"Hey Flash, maybe you should go home now? Your parents will probably be worried after seeing this. I'll follow you home if you want." Mr. Sparkles' voice was soft and compassionate. He did think Flash's parents would be worried but he also just wanted to comfort his daughter in private.

"No!" Twilight as she sat straight up.

"Honey. I think . . ." Ms. Sparkle started to say but was cut off by Twilight.

"No! Not now at least. I, I want to talk to him. I need to talk to him. Alone. Can we go to the kitchen please?"

Her parents looked at Twilight then to Flash who looked equally confused as they were. They then turned to their son to see if had anything to say but he just shrugged.

"Ok sakura," her father said sympathetically. "Not too long ok?"

Twilight got up and went to the kitchen and Flash followed. The remaining four just looked at each other when Shining Armor finally spoke, "It was bound to happen Dad."

"I know, I know. All kids eventually seek the hand of their peers over their parents. I did, you did, now Twilight," Mr. Sparkle said with a sense of loss.

"This isn't a peer Dad, this is her boyfriend." Shinning added.

Mr. sparkle nodded knowing the full implication of what his son had said.

******************************************************************

"Everything ok?" Flash asked not sure what else he could say.

"No, no I'm not." There was a rising anger in Twilight's voice. "I was too comfortable, too content with the idea of just being a high school student. I had started to forget why I was here and who I was.

"I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. I'm not a pony princess, but a princess; pure and simple. It is my job, my responsibility to protect those around me, those who can not protect themselves. Whether it be her or in Equestria; I am never off duty."

"Twilight, you're not blaming yourself for those . . ."

"No. I had only got here on Tuesday. There was nothing I could have done to prevent their deaths. But I was getting careless. I was thinking only of myself. If I had continued on as I was, then I could have been the cause of someone's death. I am here on a mission and that mission must take precedent."

Flash nodded. "I agree. Totally. And I want to help. I want to be by your side as you do this."

Twilight's face went emotionless. She stared at flash for a few seconds and said, "You'll die if you do."

"That's a big assumption," Flash said, half laughing.

"No. Princess Celestia told me before I left that you would die if you got involved."

"Oh," Flash got quiet, then shrugged. "We all die sometime."

Twilight shook her head. "Flash, your a boy, a child. You're what? Seventeen, eighteen? You have no clue as to . . ."

"Death, state of non being. That's it, game over. All I am, was or ever will be, gone forever. I get it Twilight. But all of you could die. Sunset, Rarity, Rainbow, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy. Are any of their lives worth more than mine?

"I wasn't joking when I said we all die. I know we all do. The question is how we die. If I had a choice, yes, I would and do want to live as long as possible. But if I'm going to out anyways, what better way than fighting true evil, fighting for your loved ones. And as for my age; kids my age or about are joining the Army everyday. Kids only a year or two older than me going to war zones, fighting, dying, losing limbs, losing their minds. Why should I stay back when others didn't? And at least here we know our enemy is actually evil. There's no politics or shades of grey."

"And if you died, I could never forgive myself."

"And if I didn't fight along side you, I couldn't forgive myself."

"Ok, fine. But then what? Huh? Let's say we fight and defeat this thing and you live. Then what? As I said . . ."

"You're a princess. I know. I don't care. We both knew the issues coming into this. I'm willing to try my best to get past them. It'll work or it won't. It's no different than with any other couple."

"Really? How many couples live in separate dimensions?"

"There's a portal isn't there? You can still travel here, I can travel there. It's a long distance relationship. That's all."

"Flash we're not even the same species. I'm . . ."

"A light purple pony. I know. Remember? I saw you for you were in The Nexus. I didn't care then, I don't care now. If I got to move to Equestria, I will. Whatever. I am here by your side - always. No matter the cost."

"Interrupt me again and I'll be the one who kills you." Twilight did her best scowl before a big, cheesy grin erupted onto her face and she started laughing.

Flash started laughing as well. The two walked to each other, embraced, and kissed.

"I love you," he said then kissed her.

"I love you too," she replied and kissed him.

"Sorry to interrupt," Mrs. Sparkle said as she poked her head through the kitchen door.

Twilight and Flash jumped apart. Each's face glowing a bright red.

"Uh, Mom, I'm . . ." Twilight stammered.

Mrs. Sparkle raised her hand with a smile on her face. "It's ok sakurakai; I understand. But I do think it would be best if Flash left now."

Flash nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow Twilight."

"You too," she said and gave an awkward wave good-bye.

As Flash left; Mrs. Sparkle walked over to Twilight. "He is cute. I can see what you see in him."

Twilight blushed and looked down.

"Twilight, honey, sakurakai; I used to worry about you. You were so closed off, so withdrawn into your own head there. You're so bright, so smart; but I worried you might be too smart. Book smart that is. These last few days, I have seen you come out of your shell. I see a girl, a young woman, full of promise, compassion. I still worry. as your mother, I always will; but I'm not worried for the same reasons. I'm proud of you Twilight. You've really come into your own."

Twilight hugged Mrs. Sparkle tightly. "Thanks Mom. That's all I ever really wanted to hear."