Amicitia really enjoyed the surprise date. I'd even say I did to a degree. I am so glad I had no plans for the date outside of the 'just surprise Amicitia with a simple dinner'. I think I enjoyed the date a lot more because of that.

"So, why are we going to the old castle?" Pharynx had asked me the next day.

"Because Princess Celestia suggested that the books in there would most likely hold secrets no pony has seen for a thousand years. And she suggests that there might be some information about the strange chest that appeared." I said.

"You and your books. But then again, we need all the information we can get if we're going to open that mysterious chest." Amicitia said.

"Which means reading. I'm not really that into reading." Pharynx said.

"You and Rainbow are a lot alike. Though she does read some, even if it's just Daring Do." I said.

"Don't understand why she reads those books. I don't really see the appeal." Pharynx said.

"I think she enjoys the adventure part of the books." I said.

"...You know, that would make sense for her. Maybe I'll give one a shot." Pharynx said.

"And I'm willing to bet you'll enjoy the series just as much as Rainbow Dash." I said.

"Did she diss it at first too?" Phayrnx said.

"Yes. I have every book in the series so far at the Library. I always get one on the first day." I told him. "And I'm even on the list for notification of new releases." I added with a smile.

"Because of course you are." Amicitia said, rolling his eyes.

"Regardless, I can't wait to see what knowledge lies in this castle." I said, ignoring Amicitia's eye roll.

"Pharynx, I know you may not like to read much, but some things can't be solved by using weapons." Amicitia said to Pharynx.

"Right. Something I will point out though, your highness, is that your starting to change colors." Pharynx said.

"Wait I am?" Amicitia asked. Now that we were in the castle, in the open area, there was actual light to show that yes, he was changing colors. His black was giving way to a teal color. "Oh my god. I am changing colors." Amicitia said. "This has never happened before." He added.

"You mean changelings are normally the standard black?" I asked.

"Yeah. But no changeling has ever had their body change colors before." Amicitia said.

I was practically in glee. "OH MY CELESTIA! I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GOING TO GET TO BE THE FIRST TO DOCUMENT A BRAND NEW DEVOLOPMENT FOR CHANGELINGS! THIS IS SO EXCITING!" I practically shouted. That caused a piece of the ceiling to come loose and hit nearby.

"...I think we should try not to be so loud. This place is practically falling apart." Pharynx said.

"Pharynx has a point. You can get excited on this discover later Twilight. Right now, we best keep our voices to more normal levels." Amicitia said.

"Sorry. I guess I forgot this place isn't structurally sound after Celestia battled Luna when the later became Nightmare Moon." I responded. Just before we entered the Library, we spotted Spike and Smolder. "Spike? Whose your new friend? I was wondering why you wanted to head out early today." I told the purple dragon.

"Oh hey Twilight. I guess I should introduce you to Smolder. She's currently looking for a permanent place to stay in Ponyville. Right now, she's staying at the hotel." Spike said.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. You must be Twilight." Smolder said. "Or should I call you Princess Twilight because your an alicorn? Then again, I have a feeling we might see each other enough for me to drop the formalities." She added.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

"It means I'm going to be hanging out with Smolder. A lot. But I didn't think you'd find us here while we explored this old castle." Spike said.

"A ruined castle that's just sitting in an untamable forest with very little nature intruding on the place that has parts of it that fall away every now and then? It's enough to get my adrenaline pumping." Smolder said. "I wish the dragon lands had something like this in it." She added.

"So, you're into adventures huh?" I asked.

"I'm looking for the exciting stuff in life." Smolder said.

"...And I thought Spike's comic book collection was weird." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Comic book collection? I've totally got to see that later." Smolder said.

"Not sure if you'd like them." Spike said.

"Hey, there is like zero reading material at the dragon lands. I may not be one for those big books, but I'm sure those comic books might be something I can read without needing a very high reading level. Seriously, the books in the library here? Not your typical books." Smolder said.

"These books require a high reading level?! Now I really can't wait to read them!" I said.

"Way to go Smolder, you just got on Twilight's nerd side." Spike said.

"I did?" Smolder asked.

What can I say? I really enjoy books. Of course, my other friends joined in the castle and caused enough commotion for me to take notice. It lead to one heck of a reunion at nightfall.

"Can't believe the two of you really thought that a ruined castle that was not structurally stable was a good place to have your 'Bravest Pony Competition' tie breaker." Pharynx said.

"It was originally going to be the bee stare, but the bee keeper needed his bees back." Rainbow Dash said.

"...Only you Rainbow Dash..." Pharynx said, face hoofing. "Applejack, next training session you are going to join in with me and Rainbow Dash. Let's just see if your able to handle that." He added.

"Heh. It can't be that bad." Applejack said.

"She can't fly though." Rainbow Dash said.

"So? We can do the session without flying. I sometimes do my training sessions with my wings tied." Pharynx said. "It's good practice in case I ever come across an enemy that can disable my wings." He added.

"Not a bad idea. Though, I've been a part of your training session without that handicap. I'm sure I can handle it, but I don't know if Applejack can withstand how brutal the training is." Rainbow Dash said.

"Are ya saying I'm not up for the challenge?" Applejack asked.

"There's only one way to really find out. Both of you are to report to the whitetail clearing at first light tomorrow. AND THAT'S AN ORDER!" Pharynx said.

"...Pharynx really takes his training seriously." Amicitia said.

As it just so happened, around the half-way mark, Applejack was already begging for mercy. She would not tell me what Pharynx does for soldier training, but judging from how out of breath she was and the various bruises she had when she gave up...I think I have a good enough guess...

...Yeah the title of the episode was just too perfect for me to mess with it.

Besides, I can totally use the episode to create a Spike & Smolder background hangout while the mane six are pre-occupied with their various things.