As Twilight predicted, the spell wore off the following Sunday morning. The day after, the group packed their belongings, making sure everything was set before they took off.
"Are you sure you wanna do this," Spike asked their new companion, "We could be gone a while."
"I'm sure," Maple replied, "Being the local freak show was fun for a while, but there's something greater waiting for us out there. I can feel it..."
"Guess it's settled, then."
"Guess so."
"I'm still curious how you guys managed to...Ya know...Do it." Twilight cut in.
"Your brother possesses great spiritual power. With both of us working together, it was a simple task."
"So you're saying he's like a god or something?"
"Nothing's out of the realm of possibility. You did meet me."
"That's true."
"Don't worry. I doubt it'll go to his head."
"How do you know?"
"Because he was raised better than that. He already resisted temptation once. The second time should be much easier."
"It's rare I lose a debate, but your points are airtight. I just hope they hold up."
"I think he's got a pretty powerful incentive. I'll make sure he's a good boy, won't I honey?"
The spirit squeezed her partner's rear. The dragon blushed profusely, but he had to admit, he appreciated her boldness.
"At least you don't have to worry about me slowing you down."
"That's true." Twilight acknowledged.
Spike finished packing, zipping his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.
"That's everything," he informed them, "I guess we should get goin'."
The dragon led his compatriots out the door to the front desk. Maple ducked under to avoid startling the keeper.
"Y'all ready to go?"
"Yeah." Spike confirmed, returning the key to their room.
"By the way, congratulations on that marefriend of yours. Definitely sounds like you have a passionate journey ahead."
"They know." Maple warned.
Mortified by this discovery, Spike bowed apologetically.
"I'm so sorry. We didn't mean to disturb the other guests."
"All right, all right. No need to freak out. I'm sure they'll get over it. Ain't no shame in young love."
"Yeah, right." Maple and Spike thought simultaneously.
"Y'all take care now. Hope you'll come around again at some point."
"We'll stop by on our way home," Twilight assured, "May as well end the same way we start."
"That'll do it."
Outside, Spike sighed in dismay. Twilight being Twilight, the Alicorn was compelled to get a playful jab in on the situation.
"So. You guys really went at it, huh?"
Spike rolled his eyes.
"Don't be too upset with yourself," Maple comforted, "I was partly to blame, too."
"It's cute when you do it, though." Spike countered.
"Ya think?"
"Okay, you two lovebirds," Twilight halted, "We gotta get outta here before you get us in trouble. Come on!"
Twilight spread her wings, ascending into the air. Maple grabbed on to Spike. The pair followed close behind.
"Where are we going?" the dragon asked.
"You'll see."
Twilight increased the pace. Spike copied her curiously.
"What is she up to?" he wondered.