The Fine Art of Making Friends
“It is good to have friends Mr. Garibaldi.” Lando Mollari
Part 1
Twilight Sparkle and Spike woke to the chiming of bells. With a quick application of her magic, Twilight shut off the alarm and spilled out of bed. Her mouth opened to speak, only to become a yawn.
Next to her, Spike was half upright in his bed, stretching his arms into the air. “It feels way too early to be up.” His tongue teased his lips as the pre-adolescent stood up. “I hope this…what did the Captain call it…it’s on the tip of my tongue…”
“Jet lag. And I agree, I feel awful. I hate being tired.”
Finishing his stretches, Spike chuckled. “Funny, I wouldn’t be able to tell with the way you constantly pull all-nighters when you discover something worth researching.”
“Spike!” The two laughed at the good natured teasing. The soft chuckles were interrupted by a green flame shooting out of Spike’s mouth; a scroll at its center.
Without preamble, Spike opened up the letter. “It’s from Princess Celestia.”
“Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle;
It pleases all of us to hear that you made it to Babylon Five safely. I am sorry that such a tragedy occurred. Sometimes these things just happen. All you can do is help where you can, and stay out of the way when you can’t. You did what you could.
Things are going well back here. Rainbow Dash has begun her fourth tour as a Wonderbolt. Rarity’s business is still the face of the fashion industry, and Pinkie Pie is doing well with the Cakes. Applejack is still mourning Granny Smith’s death, but she seems to be doing better. Fluttershy is also doing better. Discord is still courting her in his unusual way. Cadence and Shining Armor have some news that they wished to write in the letter personally.”
Spike paused. “Cadence wrote this part.”
“Twilight, I’m pregnant! Yes, Spike read that right. Shining and I are going to have a baby. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet my child! The both of you are of course invited to the baby shower when it comes. Though, that will be next March, as the doctors claim that my alicorn physiology means the child will come much later, and will be much bigger. I can’t believe I will be pregnant for seventeen months.”
Spike paused in his reading. “Seventeen months…isn’t it normally thirteen?” The young drake turned to Twilight, only to see the mare slacked jawed with glazed eyes. “Oh boy.”
With motions that came with the ease of practice, Spike inserted earplugs into his ears. Spike then softly bopped Twilight on the nose. The reaction was immediate.
The alicorn picked up Spike with her magic and began to spin the two of them all around the room, all the while screaming at the top of her lungs. “OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! SPIKE, I’M GOING TO BE AN AUNT! YES YES YES!”
After a few more minutes of jumping around, Twilight put Spike down. By then, the young dragon also wore a large smile on his face. “That is so awesome! Also, I’m glad these rooms come soundproof. I doubt our neighbors would have appreciated hearing us.”
Twilight’s face turned red at the thought. “Well, the humans are quite clever. Anyways, what else does the letter say?”
Spike picked up the scroll, which had been discarded on the ground during the impromptu celebration. “Right hold on...ah, there’s where we were. This part is from Shining:
Hey LSBFF. I take it if Spike is reading this then you are done celebrating. I can’t wait to see the both of you in the Crystal Empire again. Mom and Dad are naturally ecstatic at the news as well. Also, this should get Mother off your back about grandfoals. See you next March, and remember that we love you.
Shining Armor and Cadence.”
Spike paused again. “Princess Celestia is writing again.
“I also have good news. It seems that I may be re-elected as head of the Council of Countries. Since no candidate has gained any popularity for the position in the last three years since I resigned, there is now talk of having me reinstated. I would happily retake the position if most of the leaders can agree to it.
My sister continues her drive to create a cultural era in Equestria. Four days ago she officially opened Luna’s School for the Artistically Inclined. I am so proud of her. She has handled the changes brought on by the recent events far better than I did.
Twilight, if I know you, you are nervous about being the Ambassador for our world. Do not be. You are the right mare in the right place. Remember, the Council selected you because of your talents in making friends and gathering information.
We aren’t expecting you to create massive trade and research treaties. All we want if for you to pave the way. Learn their cultures and beliefs. You can do this. You already did this with Zecora, the Buffalo Tribes, and the Yaks. You will do it again. I know you will.
Your Mentor and Friend, Always;
Princess Celestia.”
Spike placed the scroll on the bedside table. Twilight began her breathing exercises. “Alright. I can do this. The Princesses, and all of Equis are counting on me. On us.” She nodded to herself. “And on that note, it’s time to make a list of things to do today.”
Already prepared, Spike held up a quill and piece of parchment.
“Today’s List:
Eat breakfast at local restaurant, see if we can make new friends.
Set up a meeting with that Ambassador Delen that Commander Ivanova mentioned.
Make sure everything arrived at room.
Have lunch at local restaurant.
Tour shopping area.
Have Dinner at local restaurant.
Review notes on major and minor species represented on Babylon Five.
Sleep.”
“...Sleep. There, I have it all written.” A loud gurgling sound pierced the air, and Spike looked down at his stomach sheepishly.
Twilight giggled. “Let’s go eat then.”