Spike and Scootaloo stood at the entrance to the Everfree House cafeteria. The muffled sound of several conversations happening at once could be heard just beyond the doors, along with the occasional laugh or shout.

“So… you’re okay with this?” Spike asked gently. “Just…remember, changelings are omnivorous—”

“Oh, Spike, quit worrying,” Scootaloo said with an amused chuckle. “I’m a big girl. Some cooked meat isn’t going to scare me away. Or have you forgotten how many times I’ve helped Fluttershy feed her animals, including her foxes, otters, and snakes? Heck, the fish we gave the otters were still alive.”

“You have a good point…” Spike relented. “I just wanted to be sure.”

“I know; you asked me at least a dozen times on the way here…”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Excuse me for worrying.”

“It’s only cute the first five times, then it’s a bit annoying,” the mare said with a nudge of her foreleg. “Come on, I’m starving.”

Spike opened the doors, and almost immediately they were greeted by several dozen greetings. Numerous changelings, some he had yet to meet, were waving to him animatedly.

“There’s the sexy duo, see? I told you they’d make it!” said a familiar changeling’s voice. Spike cleared his throat as Scootaloo snickered in amusement.

“Oh, it is Friends Spike and Scootaloo! How wondrous!” cheered Blur as she looked towards the two newcomers.

“Heeeey, they made it!”

“Just don’t eat all the food, okay?”

Spike blinked in surprise as he took in the scene before him. Several of the longer tables had been pushed together to form one long table that ran almost the entire length of the cafeteria. Admittedly, it wasn’t the biggest cafeteria he had seen, but it was still a sizable length.

“Oh wow…” Scootaloo murmured as her eyes scanned the assortment of dishes to select from.

The smells were rather exotic to her, but she recognized a few. There were several curry dishes, she could tell that much. One of them had a green sauce that smelled distinctly of spinach and cheese. There were assorted types of bread and wraps laid out, and dishes of raw greens. She spotted several large bowls full of rice and vegetables and greens to choose from: broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, water chestnuts, leafy greens, carrots, leeks, green onions, bean sprouts, and so forth. All of them were placed next to bottles of various sauces and oils. There were pots full of noodles in broth, and, were she a griffon, she would have been drooling over the plates with whole, cooked chickens and smoked fish on them.

“Spike,” Scootaloo said slowly.

“Yeah?”

“We’re making this a weekly thing, okay?” Her stomach gurgled, as if to add its input on the matter.

Spike laughed. “You’ll get no argument from me. Everything looks delicious.”

“That’s because Ebon, Fade, and I cooked tonight.” Spike and Scootaloo looked to see Colea wave to them. She grinned proudly as she continued, gesturing to the food. “We tried going with dishes common to our homeland.”

This time, both Spike and Scootaloo’s stomachs growled, and the two gave embarrassed smiles to Colea.

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment for the food smelling good,” said Colea. “Have a seat and dig in.”

Spike and Scootaloo took seats between Fade and a male drone changeling. Spike and Scootaloo began to serve themselves what was within reach, both eager to try the delicious, and in some cases new, dishes.

“Oh, dude,” said the male changeling sitting beside Spike. “Don’t eat that stuff…”

Spike glanced down at his ladle full of spinach sauce curry and frowned. “Um… what’s wrong with it?”

“Fade used some pre-made ingredients and wheat noodles instead of rice noodles. It’s not authentic,” he replied with a grin. Almost immediately, Fade looked over to him and gave him an unamused look.

“So… it’s not bad?”

The drone laughed. “Nah, it’s fine. Fade’s not that bad at cooking. Though, I make better Appleloosan-style bean chili than she could ever hope to replicate.”

“Raxis, your praise never ceases to amaze me,” Fade said with sigh. “Ignore him, Spike. He’s like a bad case of carapace molt: if you scratch or bite, he only gets worse.”

While Spike didn’t know Fade as well as some of the others at the Everfree House, he was certain there was an undercurrent of teasing and genuine friendliness in her words.

“You’re being too nice, sis. I’d sooner put a bottle of ipecac in the next bowl of soup he steals from me if he insulted my cooking,” said Wisp, who was sitting directly across from Scootaloo.

“Oh, Wisp, I love it when you talk dirty,” Raxis laughed. Wisp rolled her eyes, but just like Fade, there was a genuine smile on her lips.

Spike looked over to Scootaloo, who was already digging into a massive plate of curry with spinach sauce. She took in a mouthful of the palak paneer, her eyes widening as she licked her lips. “Oh wow…”

“Do you like it?” asked a voice a table over from them. Spike recognized the changeling who spoke as none other than Ebon, who was watching Scootaloo with mild interest.

“Mmhmm!” Scootaloo replied, her cheeks puffed out a bit as she took in another spoonful. She blushed slightly and after swallowing her mouthful, added, “I-I mean, yeah. It’s great, um…”

“You may call me Ebon,” she said softly with the barest trace of a smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s been awhile since I could get ahold of paneer cheese, but a vendor passing through town happened to have some for sale. Blur here was perceptive enough to buy some for me.” Ebon looked over to Blur.

The younger nurturer changeling smiled at Ebon. “I had hoped you would be able to use it. Colea says you’re great at traditional foods.”

“Heh, it beats anything I can make,” Scootaloo said with a laugh. “Spinach lasagna is about the only thing I can do well. Well… that and PB & J.”

“Do not feel embarrassed, Friend Scootaloo,” Blur said with an encouraging smile. “Cooking is a skill that requires much practicing.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, don’t I know. Though, it’s kinda hard to want to cook when you have someone like Spike, a god at culinary work, and a master confectioner like Bonbon living under the same roof as you.”

“Bonbon?” Blur repeated. “Ah, is she a pony friend of yours?”

“Oh, well, yeah,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “Well… not just a friend. Spike, Lyra, Bonbon, and I all live in the same home. Spike and I pay rent to Bonbon and Lyra once a month.”

“We’re pretty sure they wouldn’t let us leave even if we wanted to, though,” Spike added. “We’re not so much tenants as we are housemates to them. I mean, we’re paying only a fraction of what most tenants in this part of Equestria do.”

“Tch, lucky.” Raxis shook his head and let out a sigh. “Back when I was living in Whinnyapolis, my landlord was a royal pain in the carapace. Jerk tried charging me extra fees every other month for some reason or another.”

Spike nodded in understanding. “The situation with changelings is getting better in Equestria. A little bit, at least.” He shrugged and gave a weak smile. “Not to mention you all couldn’t have picked a better place to set up shop. Ponyville is probably the most open-minded community in all of Equestria.”

“It’s a cozy little community,” Raxis agreed with a grin.

Spike returned to his meal, only to pause as he spotted a small pair of bright, inquisitive, blue eyes a little ways from Ebon peeking at him from over the table. The little changeling cocked its head to the side a bit, only to shrink back as Spike looked at it. Scootaloo must have noticed as well, because she began to giggle as the bright blue eyes ducked beneath the table.

A donkey jenny sitting next to the little changeling looked to Spike before nudging the little changeling. “Go on, Mande, say hello.” The little changeling buzzed, likely in protest, but the jenny just chuckled softly. “That’s Spike. Don’t you remember me telling you about him?” She placed a hoof gently on the youngling’s head and rustled its dorsal fin. “Now, be nice and say hi to him and Scootaloo.”

The changeling mumbled something, then looked to Spike. “Um… h-h-hello.”

Spike made a conscious effort not to grin. Young foals tended to be spooked the first time they got a look at his sharp teeth. “Hello to you, too. What’s your name?”

“I’m Mande… um…” Spike had never seen a young changeling face to face before, but he gauged by the tone in the youngling’s voice that it was a male. “M-my mom says you’re in charge of keeping her safe…”

Spike chuckled. “I’m in charge of Security here, so yes, I’d say she’s right.” He nodded to the changeling. “It’s nice to meet you, Mande.”

“Um… thanks…” The youngling seemed to relax a little. He then looked to Scootaloo, and Spike spotted the faintest of blushes appear on Mande’s cheeks. “H-hi, miss.”

“Miss? Oh, that’s cute,” Scootaloo laughed. “Scootaloo’s fine, sweetie.”

Mande was now a healthy shade of cucumber in the cheeks, mumbling as he shrunk back into his chair.

“So, how did you come to be Mande’s mother?” Spike asked, then added. “I… well, I only ask since…” He coughed into a hand. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”

“No need to apologize. I adopted Mande about two years ago from the Canterlot orphanage,” the jenny explained. “Mande’s lived his whole life in Equestria.” She glanced up to Spike and Scootaloo, and chuckled. “Ah, sorry. My name is Amelia. I help care for the gardens with my husband Roulf.”

Mande perked up a bit at the mentioning of his adopted father. “Dad’s teaching me how to plant tulips right now. It’s fun!”

Scootaloo turned back to Mande and giggled. “I’m not that good at gardening. It takes lots of patience that I never had.”

“Oh, trust me, I can relate. My husband’s the expert, I just help out and keep the garden clear of any weeds. Roulf, though? He spent a good portion of his life working in the Canterlot Gardens”

That got Spike’s attention. “No kidding? I lived in the castle when I was still a kid.” He sifted through his mental catalog of castle staff, only to draw a blank. “Roulf… I feel bad, but the name doesn’t ring any bells for me.”

Amelia nodded in understanding. “Roulf was never one to garner much attention. He likes to keep to himself and tend his plants. He would be here tonight, but he’s helping a brother in Dodge Junction. He won’t be back until next week from what it sounds like.” She leaned down and gave Mande a loving nuzzle. “So, for now, Mande and I are in charge of the gardens around here.”

“So, Mande,” Spike began. “Do you go to school in Ponyville?”

“Um… yes.” Mande looked to Spike, then fidgeted a bit. “Miss Cheerilee is my teacher.”

“You know, Miss Cheerilee used to teach me when I was your age,” Scootaloo added. “You make sure to listen to her. She’s a great teacher.” Spike gave Scootaloo an amused look. “What?” She frowned.

“Hm? Oh, nothing. Just funny, hearing you of all ponies give lectures about being a good student.” Spike laughed, raising an arm as Scootaloo gave him a light slap with a hoof.

“Oh, shush.” Scootaloo turned back to Mande and continued. “Spike’s a dolt. If he ever gives you trouble, you just tell me, okay?”

Mande grinned. “M’kay, Mis- I mean… Scootaloo.”

“Spike,” Colea began, “Blur and I were given tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, as I’m sure you remember, and we were wondering if you knew any reliable chariot services in Ponyville, seeing as you’ve lived here for quite awhile.”

Spike frowned a little, doing everything in his power to avoid looking to the pegasus sitting beside him. “Oh, well, I—”

“How crazy is that?” Scootaloo cut in, her voice a bit too chipper for Spike’s liking. “Spike and I are going to the Gala this year as well!”

Colea blinked, but a smile spread across her lips. “Is that so? Spike, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Um…” Spike shrugged. “Must’ve slipped my mind…” He gave a weak chuckle.

“This is most wonderful news,” Blur piped in, clopping her hooves together. “We shall all go together, then!”

“Haha, well, I’m not sure how long I’ll be attend—”

“That sounds like a great idea! You can meet the rest of our friends, and we’ll hitch a huge chariot ride to Canterlot together! I’m sure one of our friends can pull a favor or two from somepony in town,” Scootaloo said, once more speaking just loud enough to drown out Spike’s voice.

As Blur began to chat excitedly with Scootaloo about what she hoped to see and do at the Gala, Spike suppressed a loud groan. It was bad enough that his friend, the Princess of the Night, his marefriend, and a group of mares who were his friends, were all more or less begging (i.e. forcing) him to go the Gala, but now his own employer?

He gave Scootaloo an unamused look. She merely smiled back, and, despite his best efforts, he couldn’t help but sigh and smile a little.

I suppose it won’t be so bad, so long as she’s with me…

Dinner came and went, time flying by as idle chatter continued between the Everfree House staff. Spike couldn’t help but feel a tad disappointed when most of those attending dinner eventually excused themselves, retiring to their respective rooms and homes. He had enjoyed the familial atmosphere.

“So, Spike…”

Spike looked up from the glass of after-dinner brandy Colea had offered him, only to see Raxis standing beside him. “What’s up, Raxis?”

“Double Take mentioned you have a friend in the music business, right?”

“That’s right,” Spike replied, giving the changeling a nod. “I haven’t gotten around to writing her yet, but either way, she should be visiting town some time this month.” He chuckled in amusement. “Why? You looking to get into music?”

“Actually, yeah.”

Spike blinked. “O-oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make fun or—”

Raxis grinned. “It’s cool, Spike, no worries. I mean, I won’t pretend that it’s not a demanding, harsh business… but… yeah, I was hoping that maybe she can point me in the right direction to start up a band or something. Though, I suppose that all depends on what her style of music is.” He cocked his head to the side. “Mind me asking what her name is?”

“Sweetie Belle,” Spike answered.

As Raxis’ eyes slowly widened and his jaw went slack, Spike braced himself.

“N-no way. Sweetie Belle? You got to… oh, I get it.” Raxis shook his head and chuckled, then regained his composure. “Haha, okay, funny. So, really, who is it?”

Spike kept his expression serious, a practiced routine of his when it came to this kind of conversation. “I’m not kidding. Sweetie Belle is my friend. Heck, go over and talk to Scootaloo if you don’t believe me. She knows Sweetie Belle even better than I do. She, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle have been friends for years, back when I first moved to Ponyville.” The drake grinned. “They still write to each other all the time. I think Scootaloo even had a hoof in some of her songs.”

Raxis looked at Spike for several long seconds, his ears twitching a bit. “Wow, you’re freaking serious, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Spike replied. “Shoot, I had a crush on Sweetie’s sister for ages. Just ask her.”

The changeling laughed quietly. “I forget how many big names are from Ponyville.”

“Eh, I call it small town charm,” Spike said with a shrug. “So, yeah, do you want to meet her?”

“The chance to talk to the Sweetie Belle? The biggest rising star in Equestria? Y-yeah, that’d be awesome.” Raxis laughed and scratched his neck while looking to the floor. “I wasn’t expecting a musical icon like her to be your friend. Wow…”

“Yeah, just don’t be getting any ideas with her…” Spike said jokingly. “She’s a real heartbreaker. I’ve seen more stallions crumble before her than I care to admit.”

Raxis chuckled. “No need to worry, Spike.” His smirk became a little devious. “I’m not just a fan of the ladies, after all. In fact, if you’re not busy…” He let his words trail off, leaning a little closer to Spike, the faintest smirk on his lips.

“O-oh, uh… that’s flattering, but… I’m more inclined towards mares.” Spike gave Raxis a small smile. “Sorry.”

Raxis leaned away, laughing a little. “Ah, well, that’s a shame. You’re easy on the eyes, but I know when to stop digging down the wrong tunnel…” His eyes widened a bit, then he added. “Although… I don’t have to be a male. I mean, I am a changeling…”

Spike shook his head and laughed. “Raxis, I’d need way more brandy for that to happen. It’d just be in the back of my mind the whole time.”

Raxis sighed, but gave an understanding smile. “It’s cool, Spike. I wouldn’t be in this business if I didn’t respect preferences.”

“Raxis will rut with anyone, just as long as there is heavy metal music playing in the background,” said Wisp as she flitted over to the two.

Raxis rolled his eyes. “Says the changeling that’ll seduce anything with a pulse.”

“I consider that a talent, thank you very much. Being able to see the attractive qualities in others is a gift,” Wisp said, lifting her nose into the air. “There are, of course, exceptions to this gift of mine.” She glanced at Raxis as she continued. “Like you.”

Raxis and Wisp glared at each other for all of three seconds before Raxis’ frown split into a mirthful grin. It proved to be contagious, and soon Wisp wore the same look, laughing a bit.

Spike quirked an eyebrow while giving the two a bemused look. “Did I miss something?”

“Eh, Raxis and I used to hate each other when we first started,” Wisp replied. “Like, seriously. I wanted to stomp in his guts.”

“For what it’s worth, I instigated a lot of those fights we had. You weren’t entirely in the wrong,” Raxis chuckled.

Wisp nodded in agreement. “True.” She turned back to Spike. “Anyway, we eventually had to work together one night on patrol around the Everfree Forest. We were ambushed by a manticore. Had Raxis not transformed into one himself, I would’ve been killed.”

“You did help me out with that fight, though,” Raxis added. “Don’t forget about that.”

“Right, right…” Wisp waved a hoof. “Anyway, after both of us narrowly avoided being eaten by a manticore and a giant timberwolf that night…” Spike gasped. “I know, I know, crazy, but true… anyway, after that night, we sorta just… became friends, I guess. You don’t go through that kind of stuff without forging a bond.”

“I know what you mean. I’ve gone through some hard times, but I’ve had ponies like Scootaloo there for me.” Spike looked over to see his marefriend talking with Double Take. “I’ve made some great friends here in Ponyville. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Raxis laughed loudly at that. When Spike gave him a confused look, the changeling shook his head and held up a hoof. “S-sorry. It’s just… wow…” He cocked his head to the side and smiled. “You’re the real deal when it comes to that stuff, aren’t you? I mean, I remember seeing the papers and how they spoke of you as a hero sometimes back when you were a councilor. Of course, a lot of them tried to make you out to be a typical crooked politician, but… well, I think most of us knew the truth.”

“Um… thanks, I guess,” Spike said with shrug.

“Don’t ever change, Spike,” Wisp said, giving Spike a playful nudge. “Alright, well, I need to get to bed. Early day tomorrow.” She gave Raxis a light bump on the shoulder with a hoof, and playful wink to Spike, then made towards the doors leading out of the cafeteria.

As Wisp disappeared beyond the doors, Raxis shook his head, smiling. “She’s got it bad.”

“Hm?” Spike asked.

“Nothing,” Raxis replied. “Anyway… yeah, if it’s not any trouble for you or Sweetie Belle, maybe let her know that I’d like to talk to her? I’d really appreciate it.”

“No problem, Raxis. I’m sure she’d be happy to meet a fellow music enthusiast.”

“Thanks. I better get to bed as well.” Raxis made his way to the door, waving a hoof to Spike as he did. “Later, Spike. Nice talking with you.”

“See you around, Raxis,” Spike called back.

It was at that point that Scootaloo walked over to the drake’s side. “So, you ready to head out to your nerd-gathering?” she asked teasingly.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Careful, now. Our Dungeon Lord happens to be the Spirit of Disharmony himself, you know.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Pfft, Discord’s a walking joke waiting to happen these days. That and Fluttershy would give him such a scolding if he acted up at all.”

“Hmph, obviously you’ve never played a campaign with him running things,” Spike grumbled, mostly to himself. “Roll a natural one and you’re guaranteed to have something completely illogical happen. Like, this one time I was fighting a cave troll and I was separated from the group. I rolled a natural one and Discord had a rutabaga suddenly grow out of my back, and then I was ten percent more vulnerable to biting damage. Not to mention—”

“Spike, reel it in. I don’t speak Dungeonese,” Scootaloo laughed.

Spike threw back the last of his drink, then nodded to the door. “Right, sorry. Let’s say goodbye and head out, then.”

“Leaving already, huh?”

Spike and Scootaloo turned to see Colea walking towards them. Spike offered the changeling a small smile. “Afraid so, Colea. I’m actually meeting some friends for our weekly get-together.”

“He plays Dungeons and Caverns,” Scootaloo said with a wave of her hoof.

Spike, now slightly flushed in the cheeks, frowned at the pegasus. “I was going to say that, you know.”

Scootaloo stuck out her tongue. “Sure you were.”

Colea chuckled, “Ah, never got into the roleplaying games, myself. Though, Blur has always had a fascination for fantasy and such.”

“You don’t say?” Spike perked up at this. “Well, our campaign’s been looking for another member for awhile now and Ponyville’s short on willing volunteers.”

“Well, don’t let me keep you, then.” Colea gave the two a nod. “Thanks again for stopping by. Spike, we’ll see you tomorrow around one in the afternoon?”

“You got it, Colea,” Spike replied with a nod. “Thanks for the dinner. It was great.”

“Later, Colea. I’ll be stopping by again soon,” Scootaloo said.

“Well, I’ll hold you to that, then,” Colea said with a smile. “Have a good night!”

Spike and Scootaloo made their way out of the cafeteria after saying their goodbyes to Blur

“Did you know Double Take used to be a government courier for the Changeling Nation before she moved here?” Scootaloo asked.

“Really?” Spike raised an eyebrow. “Wow, I guess that explains how she gets around so quickly.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah, I was talking with her about my job. To be honest, with what she had to put up with working in the Badlands… my job is a cake walk.” She shook her head. “I’m glad you got this job, Spike. I… I guess I never really had anything against changelings. I mean, yeah, there was that whole invasion thing, but I figured not all changelings are like that.” She laughed, “It’s nice to actually meet changelings face to face, though.”

Spike paused, looking to the mare beside him. His expression was of genuine surprise. When he spoke, there was a hint of elation in his words. “That… I’m happy to hear that, Scoots.” He leaned down and nuzzled her gently. She returned the gesture in kind, sighing a little as she felt his scales softly brush against her fur. “I’m sure they appreciate the thought, too.”

“What can I say?” she said with a chuckle. “I’m just awesome like that.”

Spike smirked. “You sure you’re not just saying that because of our little session with Wisp and Odonae?”

“Hey, I’m not denying that I enjoyed that. I’m just saying, it’s great to actually speak to them and not just hear about them from the papers and word of mouth.”

Spike laughed, “Well, I’m glad, then.” They continued down the road in comfortable silence for awhile, eventually turning down a fork in the road that lead to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“So… I don’t think I’ve ever asked, but how many are in this dungeon game thing of yours?”

“There’s four of us in our current campaign.” Spike lifted a hand and counting on his fingers. “Fluttershy, Snails, Silver Spoon, and myself.”

At the last name, Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow. “Wait, I’m sorry… did you say Silver Spoon?”

“Yep.”

“Silver Spoon. Wears glasses… fussy with her looks… wealthy parents… helps run her dad’s jewelry store…?”

“Yes, Scootaloo. Silver Spoon, the mare that is best friends with Diamond Tiara. The same mare who used to terrorize you, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom.”

Scootaloo grinned deviously. “You don’t say.”

“Scoot, be nice. You told me that you girls all made up years go,” Spike said in a warning tone. “She’s… still kinda leery about letting others know she’s part of our group.”

“Heh, at least she knows a dorky activity when she sees it.” Scootaloo ducked as Spike attempted to flick her ear. She laughed as Spike snorted in annoyance. “Oh, come on, Spike! I was just teasing! Besides, if dorky things really bothered me, would I be dating you?”

Spike continued to grumble. Scootaloo sighed, and lifted into the air. She flapped around him a few times, then hovered in front of him. When the drake paused and met her gaze, she grinned.

“Spike, if it means anything, I still collect comic books. Heck, I just bought the latest issue of ‘Steampunk Talon’ last week. I can name every single one of Bud Steelfeather’s gadgets since issue #1 by memory.” She gave Spike a wink. “I think that makes me just as much of a nerd as you.” She then added with a smirk. “Maybe a cooler nerd, since it’s ‘Steampunk Talon’, but all the same…”

“You’re right, I guess…” The drake’s frown melted into a soft smile. “Not to mention the time we dressed up as Mane-iac and Hum Drum for Nightmare Night.”

Scootaloo’s cheeks brightened a bit. “Oh Celestia, don’t remind me of that.”

“Hey, you look good in spandex with a green wig on. And then you made out with Dinky after a few bottles of cider while she was wearing a Daring Do costume. It was like the gods of comic books and adventure novels were answering my prayers.”

“Ugh, I said don’t remind me!”

“What? Dinky wasn’t that bad, was she?”

“No, but trying to lie to Derpy about all the moaning that had been coming from her daughter’s room the next morning was.”

Spike blinked once. Then twice. Then he snickered. Then broke out into a fit of laughter.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“How did I not hear about this?” Spike asked as he continued to laugh.

“Because Dinky and I were so embarrassed we swore never to speak of it… until now, I guess…” Scootaloo rubbed her temples with both hooves. “C’mon, I see Flutter’s cottage up ahead.”

Sure enough, the humble abode of Ponyville’s resident animal lover was straight ahead. The faint trickle of a nearby stream could be heard, and the chorus of nighttime insects was in full swing. The glow of lanterns could be seen through the windows, and Spike and Scootaloo could hear the faint sounds of conversation from inside.

“Think Fluttershy made any of her gingersnaps?” Scootaloo asked as they neared the cottage.

“You can eat after that huge meal we just had?” Spike asked her with a hint of disbelief. When she offered him a nod, he added, “Seriously?”

“Pegasus metabolism, Spike,” Scootaloo said, as though that was an at all believable answer.

“You ponies scare me sometimes. And I’ve been growing up around all of you my whole life.” Spike shook his head at the mare as they stopped at the door.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she chuckled, giving Spike a winning smile.

Spike knocked three times, not too loudly, and not too quietly. There was the shuffling of a chair from inside, and the sound of hooves on wooden flooring. The door opened a crack, revealing a single, deep cyan eye, a faint wisp of pink mane covering part of it.

“O-oh, goodness, Spike!” came the voice of Fluttershy, who opened the door fully. “Oh, and Scootaloo, too!” The timid mare smiled brightly, greeting the two with quick hugs. “Come in, we just started a few minutes ago.”

“Good. Snails didn’t get us in trouble with any local governments yet, did he?”

“I heard that,” called a stallion from within the cottage.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’,” Spike sighed. “Please tell me he didn’t offend some noble again. My Charisma checks can only save us so many times before one of us is going to get locked up in a dungeon.”

“Then Silver Spoon would have to break us out, wouldn’t she?” Fluttershy giggled. “Come on, I’ve been playing for you. I… um… spent a little of your money to get you some potions, since you were running low if I remembered right. Um, I hope you don’t mind…”

Spike chuckled. “Not at all, Fluttershy. Thanks.”

Fluttershy turned back to Scootaloo. “I didn’t think you’d actually show up. I do hope we don’t bore you too much.”

“Bah, I’ll get a kick out of it, I’m sure.” Scootaloo waved a hoof. “Besides, Spike’s adorable when he’s being a nerd.”

Spike’s smile instantly turned into an annoyed frown, and he grumbled something about comics and spandex as he walked into the den room.

“I-is he alright?” Fluttershy asked with concern.

Scootaloo laughed. “He’ll be fine.”

The two mares followed the drake into the cottage. Scootaloo’s eyes immediately fell upon the four figures sitting in the middle of the room.

She immediately recognized the floating form of Discord holding up a very dense book titled The Beginner’s Guide to Complex Dungeon Lording, Version 2.2 in one hand while holding a steaming mug in another. He wore a cap on his head with the words ‘Because I Said So’ on the brim, and had an elaborate robe that would have been befitting of the princesses themselves during a ceremonial event.

Next to Discord was Ponyville’s junior librarian, Snails. He had on a pair of thin-framed glasses, and was currently writing something down on a notebook. Every few minutes he would blow a strand of unkempt mane out of his eyes. Scootaloo couldn’t help but chuckle: despite his degrees in Entomology, Etymology, and Library Sciences, and the fact that his supposed IQ tests had placed him within the ranks of Twilight Sparkle, she would always know the young stallion as that awkard colt who was lanky, loved corny jokes, and had a big heart. She still saw him as a bit of a nerd, but she knew that more than a few mares had taken notice of Snails. If only he weren’t so obsessed with his studies, maybe he would have noticed as well.

Across the table, sitting next to Spike, was the mare that Scootaloo had a rather mixed history with.

Silver Spoon still held on to a bit of her haughty attitude, but had toned it down a lot and grown out of her bullying phase. She and Scootaloo were considerably friendlier to each other these days. That likely attributed to the fact that Silver had managed to step out of Diamond Tiara’s shadow during high school and open herself up to other ponies. These days she spent much of her time slowly taking command of her parents’ jewelry store and brushing up on her skills in appraising antiques. She had apparently gone to school for business, but stopped halfway through to return home after her father’s health began to wane. One day she planned to return to finish her education, or so she always said when asked about it.

Discord was the first to take notice of Scootaloo’s presence. He raised an eyebrow, then gave a crooked smile. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Ponyville’s resident wrecking ball.” He grinned as Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Long time, no see, Scootaloo.”

“Hi, Discord,” the mare sighed, a small smile creeping onto her features. “How’s the whole good-guy thing going for you these days?”

“Oh, you know. Same old, same old. I turned a pine tree into a giant cauliflower last month, received a few complaints from the local fauna…” He lowered his voice as he continued. “I was also verbally chewed out by a certain pegasus mare…”

“That tree was over two hundred years old, and has been the nesting site for a family of hawks for over six generations, Discord,” Fluttershy said in a gentle, yet stern voice. “You should have known better than to do that in the first place.”

“I still say you were being a party-pooper.” The draconequus returned to flipping through his guidebook, which he was now reading upside down. “At least I changed it back…”

Scootaloo simply shook her head and fought back another chuckle. She turned her attention to Silver Spoon, who was intently studying the dice laid out before her.

“So… never thought I’d see you here,” Scootaloo said, grinning a little. “How’s it going, Silver Spoon?”

Silver Spoon looked up, and seemed to be fighting down a blush. “I’m… fine, I guess.” She closed her eyes, then sighed. “You might as well get it out of your system.”

“Get what out of my system?” Scootaloo asked.

Silver Spoon looked squarely at Scootaloo this time. “Come on. I know you want to laugh. Silver Spoon, playing Dungeons and Caverns. Hilarious, I know…”

“Oh, no, don’t worry about that,” Scootaloo chuckled softly. “Spike’s getting the brunt of that right now. Besides, while it’s nerdy, nerdy isn’t necessarily bad, right? I mean, I collect comic books. To each their own.”

Silver Spoon seemed to loosen up a little upon hearing that. A small smile worked its way onto her lips. “Oh… I… sorry. It’s just… well, Diamond’s gotten used to it, but she kinda gave me some grief about it at first. So did a few of the other girls.”

“Really?” Scootaloo asked, her amusement disappearing instantly. “I thought Diamond was over her whole spoiled brat phase.”

“Nothing bad, just kinda annoying.” Silver gave Scootaloo a reassuring smile. “Mostly stuff like buying me a cloak and rucksack for my birthday, then buying me nothing but mead when we hit the bars.”

“I wish I could say the same,” Snails sighed. “Snips and Pip figured that replacing all the juice in my house with ‘potions’ would make for a good practical joke.”

“Potions?” Scootaloo repeated.

“Yeah… they bottled up tons of prune juice and poured a bottle of habanero into my strawberry jam. I, of course, guzzled down the first bottle of prune juice without even thinking about it when my tongue was on fire…” Snails shuddered at the memory. “Let’s just say I didn’t touch hot sauce for over two months after that… and I still get an upset stomach whenever I see prunes. Not so much with plums, thankfully.”

“Ew… sorry I asked,” Scootaloo replied with a wince. “So… are you guys already getting started?”

“We were about to embark on a journey to the Snagglerock Swamp,” Discord began, looking up from his book, which was now spewing out sparks at random intervals. “Up until Snails decided that attempting an untested spell in the court of a noble was a better idea. Now? The group is on the run from the Baron’s elite guard for almost setting the castle on fire.”

“... and destroying several hundred bits worth of property in the process…” Silver added.

“It was an accident, and you can’t blame me for rolling a natural one! I mean, come on! It’s completely up to chance!” Snails grumbled.

“Let’s… just see if we can try and solve the problem without getting arrested… again…” Spike said as he set out a few sheets of paper and die. “Charisma check, please be on my side…”

“So… how many more demon bats do we have to destroy?”

Spike looked at a random sheet of paper set before him. “Seven. One is immobilized by Fluttershy’s vines right now, and another is poisoned by Silver’s dart shots.”

“Great,” replied Snails. “Fluttershy, think you can heal me? I’m unconscious, and might suffer from head trauma if I don’t get healed soon.”

“Um… yes, but if I do that, then I might lose focus of my vines and the demon overlord bat would get loose.” Fluttershy looked to the dragon at the table. “Spike?”

“I’m almost out of healing spells for the day, and my Ring of the Sun still has that curse that we need to remove in order to give me extra healing spells,” Spike answered with a shake of his head. “Silver?”

“I’m still slowly sinking into a bog,” the earth pony mare grumbled.

“Oh, right, I’ll pull you out,” Spike said, shaking two die. “Aaaand… strength check of 18…”

Discord smirked. “You pull Silver out of the bog and she goes flying into the branches of a nearby tree. Silver, take one damage.”

“Oh come on!” Silver groused, making a tick mark on a sheet of paper. “I swear you have it in for me, Discord.”

Scootaloo, who had taken a spot beside Discord, giggled. “So, you always get to do stuff like this?”

“Yes, though I have to be somewhat merciful. It’s hard to be that way when they’re simply begging me to throw problems their way,” Discord answered with a dramatic sigh. “Luckily for them, when things do get ugly, Fluttershy usually bails them out.”

“Oh, I’m not that good…” Fluttershy said with a humble smile. “I just get lucky most of the time.”

Discord smirked, then leaned over to Scootaloo and whispered. “She’s about five levels higher than the rest of the group.”

“Is… that a lot?” Scootaloo asked.

Discord chuckled and gave Scootaloo a pat on the head. “Enough to make a difference.” He glanced across the table at the small group of ponies. “Sooo, what are you all going to do?”

Spike glanced at a notepad before him, and his eyes lit up. “Oh, geesh, completely forgot about this spell that I learned last level!” Spike cleared his throat. “I cast Sun’s Embrace upon the area to end my turn.”

Discord quirked an eyebrow. With a snap of his fingers, he produced the guidebook and started flipping through the pages. “Sun’s Embrace, Sun’s Embrace… hmm… Sun Storm, Sunnyside Eggs… ah… Sun’s Embrace.” He closed the book. “So… three six sided dice worth of damage to all Tartarus-spawn, undead, and chaos spawn. They’re bats, though, so—”

“Ah ah,” Spike held up a hand. “Demon bats. And, since I didn’t actually move at all, and I’m wearing my Helm of the Ursa Major, which allows spells to be cast on the same turn without—”

“Yes, yes, we know, Spike,” Discord sighed as he looked to Scootaloo. “I should’ve just listened to you and attacked them with viking slugs…” He waved a hand to the drake. “Fine, fine, roll your… dice or whatever.”

Spike grinned. “Don’t mind if I do.” He picked up the three dice and rattled them in his hands a few times, then dropped them on the table. “Let’s see… fifteen damage!”

“And they’re all dead.” Discord frowned. “Yay, team.”

“Oh, Discord, don’t feel so bad. We were almost beaten this time,” Fluttershy said consolingly.

Snails yawned. “Well, I don’t know about all of you, but I think I’m ready to call it a night.”

Silver Spoon glanced at the cuckoo clock hanging on the far wall of Fluttershy’s living room. “Whoa, it’s already after midnight?”

Fluttershy let out a small gasp. “Oh my, and I’m supposed to be getting up early to meet with Rainbow Dash for breakfast.” The pegasus looked to the others, and gave an apologetic smile. “I’m… really very sorry, but I think we’ll have to cut this game short for now. Unless you don’t want to, that is. I can let you all stay here if you want, but um, I’ll need to have one of you take over my character and—”

“It’s fine, Fluttershy. I think we’re all in agreement on calling it quits for the evening,” Spike said reassuringly. “Besides, I think we all had enough of Discord’s onslaught of insane inanity for today.”

“Oh, stop, Spike, you’re going to make me blush,” the draconequus said while feigning embarrassment.

As the group began to clean up the table, Spike excused himself to get a glass of water. He carefully watched where he walked, noting the occasional vole or mouse skittering past as he made his way to the kitchen sink.

“So, Spike, I’ve heard you’ve a new job just down the road.”

Spike looked over his shoulder to see Discord floating into the kitchen while using a nail file on his pinky claw. “Yeah, over at the Everfree House. Only a couple days, though.” The dragon shrugged as he took a swig of his water.

“Uh huh,” Discord continued, now sporting a pair of glasses with magnifying lenses attached, picking at something beneath a claw. “You know, if I recall correctly, you’re something of a celebrity among the changelings of Equestria.”

“Eh, it’s nothing huge.” Spike set down the glass, and turned to face the Spirit of Chaos fully. “I mean, between you and me, I’ve been trying to keep as low a profile as possible these past few years.”

“Oh, and I can only imagine what the reason for that would be,” Discord replied with a snort, tossing the glasses away. “Is this job of yours some attempt at getting under a certain alicorn’s skin? Perhaps two certain alicorns?”

“What I do is none of their concern,” Spike grumbled. “But for the record, no. I thought I’d give the place a look, figuring maybe I could get a job as a cook. Instead, I ended up hired for security work.” The dragon frowned. “Look, Discord, I know you’re on good terms with… those two these days—”

“Who? Celestia and Twilight?” Discord asked innocently. If it wasn’t for the over-exaggerated fluttering of his eyes, the dragon may have believed him for a moment.

“Yes…” Spike sighed. “Look, are you just going to try and badger me into talking to them again like last month?” Spike looked to Discord, who was now holding a rather fluffy badger in his arms and sporting a crooked grin.

Spike folded his arms together and gave Discord a level look.

“Fine, I’ll stop.” Discord shook his head and raised his arms in apparent defeat, dropping the badger in the process. The furry mustelid let out an annoyed hiss and padded out of the kitchen. “One of these days you have to talk to her, you know.”

“It’s a lot easier to avoid royalty than you’d expect, especially when you’re not trying to terrorize the countryside,” Spike snarked. “Why are you so worried about it, Discord? I mean, yeah, I know we’re friends, but… what’s with all the concern?” Spike waved a hand dismissively. “I’ve done just fine for the past two years, and I’m certain I’ll continue to do so.”

“Well, for starters,” Discord began. “Twilight Sparkle and Celestia are friends of mine, too.”

Spike gave a noncommittal grunt.

“Luna tells me that Twilight barely gets any sleep these days. Something about bad dreams and such.”

Spike nodded as he studied a shelf brimming with knick-knacks along the wall.

Discord grumbled in annoyance as he pulled a night cap out of his right ear. He then casually popped both eyes out of their sockets, and swapped them with a matching pair, though these came with armless reading spectacles. “Well, seeing as you’re acting like a brute and not even trying to be irritated by me, I’ll just be off to bed then. Good night. Hmph.”

With that, the draconequus left the kitchen. Spike sighed as soon as Discord was gone.

“He’s got a point, you know.”

Spike looked up to see Silver Spoon standing at the entrance to the kitchen. She had a dark blue cloak on, her saddlebags strapped to her back.

“Silver, don’t worry about—”

“First off, I am going to worry about it, so save your breath,” the young mare began. “Second, I won’t ask for specifics, but I can say that it’s not healthy to live with this resentment. I mean… you and Twilight were like siblings, for pony’s sake.”

“Yeah, key word there being ‘were’,” the drake replied. “The past is in the past.”

Silver Spoon frowned. “If you say so. Just… remember, nopony is perfect. Sometimes we do stupid things. I can attest to that myself. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were Diamond Tiara and my targets for bullying when we were fillies. We knew the teasing hurt them, but we didn’t care. It took some time to realize that it was better to be their friends, and even longer still before they could get past their, well, completely justified resentment. Still, they did get over that, and we’re all better for it.”

Spike shrugged. “Well, you’ll have to excuse me, but foalhood problems aren’t a good comparison to what Twilight and I went through.”

“I… okay, fair enough.” Silver Spoon adjusted the hood of her cloak, and walked up to Spike. “Just remember that you’ve got friends who care about you, okay? I’m sure that, whatever happened, Princess Twilight still cares about you, too. If Discord can say the stuff he said to you with a straight face, then I’m pretty sure there’s a grain of truth to it.” She held out a hoof, Spike’s silent indication to lower his neck so she could give him a hug, which he happily accepted.

The faintest hints of a smile formed on Spike’s lips. “Thanks, Silver. You’re a good mare. One of these days you’re going to make somepony very happy.”

Silver Spoon’s cheeks lit up, and she huffed. “S-shut up! Gah, I try to be serious about something and you go and just tease me.” She let go of Spike and gave him her best frown, which ended up working against her considering the healthy blush in her cheeks. “Ugh, whatever…” She turned around. “Don’t be a stranger. My dad misses his favorite client. ”

Spike let out a chuckle. “Alright, alright, tell him I’ll stop by some time soon and order a few rubies.”

Silver smiled. “Later, Spike.”

As Silver Spoon left the kitchen, Scootaloo entered. “Snails left just a minute ago, so we’re the last ones here. Ready to get going?”

“Yep. Poor Fluttershy is probably already thinking about laying out some cots for us, isn’t she?”

“I had to stop her when I saw her pulling out the blankets. She said she doesn’t mind, of course.”

“Good. The last thing I need is to sleep in the same place as Discord.”

Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow. “Is he a loud snorer?”

“No, not loud. He…” Spike paused. “He snores in pig latin. Or in kazoo… or…” Spike shook his head. “The point is, don’t go on a camping trip with him and forget earplugs.”

Scootaloo laughed. “I’ll try to remember that. Come on, let’s get home before Mama Bonbon gets worried that we’ve been out too late.”

“Chances are she’s probably still awake, reading in bed while Lyra’s fast asleep.”

As luck would have it, Bonbon was indeed awake… along with Lyra, an alicorn princess, and two Royal Night Guards carrying said alicorn princess’ luggage into their house.

“Princess Luna, I am so sorry for being so ill-prepared for your stay!” Bonbon said hurriedly as she followed the Princess of the Night through the living room. “If there is anything you need—”

“Bonbon, correct?” Luna looked to the earth pony mare and smiled softly.

“Y-yes, your Highness.”

“I require you to take a slow, deep breath…”

Bonbon breathed in slowly.

“Now, slowly exhale through your nose."

The tension in Bonbon’s shoulders lessened a little as she let out a sigh. “I… forgive me, your Highness. It’s just… well, you’re here, and not the Gilded Hoof Inn. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“My apologies,” Luna said with a small nod. “I had endeavored to surprise Spike and Scootaloo. I did not mean to worry either of you.”

“Eh, no worries, Princess,” Lyra said with a easy grin and a laugh. “It’s nice to get surprise visits from royalty. Maybe next time just show up before midnight.”

“Lyra!” Bonbon hissed. “I-I am sorry for my marefriend’s behavior! She’s just tired and—”

Luna’s chuckle drowned out Bonbon’s apology. “Ahaha…. ah, forgive me. Lyra, I forgot how refreshing your straightforward attitude is. Most ponies are too nervous to say what they feel around me.” She nodded to the unicorn mare. “I shall do what I can to meet that request next time. And I thank you for being so generous.” She looked once more to Bonbon. “Miss Bonbon, while I appreciate your concern, I can assure you that saying how you feel is much preferred to attempting to protect my feelings. I am a grown mare, after all.” She winked, earning a laugh from Lyra and a small smile from Bonbon.

As Luna made her way through the living area, Bonbon continued. “I’m afraid we don’t have much to offer compared to a royal suite, your Majesty.”

Luna just nodded, stopping at the bedroom door of Scootaloo and Spike. “I will make do. Besides, I find your home quite charming, actually. It is… comforting. Not unlike my own chambers.” She opened the door while Bonbon made the tiniest noises of protest.

“Y-you… I… well, that’s Spike and Scootaloo’s room and… oh, nevermind…” Bonbon whispered. “Lyra, can you keep the princess company while I get some blankets and pillows?”

Lyra rolled her eyes and gave her marefriend a peck on the cheek. “Yes, now stop worrying so much, Bonbon. Princess Luna’s cool.”

As Bonbon trotted down the hall to the linen closet, Lyra made her way into Spike and Scootaloo’s room. Luna had turned on a lamp, and was now surveying the bedroom. “I must admit, I am surprised by the lack of books in here,” Luna said with a smile. “I always knew Spike to be an voracious reader.”

Lyra chuckled. “That’s because he keeps all his books in the basement.”

Luna gasped. “The basement? Has he gone mad? Surely he knows that the pages will decay with mold and moisture!”

Lyra shook her head. “No, no, we’ve got a more modern kind of basement. It’s cool, dry, and the walls are a good five inches of concrete.” She tapped her horn, then continued. “I also know a little warding spell to protect materials from dust and stuff. I’m no archmage, but I got a little magical know-how.”

Luna visibly relaxed. “Well, that is a relief. Spike has several rare novels in his possession and I would hate to see them being treated so poorly.”

The unicorn mare barked out a laugh. “As if he’d let that happen. Spike would have a stroke if he saw one of his books dog-eared, much less less letting them get covered in mildew.” She sighed. “I can only imagine who he picked up his love for books from…”

Luna’s head drooped a bit. “Has he mentioned her?”

Lyra shook her head. “Not really. He actively avoids talking about Princess Twilight and… um… your sister…” For the first time since Luna arrived, Lyra’s voice lacked any amusement or cheer. “No one pushes him to talk things out with them… at least, not anymore. Well, I guess Discord still bothers him about it, but Spike’s got a pretty thick skin these days.”

Luna nodded. “Politics has a way of forcing that upon you.”

“For what it’s worth, though, Princess, he thinks the world of you. I don’t know what you did for him when he was in office, but I bet he’d do almost anything if it was you making the request.” She chuckled. “I know what Canterlot can do to a pony. Heck, I spent most of my life in that place. It’s beautiful, and has a lot of good things going for it, but there’s some bad mixed in.”

“I’m not a fan of the aristocracy, either,” Luna said with a sigh.

“I never said anything about the aristocrats,” Lyra replied, raising an eyebrow.

“You don’t have to; it’s common knowledge that the noble ponies—and high society in general—have a gigantic wooden shaft shoved up their collective posterior.”

“Heheh…” Lyra smiled while failing to hold back a giggle. The giggle quickly bloomed into full-blown laughter. Upon seeing Luna’s confused expression, Lyra waved a hoof. “Ah, sorry, sorry. I just… didn’t expect that from you.”

Luna smirked. “Even royalty can be crude once in awhile.”

The unicorn wiped away a tear of laughter as she managed to calm herself down. “You’re alright, Princess. You’re alright.” With that, Lyra turned towards her own bedroom. “Well, make yourself at home. Bonbon should be back with some extra blankets and pillows for you in a little bit. Try not to let her nervousness get to you. She’s just a worrywart in general; royal visits only amplify it.”

Luna, now by herself, took a good look at Spike and Scootaloo’s shared bedroom. A few posters hung up on the closet door, most of them depicting the Wonderbolts, or rather, a particular rainbow-maned Wonderbolt. More than a few of those posters had a signature scrawled across the bottom. Luna studied them closely, a small smile crossing her lips as she read the words beneath Rainbow Dash’s signature on the largest one.

To my number one fan, and the best little sister a mare could ask for. Thanks for always believing in me!

At times, Luna couldn’t help but be a little jealous of Rainbow Dash’s relationship with Scootaloo. That wasn’t to say that she and Scootaloo weren’t dear friends. It was just the fact that Scootaloo had known Rainbow Dash before she was a world-renown Wonderbolt. The first time the young mare had personally met Luna had been in a dreamscape. Even then, the reason for Luna’s visit was due to nightmares.

Eventually Bonbon arrived with almost five different blankets and three pillows stacked across her back. “I didn’t know if you preferred quilts or silk sheets, Princess, so I brought both. I hope you don’t mind the thread count, it’s probably nothing compared to what you have back in Canterlot, but we don’t have much to—”

“Thank you, Bonbon,” Luna said with a soft smile, taking the quilts, sheets, and pillows from the mare with her magic. “Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.”

“Is… is there anything else I can get you, Princess?” Bonbon asked with a nervous smile.

“Yes, there is, actually.”

Bonbon nodded. “What do you need, Princess?”

“I need you to relax. Then, it would be most appreciated if you enjoyed a good night’s rest,” Luna’s eyes twinkled with laughter as Bonbon gave her a dubious look. “Would that be at all possible?”

Bonbon’s nervous smile slowly melted into a genuine one. “Yes, your Majesty. I think I can do that for you.”

“Not for me,” Luna corrected. “For yourself. Eight hours, no less.”

“Eight hours?” Bonbon repeated. “I… but… but I have to be up to make Scootaloo and Spike breakfast and then get to my shop by—”

“Don’t fret over breakfast. I will do that for you.”

Bonbon chewed her lower lip, clearly debating having royalty in her kitchen. “If you’re okay with it, then I guess I could sleep in a little.”

“Splendid,” Luna said with a nod. “Now, off to bed with you.”

“Um, one more question, actually,” the earth mare asked, this time her gaze falling upon something outside of the bedroom.

“Yes?” Luna asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Um…” Bonbon lowered her voice a bit. “Well, it’s about your… guards. Will they be here while you’re staying with us?”

“Ah.” Luna sighed. “I’m afraid my sister would have a panic attack if she found out that I was without any escorts. Considering the reputation Ponyville has received for attracting chaos, I can understand her sentiments. Still…” The alicorn plopped onto the large bed, sinking into the overstuffed comforter laying across it. “I am afraid that they will be here as long as I am, so I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, I can promise you that Penumbra and Nightshade are nothing if not considerate towards others’ privacy. They’re true gentlecolts.”

That calmed Bonbon down, at least a little. The earth pony gave another sideways glance towards what Luna assumed to be the two guards in question.

“They are both unspoken for, if that’s what you’re wondering,” Luna added.

“W-what? N-no! I would never—I mean, Lyra is—” Bonbon stammered, stopping only as soon as she noticed the amused grin on the Princess of the Night’s lips. “I-I should get to bed.” With that, Bonbon made her way towards her own bedroom.

As soon as Luna heard the sound of Bonbon’s bedroom door closing, she burst into a fit of giggles.

“Well played, Milady. However, I worry Miss Bonbon may be even more nervous around us now,” said a low baritone voice. Luna looked up to the doorway to see one of the Night Guards standing at the entrance. “Do you require anything else of us?”

Luna let out a final giggle as she quieted down. “No, that will be all for now, Nightshade. You and Penumbra are free for the rest of the evening, too. There are a few taverns that might still be open, though I’m afraid the nightlife of Ponyville is lacking for the most part.”

Nightshade gave a salute. “By your leave, Milady, we would like to…” Nightshade paused for a moment, cleared his throat, and continued. “That is… I had the idea that perhaps Penumbra and I might visit the new establishment outside of town, near the Everfree Forest. We… hear that they have extended bar hours.”

“Extended bar hours?” Luna echoed with amusement in her tone. “Is that what ponies are calling it these days?”

“Milady, we… we had no intention of engaging in—”

Luna waved a hoof. “What you stallions do on your off time is your own business. I shan't pry. Just return before sunrise.”

Nightshade gave a final salute. “Thank you, Milady. Good evening.”

The sound of two sets of hooves leaving through the main entrance of the home could be heard moments later, followed by the front door closing. Luna’s horn glowed for a moment, and the soft clicking of the front door’s deadbolt falling back into place was heard. Satisfied, Luna turned her attention to a small bookshelf near the bed, and picked out a random book to read until Spike and Scootaloo returned.

Less than a few minutes later, Luna was interrupted from her reading by the sound of the front door being unlocked.

“... can’t believe he’s still dating Silver, though, you know? I never thought I’d see those two together.”

Luna immediately recognized the voice of Scootaloo.

“Well, Snips did mellow out a bit after he started growing that goatee. Maybe Silver Spoon was just waiting for him to catch up with her and stop acting like a kid?”

Luna smiled, recognizing the deeper voice of Spike as well. She got up from the bed, but as the voices neared the bedroom, a thought entered her mind.

I really shouldn’t, but…

Luna held back a giggle, and with a flare of her horn, vanished into thin air.

Spike and Scootaloo quickly went through their nightly rituals before crawling into the welcoming sheets of their bed. Spike sighed as Scootaloo rolled over to his side and rested her head in the crook of his neck.

“You want me to get you up again tomorrow?” Spike asked.

Scootaloo smiled. “Nah, no need. I got a letter in the mail today from work. Apparently I have more overtime hours coming in my next paycheck than work expected, so they changed my schedule up a little. I’m off tomorrow.”

Spike laughed softly. “Lucky you.”

“Darn right. That means I can spend more time enjoying my built-in furnace,” Scootaloo yawned, nuzzling Spike’s neck. Spike hummed contentedly, enjoying the soft fur brushing against his scales.

“G’night, Spike.”

“Good night, Scootaloo. I’ll try not to wake you up when I get ready for work.”

With that, a peaceful quiet filled the room, the only sounds being the quiet breathing of the two occupants in the bedroom, along with muffled, barely-audible sounds of Lyra snoring across the hall. Spike felt his eyelids growing heavy as the feeling of Scootaloo’s body slowly rising and falling lulled him into a blissful night’s slumber…

“What? No ‘Goodnight, Princess Luna’ from either of you?”

Spike sat at the table, a grimace on his face as he poured himself a cup of tea and chugged it down, not even bothered by the piping hot temperature. Rays of the mid-morning sun peeked in through the windows as birds twittered happily outside.

The drake covered his eyes with a claw as he filled up his cup with more tea, trying his best to shield himself from the merciless daylight.

“Now now, Spike. Stop shunning the sunlight. It’s a good source of vitamin D, you know.”

“Then tell the sun to stop being so bright…” Spike mumbled back to the voice in the kitchen.

A plate of eggs and hashbrowns wrapped in a veil of blue magic floated over to the table, landing right in front of him. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed the words ‘I’m sorry!’ made out in hot sauce drizzled over the eggs.

Spike looked up at the dark blue alicorn grinning sheepishly inside the kitchen.

“I’m still mad,” Spike said, sticking his fork into the eggs.

Luna’s smile fell instantly. “But I said I was sorry sixteen times now! Surely you can find it in that golden heart of yours to forgive me for a little teasing?”

Spike rolled his eyes whilst shaking his head slowly. “You made me scream loud enough to wake up Scootaloo, Lyra, and Bonbon. Need I remind you that the last of those three burst into our bedroom with a baseball bat and nearly clubbed you over the head?”

“I… won’t deny, I hadn’t thought that plan of mine through all the way. I was so intent on getting a scare out of you two that I had forgotten you weren’t the only ones in the house.” Luna cleared her throat. “I promise not to make that mistake again.”

Spike sighed wearily, and looked to his plate. “The hot sauce was a nice touch, I guess…”

Luna’s ears perked up.

“I… guess I forgive you, Princess…” Spike said with a yawn. “Though I can’t speak for anyone else in the house.”

“Ah, well, Scootaloo promised as long as I let her sleep in today, I am good in her book.”

Spike let out a snort of laughter. “That sounds like something she would say.”

“Will I have to worry about Lyra and Bonbon seeking revenge…?” Luna asked tentatively.

Spike shook his head. “Nah, I think scaring the living daylights out of you when they almost jumped you was enough revenge for them. Those two were about ready to assault you with a baseball bat and martial arts before we managed to stop them.”

Luna frowned. “Lyra seemed rather disappointed when she found out I wasn’t an intruder.”

“Y-yeah, Lyra’s…” Spike waved a claw before continuing. “She’s like that. You get used to it. Don’t worry.”

“No, Spike. You misunderstand. I think she was actually hoping to get into a fight with somepony,” Luna continued. “She was on her hind legs and bouncing in place. She had a black belt tied around her forehead and a gi on.” She chuckled. “It was almost comical, really.”

“Okay, first of all, Lyra’s martial arts are not comical,” Spike chided gently, pointing his fork at the alicorn.

“Truly?” Luna asked in amusement.

“She’s nice and all, but Lyra’s got hair-trigger reflexes. Surprise her at the wrong time and you’ll be on your back a second later with a hoof pressed to your throat. Or you’ll wake up a few minutes later not knowing what happened.” He shuddered, then added. “Word to the wise: if you ever go out to the bars with Lyra, hit the deck if she speaks the words ‘Hold my drink and watch this.’”

Luna raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Just… Lyra’s a great friend, don’t get me wrong. Love the girl, but she’s unpredictable. Only Pinkie Pie has her beat there.”

Luna gave a hesitant nod. “I will remember that.”

“Cool.” Spike wolfed down the last of his meal. He got up and placed the plate in the sink, along with a few others. “Here, I’ll help you clean up. I wash, you dry.”

Luna smiled. “Gladly.”

Spike filled up the sink with soapy water and began to wash off the glasses and kitchenware.

“So… I hear you have a new job.”

Spike remained focused on the dishes as he smirked. “Keeping up the letters with Scootaloo, huh?”

Luna chuckled. “I had thought she would be expecting me to show up here last night. To answer your question though, yes, we have been keeping in close contact.”

“Careful. Rainbow might get jealous.”

The two both shared a quiet laugh at that.

“So, your new job. Scootaloo didn’t say much in the letter, but she mentioned you work at a place near the Everfree Forest, yes?”

Spike shrugged as he handed Luna a glass, which she took with her magic. “More or less. I’m pretty sure you heard of it. The Everfree House?”

“Ah, yes. A brothel, if I remember correctly,” Luna replied, an air of curiosity in her tone. “Interesting choice of employment.”

Spike paused, looking to the alicorn princess with a slightly befuddled look. “What? That’s it? No uneasiness?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Spike, I have been alive for many, many millennia. I have surely heard of stranger choices of work than a brothel.”

“They prefer bordello, actually,” Spike added. “Still, only Scootaloo was chill with it. Well, her and Lyra, I guess, but Lyra’s… well…”

“Lyra?” Luna offered.

“Yeah.”

Luna smiled. “Spike, this may surprise you, but once upon a time, such places were more plentiful. Technically, Equestria never outlawed such places. The brothels simply lost their appeal around the Second Equestrian Scientific Revolution.”

The drake gave a grunt of understanding. “Right…” Spike cleared his throat, then added, “Scholars discovered how sexually transmitted diseases were spread around that time, right?”

“Among other discoveries, but yes,” Luna answered. “Truth be told, I wasn’t a stranger to such places.”

As Spike turned to face Luna, a plate slipped out of Spike’s hands and into the sink, sending soapy suds flying while water splashed onto the floor and countertop. “Wait, what?”

“Oh please, Spike, do you think alicorns are not prone to the same urges and needs as other ponies?” Luna asked as she wiped her face of soap suds.

Spike’s cheeks reddened as he looked to the sink once more, busying himself with rewashing the same clean plate. “Well, n-no, but—”

“In fact, there was once a particularly charming little massage parlor outside of Wheatondale—that was near what would later become Hoofington—that I enjoyed. I met the sweetest stallion there named Treble. He was a gifted violinist, and played for me after… well, our sessions. Sometimes he would even play in the midst of our—”

“Right! I don’t need to know anything else about your sex life,” Spike said, cutting her off. “Okay, so you’re cool with it. Fair enough.”

Spike glanced to his right, noting that Luna’s eyes twinkled with suppressed laughter. He groaned and returned to the plate in his claws as Luna began to giggle softly.

“Scootaloo is comfortable with you engaging with others in sex, though?” Luna asked, her tone of casual curiosity. “I know your relationship is an open one, and I won’t pass judgement on your—”

Spike’s cheeks darkened further. “Oh, no, no, I’m not in that department. I run security, mostly.”

“Ah, security? As in… guard work?”

“Well, I guess so, yes. I’m the only full-time employee working security, though. The rest who are involved in security work are part-time or work in other areas.”

The Princess of the Night’s smile returned. “Of course you would be in security. You’ve always been the noble sort to watch over everyone.”

Spike shook his head. “It’s not that noble. I’m just making sure no one steps out of line there. If things get out of hand, usually the other staff members will be there to help. I’m mostly there for presence and such.”

“Mm, understandable. It’s no excuse to not be ready for a situation that requires physical force, though.” Luna’s expression grew stern. “I trust you’ve been keeping yourself in decent shape?”

“Er… yes… sorta…” Spike slumped as Luna’s expression became more skeptical. “No, not really. I’ve never really been out of shape, though.”

“You’ve lived your whole life in relative peace, Spike. A drake your age would usually have twice the muscle mass that you do. However, you’re open-minded and far more educated than most dragons your age, so that’s the trade off, I suppose,” Luna said with a hint of admiration in her tone. “Sometimes a silver tongue is all that is needed to dissuade a potential fight.”

Spike’s eyes narrowed. “Hey, are you saying I’m weak?”

“Not at all. I’m simply saying you’ve developed differently from most dragons. Having less muscle mass is nothing to be ashamed of, Spike.”

“For your information,” Spike began, setting down his dish rag and turning to face Luna fully, “I could put on twice the muscle mass I have right now if I wanted to. Dragons are capable of spontaneous growth, and I can gain anywhere from fifty to one hundred pounds in raw muscle if I—”

“Yes, yes, I do know of innate dragon magic.” Luna waved a hoof at Spike. “I am an honorary dragon, after all. That, and I also studied among some of the greatest dragon philosophers.” She raised an eyebrow. “Tuvollye enpropes memremnes, melleyes beiginn edemin?”

Spike sighed. “No, I haven’t forgotten that, Princess.” He then added in a quieter voice. “You remind me every chance you get, after all.”

Luna chuckled, “Ah, beigneid.”

Spike smirked, then said. “Inpoces-finst finstarrc hurdemin…” Luna frowned at this, and Spike chuckled. “Don’t you have a bridge game to attend, your Highness?”

“I take it that last part is a joke about my age?”

Spike just grinned.

Luna grunted. “I’ll let you have this victory. You need to work on enunciating your strong 'r' sounds, though. The dragon language is full of them, after all." She let out a huff of annoyance. "Regardless, I commend your boldness. Only a few dragons would have the gall to insult me so openly.”

“Hey, for what it’s worth, you’re smoking hot for someone as old as you are. I know for a fact that more than a few of the school colts in town would totally go out on a date with—”

Luna’s cheeks brightened as she did her best to remain composed “Must you tease me so?”

“I learn from the best, dear teacher.”

“I…” Luna slumped a bit. “Point taken.”

Spike and Luna finished shortly after, and set aside the remaining breakfast for the others for whenever the finally awoke.

“I need to take care of a few things before I get to work, so I’ll be going,” Spike said to Luna as he made his way to the door.

“Ah, well, what time will I expect your return?” Luna asked, followed by a yawn.

“Probably around midnight. You should be awake by then, I imagine.” Spike laughed. He opened up his arms as Luna walked towards him, and he gently wrapped his arms around the alicorn. “I missed having you around, Princess.”

Luna hummed, “Likewise. You and Scootaloo mean a great deal to me.” She looked up to the young drake. “Please, never forget that, alright?”

Spike chuckled. “Careful, Princess. People might start thinking you have a soft spot for us.”

“Let them, then,” Luna countered with a grin. “Everyone is entitled to a little favoritism. Even one as flawless as yours truly.”

“Fair enough,” Spike said as he let her go. “I better get going. Talk to you later?”

“Of course,” Luna replied with a nod.

With that, Spike opened the front door and stepped out into the morning air. The sun beamed down upon him, and he closed his eyes and let the warmth wash over him.

“Good morning, Sir Spike.”

The dragon looked to his right to see one of Luna’s Night Guards standing by the front entrance of the house, eyes forward. Turning to his left, he saw a second Night Guard standing at attention as well, mimicking the exact same stance and expression.

Returning his attention to the first guard, Spike smiled. “Good morning as well… Penumbra, right?”

The Night Guard stood a little taller, the tiniest of smiles on his face. “I’m honored that you remember me.”

Spike’s smile widened to a friendly grin. “It’s kind of hard to forget the you guys. I was a bit of a night owl, you know.”

Penumbra nodded, “Of course.” He looked ahead, then smiled. “And there are our replacements now.”

Spike looked a little ways down the road towards the direction Penumbra was facing. Spike could see two figures clad in the trademark night blue armor of the Night Guard making their way towards his house. As they got closer, Spike’s eyes widened a fraction.

“The Night Guard has changelings in its ranks?”

“Indeed,” said the second guard, Nightshade. “Optias Nightingale has been a member of the Night Guard for over fifteen years. He’s only recently revealed himself to be a changeling, though Princess Luna has known of his identity ever since the attempted invasion on Canterlot seven years ago.”

“Have… things been going alright for him?” Spike asked, studying the changeling officer. He was well built, and reminded him greatly of Wisp. He must have been a soldier changeling as well.

“Mostly, yes. Some of the higher ranking officers were…” Nightshade cleared his throat. “I… actually would prefer to stop speaking on this topic, Sir Spike. It’s above my paygrade.”

Spike nodded. “It’s all good.”

Nightingale and the unicorn mare beside him nodded to Nightshade and Penumbra. Both pegasi saluted in return, standing rigid without blinking.

“At ease,” the changeling said after a quick salute. The two stallions lowered their forelegs and stood straight. “Report,” Nightingale said, his tone firm, yet not overbearing.

“Sir,” Penumbra began. “Privatales Nightshade and I were granted leave from Primarch Luna at approximately oh-one hundred hours. We returned here at exactly oh-four hundred hours, as per her instructions to be here before sunrise.”

Nightingale nodded. “Very well. Privatales Major Primrose and I shall take over watch, then. Return by fourteen hundred hours.” He gave the two a quick salute. “Dismissed.”

“Sir!” both stallions said, taking to the air after a quick salute.

Spike couldn’t help but smile. While the Equestrian Royal Guard itself was a disciplined organization, the Night Guard was even more so. To become a member of the Night Guard was to become one of the best. Only about six hundred soldiers were currently in the Night Guard, versus the thousands that made up the Royal Guard and the Equestrian Rangers.

“A bit for your thoughts, Sir Spike?”

Spike looked to the changeling officer, who had the slightest hints of a smile on his face.

“Ah, sorry. Nightshade and Penumbra are just old acquaintances of mine. Luna typically assigned them to patrol near the quarters I studied in late at night back in Canterlot.”

Nightingale nodded. “Her Majesty holds those two in high regard. I’m happy to have them under my command.”

“Well, there’s a reason only the best of the best become Night Guards,” Spike agreed, then added, “You know, I’m afraid I haven’t had the chance to meet either of you.”

At this point, Primrose, the unicorn mare beside Nightingale, decided to speak. “If I may?” She looked to Nightingale, who nodded. “Privatales Major Primrose of Squad Aurora.” She saluted to Spike. “Sir Spike, with all due respect, if you’ve seen us while you were in Canterlot, then it was either intentional, or we weren’t performing our duties very well. Keeping hidden is our job.”

“Really?” Spike asked with a confused look. “Why’s that?”

Nightingale cleared his throat. “The Royal Guard focus on presence, discipline, and protecting Equestria, her princesses, and her citizens. The Night Guard focus on stealth, information, and protecting while remaining unseen.”

“Right, right, I’ve heard stuff like that before about you guys,” Spike said with a nod. “If you’re watching a Night Guard, there’ll be two others that you can’t see.” He began walking towards town. “Well, it was nice meeting you two, but I need to head to the post office. I’ll talk to you later Optias Nightingale. Privatales Major Primrose.”

“Very well, Sir Spike. We shall be here,” Nightingale replied, giving a quick salute.

Spike returned the salute with a nod, and made his way towards the Ponyville post office. It was still fairly early for most Ponyvillians, so his trip through town was fairly quiet. He gave a nod to a few ponies and even an undisguised changeling or two as he walked down the main road. Before he knew it, the tiny little building with the Equestria flag flapping in the front came into view.

“Morning, Spike!”

Spike looked up to see a very familiar pegasus flying down towards him, an empty mailbag hanging over her shoulders. “Morning, Derpy.” A smile spread across his face. “Up and at ‘em already, huh?”

“Someone needs to deliver the mail,” Derpy chuckled. “How’s it going?”

“It’s going pretty well. Rainbow Dash is in town, and Princess Luna just arrived last night, so Scootaloo’s on Cloud Nine right about now,” Spike said with a sigh. “Stars help us if those three decide to get into any mischief.”

Derpy chuckled. “Princess Luna’s in town, huh? I thought I heard someone at town hall mention a letter from the princesses.” She gave Spike what might have qualified for a sympathetic smile if not for the suppressed laughter. “Sounds like you got your hands full.”

“Story of my life with Scoots. Not that I mind, though.”

“Aww,” Derpy touched down onto the dirt road and smiled up at Spike. “She’s lucky to have you for a coltfriend, you know that?”

“I may or may not be told that from time to time,” Spike said with a wink.

Derpy just shook her head and laughed quietly. “So, what brings you to this part of the neighborhood?”

“Oh, I was just going to write and send out a letter to Sweetie Belle. I was hoping she might be able to pay a visit to my new work and do a show.”

The pegasus mare nodded knowingly. “Right, the Everfree House?”

“I… yeah, actually. How’d you find out?”

“Oh, well, Miss Daze told me when I was dropping off her mail this morning.” She patted her empty mail bag. “I just got back from my first route, and she’s on it. She actually lives down the road from me.”

Spike nodded. “Okay, well, that makes sense.”

“Yep, she says you’re working security there. Sounds like they’ll be in pretty good hands with you running things, huh?”

“For now, but I’m just one dragon, Derpy. I’ll probably need a few helping hands eventually.”

“Heh, I’ll bet.” Derpy grinned. “Anyway, I need to get going. My next route needs to be finished by one.” She lifted off the ground with a flap of her wings. “You take care now, Spike. Say hi to Scootaloo for me, will you?”

“Want me to tell her that the ‘old gray mare’ says she can still fly circles around her?”

Derpy giggled as she wrapped her forelegs around Spike’s neck in a hug. “You’re never going to let me live down that nickname, are you?”

Spike returned the hug in kind. “Hey, someone’s got to keep Ponyville’s future postmaster from getting a big head.”

“I guess you’ve got a point.” She laughed. “Just remember who’s bringing you your mail,’ she said as she let go of him, sticking her tongue out playfully. “Later, Spike.”

“See you, Derpy.”

With that, the mailmare flew around to the back of the post office, likely to grab her next bag full of mail. She only had to adjust her angle once as she disappeared from view.

“Heh, she’s getting better at the sharp turns…” Spike said to himself as he walked through the doors of the post office.

It was quiet inside, just as he thought it would be. A single pegasus mare sat behind the counter of the mailroom, busily sorting letters and stamping the occasional package while humming to herself contentedly. She looked up as Spike walked through the front doors. She gave Spike a friendly nod, then continued with her work.

Spike picked out a sheet of paper and a standard envelope from the stationery desk, then he took one of the quills the office provided and began to write.

Sweetie Belle,

Hey, it’s Spike. Hope you’re doing alright. Things are well here in Ponyville.

I recently got a job working for a small business outside of Ponyville, near the Everfree Forest and Fluttershy’s cottage. You may or may not have heard of it: the Everfree House. Before I say anything further about it, it’s a bordello with other services provided, and I’m working security there.

Anyway, there’s a bar there, and they’re looking for gigs to fill in their weekend time slots. I was hoping that, if you have the time, you might be able to swing by Ponyville and maybe put on a show for us. Nothing fancy, just you, your voice, maybe a little guitar.

While I’m on the subject of music, one of the employees at the bordello, Raxis, was hoping to meet you, should you decide to visit. He’s hoping to get into the music business, and I thought you might be able to steer him in the right direction. I can imagine he’s had some difficulty getting a hoofhold in the industry, seeing as he’s a changeling. He hasn’t mentioned anything like that, but I’m sure a few ponies are leery of him. Sad, but true.

Well, that’s all for now. We all miss you a ton, but we’ll keep on cheering you on. I heard your latest single, by the way. I also noticed Scootaloo received a check in the mail the other day that I’m fairly certain was from a recording label. She keeps denying that she had any involvement in ‘Soaring Heart’, but I’m on to her.

Hope to hear back from you soon.

Spike

Satisfied, the drake slipped the letter into the envelope and sealed it before writing down Sweetie Belle’s personal address on it. With any luck, she’d have a reply by the end of next week, so as long as her assistants were on top of keeping her mail sorted .

That or Sweetie will just decide to stop by unannounced like the last five times, and bring a trail of paparazzi with her to our front yard…

Spike exhaled slowly. He was capable of dealing with the Cutie Mark Crusaders when they were young. He could deal with journalists who wanted the inside scoop on Canterlot politics.

Paparazzi, though? His breaking point was right about there. Maybe it was the flashing bulbs, or the way they walked in front of you. He wouldn’t lie, though: he enjoyed having his tail ‘accidentally’ smack into a few of the paparazzi foolish enough to follow him from close behind.

He handed the letter to the postal worker, who promised to have it out by the end of the day. He paid for the stamp and stationery, and made his way out towards the Everfree House. He went at a leisurely pace, since he was going to be a bit early regardless.

Sure enough, it was about half past noon when he walked through the front entrance of the bordello.

“Hello, and good afternoon, sir!”

Spike looked to the front desk, smirking as he saw a familiar unicorn mare waving to him. “Ah, good afternoon, Lovestruck. I didn’t know you’d be here today.”

The gray coated 'unicorn' smiled seductively. “Mmm. Well, I couldn’t pass up a chance to see you, now, could I?”

Spike laughed, a slight tension in his voice, “Heh, I guess not, huh?”

Immediately the mare’s expression softened. “Sorry, Spike, I…” She let out a sigh, and green flames engulfed her. As the magic flames flickered out, Wisp stood before him with a weak grin on her lips. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Spike shrugged. “I guess I’m just not used to other mares giving me the bedroom eyes aside from Scootaloo. Well… most of the time, anyway.”

Wisp laughed softly. “Not going to lie, Spike, I’m a bit jealous of you. She’s quite a cutie.”

“Well, it’s not like you two are complete strangers.” He gave her a wink. In return, she blew him a kiss and batted her eyelashes.

“So, your shift starts soon, huh?”

“Yep, in about thirty minutes.” He made his way over to the back of the desk, and pulled out a small binder labeled ‘Events’. He flipped through it, and paused on today’s date. “Huh, so the Spa Sisters are visiting?”

“They are, yeah. Something about sharing tips and ideas with Blur and Ebon. They’ll probably be here most of the day from how it sounds,” Wisp answered. “Oh, Colea asked if you could do some extra rounds through the gardens today. Sounds like we had an incident this morning with some colts trying to sneak in through the back door.” She chuckled. “If they wanted a free show, all they had to do is ask.”

Spike raised an eyebrow.

“What? Oh, I’d blow them a kiss and tell them to be on their way, nothing else. I’m not that bad.”

“You sure you wouldn’t tease them a little?” Spike asked with a smirk.

Wisp sighed. “Oh, stop! Let kids be kids while they can. They’ll have plenty of time to be adults.”

“What I wouldn’t give to have a few more years of being young…” Spike said with a wistful smile.

“Oh shush. I’m probably a few years older than you, so don’t make me feel worse about my age,” Wisp laughed. “By the way, if you want, Raxis, Double Take, Roxie, and I were going to head into town and try out one of the local joints for a late lunch. We figured you might steer us to the right place.”

“Yeah?” Spike smiled. “What about Posey’s Pizza? Ever been there?” Wisp shook her head. “The Second Street Diner? They have the best hayburgers in all of Equestria, though I’d advise against eating more than two… unless you’ve got a freaky pegasi metabolism like Scootaloo, then you can order seven and not gain a pound …”

“Can’t say I’ve been there, either,” Wisp said with a smile.

“Damn, really?” Spike quirked an eyebrow as Wisp gave him a shrug. “What about…” The drake tapped a claw to his chin. “Ah, Gardener’s Trove?” Wisp shook her head. “Candy’s?” Another shake of her head. “Sugarcube Corner?” Wisp gave Spike a weak smile and shrugged. “Not even Sugarcube Corner? Wow… you need to get out more. It’s the most popular spot in town. But, if you’re looking for something other than a quick snack, maybe not there. They have a small lunch menu, but there are some better places to choose. If you want to get fancy, I’d say go down Summer Song Lane and get a reservation at The Silver Platter. The place feels like a Canterlot restaurant, but without the pompous attitude.”

“See, this is why we think you should come with us. You know this town. Most of us have stuck around here, and only go into town for the essentials.”

Spike shook his head at Wisp in mock disappointment. “Such a shame…” He smirked as Wisp stuck her tongue out at him. “I’ll think about it. I’m not sure how busy I’ll be, but if you want a good place to just sit down and have a nice lunch without the wait, I’d go with the Second Street Diner. Order the Hay Deluxe with barbeque sauce.”

“Barbeque sauce?” Wisp repeated.

“Trust me, barbeque sauce.”

“If you say so,” the changeling chuckled.

“Alright, well, I’ll be around. Later, Wisp.”

“Catch you later, Spike. If you want to join us, we’ll be meeting here around three.”

“Okay, don’t wait around too long for me, though.”

Spike made his way down the main hall, stopping at a small punch-card machine next to a slotted shelf with various names lining it. After punching his card, he began his patrol down the halls, waving to the passing ponies, changelings, and occasional griffon. He hadn’t bumped into anyone that he recognized since seeing Wisp, though, so before long he found himself walking out the back doors leading to the miniature hedge maze.

Every so often he’d pass by a pony couple, sometimes the couple consisting of a random passerby and a high profile celebrity. Said celebrities would give Spike a knowing wink, their eyes briefly flickering from pony irises to a solid teal or blue.

Ah… that explains Fleetfoot being here randomly… and… Rainbow Dash…

Yeah, Spike was going to need to get used to seeing his more publically popular friends walking with random strangers and… doing less than innocent stuff with said random strangers.

Just so as long as I don’t see a double of me walking around, I’ll probably survive.

Spike had yet to run into any colts up to mischief, but he kept his eyes peeled, just in case. Chances are they probably gave up for the day after being caught by Colea.

It was when he had reached the less traveled part of the garden closer to the edges of the Everfree Forest itself that he heard a voice.

“... go and spend all your energy on keeping a disguise. Perfect. Just perfect…”

Spike frowned, the voice setting off a bell in the back of his mind. It was definitely feminine, but he couldn’t quite place it.

The voice sighed heavily. “I’m getting reckless. Though, I haven’t had much to eat in a few days, so it’s not surprising…”

It sounded like just one pony, or perhaps a changeling. He wasn’t sure exactly, considering it was coming from a distance. Slowly, he made his way towards the source of the voice. He was certain that he heard the slight flanging of a changeling voice from where he was. He still couldn’t tell exactly how far they were from him, but he could tell that he was getting closer.

“I just have to keep up appearances for a bit longer,” the voice continued. “She doesn’t suspect me… yet. Still…”

Spike rounded a turn, and paused as he looked down a dead end where he suspected the owner of the voice was.

His eyes widened.

Definitely changeling. Definitely female.

Though, he didn’t remember any changelings at the bordello who were that tall.

The little bell in the back of his mind was ringing off the hook now. He took a step back, memories from seven years prior coming to surface. He winced as one of his wings scraped against the side of a hedge and rustled a few of itsleaves.

The changeling seemed startled as she looked up and noticed him. Her own eyes widened, and before he could react, she had risen up on all fours and had her wings fully splayed.

“Spike…” she said, trying to sound as calm as possible, though he could clearly hear the panic in her voice. “I know this might be alarming, but I need you to just listen and—”

Spike wheeled around and bolted. He heard her curse as he made the turn.

Okay, think! She saw you, she’s going to stop you. You need to get someone’s attention, anyone’s! She’s probably going to swoop down and… wait, that’s it!

Spike tried stretching his wings out so that he could push off the ground, but to no avail.

Too cramped in here to get a good lift off! Crap, this just keeps getting—

Green flames rose up from the ground only a few feet in front of him. He skidded to a halt, just in time to find himself face to face with the changeling.

“Chrysalis?! W-what are you doing here?” Spike breathed.

Her response, however, was a gentle tap of her horn to his head. Seconds later his head felt heavy, and he tipped over on his side. The last thing he saw was two vibrant green eyes looking down at him.

There were many changelings in Equestria. This was a fact. All of them had unique traits that set them apart.

However, there was only one changeling that could stand up and face Spike at eye level while on all fours. That changeling was also the only one with an adornment on their head that greatly resembled a crown.

Spike, in his infinite luck, had managed to run into her, and now, he was completely at her mercy.

He silently hoped that, in a worse case scenario, at least Ponyville would be spared from whatever horrid things the changeling had planned.

Author's Notes:

Hey, everybody! Miss me?

Yeah, so, got this finished a tad sooner than I had expected. A big thanks to littlerobotbird for the splendid job in pre-reading/editing this chapter. Go ahead and send them some love if you want, and read one of their fics while you're at it.

Well, not much to say about this other than I had been waiting for this chapter to be done not too long after I started this story. I'm sure a few of you were expecting that surprise character at the end. I DID hint at them appearing in a previous [blog], after all. So yeah, woohoo cliffhanger. Don'tcha just HATE those?

Keep your eyes peeled for the next update. Until then, keep on keeping on, folks!