Twilight and Spike reached the town of Hollow Falls before nightfall. When they arrived, Spike was surprised to find a city approximately the size of their own.
"Before we build your reputation in larger cities, we have to build your confidence first. Sleepy towns like these where everyone knows each other feel more secure in a sense. Their eyes will be on you."
"No pressure, right?"
"Just remember what I told you when you were little: be confident, be chivalrous, be considerate. Be empathetic and take their feelings into account and things should turn out fine."
"Got it."
"One more thing. Before we go too far, you should know this town has a history of spiritual encounters."
"You mean ghosts?"
"Exactly. I would leave that out of the conversation for now. The people here don't know you, meaning they're less inclined to trust you. On top of that, injecting yourself into tricky situations only serves to make you a target if you go in without a plan."
"Understood."
"I think that's about everything."
"Guess we should get goin'..."
"Yeah..."
The sibling's checked into an inn in the middle of town. The innkeeper seemed friendly enough, asking them about their travels in a curious manner.
"How long y'all stayin'?"
"Just for the night," Twilight replied, "We're on an extended trip away from home."
"Out for a romantic getaway?"
Spike felt his face flush. Unsure how to respond, he panicked, laughing nervously as he attempted to correct the situation.
"Nononono! Nothing like that!"
"He's my brother," the Alicorn explained, "We're on a training expedition."
"Y'all military folks?"
"Kinda. You can think of us as reserved special forces."
"We've got a veterans discount if y'all need it. Just need the name of your commander so I can confirm your registration numbers."
"Shining Armor."
"That name sounds familiar..."
The innkeeper was struck with a sudden revelation.
"Wait a minute! You're not referring to the governor of Crystal City, are you!?"
"Yes. He's our brother."
"Well, why didn't you say so!? Room and board are on the house for government officials!"
"Are you sure? We don't mind paying. I know small towns like this don't get much business these days."
"Ah, don't worry about the financial jargon. Didn't get this far without knowing a thing or two about management."
"Thank you for your kindness."
"Not at all, Ms. Sparkle."
"You know my name?"
"Of course! I'd recognize that face anywhere!"
"One correction. It's Mrs. Sparkle Sentry now."
Twilight showed the innkeeper her bracelet.
"My apologies."
"No harm done."
"Have a pleasant night."
"For you, as well."
After settling in for the evening, Twilight called their parents. They were relieved to hear their daughter's voice.
"Where are you?" Velvet inquired.
"We just made it to Hollow Falls. We managed to get a room for the night. Shining's connections come in handy when we need them, that's for sure."
"We're just glad you're safe."
"Is dad there?"
"He's right here."
Velvet handed the phone to her husband.
"Hey, sweetie." Night Light said comfortingly.
"Hey, dad. Just wanted to call to let you know we made it safely."
"I'm curious. You were never this quick to use Shining's status to your advantage before. What changed?"
"I was saving it for when I needed it."
"Saving it? Did you know this would happen?"
"I had an idea."
"Playing the long game like your old man, I see."
"I think this is the best way for Spike to live authentically to himself. Even if I'd shielded him from his own emotions, there was no guarantee the cracks wouldn't seep through. Now that the damage is done, we can build a much stronger foundation than before."
"I'm interested to see where this goes. Shining sought glory and success climbing the political ladder, but Spike's different. He's a tranquil soul."
"To tell you the truth, I always felt closer to him than Shining. Even to this day, I'm not sure why."
"Can't say. Maybe that's something you'll figure out as your journey progresses."
"I have a feeling you're right."
"Take care of yourselves. Call us when you can. We'll be waiting. We love you."
"Love you, too."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Twilight hung up, grateful their parents' concerns were stifled somewhat compared to earlier.
"Phone's pretty nifty." Spike admitted.
"Told you it was easier to keep in touch these days."
"Should probably call Flash before he gets worried."
"Already ahead of you."
Twilight dialed her husband. He answered almost immediately.
"Hey, hon." he spoke sweetly.
"Hey. How are my two little guys doing?"
"I just started dinner for me and Nova. How about you?"
"Spike and I managed to find a place to stay for the night."
"I knew you would."
"I just wanted to make sure you guys were okay."
"We're good. Can I talk to Spike for a sec?"
"Sure."
Twilight gave the device to her brother.
"Hey." Spike said.
"Hey, bud. How ya doin'?"
"I'm a little nervous, not gonna lie."
"I wouldn't worry. Twi's got your back. I doubt you could ask for anyone better."
"She always knew how to scrape by."
"Hey, listen...I know you and Twi were always really close...You care about her a lot, don't you...?"
"Of course. She's looked out for me my whole life - even now."
"I know this might sound kind of weird, but if you guys decide you want to get...Intimate...I'm willing to look the other way for now: at least until she gets home."
"Nah, man. I respect you too much to betray you like that."
"You love her, don't you?"
"I'll admit, after Rarity moved on, I may have thought about Twilight during some of the more cold and lonely nights, but like you, I was brought up to believe in honor and dignity. Trust is something we can't afford to break."
"You're a real one, brother. There aren't many like us out there anymore."
"We go out, we go out swingin'. That's all there is to it."
"That's it, man. Only true warriors can see through the deceptive veil of temptation. You'll find the right woman someday."
"Thanks, man..."
"I've gotta go. We'll see you when you drop by."
"Yeah..."
Flash hung up before Spike fully grasped what was happening. The discomfort he felt was nothing short of crushing.
"Did you really think about me while I was gone?" Twilight questioned.
"Sorry...You probably think I'm a real creep now..."
"I don't mind."
"You don't...?"
"I'm actually kind of flattered. I was self-conscious about how settling down would affect me in the long run. At least I know I haven't lost my touch. You confronted the issue and resolved it with compassion and a will of steel. In my eyes, that's the mark of a true hero and a true man."
"Flash is lucky to have you. Maybe in another life, things would've gone differently..."
"Don't look so glum. We have a long road ahead. I'm positive you'll find someone who loves you as much as Flash and I love each other."
"Yeah..."
"Come on. Let's get some sleep. We've got a long day tomorrow."