Shining and Spike trained together until the sun began to set. Despite the soreness, the dragon somehow maintained a surplus of energy.
"Not bad for your first day, huh?" Shining praised.
"All that and I'm not even tired. Guess you were right."
"Dragons were built for strenuous activity. Keep training like this and you'll be stronger than all of us in no time."
"Looks like it's about time to get going."
"Yeah. May as well see Twilight for at least a little bit before I head home."
"Hey, would you mind doin' me a solid?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"Can you teleport me back to mom and dad before you leave? It's been a while since we last saw 'em."
"Can't Twilight take you?"
"I was thinkin' of staying home for a few nights. Twilight can't because of school."
"She can drop you off and head back."
"Yeah. I guess that's true. I guess I just wanted to spend a little more time with you, too."
"Hey, don't look so down. You know where to find me. If nothing else, you can always fly to base and train with the rest of us."
"I might take you up on that."
"Come on. Let's head back to the dorm."
"Yeah."
On the way back to campus, Spike asked a question seemingly all siblings inevitably face.
"You think Twilight's okay alone with Flash?"
"She's an adult. She can make her own decisions."
"Not the response I was expecting."
"There's no point interfering where I'm not wanted. Besides, I trust her. She knows what she's doing."
"We all come into our own as people at some point."
"That's pretty profound. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for."
"I did learn from the best."
Shining pulled his brother into a hug.
"I love ya, bud."
"You, too."
Shining's ears perked up.
"Do you hear that?"
"What?"
Spike focused his hearing, jolted to awareness by the sound of a filly's sniffle. He tilted his head right.
"Over there."
"Looks like the kid dropped her ice cream."
"I'll handle this. You go on ahead. I'll catch up."
"All right. See you back at the room."
Shining and Spike parted ways. The dragon cautiously approached the girl and her mother with a steady gait.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Is everything okay?"
"Just a little accident," the mare tried to downplay, "I'm sorry if we bothered you."
"It's no bother. I actually have some spare change if you guys need a hand."
"That's okay. I wouldn't want to impose."
"Not at all. My brother took care of everything today, so this is kinda just sitting here burning a hole in my pocket."
"Are you sure?"
"You need it more than I do. They're only children once."
This struck the mare by surprise.
"You talk as though you think of yourself otherwise."
"Only on the outside."
"Well...If you insist."
"I do."
The mare retrieved the money from the dragon's hand.
"Thank you."
"Of course. Anything to help a citizen in distress."
"You're a kind soul."
"It's how I was raised."
"Your family should be proud."
"They are."
The mare headed back inside the store with her daughter. Spike gave the pair a soft, weary smile...
Back at the school, Shining knocked on Twilight's door.
"That you, Spike?"
"Not quite."
"Shining!?"
"Spike stayed behind to finish something. He'll be here soon."
"Hang on. I'm coming."
Twilight removed the barrier blocking her brother from entry.
"I'm not seeing things, am I?" Twilight second-guessed.
"I doubt any illusion could match my beautiful mug."
Twilight tackled Shining in a crushing embrace.
"Just as energetic as I remember."
"It's been too long."
"Mind if I come in?"
"Not at all."
Shining stepped through, greeted by a salute from his underling.
"Captain!"
"At ease, soldier. Just here on a social call."
"Sir."
"You said Spike was finishing something? Where is he?"
"He should be here any minute. We came across a situation on the way back. I'm sure he's resolved the issue by now."
"How long have you been here?"
"Since earlier this afternoon. Spike told me you guys were busy. Me and him never spend any quality time together. Figured I'd let you work in peace for a while."
"We're actually working on a Christmas gift. Flash said he'd help me build a custom PC for gaming and music. He's showing me the ropes so we can build them on our own after this."
"Funny you should mention that. Spike's got the other half of your surprise."
"You got us something?"
"I got ahold of a couple rare demos from bands I think you'll like."
"For real!? That's awesome! I can't wait to hear 'em."
"I think Spike's feeling a little homesick. It's been a while since you guys saw mom and dad."
"I understand. We'll go together before you have to leave."
"Sounds like a plan."
Spike walked in just as they finished their conversation.
"Wouldn't mind a shower." the dragon cracked.
"Shining told me you wanted to visit home for a couple days."
"Yeah. Missin' the folks, ya know?"
"Give us a couple minutes and we'll go together."
"That works."
"You can hold on to the demos. I'll listen to 'em when you're back."
"Shining told you already?"
"Yeah. Can you do me a favor while you're there and update my posts? Followers are probably starting to wonder where we are."
"Sure."
"I'll let you take the PS2 since you didn't get a chance to play much last night."
"Thanks."
"Don't worry, bud. Your time's coming..."
The room went silent...Still...Somehow, Twilight had read into her younger brother's soul. She knew his deepest secrets. Even stranger, Spike was more comfortable with this than he expected...
As promised, Twilight took Spike home with Flash and Shining. He showered and changed while Velvet and Night Light caught up with their other children. When the dragon emerged, he hugged their parents tightly. He'd grown so much since the last time they saw each other.
"I'm going to bed."
"Good night, hon." Velvet comforted, kissing the dragon's forehead, "Sleep well."
Night Light wrapped his young son in a tight hug, somehow knowing the child was emotionally drained beyond what words could describe.
"Good night, Spike," Twilight soothed, "I'll see you soon."
"Night, bud." Shining concluded.
"Night, guys."
The dragon trudged back to he and Twilight's old room, veiling himself under their sheets, waiting for the world to fall away...