The train shook as it barreled down the bareless expanse of desert, the hills of sand rising and falling in arcs across the endless expanse. Spike rested his chin in a hand as he observed what might as well of been unchanging lands. It was a dry place. A place that needed water so bad it hurt. His sister—caretaker some called her, but he’d always thought of her as his blood—she had told him that places like this were lucky to get a heavy rainfall once a year. It was stupid, but that thought saddened him. It was like the place was a baby, and someone refused to give it a bottle.

Not to mention he hated the heat. Even with the dragon-blood that flowed through his body, even though he could breath fire if needed, he still hated the heat. He had got used to Equestrian temperatures, and even in the relative cool of the train carriage, this wasn’t Equestrian temperatures.

He shifted in his seat, stretching his arms over his head and glancing over at the woman sitting next to him.

“Do you think the waitress will come back with more water?” he asked, reaching over to lightly tug at the stud in his ear. “Everything around here is making me thirsty.”

“She said it would be a few minutes Spike,” Twilight answered, poking her head out into the walkway, “you just need to be more patient, like the book I gave you said. Did you even read it?”

“I lost interest when I realized it was one of those self-help books. You know I don’t like those,” he said flatly, looking at her.

“Well, Spike, you’re an adult now,” Twilight said, shaking her head with a smile, “and you still haven’t gotten over a few of your more childish antics. Need I remind you that we’re still...”

Spike shrugged. “What kind of antics are you talking about?” He looked cautiously at her, waiting for the hammer to drop.

“I’ve seen you sneak out of the palace on more than one occasion,” Twilight said, cocking a eyebrow, “and don’t think I haven’t noticed clothing missing from my drawers.”

“It’s an innocent misunderstanding, what you’re getting at, that’s all.” He glanced out the window and added under his breath, “Guess I shouldn’t of taken something like that from someone a hair away from obsessive-compulsive.”

“I heard that,” Twilight said, adding a light punch to his shoulder, “and it’s not that that really bothers me, you’ve been trying so hard to fit in with people your own age, now that Rarity-”

“I…” he cut her off sharply, then paused, sighing. “No. I—I mean.” He wryly smiled. “It’s hard to talk about.” Shrugging, he chewed at his lip. “But she’s happier this way. I mean, I’m just this dumb... kid, you know?”

Without warning Twilight suddenly wrapped her arms around the young dragonkin, showing him as much loving support as she could in such a simple action. “No you’re not,” she whispered, kissing the top of his unkempt head of hair. “You’re rough around the edges, but you’re still the most amazing young man I’ve ever met, and you’ll make someone very happy. You just haven’t met ‘the one’ just yet.”

He let out a shuddering breath, leaning into her embrace. “I know you know, but I loved her, Twilight. And now she’s with her and…”

Twilight slowly and softly drug her hand through his hair. “I know,” she said, rubbing his back with her other hand, “I know…”

“At least I know she’ll be taken care of. That’s the most important thing, isn’t it?” he said, nodding slowly. “I mean, Applejack… she’s a good woman, but—”

“Hey egghead!” a voice called from the other side of the carriage’s door, interrupting their little heart to heart, “take a look out the window!”

Twilight sent a sneer towards the voice, in spite of the fact that she wouldn’t have been able to see it. Almost everyone had their own room as it was, save for Rarity, Applejack, Spike and herself. Regardless her eyes traveled to the window and she began to smile. “Hey Spike,” she said, softly looking back to him with warm eyes, “take a look at that.”

He glanced up, taking in a breath and pausing.

There, in the distance. There finally came a respite from the endless sands. It was a marvel, a gem in a sea nothingness, with tall stone walls surrounding it like a protective cocoon. Peaking above the walls, Spike saw a wonders. A massive palace, rivaling Canterlot, sat atop the town, overlooking the world from above. Beside it, a man-made pool. His eyes traveling lower, he noticed something resembling a cathedral for the gods, only more rounded and made of the purest ivory. Below that, a statue of a figure peaked out from above the walls. The distance was too great for him to make it out clearly, but he could easily guess its height around fifteen, twenty feet tall.

“Wow,” he marveled, putting a hand to the window. “It’s amazing.”

“That’s Ridedh, the Saddle Arabian capital,” Twilight explained, “we’re still about half an hour away though.”

He whistled, not taking his eyes off the town. “Guess going on these diplomatic meetings has its perks, huh? It looks like a place with a lot of options.”

“I thought you’d like it,” Twilight giggled, “told you that this would beat sitting around the palace rearranging books.”

“Yeah, well, hope they have a few mages keeping the place cool,” he said, though he couldn’t help the smile on his face as he took the view in like a drink of water.

Twilight smirked and shook her head. It was just like him to think about the most simple things despite the overall splendor of everything else. At least it seemed to take his mind off of the most pressing issue he had. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she too started to drink in the sight.

“Hey, Twilight?” he said.

“Yes, Spike?”

He swallowed, offering a brief glance behind him before returning his gaze to the window. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it,” Twilight replied, resting her chin on his head, “Don’t—”

A sudden knock came to the door, throwing the both of them off. “I have your water, your highness,” the voice behind the door said. “Terribly sorry for it taking so long, but one of your guests ordered five dozen cupcakes.”

Twilight and Spike’s faces went blank as their eyes fell on one another with a collective sigh. “Pinkie…”

As if summoned by a dark ritual, the woman in question spoke up from behind the door.

“Hiya, miss! I was wondering if I could have another dozen cupcakes! The last five didn’t do the trick and I’m still feeling a little bit peckish, so if you don’t mind to maybe get me some more, or—Oh! I know! I’ll cook them for you!” She giggled. “Where’s the oven? Is it towards the front? Do you have those chief hats here? I love wearing them at the bakery back home! Huh? Huh? Do you?!”

“Pinkie,” Twilight grunted in a very un-princesslike manner.

The door slid open and Pinkie peeked her head in, tilting it at an almost impossible angle, her mouth threatening to tear under her wide grin. “Yeeeeees?” she asked, batting her eyelids.

“Let the woman do her job…” Twilight sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Besides, they’re probably out of sugar by now.”

She deflated a bit, her pink lipstick making her frown even more expressive. “Aw…” In a heartbeat, she perked up again. “Do you think they have artificial sweetener?!”

Twilight’s eyes quickly became dull, prompting a chuckle to pass through Spike’s lips.

Pinkie looked at the two. “So, what you doin’?” she casually asked, reaching behind the door for a moment, then opening the door fully, revealing a maid outfit and a tray with a pitcher of water. She stepped forward and handed each of them a glass, sitting across from them and adjusting the pantyhose she wore. “I don’t know how waitresses wear this,” she complained, bouncing her head back and forth.

“How did you even...?” Twilight quickly stopped herself before finishing her question, knowing full well that the answer was that she was Pinkie Pie to begin with. “Nothing really Pinkie, what are you up to?”

“Fluttershy fell asleep, so I’ve been wandering around and eating snacks.” She crossed her arms, pouting. “How can my bff fall asleep so asap, yo?” She cupped her hand in a stage whisper. “How you like my lingo?”

“I don’t think it makes much sense,” Twilight put bluntly. “But, then again, I can say that about most things you do.”

Pinkie giggled. “That’s what makes it fun, live-and-let-Twi!”

For the second time in almost as many minutes Twilight’s hand found the bridge of her nose. “Did you really just say that?”

“I really really said that,” she agreed, crossing her legs, the posture and clothing she wore for a brief, fleeting moment making her look like a sophisticated lady. This promptly faded when she had another full-toothed grin break out. “So, whatcha doing after your business, Twilight? Want to go shopping with me? I hear they have these chocolate thingies her that are like…” She stuck her tongue out in concentration and compacted her hands together, cupping an invisible ball. “And it’s dark chocolate, so it’s bitter, but good bitter! You should come with and we can hang like it ain’t no thang!”

“We’ll be in Ridedh for a week Pinkie. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time in between delegations to enjoy the city.”

She jumped up in the air, letting the tray and the pitcher fly upwards. In a show of either amazing dexterity or maddening luck, she turned her hand slightly, catching both the objects without breaking a sweat. “Yay! I’m super, duper excited now! We’ll have fun and we’ll eat so much we’ll both get tummy aches!”

“I’ve seen you eat, Pinkie.” Twilight sighed, shaking her head. “Somehow I doubt that.”

“Well, we’ll at least get you a tummy ache! I’ll just eat until I’m poor.” She gave a big step towards the door. “The rest of the girls are in the dining room, if you guys wanna join instead of playing hide and seek with no one trying to find you!”

“Wait, how do you know that?” Twilight asked, “I thought you said Fluttershy fell asleep and you’ve been wandering the halls ever since.”

“Well not Fluttershy, silly-billy! But I know Dashie said she wanted some grub! And Rarity and Applejack were getting some dessert.” Pinkie giggled once more. “Dessert in the desert.” Putting a hand to her chin, she shrugged. “At least I think it’s that kind of dessert. I mean, I don’t think they’d have desert desert while on a train.”

“Pinkie…” Spike muttered out.

She froze, glancing to the boy-turned-man, her smile becoming slightly forced. “D-don’t mind me, it’s just auntie Pinkie acting silly. You know how she gets. Isn’t that right, Twilight?”

Twilight cast her gaze to Spike before looking to Pinkie, her face trying to forgo the difficulty she was having trying in trying to get out of the hard place they had put her in. “We’ll stay here for now, but if we get hungry we’ll know where to go.”

“Okey-dokey-lokey!” Pinkie chimed back. She gave a weak smile to Spike, before heading out the door.

Spike scratched at the back of his head, glancing towards Twilight. “I need to get over it,” he said plainly. “That’s what I need to do. I’ve cried,” he said the last word with a hint of shame, “over it for too long already. That’s not what being an adult is about. I… I need to get over it. Maybe find someone my age or something, I dunno.”

“I won’t force it on you.” Twilight nodded slowly. “But when you’re ready you know I’ll be right there with you.”

He gave a half-smile. “Thanks. I don’t say it often, but you’re good to me.”

“I doubt you would’ve stayed as long as you did if I wasn’t,” Twilight replied, fighting back a laugh.

“I sure wasn’t around for your cooking skills.”

Yet another fist playfully connected to Spike’s shoulder as his mocking chuckles faded. But soon the light hearted tone soon dimmed and the looks on their faces became more somber. “I guess that means you are hungry?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“I’m gonna have to eat some time or another, won’t I?” Spike replied. “At least now I’ll get a good meal out of it with everyone.” His eyes hesitantly shifted to his hands, then back to her own. “R-right?”

“Can’t fight biology.” Twilight grinned in a failed attempt to make a joke, even adding a fake laugh in an attempt to lighten the dreary mood.

“Can’t fight biology,” Spike agreed, rising and offering a hand down to her.

Twilight tilted her head with smile and took what was offered to her. She always enjoyed it when Spike acted like a gentlemen. Sure, if there was anyone that didn’t need to act this way around her it would be him, but it was always nice when he used that charm he always used to use on Rarity towards other people. A quick snap of her fingers and the door that separated them from the rest of the train was briefly coated in a violet glow, then swung open, granting them access to the rest of the train.

“Are you going to take a lady to dinner?”

“Something like that, I guess,” he said, looking up at her. Not that Twilight was necessarily tall, rather, Spike stood short, even after all these years. Adolescence had simply given him a slap on the rear and sent him on his way, rather than embracing him. Despite that, he was, thankfully, a little leaner than he used to be, healthy enough to help the Apple clan during harvests if needed. That said, he doubted he’d ever match AJ or Mac for pure, nightmarish strength. With a smile he offered Twilight the crook of his arm. “Shall we?”

“How could I say no?” Twilight smiled, playfully biting her lip as she slid her arm in the crock of his own. “Ladies first?”

“As you wish, madam.” He gestured with an open palm down the hall.

“Such a gentlemen.” Twilight replied, patting the top of his head before taking the first step into the hallway with Spike following close behind.

The two made their way way down the train’s hall at a casual pace, having to catch themselves every now and then as it jerked on the tracks. Before long the two stood in front of a pair of doors that were far more decorated than the others. It didn’t take much for them to decipher that it was the train’s dining hall, especially since that it was the caboose. The two stood there, steeling themselves for the obvious elephant in the room that was behind the door. Twilight took a quick glance over to Spike and saw the lump in his throat grow larger and sweat forming on his brow.
“Still hungry?” she asked with obvious concern in her voice, placing her hand on his chest.

“Starving,” he answered tersely, his grip trembling for a moment before he caught himself. “Could eat a horse.”

With a nod, Twilight’s middle finger and thumb came together and slid apart. The doors opened without hesitation, revealing the very definition of regality inside. The drapes that hung from the windows were the finest red velvet, edged by golden tassels. The crystal chandelier that hung in the middle, carved by the finest crystal smiths the empire that bore the same name could offer, and, finally, the table that stood as the centerpiece was grafted by the finest mahogany, surrounded by lavish chairs that were covered in the purest silk. However in spite of its grandeur, the five people that sat around the table was what drew their attention.

A whistle called out to them. “Ha! Knew they’d be coming!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Over here, guys!” she nearly yelled, halfway rising and frantically holding a spoon up to the air, waving it. Neither Twilight or Spike were surprised to see she was back in her more traditional dress of a long-sleeved pink shirt and shorts.

“Pinkie, do ya have ta be so loud?” Applejack asked, shielding the ear closest to her rambunctious friend. “Fluttershy’s still half asleep.”

Rarity took a spoonful of ice cream and put it into her mouth, then daintily dabbed a napkin to her violet lipstick. “I will admit, it was rather, er, loud. Considering we are the only patrons in the establishment at the moment.”

“Not as loud as some people were last night,” Rainbow interjected with a sly grin.

Rarity’s creamy skin flooded with heat, but she kept her composure, clearing her throat. “I’m sure I have no idea what you mean, dear.”

“Aw, come on sugar,” Applejack grinned as she pulled Rarity’s chair closer to her. “Ain’t no reason ta be shy ‘bout nothin’.”

“A lady doesn’t kiss and tell, Jacqueline,” Rarity remarked. “Even if the kiss was…” She let a throaty chuckle out and her eyes seemed to sparkle with bemusement as she stared at her partner, offering her hand to the farmer. “Magnifique.”

“I’m glad you’re both happy,” Spike said, doing his best to smile. And he was honest there. Even though it hurt, seeing them both like this was the best way it could turn out. Far better it to be Applejack than one of the stuck-up, crusty types Rarity used to admire constantly.

“That means quite a bit, coming from you, dear. Thank you.” Rarity smiled warmly at Spike. “When we first stated our… affections, as it were, I was petrified that you wouldn’t be so eager on the idea.” She ran a thumb over Applejack’s dark brown finger, where a simple golden promise ring sat. “Well, the girls as well, but you especially. You’ll always be a dear, important friend to me, Spike. Never, ever forget that.”

“Ya been a great friend ta all of us truthfully Spike,” Applejack added, tipping her hat with her free hand, “couldn’t imagine a life without ya.”

“Damn straight,” Rainbow agreed, holding her glass high in the sky before downing it like a champ, “only guy I know that can bring Twilight out of one of her crazy spells.”

Fluttershy smiled at him, her hands placed in her lap. “...We love you Spike. Y-you and Twilight. Both of you made the town what it is.”

“It wouldn’t be no party without Spiking the punch!” Pinkie giggled at her own lame joke.

The group turned their attention to Pinkie for a few quick seconds before for the third time in the evening Twilight brought her index finger and thumb to the bridge of her nose. “Let’s just sit down and get something to eat.”

“Yeah,” Spike agreed, his smile far more pleasant and honest than it was a few minutes back. “I’m starving.” He moved and sat down next to Dash, then glanced over at AJ. “You guys decide on a, uh, date yet?”

“Still in the plannin’ stages Spike,” Applejack replied, “only proposed two weeks ago. Hell, I still gotta tell Braeburn, Aunt and Uncle Orange, Apple Fritter, Apple Tart, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious...”

“And I may still need to inform my parents and sister,” Rarity said, offering an embarrassed smile.

“You haven’t told them yet?” Twilight asked with a hint of shock, “I thought they’d be—”

“Rarity’s folks are a bit more… traditional in the sense of romances,” Applejack interrupted, “I been building her confidence for when the time comes.”

“And to think I believed your brother would be the primary cause of concern. Instead, all that came from him was an ‘eyup,’” Rarity said, doing her best to imitate Mac’s placid expression and deep, rumbling baritone voice. “I wouldn’t doubt if he had known far earlier than when we had told him. Still waters run deep, after all.”

“Do you have all your groomsmen picked out?” Spike asked, then paused. “Or, well, whatever you want to call it.”

“Like I said I only popped the question a couple of weeks ago,” Applejack reiterated, “And I was plannin’ ta ask my brother.”

“Well, for best man, sure. But I was just thinking, you know, if you need another… I’d like to help you guys.”

“I’ll remember yer offer,” Applejack nodded, taking a quick glance at Rarity to see her opinion on the matter.

“Absolutely, dear. You’ll make a fine groomsman on the day of the wedding. You always were my best helper at the shop—Applejack could take a lesson or two from you.”

Applejack’s brow rose into her hairline as Rarity began to giggle at her lover’s reaction, but soon the tables where turned on her when Applejack pulled her in close for an impromptu kiss. Their friends had a mix of reactions, Rainbow smiled and nodded her head in silent approval, Fluttershy turned redder than an apple, Pinkie just smiled happily. Twilight gritted her teeth, knowing full well that there was one person in the room trying to make peace with their relationship and this certainly wasn’t helping.

Spike gave a small, longing smile toward Rarity, but caught Twilight’s expression out of the corner of his eye. The dragonblood morosely shrugged toward her, knowing that it was a lost cause.

“So, we gotta be close now, don’t we?” Spike asked the group, glancing away from the two lovers.

“Well… the room’s small,” Applejack said, scratching her head, “so yeah.”

“N-no,” Spike shook his head. “I, uh, meant we got to be close to town.”

“Oh, that,” Applejack chuckled, not believing how stupid she sounded, “ta be honest, I really don’t know, ask Twilight.”

“We’ve got about ten minutes,” Twilight said, finally taking a seat next to Fluttershy. “But seriously, I’m pretty hungry.”

“As close as we are to getting there, maybe I’ll wait. Try some of that ‘authentic’ Saddle Arabia cuisine.” Spike brushed a hand through his hair. “Besides, not like I’ll be pressed for time while you’re all doing the work thing.”

“So you want to head back to the room?” Twilight asked, rising from her seat.

“Yeah. I think I will.” He rose as well. “But you don’t have to leave just because I am, Twilight.”

“I’m not leaving you alone Spike,” Twilight said sternly, “at least not until I actually have to.”

“A-alright.” He gave a small wave of his hand to the girls. “I’ll catch you guys later. Just gonna go and get ready.”

“See ya in a few Spike!” Applejack nodded, tipping her hat as an added measure.

“Same,” Rainbow added with a makeshift two fingered salute.

“Adieu, darling,” Rarity quickly chimed in.

Fluttershy nodded softly and the doors closed behind the pair before Pinkie was able to get in her goodbyes.Twilight looked to her downtrodden partner and tried to think of words of comfort, but he seemed to be more focused on something else at the moment.

He ambled down the hallway with Twilight, his hands in his pockets. “Well… that went about like I expected,” the boy said, mainly to himself.

“Spike,” Twilight said, in an attempt to gain his attention, “I need to tell you something.”

He stopped, turning to meet her gaze.

“I’m proud of you,” she stated, wrapping him up in her arms, nearly planting his face square in her bosom, “I’m so proud of you.”

“I think a few years back, I wouldn’t of been able to keep it together,” he admitted, not pulling away from her embrace, but instead shutting his eyes and listening to her heartbeat. He never knew his mother, or any of his blood family, for that matter, but there were times when he was sure this is what a mother must be like, just having someone he knew would take care of him and offer advice for him, no matter how strange the question or rough the hardship.

“It took a lot of courage for you just to walk in there, it feels like yesterday sometimes when I look at you compared to who you once were,” Twilight said, resting her chin on his head. “You really have grown up so much.”

He sniffed, hugging her at the waist. “I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for you. As much as I complained when I was a dumb kid… you kept me on the right track.”

“You have no idea how much that means to me coming from you,” Twilight smiled gently. “No idea at all.”

“I’m not crying,” he stammered out defensively, not looking up at her. “I don’t know why you would think I would be.”

“I never said you were,” Twilight replied, placing one hand on his jawline as her thumb wiped away a tear that had accumulated on his face.

“B-because a man doesn’t cry when talking about feelings,” he continued, biting at his lip.

Twilight gave him a motherly smile, once more wiping at Spikes eyes before kissing him on the forehead and pulling him into her chest once more. She soon began to hum a corny lullaby she made up for for him not long after she began to raise him.

“Little, little dragonkin fallen from the stars, rest now, sleep now, forget all your past scars~.” She continued to hum, running her fingers through his hair. “Little, little dragonkin, now you must move on, rise now, be strong and realize who you are. Little, little dragonkin, time to rise above your pain, go now, press on now and learn to love again.”

“You used to sing that for me a lot when I was tiny.” He smiled, not without a trace of bitterness to it. “Every time I think I’ve grown up, I fall flat on my ass and you have to pick up the pieces.”

“And I won’t be stopping anytime soon,” Twilight said softly, “I’ll always be there when you need me.”

“It isn’t much, but I hope one day I can do the same for you. You’re the only family I have, and I… you know... love you,” he mumbled out, then looked up at her and tried to force a smile. “When did I become so sappy? It’s unbelievable.”

“You’ve been raised by girls your entire life,” Twilight said plainly, messing his hair up even more than it already was, “it’s expected.”

“Don’t remind me. Everyone in school used to. Way some of them acted, they thought I was in a harem, or something gross like that.”

“Well, that’s definitely not the case,” Twilight laughed, “you’re too short for most of us anyway.”

“That’s a low blow,” he said.

“If you get hit anywhere it’s a low blow.” Twilight grinned evilly.

“Forget every nice thing I’ve ever said about you ever.” Spike huffed out, crossing his arms.

“Oh come on, Spike, I was just having a little fun.”

“This isn’t fair. You don’t even wear your glasses any more. I at least could call you four-eyes back before you wore contacts. Now I can just say your hair has a lot of dead ends in it.”

“Well, not so much with the split ends anymore,” Twilight said rather proudly, grabbing a lock of her hair, “Princess Celestia sent me a bottle of her eternal shampoo, fixed those things after the first wash.”

“Good. And here I was thinking perfect hair was part of the deity status you were granted. Much better it’s from a goddesses’ shampoo.”

“Oh, fine,” Twilight said, unable to contain her giggles anymore, “if it bothers you that much…”

With a snap of her fingers Twilight was encompassed in a bright ball of light, one so bright that Spike had to shield his eyes. Seconds later the light dissipated, revealing a far less glamorous looking Twilight. Her hair, once flowing to the small of her back was now done in a neat bun with two pens stuck in on either side, as well as a pair of thick rimmed black glasses that rested at the tip of her nose.

“Happy now?” she asked, pushing the glasses up higher on her nose.

He let out a hard belly laugh, clutching his sides. “Oh man! That takes me back! Lose a few inches and a cup size and it’s like before we met everyone.” He gave a roll of his hand. “Open your mouth, you remember the braces?”

Reluctantly, Twilight opened her mouth, revealing a silvery shine as the light touched her teeth.

“That’s great! What’d Shining used to call you when he was mad? Chompers? Chompy? Uh…”

“Chomposarous…” Twilight muttered, regretting her decision for more than one reason. “Now can I please go back to my current look? I’d forgotten that I’d grown out of this outfit in more ways then one…”

“Aw. Alright. Though I think it’d make a great icebreaker at your meetings.”

“Or you want me to walk around looking like one of the girls in those videos you think you’re oh so clever at hiding.” Twilight snapped back without missing a beat.

“Well, I was thinking the braces and glasses, Twilight. I’m not exactly keen on checking out the rest of your body.” He paused, narrowing his brow. “And I have those for private use. I don’t snoop around your room for all those romance books and diagram guides.”

“Private is made public when they’re left in the living room in front or the T.V.,” Twilight answered back, “and those novels are from the library's collection… the diagrams are for… research.”

“If you really were using them for research, I’m sure just asking Applejack or Rarity would of sufficed,” he countered. “And that was one time I forgot to put something up. Sheesh.”

“I’m changing back,” Twilight grunted, “but for you I’ll leave the glasses on, deal?”

“Anything to end this conversation. Deal,” he promptly agreed.

Twilight snapped her fingers once more, concealing herself in the ball of light. As it faded Twilight’s hair flowed freely once again, and all her curves were in properly proportioned clothing. The only thing being different was the glasses that still sat precariously on their perch.

“Alright. Now you’re looking sharp,” he replied, making a ring with his finger and thumb.

“Good,” Twilight said with a nod, “And it looks like it was just in time.”

The train slowly screeched to a halt, sending jeers throughout its structure. Twilight and Spike may have even been thrown around a bit if it wasn’t for her mentioning it. A second jolt came to the train as it bounced back after the recoil of the initial stop. Now finally still, the sound of doors opening filled the cabin, followed soon after by the sound of heavy footsteps. Within seconds five large men in military armor came upon Twilight and Spike, each more menacing and ugly then the last. A few awkwardly tense moment passed before the largest of them stepped forward, quietly looking Twilight up and down.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle?” he asked in a tone so deep it sent shivers down both their spines.

“Y-yes?” she replied, looking to Spike with a hint of confusion in her eyes, “that’s me.”

He stood there in silence, as if to examine her further even after she told him who she was. Suddenly he reached for his helmet, removing it to show an attractive looking older man underneath; a pause more and he dropped to a knee, the other men quickly following his suit.

“I am Commander Al’Kair,” he said extending his hand to Twilight, “and on behalf of the king, I welcome you to Saddle Arabia.”

Author's Notes:

Well boys and girls, it's finally here, my collab with my buddy Flanagan. This thing is done completely, save for editing, so expect a chapter every other day until our demands are met.

So, yeah. Kick up your feet and stay awhile, we'll have some fun.