Spike's scales continued to slightly quiver while he remained laid down in his basket. The affliction had worsened more quickly than Celestia had expected. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash remained by his side worried for his safety. They stood around the young dragon and helplessly watched as a friend and, to some degree, family member endured the effects of a forbidden spell. Every once in a while, each pony would glance at one another looking for an answer except Twilight and Rarity.
"Girls, we need to have a talk. Meet me downstairs," Twilight said walking off to the bedroom's doorway. "Spike, stay in bed."
"But, Twilight. I'm okay. Really, I am," Spike lied trying to get out of bed.
"Not so fast, pardner. Do what Twilight asked," Applejack said lightly placing a hoof on Spike's chest to deter movement. "Ya need ta rest."
Spike reluctantly remained in the basket and watched as every pony head for the stairs except Rarity. She lingered in her spot watching the young dragon and, when her other friends had exited through the doorway, bent down next to Spike's ear.
"Don't worry, Spike. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. We will get through this together," Rarity tenderly reassured the ailing dragon.
Rarity then lightly pecked Spike's cheek with a kiss, caressed the green scales on his head, and told him everything was going to be okay with a 'trust me' look. She then made her way to the doorway while looking back noticing Spike rubbing a claw against his scaly cheek and smiling back. She warmly returned that smile. However, even a short departure from his side in his time of need made it slightly difficult to form that simple gesture.
Spike waited in his bed overhearing some conversational commotion stir up from the first floor of the library. He tried to listen but found it died down to hushed whispers. Frustration soon matched the uneasiness felt in his scales for he wanted needed to know what they were talking about. Climbing out of bed against Twilight's wishes, he eased his way to the doorway. However, his attention was seized when moving past Twilight's mirror.
The mirror's reflection caught his attention as an unfamiliar dragon returned a slightly confused look. The dragon's scales in the mirror were nearly grey and quivered slightly. Spike extended a claw and touched the glass hoping the reflected image was not true. His touch left the glass leaving a small trace of dust. These small particles of dust caused the small dragon to first squint at them then at his own claw.
So this is how it ends? Spike thought to himself. I'm a dragon. I should be tougher than this...shouldn't I?
Determination filled his heart and Spike returned his eyes to the mirrored reflection with renewed fierceness.
I AM a dragon! I won't let this keep me down! C'mon, Spike! You are stronger than some forbidden spell! Your friends are counting on you! Rarity is counting on you!
As thoughts of Rarity came to his mind, Spike's hardened look became soft. He remembered the kiss gently placed on his cheek just a few moments ago and raised a claw to, once again, rub the very spot. If she was willing to stick by his side, then he'd do the same for her. He was causing her undue worry and that wasn't right. Actually, maybe it was justified but he had a renewed desire to remain a pillar of strength.
Spike looked around Twilight's room and noticed his basket had quite a bit of dust in it. His habits of cleanliness took over in picking up the basket, carrying it to the nearest window, and blowing off the dust into the open air. A light breeze blew by making his scales tingle slightly more than they should.
It was at this moment, while staring out of the open window, that Spike spotted three shadows quickly pass by on the ground below. The movement made Spike look up wondering what cast the shadows, and he saw three figures flying past far above. The characteristics of the three figures were familiar enough for Spike to immediately recognize the winged creatures.
This was a very rare occurrence for Spike had never seen dragons come near Ponyville much less recognizable ones. He continued to watch as the one in the center of the group, a dragon with somewhat reddish scales, pointed out the nearby forest. The other two dragons by his side, one brown and the other dark purple, agreed to the command with laughter. Spike was surprised that both they and the ponies in Ponyville ignored each other.
Spike didn't think too much about the event after observing their descent into the forest. He knew that, whatever they were up to, couldn't be any good. Besides, he had more important things on his mind and let his wandering eyes return to the inside of Twilight's room. Remembering that there was an important conversation taking place downstairs, Spike returned the basket to its original spot and edged his way to the doorway.
The young dragon stood at the top of the stairs remaining unseen. He wanted to know what the others were talking about for the conversation most likely regarded his condition.
"That there's crazy talk, Twilight," Spike overheard Applejack whispering but audible enough to where he could hear her words. "One, we can't put him through that again. Two, we'll have to convince Celestia."
"That's why I'm in the middle of writing the letter to her right now, Applejack," Twilight responded. "We don't have a moment to lose. Spike's condition is deteriorating at a rate that will not sustain itself more than a few days. I can't lose him...I just can't."
"Come now, Twilight, don't cry," Applejack said with a somewhat comforting tone. "Everything is gonna turn out fine, you'll see. Besides, the parchment is getting a little wet."
"Spike is our friend, too," Rainbow Dash's voice could be heard. "I'm sure not gonna leave the guy hanging. I mean...I'm not sure what to do, but I'll be here."
"Me too! Spike is the bestest of friends!" Pinkie excitedly shouted to which the others shushed her. "...sorry."
"I'll be here, too, to provide the emotional support," Fluttershy whispered as though by habit, requiring that Spike strain himself to understand what was said. "Although, I believe the little dragon is stronger than most of us think. It is in their nature."
"Ay thought ya didn't like dragons. How do ya know that?" Applejack asked.
"Oh, I can see it in Spike's eyes. Besides, dragons can withstand the hottest lava so why not a spell?"
"Well, ay can safely say that there spell is worse than lava. But, again, how do ya know about dragons and lava?"
"Spike told me all about it when I asked about dragons," Fluttershy hesitantly replied to Applejack's inquiry.
"Oh," Applejack said realizing the simple truth in Fluttershy's words. "Ay sure hope you're right, Fluttershy. Rarity, how are ya holding up?"
"I'm fine, Applejack. Thanks for asking," Rarity calmly and politely answered. "Twilight, please continue writing the letter. We need that spell."
"Oh, right. I'm on it," Twilight said to which light scribbling could once again be heard.
"Applejack," Rarity began. "We need Celestia's spell. It is our best chance at saving Spike. I trust Twilight's confidence in its success, and will follow any leads to curing his ailment. I'm not about to sit on the sidelines and do nothing, disregarding all available solutions."
"Well, ay just find it a little crazy ta reca-" Applejack tried to speak but was cutoff by an impatient Rarity.
"-Furthermore, we're quickly running out of time and are not at liberty to wait this out. We need your full support in this matter. I wholeheartedly believe this work. That spell is the key awaiting another to open the door."
"Ay understand, Rarity," Applejack said with reassurance in her voice. "Truly, ay do. But ay jus' want ta go about it the right way. And what do ya mean about the spell being a key awaiting another to open some door?"
"...It simply means we need the spell." Rarity hesitantly said this as though suddenly realizing she'd said too much.
Spike didn't hear a response come out Applejack perhaps alluding to a cease of inquiries about it. Silence hung in the air for a while with no sounds made in the library. Spike was a little saddened to overhear that the affliction beneath his scales had affected him so much. He could certainly feel it worsening so there was truth behind those words. However, Fluttershy's belief him sustained a slight glimmer of hope.
"Annnnd, all done," Twilight announced to the others no longer whispering. The noise of a quill against paper also ceased.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door to which a door's opening came soon after.
"Oh, hi there, Zecora! What brings you here?" Twilight asked.
"My house is partly destroyed by those winged buffoons! Those dragons ransacked it like a wild typhoon! Twilight Sparkle, I need Spike's assistance. Perhaps he could persuade them to a peaceful coexistence."
"Dragons? Here? We'll help in any way we can, Zecora. But Spike is a little sick right now and can't com-"
"-I'm coming!" Spike announced himself from atop the stairs heading to their base. "If they're the ones I saw from the window, I know who there are in recognizing them from a while back."
"Spike, no! You're not well right now! Please go back upstairs!" Twilight yelled at him with a slightly pleading voice. She turned back to Zecora and noticed that the zebra had started curiously eyeing the young dragon's grey scales. "Oh, um...before you ask, it's a long story."
"A curious sight will often beget a curious tale. Please tell me of what Spike does ail."
"We'll tell you on the way, Zecora," Spike said approaching the library's front door.
"I said no, Spike!" Twilight hissed through her teeth at him.
"And I say, yes," Spike said crossing his arms and closing his eyes in defiance.
"Please, Spike. I...you need to listen to me," Twilight pleaded, softening her stance in an attempt to not see this event transpire.
"Spike, darling. Please listen to Twilight. It is in your best interest to stay," Rarity said joining Twilight in making sure Spike stays out of harm's way.
"I'm sorry, Rarity. But I have to do this," Spike said beginning to walk out the door.
Spike began the trek to Zecora's hut ignoring the continued pleas of return from his friends. Rainbow Dash flew in front him to block his path, nevertheless he forcefully pushed her aside. It was not so much his physical strength that allowed his passage around her but the surprise she felt in the determination. Besides, she was a little weary about causing him undue pain in holding him back. She resorted to hovering over his left shoulder insisting that he go back to the library. Her efforts were futile as Spike ignored the logic in her words.
The rest of the group rushed after the two vocalizing the same concerns as Rainbow Dash. They soon realized that those words fell on deaf ears. Twilight decided to stop him in his tracks with magic. The halted dragon refused to acknowledge her presence feeling a slight anger rise inside him.
"You just can't let me do what I think is right, can you? I know what you're going to do. Don't do it, Twilight," Spike snarled at her.
Twilight's ears fell backwards, and she raised a hoof wanting to reach out to him.
"Ya know. You really need to trust me more. It's getting to a point where I'm being babied too much," Spike continued, agitated by the unicorn's distrust in him.
"I know, Spike. It's just that-"
"-it's too dangerous for wittle Spike to take care of himself. Yeah, I got the memo."
"...You're right...Spike," Twilight said lowering her head in defeat. "I should trust you more. Can you do one thing for me, though? If you're able to still magically send letters, can you send this one to Celestia?"
Twilight held a rolled up scroll in her extended hoof and let go of Spike. He turned around eyeing the letter but didn't take it.
"Only if you tell me what you wrote," Spike said testing her trust.
"I-I, Spike..."
"If you trust me, then you'll tell me what you wrote to Celestia."
"Fine," Twilight said once again admitting defeat. "I'm asking Celestia for the forbidden spell as we need to recast it on you."
"Gotcha. Why so secretive about that?" Spike asked.
"Well, the recasting of the forbidden spell could possibly accelerate the deteriorating effects, Spike. I-I can't stand the thought of losing you," Twilight said with pained words.
"We can't stand the thought of losing you," Rarity corrected Twilight approaching the side of the lavender-coated unicorn.
"Then, let's do it!" Spike excitedly said taking hold of the scroll from Twilight's grasp. "I already trust you guys. All I ask is you do the same. You don't want to lose my trust, do you? After all, losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend."
Pinkie Pie immediately held a hoof to her mouth trying to hold back the inevitable urge. Her other friends didn't notice the reaction with Spike sending the letter off to Celestia. The group was about ten feet closer to their destination when the pink mare couldn't hold back the words any longer.
"Foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"
[/hr]
On their way to Zecora's hut, Twilight told the zebra about Spike's affliction. She discussed yesterday's events, Celestia's story, and their need to recast the spell. Zecora didn't say too much, paying careful attention to the story, and Twilight couldn't tell what her thoughts were on the matter. This information was new to the zebra so Zecora decided to sit back and watch things play out.
"Never heard of a spell affecting a dragon's scales so deeply. I'm sorry there is trouble concerning the one whom you hold dearly," said Zecora trying to express her sympathy in simple words. The zebra, however, was not shocked at hearing about Spike's change to a pony's physical form. She had seen much stranger things happen especially in the Everfree Forest.
A loud crash heard from up ahead made the group stop in their tracks. Zecora walked in front of the group with Twilight close by her side. The zebra veered slightly to the right of the path they were on looking for cover in the nearby bushes. The rest of the group followed her lead peeking their heads through the shrubbery and witnessed Zecora's hut getting ransacked.
From within the hut, three figures moved about wildly causing all sorts of destruction. Twilight looked at Zecora apologetically, but the zebra remained stone-faced despite having her personal belongings completely destroyed. One of the figures emerged from the hut with a ceremonial mask on his face acting like a crazed animal. The two others joined him outside with fits of laughter.
Twilight observed the three now remembering where she'd seen their faces.
"I know those dragons!" Twilight whispered with a light hint of shock. "They're the same one from when Spike wanted to find out more about dragons!"
Spike didn't feel much like hiding. He was not afraid of these three dragons, but rather desired to speak with them once again over past misunderstandings. Before Twilight could stop him, Spike stepped out of the bushes and headed towards the three dragons enjoying their latest raid.
"Guys, you really need to stop hurting others in these raids," Spike said immediately gaining the attention of the three.
"Well, look at who decided to join the dragon party!" the one with the mask said still holding up the mask. "The one who betrayed our trust!"
"You have a lot of nerve showing your face around us, little shrimp!" the brown dragon said with slight anger in his voice.
"Yeah, we eat traitors like you for breakfast...little shrimp!" the dark purple dragon exclaimed emphasizing the last words.
"Now, now, guys! Let's not be too hasty. Maybe Spike has come to apologize for abandoning his fellow dragons," said the dragon holding the mask deciding to drop it to the ground having found something more fun. "After all, we have some unfinished business."
"What's wrong with his scales, Garble?" the brown dragon asked the one who dropped the masked pointing to Spike.
"Probably a worthy punishment for living with ponies and abandoning dragons," shrugged Garble.
"It's not a punishment. I just have a forbidden spell cast on me," Spike said revealing more than he probably should.
"Well, serves you right," Garble said pointing a claw at the young dragon. "I let you into the gang, treated you like one my own, and was spiked in the back."
"You wanted me to harm a defenseless egg! That was your idea of fun, and I didn't want any part of it! I came to you guys wanting to know more about dragons and who I am...not to harm others!"
"Tell you what, soft scales," Garble said pointing a claw towards the hut behind him. "If you help us in this latest dragon raid, I'll forgive what you did to us."
"No, I won't," Spike said crossing his arms. Garble was having none of this feeling his scales get rather hot.
"If you know what is good for you, shrimp, you'll do it," snarled Garble.
"I said no. That's my friends house, and I'm not going to destroy it for your amusement. She's worked very hard building a life out in this forest. What you are doing is not right."
"No one says no to me!" Garble said baring his teeth and readying an attack on the small dragon.
Spike, nonetheless, remained firmly standing his ground. In the three dragons' flight above Ponyville, he had noticed something peculiar. Why had they chosen to attack a lone hut within the bordering forest and not the town, itself? Spike was taking a gambling risk in thinking that there must be some untold compromise between dragons and ponies. The standoff lasted for a little while with neither side flinching.
"Don't you dare touch a scale on his head!" Rarity screamed running in front of Spike, providing protection with open hooves.
"Oh, one of his pony friends is coming to the rescue. Oh, please, don't hurt my dragon friend," Garble said clutching his face with both claws impersonating one who is in distress. The other two burst out in fits of laughter as though hearing the funniest joke. "What's next? Is your namby pamby pony princess going to show up?"
"Here I am as a matter of fact," said Twilight stepping out into the open with wings open. "As per the agreements between ponies and dragons, your vandalism here is unwarranted. I must ask that you three cease your destruction at once and leave."
"No," said Garble crossing his arms. However, the brown dragon next to his side began whispering something into his ear making the lead dragon reconsider the weight of the decision. "Fine, we'll leave. We know when we're not wanted."
The three dragons were ready to take off when Spike's voice halted their departure.
"Guys, wait! I need to ask something!" Spike called out to them moving in front of Rarity.
"Yeah, what is it, little traitor?!" Garble said finding it hard to hide his growing aggravation.
Spike motioned Garble to a private location where the others couldn't overhear to which the latter dragon reluctantly agreed.
"Well...what is it?"
"I just wanted to thank you from before for accepting me as a dragon. I never knew my parents, and wanted to discover who I am. However, I found out who I am is not the same as what I am...I'm not doing too well right now, Garble," Spike said holding out both claws so the older dragon could see. "Before it is too late, I need to know that there is no bad blood between us for you're the only dragons I have ever truly known. Sure, I may not agree with your actions, but we're brothers, aren't we?"
Garble's look softened as he saw the pleading eyes of Spike. In the company of the other dragons, Garble didn't realize the seriousness of Spike's affliction. He actually had a soft heart for the little guy seeing much of himself in his younger days when flying with much older dragons. Garble had learned at a young age that a dragon's life is not easy, and their ferocious nature made it hard to form meaningful bonds. However, on the day he was attacked by another dragon for being weak, he found out not all dragons are the same. In feeling his wings torn apart by undue hatred, a dragon with whom he'd soon call a friend, stopped the assault.
"Listen, Spike," Garble said kneeling down to match Spike's height but still withholding his emotions felt inside. "We are brothers. They might be your family now, but ponies can't offer that kind of kinship. You're a dragon through and through. I've seen it with my own two eyes. Sure, you can question who or what you are but, all that matters, is the truth beneath those scales. We shape this life to our own will. Don't be sad about it. I don't care much for Ponyville but, if you do, then that's okay...I guess. In the end, you're still welcome in my gang."
Spike's eyes teared up a little bit in hearing what needed to be said. He leapt forward hugging Garble's leg knowing he'd always be a friend.
"O-okay, t-that's enough, soft scales," Garble said pushing Spike off, apprehensively looking back at the other dragons. "I have a reputation to uphold. You take care, okay? If I don't hear from you, I'll come looking."
Spike nodded, flinched, then winced in pain. Garble didn't think too much of it until Spike held his left claw as though in distress.
"What's wrong, Spike?" asked Garble unsure what to make of the young dragon's reaction.
"It's...getting worse..." Spike responded still clutching his left claw.
"Hey...uh...namby pamby pony princess!? I think something is wrong with Spike!"
This remark immediately gained the attention of Rarity and Twilight. Twilight remained still in order to keep an eye on the other two dragons while Rarity rushed to Spike's side.
"Spike? Are you okay, darling?" asked Rarity before noticing he was holding his left claw. "Hold on, I'll get Twilight!"
Rarity rushed back to Twilight letting her know of the troubling development. The lavender-coated unicorn then shot a look of fear in Spike's direction. With the pain slightly subsiding, Spike looked at the claw having never known that kind of pain.
"Spike, whatever that spell did to you, I'm sure you'll overcome it," Garble said reassuring the younger dragon. "I've lived long enough to know a dragon's strength is not to be underestimated. We are feared for a reason not only due to our ferocity but unsurpassed strength. Hang in there, little guy. And, um, have this."
The ever resilient Garble took out a small ruby with a reflective red surface. The small jewel sparkled with a furious intensity when met by light barely shining through the trees.
"I've been meaning to give this to you since the initiation ritual. It represents the fiery bond with which our gang's members coexist with one another. Maybe it will provide you with the strength to overcome this lame pony spell."
Spike took the small ruby marveling at its brilliance. Before he could say thank you, Garble turned to take his leave. The leader dragon had lived a life in not showing sentimentality and was unaccustomed to these strange feelings. He rejoined the other two dragons and, together, they took off into the evening sky.
Once again, a sharp pain was felt in Spike's left claw making the young dragon grasp it. Twilight saw this, called for the others to come out of the bushes, and levitated Spike into Zecora's hut. The hut was a complete mess, but Twilight carved a path to the only bed available. She brushed aside the debris on top of it, and set Spike down on it.
"Does it hurt, Spike?" Twilight asked trying to gauge the degree to which the affliction was worsening.
The rest of group walked into the hut. The ponies joined Twilight's side while Zecora assessed the property damage.
"Yeah, it feels like something sharp being dragged along my skin underneath the scales. Is that a bad sign, Twilight?" asked Spike.
"Yes, it means the spell's effect are entering the next the stage. Discomfort is the least of our worries now," said Twilight carefully observing the left claw. "I just wish I had that answer back from Princess Celestia. I don't know why it's taking so lon-"
As though by mere coincidence, Spike's stomach rumbled with him burping out a rolled up scroll. Twilight hastily retrieved it from the floor needing to know Celestia's answer. Her eyes furiously looked over the words and, upon reaching the end, some of the color drained out of her face.
"Whatever is the matter, darling?" asked Rarity seeing her friend's peculiar reaction.
"She said no," said Twilight with hooves slightly shaking. "She doesn't want the spell recast. S-she doesn't..."
The other ponies in the room each held a hoof to their mouths in realizing their one solution was denied. Even Zecora stopped in her tracks feeling a heavy silence fill the air.
Twilight couldn't believe what she just read in Celestia's response and parroted her last words.
"She said no...she said no..."