The morning air was soothing to the touch. Celestia’s gentle sun had now risen to its throne atop the heavens, casting a calming warmth upon its waking subjects. Critters and faunas frolicked playfully in the pasture, early-bird laborers prepared for the onset of the new day, and a certain lavender mare buried her muzzle deep into an open book, her horn shrouded in a luminous pink. Having been under the influence of levitation magic, several open hardcovers feverishly orbited and bounced about the pony. Amid this seemingly peaceful daybreak, Golden Oaks Library suffered through the strenuous bustling of Twilight Sparkle’s manic activities. Such a spectacular, temperate morning couldn’t pacify the sleep-deprived librarian, because right now she was too busy speed-reading Draconic Biology.

Titles such as Dragons: An Anatomic Guide and Gambling for Dummies hovered closely to the unicorn, each having been studied fully and thoroughly twice the previous evening. But was that enough for the obsessive-compulsive Twilight Sparkle? Of course not. She had put it upon herself to meticulously memorize every line of text embedded within the appropriate books. And there were more where that came from. Through a careful, methodical process, she had been able to select a total of five specific textbooks to indulge in. Each selection ranged from basic scientific research to betting guides, though they all had been chosen to serve one purpose. One overbearing, excruciatingly stressful purpose: to aid her helpless assistant.

Poor Spike, Twilight reminded herself constantly, her baby dragon had been fooled into partaking in such a maddening game by that Rainbow Dash! He was sure to have his innocent little heart shattered by that immature pegasus! Oh, why did she have to do something this stupid? Spike and Rainbow Dash’s not-so-harmless love game had already gotten everypony riled up for chaos! And such frenzied commotion didn’t appear to be ceasing anytime soon. Not unless Twilight Sparkle did something about it, once and for all.

With this line of thought, the lavender pony toiled tirelessly whilst surrounded by a fort of books and documents. She wasn’t going to stop until she realized the proper solution to this conundrum. It just had to be somewhere within these informational lexicons! Adjusted focus and intellect were sure to become the victors in this horrid game, right? Brains were finally going to win over brawn, right? Not getting a lick of shut-eye to study was worth every exhausting second…right?

“Right?!” Twilight Sparkle thought aloud, her right eye twitching.

As you can probably infer, the frazzled little pony was quite tense. Spike and Rainbow Dash had not returned to Ponyville the night before, and she could only guess that the two had slept over in the neighboring mountains. When first produced, the cyan pegasus’s Sonic Rainboom had given everypony a general idea of their location, though since then nothing else had come to light. Twilight Sparkle prayed that they were safe and away from harm. But the lack of knowledge of her friends’ whereabouts gradually shriveled the anxiety-stricken mare as the night crept on. Surely she’d had less uncomfortable all-nighters.

A sudden knock at the front door pulled Twilight out of her frantic cramming. Acting on impulse, she galloped towards the Library’s entrance, her magically suspended books following closely behind. And after forcefully swinging open the wooden door, she was relieved to find a familiar porcelain unicorn staring ahead wide-eyed, most likely startled by Twilight Sparkle’s haggard visage.

Finally, she was here!

“Rarity, you’re here! Oh, you have no idea how thankful I am to see you!” Twilight Sparkle exhaled in relief, stepping backwards to allow the alarmed unicorn inside. “Come in! Come in! Thank Celestia we set up this meeting last night. Applejack’s too busy tending to foreign residents at the barn, so she won’t be making it. But there’s still a lot we need to discuss and plan for. I’ve been researching all night on ways to help Spike win his bet, and I’ve marked down all the useful tips on a piece of parchment somewhere. Just wait a second. I’ll find it right now.”

No matter the circumstance, before coming out, Rarity underwent her morning rituals. These consisted of a cleansing shower, the grooming of her mane and tail, and the application of cosmetics. Every task had become second-nature to the dressmaking fashionista, and by the end of the procedural an hour always passed. One hour of her precious time was definitely worth a radiant, pristine presentation. So when the suitably made-up, beautiful Rarity encountered the terrifying image of a very unkempt Twilight Sparkle, she was stunned.

And that’s really just an understatement.

“Twilight, dear, you haven’t slept one bit, have you?” Rarity stepped forward cautiously, observing as the hyperactive pony scrambled under sheets of parchment.

“Wait a moment, Rarity. I can’t seem to find my list. Strange, though. It was right here next to me just earlier! It couldn’t have just vanished, right?” Twilight Sparkle ignored her friend, pulling at random sheets of parchment as she gradually panicked. “With Spike not around it’s been a hassle sending letters to Princess Celestia. I’ve been trying to notify her of all this trouble, yet I haven’t gotten a reply. I keep sending them using my own teleportation magic, so perhaps I’m not sending them to the correct destination. Oh, why do I have to make such errors now? Why now?”

“T-Twilight, sweetie, maybe you should rest a bit.” Rarity urged, eyeing Twilight worriedly. “It isn’t a good sign to be this worked up so early in the morning.”

“Rest? There’s no absolutely no time for rest. Spike and Rainbow are out there probably still lashing at each other for this bet, and we can’t do anything about it except for supporting him on the home front.” Twilight Sparkle replied, pointing to the entranceway. “Would you please close the door?”

Rarity did so. “Home front, you say? Why, you talk as if were in some kind of war–“

“This is a war. It’s a war that’s been building up since yesterday, ever since this all started.” Twilight Sparkle declared, still searching for the missing list. Where was that thing, anyway? “You saw how everypony behaved at the picnic site. You were there, Rarity. Did you think that was the last of it? Oh, no. It was only the beginning. Ah, found it!”

Twilight Sparkle held up her glorious list in triumph. “Here it is! Right, the faster we get to reviewing, the better. Their bound to return to Ponyville soon, so we should be ready by the time they arrive– ”

“Yes, I was there, Twilight.” Rarity cut off Twilight’s rambling, taking on a serious tone. “They had all gone mad thanks to Pinkie Pie’s sudden outburst. Oh, that pink pony hasn’t been aiding the situation at all, has she? If anything she’s just been fueling the fire with her ceaseless antics. But I assure you, dear, that the game has changed. Because now I’ve entered this nonsensical little bet, and I’m not allowing anypony to disrupt me.”

“I don’t know why you decided to place a bet. Gambling all the gems in your shop weren’t required to provide support for Spike.” Twilight levitated yet another book to her side, opening it. “But that doesn’t matter anymore. You’re here now, and that means we can finally bounce ideas off each other to help–“

“It does matter. It does.” Rarity bit her lip nervously, straightening her posture. “And I did need to place a bet on Spike. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t.”

Twilight went silent for a moment. The manner in which Rarity had relayed those last few words caused her to grow more uneasy. It was as if her words were riddled with a deeper meaning. A hidden message only viewable by the sender. Could it be? Was there an alternative incentive behind the white unicorn’s gamble? Because it almost seemed like there was an entirely different motivation for Rarity to pursue Spike’s success. But that couldn’t be the case, could it? She must have understood Rainbow Dash’s actions were irrational. Rarity desired to bring Spike out of harm’s way. That should have been her only reason to aid him.

Twilight’s mind began producing multiple analyses at record rates. Was there in fact another reason?

“Rarity…” She said quietly, easing into her next question. “Why did you place a bet on Spike?”

“Because I know he will win.” Rarity answered immediately, keeping her resolve. “He will win, Twilight. There’s no need for you to worry any longer. All this studying, all your distresses, everything…It will all be over very soon.”

“And why is that?” Twilight tested warily. Rarity wasn’t hinting at THAT, was she? It was absurd if she’d be alluding to THAT.

Rarity bit her bottom lip. Twilight must have realized it by now, Rarity thought. She had to have.

It was apparent to the white unicorn that she wasn’t making an effort to hide her deep-seated motivations. Rarity had known her feelings would eventually be exposed. Establishing this morning’s meeting the previous evening had been the first step to confessing. The second step had been to remain calm throughout the night. She had passed with flying colors, because there wasn’t a single instance in which she second-guessed her newest recognition. In fact she had slumbered rather peacefully. Yet here it was: the third and final step. And this was the most difficult to overcome.

Now was the time to lay out her sentiments in full view. There was nowhere to run, and she didn’t ever intend on doing so in the first place. Because she knew that what she felt was real. It was pure and exciting. It was an inherent truth completely devoid of immorality. It was the very essence of longing, and it was something she had grown to willingly accept. She couldn’t fool herself anymore, and the same went for Twilight. It was necessary for Rarity to lay bare her most heart-wrenching realities. And, in truth, she didn’t particularly mind.

She was actually kind of proud of herself. After so many years of scavenging in all the wrong places, she was able to finally stumble upon ‘it’. She was bestowed with the opportunity to give ‘it’ proper acknowledgement, and she was glad to have been able to embrace ‘it’ whole-heartedly. Ironic, though, that Rarity was only able to spot ‘it’ when Spike and Rainbow Dash’s mess was created. How charmingly comedic, Rarity mused. What a wonderfully witty universe I must be living in.

There was no going back now.

Lifting her head higher, Rarity spoke in great confidence.

“Spike will win because…I love him.”

In a split second every object orbiting Twilight Sparkle fell to the floor. Her horn had short-fused as a result of Rarity’s confession. The loud thuds produced by the fallen books jolted the white unicorn, giving the mare a slight shock to her senses. Though as she readjusted to the environment, Rarity held her post securely. She was equipped for the fight that was sure to come from Twilight. Hopefully it would rely solely on verbal communication to assuage the lavender mare.

“I know you may have many questions on your mind, darling. I understand the confusion you may be experiencing. Though before you say anything, I must assure you…It is true. I am in love with my Spikey-Wikey. I love him for everything he is, and everything he will be in our future. I love him dearly, and I will not allow Rainbow Dash to hurt him. I promise to be his support in all things now and to come. I swear with my throbbing heart that I will take care of him. I love him…” Rarity breathed in soft shudders. “…so very, very much. And there’s nothing you can say that will convince me otherwise.”

Twilight Sparkle’s jaw hung open in dazed astonishment. How could this have happened? How was this reality? Was this not a hallucination brought about by sleep deprivation? Rarity…loved Spike? That was just Spike’s silly dream. It couldn’t have been the truth.

The flabbergasted unicorn stared directly into Rarity’s azure eyes. They held a fortified sternness, and Twilight detected the strength of their spirited vigor. Rarity was serious. For some unknown reason, she wasn’t lying about her passionate adoration for the baby dragon. This confirmation befuddled Twilight Sparkle even more.

So if it was the truth – if it was an actualization governed by the powers of miracles and chance – how could it have come to existence? Not just how, either, but…

“Why?” Twilight uttered in her stupefied state.

Rarity took this question as her friend’s intent to understand her. That was a good sign, at least.

“Why not?” Rarity redirected Twilight Sparkle’s inquiries. “Spike is a fine young gentlecolt. He is honest, sweet, kind and dependable. He learns from his mistakes and never passes an opportunity to grow wiser. He’s shown his strength and determination to protect those dearest to him, and he’s always come out on top to surprise us all. He’s polite, humble and fascinating. His presence is always a pleasure, and I’m grateful to be his acquaintance. And I’m sure I will be something more to him in due time.”

“B-But…” Twilight shook her head, her thoughts jumbled. “Spike’s just a baby!”

“A baby dragon, mind you. His species is known to age much more slowly than ours. I’m sure you’ve been aware of this fact.”

“Of course, but that doesn’t mean–“

Rarity was already prepared for this. “His body may be small, but his love for me is the biggest I’ve ever seen. Spike’s very mature for his age, and I do not really see a problem in my acceptance of his love. For years he’s exposed his affection for me, and admittedly I’ve been blind and stubborn. I never truly comprehended the sincerity of his adoration until now. And now that I’ve had to time to think it all through, I must say, darling, it’s so beautiful. I’m happy to know he loves me, because my feelings are mutual.”

Twilight Sparkle listened. It was an arduous endeavor, but she listened. To listen to these words coming from Rarity’s very own mouth continued to baffle the lavender unicorn. Although she couldn’t deny that they did sound genuine. The straightforwardness of Rarity’s confession had struck her seemingly out of nowhere. She simply hadn’t been expecting it. However, now that it was out, Twilight was given no other option but to ponder. There had to be something else she could ask. Something that could bring Twilight out of her current puzzlement.

Was there anything left to throw out? Couldn’t Spike’s caretaker – his protector and mother figure – come up with a coherent line of offense? Her number one assistant’s life depended on Twilight Sparkle to take action.

After a few seconds of stillness, she concluded her interrogation. “But why now?”

Rarity’s face flushed. That was the question she had been dreading, because while she hated to admit it, she knew very well why her desire for the baby dragon skyrocketed in the past twenty-four hours.

Sighing softly, Rarity lowered her head in shame. “It appears I’m prone to jealously. This bet between Spike and Rainbow Dash has been bothering me ever since I first heard of it. A first I couldn’t understand my discomfort. I thought I was only distressed by the amount of dress orders I’d been made to fulfill. Though I knew that wasn’t true.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “You were jealous? For whom, though?”

Rarity shuffled her hooves awkwardly. “Perhaps for the both of them. Rainbow Dash was suddenly giving my Spikey-Wikey adulated attention, and he was, in turn, receiving it. The thought of Spike falling in love with her didn’t sit well with me. It was horrifying. I can’t allow Spike’s love for me to waver. Not now. Not after I’ve finally recognized my own mistakes.”

It was an interesting development for the two unicorns. Rarity had realized her love for Twilight Sparkle’s assistant. And that was a story all its own. Though it was at this moment Twilight was able to grasp the situation more readily. If Rarity and Spike did in fact end up together, would there be a happy ending? After witnessing their love, Rainbow Dash would recognize her faults, and she’d inevitably surrender her stake in the bet. Spike would be hailed as the victor, and when all winnings had been handed out everypony would return to their homes. Twilight Sparkle would send a letter to Princess Celestia about what she’d learned, Ponyville would become a safe zone once again, and life would submit to an everlasting state of serenity. Was this the result of a relationship between Twilight’s number one assistant and the Element of Generosity?

As of now Twilight Sparkle didn’t know. The absence of much needed rest and Rarity’s revelation were too much to handle for the poor mare. Yet she couldn’t go to bed just yet. Not while Spike and Rainbow Dash’s bet persisted. Therefore, for Twilight, it was the correct decision to commit to one basic task: help Spike win. And if that meant allowing Rarity to vie for the baby dragon’s heart, she’d do it. Yes, she’d do it…until she thought of an alternative route, of course.

Inside the private quarters of Equestria’s royal figurehead stood two allicorn siblings. Yes, that’s right. Both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, opposing sisters in almost all things regarding risk-taking, stared eye-to-eye at each other in very different manners. The younger sibling gritted her teeth in aggravation while the older sibling returned a cool, collected gaze. Having swatted away the idea of sleep, an agitated Princess Luna had entered her elder sister’s dormitory unannounced. The moon had already descended and the sun had risen, and now it was time to discuss the issues present. For there were a few concerns Princess Luna believed should be addressed.

Glaring intently at the polychromatic-maned ruler, the princess of the night sharply pointed a hoof. “You have gone too far, Tia! It is true we have placed opposing bets on our subjects, and it also true we are partaking in a game of sorts, but your means of involvement borders that of cheating!”

The princess of the sun smiled casually. “Lulu, I apologize. I am not aware of what you’re referring to.”

“You very well are aware! I can see it all over your face. I know you, sister. Please do not bother attempting to fool me into believing you haven’t been partaking in acts that could be considered punishable crimes!” Princess Luna retorted. “I demand you confess and play fair!”

Princess Celestia giggled. “Please, enlighten me. What exactly have I done that could be considered a ‘punishable crime’?”

Princess Luna clicked her tongue. “You still feign ignorance? Very well then. I shall inform you of your most heinous act.”

Princess Celestia lowered herself easily and took a seat upon the carpeted floor. This was going to be interesting.

“Go on.” She cooed.

Princess Luna despised when her sister did that.

“Yesterday. On the precipice.” Princess Luna marked. “Has your memory not yet been restored?”

Princess Celestia shook her head slowly. “Not yet.”

“How could you not remember? You were there, concealed by the light of your magic.” Princess Luna huffed.

“I do remember being there.” Princess Celestia nodded innocently.

“Huzzah! I’ve got you, sister!” Princess Luna cheered jubilantly. “Now admit your underhanded tactics and surrender appropriately.”

“…Though I am still unaware of my ‘crimes’.” Princess Celestia added deviously, watching as her younger sister’s face contorted. Oh, it was so much fun playing with her.

Princess Luna’s patience grew dangerously thin. “Is that so? You do not recall throwing young Spike off said precipice? I witnessed the horror of it myself! You cannot hide your wrongdoings!”

“Hmmm…’Throwing’ is such a strong word.” Princess Celestia replied nonchalantly.

“You threw him! You tossed him! You flung him over the precipice! It doesn’t matter how one notes it, because you are the culprit.” Princess Luna waved her hooves over her head. “You are fortunate the Element of Loyalty was quick enough to save him. If she hadn’t, I cannot imagine the–“

“Come now, Lulu. You should know me much better than that.” Princess Celestia smirked, keeping her composure. “I would never allow one of my precious subjects to be harmed, especially not on my watch.”

“Then how do you explain yourself? Surely there is no excuse for such dangerous measures!”

“I’d known Rainbow Dash would save him. Fate had told me so.” Princess Celestia winked. “And if it looked as if she couldn’t, I would have been there for him.”

“You speak as though fate is your ally.” Princess Luna grumbled. “You haven’t won yet, Tia.”

“No, not yet.” Princess Celestia pursed her lips demurely, teasing her younger sister.

That was it. That was the last straw for the frustrated princess. Her elder sibling had constantly appeared so mocking to her, especially during their competitions. For all the night allicorn knew it could have been a battle tactic. And if that was the case, it worked. It always worked.

Princess Luna’s pride was at risk of deteriorating even further into oblivion. To lose once again to her elder sibling was a fear unlike no other. There was no way she was going to permit it. Not while she still had a hoof in the matter. If her sister insisted on playing unfairly, then she would, too. As long as she could obtain those bragging rights, she’d do everything in her power to ensure Spike’s victory! Oh, what Princess Luna would do with those scrumptious bragging rights!

As Princess Celestia observed her younger sibling silently scheme to herself, a bright flash of pink magic materialized at her front. A rolled-up parchment tightly wrapped by a red ribbon dropped lightly to her forehooves. Its familiar insignia informed the day allicorn of its sender. How many letters had it been so far? Fifty? A hundred? Princess Celestia had lost count.

“I commend your eagerness, Twilight Sparkle.” Princess Celestia’s horn lit as she magically shrouded the parchment and watched as it disappeared.

Princess Luna had taken notice to this, however. “Why do you not read your student’s letter?”

“There is no reason to.”

And that’s when it dawned on the night allicorn. Twilight Sparkle was also supporting the baby dragon.  How did she not realize this until now? She should have known since the day before! This newfound information could be the very key to her victory! The path to success was before her eyes, right in plain view! With this her triumph over her elder sister was nigh!

Princess Luna set about making her next move. “The war is coming, sister. Consider your defeat imminent. If you so choose, you may surrender now. I promise not be to too harsh on you.”

Yeah, right.

Princess Celestia wasn’t roused in the slightest. “Go have your fun then. Your big sister will be here if you need her.”

Princess Luna’s horn glowed ominously, conjuring a teleportation spell. Right now was the time to say something smooth, right before she teleported away. Something that’d stick to her elder sibling’s latent memory even ages after this war. History was in the making, for crying out loud! She needed to think of it now!

Princess Luna’s nose twitched. “Ahh…AH-CHOO!”

In an instant, the night allicorn vanished.

Left in solitude, the allicorn of the sun stood back up and stretched her limbs.

“Oh, Lulu. I haven’t seen you this lively in over a millennium.”

Where did Princess Luna teleport to, you ask? By means of her allicorn magic, the sheer power of her abilities successfully transported her straight to the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity, who were both indulged in conversation regarding the future, were subsequently interrupted by the instantaneous burst of blue magic materializing between them.

Neither unicorn was given a moment’s chance to speak as Princess Luna finished her sneeze. Startled, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity simultaneously took a few steps away from the fuming allicorn. Unbeknownst to the Elements, Princess Luna was actually angry at herself for having missed the opportunity to crack a wise remark towards her elder sibling. It just wasn’t fair!

“Why do immortals sneeze?” Princess Luna asked nopony in particular, leaving Twilight and Rarity bewildered. “Why did I have to sneeze?”

Twilight Sparkle then realized she was in the presence of a royal Princess. A second later, she and Rarity had bowed their upper torsos to the regal allicorn before them.

Princess Luna finally took in her surroundings. She had arrived in Ponyville for a specific reason, and work was to be done.

The night allicorn placed her hooves under her subjects’ chins. “Rise. There is no need to bow to a fellow teammate at this hour.”

Wait. Hold up…What was that? Twilight Sparkle and Rarity couldn’t have heard that correctly.

“Teammate?” Twilight repeated, confused.

“There is much to do, Twilight Sparkle.” Princess Luna announced. “If your teacher will not assist you, then I shall.”

A baby dragon and a pegasus continued to rest comfortably atop that isolated cliff. By now its two new residents had experienced a satiating sunset, the luminosity of a full moon and the stimulating sensations of a marvelous sunrise. It’s said that these great powers of nature could change lives. Who could refute such a claim? An overwhelming array of lights and hues certainly held influence to the mind and soul. The brain thinks. The soul absorbs. And in the end one’s inner being is transformed forever. So while this is accepted as absolute truth, were two of Equestria’s finest ruled out as the exceptions? Probably not.

Spike didn’t stop caressing Rainbow Dash’s head that morning. He had inadvertently brought himself into a trance just by staring at the pony’s polychromatic mane. His open claw slowly and carefully swam through his dear friend’s hair, still unable to pull himself out of his own enchantment. Though perhaps he didn’t desire to do so. It was possible he just wanted to stay where he was. His sense of time was distorted and muddled. There was no clear past, present or future – as if he had entered a separate void. It was passive yet lucid. Cold yet hot. Empty yet full.

Each tiny finger wrapped delicately around Rainbow’s locks, sliding affectionately to the base of her hairline. He was gentle with her. He knew he had to be. And he appreciated every little nudge the cyan pegasus would send his way. It could have been reflex, or it could have been pure coincidence, but nonetheless Spike could feel Rainbow Dash’s head pick itself up, nestling right into his open palm. Was she actually enjoying this? Spike hoped so.

Rainbow Dash was enjoying it. She was fully conscious, too. Her draconic pal had awoken half an hour after she had, yet she made no effort to strip herself away from Spike’s warm body. It was expected of her to wake up early in the morning. She was a weather pony, after all. It explained her tendency to take afternoon naps, as she’d always felt she’d missed out on rejuvenating sleep. On this day, however, she was happy to have woken so early. Because it bestowed upon her more time to spend on Spike’s scaly little lap. And when he had begun softly coursing his hand through her mane, she was in heaven. She couldn’t efficiently describe the pleasure she underwent just from that simple act.

It wasn’t until a strong gust of wind had unleashed itself upon the two that Spike remembered it was the start of a fresh day. Rainbow Dash knew then that their cuddling had ended. Nature called, and it was telling them both to wake up and go.

“Wake up, Dash.” Spike lightly patted Rainbow Dash’s back. “Wake up. We need to go now.”

“Hngnnnn…” Rainbow Dash pretended to groan sleepily, smacking her lips on cue. “…Huh? What is it, Spike?”

“It’s morning. Let’s finally get back to town.” Spike said, waiting patiently for Rainbow Dash to lift herself off his lap. “You slept well?”

“Heh. You have no idea.” Rainbow Dash smiled, nuzzling her head into Spike’s lap.

That was weird, Spike thought as he observed Rainbow Dash taking all the time in the world to release her grasp on his legs.

“C-come on now. We gotta go.” Spike said nervously, inching away from the pegusus as she stretched her body.

Yawning, Rainbow Dash scratched at her head. “How did you sleep? I didn’t wake you up or anything, did I?”

“Slept like a baby.” Spike grinned, standing.

“Yeah, I bet.” Rainbow Dash snickered, eyeing Spike as he stretched. He really was kind of cute, wasn’t he?

Spike didn’t notice Rainbow Dash ogling him, and he continued stretching his limbs until his energy levels boosted to their maximum. Beaming, he turned his head to face the pegasus, but she turned away for some odd reason. He couldn’t see her face, but if he had he would have found Rainbow Dash blushing intensely. Her cheeks had gone rosy and her eyes squeezed shut in embarrassment. As her chest palpitated ferociously, for a few seconds it almost seemed like she couldn’t even breathe.

Okay, that’s never happened before, Rainbow Dash thought, kneading her face with her hooves. What was happening to her? She was behaving almost foreign, as if she wasn’t really herself. It’s been like this since the day before. Why the sudden influx of bizarre sensations? The pegasus wasn’t able to comprehend any of them, but she couldn’t lie to herself either. Because, truthfully, she wasn’t disliking these feelings…They were just new. She guessed it would take time to become adjusted to them, whatever they were.

Interestingly enough, Rainbow Dash held onto the peculiar notion that everything ultimately came down to irony. Though she wondered what that even meant.

“They’re probably waiting down there for us.” Spike scanned the wide spread of land below. “Hopefully it’s not to capture us again or something crazy like that.”

“Tch. Bring it on. We can take them.” Rainbow Dash hovered by the baby dragon’s side, flexing her forehooves domineeringly. “Nopony down there’s got nothing on us. We’re an unstoppable duo, right?”

Spike chuckled wryly. “Sure, Dash.”

“Why are you always so sarcastic?” Rainbow Dash teased, lightly hitting Spike’s shoulder. “It’s like you’re never willing to trust me.”

“What has trusting you done for us so far?” Spike rubbed his shoulder, laughing.

“Well…” Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin in contemplation. “You trusted me last night, didn’t you? I took care of you, didn’t I?”

Spike blinked. She got him there. Rainbow Dash had sacrificed her own comfort just to give him some peace during their night-stay on the cliff. And she hadn’t complained once.

“You’re right. Because I trusted you I was safe.” Spike nodded, directing his gaze to the pegasus. “Thanks again, Dash.”

Rainbow Dash flushed. “N-no biggie. I had to trust you, too.”

It was now Spike’s turn to flush. “Uh, we’re friends. It’s what we do.”

Friends. This word rocketed at Rainbow Dash’s heart, striking it mercilessly. To be friends meant relying on each other. Friends supported and delighted in one another’s company. The building blocks of a lasting friendship were largely influenced by one’s attitudes, opinions, likes, dislikes and goals. Fortifying the bonds of a friendship depended solely on the efforts and labors of those entangled – those involved. In the course of a day, since the foundation of their bet at Ponyville’s Sunday Farmer’s Market, Spike and Rainbow Dash had undoubtedly grown more attached than ever before. Such was the result of a joined adventure. Discordance and romanticism, magic and flight – disregarding the significance of these past events could be considered sinful.

Spike and Rainbow Dash were friends.

But Rainbow Dash wondered…She wondered…

What did it mean to be more than friends?

“Are you ready?” Spike asked the wondering pegasus.

Rainbow Dash floated down onto the stone precipice, lowering herself. “We have to go someday, huh?”

Spike climbed onto Rainbow Dash’s back, seating himself securely. “It’s now or never.”

Rainbow Dash spread out her wings, preparing her body for takeoff. “Spike, I need you to know one thing.”

“Yeah?”

“Whatever happens out there, just know I’ve always got your back.”

Spike smiled humbly, strengthening his grip on the pegasus’s mane. “Remember that when I call, okay?”

Rainbow Dash stamped a hoof excitedly. This was it. She was ready.

“Don’t worry. I’ll answer.”

Spike's Rainbow Dash