//------------------------------// // Convergence // Story: Third Millennium // by MellowSoul //------------------------------// Not long after Halloween, Spike and Twilight made plans to meet up with Rarity in person. Twilight asked if she could bring Flash for company. "Of course, dear. The more, the merrier." On the day of, Rarity requested they meet at a food court on their side of the country. Twilight agreed, teleporting the three of them to the specified location. Rarity's group was already there waiting for them. "Greetings and salutations, Ms. Sparkle." the unicorn spoke. "You're even more regal in person than I imagined." "You'd be surprised how often I hear that." The mare fixated her gaze on the dragon. "You must be Spike." "Yes, ma'am." "I want to thank you for keeping me company over the last few weeks. You see, I find myself quite lonely at times as well. Despite my reputation, I rarely interact with others on a truly personal level." "Guess that means we have something in common." "Yes. I suppose it does." "It's awesome to finally meet you guys," Rainbow interjected, "I've been a big fan since way back." Twilight blushed, not used to receiving such compliments from strangers. "Thanks." "How long's it been, anyway? Didn't you start posting around '95?" "I think so. How'd you find me?" "I was checkin' around lookin' for playlists to spin. Yours caught me off-guard. I'd never heard anything so face-meltingly heavy before." "I think that was around the time I found Unbroken. They were one of my favorites at the time." "I figured. Since you came all this way, I brought something special. Well, actually, it's more like two things." "Now I'm excited." "Check this out. Think fast." Rainbow tossed two cases over to the Alicorn. "Bleeding Through and Eighteen Visions?" "Those are recordings of their heaviest material. One's a demo. The other's a full-length. There were only a thousand copies made of the latter." "So these are super rare." "Yep." "Thanks. I'll take good care of 'em." "Feel free to rip the files in case anything happens to the discs. Those tracks need to be preserved at all costs." "I hear you loud and clear." "We only have enough time for lunch today," Rarity continued, "We'll have to save more extended conversations for another time." "You're a fashionista, right? The hours must be killer." "You have no idea." The group ordered their meal, returning to their table upon receiving their dishes. Twilight, Flash, and Spike listened intently to their new associates' stories. Each of them had a unique skill that set them apart from the others, which in turn made the conversation all the more engaged. "I think we're going to get along just fine." Twilight ascertained. "Agreed." Rarity concluded. "How about we meet again after the holidays? You're probably gonna be swamped until then." "I'd like that. However, I'm afraid we must be going now. It's been a true pleasure." "Likewise. I guess we'll see you later." "I look forward to it, and Spike?" "Yes, Ms. Rarity?" the dragon replied. "You must persevere, no matter how difficult or challenging things may seem. Only persistence will bring you what you desire." "You know what I'm looking for?" "No, but you do. You must pursue it, no matter the obstacle in your path. It's the only way you will achieve true contentment." "I will." "A bright future awaits you, my young friend, and with each day, it grows closer to your reach." Spike nodded. "Farewell. May fortune smile and bring us together once more." "See you then." Twilight affirmed. Rarity and the others faded from view, leaving the trio to contemplate the unforeseen encounter. "I don't know what door you opened, Spike, but I'm curious to see where it leads." "Same here." the dragon concurred.