Secret of My Excess

Pony's Log Number 210: It is a well known fact that greed is a dragon's main weakness. I deeply regret assuming that Spike, despite his pony upbringing, wouldn't have the same issue...

"Are you ready to do this?" Twilight asked Mario.

"Oh, yeah, Mario time!" he replied, making his horn glow. Inside of the Library, Twilight used her horn to light up some candles and closed up all the window curtains. She and Mario had determined looks on their faces as they make their horns glow together. With her eyes closed, Twilight pulled off all the books from the shelves, and then levitated some into the air and made them move about like they were in two invisible conveyor belts.

"No distractions," said Twilight, "Today is too important. Re-shelving day!"

"Name it and I'll shelf it," said Mario, ready for action as Twilight wiped her brow.

"Understanding Medieval Equestria goes in Pony History," said Twilight aloud as she and Mario put the books on their proper shelves, "Modern Spellcasting. That's Classics."

"The Art of Ruling 1000 Years goes in...Pony Politics?" said Mario since he wasn't as good at Library organization as Twilight was.

"Correct, Best friend," said Twilight, "The Art of the To-Do List...Actually I've been wanting to read that again."

"Forget it, Twilight," said Mario as he put away some other books, "The last time you read that one you were creating to-do lists to create a to-do list."

"That's only because I was distracting myself from missing you," said Twilight, "You're with me this time so I don't get too obsessed with making to-do lists." Mario rolled his eyes but still smiled at they continued their work. Then they heard someone chuckling and it made a bunch of the books hovering in the air to fall on top of them. Spike came downstairs carrying a rather large red gem in the shape of a heart. He was currently cuddling it, gazing at it, and then used a vibrating fork to test it and then giggled to himself.

"Spike!" said Twilight as she poked her head out of a pile of books, "what are you laughing at?"

"Did Pinkie sneak in here again to practice her comedy routine?" Mario asked as he popped his own head out of the pile of books.

"No," said Spike, "This little beauty is my birthday present to myself! It's a fire ruby!" Mario gave a low whistle.

"Now ain't that a beauty of a gem," said Mario impressed.

"I've been aging it for months, and it's almost ripe," said Spike as he headed downstairs. Then he stepped on a dropped book on the step below and tumbled to the floor. His red gem went into the air but he managed to catch it with his tail. He giggled to himself then noticed all the books on the floor.

"Hey, you took my advice!" said Spike, "Just use the floor as one big shelf." Twilight and Mario just growled at him.

Guess they could forget not having any distractions while they worked today.

(Theme song)

As Mario and Twilight got back to work, and Spike continued to admire his fire ruby. There was the sudden sound of light knocking on the door.

"Hellooo?" said the voice before peeking in through the door. It was Rarity.

"Anypony home? Twilight? Mario?" said Rarity as she let herself inside and then gasped when she saw Spike polishing his gem, "Is that a fire ruby?! Huh, that must be at least twenty carats! No inclusions, prestine facets..." Rarity could see her reflection as she started into it, her eyes sparkling at the sight as she gave it a good look over.

"And totally delicious," Spike added. Twilight was feeling a little annoyed at their conversation.

"Uhh...if you guys don't mind?" said Twilight as she and Mario were continuing their work.

"Oh, uh, of course," said Rarity as she recomposed herself and turned to face the two ponies, "I just came by to see if you had any books on historical fashion..." Rarity then remembered what Spike had said and saw him run a finger over the gem and lick his finger.

"Did you say...delicious?" Rarity asked rather baffled.

"Sure did!" said Spike as he cuddled the gem against his cheek, "Next week's my birthday, and this is my birthday dinner." Spike walked off as Rarity watched him with a devastated look on her face. She just couldn't handle the idea of such a rare and precious gem being used for dragon food. Her thoughts were interrupted when a book came hovering next to her and made her lean back a bit.

"Start with this one," said Twilight bluntly as she walked past her.

"Thanks, Twilight," said Rarity, "I've got a feeling ruffled taffeta capes are going to make a huge comeback this season, and I want to be ahead of the game..."As Rarity was speaking and skimming through the book with her magic, Twilight went back to putting the books away. Rarity discreetly looked back at Spike and his gem, biting her fore-hoof as she sees him cuddling it next to the pink box he had been keeping it safe in.

"Rarity," said Mario quietly, "You're not thinking of...charming Spike into giving you the gem are you?" Rarity just looked aghast, but Mario glared at her before she sighed in defeat.

"Look at this from my point of view, darling," said Rarity, "do you want to see such a rare and nearly perfect gem end up in a dragon's stomach?"

"It's his gem Rarity," said Mario, "He can do what he wants with it, Besides, do you..."

"I do know that he has crush on me," said Rarity quietly, "It's not like he hasn't hidden his affections for me after all."

"That's why I confronted you," said Mario in the same quiet tone, "You always told me that I shouldn't let Twilight take advantage of my feelings for her. I don't want you taking advantage of Spike's...uhh...crush on you." Rarity just sighed but still eyeballed the gem for a bit longer as the little dragon set it into its box.

"I hope it's as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike," said Rarity at last, rubbing a hoof on the ground, "I've never seen anything quite so stunning before." Mario just shook his head. As much as Rarity was trying to make casual conversation, he could tell she was buttering him up a bit.

"Gosh...You really like it, huh?" said Spike quietly as she looked at the gem.

"Like it?" said Rarity, "it's magnificent." Rarity didn't hold back as she flicked her curly mane, battled her eye lashes and smiled at him. Spike just sighed as he looked at his gem once more and held it close.

"Don't force her to make you give it up, Spike," Mario warned and ignored Rarity's dirty look, "It's your gem. You decide what to do with it." Spike sighed.

"Well, this is my decision," he replied as he held the gem and placed it in Rarity's hoof, "Then you should have it. This beautiful gem was meant to be with you." As much as Rarity hoped to get the gem, she was still surprised to see Spike actually give it to her and could see by his face that giving up such a special gem wasn't an easy decision.

"I don't know what to say..." said Rarity, deeply touched as she paced about the room holding the gem with her magic, "This is so thoughtful. Oh, my little Spikey-wikey!" She then gave Spike a kiss on the cheeks, leaving a lipstick mark on it. Spike froze the moment he felt Rarity's lips there before tumbling into his back in a splash of floating hearts.

"Thank you so much," said Rarity as she left the library bouncing away like Pinkie. Mario and Twilight watched Rarity leave.

"Wow, Spike," said Twilight, feeling touched herself, "that's one of the kindest, most generous things you've ever done. I've never seen rarity so happy!"

"I will never wash this cheek again," said Spike in a loved dazed sigh as he lay on the floor and giggled. Twilight chuckled to herself.

"It feels so good to get a kiss from the girl you're crushing on doesn't it, Spike?" Mario added as Spike nodded in agreement. Then Twilight kissed his cheek before Mario froze and repeated what happened with Spike after Rarity kissed him.

"So this is love, mmm-hmm-hmm-hmm..." Mario sang in a love dazed tone.

"So this is love..." Mario and Spike sang together in a slow, but lovesick tone.

"Boys," said Twilight as she rolled her eyes but soon giggled to herself.

A week later, the books had been shelved and Twilight and Mario were setting up the main area for Spike's birthday party. While Twilight was finishing up in the main room, Mario was in the kitchen finishing up the party food and treats.

"Just about finished, Spike?" Twilight asked as the little dragon was busy setting up some decorations above the bookshelves as he stood on top of a ladder.

"There. Perfect!" said Spike as he made his way down, "Everything is perfect!"

"Not quite everything," said Twilight as she approached carrying a cloth with her magic and handed it to Spike.

"A washcloth?" said Spike, "I don't get it." Twilight gave him a stern glare and Spike figured out why Twilight had given that to him.

"Ah, no way, Twilight!" Spike protested as he dropped the cloth and backed away, "I said I wasn't gonna wash the cheek Rarity kissed, and I mean it!" Spike turned his head, revealing a very dirty and grimy cheek with faded lipstick on it. Twilight then grabbed the washcloth and dug a hoof onto the floor. Spike looked at her with one eye before running off. Twilight started to chase after him.

"It's over, Spike!" Twilight declared, "I'm cleaning that cheek!"

"It's mine!" said Spike, gasping for breath as he tried to run away, but Twilight used her teleportation magic to bring him back towards her, but Spike refused to stop trying to run off before Twilight could wipe his cheek, "Stop it!"

"Never!" Twilight protested as she kept teleporting Spike back towards her again and again.

"Twilight...!" Spike shouted as he took off once more. Twilight then tried to teleport him back, but somehow ended up summoning Pinkie into the library. Pinkie blow her party hooter and zipped away.

"Happy birthday!" Pinkie shouted to Spike as he had his back against a wall. Pinkie blew her party hooter again and then a trumpet blast was heard. The moment Spike was distracted Twilight managed to wipe his cheek clean before he could get away. Twilight walked away pleased with herself as she carried the dirty cloth away despite Spike's look of disappointment.

"What's going on in here?" Mario asked as he peeked into the room from Twilight's kitchen, "I heard somepony shouting."

"It's a birthday party, silly," Pinkie answered, "You're supposed to shout HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the guest of honor!" Mario chuckled.

"Good point, Pinks," said Mario, "I'm just about ready to bring out the refreshments so we can get this birthday party started."

"Party time, woo-hoo!" Pinkie shouted as she stood on her hind legs and tossed some confetti as the rest of their friends arrived, each of holding a present. While Rainbow's dumbbell was rather obvious, the rest of Spike's gifts were in packages. Spike was stunned.

"Are those...for me?" said Spike in surprise.

"You bet they are, birthday boy," said Applejack, as she gave him her present.

"Happy birthday, Spike," said Fluttershy as she placed her gift on top of the pile and Pinkie placed her present on top of Fluttershy's. Rarity then set hers on top of the three gifts and then Rainbow dropped her dumbbell on top of the packages. Spike wobbled a bit before he crashed to the floor, dropping all the gifts around him. The ponies all took notice that Spike was just eyeballing all the presents with a puzzled look on his face.

"Don't you know you get presents on your birthday," Rainbow asked.

"Well, actually, this is my first birthday in Ponyville," Spike answered and then added with a bored tone, "...I usually get just one present...from Twilight. A book." It was at that moment, Twilight was coming down with the exact present Spike had mentioned wrapped up in some ribbon. A sheep bleat was heard as Twilight's smiled and blushed in embarrassment as she tucked the book behind her and backed away from everyone looking at her. Mario just shook his head.

"I tell Twilight every year to come shopping with me," Mario said aloud, "but nooooo..."Spike always loves getting a book from me" she tells me. (SMACK) Ouch!" Mario then felt the book Twilight was holding hit him square in the side of his head. Mario glared and rubbed his head as Twilight gave him a dirty, but embarassed glare.

"Hey, I forgot!" said Spike, "Mario gives me a present too! His presents every year are always so cool!"

"You got that right little buddy," said Mario as he pulled out a comic book from behind him and handed it to Spike with his magic.

"Oh sweet, I've been meaning to get this one," said Spike and then felt something behind the wrapped comic book, he grabbed the sheet of paper and gasped, "Is this a...subscription paper?!"

"Uh-huh," said Mario, "This means you'll get this issue and issues after that for the next two years."

"Awesome!" Spike replied excitedly and gave the pony a warm hug, "Thanks Mario!"

"You're welcome Spike," Mario replied as he hugged him back, "Happy birthday!" The others awed, except for Twilight, who was still fuming over being upstaged...again. (Even if it was her own fault.)

"Speaking of presents," said Rarity, showing off her newly made purple cape, "This is from my new line of taffeta capes. I'm going to make one for each of you!"

"Wow, they're great!" said the rest of the ponies impressively.

"I've been inspired by the generosity of my little Spikey-wikey," said Rarity as she showed off a new gold necklace that had a familiar red gem in the middle of it, "who gave me this beautiful fire ruby, one of the kindest acts I've ever experienced. Mmm." Spike was taken aback as he looked at the red gem before Rarity pulled him close and nuzzled his cheek in appreciation.

It wasn't much longer before Spike had opened the rest of his presents. What had appeared to be just a few packages ended up becoming a large mountain of gifts from toys, to a scooter, a mirror, a painting, instruments, books, flowers, and even a rubber chicken. Mario was beginning to wonder if he should have given everypony those magic "bottomless" gift boxes after all. However, he did see the happiness on Spike's face and decided to confront the issue later. At the moment Spike was looking through another box, even poking his head out of the bottom as he pulled out a green and yellow checker patterned blanket.

"Applejack, I can't think you enough for this great blanket," said Spike as he hugged the orange pony while she was snacking on an apple, "I really needed a new one."

"C'mon, Spike, you already thanked me fifteen times," said Applejack, feeling a little uncomfortable as she pulled him off, "I'm startin' to get a little embarassed." Twilight just giggled to herself.

"I know I keep thanking you guys," said Spike, "But I'm just so grateful. I wish this party could last forever." Everypony smiled at him and Pinkie was just bouncing on top of a balloon when she heard what Spike had said and popped the balloon as she landed on it.

"Duh!" said Pinkie, shoving and knocking over Applejack and Twilight as she waved her hooves about, "The party can't last forever 'cause you have to go to Sugarcube Corner, 'cause the Cakes said they have a special surprise for you, 'cause it's your birthday!"

"No way!" Spike exclaimed excitedly, knocking Pinkie over as he rushed for the exit of the Library.

"I said the party couldn't last forever," said Pinkie as she lay on the floor, "but it doesn't need to end right now!"

SLAM

Pinkie was too late. Spike had already left and was on his way towards the Sugarcube Corner. Spike quickly made his way to the front counter as Mrs. Cake was picking up a cake from the pantry and placed it on her head.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" said Spike.

"There's the dragon of the hour!" said Mr. Cake as he approached the counter himself, "Happy Birthday, Spike!"

"Thanks," said Spike.

"When we found out it was your birthday," said Mrs. Cake, "we couldn't resist trying out a new recipe: sapphire!" Mrs. Cake ducked back down into the pantry and presented Spike with a cupcake that had blue frosting and sapphire gems on it.

"Wow!" said Spike as he smiled and looked at the cupcake hungrily.

"Thank you so much," he added once he was outside the shop and waved goodbye and thank you with one hand and held his new treat with the other. The Cakes waved back before returning back inside to continue their work.

"Man," said Spike to himself, "first I get a bunch of great presents, and now an amazing sapphire cupcake! Hohoh, what a day! Whoa!" Spike was so busy talking to himself and staring at his cupcake that he didn't see a pony walking in the opposite direction and crashed into them. His cupcake went into air but he managed to save it with his long tongue. He then noticed who he bumped into as she looked rather dazed and her groceries were all on the ground.

"Oh my gosh!" said Spike, "I'm so sorry, Miss Cheerilee."

"That's okay," said Cheerilee, "What's got you so excited?" Spike cautiously looks around before he quickly gobbled up his cupcake.

"Pinkie Pie told me that I should come see the Cakes," Spike said with his mouth full as he helped pick up the dropped items, "so they could give me a cake 'cause it's my birthday today."

"Well, happy birthday, Spike!" said Cheerilee, "I wish I had something to give you!" She quietly pondered for a moment, "Uh...oh! Here you go!" Cheerilee reached into her brown bag and pulled out a gray fedora had that had a red band and feather and placed it on Spike's head.

"Wow, really?" said Spike surprised.

"Sure!" Cheerilee answered, "Everypony should get fun gifts on their birthday! Have a great birthday, Spike!" Spike wasted no time jumping into the air and gave Cheerilee a hug to say thank you before she headed on her way with her groceries on her back.

"I wish every day was my birthday," Spike sighed happily as he tugged the edges of his new hat. Spike then continued to walk down the streets of Ponyville. As he passed by Lyra and Bon Bon, he begins to ponder to himself.

"Pinkie Pie mentions my birthday to the Cakes," said Spike to himself, "and I get a cupcake. I mention it to Cheerilee, and I get this great hat." Spike is then brought to a stop when he hears the sound of a ball bouncing nearby. The ball was being used by a young colt. Spike just rubs his hands together and smiles deviously.

"Hmm...I wonder," Spike remarked quietly before getting the young colts attention, "Hey there, Lickety Split! That's a pretty cool ball you got there! Did you know it's my birthday?" The colt smiles and then looks at his ball. A few minutes later, Spike is now bouncing it along the ground as he continued his walk through town.

"This is unbelievable," Spike chuckled. It was then he noticed a butter colored pony with a two-toned orange mane and tail carrying a basket of flowers. She was apparently taking a drink of water from a nearby fountain.

"Hey, Junebug," said Spike as he came up to her, "It's my birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Spike," Junebug answered cheerfully when she noticed that Spike held out his hands.

"Aren't you gonna give me something?" Spike asked, "You know, like a birthday present?"

"Um, I...I don't have anything," said Junebug sheepishly.

"Well, how about those flowers?" Spike suggested as he wiggled his claws deviously, "I'll take those-" Spike was then cut off when someone grabbed him by the scale that could be considered his ear. He looked up to see both Mario and Twilight glaring at him sternly.

"Spike!" Twilight interjected before turning to the other pony, "Uh, sorry, Junebug, I think Spike might've gotten a little carried away."

"And a tad birthday present greedy..." Mario added as he gave the dragon a glare. Spike just smiled sheepishly.

"Uh, no problem..." Junebug replied, "H-Happy birthday, Spike!" Twilight waited for the mare to walk away before speaking to Spike, who was rubbing his sore "ear".

"What are you doing?" Twilight asked sternly, "You're out here demanding gifts now?"

"You've got plenty of wonderful presents back in the Library," Mario added in the same tone, "There's no need to get so greedy."

"Wow, you're right, Twilight and Mario," said Spike as he lowered his hat, drops the ball, and gave the two ponies a guilty look, "I don't know what got into me. Thanks for snapping me out of it. I better go give Cheerilee her hat back."

"No problem," said Twilight.

"Good idea," said Mario.

"See you at home later?" Twilight asked.

"Sounds good! Bye!" said Spike as Twilight and Mario walked away and waved them goodbye. Once they were out of sight, he chuckled deviously.

"Who else has a present for "Spikey-wikey"?" he wondered as he wiggled his fingers and gave a slither with his tongue.

The next morning, Twilight is tossing and turning in her sleep for a bit before she decided to wake up.

"Wow, what a rough night's sleep, Spike," said Twilight as she leaned over the edge of her bed, "I had the weirdest drea-" Twilight then stopped talking when she sees that his basket is loaded with various objects.

"I can't believe you!" Twilight exclaimed, "Where'd you get all this-" Twilight went to removed some of the objects to find her...little dragon companion!? Twilight gasped as she dropped the items she had been holding with her magic when she saw that Spike had somehow outgrown his basket overnight. Spike gave a yawn and a hiss as he sat up.

"What happened?" he asked in a normal tone. Twilight just leaned back nervously as she looked at him fearfully. Twilight could feel herself panic as she rushed to her bedside table and dropped her emergency warp pipe. Mario instantly popped out, front-flipped and landed perfectly on his hooves.

"Haha! I was ready for it this time!" said Mario before turning to Twilight and noticed how panicky she looked.

"What's wrong, Twi?" Mario asked concerned as hugged her and she pointed in the direction of Spike.

"Oh hey Spike," said Mario casually and then looked at Twilight, "Umm...I don't see what the prob...YAH!" Mario then noticed as he held her more securely.

"Are you two going to...kiss...?" Spike made a face and then noticed how long his arm was and started to look panicky himself.

"What's happening to me, Twilight and Mario?!" Spike asked worried as he examined his now long arms and legs. He then tried to get the Fedora off his head as Twilight and Mario were searching through various books.

"I don't know!" said Twilight, "Think back to last night. Did something happen?"

"Did you go behind our backs and ask for more presents?" Mario asked. Spike finally got the hat off his head and then looked around the library. He began to look at his long arms and legs again before he starts to stare at some books, Twilight's bed, and even more books. All the items were sparkling and he wanted them. He wanted them all...

"Spike?" Twilight asked as she got in front of his view, "What did you do after I saw you?"

"Did you or did you now ask for more birthday presents?" Mario added sternly. Spike then slapped his head to recompose himself.

"I went to talk...to..." Spike then noticed the nearby globe and started to zone out again.

"Spike!" Twilight and Mario yelled as they pulled the globe away and made Spike crash to the floor, leaving him dazed for a moment.

"Huh?" said Spike.

"You went to talk to who?" said Twilight.

"Who did you see and did you ask them for a present?" Mario asked more firmly.

"Oh, um...I don't remember," Spike answered quickly, "Hey, can I have that globe? You're not using it, right?" Spike then snatched it and took it towards his collection of other objects.

"Huh?" said Twilight and Mario.

"What about this book?" Spike asked as he grabbed it. Twilight then grabbed it away from him as she teleported on top of his mountain of objects and Mario stood in front of it.

"Spike, I'm worried about you," said Twilight, "You're usually not so...grabby!"

"Such stages of random grabbing are usually found in young foals, not dragons with random growth spurts," Mario added as Spike snatched the book away from Twilight.

"My arms aren't usually this long either," Spike said slyly and then covered his mouth. He had not only smart mouthed Twilight, but his voice was now a good octave lower.

"What's happening to me?" Spike asked in his now lower voice with concern. Twilight and Mario just rubbed their chins with concern.

Their first stop was the doctor's office. Spike just sat on the patience's bed with Twilight and Mario sitting in front of him. Spike then sees a bowl full of candy and goes to grab one when Twilight smacks his hand away and gave him a stern glare.

"No candy," said Mario firmly, only for Spike to hiss at him before the dragon covered his mouth. Mario gave a more stern glare at Spike before looking away. It was then the doctor arrived, whose name was Dr. Horse.

"Well now, what seems to be the problem?" asked Dr. Horse.

"This is Spike," said Twilight as she swatted his hand away from grabbing something, "And something's wrong with him..." Twilight slapped his hand away again, "...He used to be half this size! And he keeps trying to take things that aren't..." She slapped his hand away again, "...his!" Dr. Horse just listened with a blunt expression of his face as Twilight slapped Spike's hand away once more. He then walked up to Spike as the dragon was rubbing his sore hand.

"All right then, let's just have a look see, shall we?" said Dr. Horse as he walked up to Spike, "Widdle guy not feeling too good? Who's a brave whittle boy, huh? Who's a brave one?" Dr. Horse began to wiggle Spike's arm as the dragon looked at him indignantly. Spike growled at him and tried to take a bite at his hoof. As Dr. Horse pressed a hoof against Spike's leg...

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRP

Dr. Hooves was slightly singed in the face by the oncoming flames. He looked rather indignant as Spike, Twilight, and Mario gave him worried looks.

"So? What do you think, Doctor?" Twilight asked.

"Any insight to Spike's sudden growth spurt...or his need to grab things?" Mario asked as well before slapping Spike's hand again.

"Well, I think I know what the problem is," said Dr. Horse, making the two ponies and Spike smile hopefully, and then answered, "He's a dragon!"

THUD!

Mario did a comedic plop to the floor before standing back up a couple of seconds after.

"That's not the problem," said Twilight, "He's always been a dragon."

"Oh. Well, that would explain it," said Dr. Horse as he wiped his face, "Listen, I don't know anything about dragons. I know about baby ponies. Maybe you should try a vet." Twilight just sighed while Mario looked rather frustrated.

"Okay," said Twilight, "Thank you, doctor." As for Spike, he had managed to get into the candy bowl when everypony's backs were turned. A little later that day, Spike was now laying on his stomach on the examination table as Ponyville's animal doctor, Dr. Fauna, began to look Spike over. Mario and Twilight stood a few feet away watching.

"Hm, well, I'm flummoxed," she replied, "Y'bring me a dog, I've got it diagnosed in seconds. Snake ever faster, but...to be honest, I've never seen a real live dragon before." Spike just glared and gave an indignant snort from his nose.

"Who's a good boy?" said Dr. Fauna as she patted his head, "Sit." Spike smiled and drool as he obeyed the vet. As he panted like a dog, Dr. Fauna tossed him a dog treat, which Spike caught and added to the bowl of candy he had taken from the doctor's office. Mario just groaned to himself. It was getting rather sad seeing Spike act so...simple minded.

"Thanks anyway," said Twilight sadly as she lowered her head, "C'mon, Spike." Dr. Fauna gave Twilight an apologetic look, but the purple pony and Mario had already turned to leave as Spike was still gawking at his bowl.

Their next stop was Zecora's hut. The zebra wasted no time examining Spike as she felt and squeezed Spike's head, making it squeak. She then knocked on it a few times and then dangled a pocket watch before his eyes, Spike seemed rather entranced at the swinging watch and tried to snatch it but missed, looking rather annoyed. Zecora then grabbed one of Spike's arms with her mouth.

"I'd step back if I were you," Mario told Twilight since she was standing right next to Spike.

"Why?" Twilight asked as Zecora made Spike's arm wiggle, causing the other arm to wiggle by reflex and slapped Twilight in the face.

"That's why," Mario replied as Twilight just looked very annoyed.

"Ooh, he's starting to mature," said Zecora as Spike just scratches his back, "Of this fact, I am quite sure."

"Mature?" said Twilight, "So he's just...growing up? But that doesn't explain why he keeps grabbing things." Spike had tried to bend down and grab a pot, which Twilight used her magic to pull away. He even tried to snatch Mario's beret.

"Hands. Off. The hat," Mario warned sternly as Spike pouted.

"A dragon's heart is prone to greed," said Zecora as she approached her brewing pot as Twilight stood next to her, "A steady diet to make growth speed. Then, the resulting bigger size only makes their hunger rise. If this trait should go unchecked, if Spike continues to collect, more growth will certainly occur - he is going to turn into a monster." Zecora then animated Spike's fate in her brewing pot and Twilight gasped at what she saw.

"You mean the more things a dragon collects, the bigger and greedier he gets?" said Twilight, "but how do we stop him before he's completely out of control?"

"If his monstrous ways you wish to impede, you must prevent him from practicing greed," Zecora answered sternly. As they were talking, there was some crashing and shuffling in the background. Twilight bit her lip with worry until she and Zecora looked to see Spike gone as well as the rest of the zebra's items. Twilight just laughed nervously until she realized something.

"Wait, where's Mario?" she asked.

"Over...here..." Mario groaned. Twilight and Zecora looked over where they heard Mario's voice to see him crawling out of an self-made indention in the wall.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked concerned.

"Spike got aggressive after I kept trying to keep him from grabbing stuff," Mario explained as he recovered, "He used his tail to send me flying into the wall."

"You better so soon, before Ponyville faces its doom," Zecora replied before both ponies headed back to town. Twilight and Mario ran at full speed back to Ponyville. They didn't bother to slow down once they were heading down the streets of town. They then came to a stop once they found Spike doing 1 vs. 3 tug of war with Scootaloo's scooter.

"Get away from her, you brute!" Apple Bloom yelled.

"Spike want!" said the dragon, his voice now much deeper and more aggressive.

"You're not getting my scooter!" Scootaloo added.

"Spike want!" the dragon repeated again. Mario and Twilight look around before they saw a broom. They exchange smiles with each other as they get the same idea.

"Hey Spike!" said Twilight as she hovered the broom near him, "Check out this amazing broom!" That got Spike's attention as he let go of the scooter, sending the three fillies flying backward a few yards.

"Spike want!" he hissed. Spike gave a loud roar as he grew larger in size before chasing after the broom on all fours. Mario and Twilight noticed just how big Spike had gotten and they made a mad dash for the Library.

"C'mon, big boy!" Twilight taunted in a sing-song voice once she and Mario stepped inside, "Look at this incredible broom!" Because he was so big now, Spike had some difficulty getting through the door, but managed to squeeze himself in. Twilight then tossed the broom into another room. As soon as Spike went inside, she slammed the door. Spike began to try to get out as Mario and Twilight stood on their hind legs and held the door back.

"Fight all you want, I'm not letting you out!" Twilight said sternly when suddenly the struggling stopped. Mario and Twilight exchanged worried looks before they opened the door and saw Spike hoarding a small mountain of books.

"Oh Spike, I just re-shelved this room," said Twilight as she used her magic to knock Spike off the book pile and set them outside the door and closed it firmly. Twilight then sighed with exasperation as Mario placed a hoof on Twilight's back.

"What are you doing?" she asked defensively. Mario snorted as he removed his fore-arm.

"Just trying to offer you some comfort," said Mario angrily and turned away, "As thought I was your best friend and you trusted me!" Twilight sighed.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you," said Twilight, "Guess I'm just stressed out. Actually...I wouldn't mind if you held me for a bit." Mario then tried again and held Twilight close. This time, she rested her head under his chin and nothing else was said. Sadly, the moment only lasted three seconds before they heard a loud crash.

"What now?" Mario and Twilight groaned together in irritation. They opened the door and saw a huge indention showing that Spike had smashed himself right out of the library and was running loose once more.

In Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack had been left shocked and puzzled.

"Now who in Ponyville would steal my apples?" Applejack asked aloud, "For that matter, who would steal my leaves?" It was then Twilight and Mario appeared.

"Applejack, help!" said Twilight, "Spike's running wild and I need you to lasso him!"

"He's gone complete kelpto manic too!" Mario added. All Applejack could do hearing this news was laugh.

"Oh, that's a good one, Twilight and Mario," Applejack replied as she patted Twilight with a fore-hoof, "Sweet little Spike, running wild. Ha, what a laugh." Mario and Twilight looked indignant until the said dragon stomped by carrying a large collection of apples and leaves. Some of the leaves flew off the pile as he went by. Two of the leaves landed on Applejack's nose, giving her a mustache. The three ponies glared at the dragon.

"Twilight, Mario," said Applejack bluntly, "get my rope." It wasn't much longer before both Twilight and Applejack were charging at Spike with Mario leading the charge between them. Their plan was for Mario to launch himself straight at Spike's head with a homing spin attack. Once Spike was dazed, Applejack and Twilight would pin him down and tied him up. Once they were close enough, Mario went for the jump. Just as he launched himself into the homing attack, Spike noticed an apple on the ground and bent down to pick it up. This made Mario miss his attack completely and smack into a nearby tree. To make matters worse, the two girls had chosen that exactly moment to dive at Spike and they ended up getting Mario and themselves tied to the tree. Spike just smirked at them before giving a loud roar in their faces.

"Eww!" Mario remarked, "Hey, if you go gonna grabbing stuff...try some breath mints!" Spike snorted and stomped away, leaving the three ponies alone.

"Don't worry girls," said Mario, "if I can expand my muscles, I can do a spin dash and cut us out." Mario then tried to stretch the rope a bit so he had a little more wiggle room, but he was having hard time since the rope was rather tight. He had full faith the girls would trust him to get them free.

"HELP!"

Never mind...Applejack and Twilight wasted no time calling for help. Mario stopped struggling and just made a long face. It didn't help that Rainbow was flying above when they called for help.

"Huh?" she said once saw the three ponies tied to a tree and fell onto her back in laughter, "Don't tell me! You-you tied yourselves up?" The three ponies glared.

"Get us out of here right now!" Applejack yelled, not in the mood to be teased.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!"

Applejack and Mario gasped.

"What was that?" Applejack asked with worry.

"Sounded like Fluttershy to me!" said Rainbow as she hovered about for a second and then helped untie the three ponies from the tree. Then they all headed directly for the yellow Pegasus's cottage.

"Fluttershy? Fluttershy!?" Twilight called out.

"Where are you little sister?" Mario asked worried.

"I'm up here!" said Fluttershy. The ponies all looked up and saw Fluttershy was high in the tree, hugging a branch for dear life with some squirrels nearby for company.

"What happened?" Twilight asked as she and the others looked up.

"I was helping my squirrel friends with a dance step," Fluttershy explained, "and all of a sudden, a giant, r-rampaging d-d-d-dragon stormed through!"

"That was Spike!" said Twilight from below.

"Spike?" said Fluttershy in shock, "But why would Spike steal my chicken coop?" Fluttershy looked towards the area where only the ramp and flooring remained, along with a few confused chickens.

"He just pulled it out of the ground and filled it with a bunch of apples and stuff," Fluttershy continued.

"For some reason, Spike seems to have become consumed by..."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!"

"That sounded like Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow called out before Mario could finish his explanation.

"C'mon, you guys!" said Twilight with a determined look on her face as they headed directly for Sugarcube Corner. At the moment, Pinkie was sitting on top of a cabinet as she tossed cake after cake at Spike.

"Back! Get back!" Pinkie yelled.

"HISS!" said Spike as he was hugging his collected items in a corner and trying to dodge the incoming cakes. Pinkie grunted as she tossed another and Spike caught it and added it to his collection. Pinkie tossed two more cakes, which splattered on the ground near the dragon. The others gasped as they saw the now larger and greedier Spike.

"Pinkie Pie! Stop giving him cake!" Twilight called out.

"I'm not giving him cake," Pinkie retorted, "I'm assaulting him with cake!" Spike then grabbed all the cakes on the panty Pinkie was standing on, causing her to fall to the floor face first.

"How dare you take the cake!" Pinkie yelled angrily as she raised her hooves into the air. Spike gave a growl before he grew in size once more, but this time it was into a fully sized giant, rampaging dragon. As a result, the roofing of Sugarcube Corner was smashed apart. Spike gave a loud roar and noticed something in the distance and walked away.

"He's completely out of control!" said Twilight worried, "Who knows where he'll go next?"

"I think I have a good idea," said Mario, "and it involves a certain pony with a fire ruby necklace. Come on!" Twilight and Mario quickly made their exit with Rainbow and Fluttershy right behind them. Applejack had to drag Pinkie along by her tail since Pinkie had gone into complete shock with her face hanging out.

Inside the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was just humming as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a brand new cape along with her fire ruby gem necklace. She was unaware that Spike was peeking in at her with a single giant eye ball.

"Hm, perhaps some more ruffle," said Rarity when she turned around and her eyes shrunk in complete shock.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Rarity shrieked loudly as a giant claw reached out and grabbed her.

The entire town was put on high alert as an air raid siren went off to warn of a rampaging dragon. At least it was until Spike reached down and pulled it out of the ground. Ponies were running amok as Spike continued his rampage and headed towards a building being constructed.

"HELP! HELP!" Rarity shouted as Spike held her with one giant claw. The six other ponies arrived just in time to see Spike climb the constructed building.

(Cue " Arcade: Donkey Kong" game start fanfare)

Spike reached about a certain height before using his giant feet to stomp the bars into the famous slighted ramps and ladders. Twilight and the other girls just felt their jaws drop.

"You've gotta be kidding me," said Twilight. She recognized the scenario since Mario loved playing this particular arcade game back in Canterlot.

"Well, you know what they say," said Mario as he rushed towards the bottom of the "course".

"Oh please don't say it," Fluttershy pleaded wearily.

"How high can you go?" Mario said.

(Cue fanfare of the same name)

"He said it," said Fluttershy in a bored tone and the others just looked annoyed.

(Cue "stage 25m music)

Mario carefully made his way up the ramps as Spike, true to the situation, started tossomg barrel after barrel down the ramps and bouncing a few of them around the area below. Since Mario was quick, he had no trouble climbing up and jumping over the barrels. Spike was so busy tossing barrels about that he didn't notice Mario arrive nearby on a platform.

"Yoo-hoo!" Mario taunted as Spike looked shocked as Mario waved at him.

(Cue "Stage complete" fanfare)

Spike snarled and carried Rarity further up.

"HELP! HE-okay, I'm seriously not playing damsel in distress to this!" Mario just rolled his eyes and used a ladder to follow Spike up the building. Once again, we ask pony fans:

How high can he go?

(Cue fanfare of the same name)

(Cue Stage 100m music)

This particular area was a series of horizontal platforms that were held together by some bolts with several ladders. Rarity had been placed on a platform inside the building where she could not jump or escape from. Spike just stood in front of her as he breathed fireballs that crept down the ladders and moved towards Mario. Mario carefully made his way about making sure to removed the bolts holding the platforms Spike was standing on one at a time. Mario soon found himself halfway up and surround by fireballs with no way to escape.

"Mario, use the hammer near you!" Pinkie called out from below.

"Don't encourage this!" Twilight retorted.

"But he's gonna be barbequed if he doesn't," said Applejack, "As cliché as this scenario is, Mario needs to make Spike fall down so he can save Rarity! Grab the hammer!" Mario nodded as he jumped up and grabbed it.

(Cue "Hammer time" fanfare)

Mario made little time of all the fireballs as he continued his way to the top and removed all the bolts. Spike was increasing his fireballs when Mario whistled towards him. Spike looked and saw Mario removed the final bolt. Spike roared angrily and stomped about, causing all the platforms beneath him to sending him plummeting back to the ground below with a loud THUD.

(cue "ending" theme)

Mario then used his magic to teleport Rarity to the now stable platform above the dragon.

"Are you alright Rarity?" Mario asked as they met in the middle.

"Will somepony please tell me what is going on?" Rarity asked frantically, "I don't appreciate being part of an arcade game!"

"This wasn't a game, Rarity!" Mario told her, "This is..."

SMASH!

CRASH!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Rarity screamed and Spike stomped the ground so hard that their platform and the rest of the building came tumbling down. Spike caught Rarity with his tail and ran off as poor Mario was buried under the rubble.

"Mario!" Twilight shouted as she wasted no time trying to dig Mario out. Applejack even managed to buck away some of the heavier materials when they found Mario. Aside from a few scratches, Mario wasn't badly hurt. However, he was shaking heavily and he was...crying?

"Mario, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked concerned when she and the others saw how frazzled he looked.

"Buried alive...buried and abandoned..." Mario sobbed in a shakey tone, "Left all alone...nopony wants me...nopony..." Rainbow was puzzled as Mario cried harder.

"I don't get it," she said confused, "So Spike outsmarted you. No big deal...we've all had moments like that. It's nothing to feel sorry for. And you've been buried alive before by books, apples, and even dirt and snow and never had a problem. How this any different?"

"I think it has to do with how Celestia found him," said Fluttershy as she gave Mario a gentle hug.

"You're right," said Twilight as she and Pinkie held him next, "If you all remember, Mario was once buried alive under a building as a little foal."

"He told me he still has nightmares about being buried alive by falling or crumbling buildings," Pinkie added, "and that nopony wanted to save him."

"Kind of explains why Mario is afraid of being left alone," Rainbow said quietly, secretly sympathizing with Mario's fear.

"I'm sorry!" Mario croaked, "I thought I'd get past this..."

"It's okay, Mario," said Twilight, "It's not like you can practice getting used to being buried under a building. Just know that if this ever happens again, you have your friends to get you out." Mario smiled, even though tears were still leaving his eyes.

"Rainbow, you and Fluttershy try to save Rarity and keep Spike from doing anymore damage," said Twilight, "The rest of us will try and get everypony somewhere safe and summon some help." Rainbow saluted before pulling Fluttershy along towards the rampaging dragon.

Meanwhile, Spike was giving a loud growl as he continued to stomp about. Rarity screamed again as she tried to pound his tail with her fore-hooves to make him let her go. Spike then looked at a wagon and found that it was too small to hold his treasure. He then rips off a nearby water tower, causing the water to splash and rush towards the ponies below. He turned the water tower top upside down to store his goods.

"Put me down, you brute!" Rarity shouted. Spike replied with a loud roar to her face, messing up her mane.

"How rude," Rarity remarked with an eye roll. It was then Fluttershy and Rainbow arrived to save the day.

"Don't worry Rarity," said Fluttershy, "we'll save you!" Rarity smiled.

"Put her down, right now!" Rainbow demanded in Spike's right "ear".

"I-If you wouldn't mind, that is..." Fluttershy added in Spike's left "ear".

"I mean it, dragon boy!" Rainbow said assertively.

"We'll be ever so grateful if you'd be so kind as to possibly consider..." said Fluttershy sheepishly. Spike just backed away as he began to move his tail back and forth in irritation.

"Hey!" Rarity complained, "I'm-not some-sort of common-fly swatter!" Both pegasi were flying side by side when Rarity's cape got caught on them and tore off. It then wraps around them like a sack. Fluttershy and Rainbow screamed as they were sent falling into the river below. The torn part of the cape rises to the water surface first followed by the two pegasi.

"Girls! My cape!" Rarity exclaimed. Spike just roared again. Then three more Pegasi were coming in at high speed.

"Look! The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow called out as the three flyers arrived on the scene. (Unfortunately, Mario didn't know the names of these three Pegasi.) They quickly swooped down at Spike, startling him as he growled. They then air-dived at the dragon as Spike held his container of treasures close to himself. Spike then noticed a nearby mountain and started to climb it. Rarity screamed once again as the three Wonderbolts make another pass. This time, they managed to buzz cut the scales on his head. Spike then noticed a hole in the mountain above him. He quickly climbed up to the hole and stored his things inside and then leaned his back against the hole so nopony could get inside. As the Wonderbolts swooped down at him once more, Spike grabbed the silo and held it so the three flyers flew right into the roof top of it. He then slammed the silo into a mountain with the opening against the mountain so they couldn't escape. Spike smirked before he roared in triumph.

"Oh be quiet," said Rarity, "You're got nothing to be proud of." As she spoke, Spike rolled his eyes and made mock-talking gestures with his claw.

"You steal everypony's things, terrorize the town, traumatize my best friend Mario by burying him under a building, and use me as a weapon against my own friends! Which as horrible as it is, I can almost understand because you are a dragon and all," Rarity continued sternly as she tore off the remains of her cape with her magic, "But this! This is a crime against fashion!" Spike was then shocked when he noticed her necklace and the fire ruby gem. Rarity noticed him looking at it.

"Oh no. You're not getting this gemstone!" said Rarity as she covered it with her fore-hooves, "This was given to me by my dear friend Spikey-wikey, the kindest, sweetest, most generous dragon ever. And it's too precious to me to give to a greedy old beast like you!" Rarity's eyes watered as she spoke and Spike looked at her puzzled. Rarity didn't realize that the giant dragon before was Spike! He then grunted as a memory appeared in his head. Spike remembered that he had given Rarity that gem.

Here, Rarity, you take it. It would mean even more to see you happy than to eat it myself, he had told mer.

I...I don't know what to say. This is just so generous. Rarity had told him before giving him a kiss. Spike's eyes soften as his head shook about and his body shuttered a bit.

"Oh what now?" Rarity asked annoyed, "I supposed you'll be eating me or something?" Spike then cringed and his body twitched before he instantly returned back to his original size. Rarity then looked and saw Spike hovering in the air with her.

"Spike? You're the rampaging dragon?!" Rarity exclaimed in shock. Spike just smiled sheepishly before they both were reminded of a certain reality.

They were both in the air with no way to stay up there.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" Rarity and Spike screamed as they were soon plummeting to the ground. By now, Mario had recovered as he and the rest of the girls were standing by a bridge when they saw them falling in the distance.

"Somepony do something!" said Pinkie in a panic as she saw them through some binoculars. Mario was frantically looking around for something to use to catch them as Twilight watched in horror and Applejack hid her face in her stenson hat.

"On it!" said Rainbow as she pulled Fluttershy along. They quickly flew towards the torn piece of cape and fly towards their falling friends. Fluttershy had some trouble keeping up her speed and smiled apologetically as she held the cape in her mouth. Rainbow glared before taking off ahead and pulling Fluttershy behind her.

"Fluttershy, take this!" Mario called out as he sped on the ground underneath them and tossed up a speed horseshoe. Fluttershy took it, powered up, and was able to keep up with Rainbow so the blue Pegasus could increase her speed. Spike was now panicking and fearing the worst. He looked at Rarity and knew what he had to do.

"Rarity? I need to tell you something!" said Spike as the marshmallow pony looked at him, "Just in case we don't make it. I've always sort of had a crush-" Rarity cut him off by placing a gentle hoof on his mouth. She gave him a soft smile as tears left her eyes. It made one fact as clear as day.

I know darling. I know.

Despite the hoof on his mouth, Spike smiled. Knowing that no matter what, Rarity knew the truth. Rainbow Dash, along with a still powered up Fluttershy, poured down on the speed. With a fast streak of rainbow, they managed to catch their falling friends just in time. They slowed down and gently lowered them to the ground as the two sat inside the cape on the bridge where the rest of their friends were waiting for them. Fluttershy gasped.

"We did it! I can't believe we did it!" Fluttershy cheered excitedly. It was also at that moment the water tower came tumbling down the mountain with a large crash. Inside the dragon-made crater were the three Wonderbolts, looking very shaken. However, once they noticed that they were out in the open again, they quickly recomposed themselves, saluted everypony and then flew off into the distance.

"All in a day's work," said Rainbow as the rest of their friends gathered around. Rarity smiled and gave her full attention to Mario.

"Are you alright?" Rarity asked, "I saw how frazzled you looked when they pulled you out of the rubble." Mario just looked at the ground and rubbed a fore-hoof against the dirt.

"Just...embarassed," Mario replied timidly, "I'm sorry I failed to save you." Rarity gave him a hug.

"You did you best," said Rarity and then noticed that Spike was missing. She found him sitting alone the edge of the bridge. He was overlooking all the damage he had caused when he had become a greedy giant dragon. He then noticed a giant footprint that had been left behind and compared it to his own claw.

I was a monster Spike thought, fighting back tears.

"Spike," said Rarity as the little dragon looked at her, "I just have to tell you how absolutely proud I am of you."

"Proud of me?" said Spike sadly.

"Yes," Rarity answered, "It was you who stopped...w-well, you, from destroying Ponyville. You're my hero Spikey-wikey!" Rarity then gave the little dragon another kiss on the cheek. Spike just smiled sheepishly as the rest of their friends just gathered around the other side of the bridge.

"Okay," Mario told the others as Rarity stayed with Spike, "I better get to work rebuilding the damage. Fortunately, only the Cutie Mark Crusaders knew that was Spike. If we can ask them to keep this quiet, we might be able to just move on from what just happened without any...further incidents."

"Good idea," said Twilight.

"Still doesn't change the fact this was my fault," said Spike sadly, "even if nopony knew that was me." Mario pondered.

"Well, how about you help me out with repairs?" Mario suggested, "We can get things fixed faster with two ponies guiding my mini-Mario toys." The said toy ponies all gathered up and raised a fore-hoof in reply. Spike smiled as Rarity gave him a supported hug.

The next day, Spike got a piece of parchment and a quill so he could write what he had had learned to the Princess.

"Dear Princess Celestia," Spike recited as he wrote his letter, "Today I learned a great lesson about friendship. Well, you might think that it would feel good to get lots and lots of stuff, but it doesn't feel nearly as good as giving something special to somepony you really care about. But I learned that it truly is better to give than to receive, and that kindness and generosity are what lead to true friendship..."

As Spike recited his letter, the rest of the ponies were with Rarity outside her boutique. As she wore a newly made purple cape with her fire ruby necklace. She used her magic to hand everypony else their own capes, each one made to fit their personality. Twilight oohed at hers and cuddled the soft material, Pinkie smiled at hers, F and RD happily wore theirs, and R put Applejack's cape on for her, making the orange pony smile. Rarity does the same for Mario as the others applaud how nice he looks, making him blush.

"...And that's more valuable than anything in the world," Spike concluded before turning his head to the side, "Well...almost anything." There on his cheek was the lipstick mark where Rarity had kissed him, but he had picture framed it on his cheek.

That's young love for you.

They did a King Kong like parody, but they were seriously missing a Donkey Kong reference.

I hope Mario wasn't too dramatic, but Mario has his own fears after all.

Next time, We get into the Holiday Spirit!

Peace Pony Fans