//------------------------------// // Chapter 149: How To Pick Up Wings // Story: A Journey Beyond Sanity // by Darkwing Dust //------------------------------// One fruit to the left. One fruit to the right. And not a single one spared. Each apple thrown my way by Twilight-designed apple machines intent on breaking through my defenses and scoring a hit. Not gonna happen. Outside the castle within the center grounds of the training field, apples thrown in all directions aimed for me, testing my own reflexes and tearing the fruit to pieces with blocks and swipes by their own velocities. My cape and fedora rested to the ground where Spike stood beside, the young dragon taking notes of my progress by Twilight's behest. The alicorn and Starlight were preoccupied with work, leaving myself to deal with improving myself while we waited for any news regarding Zagreus. Once again, I felt an immense gratitude by everyone's contributions to the search; pulling all available resources and contacting all friends and allies far and wide, making weekly reports sent to the castle or any of the mare's who knew these contacts personally. It was honestly astounding how many allies I unwittingly made over the course of my stay in Equestria myself. ...And how endangering them much further I was doing this. Mind on the now. A red blur tore through locks of my dark brown mane, the last of the apple machines firing the rest before I could properly relax my guard. "You missed one dad!" Spike called out, and I looked behind to the rolling apple on the ground. Oh the Hell I did. My hoof firmly placed atop before it could escape, eyes narrowed seriously. "I'll see you in Hell, Mother Nature." The apple never stood a chance. Spike walked over, passing the towel to clean off the fruity juices from my limbs. Nodding thankfully, I wiped off the remains as the dragon spoke cheerfully. "Awesome as ever Star- Dad! Twi- Er, Mom will be impressed without a doubt!" I smirked at the sheepish slip-ups. Spike was still growing use to addressing Twilight and I as such. Though we insisted to Spike he didn't have to call us those, the young lizard was persistent in acknowledging the two closest ponies in his life who helped him become the dragon he was today as his real parents. And, to be frank, I had absolutely no problem to Spike calling me 'Dad.' "Better than last time, you think?" "Definitely!" Spike grinned confidently. "I can't wait to learn all that after we finally defeat Zagreus!" Ah yes, he still desired to learn the magic of Balance himself, since Starswirl confessed any creature can learn the unique form of magic. "What are ya gonna do next bro- Um, dad?" Laughing lightly, I rubbed the dragon's scaled head with affection and smiled brightly. "I don't know Spike, what would you like for me to show off next?" The young lizard glared to the grass with thought, mulling it over. "The Balance Shockwave attack, naturally!" My grin only widened. "Son, I always enjoy how you think." There was a lump in my throat, one of affection, just from calling this dragon exactly that. "Stand a few feet back, Spike; I wouldn't need your mother to murder me if you get harmed somehow." And... Done! Aha! Removing my glowing hoof from the bunny's chest in satisfaction, I smiled over positively to the yellow pegasus and young dragon watching. "There you go Fluttershy. Angel's all better now." The ungrateful furball in question leapt gracefully off the table towards his mistress. Fluttershy beamed warmly, snuggling her disgruntled pet happily. "I'm glad you're not feeling so down Angel." The bunny only tapped his foot expectantly, whereas Fluttershy grinned patiently. "First, say thank you to the nice stallion." Angel slowly turned, grouchily regarding my admittedly smug smirk and grumbling beneath his breath, making a sound that, I guess, was reluctant gratitude. "You're welcome Angel." I replied with dry amusement. Fluttershy watched the exchange with endearment, letting Angel have his meal by his bowl. The pegasus then looked to everyone else in her cottage consuming their meals before turning to me happily. "And thank you, Stardust, for helping me calm down my friends. I don't know what has gotten into them of late." Yeah, Fluttershy called me down to the cottage just earlier, Spike accompanying me out of boredom. Turns out, the woodland critters were developing extremely high levels of anxiety and fright, almost making a mess of the house. Fluttershy and I worked together in solving this conundrum, her compassion for animals mixed with my Balance magic putting an end before things escalated far quicker. "We make a great team my dear." Glancing over to the bunny, I quipped, "Tell me, did you name him Angel because your parents forgot to name you that?" Spike snorted from the table, helping himself to snacks. Fluttershy blushed brightly at the tease, pretending to look interested at the nearby plant. And then, a voice from the staircase turned up. "Ugh, what's with all the racket...?" The racket which died out minutes before you came down, you mean? Spike shared my displeasure with a loud groan, the familiar green pegasus walking down to greet his sister's guests, his tired features warping to pleasure. "Well well! The special somepony of the Princess and her little dragon have come to grace us with their presence. Isn't that nice dear sister of mine?" Fluttershy radiated equal annoyance, but hid it behind a calm smile. "They're just here to help out with our little friends, Zephyr." Zephyr Breeze snorted, his bunned-up yellow mane looking slightly more disorganized as he wrapped a limb over his shorter sibling's shoulders, smirking towards us. "Now, don't tell me you were just hitting on my sister right now, Stardust old buddy? I never knew you had it in you!" Fluttershy glared embarrassingly at the floor from her younger brother's evident attempt of making her flustered. I rolled my eyes with a mocking gesture and tone, "Nah ma homie, I would've gotten with your fine sister long ago if that was the case. Rather her than yerself, which I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole." Please refrain from ever doing that again. Spike was snorting humourously into his food, prompting my inward smirk. As Fluttershy was now blushing red as a tomato, while Zephyr mock-gasped. "Words hurt, you know. How can I trust someone like you to look after my dependent sister? Although..." He suddenly grinned rather greedily. "I guess that means your Princess would then be on the market- Gah!" "Sorry." I quickly said without much meaning behind it. "Reflex." I released the stallion's styled mane I had violently tugged, Zephyr backing up. Fluttershy looked torn between scolding me or giggling from her own brother being teased next. "But seriously, another comment about Twilight and not being invited to the next game night will be the least of your worries." Zephyr inspected his mane, groaning in utter despair. "...Noted." Spike was now chortling. What was Zephyr doing upstairs anyway-? "Please tell me he wasn't sleeping in your bed." Fluttershy glanced away sheepishly. "And he made you sleep on the couch." A hesitant look, but all that was needed. Sighing irritably, I glared to the green pegasus. "I thought you had your own place now?" "I do!" "...Then why are you here?" "Can't a pegasus lovingly visit his wonderful sister without any ulterior motives?" "..." He huffed at the three deadpan stares. "Fine. I'm here to promote my new business in Ponyville. My custom-made mane styles have been a major success in Cloudsdale, and now I intend to spread that business from the very town that helped me find the confidence I needed!" "...Starting from Fluttershy's bed?" Zephyr glared at the giggles from Fluttershy and Spike. "You know, your own mane could use a little work, Stardust pal. You look like you haven't combed the thing in weeks!" "That's not too implausible..." I smirked at Spike's scoff. I'm guessing right now that the next episode is taking place now, later or happened much earlier. That little mess over dear Granny retelling the times where younger Applejack was a total fibber and Big Mac was absolutely right about everything, and yet somehow he's also the one in the wrong. I guess the lesson there is no one likes being told they're wrong...? Removing my hoof from Johnny's chest, I nodded in accomplishment, the large Timberwolf grumbling its thanks before being snuggled by its loving carer. Fluttershy briefly closed her eyes in content with her hoofs wrapped around the animal's muzzle, the last one of her friends outside the cottage to be taken care of. "And our work here is done." I told happily to Spike whom I stood beside, beaming in satisfaction as we observed the pleasant scene. From the second floor of the cottage, Zephyr's loud humming from the window in the shower prompted our glances of wry amusement. "Hey Fluttershy, if your brother is becoming too much to bare, let me know." "Oh, don't worry." The yellow pegasus responded in slight dry humour. "I've endured him since the day he was born." Hah! Snark from Fluttershy. I love it! "What now, bro- Err, dad?" Spike inquired hastily, turning my way expectantly. Hm, good question. I shrugged. "Unless we get some news about Zagreus, I'm not sure Spike. Twilight's busy right now with Starlight so... Yeah, no clue. We could check on the others?" The dragon beamed at the very suggestion, replying excitedly, "Yeah! Maybe Rarity needs our help with something next! We know how daunting it can be to run an entire boutique alone. She might be exhausted for all we know!" Somehow, I knew he was going to suggest that very thing. Smiling humouredly, I rubbed the dragon's forehead. "Um, actually." We looked to Fluttershy, the yellow pegasus radiating sudden meekness. "I was wondering, if you two plan to hang out today, you could do me a teensy little favour..." Spike blinked before grinning. "Sure thing Fluttershy, right bro- Dad?" I smiled warmly. "Of course. What is it?" "Well, you know that Zephyr is here to, um, promote his self-made business." Fluttershy began, hastily adding, "And I'm very proud of him for doing so! He's come a long way since his last visit to Ponyville outside of the castle! I was hoping you might, um, keep my brother out of trouble while he's out. I'm sure he'd appreciate the company very much." "...You mean, spend an entire day with Zephyr." "...Yeah..." I looked to Spike, then to Fluttershy, then to Spike again, the dragon pretty much sharing my expression to the very idea. Still, Fluttershy's done much for me, and I imagine she just wants to keep her overzealous sibling from hurting himself. But essentially babysit that pegasus for the whole day... As if hearing my thoughts, Fluttershy quickly added, "It won't take long, I promise. Zephyr just wants to share his propositions to the townsfolk. I have plans to visit Zecora today, so I'd greatly appreciate somepony keeping an eye on him." Spike then added after a moment's pause. "He has been growing more tolerable since we started those game nights." "...Alright." [BEEP] it. It'll kill us some time while we wait for any news. I raised my hoof in mock-surrender with a humoured smile to the mare. "We'll babysit your little brother for you if that's what you want." Fluttershy grinned warmly. "Thank you very much." She earnestly meant that, as always. "I promise to repay you someday." Spike smirked expectantly. "Well I am pretty hungry." What now? "Spike you just ate. Don't be greedy." "Hey, she's offering!" "Not all the contents in her fridge!" "Who am I? You? I don't gorge everything out and then have mom sendsomeoneout shopping everyday because we have a human who's always hungry." Fluttershy's soft giggling cut our banter off, prompting our own chuckles after a pause. Ah family. We were enjoying ourselves until- "Fluttershy! Where'd you put that specific shampoo I asked for?!" "...Just say the word Fluttershy." The yellow pegasus glanced at me in amused gratitude. "Good afternoon Ponyville~! It is I, the one and only, here to promote a new style of mane the likes you have never seen!" The tall pegasus announced, loudly, to a crowd of passing ponies whom paid him zero heed. To Zephyr's eternal ignorance. "It must be great to live a simple life..." Spike chortled into his cupcake, barely composing himself from my dry remark. "We wouldn't know, would we?" I grinned cheekily alongside my son. Zephyr, meanwhile, continued trying to appeal to the less-than-interested masses. It's like they've been warned about him beforehand. "I have come all the way from the proud city of Clousdale, to share with you a custom-designed product the likes you have guaranteed to have never witnessed in your whole ignorant existence! The Zephyr Breeze mane style exclusive, already a huge success in Cloudsdale, and can be so for Ponyville!" ...Suddenly I missed Flim and Flam. Spike then called out, "Oh! Hey Rarity!" Hm? The dragon had spotted the white unicorn from the corner of his eye, quickly jogging towards his crush excitedly. Rarity turned from viewing a shop window, smiling pleasantly at the sight of the lizard and I. "Why hello Spike! And Stardust! And... Zephyr." That expression doured justifiably, deadpanning as the pegasus grinned smugly and showing punchable teeth. Composing herself, the fashioner smiled warmly to us. "I'm just purchasing several supplies for the boutique. My contacts in Manehatten have requested quite the number of exclusive works." "Would you like some help carrying them?" Spike nodded to the bags floating alongside the mare. Rarity beamed fondly to the eager dragon. "That would be most appreciated Spikey-wikey. Alas, I see you are already seemingly preoccupied. Might I inquire as to your own ventures outdoors?" "Oh, we're just helping Zephyr here promote his new business-" "We're keeping an eye on him and keeping Zephyr out of trouble." I interrupted Spike, refusing to sugarcoat it. The dragon pouted, Rarity smirked in amusement, and Zephyr... Zephyr brushed back his mane and suggestively approached the unicorn- Oh noooooooo...! "You know, I can't help but notice you are a mare of refined taste." The pegasus had the gall to wrap an arm around the unicorn, waggling his eyebrows and oblivious to her twitched expression of revulsion, my annoyed stare and Spike's... Highly jealous glare. Almost warrior-like. I'm quite pleased about that. "How would you like to be the first among Ponyville to try out this particular style I am selling, right now for a limited low price? I think it'll suit your exotic mane and improve it in the likes you've never witnessed before in your entire life." "A most gracious offer." Rarity's tone suggested anything but gratitude, the mare coolly regarding the self-absorbed stallion before worming out of his grasp. "But I much prefer my own wondrous style as is, thank you. It was good seeing you Stardust, Spikey!" "But..." My son's claw reached futilely to the retreating Rarity, pitifully lowing it with an anguished look. I couldn't help but glare irritably to the smug Zephyr, who looked anything but disappointed by Rarity's swift departure. The green pegasus then nodded knowingly. "I understand, she must be so use to ponies trying to advertise their products involving her that it becomes too much." Yeah, THAT'S it. Then Zephyr placed an unwelcome hoof on Spike's deflated shoulder. "I couldn't help but notice the way you looked at her. You, my young friend, have fine taste." "Yeah, thanks..." Spike growled bitterly, but Zephyr was barely deterred, steering the annoyed dragon down the path into town. "Let me give you some advice for picking up that kind of mare." Ohh kill me now. We are reaching closer and closer to the very conclusion. Oh, not talking about Zephyr's self-indulgent walk around Ponyville. No I refer to the finale of season six itself. Admittedly the finale in question was... Well it left wonders to be desired. Not the best among them; especially with the Changeling Pokemon transformation. Yuck. And then after it with... The fourth Equestria Girls... Probably the worst of them all. Oh boy it's gonna be rough getting through both of those, even if I may not even be there... Except... Yeah, if my presence during the main events causes significant more imbalance, that means I'm under no obligation to go to Camp Everfree. Right Starswirl? All dependent on your choices, Jack. I sense, however, there is far more to this situation which will incite our investigation to that asinine camp once the time comes. Failing our objective of apprehending Zagreus before the finale, it would be likely he'd strike during the next story. Miss Shimmer and the girls would rely on your help once again. Ugh, if it's Camp Everfree I'll be needing the help... Well it was worth a shot. But still, the further we reach them, the more worried I become. Things are already pretty dire considering what Chrysalis has planned, and with Zagreus? All kinds of [BEEP] can go down. What is a fate worse than the ones my friends endured in the finale occurred? And what if I was powerless to prevent it from happening? With this threat, they could potentially gain more fatal injuries than anything. Zagreus was far more merciless than the Changeling Queen would ever be, and that... Was a frightening thought. Suddenly I was regretting failing to capture that monster on those mountains more and more, it was my fault all of this happened, despite what Twilight and the others would say. If anything worse does happen to them, I will never forgive myself... "- And that, my friend, is the most guaranteed result to winning a mare's heart!" I tuned in to hear Zephyr finally conclude his no-doubt absurd lecture to the dragon, the pair a few feet forward from myself. The tall pegasus beamed in self-accomplishment, casually striding forward as though noticing something which fancied his interest. "Sure, thanks Zephyr. Now I know everything..." Spike said doubtfully, slowing down to match my own pace. Leaning down, I requested in concern. "Please tell me you didn't follow any of that advice." The dragon smirked. "Not a single word." "Atta boy." Our attention resumed forward, where the green stallion ceased halted and stared upwards, suddenly wagging his eyebrows with a less-than-charming grin. Curiously, we looked up and- "Oh dear God no..." "Well well! It appears we're destined to always encounter each other, Rainbow Dash!" The blue mare in question, having enjoyed herself napping above a cloud, glanced over to gaze down our way, her pink eyes widening in exasperated horror. Zephyr smoothed back his yellow tied-up mane and continued. "Napping, on such a fine day like this? Why, it's as if you can't do anything without me darling!" "...Spike." I suddenly began, addressing the just-as-unamused dragon beside me. "Remember when I said that I was a ladies man in high school?" "You've mentioned it a couple of times. Why?" "In my years maturing since then, it occurred to me what a self-pretentious attention-hungry crybaby I was. I often bothered girls without realizing it and made them laugh in the most pitying ways. But..." My troubled gaze fixed on the green pegasus. "At least my flirting made them laugh...?" "Eh." Spike shrugged. "I'd still take your advice about girls than Zephyr anyday. Speaking of which bro- Dad, when can you start giving me said advice?" I smirked wryly at the eager question, barely containing his own enthusiasm. "Maybe later." After we've saved Zephyr from himself. He continued trying, and failing, to woo the pegasus a million times out of his league. "Why don't you come down here, don't be shy, and greet your favourite stallion?" Pink eyes drifted upwards to meet me, and Rainbow suddenly smirked. Oh God. The blue Wonderbolt flew down at impressive casual speed and landed right beside me, tapping my side in friendly greeting. "Hey Star! Yo Spike!" The dragon grinned back in greetings, and Rainbow looked back to me with a smug smirk. "How's my favourite stallion?" Playing along, I returned the look. "Doing just fine, how's my favourite Wonderbolt?" "Couldn't be better! Spitfire wants to talk to you soon, by the way. Said she needs more information about Zagreus." "Oh joy." I rolled my eyes in good nature. "I can only imagine what kind of interrogation she would perform." Rainbow snickered. "Nah it'll be fine. I think she's warmed up to you last time. Says she respects a pony who isn't afraid to speak his mind, condescending jerk or not... Her words, not mine." She raised her hoofs in mock surrender, and three of us laughed like good friends. Zephyr, meanwhile, forgotten, visibly deflated at being clearly blown off by his evident crush, but shook it off and tried again, grinning smugly whilst approaching. "Ohoho! No need to play ignorant Rainbow Dash! I understand how my appearance can be overwhelming; my newfound success obviously not helping matters. Maybe you've heard of it, it's all over Cloudsdale now. But trust me, I am still the same pony at heart. Maybe you can see that sometime over-" "So!" Rainbow continued rather loudly, speaking over the obnoxious stallion with a wide grin aimed at me. "How goes the hunt?" I shrugged with a modest smile. "Not going as well as we'd hope. I'm guessing the Wonderbolts are having trouble too?" "Eh, a minor setback." She waved dismissively. "Zagreus can't hide forever, not even from us! The Wonderbolts have eyes everywhere, and nopony can ever escape our speed. We'll catch him in no time flat!" "Glad to hear it." "Ahem!" The male pegasus coughed intentionally, his brow furrowed now but composing himself. But I could sense the waves of annoyance and disbelief. "I know you're playing hard-to-get, but you don't have to try to make me jealous. Besides, why settle for an Earth Pony who already has someone like the Princess-" "You know, I don't think we've ever properly raced together Star." The Wonderbolt interrupted as though he never spoke, smirking widely. "What do ya say, your Balance against my speed sometime soon? It'd be a match of the century!" A race... Huh. "Actually sounds pretty fun." Grinning, I met the offered hoof with my own, the equivalent to a fistbump. Would only ever commit that gesture with someone like Rainbow Dash. "After we find Zagreus, we can race all over Equestria if you wanted." A glint of mischief in those pink eyes. "Careful what you wish for pal." "I'm not the one making the wish here, my dear." Our gazes were equally in challenge playfulness- Ugh! Zephyr made another valiant attempt, raising his voice in demanding to be heard while pushing himself between us, making a dramatic gesture. "Why race with an Earth Pony when you race with another, more worthy pegasus of style and grace?" He smirked down flirtatiously towards the irritated Wonderbolt. "What do you say? You, me, the whole skies. Just what you've always wanted- Hey!" "Come see me when you want to meet Spitfire." The blue mare was then to the other side of me with a humoured smile. "She doesn't like to be kept waiting. Can't blame her." And then, Rainbow committed an action I never thought she'd do; lightly pecking my right cheek before zooming off into the bright skies, leaving a stunned me, blinking but barely trying not to laugh Spike, and gaping Zephyr. ...I feel like now we're just taking the [BEEP]. Nah, this clown deserves being brushed off by that mare. Sombra affirmed sternly. She at least possess some dignity and pride. The tour back through town brought on a different atmosphere, the green pegasus now slouching after us with a defeated posture, one of the few rare times Zephyr was outwardly doubting himself. Pitiful. Spike and I shared knowing glance after checking back to the depressed stallion keeping his gaze on the ground. Sheesh, actually felt bad for the guy. I knew what it was like to try impressing girls beyond my league like Rainbow... "I don't get it!" Of course you don't. "Where did I go wrong?" How about... Everything? "Was it the cologne? I tried out something new after my shower. It should've worked!" Mm-hm, that was it... "Poor guy." Spike commented quietly, looking back with actual sympathy. "Ya think maybe we didn't help back there? He was only trying to impress Rainbow Dash after all." "It's the way he went about it that's the problem." I replied lowly, sighing tiredly. "He reminds me too of myself, you know... It hurts." Spike looked to me, but said nothing. Probably a good thing, there was nothing else needed to be said. Zephyr continued moping from behind us, ignoring the puzzled stares of ponies passing by at the three misfits walking through town, moreso focused on the depressed pegasus. Might as well just take him back to Fluttershy now, since he clearly isn't enthusiastic enough to try promoting his business. "Why can't she just admit the way she looks at me. I know the signs!" For God's sake- "And that's exactly the problem." The pegasus suddenly started by my snappish tone, whirling around to face him with an annoyed gaze. "You're seeing things that aren't there. When has Rainbow once expressedanyinterest in you? Name one time, go on." "Well she...!" Zephyr paused, tapping his clean-shaven chin with thought. "There was that one time... When... Y'know..." Rubbing my gold forehead, I continued with a hint of frustration. "Zephyr, what you're doing, isn't the way to winning a girl's heart. Under no logical reason would a girl prefer a guy who thinks the sun shone out of his own arse." Brief image of a green-haired camper came to mind, prompting me to fiercely add, "No girl written by competent writers anyway... Regardless, if you want to actually impress Rainbow, you can start by not enforcing the idea that she sees you as anything more than her best friend's brother." "But, but, she does like me!" Zephyr protested rather weakly, looking distressed by the objective statements. "Why else does she come to visit ma and pa at times if I'm there? Explain that Mr. Know-It-All!" "Probably because she's there with Fluttershy..." Spike mumbled with folded arms, and my head inclined to Spike approvingly. "Pfft! Obviously because she doesn't want to confess-!" "Listen you self-indulgent narcissist-!" Twilight's stern gaze emerged in my head, inciting me to take a deep breath. Alright, calm down Jack. He's not worth the effort, as Twilight would say. Lowering my tone, I inquired lightly, "Do you like Rainbow Dash?" "Well, far be it for a stallion to confess-" "Do you like Rainbow Dash?" "I can't possibly divulge my love life-" "Do you like Rainbow Dash?" "Let's pretend for a moment I entertain the brief notion, what makes you think that-?" "Do you like Rainbow-?" "Yes okay?!" Zephyr exclaimed loudly for the populace to hear, looking quite annoyed for having been incited to confess as much. "I have a crush on my sister's best friend! Happy now?!" Despite my internal sense of triumph, my muzzle twitching upwards somewhat, I maintained a calm stare. "I'll only be happy when you start respecting her boundaries, and treat her like an actual person instead of insisting she has the hots for you than the other way around." Sighing again, my posture straightened. Spike, knowing what was coming, opted to stand beside the pegasus for the lecture to come. "Rainbow Dash isn't your average mare; she's overly-confident, but is capable of being modest when needs be. She's adventurous, brave, strong and loyal to her friends. Her traits are a contrast to your own. I'm not gonna sugarcoat this Zephyr; you're probably one of the least few ponies I'd consider worthy for someone like her. I'm sure Rainbow, right now, would agree." The harsh truth deflated the pegasus more and more, Zephyr asking rather tentatively, reminding me of his debuted episode. "Then... What can I do?" Time for years of hanging around females to pay off. "First thing's first, you can apologize for acting like a pretentious jerkwad to her after all these years, tell her you want to get to know her as a pony, but in her own time. Start treating her like one too. Next, tone down on the arrogance. Rainbow can be arrogant too, yes, but her own demeanor has softened over past years, and I'm sure she'll appreciate a stallion who's actually aware of his limits. Take an interest in her hobbies and what she does for a living, tell her how great she is and ask how you can be the same." "...You really think that would work?" Zephyr and Spike leaned forward both expectantly, the former more in hope. Hell, even stallions passing by paused to hear this conversation too, almost making me smirk by the attention. Mares, meanwhile, shared approving glances by these very words. "One thing about romancing a woman, or mare in this case, is that these things take time." I smiled wryly. "Don't try to push the relationship forward after, say, the first date, or kiss after only a few days of knowing each other. Let it develop. Patience is one of the most fundamental aspects to achieving a solid relationship." "Is that how it worked between you and the Princess?" "...Something like that." The pegasus then regarded the ground... Followed with the sky, face deeply contemplating. Yeah don't think too hard buddy. Then, clearly making a decision, Zephyr beamed lightly and stood upwards with pride. "Come on then guys! We're wasting daylight just standing around! We have my business to promote!" "Y'know, we can better promote your business if we had the right stuff for it." Spike then pitched in helpfully, listing them off his scaled fingers. "Posters, letters, signs..." Zephyr gasped approvingly. "You, my lizard friend, are a genius!" Before proceeding to drag both Spike and I down the street to Twilight knows where. "Woo!" Spike flopped down on the couch after me, just as weary and exhausted as I after all that. "Who knew someone like Zephyr Breeze could make us work so hard?" I groaned in soft agreement. "Not even Starswirl's training could prepare me for that..." My posture shifted comfortably on the couch, the pair of us in my room with the full intent on relaxing after a full day of effort. Zephyr paid no expense in letting the whole town know about his mane business in Cloudsdale. Posters and advertisements were shared all over Ponyville by the time we were done, as evening's shade cast over. Fluttershy personally thanked us once Zephyr departed with a chirpier mood than usual. Spike stretched his limbs, regarding the ceiling with me with a weary sigh. "Remind me to make him build the house next time on Minecraft." I grinned humouredly. "Noted." Yawning slightly, the dragon sat upwards and gazed to me. "So, what's bothering you?" Hm? "Don't know what you mean." Green serpentine orbs glinted in knowing. "When we were walking home, something's been eating at you. I can feel it... Not sure how." The dragon shrugged helplessly at my raised brow. ...Balance? Even the son should feel what his father emanates. "So come on, spill." Spike persisted, leaning forward with a faint smirk. "I know it's never a good thing to let you be bothered about something alone." "...Twilight's been rubbing off on you." I grunted with a humoured grin, resuming my gaze on the ceiling, expressing shifting to melancholy. "It's nothing really, just anxious about... Future events." "Oh... Oh!" Spike gasped in epiphany. "Is something big happening very soon?" I winced. "Something like that... Well, something exactly like that." Just the image of this young dragon, Twilight, my friends, my niece... All trapped in those green pods, encased by a sickly Queen who wanted nothing more than to make them suffer... I had to keep myself from shuddering. Starswirl... Are you sure I can't stop this from happening...? Even my mentor sounded remorseful. It is the way things should be. All for the sake of maintaining balance, Jack... Though I assure you, I'd desire nothing more than the safety of your loved ones as well. They are as important to me as they are to yourself. "You know how much I hate to be so powerless in helping, Spike, let alone stopping it altogether." My head rested on my front limbs, breathing slow and solemn. "The last thing I ever want is for you all to be in danger. But this time..." "You can't stop it." "...No." I heard the frown in Spike's voice. "But... We win in the end anyway, so isn't that a good thing?" I shook my head. "Wish it was that simple, Spike, but with Zagreus on the loose-" "Then all the more reason you should get involved." What? I looked down to the insistent dragon befuddingly, Spike ready to make his point. "If Zagreus becomes a part of it, you can just come with us to stop him. If not, then we still win against whatever we face next. It's win-win either way. Honestly, I don't really see the problem." "Spike, Zagreus could already have change certain events without us even knowing about it-" "Again, that's why you should join us regardless!" The young dragon interjected firmly, raising a claw for me to cease talking. "You said it yourself, we always win. So what if one more villain gets included? I know I know, he's different from the others. But you know what? You're here to stop him! You're the Twilight Warrior, and I know you can defeat him before, during or, heck, even after we stop this next threat! We all believe in you; me, mom, Rarity, Starlight, everyone!" ...I smiled, sitting upwards right and motioned to the confident dragon. "Come here." Spike looked puzzled, but complied, accepting my tight embrace. I pulled the young, brilliant dragon into my chest, rubbing his forehead with a content smile. "One day... You'll be a greater Twilight Warrior than I can ever be." Spike chuckled, returning the comforting hug with a joking tone, "I don't know about that." The embrace lasted a good while, my son eventually pulling back with a hopeful grin. "So, mind giving your favourite son some tips on winning a mare like Rarity's heart?" "You're my only son." "So there's no issue there then." I laughed out-loud, indulging the young lizard with tips over how not to repeat my mistakes in the past. My previous worries all but forgotten thanks to this amazing young dragon with the heart and passion of both his parents... But mostly his mother. "Her name is Radiant Hope." The pronunciation of the name sounded almost strangled, as if spilling some forbidden secret lost to time. I waited, patiently, while the fallen King spoke, his stance and gaze focused on the window overlooking the golden landscape, the pair of us deep within the fantasized world of my own mind. My real body rested, lying comfortable besides Spike on the couch after an exerting day. Sombra hesitated, for once looking deeply troubled before continuing, his tone and expression more somber than I've ever witnessed them. "She was... The only light in that kingdom which radiated with light. Someone who, as children, accepted me for my own difference and uniqueness in magic, never once judging me... Before my reign, she was... Is, the greatest thing to ever happen to my existence." "I see..." A visible scowl. "Not in the way you think boy." Sombra growled, but it lacked the typical menace behind it. Never have I heard the unicorn so... Drained. "I would cherish my friendship for her for the rest of time. We were meant to rule the Empire, together... But like many, my methods of rule were deemed frightening to her eyes... And she fled upon the day of my coronation, never to be seen again..." There was something about the way he said 'coronation,' as if incredibly pained from recalling that very day. Regardless, I opted not to ask, letting Sombra speak his piece and letting all my patience pay off. The King sighed, keeping red eyes focused outside to the blue plains. "At first, I believed I didn't require such weakness anyway, I'd find myself a worthy Queen by my side sooner or later. But, when Celestia and Luna banished me to that glacier, stripped me of my form and most of my sanity... Despite all the pain and torment of recalling all those memories... It was that same light from the only friend I ever had, which kept me from losing my complete form of sense." It was obvious the moment her name was announced, but this only confirmed my deep-rooted suspicions the further this conversation commenced. "You loved her." And he flinched, snapping red eyes my way irritably. "Our bond is far deeper than your misconceptions of romance boy-" "No." I shook my head, taking a few steps closer while reaffirming my statement. "You love her. I see it in your eyes. I... I can sense it in the air." I paused, frowning gently. "A thousand years and your feelings for her never swayed. A dark King who knows true, genuine love and affection... You two were best friends?" "Since we were both colt and filly." Sombra nodded, his expression softening against akin to... Regret? "Oh, how often we jested and teased one another, always finding fault but never judging for it towards each other... She was as breathtaking as her namesake... And I was a lonely outcast, undeserving, taking the throne for myself out of fear of what else I would become..." "Only to become what I exactly feared..." "...Sombra..." I struggled to find the right words, almost reaching out to comfort the stallion whom once caused me and my friends so much torment. Think Jack... Ah. "It's clearly obvious she misses you too. I know you've watched all my interactions with her... Even despite who you are, the pain and sorrow she radiated - Excuse the pun - towards her oldest and dearest childhood friend is palpable." A ghost of a smile. "She was always too compassionate for her own good..." Then his royal features shifted to stern. "I can never return to that life. She chose her path, as I chose mine..." "Does it have to be this way though...?" Sombra smirked towards me snidely. "Another attempt of reforming me, Jack? Using the only pony I truly ever cared for?" "If not for yourself, then perhaps for her?" This was it. The clutch, I boldly took another step. "Sombra, there is nothing more important than the love of two people, ponies or otherwise. You have the chance, unlike your canon self, to start again. What if, say, I help you retain your original form somehow, and help you reunite with Radiant? What would you say to that?" An ironic grin. "I'd call you an idiot and a fool, but nothing would change there." Hot air exhaled from his nostrils, a doubtful frown. "Say we entertain this hypothesis, how would you attempt to bring my own form back? Magic can only do so much, and I highly doubt your friends would be eager to assist creating a new body for the 'feared tyrant.'" "We can work on all that after we capture Zagreus," I replied firmly, leaning forward with faint hope. "But would you agree to this? Reunite with your friend so long as you vow never to harm anyone again nor rule a kingdom with an iron fist?" "What a hard bargain you drive." Sombra remarked dryly, but the look in his eyes spoke something else entirely. The King's thoughtful disposition followed with shaking his head sternly. "We can address this notion further, as you said, after we apprehend that monster and destroy it once and for all. That is all I will say on the matter for now." "Just think about it." I practically pleaded. "For the mare you love." Blood red eyes glanced back to the window, golden rays reflecting his grey features like a dark angel being introduced to the light. The tone was spoken with solemn finality. "I have thought of nothing else for the last thousand years..."