up on her back legs fully spreading both wings. Exhibiting eyes emblazoned with an untold fury, further exemplified in a white magical aura, Celestia fell forward back down on her front hooves casting one of her strongest spells onto Spike. The illuminated blast from the spell spread throughout the entire library. Everypony attending had to cover their eyes in trying not to be blinded in the white light for it shone like the sun itself. There was no noise except the audible scream that came from Rarity's lips. It took a while for their eyes to adjust, but a gentle voice could be heard from Celestia. "My dear friend Spike, are you okay now?" Rarity and Twilight rubbed their eyes in trying to get a better look. As the white spots left their eyes, they both noticed Princess Celestia kneeling down next to Spike who was face down on the floor transformed back into a dragon. Rarity offered only a quiet whimper calling out his name. She then walked towards Spike with visibly shaking limbs, but she was held back with an outstretched hoof from Celestia. Twilight, now realizing that the stallion was Spike, brought a hoof to her mouth in absolute bewilderment. The surreal situation offered Twilight no visible answers and she couldn't manage a vocalized response. Twilight needed an answer from Celestia for these morning's unexplained occurrences were too much. Spike didn't offer any response and they feared the worst. Princess Celestia gently nuzzled the young dragon on the ground looking for a response. It finally came with a simple groan from him. Some of the ponies sighed in relief except Celestia. She noticed that his scales were gradually turning a pale color. The powerful spell she had just cast would fail in time providing no permanent solution. Regrettably, she would have to witness the hardships of the past arise again to cause new pain. "My Little Spike. I'm truly sorry. Your Princess has failed you," Princess Celestia said with multiple tears forming in her eyes. "B-b-bu-but that can't be Spike," Twilight stammered. "Princess Celestia, what's going on?" "You two," Princess Celestia said directing her words to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. "Take Spike to the Ponyville Hospital, gather the other three elements of harmony, and reconvene here as soon as possible. We need to have a talk about Spike's condition." "On it, Princess," Rainbow Dash responded acknowledging the request with a salute and promptly lifted the dragon onto her back. A confused Pinkie Pie followed her out the library door glancing back at the group inside. "Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, come here for a moment," Princess Celestia said rising to her hooves. Rarity and Twilight approached the sun goddess seeking her words with utter confusion displayed on their faces. "Cherish the moments you have with Spike for, from this day on, they might be his last."