Transformation Part 1

Spike awoke to the rumbling of his own belly. The young dragon tried to fall back asleep but his hunger proved stronger than his desire for sleep. With a groan, he threw off his blankets and stepped out of his basket with some difficulty. While not at the same rate as during his greed-growth rampage, Spike was still a growing dragon; he would need a new bed soon.

Spike hurried down the stairs, hoping to find Twilight making breakfast, pancakes perhaps. What he did find disappointingly was the library in a total mess. Books were thrown open all over the ground, papers scattered across the floor, empty inkwells and well use quills littered the room. In the center slept Twilight, propped against a large chalk board that displayed a mess of complicated formulas and algorithms, some of which was written in a confusing and alien tongue, some ancient magical and lost language Spike guessed.

The sight itself wasn't all unusual; Twilight Sparkle was almost famous for her notorious nightly studying indulgences. No, what truly set this morning aside was the large ape-like creature that laid asleep on top of a pile of books, one which covered his snoring face like a small tent. A broken quill stood propped between the creature's fingers, one end still covered in dry ink.

Spike carefully removed Advanced Alterations as Applied by Aims Blurry from the Human's face. Ash responded by increasing in volume. Spike was tempted to place the book back to muffle the Human's snoring. The dragon shook his spiky head. How he ever got to sleep was an amazement.

Spike tossed the book aside, causing Ash to stir slightly. The quill fell out of his hand. The dragon picked it up, examining the feathery writing utensil. It was one of Owlicious'.

Spike walked to the wastebasket to dispose of the useless thing only to find it already filled to the brim with inkwells.

The dragon examined the empty inkwells and then the broken quill in his claws. With a smirk, Spike quickly found a new quill and a full inkwell...

With a groan, Twilight opened her eyes. Sleep would not return, no matter how hard she tried. With another groan, the Unicorn forced herself up and stretched. The slumbering position she had chosen left her shoulders sore and her back aching.

The smell of pancakes filled the room. The fragrance caused Twilight's stomach to roar furiously. With a blush, the hungry Unicorn glanced over to her guest. Ash continued to sleep soundly, something Twilight was becoming a bit envious of. She considered waking the Human up for breakfast but decided against it. The past two other mornings Twilight had awoken to find Ash awake but tired, staring out of the window with bloodshot eyes, like an animal on watch for danger. Despite his snoring, Twilight preferred this sleeping Ash to the tired and awake one; it meant that he was getting more comfortable about living here in Equestria.

Careful not to disturb the Human, the books, and the notes, Twilight headed to the kitchen.

The kitchen was a small affair and a bit out of place considering Twilight's home was a tree converted into a library. The kitchen had its own bookshelves which were filled with cookbooks.

Despite being considered a child, Spike was a very experienced chef, a talent that filled him with pride and was a reason for his Number One Assistant status. The dragon in question was however currently flipping pancakes with some difficulty. Twilight was normally the one to flip the cakes with her magic and the Unicorn watched Spike struggle with the heavy skillet with amusement for a few minutes before taking over. She wouldn't want her breakfast burnt after all.

"Had a nice sleep?"

"Yeah, surprisingly. That Human thing snores so loud."

"Spike," Twilight scolded as she turned to face the baby dragon. "That's not very nice. True, I've slept better in a thunder storm but he's our guest. And besides, your snoring isn't much better and-- what are laughing at?"

"Pfft, nothing." Spike covered his mouth but couldn't completely muffle his laughter.

His guardian gave him a suspicious look but before she could say another word, Ash crawled into the kitchen.

"Mornin'," he said as he tried to stretch. His hands brushed the ceiling.

"Good morning Ash. I hope you slept well. Here let me get you a plate and-- Spike, what in all of Equestria is so funny?"

The dragon was practically rolling on the floor with laughter. Tears fell from his eyes as he vainly struggled to form a cohesive sentence. With a claw, Spike pointed at both Twilight and Ash's faces.

Twilight looked up at the Human's visage and almost cried out in horror. Scribbled all across his face were large black squiggly lines and big black dots and spots. On his right cheek was an unfinished tic-tac-toe game and on the other was a sketch of a little stick pony. Curved lines extended from the corner of the Human's mouth, giving him a crude permanent smile.

"Are you feeling alright?" Twilight asked with growing panic. "You're not ill, are you?" A foreign disease could devastate the entire nation and the Unicorn began to wonder where she had last left her Ponyville-issued biohazard suit.

"I feel fine but I think you should see yourself."

"W-what?"

Twilight quickly ran the sink and looked into the water. The sight of her own reflection caused her to recoil.

She had apparently grown a large curly mustache overnight that came with its own monocle which was placed over her eye. Whiskers grew from the side of her face, giving the Unicorn the appearance of a demented feline.

"Wh-what's going on here? Is it some type of sickness? Quick, Spike-- Spike stop laughing! This is serious! I need you to send a letter to the Princess and grab Supernaturals. What is wrong with you? Can't you tell we have a crisis on our hands?" The poor Unicorn began to hyperventilate, breathing quicker and quicker. "We can't let this spread! It could be dangerous! It could be, it could be--"

"Ink."

"Huh?"

The stick pony had been removed from Ash's cheek, leaving only a black smear. The Human examined two blackened fingers as he rubbed them together.

"It's ink."

"Ink? But how did..."

Twilight was interrupted by another burst of laughter from Spike, this time producing a small flame. It didn't take the purple Unicorn much longer to realize just what had happened. She was Princess Celestria's star pupil after all.

"SPIKE!"

"Of course I don't mind, Rarity."

"Are you sure? I really hate to be delaying our spa treatment like this."

"Of course. I was planning to go to the library later today anyways."

Rarity sighed in relief. When Spike "accidentally" told her about Twilight's new book on Equestrian fashion written by Hoity Toity himself, the seamstress couldn't wait to check the book out. Unfortunately, the Unicorn's busy schedule meant that the first free day she had on which the library was opened was the same she and Fluttershy were scheduled for the spa.

The Pegasus, as she said, had planned to visit Twilight after the spa treatment. "Curious" was not the first word most ponies would use to describe Fluttershy; many saw her as too timid and lacking the assertiveness necessary for an investigation. Of course, most ponies hadn't seen her when the meek little Pegasus first met Spike the baby dragon.

Fluttershy had seen their Human guest disappear into the library two days ago and hadn't seen him since. Curiosity finally got the best of her and now Fluttershy was going to get to the bottom of whatever was going on. That is, if nopony really minded.

Fluttershy wasn't the only pony to see Ash bunker down in Twilight's library. The few ponies that dared come close to the tree were journalists smelling a story or photographers hoping to capture a glimpse of the "Furless Ape Monster", as the local gossip magazine was beginning to call him. Several had tents pitched at a respectable distance away from the library but none had dared to enter. The news ponies watched in amazement and envy as a certain white Unicorn and her Pegasus friend simply walked up to the door.

"Um, don't you think we should knock?"

"Darling, it's a public library."

From inside the library came a thundering crash, causing Rarity, Fluttershy, and many of the news ponies outside to flinch.

"Ow! Argh, God dam--"

"Ash! Watch the language while Spike here. Spike, stop writing those words down!"

"Aww."

"And go get him some ice!"

Rarity nearly swung the door open and gasped at the giant mess that stood before her. Books in all sorts of piles, some left open. Quills and inkwells and parchments covered any part of the floor unoccupied by the books. In the center was chalkboard. Leaning against it was Ash, who clutched his forehead and groaned in pain. With a cry, Fluttershy raced over to the Human with concern filled eyes. As he saw the Pegasus fly toward him, Ash's eyes also filled with concern. And panic. The Human braced himself for the impact.

"Uh, hey Rarity."

Spike stood nervously before the regal Unicorn, absently melting the ice pack in his hands.

"Good morning Spike," Rarity responded sweetly with a smile. "I've missed your company at the boutique."

"Yeah, sorry. Twilight's been having me help her and this guy with some sort of project."

"I can see you've been busy." The purple-maned Unicorn gestured to the pile of notes. "Speaking of which, where is Twilight, dear?"

"Right here," Twilight answered from her desk which was in no better state the library itself. The wall of books and papers surrounding the desk gave it the appearance of a mighty fort. "Try not to move the books too much. We don't want to lose our pages."

With a grunt, the librarian made her way through the sea papers and texts. "Sorry about the mess. Can I help you with anything?"

"Oh yes. Spike told me that you had...ha..h..."

Rarity grew faint as Twilight stepped into view and as she took in her appearance. Uncombed mane. Messy tail. Dark circles around her eyes. Were her eyes playing tricks on her or did Rarity really see new creases line the bookish Unicorn's face. Rarity knew that not every pony could pay as much attention to their appearance as she did but this, this lack of care was a crime.

"Darling, what has happened to you?"

"Huh?"

"Your mane, your tail, your skin. My goodness, dear, you really need to take care of yourself."

"I'm fine, really," Twilight struggled to say as she fought back a yawn. Rarity remained unconvinced.

"I assure you, you are not fine. Look, your skin is getting wrinkles and lines. Why, you look several years older. And even at our age, that is no complement."

"Are you sure it isn't ink?" Twilight gave her draconic assistant a glare. Spike look the other direction and began whistling.

"That settles it." Rarity turned to Fluttershy, who had conjured a roll of bandages seemingly out of nowhere and was covering Ash's new bruises, some of which were caused by the apologizing Pegasus herself. "Fluttershy, I know our spa days are a special thing between the two of us but I hope you wouldn't mind if we made an exception today. Our dear friend Twilight here is in dire need of a healthy massage and a mud bath."

"Oh, no. Of course I wouldn't mind, especially if it's to help a friend."

"Don't I get a say in this?" Twilight grumbled. A dip in the hot tub was tempting but there was so much work to be done.

"I think you should go."

Everypony turned toward the Human in surprise. It was first thing he had said since they entered. Ash simply shrugged. "We've been at this for two full days and nights and we're no closer to the end than before. A break just might be the thing we need."

Twilight thought for a moment. "Maybe you're right. That massage does sound great right now. Are you two sure I can tag along?"

"Of course, darling."

"I don't mind, really."

"Then it's settled," Spike said, jumping to his feet. "Let's go."

"Hold it right there, young dragon." Twilight grabbed Spike by the tail with her magic. "I haven't forgotten about this morning. You're going to stay here and clean up the library."

"What? But Twilight..." Spike looked up to the Unicorn with pleading eyes, tilting his head every so often in the direction of the other Unicorn.

"No." Twilight turned to Ash. "What about you Ash? Don't you think you could use a bath?"

"If that's your subtle way of telling me I smell, then it's not very subtle," Ash answered with a small chuckle. "But I think I'll pass. Maybe when I can actually fit through the door with ease. Besides, I doubt the spa was made to accommodate Humans."

"I guess not..."

"Maybe next time. You three go on ahead. I'll help Spike clean up and make sure he doesn't throw away anything useful."

"Very well. I hate to be leaving you out dear but I'll take up your offer. Next time, my treat. Come on girls. Ta ta!"

"Um, oh, bye, and please try to take of yourself, Ash."

"See you two in an hour or so. And Spike? Keep out of the basement!"

As Ash and Spike waved in response, the three mares left the library only to be bombarded by questions from the many representatives of Equestria's press.

"Miss Sparkle, is it true that the creature is the result of an inter-dimensional spell? Are we being invaded?"

"Written Word here from the Equestrian Daily. Why haven't the Princesses given any statement on this thing. Do they know about it?"

"Is Equestria in danger? We're in danger aren't we? Oh Celestria, we're all going to die!"

"I'll give you two hundred bits if you can get it to pose for me."

"I'll give you five hundred!"

"Man, that's something isn't it?" Spike said from behind the window. "I don't think we've ever had this much publicity near the library."

"Did, did she just faint?"

"Huh, oh yeah. Fluttershy doesn't like cameras very much."

Spike jumped down from the window sill.

"Wanna see the basement? Its got some cool stuff down there."

Aloe kept watch on the door. Lotus kept watch on the clock. While it was common and very forgivable for their venerable patrons Rarity and Fluttershy to be late for a spa appointment, with Rarity's work and all, their scheduled time had passed an hour ago and the spa attendants were getting antsy.

The baby-blue Earth Pony sighed as the seconds ticked by. "Zay are not coming, I'm afraid."

Aloe sighed as well and turned away from the door. It had been a very slow day today. It normally was.

Just as Lotus was about to cross off the names of Rarity and Fluttershy from the spa schedule, the door swung open and immediately slammed shut. Rarity and Twilight brace themselves against the door as the giant mob of journalists pounded away at the door with questions and hooves. Fluttershy laid in a small, shivering heap on the reception room floor.

A few moments passed in silence save for the relentless pounding. Luckily for Twilight, Rarity, and the spa door, the mass media thrives on entertainment and nothing is very exciting about knocking away excessively. The reporters and photographers picked up their cameras and notepads and head back to the library, their attention captured by a large explosion and resulting smoke released from the library's many windows.

The constant beating of hooves against wood had drowned out the sound of the explosion from indoors, allow the owner of the now-smoking establishment to remain blissfully ignorant. Twilight peeked out of a window and let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Looks like they're gone. Finally. I can't believe they followed us so far. I thought we lost them when we circled back through the prank store."

Fluttershy groaned softly. "You can get up now," Twilight said, her voice straining with weariness. "They're gone."

Rarity walked over to the shivering Pegasus and collapse right next to her. Loose strains stuck out of her normally perfectly arranged coiffure.

The exhausted Unicorn looked up to the receptionist desk. Aloe stared back.

"I don't suppose we made our appointment, did we?"

Aloe looked back at the clock; it was now half past twelve. Aloe gave Lotus a quick nod, sending her off to prepare the sauna, and quickly rewrote Rarity and Fluttershy's names on the schedule in the empty position of 12:30. A grin mixed with professionalism and genuine cheer spread over the blue pony's face.

"No, Miz Rarity. We are right un time."

Gasping for air, Ash stumbled out of the fuming tree, leaving a sizable depression in the door frame. Spike followed closely behind, wearing a funny yellow mask with what appeared to be a shower head at the end. In his claws was a glass flask of bubbling purple goo, the result of all their troubles. The flask miraculously survived the initial explosion.

"Did you have to bring it out with us?" Ash gaged at the smell of the concoction. "It's like rotten goose eggs mixed with rancid milk mixed inside a decaying corpse."

"Mmmphh-mphhhh-mmphh."

"What was that?"

Spike removed the hazmat mask before immediately turning sickly greener. "I said it's not that bad but--urkk!" The dragon covered his mouth and his cheeks bulged.

"Wait! Don't drop it!"

Ash's cry came too late. The combustion resistant glass shattered against the ground, just as the crowds began to close in. If the odor hadn't been enough to check the curiosity of the ponies for both the strange new creature and a potential fire, the rapidly growing green slime should have.

And if that didn't, the nightmarish scream that came from the giant slime definitely did.

As ponies began to scream and run in every which direction, Ash turned to Spike, who hid behind the Human's long legs.

"What did you do?"

"What did I do? What did you do?"

"I just did what you told me!"

"Why didn't you just read the directions yourself? I'm just a baby!"

"I can't read Equestrian!"

"Wait, what? Really?"

The monstrous purple slime interrupted the quarreling with a another bloodcurdling roar. Already it was about the size of a large cart and still growing.

"Twilight's gonna kill us, isn't she?" Spike asked weakly.

"This never happened. You hurry inside and try to clean up."

The baby dragon picked up his mask and ran to the library. "Wait," Spike turned around and called out to the Human: "what about you?"

Ash turned to the monster before him. It was already towering over him. With a flick of his hands, balls of hot flames flared in front of him like miniature suns. the flames brought shadows over his features.

"I'll clean up here." The Mage's eyes seemed to shine. The adrenaline, the excitement, the intoxication of magic flowing freely through him, Ash was in his element.

"I've heard fire is a great cleanser. Care to put that to the test?"

A/N

Aims Blurry = Amesbury --> Bill/Barbara Amesbury was a transsexual Canadian song writer, get it?

A lot of the names are like that, derived from more meaningful names. Try figuring them out!