//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: The Winds of Change // by CalmNQuiet //------------------------------// Twilight rested her head groggily on the breakfast table with a steaming cup of coffee clutched in her hooves. By the second cup, she was more or less awake, but her stomach gurgled unhappily at the lack of food. “Oh, good morning, Twilight.” Fluttershy walked in with a plate of apple pancakes balanced delicately on a cloth atop her wing. “I heard a noise. I thought it was you.” Twilight’s eyes zeroed in on the pancakes. “Um...Fluttershy, those pancakes—” Fluttershy smiled and slid the plate of pancakes in front of Twilight. “They’re yours. I managed to save you some from this morning. They were staying cozy in the oven." She squeaked in surprise as Twilight’s magic lit up the syrup, butter, a fork, a knife, and the plate of pancakes all at once. The pancakes floated majestically, buoyed by Twilight's magical energy. A serene still life, if not for Twilight savagely attacking the food a moment later with a ravenous hunger. Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she watched the madness for a few minutes. She placed a hoof upon Twilight’s shoulder and shook the unicorn. “Maybe you should slow down a little? You’re going to get a tummy ache..." The frantic eating ground to a halt. Twilight’s pancake-filled fork floated inches from her open mouth. She slowly lowered it to the plate and blushed. “Sorry. I was really hungry. I stayed up the whole night on the train talking to the Princess, and then I missed the celebration yesterday because I was so exhausted! I think the only food I had was some pie licked—” She dropped the fork onto the plate in sudden realization. “Oh, Celestia...did I really?” She covered her face in her hooves. “Twilight? A-are you alright? You’re really red. Oh my, I hope you aren’t coming down with something.” “Fluttershy.” Twilight’s tone dropped. “What was Rainbow like this morning?” “Oh? Um, she was really energetic, but I think she’s always lively. She and Applejack were getting really heated about something.” “So, she didn’t mention anything about pie? Or me?” “No. Why do you ask, Twilight?” Twilight sighed and pushed the mostly eaten plate of pancakes away from herself. “I think I may have...” “Yes?” “Last night...” “Yes..?” Unable to contain herself any longer, she slammed her hooves into the table and yelled: “I may have licked Dashie’s pie last night! Right off of her!” Fluttershy squeaked and ducked under the table. “Twilight?” She peeked out from her temporary wooden shield. “Why did you just blurt that out?” “I—I don’t know.” Twilight blushed and sunk down into her chair. She glanced at her third cup of coffee and pushed it away. “I’ve had too much coffee. I guess...I’m just really glad Dashie and I are so close now.” “Oh...” Twilight looked over at Fluttershy and smiled. “That doesn’t mean I’m not glad to have you and Applejack back, too.” She got off her chair and pulled Fluttershy into an awkward hug from underneath the table. “I missed you, Fluttershy. You were there for me the longest after Dashie left.” She squeezed the pegasus a little firmer. “It’s alright, Twilight. I understand how you feel.” “Thanks. I just wish we could commemorate almost everyone getting back together.” She released Fluttershy and smiled at her long-time friend. “You know, find some way to save this memory. Sort of like your scrapbook—” Twilight paused as a spark flickered in her eye. “Your scrapbook! I brought it with me to Appleloosa! We should take another picture of us together.” “You brought my scrapbook?” “Yeah. You left it with me, remember? So I wouldn’t feel so alone? I think it helped Dashie, too. It helped her remember.” “So, that’s why you want to take another picture?” “Yep! Plus, maybe Pinkie or Rarity will need something to jog their memory. Being apart so long has changed a lot of things.” Fluttershy nodded slowly. She didn’t really have any objections to letting Twilight borrow her scrapbook, and it seemed like a good idea to—wait. “Dashie”? “Um, Twilight? When did you start calling Rainbow, ‘Dashie’ again?” Twilight flushed slightly and looked away at her partially eaten pancakes. “I guess a little after Rainbow came back to Ponyville. I was secretly hoping she still felt the same.” “Oh my. Does she?” The blush deepened. “Well, she saved my life and followed it with a kiss.” “Wow. That’s beautiful. Did she say it yet?” “Say what?” Twilight thought back and bit her lip. “Oh...no. She hasn’t.” A touch of panic trickled down her spine. “Oh, no! You don’t think the kiss was just a spur of the moment thing do you?” Fluttershy shut her down immediately. “Twilight, Rainbow wouldn’t toy with your feelings like that. Sometimes, it’s really hard to say things which are really important.” “I guess I can understand that.” She giggled a little. “Actually, it’s kind of funny if Dashie is putting so much thought into it. She usually just trusts her instincts.” “Maybe you’ve been rubbing off on her all these years.” “I’d like to think that. I really would.” Twilight wiped her face with a napkin and pushed the plate away from herself. “Fluttershy, could you find either Big Mac or Applejack and see if they still have their old studio camera lying around somewhere? I’m going to clean up and find Dashie so we can take our photo.” “Sure. I’d love to, Twilight.” Fluttershy stood up and walked over to Twilight and gave her a hug. “I’m really glad you’re back.” Twilight nodded. “Thanks. I’m glad, too. I’ll meet you outside in front of the farmhouse.” She cleaned up her plate in the kitchen and headed out to the orchard to find Applejack and Rainbow. * * * Applejack bucked an apple-laden tree and glanced over at Rainbow disapprovingly. The pegasus was doing more talking than working. “So, you’re telling me you flew through an explosion?” Rainbow puffed out her chest proudly and nodded. “That’s right. Twilight was in there, and I wasn’t going to just let her get shredded.” “I’m assumin’ you got her outta there safely, seein’ as she’s still in one piece?” “Yep! You shoulda seen me! I ducked and weaved around the flaming bits of metal and grabbed Twilight right out of the sky.” “Did she thank you for savin’ her life?” “She did more than that! I got a kiss!” Applejack chuckled and punched Rainbow playfully in the shoulder. “Way to go, RD. I knew you two would come around eventually.” When she got no response, she prodded a little harder with her hoof. “RD? You still with me?” “S...she kissed me back.” “Uh, yeah. That’s how it works. You kiss a pony, she kisses you back. What’s the matter with you, RD?” “I—I just didn’t really think about it until now. I apologized for stealing a kiss and she said it was alright.” Applejack rolled her eyes and wrapped a hoof around Rainbow’s neck. “Look, I know you two have an awkward history, but isn’t this a good thing?” Rainbow’s legs quivered and she dropped down onto her haunches. “I don’t know. I guess? Does that mean she loves me again?” “That’s something only Twilight can tell ya. The bigger question is, do you love her?” “Hey Applejack! Rainbow!” Twilight’s cheerful voice checked any further conversation. She waved her hoof at the two ponies in the distance and galloped over. “I’m glad I found you two. I’ve been looking all over the orchard.” Applejack removed her foreleg from Rainbow’s neck and smiled at Twilight. “What can we do for ya, Twilight?” “Well...” Twilight glanced up with a coy little smile and rubbed her forehooves together. “I was thinking. Since we’re finally all together, we could take a group photo together to commemorate the event.” Her smile grew as the image solidified in her mind. She looked over at Rainbow. “Why is Dashie sitting quietly in the dirt?” “Oh, um, she’s thinkin’. Anyway, what about a group photo? Is it like that one where RD got her hooves all over you, Twi?” Twilight stuttered, lost for words. Rainbow suddenly recovered her voice and sprung up onto her hooves. “Hey! We had to bunch up for the photo! I just happened to have my hooves there!” she shouted indignantly. “Heh, don’t worry. I could tell from the way Twilight was all over your pie last night that somethin’ was going on.” Just as swiftly, Rainbow lost her voice again. Applejack laughed so hard her hat almost fell off of her head. After recovering, she patted the pair playfully on the back. “I’ll leave you two with that for now. I’m going to go find the camera. It’s probably sittin’ in the attic somewhere.” After a few minutes, Twilight managed to fight down her blush. “Hey, Dashie, we should probably get going. Can’t really do a group photo without us there. Maybe we could even help Applejack find her camera.” In a wordless agreement, they got up together and walked side by side back to the farmhouse—happy for each other’s company. * * * Silverhoof stared at the felt spider at the foot of his cell’s hard bunk. He was absolutely mystified by why the Lunar Princess presented it to him the first night he was taken to the Canterlot dungeons. Most of his internment befuddled him on multiple levels. Half the time, Luna did little more than drop by with a casual question and depart. Having no way of tracking the time, he guessed more than a week passed since he first entered his iron cage. As customary, Luna arrived with no announcement to interrupt his musings. He looked up at his Princess with sullen eyes and smiled wryly. “Your Majesty. Finally decided to execute me for my crimes? It won’t change anything.” Casually, he kicked the felt spider to the cell door with a grunt. “And whatever you’re trying to do with this thing, it isn’t going to work.” The cell door opened and Luna stepped in. Without the sparkling sound of magic, the spider rose from the floor and landed upon his hooves. He brushed it aside irritably. “I don’t know what you hope to accomplish, but surely you must see it. It hardly matters what part of the machine you pull apart. Everything is replaceable.” “We wish to hear your thoughts on the world.” Silverhoof snorted. “It’s pointless talking. This world is already bigger than all of us. This isn’t the quaint little kingdom I grew up in. We have industry now. We have ponies with influence stretching to all corners of Equestria. This land isn’t what it used to be. It’s just a piece of the machine.” His face grew into a callous grin. “So, go ahead. Kill me for trying to change things. Obviously, you and your sister have enough evidence. Destroy one of your precious little ponies.” He turned away and gazed up through the bars of his prison to the clear night sky. “I was well aware of the risks involved.” The volume of his voice fell through as he neared the end of his rant. “Because change doesn’t come easy.” He tore his eyes away from the glimpse of freedom he no longer possessed and glared at Luna. “And now, I’m sure you’re going to tell me how there is a right way and a wrong way to do change. But you’re deluding yourself. I’ve seen it all. Behind closed doors, what is discussed has no bearing on right or wrong. No. It’s all about finding ways to control the machine. The more you control, the less it controls you.” He smirked. “So, is what I did so wrong? I just wanted some freedom.” “Freedom alone is bitter at best.” Luna looked up contemplatively and smiled sadly. “It’s lonely at the top.” Silverhoof laughed bitterly and shook his head. “Really? Is that the stance of royalty these days? Yes, I suppose that’s the only stance you and your sister could possibly take.” He spread his hooves wide in mockery. “You have no idea. Here in your palace atop it all, you’re supposed to see everything, yet you’re blind to the very changes within your kingdom. It’s a pity. I know your country better than you do.” His hooves gestured wildly as he continued to monologue. “I’m more fitting to govern this land than you or your sister on pure merit alone! My SonicCrafts fly faster than any ship in Equestria. The organization your sister is dismantling maintained contacts all across the continent. The sheer revenue I oversaw each year dwarfs your meager tax collections.” He paused and took a breath. “Luna, you may be powerful, but individual power is nothing. The sooner your sister and you learn that, the sooner we can end this charade and put me out of my misery.” He dropped down onto his haunches and sighed. “I failed. Even if I live, I’ll never recover from this.” Luna nudged the felt spider in front of him and smiled. “Practice your throw, my little pony. Hope always remains as long as you are willing to look for it.” She turned away and walked swiftly out of the cell. As she climbed the steps of the cold stone stairwell, her lips thinned to a grim countenance—tax records awaited. At least they were more interesting than the monologues of a shattered pony. * * * Twilight ran her hoof over the felt surface of the scrapbook, hesitant to open it. The memories it contained were often painful for her, but she kept it because those same memories were of her precious friends. This time was different. She could finally add a happy memory. She flipped through the book and stopped at the last photograph. She stared at herself, a window into a time she wished to forget. The tear-splotched hearts Fluttershy had drawn around the photograph only accented the depressed atmosphere. She sighed and turned the page. The new page was blank and crisp—the beginning of something new. Carefully, she removed the photograph she had developed in Canterlot from the envelope. Just looking at it brought a smile to her face. In the photograph, Applejack and Fluttershy sported bright smiles next to her. Spike was perched on Fluttershy’s back with a huge grin and a gem in his claws. She didn’t notice at the time since she was leaning against Rainbow, but if she squinted, she could make out a slight discoloration on Rainbow’s cheeks which filled her with warmth. Braeburn and Big Macintosh stood behind Applejack. Apple Bloom was tucked in front of Applejack. It was the perfect photograph of all of them together. She pasted the photograph to the blank page and wrote “Together in Appleloosa” underneath. The sound of hoof steps drew her attention away from the scrapbook. She turned her head and found Rainbow standing in the doorway with a slight smile. “Hey, Dashie. I just finished adding the picture to the scrapbook.” “Heya Twi, how did it turn out?” “See for yourself.” Twilight stepped to the side and gestured Rainbow closer with a hoof. She murmured softly when Rainbow wrapped a wing around her and tickled at her cutie mark. “We look happy.” “Yeah...” She smiled as they leaned against one another. “It’s hard to imagine a month ago I was struggling to find reasons to smile. Now, I can barely help not smiling.” “Heh, I know the feeling. I hope it lasts. Spike just barfed up a letter from Celestia for you.” “A letter?!” Twilight sat upright and frantically tried to straighten her mane. “Twi, relax. The Princess can’t see you. It’s just a letter.” Rainbow lifted her other wing and let the sealed envelope drop into Twilight’s lap. Twilight picked up the letter with her magic and looked it over with a wry smile. “It’s kind of nostalgic, getting another letter from Celestia. Though I think I prefer the scrolls over envelopes.” She tugged at lip of the envelope until it tore open. Retrieving the letter, she unfurled it and read it outloud: Dear Twilight, I hope you and Rainbow Dash are enjoying your time in Appleloosa. If you are both willing, I’d like to ask a favor. “What? No! Last time we did anything related to Celestia, you nearly died, Twi!” “Dashie...I know you have reservations, but we should at least hear the Princess out. If it’s something only we can do to help Equestria, don’t you think we should?” “Yeah—I guess. Celestia sure likes sending crazy missions our way. Dragons, Discord, and all sorts of danger.” Rainbow crossed her forehooves and sat down on the floor in a huff. “Thanks, Dashie.” Twilight cleared her throat and continued: Please travel to Las Pegasus. As you know, Pinkie Pie and Rarity currently reside in the city. It would be wonderful if you could reunite with your friends as you have in Appleloosa. In addition, I would like you to record any odd weather patterns in Las Pegasus and correlate them to your findings in Ponyville and Appleloosa. I have informed the Ponyville City Council of your assignment, and they have agreed to extend your leave of absence until your task is complete. To cover any expenses you might accrue, I have included a credit chip. You should be able use it anywhere where chip-presses are available. I believe that should cover the majority of Las Pegasus’ legitimate businesses. Sincerely, Princess Celestia P.S. You do not need to report on any illegitimate businesses you find in Las Pegasus, and please try to steer clear of them. Rainbow looked at the letter skeptically. “That’s it?” Twilight flipped over the letter a few times and nodded. “I think so.” “Kinda suspicious, don’tcha think?” “I don’t want to jump to conclusions just yet. Though, I think it’s a good idea. I would love to see Rarity and Pinkie again.” “Ha. I bet Pinkie will be ecstatic. Can you imagine the party? She’d probably invite the whole city.” “If it was any pony other than Pinkie, I wouldn’t believe you. Let’s find Spike and send a response back. Do you think we should ask the others to come?” Rainbow pulled herself up off the floor and trotted to the door. “I dunno. Applejack definitely isn’t going to leave her farm unless it’s an emergency, and I doubt Fluttershy will leave her animals.” Twilight set the letter and envelope containing the credit chip on the table. “I suppose I’ll ask over dinner and see if there’s any interest.” * * * “...and that about wraps it up.” Twilight looked around at the blank faces. “Um, any questions?” Apple Bloom piped up after a few seconds. “So, you and Rainbow are leavin’ for Las Pegasus?” “That’s right. We’ll take the train to Ponyville and catch a passenger airship—” Rainbow nudged Twilight with a wing. Twilight sighed and corrected herself. “Sorry, a passenger train from here to Las Pegasus. You’re all invited to come along.” Applejack nodded. “Thank you kindly Twilight, but we’re still in the middle of harvesting the West Orchard right now. That don’t mean I’m completely against the idea of visiting Las Pegasus, just not right now. If an emergency comes up, let me know and I’ll be there lickety split.” She looked over at Apple Bloom pointedly with an unspoken message. “Aww...” Apple Bloom groaned. “I wanted to go to Las Pegasus and meet up with Scootaloo. I guess I have to stay and help with the harvest. Can I get you to bring her a letter, at least?” “Of course, Apple Bloom. I’d be happy to take a letter for you. I’m sure Scootaloo will be thrilled to hear from you. How about you, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy scooted back from the table and looked away. “Um...well...I can go if you’d like me to. There’s a lot of animals here, though. I’m not sure if they can take care of themselves on their own.” “I told you she wouldn’t want to leave her animals behind.” “Dashie!” Twilight shot a quick glance over at Rainbow before softening her gaze. “It’s okay, Fluttershy. I wouldn’t want you to just leave your animals all of a sudden, either.” “Oh...if you don’t mind, then thank you. Actually, if you’d be consider it, can Spike stay with me? He’s been so helpful these past months. I don’t know what I’d do without him.” Twilight chuckled sadly. “So... my number one assistant found himself a new job?” She winked at Spike teasingly. “Spike, it’s up to you. Do you want to stay or come with me?” The dragon looked at Twilight and then over to Fluttershy and sighed. He couldn’t resist the sad hopeful eyes of the pegasus. “I’ll stay with Fluttershy. Believe it or not, I’ve been helping out a ton around the nature preserve. It wouldn’t be right to suddenly ditch my responsibilities.” A slight smile filled Twilight’s face as she crossed her hooves. “Wow, Spike, that’s a pretty thoughtful decision. This isn’t because of some dragon code is it?” “No.” Spike huffed. “Friendship code.” “You’ve really grown up a lot, Spike.” “Well, yeah. Plus, I don’t want to sit around and watch you and Rainbow make kissy faces at each other all day long.” Spike rolled his eyes. “It’s kind of gross.” “Spike!” Twilight blushed and looked away. Rainbow laughed and pulled Twilight into a winghug. “That’s awesome. I’ve been looking for more chances to get Twi alone with me.” “Are we really that obvious?” The dragon smirked and nodded. “It’s not as bad as when Rainbow first moved into the library, but I think it’s only a matter of time.” He popped another gem into his mouth. “Now if you two don’t mind, I’d like to finish dinner.” The wing pulled Twilight closer, and moments later, something she could not repeat in polite company was whispered into her ear. She turned several shades of red and punched Rainbow playfully in the shoulder. “Dashie!” “Oh no! It’s starting already!” Spike groaned and picked up his bowl of gems. “I’m going to eat outside.” Fluttershy giggled. “I think Spike is going to miss you a lot, Twilight. He only gets like this when he’s having a hard time expressing himself.” “I’m going to miss him a lot too, Fluttershy.” * * * Princess Celestia delicately lowered her teacup into the saucer and returned her attention to the letter resting on her magnificently carved table. Smoothing out the edges with a hoof, she read over it once more: Dear Princess Celestia, It would be my great pleasure to continue my research on the odd weather patterns affecting Equestria. Rainbow and I will embark for Las Pegasus at the end of the month. I’m anticipating a smooth journey—barring any disasters, of course. I’ll report any findings to you via Royal Mail. Thank you for the credit chip. I’ll use it sparingly, and only when necessary to cover official expenses. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle She sighed and rolled the letter up, tucking it away in a chest adorned with Twilight’s cutie mark. The haltingly cool response of the letter bothered her. Even though Twilight reassured her all was forgiven, it was impossible to ignore the hint of apprehension in the letter. “Thinking of your student once more?” Celestia turned and smiled irritably at Luna. “It’s customary to knock, Luna. You may find me doing something you may not wish to see.” “My apologies, dear sister. I could hear you sighing from across the hall. Thus, I suspended a little courtesy for the sake of your troubled heart.” “Luna...my heart is not troubled. It is my mind which is torn.” “Claim what you wish. It doesn’t change your desires to wrap your wings around her and shield her from the world. At the same time, you send her away from you to right the wrongs your heart desperately desires to see fixed.” Celestia glowered and lowered her horn at Luna. “I thought I said those dreams were private.” “It’s not from your dreams. It’s plain as day upon your face, in the way you look at her and the way you speak to her. I don’t recall the last time you stayed up all night just to entertain the curiosity of another pony.” Another sigh. “What am I to do, Luna? She’s my greatest protégé and the pony I fear to lose the most.” “I believe you already know. Why else would there be two Wonderbolts standing at attention outside your chamber doors for the past half hour?” Celestia ignored Luna’s giggling at her gasp of surprise. In her turmoil, she had completely forgotten her spur-of-the-moment decision to summon Spitfire and Soarin’. Clearing her throat, she directed her voice at the door. “Please come in, you two. I apologize for making you both wait.” She nodded to the former Wonderbolts as they trotted in time into the room and saluted her stiffly. “Please relax, this is not a strictly military matter. But it is still a matter of national security, and I would like you two to maintain due diligence.” “Of course, your highness!” Spitfire and Soarin’ saluted in time once more. A slight smile of relief graced Celestia’s features. “I’m assigning you two to Las Pegasus. My student, Twilight Sparkle, and her friend, Rainbow Dash, will be arriving in the city in a few days. I would like you to shadow them. Try to stay out of sight, but intervene if necessary to keep them safe.” “You can count on us, your majesty.” “Since covert operations are not typically under my purview, I’d like all reports to be directed to Luna.” She glanced over at her sister for approval. “Very well. I will handle this particular matter for you, dearest sister. Let your mind be at ease so that you may sort out your troubles.” Luna smiled at her Shadowbolts fondly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve directly commanded the Shadowbolts, but it is my extreme privilege to have such fine operatives. You two are dismissed for now.” She waited for Spitfire and Soarin’ to leave the room before settling down next to Celestia. “Are you sure about this? The greater our presence in the city, the greater the danger it could pose for Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash.” Celestia closed her eyes and lowered her head. “Yes, I’m sure. I can’t afford to send them alone. Not after what’s already happened.” Luna leaned over and gently nuzzled her sister’s neck reassuringly. “You are not alone in this. You may fear losing your protégé, but I fear losing you. I am here for you.” “Thank you...Luna. I’m glad not to be alone.” * * * “Two tickets to Las Pegasus, please.” Twilight slid the credit chip forward to the attendant behind the ticket counter. “Sure thing. Credit chip, eh? We just got the machine installed a couple months back after some fancy-folk from Ponyville showed up and demanded we modernize.” The attendant shrugged and slipped the credit chip into the circular socket, inserting a piece of paper between the chip and the press. “I don’t know what’s wrong with bits, honestly. I guess they have too many and they’re too lazy to carry around just what they need.” She pulled down on the handle with a slight grunt, firmly imprinting the paper with the carved serial number, name, and source from the credit chip. She held the handle firmly in place and waited as the letters in the readout flipped into place with a mechanical whirring sound. “Twilight Sporkle? Or something close to that?” “Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight stated with a slight smile. “Oh. Sorry about that, Ms. Sparkle. The rotary for that position is stuck on the ‘O’ for some reason. I’d fix it myself, but it’s too complicated back there. All those gems, wires, and gizmos. I can’t make hooves or tails of it.” “It’s okay. Do you need my magical imprint for this transaction?” “Oh! You’re a unicorn. That makes my life a lot easier. Yes, please.” The attendant slid a small cone-shaped device with a gem at the base toward Twilight. “If you could just touch your magic to the receiver at the tip. Thank you.” Twilight lowered her head and touched the tip of her horn to the pointed end of the cone. As she thought of her name, she filled her horn with a gentle flow of magic. The machine dinged twice. “Perfect! Here’s your tickets. It’s so much easier to collect a magical imprint compared to a hoofprint.” Twilight collected the two tickets and nodded her thanks. “Do be careful in Las Pegasus. Ponies there ain’t like the ones here in Appleloosa.” “Excuse me?” “Just a bit of friendly advice. When a pony smiles at you in Las Pegasus, it isn’t because they taken a shine to you as a pony. They’re after something else.” “How do you know this?” “I’ve been working at this station long enough to hear all manner of stories from ponies coming back from Las Pegasus. It’s never happy.” “Thanks for the warning.” Twilight nodded her thanks and walked back slowly to her friends. “I got the tickets.” She sighed wistfully and looked to the train tracks. “So, I guess this is goodbye again?” Rainbow draped a wing of encouragement over Twilight’s back. “Aww, don’t be like that Twi, it’s not like we’re leaving for good. We’re just going on a little trip.” “That’s right.” Applejack threw a hoof around Twilight’s neck and pulled her into a sideways hug. “And remember sugarcube, if something happens, just let us know. We’re here for you two.” As if on cue, every pony crowded in and Twilight found herself in the middle of a group hug. Her frown gradually faded to a hopeful smile as she nuzzled into Rainbow’s cheek. “I’m going to miss you all so much, even if we’re only leaving for a little bit.” She reached out and stroked over Spike’s head-spines affectionately. “And I’ll be sure to bring you back a souvenir. I’ve heard Las Pegasus has some pretty incredible gems.” “That would be great Twilight, send me letters—” The group gasped in unison as the magnificent Las Pegasus Line pulled into the station heralded by invisible trumpets and drums. Unlike the previous train engines in the past, it seemed the Las Pegasus Line focused on aesthetics as well as function. The exterior of the train was polished to a glistening silver gleam. The customary smokestack was not present. Instead, it was split into many smaller outlets which improved the look of the ash spilling forth from the engine. The tender received similar care. The mechanisms groaned in effort as the covering slid away to reveal the ports for both water and coal. As the automatons at the station worked to refill the train’s vital life-fuel, music played on top of the noise to hide the evidence of their actions. A smartly dressed stallion in a silver uniform which matched the color of the engine stepped out from the train. “Las Pegasus Line, boarding all passengers now!” Twilight and Rainbow hugged their friends one last time. “We’ll be going now. Take good care of yourselves! We’ll be back as soon as we can.” They waved their goodbyes to hopeful smiles. The uniformed conductor looked at them dubiously as Twilight handed over the train tickets. However, when he spotted the gold emblem printed onto the tickets, his face shifted into a wide smile. “Esteemed guests! Welcome to the Las Pegasus Line. You’ll find all the finest comforts aboard. Would you like me to take your saddlebags for you?” Twilight blinked in surprise and shook her head. “Um, no, that’s quite all right. Just point us to where our seats are.” “Seats?” He laughed good humoredly and waved his hoof to the rear of the train. “Your stateroom is in the rear of the train. Would you like me to show you to your room?” “I think we can manage. Thank you though.” “Of course, of course.” He nodded and handed back the ticket stubs along with two polished silver plates with their room number. “Please have a pleasant trip, and thank you for choosing the Las Pegasus Line.” Twilight nodded curtly and stepped into the train followed by Rainbow. As soon as they were out of earshot of the conductor, Rainbow nudged her with a wing. “Yes, Dashie?” “That guy was kind of weird. What’s so special about our tickets?” “I think the ticket attendant must have noticed the royal seal on the credit chip and assigned us something fancy.” “Isn’t that, like, really expensive?” “Yeah. Don’t repeat it. I’m on the verge of having a nervous breakdown and writing a long letter to the Princess explaining why our first expense is a massive train ticket bill.” Rainbow chuckled and wrapped a wing around Twilight’s side as they walked. “I’m sure she’ll understand. Besides, she owes us for nearly killing you and me indirectly.” Twilight giggled. “Heh, you’re never going to forgive her for that, are you? She really is sorry, you know.” “I know, and I’ve forgiven her. But I’m not going to forget it either.” They paused in front of the entrance to their shared stateroom. “Wow. This is super fancy, Twi.” When she received no response, Rainbow glanced over to Twilight and found the unicorn hyperventilating ever so slightly. She pushed open the door to their room and pulled Twilight in, locking the door behind her. “Twi? Relax, the Princess probably isn’t even tracking our expenses at all.” Wordlessly, Twilight wrapped her hooves around Rainbow and pulled the pegasus into a hug. It was several minutes later before she regained control of her breathing. “I...I think I’m okay now. Sorry about that, it was just a lot of things compounded together.” Rainbow raised her hoof and rubbed Twilight’s cheek gently. “A lot of things?” Twilight frowned and shook her head back and forth. “It’s just wrong. The ticket attendant was right. These Las Pegasus ponies, they don’t look at who you are on the inside. They only care about the outside. That smile on the conductor? It couldn’t have been a faker smile.” “Twi, look at me.” Rainbow smiled at Twilight as their eyes met. “Do you see my smile? It will always be real for you.” A smile crept onto Twilight’s face. Las Pegasus awaited.