Part 8: What a Horrible Night...
Rainbow Dash flew high in the sky, her blue coat contrasting with the orange sky of the setting sun. She didn’t particularly feel going in a hurry, almost the opposite in fact. Her stomach twisted and knotted as she thought hard.
“Just what are they going to think about me?” Rainbow Dash groaned to herself, “I mean, I must really look like a really crummy friend them after that. I don’t even want to know what they’ll think of me if I tell them I beat up Luna.” She shook her head at herself, “You really blew it RD.”
Suddenly, an idea popped into her mind.
“What if I, you know, don’t tell them?” Rainbow Dash reasoned with herself, “I mean, what’s the harm? It’s not like they need to know everything, right? I mean, it’s not like the apocalypse is going to happen just because I didn’t tell them I injured Luna right? Yeah. This will work.” Confident in her logic that is as flawless as some of her landings, Rainbow Dash picked up the pace and flew faster towards Ponyville.
She flew down to the library, noting that someone put paper and masking tape on her previous “entrance.” Deciding to actually use the door for once, Rainbow Dash landed in front of it and knocked.
“I’m sorry, Twilight Sparkle can’t come to the door- Rainbow Dash?” Answered a familiar pink pony as she opened the door.
“Uh hey Pinkie, what’s up?”
Pinke Pie repeated “Oh my gosh” over and over as she hugged/tackled Rainbow Dash to the ground. She then took a deep breath and shouted, “You’re okay!”
“Yeah, I am. Hey, is Twilight awake?”
“No, but she might wake up within the hour or so. Why?”
“Princess Celestia told me some stuff that I thought would be really important, it’s about Twilight.”
“Really? Did they find a cure!?” Pinkie hopped up and down.
Rainbow Dash flinched. “Um, I’ll explain once everyone else is here, ‘kay?”
“Okay!” said Pinkie Pie as she ran past Rainbow Dash.
A few minutes later, everyone was gathered around Rainbow Dash.
“So what is it Dash?” Applejack asked excitedly, “Did they some something about a cure?”
“Oh this ain’t gonna be pretty...” Rainbow Dash thought to herself as she looked at everyone’s excited faces. She sighed, “Sorta...”
“Spill it out already darling, don’t keep us waiting.” Rarity said.
“It is about the cure, but it’s not good news.” Rainbow Dash admitted, “The Princesses said that there isn’t one yet.”
Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry, and Pinkie Pie looked horrified.
“Figures,” Applejack said, her smile disappearing, “can’t say I didn’t expect that, but still not what any of us had hoped for.”
“Wait a minute darling, you said that they don’t have a cure yet? As in they’re working on one right now?” Rarity asked.
“Yeah, but it’s really slow going. Luna said that in all likelihood, any cure they came up with is going to kill Twi.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Oh no...” Fluttershy mumbled, “When... when I had found Twilight, I thought it was the worst nightmare I ever had, but this...” Tears started to well up in her eyes.
“There, there sugarcube,” said Applejack as she put her foreleg around Fluttershy, “Let’s think positive. They’re getting close, they probably figured out how to stop the disease, they just need to figure out how to keep Twilight alive, that’s all.”
“Easier said than done,” Rarity quietly muttered to herself, “So anyway Rainbow Dash, did they talk to you about Twilight talking to herself or something like that?”
“Hey, how did you know that?” Applejack asked.
“I had found a muddy book outside my house, so I picked it up. I was curious what was inside.” Rarity said as she pulled out a muddy leather-bound book, “It didn’t take me very long to realize that this was Twilight’s diary. I didn’t mean to invade her privacy, but on the last entry she was writing as if she was having a conversation with... someone. The only problem is that I only could see her responses so I have no idea who or what she’s talking to.”
“Twilight’s seeing things?” Pinkie Pie said, horror dawning on her face.
“Yeah, Twilight said something about Bloody Heart or Bleeding Heat or something like that, that he was talking to her through her diary. I had sent Princess Celestia a letter about it.” Applejack said.
“Oh so that’s what it was...” Rainbow Dash said, “Princess Celestia said something about not treating Twilight like she’s crazy. That probably had something to do with it.”
“Well I for one don’t think that keeping Twilight cooped up in here is really healthy.” Rarity said.
“Yeah, I have trouble staying in one place all the time!” Pinkie Pie said, “I think the Cakes called it ‘Captain Fever’ or something. Apparently he makes ponies crazy by getting them to sit still in closed up spaces for too long. Wait...” Pinkie Pie gasped loudly, “OH MY GOODNESS, TWILIGHT IS GETTING HAUNTED BY A BLOODSUCKING PIRATE! We have to let her out of the house before she gets scurvy!!”
“I... don’t think that’s exactly what’s going to happen Pinkie.” said Fluttershy.
“But that just raises the question of what she can do.” Rainbow Dash pointed out, “I mean, Ponville gets awful quiet at night. Like, maybe one of the bars is open at night I think.”
“I think we’d want to avoid contact with other people the first place, just on the off chance they discover her condition.” Applejack said, “A midnight walk will be fine anyway. Get some fresh air into those lungs.”
Rarity suddenly screamed, “Oh no, I just remembered something really important! Nightmare Night’s next week! I can’t believe I’m missing an important sale right now!” she ran out the door, only to peek around the doorframe a minute later, “Not to be a burden but can any of you cover for me this weekend darling?”
“I’ll do it.” Rainbow Dash spoke up.
“Thank you.” Rarity whispered before zipping back to her home.
“Gosh, Nightmare Night’s next week? Wow the time flew. And I don’t have a clue as to what I wanna be this year...” Applejack said as she scratched her head.
What they did not notice was Twilight Sparkle quietly shutting the door to her room...
“You have to let me go to Nightmare Night.” Twilight pleaded as she levitated a wet plate, drying it off with a rag that was also floating by her magic.
“I don’t know Twi...” Applejack said as she rinsed a dirty cup.
Since only people who ate normal foods were Spike and one pony, the dishes never an issue. Even before Twilight became a vampire the dishes were negligible. In fact, Applejack would’ve done the whole job by herself had Twilight not offered to help. Though it became apparent to Applejack that Twilight had decided to use this situation to ask her about Nightmare Night.
“I mean, there’s going to be a lot of ponies. The entire town is going to be there.” Applejack continued, “You might not remember the fine details, but you dang near scarred Pinkie and Dash for life, all because Dash got herself cut up.”
Twilight looked away, a mixture of embarrassment and guilt floated up, “That... that whole thing was a freak accident. I can control myself. Besides, if I stay unseen all the time, everyone’s going to get suspicious.” Twilight countered. “and when ponies get suspicious, they investigate!”
Applejack dropped the glass she was washing into the sink as a rather... interesting memory floated up...
“Thank you, please come again!” Applejack smiled. Another successful sale. Today looked like it was going to be a rather busy but profitable day. Feeling thirsty, Applejack took a bottle of water and drank from it.
“Hello Applejack.” A minty green-colored mare walked up, her matching white and light blue short mane and tail bouncing with her steps.
“Hey Lyra, how’s it going?” Applejack greeted the familiar face, “Want the usual?”
“Everything’s fine,” Lyra smiled, “How are you?”
“I’m been doing pretty good myself.” Applejack smiled, taking a long drink of water.
“Is your marefriend doing okay?”
Applejack suddenly choked on her water, spitting and coughing it out. When she could catch her breath again, she asked, “My WHAT!?”
“Your marefriend.” Lyra repeated, “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, why I still remember when I first asked out-”
“Look, I don’t know what crazy tabloid paper passes itself off as legitimate news these days,” Applejack interrupted, “but I’m not dating Rainbow Dash. We simply respect each other’s physical abilities, but that doesn't mean I-”
“I meant you and Twilight.” Lyra corrected.
Applejack’s jaw hit the floor.
“... You’re not dating her, are you?” Lyra said after a brief moment of silence.
“No, I’m not.” Applejack said, recomposing herself, “I mean, what gave you that idea in the first place?”
“Well, to be honest it was a bit of a small rumor that’s been floating around recently,” Lyra said, “I’ve heard lots of variations on it though, but the common thread in all of them is that one of her friends that’s visiting her often is more than ‘just friends’, if you know what I mean. Curious, I wanted to hear from the horse’s mouth on the matter. Though considering that said horse is confined to her house and bed, I decided to ask you instead.”
“Look, there’s a very fine line between all of us being her best friends and being her marefriend, okay? We’re just taking care of her because she needs help and we’re her friends. In fact, I don’t even know if she leans that way.” Applejack explained.
“Oh.” Lyra replied simply, “But is she really that injured? I mean, maybe she should be in the hospital instead.”
“Um... I’d rather not divulge on the specific details of her condition, okay?” Applejack said, sweating bullets despite the cool weather.
“Okay.” Lyra nodded understandingly, “One last thing though, is it true that Fluttershy and Big Mac are...” She paused for a moment when she met Applejack’s glare. “Er, nevermind. Just the usual.”
“Thank you, please don’t ever talk about this again.” Applejack said in a flat tone.
“...Applejack?” Twilight asked. Applejack had been staring blankly into space for the past five minutes.
“Wha? Oh right, sorry.” Applejack snapped back to the present, fumbling to pick up the cup again in the soapy water, “I guess I do see your point Twilight.”
“Yes!” Twilight whispered as she did a hoof pump.
“But this means that we have to find you a costume. I don’t think Rarity is gonna be happy that she has to design another costume on such a short notice.” Applejack said.
“We can ask her anyway, maybe she has an extra from last year.” Twilight reasoned.
Dishes cleaned and dried, they set out for Rarity’s Boutique. Twilight was thankful that the morning was scheduled for a very cloudy day as they trotted discreetly to Rarity’s home. Even still, having a cloak and a pair of sunglasses was very helpful.
When they reached there though, Rarity’s reaction was more or less what Applejack predicted; “YOU WANT ME DO WHAT???” Rarity screamed, her mane and tail a mess and her sewing glasses hanging loosely on her nose.
“I’m sure you still have working ears Rare.” Applejack replied, “Besides, we’re not asking for you design something from scratch, maybe just cobble something together from your closet or something.”
“‘Cobbling something together’ is NOT something I do! It’s just a fashion faux pas waiting to happen! Or need I remind you of what happened to the gala dresses you all designed? Unless...” Rarity thought for a moment, “I think I might have something Twilight’s size. Come in.”
The assembled pair obediently entered the boutique. “Excuse the mess, I still have some orders I need to fill. I’m actually considering just sleeping through Nightmare Night again.” Rarity said as she guided them through the scattered clothes and mannequins. “I might have just the thing in here Twilight,” Rarity said as she opened up a large chest, “I made it to match Sweetie Bell’s costume from last year, but I passed out from last minute work that I didn’t have the chance to wear it.” She explained as she pulled out a cape. The shape of the gothic cloth invoked images of the wings on a bat, with black on the outside, and red on the inside, with a very large collar. It also had a matching ruby clasp set in fake gold.
“Wait, wait, wait.” Applejack said, “Twilight’s going as a vampire? But she IS a vampire. I thought we were supposed to keep this a secret.”
“That’s where you’re missing the simple beauty and brilliance of the plan here darling.” Rarity pushed up her glasses smugly, “If you want to hide something, you place it in like objects. Hide it in plain sight. When everyone else sees Twilight’s vampire fangs and scars, they’ll assume that it’s just makeup and part of the costume! We just have to put a touch or two of makeup on Twilight and no one will be the wiser as to what’s real and what’s not. It’s brilliant!”
“It’s great Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed as she took the cape and put it on. She ran up to the large mirror Rarity had set up. “Oh... Right. Can’t see my reflection. I forgot about that.” Twilight said as she stopped and stared at the floating cape in the reflection.
“Oh don’t worry darling, you look marvelous!” Rarity said, comforting Twilight, “You just have to avoid going into the haunted house of mirrors. Now stop by here if you need assistance with the makeup on Nightmare Night. Right now I still need work done before Nightmare Night.” Rarity said, “That also means I don’t want ANY further distractions today. Get out!” she shooed them outside.
The days seemed to pass by very quickly until it became the day of Nightmare Night. Twilight made sure she was well rested for tonight. she took out the black cape and sighed to herself.
“This is going to be a great night.” she said to herself. Provided nothing goes wrong, this might be the one time in the year she’ll feel normal again.
Twilight took the cape with her as she walked downstairs. “Spike? Are you going tonight?” She called out.
“Yeah, don’t worry about it, Rainbow Dash has my costume.” Spike replied.
“Okay, I’m heading over to Rarity’s for makeup.”
“Need anyone with you?”
“No, I think I can handle myself.”
“Okay...” Spike said dejectedly. Apparently, there was an ulterior motive.
Twilight walked out the library and to the boutique. This time, the sun had began to set, removing the need for Twilight to wear “protection.” When she knocked on the boutique door, Rarity let her inside.
“Ah, excellent timing darling!” Rarity said, her mane and tail this time in a their regular condition, “I just finished up the last order. We have plenty of time to prepare for tonight. Everyone else is meeting at the town square about an hour before Nightmare Night officially begins.”
“I’m so excited,” Twilight smiled, “in fact, I don’t remember being this excited since I was a little filly!”
“Of course darling,” Rarity smiled back, “now sit over there and relax, let me do the work.”
Twilight obediently let Rarity pamper her as she brushed and dusted Twilight. First, Rarity made Twilight’s face paler, without completely overpowering her original color. Next, Rarity added some mascara around Twilight’s eyes, making them stand out against her pale face. “Pucker up a little dear.” Rarity said as she levitated and applied some lipstick, its color matched the dark indigo of Twilight’s mane. “Now close your eyes...” Rarity said, taking some eyeshadow of a similar color. “Good.” Rarity whispered in approval, “and now the final touch.” She took out a small vial of a dark red liquid.
Twilight opened one of her eyes to see. “Um, Rarity,” Twilight nervously asked, “Why do you have blood like that?”
“Hmm?” Rarity said in response, “Oh, this! This is some homemade makeup blood. I discovered a really good recipe a while back. Looks real doesn’t it?” She popped open the vial to let Twilight smell it. “I bet it doesn’t smell like it, does it?”
Twilight sniffed the air. “No, no it doesn’t smell like it. Blood seems to have this slight metallic smell to it, like that taste when you suck on a bit copper.”
“Well it’s a good thing that this doesn’t trigger your hunger senses.” Rarity paused for a second before continuing, “I’m sorry, did I bring up a sore subject for you?”
“No, don’t worry about it.” Twilight smiled back, “I’ve sort of come to terms about my condition. I just hope that Luna can find that cure.”
“So do I dear,” Rarity said slowly, suddenly unable to look at her. Realizing that she forgot to add the fake blood, she took an eyedropper and placed a drop or two on both ends of Twilight’s lips, letting them run down Twilight’s face around her chin. Rarity took some steps back to admire her work. “Marvelous darling, you look absolutely frightening!”
“Can I see?” Twilight asked.
“Hmm,” Rarity said, levitating a small mirror, “Let’s see if you can...”
Somewhat amusingly, because of Rarity’s application of makeup, Twilight’s maneless, toothless, and eyeless face seemed to be levitating in the reflected space, like it was a powdery mask.
“Well that’s interesting.” Twilight giggled slightly as she looked.
“I can’t wait to see the other girls’ reaction when they see you.” Rarity smiled.
“I was going to ask you, did you have a costume for Nightmare Night Rarity?” Twilight asked, getting off of the chair.
“I do actually, wait here.” Rarity walked behind the dressing wall, “You might like it a lot, being a bit of a history buff.” A minute passed before Rarity stepped out from behind the wall, revealing a large blue coat, a white undershirt, and brown boots.
“Oooo...” Twilight said in awe, “Sir Brave Heart, a unicorn knight from the first century of Princess Celestia’s reign. Father of Golden Heart, one of the first Commanders of the Royal Guards.”
“I’d thought you’ll like it.” Rarity smiled. “Now let’s see if our friends are ready.”
Now dressed and ready for the night, Twilight and Rarity made way to the town center. When they got there, they saw all their other friends.
“About time you two showed up!” Rainbow Dash shouted. Rainbow Dash was wearing a bodysuit that was similar to what the Shadow and Wonderbolts wore, except this was white with some green highlights. However, around her head, the fabric was purple, and she wore a large plastic fish bowl, with air holes near her face. Like her Shadowbolt costume, the stitching was miles behind what Rarity is capable of doing.
Spike wore a small cardboard box that was spray painted silver, with dots of blue green and red representing buttons. He also wore a bucket (also painted silver) with mouth and eye holes cut out, with some pipe cleaners sticking out on top.
Applejack’s costume was at first seemed to be rather uninspired, given her profession. She wore a yellow long-sleeved windowpane shirt with red lines. Around her neck was a red bandana. Over her shirt she wore a (fake) cow-print vest, with a golden star on it. She also boots that matched her hat, with a cactus pattern stitched on the sides if one looked close enough.
Pinkie Pie wore a very baggy red body suit, black rubber boots, an oxygen tank strapped to her back, and a gas mask that obscured her face. Though the most bizarre thing about her costume was what she carried around with her, which is best described as a mismash of at least three brass horns. “Muff muffues moo hood!” the gas mask also had the unintended side effect of also muffling anything that resembled a coherent word.
“Um, could you repeat that darling?” Rarity asked Pinkie Pie.
“Muh? Mumf, hud-dah.” Pinkie Pie held up her hoof as she took off the gas mask, “What did you say?”
“I asked if you could repeat that.” Rarity replied.
“I said ‘Nice costumes you two.’”
“Oh, thank you.”
Amazingly, Fluttershy was convinced in joining the festivities. Unsurprising though, her costume was in no way considered scary. Unless you had Leporiphobia, in which case Fluttershy is currently the second scariest thing in Equestria. Despite this, she shivered and shook from the strange and morbid imagery around her. She was certain she will never understand this phenomenon.
“Okay girls, who’s going where?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“I’ll take care of Fluttershy. I know a few good quiet places for her.” Rarity offered.
“I wanna go find some candy!” said Pinkie Pie.
“My brother is giving out caramel-coated apples.” Applejack said, “And I think he also knows some other good places to hit for treats.”
“Great! Lead the way sheriff!” Pinkie cheered.
“In that case, I’ll stick with Twilight and Spike. Maybe we’ll play some good pranks on the way.”
“No Dash,” Twilight sternly replied, “I’m not going to be participating in pranking random foals.”
“Oh come on, it’ll be fun! This is like, the only time out the year other than April that’s begging for a good prank.” Twilight sternly stared at Rainbow Dash. “Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed, “You’re no fun.”
“Now that’s settled, we’ll meet here again in an hour.” said Rarity. And with that, everyone went their separate ways.
It didn’t take long for Twilight and Rainbow Dash to run into somepony:
“Twilight! There you are!” declared Mayor Mare. She wore a ridiculously tall top hat, a wide gray pinstripe suit, with a red ribbon on her chest. Instead of a bowtie, she had a black spider made of cloth. “It is so good to you again, up and walking about again.”
“Hello Mayor.” greeted Twilight, “Yeah, it’s nice to see everyone again.”
“Well I do believe I speak on behalf of the entire town that we are glad to know that you are alright.” Mayor Mare smiled.
Twilight blushed slightly, “Thanks Mayor Mare.”
“Can I ask you something?”
Twilight hesitated for a moment, “Okay I guess.”
“Can I borrow Spike for a few minutes? I have an urgent matter that requires his help.”
“If it’s alright with Spike, I’m okay with it.”
“Sure,” Spike said, “I think I can handle being an assistant.”
“Oh thank you,” Mayor sighed in relief, “You have no idea how much this helps me.”
“No problem, see you later Spike!” Twilight said as she and Rainbow Dash walked away.
“Now, what’s the matter Mayor?” Spike asked.
“Well, you remember Luna visiting Ponyville last year, yes?” Mayor asked as she guided him to the town hall.
“Heh, yeah I do.”
“Well I was hoping I could get an official word as to if she would be repeating her visit this year.” Mayor explained as she entered the building, “Unfortunately, neither Princesses had responded to the matter before tonight.”
“So you want me to instant message Princess Celestia in case she forgot?”
“Yes, exactly Spike!” Mayor said, “I didn’t want to speak openly about this, otherwise ponies would be disappointed if Luna does not arrive.” Mayor looked through several filing cabinets. She pulled out a formal letter and handed it to Spike.
Spike took the letter with his claws and breathed his green fiery breath on it, turning the paper into sparkling smoke, which swiftly escaped out the open door and into the night.
“Great, now all we have to do is wait for Celestia’s response.” Mayor Mare said as she stared into the moonlit night.
“That is unnecessary honorable Mayor.” said a somewhat familiar voice from the back of the room.
“Princess Luna!? What are you doing here?” Mayor Mare asked.
“I wanted to have a surprise visit for everyone, so I didn’t tell anyone about it. I hope you understand.”said Luna.
“Oh of course your highness, though I only wish I had known this earlier, so I wouldn’t have needed Spike to ask Celestia about this.”
“You sent her a letter?”
“Yes, just now before you entered.”
“Ah, understandable. However, I did not divulge the specific details to her, so she might say I’m not coming.” Luna said, smiling.
“Alright,” Mayor said, “Spike, I’ll see if I need you for anything else, okay?” she said as she walked upstairs.
“Alright, call me if you need to.” Spike replied.
Spike suddenly belched out a letter. “Um, excuse me, I got to read this letter.” He said.
“Er, um that’s fine...” Luna said, for some reason unused to seeing a dragon spit up a letter.
Finding a suitable and private corner, he opened the seal and unrolled the letter. It read, “Dear Spike, I apologize that I had forgotten about the matter of Nightmare Night. Please inform Mayor Mare that Princess Luna will not be reprising her visit to Ponyville this year due to serious injuries. Princess Luna does not wish to keep anyone waiting for her, so be sure to tell Mayor ASAP. Princess Luna does however, wish to give everyone the best of wishes, and wants to make up for it at another time.
-Princess Celestia”
“P.S. Did Rainbow Dash tell you anything about her punishment? I hope she didn’t neglect informing you and the rest of the Elements, but just in case she did, here is a copy of the official ruling:”
Below the post script was another piece of paper stapled to the scroll. It read, “By Royal Decree and Judgement of the Most Holy, Righteous, and Merciful Princess of the Sun, Rainbow Dash has been charged and found guilty of Assault and Battery of Royalty, and Defacement of a Public Park, and is therefore sentenced to Fifty thousand (50,000) hours of guarding and escorting Twilight Sparkle and an additional two thousand (2,000) hours of repairing the Canterlot Botanical Gardens. These punishment(s) can only be revoked by an official decree of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna.
“This is an official order and contract of Princess Celestia.” After Princess Celestia’s signature was a stamp in the shape of her cutie mark.
“Wait, Rainbow assaulted Royalty!?!? Why didn’t she tell us this!?” Spike exclaimed. He skimmed the letter again, the gears in his mind started turning, “Wait, Princess Luna can’t come to Nightmare Night because of injuries... Did... did Rainbow Dash just beat up Luna!?” Suddenly, Spike stopped in place, as the train of thought raced, “Wait, if Luna’s too injured to attend Nightmare Night, then who did I just talk to...”
“Well, well, looks like someone is about to spoil the surprise.” Despite the rather playful tone, Spike body froze as he heard “Luna’s” words, “Silly dragon, don’t you know that it’s impolite to spoil surprises? We were so sure that our ‘sister’ would have taught you some manners.”
Spike’s body was wrapped in a red aura, “Luna’s” horn glowing the same color, as he was being lifted off the ground. “Um... What surprise?” Spike smiled nervously.
“You don’t know? Well it’s simple we- Wait.” “Luna” paused, “This is a trick isn’t it? This happens all the time in literature.”
“Now I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“This! This is a gambit for you learn about my entire plan isn’t it? Once I tell you everything and try to kill you, you’ll escape and tell everyone else! It’s the oldest trick in the book. And we just can’t have you spoiling the fun, can we?” “Luna” cruelly smiled.
“Oh boy.” Spike whimpered.
“You know, I personally wondered what dragon tastes like. Now we get to find out.” “Luna smiled wider, revealing a set of fangs. She lunged at Spike’s throat as Spike screamed... Only to find that the scales on a dragon (even a juvenile one) are really really tough, and hard to pierce with teeth. “Luna”, realizing this, released Spike from her jaws and stepped away, spitting in disgust. “Well played dragon, well played.”
“So uh, can you let me go now?” Spike smiled weakly.
“No.” “Luna” said in a flat tone, “Guards!” Two Pegasi-bat-guards ran up to “Luna”, “Bind and gag this dragon. No one is to see a single one of his scales, or hear a peep from him.”
With a synchronized “Of course your highness!”, the guards followed the villainous doppleganger’s orders, and dragged Spike away out the back door as he let out a muffled cry.
“Spike, I don’t see anything else I need your help with...” Mayor Mare said as she walked back downstairs to the main room, seeing only Princess Luna. “Spike?”
“Oh, did you need him?” Luna asked, “I had sent him on an errand.”
“Oh no, that’s fine. I didn’t need his help anymore actually.” Mayor Mare replied, “But if I can help you I would be absolutely honored to do anything for you.”
“Oh nothing at the moment, but I will keep that in mind when the need arises.” Luna smiled.