The tour around the mansion didn't take long, contrary to what Sirius expected. On the first floor, there were three rooms. They were big in size, making them like halls. A kitchen, a living room, and a sports room were situated there. The kitchen had a large cooking place, a couple of sinks, a wide variety of knives, other cooking instruments, cutlery, many differently-sized plates, and also an array of different fruits and vegetables packed in a refrigerator; the living room featured a large fireplace made of bricks, a big table suitable for a large family, a sofa near the fireplace, and a grand piano; the sports hall could be used for hoofball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and other, smaller sports, not to mention martial arts training due to training dummies and weapon replicas made of wood. There was also a small toilet room hidden between the kitchen and the living room.

On the second floor, there were three rooms as well: a large bedroom suitable for a couple and maybe even more, and it also had an access to the balcony; personal study combined with a small library; and the bathroom. The bathroom had a medium-sized pool suitable for a few ponies at the same time, a shower cabin, and two small toilet rooms.

All in all, the mansion was perfect for living. Actually, Sirius found it likeable. He would be able to train by himself if he so wanted, cook his own food, and study. Though, the whole building still felt empty. It wasn't because there were just a few scenery paintings on the wall, it wasn't because of lack of elaborate ornaments, but it was something much more personal and spiritual.

Surprisingly, there was no one else in the mansion, not even the staff. Though, its size didn't require much effort to keep nice and clean. In truth, everything was rather simple. It was why Sirius liked it — he would immediately abandon the mansion if the insides were lined with gold and sparkles. Instead, he found something lively. The walls were lined with dark wood, the windows weren't too big but still provided plenty of light, and there was electricity. It wasn't like anything less than a mansion didn't have it, but Sirius found it particularly well-made in it.

To his surprise, he noticed a TV set in the living room as he passed through it. While it wasn't as thin as what he remembered was on Earth, it was still quite wide and didn't resemble a box. Though, he was never into watching TV anyway. As he found out, it accepted cassettes. He might buy a film or two just to see what Equestrians have to offer.

As he exited the mansion, he noticed that the mail box near the entrance had something in it. He wondered what it could be.

He walked to the box and opened it, revealing a simple letter. He saw that it was from the hospital he was recently released from. He opened the letter.

He frowned. It contained a list of exercises that would help him regain his strength and reinforce his damaged hind leg. He didn't have anything against it, but there was another recommendation — he should stay at home for a few more days. He didn't agree with it but decided to do it nevertheless. He didn't want to become a complete cripple, after all.

"So... I have to go to school." Iclyn said, sighing. "I'll... I'll bring you the homework once it's done, alright?"

"Alright." Sirius nodded. He didn't want her to leave but he didn't want to hold her either. He had to suppress his possessiveness. He didn't want to hurt Iclyn — she loved him, and the least he could do was make sure he didn't hurt her either intentionally or not.

As the gates closed behind Iclyn, Sirius sighed deeply. He still didn't know what to do about her.

"Is something the matter?" Flora asked him.

"It is personal." Sirius replied. "But... if Iclyn shows up, let her in without a question. She's... free to be here as long as she wants."

"Alright. If you require anything, call me, Sir." Flora nodded, and then went to tend to her garden. The winter was coming, and she needed to make sure her flowers would rise again in the spring. As she reached her garden, she noticed something peculiar — a red leaf growing in the far corner, away from other plants. She muttered to herself: "Must've missed it somehow... Though, I've never saw one before. Did it even grow here?"

Sirius looked at Iclyn as she went down the street. Once she disappeared, the former human headed into the mansion. He thought that taking a warm bath would be good for him.

He made his way into the mansion and then upstairs. As soon as he entered the bathroom, he took off the wheelchair and kicked it away. He despised it, he hated it, and yet he would need it later. Then, he took off his weapons and placed them where he would be able to see them. He pulled out the revolver from the pouch and checked the bullets. As espected, one of them was used. He pulled put a metallic box and replaced the casing with a fresh cartridge. All five rounds were loaded and ready to go. He placed the revolver near the edge of the pool.

He felt uncomfortable as he stepped on his damaged hind leg. Deciding to use it carefully, he limped to the pool. He turned a few knobs, allowing water to fill the pool. It happened rather quickly due to many hoses that pumped the water into the pool, and soon the amount of water was perfect.

Sirius slipped into the pool and lied down. He sighed in relief as he felt warm water touching his skin. He allowed himself to relax, finally. He lied on his belly, spreading out his hind legs and folding his front ones in front of himself to support his head. He closed his eyes and began to think.

Iclyn confessed her feelings to him, but he didn't know how to feel about it. It felt nice, but... Why did she fall in love with him? He was violent, aggressive, hateful, suicidal, even obsessive to a certain degree. He was an alien, a different mind. He simply couldn't understand what there was to love about him.

Lust, maybe. There could be lust. Maybe he could be somewhat desirable. He could see how a warrior with scars, the one who won a tournament and managed to beat a powerful alicorn-like being could be sexually desirable, but not romantically. He would never be a good father for a multiple reasons, including those connected with his body. He could be used for sexual pleasure and then thrown away, nothing more.

However, he saw in Iclyn's eyes that it wasn't lust. It was bigger, something he had a hard time understanding. He couldn't figure out why she felt such a way towards him.

Sirius always thought love was nothing but a desire to procreate. Capture a female, rape her, make her carry a child, and that was all. He despised that idea but found it to be true. Why else would there be love? Any male wanted all females, at least to his knowledge. Subconscious desire to rape and dominate was what guided them, nothing more and nothing less. Sometimes, a female was lucky enough to fall in love with her future rapist. That was all.

The former human was disgusted by it. He didn't want it. Iclyn loved him, but he didn't want to violate her body and soul. If he did the unthinkable, he would just tighten the terrible bond, making her think he was right for her.

Sirius felt awful. He didn't want Iclyn to get attached to him. He didn't deserve her, and she deserved better. He wasn't perfect, he was deep down the scale of good. Why would she ever choose him? It didn't make sense at all.

Maybe he should just lock himself up in his mansion and push her away until she moved on. It could work, at least in his mind. However, he understood that he would hurt her by doing so, and he didn't want to hurt her.

He was very confused. No matter where he went, there was a trap waiting for him.

Sirius sighed, his breath disturbing the water around him. He just wished to know what to do.

Though, he did have one very important thing to do. He needed to get the alicorn amulet and transport it to the mansion. It would be safer to store it there. Besides, the mansion was his new home in a way. Might as well make it more ready for defense if anything like changeling invasion ever happened again.

Iclyn couldn't concentrate on her studies, most of her mind was focused on Sirius. She realized he didn't want her to leave. In truth, she felt horrible for leaving him — he wasn't in a state to be alone. He needed support more than ever. Though, Iclyn needed to study — her future relied on her education. She couldn't just leave everything and spend her time with her beloved, but she wished she could. She saw the need in his eyes, the need for company.

However, the filly didn't know what he felt towards her. He certainly saw her as a good friend, but as something more... Iclyn hated to admit it, but Sirius was unlikely to love her back. Something restricted him, held him tightly. He was confused and scared — he didn't know what to do.

As for Iclyn, it wasn't her first love. There was a colt she had a crush on before, but he moved to another city to pursue his special talent. Iclyn moved on and was open for relationships. She wasn't the most popular student in class, but somehow she avoided getting noticed by colts. She wasn't the worst or the best, she was just in the middle. She had friends, even colts, but nothing really sparked her interest in anyone.

There was one shy colt she suspected might've loved her. His name was Wave Rider, and he was a dear friend to Iclyn. However, once she found out the truth, it was clear he felt even more shy around any fillies, not just Iclyn. Besides, he had a love interest of his own, and Iclyn tried to encourage him to take a step. It was yet to happen, but his confidence grew as their friendship continued. Iclyn hoped he'd be able to make the first step and get the one he loved.

As the bell rang, Iclyn packed her stuff and decided to go straight to Sirius. She wanted to know how he was doing.

Finally, the pegasus filly reached his new mansion. She hesitated to enter, however. Was she even allowed to go inside?

"Come in, dear." she heard the voice of Flora sounding from behind the gates. "Sir Sirius said you're free to enter whenever you like."

"Alright..." Iclyn said, and then flew over the gate, landing on the inside. "So, um... Where is he?"

"I believe he must be somewhere inside the house." Flora replied, using shears to cut the bushes. Lacking any magic, she had to use her forelegs, carefully balancing herself by using the hind legs.

"Is he the first owner of the mansion?" Iclyn asked with curiosity.

"No, it used to be owned by Blueblood Senior. Recently, he fell out of princesses' favor." Flora answered. "He wasn't a very good master, and thus I am glad he left."

"What happened to him?"

"It's due to the recent events around the wedding." the mare replied. "I believe he was found with his weapon sheathed. He was near the exit of the castle, and thus his actions were deemed cowardly and dishonorable. He had to give away his armor and weapons, as well as this mansion."

"Sucks to be him, then." Iclyn chuckled.

"Can't agree more." the gardener replied, smiling. "Now, go on. I'm sure Sir Sirius will be happy to see you. He looked troubled, and it seems he certainly wouldn't mind some company."

The pegasus filly nodded, and then strode towards the mansion. She was sure she'll be able to find him soon.

As she entered the main hall, she called his name. However, no one replied. Listening carefully, Iclyn noticed some metallic sounds coming from further inside the building. She stepped carefully, looking at the ground — the lighting was rather dim, making it hard to see. Iclyn didn't want to trip over anything, after all.

As she walked through the mansion, the sounds became more distinct. It was the clashes of steel against steel.

Iclyn rushed to the source of the sounds, fearing the worst. Were they changelings that came for revenge? She didn't have time to think about it.

Soon, she came to slightly opened double doors. She peeked, trying to analyze the situation before jumping into action.

In the hall behind the door, Sirius was fighting a unicorn pony. Iclyn prepared to enter and help her beloved, but something stopped her. The pony Sirius was fighting didn't look natural. It was more like a... projection, an image.

Iclyn watched closely. Sirius was moving quickly, but not as quickly as he used to. He was limping, making his stance not as effective as it was. He was also obviously tired judging by the way his nostrils flared as he breathed. However, he continued to fight despite being weaker and definitely not in his prime form.

Suddenly, Sirius awkwardly stepped on the floor, right hind leg folding under him, causing him to fall. Iclyn almost dashed to him, but he rolled away, avoiding being hit, and then jumped on his four legs and delivered a powerful blow, striking his opponent in the head. The pony disappeared, leaving Sirius alone.

The former human panted heavily, sweat dripping from his chin. He was exhausted, he needed to rest. He turned to the right and started limping towards his wheelchair. As much as he hated it, he needed it.

"Sirius?" Iclyn called him, opening the door slightly. "Are you alright?"

"...Yes." he replied after acknowledging her. "But I hate this thing!" he kicked the wheelchair. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down. Then, he strapped himself to the device.

"What were you doing?" Iclyn asked, walking up to him.

"Making sure I am not weak." Sirius replied. "I found this... magic projection device that helps training. I can adjust it, and the projection trains with me. It's like... a sparring partner who can learn to be efficient."

"Wow, it sounds complicated." the filly said. "So... how are you?"

"...I don't know." Sirius admitted. "This mansion feels... empty. I feel all alone here. I was thinking... Would you mind joining me?"

"You mean like, just now, or..."

"I would like your company here like... like it used to be." the former human explained. "That is, you may live in here. If you don't mind, that is."

"If you really want it..."

"I do." Sirius nodded without thinking twice. It was lonely, and he knew he needed Iclyn to be there for him. He would probably figure out what to do with love.

"Well, then I'll move my stuff here." Iclyn nodded, smiling. In truth, she was happy he asked. She wanted to be close to him — she loved him, after all. She didn't want to leave him alone, she didn't want him to feel abandoned. "I can do this now. I'll just explain some school stuff, and then I'll move my belongings here, alright?"

Sirius nodded simply. The sooner she did it, the better. He just wished for her to be around.

The mansion was too big for him alone.