//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Reunion // Story: Friendship: Reanimation // by ImaginaryCatnip //------------------------------// Chapter 3 - Reunion ***Carousel Boutique*** As her hooves made a quiet sound with every step she took, the pony known by the name Applejack slowly made her way through Ponyville while observing the ponies going about their daily lives. The sight of work all around always calmed her down and she really needed that, because her meeting with Twilight, after gathering everypony else, will be one hell of a ride. As soon as she left the orchard, she trotted towards the Carousel Boutique, the place which was the total opposite of rough looking farm. After much thinking on her way, she decided to get Rarity first because as much as big drama queen she was over small problems, she was also one to take big news like Spike’s return with certain dignity while not over-reacting too much. Speeding fast towards Carousel Boutique as if her life depended on it, she made her way up the steps and caught her breath realizing now that she was actually galloping for most of the way. Composing herself she knocked hard on the door and waited until she heard hooves clanking from the inside "I’m coming, I’m coming!" came the loud voice belonging to Rarity, but Applejack was pretty sure the unicorn just rushed towards the door to keep them from further abuse of earth mare hoofs. As the door swung open quickly, Applejack was scarred a little as it revealed milky white unicorn with fancy mane and clear distress in her blue eyes. Whatever happened to her friend, the earth pony was about to greet her and go down to business like usual but was interrupted before she even had a chance to open her mouth. “Oh my. Your timing is perfect darling, come on in! QUICKLY!” Urged Rarity, as she pushed Applejack inside her shop. The honey colored mare quickly found herself standing before large mirror, as her friend doubled and tripled around her, dressing her in various outfits. “Rarity…” She began but by now the white unicorn was clearly lost in her own world of beauty and fashion. “You have no idea how disastrous it is! Those feathers are standing in all directions and the jewels are not sparkling enough!” continued Rarity, obviously oblivious to the idea that Applejack might have something she wanted to say. Taking a breath the earth pony decided on another attempt. “Rarity…” She said a little louder but again was interrupted, this time by a tight scarf around her neck which choked her a little. “No,no,no,no,no this won’t do at all. Too last season, this one is to grey, this one doesn’t suit your eyes…” Spoke Rarity time after time, as she exchanged different parts of Applejack’s wardrobe before the earth pony could even get a good look at it herself. With spinning eyes she had just about enough, the complex world of fashion being too much for her simple mind. “RARITY!” She yelled, stomping her front hooves on the floor to emphasize her urgent need to speak, which seemed to have enough of an effect to throw the white unicorn out of her distressed trance. “What…? Oh, pardon me, you want something dear?” She inquired, cringing at the sight of her friend replacing one of her fancy hats with her usual cowboy one. Clearing her throat, Applejack pondered for a short while how to gently tell Rarity that their old friend returned… being the element of honesty that she is and staying true to her straightforward self, she decided quickly that the simplest approach would be the best. “Spike’s back” As soon as those simple words left her mouth, she saw Rarity’s eyes grew bigger…and bigger… and BIGGER, as her jaw opened and nearly hit the ground. That day, everypony in Ponyville could swear that they could heard a loud voice asking them ‘What?!’… Then Rarity fainted. – Well… she didn’t overreact much. – Thought Applejack and began to give the white unicorn a ride. She would explain everything to her after she wakes up anyway. – Shucks Rarity… did Pinkie gave ya too much cupcakes again? ***Sugarcube Corner*** The Sugarcube Corner changed little during his one year of absence. There were obvious signs of reparations all around, some new furniture but the whole place maintained the same atmosphere as one year ago. Still, it felt good to the purple dragon that Mr. and Mrs. Cake prospered, for this place had one of the best quality sweets and no matter how much he changed… he still loved sweets, as they were just below the gems in his favorite food list. However, if there was one thing that Spike not missed it was being abused by Pinkie Pie. He had many memories of both himself and the over-energetic mare on a lot of different occasions but upon returning to Ponyville, he found her to be more annoying than funny. He knew that it was partially because he no longer considered himself a baby…after all he lived eighteen years in hell and matured a lot during that time while Pinkie stayed the same she always was…oblivious to the horrors that existed in world around her. “So…Pinkie, can I ask you about something?” He inquired innocently, which make the element of laughter stop in her tracks before she fired her party cannon at the wall, decorating it… however she managed to do that. – Speaking of which, where did she got that party cannon anyway? – He thought to himself. Everypony actually had this moment in their life when they would inquire her about it… but she always eluded the answer somehow. “About what?” Happily asked Pinkie as she resumed preparing for another shoot but Spike knew enough that he got her attention… even if she seemed preoccupied with another task. “I…uh… what happened the past year?” He managed to say, trying to remain as calm as possible, while occupying himself with looking at colorful balloons which adorned the whole room. He asked Applejack the same question earlier but the information was not sufficient… he could fell that she didn’t say everything he wanted to know and knowing how talkative Pinkie was, he supposed that he would get more from her. “Why…we were all here silly! You know, me making lots of friends smile, Fluttershy being shy, Rainbow Dash being awesome and Applejack working and Twilight…in her books” She replied, her smile never wavering, but Spike couldn’t help but take a notice of slight pause when the pink mare mentioned Twilight Sparkle. By this point he knew that something wasn’t alright but his ‘friends’ obviously didn’t had the guts to say the truth to him. He could feel ice cold claw of fear griping at his heart but remained calm on the outside. - If I want to learn the truth, I will just have to meet up with Twilight and see for myself– He decided in his mind. Smiling at Pinkie he replied to her shortly “I see…good to know. Need any help with those decorations?” This was forced, even a child could see that but the pink mare obviously didn’t want to press the issue further either… or maybe she was oblivious, it was hard for Spike to tell. “Why yes, see this sign? Can you put it up there?” She pointed above his head at the nearby wall, between two windows. “On it.” He commented and prepared to hang the ‘welcome back Spike’ sign, while highly conflicted between fear and happiness. He silently regretted that no fan-fiction in his other memories had scenario like that…that would obviously help him out. Unaware to him, a pair of sky blue eyes eyed him just as he turned his back on them, a small glint in them. It was good to have Spike back. ***Fluttershy cottage*** The sun was almost setting down, when two mares made their way through the small bridge which lead to their friend’s cottage. This place was calm like always but if one were to go inside the garden on the back, there was a whole army of animals which Fluttershy took care of. Still, the many creatures were the last thing on either mare’s head. “So let me rephrase it. You simply found my cute, little Spikey-wikey at Sweet Apple Acres?” Asked the same question for the tenth time the white unicorn, which made Applejack groan in response. “Yes Rarity, and as ah was tellin’ ya, he is not so little anymore.” Replied the honey colored mare as they neared the door to Fluttershy home – Thank Celestia we are finally here – She thought, quickly knocking on the door delicately, before Rarity could utter her question AGAIN. However the unicorn wasn’t to just stand idly and do nothing. “How come that you can’t be as delicate when knocking on my door?” She inquired but Applejack just smiled to herself. She could but it was more fun to annoy the white unicorn. Both of them didn’t wait too long and soon, just as the sudden knocking died down, there was a loud crash heard followed by cacophony of other sounds, including chicken cluck and elephant hoot… the zoo that the yellow pegasus had in her house was always amazing Applejack, not to mention the sheer variety of animals. The earth pony and unicorn didn’t had to wait long, before the door cracked open and a nervous looking eye looked at both of them “Um…hello?” came timid voice of their shy friend but upon recognizing both of them the door swung open to reveal the Pegasus in her full glory. “Oh, good to see you Applejack, Rarity. You scarred me a little because I wasn’t expecting guests. Come inside, I was just about to make some tea.” She gestured kindly with her hoof for them to enter, which they did, Rarity of course more cautious than the straightforward mare before her as outskirts of Everfree Forest wasn’t considered the cleanest place in her humble opinion… and not the safest one mind you. The whole cottage looked as cozy as always, kindness just shining in every corner of it. It might have not been as fashionable as Carousel Boutique or as rough looking as Sweet Apple Acres but there was certain kind of charm to it which provided the feeling of safe sanctuary. However anypony were to look at this place, it just calmed down your very soul and it was in here that Fluttershy could fully relax. As soon as three friends sat down and tea was made they exchanged some words, mainly to keep the conversation started and catch up with latest gossips. Both mares decided earlier that it would be better this way because the yellow pegasus wasn’t one to take big news calmly. However, the small talk can last only this long, before the main subject will be brought to light and it was Fluttershy who finally got the courage to inquire about the purpose of her friend’s visit. “Um…sooo…do you need something from…me?” Asked shyly the yellow colored pony as she eyed her friends from under the cup, while slowly sipping the drink. She didn’t want to be rude and suspect them of having any motive but it was vital for her to give them sign that if they did, they can proceed. “Ya bet. We are here about a certain dragon!” As soon as those words left Applejack’s mouth the tea that Fluttershy drank landed all over her quests and the yellow Pegasus ducked behind the couch while trembling, her head hiding inside her pink mane. In all of her life there was only one dragon she wasn’t scarred to know… but that one was lost for a whole year now and even Fluttershy knew there was no way it could be about him, no matter how much she wished it would be. “Ugh…great job Applejack, simply marvelous” Commented Rarity not bothering to hide her disgust as she looked at herself, mainly her wet mane now ruined…it would take a lot of time for her to get it cleaned… she only thanked Celestia that Fluttershy didn’t use sugar so it won’t be sticky. “Ah.haha. Sorry, sorry.” Apologized the element of honesty and made her way towards their frightened friend to explain properly what exactly was going on… and upon explaining, both mares soon found themselves in presence of overjoyed yellow pegasus, for if wishes came true, her just did. ***Sugarcube Corner*** In the last eighteen years of his life while away from Equestria, Spike knew exactly what it meant to work hard, especially if it involved using his mind rather than his muscles…but if somepony told him that it is possible to be tired because of somepony’s else happiness, he would never believe it. Here he laid however, trying to shake his head to regain some focus, with the corner of his eye catching the glimpse of Celestia’s sun setting down, painting the sky orange. - Had it really been this long of a work to get everything ready? Looking around the place he was in awe of their work… the whole place amazingly prepared and in such short time it was a wonder the managed to finish it. With the corner of his green eye, he saw Pinkie still as energetic as three hours ago, going around the kitchen and preparing various threats for him and their friends…for her it was always something more that could be present as he remembered. However one thing made him ponder about the situation he was currently in, because soon he will meet up with all the ponies he once considered… Friends…- He thought to himself, while catching some breath. For the purple dragon it was a simple word but he couldn’t help himself…he no longer saw ‘friendship’ like he should after those years. The concept was simple, it involved being loyal, generous, kind, honest and happiness… but understanding it and believing in it are two separate things. What did it mean to him anyway? When he was younger, his days were spent among all those ponies…those were carefree days when he, being a baby dragon would often get excited about simplest things like a cupcake with gems which he had in his claws not long ago. Now it didn’t excite him at all, it seemed to be simple food without any special meaning apart from being very tasty. Everything seems so distant – He continued in his mind trying to grasp the situation he found himself in. Everything that happened in recent hours convinced him enough that he wasn’t dreaming but the memories of another life were there deep inside him and he also knew they were real. All the time when he was thinking about them, he had to stop or the pain returned. It was a struggle to find his true self because many questions were wandering around his head. On top of that, not only his own problems were present but it seemed that Twilight had her own…and he was both their cause and the solution to them in some way. Sufficient to say… I have no idea what to think anymore – Were his next thoughts. He was confused, scarred even… what were his ‘friends’ expecting him to be? The same innocent baby dragon? He couldn’t be one, even if he wanted to, there was no turning back past and pain. Could he tell them everything about eighteen years of his painful memories? That was out of option because Twilight would blame herself... they all would for not searching harder. Why did he even care for Twilight anyway? Wasn’t he suffering because of her, even if it wasn’t intentional? – I told her she shouldn’t cast that spell… if only she had listened. Sighing heavily he struggled for answers, but finally decided that it is no use as only time will tell him what to do. It always was like that, he was alone, struggling for answers and trying to make the best choice going by his own standards. This mechanism helped him to live through hell and he decided to just trust it like he always did. He just hoped that he won’t hurt anypony be staying apathetic like that and shutting down their attempts to interfere… he still had one more problem to take care of, one he realized today which was present in reality, like it was in many works of fiction he read. ***Golden Oak Library*** “C’mon Rarity, we don’t have much time!” Urged Applejack, as she quickened their pace. The two friends made their way, coming closer and closer towards the big tree before them as the sun settled slowly on the horizon. The whole structure had been present in Ponyville since it was first founded but for most time after construction the library was abandoned. It was only some years ago that Twilight and Spike inhabited the place… Princess Celestia’s idea, who in her wisdom thought about her student enough to let her live in place she would be most comfortable in and where many books were gathered. “But galloping around with hair after shower can damage them!” Argued the white unicorn and while her point was valid in her opinion, the hard working earth pony rolled her eyes because she couldn’t care less. She wanted to respond to it, but bit her own tongue knowing well that arguing with Rarity would get them nowhere. Still, she was glad that Fluttershy let both of them use her bathroom and wash the tea off, as neither mare would want to show up at the party smelling like herbs. “So…how are we going to tell her that he is back? We can’t just tell her outright because she will gallop out of the library straight to Sugarcube Corner faster than Rainbow Dash would fly.” Asked the white mare, while trying very hard to not move too fast in fear of entangling her mane. True enough it was a valid point since almost everypony knew how Twilight Sparkle could react if told outright that her number one assistant returned. “Ah..we just need to tell her it’s a surprise… or think of something so she’ll come…hopefully.” Replied Applejack but wasn’t convinced about it herself, remembering the first months after Spike vanished. She resembled one of the crystal ponies before they managed to restore the Crystal Empire. Twilight Sparkle was basically a shell of her former self, as if changeling sucked all life out of her or worse! First thing they did was to of course to inform princess Celestia about what happened… the goddess of the sun, while being calm on the outside was really angry with Twilight, but she didn’t yell even if she was clearly upset. Head down, she whispered her next words which to the six mares felt like the end of the world ‘There is no way to bring him back’. The next two months they mourned silently, but their friend refused to give up. Twilight began to research the subject and soon she nearly landed in hospital. Upon her slow recovery, the five mares decided to help her out and by doing so they got closer to her. They literally had to force her to eat and rest instead of constant searching for Spike by herself but she still lost some weight. Thankfully it wasn’t significant amount but still visible to those who knew her close enough. Months passed and in her frustration Twilight would often threw her friends out of the library but they managed to return… each time witnessing a mess. One time it was especially bad, as Rarity kindly suggested that maybe they should give up… the alicorn was so furious that she literally began to shoot magic at them while screaming for them all to get out. It took a letter to princess Celestia and her visit to the library until they could get inside… then Rarity was able to apologize and it went better for next months. Five months passed like that… five months of nothing. There was no way and even Twilight slowly realized that. Upon realization, she wailed like never before but thankfully all of her friends were there for her – Except the one who could make her smile again – Thought Applejack. After half of the year, Twilight slowly managed to live again somehow, but all of them saw it each time they met, how fragile she became. Her obsession of doing everything by books grew out of hoofs as she was spending twice as much time studying every little detail. Fluttershy still had to bring her food since she was often too busy to make something herself and sleep only came when she overworked herself. Guilt-ridden Twilight of course still met up with her friends, but most of the parties she would refuse unless it was important occasion like someponys birthday. Applejack knew that if they wanted to get her out of her books it was either to find a good excuse or knock her out cold and drag her…and whichever worked with the earth pony. Standing before the doors to the library they looked nervously at each other, before Rarity decided to take matters in her own hooves. Without waiting she knocked in a very lady-like demeanor, not too loud and un-polite but with enough force that It was certainly heard… and unlike Applejack she didn’t hit more than a lady should, three times. The two mares didn’t wait long, since soon the doors were opened by magic and a very tired looking Twilight showed before them. Her mane was a mess which send shivers down Rarity’s spine and her eyes betrayed signs of sleepless night…or maybe she was crying? It was hard to tell nowdays. “H-hey Twilight.” Greeted Applejack, kicking slightly the white unicorn so she would stop looking like she was close to having a heart attack. “Oh. Hey girls. Do you need something from me?” Asked the lavender colored alicorn, clearly cutting the chatter short “I am quite busy with important book, but I can afford some time.” She said, as scroll of parchment levitated near her, another one of fabled checklists she used to manage her time. “Ah..uh…Hi Twilight dear. We were wondering…would you go with us to Sugarcube Corner?” Asked politely Rarity while smiling sincerely, but seeing the change in Twilight’s muzzle, she already know the answer wasn’t to be as positive as her invitation. “Sorry girls, I can’t party now. I have important task to attend to.” Responded the new princess, tiredness evident in her voice as she prepared to close the door, until Applejack put her hove between them and entrance, blocking any further attempts from the alicorn… she just wished the mare wouldn’t close them in anger or it would hurt. “Actually it’s more important and ya presence is needed…urgently” Added Applejack, but staying loyal to her element, she never could tell a lie…but what she told Twilight was actually a truth, for if Spike wasn’t important then nothing else was. “And why is it my presence needed in establishment that offers cakes and other sweets?” Inquired the lavender alicorn, by now clearly irritated and expecting that it was just about some surprise party, which she didn’t want to attend. By now, she decided that if the girls won’t give her some valid reason to go out, then she is staying at home, no matter if princess Celestia herself would tell her to go. “It’s uh…Pinkie Pie! She found some new recipe but she…uh… can’t understand it” Offered the white unicorn, and as bad and obvious this lie was, it sparked the curiosity within Twilight… but it was short lived, as the mare once again looked annoyed at their persistence. “Rarity. As far as I’m aware, Pinkie can read.” With that, she began to slowly close the door, much to Applejack fear but Rarity also put her foreleg in a way so they stopped. At this time, the alicorn lit her horn to use more force but stopped upon hearing next words from the white mare. “It’s uh…written in ancient draconian!” Finally shouted Rarity, which earned a hoofpalm from Applejack, and roll of eyes from Twilight…still, she could tell that if it wasn’t something important, then her friends wouldn’t go as far to get her out by lying for she knew that ancient draconian didn’t exist. As far as she knew dragons burned books not wrote them… well, certain purple one might have been different but…! Stopping herself from descending further that path, she sighed to herself and finally decided to give in. They needed her for something and she won’t let them down. “Fine…let me get ready…” She said without much enthusiasm, while making her way up the library stairs to tidy herself a little, letting the girls sit inside and be amazed by the mess that was on the ground…for books were everywhere once again and the kitchen looked as if Discord himself used it. ***Up in the clouds*** There were many things that sky could offer. First, it was freedom, second it was nice weather and third, it was a comfy place to sleep for certain cyan colored pegasus as she laid on one of many small clouds, content about her life. For what was there not to like? She was fastest in Equestria, she was the very meaning of word cool and was the only one who could perform Sonic Rainboom! Yes, she definitely was awesome and as she always did, she rested, not disturbed by anypony… until a certain voice rang near her. “Um…Rainbow dash?” Called quietly Fluttershy, who finally managed to find the blue Pegasus as always sleeping on one of the clouds… which didn’t surprise her at all. *Yaaawn*”Fluttershy? What are you doing up here?” Inquired the element of loyalty, while rubbing her tired eyes, because it wasn’t common that the yellow pegasus would fly this high, preferring the safety of ground. Still, RD wasn’t one to ponder about others activities, because her own were enough. Speaking of which… “Here to see my new, awesome moves?” She grinned but the kind, yellow Pegasus shook her head. “…actually…there is something important I have to tell you, it is about the visit from Applejack and Rarity, and um…well…spike is back!” Said the element of kindness, but Rainbow Dash quizzically looked at her and motioned with her hoof to moved closer. She liked Fluttershy but the mare could really become more courageous. “What? Can you repeat louder?” Asked the blue Pegasus, but her friend acted like she always did. “Spike is back” She replied again, while hiding in her own mane, which made Rainbow Dash twitch her eyebrow in agitation. This could continue for some time and she wasn’t in the mood… after all, what could be so important to wake her up? “Louder” She said firmly, waiting for the news that Fluttershy came with. “oh…um…okay…” Quietly added the yellow Pegasus, as she inhaled deeply and then… “ SPIKE IS BACK!!!” She yelled, practically making the element of loyalty fall from her cloud, but thankfully she managed to grab the end of it with her forelegs. “Wha…Fluttershy, you nearly gave me a heart atta…” Started Rainbow Dash but quickly stopped realizing just what the hay did she just heard. “He is what?!” Shocked she yelled back, making Fluttershy retract her head inside her pink mane. Those news were certainly not what she thought… actually, even being the element of loyalty she stopped believing that the dragon will ever come back! Quickly composing herself, she grabbed the yellow pegasus “Explain” She urged, but as soon as she heard about a party at Sugarcube Corner, both of them were fast on their way there. As they flew, countless questions were running through the cyan pegasus head. How did he return? Why a party? And most of all… does Twilight know? It didn’t took much time and soon they came crashing through the door. “Okay where is he?” Asked Rainbow Dash, as she scanned the prepared party room for certain dragon, magenta eyes landing on big banner which spelled ‘Welcome back Spike’ among many others decorations, but found only Pinkie Pie smiling at her from ear to ear. “Where is who?” Asked innocently the pink mare, while looking the element of loyalty square in the eyes. “You know who I’m talking about Pinkie, the scaly one? Now unhand him!” Said the blue Pegasus landing on the floor and it didn’t take much more time for the pink mare to confess where he was “Okay here he is…” She said, showing her friend her animal Gummy, which made Rainbow to hoofpalm at her friend. “Not Gummy. Spike.” She muttered, as always getting frustrated at her Pinkie being…well…Pinkie. “Oh Spieke? He Is in the kitchen, said he was hungry.” Replied Pinkie happily. She was about to say more but upon noticing Fluttershy, she happily made her way towards the shy, yellow Pegasus because being a host she felt the need to greet all guests. “Okay now to meet the little guy” Said to herself Rainbow Dash and quickly flew towards the kitchen only to be meet with… “…a…big guy?” She gulped looking at Spike who clearly was slightly bigger than her. As their eyes met, Rainbow Dash, not being one to stay shocked for too long gave a big shout. “Whoa! This…is…so…Awesome! I mean not as awesome and cool like me but still awesome! And you have wings!” She said, coming closer to Spike, inspecting him, especially his new addition. The dragon, overcoming his own shock upon sudden meeting grinned, for if there was one pony who he was glad to see it was certainly Rainbow Dash. “Glad to see you too RD!” ***Near Sugarcube Corner*** “Okay girls, I know by now that this book written in ancient draconic or draconian language is a lie. Can you tell me the real reason for getting me out of the library?” Again rephrased her question Twilight Sparkle, as she was getting impatient. Usually, her friends would simply confess what was the matter but this time however something was certainly off as they stayed adamant about this. Analyzing the situation around her, she tried to come up with some answer but so far nothing came up. She was fishing for information with many questions as they walked but her friends were unusually secretive. “Ain’t tellin’ ya a thing sugarcube.” Said Applejack firmly while smiling widely, feeling Twilight stare drilling into her. Obviously something was going on, but what? Thankfully it didn’t take long before they reached Sugarcube Corner as it was short walk from the library. Upon entering the place, Twilight noticed that her friends were shifting unusually and let her go inside first as if afraid of something that could be hidden behind the door… which made her stop right before the door, annoyance clearly visible as she turned to them. “Okay girls…I know that something is going on, but you act as if there was a dragon behind those doors. If it is simply a prank, I will get angry and…” She stopped mid sentence as she opened the door and was met with the sight that made her lose her tongue and then…faint, because ghosts were scientifically impossible beings that didn’t exist. ***Later*** “Ugh…” Groaned the lavender alicorn as she stirred, opening her eyes slowly and began getting up, only to be met with kind stare from Fluttershy, the yellow mare so close that she obscured the whole view around. “Oh Twilight you are awake, thank goodness I was so worried about you” Began kindly the yellow Pegasus to which Twilight blinked simply and then remembered the impossible sight before her. – Am I finally going mad? He is no longer returning… princess Celestia herself said that… no… I better ask Fluttershy about what transpired. “W-what happened Fluttershy? I saw…I don’t know what…” She started to say weakly but upon Fluttershy moving slightly to the right she noticed him… there, a few meters away stood the older purple dragon with familiar colors along with her other friends. His concerned emerald look which she longed for so long eyeing her slightly thin figure but no word was uttered, no movement made on his part. Heart pumping faster, her jaw opened “I…t-think I’m… going to f-faint… again” she rasped, hardly forming any coherent sentence, while simply staring at the dragon before her, who shifted uncomfortably under her penetrating gaze. Thousands of questions were floating around her mind, overloading it with information, but she just couldn’t bring herself to utter any word and simply looked, as if afraid that he might vanish from his spot if she as much as blinked. “Okay everpony, give ‘em a some room, they have a lot of catchin’ to do” Commanded Applejack and attempted to push Pinkie Pie out of the room, to which the pink mare took offense. “But what about the party?!” She inquired as she was pushed by everypony out of the room, save for Twilight or Spike…not that Spike could be considered a pony. As the door closed with a silent click behind the five mares, the silence enveloped the duo, who exchanged awkward glances, neither one knowing what to say to another…after all, what do you say to somepony who was considered gone from your life for one year with no hope of return? Thankfully, Spike took the initiative this time. “I’m…back Twilight.” He whispered softly, while coming closer, but next thing he knew, his life-long best friend wrapped him in a tight hug and simply cried her eyes out not wishing to ever let go. Sometimes no words are needed to express what you feel and this was one of those moment when actions speak louder than words do.. Feeling tears in his own eyes, Spike felt all of his precious memories of their time together… his younger self would probably hug his friend back…and so, he simply did that, holding her closer for what seemed to be eternity. If he didn’t know what to felt prior to their meeting, now everything was clear… he was back and they were together at least, no matter what happened one or eighteen years. In this one single moment, no pain mattered, memories of other life shoved deep inside his mind… only Spike, Twilight Sparkle and their embrace. This warm feeling which enveloped them lasted for some time, but as it is with every precious moment it ends somewhere. Looking up to him, Twilight asked her first of many questions to come. “W-where were you all this time Spike? I was worried…I… n-never stopped to believe that you would return to me and…I-I’m sorry.” More tears fell as he whipped them out with one of his claws, gentle smile adorning his mouth. He thought that apology was needed…but upon hearing it? He knew he was mistaken. Sighing, the dragon got a hold of his emotions and patiently started to answer every single one of her questions, omitting the fact that he lived eighteen years of not so great life. The mare before him was already looking fragile from one year of guilt and he wasn’t one that would expand that feeling in her. He told her of being trapped in the void of black, how he woke up at Sweet Apple Acres, how he met up with Applejack, how he found out that he grew twice in size. In return, he learned about her, what she did, how she felt guilty, what she experienced…either of their stories weren’t pleasant but both silently agreed that from now one everything will become better…or so they hoped… as they continued to talk. Unaware to them, behind closed doors, there were five mares listening closely, each of them fighting tears of joy upon hearing their friends reunion… but neither would dare to disturb them…they needed their time and everypony understood that.