//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight - Forgiven? // Story: A New Nightmare // by LittleAngelStocking //------------------------------// Spike crept up the steps, “Twilight?” he called up, rubbing his eyes. “Are you… awake?” He was a little surprised she was back so early; he’d heard Fluttershy bring her in. Peewee chirped, hopping up and down on Spike’s shoulder. “What’s wrong boy?” Spike asked quietly, and the bird simply ruffled his feathers. Twilight didn’t answer Spike’s call, and the dragon wondered if she had gone back to sleep. As he got closer to their bedroom, Peewee begun to chirp and hop, flapping his fuzzy little wings. Spike pushed open the door. “Twilight?” he called again. Peewee nipped his scales, but he paid the phoenix chick no attention. “You hear that?” he whispered to the bird, and they both listened. Twilight was buried under the covers, moving around and mumbling. “Twilight, are you okay?” Spike called, stepping cautiously towards the bed. Owlowiscious was sitting on the head of her bed, hooting. No answer, just more mumbling. Spike lightly tapped her form through the blanket, “Twilight?” Peewee fluttered off of Spike’s shoulder and onto the floor, hopping over to Twilight’s saddlebags lying on the floor, and started tugging at the strap. Spike jumped onto the bed, and grabbed what he assumed was her shoulder and gently shook it. “Twilight?” Twilight groaned, and Spike tugged the blanket down, uncovering her. She pulled the pillow down over her face, blocking the sunlight that was pouring in through the open window, whimpering softly. Spike shook her again. “Twilight!” “N-no! Don’t leave…” “I’m right here, Twilight,” “I can’t – I don’t want this!” “Twilight, wake up!” “No… Don’t…” “Wake up!” Twilight opened her bloodshot eyes, jerking upward and knocking Spike onto the floor. She looked awful, her coat was filthy and her her mane a mess. “Spike?!” she cried, and then she scooped him up into her hooves and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Spike! Are you alright? Where were you?” “I was hiding under the couch,” he mumbled. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she cried, and looked at him apologetically. “I didn’t mean it, I’m sorry Spike. Can you ever forgive me?” “Yeah,” he smiled, “It’s nothing.” “Spike… were you crying?” she studied his eyes, and he quickly turned away. “No! I mean – no, I…yeah.” He embraced her back, burying his face in her shoulder. She hugged him tighter. “It won’t happen again, I promise.” Twilight turned her head when she heard high-pitched chirping, Peewee was tugging on the strap of her saddlebag with his beak, tiny wings flapping. Her entire body stiffened, but she relaxed. He won’t be able to open it. He’s too small, she thought with a relieved sigh. Twilight and Spike jumped when somepony knocked on the library door. “Twily? You home? It’s me, Shining Armor! Please open up,” Twilight gasped. “Oh my gosh! I hope nothing’s happened,” she whispered jumping off the bed. She froze for a moment, before turning back to Spike. “Spike! Please put my saddle bag in… the closet! Yes, there. Okay?” “Sure!” he hopped off the bed and attempted to pick it up, but it proved too heavy. “Woah! Twilight, what’s in here?” “Nothing, just try? Please?” “Okay…” Peewee nipped at his heels as he attempted to drag it around the bed. Twilight galloped down the steps and stopped – took a deep breath – and opened the door. “Shining Armor! What a pleasant surprise!” she smiled widely. “What brings you here at this fine hour?” Shining Armor stood at the door wearing his – well, his shining armor. He was surrounded by a squadron of guards. Twilight wilted, “BBBFF? Is something wrong?” Shining Armor shook his head. “I hope not, Twilight. The Princesses’ have summoned you. Apparently Luna sent for you last night – er, early this morning. You never showed up, and now they both want you.” Twilight remained silent for the longest time. “…I fell asleep,” she said. “I take it you’re here to pick me up?” Her brother nodded, and she nodded slowly back. “Right. Give me a moment; I’ll be right with you.” She headed up the stairs and into the bedroom, Spike was hunched over her bag, and she froze. “…Spike?” “GAH!” The baby dragon cried, jumping up. “Were you looking inside?” She asked darkly, narrowing her eyes. “No! Peewee got inside and I was pulling him out!” ‘He’s lying,’ No, shut up. Twilight trotted up to him, he had the phoenix chick cupped in his claws. Twilight rubbed his head, “Spike, I’m going to Canterlot for a bit. And you’re coming with me,” she levitated up the bag and strapped it around her back. Spike smiled, “Thank you!” he jumped eagerly up onto her back, and Twilight smiled. She found it adorable; she had read somewhere that it was a natural instinct for a baby dragon to ride upon its mothers back when traveling. She wasn’t technically his mother, but she found it endearing all the same. She headed down the steps and out to where her brother was waiting by a small chariot pulled by two Pegasus guards. “I’m back,” she called to him, and stepped up into it. He smiled down at her, as she seated herself. “Alright boys, we’re ready,” he told the Pegasi, and they quickly started their take off. Galloping forward, before leaping into the air. Twilight watched Ponyville as it seemed to slip backwards and away from them. “What’s in the bags?” Shining Armor asked. “Oh, these? Fluttershy needed me to repair a birdhouse and I’m still working on that.” “Oh, but why bring it?” “I haven’t eaten yet, there’s a sandwich and some salad in the other side, I just haven’t taken the birdhouse out yet.” “Oh, alright then.” Twilight was stunned by how smoothly the lie passed her lips – and that her brother believed her! She felt positively sick. “Spike!” the captain of the guard rubbed Spike’s scales. “What’ve you been up to, buddy?” “Not much! Keeping cool,” the two fist/hoof bumped. Peewee jumped up off of Spike’s head and onto Shining’s hoof, lightly pecking him. ~~ Celestia and Luna stood side by side in front of the throne. The room was empty, save for them and the silence was uncomfortable as the two waited. They could only hope Twilight would turn up. Luna yawned, unused to being up this late, even though it was still technically early morning. She then groaned, lowering her head. Celestia extended a wing over her sister, “Patience.” “I know. She will be fine, she’s a strong mare. I can only hope my suspicions are false."