//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Bury Your Feelings // Story: Equestria's Peril // by KJay //------------------------------// You wanted romance...you got it... Somewhere in the Badlands, outside of Equestria: 3 days after Plexis and Daniel's fight The silence had become unbearable at this point, but no one dare break it as Ferindher led his dark army across the unfamiliar planes that seperated his ravished kingdom, and the foundations of Equestria. The journey from Ferindher's home to Canterlot was roughly a week's travel. It was mid-morning as the rapid thud of the flesh dingo's paws pounded the dirt. Aboard their backs were Serk and his men, who had been trekking for what seemed like an eternity. Still, even if it had taken the rest of his life, it would have been too soon to tell Ferindher how Serk lost track of one of his men; most likely allowing Celestia to know of Ferindher's survival. Ferindher and his army came into view. Serk thought he might have an anxiety attack. "Welcome back, Serk. I assume everything has gone according to plan." Serk didn't look at his master, as he desperately tried to find the right words to tell Ferindher what happened. Even after days of thinking, he didn't know how. Ferindher took immediate notice of his henchmen's behavior, and did a head count. "You appear to be missing someone." Serk started to breath eratically. Ferindher being so calm over such a significant mishap made him even more fearful for his life. "I am also going to assume whoever is not with you was either lost, fled, or killed on your way back here." Serk found it ironic that just a few days ago, he had said that Ferindher will assume the worst. Then again, maybe his master was being sarcastic. Wind rustled their black and brown cloaks while Serk fumbled for a response. "I...I-" Serk felt his own weight leave him as he was lifted into the air by a massive hand. His heart jumped to his throat as he met Ferindher's glowing, hate-filled eyes. Black flames danced along the shoulders of his now red illuminescent cloak. "I give you one SIMPLE priority, and you can't even keep track of your own MEN?!" Ferindher bared his mishapen teeth at the trembling soldier. "WHEN DID YOU LOSE HIM?!" Even the surface of the sun felt like a safer place for Serk at this moment. "TELL ME WHEN YOU LOST HIM! NOW!!! Serk wanted to lie, he desperately wanted to decieve his lord and tell him that Ryed was killed by wildlife, or fell down a gorge, or...died of an infection. Serk wanted to lie to keep his own life. However, he also knew that sooner or later, Ferindher would find out the truth. Whether it be by Celestia knowing of their plans, or one of his own betraying him. He knew that when Ferindher did find out the truth, whatever he had coming to him now would be done to him a thousand times worse in the future. Serk chose the easier way out, he chose honesty. "W-we...lost him...when...we attacked...Ponyville." Ferindher brought the soldier even closer. "Missing, or dead?" Serk wimpered. "M-m-missing." That was it, Serk's final words. Ferindher growled quietly, but brought the growl to an enraged shout as he gripped Serk tighter, and tighter. The shadowy soldier could feel the very life being drained from him as a darkness unkown to him invaded his body and sapped his strength. Serk screamed in agony; Ferindher made sure this was anything but quick and painless. After the last dying, and haunting breath, Ferindher dropped his deceased shadow. Serk landed with a thud as the squad that had accompanied him slowly backed away, resenting the same fate. Ferindher calmed down, but not while contemplating whether to destroy the others who had been just as careless as Serk. He decided against it. No matter how much he thought they deserved it, it had taken too long to build an army this size only to kill off too many of his own men. "So. What happened?" The shadow lord addressed the small group. One of the soldiers in the front hesitantly dismounted his dingo and took two cautious steps forward. "We...we did everything just as you told us. But...we were met with...unexpected...resistance." "Are you saying the Princess' intervened?" "No...it wasn't any of the ponies. It was the...the...humans...that you brought here." Ferindher could feel his anger building once again. This time it was directed at the meddling monkeys rather than his minions. "THEY'RE HELPING THEM?! WHY?!" The shadows as well as the dingos shrank back further. "We don't know, sire. It seems they have befriended them." Ferindher's voice grew to an ear splitting level. "I brought them here! I spawned them to this realm! They should be serving ME!" Ferindher's cloak seemed brighter than the sun itself, and the flames emmitting from his back and shoulders almost lashed at the clouds. The clearing was silent once again as Ferindher's army waited for him to gather himself. Ferindher closed his cadmium eyes and let out a long exhausted breath. "It would appear my original plan has turned on me. And with one of you missing during the assault, Celestia more than likely knows that I have survived." Uncomfortable murmurs rippled through the waves of shadows behind Ferindher. "What do we do now?" A lone voice asked among the crowd. "This is what we do!" Ferindher boomed, hushing his army. "Celestia by now is most likely alerted to my intentions. The element of surprise is no longer among us. When we arrive to take Canterlot, they will be ready for us. If we want to breach their defenses, we're going to need help." "But, sire. We've already tried consolidating with the dragons, and the griffons." "Not them." Ferindher held up his hand for silence. He scouted the crowd for his top officer. "Captain." A large shadow stepped forth and bowed. "Take a group of five and find the broken queen. She is desperate. She will not refuse our help." The captain thought it was strange to ask the broken queen to aid them since they were about to destroy what her and her kind thrived off of. However, he knew better than to question his master. "Consider it done." "Good, we shall set up here, and wait for her response." The captain rounded up some men, and borrowed the flesh dingos for the long ride. Others immediately began fortifications and sleeping arrangements. While these creatures were merely just dark essence and shadows, they still felt hunger, and fatigue like any organic being. The only difference was that the shadows could not perish from malnutrition or other neglectful behavior. They only felt the pain that came with famine and sleep deprivition. Only by a tragic end could a shadow shake hands with death. Ferindher looked on in the distance, catching the slightest view of the first mountains bordering Equestria. "After the royal Princess' fall, those humans shall be the next to die." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Town Square: Around noon It had now been four days since Kelly and Daniel had begun their training. It had taken some time to perfect basic defense tactics, but the boys were learning quicker every day. Daniel had eventually worked up the time to address the princess about their 'nutrition' predicament. Celestia allowed the boys a ride to the everfree every other day to feed themselves. They had no choice but to agree since they were both starting to feel nautious from the lack of protien. After their first night there, Daniel was beginning to have the same reoccuring nightmare of the picnic. The previous night had been different. That night he had been with them at Twilight's library, but no one still paid him no mind. Daniel and Kelly took in the amazing structures that Canterlot had to offer. Most ponies gave them cautious glances, and questionable looks, but the boys had gotten use to that. Kelly took notice that Daniel was staring at the ground as they walked. He looked troubled. "Hey Daniel, is everything okay?" Daniel snapped out of his funk. "Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, everything's fine. Just...thinking about Applejack." Daniel lied. "Is that right? Now who's love sick?" Kelly mocked. Daniel felt like changing the subject. "Sure was nice of Shining Armor to give us the afternoon off and check out the town." "Yeah, well we have been training hard. I think I've finally figured out how to parry all of Chival's attacks, even the magic ones." "When do you think we'll get real swords?" Kelly put his hands together and bowed. "Not until you are ready, Daniel-san." Daniel chuckled, and turned his attention to a familiar cyan pegasus. "Hey look, it's Rainbow Dash! C'mon, Mr. Miyagi." Kelly returned the laugh and followed his friend. "Hey, Dash!" Rainbow turned to find the humans she was searching for. "Oh, there you guys are. Whats up?" "Alot is up actually. It's great to see you." Kelly held out his fist, and Dash returned it with a bump of her hoof. Daniel did the same. "It's good to see you two also. Everypony's been missing you guys. Alot." Dash seemed to be hinting something with the word 'alot', but the boys didn't take notice. "How is Ponyville by the way." Daniel asked. "Were managing. Some of the homes are just in need of some roofs, while others are still being repaired along the walls and floors." "And the girls?" Kelly added. "They're good...for the most part. Twilight's been overworking herself trying to make sure Ponyville is restored as neatly as possible. It took some convincing, but Rarity's helping with moving supplies. Pinkie Pie bakes goods for the workers and ponies who are staying at City Hall. And I've been helping with construction, and keeping a watchful eye for...you know who." Dash left out two specific ponies for a reason. The boys gave each other a confused glance before returning to Rainbow. "What about Fluttershy?" "And Applejack?" Dash stifled a giggle. "Oh, they're fine." She said simply. Kelly raised his brow. "O...kay then." "How's the royal guard bussiness treating you?" "It's pretty nice actually. You have to wake up pretty damn early, but me and Kelly are both getting along in training." "Yeah, and despite the gruff schedule, and atmosphere of the barracks, everyone's really nice." Kelly glanced up to see a scowling pegasus pass overhead, and continue on towards the castle. "Well, almost everyone." "What do you mean? Who was that?" "That's just Plexis. Don't mind him." "What's his problem with you?" "His problem is with both me and Daniel. He doesn't trust us since were humans, I guess." "Does he give you guys alot of trouble?" "Funny you should say that. Wasn't it just...three days ago I scrapped with him?" "That's sounds about right. Daniel here actually got in a fight with him...after Plexis rammed him of course." "Ha! Did you kick his flank?" Daniel chuckled and crossed his arms. "I like to believe I did." "I don't know. It seemed pretty evenly matched." Kelly teased. "Yeah right! If Chival had taken his time, Plexis would probably be off duty right now, waiting to get out of the infirmary." Dash smiled. "Well, it's good to hear you two aren't lacking excitement during your time here. When do you think you guys can come back." Kelly cocked his head. "To Ponyville, you mean?" Dash nodded. "Umm...I'm not really sure. You think we should see about that?" Daniel shrugged. "I guess. I also think we should seek another audience with the Princess and talk to her about going home." Daniel added. "Don't worry, dude. I'm sure if she finds anything else out, she'll let us know." Daniel gave his friend somewhat of an angry glance. "Anything else. You mean you already knew about a way home?" Kelly shifted nervously. "You mean I didn't tell you?" Daniel shook his head but kept the same look. "Well...it was like a week ago. The Princess sent Twilight a letter saying that she found a possible lead on how to get home. I guess she wasn't entirely sure if it was the solution since the letter read that she would look more into it." "Why have you been keeping this to yourself!" Kelly was stunned by how upset his friend was getting. "I didn't keep it from you intentionally. It's just been in the back of my mind." "Oh, bullshit! I know why you didn't tell me!" Daniel was going to explain Kelly's reason, but stopped himself, and looked at Dash, who was in awe at the two friends fighting. Daniel sighed, and walked off towards the castle. "What was that all about?" Kelly turned to Rainbow. "Can't really say. I'm definitely gonna talk to him about it though." "Well, it was good to see you guys, regardless. I'm gonna head back to Ponyville." "Cool. Be sure to say hey to everyone for us." Dash hovered into the air. "Good luck with your 'lover's quarrel.'" Dash teased. Kelly smirked. "Will do. Try not to crash into too many mountains on the way back." Kelly had seen his fair share of Rainbow's wipeouts during his time in Equestria. Dash laughed. "Later." She zoomed off in a spectrum haze. Within a minute, she was clear of the gates of Canterlot and soaring down towards Ponyville. Rainbow still found it amusing that both humans had possible crushes on her friends. After Rarity's spa day with Fluttershy, she had run into Applejack later that same day, and sparked up a conversation with her about the humans. Rarity still had Fluttershy and Kelly on her thoughts, so she asked AJ about her take on the boys. She was pleasantly surprised to hear how the work pony missed Daniel greatly, and how they spent time together much like Kelly and Fluttershy had. Applejack never hunched towards Daniel liking her, but the way she talked about him was enough to convince Rarity that Daniel had something for the orange mare. After a couple days, it was almost killing Rarity not to speak of her assumption of the human's feelings. She soon found her chance when Rainbow Dash mentioned visiting them in Canterlot. Rarity had filled Dash in on what she thought was true. At first, Dash was somewhat disgusted at the possibilty, but hearing about how the humans had treated her friends; even if they did have feelings for them, the boys were good guys at least. So far, Dash was the only one Rarity had told. Rainbow giggled again, and thought mainly about Daniel. She had alot of time to think about the humans since her trip from Ponyville to Canterlot was about fifteen minutes. (Ten if she really put some effort into it.) But Daniel had something about him that she liked. His mellow and care free attitude, his athletic prowess, she even admired his styled mane. "Heh, maybe I should ask him out." She joked. At the same time, Dash couldn't help but get a nagging feeling in her gut that part of her was serious... ------------------------------------------------------------------ Later that Evening "Nice dodge!" Chival conplimented soon after Kelly hopped his wooden blade and rolled away from Chival's second attack. "Thanks. Lets see if I can say the same." Kelly grinned and crept toward Chival. Chival widened his stance and hovered his weapon to and fro, ready for his student's assault. Kelly stopped moving for a couple seconds. He then rushed forward, giving Chival little time to react. Kelly swiped horizontally, as Chival brought up his sword to block. Kelly's attack had just enough power to break through Chival's defense. He kept himself from staggering after swinging as hard as he did, and reared around for a vertical slash. Chival knew he had no chance to block this one, and instead, teleported behind the human, ready to deliver his counterattack. After multiple times of falling for this old trick, Kelly anticipated Chival's movements. The human heard the familiar 'pop' of magic behind him. He had practiced what he would do in this situation many times on his own. Kelly didn't bother reacting with his weapon, this time he pitched his body left, and brought his right leg up. The human delivered a rough kick to the Unicorn's front, knocking back about three feet. The kick was actually strong enough to make Chival gasp for breath. "Resourceful." He smiled. They both took a minute to see how the other two were faring. Meta was progressively getting angrier each time Daniel was able to dodge or block one of his moves. Daniel had long since found a way around cheap teleporting sword attacks. Meta grunted in annoyance as he circled around his student while delivering a lightning quick thrust. Daniel held his ground, but as soon as he parried the thrust, he moved in on his teacher. Meta; with no weapon in front of him to defend himself, was helpless to Daniel's one two attack. The one being a sword swipe, and the two being a hefty punch to Meta's side. For the humans, seeing their teachers struggle in combat like they had on their first day was a very pleasurable reward. "I don't know about you Chival, but I'm just about done being knocked around." His unicorn friend chuckled. "Well, they have grown wise to the way we fight, and they're picking up some neat tricks of their own. "I don't know, I could go for some more." Daniel said while wiping his brow. "Nah, I think two training seesions in one evening is good enough. Glad to see you're both improving." Chival rubbed his chest. "We're gonna go wash up, we'll see you two in the mess hall." "Kay, see you there." Kelly was going to say something to his friend, but didn't have much chance as Daniel quickly left the training grounds. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The boys ate a very quiet dinner while the rest of the guards visited and joked around them. Every now and then someone would bring up the human's performance in training, but Kelly nor Daniel paid much attention. After getting enough to eat, Daniel stood up to leave. Kelly still had some food on his plate, but stood the same time his friend did, intent on catching him in the hall. Daniel turned the corner and proceeded down the hall, while Kelly quickly caught up and turned him around. "What's your deal?" Kelly scowled. "What are you talking about?" "Don't give me that crap, what are you so pissed off about?" Daniel burned a glare at his friend. "You know what! You not telling me about a way back!" Kelly rolled his eyes. "I didn't deliberately keep it from you! And besides, we don't even know if what she found out will even help us, it's just a hunch for now!" Daniel sighed, and turned away. Kelly's eyes softened. "Do you really want to leave that bad?" Daniel took a moment to think. "I don't know." "Well, what? Is this place too...girly...or something." "No." "You don't like it here at the castle?" "I don't know." "What then?!" "I don't know!" Kelly stood motionless, but still held his stare. Daniel sighed again, and turned around. "For the past few nights, I've been having these stupid dreams." "About what." Concern was in his voice. "I...I'm not sure. It's like...sometimes it's at that one picnic. You remember, the one we had like a week ago." Kelly nodded. "Go on." "Well, usually it starts out, I'm hanging out with you guys. And by 'you guys' I mean you, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and everyone else. So, were all talking, and laughing, and having a great time, but it doesn't take long for me to notice that...no one's talking to me. I mean...no one's even looking at me. It's like I don't exist." Kelly's interest was peaked. "Usually after that, I try to get your attention, but...when I try...it's like I'm a ghost or something. I reach my arm out, and I can FEEL myself reaching my arm out, but...when I do, there's nothing there." "So, it's like your actually non-existent." Daniel confirmed with a nod. "Then I start to panic y'know, I...I don't know what to do, I start...freaking out! But still, no one can hear me, or see me. I can still hear all of you though. You. You talk about me usually, like...you've always known me. The only difference is that...it's as if I never came with you. Usually, I wake up after that." Kelly waited to make sure his friend was finished. He then approached Daniel and put a hand on his shoulder. "I don't know why you would dream something like that up, but you shouldn't stress yourself over it. It's probably just anxiety getting the better of you. We've had alot on our plate since we got here." Daniel shrugged. "I suppose. And this is definitely not something that would trouble me this much, but the dream keeps coming back. I hate it." "I don't understand though, these dreams are why you want to go home so bad?" "I don't even know anymore. I'm not a brony, so I don't even know what I want." A minute of silence went by. "What do you want to do?" Kelly frowned. "I know it sounds really selfish, and stupid, but...if given the choice...I'd rather stay." Daniel scoffed. "You're a brony, what did I expect?" "I'm sure almost any brony wants to come to equestria." A few quiet seconds went by. "So, you don't want to stay?" Daniel knew his answer should have been 'no'. But there was something keeping him from answering directly. He could only give another half-hearted... "I don't know..." Kelly began to walk away. "I guess we'll see how that all turns out if Celestia finds us a way home. Oh, and Daniel. If these dreams become serious, just know that I'm here for you, okay?" Daniel smiled. "Thanks, man." "You got it." -------------------------------------------------------------- Plexis had only heard a portion of the human's conversation, but continued to listen in. "I don't understand though, these dreams are why you want to go home so bad?" "I don't even know anymore. I'm not a brony, so I don't even know what I want." A minute of silence went by. "What do you want to do?" "I know it sounds really selfish, and stupid, but...if given the choice...I'd rather stay." Plexis heard Daniel scoff. "You're a brony, what did I expect?" "I'm sure almost any brony wants to come to equestria." A few quiet seconds went by. "So, you don't want to stay?" "I don't know..." Plexis could hear one of them approaching the corner, then stop. "I guess we'll see how that all turns out if Celestia finds us a way home. Oh, and Daniel. If these dreams become serious, just know that I'm here for you, okay?" "Thanks, man." "You got it." Plexis quickly walked off, not wanting any suspicion to rest on him. "I knew they were hiding something. I don't know what a 'brony' is, but somehow those two knew about Equestria before they even got here." Plexis smirked, but it immediately vanished. "I'm going to have to see what else they know before I can do anything about this. Those humans won't be here for much longer." ----------------------------------------------------------- Land of the Changelings: Around Midnight The Captain and the other shadows were weary from a full day's ride, but with the aid of the broken queen, they would have strength in numbers which was something they needed to overpower Canterlot. As the group approached the intrance to a dark grove, they were halted by dozens of changeling followers ready to protect their queen from intruders. Some of the shadows began to unsheath their weapons, but the Captain held up his hand, signaling them to stop. Even if the changelings would never go as far as murder, he knew they would be run off by the shear quantity of attackers. Plus, they needed the queen's help. "We are not here on aggressive terms, we come in peace." The changelings looked at one another, but understood what the shadow was saying. "We wish to speak with your queen. We have a proposition for her." He was met with more confused looks. "I understand that you all have been deprived of your life source. We have a solution to that, but we must speak with the queen." A few changelings began exchanging opinions. They didn't communicate in any recognizable fashion, they grunted, and hissed at one another until they came to an agreement. The Captain watched as a few of them entered the grove, most likely to consult the queen of their arrival. A couple minutes passed as the changelings reappeared, and cleared the way for the shadows to enter the grove. The flesh dingos snapped hungrily at the insect like pony creatures, but the shadows made sure they obeyed and stayed true. Soon the group entered a mossy room with a large changeling resting on a very large tree root, acting as a throne; the queen. "Welcome, Captain. My children tell me that you come with a proposition to help us with our...famine." "That is correct." The queen stood, and her ravaged wings flapped angrily. "In my domain, you will address me as your highness." "I've got a much better name to address her by." One of the shadows wispered. The Captain didn't take kindly to her demanding attitude, but he remained calm. "Of course...your highness." Chrysalis sat again. "Much better. So tell me, what exactly are you? I have never seen your kind before." The Captain knew exactly what she meant, but decided to answer in a different manor. "We are sworn enemies of Celestia, much like yourselfs." The mention of the Sun Goddess made Chrysalis' blood boil. "I see. Might I ask what your plight with her is?" "She has something of ours." "And how exactly do you plan to get it back, surely this is not your only battalion." "No, your highness. We have an entire army ready to attack Canterlot within a few days." "What do you plan to do after you take Canterlot?" "Simple. We eliminate the Princess', and take back what is ours." "You plan to...kill Celestia?" The Captain simply nodded. "And the citizens?" "They shall be spared." Chrysalis sat and thought. With the royal sisters gone, no one would stand in her way to take Equestria for the sake of her subjects. Perhaps that meddlesome Twilight, and her friends may be a problem, but they would be able to detain those six, just like last time. A certain couple crossed her mind. "There are two others that should be dealt with if you want my aid. Shining Armor, the captain of the royal guard. And Princess Cadance, his wife." "So you will help us?" Chrysalis squinted. "How come your army alone cannot take Canterlot?" "We suspect that Celestia may know of our plans. With your help, we can overrun them even if they are prepared." "And you'll leave the rest of Equestria to me and my children?" "Canterlot...is all that we want." the Captain lied. "Are you the leader of this army?" "No, your highness. We rule under the Master of Shadows, Lord Ferindher." "Then tell your Lord Ferindher that he has gained my help. Tell me when and where to meet your army, and my children and I shall be there, ready." The Captain chuckled quietly. "Excellent." -------------------------------------------------------------------- Two days Later Twilight was just in the middle of reading over some results for the town's reconstruction when she heard a knock at her door. She could hear the pitter patter of her assistant hurrying down the stairs. "Don't worry Spike, I've got it." "Okay." He replied before heading back up. Twilight opened her door to find Rarity with a very very goofy grin plastered on her face. "Oh, good afternoon Rarity. You look rather...jubilant today." "Hello, Twilight. Mind if I come in?" "Of course, come on in." Twilight gestured her in with a hoof. "How are you today, darling?" "Well today's a pretty good day, town repairs are coming along smoothly. Alot of ponies have been able to return to their homes. I bet we could finish repairs long before I anticipated." "Yes, I was glad to see that alot of homes were finished on my way here." "And those blankets you made really gave those at City Hall a much easier time." "I was more than happy to help, dear." Twilight returned to some of her notes. "So what brings you by today? Need a new book?" Rarity giggled. "Nope." "Came to see Spike?" "Not today." A faint "Awwwwwww" could be heard from upstairs. Twilight was beginning to catch on. "Came to gossip..." she said in a monotone voice. Rarity gasped. "How did you know?!" Twilight deadpanned. "Well since you brought it up..." Twilight groaned. "Rarity, I don't really have time for-" "Oh no, Twilight! I know what your thinking, but this is actually kind of important." Twilight looked at her friend, unconvinced. "How so?" Rarity cleared her throat, she was going to ask the same question she used to begin the discussion with the other elements. Twilight would be the last to hear. "What is your take on Kelly and Daniel?" Twilight wasn't sure exactly what Rarity meant. "Um, they're good friends, and I do enjoy their company." "What about Kelly specifically?" The only reason she asked is because Kelly had been staying with her. Twilight leaned toward what Rarity was getting at, but still wanted to clarify. "What do you mean?" Rarity giggled again. "You know, what's he...like?" Twilight didn't want to believe it, but at the same time, she couldn't keep her cheeks from glowing red. "Rarity! You don't mean?!" "What? I just asked-" "Trust me, I know what your talking about, but...why?! Why would you ask me if I...like him?!" "Wellllll, it's just that I talked to Fluttershy a few days ago, and she told me that she has this strange notion that Kelly...has feelings for her." Twilight's jaw dropped. "And then I talked to Applejack. She said that she had the same feeling about Daniel towards her. And the way she talked about him, it was almost as if she had a thing for HIM." Twilight shook her head to clear her thoughts. "Are you sure you heard them right?" "Twilight, a lady has instincts. I think it's quite obvious that these boys have some kind of deeper feeling for Fluttershy and AJ." "But, that CRAZY! I mean, it doesn't make sense!" "Well, what do you think of them?" Twilight fumbled for an answer. "Wha-...I...well, Kelly's a very thoughtful, helpful, and kind person. But, I don't even know what...attractive is in human standards, so how could I even form an opinion?!" Rarity shrugged. "I suppose your right, Twilight." Rarity motioned towards the door. "But if you ask me, I'd say for humans, they are quite...dashing...in their own way." Rarity opened the door. "Toodaloo." She called, as she left the library. Twilight took a moment to take in what she just heard. She laughed to herself as a result. She then walked over to her drawer where she kept all of her written documents. Near the bottom, she pulled out the several parchments that cataloged everything Kelly had told her about his species, and his home. She read them over. As she did, Twilight couldn't help but feel sad that he wasn't there for her to talk to. She thought about what he might be doing all the way at Canterlot. She even went as far as to wonder if she ever crossed his mind. "Ah, no!" Twilight tried to think about something else. What Rarity had said was possible, but it was pretty abnormal at the same time. Twilight glanced out of her window at the City. Parts of it gleamed in the daylight. She couldn't help it, no matter how odd she thought it was. She missed him. Twilight sighed, and said to herself. "He'll be back, don't you worry." "Who'll be back?" "AAAHH!" Spike's presence made Twilight jump out of her coat. "Nopony!" She said hastily. Spike just scratched his head in confusion. "O...kay." Gotta tell ya, this romance stuff is kinda fun to write... Hope you guys enjoyed.