As they were waiting for their train, their Griffon and Pony friend who Brandon ran into on the way to Canterlot showed up. They both took concern about his bruises, but both he and Luna assured them that he was fine, though Tallia seemed to sense something between them because she had a little smirk. Soon though they all four were riding a train, as it turns out they had just bought a house from Ginger's brother in Ponyville.

"So, from the way you two act you must have had a very good time together," Tallia said, making both Luna and him redden.

"Tallia, please I'm sure they did have a good time but I think we'll be learning about them soon. I'm mean we're gonna live in the same town now, which I'm personally excited for." Ginger said.

"I hope so, Ponyville is a great place to raise a little one. If you need any help, don't be afraid to ask us." Luna said quickly, which he was a little thankful for.

"Can do, which how are you doing Brandon?" Ginger asked, and Tallia nodded in agreement.

<Fine, doesn't hurt as bad as it looks. How was your trip?> He asked, and waited for them to read it.

"Our trip was wonderful, but come on I know you two had more fun then us. It's written all over how you two are all over each other." Tallia said.

"You don't have to reply to that, it's none of our business." Ginger said, making Tallia sigh in agreement.

"Fine, but they owe us dinner," Tallia said.

<We can do that.> He wrote.

"With all of your Marefriends, cause I really want to get know them," Tallia said.

"That's fine by us, we were planning on having a dinner with all of us anyways. What's two more?" Luna asked.

They sat there talking and watching the scenery go by, though Brandon really did appreciate Tallia and her honesty. She seemed to call it as she saw it, and as for Ginger, he knew how to reel her in for the most part. Soon though, they were pulling into Ponyville and they all made an agreement to meet up near Ponyville Square. Though as they got off, suddenly Luna and Brandon were surrounded by their friends.

"Oh my goodness, what happened to you?" Rarity asked.

"Yeah, all Celestia told us was you two were coming back but didn't mention what happened," Twilight said, though they both guessed Celestia told them and knew she would leave it up to them to explain things.

"We'll explain, but where are Lyra and Derpy?" Luna asked as the others looked around.

"I don't think they know that you two were coming back. I sent Spike to go get them, so they're probably at my place." Twilight answered.

<What about Applejack?> He asked though he knew the answer.

"Oh, uh, she said she had things to do at the farm," Fluttershy replied, making him nod in understanding.

"Well, we should head there then so we can explain once." They all nodded in agreement, though both he and Luna could see the concern in their eyes.

They didn't really talk much, just caught each other up on a few things, but they did avoid the bruises. Though as they walked by some of the town folk he could see them staring, and even some mouthing what happened. But they didn't stop until they got to the front door where they waited for Twilight to open the door.

"Spike? Derpy? Lyra? You all here?" Twilight asked as she popped open the door to see in fact they weren't there, making them all sigh.

"Well darlings, I'm gonna go make some tea. Fluttershy dear, won't you come to help me?" Rarity said going into the kitchen with Fluttershy in tow.

"Who wants to play UNO?" Pinkie asked, before looking at him. "Oh, right, um, how bout charades?"

"Really Pinkie?" Rainbow said rolling her eyes.

<I would like to pick out a book if that's alright with you Twilight?> He asked.

"Of course, go right ahead," Twilight replied.

He quickly started looking through the books and left the mares to talk and figure out what to do while they wait. Soon he was on one of the couches with a book titled The Adventures Of Red Hook. Soon Luna sat next to him, and the other girls took up seats all around them while he read. From what he could tell they just decided to do their own things, Rainbow was bouncing a ball off the wall, Pinkie went into the kitchen for who knows what, and Twilight started reading her own book.

"Oh, now I remember who Red Hook was," Luna said, giving a slight laugh.

"That's right, you were around during his time. How accurate is the book then?" Twilight asked though that reminded him how old Luna was and how young he was compared to her.

"Don't know, I'll have to read it after Brandon is done," Luna replied.

"Actually I think I have another copy somewhere. Just let me look." Twilight said getting up and starting her search.

Soon Twilight brought Luna the copy of the book, and she began reading it as well though something kept making her laugh. After explaining that the first line spoken is something he would have said in real life, they went back to their own thing. Soon, the three mares in the kitchen came out laughing until they saw the scene in front of them.

"Oh my, are we starting a book club in here?" Rarity asked.

"Hey, that's not a bad idea. Maybe introduce Rainbow to some other adventure story other than Daring Do." Twilight said, which caught Rainbows attention.

"What's wrong with Daring Do?" Rainbow asked, making them all roll their eyes.

"Nothing's wrong with her stories, I just meant while you're waiting for the next book you could start another series is all," Twilight said.

"Oh, sorry didn't hear that all the way I guess." Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. "But if the stories are just as epic, then I guess I could join."

<I could dig it.> He wrote, and Luna nodded in agreement.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, any other pony in?" Luna asked, and only Fluttershy said yes.

"Five ponies sounds like a solid number for a book club. Maybe Derpy or Lyra would like to join, maybe even Spike." Twilight said, her eyes twinkling which he found weird he could actually see.

"Uh, join what?" Spike asked as he opened the door with Lyra and Derpy behind him, though once inside and they saw Brandon the two mares instantly demanded to know what happened.

So with Luna's help they explained what happened, he was filling in the blanks like what all the doctor did and by the end of it, all of them were silent. That's when the kitchen timer went off and broke the tension now in the room, and Pinkie yelled something about pie before running into the kitchen. They went silent again before Lyra spoke up.

"I am so gonna strangle whoever did this to make them feel what it's like," Lyra said, giving an angry stomp on the ground.

"Please don't do that, let the proper authorities handle it. After all, we don't know how dangerous this pony might be considering they got past castle security." Luna said.

"Which I wanna know what made you both tired enough that when he was being attacked neither of you woke up?" Rainbow asked.

<No comment.> He quickly wrote trying to keep a straight face, though all eyes were on them and he made the mistake of turning red.

"Oh, oh my you two actually did it? Didn't you?" Rarity asked, her cheeks turning a slight color of red, but not as deep as his or Luna's.

"Hey, no fair," Lyra said.

"Calm down Lyra, at least they got to enjoy the night before the attack," Derpy said, her cheeks bright red and neither eye would meet them.

<Could we not talk about this right now please?> He pleaded through his eyes.

"And what do you suggest we talk about then?" Lyra asked, gently brushing his hand with her hoof.

"Well, before you all showed up we were talking about starting a book club." Luna suggested, and it seemed the room breathed a sigh of relief at the change of the topic.

"Oh, I wanna join!" Derpy said, getting excited before bumping into Lyra making her fall forward and over the couch into Brandon's and Luna's laps.

<You could have asked for a seat.> He wrote, making Lyra boop him and for some reason making everyone laugh.

"So, a book club huh? Is this gonna be the first meeting then?" Lyra asked after readjusting and making room for Derpy.

"No, because not everyone here wants to be apart. So how about we agree on a day? I suggest Saturday, everypony who agrees raise their hoof." At that, all seven of them raised their hoof and hand.

<Wait, what about you Spike?> He asked.

"Nah, while I like reading I'm into comics right now," Spike replied.

"Then it's settled, tomorrow will be our first meeting. Then we can decide on the first book we should read." Twilight said, and they nodded.

"Now, what about now?" Luna asked.

"Oh, I know!" Pinkie suddenly said, popping out from under the table and putting three pies on the top.

At that, they all agreed and Pinkie started to cut each of them a slice, and making plates appear out of thin air it seemed. Soon they all had at least two slices and were groaning with fullness. They all complimented how good the pie was, and before they all knew it they had started to play UNO, though they gave Brandon a break when he got a UNO.

"I think it's time for us to get home," Luna said looking out at the setting sun.

"Yeah, that sounds good. We'll see you all tomorrow for our book club." Lyra said as she put down a full hoof of at least thirty cards. "Don't like this game very much anyways."

"It isn't our fault that you keep getting the brunt of the drawing," Derpy said, bumping her flank against Lyra as they moved toward the door, making him raise an eyebrow.

<Well, this'll be an interesting walk home.> He wrote as he stretched his legs.

"It sure will," Luna said giving a sigh, but then gave him a little smile and wink.

"Hope you four have a good walk, and I'll tell Applejack what happened," Twilight said, making him nod and gave her a smile of appreciation.

After they began to walk they started to talk about what the pony who hurt him would get, though of course, Luna gave the political answer. Which based on her tone she seemed to be set that they would get the longest time served since technically through dating Luna he was now considered a noble.

<So, what's got you two acting so friendly toward each other?> He asked.

"Oh, um, we worked out some of the stress that was bothering us is all. You know, just the good old fashion way to get rid of stress." Lyra said, turning her head back and gave him a little wink before shaking her plot. "Just like you and Luna, am I right Derpy?"

"Um, y-yeah." Poor Derpy was about as red as the sunset, which they had to stop to let Luna start raising the moon for a moment.

"So, how was she?" Lyra whispered, and quickly he wrote his answer.

<It was amazing, to be honest.> He gave Lyra a little wink before he wrote something else. <Can't wait to see you or Derpy in action though.>

"Eeepp..." Lyra squeaked as he gave her a little kiss. "Y-yeah, c-can't wait either."

"Oh, and what are you two talking about?" Derpy asked, making him quickly tear up the piece of paper and threw it away in the nearest trash can before answering.

<Maybe getting another pie for tomorrow.> He wrote, and Lyra nodded.

"Right, well maybe I'll let you taste my homemade pie sometime," Derpy said, giving a giggle as he and Lyra both let their jaws drop and turn red.

"What's this about pie?" Luna asked as she came into the conversation.

"Well, they apparently want to stop by Sugar Cube Corner to get a pie for the book club tomorrow," Derpy said giving him a little wink.

"That sounds like a good idea," Luna said, though she had a slight tone of confusion in her voice.

After that, they kept on walking, though the tension seemed to be gone as they talked. He wished they give him a chance to write his replies before they asked another question, and it wasn't until mid-way home that he realized they were doing it on purpose. He gave a grunt, and that made the three mares laugh which got him to chuckle though that made his throat hurt.

"Hey Brandon, before we forget Grace came by while you were gone. She'll be back to visit on Sunday when you were supposed to come back, she really wanted to see you and your pretty wings." Lyra said.

"I even gave her a little ride," Derpy said.

<Well then, I guess I know what we're doing on Sunday then. Hope she doesn't freak out about my bruises.> He said.

"Oh, don't worry with a little magic and a feminine touch those bruises won't even be visible by tomorrow," Luna said, making the other two mares nod in agreement.

"Which Derpy reminded me, when are you all gonna teach him how to fly?" Lyra asked, which made Luna and Derpy look at each other.

"I guess we can start Monday if that's okay with you Brandon?" Luna asked, looking at him and he gave a thumbs up.

"Are you sure you want me to help you?" Derpy asked.

<Uh, yeah.> He replied.

"Okay, then we have a plan then. Though we'll probably take a few days off, you'll be sore after your first lesson." Luna said.

That's when they made it to the front door, and he got his key out and unlocked to door. They headed inside, though before he knew it the three mares surrounded him and started to cover up the bruises. Though they tried to be careful every now and again he would wince at one of their touches.

"There we go, and that should last for at least a week," Lyra said.

"Yup, you look very good Brandon," Derpy said, he leaned over to her and gave her a hug seeing a little sadness and guilt in her eyes, which Luna and Lyra quickly joined them in a group hug.

<I think it's time for bed.> He wrote out, making all three mares yawn. <I'll meet you in the room, I just have to go to the bathroom.>

"Alright, though you know we could release that stress for ya," Lyra said, laughing as she went into his room while he rolled his eyes.

"Well, goodnight and yes we'll see you in bed," Luna said giving him a little peck.

"Goodnight." Derpy said giving him another peck.

As he walked into the bathroom he locked the door behind him and instantly he let loose the tears he had been holding back all day. The grief of what happened finally catching up to him which he gladly let loose in his privacy. Even though he knew he should tell the others, especially his marefriends, though for right now he grieved in private.