//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Forgiveness and Friendship // Story: A New Life // by TwilightLuna //------------------------------// High above the town of Ponyville, sat Celestia's afternoon sun.  Young fillies and colts played in the streets while the other townsfolk went about their daily routines. Their noses were also filled with the aromas with the many foods that the local establishments provided. One in particular was being patronized by the town's resident librarian and a creature that none of the other townsfolk had ever seen or heard of before.  "...and everything that I tried couldn't get the Elements of Harmony to appear. It wasn't until my friends found me that I felt something inside of me." "What do you mean? What was it?" Andrew asked before taking a sip from his glass and placing it back on the table.  "It was a  spark. I felt it inside of me when I realized how happy I was that they were there with me, when I realized that they were my friends. Once that happened, all of the Elements of Harmony appeared before us and we used them to defeat Nightmare Moon." "So, what happened to Nightmare Moon?" "When we all came to, she was gone. She had been turned back into Princess Luna. Somehow, the Elements of Harmony changed her back." "So, you're saying that you defeated Nightmare Moon with the magic of friendship?" "Something like that, yes. Though I think Spike would call it rainbow lasers or something like that." "Nightmare Moon. Princess Luna. Elements of harmony. Rainbow lasers. Not to mention, Changelings and a lord of chaos.” Andrew shook his head. “I'm really confused. It all sounds like something out of a cartoon for kids." Twilight held a hoof to her mouth and let out a giggle. "Not to worry, I can explain all of it later when we get back to the library." Andrew grabbed the last bit of the pizza from his plate and put it in his mouth, savoring the wonderful flavors. He still couldn't get over how much better everything tasted there. After washing it down with some lemonade, he let out a relaxing sigh as he leaned back against the chair. He extended his arms above his head and gave them a good stretch.  "Well regardless, your friends sound like great horses. Umm.. I mean ponies.” Andrew held up both of his hands before his companion could correct him. “Sorry, this still is all so new and strange to me.” Twilight nodded. "They really are. They are the best friends that anypony could ever ask for." Twilight paused before continuing. "Speaking of my friends, I wanted to talk to you about something, if you don't mind." Twilight fidgeted with her hooves. Andrew noticed the change in tone of Twilight's voice. Whatever it was, it must be serious. "Umm...sure. What's on your mind?" Twilight had been trying to figure out a diplomatic way to resolve the situation. But experience has taught her that sometimes it's best to be direct and hope for the best. She took in a deep breath and let out an exhale before continuing. "It's about what happened with you and Spike. I was hoping that you two could make up and even try to become friends. It would mean a lot to me, especially if you're going to be staying with us for the time being." Andrew stared back at the pony as he tried to come up with a response. The situation had been on his mind since they had left Rarity's place but he still hadn't made a decision yet. Rarity's words were still echoing through his mind.  "Do you have any friends where you're from?" "Well, if you really want to know, I don't really have any friends back home." Andrew admitted. "No friends? Why not?" Twilight asked, tilting her head to the side.  Andrew sighed before responding to the pony sitting in front of him. "I have my job and reading doesn't give me much time for friends. I feel like I get more enjoyment out of relaxing on the couch with a good book." Twilight blinked a few times as it hit her how much this human was like how she used to be. "Well, to be honest, I used to feel the same way. When I lived in Canterlot, there wasn't a day when my nose wasn't in a book reading about magic, old Equestrian languages, or history.  There were other ponies that I hung around with but I never considered them my friends. I had never appreciated other ponies until now.  Come to think of it, I wonder what they're doing now." Twilight pondered as she placed her hoof under her chin before figuring that now wasting the time and returned her attention to her guest. “Look, I don’t know what caused you to stop having friends but I know from first hoof experience what will happen if you keep your face stuck in a stack of books and push everypony else away. I spent most of my life believing that friends weren't important that they would only got in the way of my studies. All that mattered to me was learning as much as I could and getting the best grades. That was, until Princess Celestia sent me to Ponyville. If she hadn’t sent me here, I would probably still be living in Canterlot, spending every moment that I could at the Canterlot Library without any friends." "But what about your studies? Did you give those up?" "Oh, I'm still doing those but I've learned to spend time with my friends as well. It's not that hard if you give it a chance." Twilight paused before taking a taking a breath and giving Andrew a stern look, "Look, it's your decision what you want to do with your life. I just hope that you make the right decision before it's too late. "  The gaze of Andrew's blue eyes shifted from the purple pony sitting across from him to the straw in his drinking class as it moved around in his fingers. Twilight's words echoed in his mind as his thoughts drifted to his life before coming to Equestria. Even with his books, his life has become as empty as the drinking glass in front of him. There was no one to share his insights with or anyone that he could make laugh, that is except for his sister. Maybe Twilight is right. It's time for a change.  After a few moments, the solemn look on his face. He started to smile, one of his first in Equestria, and looked up at the unicorn. "Twilight, I know what I have to do but I'm going to need your help." "Of course. What can I do?" Twilight asked, giving the human a puzzled look. Arriving back at the library, Andrew closed the door behind them and hung his jacket on a hook by the door. "Spike! We're back!" Twilight called out to her assistant. "Alright! I'm up here reading!" Spike replied back.  Andrew started walking up the stairs before being stopped by Twilight. "Are you sure you don't want me to go up there with you?" Andrew turned his head and shook it. "I'll be fine. This is something that Spike and I have to do alone." "Alright. Good luck. When you're done, can you have Spike come down and make some dinner?" "Sure thing." Andrew replied, readjusting a package in his hand.  Andrew went upstairs to the loft to find Spike lying in his basket engrossed in a comic book. "Go Power Ponies! Stop Mane-iac or Maretropolis is doomed! Pew! Pew! Pow!" Andrew  couldn't help but let out a light chuckle at Spike's childish antics.  He may be a kid but he has a big heart, the human thought to himself.  Spike suddenly looked up from his book and was shocked to see Andrew  standing there.  "Oh hey, Andrew. I didn't even hear you come up." "It's alright. Enjoying the comic book?" Andrew smirked. "You bet! The Power Ponies are awesome!" He exclaimed before noticing something in Andrew's hand. "What do you have there?" "It's my way of saying that I forgive you and thanks for this morning with  Rarity." Andrew said, handing him the bag. "Think of it as a peace  offering." Andrew swore that Spike's eyes got even bigger when opened the bag and saw what was inside. "No way! A sapphire cupcake! Awesome!" Spike smiled, licking his lips at the tasty treat.  "You're welcome, Spike. I hope you enjoy.."  *CHOMP* "...it." Before Andrew could finish, Spike had shoved the entire cupcake in his mouth. His cheeks bulged out as he chewed and swallowed it.  "Yum. That sure was tasty. Thanks dude!" "I'm  glad you enjoyed it." Andrew rubbed the spines on Spike's head before  kneeling down to his eye level. "Look Spike, I've spent some time today thinking and I now understand that you were just trying to protect Twilight. You were scared and acted out of instinct. She’s lucky to have a little brother like you to look out for her.” “You really think so?” Spike smiled and looked at Andrew with big emerald eyes. "Of  course. Who else can say that they have a little brother that can cook and breathe fire?" Andrew grinned, giving Spike a little jab in the arm with his elbow.  "Thanks dude." Spike grinned back at the human before changing to a more serious look. "Hey, I know that we got off on the wrong foot yesterday but Twilight likes having you around and you seem like a pretty cool guy. What I'm trying to say is, do you wanna be friends?  Andrew looked at Spike for a few moments thinking to himself. My first friend in Equestria. Is it really that easy to make friends here?  Just last night, he tried to barbecue me and now he wants to be friends. What if Twilight can't send me home? I'm going to need some  friends here. There's no way can I survive here for very long all by myself. There's something about Spike that tells me that I can trust him even though I haven't known him for very long. He suddenly felt a warmth spread through his body. Something he had not felt in a long time. "Sure, kid." Before Andrew knew it, Spike grabbed him in a hug. Chucking to himself, Andrew reciprocated the hug. A  few moments later, Andrew released Spike and stood up. "Oh, before I forget, Twilight wanted you to make some dinner after your bath." "Alright. I'm just getting to the good part of this  comic and then I'll start my bath." Spike giggled before opening the comic and going back to  reading. Andrew shook his head and made his way downstairs where  Twilight was still reading. She looked up when she heard him come down  the stairs. "I couldn't help overhear what you two said up there.  Thank you for forgiving Spike, I appreciate it." Twilight said with a  big smile, like a parent proud of their child.  "Your friend  Rarity helped me see things from Spike's point of view and that staying mad at him wasn't going to help anyone. Plus, having him as my friend won't be so bad I think." "I'm glad you realize that." Twilight smiled with a nod.  "There is an old saying, 'It takes a strong person to say sorry, and even stronger one to forgive'. Twilight looked at Andrew for a moment before speaking. "That's very well said."  This human is full of surprises. "Thanks. I don't know what made me think of it. It just popped in my head." Andrew admitted. "That was very sweet of you to get Spike that cupcake. You didn't have to do that for him." Twilight smiled at the human. A few moments later, Spike finally came downstairs to make dinner.  The pony and human followed Spike to the kitchen where he warmed up some vegetarian lasagna. Andrew had never had any vegetarian food before but  he thought this was really good. It has the right amount of cheese and  vegetables. Spike didn't eat very much because of the cupcake he had  eaten before. So, he went back upstairs to finish his comic book before going to bed. After Andrew and Twilight finished their meal, they put the dishes in the sink. They left the kitchen and went back to the  main area. Both of them enjoyed some hot chocolate while she told him about the rest of her day doing research. "So how often do you two organize all these books?" Andrew looked around at all the shelves filled with books. "About  once a month or so. I do so much research for my studies that I don't have time to put everything back where it should be. Not to mention  books being checked out and returned by the residents of Ponyville." "Well, you have a lot of books. Its a good thing you have an assistant to help you then." "Yeah,  I don't know what I'd do without Spike." Twilight smiled before letting  out a yawn. "Well, I'm bushed from all that organizing and studying  today. Thanks again for making up with Spike. He is like a little  brother to me. It means a lot that you cared enough to do that for him."  and gave him a hug. Andrew leaned down and hugged her back. After a few  moments, he released her. Twilight made her way upstairs to the loft.  After  Andrew finished cleaning the dishes, he got cleaned up and went  upstairs. Both Twilight and Spike were already sound asleep in their  beds. Twilight had a book opened up next to her. Andrew couldn't help  but shake his head as he bookmarked her spot in the book and placed it  on her nightstand. Unzipping his pants and stepping out of them, he slid  into bed. He tried falling asleep but his thoughts kept going back to  home. Has anyone missed him yet? Are they wondering where he was? As  much as he didn't want to admit it, this place wasn't all that all that  bad. Very nice people....ponies. Good food. What was I going to do if I can't go back though? *knock knock knock* Andrew moaned as he stirred from his slumber by the constant knocking sound. Not wanting to get up, he hoped that Spike would get the door or whoever it was would just go away. A few moments later, the knocking returned. The human figured that both Spike and Twilight were too sound asleep to hear any of the racket. Rolling over, he slowly became aware of his surroundings. He was puzzled that he wasn't lying in a soft bed but on something a lot harder. Mentally, he hoped that he hadn't fallen out of the bed in his sleep. Spike and Twilight would never let him hear the end of it.  Feeling the floor with his fingers, it felt like a carpet but Andrew knew that Twilight's library doesn't have a carpet. Andrew opened his eyes and saw that he was indeed laying on the floor. Everything was a little hazy at first but after a few moments his vision improved. What he saw shocked him. Everything looked familiar but not in the way he expected. There were shelves of books, a TV, plants, and pictures on the walls. Then it finally hit him like a freight train. “This isn’t Twilight’s place. This is.....my living room. I-I’m back home! But how?” ‘Spike?’ ‘Twilight?’