"Really?" Lyra shook her head as Brandon and Luna broke their kiss with a big smile.

"What can we say?" Brandon replied with his smile turning into a little laugh. But as he walked in he gave both mares a little peck. "So, Luna's got some new snacks for us to try by the way!"

"Hey!" Luna complained making him laugh as he sat down.

Which just as quickly as he sat down he found himself being pulled into the kitchen to help unload the groceries. After the fillies came in to have some lunch and they all tried the new snacks Luna got. Once they were all satisfied Grace and Dinky went to go play with the other kids outside.

"So, did you guys find everything okay?" Derpy asked.

"Yup, I had no trouble. Did your talk with Knuckles go alright?" Luna replied making both Lyra and Derpy shake their heads.

"Shouldn't we actually stay out of all that after all that's happened?" Lyra asked.

"Probably, but let's just call it instinct but I think with some of the remnants of that group setting up close by will only mean trouble," Brandon answered making Lyra give him a harsh stare. "Hey, I just want us to be as prepared as possible because now I don't think I'll be the only target."

"Brandon is right if they do make a move before whatever my sister has planned then we need to set up some plans," Luna said making Lyra sigh but look at Derpy for a little backup of her own.

"Sorry Lyra, I agree with them that the more information we have the better. But without anypony giving us any new information right what plans can we make?" Derpy asked.

"At the very least some escape plans," Brandon said giving a sigh. "But for right now let's try to put it off."

"I don't like that look in your eyes," Lyra said making him shake his head.

"You all shouldn't, but it won't cause too much trouble," Brandon then got up just as a knock came at the door. "I'll get it."

Brandon already figured out who was at the door before he heard her voice calling out, making him tell her to hang on. Once he let Twilight in she quickly tried to explain that Celestia contacted her about her brother being Brandon's new guard. Which once she realized they already knew she finally took a deep breath.

"Yeah, Celestia already came by but thanks for trying to warn us. By the way, when is Shining going to be here?" Brandon asked offering Twilight a seat that she gladly took.

"Should be here in about two more hours, but what about Knuckles?" Twilight asked.

"Celestia sent him on a mission about that group," Brandon said replied making Twilight open her mouth to give a silent oh. "Now before you ask, no we don't know much about it."

"Ah, so are you guys good? I mean about everything?" Twilight asked with a concerned tone.

"I think we're alright," Luna said looking at Brandon.

"Yeah, we were honest about everything this time. But I really do appreciate you coming by Twi," As Brandon said that he got up and wrapped the purple alicorn in a tight hug.

"Y-you're... w-welcome... Air!" Twilight said making him release her from his grip.

"Sorry bout that," Brandon said with a little smile.

"I-it's no problem, but listen try to be at the station when Shining arrives. I know you two have met a few times but you don't really know each other all that well," Twilight said getting up and started toward the door.

"Can do, and Twilight thanks for just not teleporting in," Brandon said giving her a little smile.

"I said I've learned my lesson!" Twilight rolled her eyes as she walked out.

"Well, it was nice seeing though!" Lyra called out.

Once that was settled Grace and Dinky came in and asked if they could go spend the night with the CMC, which none of them could really say no. So they helped the two fillies get packed and ready for their sleepover and soon they were once again gone. After that, they started to make their way into town towards the station.

"Hey, Brandon!" Tallia said slapping him in the back of his shoulder making him wince in pain. "Oh, I am so sorry about that!"

"It's fine Talli, what's up?" Brandon asked waving off the mares looks of concern as he rubbed his shoulder.

"Well, I wanted to ask you about Baron," Tallia said with a little knowing smile.

"Oh, yeah she was definitely great to hang out with and looking forward to seeing her again," Brandon replied making Tallia roll her eyes.

"I know that, but she told me she gave you a envelope," Tallia said raising any eyebrow as he started to turn red.

"Y-yeah, she did give me one why?" Brandon asked making Tallia give a laugh.

"Well, it's a little tradition for Grffons like us to give those kinds of envelops to ones we really like. Of course I'm sure you figured out why," Tallia said making him look at the three mares for support, of course none of them offered.

"Um, what do you mean Griffons like you?" Lyra finally spoke up.

"Right," Tallia said as she gave him a little wink. "Well, you see we weren't raised in Griffon lands. We traveled with our parents until we were old enough to go into school for our careers. So before we started dating our older friends told us about giving letters, or enevelops to those we really like. Just encase we come back, of course I know she'll be coming back cause after her dig she'll be moving in with me and Ginger."

"So wait, she's moving to Ponyville?" Brandon asked.

"Yup, sure is and I'm glad I'm the one who told you cause that look is great! But anyway, gotta get going Ginger the the younglings are waiting. Bye-bye!" Tallia said as she started to fly away.

"Well, that seemed to put you in a good mood," Luna said as they were all trying to hold back a chuckle.

"Y-yeah, anyway let's get to..." Brandon suddenly stopped as he looked up at the sky to see a bright crack in the otherwise clear sky. "Do you guys see that?"

"See what?" Derpy asked squinting up in the sky as did Lyra and Luna, and just as he was about to point it out it vanished.

"Uh, never mind must just be seeing spots or something," Brandon said though he knew they didn't buy it by the looks they gave him. Though he did lock eyes with Luna for a brief second and he got the slight feeling she saw something as well.

"Yes, well spots aside we need to hurry because I think that's Shining's train that's coming," Luna pointed with her horn making them drop the topic for the moment as they started a faster pace to the station.

"Thanks," Brandon whispered into Luna's ear.

"Don't mention, and we can talk about it later," Luna replied quietly as they got to the station. Once inside they saw Twliight and Shining talking and smiling.

"You know you guys make me envious for my own brother," Brandon said giving Shining and Twilight a smile as they walked up.

"Well, I'm sure where ever he is he misses you," Shining said, and Brandon was completely aware of the sad and concerned looks from the mares.

"Thanks, but anyway to change the subject you're gonna be my new guard for the moment huh?" Brandon asked giving Shining a smile.

"Yup, looking forward to it," Shining said.

"Well, careful what you wish for. Taking care of this one can be a hassle," Lyra said making him roll his eyes as Shining gave a little snicker.

"Don't you worry, I've been caught up to date with everything that's happen. Which by the way, is it true you hired the Knuckles Shadow as your guard?" Shining asked, the look on his face was mostly full of excitement.

"Yeah, I'm gonna guess you've heard about him?" Brandon asked making Twilight snicker this time.

"Please, once Shining here signed up for the guard he learnt all he could about any and every well known solider or guards throughout history," Twilight said making Shining shake his head.

"It's just not that, maybe a little bit though, but from what I've heard he's been reformed. Hope to get to meet him while I'm here to get a few pointers," Shining said making Brandon nod.

"So, are you going to stay with Twilight or are you moving in with us?" Derpy asked.

"Well, Celestia wanted me to stay with you guys if that's alright?" Shining replied.

"Nah, it's fine by me just as I hope you don't mind pitching in around the house and all that," Brandon answered, though that time he got a look of suspicion from Lyra.

"Don't mind at all, which by the way do you guys mind helping me out with some of my stuff?" Shining asked pointing to a couple of luggage bags making Brandon raise an eyebrow. "Kidding, kidding!"

"Hope you guys don't mind, but I gotta check on Spike," Twilight said as they started walking towards the door.

"Nah, pretty sure we won't lose your brother. Now what's your return policy on slightly broken..." Brandon said giving a laugh as he avoid a playful hit from Twilight.

"At that point, keep him," Twilight said giving them a laugh of her own. "But seriously I need to go, I will see you all later alright? Love you Shining."

"Love you to Twi," Shining replied and just like that Twilight vanished in a purple light.

"Well, come on and let's get you settled in," Brandon said as they started to walk back to their house.

"Hey Brandon?" Lyra said as they trailed a little behind the others.

"What's up?" Brandon replied knowing what she wanted to ask.

"You already know, but what are you planning?" Lyra asked making him sigh.

"To be honest, might go looking around," Brandon said and from the look on Lyra's face he knew he must of had a hard look himself. "Look, I promise to be really careful. But you know I gotta do this, just for peace of mind for myself if what they believe is true."

"I know, but you've already been through so much. Why not let them do their jobs?" Lyra asked.

"Let's just say that's how I came to be after everything. Besides the only one I would trust with this is being used by somepony else at the moment. I know he'll tell me what he can, but that won't be enough. I got to see it with my own eyes," Brandon answered making Lyra shake her head before giving a fake laugh.

"Sorry, Shining keeps looking back here. But please, really consider it because we can't lose you again. Especially since it involves them you may not come back this time," Lyra said grasping his hand with her magic.

"Lyra, I have considered it and though we might be safer here I am a solider even if some may not believe it. I have to protect everything I care for, you understand?" Brandon said making her stop to look her in the eyes. "I have lost way too much to lose anything else."

"I-I..." Though before Lyra really got a chance he leaned in to kiss her.

"Just have faith in me okay?" Brandon whispered after breaking the kiss and wrapping her in a hug.

"A-alright, but please let me help you..." At that he broke the hug and shook his head making Lyra give a defeated sigh.

"Hey, you two alright?" Derpy asked making both of them look to see Shining and Luna looking back at them, Luna with a sad look in her eyes while Shining looked on with more curiosity.

"Yeah, just worried about his shoulder," Lyra said giving them all a smile.

"Is it bothering you that much?" Luna called out?

"A bit, but I think it'll pass here in a moment or two. Let's just keep going. Lyra, you good?" Brandon asked and though she nodded her eyes told him that she wasn't okay with his plan at all.

It took them a good minute after that to get back since he had to act like his shoulder ached a bit more than normal. Though he was thankful that Derpy offered to show Shining the extra bedroom and to give him the overall housetour. Lyra went to go start dinner leaving Brandon and Luna alone in the living room.

"I agree with Lyra, I don't like it," Luna finally said after a minute of sitting.

"I know, but like I told Lyra I got to do it. I know the risk but it's the only real thing I can think of doing to really have any idea of how to protect myself. I mean they got through the guards at the castle, whose not to say they won't find a way to do that here? Only this time they'll make sure I'm finished, and make sure those I love suffer too," Brandon said locking eyes with Luna making her give a sigh.

"I-I do understand that and I do believe it when you say you'll be careful. But it's still completely idiotic of you," Luna said making him break eye contact this time.

"I know," Brandon said standing up. "I'm gonna use the bathroom real fast ok?"

"Don't need my permission you know?" Luna replied with a slight smile.

"Wow, this place is bigger than I thought it was gonna be," Shining said.

"Thanks, and sorry gotta use the bathroom!" Brandon said as he ran past the stallion.

Once inside the bathroom he quickly made sure the door was locked before sitting down on the toilet. Though he did know Luna still wanted to talk about what they both saw earlier in the day but he needed time to himself. He wanted to get at least some kind of plan formed before he did anything stupid and knew that that mares wouldn't be much help at that point.

Though he knew that they would help if only to distract Shining, though he knew if he wasn't careful they would follow him to try to help him. But he just knew the less of them there were the less likely of them being caught. He finally sighed and flushed before going back out.

"You feeling better?" Shining asked from the couch.

"Yeah, much better. What you doing?" Brandon asked sitting down.

"Hmm, just relaxing at the moment. Though I hope you know that the girls told me to try to keep a good eye on ya," Shining replied.

"Kind of figured, not that I can blame them," Brandon said making Shining nod in agreement.

"You know, Celestia may of told me to give her a report about everything I hear and see and I didn't make it to be Captain of the Guard for nothing. But then again there are moments when I may not be paying too much attention. It's what I got in trouble for the most back in training," Shining said giving Brandon a little knowing smile.

"Now I don't believe that," Brandon returned the smile and a little bit of understanding went between them.

"Dinner is ready!" Lyra called out making both Brandon and Shining stand up and head to the table.

Once they ate Derpy and Lyra volunteered to do the dishes while the other three went to go sit int the living room. After they got settled Brandon could tell Luna wanted to talk but wasn't quite comfortable talking in front of Shining at that moment. He rolled his eyes and finally broke the silence.

"So Luna, I know you saw what I saw this afternoon," Brandon said making Shining look away as if not listening.

"Yes, well it's actually been happening for a minute now. That crack you saw is actually a little bigger now, but the fact that you saw says something about your eyes now," Luna said trying to focus on Brandon rather than Shining.

"Wait, when did it start though? I mean is it dangerous?" Brandon asked.

"It started shortly after you disappeared and no I don't think it's dangerous. At least not yet, but I believe it may be a portal of some kind trying to open here. It's the only thing I can think of that would do that," Luna answered.

"So when you said it's not dangerous yet, that's because if it does open whatever is on the other side may be?" Brandon asked.

"Possibly, but we won't know for certain. Besides this happens from time to time anyway and very rarely do they open. If they do a lot of the time it'll only be tempory." Luna replied.

"Huh, well I guess it could be cool if now I'll be able to see them," Though something was tugging at his gut that this portal if that's what it is, isn't like the others that have tried to open here. But he quickly shook it off but he knew it would still bug him at the back of his mind.

"You okay over there?" Luna asked making him snap out of his thoughts.

"Yeah, just a feeling. So, what's the plan for right now?" Brandon asked.

"Well, how about we watch a good slasher film?" Shining asked making Brandon give a big smile.

Once they settled on which one to watch Shining set up their projector for them and all of them settled in. Though Derpy had to cover her eyes for most of the movie which made Brandon and Lyra give a little chuckle. Which after they decided to head to bed which Derpy found herself in the middle of the pile.

"Night everypony!" Shining called as he walked by.

"Night," They all called back.

"We're so close I just know," A distant female voice said.

"Ma'am are you sure this is the right coordinates? I mean after what happened our systems were scrambled," A male voice this time spoke up.

"Not to mention it's been a little over a year now, how do we even know he's alive?" Yet another voice asked.

"Because he's more of a fighter than any of you think. E-even if he is gone we need to know..." This voice made him feel a twinge in his chest.

"I... we owe him that much after what did happen," The first female voice said.

"But we don't even know..." One of the male voices started.

"I know that, that's why we're going to take precautions. But we need to crack through first," The first female voice said.

"Alright, if you're sure we're almost through then I'll start getting things ready," One of the male voices said, and somehow he felt two of them start to walk away.

"Don't worry, we're going to bring him back. I know he'll be looking forward to meeting......."

Just like that his eyes shot open with tears coming out as the voices faded and as he looked out the bedroom window he saw a fading light in the sky. He knew now for sure that it wasn't just a random occurrence, but even though he had a good idea of who it was he heard he didn't know if he was okay with all that he heard. Though even those voices were fading fast as if just nothing more than a dream.

Author's Note

Remember guys no matter what's going on, try to remember to smile, smile, smile!