//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: The Chrystal Empire 
// Story: A Thorax in my Side 
// by LaysPotatoChips 
//------------------------------//

"Come on Twilight, we don't want to be late!"

Spike said as he ran too and fro from different sides of the castle, packing literally everything that he could find.

"Don't worry Spike, the train isn't leaving for another half hour."

Twilight said as she packed up the last of her supplies in her saddlebag.

" I know Twilight, but I'm so excited to see Thorax again! It's been so long since I've seen him."

Twilight smirked as she zipped up her bag. It had been some time since their last visit to the Chrystal Empire, and since their last visit, things have been a lot more nicer their, all thanks to Spike. Spike had really helped a lot in creating diversity between Changeling and Ponies, and it was spreading like wildfire. Heck, it was going on so well, that different countries in Equestria where starting to open their doors to different species, as well as opening up dialogs of piece between certain countries like Saddle Arabia and Cloudsdale. Also, Spike ( because of his big heart and amazing song) was now revered not only by the Chrystal Ponies, but also by everypony else in Equestria. He was now called Spike the Great and Wonderful by everypony in Equestria. Of course, out of all the ponies that love him, one simple changeling by the name of Thorax completely idolizes him. Not only for helping his being accepted by Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, but also being the first person who truly showed him the meaning of friendship and love. After the events that partook in The Chrystal Empire, Spike and Thorax's friendship blossomed into something that was completely unbreakable. So much so, that the both of them started bawling when it was time for Spike to go back to Ponyville. But now, both Spike and Twilight where going back to the Chrystal Empire with Starlight Glimmer to not only continue Starlight's lessons of friendship, but to hang out with Shining Armor, Cadence, and of course Thorax.

"Alright Spike, are you ready to go?" Twilight questioned.

Without so much as a word, Spike grabbed not only Twilight, but also all of the books, luggage, bags, and other necessities for the within an instant, Spike ran out of the castle like Roadrunner on Speed with the energy that would rival Pinkie Pie's and ran all the way towards the Ponyville Train Station. Meanwhile, at the train station, Starlight Glimmer was making her way towards the special train car she had personally rented out for the trip. The train car was rather expensive, to put it bluntly. It had a fully furnished with a few couches and softer beds that lied in a vertical position near the end of the cart. Upon entering the train car ,she took a seat and placed her bags on the right side of the couch she was sitting on. It had been a long walk all the way towards the station, so with her magic, she grabbed a cold water bottle out of one of her bags and unscrewed the lid. Taking in a deep breath, she put the water bottle towards her muzzle and chugged down a couple ounces of water down her esophagus. After the long drink, she grabbed a small pocket watch from out of her saddlebag and popped it open. 10:35 a.m. Starlight stared at the watch for a few more seconds, before putting it back into her saddlebag. She stared out the window for the second time, wondering to herself

"Come on twilight, we only have 20 minutes left before the train leaves. What's taking you so long?"

Almost immediately as she ended her thought, she heard a ,"Hi.'' coming from behind her that made her literally jump three feet into the air. Spike, who was the one that scared her, said

"Oops, uh. Sorry Starlight."

Starlight looked back at Spike, who was holding a large stock of books, briefcases, saddlebags, and a cowering Twilight Sparkle on the top of the pile hanging on for dear life." It's okay Spike." Starlight said with a slight giggle. Spike immediately put the pile of stuff down on the ground, and within a split second, had all of the items organized and neatly put away. He even had Twilight sitting right next to Starlight. Starlight's mouth dropped to the floor in complete surprise. She had never seen anypony put away or organize anything so quickly before. Spike, after putting away the last of the items, made his way over towards the opposite couch that was sitting right next to Starlight and Twilight.

"All aboard!" yelled out the conductor as steam poured out from the whistle of the train

A few seconds later the "hoot,hoot" sound of the whistle played two times before the train finally went off to it's destination. The Chrystal Empire.