)Just a little question...
“You know, your horn is pretty powerful. Just like the pony it belongs to.”
It's been a long and a pretty tough year for the reformed villain. Mainly due to the things she had done to Equestria. However, that experience made her learn so much. It really opened her eyes to the wide world of magic as well as the friendship that existed around her. All her life, she had been discriminated against so much that she had forgotten about friendship and the joy and companionship it brought her. However, after a certain encounter with an original foe, helped her realize how much her life was missing.
To her, the princess, Twilight Sparkle, was an angel. Tempest found herself thinking about her new friend, every moment of the day and dreamed about her at night since she left. If they have never met, Tempest's life would've been much worse! The commander once teased the princess about the very thing she represented. “Face it, princess. Friendship has failed you too,” she said. Nonetheless, she said that because she didn't understand the wonders of it well enough at the time.
She didn't believe it at first, but what her friend said was so true, to both of them. ”Friendship didn't fail me. I failed friendship.” They were in the same boat.
That moment of wonder played in her mind every time she dreamed. Even after everything, when in danger, and in doubt... Twilight held onto her for dear life... and together, they stopped the Storm King, and even watched side-by-side as Tempest showed her new friend and the world what she could do with her magic, smiling.
Tempest really wanted to do something for her new bestie, just one small thing... To thank her.
So she did.
It was an ordinary, fine day in Ponyville and in Equestria. The same old ponies out and about, doing duties and casual things and whatnot. No storm troops this time around to cause any havoc or chaos in the magical land.
Inside her castle, Princess Twilight Sparkle was staring out of the window of her bedroom thinking with a smile.
“I wonder how she has been doing,” She sighed happily, supporting her blushing and charming face with her hooves. “It's been quite a while…”
As the mare closed her eyes, imagining the two of them side-by-side... She was thinking about all the things that they could be when someone familiar came in the room.
“Hey, Twilight!” It was Starlight Glimmer, Twilight's pupil. “What's on your mind? You've been sitting here for like, fifteen minutes! Motionless! That's so not you at all…”
The princess turned around and got up, still with that shy and sheepish face, which has turned a bit pink.
“Oh, haha, it's nothing,” Twilight replied. “I'm just... thinking about things.”
Of course, when you hear somepony say something along those lines, you will immediately be intrigued to know the whole picture. And for a curious pony like Starlight, this was definitely no exception.
“What are you thinking about?” She asked, nudging her mentor. “The festival? Princess duties? Or maybe-”
Twilight kindly covered her friend's mouth, giggling. “Not exactly. I'm thinking... About somepony.”
Starlight's curiosity level just shot through the roof. “Oooooooooh~ Does Twilight have feelings for somepony special?”
The princess blushed even more. “Haha, I’d prefer not to tell…”
But she gave up anyway since Starlight was already bouncing up and down in excitement. “Please? Pretty please, Twilight? I solemnly Pinkie Pie promise I will not tell anypony about it!”
“Alright, fine…” Twilight sighed in an amused tone. “I've talked about our adventures beyond Equestria that happened around a year ago, right? It's her I'm thinking about.”
“Tempest Shadow?” Starlight guessed.
Twilight nodded, scratching her head with a hoof. “Well... I have no idea why, but... I found myself constantly thinking about her. Especially when I dream. You can blame princess Luna, but I don't think she'll do this often. Back to the point, it's just... I feel so bad that she decided to leave, even though the princesses allowed her to stay in her judgment.”
Starlight just shrugged. “You really do care about your friends, don't you, Twi?”
As the princess wanted to go deeper into the topic, Spike came rushing in and tripped on his tail in the excitement.
“Hey, Twilight! Someone's at the door right now,” He exclaimed. “She wanted to see you personally... I wonder why, though…”
She immediately made a squeal of joy. “Say no more!” Twilight said, rushing out of the room as fast as her hooves could take her, almost tripping on them.
She arrived at the large entrance as soon as possible. She didn't really know who was actually going to be behind that door, she could never know until she opens it, after all. Because of this, her heart was racing.
“Whoo, okay... Calm down, Twilight,” She whispered to herself. “Remember how you went to propose to the princess about your little idea? Just like that.”
She opened the doors, and standing right before her, was a familiar face. The violet colored pony, with that dazzling red mane. Though, she has changed a bit since they last met. The pony wasn't wearing her Storm King armor since now he's defeated. So she just looked like most other ponies. Because of this, her cutie mark was revealed too. It looked like some kind of colorful flares of magic, with smaller ones around it, just like Twilight.
It was Twilight's friend, at the same time an old foe of hers: Fizzlepop Berrytwist, more commonly known by her former name as Tempest Shadow.
“Tempest!” Twilight said joyfully, for the first time.
Seeing her friend, Tempest beamed with delight and chuckled. “Hey, Twilight. It has been quite a while, hasn't it? I was hoping if... If you have some quality time to share today... with me. I've been hoping to visit for a while and I thought that today would be a pretty good occasion to visit you on."
Twilight had a little gasp and just realized: Today was Hearts and Hooves Day! "How could I have forgotten?" She thought to herself. She knew Tempest had to visit on this very day for a reason. And she knew what it was. Smiling, the princess nodded.
“Sure! I don't have much planned today, actually. I know, a very rare situation for a princess like me,” She replied, laughing to herself and closing the doors as her friend entered. “Come with me, Fizz.” she giggled.
The moment she said her real name, Tempest blushed.
“Haha, wow... really, Twilight?” She asked.
Twilight giggled, and gladly snuggled up with her friend. Tempest just sighed happily as she melted into their embrace.
They were in the castle library, just casually sitting by the warm fireplace together on a comfy couch.
“So, Tempest,” Twilight began, feeling anticipated.
The tall pony just giggled. “Just call me Fizz. Like how you called me just now.”
Both friends exchanged a warm hug with each other.
“So, how's your life been, Fizz? It has been quite some time since we last met.” Twilight opened the conversation.
Tempest smiled. “Things have definitely been looking up, Twilight. After my judgment, I decided to go back to the Storm King's original palace, and since he isn’t around anymore, I'm now the one living in it, and the storm guards are protecting me now after I persuaded them. I've changed, both inside and outside, thanks to you.”
“Awww, you're welcome!” Twilight put her wing around Tempest.
“To be honest... Our adventure has been really fun, actually.” Tempest continued. “Yes, I know at the time we were rivals to the bone, you and I were like fillies constantly pushing each other around... but even through it, we had fun in our own way, even though mine was... not so good.”
Twilight giggled. “I know. I made a lot of new friends, too. That includes you, Fizzlepop.”
“Haha, now I think about it, my name is so weird,” Tempest laughed. “It sounds like a cheesy name or something…”
Both of them had a good laugh. They continued to talk for a little while until Twilight had a little question that just popped into her mind, that she never really got a clear answer to. Since now they've 'made up', she decided to ask it.
“You know, Tempest... There's just a little question I have on my mind…” She asked.
“Go ahead.”
'What happened to make you abandon friendship and turn evil, Fizz?”
Tempest thought for a second. She kinda explained why she thought friendship wasn't all that good in a song, but she never talked about the real background of the villain known as Tempest Shadow.
She looked at her broken horn- The one thing that made her unique.
“Isn't it obvious?” She jokingly said.
“Well, I have a different view of it than you do, Fizz,” Twilight suggested. “Everypony has something special about them. They just don't know it sometimes. So... Is there exactly a story to all of this? How your horn got broken? Because I don't think a horn can be... Broken, at least I've never seen anypony like that. Wait, never mind. I'm sorry. I shouldn't force you to talk about scars of the past, now should I?”
Still, Tempest shook her head. “It's okay, Twilight. I'm learning to accept it. About the story, though... Promise me you won't tell anypony else? I want to keep it between us for now since you're my closest friend.”
She nodded. “I promise, Fizz.”
“Alright then. Just for you, Spark,” Tempest said, allowing Twilight to pull her closer with her wing. “So, once, when I was a filly, probably the same as you, I did live in Ponyville. I was just like any other unicorn that happened to be living there instead of Canterlot, with the horn and the magic and all that. I had friends too. Want me to go really in depth into it?”
“I'll love to hear it,” Twilight replied, smiling.
*********
As she said, years ago, when she was just a filly, Tempest was just like the others, starting out the same. She had a few unicorn friends, who she always loved to play with: Glitter Drops and Spring Rain. They were all very close and they mostly had fun with magic.
It was a real treat for her because it could've been the only time she made friends with anypony. Why? It was all because of that experience. That scar that Tempest will never forget.
One day, the three friends were playing with a ball near the Everfree Forest. Of course, they didn't mean to go there, it's just they went in because they were so focused on their playtime.
“Come on!' Glitter giggled. “Whoever drops the ball is the loser!”
'Oh, it is on,' Tempest replied, smiling.
The ball levitated over and around the ponies, feeling cheerful and free. But it was only a matter of time before they made a terrible mistake.
“Hey Fizz, I know you're good at this, catch!” Spring said, throwing the ball to Tempest, who was a few meters away.
But it was a bit too high- It shot over Tempest and bounced into a nearby cave. Outside it was a bunch of signs indicating nopony should enter it. Legend has it there is a beast living in there, so nopony dared to go in it.
The three trotted over to the entrance.
“Oh... Sorry, I didn't mean to,” Tempest said, feeling she could've saved it.
Spring thought for a minute. “Well... We're not supposed to go in there, *sigh* I guess We can make an exception for our little game this time.”
But Tempest shook her head. “Don't worry, I'll get it.”
Glitter was unsure, but hearing her friend being so confident, she nodded slightly. “Okay... Just don't get yourself into trouble!”
So the brave pony sneaked into the cave and tried her best to not make the slightest sound. She made a bit of light with her magic as she walked deeper. A minute later, she found it and had a sigh of relief.
“There you are,” She said, grabbing the ball.
But as soon as she was going to leave, the enormous beast woke up right in front of her eyes. Backing away slowly, Tempest was slowly getting afraid.
“Oh... H-Hello there... I didn't mean to-”
The beast raised it’s paw, with sharp claws. By natural instinct, Tempest tried to use magic to defend herself. Unfortunately, she had not yet perfected her shield spell, and it was too weak. Smack! The claws sliced through her horn like it was absolutely nothing.
She started screaming and wanted to pick up her missing piece of her precious horn, but without it, she wasn't able to pick it up with her magic. She didn't have time to walk over there- She was dead center of the beast's target. Tempest started crying and ran out in fear.
When she did leave and found that it wasn't chasing her anymore, her two friends have already left- Just her, alone, standing there. It was now partially broken, missing the tip. Magic sparks formed time to time from the top of her fractured horn. She started to cry.
“How am I going to tell them about this...?” She cried.
When she returned to the little town, with a frowning face, the first ponies that her eyes saw were her two friends. She suspected that the ball must've rolled out before her escape, as she wasn't carrying it after all.
“*Gasp* Fizzlepop!” The two cried, running over to cuddle Tempest. “We're so worried about you!”
But the filly didn't smile, and only sighed as they let go. “I'm... I'm not the friend you know now. I'm sorry…” She pointed to her broken horn.
The other two looked at each other.
“What do you mean? You're still her!” Spring said, bringing his friend close. “It doesn't matter. What matters is you're okay!”
Glitter nodded. “I've never seen something like this happen to anypony, actually. Perhaps... You're still okay to play with us, Fizz?' She said, pushing the ball with her head to Tempest.
But the three didn't expect what happened next- As soon as Tempest wanted to use her magic to lift the toy, she accidentally caused a magic shockwave, sending them apart.
“Ow! What was that!?” Spring yelled, getting up.
Tempest gasped, and tears formed in her eye. ' Wh-What? Oh, I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to, I swear!”
She wanted to comfort her, but Glitter was worried and blocked the disabled pony.
“No! I don't want you to hurt her anymore…” She cried.
“But... But I didn't-”
“Glitter, let's go before she performs another spell on us…” Spring advised. Jade nodded, and the two ran away together, leaving their old friend behind.
And there was silence as Tempest could do nothing but watch.
“ Why... Why wouldn't they trust me anymore?” She sat down and cried.
And it only got worse- Everypony in town was soon in fear of the new Fizzlepop Berrytwist. They shut her out, even her parents! It left the pony no choice but to leave. It caused her great pain, but she has had enough of the teasing, just because she was different.
********
“That's terrible!” Twilight cried, feeling bad for Tempest. “Why would they leave you just because you were only a little different?”
She sighed. “I didn't know either. I mean, I didn't do anything wrong, did I, Twilight?”
“Of course you didn't! It was only a slight misunderstanding!” Twilight exclaimed. “If I was your friend back then... I would've never done that to you!”
Tempest smiled. “I know you wouldn't, princess. You are the Princess of Friendship, after all.”
After hearing that story, Twilight had something else to ask. “Actually... What happened between you and the Storm King? I never knew.”
“That guy?” The commander asked, grinning coldly. “Oh, he was cruel, alright. He just wanted magic for himself. It was only an excuse for me to get revenge and possibly get my horn back. But in the end... I didn't get what I wanted.”
Twilight had something on her mind but didn't want to ask just yet.
“I know it brings back bad memories…” She said. “However, is it okay if you tell me about it? Again, I promise I won't tell anypony.”
“If you say so,” Tempest said, continuing the story.
********
A while after Tempest's decision to leave Ponyville, a 'Soon to be infamous' villain by the name of the Storm King found out about this unique pony. He was certainly very interested in what she can do. So, once, he successfully captured Tempest secretly and took her back to his castle.
The mare didn't know what was going on at the time, of course. When she first saw the Storm King, she had no idea what he wanted her for.
“Ah, I see you've finally decided to wake up, young filly,” He said, sitting on his throne, looking at the little pony.
Tempest looked around; She didn't know at the time, but she was in the Storm King's throne room in his castle. There were banners of the symbol of his rule; With the blue trident and all that.
“Wh-What do you want from me? I'm just a filly!” She questioned.
“I can see that,” He replied. “But I've noticed you are indeed special. Your magic abilities are pretty interesting.”
She looked at her horn- was that he was talking about? “How come?: She thought to herself, sighing. It hasn't been long since the incident happened. But it had made her lose so many things. Because of this, she thought the stranger was talking nonsense- How could her fractured horn be so beneficial to him?
“I don't understand, sir…” Tempest sighed.
He chuckled. “Please, call me the Storm King.”
She was curious now- He was a king? She has never heard of him anywhere.
“Anyway, I knew about your damaged horn. Seeing your actions related to magic after that... I think you have great potential to support my mission.” He explained.
“What mission?”
“Why, conquering the world, of course,” The Storm King grinned coldly, coming down the steps from his throne. “I know you're still young, Fizzlepop. But if you promise me that you'll try as hard as you can to help me, and you will always be loyal, I can help you gain the power you need. In one way, you'll get much stronger than ever before. I know you hate people for judging you. It's a win-win for both of us!”
'What will I get in return, besides that?' Tempest thought for a bit, seemingly interested.
The king, with a touch of magic, showed the lost part of the unicorn's horn. “Once our mission is done, I will return this to you.”
Just that was enough to catch the pony's attention. She has been teased about her disability for quite some time. She decided to shut herself from everypony. But this offer... This could change her entire possible life! She could get back what she had lost! Even though it could cause huge consequences, she knew if she didn't take it, there won't be another shot at correcting her life path ever again.
“Wow... Are you serious?” Tempest said, her eyes sparkling.
“*Laughs* Of course I can do that!” The king started laughing, pulling out a giant staff. “Once this bad boy gets fueled up by the magic of the alicorns in Equestria, I will have more than enough to get your horn back.”
Tempest immediately bowed before him. “I promise you, my new king, that I would do everything I can to serve you and fulfill your mission.”
The Storm King was very pleased. “You made the right choice, Fizzlepop Berrytwist. Actually, no. I have the perfect name for you, little filly.”
“What's that?” She said, smiling.
The king crouched and held up her head just a little bit. “You are now my commander, Tempest Shadow.”
Since that day, the Storm King has kept his promise to raise Tempest to be a brave and strong commander. It would be a long time before she was actually able to contribute to his plan, but at the beginning of their siege, Tempest did very well, capturing three out of the four princesses. The one that escaped, was Twilight. But what the blinded commander didn't know was how magical friendship was.
Although capturing that clever princess was always her desired goal, through the adventure, she had found out just how wrong her thoughts were. The two both treated each other as one of their greatest rivals ever at first, but all along, they were meant to be best friends.
********
“So yeah, here I am now,” Tempest finished the story off.
Twilight smiled. “Thanks, Tempest. It's a really interesting backstory, I'll admit.”
“Really?”
The princess nodded. “Actually... I have something very special to show you, my friend. Please wait for a moment.”
A few minutes later, Twilight came back with a small box and opened it in front of Tempest. “I never knew at the time... Was this yours?”
She gasped and looked at Twilight, speechless. “How did you find it?”
Twilight smiled and levitated what she was looking at- The missing half of Tempest Shadow's horn, somehow kept in perfect condition.
“A few years ago, I stumbled upon the very monster you faced; The Ursa Minor. I didn't know how, but I was able to put it into a very deep sleep with magic. When I checked to make sure that it won't attack Ponyville again, I found this in his cave. I didn't know who owned it, but I was still a pony of curiosity, so I decided to keep it.” Twilight explained.
Tempest looked back and forth between her friend and the thing she had desired for so long. “Why did you never mention it?” She asked.
“I noticed it the moment I saw you, even though I was unsure. I didn't mention it, because I know if I did, you would totally destroy me, not to offend you,” Twilight giggled.
Tempest sighed happily. “It's okay. Though... It's a shame it would be like that... Forever…”
“Actually... Maybe not.” The princess said.
“Oh?”
“I once talked to Starswirl about this, after our adventure, of course.” She said. “More on how the two of us crossed paths on another day. Anyway, he said that alicorns have a much bigger ability in terms of healing magic. He taught me about a very special spell... No promises it will work, because I never tested this on a real pony…”
She flapped her wings and levitated the tip of her friend's lost horn on top of the fractured half. Slowly, Twilight also used magic to enlarge the size of the fragment, as it was a bit small compared to the size of the horn now. Then, with caution and care, she tried to close the gap between the halves of Tempest's horn, closing her eyes after she had made sure the position was precise.
“We may have fought before, Tempest, but I am putting the past behind today,” Twilight said. “I hope you'll accept my little gift to you.”
A minute after she said that, magically, Tempest's horn was fixed, back into one piece! Twilight landed on her hooves, smiling happily. She had done something very special, and she can tell just by watching her friend cry of happiness.
“I can't believe it…” Tempest cried, wiping her tears and looking at her restored horn. “You did this… All for me, Twilight Sparkle?”
The princess started laughing. “Hold on.”
She teleported the two to her bedroom, both sitting on her queen-size bed. Twilight wanted to make this a little... Romantic. Tempest noticed this and felt a warm blush on her face. She wanted to confess something. So did Twilight, whose face was also tinted pink.
“Oh... Oh, my…” Tempest giggled. “Can... Can I really...?”
Twilight smiled and giggled. “I love you, Fizzlepop Berrytwist.”
Tempest gasped and covered her mouth. A minute of blushing later, Twilight leaned in for a kiss. Tempest closed her eyes and pressed her lips against her best friend's, smiling. They even cuddled a bit.
“Haha, wow... I really didn't expect this, Twilight,” She said, feeling surprised yet glad.
They let go, still blushing.
“To be honest... When you decided to leave, I felt a bit sad. I mean it. I wished you would stay with us nearby,” Twilight confessed. “Every day... I don't know why, but I can't get my mind off of you, Fizz. And yes, I did get a bit sidetracked when I was doing some stuff of my own. It's just... I felt like we could be really close friends, don't you think so?”
Tempest just smiled. “Sounds like we're in the same boat.”
“Really?” Twilight asked.
She nodded. “I missed you too, Spark. You were on my mind like, all the time. Yes, I am having a great life, now that I took over the Storm King's position and all that. I had personal things I need to do, as I said before we got into my backstory. It was then I found out how much friendship has changed me. And even though we used to hate each other... You were still willing to give this amazing gift to me... How could I ever repay you, my dear princess?”
Tempest held up Twilight's head. “Never thought I'll be saying this... But I love you too, my best friend.”
The princess just tackled her friend excitedly, and the two lied on the bed, relaxed. Kindly, Twilight pulled the sheets and tucked the two into bed.
“Okay, this is getting a bit silly, don't you think, Twilight?” Tempest giggled.
“Most ponies don't know this... But I can get really cheesy sometimes,” Twilight explained briefly.
They both shared a giggle.
“You sure know a lot,” Tempest complimented. “Not as much as me in terms of magic, though.”
“Haha, what? You surely don't know me enough,” Twilight jokingly said.
“Are you sure about that, Twi?” Tempest teased playfully.
“Oh, I can prove it to you if you really think you're better at magic, Fizz.”
The two shared a cold smile, lightly pushing against each other's heads. Their horns collided a bit and little sparks formed from the friction.
“You're such a showoff, Twilight.”
“How about we settle this on another day, alright?” Twilight calmed her down. “When we have time, of course. Just a little friendly battle.”
“Oh, you're so on. And don’t expect me to go easy on you, either,” Tempest chuckled. “ However, for now, though... I hope you don't mind…”
She flipped the blankets over the two and started tickling and kissing her best friend. Cuddling, belly rubs, you name it. Twilight wanted to escape but was too caught up in the moment. Besides, the two have already locked themselves in a tight and warm hug in amusement, not letting go of each other.
“Hey, stop it, Fizzlepop!” Twilight cried, non-stop giggling. “That's so ticklish! Okay, you asked for it!”
She started doing the same thing, wiggling with her dear friend. Now Tempest was the one laughing hysterically!
“*Giggling* Okay, okay! I'll stop, Spark!”
They flipped the blanket back up and locked eyes. They tried so hard not to burst into laughter, but couldn't hide their grinning. Why, you ask? Because the two were so caught up on playing around, marks were left on each other's cheeks from their cheesy kissing!
“Oh, you got a little something... Right there on your face,” Tempest giggled, blushing.
Twilight felt bashful too. “Same with you. Let me get it off.”
“Aw, I'm sorry, Twilight,” Tempest said, wiping the marks off her friend's face. “Was it too much?”
“Well... Let's pretend that never happened, Fizz. But... It was really adorable of you,” Twilight replied.
The two lied down side-by-side on Twilight's bed. The size was absolutely perfect for them both together. Looking away from each other and their back pressed against the other's, they took a moment to reflect on everything that happened between them a year ago. Tempest felt guilty about everything that she has caused, especially now that Twilight became her best friend. On the other hand, Twilight hoped that they could've became pals sooner, instead of always hating on each other like they did before.
“Twilight?”
“Yes, Fizzlepop?"
They both turned, and their noses bumped into each other's, making them giggle.
“Really, thank you for everything,” She said, moving closer to her friend. “I know we would've never imagined that we'll be here, being with each other like best friends. Ever since I broke my horn... I've forgotten just how powerful friendship can be. I understand now. I might've gotten stronger through the Storm King raising me, but... True power does not come from strength. It comes from your heart.”
Tempest placed her hoof in front of Twilight's heart, smiling.
“I'm glad you've learned your lesson,” Twilight responded. “I made mistakes during the journey too. And I know, friendships can be tested from time to time. It's normal that others fear you. There are always little misunderstandings between even the best of friends. I get we're very different, Tempest. We've had some pretty heated quarrels and we used to fight a lot. Honestly... Even I never predicted we could be buddies, let alone best friends.”
“Well... We don't need to be best buds, Twi, even though I'll love to be much closer to you and I'll love being your closest companion,” Tempest said. “But all I wish for both of us is that we can put our rivalry in the past and make amends.'
Twilight agreed, and nodded as her cheeks turned pink. "So do I, bestie. I'm sorry about everything. I didn't want to fight with you.'
"Please don't, my friend," Tempest cried, rubbing her hoof on the alicorn's wing. "It is me who was foolish. I'm sorry too."
Both mares placed a hoof against the other's, the tip of their horns touching.
“Truce, Twilight?”
“Truce, Tempest.”
A warm smile climbed up their faces. Closing their eyes, the two gladly wrapped each other's heads with their hooves and gave a tender kiss to their best friend. As their hooves slowly moved down to form an embrace, tears of joy flowed down gradually from their eyes. Funny enough, they were so close to each other, it looked like their tears were mixed together. Their lips parted a minute later, but they reconnected after exchanging a warm forehead kiss.
“*sniff*Let's not fight again, okay?” Twilight asked, still in the hug. “I don't like arguing with my friends.”
Tempest nodded. “Of course I won't. You're so important to me, why will I ever do something bad to you ever again?”
"*giggles* I know, Fizz. You mean a lot to me too."
They sighed in bliss. Then, Twilight had a brilliant idea.
“So... You've got some extra quality time for the rest of the afternoon today, Tempest?"
“Mhmm, of course I do,” She answered.
Before Tempest could say more, she found that her friend was already sleeping soundly, with the alicorn wings tucked around her. She sheepishly grinned as their bodies pressed close against each other's. Twilight proceeded to nuzzle and stir in her sleep under Tempest's head. Brushing her hoof along Twilight's pretty, purple mane, Tempest gave a loving smooch on her friend's forehead as her hooves pulled the dreamy princess closer in their embrace.
Merely opening her eyes, probably due to the kiss, Twilight smiled. And Tempest shared the same feeling.
"You know... I wanted to visit today specifically for a reason," Tempest whispered, her cheeks tinting pink.
The princess nodded. "I acknowledge that. And... If what I'm thinking is correct, truth is, I wanted to ask you the exact same thing."
Tempest felt the burn of her blush really starting to show. "*laughs* Oh, really?" She giggled, nuzzling her friend's head. "Well, if you think so, tell me what you are going to ask."
Twilight turned away, her heart beating faster as she did so. A second later, she turned back, took a deep breath, and asked it.
"Will you... Will you be my Valentine, Fizzlepop?"
Tempest smiled and nodded. "Correct, smart one. As for the answer... *chuckles* I will, Twi. What about you?"
"*chuckles* Me too. I can't ask for anything better."
In utter joy, Tempest playfully messed with Twilight's mane. The princess giggled and flicked her tail at her friend's flank.
"Awww, Spark..." Tempest cried. "You're so adorable, why would I ever mess with you?"
When she heard her nickname, Twilight squealed a bit. "Aw, Fizz... *laughs* Come here."
Planting another kiss, the two beamed. Carefully, Tempest allowed Twilight to slowly snuggle around her body, and the wings she was wrapped in tickled her a bit. Playfully nuzzling each other's noses, they both yawned a bit, feeling tired.
"Getting tired?" Tempest asked.
"Mhmm, kinda," Twilight replied. "Hey... Do you mind... If we..."
"Cuddle in sleep, right? Haha, sure. We already are anyway," Tempest sighed gladly. "Oh, I love you so much, Twilight Sparkle. Promise me, we'll always be best friends from now on?"
"Pinkie promise," Twilight answered. "Because I love you too, Fizzlepop."
Together, they closed their eyes and slept in complete silence as they flew into dreamland, sharing a bittersweet dream with their best friend.