//------------------------------//
// Spells to Inspire 
// Story: Misadventures of a Henchpony 
// by Big Saij 
//------------------------------//

"So, what do you need me for again?" I asked Spike while perusing through the various dusty tomes on the bookshelves, taking a look at the covers and pretending to be able to read the titles. While a help I wanted to be, a good looker for books I was not. It's why libraries were up there as some of the most boring places for me, along with empty rooms and large deserts.

Spike sighed, putting his book back where it belonged on the shelf. "We're trying to find something that can help Rarity make something in time for the fair. You're the only one I could trust to keep this quiet since I don't want Twilight finding out I was here alone." The dragon paused. "Though I know you can't be much help, since, you know..."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But look at you, going behind Twilight's back." He couldn't see my slight smile since my own back was turned to him, but I was sure he got the idea. "Heading out to the Castle of the Two Sisters with just a friend and an owl, looking for something useful like a true adventurer. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I'm rubbing off on you!" When I looked up after finishing my little comment, I saw said owl staring down at me, looking quite annoyed. Probably. It was hard to tell. "Fine, two friends," I corrected, grumbling.

"Well we're not looking for something for me, we're looking for Rarity," Spike responded, a bit exasperated. I didn't blame him very much; it had already seemed like we had been searching for hours. "As her favorite dragon, it's up to me to come through for her in her time of need! And I can't let her down!" I saw him hop on a ladder and roll down towards the other end of the bookshelf, pulling out yet more spellbooks to look through.

Getting back down from the stool I was standing on, I followed him down the aisle, shrugging. "Personally I wouldn't use a spell to solve a problem like Rarity's, but what do I know? I'm not a unicorn." Blinking, I stopped before backing up a bit. "Hey, wait a minute..."

That got Spike's attention. "Did you find anything?" he asked, hurriedly getting down from his ladder and walking over. I was staring at a single book, nondescript and lonely upon its shelf. Spike looked at it from all angles, seeing if there was anything special about it. "Jungle, this isn't even a spellbook," he said finally. "How is this going to help us or Rarity?"

"It's not," I answered flatly. "But look at it. It's standing all alone on the bookshelf. Books don't usually do that. Which means..." I tried pulling on the book, not surprised in the slightest when it hinged backwards like a secret lever. In fact, it even gave me flashbacks to my incident in the Canterlot Library with the two books.

Good times, those were.

Much like any secret lever in a library ever, the trigger caused a nearby wall to slide away, revealing a locked gate. Behind it was an ominous staircase over a great chasm, the top of which held a pedestal with a single book. The cover looked to be made of stone, and spikes formed a circle around the image of a star. "Bingo," I said, impressed with myself, which didn't happen often considering how used I was to my stunning greatness. Truly, I had outdone myself yet again.

Owlowiscious flapped his wings and gave a few warning hoots while Spike and I approached the new hidden room, our curiosity getting the better of both of us. "I'm guessing that's the kind of thing you're looking for?" I asked, preemptively assuming an affirmative response. "We'll have to find the key to unlock the gate first, though. Do you think it's still somewhere nearby?"

"We could go looking. Or, we could do this." Breathing in deeply, Spike exhaled fire all over the lock, causing it to glow orange before it melted off the hook keeping the gate shut. I blinked; sometimes I honestly forgot that he had those dragon abilities, despite still remembering he was a dragon. He wasn't helping me send letters through dragonfire, after all. That was a Twilight thing only.

Spike pulled the gate open, but I stuck a hoof out to keep him from walking forward. "Excellent work, Spike, but I believe this is a job a bit more suited for me. No offense." After probing the ground a bit to make sure it was solid, I began my trek up the stairs, being careful not to put too much weight on a single hoof. Bats flew around me and towards the now-open gate, doing little to dissuade me from reaching the top. Looking down into the endless void of darkness was a terrible idea, which is why I definitely did not do it. Nope. I was also absolutely not sweating or letting my eyes dart around before focusing on the prize in front of me.

Studying it a bit, the book seemed fairly normal, at least by magical artifact standards. It was certainly heavy, judging by its stone casing. Readying my hooves, I could hear Spike's teeth chattering from far behind me while Owlowiscious gave more hoots of alarm. Then, quick as thunder and fast as lightning, I grabbed the tome from its pedestal, sliding it into my saddlebag.

"See," I said as breezily as possible, "no problems at all. Piece of cake."

And it was only at that moment that I noticed Spike pointing at the ground beneath my hooves, and just a moment after that where I realized it was shaking and cracking. Yelping, I jumped upwards and forwards, getting off the platform and running down the stairs as fast as my legs would take me. The chunks of stone were falling into the abyss right behind me, and as I tripped near the bottom I just barely rolled out back into the library as the remainder of the staircase disappeared into the darkness. The stone slab that once hid the entrance slid back into place, making it seem like the hidden room was never there.

While I was still recovering from my tumble, Spike wasted no time snatching the book from my open saddlebag, flipping it open to the first page. "Inspiration Manifestation," he read aloud to both of us. "Instantly bring ideas to life!"

"That sounds like what we're looking for." I got up and brushed the dirt and dust off my clothes and hat before taking a closer look at our newfound spellbook. "But are we sure we want to give this one to Rarity? I mean, it's pretty obvious that whoever put that book there in the first place didn't want it easily found..."

Spike waved a claw dismissively. "Psh, it'll be fine. Rarity just needs a way to get something done for the fair! Besides, it's not like this is dark magic or anything like that."

"If you say so... Just remember, you're the one giving it to her, not me."

"Yeah. Duh." Now I was actually offended by that, considering I had just risked my life to get him that book, but considering he was still being my reader and all I let it slide this one time. It probably was only because Rarity was involved, anyway. Literally anypony could tell that Spike was madly in love. "Just promise not to tell anypony about this trip, okay? I can't have Twilight finding out."

I smirked. "Familiar much? Sure, I'll keep this secret. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Yeah, I still remembered that little thing that Pinkie Pie had shown me. It was weird though, having the feeling as if I had just signed a contract with my soul. I felt shivers crawl up my spine at the mere idea of breaking my word, the whispers of unimaginable punishment should such an act be committed. Ponyvillians weren't joking when they said it was the most unbreakable promise one could make.

"Thanks, Jungle."

"Don't mention it." Tipping my hat, I began walking away down the long hallway of bookshelves, before turning to look at the dragon one last time.

"No, but seriously, don't mention it. We both have secrets to keep now."





Being ever an optimist, I was really hoping that nothing bad would come of that book. Giving it to Rarity of all ponies didn't exactly inspire the most confidence, but surely Spike was reasonable. He'd stop things if they got out of hoof. He'd keep it under control.

My assumptions were immediately broken only a few hours after we had returned from the Everfree Forest by an owl slamming against my window. Being startled from the nap I was having on the couch, I almost fell on the floor before catching myself on all four hooves. Owlowiscious was flying outside, giving multiple hoots in an attempt to get my attention.

After taking a deep breath, closing my eyes, and groaning heavily, I trotted over to the door and let Twilight's pet inside. "What is it this time?" I asked, even though I could make a pretty good guess what it was related to. "I was trying to get some extra sleep."

"Hoo."

"I don't speak owl." How Spike was able to get meaning from his hooting, I had no idea. Maybe it was just experience. Or educated guesses. Either way, I would need a non-verbal solution to whatever he was trying to tell me, and I thought of one pretty fast. "Look, why don't I just follow you and you take me to wherever you need me to go? I'm sure this has something to do with Spike and that book, right?"

"Hoo." That was definitely an affirmative hoot. Nodding, I grabbed my hat off of the stand on the wall (which I made myself as a home improvement, thank you for asking) before going out the door, making sure to close it behind me. Owlowiscious guided me down the street, taking me through an alleyway and out into one of the countless Ponyville courtyards.

And that was when I immediately saw the first problem.

Applejack and Granny Smith were busy staring at their apple cart, which I was fairly certain was not always made of solid gold and encrusted with jewels. Standing close by was Rainbow Dash, wearing a purple dress that she would absolutely never be caught out in the open with if she could. And there was only one pony I knew who would be able to pull off such horrors of fashion.

"Oh, hey Jungle," Applejack greeted as I made my way over, taking a closer look at the scene before me. "Say, do you have any idea what could have caused this? One minute I was selling apples as usual, and the next our cart turned into whatever this is!"

"Yeah! I was just trying to do my cloud-busting, when all of the sudden I was wearing this dress! I can't even take it off!"

I resisted the urge to laugh, which was quite a feat considering how Rainbow Dash looked. "I might have an idea," I said nonchalantly. "You see, a few hours ago-"

My sentence was interrupted by a familiar feeling. The chills crawling up my back, the dark sensation of a promise close to being broken. Darkness approaching, danger looming. I silently berated myself for my slip-up; both in almost breaking a Pinkie Promise and making one to Spike in the first place. I should have known better.

"...Yes?" Applejack prodded me forward, causing my voice to stutter for a second. "What happened a few hours ago?"

"Well, uh..." Backing away slowly, I got ready to make my quick escape from the awkward situation. "Actually, I just remembered I have something very important to do, so I'll talk to you later. Good luck finding out who did it!" Then, like any brave and daring adventurer obviously would, I turned around and galloped away from my two friends, Owlowiscious fortunately following close behind.

"Hoo."

I brushed the owl away. "Yeah yeah, I get it. Laugh it up. Just lead the way already."

The situation did not get any better from there. As we continued through Ponyville, the crimes that Rarity had left behind were on full display, as befitting of the fashionista. Fluttershy was busy trying to help a bird get out of an overly-elaborate birdhouse, and Pinkie Pie was attempting to fix a birthday party that looked more like a gala in Canterlot. Honestly, anypony who couldn't figure out the culprit from that alone might not have all their marbles in the right bag, if you get my drift.

Then again, I already knew who was behind it from the beginning, so maybe I wasn't the best pony to judge.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before I found at least one of the creatures I was looking for; Spike, dressed up in some overdone crystal costume, along with the Princess of the day, Twilight Sparkle. "Jungle!" the latter exclaimed, seeming a bit more enthusiastic about seeing me than usual. "Thank goodness you're alright. Have you seen anypony suspicious around?"

"Nope. I'm guessing you mean all the weird changes going around though, right?"

Twilight nodded. "Whatever's going on, it's making Ponyville fall into chaos! I've already had to help six different ponies out of dresses they said randomly appeared on them! It's only a matter of time before-"

"Princess Twilight!" Mayor Mare galloped over to our group, looking quite worried. "The gazebo has been turned into solid crystal, and two ponies are now trapped inside its walls!" The Princess nodded before flying off, the mayor following close behind on hoof.

A few seconds passed for that to sink in before I turned to look at my one remaining non-owl partner. "Spike, this is getting out of hoof. If Rarity keeps going somepony is going to get hurt, or worse. We need to stop her."

The dragon was having difficulty in just getting up with his heavy crystal attire, and I had to offer a hoof for assistance before he could respond. "But I promised Rarity that I'd keep the book a secret! If I break that promise, I'd lose her friendship forever!"

"Is that really a bad thing?" I thought to myself. I wouldn't say it out loud, since I knew Spike wouldn't be happy, but suffice to say that my opinion of the unicorn hadn't exactly gone up today. "Right," I said carefully, "so we have to stop Rarity together. Just you, me and Owlowiscious. I'm sure we can think of some sort of plan if we all put our minds to it."

All of us put on our best thinking faces. Owlowiscious gave a single hoot, which caused Spike to roll his eyes. "Yes, I know that the spellbook is the problem. How is that supposed to help-" He stopped short, his eyes widening. "The spellbook! If we can get it away from her, I bet she won't be able to use its magic anymore!"

"Worth a shot." I looked around. "So, uh, where do we find her?"

The pained screams of ponies caused us all to turn our heads, seeing them blinded by the glare of a perfectly golden and shining road. It seemed that Rarity's fashion sense was deteriorating by the minute along with her sanity. I mean come on, that sheen just did not look good in broad daylight.

Spike pointed a claw. "I'm thinking she's heading this way," he said, stating the obvious.

"Yes, I agree," I replied with a fake posh accent. "Now, shall we be off on the yellow road to save Ponyville?" Both Spike and I snickered as Owlowiscious rolled his eyes before the three of us began the walk to face the most daunting trial of our entire lives.

The rampaging fashionista.





Maniacal laughter was our first warning as we hid behind a bush, watching Rarity look out upon the vandalized Ponyville. "So, uh, what's the plan?" Spike asked me, making sure to keep low so the unicorn wouldn't see him. "Since you're the adventurer and all."

Oh, right. I was supposed to have the plan. Usually that was somepony else's department, like Doctor Caballeron's. Or Twilight's. Really, anypony that wasn't me. But alas, I was the last option left, so it was up to me to utilize my genius to halt this menace to society. Thinking with as much of my brain as possible, I formulated a strategy.

"Alright, here's the plan. Spike, you're going to be the one to go up and try to grab the book from Rarity's saddlebag. If you get caught, you'll probably have the best chance of explaining since you two are already close friends. I'll hide behind that nearby tree, and when you get the book you'll toss it to me so I can hide it in my saddlebag. Owlowiscious, you stay up high in the branches and provide backup support. Any questions?"

I got nothing, not even a hoot, so I assumed that we were in agreement. "Alright then, let's do this."

While Owlowiscious flew skywards and perched on one of the offshoots of the tree, I stayed low and kept myself behind the trunk. Peeking out, I watched as Spike slowly approached the unicorn, reaching a claw out to grab the book tucked away neatly in its bag...

And then Rarity turned as fast as lightning, face to face with Spike, her eyes glowing a sickly green. "What do you think you're doing?!" she asked, glaring daggers at him. I started shaking nervously; this was it.

"Uh, me?" the dragon stuttered. "I was just, uh, basking in your creative radiance!" We all held our breaths as nopony moved, waiting to see what would happen.

Slowly, the green faded from Rarity's eyes. "Oh, Spike, you do say the nicest things," she cooed, patting him on the head with a hoof. I sighed in relief, internally thanking Spike's great and experienced skill in flattery. He must had practiced before, because even I had to admit that I could probably never come up with something like that in time. "Now, where was I? Oh yes, gold-plated rooftops for everypony!"

This was bad. Looking up at our owl friend, I motioned with a hoof to move in. Winking at me, Owlowiscious flew downwards and began to harass the white unicorn, flying and hooting rapidly to cause a distraction. While she was preoccupied trying to wave him away, Spike was just barely able to reach out and grab the spellbook with a claw, hurriedly throwing it back to me right before Rarity looked back at him. I twisted myself completely out of view behind the tree, shoving it into my saddlebag and hurriedly closing the flap on it.

"Spike!" I heard a cry from behind me, and though it was obvious that it was Rarity I couldn't see what the situation was. "I have just had the most marvelous idea!"

"Of course you have," I heard Spike respond. "You're Rarity!" Wow, laying it on a little thick there, huh? Especially since we already got the book back.

"My work here in Ponyville is nearly complete. Don't you think it's time the rest of Equestria benefited from my creative vision?"

Oh no. No no no no no. Absolutely not. I was already imagining the Tenochtitlan Basin redesigned according to Rarity's standards, and I did not like it at all. There would practically be nothing left that made it what it was. Thank Celestia that we had stopped her when we did, or else there would be a real crisis on our hooves. Now that we had the spellbook and she didn't, though, I felt comfortable finally leaving my hiding spot, approaching Rarity and Spike from behind.

"Oh," Rarity was saying, "I'm thinking we go by chariot! Or as everypony will soon be calling them, Rariot!" Her laugh was still slightly unhinged, making me think that just maybe taking the book didn't completely restore her sanity just yet.

Spike didn't seem very concerned. "Oh yeah, we should definitely go by-" His sentence immediately dropped upon seeing a flash of green light, and a jeweled golden chariot appearing out of thin air. Both of our jaws dropped; it seemed our plan had completely backfired. Rarity was still creating as much as she was before, even without the book.

Welp, we were done for.

"How... how did you do that?" Spike asked in complete disbelief. Rarity seemed mostly confused by the question, raising an eyebrow.

"Why, whatever do you mean?"

"The book! It's-" I made a cutting motion through my throat, making it clear not to let our plan slip despite its failure. He got the message. "I mean... you don't... it's gone! The book is gone!"

"Gone?" She seemed incredulous at the mere notion of such a thing. "Why, it's right there." She looked at her empty saddlebag. There was a full two seconds of silence between all of us, as the absence of her precious tome seemed to need to register in her mind. Then, just as quickly as before, she turned on the dragon, furious. "I need my book, Spike! What have you done with my book?!"

I saw Spike start to sweat, cracking under the pressure. "Why would I do anything with your book?" he asked, trying to find an escape. "We're friends! It... it was probably Jungle!" He pointed at me, and I saw a very angry Rarity now glaring daggers in my direction instead.

Way to sell me out, Spike. Thanks a lot. Really appreciate it.

The only thing that saved me from certain doom was a sudden introspection by Rarity. "But wait," she said aloud, "I don't seem to need it anymore, do I?" In the blink of an eye, the green glow was back, lighting up her horn and irises in unnatural colors. "Yes... yes! I can feel its magic flowing within me now! I'm so excited... I'm so excited!"

"I'm so scared," both Spike and I said simultaneously, as if we had read each other's minds. It wasn't hard with how our once-friend was acting, though. She had completely lost it, become a full madmare on the loose.

"Oh, and Jungle, I'm so glad you stopped by! I really do think you could use a little... accessorizing!" I backed away, but it was too late; a flash of green blinded my eyes, then faded just as quickly as it came. With a sinking feeling I already knew what she had changed, with her many criticisms of the past involving my 'style' as she called it being centered on one piece of clothing in particular. I took off my hat, already feeling that it was not my own - the classic pith I had known and cherished for so long was gone, replaced with gold and jewels and sparkles in the same shape. It was a mockery of my closest possession, a defilement of the gift I held dear to me.

I was beyond annoyed by now. I was downright furious. Slamming my hoof down, I walked towards Rarity slowly, blood boiling in my veins and pure rage being the only thought in my mind. I would make her regret ever setting hoof in Ponyville. To take the one belonging I cared about most from me, just as an idle thought or a fashion statement; it was absurd. She would pay.

But as I got close to her, I felt resistance in my front hooves. Looking down, I saw Spike pushing me back, trying to stop me from looking forward. I know he saw the anger in my eyes, and I saw it too in my own irises reflected in his. But instead of fear, either of me or of Rarity, the only thing I saw on his face was grim determination. There was a silent message, a silent request passed between the two of us. He understood my fury, but this was his battle to fight, not mine. He nodded once at me, waiting for my response.

I stood still for a few moments, unblinking. Then, I nodded back.

Spike turned to face Rarity, his arms straightened downwards and his chest puffed out. "Rarity, you need to stop," he said loudly, in the hardest, most confident tone I had heard all week. He never faltered as the mare turned to face him, nor when she gave her harshest glare.

"What did you say?" she asked, her tone razor-sharp like a knife's edge.

"You have to stop, Rarity." You've been changing things, but you haven't been making them better! You trapped two ponies in crystal, you blinded them with a golden road, and you even took away something Jungle cares about a lot! He doesn't want this, nopony does! Not even me." He looked down, almost ashamed of himself. "I should have told you at the very beginning, but I didn't because I was trying to be a supportive friend. But instead... I let you become something awful."

Rarity's death glare never faltered until the very last word. Her expression immediately changed, first becoming confused, and then a bit aghast. "Awful?"

Her eyes completely glowed green, and she began to float in the air, the color leeching out and becoming a swirling cloud around her. Then, it whisked itself away, leaving the unicorn to return to the ground, a bit groggy and worse for wear. Rarity shook her head, disoriented. "Wha... what happened?" she asked, eyes tired.

"Rarity! You're okay?"

"I... I think so." She looked away from Spike, seeing Ponyville in all its new, golden-covered, crystalized terror. "Though by the looks of it something quite terrifying has happened to Ponyville."

"And my hat," I said harshly, anger still burning hot within me. "You made Ponyville look like a laughingstock, you ruined all of your friends' days and you ruined the one thing closest to me. Is there something you didn't do wrong?"

"What?" Rarity looked flabbergasted, indicating that she had absolutely no memories of her prior crimes. Absolutely delightful. "I did all that? But I... I couldn't have..."

"You don't remember?" I threw my hooves up in the air, fed up with it. "Great. Just great! Why don't you and Spike sort things out instead. I need some time alone." Storming off, I noticed Owlowiscious following close behind, which I didn't mind. He wasn't the one I was angry at.

Sitting down in a small clearing a good distance away, I sighed and set down my former hat on the grass. From an objective perspective, it was still beautiful. Perhaps a little flashy, but stylish. The Canterlot elite would have loved it, if my guesses about them were correct. It still retained its pith nature, fitting snugly on my head.

And yet it wasn't mine anymore. It didn't feel like mine, it felt like Rarity's. It was theft in all terms, by all standards. And yet, there might be a way to reverse it. Hesitantly, I pulled out the spellbook Spike had stolen from Rarity, staring into the cover. Owlowiscious gave a hoot of alarm, a clear warning. I paid it no heed, opening the book to the page that looked like the words of a spell. I knew I couldn't read them, but I also knew it was dark magic that paid no attention to the rules. And as I hoped, the symbols rearranged themselves to something I somehow understood. I could see what I needed to say in my mind, shadowy tendrils lurking at their edges.

"Jungle?" I heard Spike's voice say from a distance. "Jungle, where are you?"

"From in the head, to out in the world," I began uncaring, "every thought to action. Hold close this book and through its spell you'll start a chain reaction. Projecting forth whatever beauty you see, only when true words are spoken will you finally be set free."

I expected some sort of green mist or something, perhaps some shadows or darkness coming to grab hold of me. But instead, there was nothing. I tried concentrating on my hat, picturing in my mind how it looked like before. Still nothing. It was a failure, a dead end.

"Oh, there you are." Spike and Rarity appeared out of the bushes, the former immediately becoming alarmed upon seeing the open book in front of me. "Jungle, did you read the book?!"

Looking up at him, I rolled my eyes. "Yes Spike, I 'read' the book. I could see the words to the spell somehow. But it's no use. Without a unicorn horn, the magic doesn't work. I'm never getting my hat back."

"Oh, Jungle..." That was Rarity's voice now, sounding almost genuinely heartbroken. "I'm so sorry, I never meant for any of this to happen... I know how much that hat meant to you from your past, I never wanted to take that away! I just... Oh, I wish Spike had never given me that book in the first place!" Out of the corner of my eyes staring downwards, I saw the unicorn turn on the dragon. "Where did you even get that? Wait... did you steal it from Princess Celestia? Was that the book from the library in Canterlot Twilight told us about? Spike, how could you?!"

"What? No, but I... He... I didn't-"

"It wasn't that book, Rarity," I said, my tone remaining defeated. "I stole that book from Celestia. It's still sitting in my house back in Ponyville. This one I helped Spike get from the Castle of the Two Sisters, as a gift to help you with the fair." I chuckled, though there was no joy or emotion behind it. "Guess I have nopony to blame but myself for this."

"Don't say that." Rarity's tone was unusually firm, and I looked up to see her eyes staring into mine, full of care and compassion and yes, generosity. "You can't blame yourself for my mistakes. I let things get out of hoof, not you. You just wanted to help me as a friend in need." A hoof gently tilted my face up just a bit further. "And if there is anything, anything I can do to help you in return, I will."

I forced my head back downwards. "...Thank you, Rarity," I finally said. It was times like these when I realized why these ponies were my friends. It wasn't because they were heroes, or because of mere chance. It was because every single one of them, like Rarity just now, cared about friendship. They cared about keeping that friendship alive. And that friendship was a two-way street. If they were willing to give, I had to be willing to take too. "Well... I guess I am going to need a new hat now, since I don't really want to wear this one. Do you... think you could make one for me?"

Like the flip of a switch, Rarity's excitement immediately returned, though in a restrained matter. "Why of course, Darling! It would be the least I could do. Believe me, I do have an eye for these sorts of things, and I'm sure I could make it exactly like your old one was-"

She was stopped with a dismissive wave of my hoof. "If you want to make a few changes, that's fine. I trust you. Just... don't go too overboard with it, alright?"

Rarity blinked. "Oh! Yes yes, nothing too different. Perhaps a slightly darker shade of brown on the band? Oh, and I can finally add those little holes for the ears! It'll make wearing it so much more comfortable, what with no longer having it completely covered. Now come, we still have so much to do!" I took her extended hoof, and let her help me up off the ground. I closed the book of dark magic that had started this whole thing, and shoved it back in my saddlebag. Suffice to say that I would not be letting that thing see daylight for a long time.

"One more thing, Rarity," I said as the three of us, plus Owlowiscious began walking down the hill back towards the village of Ponyville. "About that book I mentioned that I stole from Celestia... can you keep that a secret, at least for a bit? I know I have to tell Twilight eventually, but-"

"Don't you worry, Jungle. I won't say a thing. When the time comes, I know you'll make the right decision."

"Thanks." And that was that. The rage, the sadness, the emptiness, it was all gone. Happiness wasn't quite the word I was feeling now, but it was something. Gratitude, perhaps? Newfound optimism for the future? Something along those lines. It was still very conflicting, but I felt like a page had been turned in my book of life, that perhaps Rarity and I could have a stronger friendship than ever before. That no matter what, we could always work past our differences. And that... that was comforting.

Still, there was one last thing I needed to address. Leaning down towards Spike, I whispered a single thing to the dragon, something that made his eyes widen in fear.

"By the way, you're on your own dealing with Twilight."