Inspiration Manifestation
Pony's Log Number 423: It can be hard being a supportive friend, especially when they do something that makes them happy, but you know isn't right...
Today was another special day in the town of Ponyville, Mr. and Mrs. Cake has just finished setting up their stand to sell treats as the rest of the ponies were enjoying and preparing the rest of the tents around the area.
"Hear ye, hear ye!" said Pinkie as she came trotting by with some balloons, "The Ponyville Foal and Filly Fair is almost ready to begin!" The crowds began to chatter excitedly. Sweetie Belle was especially happy since her parents were there to enjoy the fair with her.
"Whee, ha-ha, whoa!" Pinkie laughed as she bounced across the front area of the Carousel Boutique and even did a somersault, which caused her to let go of the balloons she was holding.
Inside the Carousel Boutique, Rarity and Mario were hard at work creating a special puppet show theatre for the fair. The box itself was coated with gold and purple outer wall paper and some pink ribbon along the bottom front. The front of the stage had a large extravagant gold frame around it that was coated in gems. They had also placed some potted plants along the left and right edges of the stage.
"Just because the attendees are young," said Rarity as she placed some pink feather boas on the outside sides of the stage, "doesn't mean they don't deserve our very best creative work. Why, this puppet theater is going to be the talk of the Foal and Filly Fair!"
"How could it not be?" said Spike before adding in a dreamy tone as he looked at Rarity, "You're the one making it."
"She's not the only pony making it, Spike," said Mario indignantly as Rarity chuckled to herself.
"Oh be nice, Mario," said Rarity before adding slyly, "As I recall, you do the same around Twilight." Mario blushed and rolled his eyes as Rarity walked up to the little dragon.
"Oh! But I couldn't have done it without the help of one of my dearest and most supportive friends!" Rarity told Spike as she grabbed another pink feather boa and placed it around his neck, "You are my favorite dragon."
"Your favorite dragon?" said Spike as he blushed bashfully, "Aw, gee..." Mario chuckled to himself.
"The hours have been long," said Rarity as she leaned her head back in dramatic fashion.
"Oh so very long indeed, darling," said Mario as he mirrored her pose.
"The work taxing beyond compare," Rarity added as Spike removed the feather boa around his neck.
"Oh so very taxing," said Mario, "all that toil and sweat!"
"But it will all be worth it when we hear those three little words!" said Rarity with a smile.
"Yes it will!" said Mario with a smile of his own.
Then they presented it to Claude, who was the puppeteer master for the fair.
"This is awful!" said Claude. Both Rarity and Mario were deeply shocked.
"Awful?!" said Rarity sadly.
"And completely unusable," Claude added while holding his puppets in the air with his magic. He then leaned down to spin the wheels, which were propped several inches above the ground, "Hmmm...Ugh! It doesn't travel!" He then went inside to check the stage.
"Oh, there's no room for my puppets!" Claude complained as he closed the curtain, "It appears that I won't have a traveling puppet theater to use after all." Claude then put on his top hat and stomped away. His two puppets gave Rarity and Mario an angry glare. Mario felt very disappointed, but poor Rarity was on the verge of tears.
"I don't know what that guy was talking about," said Spike, "This thing is perfect!"
"Doesn't matter if the commissioner hates it," said Mario sadly. Poor Rarity then ran off as Mario went after her. Spike watched sadly as the two ponies disappear.
(Main Theme)
Inside the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was just sitting sadly on her chasse sofa as Mario just leaned against the back rest from behind the sofa with a glum look on his face.
"This is terrible, simply terrible!" Rarity whined.
"All that work down the drain!" Mario added sadly as Rarity began to cry.
"So that puppeteer didn't like your exquisitely crafted best puppet theater in the history puppet of puppet theaters." Spike then counted on one of his claws how many times he has said puppet.
"You can just contribute something else to the Foal and Filly Fair," Spike suggested.
"I supposed we could..." said Rarity, sobbing lightly.
"But what could we do is the question..." Mario pondered.
"Oh, forget it, Spike and Mario," Rarity sobbed as she dramatically leaned against her sofa and used her magic to bring over a cartoon of ice cream, "We'd never have something finished in time!" She then took a bite of the ice cream.
"Don't give up so easily, Twinsie!" said Mario, "You still got me! We could try the puppet stage again. You know I can work fast!"
"But I can't think creatively that quickly!" Rarity sobbed, "Just forget it! I wanted to leave my creative mark on the fair, and I failed-" Rarity took another spoonful of ice cream, "-miserably! And that makes me miserable!"
"I'm so sorry I let you down!" said Mario sadly, "I didn't even notice the flaws to the design until Claude pointed them out!"
"It's not your fault, Mario," Rarity sobbed, "I should have noticed the flaws, too." Rarity then buried her face into the front part of her sofa and cried louder. Spike just watched Rarity cry sympathetically before he narrowed his eyes in determination.
He had an idea.
It wasn't long before he had rounded up both Owlowiscious and Charlie on a mission to the Castle of the Two Sisters. The group was soon inside the castle library. Spike and Charlie began to search the shelves while Owlowiscious just perched himself on an empty upper shelf.
"Argh, there's gotta be something in here somewhere," said Spike, "Find anything Charlie?" The baby koala just shook his head as he clung to the shelves and scanned the books. But then he grabbed a book that came out so quickly that Charlie yelped and tumbled to the ground with several books piling on top of him.
"Hoo," was all Owlowiscious could say.
"It's not "who"," said Spike, "It's "what"! Like, what can help Rarity make something in time for the fair?" Charlie walked over and squeaked at Spike.
"No, I mean just Rarity," said Spike, not hiding the jealousy he felt knowing Mario was Rarity's right hand assistant, "Mario's just her helper. Besides, she really wants to make a creative contribution and she can't rely on Mario for help. She said I'm her favorite dragon, so it's up to me to come through for her in her time of need. There's gotta be some kind of spell that'll do the trick." As Spike spoke, Charlie couldn't help but roll his eyes, stick a finger in his mouth, and then stomped off. He found Spike's jealousy to be rather ridiculous. After all, Mario loved Twilight, not Rarity. Spike then jumped onto a ladder and rode it across the shelves. Charlie just sighed annoyingly and grabbed on the ladder from below. Owlowiscious just hooted.
"Come on, help a dragon out!" Spike retorted annoyingly, then felt somepony jab his tail. He looked down to see that Charlie was glaring at him.
"I do notice you're trying to help, Charlie," said Spike, "Now quit punching my tail will ya?" Charlie said nothing and searched the lower shelves while Spike looked from above. Spike then grabbed a book and was surprised to see that Owlowiscious had squeezed himself between two books and hooted.
"Ugh! It's not for me!" said Spike as he put the book back in front of the owl and scooted the ladder further down the shelves. Owlowiscious then landed on top of a two book stack and hooted again, "It's for Rarity! The one who made you that bow tie you like so much? The same Rarity who made Charlie that Equestrian Outback blanket he always cuddling?" Charlie blushed and looked away, but nopony had noticed his embarrassment as he got off the ladder. Spike then climbed down the ladder soon after to search the shelves on the opposite side of the room. Owlowiscious hooted again. This time Charlie squeaked in agreement.
"Okay, I get it you two!" Spike snapped as he reached for another book, completely unaware that the book was actually a switch, "You both don't think we should use magic-" Spike then noticed the sudden appearance of a secret room that was locked up behind bars.
"What is that?" Spike wondered as he looked into the room and noticed an ominous looking book sitting on a rocky pedestal under a green light. Owlowiscious just hooted as Charlie trembled nervously. They both could sense whatever was inside the book was dangerous. Spike took no notice as he used his fire breath to melt away the lock on the door and opened it. Owlowiscious hooted nervously as Spike entered the room. The little dragon slowly walk up a short set of stairs as some vampire bats chittered while they flew in the foreground and background. Spike slowly made his way to the book and grabbed it. Owlowiscious hooted and Charlie both squeaked nervously from the entrance door.
"What?" Spike remarked, "if I wasn't supposed to have it, it wouldn't be so easy to get. And it's covered in spikes, like me." Charlie groaned and face-palmed himself. Owlowiscious just hooted again nervously. Spike then made his way back, but was completely clueless to the fact that the platform and stairs were crumbling away behind him. Charlie squeaked frantically to get Spike's attention, but the little dragon was too engrossed at the cover of the book to notice. He didn't even noticed the ground gave way beneath him and he somehow landed safety at the edge of the platform leading out of the room.
"Inspiration Manifestation: Instantly brings ideas to life," Spike read aloud, completely ignoring Owlowiscious nervous hoots and Charlie's frantic squeaks to warn him of the crumbling platform. Even when Spike managed to leave the room completely unscratched.
"I'm likin' the looks of this one," said Spike when the a wall sealed off the room completely.
"Hmmm," was all Spike could say with a shoulder shrug. Both the owl and the koala wiped their brows in relief. Charlie then squeaked to Owlowiscious, something about Spike being a "clueless dodo". Owlowiscious hooted in agreement.
Back at the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was alone sobbing on her chasse sofa and nomming on ice cream. Mario tried his best to come up with a back-up idea for the fair, but Rarity had given up. In the end, Rarity asked Mario to leave so she could be alone. Mario promised to come back in the morning to make sure she was okay before respecting her request. Spike then entered the Boutique with a very large smile on his face.
"Rarity!" Spike said in a cheery tone.
"Leave me be!" Rarity lamented as she raised a fore-leg over her forehead, "Can't you see how distraught, disappointed, and downtrodden I still am?" Spike then climbed to the front end of the sofa.
"But I brought you something," said Spike in a sing-sang tone.
"Unless it's another carton of vanilla oat swirl or word that the festival was cancelled," said Rarity as she tossed the empty carton of ice cream to the floor with a few others, "I don't think I'm interested."
"It's magic!" said Spike.
"Spike, precious scales," said Rarity as she grabbed a heart shaped box of candy, "I already have magic." Rarity then popped a few pieces of candy into her mouth.
"But not the kind that can help you create something in time for the fair!" said Spike, "This can!" Spike then presented the book to Rarity.
"I supposed it's worth a try," said Rarity, taking the book and opening it without even considering its ominous looking appearance before reading it aloud, ""From in the head to out in the world, every thought of action. Hold close this book and though its spell, you'll start a chain reaction. Projecting forth whatever beauty you see. Only when true words are spoken will you finally be set free"." As Rarity read the book, a green stream of magic flowed into Rarity's horn, turning her magic glow from blue to green. Even her eyes glowed green for a second.
"Did it work?" Spike asked hopefully.
"Hm, there's only one way to find out," said Rarity as she narrowed her eyes, both her horn and eyes glowed as she changed the ominous book cover into something very majestic. Rarity gasped.
"Oh, my!" Rarity exclaimed and giggled happily, "I thought about making this a much more beautiful spell book, and I have!" She then narrowed her eyes and used her new magic to upgrade her chasse sofa.
"Dear, dear Spike!" said Rarity as she stood on the sofa, "Here I was about to give up, but like a true friend, you've come through with flying colors!" Spike just blushed and gave Rarity a dismissive wave of his claw.
"Come!" said Rarity as she jumped off the sofa, grabbed the book, and then opened the front door, "We must find the puppeteer right away, so that I may provide him with the most fabulous theater he's ever imagined! Or, should I say, that I've ever imagined." The moment Rarity said the last statement, her eyes glowed and a devious smiles appeared on her face. Since Spike was acting so clueless, it was doubtful he even noticed. In fact, Spike didn't even realize that when they went to find Claude that Rarity never bothered to go find Mario.
It wasn't long before Rarity, with the book nestled safely in her saddle bags and discreetly eyeballing it, and Spike were walking side by side as they looked around Ponyville for Claude. The puppeteer stallion was busy using the front door of Sugarcube Corner for his puppet show stage.
"Ah, Miss Rarity, come to see the show, I presume?" Claude replied when he saw her before showing her his setup, "You'll notice I had to make do in light of your recent failure to produce a functioning theater." Rarity just smirked as Claude's two puppets floated up and down in the air, their bowties spinning about before they crossed their fore-legs with a huff.
"Oh, but I think you'll find the new one I've created will be much more to your liking!" Rarity said with a smile as she pointed a fore-hoof in one direction. Claude looked over and was surprised to see a brand new puppet theater as Spike stood beside it.
"Ah, well, it is gorgeous," Claude mumbled, "but that was never the problem now, was it?" He then had his puppets grab the harness to make it roll backward. "Oh, well, this one does seem to travel..." Rarity and Spike both smiled at each other as Claude stepped inside and opened the curtains.
"Plenty of room for my puppets..." Claude remarked, "I say, Miss Rarity, I don't know how you managed to do so in such a short amount of time, but you seem to have redeemed yourself. How did you manage to do so in such a short time? I don't see Mr. Mario anywhere." Rarity just smiled sheepishly as she used her tail to seal and cover her saddle bags.
"As a matter of face, she used a s-" Spike was then cut off when Rarity body checked him aside.
"A good designer never reveals her tricks," said Rarity as Claude just gave her a skeptical look. In the end, he accepted the puppet stage and went on his way. Rarity then snorted to herself.
"I don't need Mario to be a creative genius," she told herself, her eyes glowing as she did so, "I'll have to deal with him sooner rather than later."
Soon the fair had come to an end and various ponies were busy packing up their stands and tents as Rarity and Spike walked about the area.
"Thank you again, Spike, for being such a dear friend and finding this book for me!" Rarity said to him sweetly.
"My pleasure," said Spike, "Well, guess I can return it now that the fair's over."
"Oh, yes, of course," said Rarity as she used her magic to grab the book out of her saddle bags and handed it back to Spike, "I've made my creative contribution as I'd hoped to do, and all is well!" But when Spike tried to grab it, she pulled it away. Spike then jumped up to grab it and Rarity just pulled it away from him again.
"Uh, then again," said Rarity as she put the book back into her saddle bags, "perhaps I should keep it just a skotch longer...You don't mind, do you, Spike?" This should have been a red flag for anypony with common sense. Sadly, Spike picked today not to have any.
"Of course not!" said Spike, "see you tomorrow!" They both walked away in opposite directions when he saw Owlowiscious sitting in a tree along with Charlie leaning against it. They both gave Spike the stink eye, for they had seen everything.
"What?" Spike asked innocently, "She'll keep it for a few more hours, no harm in that." Charlie and Owlowiscious both shook their head in disapproval and annoyance. They knew that the book was going to be nothing but trouble.
It was about sunset when Rarity arrived at the Library and lightly knocked on the front door. Mario was the pony to answer it.
"Oh good, I was hoping to speak to you," said Rarity, standing purposely at an angle so Mario couldn't see the book in her saddle bags.
"What's up Rarity?" said Mario, "need some more comfort? I know not having your creativity at the fair really upset you..."
"Actually I was able to present the puppeteer with a new theatre," said Rarity bluntly, "no thanks to you..."
"That's great Rares, I...wait, what?" Mario was taken aback by what Rarity had said.
"I realized that the whole reason that first theatre was a failure was because I relied on the likes of you instead of trusting in my own creative genius," Rarity added in a casual and arrogant tone. If Mario wasn't in shock before, he was now. Plus he felt hurt.
"I...I...was..."
"Yes, yes, you did your best and that's fine," said Rarity slowly, but wasn't exactly hiding the fact she was condescending him, "but in the end, you're just holding me back and I don't think your talents fit my creative vision."
"Rares, what are you saying?" Mario asked in a hurt and upset.
"Simple, darling," said Rarity with a smile on her face, "You're fired! Ta-ta!" Rarity then walked away, humming happily to herself. Mario was left agape before what she had said sank in as his lips quivered and his eyes filled with tears.
About a hour later, Spike arrived at the Library to the sound of somepony crying heavily inside. Spike headed to the second floor and flinched when he saw Mario sobbing heavily, on his own chasse sofa, eating chocolate ice cream. At least until Twilight took the ice cream away from him. Mario then turned his back away from her as he continued to cry.
"Seesh, talking about copying Rarity's style," Spike muttered annoyingly.
"Oh Spike, glad you're here," said Twilight as she walked up to him with the empty carton of ice cream, "Has Rarity been acting unusual lately?" Spike blinked for a moment.
"Uh...no," said Spike slowly, "She's been perfectly normal to me. Why? What made Mario go all drama queen?" Mario just continued to cry loudly.
"Rarity came by earlier today and fired him," said Twilight, "and she was even smiling when she did it! That's not like Rarity at all!"
"Maybe Mario just messed up one time too many," Spike remarked. Then he and Twilight winced as Mario cried even harder. Twilight glared at the dragon. Spike didn't need long to realize how insensitive his comment was.
"Uh...I'll just be downstairs cleaning up," said Spike nervously before rushing downstairs. He hadn't barely landed at the bottom of the staircase when he saw Owlowiscious and Charlie glared at him again.
"I'm sure that spell has nothing to do with Mario getting fired," Spike retorted. The two critters just raised an eyebrow at him.
"Geez, you two are like Twilight and Mario," Spike remarked as he started collecting some books to put away, "always worrying and getting all worked up over nothing!" The two critters just shared looks with each other and shook their heads.
The next day, Spike decided to head to the Carousel Boutique early. From the windows, anypony could see the bright flashes of magic zapping about continuously inside. At least most ponies would have noticed as he approached the door, whistling a little tune to himself before he knocked on the door.
"Rarity?" Spike called out, but there was no answer. Just the sound of some more magic zaps. Then the front door burst open.
"Whoa!" said Spike before he was sent flying and his vision went completely black. Before he could realize he had been buried alive. Rarity quickly dug him out.
"Spike, I'm so glad you're here!" said Rarity with a rather unstable smile on her face and her eyes glowing green. Spike then noticed that he had been buried alive by a huge collection of clothes.
"Whoa!" Spike yelped as Rarity picked him up with her magic and pulled him inside. Rarity just smiled excitedly as Spike was set down and he noticed that the inside of the Boutique was filled with a massive collection of clothes. Spike was amazed...until he noticed that as Rarity was smiling, a couple of hairs were out of place on her mane and her eyes were continuously twitching.
"Are...you okay?" Spike asked worried.
"Oh, I've never been better!" said Rarity excitedly, her eyes glowing, as she looked at the book, "This book you've given me is amazing! I, I, I, I've been up all night just creating and creating and creating! I've completed my fall line for the next fifteen seasons!" For those who don't understand fashion time, that is exactly fifteen years.
"Wow!" said Spike, completely amazed.
"But then I started thinking, "why stop there"?" said Rarity, "Oh, Spike, I've always thought this town of ours could use a few beautifying upgrades, and with this book, I can make that happen with such ease! You will support me in this endeavor by letting me keep the book just a little longer?" Spike was hesitant for a moment, but then smiled.
"Of course I will!" said Spike. Outside the window, Owlowiscious and Charlie had followed Spike and were watching everything from outside the window. Charles looked at the scene wearily as Owlowiscious hooted nervously in agreement.
In the center of town, Rarity was stomping about with look of determination on her face as Spike jogged a bit to catch up to her.
"What do you say we get a little breakfast before we get started?" Spike panted as he tried to catch his breath.
"No time for breakfast!" Rarity retorted, "I want to get started right away!"
"Technically, we do have time," said Spike, "because with that book held close, you can just makes things-" Spike soon realized that Rarity had left him behind, "Rarity?" Spike then ran off to catch up to her and soon found Rarity making her way down an alleyway. Spike peeked out from the corner of a building and then approached her.
"Now, this is exactly what I'm talking about!" said Rarity with determination as she looked at an apple cart belonging to Applejack and Granny Smith, "Why, that cart hasn't an ounce of stylish flair!" Applejack just had a bored look on her face and Granny Smith yawned as Golden Harvest approached the cart. Rarity made her horn, and her eyes glow. Applejack had just grabbed an apple to give to Golden Harvest when a bright light flashed around the cart. Applejack dropped the apple in shock when she and Granny Smith saw that the cart was now solid gold and jewel crusted.
"My eyes playin' tricks on me again?" Granny Smith asked as she examined the cart.
"What in rhubarb pie just happened?" Applejack asked, looking just as baffled and confused. Rarity was feeling very pleased with herself.
"Isn't it gorgeous?" Rarity asked Spike.
"It's amazing!" said Spike, "You should ask Applejack if she wants you to give all the Apple family carts a makeover."
"Oh, I don't really think I need to ask permission, darling," said Rarity indignantly, "Everyone loves surprises, especially when they're gorgeous ones!"
"You're right," Spike said in agreement, "Everypony does love surprises."
"We shouldn't even tell anypony that it's me who's behind all the fabulous changes I'll be making!" said Rarity to Spike in a hushed tone, giggled excitedly and then got into Spike's face, "Won't that be a fun little secret for the three of us to share?" Spike looked at her blankly.
"The...three of us?" Spike asked. He was now leaning away from Rarity as she leaned into his face with a smile of a mare that was starting to become mentally unstable.
"You, me, and the book of course," said Rarity as she used a fore-hoof to tap Spike, then herself, and then used her magic to show Spike the book. Spike then started to feel a little uneasy when he saw Rarity hugging the book.
"...Of course," said Spike wearily.
"Promise me you won't say a word to anypony?" Rarity asked. Spike then did "my lips are sealed" gesture with his claws.
"You got it!" said Spike with his mouth shut.
"I knew I could count on you, Spike," said Rarity as her eyes glowed and a slightly maniacal smile appeared on her face, "And I also know just what I want to do next!"
High in the sky, Rainbow Dash was busy doing some cloud busting.
"Take that! And that!" Rainbow grunted as she laughed and enjoyed the exercise. Then suddenly she was encased in a green magical glow and found herself wearing a purple and pale cream stripped gown.
"What in the...Get...it...off...me!" Rainbow grunted as she struggled in the air trying to take the gown off, but it was like the outfit had been glued onto her body. Inside another alley, Spike watched the scene with a worried look on his face while Rarity was very pleased with herself.
"I've always thought Rainbow Dash could use a little more glamour," said Rarity, "and now look at her! Cloud-busting with style!" She gave a short laugh as Spike cringed at how much Rainbow was fussing to get the gown off.
"Moving on!" said Rarity with a sinister look on her face as Spike quickly turned away from Rainbow's fussing.
"She'll be fine," Spike told himself, "It's just a dress. Uh, wait for your favorite dragon!" Rainbow then did a fast loop-de-loop before she crashed into something off distance. Rainbow then exhaled with relief as she sat on top of a roof.
At Fluttershy's cottage, the yellow Pegasus was busy filling up a metal plate that was connected to the bottom of the birdhouse.
"La la-la la-la la-la la la...," Fluttershy hummed to herself as she set down the bag of bird feed, "There you go, Mr. Robin!" The robin just chirped happily and began eating.
"Don't you look so content in your little house-" Fluttershy said as she smiled until a green glow appeared before the birdhouse, startling the yellow Pegasus. She was shocked to see the basic birdhouse had turned in a large multi-room mansion.
"Oh, my goodness!" Fluttershy gasped. Mr. Robin began chirping in distress since the new bird mansion had so many rooms and passages that he couldn't find the front door.
"You're lost?" said Fluttershy as she peeked in from one of the windows and tried to guide the bird out, "No, not that way, that looks like it's the door to the...bedroom. Try that one over there. No, no, that leads to a..." A door suddenly slammed.
"Shoe closet?" said Fluttershy puzzled, "Oh, dear. Maybe try the staircase? Oh, no-no-no, the other staircase." As Fluttershy struggled to help Mr. Robin leave his new home, Rarity and Spike were just watching form a short distance.
"Isn't it gorgeous?" Rarity asked Spike, not even paying any attention to the fact how much trouble the improvements were causing both the robin and Fluttershy.
"It's probably the most beautiful birdhouse ever created," Spike replied.
"Go on," Rarity replied, wanting to hear more praise.
"I'm just not sure how the bird feels about it," said Spike worriedly.
"Pfft, what does a bird know about architectural design?" Rarity remarked indignantly, "What matters is what you think, Spike. and you love it. Don't you?" Rarity got into his face with a sly smile, making Spike flinch nervously.
"Of course I do," said Spike, but was struggling to speak, "It's so...Rarity."
"It is, isn't it?" Rarity replied, "Ooh!" Rarity then took off in one direction. Spike was about to go after her when an acorn hit his head. He looked up to see Owlowiscious and Charlie in a nearby tree, glaring at the dragon with, the former his wings and the latter his arms, at their sides. Spike just looked at the two critters blankly before following after Rarity. Charlie growled angrily before banging his head on the side of the tree. He didn't know just how much he could take of Spike's cluelessness. Owlowiscious just sighed as he used a wing to pat the koala's back sympathetically.
Spike quickly found out that Rarity had stumbled upon a little foals's birthday party. Several little foals could be seen wearing party hats and chasing a clown pony around as some mariachi ponies played some music.
"Oh, adorable!" said Rarity before putting on a smug look, "But it could use a touch of class, don't you think?"
"Oh yeah, definitely," said Spike in agreement. Rarity then made her eyes and horn glow. A filly had just stuck her spoon into a large jello mold when it turned into an ice sculpture, getting the spoon trapped in it. The party food turned into fancy hors d'Oeuvres. The clown turned into a fancy, and also snooty, waiter.
"This party doesn't seem to have a proper theme," Rarity glared as her horn was still glowing, "Let's do something about that, shall we?"
"You've already made things look really, really great," said Spike, "Maybe you should stop while you're ahead."
"You're right Spike," said Rarity in agreement, "There's so much to do elsewhere!" Rarity then walked away from the party.
"Right!" said Spike before adding reluctantly as he rubbed the back of his head, "Elsewhere..." It was then Rarity turned around.
"Just one more little thing before we go..." said Rarity as she used her magic to turn the mariachi band into a classical music band.
"Why, this party is certain to make the society page now," said Rarity proudly, "Won't Pinkie be pleased?" Rarity then walked away, but Spike looked a little worried about the changes. The rest of the foals were all rather stunned by the changes as well. It was then Pinkie arrived with a cake.
"Happy, happy day to-huh?!" Pinkie was left in complete shock when she saw all the changes to what was clearly supposed to be one of her parties.
Back in town...
"I am simply buzzing with ideas," said Rarity eagerly as she trotted along, "Simply buzzing!" Spike was now starting to feel more and more nervous. It also didn't help that on a nearby town flag, Owlowiscious and Charlie were giving him the stink eye again, but Spike chose to ignore them.
"That's great!" said Spike, "But, uh, you've been at this for a while now. How 'bout you take a break? Give that brilliant mind of yours a rest?" Rarity stopped walking.
"Don't be silly!" said Rarity, "I'm not going to stop now! Why, I won't stop until every inch of Ponyville has benefited from my creative vision!" Rarity then gave Spike a very devious smirk. Spike did his best to avoid eye contact with her. The fact she kept getting into his face with such a threatening looking smile was making him very uncomfortable.
"Starting with you, Spike!" said Rarity and with a bright flash of light, Spike found himself covered in crystal.
"You look fabulous!" said Rarity excitedly.
"All because of you, heh..." said Spike wearily.
"Anything for my favorite dragon and most supportive friend," Rarity replied with a smirk clearly meant trouble if he disagreed with her, "Come, there's so much more to do!" Rarity then took off. Spike then just fell on his face. Once he recovered, he watched Rarity walk away. It wasn't long before Twilight arrived and gasped when she saw Spike.
"Oh no, not you too!" Twilight asked.
"What do you mean, not me too?" Spike asked as Twilight helped him stand up. Owlowiscious then landed in the background and set Charlie next to him. Charlie gestured sternly for Spike to tell Twilight what was going on.
"Oh. Judging by that outfit," said Twilight, "I thought for sure you'd-"
"What? This?" said Spike casually as he wobbled about and fell over again, "I just wanted to try out a new look." He then smiled as he lay on his back.
"You like?" Spike asked in a smooth tone. Twilight didn't reply.
"Hmm..." said Twilight as she looked around the area, "Well, in that case, have you seen anypony suspicious around?"
"Uh, nope," Spike replied as Owlowiscious landed on the dragon's stomach and glared at him. Charlie then stood beside Spike and gave him an angry growl.
"Ugh, this would be much easier if Mario was here," said Twilight, "I could use his help right about now!"
"Why isn't he helping you?" Spike asked curiously.
"He didn't sleep all night," Twilight explained, "He's been too busy trying to figure out what he did to make Rarity fire him. I'd say he's just making mountains out of molehills, but...I do that too sometimes...(sigh). Anyway, he's just back at the Library taking a nap."
"Princess Twilight," Mayor Mare called out as she rushed up to the alicorn, "the gazebo has been turned into solid crystal, and two ponies are now trapped inside its walls!" Twilight then took to the skies as Mayor Mare followed on hoof. Charlie squeaked loudly to get Twilight's attention, but she was already out of hearing range as he slumped over in defeat. He then stomped angrily over to Spike. Owlowiscious hooted at the dragon as he stood beside him. Charlie angrily squeaked at Spike, shaking a fist at him in the process.
"No!" Spike told the owl and koala, "I made a promise to Rarity to keep this to myself!" Owlowiscious hooted at him while Charlie angrily squeaked in agreement.
"Oh, so who's gonna tell Mario I wonder," said Spike sternly, "Two goody-goody tattle-tales like you two I suppose?" Charlie and Owlowiscious winced since they did not want to be tattle-tales, but retorted in their own ways that Spike needed to take responsibility and stop Rarity.
"But you're right, Owlowiscious and Charlie," said Spike sadly with a sigh, "I have to tell. And once I do, I can forget Rarity thinking of me as her most supportive friend...I can forget Rarity thinking of me as a friend at all..." Charlie made a annoyed remark with his arms crossed. Spike gave him a death glare.
"The big deal is that the very girl I love will never want to speak to me again!" Spike snapped at the koala, "If Mario were in my position and it was Twilight, he'd have a hard time speaking up too!" Charlie just squeaked back indignantly.
"You would think he would always do the right thing," Spike retorted angrily, "but you weren't around when Mario was putting all his efforts into get Twilight to notice him and getting nothing in return! He would understand the position I'm in!" Spike then stomped off to find Rarity. Charlie and Owlowiscious just shared concerned looks with each other.
Back at the Gazebo, the two ponies trapped inside the crystal had worried looks on their faces. Twilight then used her magic to free the two ponies as Spike, Owlowiscious and Charlie watched from a short distance away. They also took notice that right as Twilight landed that Mario had arrived. The two alicorns shared a hug before they both took off together into the sky. Spike sighed sadly when he noticed the two alicorns holding each other's hooves.
"I can't do it," Spike told the two critters, "I promised I'd keep all of this between the three of us!" Owlowiscious and Charlie both got in front of him, the former hooted at Spike while the other glared and tapped his left foot irritably.
"Of course it's weird she meant her, me, and the spell book," Spike retorted, "But - The spell book! Of course! If I can get it away from her, I bet she won't be able to use its magic anymore!" Owlowiscious and Charlie just rolled their eyes at Spike.
"Oh, come on, it's the perfect plan!" said Spike. Charlie squeaked to retort.
"The only thing with holes in it is your security blanket," Spike shot back, making Charlie yelp and growl since he took offense to having his favorite blanket insulted, "I...just have to figure out which way she went." Spike had barely started looking around when...
"I can't see!" a stallion complained as other ponies were complaining and flinching painfully because somepony had turned the ground into gold. Shiny gold then reflected the light from the sun.
"I'm thinking she's headed this way," said Spike bluntly as Owlowiscious and Charlie gave Spike bored looks on their faces.
Just outside of Ponyville, Rarity was standing above a ledge, giggling sinisterly with her horn and eyes glowing, as she overlooked all the changes she had made in Ponyville. By now Spike had found her and was slowly tip-toeing up to her. Owlowiscious and Charlie sat in a nearby tree to watch what would happen. Just as Spike was within reach and went to grab the book.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Rarity demanded as she did a fast one-eighty and stared at Spike angrily.
"Uh, me?" Spike stuttered, "I was just, uh...basking in your creative radiance." Rarity softened, which made her eyes stop glowing, and smiled at him.
"Oh, Spike, you do say the nicest things," said Rarity as she patted his head.
"Thanks," Spike replied with a blush on his cheeks.
"Now, where was I?" Rarity pondered as she stepped away from him. Spike then pointed at Rarity while looking at Owlowiscious and Charlie. The former gave the little dragon a wink while the latter gave him a thumbs up.
"Oh yes!" said Rarity, "Gold-plated rooftops for everypony!" Rarity's eyes glowed once again as Owlowiscious hooted and started to hover before Rarity, annoying the marshmallow pony as she used a fore-leg to wave him off. Charlie then squeaked to get her attention. Rarity then gasped silently.
"You know, Charlie," said Rarity in an overly sweet tone before giving him a devious smile, "You could use a makeover!"
"YIPE!" said Charlie as he tried to run away, but then a bright glow appeared around him. He was now wearing a dark green medieval style dark green noble's outfit with hair wig and hat. The outfit for Charlie was itchy, uncomfortable, and the pants and sleeves so puffy that he could barely move.
"Yes, that is much better!" said Rarity, giggling sinisterly again. Spike used that moment to snag the book out of her saddle bag and clutched it close to his chest as he tried to sneak away.
"Spike!" Rarity exclaimed as she saw Spike trying to leave. Spike did the only thing he could think of.
He ate the book in one bite!
"I have just had the most marvelous idea!" said Rarity, not yet noticing that Spike's mouth was full. Spike painfully swallowed the book and gasped.
"Of course you have," Spike replied, "You're Rarity."
"My work here in Ponyville is nearly complete," Rarity continued, "Don't you think it's time the rest of Equestria benefited from my creative vision?"
"Absolutely!" said Spike as Owlowiscious landed on a nearby tree. Charlie was in front of it, struggling to get out of the outfit Rarity had put on him.
"Ooh, I'm thinking we go by chariot!" Rarity suggested, "Or, as everyone will soon be calling them, "Rariot!"" Rarity then laughed like a pony who had now officially gone insane.
"Oh, yeah, we should definitely go by-" Spike was then cut off when he saw a green glow and there before him a golden gem-encrusted chariot.
"Huh?!" Spike exclaimed in shock as he ran up to the golden chariot, "How...how did you...do that?"
"Why, whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked puzzled.
"The book!" said Spike and then stuttered, "It's-I mean-you don't-it's gone! The book is gone!"
"Gone? Why it's right there," said Rarity as she turned and saw that her saddle bag was empty.
"I need my book, Spike!" Rarity demanded sternly, "What have you done with my book?!" Rarity growled at him angrily.
"Why would I do anything with your book?" Spike asked innocently, "We're friends! It...It was probably the owl!" Owlowiscious gave Spike a stern glare as Charlie yelled at him as he furiously jumped up and down. Spike was grateful Rarity didn't understand koala, because Charlie had actually said aloud what had happened to the book...and called Spike a liar and a stupid head.
"But, wait," Rarity realized, "I don't seem to need it anymore, do I?" Her eyes and horn glowed.
"Yes...yes...!" said Rarity excitedly, "I can feel the magic flowing within me now!" Her entire eyes glowed green, turning the ground gold and the tree Owlowiscious and Charlie were near into a pink crystal tree.
"I'm so excited! I'm so excited!" said Rarity in maniacal bliss.
"I'm so scared," said Spike quietly with a face that had just experienced the true meaning of fear.
"Oh, the places we'll go, Spike!" Rarity continued, "Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Canterlot! And there you'll be at my side, just as you've always been here in Ponyville, your constant praise and adoration driving me to even greater heights, until there isn't an inch of Equestria that hasn't been utterly transformed by my creative genius!" Spike panicked for a moment, before he plucked up courage.
Enough was enough.
"...No," Spike said firmly.
"What did you say?" Rarity demanded, glaring at him fiercely.
"I said "no"," said Spike, "You've been changing things, but you haven't been making them better. I should have told you the truth at the very beginning, but I didn't because I was trying tp be a supportive friend..." Spike sighed sadly. Rarity was growling at him furiously.
"...But instead, I let you become something awful," Spike finished. His last words struck a chord for Rarity, as her anger turned into shock.
"Awful?" Rarity said stunned when her eyes glowed completely green. Then in a magical whirl, the spell extracted itself from Rarity's eyes and horn and flew off into the distance. (And hopefully never to be seen again since Spike ate the book.) Rarity then landed softly on the ground, shaking her head, and then rubbed it with a fore-leg.
"Ugh...what happened?" Rarity asked wearily.
"Rarity! You're okay?" Spike asked with concern.
"I...I think so...though by the looks of it," said Rarity as she walked over to the ledge that overlooked Ponyville, "something quite terrifying has happened to Ponyville."
"You happened," Spike replied.
"Me?" Rarity asked puzzled.
"The last part of the spell!" said Spike. A flashback was then seen of when Rarity was first reading the book.
"Only when true words are spoken will you finally be set free..."
"The spell took over you," Spike explained, "and you wanted to change everything in Equestria. I was afraid to tell you how I really felt about it, but then I...I told you the truth."
"Dearest Spike," said Rarity, "you should never be afraid to tell me the truth. We're friends, remember?" Rarity pulled Spike into a hug and the little dragon returned the gesture.
Back at the Library, Spike was sitting on the floor of the main room as he wrote an entry into the Friendship Journal.
"Today I learned how important it is to be honest with your friends when they're doing something you don't think is right," Spike recited aloud, "A true friend knows that you're speaking up because you care about them." It was then the door opened loudly. Spike turned to see both Mario and Twilight at the door. Not only were their manes and tails a complete mess, but they looked very, very, very angry. They had found out about everything.
"Spike," said Twilight sternly, "Never, ever, ever, ever, take another book out of the library at the castle without asking! Princess Cadance and Princess Luna have much better things to do than help me clean up Ponyville!" The two alicorns walked up the stairs to their bedroom, giving Spike death glares as they did so. They both threw themselves onto their halves of the bed. Mario laying on his back while Twilight buried her face into her pillow and grunted angrily. Spike just walked up the bed, which was a bad idea since Twilight still had plenty to say.
"Do you have any idea how hard it was to reverse that much dark magic?!" Twilight yelled as she got into his face, making Spike flinch.
"You two don't look so good," said Spike with a chuckle.
"GRRRR!" Twilight and Mario growled.
"What?" Spike asked casually, "I'm just being honest! It's what good friends do!" Spike just walked away casually as Twilight growled and had a long look on her face.
"I think I need to have a word with our little dragon," said Mario as he hopped off his side of the bed, "Do you need anything before I go? Tea? Mane brush?"
"Just...go," said Twilight directly, not in the mood to be pampered.
"Okay," said Mario as he headed downstairs. He found the dragon just trying to sweep the floor as he walked up to him.
"May I help you?" Spike asked innocently.
"We need to talk," Mario said sternly. Spike sighed as he put his broom down and Mario guided him the main table. Spike sat quietly for a moment as Mario just snorted.
"What were you thinking?!" Mario asked sternly, "You are very smart Spike! We thought you personally knew how to distinguish the difference between normal magic books and dark magic books. How in Equestria could you not see the obvious clues? Even Owlowiscious and Charlie knew the signs because they were there when you got it! Not to mention they warned you not to take the book either!"
"Snitches..." Spike muttered.
"No! They're not snitches!" Mario retorted angrily, "If they had spoken up, we could have solved this issue before Rarity turned Ponyville into a disaster area! And I might still have my job with her! Why would you do something so stupid?"
"I thought you would have understood!" Spike snapped.
"What would I understand about you giving Rarity a book that was obviously filled with dark magic?!" Mario shot back. Spike narrowed his eyes at him.
"I love Rarity will all my heart," Spike said sternly, "I love her just as much as you love Twilight! I'd move mountains for her and do anything to make her happy. It tore me apart to see Rarity to defeated and discouraged. Yes, I missed the signs that the spell was dangerous, but when I saw the cover. It felt like I could give Rarity what she's always wanted. At first she was so happy, but then she started crossing the line and made me promise not to say anything. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and spoke up, but I was scared, Mario. Just like you used to be! I was afraid that if I spoke up, she wouldn't want to be my friend anymore and all I've done to just get even a little love back from her would be for nothing!" Spike panted heavily as he finished, tears streaming down his face. Mario softened.
"Spike..." said Mario.
"I don't know how you did it!" Spike sobbed, "Pouring your heart and soul for a mare and getting nothing back in return for years on end! I get it! I'm a dragon! She's a pony! It wouldn't work out! But you know what? It's not like there's a female dragon out there would be interested in somepony like me. They would be more into those jerks in the dragonlands who are all about being better than each other. They don't want a dragon with a good and kind heart! I treat Rarity a thousand times better than all those stallions she's wasted her time making goo-goo eyes over! Including you!" Mario pulled Spike into a hug as the little dragon as the dragon sobbed into his chest.
"I'm sorry, Spike," said Mario, "But please believe me when I say that I'm not trying to steal Rarity from you."
"I know, I just got really jealous," said Spike as he continued to cry, "You are Rarity's right hoof assistant. I wanted to be her right-hoof assistant. I wanted to be the person she goes to first for help."
"Well, you can be her right hoof assistant now and her go to pony," said Mario quietly.
"But Mario..." Spike whimpered sadly, "you're obviously more helpful than I ever will. You have a fashion sense. You can sew, stitch, and create outfits. You know how to locate and dig up gems way better than I can! Plus you know how to be there for her when she's upset! She never has a problem just hugging you and crying onto your shoulder. She'd never do that with me!" Spike's tears increased again.
"Oh, Spike," said Mario.
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!
Mario then headed to the door, but not before he gave the crying dragon a cloth to blow his nose and dry his eyes with. He opened the door to see Rarity standing outside, looking very glum. They already knew Rarity was feeling pretty bad for what had happened, but she obviously wasn't feeling better.
"Rarity?" Mario said gently as Spike sniffled, but was unable to slow his tears down fast enough so the marshmallow mare could see. Rarity noticed that Spike was crying.
"Oh dear," said Rarity sadly, "I hope you weren't too harsh with Spike. He may have given me that spell book, but I was the one who cast the spell despite seeing the ominous looking cover on it. If there's anypony you and Twilight should be angry over, it's me!"
"You can say that again!" a voice shouted from upstairs. Rarity's eyes watered at hearing Twilight so angry, but just sniffled to keep her composure.
"I can't imagine how much trouble it was removing all the damage I did when under that spell," said Rarity, "I can't tell you just how sorry I am."
"I know and I forgive you," said Mario. Rarity smiled as the two ponies shared a hug.
"I sure hope Twilight will forgive me," said Rarity worried.
"She will," said Mario, "Twilight's just tired is all. She'll feel better once she gets some rest."
"If you say so," said Rarity quietly, "Mario, listen. I might not have been able to undo all that magic, but there is one thing I can fix. And that is giving you your assistant job back. I'm hoping you will accept it. Whatever I said under that spell I didn't mean at all. You are very creative and what happened with the puppet theatre wasn't your fault. We both can share the blame for overlooking the obvious. You are also more then capable for the job. Nopony could take your place. In the end, we're a team. Twinsies to the end." Mario pondered as he looked Spike.
"I think Spike would actually..."
"No, Mario," said Spike, "Rarity needs you to create her fashion empire. Only you can help her do that. Please go back to being her right-hoof assistant."
"Are you sure, Spike?" said Mario. Spike gave him a smile.
"Yeah," said Spike, "Just like this little brother needs you. She needs her big brother." Rarity smiled in agreement.
"Alright," said Mario, "Glad to know you approve." Rarity then realized something.
"Spike, you didn't approve of Mario working for me?" Rarity asked in surprised. Spike sighed.
"I got jealous because I thought I was your favorite assistant," said Spike, remembering his lesson about being honest, "You and Mario are such good...friends and..."
"Oh Spikey-poo," said Rarity, "You and I have a special friendship too. In fact, I wouldn't be so successful if it wasn't for the both of you."
"Really?" said Spike.
"Yes," said Rarity, "So don't ever feel like Mario was trying to take your place. If there was one thing that was true even when I was under that spell, is that you're my favorite dragon." Spike smiled, feeling much better as the two shared another hug.
"I'm so sorry for putting you through all that, Rarity," said Spike, "I just hated seeing you so sad..."
"I know, darling," said Rarity, "Your heart was in the right place. Just next time you want to help me, might I suggest a less magic-oriented solution."
"Like...maybe a hug and shoulder to cry on?" Spike offered. Rarity chuckled.
"That would be lovely," said Rarity as Spike smiled. Rarity was then stunned when she felt her stomach gave a loud growl.
"Oh dear," said Rarity, "I had forgotten that I hadn't eaten anything all day. Oh...I just got a brilliant idea. How about you, Mario, and Twilight join me for dinner, my treat? It's the least I can do." It was then Twilight made presence known. She had been listening to the rest of the conversation from above.
"I think that's a great idea," said Twilight as she made her way downstairs, her mane and tail now brushed back into place, "I am pretty hungry. How about you honey?" Mario's reply was his own stomach growling, which made him blush. Rarity and Spike snickered.
"Well, let's get going shall we?" Rarity offered.
"Just give Spike and I a second," said Mario. Spike looked a little puzzled as Rarity and Twilight headed outside. Mario closed the door as Spike just stood still nervously.
"What's up?" Spike asked.
"I just want you to know something," said Mario.
"I know, I know," said Spike, "Don't use magic, especially books that show they have dark magic, to help your friends."
"Good," said Mario, "But that's not what I was talking about."
"Then what are you talking about?" Spike asked puzzled. Mario sat in front of the little dragon as he put a fore-hoof on his shoulder.
"Always remember that you have a family who loves you, Spike," said Mario, "Twilight and I are always here for you. No matter what happens between you and Rarity, just know the you're special girl, be it a pony or dragon, is out there. And they will love for who you are." Spike smiled as the two shared a hug with each other.
"Love ya big bro," said Spike.
"Love you too, little bro," said Mario and then whispered something to Spike before they headed out to meet with the girls. Owlowiscious and Charlie, who had been watching everything from the corner of another room just sighed together. Then they let themselves fall into their backs in exhaustion and relief.
It had been a long day.
I hope you all enjoyed the bonus alternate ending to this. It really bugged me that the original episode made it seem like Spike didn't learn his lesson and that it looked like he got away with what he did wrong. Plus I had to hold back on the more heartfelt moments between Spike and Rarity because the show still hasn't had this moment when Spike just finally asks the big questions: Does Rarity love him back, even if it's just as a friend, and that she really does appreciate the fact that Spike literally goes well out of his way to help her. There is one episode in Season 8 where I'm hoping such a confrontation might occur during the episode regarding Spike's "father". (If you live in a European country or Australia where they are airing the episode before I get to see it, cause I live in the US, don't put spoilers when you write your reviews. Thank you)
Also, it appears Netflix has extended the expiration date until the end of the month so I can still use it for my notes and such. Hopefully, the extension is a good sign they'll renew the show.
Next time: We got a double plot going down. On one hand, Spike will deal with his own issues with the Equestria Games. Mario will be dealing with his opportunity to redeem himself on the racetrack. Can he overcome his own past? Or will his fears prevent him from doing so?
Peace Pony Fans!