Holy Hearts

"...Are you ready," Spike asked his companion.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Okay. Let's end this mess."

Twilight and Spike headed towards the main hall of their castle. Spike's personal business with the ghost that haunted it was about to be settled.

"I'm sorry this happened to you, Spike. I normally don't condone revenge, but there's no reason for that thing to stay here any longer."

"This isn't about revenge; it's about peace. We're tired and worn down from all these years of struggle. We'll never even know if this could've been avoided."

"True..."

Spike turned to Twilight and kneeled down.

"Hey, don't get so down in the dumps. It's almost over."

This lifted Twilight's spirits a little.

"You're right."

"Of course I am. Come on. Let's keep going."

When they were near the table where they would make their preparations, Spike had an idea to lighten up the mood.

"Race you there, you old hag."

Twilight was insulted for a moment before realizing what he was up to. Her glare changed to a devilish smile.

"You're on, whippersnapper."

The two ran for a few seconds before Twilight teleported. She reappeared on top of the table.

"Hey, that's cheating!"

"Well, you didn't say there were any rules."

"You got me there."

They laughed for a while, letting the nervousness dissipate. With a smile on her face, Twilight had a request for Spike.

"Spike?"

Still laughing a little, Spike responded.

"Yeah?"

"I don't really know what's going to happen, but in case we don't make it, I just want to tell you that I love you, and I'm glad you were there for me when I needed you the most."

Spike stopped laughing, but like Twilight, he too, was still smiling.

"I love you too Twi."

"Will you kiss me one more time?"

Spike place a hand over one of her cheeks.

"Your wish is my command, my gothic queen."

Twilight blushed slightly, but she craved his touch all the same. Spike locked lips with her for what seemed like eternity. When he finally broke the kiss, a feeling of calm had passed over them. There was no fear or pain; only two conjoined hearts ready to take on the world if need be.

"Promise me you'll never leave my side."

"I wouldn't even dream of it, Spike."

Spike held Twilight's hoof in his hands. He was the happiest dragon alive, and no ghost was going to take that away from him.

When the preparations were completed, Spike reached into his hoodie for the book of exorcisms, the blessed water on the table where he'd previously raced Twilight began to recite a prayer.

"Goddess of light, lead our way in this darkest hour. Restrain the evils that may do us harm. Grant us protection from those unseen and unheard. Guard our hearts and minds from the guillotine of despair. Hear our pleas and the cries of the dead, and put them to rest."

For a while, nothing happened. Then, out of the blue, there was a flash of light that blinded the their sight recovered, the ghost that haunted Spike all those years ago stood before them.

"You're here..."

Spike and the ghost stared each other down.

"I was hoping I wouldn't see you again. There's no point in talking. You've been watching me from the beginning of all know what's about to happen. The easy or hard way; what's it gonna' be?"

"Spike, calm down."

Spike turned his attention to the soft voice next to him.

"You know what it did to us, Twilight. I was so lonely and isolated for years."

"I was too. I spent everyday worrying about you, but stop and feel this one's energy. I don't sense anything evil about it."

"What!?"

"Close your eyes."

"But what if something happens to you?"

Twilight place a hoof gently on his face.

"I'll be okay. Trust me."

"...I do, and always will."

Spike did as he was told. At first, it was dark; an all-consuming blackness. However, aftera few minutes, and image began to form. It was the ghost. Spike couldn't fully make it out until a little more time had passed, but he eventually began to realize it was the ghost. It was enveloped in a white light.

"What's going on?"

"Can you see it now, Spike? It's not dangerous. I think it wants to be sent to the afterlife."

Spike opened his eyes, the aura was gone, but the desire for peace was now present in all three of them.

"Is...Is that what you wanted?"

Finally responding for the first time since they met, the ghost appeared to nod.

"I guess looking back on it, I have no one to blame but myself. I felt like I couldn't trust anyone, and I let those feelings control me."

"There's always someone you can trust, Spike."

Twilight held is hand in a comforting embrace.

"Always..."

"...Goodbye, whoever you are. Thank you for making me realize what I was missing."

The ghost nodded again with a mellow smile. Spike proceeded to read off the exorcism several times. Slowly but surely, the ghost faded out. Once it was gone, Spike closed the book for the last time.

"...So...What are we going to do now," Twilight asked.

"I'm putting these away. Maybe one day, our children will use them."

"But spike, we can't..."

"We can adopt. I have more than enough love to give at this point."

"...I'm proud of you."

"For what?"

"You've matured a lot. I may be book smart, but you're street smart; much more so than anyone I've ever known."

"Don't sell yourself short. You have better self-control than I do."

"That comes from experience and wisdom. You'll get there."

"Maybe..."

"I love you, and I have faith in you. I know you'll make it through whatever comes your way."

"Thanks. I'm glad you think so."

"I know so."

"I'm tired. I'll put this stuff away and go to sleep. Goodnight."

"Um...Spike...?"

"Hm?"

"Will you sleep with me tonight? I don't want to be alone."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"...Alright."

Spike pulled his hood over his head to hide his embarrassment as he walked away. Twilight looked on with a smile.

"So cute..."