> In the King's House
>  by DE_K
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> what it could be
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A cool wind blew through the town of Ponyville, and Spike loved it. It was one of those rare occasions that he got to finally enjoy the town for what it was, rather than picking up the broken and burnt pieces of the latest monster attack. He looked out over the building tops as he swung his legs over the edge of the library's balcony, watching the few stragglers hurry home.

He didn't know why, but ponies didn't seem to be night creatures, at least most of them. He could understand a natural disposition in them but it seemed like it was rarely ever even a thought for them. His mind chewed on this thought vaguely as he lay on his back, being able to catch glimpses of the sky through swaying leaves. 'Why wouldn't anypony want to see this? Luna had to have done something a little extra tonight.' Above him, it looked as if he were at the bottom of a particularly deep pond, trees standing resolute overhead with their leaves only gleaning the faintest slivers of light through, a constant hint at other worlds beyond them.

Such things as that often frightened him, he couldn't say he was a fan of such wild and possibly terrifying possibilities, he'd seen enough happen in Ponyville alone to avoid actively pursuing even greater hostilities. But he also found himself tossing in his bed on restless nights, just thinking of things that may or may not be. Such fantastical ideas could keep him in rapt attention until the sun rose, and he would still feel as if he slept the whole night through. Twilight said it must be something like meditation, but that he should still get his sleep of course.

There he went again, he shook his head slightly to bring himself back. It had felt like mere moments, but the moon had moved significantly from the ways the shadows were cast. It was during its last quarter and it still shone as brightly as ever. Spike's back began to slowly grow more and more uncomfortable as he noticed a lump in the wood after breaking from his reverie. He decided he'd been sitting for probably more than was healthy for 'a growing dragon' as Twilight would say, and stood up, stretching and twisting his back, mainly to have something to do as he thought of what to do next.

He looked back into their home, whenever Twilight made the time to sleep, she slept. Spike was happy for her, rarely did she ever sleep so soundly, it was especially surprising after whatever she'd gotten earlier that day, definitely had her riled up. Normally she stayed up through all hours of the night on some informative hunt just because Celestia asked her something like how her day was, like it was some kind of test. Spike shook his head slowly with mixed feelings on this, both exasperated and amused with her attitude.

He decided he was hungry, starving actually, he had to eat, lest he perish within the hour. Through his dramatics, he carefully glided his feet over the floor with his softest steps as he tip-toed his way to the door. As Spike made his way down their stairs he resumed his silent state of rumination and went on autopilot while subconscious claws went through the fridge and cabinets for his next meal, a sandwich, with assorted crystal powders for texture, flavor and eight essential minerals.

Spike's midnight snack made, he headed to the main room to read while he ate. An already dog-eared new book of his lay under a couch cushion to make sure Twilight didn't re-re-rearrange it with all the other books and such in the time he went out to Sugarcube Corner or to help Rarity. After laying down he read up on the latest adventures of some stalwart hero in gleaming armor, his sandwich a forgotten memory by now, his arch nemesis, Hunger, abated and diminished, for now… These kind of adventures better suited him, the good guy always won and everything ended okay. He read on in his own world until his eyes were heavy as the moon sunk and he drifted to a dreamless sleep, at least he would have, but then a light went on above him, "Spike? What are doing up already? Did you even sleep?"

Morning already.

A question to which Spike responded with a groan before getting up, he knew he had to get ready for the day. After standing up and twisting so as to crack his back and loosen up his tail, he followed after her, groggy and unrested.  

The questionnaire herself was Twilight, a yawning, bed-maned, need-coffee-now purple unicorn at the bottom of the stairs and headed towards the kitchen, a floating brush and an attuned Spike in tow to assuage both of her primary concerns. 

The two entered their homely kitchen/dining room with a tired sense of peace only a well-to-do kitchen could bring. As they set out to gather what they needed to complete the breakfast summoning, they were blanketed by the dustless bands of light that poured through the blind slats, bringing a crisp balance of warmth and cool that nature decided fall would bring. A welcome houseguest if either of the two unlikely siblings were asked.

Twilight magic'd a kettle out of a cabinet above her and ran it under the faucet before stoving it, but Spike was making himself useful as well by going under the counter for a pan and around the kitchenette side of the room for ingredients to get started on breakfast. Coffee grounds were low at the moment, but thankfully enough for the day, "Spike, could you make a list of things we need from the market? Start with coffee alright? We're good for today but that's it."

A tired 'sure thing Twilight' followed by a 'thanks Spike' and he was back to cooking. Spike had found the things he'd needed soon enough, and even sooner he was in the zone, cracking eggs and pouring sugar into a bowl while buttering the pan down. For however tired Spike was, he diligently made pancakes for two and then some as Twilight brushed through her tail while also pouring the coffee in the kettle. Stirring the grounds around, Twilight proved again that even simple magic was a blessing by setting the table up as quick as she thought it.

Shortly after Twilight had sat at the table, with only Kettle and the Dishes for company, Spike brought a fragrant pan of fluffy heaven to the table. As Spike sat down she looked him over, while the coffee she poured for him was near instantly taking effect, it was still clear to her he was dead tired when she'd first come down, "So," Twilight began, "did you get any sleep? Because you certainly don't look the part."

The dragon on the spot had just finished setting his plate right when she'd asked, looking to the unicorn now working on her mane he had to smile, "Ha, and I guess don't feel half the part either yet," punctuating that with a staple of their morning so far, he took a scoop from his syrup, which so happened to have pancakes in it. Seeing how Twilight was looking at him he was quick with his follow up, "Don't worry Twilight, I'll make it through the day no problem." Spike chased his defense with some more coffee, then another smile, "See?"

Twilight could really only sigh with half serious, half amused disapproval though, since she didn't exactly often make well on her own bedtimes herself, and how he'd chastised her to sleep properly at least every other day, she could appreciate the situation for the reversal it was; she'd just wished he hadn't chosen that night to skip sleep. After lamenting the sour execution of their schedules, she brushed through a notably rough patch of mane while eating, careful to not get any on her coat, and sipped at her own breakfast and drink. But soon she'd taken note of how he seemed to be chugging rather than chewing his food, "Although I'm glad you're enjoying your pancake soup at least, I don't think that's the kind of energy you're going to want today." 

Pausing to swallow, he shrugged and put his extra pancakes off to the side, "Sorry Twi, still working on my syrup control I guess." He got up and collected their used dishes before heading to the sink to wash them, "But 'energy today' Twilight? I'm not sure what you mean, are we doing something?"

As she was still eating, she took her time chewing to consider her answer, "Did I tell you how much I love your cooking?" She said by way of 'answer' with a saccharine, puppy eyed smile.

He looked up from the dishes and over his shoulder to her, "Come on, be serious Twilight. How awake do I need to be?"

She sighed after downing the last of her coffee, "Awake. I'm sorry for not letting you know yesterday Spike, but it actually slipped my mind, I've just been so focused on making my latest breakthrough in aerodynamics! I mean, just imagine if all of ponykind could fly as pegasi can, without spells! Or, while only somewhat related, meteorology and, more precisely, nephology! Why, just think if we could apply our clouds to uses besides residentials and pegasi factories! Because as we know, lightning is an incredible source of power, and an incredible one to waste at that, potentially we could…!?"

She was really getting into it, and since he was done with the plate and mug she'd just finished with, he had no reason to not stop her anymore. So he stuck an oven mitt on her horn, and failed to hold back his laughter as she trailed off to go cross eyed and slack jawed to spot the intrusion before snapping him a smoldering glare, one he couldn't see as he was doubled over, "Oh geez Twilight, you shoulda seen your face." He looked up to show her his imitations, but every time he looked at her to match face, he started howling again.

Twilight was put off and pouty as mirthful tears streaked his face as he finally collapsed to pound the floor, "Honestly Spike, it could not have been that funny." She stamped a hoof for emphasis, "Alright, ha ha ha so funny, come on we still need to get moving you know, busy day, lots of plans, ponies to meet. Nothing too challenging yes?" Spike was near breathless, but recovering and soon stood to follow. Twilight was slightly wishing he'd've laughed himself hoarse, that would've taught him to laugh at something so Twilight. Moreover to the point, she was right, they needed to move before they were late.

"Whew, I'm sorry Twi, must've been the coffee, but wow was that funny," he wiped away a faux tear, causing the mare of the two to lift her nose in indignation.

After she settled her saddle bags on and secured a scarf to match the weather, nose still skywards of course, she graced him with a response as they left their tree of a house, "Well if I recall correctly I had coffee as well, and you didn't see me rolling and cackling like some crazy pony, as a matter of fact, I probably had even more, so there!" 

Thankfully ponies were familiar enough with their antics to not be concerned when 'crazy' and 'cackling' were thrown around, but eyes always managed to find them interesting figures, one of scales and one of Celestia's presumably ordained defenders. Twilight and Co's positions were quite enigmatic to the public as a whole despite concisely published explanations. It seemed that even in a world of mystery and magic, rumors were still as strong and fanciful as ever to those foreign or new to Ponyville regarding the Element Bearers' respective positions.

Spike feigned to take insult as they made their way to wherever she was leading them, "I'd hardly call what that was 'cackling', maybe I'll give ya crazy laughter, but dragons don't cackle, no no, dragons can't cackle, so there there." Punctuating his end all argument with a tongue out to the back of her head, she couldn't see it but he felt she got the point.

Weaving through the early bird shoppers was doable, but not so much so with your nose upturned in a sign of ultimate petulance, "Can't cackle? I find myself doubting your opaque assertions more and more my dear Spike. Why, if I were to, oof–!" Again, her pontificating was impeded. Rubbing her sore snout she opened a critical eye to behold, a lamppost! "Go easy on me Spike..." Her ears folded with embarrassment as the youngest there took pity and really did try his best to keep down his output to only muffled snickers, "Sooo, Spike… hm." Drifting herself to silence, they continued on as they were to their mystery destination.

Silence was alright, Spike felt, but he knew something was nagging at her, so he took his chances to help distract her, "So Twilight, what was that cloud stuff about earlier? You never really, uh, got to finish." He looked up to her with a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of his head, "Sorry for laughing so hard." Truth be told, Spike was actually more interested in what they were doing that day, but she obviously didn't like it brought up, so he was left to hope it wouldn't be too bad.

She sighed, not what she'd want someone to be sorry for, it wasn't that serious and laughter is an element after all, "It's fine Spike, you don't need to be sorry, no harm done. I've just had some things on my mind lately." Another deep, calming breath and her demeanor visibly perked, "But anyway, I'm both glad and pleasantly surprised you're taking an interest in my latest studies, and I really do think I'm onto something big here you know," She reaffirmed with a swift nod, "just suppose if we could gather enough basic cumuli, with the help of pegasi of course, to form the foundations of any formations from much higher altitudes!"

Spike wasn't necessarily upset, but honestly, he really would've appreciated a summary. He knew this can of worms well enough to know what he was getting himself into.

"Now see," a growingly frazzled Twilight elaborated, "the only problem I can see so far, asides from their containment, they only operate on low grade magic after all, and previous attempts on my part have resulted in the clouds naturally expected dissipation, but anyway! Back on track, what's stopping me asides from a physical incapability granted from a variety of off hoof basic containers coupled with every vestige of spells to do with their ilk I've had to learn while undertaking this project of mine? The Pegasi of course! They don't want to share, of all things!" With a tone growing louder and with an even louder flourish to the heavens above, eyes of passerbys spied her with mild concern as they walked onto a very familiar park's grass field, with certain friends waving them to a smartly layed picnic setup, coat complimenting hats and scarves all around.

Spike, to his credit, took her many words in stride and patted her mane back to flat once she seemed to return to her silent contemplations, "That sounded very smart of you Twilight, I get the gist of it all, harvesting lightning and all that, and that does sound useful, but… let's worry about this picnic you didn't want to tell me about first alright? Why'd you let me make breakfast!" He looked over to their gathered friends again and broke for them, a certain pale unicorn in particular, leaving Twilight to laugh ruefully and follow at a brisk trot, thinking that a big breakfast would help their big day.

"Hey girls, how's everypony been doing?" Taking a seat among her friends she was answered with their typical cheerful responses, "I love to hear it, and I've been doing well myself, thank you." Now was when Twilight's high spirits suddenly took a dip as she looked over all her friends and the wonderful picnic before them, but now wasn't the time to mention it, "This looks lovely, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, thank you." She gave both mares a nod and smile, "Now let's not waste anymore time letting our food go cold, thank you all for waiting like you did."

There was a distinct 'about time!' from their more bombastic pegasus, whose scarf had dangled tellingly from a low overhead cloud and in a blink she was among them, eagerly waiting for her portion to come from the deceptively small basket, "Oooh I could smell these bad things the whole time! A Pinkie Pie Posy Perfect Pastry!" A loud 'chomp' Rarity bore through followed by noisy chewing she had too put to an end,

"Rainbow, would it be too terribly difficult for you to pretend you've heard of table manners?" Her serving was on a paper plate, floating without a bite missing above her crossed forehooves as she laid with practiced poise, eyebrows locked dangerously into a glare. Spike fell in love all over again.

Through a mouthful of baked attitude Dash was not one to be so easily curbed, "I don't see a table here, we're eating on the ground like one of Fluttershy's roomies, ain't that right 'Shy?"

Just receiving her plate the demur yellow pony nearly dropped it once being put on the spot, "Oh, w-well I suppose some do," a victorious nod from the Dash, "but some do like the table, and we are on such a soft blanket too..." Fluttershy finished at a near whisper, but not too low to be heard.

A cocky grin came from Rarity as she capitalized on the opportunity, "A blanket, Rainbow." She stroked the mentioned article beneath her with a purr in her tone, "Animals wouldn't go out of their way to lay such a marvelous thing down as us... mostly civilized ponies do." With a flourish, a piece of her food was telekinetically broken off and popped into her mouth, emphatically chewing in the proper way a lady should, and in a way Spike wasn't sure he could take.

"Man whatever," Rainbow grumbled to herself, "I just want to eat, I don't care about a stupid blanket. Make me wait and call me uncivilized." Another bite, less obnoxious, "Civilize my flank." Grumbles petered off into more subdued bites as the group settled into their rhythm.

Before Rarity could defend her blanket, Applejack cut in and left her pouting, "That reminds me Twilight, what didja have us out here for? Early hours are mighty important for us over at the farm so I hope this is important." She'd been waiting until then before eating, wanting to voice her concern sooner rather than later.

Oh how she wished it weren't important, but maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she was imagining it all to be. Logically speaking there should be no reason for her plans to fall through, so thorough were they, but as she'd been shown many times before the soundest plan only works until it doesn't. She wished Applejack had waited until after their meal, but couldn't fault her for her actions, Twilight knew AJ and Twilight knew this would disrupt her day, an explanation was owed.

They hadn't considered it at first, but the rest of the girls realized it was indeed odd for their orange business mare to be available so early. They'd imagined this was just a simple picnic between friends. Digging into her third helping already, Pinkie took a note from... herself and spoke through her food, Rarity knew this was a battle to win by not playing, "Yeah what's the matter, Twilight? You ask me to make my very best for a super special picnic and none of us even know WHY it's so super special! At first I thought it was a surprise for myself but nopony else here knows either!" A gasp, "Is it a surprise for all of us! Did you find where missing socks go, did you catch who took the cookie from the cookie jar, are we being invaded by aliens!" A lavender glow put Pinkie's muzzle in a bubble, the pink Pie accepted her challenge. The bubble grew, as it grew so did their fear.

Thinking quickly, it would be the truth that set Pinkie free, "No not any of those, Princesses Celestia is sending me away for some time so I can gain insight on other cultures, perspectives, and hopefully make new friends." The bubble shrank until it disappeared and pinkie was quiet, looking down at her fifth treat she wasn't feeling up to anymore. Seeing the looks she was getting Twilight gave what was hopefully the good news, "It'll only be a couple weeks, the Princess says since I haven't done this before we won't start on anything big." A semi-forced smile was presented to her friends.

"Start?" His silent admiration was interrupted by an excited Pinkie and he couldn't ignore the spectacle the baker and his sister were becoming, and hearing the news planted him fully back down on the ground.

Her eyes turned to him and she seemed confused, "I'm sorry, what was that, Spike?"

"You said 'start', are we going to do this more than once?" The little dragon's exhaustion that had been starting to seep through as he'd stared at his damsel was more prominent now in his voice, adding a tone of desperation he hadn't intended but struck Twilight.

However it stung, Twilight was touched by his choice of words that suggested he already intended to go with her, though he didn't need to. "That depends on a few things, ultimately of which is what the princess decides, so... maybe?"

"But Twilight, what about the Elements of Harmony?" Leave it to Applejack to get to the meat of things.

"Yeah!" This one was Dash, of course, "What if we got another bad guy who needs us to lay down the pain? We can't use those rocks without all of us here!"

Knowing where this was headed Twilight had to head them off, "Girls, Princess Celestia and I already talked about this extensively." A necklace was summoned with her own cutie mark on it, dangling in her magic grasp, "If something like that does happen I'll know and this will bring me right back to you, wherever you girls are." She put the necklace on and looked over them as she stood, bolstered after mentioning her talks with her teacher and second mother. "I'll just be in Baltimare for a month then it's back home I go. I won't even be leaving Equestria."

This stymied the current opposition, though their underlying sentiments were something she could relate to, she would miss them all very much. Sensing her newfound resolute position, she was met with no more arguments and they continued their meal as she sat down once more. It was a quiet meal, but Rarity tried her best by offering some personal tips for Baltimare Twilight actively wrote down, Rarity was taking this the best of all seven, though she was careful not to sound too happy considering the atmosphere she couldn't help but gush a bit about the city and the friends she had there. It was actually quite helpful for Twilight, to shine some favorable light on this unwanted unknown.

Once the picnic had run its course they ended with hugs for all, two unnamed watery goodbyes, promises to write, and many more reassurances the time would pass by faster than Rainbow Dash, Twilight led Spike back to the treebrary. There was packing and triple checking to do. All the while, Spike could only think of the things he'd ordered from the back of his last comic and how he would miss out on the next edition's release.