“Keep it together, buddy...” the baby dragon mutters to himself for about tenth time already, “gotta stay strong... for Twilight...”

They are all currently in front of the castle in Canterlot, waiting for Twilight to finish telling Princess Celestia what have happened in the Crystal Empire. Save for Zelgius, everypony was anxious. Aside from Spike, the ones who were taking it worst is Rarity, who was laying on the ground - which spoke something about the seriousness of the situation - and Pinkie Pie, who was biting her hooves and had to be comforted by Applejack, while both of them followed Spike pacing back and forth with their eyes.

Zelgius didn't speak as he stood there calmly causing Rainbow Dash to glare at him.

“Okay, seriously, what is the matter with you?” she asked him, angry.

The rest of them stopped their... whatever each of them were doing, and looked at Zelgius

“I don’t think this to be of little matter.” he told them for now, being calm though they couldn't really tell with all the armor he wore. "The young maiden will be fine."

"Can you aleast show you care." Rainbow spoke while Zelgius just glanced away from her.

“She's totally gonna lose it!” Spike said, breathing heavily from his approaching panic attack. “Keep it together buddy... gotta stay strong... for Twilight-”

He is cut off by one side of door hitting him in the face, opened by a familiar lavender hoof.

Twilight jumps from the shadows of entrance to the daylight, unable to keep the joy in her heart to herself any longer.

“I passed!” she screamed in delight, pacing in place from the excitement.

Her friends all erupted, cheering for her and looking relieved...save for Zelgius though she had a feeling he was smiling underneath his helmet.

  You were prepared to do your best; Twilight heard Rarity sing, when she looked up and being released from Spike’s embrace, she saw the other unicorn approach.

Had what it takes to pass the test; Rarity continued, coming closer, and the lavender

mare blushed from being praised like this.

All those doubts you can dismiss; the white unicorn lifted Twilight’s head, not letting her

not enjoy this moment, and lead her away towards the train station;

Turns out you were

Prepared for this! And then the others joined in.

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Zelgius took in the sight of Twilight’s house, feeling... as if he was at home. Even if he lived here barely, the library, and, more important, it’s owner, became an important part of his heart.

'I shouldn't be feeling this way. I have to be able perform my duty without hindrance..' he thought to himself.

He could see that the lights were turned off inside, which did not surprise him. It’s really late after all, and even if everypony wanted to celebrate Twilight passing the test, parties couldn’t go on forever, not after stopping an evil force from taking over an empire. They were bound to be tired - aside from Pinkie Pie, of course - and go to sleep.

He remembered when they threw the party but he refused to go and instead, simply stood guard. Though he could of sworn he saw Twilight face drop with sadness. He walked through the doors, making his way upstairs where Twilight and Spike slept. He entered the room to see Spike asleep in his basket while Twilight lay in her bed uncovered. He stared at her as the moon reflected off her causing to gain a serene look. Zelgius stared for a few minutes before he shook his head then turned to leave but heard something. He turned to see Twilight shivering from the cold. He stared at her before turning and walking to where he slept. He pulled the blanket off his bed and walked back to Twilight room where he covered her with the blanket causing her to stop shivering. With that done he turned walking out unaware Twilight eyes opened, looking at the blanket then his retreating figure and smile before falling back to sleep.

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Zelgius walked though ponyville as the moon and the stars showed in the sky casting light upon the world around him. He stopped in a garden that had five statues that were mare. One was a unicorn, with two pegasus and two earth ponies. He didn't pay them attention as he stared up at the moon unaware the statues were looking at him.

'Why do I feel like this?'

If there's a prize for rotten judgment

I guess I've already won that

No mare is worth the aggravation

Zelgius blinked and turned to see who was singing but didn't see anypony. 'What?'

Who d'you think you're kidding

He's the earth and heaven to you

Try to keep it hidden

Honey we can see right through you (Oh no)

Guy, you can't conceal it

We know how you're feeling

Who you thinking of?

Zelgius saw a purple flower hanging in front of his vision. He could of sworn he saw a image of Twilight smiling at him with her beautiful smile. Zelgius shook his head and walked off causing a sigh behind him.

No chance, no way, I won't say it, no, no

You swoon, you sigh, why deny it, oh, oh

It's too cliché, I won't say I'm in love

I thought my heart had learned its lesson

It feels so good when you start out

My head is screaming "get a grip, guy"

"Unless you're dying to cry your heart out"

The statues continued singing while Zelgius didn't pay attention to them as he continued to walk forward.

Guy, you can't deny it

Who you are and how you're feeling

Baby we're not buying

Hon we saw you hit the ceiling

Face it like a grown-up

When you gonna own up that you got, got, got it bad?

Zelgius stopped walking and stood there as the statues sang around while one held the purple flower.

No chance, no way, I won't say it, no no

Give up, give in, check the grin, you're in love

This scene won't play, I won't say I'm in love

We'll do it until you admit you're in love

You're way off base, I won't say it

Get off my case, I won't say it

Guy don't be proud, it's okay you're in

Zelgius cut them as he pulled his sword out, swinging it horizontally making the statues scream and run. Zelgius stared at them running then sheathed his sword. As he was about to walk off he looked to the ground and saw the flower. He stared at it before bending down, picking it up. He stared at it then turned and began to walk back to Twilight house. The five statues grinned at each other before becoming still once more.

Next Chapter: Chapter 9 Estimated time remaining: 44 Minutes