//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 Heart to Heart // Story: The Sparkle's Flash // by Water Sky //------------------------------// Twilight paced anxiously in the hallway outside Flash’s new room, thinking about him being in her castle and serving as her royal guard. “Why did it have to be Flash?" she pounded. "Out of all the ponies Celestia could have sent over to me, why did it have to be Flash? Could... Could Candence have something to do with it?” She then performed the breathing technique Cadence had taught her three times to calm her nerves, “It will be alright. I need to stay focused and concentrate on something else and not on Flash." Twilight attempted to visualize something else, but suddenly, an image of Flash appeared. "Or his eyes, his wings, his chin, his fine...” She stopped thinking and blushed, embarrassed, “Urge, why did I even think that?” Suddenly, a voice came from behind Twilight. “What’s the matter, Twilight?” Startled, she turned around to find Spike wearing a red tie around his neck and holding a bouquet of flowers in his right claw. “Oh, hey, Spike," Twilight said. "Nothing wrong, I was just… talking to myself.” She chuckled nervously before asking, “What are you doing?” “I’m about to see Rarity and ask her out on a date,” Spike said, “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Of course. I'm fine,” Twilight said nervously. “Right," Spike said sarcastically, scrutinizing her. "So, this has nothing to do with Flash Sentry being in the castle as your royal guard,” Twilight widened her eyes and unfolded her wings, "How do you know?" She asked, taken aback. "I saw him entering the castle from my bedroom window," Spike said. "Plus, your blushing is a dead giveaway." Twilight groaned, placing a hoof on her face as it turned even redder. Meanwhile, Flash was unpacking his belongings from his duffle bag in his new room. Sunset approached him and asked, “So, how long have you been a royal guard?” Flash paused and turned to Sunset, “I've been a royal guard for about three to four years. After what happened at the royal wedding in Canterlot, I decided to enroll in the academy and become a Royal Guard. Once I graduated, I was assigned to the Crystal Empire.” Sunset nervously shifted her right hoof to her right shoulder, “So... you were there when I stole Twilight’s crown and went to the other world?” She asked. Flash widened his eyes in surprise, “Wait, that was you?” Sunset moved her hoof from her shoulder to the back of her head, “Yeah, it was. But I've learned from my mistakes. And Twilight helped me become a better pony.” “Hmm," Flash said, unsure if he believed Sunset. "Well, I better get back to unpacking.” He returned to his duffle bag on his bed and continued unpacking. “Oh, Okay. I’ll see you at dinner,” Sunset said. She then walked out of Flash’s door and into the hallway. As Sunset exited Flash's room, she noticed Twilight and Spike talking to each other in the hallway. She approached them and asked, “What’s going on here?” Twilight and Spike looked at Sunset, “Oh, you know, just talking about friendship stuff,” Twilight said as she laughed nervously. “Yeah, friendship stuff,” Spike added sarcastically. “Anyway, I got to go. See you, girls, later!” "Okay, bye, Spike," Twilight said, bidding him farewell. Spike then walked down the hallway towards the castle entrance on his way to see Rarity. Twilight and Sunset then walked away from Flash’s room. Twilight turned towards Sunset and asked, “So, Sunset, what do you think of Flash?” “He is great, pony," Sunset said. "He reminds me of the Flash from the other world." Twilight blushed again as Sunset noticed for the second time. "Oh, so you have a crush on this Flash, too," Sunset teased. "What? No!" Twilight said, in denial. “Come on, Twilight," Sunset said, teasing with a smile." I can tell when somepony has a crush, and just like Applejack’s honesty, your face doesn’t lie.” “Okay, Fine." Twilight took a deep breath and said to Sunset softly, resembling Fluttershy, "I’m in love with Flash!" "What was that?" Sunset asked. Twilight repeated herself, this time loud enough for Sunset to hear clearly, "I'm in love with Flash!" “I knew it." Sunset smiled, knowing she was right about Twilight's feelings for Flash, "So, what’s the problem?" she asked. "you're in love, and that's a wonderful thing." “I... I don’t know what to do or what to say to him?” Twilight said, tilting her head down. “I've never asked anyone out or been asked on a date before.” Sunset walked closer to Twilight and placed her hoof on the back of Twilight’s head. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I'll help you. I have experience with dates.” Twilight looked up at Sunset with gratitude, “Thanks, Sunset.” "No problem," Sunset said. "And hey, maybe you can ask the others for some advice, too?" "Maybe someday I will," Twilight said. "Alright then," Sunset said. “Now come on. If I'm not mistaken, you got a class to teach in an hour.” Sunset proceeded down the hall, followed by Twilight, after quickly looking at Flash’s door for a few seconds before continuing on their way. Applejack is walking to Carousel Boutique to see Rarity because she needs to tell her about something. However, when she entered the store, she found no one was there, not even Rarity. Applejack called out, “Hello? Rarity, You’re here?" No response. Suddenly, Applejack hears a noise from upstairs. "What in tarnation is going on up there?" Applejack asks herself. Curious, she decided to investigate. When she arrives, she hears the noise coming from Rarity’s room. Applejack peeks inside and discovers that the noise is just Rarity and Fancy’s Pants talking to each other. “Oh, Fancy Pants, you certainly know how to charm a lady.” Rarity said, followed by a giggle. Fancy Pants approaches Rarity. “Well, my dear. I do have an eye for beauty.” Fancy Pants said, admiring Rarity’s beauty. Rarity and Fancy Pants shared a kiss on the lips. Just then, Applejack knocked on Rarity’s bedroom door, interrupting them. Startled, Rarity turned towards the door. “AH! Applejack! When did you get here?” Rarity exclaimed. “I got here a couple of minutes ago,” Applejack said as she entered Rarity’s room. “Didn’t your mother teach you not to eavesdrop on other ponies?” Fancy Pants asked. Applejack rolled her eyes, “Anyway, Rarity, I just came here to talk to you about something in private,” she said. “Oh, of course, darling.” Rarity said, turning to Fancy, “Could you wait downstairs for me, Fancy? It will only be a moment.” “Well, of course, my dear,” Fancy said. He kissed Rarity on the cheeks before walking past Applejack and going downstairs to Rarity’s Boutique. Applejack looked at Fancy for a moment, then looked at Rarity. “So, you and Fancy Pants are a thing now?” Applejack asked. “Why yes, darling," Rarity said. "We made it official a couple of days ago; I haven’t told anypony yet." She returned to her sewing station and asked, "So, what is it you want to talk about?” Applejack took a deep breath before saying to Rarity, “Remember when I told you and the girls that I’m not seeing anyone?” “Yes, what about it?" Rarity asked as she turned back at Applejack and curiously tilted her head. Applejack lifted her head to face Rarity again. “Well, I'm not seeing anyone. But... I do have a crush on somepony.” “Oh, Applejack, I’m so happy for you!” Rarity exclaimed with excitement. She approached Applejack, wrapping her hooves around her in a hug. “So, who’s the lucky pony?” Applejack placed a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder and said, “Rarity. The truth is...” She took a deep breath and told Rarity, “I’m kind of into mares.” Rarity chuckled, “Oh, darling, I already knew that.” Applejack widened her eyes and asked, “What? When?” “Applejack, I've known for a few days. You think I wouldn’t notice,” Rarity said. She then glanced at Applejack and asked, “So, who’s the mare?” Applejack struggled to find the right words. However, Rarity seems to know whom Applejack has a crush on. “Is it Rainbow Dash?” Rarity said with a smirk. Applejack blushed and widened her eyes. “What? How do you know?” “Well, it did take me a while before I noticed you were staring at her at Flurry's party.” Rarity said. “Okay, fine. I have a crush on Rainbow Dash." Applejack said, confessing to Rarity. "But I’m not sure if she feels the same way for me.” Rarity walked closer to Applejack and said, “Well, I'm about to break a promise, but... Rainbow Dash is also into mares.” Applejack was shocked to hear what Rarity had told her. That Rainbow Dash is also into mares. “What? Rarity, Are you sure?” Applejack asked. “I’m sure of it.” Rarity said, telling Applejack the truth. Suddenly, Fancy Pants shouted from the store downstairs, “Rarity, your little friend is here!” “Oh, it must be Spike," Rarity said. "I got to take that, darling,” With that, she left her room and headed downstairs to her store. Applejack was left with a smile on her face, knowing she might have a chance with Rainbow Dash. Meanwhile, at Sugar-cube Corner, Pinkie and Fluttershy were enjoying each other's company as they ate some of the cupcakes Pinkie had made. “Wow, Pinkie, these are probably the best cupcakes you’ve ever made,” Fluttershy said. Pinkie Pie giggled, “Thanks, Fluttershy. I’m planning on making more next week.” As the two ponies finished eating their cupcakes, Fluttershy asked Pinkie, “So, how are things with you and Cheese?” “We’re doing great,” Pinkie said. “And starting next month, we are officially opening our party planning business.” Pinkie then pulled out a flyer that said, “Pinkie and Cheese Party Planning.” "Wow, that’s great, Pinkie!” Fluttershy said, amazed at Pinkie's progress in her upcoming business. “By the way, have you heard the news about Twilight?” Pinkie asked. “No, what happened? Is she okay?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh, she fine," Pinkie said. "It's just that Princess Celestia assigned her a guard.” Surprised, Fluttershy asked, “How did you know about that?” “Just a hunch,” Pinkie said, smiling. “That reminds me, how are you and Discord doing,” “Pinkie, why do you keep asking about me and Discord?” Fluttershy asked. Suddenly, Discord appeared from nowhere, using his chaotic magic, and said, “Did somepony say my name?” Fluttershy shrieked in surprise and nearly fell off her seat. “Discord! Don’t scare me like that,” Fluttershy said. “Oops, Sorry, Fluttershy.” Discord apologized. “Anyway, did I hear somepony talking about me?” “I was just asking if you two are dating?” Pinkie said. Discord chuckled, “Pinkie Pie, my dear, you know Fluttershy and I aren’t dating.” He leaned toward Pinkie’s ear and whispered, “Not until the writer put us in a kissing scene. But he's having problems developing ideas for this and the next chapters.” "Don't bring me into this, Discord!" A voice shouted from beyond. “Okay, Dokey, then, I’ve got to get back to baking. Bye Fluttershy. Bye, Discord,” Pinkie said as she left the table and returned to the kitchen. Fluttershy turned to Discord and asked him, “Did you tell her we’re dating?” Discord shook his head. “No, my sweet Fluttershy, I would never tell anypony. You know I always keep my promise to you.” “I know," Fluttershy said, and she hugged Discord. "And that’s why I love you." “I love you too,” Discord said as he wrapped his arms around Fluttershy. Little did they know Pinkie Pie was spying on them from the kitchen, smiling at them. Hours Later… Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo left the CMC treehouse after helping fillies and colts discover their true talents. “Well, Crusaders, I think that’s enough for one day. I say we call it a night.” Apple Bloom said. “Yeah, I need to get home," Scootaloo added. "My aunts are making dinner.” “Me too." Sweetie Belle said. "Rarity wants me home so she can show me something.” “What do you think it is?” Scootaloo asked. “Not sure, but she seems excited about it.” Sweetie Belle said. “Alright then. Well, see you, girls, at school.” Apple Bloom said. The three Crusaders then walked back to their homes by themselves. As Apple Bloom returned to her family’s farm, she passed by Ponyville Park, where she saw Spike on the bench crying, “Spike? What is he doing here? And why is he crying?” she wondered. Curious, she decided to talk to him. Apple Bloom approached Spike, “Hey, Spike.” She said calmly. Spike startled and looked up at her. “Oh, Hey, Apple Bloom,” Spike sniffled, wiping his tears from his eyes. “What are you doing here?” He asked. Apple Bloom immediately answered Spike, “Well, the Crusaders and I just finished helping out other ponies for the day. I was on my way home when I saw you crying. What’s wrong?” “I... I don’t think I want to talk about it?” Spike said. Apple Bloom sat beside Spike on the bench, placing her hoof on his back. “You can tell me, Spike. I'm your friend.” Spike turned his head back at Apple Bloom, “Okay, I’ll tell you,” Spike said, ready to tell Apple Bloom what happened. (Flashback start) Spike had just arrived at Rarity's boutique filled with confidence, “This is it; I’m finally going to ask out Rarity.” Spike thought to himself. He walked up to Rarity’s door and knocked, waiting for Rarity to respond. When the doors opened, Spike was disappointed to be greeted by Fancy Pants instead of Rarity. “Oh, Hey there, little guy.” Fancy Pants said. “Uh, hi... is Rarity here?” Spike asked nervously. Fancy Pants turned his head and shouted, “Rarity, your little friend is here.” He then turned his head back to Spike, “She’ll be here in a minute.” “Thanks,” Spike said. While waiting for Rarity, he wondered why Fancy Pants was at Rarity's Boutique. Suddenly, Rarity came to the door. “Oh, Hey Spike, what brings you here?” “Hey, Rarity,” Spike said. Before asking Rarity, he couldn't help but ask her about Fancy Pants, “Why is Fancy Pants here?” Rarity looked at Fancy with an attractive look, “Well, Fancy Pants and I are going out.” Rarity said. As Spike heard those words, his eyes widened, and he felt his heart shattering into a million pieces. The mare he has had a massive crush on since they first met is now dating another pony. “Anyway, Spike, is there something you want from me?” Asked Rarity. Spike shuttered, “N-Never mind. I-I- I got to go.” Spike turned and started to fly away and cry, hearing Rarity’s voice from behind, screaming at him, “Spikey, Wait!” (Flashback ended) “Oh, Spike, I’m so sorry.” Apple Bloom said, placing her hoof back at Spike’s back. Spike wiped the tears off his face. “It’s not your fault, Apple Bloom. I just waited too long.” Spike then started to cry again before telling Apple Bloom, “I don’t know if I’ll ever find love again.” Before he could let out more tears, Apple Bloom hugged Spike, trying to cheer him up. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Spike. I know there’s a mare just waiting for you.” Apple Bloom blushed a little, “Maybe you’ll find a mare who has a crush on you.” Apple Bloom pulled away from the spike, still putting her hoof on Spike’s shoulder. Spike sniffled and said, “Thanks, Apple Bloom.” After that, he hugged her to thank her for cheering him up. “I’m glad I have friends like you.” Hearing those words made Apple Bloom's cheeks blush even more. Later that night, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Sunset, and Flash were having dinner at the Castle of Friendship. Everything was quiet until Starlight asked Spike a question. “So, Spike, how did your date with Rarity go?” Spike looked down at his food, looking a little depressed as he answered. “She’s already dating Fancy Pants,” he revealed in a disappointed tone. Twilight was shocked to hear that her little assistant/ little brother had his heart broken, “Oh, Spike, I’m so sorry." “It’s okay, Twilight. I’ll be fine.” Spike said. He then rose from his seat, took his dinner plate, and added, “I’m just going to go and eat in my room.” Spike left the dining room and headed to his room to eat alone. “Is he okay?” Flash asked, concerned about Spike. Sunset finished chewing her food before responding, “Spike has a crush on one of our friends, Rarity. And he just had his heart broken.” "Oh, I see,” Flash said, comprehending the situation. Soon after, Starlight started yawning, “Well, I'm done for the day. I’m going to go to bed.” she said as she exited from her chair. "Good night, twilight." "Good night, Starlight," Twilight said. “Yeah, me too. See you in the morning, Twilight,” Sunset said. She exited her chair and followed Starlight to their rooms. Before leaving, Sunset whispered to Twilight, "You got this." With Twilight and Flash the only ones left at the dinner table, Twilight seized the opportunity to ask Flash a few questions to get to know him personally. “So, Flash, did you settle in fine?” “Yeah, I’m all unpacked and ready for tomorrow,” Flash said. “I even spend some of my free time reading one of the books I brought from the Crystal Empire.” “Really? What kind of book is it?" Twilight asked curiously. Flash responded. “Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Statue,” “Seriously? That’s one of my favorites,” Twilight exclaimed. “It's one of my favorites, too," Flash admitted. "My favorite part of the novel was when Daring Do was able to get the treasure despite having a broken wing.” Thrilled about their shared enthusiasm for the same book, Twilight continued to ask Flash more questions to see if they had more common interests. As their conversation started to go smoothly, Twilight decided to ask Flash about his family. "So, what do your parents do?" "Both my parents worked at the weather factory in Cloudsdale," Flash replied. "Wow, that's amazing," Twilight said. "Do you have any siblings?" "Just a little brother named First Base. He goes to school in Ponyville," Flash said. Suddenly, Twilight remembered a colt named "First Base" in Cheerilee's class who caught the horsey hives. "Is he the one who got all his classmates with the horsey hives?" she asked. "Yeah, that's him. It was not pretty," Flash said, "He told me that you visited him and his classmates in the hospital, and he told me about Princess Flurry Heart's tantrum." Twilight laughed nervously, remembering that day. Twilight got up from her chair, “Well, I’ve got to get some sleep. See you in the morning, Flash.” “Okay, good night, princess,” Flash responded. "Good night. Oh, and Flash," Twilight added, turning her head at Flash. "When you’re not on duty, don't call me princess. Just call me Twilight." "Oh, okay. Well, good night, Twilight." Flash said. Twilight headed to her room, blushing with a smile on her face. At night in Canterlot, Celestia and Lune walk down the halls. "It sure is a wonderful night, isn't Luna?" Celestia said. "Indeed, it is, sister. Indeed, it is." Luna agreed. Suddenly, Luna felt a cold breeze, accompanied by a sinister laugh from behind, making her shudder. As she turned around, she found no one there. Concerned, Celestia notices Luna's unease, "Luna, is everything all right?" "Yes, Tia," Luna replied. "I thought I heard something." “Probably just the wind,” Celestia suggested. “Maybe,” Luna responded, unsure what it was. As the royal sisters continued down the hall, the dark Phoenix observed them from the shadow. It then flew out of the castle and away from Canterlot before transforming into a mist as it headed toward the Crystal Empire.