The train came far too late for Spike; if anything he wanted to leave this damn city behind, along with the heart that it managed to rip out of him not a few hours ago. He was lucky that the girls hadn’t really started packing yet, it was enough of a distraction that he wouldn’t collapse into tears as he slowly counted down the seconds until Amira’s early train arrived. Now however, he stood there, staring blankly across the platform, weighed down by carry-on bags attached to either side of his arms.

He shook his head, furious at himself, at the world, at everything in between and he sniffed once more, refusing now to cry as he continued to stare, continued to will his thoughts silent.

“Spike?” Twilight asked, her eyes showing the faintest amount of worry, “you haven’t said anything to any of us all day, what’s wrong?”

“You know what’s wrong,” he quietly replied, not bothering to look at her.

Twilight’s head sank low, her eyes still aimed at him as she let out a heavy sigh. “You could at least put the bags down, the train won’t be her for another half hour.”

“I don’t care.”

“Spike…”

“It’s bullshit. It’s bullshit and it’s not fair and I don’t care why—” he realized his voice had been growing progressively louder. He sighed, looking down at his feet and shaking his head.

Twilight knew she wouldn't be able to say anything to make him feel better, and she sure as hell knew that no one else in their little group could either. The best she could do was to rest a hand on his shoulder before sliding it downward to rub his back.

“I don’t remember how many times I said it last night,” she said softly, practically whispering, “but I’m sorry…”

“I know. I know you are.” Spike sighed again, not sure at all what he could or should say in the situation. “I, I want to be able to do something here, Twilight. I’d do anything for her.”

“I believe you Spike, I really do,” Twilight said in a motherly tone, “but we-”

“What are you two going on about anyway?” Rainbow suddenly butted in, “and what’s got you two in the dumps, I mean we’re leaving! Once we get on the train we won’t have to wear these stupid bedsheets on our heads anymore, and we’ll finally be out of this heat.”

“Not now, Dash. Please?” Spike said, looking over to the woman.

“Alright, geez,” she replied throwing a hand in the air, “no need to get your panties in a bundle, I thought since you hated the heat you’d love to be rid of this place as soon as possible.”

“I do. I want to get the hell out of here,” he agreed, shuffling on his feet. “And never come back,” he added quietly to himself.

The seven of them stood there in relative silence, waiting for their ever approaching train. Spike remained steadfast the entire time, not once losing his grip on the bags he carried. Finally, after the longest minutes of his life the faint silhouette of a train appeared in the west, its shape blurred by the heat steaming from the surface of the earth.

“There’s our ride.” Applejack nodded under her burqa. “We’ll be home before we know it.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it myself. I know the workload waiting for me will be atrocious,” Rarity remarked. “But it was nice having a moment to ourselves, at least.”

“I should have an after vacation party!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We could invite the whole town over! It’d be great!”

“Pinkie, you think anything party related is great.” Rainbow sighed, rolling her eyes, “but I’d be willing to celebrate for just getting this damn thing off.”

“Well, I don’t think you’ll have to wait much longer,” Fluttershy spoke up, “because it looks like the train’s starting to slow down.”

“I say we should split a bottle of wine on our travel back, girls. We earned it,” Rarity beamed. “I have a feeling some of the men under the king’s rule weren’t expecting us to have such shrewd diplomatic skills, that’s for certain!”

“Beat ‘em at their own game of five-card Sorry! Battleship,” Pinkie agreed, nodding sagely.

“Pinkie… just…” Twilight said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “I don’t even.”

“Yes. That’s exactly what we did, dear,” Rarity agreed with an almost motherly nod. “Now be a good girl and once the train gets to the station proper, haul my luggage to my cabin, would you kindly?”

“Okey-dokey!” Pinkie replied, giggling as she gave a mock salute.

The train finally came to a loud halt, and soon the station became busy, with several men and women flooding past the group, finally, a conductor announced for the passengers to start boarding.

“Well, any last minute purchases from the vendors here, girls?” Rarity asked.

“Nope, I already blew all my cash on that soap Spike make me get yesterday,” Rainbow said shooting a glare at him, “shit’s more expensive than ya think.”

Rarity looked at Dash, her smug tone not muffled under her cover. “I heard of your little escapade the other day. Frankly, I would say you got let off easily, if that’s all Fluttershy and Spike asked of you. If you had tried something of that nature with me...” She chuckled. “Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t.”

“Yeah whatever,” Rainbow shrugged, shaking her head, “I learned the error of my ways, alright? No more drunken plots to get friends to fuck each other, I’m done.”

“There’s hope for her after all. Hallelujah,” Rarity dryly remarked, lifting her hands in the air. She took a step towards the door. “Well, I have no want for any knick-knacks, so I’ll be boarding. Pinkie?”

The other girl shot forward, grabbing Rarity’s bags off the ground and stepping behind the beauty.

“I’m helping!” Pinkie exclaimed to the others, laughing once more.

“I think we can take that as a no,” Applejack remarked, unable to hold back a chuckle, “as fer me, I don’t really need nothin’ from this town, not much here that interests me as it is.” Applejack then looked over to Twilight and Spike, cocking her brow as she grabbed her larger suitcase. “What ‘bout you two? Got what ya want before leavin’?”

Twilight shot her gaze in Applejack’s direction before giving her a small smile. “Oh, no,” she answered sincerely, “I’ve got all I needed in here.” Twilight then gestured to her temple, tapping it a few times to emphasize the fact.

“I coulda guessed,” Applejack said letting out a laugh before turning her attention to the still stoic Spike, “what ‘bout you sugarcube? Ya want and or need anything from this place before we get up and skedaddle?”

“Nothing I can get, at least,” he replied, stepping towards the train. “Let’s just go.”

The train came to a hissing halt as the doors opened in perfect tune with Spike’s steps, the door opening the exact moment he stepped forward. He practically floated in, walked to the nearest cabin and threw everything he was carrying in the corner before promptly plopping his hindquarters on the nearest bench. He didn’t even bother to arrange the bags, all he did was sit there, staring the wall on the opposite of the cabin.

An announcement came over the train’s system stating they’d be traveling farther into Saddle Arabia to reach a turntable, then would begin the long travel home.

Spike reached up and began absentmindedly rubbing the pendet he wore, his thoughts fading to the few days he knew her. But even in those few days, it let him know. It let him know she was the one. When he had felt something similar with Rarity in his younger years, Twilight said the hurt would eventually go away. And that was true. But this time? He had his doubts he’d ever feel right again, no matter how much Twilight might say otherwise. The boy swallowed, feeling guilty. There had to of been a way for her to have came. Amira, he could of convinced her. But he wasn’t strong enough. He never was strong enough to do what had to be done.

“Spike,” Twilight suddenly said, derailing his train of thought.

He jerked, startled to attention. After a moment, he looked up to her. “What?”

“Just wondering why you haven’t come to join us in the caboose for dinner,” she said, “you’ve been sitting in here for the past four hours.”

“I’m not hungry,” he instantly replied.

“You didn’t even know you were sitting in here for that long, did you?” Twilight asked, letting out a breath.

He weakly shook his head. “Guess not.”

Twilight took another deep breath and took a seat next to him, wrapping one arm around his shoulder as she pulled him in. “Something tells me that you already know what I’m going to say,” she said, sliding her free hand through his hair, “am I right?”

“That it’s going to be alright?” He glanced over at her. “Is that it?”

Twilight lowered her head to her chest. “You can read me like a book.”

“Sometimes,” Spike admitted, looking forward. After a long, drawn-out pause, he added. “Did you hear about her?”

“I heard enough during the final delegation,” Twilight nodded, “King Amal introduced us to Hakem, and if first impressions are anything to go by… he made my skin crawl.”

“There’s gotta be something I can do.” He pleadingly looked over to her. “Isn’t there?”

“If there is, even I wouldn’t know what,” Twilight replied shaking her head, “Saddle Arabian law is a very complex and intricate system held down by centuries of tradition, and since the king himself arranged it, I doubt anything will be able to suade him.”

Without preamble, Spike snapped his foot forward, slamming it hard into the seat in front of him. “Godsdamnit!” he spat out, so angry he shivered, his nails digging into his clenched fists so tightly they nearly broke skin.

“Spike!” Twilight blurted out, bringing him into her chest, doing her best to comfort him. “Please, don’t do this to yourself, I’m begging you don’t.”

“Then how am I supposed to act?!” he barked back, rising to a stand. “You know what that guy’s like, you know what she’s going to have to go through, and now I just have to wash my hands and go home?!” Spike realized bitterly he was crying again, bitter, angry tears, but ignored them. “I… how am I supposed to, to go on, when she’s…”

Twilight’s mouth was agape, staring up at him with eyes so misty that they seemed to foretell of an oncoming storm. “I… I,” she began as a tear finally broke the barrier and began to travel down her cheek, “I don’t know Spike… I don’t…”

He froze, seeing her expression, and his anger instantly dimmed. “I—don’t cry, Twilight. I’m sorry.” Spike sucked in a breath and wiped a palm across his face, before rejoining her, sitting by her side.

Within an instant Spike found himself wrapped up in Twilight’s embrace, his face buried deep in her chest as he heard the faint sounds of her crying as she held him.

“I just screw all of it up,” he said, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “I’m sorry,” he repeated quietly.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Twilight sniffed, doing everything she could to gather herself, “you can’t blame yourself for something out of your control.”

“I should of been there for her more,” Spike said, frowning. “There’s no other way around it.”

“I know this is hard for you Spike,” Twilight said, resting her chin on his head, “but you can’t blame yourself for this, you’ll end up destroying yourself.” She pulled him in closer, wrapping him up even tighter than before. “And nobody wants that to happen.”

Spike said nothing to this. Instead, he shut his eyes and held onto Twilight, scared of what would happen if he let go right now. He still felt like the slightest breeze would knock him down, and he wouldn’t get back up again.

“Hey guys are ya coming to eat or what?” Rainbow’s voice echoed in the cabin as the door swung open, “Rarity’s been casting that food warming spell for nearly half an…” she paused when saw the two in the cabin holding one another tightly, evidence of previous tears shed soaking their faces. “Uh…” she said grabbing the back of her neck, “the hell happened?”

“It’s a long story,” Spike reluctantly said.

“Well, the rest of us are getting ready to eat, so if you’re up to it,” Rainbow said awkwardly looking around the room, “if not I guess we could split your stuff and give it to AJ, according to Rarity she didn’t have breakfast.”

“She can have mine,” Spike said, then gave a small squeeze to the companion that sat by him. “But Twilight needs to go and eat.”

Twilight blinked, looking to him with a slight amount of surprise. “But Spike, y—”

“I’ll be fine. I just need a little time to think,” he quickly said, then gave a weak smile towards her. “Alright?”

Twilight shot her gaze between Spike and Rainbow for a few seconds. “Are you sure?” she asked, letting it out.

“Please. I’ll be fine. I just want some time alone.”

Another few seconds passed before Twilight reluctantly released Spike from her grasp, rising to her feet as her eyes started to well up again. “Alright,” she almost whispered, wiping the mist from her eyes. “You know where to find me if you need me right?”

“Yeah. I know,” he agreed, reaching forward to give a small touch to her hand. “I’ll be fine.”

Twilight gave him a small nod and forced herself to walk towards Rainbow, who was still watching in utter confusion at what was going on. “Alright that was awkward,” she said as Twilight walked out of the cabin, “what were you two…”

The sound of the door closing drowned out the end of Rainbow’s statement. Leaving Spike alone once more, to do the only thing he could do at the moment. Think.

Think and wish for what could've been. What should’ve been. He leaned back in the chair, exhausted, feeling bad enough that he never thought he’d fall asleep. But, after a time, he did, and his dreams were of her.

The next few days on the train passed like they were nothing, and truthfully they didn’t matter much to Spike. The only times he even ate was when Twilight brought him something, and even then he didn’t feel much like eating, he ate simply to fulfill his bodily needs, nothing more, nothing less. Finally on the fourth day of the ride, a small town that sat on the edge of a mighty forest came into view, a sight that everyone on board was more than ready to see after just a little over two weeks of being away. Ponyville, home.

“After all this time on the train, I think I know someone who needs treated to a spa visit,” Rarity remarked.

“I don’t think Twilight’ll have the time to though,” Applejack replied with a cheeky grin, “she’ll probably have one of those ten hour talks with Princess Celestia right after this thing stops.”

“You’re no fun. I hope you realize that,” Rarity pouted.

“One of us has ta be a realist,” Applejack shrugged, tilting her head, “heaven knows what’d happen if we were a pair of dreamers.”

“Well, at least I’m around to keep you on your toes, since you’re so determined to keep me grounded.”

“That a challenge?” Applejack replied with a smirk.

“No, silly, it’s a metaphor-y thingy!” Pinkie chimed in with a wide grin.

“I’m ready to catch some zees on my own bed finally,” Rainbow smiled, throwing her hand out the train’s window, “sure the beds in Saddle Arabia were comfy, but nothing can beat an actual cloud mattress.”

“The mattresses were lovely, but you have to understand, there’s a certain fragrance in the air of Ponyville, one that is quite difficult to beat on a given day. That, I dare say, I missed quite a bit,” Rarity remarked.

“I’m just ready to see my critters again,” Fluttershy added, “I know Roseluck took good care of them, but you know how things like this go.”

“Critters?” Rarity repeated the word, cocking a bemused brow toward Fluttershy. “I think y’all might have been associating too much with Applejack as of late.”

A brief wave of laughter swept through them, but when they realized that two distinct laughs were clearly missing from the chorus, they paused. “Where’s Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “you think she’d be here.”

“Hmm…” Pinke stuck her tongue out in thought. Shrugging, she looked at the others. “Bathroom?”

“We’re right here Pinkie,” Twilight suddenly said from behind them, prompting the others to turn. “We just haven’t said anything.”

“Oh! Oopsie!” Pinkie exclaimed with a gasp. “You’re just so quiet I didn’t even hear either of you!”

“Yeah, just been thinking,” Spike said, putting his hands in his pockets.

“About what?” Pinkie asked in a sing-song voice.

Rarity gave an understanding, bitter smile Spike’s way. “Darling, I’ll tell you later. I promise. I’m sure Spike isn’t quite up for the conversation yet.”

“Hmm… Ok,” Pinkie agreed with a brisk nod. “Just remember, you promised! Nobody breaks a promise on my watch!”

“Thanks, Rarity,” Spike quietly said. The tailor nodded.

“I understand at least a little what you’re going through dear. Don’t forget that, ok? Why, I’m sure most of us understand somewhat, if you need to, er, vent, as it were.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He swallowed, briefly chewing on his lip.

“My boutique's always open for you, dear. Anytime, knock.”

“And I don’t know what it’s about, but you can talk to me too! Provided you come to the bakery at business hours. Or find me when I’m off.” Pinkie paused, putting her hand to her chin as if struck by sudden insight. “I guess that means I’m free all the time for you to come talk to auntie Pinkie! Just whistle!”

“Well this is sweet and all,” Rainbow said, folding her arms across her chest, “but I think that hissing means we’re coming to a stop.”

Sure enough, the train lurched forward, signaling to the rest of the group that it had stopped. Another loud hissing sound came from the train as the conductor himself stepped into the room. “Thank you for riding with us, your highness,” he said with a slight bow, “it was an honor to be of service.”

“You’re welcome,” Twilight nodded back, “and thank you for getting us back safely.” The conductor left with that, prompting her to look to the rest of her friends. “Alright, let’s grab our things and head home.”

“Excellent, darling!” Rarity exclaimed with a surprising amount of gusto. “Be a dear and fetch my bags, Jacqueline.”

Applejack looked to her blankly, blinking twice before sighing heavily. “Really?”

The tailor offered the most beautiful and delicate smile she could. “Maybe,” she replied coyly, fluttering her eyes bashfully towards AJ.

“No.” Applejack said bluntly, turning around to walk off to their cabin, “ya got magic… use it.”

“I was waiting for that reply this entire trip,” Rarity flatly admitted to everyone else. “But you can’t blame a woman for trying.”

“Home again home again!” Pinkie exclaimed happily. “Let’s go, girls! It’s time to greet our adoring public!”

The group dispersed to their respective rooms, leaving Twilight and Spike alone once more. A brief moment of silence was had between them before Twilight stood up, extending her hand towards the young man. “Well,” she said with a small smile, “you heard them, let’s go home.”

“Yeah,” he replied, trying his best to be enthusiastic. “The sooner the better.”

Twilight smiled, snapping her fingers as she helped Spike up to his feet. “That takes care of our stuff,” she said in a light hearted tone, “think we should wait for the others?”

His expression died a hair. “I think I’d like to go home,” he admitted.

“Alright,” Twilight said with a nod, “you want to walk or…?”

“Whatever’s fine. If you’re not up for it, I can walk.” He shrugged.

“I know what that means mister,” Twilight said with a knowing laugh as she reached for his shoulder, “good thing you haven’t eaten much.”

Twilight snapped her fingers once more, enveloping the two of them in a bright light before they disappeared from the train. Teleporting always felt odd to Spike, like being wrapped in the softest of blankets while also being clawed at by the angriest cats anyone could find. Fortunately, teleporting lasted less than half a second, and this time was no different. Within the blink of an eye the two of them found themselves standing in the middle of Twilight’s palace still in the same position they were in before Twilight cast her spell.

“Home sweet home,” Twilight said with a smile, looking around, “I mean I still don’t think it beats the old library, but it still has an exuberant—”

Twilight was suddenly interrupted by an unseen force, as if a presence had made itself known only to her. She gestured out with her palm and a misty screen appeared before her, enlarging until came to Twila’s waist and revealed a notable individual.

“P-Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked, “what—”

“Twilight,” Celestia interrupted, her voice as smooth as the hair that flowed down her back. “I need you to come to Canterlot at once.”

“What’s going on? We just got back in,” Spike replied, looking at the projection spell intently.

“Something has come up,” Princess Celestia said vaguely, “and we may need Twilight’s assistance.”

“Wha-what happened?” Twilight asked, growing more worried by the second, “have the changelings returned?”

“No,” Princess Celestia replied, “it’s—”

“Terik?”

“No.”

“Discord decided to go evil again?”

“No.”

“You need a date for your class reunion?” Spike dryly asked.

“No.” Princess Celestia replied, unable to hold back a small giggle, “and trust me, if anyone from my class was still alive, I’d be rather impressed, if not a bit worried.”

“This is serious Spike,” Twilight snapped before going down the list once more, “Parasprites?”

“Twilight.”

“Jilted former student?”

“Twilight…”

“Giant Cockatrice’s over Canter—”

“Twilight!” Princess Celestia roared, effectively silencing her student, “It’s none of those things, but it has something to do with your most recent task.”

“Saddle Arabia?” Twilight blinked, “what could possibly—”

“Twilight,” Celestia said sternly, “Saddle Arabia just fell into civil war.”

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the lack of recent updates. Work in the retail industry the past few months has been killer, as I'm sure anyone else who's done selling knows. But hopefully we're gonna have more goodies soon! Stay tuned, true believers!