Fluttershy and Rarity stepped out of the shower room, towels wrapped around their manes and snug in a pair of robes.

Rarity gave a deep sigh of relief.

"Well, now that all of that is out of the way and we both have a clear mindset about us, when did you come up with this little scheme of yours?"

Fluttershy smirked, "I'd been thinking about how nice it would be to have Justin come along with me since I first put together the tea for Becky. But it wasn't until we heard him talking in his sleep at Twilight's that I thought about being with him when he was in danger. It reminded me that I should be doing what he said, protecting the ones I care about. Then I thought about keeping him safe while he's here, and that was the first place I thought he could end up being where he might need me. I would never have had the courage to simply come out and ask him to join me, even if I did think it would help him. But then Pinkie was chasing him down, and I saved him from her. As a thank you, he said I could have anything I wanted."

"Well, you certainly lucked out with this whole ordeal ending up the way it has," Rarity commented proudly. "Although, I am still concerned about what could happen if his dreams return to him while you're out there."

Fluttershy continued on like there was nothing to be concerned about.

"So long as we're next to him, I don't—" She finally noticed a fault in her plan. "Oh, no. We have no idea if his nightmares will come back if it's only me there with him. We've only been able to help him with those when we've been together."

Rarity sulked as she answered, "Unfortunately, this is a problem we only have one chance to verify. For this plan of yours to work, we'll have to get him to agree to have you sleep with him tonight. Otherwise, we'll have to reconsider how to make this whole plan of yours work."

"I'm... sorry, Rarity," Fluttershy apologized.

"It's not a problem, dear," Rarity replied, not effectively hiding how she really felt. "I'll stay close by in case anything—"

"I didn't plan to keep you away from him for so long like this," Fluttershy interjected with a sudden plea for understanding. "We both agreed to wait to try anything and be fair about... I mean... I'm going to have so much time alone with him."

Rarity stopped them in the middle of the hallway outside of the massage room and tried to collect herself.

"Fluttershy, please. Justin and I had a wonderful time on our date together. A real date. My first date in my pathetically loveless life. But all of that was for very selfish reasons. I gave in to the temptation for a chance to get closer to him. So—" She drew a deep breath through her teeth and slowly exhaled. "—yes. I am... Well, I don't want to say jealous that you will likely have tonight alone with him, as well as possibly the next three days."

She sighed again, pushing past her guilt and shame, "I refuse to go against our agreement and not let you have your chance as well."

Fluttershy sighed, "I know. But this is so much more time than you've had. And I don't know when or how you could have so much time with him like this."

Rarity smiled sweetly, "You're overlooking something else entirely, though... There is absolutely nothing selfish about what you're doing. This is going to do wonders to help him with his recovery. And not only that, you may very well end up finding a way to save Becky from her terrible disease after all of this. So—" Rarity held her head high and nudged Fluttershy to continue down the hall with her. "—I would never consider risking what is best for Justin and his friends over my own wishful thinking. So if you're thinking about changing your plans on my account, I will be having none of it."

"I..." Fluttershy fought back her happy tears as she moved to nuzzle in under Rarity's chin. "Thank you so much. Now I really wish I could have you come along with me. Just the three of us."

"Pft," Rarity blew raspberries as if the wish were something foolish. "Don't be silly. You were right about only the two of you moving together through the forest. With only you two together, there's not much chance to draw attention to yourselves. And if you recall, I'm not one who is very well suited for roughing it through the dirt."

Fluttershy gestured flirtatiously, "Even for Justin?"

Rarity threw her head back in a laugh, "Ha! Oh, sweetie. If this didn't have so much at stake, I'd roll myself in a field of poison joke and sleep in a mud bath if it meant spending a night or two under the stars with Justin."

The two shared a laugh as they made their way into the massage room, but of course...

Fluttershy openly asked the room, "Umm... Did we miss something?"

What would a day with the humans be without walking in on a sight they weren't ready for?

Sniff looked up from standing next to the massage table, now wearing his sheet like a toga.

"Oh, hey. About time you two got back."

Rarity was still trying to figure out what had to have transpired in their absence.

"Apologies for asking, but what in Tartarus is going on here?"

Sniff pulled his hands away from Aloe on the table and turned back to Cerb on the other table, who was surrounded by what looked to be nearly all the female staff members.

"Oh, this?"

Aloe moaned from the slot her on the table her face was sitting in.

"Magic... Fingers… Trade... Services..."

Lotus pulled herself away from working on Cerb, letting the rest of the mares work on him so she could speak directly with the two.

"Petair. Hez sooo ah-mazing. He need break from massage and offer hez daymunstration. Heh so good vee trade more servase to your large friend fohr hez haund massage. All zee ladies. Zay all ah'gree."

Rarity took in the sight again, still in disbelief.

"I see."

Eager with a question, Lotus asked, "Your friend. Zee Mr. Husks. He also good massage vith haunds? Petair say yes, baut your friend, he layz hon belly an zahn say he can naught at zee moment?"

Sniff spoke up from his table he took over, "Don't mind ‘ole Cerby-Poo. As much as these rubdowns are supposed to loosen us up, they can make us a little stiff while laying down sometimes."

"Ee-yes," Lotus confirmed. "Petair. He vurst to camplain of gettengs hard end needeng break. Zen heh offer daymunstration. Aloe vas curious and shay ah-gree. Mr. Husk also then say he haz same problem, zo Aloe run to get more girls to verk on him. But only eef Petair massage more. He say he do az much az needed zo long az Mr. Husk ez takenz care of and good to goh fair trip en forests."

Rarity trotted over to Cerb, still being under the tentative care of far too many hooves.

"Justin, darling. Are you doing alright down there? Are they giving all the proper attention to your stiff areas?"

With his face still buried in the table, Cerb answered, "No, they got everything worked out. I'm ready to go once they're finished up."

A masseuse moved her hoof over Cerb's left shoulder.

"Would you like us to try and work on this side one more time? We couldn't do very much trying to work around your scars."

"That's okay," Cerb answered. "Really, just the legs and lower back needed to be worked on."

Lotus was sad to hear they would be giving up their time with Cerb, but she wasn’t finished just yet.

"Vee vinish up vith a nice varm compress, then vould you like to pick a new cologne or scented oil az vee vinish? Vhat you use now ez a vunderable choice, baht et ez naught someving vee carry."

Sniff cocked an eye at that question and turned around to look back at Cerb's table.

"Are you talking about that spicey, citrus kinda smell you smell on him? Because that's all him... I guess. Well, no. Hold on. "Sniff reached under the table to put his forearm in front of Aloe's muzzle. "Does this smell like clovers to you?"

Aloe, hesitantly, took in a few quick sniffs of the man's skin.

"Yes. You've captured the fragrance perfectly. We don't carry anything that would... Hold on a second."

Aloe forced herself up on the massage table and narrowed her focus on the two men.

"Are you telling me that you both naturally smell like this?"

Sniff gave a half-hearted shrug.

"I guess so. Not that I understand it. Because I guess we only smell like that to all of you. And to be honest, I was really starting to second guess the whole thing until you all confirmed it."

Aloe turned back and gave Fluttershy and Rarity a questioning look.

Rarity gave a just as half-hearted shrug.

"Well, don't look at me. Because while I have no complaints, I certainly can't make any sense of it."

Fluttershy felt the need to throw in some buffer between them all.

"To be fair, there is still a lot we're still only just now beginning to discover and understand about our new friends."

A peal of bemused laughter started between the two spa owners, slowly spreading over the other's tending to the humans.

Aloe spoke over the mares to Lotus.

"So the rumors of clovers appear to be due to Peter after all."

Lotus covered her mouth to stop from laughing too loud, "And all zee sea sault being in of high demand, no?"

One of the mares shouted over the other's laughter and chattering, "I heard one smells like molasses and hazelnut."

"Oh, and there's another that smells like a summer's garden," another commented.

Suddenly more interested, Sniff asked, "Really? Do you know who all smells like that?"

Rarity cleared her throat intentionally loud.

"Ahem. Ladies, if you would please. We are on a schedule. So, if this conversation can wait, we would like to get our gentlecolts back to Twilight's so we can be ready for tomorrow."

Aloe answered with a smile and a nod, "Certainly," she slid off of the massage table and clapped her forehooves together. “Ladies, Mr. Husk doesn't need all of us here to finish up. So, back to work."

The group of mares slowly pulled themselves away from Cerb, walking off in a mix of giggles and sighs.

One of them asked, sounding rather hopeful, "Can we take Peter with us?"

Another piped up, "We all didn't get a turn."

Sniff answered for them while firing off finger guns, "Next time, ladies. Priorities."

Aloe tilted her head over to Sniff with a smile that was far too close to sultry to miss.

"We look forward to whenever that may be, my good sir." She hopped up to bring her front hooves on the table with Cerb. "And Fluttershy, if you would be so kind as to join us. You said you'd like to know how to best work on his leg if something were to happen."

Fluttershy quickly trotted up to them.

"Oh, yes. Thank you,"

Sniff saw what was happening and moved in to antagonize.

"Hey, Diamonds, you should probably get up there, too."

Rarity jerked back slightly at the request and drew her hoof up to her chest.

"Me?"

Sniff nodded and waved her over.

"Yeah."

Cerb was turning over on his back when he realized what Sniff was asking.

"Nah, dude. She's got it."

Sniff turned, ready to sell his proposal and work over the room.

"Dude, come on. You got two legs, and two lovely ladies that are always by your side and taking care of you."

"Sniff," Cerb tried to speak as if to threaten him, but he undersold it when he tried to tone it down for the rest of the ladies in the room.

Sniff gestured in a grand display towards Fluttershy and Rarity, then asked, "Are you trying to say they aren't both lovely ladies?" And left the air empty for Cerb to answer.

Cerb closed his eyes, suppressing the urge to mouth off, but knew better when Sniff could so easily manipulate the room again. "My mistake, Sniff. You got it all figured out."

"Of course I do, bud," he smugly answered before turning back to Rarity. "Now go on ahead and see how they do. We can't have Fluttershy doing all the hard work on our iron man over here."

All four mares were on the table now. Fluttershy next to Lotus, and Rarity next to Aloe. Lotus then went on to explain all she had discovered working on Cerb's legs. Namely, the amount of pressure she used, the level of discomfort it created, tension levels in the muscles, and how she could feel the muscles affected around the injury and how to work them.

Lotus moved to the side to let Fluttershy in.

"And now, you feel leg here en zee difference. Zee tendon, et not so tight. And zee thigh mussels. High is loose now. Centair is bettair, but was tough like dry bread dough. And lowair, here, bettair now, but velt like tree trunk."

Sniff chuckled, "Wow, you hear that, bud? It feels like you have a tree trunk between your legs."

Cerb covered his eyes with one forearm and kept the other firmly on the sheet still covering him.

"Glorious. The legends are true."

Lotus smiled proudly as she brought the review to its conclusion.

"Zo, you know vhat to do, but he vould greatly behnefit from commings back."

"Mr. Husk, that will be the end of our services for the evening," Aloe informed him. "It was a pleasure to assist you today, and all of us here wish you the best of luck on your trip tomorrow. Be safe, and come back to see us soon."

Aloe and Lotus turned and started their way to the exit, where Aloe shot Sniff a wink and gave him one last comment.

"And you, my good sir. We will have much to go over when you have the time."

Hearing the request and knowing Sniff didn't have shit going on for the foreseeable future, Cerb moved in for a little petty payback.

"Don't worry, mam. Mr. Casanova will be here tomorrow to provide all of your staff with a personal massage. Compliments of the Human Embassy Committee."

Completely blindsided by the gift of himself, Sniff stumbled out his words. "I, wait-whut?"

Cerb reclarified, "All of the staff here. Both of you, all the girls that were in here today, any that couldn't make it in today, the cleaning staff, admin. All of em. We really appreciate you stopping everything you were doing to fit us in, and this kind gesture is the very least we can repay you with."

Near the foot of the table, Lotus narrowly held back her joy.

"Vy, thank you."

In a tone that was both grateful and either half-amused or half-aroused, Aloe informed him, "We open at eight in the morning... Mr. Casanova. But, feel free to arrive early."

The two mares exited out to the hallway, leaving the rest to themselves.

"Touche, salesman," Sniff finally spoke up. "Touche. I suppose I deserve that."

"Yooooou both didn't agree to this beforehand, did the both of you?" Rarity asked.

"Us? Oh, no," Sniff mockingly answered. "That was the executive decision of the committee, or so it would seem."

Still standing next to Cerb's hip, Fluttershy asked. "Who's on the committee?"

"Just me," Cerb answered, sliding off the table and wrapping himself up in the sheet. "Of which, as of this moment, has been disbanded until a time of which the former committee member deems it necessary to revive."

Fluttershy suddenly snorted and broke into a deep rich laugh.

"Oh, my goodness. The entire staff?"

Rarity looked at her friend as if she had suddenly gone mad.

"Fluttershy, what on Earth are you—" She almost finished asking her question before the answer hit her, and even she burst into laughter. "Oh, Sniff. You poor thing. I hope you can get yourself plenty of sleep tonight."

She took Sniff's left hand in a towel she lifted with her magic and raised it to hold it in her front hooves, giving it a few soft taps with her frog.

"You're going need those magic fingers of yours all rested up for tomorrow."

After a quick change out and no explanation given as to why the two were laughing so hard, they stopped at the front desk.

As it was customary for Rarity to give a touch of praise for those who pampered her, she wouldn't leave without leaving a compliment.

"Thank you again, darlings. Exceptional service as always."

Sniff stepped back from the group to the front desk.

"Hold on a sec. About how many ponies work here? And I mean all of them. The owners and all the staff."

The mare at the front desk stopped to think about it. "Hmm. Not that many of us, really. I think there's only about twelve of us in total if you include Aloe and Lotus."

"Twelve?" Sniff said to himself. "Huh... That ain't so bad."

A deep husky voice called out from down the hallway, "Hey! Is anypony coming in today? I haven't seen a single client come in."

Unprovoked, the biggest, buffest pegasus of Ponyville, Bulk, rounded a corner to the front desk. And so, as the joke became discovered, Fluttershy and Rarity again shared their bemusement through muffled giggles.

Bulk Bicep was the visual equivalent of a masculinity trope gone disproportionally wrong. He was likely as tall as Big Mac, But was as... well... bulky, as if Big Mac had a twin that was corn-fed his whole life. And the corn was steroids.

To say he was jacked would be like saying Mr. Olympia is buff.

In all seriousness, Bulk was by far the bulkiest pony of Ponyville, likely to compensate for his wings that never grew larger than a foal's wingspan. His coat was a solid white, with his mane, tail, and hooves all a matching tarnished gold color. His cutie mark was a dumbbell. But most striking, aside from his mass, was the unsettling red of his eyes and jutting chin and jawline.

However, actually a really nice guy.

The mare at the counter rolled her eyes and gave a sympathetic sigh, "No, Bulk. Just like yesterday, everypony is busy and either canceled or forgot to cancel."

Cerb, however, had a completely different reaction.

"Oh, my god. I think I just found my swole mate."

Bulk turned his attention to the humans and looked at them as if they weren't real.

"Huh?"

Cerb approached the confused stallion with an open hand to greet him.

"Yo, Name's Justin, but everyone calls me Cerb. You lift over at the gym in town?"

In an almost robotic fashion, Bulk raised his hoof and shook Cerb's hand, all the while taking in the features of the massive creature that stood before him. Slowly, the cogs started to turn in his head. The odd name, unfamiliar appearance, and powerful presence; he was finally meeting one of the humans.

Bulk yelled like was a frat boy getting ready for the game.

"Yeah!"

All the others stared on as the two shared their first bro moment.

With inappropriate levels of excitement, Cerb asked, "Dude! You are huge! Why didn't I see you at the welcome party?"

Bulk spoke up in his own excited grainy voice, "Oh, yeah. I worked in the morning, and then I noticed the gym was empty... Then I lost track of time and, well, uh... I lifted all day. Guess I forgot about the party."

Offering a brofist to Bulk's brohoof, Cerb totally understood, "Hey, no worries. Gotta get your flex on. I feel ya on that. But, hey. I gotta run. I'll try to catch ya in the gym one of these days. I need someone to push me. Get me motivated. Ya know?"

Bulk screamed again, raising his right hoof up to flex his bicep, "Yeah! Motivated!"

The mare at the counter called out the four-legged hunk of muscle, "Bulk! Inside voices when you're working. Remember?"

"Sorry," Bulk slipped out through an embarrassed grin.

Waiting by the door, Sniff sarcastically asked, "You about done there, Brosif Flexington?"

Rarity caught the tone Sniff had and couldn't help but get a jab in for Cerb's sake. "Awe, it's okay, Sniffy." She placed her hoof on Sniff's lower back from behind. "I'm sure you'll have just as strong of a bro connection with Bulk after tomorrow."

Twilight was busy looking over the intel gathered from the community.

"I had no idea how active some of the creatures of the Everfree were in some of these areas. Or how entirely inactive they are in others. Looking over these reports and applying them to the map, I can't tell if there's a pattern of activity or if there's no correlation at all?"

While Chris was organizing another stack of papers, he looked to see what Twilight was working on and put some old knowledge of home to use.

"Maybe you're just looking at them as creature and location. A lot of these reports are second hand-err... second hoof accounts. And lots of them don't come with dates like Cerb asked for. We can't really tell if their movements are seasonal, weather-related, or they were being flushed out by Ponies walking into their territory."

With a heavy sigh, Twilight gave up on her hopes of discovering a way to predict their movements.

"I suppose you're right. We just don't have enough complete information to make any solid conclusions. But with what we do have, it at least gives us a pretty good idea on what are the best paths to take and areas to avoid."

Luna nodded in approval.

"Not to mention the kind of protection Mr. Cerberus brings just by himself. I can only imagine what he might be capable of when given a weapon."

Twilight looked up to Luna with a concerned expression.

"You almost sound like you're excited to see him get in a fight."

Luna beamed through a mask display of mischief.

"Had his intentions and kind-hearted nature not been shown as it were yesterday, your concern would be well warranted. However, one simply must appreciate the special talents one possesses when used for helping others. And besides, he's on our side. Isn't that right, Chris?"

Chris answered with a smile, "Of course. We all are. And just so you know, I'm no pushover, either."

"Excuse me, Princess Twilight, Princess Luna," Bon Bon's voice rose up from behind them. "They're back."

"Splendid," Luna smiled even brighter than before and addressed the rest of the ponies in the room. "Everypony. You have all done a marvelous job today—"

She eyed Cerb and the others coming in from down the hall. "—and you have made us all very proud. However, unless you have official business with us, then we must sadly bring this collaborative effort to a close for the day. I will be leaving for Canterlot before the sun rises tomorrow, but know that you have our deepest gratitude for all of your hard work and the sacrifice of time you have given."

Twilight piggybacked on the decree of thanks, "I couldn't have said it better myself. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and how you've all shown what friendship can do when we all work together. But for now, those of you who will be helping us over the next few days, go and get so well-deserved rest. We will see you all in the morning."

As Cerb and the others drew closer, the mass of ponies exiting passed by with well-wishes and farewells for the evening.

Sniff watched the last few exited out of the castle.

"Wow, Cerb. As soon as you show up, the whole party leaves."

Cerb jokingly scoffed, "You think they're leaving because of me? They're probably all heading down to the spa to see if they're hiring."

Sniff groaned, "I still don't believe that you didn't know Pony Schwarzenegger worked there."

Now that the room was clear, Luna asked, "I trust everything went well with Aloe and Lotus?"

Cerb answered with a shrug, "Yeah... A little awkward for a minute there. But I can't argue with the results. Anyhow, I take it everything got finished up while I was out?"

A few steps behind but finally showing up, Benny answered, "Everything's good, man. We've mostly just been looking over the intel side of stuff. All the other ponies were waiting around to see you before they headed out."

"Awe," Fluttershy squeed. "That's so nice of them. It's still amazing how big of an impression you've all made on everypony in such a small amount of time."

"Well, not that we can't understand why," Rarity chimed in.

Twilight spoke equally as impressed. "I know, right? There's so much about all of you to take in and enjoy. It's like you were all made to be a part of Equestria."

"Wow," Sniff answered to Twilight's comments. "You certainly had a major change of heart since this morning."

Twilight replied, trying not to sound like she was beating herself up over it, "Yeah, I know. I was just so worried that something could go wrong, and after everything else that's happened so far... I'm... so incredibly happy to see that my concerns were based on a lack of information. Fluttershy's idea, along with all of your expert training on mission planning, has removed virtually every risk we'd have to consider. Even a few others, I wouldn't have thought of. "

Cerb gave a confused gesture, "I said I had a plan."

That was certainly true, making Luna speak with gleeful pride.

"That you did. And we are glad we listened... Even if listening meant you having to fight to earn our confidence in the matter."

Cerb had a different approach to the events that unfolded.

"No. As goofy as it may seem, looking back on it. There really wasn't any other way for you to know. But, knowing what I know now, I just want to say something."

All attention was refocused on Cerb.

"If everything with this works out like I think it will, just know that I got your backs. I mean it. If that Terik dude or any other threat brings a fight to your doorstep, I'll be there to put a boot in their ass."

Twilight looked down at his boots.

"I'm slowly starting to get a better understanding of your slang. I'm guessing you mean that you're going to kick their butts, and not physically try to put one of those huge things inside some pony's butt."

Pinkie shouted from the far side of the table behind them, "Yeah! That'd be reeeeeeealy painfull and gross."

Sniff shrugged, "Maybe they'll like it. You don't know what they're into."

Cerb chuckled, "Hey, man. If you're curious enough to find out."

"Alright," Benny called out to both of them. "Knock it off. Let's focus. The overwatch and support teams are good to go and know where to be, and the react teams will be on standby. So if all your bags are packed, we're done for the day. Relax."

Cerb postured defensively and almost sounded insulted.

"Dude. I just got swarmed by a flock of massage mares. I'm super relaxed now. "

Chris raised an eyebrow.

"Two or more horses is a herd."

Sniff added his own correction.

"And they would be called masseuse mares."

Chris huffed out a weak laugh.

"Yeah, dude... What are you? New?"

"Yes!" Cerb answered, clearly annoyed. "I've been here like... six days. And I've never been to a spa. I don't know these things."

Italian Stallion greeted his guests for the evening.

"Ah, Mr. Husk. Rarity. Fluttershy. And—" He immediately dropped down to bow. "Princess Luna. Princess Twilight. It is a pleasure to have you here."

He rose up again.

"Will you all be dining with us tonight?"

Luna stepped ahead of the rest of the crew.

"Yes. Might you be able to accommodate a party of twenty-two?"

"Yes, of course, your majesty," He promptly answered.

Cerb stepped up and greeted the owner.

"Good to see you again. Also, this is kind of a special night for us, so we were hoping that you could accommodate a special request."

"Well, I certainly will do my best," Italian Stallion eagerly replied. "What might we be able to provide you with this evening?"

Luna levitated a bag that clanked with glass bottles bumping into each other.

"It might be a bit unorthodox, but we brought our own drinks for the evening."

Italian Stallion gave a perplexed look.

"You're own drinks?"

Rarity stepped up to answer for Luna.

"Yes. The last time we were here, Cerb offered to gift a special item to your bar, being how well crafted your drink selection was."

Cerb drew a quick breath through his nose.

"I made a promise to our server. I came to make good on it. Plus, a bottle just for you as thanks."

This intrigued the proud owner.

"A gift?"

"Yeah." Cerb reached into the bag and handed over a green bottle with a picture of a deer's head under a cross on the label. "Wasn't really sure what you might like, but I figured something that tastes like candy would probably work."

"Jayger Me Ister?" The confused unicorn said, trying to read the bottle.

"Jägermeister," Cerb answered with a chuckle. "But close enough. Even people back where we come from struggle to pronounce it. But it tastes like black licorice. It's better when mixed with something bold or tangy. Or you can just sip it."

The combination of royals, the Elements, nearly all the other human ambassadors, plus an otherworldly gift left him swelling with pride and an abundance of joy he couldn't contain.

"I... Mr. Husk. Thank you so much. I don't think I've ever been given anything like this before."

"No one here has," Cerb answered. "You'll be the very first pony in this world to try it."

"Well, then," Italian Stallion beamed as he tucked the bottle away under his vest. "If your request is to have your own drinks for the evening, I suppose I can make an exception this once... Or whenever you wish. I just can't... Gah! Can I hug you? Would that be too much?"

Cerb snorted and tried to hold back a laugh.

"No. That's fine, man. Come here."

Cerb knelt down to meet the hug from the enamored unicorn. A slight moment of confusion sprung up when Cerb took Italian Stallion's right forehoof in his right hand and brought it between both their chest and only hugged with his left arm. Nothing fancy, just a regular bro-hug, but it was still well received.

"Alright," Cerb spoke up to end the hold they two held on each other and then pulled back to face the others. "Everyone, this pony right here is a good friend of mine, Italian Stallion. This dude is awesome, and so is the food, and drinks at the bar. And drinks are on me tonight."

The few guards that were accompanying them all cheered.

"I wouldn't hear of it," Luna butted into the little celebration. "You provided the drinks last time. Tonight, as a thank you, especially you, Cerberus, I will personally cover this. I expect you all to eat and drink to your heart's content."

Cerb was the first one to the bar.

"Evening..." He gave an awkward pause "I'm so sorry. I never asked for your name."

The bar mare answered with a perky cheer.

"Top Shelf. It's good to see you again."

"Likewise," Cerb said with a smile. "And, I came to bring you—" Cerb brought up a clear bottle with simple, bold writing and a logo of a red circle with a black bat in the center. "One bottle of rum to help make you famous. And don't worry. Your boss is cool with it. He got his own bottle, anyway."

Top Shelf graciously reached over the bar and took hold of the bottle.

"You know? You waltz up in this place, compliment my drinks, actually tip, and now you come back with a gift? What's a mare to think?"

Cerb started to feel like he was walking into one of those bad setups again.

"Uhhhh."

Top Shelf looked over the bottle and twisted off the cap, softly laughing to herself the whole time.

"I'm joking, Wonder Stud. And thank you for this... Are there any directions on how I'm supposed to use it? You said I should mix it with my trademark cocktail. How much, though?"

Cerb anxiously started looking over his shoulder.

"Umm, hold that thought. Hey! Sniff! This is her!"

Sniff finagled his way through the mix of humans and ponies, all pushing their way into the bar like him.

"Evening," he greeted her with his hand extending out to shake her hoof. "Peter. Peter James, but all my friends call me Sniff."

"Top Shelf," She shook his hand in turn. "And I think everypony calls you Sniff since your little introduction."

Sniff took a seat at the bar, grinning like a fool. "Ah, yeah. Well, there are a few out here who use my real name, which is nice. And I wouldn't call it a little introduction. Kinda had just about the whole town and every member of the royal families there except for one. I'm not sure if you've picked up on it or not, but—" He made very deliberate turns of his head as he surveyed the restaurant. "—Kind of a big deal."

"Yes, of course," Top Shelf gave an amused sigh. "So... What do I do with this?"

Cerb patted Sniff on the shoulder.

"Top Shelf, this guy is gonna help you out. Listen to what he says, and then feel free to experiment to see what you can come up with. After I get back from this trip, then you can show me what you've put together. If you run out of rum before you got the recipe down pact, just get in touch with this guy, and he'll get you another bottle. No cost."

Time went by, and they were all eventually seated and enjoying their meals. However, two empty seats remained unfilled.

Thunder Glide could see the many looks of concern around the table and asked, "Princess Luna? Should I go out and look for them again?"

Luna's eyes were still fixed on the empty seats.

"Thank you, Thunder, but that won't be necessary. Kelly left on her own accord, and Big Mac is with her. They will return when they are ready."

Lumberman could only focus on all the troubles Kelly had to deal with since arriving and asked.

"Should we be worried, though? Don't get me wrong, I trust Big Mac, But Kelly hasn't had the best track record out here. Not to mention she's not in the best condition."

Becky wiped her mouth clean and sighed.

"Two gimp legs, her side's still healing, and she messed up her hand. Not her best condition is an understatement."

Applejack cracked open a second beer.

"I'm with both y'all on this one. I know, as a fact, come Tartarus or high water, 'ole Macintosh ain't gonna let nothing bad happen to Kelly again. But even after saying that, I think it's best to bring'er back before she hurts herself."

The conversation seemed to fall on deaf ears when it came to Cerb, which grabbed Fluttershy's attention and made her concerned.

"Justin? Are you okay? You haven't looked at Kelly or Big Mac's chair all night."

"And you haven't spoken their names either," Rarity added. "Is everything alright?"

Cerb sat with his elbows on the table and his chin resting on his hands, his meal only half-eaten, and his one bottle of beer barely even touched.

"Kelly's a big girl who can make big girl choices." He drew a deep breath and moved to grab his beer again. "Even if her choices are like that of a spoiled child."

Pinkie scolded Cerb with a whine, "That's not a very nice thing to say about your friend."

"No, Pink," Becky joined in, with the weight of their situation clearly heard in her voice. "Becky is one of us, for sure. Which is only made true by her ongoing list of poor choices and not using her head."

Chris put his fork down in his half-eaten dessert.

"She's just hiding away like she did last time Cerb left. She's scared and doesn't know how to handle it. Let her be; she'll come around."

Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry, everypony. I was hoping this dinner would be something to help us all relax and end the night on a high note before Cerb and Fluttershy leave tomorrow. But it's hard to really do that when you're worried about a friend. I thought she would have come back and joined us by now."

Sniff finally joined the discussion and commented, "I'm not worried about her safety. I just feel bad for her."

Twilight nodded, "She's out there away from all of her friends. Scared. Sad. Probably hurting—"

Not at all sounding sad, Sniff took control of the conversation again.

"This drink is amazing, and she's not here to enjoy it." He laughed and raised his drink - “Seriously. Cerby-Poo Boy. Why aren't you having one of these things your bar friend made? I gave her a two-minute explanation about mixed drinks, and she throws this together like she's been doing it for years."

Helix Ray painfully clenched his eyes shut and tried to shake his head clear.

"Hold up. Are you actually more concerned about her not having a cocktail than what all your friends said she must be going through?"

Sniff brought his drink back down and smiled.

"That is exactly—" He downed the last of his drink, smacking his lips after he finished "—what I'm saying. Because if she had one of... "

He raised his glass high and looked towards the bar.

"Hey, Top Shelf! Another one for me and one for the pretty boy unicorn with the ugly eye!" He sat down again. "Yeah. If she had one of these, she wouldn't be able to feel bad. But Cerby-Poo. You were about to explain?"

Cerb took his beer bottle and clinked it together with Helix Ray's.

"I said, I'm only having one beer tonight because I told my boy here we'd have some. But I'm not gonna get tanked tonight if I'm gonna be walking all day tomorrow."

Rainbow Dash ruffled her feathers as she watched the drinks others enjoyed.

"Is that why you said I shouldn't have any tonight, Becky?"

"Yep," Becky chirped. "Gotta make sure you're a hundred percent ready to go in case Cerb is an idiot and gets himself hurt."

The way Becky explained her reasoning got a good portion of the table laughing.

Cerb complained through his own laughter.

"Oh, come on already. I tanked a heavyweight and took a magic laser to the body like it was the light from a table lamp. No offense, Helix."

Helix Ray snorted with a grin, "Cheater."

Cerb replied as he raised his hands to up and off to his sides.

"Hey, bro. I could have just hit ya after that instead of winning by default."

Thunder Glide blew raspberries that broke out into a good chuckle.

"Helix, you better thank your lucky stars he didn't hit you. Poor Onyx is still hurting over that punch to the gut."

Helix snorted again but broke out into a loud laugh.

"This coming from the pony who wanted her own turn against him but couldn't make it past his bodyguard?"

Now Cadance was laughing and getting into the conversation.

"Thank Celestia, I was there. Otherwise, I'd wager my kingdom to a salt lick you'd be in worse shape than Onyx."

Rainbow Dash had a hard time controlling her laughter.

"I don't know about that. Does a puddle of goo count as a shape?"

The whole table broke out in laughter, Except for Thunder Glide. She crossed her forehooves and slouched angrily in her chair.

Cerb broke up the laughs and called out to the table, "Alright, alright, alright. I'm sure Thunder wouldn't be where she is today if she couldn't lay the smackdown if needed. She'll have her chance to step up to the champ. Albeit in a training environment. But still." Cerb took another bite from his dinner. "Might be a Lioness under all that armor, yet."

Thunder Glide raised an eyebrow at that comment.

"Uh. I can guarantee that what's under this armor is one-hundred percent highly trained pegasus."

Benny chimed in to fix the misunderstanding, "He means a female Marine. There's not a lot of women in the Marines that get to serve in combat roles like Cerb did. Especially in the war. But when they did, they were usually called a Lioness to distinguish them from the others."

Thunder Glide changed her posture, sitting upright and attentive.

"You think I might be like one of your warriors?"

Cerb motioned to grab everyone's attention.

"Hey, " He took another drink of his beer to clear his throat. "If this little pink-haired cream puff—" He rustled his fingers through Fluttershy's mae. "—could take me down to the ground and headbutt me in the chest harder than most female marines could punch me, I'm sure someone with more training, like you, could do some damage."

Applejack pushed herself into the conversation, "True. But I reckon if Fluttershy is mad enough, she might be stronger than 'ole Machintosh.

Just as chipper as could be, Pinkie asked, "Even stronger than you, Applejack?"

Applejack laughed for a moment before grabbing her beer again. "Oh... You don't wanna see me go all out at full strength."

Top Shelf snuck in next to the table, sliding an Apple Special cocktail on a tray to Helix Ray.

"Your drink."

He answered, suddenly blushing slightly, seeing how close she was to him, "Oh. Thank you."

Sniff broke up the moment as he reached over the table to grab his drink.

"Pardon me. Being rude. Don't care. Thank you so much, sweetheart. Oh. And on your way back, can you send your boss over this way? I'm gonna have to talk him into doubling your pay. You've earned it."

Becky reached over and started slapping Sniff on the shoulder.

"Oh. My. God. Stop it. I swear we can't take you anywhere with ladies present."

Sniff pretended not to know what he was doing.

"What? I'm being nice. Is that such a crime?"

Chris tried to keep his laughter to a minimum.

"Poor Sniff. Ran out of Princesses to poach."

Benny chuckled, "Yeah, you're one to talk, Chris. How many dance partners did you bring to the sparing event today?"

Luna joined in, sounding just as pleased as the rest of the table.

"I think it's wonderful to see how well you all have been able to make friends here. You all seem to be a wonderful group of friends. Friends that I'm more than happy to call my own."

Lumberman raised his glass. "Hey! And we're all glad to have you and all the other ponies here, too."

Helix raised his glass as well.

"Here-here! Friends I'm glad to have in my corner."

Top Shelf threw herself into the conversation.

"I hope you don't mind me saying. But you're all probably the most lively and courteous patrons I've seen here. And I'm going to be looking forward to seeing all of you back again."

Sniff called out with a half-drunk voice of amusement, "With food like this?" He stole another piece of morel from Cerb's plate. "You can count on it so long as Italian Stallion can afford to keep you after I renegotiate your pay."

Top Shelf bashfully smiled and tried to pass off the compliment.

"Oh, please. I don't need my pay doubled."

Cerb spoke up, "Yeah." He put his bottle down with a thud. “Triple it."

The whole table laughed, dying down, with Italian Stallion's laughter being the last one to be heard.

"Now, while Top Shelf may be a valued employee, I don't see a doubling or tripling her pay happening any time soon. However," He brought up a dark-colored drink with a slice of grapefruit stuck on the side. "—with drinks like this, I wouldn't say that a raise isn't out of the question."

Sniff rose out of his chair, raising his glass.

"Eyyy! A toast to the best barmare of Equestria and a celebration of her raise and promotion!"

Italian Stallion started to smile nervously and spoke quickly to correct the toast.

"A raise yes, but a promotion—"

Chris ignored the correction and shouted, "Promotion!"

Cerb did the same, "Promotion!"

Luna followed suit.

"A well-deserved promotion!"

Suddenly, a chant had broken out with all the patrons of the party tapping the table repeating the word.

"Promotion! Promotion! Promotion! Promotion!"

Somehow, the chant worked its way over the remaining tables of other patrons.

"Promotion! Promotion! Promotion! Promotion!"

There was no point refuting it now. Italian Stallion had to appease his audience.

"Everypony, can I have your attention, please?" He waited for the chanting to stop. "In light of Top Shelf's dedication to her position here at Grapes and Olives, as well as her masterful execution of her duties of producing the most exceptional beverages of Ponyville or anywhere else I've ventured. I would like to be the first to introduce to you, not only my number one barmare... But also, the new bar manager."

Cheers and applause erupted from every table. Most didn't even know why they were cheering or what happened, but it sure sounded good.

Top Shelf was almost too excited to form words.

"Mr. Stallion. That means so much to me. I won't let you down." She turned back to the table. "Mr. Husk, Peter, Rarity. All of you. Thank you for all the help and motivation."

The rest of the meal carried on with an overall pleasant note. Cerb stuck with his one beer but still dabbled in some alcohol-free versions of drinks from the bar.

However, it wasn't much longer until the bill was paid, and the group started to make their way out.

On the way out, Cerb doubled back to the bar for one last thing.

"Hey, Top Shelf."

Top Shelf looked with a welcoming smile as she wiped down the bar.

"Did you forget something, Mr. Husk?"

Cerb looked over his shoulder once to make sure there were no eavesdroppers.

"I'm gonna be gone for a few days, as I'm sure you've heard. But when I get back, I plan on bringing Rarity back here again. Probably just the two of us."

Top Shelf could see the budding romance and cooed, "Awe, that's so sweet. I think you're both lucky to have found each other."

Cerb replied with a touch of misplaced guilt to his tone, "No. She don't see me like that. She's amazing, but I said I'd set this up, and I wanted to give you a heads up."

"Oh, well, okay," she replied, though seemed slightly confused. "But if you two aren't a couple, why are you putting so much importance on it?"

"I... don't know," Cerb was slow to answer. "I dunno. But I owe her. That much, I know. And I want to make sure it's a good night for her."

"Mr. Husk, you seem like a swell guy, so I'm gonna ask you this straight out."

She leaned forward and motioned for him to move in close enough to whisper in his ear, "You've caught the eyes of a lot of the ladies here in town. Are you sure Rarity's the one you are gonna go chasing after?"

Cerb's eyes went wide, and he pulled away.

"No-no-no. I'm not—"

Top Shelf pushed herself back off the bar and held her hooves out in front of her, waiving them defensively as she tried to apologize.

"No! Hey! I'm not judging. I'm just saying..."

Cerb took a moment to collect himself.

"It's okay. I'm not looking for any of that. I just want to do something to thank her. That's it."

"I'm sorry," Top Shelf apologized, but it was clear she was holding back a lot more than she wanted to say. "I... I don't know what I—"

She forced a laugh and waved a hoof.

" Wow. Did I ever put my hoof in my mouth? Forget I said anything. It's just between the excitement of my promotion, sampling so much of your drinks for Italian Stallion, and me, I figured that from the last time you and Rarity were here... I mean."

Cerb waited for Top Shelf to say her piece, but that seemed to be all she could muster for the moment.

"It's okay. Believe me. We seem to be sending off a lot of mixed messages. It's even more confusing for us as far as I can tell."

Top Shelf shifted to a more relaxed posture as she leaned over the bar.

"Tell you what. I thought I knew what my special talent was years ago, but you helped me see that there is a lot more I can do. So, I owe you at least this one small favor. You come in, with any pony you like, for any reason you want, and I'll be sure the two of you both have the best possible service a barmare can offer. No questions asked about what your romantic interest might be. Just you and a friend, enjoying the finest drinks Equestria has to offer."

Cerb extended his hand to shake on it.

"Deal."

Twilight fluttered up above the group, scanning the area.

"Did we lose Cerb? I thought he was just behind us."

Rarity giggled, "If I had to guess, he probably went back to add more to the tip. Let me run back and remind him everything has already been taken care of."

Just then, Cerb exited the front door and stepped out to the street.

Sniff shouted from the front of the group as soon as he saw his mammoth friend step out.

"Cerb! Did you go back and add more to the tip?"

Cerb stood motionless for a moment, thinking of the best way to answer.

"Maybe?... What's the better answer to give?"

Enough laughs from Cerb's reply ended the questioning, assuming that was exactly what he had done. Then the party continued on.

"So," Sniff said to address the room before he clapped his hands and rubbed them together a few times, ending with him making a gesture to pose a question. "Where you sleeping at tonight, Lever Action Jackson? Benny's place is closer to the Everfree, but Twilight's place has beds big enough to fit three."

Thinking it was a joke, Cerb asked, "Fit three? What are you talking about."

Becky walked up behind Cerb, flicking him in the ear as she passed him.

"Talking about you actually getting some much-needed sleep for once. You're sleeping with Rarity and Fluttershy tonight."

"What?!" Cerb shouted.

Benny shouted back, though it was clear he found Cerb's reaction to be funny.

"Dude! Shut up! You haven't had one night where you have barely slept or had an episode when sleeping alone or around us. But every time those two are with you, you actually sleep."

Sniff was the next to walk up behind Cerb, but he instead very gently placed his arm around Cerb's shoulders.

"Dude, none of us can explain it, and at this rate, we don't care to. But... those two let you sleep calmly through the night."

Hoping to keep this civil and serious, Benny added, "Think of everything you told me. I know this part of you more than anyone else. And just so you know, it was my idea."

Lumberman gave a playful punch to Cerb's arm opposite side of Sniff.

"Dude, this ain't a prank. We're not gonna poke fun at ya for it or anything like that."

"Maybe a little," Sniff said before reaching up and pinching Cerb's nipple through his shirt.

Cerb yelped and pushed Sniff's hands away.

"Ah!" He tried to return the gesture with a full-on titty twister. "Little bastard, come here."

Luna ended the chase as her shout filled the room.

"Justin! ... If you would, please. This is serious."

Cerb and Sniff stood up straight and faced Luna. Of course, Cerb took the opportunity of Sniff being distracted to switch from going for a titty twister to a quick backhand to the crotch, making Sniff crumple to the floor in a groan.

Sniff grumbled in pain as he doubled over and hit the floor, "Asshole."

Cerb covered his crotch and failed to hide his grin.

"Dude, stop messing around. This is serious."

Luna couldn't help but stare at Sniff, trying to get up from out of the fetal position.

"Eee-yes... Is he going to be alright?"

Lumberman helped pick Sniff up to his feet.

"He'll be fine. He just forgets that playing stupid games means winning stupid prizes."

"I see," Luna commented, not really understanding but also not caring about it at the moment. "Justin, your dreams are... for lack of a better description, the most horrific thing I've ever encountered. It wounds me to know any living creature, human or pony, could endure such traumatic events. But you have proven yourself not just in combat. You have proven to be one that I can entrust with the safety of my subjects. And in doing so, you have earned my respect."

Cerb wanted to say something. Some kind of thank you or to return a sign of respect. But the display had caught him off guard; he could only look on and listen.

Luna, now seeing that she finally had his undivided attention, continued, "And while I can understand the hesitation you might have for no longer sleeping alone, I would not forgive myself if I did not at least encourage you to consider it."

Cerb could see they were all being serious but couldn't so easily be pushed into such a request.

"You do realize how awkward and inappropriate it has to look like from the outside looking in."

Twilight trotted up to Luna's side and declared, "There's nothing wrong with relying on a friend or asking for help. These past few days have been incredibly difficult for all of us. For some of us, it has been worse than others for all sorts of different reasons. But not only have I seen the benefits of humans like you offering helpful conversation, or even a shoulder to lean on when we were at our weakest. I've also experienced it first hoof."

"Justin," Luna boldly spoke up again to make another point. "Every one of your friends has shared their concerns and support for this. They even acknowledge how foalish, or childish, it may appear to be, but believe the benefits outway the cost. Especially if you were to have a screaming fit while in the forest."

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash spoke up in a low tone. "I know you have an overwatch and different react teams in place. But if you're the one freaking out and taking swings at us? Not really a whole lot we can do to stop that and keep you both safe if you're swatting us down like flies."

Chris spoke up from first-hand experience.

"Not even any of us can take you head-on. At that point, we'd be better off trying to keep the Everfree safe from you."

"Alright," Cerb groaned and raised his hands in defeat. "I get it. The biggest problem in my plan is myself. So what's the plan to get Rarity out with us, or are we going to scrap the whole idea of keeping it just Fluttershy and me on the trip?"

Twilight had the information to set things straight for Cerb.

"Either Starlight or I can teleport Rarity to and from your campsites when you stop for the night. You're plans have you using the kites Starlight provided when you settle in for the night. When the kites go up, they'll glow to let us know you're ready for a resupply. So, along with the react teams providing roving security around your camp at night, either of us can bring Rarity out. The two of you will have already established the area safe, so with the added protection from the rovers, there's nothing to worry about."

Benny added a bit more to give Cerb the confidence he needed.

"The roving security is already taking a risk doing this for us. You having a night terror and waking up screaming would more than likely put them at risk more than you and Fluttershy out there alone."

Becky, still a bit uneasy about this news, spoke up cautiously.

"Justin... I know this must be driving you crazy, having to deal with it all. Which is why when this is over, we're both going to the Crystal Empire with Cadance and Shining."

Cerb thought there was no way he heard that clearly.

"Woah. I thought you said—"

Becky immediately cut him off without a firm stance of authority.

"I know what I said before. I have only a few years to find a cure if we're going to be stuck here for longer than that. I can be kept safe and comfortable in the meantime. But if you're going to be running around in a monster-filled forest and joining the next big fight because you think you're invincible out here, you're going to let them help you."

Despite what they were saying, Cerb felt like he already had this under control.

"I've already been getting—"

Becky shouted over him, "Serious! Real! Professional! Help!" She stopped to let him know she was serious. " We're all glad to see you've gotten back to talking and working through everything. But... if you're offering your skills and resources as a military professional, you're going to get professional help."

Up next, Cadance stepped in.

"Justin. I want you to know that Shining and I were not aware of this arrangement Becky is bringing forward. However, our offer still stands."

Shining smirked and stepped up next to Cadance.

"Plus, it would be nice to have another bro and some beers to share in the Kingdom."

From the backside of the room, Spike spoke up, "Who's going where now?"

Cerb sighed, accepting that he may have pushed his goodwill a bit too far not to expect some compensation to be returned..

"Looks like it's gonna be me, Bud. Going to the Crystal Empire."

Becky asked with a mix of glee and confusion, "So, you're going?"

Cerb huffed, "Yes. I'll fucking go."

Cerb felt something soft lay down on his shoulder. From the corner of his eye, he could see a mesh of dark feathers.

"Tis a brave deed to face one's fears, Justin," Luna commented. "Princess Cadance has expressed great concern and an ever greater potential for growth with you. And with the added help of Fluttershy and Rarity to help you with the day-to-day tasks as well as to ensure you get a good night's sleep—"

Fluttershy gasped, "We're going to?"

Rarity yelped, "What! But-but-but, my shop? Sweetie Belle?"

Chris instantly provided resolutions to both problems.

"You can find time to expand your market and study new fashion trends in the Crystal Empire. And if you need to work, I guarantee you can be afforded the materials and equipment out there. That is, if you don't end up packing it all with you anyway. As for Sweetie Belle. Applejack and Granny can watch her. You know them, you trust them, and they already spend enough time together and go to the same school. AJ won't mind. Right?"

Applejack froze to give it all of a two second thought.

"Uh? If it's tuh help y'all. Sure. We can watch her for as long as ya need. So long as she don't mind pitching in on the farm."

Fluttershy questioned the room, "Well? What about all the animals?"

Sniff had this one covered.

"With Cerb and Becky gone, and Lumberman busy working on the Apple house, that leaves four very unemployed friends of yours who can pick up the slack. Plus, all the rest of your friends and locals who can pitch in. It can't be that hard if you didn't ask any of us to take care of them for the few days you'll be gone on this trip."

Fluttershy nervously fumbled through her words. "I-Well, yes. It's just that..."

Rarity jumped in to save her wingmare.

"You'll have to excuse Fluttershy. I apologize if either of us comes off as sounding like we are not wanting to join them in the Crystal Empire. It's more of it being thrust upon us so suddenly. I mean, we haven't even completed this little adventure into the Everfree, and all the unknowns we still have to work through with it. I didn't even know there was already a plan for me to go out into the Everyfree with them. Again, not that I'm against it. Believe me, I'll go. It's only that—"

"Ya, bout done?" Applejack interjected, giving Rarity only a moment to realize just how much she had been rambling. "If it's a yes from both y'all, ain't no need fer a long-winded explanation."

Rarity gave a long sigh.

"You're right. I suppose I'm more nervous about all this than I realize."

Cerb grumbled, "Can't be any worse than being a grown-ass man who needs two living security blankets to not have nightmares."

"No," Luna spoke in a comforting voice moving in closer and nuzzling softly against Cerb's cheek. "We all know it's not that simple. And needing help is not a sign of weakness if that's what you're afraid of any of us thinking. There is no question to just how strong you are, Justin. Both inside and out."

Benny spoke up again, trying to soften the blows to Cerb's ego, "We all got issues. At least you found a way forward. Not everyone can say that."

Sniff asked aloud, totally derailing the conversation, "Can I get a bag of ice? Twigs? Anyone of you ponies? Spike?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and groaned, "I swear we can't keep a single conversation to stay on topic when there's more than three of you together. Just... stay there."

Sniff shouted, watching her trot her way out to the kitchen, "Thank you, Twilight! ... Love you!"

Twilight shouted back over her shoulder, probably more annoyed than she needed to be. "Obviously not!"

Lumberman closed the door to Cerb's room for the night as the last pony exited, leaving him and Cerb alone.

"Jesus. That shit took forever."

Cerb, semi-annoyed, asked, "What? You waiting for one-on-one time alone with me to give me The Talk?"

"Really?" Lumberman's unimpressed response set the tone. "No. I just wanted to be real with you for a minute. About this whole sleeping arrangement thing."

Cerb turned back, ready to start this fight if that's where it was headed. "If yer gonna try and tell me that I don't need to be embarrassed—"

"Jesus, fuck," Lumberman groaned angrily. "I'm trying to tell you that you're not the only one, fuck stick."

Now suddenly disarmed, Cerb didn't respond.

Undeterred, Lumberman put his foot down.

"The first night back, we all stayed together after what happened to Kelly; what do you think we all did? And all but one night so far, what do you think Kelly's done? And in case you missed it, Sniff shared a bed with Twilight after she caught hell for not knowing about your night terrors and the near heart attack it gave Luna. And I've been doing the same thing with Applejack. And no. Ain't none of us fucking. And no one is thinking that's what you're gonna be doing. I'm trying to tell ya, that when shit gets rough, this is how they cope or whatever."

Taking this all in, Cerb started to apologize.

"I'm sorry. I just..."

"Yeah. Fear and embarrassment," Lumberman answered. "Scared of what we'll all think or say. Embarrassed because of how bad shit got, that it's gone this far. Dude, look... We all... tried to help. Tried to help you get a dog. Get a girl of your own. Do therapy again. Do something other than... give you a quiet place to crash and help you drink just enough to ease off the pain without becoming a drunk... Or worse."

Cerb sulked, knowing how wrong he personally was in all this.

"I know. It's my fault."

"We just want to see you better off, bro... And if all of this is the first step. Then we ain't gonna say shit unless it's funny." Lumberman cracked a grin. "Or we won't if it's gonna be like calling Chris 'Chubs' or handing me a phone and saying it's my mom... We don't treat each other like that. And so, while we're all here, we're gonna probably end up doing some weird shit like dry humping a horse on a dance floor, or flirting with a fucking baremare."

He started to laugh as he sighted off some of their less-than-brag-worthy actions since arriving, but there were so many more for him to recall.

"Or kissing a cowgirl pony in front of the whole town as my first introduction... Dude. Come on. Chris got shit-faced and passed out in a cake while giving Starlight a pony ride and wearing half a cowboy outfit in only his underwear. And that was all just goofing around and fucking up. What you're doing... That's legit, man. Just like what Mac is doing for Kelly, your two girls are doing for you. Just like Sniff and me do for Twilight and Apples when they need it... No one gives a fuck, so stop crying about it, and try not to hit Sniff in the dick so hard next time."

That last bit got Cerb to laugh a little.

"Gah... Man... I do feel bad about that... Sorta."

A knocking came to the door.

Cerb groaned as he sat himself down on the bed.

"Jesus... Come in."

The door slowly started to open, and Luna's voice poured in.

"I come bearing a gift before I part ways for the evening."

"Luna, please. I can only take so much charity," Cerb joked before the door opened enough for him to see the gift she was referring to.

Kelly's voice weakly spoke up, "Hey."

Luna smiled sweetly, "Lumberman. Could you join me for a moment? I'd like to hear about your plans for the Apple house my sister and I will be paying for... And to give these two a moment alone, of course."

Lumberman, still with some concern hanging over his head about leaving them alone, softly answered, "Uh... Sure."

Kelly stepped further into the room and let Lumberman pass her, closing the door behind him.

"So," Kelly raised her hand to show the brace and wraps holding in place her wrist straight. "I guess I'm never gonna figure out how to make you stay... am I?"

"That's not a conversation we're having right now," Cerb replied, clearly not in the mood to humor that conversation starter she offered.

"Did I really fuck up that bad?" Kelly's words sounded hurt but also like her tears had already been cried out. "We were never really the same after that."

Cerb not so subtly tried to shut her down, "Not now, Kel."

Kelly stepped closer and clearly expressed her feelings on their situation.

"Justin, please. You can't keep cutting me out and leaving me in the dark."

Cerb shook his head, visibly disappointed.

"You're not the only one, Kel."

Kelly made a fist with both hands, despite how much it hurt.

"Oh, yeah. That's right. It's just you and the other guy with a secret to keep."

Cerb spun around to directly talk down to his accusatory.

"We all keep secrets. But, if you want me to open up finally, I'll tell you just enough so that you understand why I shut you out so much."

Kelly scoffed, "You mean besides the obvious?"

"Obvious?" Cerb mockingly asked. "Oh? I didn't know you knew. With all these years of pushing and prodding for answers and slapping the shit out of Ben, it never dawned on me that you already knew."

Kelly didn't respond. She just stood there, ready to take the hard truth.

"I thought I was the one... You know?" Cerb dropped his head into his hand and ran his fingers through his hair, becoming more flustered and frustrated as he thought about it. "I figured, after all these years between us... But... It was only what you said it was. When that wasn't what I wanted."

That wasn't precisely what Kelly thought the problem had been over all these years, but it didn't make it hurt any less or cause any fewer tears from streaming down.

"If you would have stayed, I probably would have tried."

The fury was there, but Cerb held it back as best he could.

"I legally couldn't, Kel."

Knowing that was true, Kelly decided to play the victim.

"And I would have fucked it up, anyway."

"You don't have to—" Cerb huffed again, conflicted on how to respond to her long line of poor life choices. "—I've never held it against you. Never even thought less of you because that's what you wanted. Just like with Peter, you both have your reasons and can do whatever. You're my family, and always will be. I fucked up by wanting it to be different."

"I don't want to go back," Kelly replied, though her reply seemed unrelated to the current conversation.

Memories of their past flashed in Cerb's memory, and he agreed.

"Me neither. What's done is done."

Kelly clarified her statement, "I don't want to go back home... I don't like who I used to be. I'm a better person here."

Cerb looked up, not sure how the conversation shifted so drastically.

Since Cerb had gone quiet, Kelly continued in a clear and honest tone.

"I'm... sorry about everything. You're right. We are a family, and you were the big brother I wish I would have had. But I screwed that up by—" She paused as she reconciled with her faults. "—I didn't know how else to show that I cared about you. But... don't think that it was just meaningless sex. I do love you, Justin. But I'm sorry you thought I loved you more than... I... I don't even know what that's supposed to be or how I'm supposed to feel to make that shit real."

Kelly was so caught up in the moment she didn't notice Cerb walking up to her. She didn't realize what he was doing until his arms were around her.

"It's okay, Kel," He softly spoke as he held her. "We're all fucken broken pieces of the same puzzle. I was too messed up at the time to realize our pieces didn't fit together. And I'm sorry I didn't want you to see just how broken my pieces really were after I got back... I don't even know why I'm now trying to work on it."

Kelly put her arms around Cerb and weakly held onto him.

"Same here. I don't know either... Probably something to do with having my life flash in front of my eyes." She coughed out a laugh, but the sense of humor didn't seem to stick. "I can't say I regret what we did, though... You were better than I imagined."

As much as it hurt, Cerb was honest about what he thought.

"It was a good time while it lasted, but don't think that night ever changed how much I care about you. I probably wouldn't even change anything about our history if I could... Anyone, or anything, here tried to fuck with you or hurt you again... You best believe I'll fucking bury 'em."

Kelly smiled at that and did the same weak laugh again.

"That's if Big Mac don't beat ya to it."

Cerb finally pulled back from the hug.

"I still owe that stud one."

Kelly held onto her smile and looked him in the eyes.

"Just treat him like family, and you'll be good."

Cerb snorted with a grin.

"Yeah. Easy day."

Kelly went to turn back to the door but stopped short of taking her first step, "And... Sorry about punching you in the back of the head. Even if I know what you're doing and why you're doing it, I still hate it. Even if it means helping Becky, I don't know how I would handle anything happening to you. But... I guess, where I have Big Mac when you're not around, you got Rarity pulling out daggers and shit?"

"Yeah," Cerb chuckled. "She dialed that shit up to eleven real quick. And Fluttershy, she might not look it... I know without a doubt she can hit harder and would of wiped the floor with the Onyx Armor shit talker."

Kelly laughed just thinking about it.

"You know, as close as we're all getting to our new friends, makes ya wonder just how far it might end up leading us."

Cerb huffed with a smile, "No, shit. Apparently, I've already caught the eyes of some of the locals."

"Would you?" Kelly asked but asked in a tone that sounded more like she was asking on her own behalf.

"You know..." Cerb figured that after their confession with each other, he might as well be honest with her over this much. "I did the whole date thing with Rarity, and it made me think how I would love to meet someone like her back home. But if you're asking, like, if we were permanently stuck here?... I dunno... They're better people than people. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah, they are," Kelly answered with a half laugh.

Continuing the trend of honesty, Cerb confided a bit more.

"But I also don't really see it happening. Rarity, I thought for sure at one point, was trying to find her in, but she already friend-zoned me."

Kelly made a sour face, "Ouch."

It took Cerb a moment, but he added a few more details, "Told me, 'if things were different.' Which, they're not gonna be. So... even if I wanted to, even the one who likes me, knows me more than any of the others out there, isn't game... Pretty sure I'll be flying solo from here on out."

A thought finally crossed his mind he wasn't sure he had picked up on earlier.

"And you? You and Sniffy aren't really used to... you know."

Kelly cracked a grin, "I don't see myself being who I used to be while I'm here if that's what you're asking," She cleverly answered. "I think that's why I want to stay here. Too much temptation and bad memories back home."

"True," Cerb agreed with a knowing nod. "True..."

Having said enough, Kelly headed back towards the door and announced, "Well... I'm heading back to the Apple farm for the night. I wish you all the luck, but I can't handle sticking around here listening in on all the updates that are going to be coming in while you're out there. Sorry. And... Luna told me about the react teams you put together, which is one of the reasons I came in as calm as I did. But, Big Mac said he wants to be on one of the teams. Said he had to look out for his little brother."

"Little brother?" That seemed to tickle Cerb. "Psh... Fucking... Wow. Yeah. Sure thing. We got room for him. Probably keep him close to Benny most of the time. Be the first one to hear what's going on with the overwatch."

"I'm just gonna smile and nod," Kelly replied with a weak smile. "But I'm mad at him for going out there, too... Just can't win with the most important men in my life, can I?"

"Sorry, Kel," Cerb apologized. "I can tell him to stay back as a reserve?"

Kelly shook her head and sulked, "No... I don't want him out there, but I feel better knowing you're both out there together if anything happens. He's got your back, just so you know. Because he's not just a part of our family now. We're also a part of his."

Cerb nodded, "Glad to hear it, Kel. See ya when I get back."

Kelly winked, "Damn straight, you will," and made her way down the hall, where Big Mac had been waiting for her.

Once close enough, Big Mac greeted her with an anxious smile.

"Did ya have a good talk and apologize?"

Kelly nodded, "Good talk... Hurt a lot worse than I thought it would. Mostly because what I thought was the problem wasn't the case at all. Which only makes me feel even worse, so fuck me, I guess. And fuck me even harder because, of course, he didn't lay into me like I deserved. No, he instead apologized, forgave me, hugged me, told me just how important I am to him still, and bless your ever-loving heart—" She drew a deep breath and punched Big Mac just hard enough not to be playful. "He wants you with the overwatch in a react team. So, congradu-fucking-lations, you get to be my white knight in shining armor all over again by making sure my brother stays safe out there."

Big Mac repeated himself from an earlier conversation.

"We Apple's stick together, Kelly. And if he considers us Apples family, then—"

"We'll be together through thick and thin," Kelly repeated his line along with him. "I know. I know. And if you say that shit one more goddamn time, I swear to God you won't ever make applesauce with me again."

Big Mac grinned, "I doubt you really mean that."

"Knowing me, probably not," Kelly sighed. "I can only change so much... But don't think that means you're getting anything other than some cuddles tonight."

Big Mac took a few steps over to the stares and welcomed her to join him.

"Come on, darling. We'll ask Benny and the others where they'll need me tomorrow. Then we can head back to the farm."

Cerb was looking over his new fatigues Rarity had made for him. Instead of merely modifying his old uniform, she recreated one for him with a camouflage pattern that better matched the local foliage. Also, just like the shirts they were given earlier, a patch of a three-headed bulldog had been stitched onto the right shoulder. On the left shoulder was another patch with the word 'STRANDED' over the number seven. Over his left breast pocket was his last name, but the space over the left breast pocket was left empty. Since he wasn't part of any military force at the moment, she didn't have anything to put there. The inspection would have continued if not for the knock on the door and a familiar voice he was expecting announcing herself as the door opened.

"Knock, knock," Rarity said as she peered into the room. "Sorry, it took us so long. Benny and the others were telling us how the procedures for entering the forest with you was going to take place. And might I say, his attention to detail is frighteningly reminiscent to that of Twilight. But at least I can see why they were able to work so well together while we were gone."

Fluttershy followed up with the explanation as she made her way in just behind Rarity.

"Also, we tried to talk to Kelly. She sounded like she was doing okay and trusted us, but you can tell she's still worried."

Cerb answered back as he let the new uniform fall over a dresser, "Everyone's worried. Plus, she's a little worked up because of what happened to me the last time I marched into the mouth of danger... There's always been a rift between us since we last saw each other that day after I went back and... you know."

Rarity replied, "I suppose that's understandable. And well," She stood there in the center of the room while Fluttershy closed the door. "—I'm terribly sorry, but I can't help but imagine this is just as awkward for you as it is for us."

"I'm sure it is," Cerb sighed. "It's like asking mommy to tuck me in at night, but then having her sleep next to me while bringing a friend to keep the boogie man away."

Fluttershy abruptly stated, "It's not that we mind. But the first time was more of us all pulling together, and to be honest, we were all a little scared, I think. And both times after that was because we came to help you. Now everypony expects us to be with you, even though we don't know how or why this helps you sleep so well."

Rarity shifted uncomfortably in her posture.

"That, and your friend Sniff keeps making comments that must be inappropriate jokes of some sort, because your friends keep hitting him for it."

Fluttershy added, "And Benny."

Rarity tilted her head back as if to groan. "And Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie, and Lumberman—"

"No," Fluttershy interjected. "Lumberman was talking about Applejack."

Rarity ended her display of annoyance and turned back to Fluttershy.

"Really? Huh... I guess I started blocking it out." She turned back to Cerb, who was blankly taking it all in. "When this whole endeavor has come to a conclusion, we need to set aside some time for you to explain how any of these jokes are supposed to make sense. I mean, honestly. Who brings silverware into their bed? And why would it matter if the spoon is little or big? Forgive me, Justin, but your friends are quite strange."

Cerb groaned, "Understatement of the year... Then again, here we are."

Rarity blinked a few times, her eyes searching the room until they landed back on Cerb.

"Touché."

Walking up between them, Fluttershy commented, "I don't think this is all that strange. We're all friends, and all we're doing is trying to help each other."

Cerb sighed again, a little heavier this time.

"It's embarrassing and emasculating... But at the same time, it's such a relief to be so comfortable in bed. To actually have a sound night's sleep. But then again, I can't act too surprised."

"Why is that?" Fluttershy asked before jumping up on the bed and sitting next to him.

Rarity hopped up and sat on the other side of Cerb.

"What's there to be surprised about a good night's sleep being so rewarding?"

Cerb started to explain himself. "No, not that. I'm saying that I shouldn't be so surprised that this works. I'm always calmer around both of you. And personally, I think it is some kind of magic that causes it."

Rarity laid a hoof over the back of his hand.

"Justin. We would never do anything like that to you."

Fluttershy chimed in, sounding equally convincing, "Yeah. Rarity doesn't even know any of those kinds of spells or even studied them."

Cerb raised his free hand with a gesture for them to stop.

"Hey, now. Hold on a sec. I'm not saying either of you have tried to do anything to me. Even if you did, I'm still magic-proof or whatever. But Cadance did a scan... thing. She said I only had a pebble's worth of magic in me. And it was right were you head-butted me."

Fluttershy pulled back into herself, hunkering down.

"Oh, dear."

Cerb leaned over to pull her in close against his side. "No, stop that. You're fine. It didn't hurt, and I'm not even mad about it. But... maybe since you're all magical by nature, some of that magic rubbed off on me. And even that little bit was enough to help me feel better and start—" Cerb grew quiet for a moment, trying to find the words to his thoughts to bring out of his head. "—that I could start fixing myself again."

"I don't think magic has anything to do with that," Rarity said, leaning over and hugging around Cerb's midsection. "Then again, there is such a thing as the magic of friendship."

Cerb grunted and wrapped his other arm around Rarity.

"Gah... Somehow, I knew one of you two would say something like that."

Fluttershy hummed, nuzzling closer in under Cerb's arm, "It's kind of our thing."

"But that magic has always been inside you," Rarity said softly, comforting the man she adored. "It may not come out in dazzling lights or beams of rainbows, but I know it's there."

"All of us do, Justin," Fluttershy added. "I don't think there's a single pony in all of Equestria that's met you that can't see that."

After the corny, yet appropriate discussion between the three, they prepared their final items for the night. Rarity brought in an extra set of pillows, Fluttershy brought in another blanket, and Cerb dressed down to just his shorts and a shirt. Then, before they could call it a night, another knock came to the door.

Quick note... I was a little drunk while editing this.

Also... That spa seems like it's not such safe of a place for the humans to visit. For both the patrons and the staff. But, at least it was a slow day for Fluttershy and Rarity to take advantage of. Not only that... Writing dialog for Lotus is a pain trying to figure out how to spell the way she speaks.

Also, for those that wondered why there was so much tension between Kelly and Cerb... There ya go.

Too drunk to say much more at this point. (Thank you spell check and Grammarly for all the help you've given me.)

Otherwise, stay tuned for the next advancement in this story. Chapter 47. Mandatory Bedmates and an Allegiance of Echos.