The dim light of a morning sun was shining in through the nearest open window. Its peaceful glow illuminated a prolonged melancholy and somewhat darkened atmosphere. The radiated warmth in its rays was cast upon the coldness of the dungeon's stone walls slowly revealing a new day and renewed hope. There were no sounds or birds singing. However, the lack of audible sounds was broken by the muffled movements of a pony awakening in the shadows.
Rarity opened her eyes and was greeted by the morning light. The softened shine would have comforted her, but she found the surroundings unfamiliar when she sat up on the dust covered floor. This caught her by surprise for this was not Twilight's library. She sat in her spot for a few moments trying to figure out what this place was noticing a somewhat odd familiarity wash over her. Her gaze didn't have to wander far viewing the iron bars of the accompanying dungeon cell.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust but, nonetheless, she immediately recognized the dungeon cell before her. She noticed a weak glow coming from inside the cell different to that of the sun's light. The weak glow struggled to maintain its subtle glint flickering with a dull light as though beckoning Rarity forward. She took two steps forward only to stop, now observing the second figure which inhabited the cell. It was hard to distinguish the second figure from the dust covered floor, but his scales were immediately recognized as Rarity's eyes adjusted to the darkness.
Finding courage grow in her heart, Rarity stepped forward closer to the iron bars. She lightly placed a hoof on the door trying to open it but found it wouldn't budge. The clanking sounds of her efforts echoed in the empty air of the dungeon making Rarity stay very still as though apologetic for disturbing the peace. Her eyes fell upon the weak glow in the dungeon understanding what object lay on the ground before her. The object's glint stopped flickering having gained the ability to maintain a steady glow and, in fact, expanding its dim light further illuminating the cell's interior.
Rarity watched with shock as the dim light came across the claw extended towards the object. White light continued to reveal the rest of the dragon's body more clearly from the surrounding darkness except for sunlight's shadow cast upon the cell's iron bars. The dragon was unmistakably the one from Celestia's story. Likewise, the white diamond was the object with the dim light. Rarity held a hoof to her mouth with a silent gasp in seeing the diamond and the dragon. Her eyes passed back and forth between the two taking note of the extended claw trying to grasp what could never be obtained. There was not much left of the two as the diamond had lost its brilliant shine and the dragon nearly matched the dust covered floor.
"Oh my," Rarity whispered to herself. "This simply is not pos-"
"-Who's there?" rasped a voice from within the cell. "Pony goddess, is that you?"
Rarity stood still in the darkness unable to speak. She watched as the claw attempted movement showing signs of life. The dull diamond flickered a few times. This caught the attention of the dragon who slightly shifted his head to view its light.
"Not the pony goddess, then?" the dragon painfully responded to the flickering light. His head shifted into its original position trying to seek comfort but only receiving continued pain. "Who are you? What do you want? Please answer. It really hurts to talk."
"M-my n-name is Rarity," Rarity tried to speak unnerved to be in the dragon's presence. "I-I don't know how I got here. I heard about you and t-the diamond from P-princess Celestia. B-but t-this isn't possible as y-you're-"
"-Dead? Yes, he is," said a voice from the shadows to Rarity's left. She looked over to the darkness finding Princess Luna standing among the shadows. "'Tis but a dream, young one, borne from nightmare's realm. Let it not weigh heavily on thy heart for nightmares can twist all that is pure and good."
"P-princess Luna?" Rarity asked though the princess hung her head low not stepping into the light.
"We betrayed our sister succumbing to dark desires. Twould be a lie to say we've completely changed. Still, our sister truly does desire happiness from thy one she loves. Does she not deserve that affection? Can we ever fully return her love? We know not for only time can tell. We're sorry, young one, for hurting thou closest love. T'was wrong of us to make a hasty decision. Please accept the apology of your Princess. We never meant harm."
"A sister's love is never truly lost, Princess Luna," Rarity said thinking about her love for Sweetie Belle. "I'm sure the love for your sister still resides in the heart. It only needs to be remembered and shared. Sure, Sweetie Belle and I get on each other's nerves, but we're nonetheless sisters. Let Celestia know you remember her as a sister. Time will only distance your relationship with her. Beg my pardon if I presume this wrong, but you should tell your sister that you love her. This is all that she wants."
"Thy truth spoken in thou words reaches our ears. We shall think on it." As quickly as she arrived, Princess Luna left Rarity alone in the dungeon.
"Love..." rasped a voice struggling to speak from within the cell garnering Rarity's attention. "That's all I wanted. I never found it with my dragon brethren. I didn't find it in the companionship held with pony kind. This diamond...it lies to me. It says I'll be loved but none ever said the words. Now my heart remains locked up within solitary confinement befitting a worthy punishment. Do not let the same happen to you, the one named Rarity. Too many fail in this endeavor. Too many squander it. Too many twist it. Too many lose it. The pony goddess changed me, but did not give me what I needed most. Why is it so hard to love and be loved?"
Silence hung in the air with Rarity watching the claw try its best to extend further towards the diamond. It came within inches of it. However, the diamond flickered a few times before becoming completely dull enveloping the cell back into darkness.
[/hr]
The sound of birds chirping nearby was heard as Rarity opened her eyes. She quickly sat up finding herself in Twilight's library. She laid in the bed for a while staring off into the distance remembering the dragon's words. Was there any truth to those words from the dream? She felt much pity grow inside her for the dragon in that he wholeheartedly believed the forbidden spell was justifiably cast on him. If only she could have been able to open the cell's doors, she would have hugged him so that he understood somepony really cared.
"Hey, Rarity!" called a familiar voice snapping her out of the thoughtful trance. "I made breakfast! I figured you would like something nice after waking up."
Rarity turned her head to find Spike standing next to the bedside wearing a chef's hat and apron.
"Oh, Spikey-Wikey! You shouldn't have," Rarity said embracing the little dragon in a tight hug happy to see he was still in relative good health.
"It's nothing, Rarity. I love to do this kind of stuff!"
"No, really Spike, you shouldn't have," Rarity said releasing Spike from the hug with a serious expression coming across her face. "You're sick and I don't want you overexerting yourself."
"I'm not sick, Rarity," Spike said disregarding the concern and flexing both arms. "See? I'm fine and have never felt better!"
Rarity smiled at him for his carefree nature but Spike, himself, was lying in order to not cause her worry. Spike understood the affliction set upon his scales was deadly. However, he had resigned to shrug it off in the company of others especially Rarity. He wanted nothing more than the happiness of his super special somepony.
Truth be told, Spike's mind was riddled with questions. For one, his return to the physical form of a dragon was slightly upsetting. Once again, he would have to hold back the urge of coveting material possessions. Likewise the relationship with his super special somepony would once again be strained for Rarity was a pony. This thought did not detract from his love for her, of course, but was nonetheless an ever present fact.
Secondly, Spike remembered the odd feeling in being a pony himself. If given another chance to be that stallion, would he choose it? Would he have the nerve to abandon the dragon body? He wasn't too sure at the moment, coming to terms with who he was and what he wanted to be. If only Rarity had woken up earlier, she would have seen Spike staring into Twilight's mirror contemplating who was in the reflection.
"C'mon, Rarity! Breakfast is going to get cold!" Spike said excitedly rushing to the stairs.
Rarity got out of bed and followed him to the stairs. In her descent, she noticed Twilight hunched over a book furiously looking over its contents. Besides the lavender-coated unicorn were multiple stacks of books she had intended to read.
"Good morning, Twilight," Rarity said with an elegant voice. "Have you found anything interesting?"
"Oh...good morning, Rarity," Twilight responded not taking her eyes off the book. "It took a long time, but I might finally be onto something."
"Really, darling?" Rarity asked approaching Twilight's side to get a better look at the book.
"I'm not sure...but so far, yes. Fluttershy made a comment yesterday getting me to think about the spell's effect. If the spell reveals one's inner self, what happens to the outer shell? Maybe that's the problem with casting the spell; it takes away something but expects a replacement to make the subject whole again. This is what the spell's description meant by is provable of imbuement. The only problem is determining a worthwhile replacement."
"So, Spike is missing something?" Rarity asked looking at the doorway to the kitchen the little dragon had just passed through.
"That is my most accurate assumption to describe the affliction," Twilight continued. "Keep in mind that the spell's influence is already in effect. This means the first casting needs to be counteracted. There are two ways to go about this: either we continue looking for an opposing spell or..."
Twilight's voice trailed off with a slight hint of hesitation.
"Or what, dear?" Rarity asked returning her eyes to the lavender-coated unicorn. Twilight broke her gaze from the book staring directly at Rarity.
"You're not going to like it," Twilight said. "The thing about some spells is that the spell, itself, might cancel the first."
"...You're not suggesting," Rarity asked apprehensively.
"...Yes. Yes, I am," Twilight responded with a very serious expression on her face. "We need to recast the forbidden spell."
"Hey, guys! I made breakfast! The least you could do is come eat!" said Spike reentering the room from the kitchen. "Seriously, don't you guys ever eat? I know Twilight doesn't 'cause she studies too much, but I made something special this time!"
Twilight would have yelled at Spike for the rude comment, but her worry made it impossible to voice a reply.
"Coming, dear," Rarity said to the little dragon whispering the next words so only Twilight could hear. "You have my full confidence, Twilight. If that is what we need to do to make things right, I will do it for Spike."
"I never imagined how much you really love him," Twilight responded whispering back.
"Yes, I love Spike with all my heart," Rarity said motioning a hoof to her chest.
"C'mon, guys! It's getting cold and I don't think you want dragon's fire breath added to the taste."
"We're coming, Spike," Twilight said to which the two walked into the kitchen to enjoy the meal cooked by Spike.
Surprisingly, Spike was a pretty good chef in following the recipe books. Twilight and Rarity enjoyed the apple walnut tarts and colcannon cakes. They would have never guessed that the little dragon had this much skill.
"How come I never knew you could cook this good?" Twilight asked.
"Well, you never eat 'cause you study too much," Spike replied to which Twilight had enough of those comments.
"My studying is going to save your life, mister!" Twilight said getting red in the face.
"Boy, somepony woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Spike said to Rarity pretending to whisper it in her ear.
Rarity tried to stifle a light chuckle and Twilight shot her a mean look.
"Oh, come now, Twilight. Spike's only poking some fun at you."
"Yeah, well, I'm going to poke him in the eye!" Twilight said levitating a fork. Spike didn't stick around to see where this was going taking off with the fork giving chase. After running around in a few circles, he quickly ran to the kitchen counter picking up the cutting board and held it out in front of him. With eyes closed, he hoped for the best hearing the sound of the fork running into the board.
"Geez, Twilight! What's gotten into you?" Spike asked setting down the cutting board trying to pry the fork out of it.
"Well, that'll teach you to insult a mare's habits," Twilight said.
"Yeah, whatever," Spike said rolling his eyes.
Just then a knock came from the front door causing all three in the room to glance in its direction.
"I wonder who that could be," Twilight said as the three made their way to the door.
She opened it and found Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie on the other side of the door.
"Hiya, pardner! We, uh, can't stop thinking 'bout Spike and chipped in for something special," Applejack said looking at each of her friends.
"Yep! A Superterrificextraspecialwonderful Surprise!" Pinkie yelled, excitedly jumping up and down while tossing confetti.
"Really?" Spike asked stepping in front of Twilight. "What'd you guys do?"
"Well, first I did this." Pinkie produced a sapphire cup cake out of nowhere topped with icing depicting Rarity's face. The face was perfectly replicated in such a way that a creepy vibe was felt in viewing it. "But then I thought that wouldn't cut it so I wanted to throw an ultra fantastic super mega party! But that would have been a sad party and nopony wants that. So, Mr. and Mrs. Cake suggested that we take you somewhere soothing in your last hou—anyways, BLINDFOLD!"
Pinkie jumped forward tackling Spike forcing him to wear a blindfold and threw him onto her back.
"Pinkie!" Rarity yelled out in shock. "What did I tell you about such horrid displays!?"
"To not do them?" Pinkie asked.
"Yes, darling. A proper lady must refrain from exhibiting such unbecoming behavior."
"But where's the fun in that?" Pinkie asked Rarity with a confused look.
"It's not about fun, darling. It is about acceptable manners and etiquette. Besides, your rough behavior almost hurt Spike." Rarity said this getting a little angry and pointed a hoof at the dragon on Pinkie's back who was gasping for air in being surprised.
"Yeah but I—oh, sorry Spike," Pinkie apologized to the dragon trying to catch his breath.
"It's all right, Pinkie," Spike said finally catching his breath. "Twilight almost stabbed me with a fork earlier today so this is nothing."
Twilight blushed in embarrassment and guilt as she received stares from her friends.
"Anyways, where are going?" Rarity asked.
"Oh, somewhere nice and relaxing," Fluttershy said speaking up from behind Pinkie Pie. "We all pitched in what little we have to provide Spike with some much needed comfort. It is all we could think of doing for the little guy."
[/hr]
Rarity and Twilight followed the other ponies while walking to their destination. However, they talked amongst themselves unsure whether to go through with the recasting. It was a very big risk possibly accelerating Spike's deterioration. This was a decision that could not be hastily made for it meant a thin line between life and death. They would wait and look for other options. For now, Twilight said that Rarity should stick by Spike's side as that seemed to impede the affliction's progress although Twilight had noticed it progress somewhat rapidly overnight. The white-coated unicorn wholeheartedly agreed to this knowing something Twilight didn't.
Rarity had her own ideas on what to do for Spike. She didn't know how to go about it and needed time to think. For some unknown reason, she didn't want to tell Twilight feeling no inclination to divulge the information. Her heart was telling her something. On the other hoof, it was possibly something she couldn't express in words to her friend. The rhythmic beating of her heart sounded out what needed to be done in a steady song. She listened carefully to the song finding the answer to Spike's affliction but not the means to obtain it.
It didn't take long before the group arrived at their destination—the Ponyville Day Spa. Pinkie carefully took Spike off her back, placed him on the ground, and removed the blindfold. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust though they already twinkled with excitement...until he saw the building.
"Oh," Spike said expressing a little disappointment. "You all know I'm a guy, right?"
"Of course we do, pardner," Applejack said happily. "We coulda given ya many trinkets and doohickeys, but we figured this would be better."
"There are tons of stuff better than this," Spike said rolling his eyes.
"Now, don't be shy. Ay thought ya liked this place," Applejack said.
"To relax, yes. Not as a present."
"I, for one, think this is a splendid idea," Rarity said moving ahead of the group and into the spa.
As soon as the door opened and the bell announced new customers, Aloe and Lotus Blossom glanced up from their activities in excitement. They rushed forward happy to see their star customer's return.
"Oh, what a surprise, Miss Rarity. We were not expecting you back so soon. Have you come for the usual?" both girls asked the white-coated unicorn.
"Not today, I'm afraid. My super special somepony here is in need of some urgent care," Rarity said motioning a hoof to the dragon walking in behind her.
Aloe and Lotus looked at one another in confusion as they saw a dragon and not a pony. Nonetheless, they nodded in agreement and rushed the small dragon to the bath throwing in various herbs and ingredients. Aloe continued to do so whereas Lotus hurried to the other potential customers taking them to various services offered by the spa. In one moment, Lotus tried to touch Rainbow Dash but she refused with extended hooves. Likewise, to the complete shock of the twins, Rarity refused to be treated. She didn't want to take her eyes off of Spike wanting to see how much the spa treatment would help.
This caused great concern to rise in them for their star customer was refusing spa treatment.
"Is there something troubling you, Miss Rarity?" they both asked in unison with Aloe returning next to her sister's side. Rarity shook her head as a response, but Applejack interjected her own words replying to the inquiry.
"Something's wrong with our friend, Spike," Applejack said on the massage table awaiting Quake to begin the treatment. "Ta tell the truth, she's very worried 'bout him...well, we all are. Ya can tell something is off by the way his scales look."
"That we can," the twins said looking at each other with a thought crossing their minds. "It just so happens we've received a new herb that we'd love to try out on your friend. Its properties are sure to cleanse and revitalize the mind and body as it is simply luxurious."
The twins smiled as they rushed to the back disappearing momentarily. They quickly returned with a small packet and dumped it into the bath. They stood still watching the small dragon but soon became disappointed when they didn't see any improvement.
"Something feels funny," Spike said suddenly realizing what it was that changed when he looked down.
The twins giggled to one another to see their success come to fruition below the water's line.
"Is everything okay, girls?" Rarity asked.
"Oh, more than okay," the twins smiled at each other. "Though your friend should stay in the water until the effect wears off. The product had some...side effects."
The devious twins turned back to Rarity having seen their mischief fulfilled.
"Now, onto more important matters," they both said approaching the opposite sides of the white-coated unicorn. They continued the conversation in a hushed tone so the others wouldn't overhear. "What is this we hear about a super special somepony?"
"Well," Rarity began whispering in a similar manner to theirs. "It just so happens I've chosen my super special somepony whom I love with all my heart."
"The small dragon?" both asked in unison.
"Yes, Spike is very special to me. I've come to a point in my life where I desire the company of another. He may be small but he is, nonetheless, very good to me."
"Well," the twins looked at each other. "We can confirm that he is not really that small."
"Now, girls. What have I told you about those tricks?"
"We know. We know. But the temptation is hard to resist. What is wrong with his scales?"
"A forbidden spell was cast on him causing the discoloration. It also turned him into a pony, believe it or not?"
"Pony?" both twins looked at each other in shock.
"Yes, however his body is deteriorating even as we speak. I don't know what to do about it though I had a dream last night."
"A dream? Do tell," the twins leaned in closer to hear Rarity's words.
"In the dream, I met the dragon from long ago who had the forbidden spell cast on him. Fate was unfortunately unkind to him. He mentioned that he was missing a certain something that I think would help in my case with Spike, the dragon in your bath."
"A certain something?"
"Yes, the spell apparently reveals one's true inner self. In doing so, it takes away one's outer appearance setting in motion a turn of events leading to death. The problem is that the spell is easily misused as the caster needs to offer a worthwhile replacement to what was taken. The 'certain something' the dragon told me about could help my super special somepony."
"Lyubof?" both twins asked understanding what Rarity was speaking about.
"Precisely," Rarity affirmed their assumption. "Needless to say I'm not sure how to go about it, but I know it is the answer."
"Perhaps," the twins looked at each other with an idea coming to their minds, "the application likens to cleansing and restoration."
"How so?" Rarity asked them with curiosity and a peaked interest.
"Well," the twins pointed to the bath with Spike sitting in it. "The body first needs to be cleansed of impurities. Then, lotions and ointments are applied to replenish the nutrients a healthy body needs. The application process is simple. What matters most is what nutrients are involved. Or, in your case, who is involved."
The twins became silent awaiting realization to wash over Rarity. It took a moment or two until the white-coated unicorn's eyes shot open understanding what the twins said.
"Do you mean?" Rarity asked pointing to herself.
"Yes," the twins said smiling at her. "It is up to you."
"Thank you, girls," Rarity said returning the smile. "You are very good friends to me."
The twins nodded and returned to their duties. Rarity spotted Rainbow Dash flying over to Spike wanting to stop her. It was too late, though, as she saw what couldn't be unseen making a futile effort to cover her eyes.
[/hr]
On the group's way back to the Golden Oaks Library, Rainbow Dash kept her distance from Spike for good reason. All in all, the entire group felt relaxed though Spike's color did not return one bit. The young dragon then began to rub both his arms catching Rarity's attention. It was a curious sight because this was the first time today that Rarity saw him rub his arms. What she didn't know was that he couldn't resist the urge any longer having tried to hide it. She also noticed that his eyes maintained contact with the ground not looking up.
"Are you okay, Spike?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, I guess," the dragon meekly replied. "I dunno. I'm feeling less comfortable."
"The spa treatment didn't help?" Twilight asked curiously.
"I don't think it did. In fact, I feel a little worse, but that might have less to do with the spa. I-I feel like I'm going to be sick."
Spike stopped walking and fell to all fours on the ground as though expecting to throw up. His friends looked at each other and him not sure what to do.
"Ugh, it feels so weird," Spike said feeling nothing but nausea. "I think it's getting worse...and spreading..."
"C'mon, Spike. Let's get you home," Twilight said raising the dragon onto her back.
The group arrived at the library immediately setting the young dragon into bed. They watched as his scales slightly quivered expressed in the uneasiness felt by Spike. Additionally, the color in his scales was nearly grey. Their failed gift of comfort made them realize they desperately needed a solution, if any were present. Twilight looked at Rarity and she likewise returned the given attention. Twilight understood the implications of this development whereas Rarity could partly discern the truth from Twilight's serious expression. What the others in the room didn't understand was that the progression to which the affliction worsened was quicker than expected, possibly due to Spike being younger than the dragon from long ago. What Celestia had expected to be weeks turned into only a few days at best. Twilight looked to Rarity expressing the concern from earlier that day.
Were they willing to take the risk of recasting the forbidden spell?
They had to make a decision, and they had to make it fast.