//------------------------------// // Ch. 22: "Back to the Daily Grind" // Story: The Dawn of a bright, new life. // by Hallowedsoul //------------------------------// Chapter Twenty-Two “Back to the Daily Grind” First thing I did the next morning was send a text to Pinkie Pie saying Twilight and I were boarding a train in a couple of hours to return to Ponyville. She didn’t reply, but I didn’t expect her too; she was probably preparing the welcome party. Anyway, Twilight and I packed our things and headed out, with Twilight’s family bidding us farewell at the station. Once we were seated and the train was underway, I decided to bring something to Twilight’s attention. “Twi, I need to ask something important of you.” I said, and she gave me an expectant look “That story I told you last night? Don’t repeat it to anyone, especially not Terra.” “Why not?” She asked and I gave her a serious look. “Because it’s her story, and if she hears it… bad things could happen. It’s not that I want to keep it a secret from her, I even offered to tell her not long after we met and she refused. It’s just… I don’t want her to have an existential crisis.” I said, and she nodded. “I understand; not a word of it will be spoken.” She replied and then smiled “Though I must say I can see why you like it; I’ve never heard of a villain that actually managed to succeed in destroying the world before. I’m surprised Terra and her friends were so willing to confront him again.” “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them. But you must remember; all it takes is a single spark to start a fire.” I said sagely. After a while, the train pulled into Ponyville and the two of us disembarked and were met with cheers by the ponies waiting for us, with a huge banner behind them that said “Welcome home and Congratulations!” We were both greeted warmly by our friends, with me being hugged fiercely by Sakura, Pinkie Pie, the CMC and Vinyl Scratch (who was beside herself with joy). Neon welcomed me back with a bro-hug and Terra gave me a gentle, sisterly kind of hug. “Hey, sweetheart.” I greeted her with a smile “Everything going okay with you?” “Of course, Leon, I’ve been doing just fine.” She replied warmly and looked from me to Twilight and back again “What about you? How did your evening go with Twilight’s family?” “Had a minor hiccup involving Princess Cadence, who’s dating Twilight’s brother, but otherwise it went great.” I said and turned to go save my marefriend from the mass of ponies asking for details on our relationship. She was showing them the locket I gave her, but unfortunately it still didn’t have a picture in it. “Excuse me, everyone.” I called out, which made the whole group go silent “If you would like to hear some stories, why don’t you head over to my place, where there’s plenty of space and privacy to chat. We’ll meet you there once we drop Twilight’s luggage off at her home.” “When’s the wedding?” Vinyl called out, which caused Twilight and I to glance at each other with a nervous blush. “Vinyl, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Twilight and I have only just recently cemented our relationship; we’d like some time for that to settle before we decide on the next step.” I replied, embarrassed. “Do ya love each other or not?” Vinyl retorted and I shot her a stern glare, which didn’t faze her in the slightest (she’s probably immune to it if she’s dating Octavia). “We do.” Twilight and I replied at the same time. “Then why wait?” Was the immediate response. “Vinyl, for the love of all that is holy, we do not want to rush into things!” I replied irritably, and Twilight nodded in agreement “We’d like a chance to get really comfortable with our relationship before we consider anything else.” The DJ merely laughed and the group began its march to my house for the real party. I caught Pinkie taking down the banner and rolling it up quickly before shoving it into her mane. She noticed me watching and put a finger up to her lips with a wink. I shook my head and walked with Twilight back to the library, along the way taking each other’s hand and walking closely. “So…” Twilight asked hesitantly after a moment “Would you… consider, um…” “Consider what?” I asked, knowing full well what she was talking about, but trying to get her to say it. “Consider, um… well…” She hesitated, but then took a deep breath and said “Marriage… would you consider it?” “Of course I do, Twi.” I replied affectionately “But I’m not gonna make any sort of plans regarding that until I’m sure I’m ready for it.” “What if I am?” She asked me, her voice serious “What if I asked you to marry me, right here and now?” “I’d say ‘no’ without hesitation.” I replied calmly, stopping to look into her eyes “Plus, I don’t think you actually are ready to marry nor do I believe you think you’re ready; it’s a big commitment, not one to be taken so lightly and especially not so soon into our relationship.” She smiled and nuzzled me affectionately. “You’re right on all counts; I just wanted to see what your thoughts were.” She said, though I saw a bit of longing flash across her eyes for a second. I wasn’t being completely honest, though. At the moment, I couldn’t envision my life without her and I really wanted nothing more than to make her my wife on the spot, but at the same time I knew neither of us was physically or spiritually ready for that commitment. We were both on an emotional high, so to speak, and it’d be better to let it wear off before we consider the next course of action. After dropping Twilight’s stuff off at her house and getting Spike, we returned to my home to find that Pinkie Pie had turned it into a mad house; Vinyl had managed to set up a turntable, Applebloom was wandering around blindfolded and swinging a stick in an attempt to hit a piñata on the other side of the house with Sakura following the filly around, trying to stop her while also trying to avoid getting walloped (I sympathized with her; getting hit by one of those things is not fun ‘You still have a black eye, don’t you?’ Up yours, Nica), and Pinkie Pie was dressed like a commando, shooting cupcakes at anyone unfortunate enough to leave their mouths open long enough. She nailed me immediately when my jaw dropped after opening the door. Almost as soon as it happened, all the partiers froze, even Applebloom, who’d stopped and lifted the blindfold when the house had gone quiet. I wiped the frosting from around my mouth and glanced around the house curiously. “So…” I said, looking at everypony “Why don’t we all move into the living room and Twilight and I will share our little story, hm?” There was a collective cheer and chairs immediately began to gravitate towards said room, with Vinyl putting on some calmer tunes from her music player. Twilight and I took seats on the couch that were next to each other, but also in the middle of the gaggle of ponies, while Vinyl fought Dash for the recliner. Once everypony was settled, Twilight and I began to tell them what happened in Canterlot (omitting the bedroom stuff). I got requests to sing the song I sang for Twilight, but I declined, saying that it was for Twilight and Twilight only. After a couple of hours talking, the party resumed in full, except this time I took hold of the stick and in one swift stroke, split the piñata cleanly in two. The CMC and Pinkie were on top of the candy immediately while I laughed. The party began to wind down sometime after noon, after Sakura impressed everyone with her culinary technique by making some excellent sashimi. The CMC had crashed hard after their sugar high and I got Rarity and Applejack to help move their respective sisters (while I took Scootaloo) up to the guest bedroom to lay them down for a nap. I went back downstairs to find that most of the ponies were beginning to leave. Lyra came over and gave me a hug (while whispering in my ear that just because I was with Twilight didn’t mean she had given up on me) and left, Octavia also gave me a light hug and congratulated me on my relationship before departing with Vinyl who, to the shock of everypony in the room including Twilight, gave me a deep kiss to go with her hug. “I was curious to see what Twilight was getting from you.” She said in a sultry voice “And you didn’t disappoint, I’m actually kinda jealous. Later, brony!” And both the musicians left, with Octavia berating Vinyl for doing what she did, though the DJ just laughed. Twilight gave me scathing look while I stood next to the door, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Neon approached at that moment. “Dude, you must have all the mares falling for you.” He said jokingly and laughed when I made some strange noises in an attempt to speak “Just messin’ with you, bro, I wish you and your marefriend the best of luck in your relationship.” We exchanged a bro hug and he left. Sakura approached me and said something in her native tongue that sounded kind of like a prayer for my well-being, just before giving me a warm hug and leaving. Eventually it was just me, Twilight and the other Elements. Terra had gone to her room for a nap as well and Spike went back to the library to catch up on his own naptime. “It appears you are quite the lady-killer, Leon.” Rarity said with a giggle, causing all of the other girls (save Twilight, who glared at me again. I’m gonna have to treat her special for a little while). “Um, actually I think that was just Vinyl being Vinyl, Rares.” I said with and glanced at my annoyed marefriend “I would never consider dating somepony else while I’m with Twilight.” “And if you weren’t?” Twilight huffed irritably “Would you just go straight to Vinyl or maybe that pretty fox you’re so fond of?” That stung, and it showed on my face. “Twilight…” I replied sorrowfully “If, for some reason or another, you and I can’t be together it would break my heart. I’m not sure how long it’d be before I’d even consider dating again, and even then I doubt I’d feel the same way for them that I do about you; I love you, Twi.” She continued to glare at me for a moment before it softened and she looked ashamed. She approached me and wrapped me in a loving embrace. “I’m sorry, Leon…” She said guiltily “It’s just… I don’t want to lose you, like I lost him…” The girls gave appreciative sighs, while Rainbow Dash (yet again) made a retching sound. Twilight and I broke our embrace and glared at her. “Okay, it’s getting way too mushy in here. I’m gonna go find a nice cloud to nap on.” She proclaimed, though she hesitated for a moment, before hurrying over to Twilight and I and gave us both a fierce hug while blushing furiously, then she bolted out the door. I decided to begin cleaning up the house, which was a huge mess because of Pinkie shooting cupcakes everywhere, though it was made easier with the girls helping me. It still took a couple of hours, though, but it was fun. Just we finished, the CMC came back into the living room, rubbing their eyes sleepily. Applejack and Rarity bid their farewells, giving both Twilight and I a hug, before taking their respective sisters and leaving, though not before both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom gave me fierce hugs of their own. Fluttershy offered to take Scootaloo home and also gave both Twilight and I a gentle hug. Scootaloo, at first was adamant about not doing more than shaking my hand, but not two seconds after she went out the door, she shot back in and wrapped her arms around me in one of the most ferocious hugs I’d ever experienced. “See you later.” She whispered before dashing back out the door, her face beet red. I, myself, was blushing furiously while Twilight giggled. “She must really like you, Leon.” She teased “I guess that means you’ll have to do something important for your ‘little sister’, huh?” “I wouldn’t go that far, I haven’t really been around her much.” I replied casually, while walking over to the couch and laying down on it, exhausted “Man, I’m beat. I think Terra and Spike have the right idea, a nap sounds perfect.” Twilight climbed over me so that she could lay on top against the couch, planting her head on her hands just a few inches from my face. “Then I hope you don’t mind if I join you.” She said calmly, looking at me with half-lidded eyes “After all, I’m feeling pretty tired as well, plus you owe me some quality together time for that kiss Vinyl gave you.” “Oh, really?” I said coyly and caressed her cheek with my hand, and I felt her tremble with pleasure “I think you’re a better kisser, but I’m not entirely sure. Would you like to help me with my dilemma?” She giggled and shifted so that our lips met, the kiss being significantly different than Vinyl’s. Where hers was sudden and somewhat forceful (though admittedly not unpleasant), the one I was sharing with Twilight was slow, calm and full of passion; it was a kiss shared between lovers. We broke the kiss after a little while and Twilight settled back upon me with a contented sigh. I began to gently stroke the fur along her arm, garnering a sleepy giggle from the mare. After a moment, I stopped and she entwined her fingers in mine. We fell asleep soon enough, and I dreamt I was standing before Celestia with all of our friends around me, who also wore expressions of sheer joy. I felt nervous, but also overjoyed; I was going to be marrying the love of my life today. Almost as soon as I thought this, the wedding melody began to play and as one, we all turned to face the entrance to the royal hall as Twilight stepped slowly out in the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen being led by her father. I heard Twilight Velvet give a loud sniff, and saw Cadence levitate a tissue to her, with Shining Armor dabbing at his own eyes to catch any tears before they fell. As Night Light reached the end, he gave Twilight a light hug and a kiss on her cheek, before going to a spot next to his own wife and wrapping an arm around her. I lifted the veil from in front of Twilight’s face and took her hands in my own, and then we stared into each other’s eyes, barely aware of what Celestia was saying. Spike came forward with the rings and Twilight and I slipped them on each other’s fingers before clasping our hands together again. Celestia said some more stuff, and my bride and I gave our responses. “Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Celestia proclaimed proudly “Now you may seal your love with a kiss.” Twilight and I did so, and as we did the dream began to fade. “It is rare to see such love for another, Leon.” Luna’s voice came to me, and I could hear joy in it “And rarer still do I see such beautiful dreams… I wish nothing but the best for you and hope your dream becomes a reality.” “Yeah, seriously.” Nica agreed “You should just propose and get it out of the way.” ‘I’ve already expressed my opinion on that matter, Nica.’ I replied calmly ‘I can dream about it all I want, but I’m not going to ask until I feel it’s the right time.’ “Typically, it’s when you’re dreaming about it that it’s the right time.” Nica replied casually “And besides, you’re both head-over-heels for each other, this is just the next logical step.” “I am in agreement with Leon on this subject, Veronica.” Luna said “Despite what they feel for each other, he is correct in his assumption that it is far too soon for him and Twilight to be attempting a union of heart and soul.” ‘Thank you, Princess.’ I said gratefully. “But I am also in agreement with Veronica in that you should not tarry too long with these feelings, lest they burn out before you can act.” She said sternly “Ask her at exactly the right moment, and not a single second later.” “At least get the damn ring so that you have it for when you are ready.” Nica said, exasperated “Oh, and I’d like to meet Scootaloo sometime.” With that, I awoke and found Terra reaching over to shake my shoulder. Her hand froze in the air and she gave me an embarrassed look. “Oh. I’m sorry, I was going to wake you both up because you shouldn’t be sleeping for too long or you won’t get any tonight.” She said calmly, but gave me a sweet smile “I’m happy for you, Leon; you two are so cute together.” “Thank you, Terra, we’ll be up shortly.” I replied sleepily and she nodded before turning and heading to the kitchen to get dinner started. I looked at the beautiful mare sleeping on top of me and moved a stray lock of mane gently behind her cute ear. She let out a sleepy moan and her eyes fluttered open before she gave me an affectionate smile upon seeing me. “That was a good nap, Leon…” She murmured sleepily “I had the most beautiful dream, it was about you and I and we were…” She stopped herself and began to blush furiously, while I stared at her with extreme interest “Oh, um… never mind, suffice it to say, the dream was very beautiful.” “It’s alright, Twi, I had a really good dream as well.” I said, planting a kiss on her lips, while also shifting so that I could get my other arm around her waist “I think you should get up before my arm falls asleep.” “Oh, yes of course.” She replied shyly, still blushing. She clambered off of me to stand while I sat up on the couch “Would you care to tell me what your dream was about?” “Spoilers, my love.” I replied enigmatically, though her blush intensified “And besides, something tells me you already know, let’s leave it at that.” She stared at me curiously, but then comprehension dawned on her features and she turned so red I was concerned she was going to pass out or get a nosebleed or something ‘Hahahaha, she’s got you beat when it comes to blushing, Leon!’. “Would you care to stay for dinner, Twi?” I asked her calmly, but she shook her head. “As much as I would love to, I’ve got to get back home. I’ve gone against my schedules long enough and I kind of need to get back into my routine, plus Spike’s probably been feeling somewhat lonely lately, I need to start spending some more time with him.” She replied, but gave me another affectionate smile “Don’t worry, I’m going to write you into my schedules as soon as I get home, though don’t be afraid to come see me whenever you feel like it.” “You’ll see me plenty, though probably not as much as I’d like.” I said, standing as well to embrace her “Something big is coming up and I need to start preparing for it, so I won’t have much time to be with those that I love, especially you.” “What’s going on, Leon?” Twilight asked me curiously, but I shook my head sorrowfully. “Spoilers again, Twi.” I replied and she gave me a frustrated look “I’m sorry, but this one has too much of an impact on things here for me to speak about. Suffice it to say, it’ll be bad and I need to be ready for it.” She looked away sadly, but I took her chin between my thumb and index finger and turned her head back to look at me. “That is not to say I won’t need your help. I’ll need to practice my magic more than ever so I’m going to need both yours and Terra’s assistance.” I stated calmly “Will you help me, Twilight Sparkle?” She stared at me for a moment before giving me a gentle smile and nodding. “Of course I will, Leon.” She stated “I’ll help you in whatever way I can. I just wish you would tell me what it is that’s going to happen.” “I wish I could, Twi, but I can’t.” I replied sadly “If I did, it’ll cause more problems than we can handle. You’re just going to have to trust me on this one.” She stared at me for a second before nodding and giving me one last passionate kiss before breaking our embrace. “Alright, I trust you.” She said, taking a step back in preparation to teleport back home “Just be careful, okay? I don’t know what I’d do if…” “Don’t worry, Twi, I’ll take every precaution and I won’t get myself into a situation that would threaten my life.” I replied with a confidant smile. She still seemed hesitant, but nodded anyway and teleported back home with a flash of light and a pop! Terra walked back in at that moment and gave me an inquisitive stare. “Are you able to tell me?” She asked calmly, but I shook my head “Alright, I trust you. I’ll help in whatever way I’m able.” “Thanks, sweetheart.” I replied with a smile “It’s going to be important that I’m able to fully utilize my magic before whatever’s going to happen, happens.” “Is it really going to be that bad?” Terra asked, and I nodded gravely but didn’t say anything. What I didn’t tell her was how scared I was; this was going to be a situation far worse than either of us could imagine, and I didn’t want to imagine it.