MLP: Dancing with Dragons

The city of Canterlot, capital of Equestria, was in a busy state with ponies and more running around preparing for the greatest event held in all of the land: The Grand Galloping Gala.

The decorations were being set up; the high quality food was being cooked to perfection; and those that would be attending were preparing their best outfits to wear. This Grand Galloping Gala was going to be one of the biggest yet, since more than just ponies would show up. While the city on the side of the mountain continued preparing for the Gala, the ponies below in the town of Ponyville were getting ready themselves. A few particular ponies were preparing for the event in their own way.




Rainbow Dash was just lying about in the clouds, taking a nap and enjoying the warm weather; Pinkie Pie was munching on candy and treats while going all out with the sugar rush that followed; Applejack was working on the farm as usual; Fluttershy was with Rarity, helping with the new improved dresses.

Twilight Sparkle was at the Golden Oaks Library, catching up on her studies. Though the Gala was in a few days, she wanted to finish her current lesson so she could talk to Princess Celestia about the next one.

Spike, however, was dealing with an issue that Twilight did not seem to take seriously. “Come on, Twilight?!” The little dragon pleaded.

“Spike!” Twilight groaned, “It’s not that big of a deal. We’re all going to go together like we always do.”

“I know, but I want to ask Rarity if she would go with me to the Gala,” He explained, “You know, like a date….and…I want to look, you know…older.”

Twilight sighed and closed her book, “Spike, for the last time, I am NOT going to cast an aging spell on you…even if it is to impress Rarity!”

“But why not?!”

Twilight got up and walked up to him, “Spike…listen…for once,” She sat down next to him and tried to help him understand, “I know you want to impress Rarity; I feel the same way with Courageous; But neither of us need to go so far to be something we are not…”

Spike listened to his best friend, but soon drifted off; His mind was still on how he can become an older, but still young, dragon so he can ask Rarity to the dance, like a real gentlecolt. Suddenly, he had an idea…

“…so, do you understand, Spike?” Twilight finished.

Spike smiled and nodded, “You’re right, Twilight. I don’t need a spell to make myself older…”

The lavender unicorn smiled and was about to praise him for understanding all by himself, but…

“I can find another way!” Spike rose and made his way out the door.

Twilight just sat there as her little dragon ran out the door and was gone. She shook her head and sighed, “I have a bad feeling about this…”







For the next two days, Twilight helped Rarity out at the Carousel Boutique; The little white unicorn needed some assistance since her little sister, Sweetie Belle, was off playing with her friends and trying to find a way to earn their cutie marks. “Thank you ever so much for assisting me, Twilight,” Rarity expressed her gratitude as she sewed away at the dresses, “With the Gala tomorrow, I must finish our improved outfits.”

“Not a problem, Rarity,” Twilight assured as she helped keep the material in order and organized…which made it easier for Rarity to work.

“I am surprised Spikey-Wikey hasn’t come to help me…” Rarity said disappointingly, “I could have really used his help…not to mention I worked hard on the perfect little outfit for him…” Rarity pointed over at the little suit hanging up and frowned, “I want to see how cute he would look in it…”

“Don’t worry, Rarity. I’m sure Spike will be over soon to help,” Twilight assured, only uncertain this time, “I’m sure he’s just…busy…getting ready…or…something…”

“It sounds like you don’t know what he is up to, Twilight,” Rarity implied once she recognized the tone in her friend’s voice.

Twilight shakes her head, “You are right…I don’t.” Suddenly, she noticed Spike through the window, “There he is!”



The two unicorn dropped what they were doing and ran to the window to see what Spike was doing. He seemed to be carrying some items he collected from around town, and now making his way elsewhere.

“I wonder what he is up to…” Twilight wondered.

Rarity worried a little about her little dragon, whom she admired and respected greatly. She hoped he would come and visit her before the night of the Gala. Sighing, she returned to her work.

“Rarity…are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“Oh yes, Twilight. It is nothing,” She assured, though she was lying, “Well, I guess I should get back to work. We have a big night tomorrow.”

Twilight nodded and returned to helping her friend. But as she did, the little pony hoped Spike would not get into any kind of trouble.









Deep within the Everfree Forest, Spike had arrived at the tree hut of the local herbalist, Zecora. Upon knocking on the door, the little dragon was allowed in, where he then placed the items he gathered on the table.

“I gathered everything you asked for, Zecora,” Spike informed the zebra who was inspecting everything he brought her.

After looking at all the items gathered: blueberries, apple leaves, well water, and other random items, Zecora nodded, “It seems you have brought everything I asked…now we can begin at long last.”

Spike was so excited as he watched Zecora place the items into her cauldron and mixed them all together. “Thank you so much for helping me with this, Zecora. I just know my friends, even Rarity, will be amazed when they see the new me.”

As Zecora stirred the brew, she turned her head to the little dragon, “I hope this is something you need…and not something you want out of greed.”

Spike shook his head, “It’s not greed! I just want to be…a little older, so I can ask Rarity to the Gala.”



Zecora did not seem to believe him on that, “If it is love you feel, then perhaps you should not go through this ordeal.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is that to be something you are not, can only bring trouble and distraught,” She rhymed with wisdom.

Spike thought on that and sighed, “I know. I heard the same thing from Twilight…but…I just want to be older and bigger…because…”

Zecora paused her stirring for the moment and looked at him, “Please little one, continue until you are done.”

Spike stomped his foot, “That’s just it! I’m tired of being little and being called a baby!”

Zecora raised an eyebrow to his reaction, but continued to listen.

“Sorry…I just…I want to show not just Rarity, but Twilight and the others, that I can be so much more as an older dragon…but I don’t want to wait that long.”

“Waiting is a part of the world, and not rushed like a rock that is hurled,” Zecora explained with another rhyme of wisdom, though Spike did not quite get it.

The little dragon sighed and felt confused and unknowing of what to do.

Zecora came to him and placed her hoof on his shoulder, “This here potion will only last for as long as it will. Until that time, your wish can be found still.”

Spike smiled and was happy that Zecora was going to help him with this, even though she was trying to help him think more on the subject. But Spike had already made up his mind: He missed being a larger dragon when he was turned into one when the Darkness came. But now, he wanted the chance to be it again…at least for the Gala.

“Alright, the brew is ready to taste. I sure hope your choice was not made in such haste,” Zecora warned as she brought him a bowl of the warm, bluish stew.

Spike sniffed it, and while it had a sweet aroma, he felt the taste would be a little bitter, “So…if I drink this…I will become a bigger dragon?”

The zebra gave a simple nod.

“But how long will it last?”

“The effect of the Dragon Growth potion will eventually fade, and return to your original state I’m afraid,” Zecora explained.

Spike understood, but he hoped that it would not happen until after the Gala. Taking in a deep breath, he drank the potion down quickly and swallowed. He coughed from the bitter taste, but it felt more pleasant as it went down to his stomach. Once it was all down…he waited.




After a while, Spike didn’t feel much at all…not even something that signaled any start of the transformation. He began to feel that this was not going to work the way he had hoped. “Maybe I didn’t grab the correct ingredients…” He shrugged as he guessed why nothing was happening, “I guess maybe I’m just going to have to-”

Suddenly, Spike felt something rumbling in his tummy. He began to shake soon after and could feel his teeth chattering; This was no doubt the moment he had been waiting for…and although it felt strange, what came after felt much different.

Zecora stepped back as she watched Spike change: He began to grow a little; his arms and legs extended, along with his tail; his face changed a bit, and soon his back sprouted a pair of wings. Once the transformation was complete, Zecora looked upon the slightly larger dragon, “So, how do you feel…after eating that drinkable meal?”

Spike stood on all fours and looked into the cauldron to see his reflection: He was tall and looked almost like what he did that time ago. He was not as large as the last time, but he was handsome…and exactly as he wanted to be.

“This is…amazing!” Spike cheered, as he noticed a change in his voice; The tone of the dragon was a little deeper, since he was older.

“You’re transformation is complete, now go and enjoy this special treat,” Zecora smiled as she opened the door, allowing him to leave and try it out.

“Thank you so much for this, Zecora. I’ll be sure to repay you someday,” He gave her a light hug.

She smiled but shook her head, “It was the least I can do for the friend of a friend, now enjoy the time you have before the effect reaches its end.”

Spike smiled and agreed. He thanked Zecora one last time, then stepped outside. He spread out his wings, looked up towards the top of the trees and saw an opening. With his new strength, Spike took flight and made his way towards the top and out of the forest…into the skies.









Spike flew high into the sky and back down towards the city of Ponyville. He flew above the town and spun around as he flew. This now bigger dragon wanted everypony to see him in his new form. The ponies, zebra, buffalo, and more below all gazed up at the dragon flying above. While seeing a dragon was a common thing nowadays, most noticed how this one looked a little familiar. Once they looked closer, they recognized who it was.

“That’s Spike!!” Pinkie Pie yelled excitingly, if not a little confused, “That’s Spike?”

Fluttershy looked up and gasped a little to see the little dragon she knew now an older, slightly larger dragon. She hid herself in her arms, a little scared from his new, if not familiar, appearance.

Applejack came running when she saw the dragon above that she swore looked a lot like Spike. Once she looked closer, her eyes widened, “By golly, That IS Spike!!!”

Rainbow Dash flew through the clouds and up to the familiar dragon, who was relaxing as he was flying, “Spike, is that you, buddy?”

The dragon grinned and nodded, “It sure is, Rainbow Dash. What do you think of me now? Not so lame or small now, huh?!”

Rainbow was unable to give an answer, for she could not think of one. Spike then flapped his wings and caused a big wind gust that blew Rainbow back a ways. She felt all dizzy and never realized how strong Spike’s wing power could be.



Spike finally landed upon the ground near the Carousel Boutique, where four of his friends were standing there, all amazed with the way their dragon friend was now, and tried to ask him how this happened.

Before Spike could explain, two ponies came out of the Boutique: Rarity and Twilight Sparkle.

“Will you girls please keep it down!“ Rarity shouted at her friends, “How am I suppose to work if you…you…” Rarity’s mouth dropped and she gasped to whom she saw before her.

Twilight did the same and could not believe what she was seeing.

“Hi Rarity. Hi Twilight.” Spike waved as he greeted them softly and nervously.

Twilight was speechless, while Rarity was feeling lightheaded; she felt so dizzy and fainted. Luckily, Spike rushed over to her and caught her before she fell to the ground.

“Well…not what I expected…” Spike thought as he helped the unconscious Rarity into her home, while the others followed.








The mares all took turns fanning Rarity to help wake her up. Soon, the little white unicorn opened her eyes to see her best friends all looking at her.

“Looks like she is up,” Twilight said to her friends, as they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Spike came up to her and smiled, “Are you alright, Rarity?”

“Spike…is…that you?” Rarity muttered as she reached up to caress his face.

Spike blushed and smiled, “Yes, Rarity…it is me…”

The girls helped Rarity back onto her hooves, and she stared at what her little Spikey-Wikey had become; Although she admired some features of his new form, a part of her missed the little baby dragon she loved so much. “What happened to you, Spikey-Wikey?” The beautiful White unicorn asked, wishing to know.

“Yeah, how DID you become like this, Spike?” Twilight demanded an explanation.

Spike sat down and explained the whole story of what he had been doing for the past two days. He even assured his friends that the effects of how he was would only last for a short while, but long enough until after the Gala…hopefully.






“But Spikey…why?” Rarity asked, still wishing him to give an answer to the reason her dragon went through all this.

Spike walks up to her slowly, stops, and takes her hoof in his claw, “Because…I was just a baby dragon, and I didn’t feel worthy enough to ask you…”

“Ask me what, Spikey?”

“If you…would go to the Gala with me…as my date,” He asked her in a proper gentlecolt like way.

The girls all gasped quietly and saw the way Rarity was surprised by this. They all watched and waited to see if she would accept.

It took Rarity only a few seconds to answer, “Oh Spikey-Wikey…of course I will. Yes, I will go to the Gala as your date.”

Spike’s heart was filled with happiness upon hearing the pony he loved so much accept. Even the girls were happy for him, especially Twilight…though she still had a feeling Rarity would have said yes even if he were still a baby dragon.




“Oh dear…” Rarity just realized something.

“What is it, Rarity?” Spike asked.

“I just remembered, I made you a suit for the Gala, and now that you are bigger, it will not fit you now…” She felt sad now that all her hard work was put to waste.

Spike looked over and saw the little suit hanging on the rack and knew it would not fit him. Now he felt terrible; Spike went through all this and felt that he had disappointed the mare he loves.

“Don’t worry. I can fix that,” Twilight assured her friend. She then aimed her horn at the suit, and conjured a growth spell that made the suit a little bigger; It would be the same size as Spike.

Once she was finished, Spike tried it on and smiled, “It fits!”

The girls were happy for him and thankful for Twilight saving the moment.

“Oh thank you ever so much, Twilight…” Rarity hugged her dear friend, then turned to the dragon “…and Spike…you look absolutely dashing.”

Spike blushed and bowed, “Thank you…Rarity.”

With things now settled, it was time for Rarity to return to her work and finish the dressed before tomorrow. Spike would stay with her and help, which made her very happy. Twilight smiled as she and the others left. Even though she was a little disappointed in Spike for going this far, hopefully things would work out once the Gala was over.








The night of the Grand Galloping Gala had arrived. Every pony, zebra, buffalo, changeling, griffon, and more were wearing their best suits or dresses, and coming from all over Equestria to the greatest event held in all of the kingdom.

The carriages arrived with many fancy creatures stepping out and walking down the walkway into the castle, where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were welcoming their honored guests. Soon, one particular carriage arrived. It was slightly larger than the rest, and took four ponies to pull it. Once it arrived, the carriage door opened, and a handsome stallion stepped out first: Courageous Heart.

Wearing his ambassador uniform, he politely helped his marefriend, Twilight Sparkle, out of the carriage. She giggled and walked with him side by side, into the castle.

Once the other mares got out, Spike stepped out and properly helped Rarity, his date, out. “Oh, thank you, Spike. You are such a gentlecolt.” She smiled and giggled.

“You are very welcome, Rarity. I must say, you look very beautiful,” He complimented as he bowed.

She blushed and giggled once more at his kind words, “Oh Spikey…”

Spike smiled and stood right next to his date, “Shall we head in, Lady Rarity?”

She gave a simple nod and smiled warmly at him; She was so happy to have a gentlecolt escort her into the Gala like this. It made up for the last time when she was with that snob Prince Blueblood.







Once the gang arrived inside the palace, they were all amazed with the way everything looked and the guests that were attending; This Gala was even bigger than the last few times.

Standing there for the moment, they began to recall the last time they were here, and how it led to Courageous and the many other creatures of Equestria becoming apart of their lives and home. Once the moment had passed, they each decided to head off to where they would find some fun and excitement:

Rainbow Dash went off to join up with her fellow Wonderbolts-in-Training. She was eventually approached by Soarin and the two engaged in some friendly conversation about the academy, flying, and more.

Applejack, with her apple cart full of delicious treats, went out to the gardens to sell some food…hopefully successful this time. After the first few minutes, she already had six customers, which made this night the most successful out of the three Galas she has been to.

Fluttershy followed Applejack out into the gardens, but separated from her once she noticed some of the animals in the bushes. She placed some seeds along the ground and was able to draw some birds to the spot. The little pegasus was so happy to be spending time with her animal friends.

Pinkie Pie decided to enjoy the cake and treats at the buffet; She tasted them and while they were good, they were nowhere near as sweet or delicious as the ones she makes at Sugarcube Corner.




Courageous and Twilight walked to the Ballroom where they saw many ponies and more enjoying the nice music and company. Rarity and Spike followed and smiled to all whom smiled at them first.

Spike looked over and saw a few teenage dragons, like himself, walk over to him. He was both surprised and a little annoyed when he saw the one leading them. “Well well, if it isn’t Spike…” the red dragon named Garble announced to his gang, “Have you gotten small the last time I saw ya?”

“Very funny, Garble,” Spike rebutted sarcastically, “What are you doing here?”

“It’s the Gala, duh!” He chuckled, “Besides, my Grandmother is outside, speaking with the Princesses. So, I’m in here enjoying the food…which is nothing like the gems back home.”

Spike gave a simple nod and decided it was best to move on, “Well…nice seeing you…I guess…”

“Yeah…whatever…” Garble shrugged and went back to the food with his gang.

Spike and Rarity walked away and were glad to be, “You handled that well, Spikey. I am proud of you for being polite to those ruffians.”

“Thank you, Rarity,” He smiled and they continued to walk through the Ballroom together.







Eventually, the musicians begin to play some slow dancing music that brought a few ponies to the dance floor, with a very special pony of theirs. Courageous Heart, knowing that Twilight once dreamed of dancing with a special stallion the last time, bowed before her, “Twilight Sparkle? Would you like…to dance?”

Twilight gasped softly and giggled, then bowed in return, “I would be honored, my Courageous Heart.”

The might Champion of the Light escorted his beloved out onto the dance floor, where he took the lead and danced with her.



Spike watched as his two friends danced together happily; He was so happy for Twilight, because she finally got her wish after such a long time. But now, it was time for Spike to get his. The teenage dragon turned to Rarity and bowed properly.

“Rarity, would you…like to dance with me?” He asked the one pony in all the world that he loved.

Rarity bowed to him and smiled, “I would be honored, my little Spikey-Wikey.”

Spike was so happy to have her accept. They then both walked out onto the dance floor and Spike led her into a wonderful moment of dancing. As the musicians continued, many of the guests, including the Princesses,  gathered around the floor to watch as the couples danced to the wonderful music playing.



Courageous Heart was dancing with Twilight, who loved every moment of this; Soarin worked up the courage to ask Rainbow Dash to dance, and although she was not much into that, she could not refuse the colt she admired; Big Macintosh was on the dance floor with his special somepony: Cheerilee; Spike and Rarity continued to dance and looked into each others eyes as they did.

After a while, the song came to an end, and those around the dance floor applauded those that were on it. The four couples all took a bow and smiled upon those that praised their dancing. “That was so wonderful, Spike. Thank you so much for asking me to dance with you,” She smiled at him and hugged him lightly, “I am having a lovely time with you.”

“Really?” He asked in surprise as he hugged her back.

“Oh yes, I really am,” She pulled back a little and looked up at him, “But can I ask something of you, Spikey-Wikey?”

He smiled and nodded, “You can ask me anything, Rarity.”

She smiled warmly and took a small breath and asked her question, “Could you…return to your true form?”

Spike gasped a little, “What?” He felt confused, “Do you…not like me this way?”

“Oh perish the thought, Spike. You are amazing the way you are now…but it is not who you are…not yet anyway.” Rarity assured him as she explained, “You have been so wonderful and kind to me this night…as you always have been. But you didn’t need to become older just to ask me out or impress me.”

Spike felt really surprised when Rarity admitted this to him, but she was right: He never needed to go through this just to ask her out to the Gala; It took him a long time to realize that, and now he understood.

“Spikey-Wikey…you are special to me, and I will continue to admire you always, even when you get older…but please, go back to the little dragon that I love so much. I would rather have you enjoy your years growing up than rushing through it just for me.”

Spike understood: He had a whole life ahead of him and he wanted to enjoy it, especially with his friends and the mare he loves, “You are right, Rarity. I don’t need to be something I am not to impress you. I should have asked you in my original form from the start.”

Rarity smiled and was so proud of him for realizing this himself. She leaned in and kissed his cheek…but as she did, Spike began to revert back to his original baby dragon state, with his suit shrinking down with it.



The whole audience gasped a little, while Garble and his gang laughed, “Ha! I knew you were still a baby dragon!!”

The group laughed but soon ceased once everypony and creature glared at them; Their immature behavior did not impress anypony there, not even the other dragons. Garble, and his gang, realizing that they overstayed their welcome, slowly backed away and left the Gala. Once they were gone, the guests all turned back to the two on the floor and applauded once more, as Rarity and Spike embraced and smiled at the other.









Later one, the Gala continued and everypony was still having a wonderful time. While Rarity met up with Fancypants and his entourage, Spike got to have a moment with his best friend, Twilight.

“So, you drank a potion called Dragon Growth and it made you older, right?” Twilight asked after her number one assistance explained everything.

“Yeah, that’s right. Zecora said it would wear off eventually, but I guess when I wanted to return my baby dragon form, it ended sooner.” Spike shrugged, “I guess that potion had more to it than just a growth spurt.”

Twilight hugged him and smiled, “I am so proud of you, Spike. You learned a valuable lesson today.”

“Thanks, Twilight,” He hugged her back and smiled, “You’re right, I did learn something.”

“Really? Why don’t you tell us all, Spike?” Princess Celestia approached and was ready to hear the lesson.

Spike stood before Twilight, Courageous, and Princess Celestia, cleared his throat and announced what he had learned:

“I learned that if you want to impress somepony, especially one you care for very much, it is better to be yourself instead of something you are not,” He smiled and continued, “I thought being older would be better, and although it was cool, I should have listened to my friends and just stayed who I am: a baby dragon named Spike!”

The three were so proud of him once he finished explaining the lesson and they all agreed with him; Being yourself is better than being something you are not.

“Oh Spikey~” Rarity called out to her favorite dragon and date, “There are some ponies here that would love to meet you.”

Spike smiled and fixed his tie, “If you can excuse me, I still have a date with the most beautiful pony in the world,” He blushed as he made his way over, “Coming, Rarity~”

Twilight rolled her eyes and smiled, and soon began to laugh. Courageous Heart and Princess Celestia joined in laughed lightly as Spike rushed over to rejoin his date. The Gala was still a ways from ending, and it looked like it was going to continue to be a special night for a very special pony and dragon.