Rising Hope 2: The Harmony Of Equestria.

Ponyville Spa, 12:30 A.M.

''So... how do you think they're doing?''

That was a question that is currently driving a proverbial wedge on everyone's mind. Only three days have passed since the human departed alongside Twilight, Spike, Kanaranx, Applejack along with Rainbow Dash to go and rectify important matters, namely getting Twilight's child some proper sustenance in addition to appeasing Jamir's need/love for meat. Who could blame him? Besides the mares that he loves with all his heart, this also gets put to his list of imperative things. As he settled inside the warm waters of the spa, all the tension, worry along the filth of assisting Big Macintosh with applebucking vanished. Letting the water relax his stiff muscles, Frank hummed in comfort. Hey, applebucking was particularly hard this time around seeing as the 2nd strongest mare he knows cannot be reached, thus the slow, yet daunting task of striking the trees for their apples not only paid out with bits to spend, but also a sore body. Thinking to himself, the notion of Twilight being pregnant struck him like a bolt of lighting: some indication of being possible certainly was not thrown out of his mind, though seemed to be a scratch on the surface. A bout of happiness was present at the time with finding his best friend, his 'brother' in a sense took a huge step that really separates a man from a boy. The very first thing to do was to celebrate: however with the imprisonment, courtesy of warden Sergo put a major damper on that plan for the time being.

''Let me come with you: this seems like it could be a trap and I would rather be there to help you out of that then to sit by like a lump on a log.'' Frank pleaded with the human as he finished packing up his bags to depart for the Dragon Outlands. Halting his light packing for a second, he looked to his friend and chuckled somewhat before moving over and setting a firm, but comforting hand on his shoulder.

''I understand your willingness to come and help me out: know that it is appreciated...but I do have a reason for having you to stay here: I'm gonna need you stay here not only to help keep the peace while we're gone, but to also help out and keep the Diamond Dogs in check. This is not like the Griffon Kingdom: based on what Kanaranx was able to inform me about, it seems to be wise to have as few standouts as possible. Just a simple pick up and come back, nothing too crazy, I promise. This is one of those issues that I am confident that you can understand...besides you have your own responsibilities. You have Lavender whilst I have the girls: better to be one of us here to have the town at ease should something happen.'' The human walked downstairs to prep for departure.

''Right.'' Frank sounded down. Grumbling, he began to go down to see him off, but Twilight came in to chat with him.

''You okay Frank? You seem...sad.'' Twilight tilted her head. ''Want to talk about it?'' She offered a spot on the bed.

''I-It's just that.'' He paused. ''I don't get why ever since Jamir got the ability to cast magic he's seemed to be...a little more protective of me than he is you girls, if not as equally.'' He looked to the floor in frustration. He must been staring for a good minute before the unicorn cleared her throat and spoke.

''For somepony like me: this can only be a theory until proved proven otherwise but I believe the reason why Jamir is more aware of what's happening around him is due to the fear of losing you.'' She held a hoof to her chin.

No, that couldn't be the reason why. Could it? Nonsense is what that is, for no sudden reason would that be a valid outcome of that. Frank is by no means weak as he can handle his own, however small for the other side of this discussion...he finds some ground with Twilight's reasoning. With his level of magic and his Armour makes the human a formidable foe and one not to be trifled with or defeated nor deterred easily, plus he has been the recent target in the scope of those who come across their paths. Reassuring him did next to nothing as the decision to stay in Ponyville remained firm.

''That may as well be it right there Twilight: because nothing else is coming to me.'' He grew silent. Noticing this, she came over,embraced him in a hug, then left.

''Frank, if you only can only grasp one thing from all this: let it be this: Jamir only is doing what he does as a friend, protector, lover and father: protecting those and that which he loves. I know that you know that,  and it's perfectly fine to feel that way. Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it and hopefully you've gained some light on this matter.'' She proceeded downstairs.

''Hmm...'' He pondered to himself.

With time passing by, he had just that: time to reflect on both of their words and come to a conclusion.

''They'll be fine: we have no need to worry.'' The steam helped to clear out Frank's sinuses and allowed him to breath better. The atmosphere around the room emanated a curious and worrisome aura, but shifted to one of calmness and peace. The unicorn guard below him sighed as he slowly climbed into the pool with him, letting the herbal properties of the spa water gave his coat a sleeker finish.

''Good, I thought for a minute that I was the only pony that had a slight concern.'' Valiant huffed. That statement by itself is a tad odd, but another voice laid gave way to a more favorable opinion.

''I felt the same way, but i'm sure they'll be okay.'' Fluttershy relaxed into her massage.

''Same here but I kinda wish we could come with them instead of just patrolling Ponyville.'' Iron facehoofed.

''Cannonball!'' A shrill voice sounded from above with a massive splash!

''Pinkie!'' Everyone scolded.

Rising out of the water and playing with her forehooves, she thought no harm of that.

''Sorry.'' She chuckled.

At that point another scream was heard, though this one in particular was accompanied by a groan of discomfort and the sound of a instant drying spell.

''Could you please take more precaution when you dive in Pinkie Pie: you almost ruined my mane.'' Rarity went over the massage tables. In all, everyone at the spa held thoughts of worry, concern or doubt but nonetheless figured next to nothing could be done at the moment: just wait for their friends and family to return to them with good news. Yet there are a few others who also feel more or less the same without directly showing it.

Canterlot Throne Room:

Everyone has the same emotions and are susceptible to falling victim to love, hate, rage, sadness, and emptiness: even the princesses. One key difference puts those emotions apart: immortality. Unlike others who can pick and choose then move on with love, Alicorns cannot. Once they pick a mate that's it. There is no second chance, no other option, none. The heart of a Alicorn only beats for one they truly and wholeheartedly love. A bond forms between the lovers, syncing their lifespans together by whatever means that are required. In short: eternal love. But there is a backlash effect to this: not done correctly can result in the destruction of the desired host or worse. For both to exist in harmony there is a ritual that has to be performed: ''Claiming.'' Due to the confusion and sudden departure of the human to the bowels of the Griffon Kingdom prison, the sisters never had the right chance to do so and the outcome of that is the slow, and inevitable painful procedure of withdrawal from the host.

Celestia along with Luna stood at the balcony outside, displaying the entire view of Canterlot to gaze upon as they contemplated.

''Sister.'' Luna sounded worried. ''D-Do you think that-

Her sister put a hoof to her mouth.

''...Yes, I do. This is most troublesome, indeed. We have to complete the ritual on time or else-'' She couldn't finish. This news disturbed both of the goddesses. No amount of magic can fix this dilemma, only love can. But their mate is miles upon miles away from them and something as simple as going to retrieve him would pose no threat to an Alicorn's heart as they are willing to fight to the death to protect and keep their property. Nothing too extreme, crazy or mad matters: once fully claimed, anything and everything will be done to keep that love. It is their life force that bonds them on levels inconceivable to mortals. Their thoughts, desires, fears, everything that can be possibly known between them is there: no matter where, when, why, or whatever it may be: they know and are suffering because of it.  The darkness also consumes the two sisters and threatens to destroy all which they hold dear if not careful.  At the most Celestia and Luna figured a few days before the symptoms arise, spelling possible doom. Both felt...alone, scared, unwanted, hurt and scarred.

A huge knife was torn in both of their hearts like a virus, left to fester and make sickness. They wanted him, they needed him. To feel his gentle touch, hear his soothing voice, for him to use his pride to lay claim to and ravage their bodies to no end: whisper sweet nothingness into both their ears and make the known world aware that he owns the princesses and they him.

''What do we do? Even now, I feel myself slipping...we need...him.'' Luna struggled to keep her composure.

''I agree...as well: we need to complete the ritual before late. But I also worry for the integrity of Canterlot should we up and leave.'' The solar princess sighed. In most cases, pretty much everything else that was not the safety of their subjects or land proved to be of no immediate importance.

...And yet love knows no limits.

''I will go sister.'' Luna ruffled her wings for flight.

''No, I should-

''Sister.'' Luna stared to the distance. ''I can do this, just give me the chance. Besides the longer we wait, the longer I have the urge to just randomly punt Blueblood to the nearest wall.''

''I second that.'' Celestia thought.

''Very well.'' She decided. ''Go...and bring our mate back to us: I can hardly contain this feeling in my chest.'' Celestia shuddered.

''I know: tis the same for me. Worry not, I will return with our mate: you can hold us to that.'' Luna hopped off the balcony and blasted off, creating a miniature soundwave that pushed Celestia back and chipped a few pieces the stone railing off as the trailing sound of the barrier being cracked echoed through and thrummed Celestia's ears however it could due to her casting a sound dampening spell at the last second.

''You're doing it again Luna: acting without thinking.'' The solar princess rubbed her ears and sighed. Walking back inside, she hoped to take her mind off the increasing feelings of lust and consuming darkness however one is able to do that.