//------------------------------// // Sunday Night // Story: Growing Pains // by Sixes_And_Sevens //------------------------------// Fluttershy arrived at the restaurant promptly at six, though the reservation had been placed for six-thirty. She didn’t want to be late, after all; think of how rude that would be! It was quite an upscale place, and she wondered why she’d never noticed such a large, impressive building in the middle of Ponyville before. It seemed to have been carved from a single block, turning into arches and pillars and wide, far-reaching awnings that shielded candlelit outdoor tables from the fading evening light. It was slightly intimidating at first, but she could see familiar faces in the crowd; there were Thunderlane and Flitter, gazing into each other’s eyes over a plate of spaghetti. Over there, Cheerilee was enjoying a side salad. Against the far wall, Lyra was ranting at a waiter about how it was perfectly normal for two good friends to go out together and why does everything have to be romantic anyway and yes of course she would like some more Parmesan, but that’s not the point, the point is back me up Bonbon, Bonbon why are you hiding behind that menu? Well, if all that was good enough for this fancy upscale restaurant that really had no place being in Ponyville, she would be good enough too. She pushed open the door and was met with a rotund and mustachioed stallion. “Ciao, mademoiselle! How are you this evening?” Fluttershy squeaked slightly and shied away. The stallion looked for all the world like some strange version of Pinkie Pie. Sure, he was considerably older, and not at all pink, or female, but there was something in his bright green eyes…  “Um, I’m fine, thank you. How are you?” “Most well, thank you for asking. Now, have you a reservation?” “Oh, dear. Well, I think I do, but I don’t know whose name it would be in… Could you check under ‘Discord’?” The maitre’d flipped through his thick book of names and times, his thick brows like kissing caterpillars. “Yes, there is a reservation for that name. Your pardon; I will go and see if the table is free.” He stuck a towel over his left forehoof and pronked away. Fluttershy glanced around once more and spied another familiar face. “Oh, hello, Rarity!” The unicorn blinked and turned away from her study of the flowers. “Oh, good evening, Fluttershy. Are you waiting on your date as well?” Fluttershy nodded, then paused and shook her head. “I just arrived a little early,” she expounded. “I suppose my table isn’t ready yet.” Rarity hummed and glanced around. “I don’t see Eris hanging around, either.” Fluttershy brightened. “Oh, that’s right, you’ve met her! Could you point her out to me when she shows up?” Rarity blinked. “She’s a deer.” “Well, I’m sure she’s a dear, but that doesn’t help me find her.” “No, darling. A deer. As in, ‘Doe, a”.” “Oh. I see.” “You can imagine she might stand out a tad, can’t you?” Fluttershy looked around the restaurant. Zecora had turned up and was chatting with Cheerilee and an elderly blue thestral that Fluttershy didn’t recognize. Daisy Jo and Bossie were gossiping over a bottle of dandelion wine. A pair of ewes seemed to be arguing classical religion with a grouchy griffon. “I suppose so,” she replied, doubtful. “But you know what I mean. What’s she like?” Rarity scrunched up her face. “Well, you can certainly see why she’s friends with Discord. Rather irreverent, and a bit raucous as well.” She glanced at Fluttershy and saw the shadow of worry that crossed her face. “Oh, but she was very intelligent,” she hastily added. “And, er, she seemed quite eager for this to all go well…” “Oh.” Fluttershy muttered. “Good.” “I can’t imagine where my date’s gotten to,” Rarity continued lightly. “I’ve never known Lotus to be anything but punctual.” “Perhaps she was caught up at the spa?” “Hm. Perhaps. At least we’re waiting together.” They lapsed into silence. There didn’t seem to be much to say, suddenly. Each of them was wrapped up in their own anxieties. “A tad chilly in here,” Rarity observed. “Wish I’d worn a heavier dress.” *** Down in the boiler room, things weren’t somewhat toastier. Starlight had slumped to the coolest wall once more, and was doing her best to cling to the floor. Spike, on the other hoof, was almost completely unaffected. “C’mon, Starlight, we can’t just give up,” he said, struggling with the doorknob again. “Nh,” Starlight grunted. Spike glanced back and grimaced. She wasn't looking at all well. Sweat had plastered her mane to her forehead, and she hadn't had a drink in… well, neither of them knew how long. Once more, Spike tried to flame the door down, or teleport it away, or tap into some hidden reserve of magic to eliminate the problem. Once again, his flame was drawn, almost magnetically, to one of the dozens of little crystals taped all around the room. Between the two of them, they'd tried almost everything, from spells to lockpicking to simple brute force. Nothing worked. Spike slouched over and slumped against the wall next to Starlight, letting her rest her head in his lap. All they could do now was wait for the Crusaders to let them out again. *** Applejack mopped her brow. The afternoon light had faded into dusk, and she has at last finished pruning the north orchard. It had been a hard day’s work, and she was confident that there wouldn't be a single fallow branch this harvest. Now, though, it was time for supper. Just as she was setting off to put away the ladder, she caught sight of a little yellow shape weaving through the trees in her direction. She smiled and raised a hoof in greeting. “Don't rush fer me, Bloom,” she called. “Ah'll be in fer supper soon as Ah’ve put away th’ tools.” Bloom stopped right in front of her sister, almost bouncing in place. “Ah ain't here about dinner, sis!” Applejack cocked her head, still smiling at the filly. “Well, alright then. What's got you so peppered up?” Apple Bloom smiled proudly. “Spike an’ Starlight got, uh, ‘stuck’ while they was canoodlin’. Think you could swing by an’ help ‘em out?” Applejack set the ladder down, forehead creasing. “Well, sure, Ah’d be glad to, iffin Ah can. What's th’ matter?” Apple Bloom winked. “They got ‘locked in’ in th’ basement of some fancy-schmancy restaurant in town. Think you could bust down th’ door? Mebbe talk some sense into them when they're out?” Applejack was frowning now. “Bloom, how do you know all this?” The filly’s grin got even bigger, and she pulled a key out of her mane. “Afore you say anythin’, we know about how Spike started cheatin’ on you with Starlight. Us Crusaders, we worked it all out, an’ thought we'd help ya get a li’l revenge. So, all ya gotta do is rescue ‘em, then you can confront ‘em right in fronta everypony! Or you could let ‘em stew awhile first.” All the while the filly had been talking, Applejack’s eyes had grown wider and wider, and her mouth gaped further and further. With that last suggestion, though, her face grew as tight and thin as if she had just bitten into a lemon. She ground her teeth. “Apple Bloom. Do you remember that li’l conversation Ah had with you an’ Mac an’ Granny awhile back? Th’ one where Ah told y’all that Ah was gay? How-- Why in Tartarus did you think Ah was datin’ Spike?” Bloom stopped. “Wait. You mean you were sayin’ you liked fillies? Ah thought you jes’ meant you were in a real good mood!” Applejack just stared at her little sister for a long, long moment. Apple Bloom glanced down at the key, then up at her sister. “So, uh. ‘Bout what Ah was jes’ tellin’ ya…” Without another word, Applejack leaned over and grabbed Apple Bloom’s ear between her teeth, then snatched up the key and tucked it in her mane. “Ow! AJ, that hurts! Ow, ow, ow!” Silently and inexorably, Applejack dragged Apple Bloom back to town, her face like a thunderhead. She wasn't sure if she should be more angry at Bloom for locking two of her friends in a cellar, or for thinking she'd actually leave them there. Both featured prominently in the massive talking-to she was currently composing. *** Angel Bunny, from his position hidden in the green garlands of plants hanging from the ceiling, stared down at his mistress and her tolerable friend. For the last ten minutes, they had been chatting amiably about nothing in particular. Angel was beginning to grow bored, but he forced himself to remain vigilant. Rarity perked up suddenly. “Don’t look now, dear, but here she comes!” Fluttershy went stock-still, eyes like saucers. Rarity frowned. “Dear, when I said ‘don’t look now,’ I didn’t mean it literally.” “Rarity…” Fluttershy whispered. “I don’t think I can do this…” Rarity’s frown eased and she placed a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” she said softly. “But I do think you ought to give her a chance.” “I don’t even know her!” Fluttershy whimpered. “Well then, just look on this as a chance to make a new friend,” Rarity consoled. “If you need me to help you escape, then pass by my table and knock a fork to the ground. I’ll make a distraction.” “But what about your date?” “I’m certain Lotus will understand. For now though, please do try to enjoy yourself, won’t you?” Fluttershy set her jaw and nodded. Rarity smiled. “Good. Now, turn around, make a new friend, and have a wonderful evening.” Fluttershy did as she was told, and Angel hopped to his feet, skirting quickly through the garlands of greenery after his mistress, not even sparing Rarity a backwards glance. This date would succeed if it killed him; he had four lucky rabbit feet, and he intended to use them. *** Rarity started back in surprise at a rustling from overhead, but even craning her neck, she couldn’t see a thing. Cantering backwards to gain a better view, she collided with another. “Oh dear I am sorry-- Lotus! You’re here at last!” The blue mare grinned sheepishly. She looked quite lovely, Rarity thought. She had never seen the spa owner without the slicked-back mane and sundry accessories of her profession. Her long pink locks fell artfully over her shoulders and one eye. Her dress was a simple, daffodil-yellow affair with white sleeves. She had even painted her hooves the color of her mane. “Sorry I’m late,” she said. “I thought I vould pick you up at ze Boutique and ve could valk here togezzer.” “Oh, that would have been lovely! I’m terribly sorry, I should have waited.” Lotus smiled. “It is as vell. Suppose ve vere both vaiting at home for vun anozzer to come by, like a pair of lesbian sheep.” One of the ewes looked away from her philosophical debate to glare at the mare over her white wine. Lotus winced. “No offence.” “Well, we’re both here now,” Rarity said quickly. “Shall we find our table?” She turned and promptly bumped into the maitre’d, still grinning widely. “Mlle. Belle, I think, and Blossom?” Rarity hesitated, then nodded. “That is correct.” The stallion’s moustache curled up as his smile grew. “Most excellent! Please, allow me to seat you both.” There was a moment of confusion. Rarity felt a chair smack against her back legs, and she sat down unceremoniously. Across the table, she saw Lotus’ face lit by candlelight, displaying all the confusion that Rarity felt right now. “Very good!” the maitre’d enthused. “Please, go about your date. I shall slip away in the confusion and return unexpectedly!” Both mares stared at him, then at each other, befuddled. When they looked back, he had vanished. “Slip avay in ze confusion indeed,” Lotus murmured, shaking her head. “Heh.” Rarity stared at the recently vacated spot. “Do you suppose he’s any relation to Pinkie?” Lotus giggled. “All things are pozzible. But let us not dwell on explaining ze inexplicable. How are you?” Rarity let out a little huff of laughter. “Well, let’s just say that there wasn’t much competition with this evening out for being the highlight of my day and leave it at that.” “Busy day?” “You might say that, yes. I spent half the day finishing up a suit that I could have sworn would only have taken half an hour, then spent most of the rest of the day out shopping, having been forced by circumstance to eat cheese and crackers for breakfast.” Lotus wrinkled her muzzle. “Mind you, it wasn’t actually bad, but it was scarcely a good morning meal,” Rarity concluded. “On the subject of food, what do you think we ought to order?” Lotus picked up the menu. “Drinks first?” “A good idea,” Rarity agreed. “A little wine, perhaps? Oh, my, they’ve got Berry Punch’s homemade raspberry rum… could I tempt you to a tipple, darling?” Lotus hesitated, then grinned. “Oh, vhy not? I so rarely drink, and so rarely date. It should be nice to have a good time tonight.” “That’s the spirit,” Rarity said warmly. “Now, what about appetizers? I never say no to breadsticks, of course, but I wonder if you’ve ever been introduced to the simple pleasure of stuffed peppers?” *** Applejack stormed down Ponyville’s main drag, Apple Bloom’s ear still firmly clutched in her teeth. The filly’s siren wail drew stares from pedestrians. Applejack continued grimly on. She had never been fond of physical punishment; it hurt the trust she shared with her sister. On the other hoof, foalnapping two of her friends out of some misguided, disastrous loyalty had already pretty well shattered that trust. “Applejack!” The farmer’s ears flicked back, but she didn’t stop her progress. “Applejack, let go of Apple Bloom!” She glanced back. Twilight was storming down the road towards her. The alicorn’s face was a picture. More specifically, it was a picture of some Gothic landscape, all blasted heath and twisted trees and stormy skies. She faltered, but didn’t stop. APPLEJACK. I WANT A WORD. That brought her up short. For just a moment, Applejack could see dozens of hundreds of thousands of stars stretching into infinity, all different colors, all connected from one to the next with fine filaments that she could make out as easily as the swirling gases of the twinkling lights… “Sorry about that,” Twilight said, catching up. “I don’t like using the Royal Canterlot Voice, but it sure is useful.” “Uh-huh,” Applejack replied, the stars fading from her vision. “Twi, what in th’ Sam Hill was--” It was at this point that she realized that at some point she had let go of her sister’s ear, and glanced around frantically. Twilight smirked. “Looking for somepony?” she asked, gesturing to a sulking filly trapped in a bubble of magic. Applejack relaxed. “You found out, huh?” “I worked it out,” Twilight said. “I knew Dinky was involved. The other Crusaders being involved wasn’t exactly a massive leap of logic.” Applejack huffed. “Yep. Guess we’d better tell th’ others.” “Later. I think we’ve got a more pressing appointment right now,” Twilight said grimly. “Yeah, yer probably right,” Applejack agreed. “Ah reckon them two must be gettin’ pretty antsy by now.” Twilight stopped. “Two? Antsy?” Applejack stared at Twilight. “Please tell me we’re both talkin’ ‘bout how th’ Crusaders foalnapped Starlight an’ Spike.” Twilight’s entire face spasmed. “No, actually. I was referring to the fact that they stole my anti-magic crystals, though I suppose this at least explains why.” Both mares cast dark, despairing looks at Apple Bloom. For her part, the filly was currently trying to get her cutie mark in hiding behind herself. “You an’ me are gonna have words, young filly,” Applejack growled. “Ah raised you better than this.” Apple Bloom looked back, utterly miserable, but her sister had already turned back to Twilight. “Explosive?” Applejack yelped. “Don’t worry, there’s no way they could have absorbed that much magic,” Twilight assured her. “Not in such a short time, anyway.” A mere second later, there was a loud crash from up ahead. Then another, and another, and another. Applejack broke into a frantic gallop, and after a horrified moment, Twilight followed, Apple Bloom still being dragged behind in the bubble of magic. *** Meanwhile, back at Grazie, Fluttershy was having a surprisingly good time. Though she had just met Eris, the doe was so casual and friendly that it was as though Fluttershy had known her for years. They discussed animals, primarily; Eris was very interested in Fluttershy’s rabbit care tips, and actually pulled out a notepad when she talked about how she got her own Angel Bunny to stop misbehaving. So easy was the conversation that Fluttershy eventually managed to work up the courage to ask the question that had been preying on her all day. “So, um, Eris, how exactly do you know Discord?” The doe’s eyes bulged as her pink lemonade went down the wrong way. Hacking and sputtering, she attempted to wash it down with more of the same. “‘Scuse me!” she gasped. “Whoo! Better Motown on me skating rink, eh?” Fluttershy hesitated. “Well, I suppose so. Are you alright?” “As rain,” Eris agreed easily, leaning back. “Now, how d’ye feel ‘bout bears?” “I love them. But Eris, you didn’t answer my question.” “Oh, ar,” Eris shifted awkwardly. “Well, we met at, er, a knitting circle.” “Oh? I didn’t know they liked to knit. I wish they’d told me. I love knitting.” “Well, it’s a very tennis-ball gathering, you see?” “Small?” “Yeh. Held on a coracle.” Fluttershy blinked. “Sorry, a metaphorical knitting circle?” “Nah, nah. A coracle. Little round boat. We knit ourselves hats and scarves to keep out th’ spray.” “Wouldn’t that make the yarn soggy and shrunken.” “Not with what we use. Woolens? Pah. Acrylic? Double pah with knobs on.” “So what do you use?” “Plasticine.” “How--” “With great difficulty. Anyhow, it’s me, them, their time-traveling daughter from an aborted future timeline, nine apathetic sympathetic diabetic old men on roller skates with a marked propensity for apathy and sloth, and only one chair.” When lying, it is often better to go with a huge, impossible whopper rather than a tiny unnoticed one. Others will be so taken aback at the sheer effrontery that they won’t even be able to question it. Such was the case here. Fluttershy’s jaw hung agape, floundering. Eris stood up abruptly. “Scuse me. I’ve got to recalibrate th’ styrofoam modern major general.” “Powder your nose?” Fluttershy checked. “That’s a much better excuse, ta much.” And then Eris was gone, fleeing towards the washroom. Fluttershy watched her go. Then she too rose from the table to find Rarity’s table. She had a fork to knock to the floor. *** Lotus was, surprisingly enough, actually enjoying herself. It shouldn't have been so unexpected; Rarity was a good friend, a scintillating conversationalist, and a terrible gossip. What she hadn't heard about Canterlot high society usually wasn't worth hearing. She asked about Lotus’ personal life, and shared hers in turn with all the closeness of the oldest of friends. Lotus questioned Rarity’s dinner choice of shrimp and ziti, and Rarity told her all about her father the fisherstallion and sports fan, who grilled fish and lobster every summer barbecue. Rarity wondered where the twins had developed such a unique accent, and Lotus told her all about her early childhood in Castlevania, up in the north of Copabanana, the ancestral thestral nation. Better even than Rarity’s talking was her wonderful ability to listen. The way she watched as Lotus spoke, the nods and sympathetic noises in all the right places, the way she would very occasionally interject to ask for clarification, all served to make Lotus feel like she was the center of Rarity’s attention, and at the center of Rarity’s attention was the most important thing on Gaea. There was also the matter of the two, going on three, bottles of Berry Punch’s finest sitting at the table, which may have lubricated the wheels somewhat. Then, with one fluid motion, it all came crashing down. Lotus had run out of conversation. She had aired her dirtiest laundry about Aloe, gossiped about spa patrons, told her favorite childhood story, and then she ground to a halt. Well, she had been monopolizing the conversation anyway. Why not let Rarity have a chance to speak? But then she saw the look in the unicorn’s eye. “Lotus, my dear,” Rarity said, leaning over the table. “Why did you invite me on this date?” Lotus dried. “I, euh, that iz--” “I know that you’re interested in mares,” Rarity continued. “Celestia knows we’ve gossiped about enough of them together at the spa. However, you’ve never made any attempt to woo any of them, and certainly none to woo me. So, I ask again.’ She gestured to Lotus’ suddenly very red face. “What gives?” Lotus glanced away, unable to meet the fashion icon’s eye. “Lotus?” Rarity asked, alarmed. “Oh dear, I haven't pried too much, have I?” “... It vas Aloe’s idea.” Rarity went quite still. “Oh.” “She zinks I do not get out enough. I should lighten up. Date more, as she does. She proposes you as a suitable candidate; I like you, and you like me. Ve have common interests. I said yes, of course. There vere ozzer reasons, but ve vill ignore zose for now.” Lotus was staring at the ground now, unable even to look at Rarity, let alone meet her gaze. “I am sorry to have deceived you.” Rarity sighed. It was not the sign of disappointment or disapproval Lotus had expected. Rather, it was a sigh that was only there to conceal a titter. “Oh, my dear Lotus. You needn't apologize. There was scarcely any sort of deceit to this evening. This has been a rather splendid evening, after all. And I do rather think we’ve grown closer as friends, haven't we?” Lotus nodded her assent and glanced up from the floor. Rarity, pink-cheeked and smiling, leaned over to give her a pat on the hoof. “So few first dates end in a second, in my experience. This has been the most pleasant example I've yet encountered.” Lotus smiled weakly. “Better off friends?” Rarity smiled back. “I think so. Anyway, I didn't want to say earlier, for obvious reasons, but I’ve rather had an eye…” she trailed off suddenly, looking out into the restaurant with surprise. “Oh my. I didn't expect her to be so direct.” Lotus followed Rarity’s gaze. Fluttershy was hurrying over to the table, occasionally glancing back over her withers toward the washroom. Upon reaching the table, she stared significantly at both mares, picked up Rarity’s fork, and dropped it to the floor, never breaking eye contact. “Oh, dear,” Rarity sighed. “May I ask what went wrong?” “She wouldn’t tell me how she knows Discord, lied to my face, then ran away to hide in the bathroom. I may not date much, but I don’t think that’s a very good sign.” Rarity grimaced. “I should be inclined to agree.” Lotus looked between one mare and the other. “Am I missing something?” “We’re making a distraction,” Rarity replied briskly. “Go back to your table before Eris returns, darling. We’ll work something out.” Fluttershy nodded and hurried away once more. Rarity huffed. “I suppose that goes to show, one ought never to go on blind dates arranged by chaos incarnate.” “Zat does not sound like a very useful moral.” “Not particularly, no,” Rarity admitted. “Perhaps I can stretch the defenition to ‘never do anything Discord suggests, ever.’ They offered to help me with a little project, but they only ended up making things far worse.” Lotus giggled. “Oh? What project? Does zis have something to do vith vhat you vere going to tell me before Fluttershy interrupted?” Rarity’s mouth snapped shut for a moment. “No time for that now,” she said briskly. “We’ve got a distraction to make. *** Spike glared at the other door, the one leading to the kitchen. For the last ten minutes, he’d been banging on it, yelling for help. However, the crash of pots and pans, the burble of boiling water, and the shouts of chefs had all but drowned him out. This door proved no more yielding to magic than the other. The keyhole was jammed with crystals, and they lined the doorjamb as well. There was a clear path around the deadbolt, presumably to keep the door from sticking after the dramatic rescue, but there were other crystals in sufficiently close proximity to keep any spells from making it through. Any spells. Spike smacked his forehead. “Stupid,” he growled. “I’ve been spending too much time with you and Twilight.” “Hnh?” Starlight looked up from where she lay in a puddle of sweat. “Magic doesn’t solve everything,” Spike expounded. “I mean, if anything, it usually makes problems worse. Look, the Crusaders have magic-proofed the room, but there are other ways of getting through a locked door.” Starlight blinked sluggishly and hauled herself upright. Spike rushed over to steady her. “Starlight, what have you got in your saddlebags? I need something thin and stiff, like, uh… a library card?” Starlight shook her head. “No card,” she rasped. Then, she paused. “But…” She pulled her bags towards her and rifled through them. “Ah!” She pulled out a thin strip of gold card; the plot coupon she’d won from Pinkie earlier that day. “Perfect!” Spike said with a grin, snatching it from Starlight’s hoof. “Now, I saw this once in a spy movie…” He wiggled the card into the thin crevisse between door and jamb, bending it so that it was behind the deadbolt. He stuck his tongue out, focusing intently on the task at claw. There was a faint pop. “Yes!” Spike whooped, pulling open the handle. There was a split second of absolute shock as the chefs looked up from their work and saw the dragon and the unicorn stumbling out from the furnace room. Then, there was a raspy, sucking noise, like a vacuum trying to clean up a pile of sawdust. Dozens upon dozens of twinkling trails raced through the kitchen and into the furnace room, lighting it up with brilliant colors. They didn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Then, the shouting started. Spike looked at Starlight, who was currently latched onto the nearest faucet, trying to rehydrate herself. He sighed, then ran out into the restaurant itself. *** Grazie was dissolving into chaos. Moreover, it was dissolving. The crystal chandeliers turned to sand and blew away. The plush seats turned to vinyl, and the varnished wood sideboards turned to tile. “Rarity!” Fluttershy shrieked over the chaos. “When I asked for an excuse to leave, this isn’t what I meant!” The unicorn shook her head. “This isn’t me!” she shouted back. The maitre’d bounced by, then exploded in a burst of confetti, revealing Pinkie Pie underneath. “Whoops!” she yelped, colliding with a waiter, who stumbled forwards, fumbling his tray right in Fluttershy’s direction. Angel Bunny fell from the no-longer-extant eaves and landed on the table, quickly blocking the falling soup course with a silver platter. Fluttershy’s mouth dropped. “Angel? What are you--” She was interrupted by a scream from the bathroom. Eris came stumbling out, the buttons popping from her suit as the magic holding them in place vanished. That didn’t seem to be her main concern, though, as she was clutching her head as though trying to hold it on. It didn’t seem to be working. Before Fluttershy’s befuddled eyes, the peryton blew away like a sandcastle in a hurricane, revealing… “Discord?” The draconequus glanced up, panicked. They snapped their claws once, twice, three times, but each time, the sparks blew away toward the kitchen. Into this madness stepped Spike. He looked around, squeaked, and promptly ducked behind a potted plant as what used to be a mosaic whizzed by his head. The plant promptly dissolved and washed around him. He licked his lips. “Magic,” he muttered. His eyes went wide. “Everypony out!” he shouted, racing for the door. None of the diners needed to be told twice. There was a rush for the main doors. Some clearer-headed few went out the windows. For some, the windows came to them as the restauant shrunk dramatically. There was a terrible moment of squeezing  as Spike was compacted by the throng of restaurant-goers, but then they all popped out into the street. Spike bounced once or twice before landing in a crumpled heap. A great tide of ponies in toques burst from the back of the restaurant, screaming and cursing in Neightalian. Spike turned his neck to stare, and saw Starlight, dazed and sloshing from all the water she’d drunk, being carried along by the throng. There was a moment of stunned silence as everypony watched Grazie deflate. The towering arches and pillars sunk back into ordinary doorways. The high, peaked roof collapsed like a bad souffle, and the warm yellow candlelight faded to black; the crystals had consumed the power from the magic generators some time ago. The changes slowed. The crystals were nearing their capacity. However, the restaurant changed back into its normal shape with no further ill effects, and everypony breathed a collective sigh of relief. Then, Twilight and Applejack ran onto the scene, dragging Apple Bloom in a magic bubble behind them. “Everypony alright?” Applejack shouted over the din. “What happened? Have the crystals exploded?” Twilight asked, panicked. Then, the bubble holding Apple Bloom burst. Applejack caught her little sister in midair as the remnants of the spell whooshed away toward the restaurant. The pink glow faded into the dim interior. Then, with an almighty bang, the back end of the restaurant went up in a burst of released magical force. There was a long moment of shocked awe as tiny pieces of the restaurant rained down in cinders and chunks of plaster. Then, all at once, the whole crowd began to shout at once, at each other, at the restaurant, at the metaphysical constructs that they personally blamed for their ruined evening. Starlight staggered upright, still badly out of it from her ordeal earlier. The whole world seemed dreamlike and far away, all the sound reaching her ears with a strange echo. She gazed around, befuddled. She saw Applejack clutching Apple Bloom tight to her barrel, Twilight being pressed with questions, Discord being attacked with anything that came to hoof. In the center of it all, Spike lay, dazed and miserable, curled up into the fetal position as his eyes stared straight out at nothing at all. There was too much noise, too much motion. She had to do something. Do? Something? Unbidden, a thought rose in her mind; something she’d read just recently. If she had been in her right mind-- well, let’s be honest, she would have done exactly the same thing. Starlight’s horn lit with a brilliant blue glow.  A goofy, dazed smile was plastered over her face. “And to all,” she shouted over the hubbub, “a good night!” A brilliant blue blaze blossomed over the square, flickering reflected in the eyes of everyone except Starlight herself. Then, first one by one, then in groups, they all dropped to the ground, snoring softly. Starlight took a deep breath in to steady  herself. Then, without wasting another moment, she picked up the snoozing Spike and stumbled as best she could for the castle. *** The dragon sat in the ruins of Main Street, atop the ruins of Grazie. The diners, the waiters, the chefs, the pedestrians, all had long since fled. All those that could flee, anyway. The dragon picked his teeth with a floorboard, then rose to all fours. He strode down the road with the confidence of one who is taller than any building in town, strong enough to level any of those buildings in a single strike, and ruthless enough to use that power without hesitation. The dragon felt the eyes of ponies on him. He was unconcerned. Ponies could not pierce his metal hide. Ponies could not touch his heart. Ponies were weak, and he was strong. And he was hungry, too. Up ahead, gleaming in the moonlight, was the largest midnight snack in the world; a colossal tree of crystal. He felt a tickling sensation on his chest. Glancing down, he saw a group of ponies, three of which were blasting him with spells. A pegasus flew around his head, pummeling at him. He reached up and swatted her down like the insect she was. A rainbow-colored blur shot through the air, going down over the Everfree. But there were six more pests to deal with. His mouth curling up, he reached down with a hand the size of a castle door… *** Spike awoke with a start. “Oh, thank Celestia.” The room was blurry and dim, but slowly his eyes regained their focus. “Twi… light?” The purple blob at the end of the bed nodded. “How are you feeling?” Spike turned his attention to the ceiling. “Get out.” A pause. Then, with a hitch in her voice, “Spike?” “Get out before I hurt you,” he said listlessly. “Spykoran--” “OUT!” he roared, sitting up, eyes aflame. “Twilight, please. Leave me alone…” There was a long moment. Then, the door shut, leaving Spike in the dark with his memories.