> Spike is Rainbow Dash > by That Drunk Pony > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike is Rainbow Dash By: That Drunk Pony This story takes place after discords first appearance… Everyone came to admire Rainbow Dash for her skills in flight, outstanding speed, and for her loyalty. During Discord’s short return he turned it around and for a small moment in time another had shown more loyalty than she did. The one they called Spike, who replaced Rainbow for a short time. Now the Elemental necklace of Loyalty is acting weird as it does not know who to choose anymore. What is worse is what is going on in Ponyville while the necklace is locked away in Canterlot. Rainbow Dash and Spike are arguing over a debate on who is the better flier in the wonderbolts between Blaze and Lightning Streak in the evening. The two wonderbolts were known to be rivals, but in reality they have been equal on practically every stat in one way or another. It was a useless debate, but the flares between the two only made the necklace spark more and more. Eventually it shot a beam through the safe, past the palace walls, and headed straight to Ponyville. The beam ensnared both Rainbow Dash and Spike just at the peak of the debate. They both blacked out. Rainbow Dash woke up the next morning in Twilight’s room back at the Library. She was confused as to why or how she got there and why she was in Spike’s tiny bed. She got out of bed and noticed things around her seemed a little bigger than before. She walked around a bit and saw Spike in the mirror. She looked around the room and noticed Spike wasn’t there. “Is Spike trying to pull a prank on me?” Rainbow thought to herself as she walked closer to the mirror only to realize she was in Spike’s body. She grabbed her face and felt the pinch of claws on her face. She was standing on two feet, she had scales, and she had the dragon’s tail. The screech that followed after could be heard all over Ponyville. Just then Twilight came up into the room worried for Spike. Her first instinct was to grab Spike and tell him that it was just a nightmare. Rainbow Dash was being squeezed nearly to death by her. She finally pushed Twilight off of her. “What did you do that for? You could have suffocated me!” “Sorry Spike. I was worried when you yelled. Is everything ok?” Twilight looked concerned like an over-possessive mother. “No! Everything is not ok. I am Rainbow Dash. I shouldn’t be in this body!” Rainbow Dash looked at her new body and shivered at the sight of no wings. Twilight thought it was Spike joking, “Spike what are you talking about? Did you hit your head on something?” “I am serious! Spike and I were having a debate outside of the library and then everything went black and I woke up in Spike’s body.” Twilight still thought it was a joke, but humored her. “Well if that is the case then Rainbow Dash should b-” Before she finished another loud yell could be heard downstairs. The new Rainbow Dash and Twilight both ran downstairs and saw the new Spike looking at his hooves and wings. “WHAT IS GOING ON!? Twilight first asked, “What’s wrong Rainbow Dash?” “I’m not Rainbow Dash! Well I’m not supposed to be. It’s me! Spike!” Twilight gave a confused look. Were they serious? Just then Rainbow Dash charged at Spike. “What did you do!?” Rainbow was now on top of him. “Why are you in my body!?” “Calm down. I didn’t do anything.” Rainbow stopped then both she and Spike turned to Twilight. The both said in unison, “Did one of your spells mess up again?” Twilight gave them her alibi. “No! I was studying today. Honest!” Rainbow then continued to ponder, “Well then wha-” She then let out a burp of green flames followed by a note and her elemental necklace. “Jeez Spike. How do you deal with that without warning?” “I guess I got used to it.” Spike said shrugging it off. Twilight levitated both the note and necklace to her. She began reading it aloud. To my student Twilight, Please make sure Rainbow Dash is present with you as she needs to hear this as well. Her element of harmony has shot off a mystical beam into Ponyville. I would like you to discover what is the cause and solve the problem as soon as possible. I have also sent the necklace to see if it will be of any help. I will look in the Canterlot library for answers as well. This is a grave matter since the necklace turned grey once more, but is slowly returning in color. Twilight looked at the necklace and noticed what she meant. The edge of the rainbow lightning bolt was slowly regaining its color. She then continued to read. If my calculations are correct it should be fully colored in four and a half days. Hopefully then whatever is happening in ponyville will be resolved. If anything has changed, tell me as soon as possible. From Princess Celestia Twilight on instinct uttered the phrase, “Spike. Write a letter to the Princess immediately.” All Spike did was look at his hooves. He turned to Rainbow Dash. He knew she wouldn’t be able to do it. “How? Rainbow can’t write and I have to get adjusted to hooves.” “Oh right. I will write the letter then, but you two! No pony can know that you both switched bodies. It might stir panic. Ponies might start thinking that they may switch bodies with each other and we don’t want that sort of problem. I guess you both will have to remain in the library.” Rainbow Dash then just realized something. “OH NO!!” Spike and Twilight both grabbed their ears. “The flight contest is in four days! Spike will be in my body!” Spike commented, “Well that would be a problem. I guess I will have to back ou-” Rainbow interrupted, “No! You have to go! My reputation is on the line!” “But I can’t even fly right? How will I be able to?” Rainbow Dash got up in Spike’s face. “Through SERIOUS training. I hope you are ready for this. My reputation is on the line here!” “Twilight! Save me!” Spike gave Twilight a pleading look. “Well just think of it like this Spike. You are getting a few days off and you may never experience flight again or at least for a very long time.” “Well that does sound convincing, I feel Rainbow Dash is going to kill me!” Rainbow Dash then gave her version of reassurance. “Oh don’t worry Spike. I know you couldn’t do all the spectacular feats I can do. We are just going to so simple flight patterns and maybe one or two flips. I just need you to get me into the next round.” Spike resistance finally dropped, “Oh alright then.” Rainbow yelled, “Yes! Let’s get started!” She dragged Spike out of the library. Twilight gave one last comment, “Remember. Nopony can know that you both switched bodies ok!” The door shut and now they both walked next to each other. They were headed to an open field when Spike heard hunger coming from his stomach. “Jeez Rainbow, don’t you ever feed yourself.” Rainbow Dash blushed and replied, “Hey I eat enough each day.” Just then her stomach began rumbling. “See even you are hungry or me… whatever. Let’s just get something to eat.” “Sugarcube corner is probably the only good place open around here.” “Alright. A small breakfast then we begin training.” Spike and Rainbow entered sugarcube corner and noticed only Pinkie was in today. She greeted them, “Welcome to sug- Oh hi guys! Why are you both up so early? I can understand Spike, but you Rainbow Dash? That isn’t like you at all.” Rainbow got a little angry at the comment, but couldn’t say anything since she was in Spike’s body. Spike answered for her though, “Well Spike here is going to help me improve on my flying a little bit. Not that I am not awesome enough. I just want a little help is all and who better to ask than the best dragon ever.” Rainbow hated him for even saying that with her voice. “Ye- yeah. We are just going to get a small meal and go soon right?” Rainbow said glaring at Spike. “Oh ok. So the usual for the both of you?” Rainbow replied, “Yeah sure.” After a few minutes in the kitchen, Pinkie came out with a slice of pumpkin pie and a gemstone covered cupcake. Spike was about to reach over to the cupcake, but realized he wasn’t a dragon anymore. He took the pie while Rainbow disgustingly took the gemstone cupcake. Spike chuckled at how she looked while staring at her meal. “Well aren’t you going to eat Spike?” asked Spike. “Yeah. Don’t rush me!” She picked up the cupcake. She then tried to pick off the gemstones, but Spike stopped her. He whispered to her, “Hey you have to act like me. If they see you pulling out gems, then they might notice something.” She was displeased, but decided it was do or die. When she took that first bite, she was lost in the taste of the gemstone. It was like nothing she had ever tasted before. The sapphires tasted like freshly picked blueberries, the emeralds tasted like a sweeter limeade, and the rubies tasted like cherry flavored candy. Before she knew it she devoured it and the taste sensation ended. Spike couldn’t help but laugh. “Man Rai- I mean Spike. You ate that like you haven’t had food in days.” Rainbow could only blush in her embarrassment. Spike ate the pumpkin pie and then set off with Rainbow to the training grounds. Rainbow didn’t speak at all during their walk. As they got closer to the area, they were spotted by Rarity. “Oh Spike!” Spike began to daze off in Rainbow’s body, but realized he needed to keep his cool. Rainbow on the other hand didn’t really get phased by her. Rarity then asked, “Spike, can you come help me right now? I could really use your help.” Rainbow smirked at this opportunity. She already knew, like most of the ponies except for Rarity herself, that Spike liked her. What better way to get revenge than denying her request. “Sorry Rarity. I am very busy right now. I have to help the incredibly awesome Rainbow Dash here train for her important contest.” Spike could not believe what she just did. He wanted to speak out, but what could he do. He wasn’t Spike at the moment. Rarity sounded a little sad, “Oh… well I…” She couldn’t comprehend what just happened. Did Spike actually say no to her? He never did so before. “Can you come in tomorrow?” Rainbow replied, “Nope. I will be busy with Rainbow for the next few days. Maybe there is some other pony who can help. I am sure there are plenty of other stallions who would.” Spike felt a little dagger stab his heart. All he could think was, ‘Why would you do this to me Rainbow!?’ Spike then felt the need to cut it short. “Well Rarity we have to go so bye now!” Spike grabbed Rainbow and dashed off flying. Rarity was badly hurt by that last sentence. She watched as they both went off. She thought to herself, ‘What happened to Spike? Did I do something wrong to him?’ She pondered that as she walked back to her boutique. When they stopped at the training grounds, Spike was so full of anger. “WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR!?” Rainbow was a little surprised by his anger. “Why are you so upset? You promised to train me… well you to do well in the contest. If I went off to help her-” Spike raged, “THATS NOT WHAT I MEANT! You knew I liked her. Why would you be rude to her!? That’s not like me! Now you probably ruined any chance I had to even be with her.” “Come on Spike. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but you know Rarity doesn’t see you that way right?” Spike was hurt by those words. “She would have… if I just tried harder.” Rainbow tried to rub his back, but he shunned her. “I don’t even feel like doing this anymore.” Rainbow was shocked, but seeing how hurt he was, she couldn’t complain. “Look Spike. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to crush your dream of being with her, but she was kind of using you. I would rather you learn now then later when you may do something even worse. How about instead of training we just relax a bit and maybe just talk. I don’t think we ever did that with just the two of us.” Spike was too sad to even retaliate. “Fine.” The two began talking for a few minutes. Slowly Spike’s mood was rising. They then began to look up at the clouds. What they didn’t know was that they were being watched by 3 other ponies. Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity. Rarity immediately after instead of waiting in her boutique, went off to find the others and see if they knew anything. Pinkie would have come if she wasn’t busy at her shop and Twilight did not want to be disturbed. Rarity was shocked to see the two together like that. It almost seemed like a date. Applejack was first to comment, “Well this is unexpected. They look like an actual couple.” Fluttershy then added, “Well I think it’s nice that they are enjoying themselves.” Rarity however commented, “I can’t believe this. Why would Spike change so suddenly for her? Rainbow is all danger and extreme, while Spike is more patient, kind, and well has more finesse. Rainbow is poisoning Spike’s purity.” The other two mares were shocked by Rarity’s words. Applejack replied, “Well Rarity. You did kind of push him a lot. You don’t think he moved on?” Rarity gave a confused expression, “Move on? What do you mean by move on?” Fluttershy and Applejack gave a concerned look. Fluttershy asked, “Rarity… Didn’t you know Spike well sort of… liked you?” “Yes, he was always so helpful to me and such a great friend. He must have thought I was like his best friend next to Twilight.” Rarity was still confused why they had their faces as they did. Applejack hit her face with her hoof. “What she meant was Spike loved you.” It took Rarity only a second to process. “Oh dear. You are right! Now it seems like I just used him. Oh no. That’s how I hurt Spike. That’s why he reacted the way he did. That is probably why he ran to Rainbow Dash for comfort.” Applejack continued, “Well it doesn’t look like there is anything you can do now. Those two seem pretty together now.” Rarity then whined, “But he was my Spikey-wikey.” Fluttershy then tried to console her. “Rarity. It may be too late for Spike, but you shouldn’t let it get you down. If anything he will be your friend again soon. He probably just needs some time to calm down and Rainbow seems to be doing a fine job of that.” Rarity only could think to herself, ‘He liked me first. He should be mine. Why didn’t I realize his feelings sooner?’ She then walked away with the other two mares following after. Rainbow and Spike didn’t notice them at all. Spike felt better than ever after the little chat they had. “Well Ra- I mean Spike. I guess I am ready for the training.” Cue in rocky training music and training montage. Spike carried Rainbow on his back to the library. “Well that was some tough training” Spike said out of air. For some reason Rainbow was out of air too. “You are a natural. I think you were born to fly. You still have a long way to go though. Tomorrow its going to be flips and tricks. Then the contest. I hope you are ready.” “I will make you proud coach!” They both entered Twilight’s home and just passed out on the couch together, they didn’t even try to listen to what Twilight said. Sleep was all they wanted. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inside the fanciest restaurant in town by the balcony tables. Spike sits patiently for his date, who is the most beautiful and elegant pony he has ever met, Rarity. He is dressed up in a great tuxedo designed by the very pony he admires. He then hears Rarity calling out to him, “Spikey!” Spike instantly snaps his head toward the angelic voice. All Spike could udder out is “Wow” as he saw the beauty walk up to his table in her stunning dress. “Is that all you can say?” she chuckled. Spike then became flustered, “Oh I’m sorry Rarity. I didn’t mean to stare.” Spike then got out of his chair and pulled out her chair as any true gentledrake would do. “Such a true gentlecolt.” Rarity complimented him as he blushed. He went to sit down when he realized that she called him a colt. Spike didn’t want to be rude, but had to correct her mistake. “Um Rarity? Don’t you mean gentledrake?” She shook her head no and pointed to a mirror nearby. He walked over and saw in the reflection a purple and green stallion, but not just any stallion. He saw himself as a pegasi. Spike is astounded at how awesome he looked as a pegasi. His first instinct is to fly out off the balcony. He flew high into the clouds and felt so free. Speeding around the town with great precision. The feeling of flying with ease is a feeling he has never felt before. It isn’t until he heard Rarity yell out his name in the distance that he stumbled. He realized he just left her at dinner. He quickly descended to Rarity, who is already outside the restaurant. “Spikey!” she looked very upset. “How could you just leave me like that!?” “I’m sorry Rarity. I don’t know what came over me. It's just that I’ve never flown before and it is just too good to pass up. It is so much fun and I felt so free.” Spike realized he is rambling and making excuses. It is a personal dream of his to fly at least once in his life, but being with Rarity is what he wants most. “Spike! I don’t like how you chose flying over me! It’s like you're becoming Rainbow Dash.” She scorned at the absent Rainbow Dash. Spike defended Rainbow, “Don’t you think that is a little harsh to call her a bad influence? She is a little extreme at times, but she isn’t a criminal or something.” “Do you like flying more than me?” Rarity blindsided Spike with the question. “Don’t you even care about me?” She then began asking more questions about his loyalty to her. Spike kept agreeing with Rarity to appease her, but she continued to question him endlessly. As more questions were asked, more Rarity’s were appearing until he is backed into a corner and surrounded by her doppelgangers. The many Rarity’s then began to chant his name in unison getting louder and louder until he finally woke up in the guest bed of Twilight’s room. Spike is sweating and breathing heavily at the nightmare that just took place. He put his claw to his forehead, but is met with an audible bonk as he hit his head with his hoof. He realized he is still in Rainbow’s body as he saw the cyan fur on his legs. Spike gives out a sigh of relief that he is no longer in that hellish dream of his. Without noticing the creature standing right next to his bed, he began thinking to himself. The creature then called out to him loudly, “Spike!” He then toppled over to the side of the bed with the bedsheets wrapped around him. “What!? I’m up!” Spike yelled back with the sheets still covering his eyes. The sheets were lifted off by Rainbow. “Come on! It’s time to get ready for more practice!” Spike felt very groggy. Seems like his body wasn’t used to waking up this early. Spike realized that her internal clock must be different because how early Spike normally woke up. “Sorry that my body isn’t used to waking up this early.” Spike snarled. Rainbow gave him a quick glare before Spike rose up from the rest of the sheets. “Sorry. I just feel a little grouchy when I’m forced awake. Let’s just do this, but first we should get something to eat.” Rainbow nodded in agreement. Spike and Rainbow then headed out the door to go get breakfast. When Twilight heard the loud closing of the front door, she immediately got out of bed to tell them what she was trying to tell them the night before, but by the time she reached the front door, they were gone from her line of sight. She decided to just wait for their return and went back to studying the phenomenon. Rainbow was hungry for apples, so she and Spike decided to go to the apple stall in the marketplace where Applejack was. Applejack was surprised to see the two walking together, but didn’t want to say anything about it. “Hey there you two.” Rainbow said, “Hey AJ. Can we get a dozen apples?” Applejack is a little confused. She only knew Rainbow Dash to call her that. Maybe Rarity was right about Rainbow influencing him. “Uh, sure Spike.” She put the apples in a bag, and gave it to her customers. She normally doesn’t like prying into personal business, but she was curious. Applejack brought Spike to the side and asked, who she thought was Rainbow, “Hey, Rainbow. Why are you acting so chummy with Spike?” Spike simply answered, “Well, he is just helping me train. Don’t worry about it.” Applejack was still suspicious, “Why would you need him for help? He doesn’t know about flying. I don’t know how he is supposed to help you.” “Well I just wanted a different perspective on my flying. Besides Spike is a fan of the wonderbolts too. He knows a little about flying mechanics.” He said a little hurt by her comment. “Well Applejack, I need to go now. We got to get to training as soon as we can.” Spike then grabbed Rainbow and sped out of there. Applejack was still suspicious. She could feel somepony isn’t giving the whole truth. She then noticed that they left their bag of apples. Rainbow really wanted to know what AJ said to him, “So what was that all about?” Spike still running said, “She was asking questions about us. She is getting suspicious of us.” “That’s no good.” Rainbow exclaimed. She then suggested to Spike, “How about we spend a little time learning about each other. We stand out too much and are attracting unnecessary attention. We obviously can’t get caught or be distracted. Besides it might get you a little more relaxed about flying.” Spike and Rainbow finally appeared in the training grounds again. Spike then added, “Yeah. I guess that could work. We can talk while we enjoy our delicious... “ Spike trailed off realizing they left the bag of apples back with Applejack. Rainbow wasn’t particularly happy about it and decided to start the training instead without food. Spike and Rainbow together is slowly becoming a rumor around town. The rumors spreading only made it worse for Rarity. She constantly hears gossip about the unlikely pair while she is measuring somepony or fitting them in their outfit. It slowly starts getting to her. She begins to think to herself, ‘Why didn’t he just tell me his true feelings? I would’ve accepted him. The more I think Spike with her, my stomach begins to turn. Why Spike… why not me?’ She then accidentally pricks a needle in her customer. When she hears them yelp, she snaps out of it and begins to apologize to her patron. She then continues working, but the thoughts slowly flood back into her head. After completing her final measurements for the morning, she just had to see Spike. She immediately left for the training grounds. Back at the training grounds, Spike’s stomach was growling loudly. It was practically roaring like an untamed lion. Even Rainbow could hear her stomach bark at her. Out of the blue, Fluttershy came with a bag of apples. Rainbow could smell it and immediately charged in its direction. Fluttershy was surprised to see a charging Spike come at her. “Finally some food!!” Rainbow yelled. Fluttershy just dropped the bag and flew up before Rainbow began eating. Spike then heard food and began rushing too. He started eating some of the apples too. Fluttershy was shocked to see how ravenous the two were. Once they finished and became more civilized, she flew back down to talk. Fluttershy then asked, “Are you two ok now?” They both nodded in an embarrassing fashion with mouths stuffed with apples. Once they finished, Rainbow praised “Fluttershy. You’re our savior. I haven’t been that hungry in a long time.” “Oh it was nothing.” Fluttershy replied. “Applejack asked me to deliver them to you guys. I hope everything is alright.” Spike said, “Yeah. Spike here is really helping out.” “Oh, can I watch then?” Fluttershy asked. Spike and Rainbow then looked at each other. They both knew that they weren’t ready to show anything. If Spike begins flying, Fluttershy will know something is up. Rainbow quickly denied Fluttershy’s request. “NO! We aren’t … ready to show you. We also don’t want any distractions. This is needs to be one on one personal training!” Fluttershy jumped at the quick shout. This made Fluttershy much more suspicious. “Well ok then. I guess I’ll leave you to go back to work then.” She flew away back to town and both Rainbow and Spike let out an audible sigh. They both knew that people are just growing more suspicious by their weird actions. They then decided it would benefit them both to go with their original plan and talk things out to get to know each other better. Just as they began talking amongst themselves. Fluttershy was hiding in a bush observing the two talk. They didn’t seem to be training like they said they were. They looked like they were just having a good time laughing and goofing off. She then decided to head back with a little smile thinking that they were really on a date and left the two ‘Lovebirds’ to have fun. She is sure that they will reveal themselves when they are ready. Spike and Rainbow started talking about their common love for the Wonderbolts. “So Spike. What made you start liking the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow asked. “Well being in Canterlot was kind of boring sometimes. Twilight’s brother took me to my first Wonderbolts show. Well he snuck me out to go see it. Celestia was angry when we got back because I skipped my piano lessons. Had to do double the lessons for a week.” Rainbow couldn’t help, but snicker at that sight. “Sounds like you had it pretty rough back in Canterlot.” “Well that’s kind of true. I learned a lot while I was there though.” “Like what?” Rainbow chuckled. “Hmm well they taught me how to write, cook, clean, play piano, violin, the sax,…” A half-hour later. “... how to paint, sing, direct a play, dance” Rainbow couldn’t take anymore. “Ok! I get it! You learned a lot of things.” Spike apologized, “Sorry. I went overboard didn’t I.” “Ya think?” Rainbow retorted. “Why would you learn all of that stuff anyways?” “Well I wanted to please Celestia and impress Twilight and her family. It was really lonely in Canterlot. I wasn’t really let outside the castle and I only knew Twilight and her family and Celestia for a long time. It wasn’t until our last year in Canterlot that even Twilight got to know other ponies and I didn’t until way later.” Spike blurted out. “Sorry, you probably didn’t want to hear that.” Rainbow wasn’t all that surprised considering how Twilight normally was and how Spike was probably too young to go out or was being tortured by boring lessons. “It’s alright Spike. If you need to vent out a little, I can always listen. I vent out all the time and it helps a lot.” Spike was happy to have a friend other than Twilight to talk about these things. “Well thanks then, but how about we focus on you then.” Rainbow stood up and excitedly exclaimed, “Well! I started watching the Wonderbolts when I was a little filly. They were so amazing with all of their tricks and crazy speed...” Rainbow Dash went into great detail about her intense fascination with the Wonderbolts. She noticed that Spike was slowly giving her the same expression that she was to him when he was listing a never ending list. “Hey Spike. Want to know a secret?” Rainbow asked, which got Spike’s attention fairly easily. “What is it?” Rainbow wouldn’t tell so easily. “Well Spike, I’ll share it with you if you share me a secret too. So we can be on equal footing.” Spike promised to tell her a secret after she tells him hers. “Well Spike, I was first interested in the wonderbolts when one of them saved me. I was a little arrogant back when I was younger and felt fearless. Some of the boys in my class were playing truth or dare and one of them dared me to go into the everfree for five minutes.” Spike wasn’t shocked about her being arrogant, but going into the everfree isn’t fearless. It’s just plain reckless and idiotic. Rainbow continued, “I wasn’t going to back down from a dare, so I went into the forest and waited. The longer I stayed there, the more sounds and creepy things I saw, but I wasn’t going to lose. Just then the noise stopped. All the creepy bugs and creatures left. It was probably the only time I felt actual fear at that time. I looked behind me and all I saw in the darkness was yellow glowing eyes. I heard heavy breathing and didn’t wait any longer. I flew away as fast as I could, where I thought I entered, but couldn’t find my way out.” “The forest got darker and heavier the longer I was trying to escape. It was like a never ending prison. I actually felt terror. I tried to land in trees, but there were giant spiders there and on the ground were large beasts. I was pretty much doomed. Out of nowhere came a flash of light and I was scooped high above the everfree forest. I opened my eyes and saw that it was a wonderbolt who saved me. It was at that moment that I decided to be a wonderbolt and to rescue other ponies. Luckily for me there was no traumatic experience through all that. I wanted to be just as amazing as the one who saved me.” Spike is at the edge of his seat. He asked “That was an amazing story! Did you ever find out who rescued you?” Rainbow answered, “Well the wonderbolt who saved me is retired now, but he was one of the best to ever fly. Anyways, tell me your secret now.” Spike still wanted to know who it was, but he still had a promise to keep. “Well I secretly have a…. crush on Rarity.” Rainbow’s face was annoyed by that secret. “Yeah, now tell me something I don’t know.” “What do you mean!?” Rainbow responded, “Well pretty much everyone in town knows that. I wouldn’t be surprised if even Rarity knew.” Spike was taken back by this knowledge. Could she have known this whole time. How does everyone know. The only people he told were Twilight and Pinkie, but they would never break a promise. Especially not a pinkie promise. We all know how that ended last time. Was he too obvious about it? Spike looked broken. His head couldn’t process it all. Rainbow had to snap her fingers to wake him out of his trance. “Hey Spike! You awake?” Spike shook his head, but felt a little defeated. If everyone knew, why didn’t they say anything. He guesses they just didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but now he feels even more hurt. “How long has everyone known? How do they even know?” Spike asked. Rainbow blatantly told Spike, “Well you were pretty obvious about it. A lot of people could just see it in your eyes and actions. You had quite a few supporters, but truth be told, I expected it wasn’t going to go well. Rarity probably didn’t see you in that way. She is oblivious about many things around her.” Spike was hurt by that, but continued to listen. He needed to hear it as much as he hated it. “It’s almost like she was using you. She made you do many tasks and gave you barely anything for a reward.” Rainbow could see the pain that he is feeling, but knew that this talk would only do good for him. “Look Spike. I know it hurts to like someone a lot and do so much, but get nothing back. I’ve been down that road before and it’s easy for some people to just say get over it, but it will take time. I’ll be here as a friend to help you.” Rainbow put one of her claws on Spike’s head shoulder as a sign of friendship, but Spike’s head still hung low. “If you want, you can start hitting things. It helped me get through my anger.” Spike nodded in agreement and began yelling and hitting and breaking some branches on the floor. Rainbow decided to join in and eventually Spike’s sadness is going away. Rainbow knew this would only be a temporary fix, but he really needed to vent out a lot of steam. When all was said in done, there was a massacre of branches everywhere and broken table. Spike was breathing heavily and a little messy with mud on himself. Rainbow was also a little messy. They both turned to look at each other and began laughing. Spike is finally feeling better. “I definitely feel better now.” Rainbow the nudged at Spike a little. “Glad to see you’re doing better.” Spike pushed back a little, “Thanks to you and your crazy treatment.” Rainbow decided to push a little harder than Spike and it soon became a little tussle between the two. They stopped when they heard a sudden gasp from Rarity. They look back at themselves and they were in a very awkward position where Rarity saw it as Spike pinning Rainbow Dash. They wanted to say something, but she immediately took off. Rainbow went to look at Spike, but he seemed surprisingly alright. Rainbow suggested, “So can we get back to training?” Spike responded, “After I tell you a secret worthy for you. I made a promise after all.” Rainbow is a little shocked at this, but let him continue. “Well do you remember that one time when there was a shortage of hot water in Ponyville. That was me…” “How did you even manage that!?” “Well I wanted had a seven hour long bubble bath… I was having fun!” Spike pleaded. “I guess I can accept that as a secret. Well let’s get going. We are wasting time now. It’s already noon.” Rainbow said dragging Spike back to work. “Oh and Spike. After all of this is over, if you help me get pass the first round, I’ll help you out with your love situation. She may be oblivious when you are trying to get her affections, but I will help you stand out more.” “I’ll be fine. I don’t need to stand out THAT way.” Spike replied. Rainbow just hit his arm playfully and they continued training. Rarity couldn’t believe what she saw. The heartache that it gave her was earth shattering. After all the time she took to get prepped up and planned to come in ‘randomly’ in the middle of their training to give refreshments and have a picnic to get closer to Spike again and win his favor. It was all for nothing. Applejack and Fluttershy noticed she was in tears. They went to check on their friend. They entered Rarity’s shop and in the middle of the floor crying was Rarity. Applejack is first to ask, “Are you alright Rarity?” All she could manage to say is, “Spike… moved… on!” Applejack and Fluttershy decided to console their friend. Applejack asked, “Well Rarity. How do you know he moved on?” “He was being intimate with Rainbow Dash!” Rarity cried out in tears. Applejack tried to picture it, but Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem like the kind of pony to do that. Especially in the public. “What do you mean by ‘intimate’ Rarity?” Bawling on the floor, Rarity responded, “Spike was on top of her and grabbing Rainbow Dash’s hooves!” Applejack then began piecing things together. “Are you sure you saw them being ‘intimate’ and not roughhousing?” Rarity then stopped crying. It all made sense now. The mud on their cheeks and the dirt and leaves on them. It must be that reason. “You’re right! Spike and Rainbow were probably just playing around.” Applejack and Fluttershy took this that their friend would be alright and headed out the door. Rarity then decided to go back outside, but as she did, she noticed that it was already getting late into the afternoon. She needs to continue her business if she is ever going to keep up with the new demands. As much as she would like to go see Spike, she can’t ignore her business any longer.She placed down her picnic basket and reopened her store. She tried to work without distraction, but Spike’s image kept creeping in her head again. She began thinking to herself, ‘I will see him before the end of today. I must see him again and win him over!’ Walking back into the marketplace, Applejack wanted to talk to Fluttershy about the whole situation that is unfolding right in front of them. Applejack sighed, “Hey, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy replied, “Yes Applejack?” “What do you think of all of this?” Fluttershy wasn’t fully sure what she meant. “What do you mean?” Applejack advised, “I mean about Spike, Rainbow, and Rarity. This is starting to get weird. Maybe we should talk to Twilight about this. She at least needs to know about this.” Fluttershy agreed with Applejack so they decided to head to Twilight’s home before going back to their business. They reached Twilight's home and knocked on the door. A very tired Twilight answered the door, "Yes?" Fluttershy and Applejack were worried about their friend's current condition. Fluttershy asked, "Twilight. Are you alright?" Twilight tried to pass it off as nothing, "Oh don't worry about me. I was just up studying for a while. Why are you two here though?" Applejack, remembering why they came, answered, "Well we wanted to talk to you about Spike and Rainbow." This woke up Twilight. Did they expose themselves? Will there be widespread panic now? She tried to play it off as nothing, "What do you mean? Rainbow and Spike are just fine.", but her expression caught Applejack's eye. "You know something don't ya." Applejack accused. It was hard to lie to Applejack, but Twilight couldn't just reveal the truth. She promised the Princess after all. "I have no idea what you're talking about." Applejack could tell she was trying to switch the topic, but decided to just go along with it. "Well Spike and Rainbow are spending a lot of time together. It ain't something they normally do and now Rarity seems to be hurt by it." Twilight is more relieved that they didn't know anything, but is confused at what they were talking about. "What do you mean? Rainbow and Spike are just training. Also why would Rarity be hurt by that?" Applejack began telling Twilight about some of the events that have been happening. "... They just seem to be oddly closer now. I think Rarity might actually have been oblivious to Spike's feelings and now is getting jealous of Rainbow. It's really getting out of hand. I think we should do something about it." Fluttershy also added, "When I went to go deliver their apples for Applejack, they were acting suspicious. They really didn't want me to see them practicing. I normally don't do this, but I hid in a bush and saw them laughing and joking around rather than training. Almost as if they were on a date." Even Applejack didn't know about that. Twilight didn't want to give anything away, but these are her trusted friends. "Well I can't really tell you the full details, but you shouldn't worry about Rainbow Dash and Spike. There is nothing going on between them. Everything will be back to normal in a few days. Please just trust me on this." Whatever Twilight's reason is, it must be important. Fluttershy and Applejack are willing to trust their friend, but still wish they could know everything. At least they know it isn't something too bad then. They both then accepted Twilight's answer and left back to the marketplace with even more questions than answers. Twilight's glad they didn't pursue any more, but feels bad not being able to tell her close friends about the malfunctioning elements. Also what is this about Rarity being jealous? So many things are swirling around her mind and she has no time for this. She needs to return to studying. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike and Rainbow Dash headed back into town searching for dinner after completing another good day of training. Spike seems proficient enough to at least fly confidently. Not nearly as great as Rainbow, but good enough. "I'm proud of you 'Rainbow Dash'. You finally got flying down." "Well 'Spike' I had a good coach." Spike chuckled. "Yeah. You fly just like a fresh graduate from pegasi elementary." Rainbow retorted. Spike grumbled, "Well at least I'm trying to do better." Rainbow jested, "It's a joke. You're fine. Since you did so well, you get to choose where we go eat." Spike is a little surprised that Rainbow would let him choose. She has been pretty much calling all the shots. "Well... how about..." Rarity suddenly appeared, bumping Spike out the way. Her attention is all on Rainbow Dash who is worried at how far her body just flew. Rarity cooed, “Oh hi there my Spikey- Wikey.” Rainbow almost threw up hearing that. Rarity continued, “I heard you were hungry so I made us dinner.” Rainbow really didn’t want to go. Rarity’s style doesn’t reflect her style with all the fru fru stuff. “I don’t think I want to go.” Spike hears this and immediately pulls Rainbow to the side. He whispers to her, “Are you crazy!?” Rainbow replied sharply, “What?” Spike continued, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me! Go with her!” “Do you really want me to go? I absolutely hate Rarity’s fru fru things.” Rainbow said with disgust. Spike was desperate for this opportunity and Rainbow Dash could see it in her body’s eyes. It wasn’t a good look for her. “Fine! Fine, but ‘Rainbow Dash’ has to join us!” Rarity was against the idea of Rainbow Dash crashing the party. She had to lure her away somehow. Rarity said, “Ok. Rainbow Dash can join us, but she will have to wash up first and look good to join us. Spike had no problem with that. “Sure. No problem.” Spike said without hesitation. Rarity and Rainbow were both surprised about this. Rainbow took Spike to the side and whispered, “Hey! What do you mean no problem!?” Spike replied, “Yeah I have no problem with tidying up.” Rainbow complained as her voice rose a little in volume, “But she wants you to look good, which means she wants you to dress nice. I am not about to let my body and image get tarnished over a little date that I don’t want to go on.” Rarity was confused as to why they kept leaving her out. She could only make out a few of the words like looking good, something about an image getting tarnished, and a date that he didn’t want to go on. She was hurt by this. It seemed clear that Spike was purposely avoiding her. Maybe it was the pincushion treatment, or using him as a prospector, or using Spike as her butler. Rarity was beginning to give up on this escapade, but then it hit her. She thought to herself, ‘Was Spike trying to get me jealous? It has to be that right? I mean he was avoiding me and acted up mostly around me. He never acts like this. Spike must still be in love with me! Rainbow also has been acting up. She is probably just playing along as part of a joke on me. I figured out your little game Rainbow, but I can play it better!’ Rarity then told the bickering duo, “Forget the tidying up. We are going out to eat anyways. Let’s just find a nice bench or gazebo and enjoy dinner.” They end up at the park as the sun was at its lowest. They begin eating, but not many words are exchanged. Rarity couldn’t waste this opportunity to get Spike in her favor and then he will be all hers again. “So Spike?” Rarity said to get his attention, “What have you and Rainbow Dash been doing exactly? You have been spending a lot of time these past few days.” Rainbow started picking up a few signs about Rarity. “Nothing much. Just helping ‘Rainbow Dash’ practice some stuff.” Rarity didn’t believe this for a second. “Well Rainbow Dash. Care to show me what you’ve been practicing on?” Rainbow knew that Spike wasn’t ready to perform in front of her close friends. She was about to say something to change the topic, but Spike responded, “Of course! I’d love to show off some new moves!” The way he said it was almost mocking to Rainbow Dash. He then flew up into the air and made some quick and simple flight patterns. They weren’t as fancy or had pizazz like Rainbow was known to do, but at least it looked clean. Spike then landed and huffed, “I am so awesome.” This continually offended Rainbow, but at the same time she was impressed at how much he learned in the little time. This also was enough to satisfy Rarity, but even she noticed that it wasn’t as reckless and crazy. It was more stable and had a lot of control, which was odd. Rarity then thought, ‘Maybe Rainbow asked Spike for help to keep herself in control. It looks more elegant than usual.’ They continued with small talk, where Rarity kept trying to learn more about their relationship and to determine if they were really trying to make her jealous. Rarity couldn’t seem to break them as they continued with the same story every time. She then got frustrated and blurted, “Are you two dating?” and immediately covering her mouth. Spike and Rainbow both looked at each other and began immediately denying it. “Me with her!? That would never happen!” Rainbow said. This prompted Spike to say, “Yeah! Why would I be with that little pipsqueak anyways when I am so awesome anyways!” Rainbow then returned, “Hey! Don’t call me a pipsqueak you….” Rainbow then paused as Rarity was still there. “Whatever… Let’s just go back to the library.” Rainbow said as she finished off her sandwich. Spike told Rarity, “Sorry about this.” then proceeded to follow behind leaving Rarity even more confused. She was now confirming in her head that they weren’t together, but what were they then and why was Spike acting up around her then? She left with more questions than answers. Just then she bumped into Applejack and Fluttershy on their way back. She decided to tell them what had just transpired. They were just as confused as Rarity. Applejack then told Rarity about what happened at Twilight’s place. Rarity asked, “What do you mean what happened at Twilight’s home? Was there something weird there too?” Applejack told her, “Well when we got to Twilight’s place, nothing was out of the ordinary. Books stacked high and papers all over the floor with different mumbo jumbo. Twilight seemed a little tired, but was overall fine. Probably just been studying and reading too much. Then when we told her about Spike and Rainbow acting weird, she started acting weird herself.” _____ Back at the Library _____ Twilight responded to the reports of Rainbow Dash and Spike being off today. “What do you mean they’ve been off!?” Applejack said, “We mean they have been oddly close together. They are acting weird too. It’s almost as if…” Twilight interjected, “Nothing’s wrong with them! They are probably just playing a game or a trick on you both!” Applejack was suspicious now. “What’s really going on Twilight? I can tell you’re lying.” “It’s nothing Applejack…” Twilight said avoiding eye contact. Applejack had to ask. “Are Rainbow Dash and Spike dating!?” Twilight was then confused, but used the opportunity to avoid telling the real truth, “What? No of course not.” she said with very little conviction to seem like she’s trying to deny it. She then turns the clock with her magic to make the clock show the time was later than it was. “Well would you look at the time. I guess it’s time for you to get going so let’s talk about this never.” Twilight rushed as she pushed the two out the door. ____ Back to the present ____ “That’s pretty much how it went down. Something isn’t right here and it seems Spike and Rainbow are at the heart of it.” Applejack deduced. Fluttershy then said, “Maybe Twilight knows they are a couple, but they don’t want to reveal it yet. I mean they did seem off from how you described it Rarity. It was like they paused before they fought each other seriously. Maybe they really do care for each other and are afraid we won’t accept them?” This got Rarity’s blood into a boil. She thought to herself, ‘If that’s true then… I have to find out the truth, by whatever means possible. I must do this!’ Rarity then rushed home and began plotting for the next day. Fluttershy and Applejack had no idea what to do now. To be honest, the didn’t want to dig any deeper and would rather see how things played out. Spike and Rainbow entered the library, cooled down from the exchange earlier. They were sleepy from the hard work and eating a lot. Twilight immediately began questioning them, but they were too sleepy to care, told Twilight that they will talk in the morning, and just headed to bed. Twilight was even more worried because she noticed how their actions, mannerisms, and how they talked were slowly starting to sync together. This could only be a bad thing. Spike and Rainbow both woke up at the same time with Spike hugging his body. At first they both jumped because they forgot they were in each other’s bodies, but then a blush came over them as they realized they were sleeping together. All that talk of dating yesterday rang in their heads and an awkward silence befell the two. Just then Twilight came out of the kitchen with breakfast already made. The two looked at the time and it was late for Spike, but early for Rainbow. Spike alerted, “Rainbow! We’re late for training! We only have one day left!” Rainbow wasn’t as distressed as she was tired from waking up so early. “Man I’m still not used to waking up this early outside of for work.” Twilight asked them, “Are you guys coming for breakfast?” The two had their stomach give a slight growl. They both then headed downstairs where Twilight had the table set up. Twilight then said, “It’s weird seeing Spike wake up so late and Rainbow being up so early.” Spike then said, “Hey I guess that’s true.” Spike then saw on his plate broccoli. Spike hates the stuff, but for some reason it seemed sort of appetizing. “This looks good for once.” Twilight was a little offended by that and Spike began eating. Rainbow had the same plate, but was reluctant to eat the broccoli. She didn’t mind it so much before because the good nutrients it gives and how people overreact to its taste, but now it really seemed to bother her. She avoided it and ate the rest of the plate. Twilight then jumped when she noticed this and surprised the two. “My hypothesis is CORRECT!” Rainbow then responded, “What was that all about Twilight?” Twilight then told the two, “You both are changing! Not just your bodies, but even now your minds are slowly changing! They are syncing together!” Spike asked, “What does that mean for us?” “Your personalities are fusing into one. Soon you both will be the exact same personality and once that happens… It will most likely become permanent.” Twilight fearfully told them. They both jumped up in disbelief. “Are you serious!?”. Twilight then gave a simple nod and the two both looked at each other. Twilight then added, “And you don’t have much time left until the process is complete.” Rainbow questioned, “What do you mean by that?” Twilight then told them, “The amulet is shining oddly. There is a rainbow aura from the bottom, but on top it is showing a new aura that is purple and green. It is like two auras slowly traveling to the center, which I hypothesize is both of your auras are going to fuse when they both touch. It was very slow yesterday, but before you guys got home, the auras jumped closer. Soon Rainbow will become Spike and Spike will become Rainbow or I guess a fusion of the two! This is really bad!” Rainbow exclaimed, “Ya THINK!!?” Spike added, “This is just too crazy!! Why is this happening now!?” Twilight then noticed a small increase in speed of the auras. “You both need to calm down! These auras act like quicksand. The more you panic, the worse it gets!” The two wanted to calm down, but hearing that made them began worrying internally. Twilight then revealed a little more about the auras. “There was a point where the auras were retreating!” This put a quick bandage on the two worrywarts. “When you both went out earlier in the day, the auras were going back and it seemed it was going back to normal. Whatever you two did in the late morning, you must continue doing.” They both remembered at that time, they both were sharing everything and having fun. Spike and Rainbow both came the simple conclusion that all they needed to do was be themselves and just be calm, cooled, and collected. The fact that they know now was stressful, but they fought against those thoughts and decided to just continue their training. They couldn’t afford to be distracted anymore. At least they know that the way to cure themselves is to just be happy in a way. They immediately left for the training grounds. Twilight waved behind them hoping they will be alright. She wouldn’t want to have two Spikedash personalities around. She wondered how that would even be as she returned to her studies and research.