The Sparkle In His Soul

Allen groaned softly as he began to stir. Slowly, his eyes began to open. At first, he wasn’t sure where he was again. Then, as he turned and saw Twilight’s bed, he remembered. “Oh yeah,” he mumbled in a voice that was barely audible. Glancing over at the window, Allen saw sunlight peering in from around the edges of the curtains. Looks like the sun’s up. He noted, while rubbing the sleepiness from his eyes.

He looked back to Twilight’s bed and blinked. There to his surprise, he saw the unicorn sitting up, wide-eyed and smiling at him. “Good morning, Allen.”

“Uh, hi…I mean, morning.” Allen grinned briefly as he stretched and let out a short yawn. “Oh, what time is it?”

Twilight glanced over at her alarm clock. “Almost eight.”

“Good.” Allen nodded as he slowly sat up. “Still somewhat early.”

“Yeah. Did you sleep okay?” Twilight asked before stretching out her forelegs.

“Well enough. That is…” Allen began, letting out another yawn.

“Uh-huh.” Twilight continued smiling at him.

He scratched his nose. “I had the strangest dream about my grandpa. Along with some odd sounds and voices and what looked like…ah.” Allen waved his hand. “Nevermind. It was just a weird dream, like dreams tend to be.”

Twilight nodded, then she chuckled. “I know what you mean. I’ve had plenty of crazy dreams.”

Her laugh made Allen smile. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, I did.” She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. “In fact, in my dream, we were still stargazing.”

Allen laughed to himself, recalling Twilight’s little outburst after he awoke briefly during the night. “We weren’t looking at the constellation of Luna by any chance, were we?”

Twilight blinked for a moment. “Actually we were. How did you know that?”

He waved a hand and chuckled. “Just a hunch, and didn’t you show me that while we were stargazing last night?”

She placed a hoof along the side of her head. “Oh, that’s right…how silly of me.” Twilight tilted her head and smiled. “So tell me, Allen. You mentioned majoring in Astronomy at college?”

Allen nodded, shifting his feet under the covers. “That’s right. My parents have been pushing me to major in science. Astronomy…well, it’s actually Astronomy and Astrophysics. It was the only one that really appealed. I mean, at least it seemed to offer the most creative aspect. I don’t know.” He shrugged.

Twilight tapped her hoof along her chin, then shifted under her blanket. “I’m curious. What about science don’t you care for?”

He swayed his head a little. “Well, it’s not that I don’t like science. In fact, science does a lot of neat things and offers explanations to how things work in both the world and the universe.”

“Go on,” Twilight urged, as she was eager to hear more.

Allen closed his eyes briefly while he nodded. “Well, since elementary school, I’ve always found dinosaurs to be really intriguing, but becoming a paleontologist didn’t seem like too good a path to go. You have to climb and dig through a lot of rocky terrain. Not sure that’s something I’d be good at. Plus, I read that it doesn’t pay very well.” Allen paused to scratch his head, just before another thought came to him. His face brightened as he added, “Oh, I’ve also been very fascinated with volcanoes over the years. Of course when I learned that volcanologists sometimes have to get very close to dormant or even active volcanoes…eh, I had a chance of heart. I don’t think I have the stamina to run fast enough if a volcano would erupt. I know that not all lava flows are super fast, but after I read about pyroclastic flows…” Allen crossed his hands and waved them a few times. “That was the end of that. There’s no outrunning a massive cloud of volcanic material that moves over 400 miles an hour.” He shook his head sternly, then glancing up at the ceiling, Allen continued, “So, I then got to thinking about space and everything in it. And that’s why I finally ended up with Astronomy and Astrophysics.”

Twilight smiled. “Well, that was quite informative.” She nodded her head a few times, then raised a hoof. “You offered up logical reasons why you turned the other two fields down. But, I’m sensing that you aren’t telling me everything.”

“Yeah…right.” Allen puffed out a sigh, before looking back at Twilight. “Like I said, it’s not that I don’t like science, it’s just…I don’t really want to be a scientist. I’d rather do something more original, more…expressive.” Allen clenched both of his fists and shook them poetically. “Besides, science requires a lot of math, some of it’s really difficult and advanced stuff that I’m just not that good at.” Allen hung his head and sighed again.

“Oh, well then, what do you want to do?” Twilight asked leaning forward, while crossing her forelegs.

Allen perked up and lightly stretched his back. “For one thing, I love listening to music, and now that I’ve been learning how to work a mixing board.” He smiled grandly. “It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve often wondered what it’d be like to DJ a party. Oh, and aside from music, I love art, of course it takes me a while to draw or paint anything remotely good, but maybe with practice. And back in high school, I often enjoyed writing. It offers so many ways to express yourself. In fact, poetry was a really fun way to do that.”

Twilight raised her eyebrow. “Oh, you wrote poetry?”

Allen scratched his head and chuckled nervously. “I did, of course I doubt it was as good as an experienced poet.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Twilight offered him a hopeful expression. “We all have to start somewhere.”

Thinking back to his work on the mixing board, he had to nod in agreement. “You have a point there. I remember feeling lost the first time I worked on a mixing board.” Allen grinned.

Twilight giggled softly. “Reminds me of when I first started practicing magic. Now, besides poetry, did you do any other writing?”

Allen ran his hand over his chin, taking a moment to think. “It was a little while ago, but I did try working on a novel once, but, again, I know for a fact I need a lot more practice.”

She tilted her head and smiled. “That reminds me of something Princess Celestia used to always say, “Practice is the gateway to incredible things.” So, as long as you do what you love, I’m sure you’ll figure out what you like best. And those are all wonderful, especially since you sound so optimistic when you talk about them.” Twilight closed her eyes and smiled. “And thinking about what you said. I can tell you I love listening to music, and the halls of Canterlot Castle feature some amazing works of art. I try to check them out every chance I can.” She paused for a moment, a sheepish expression formed on her face. “And I’m sure you’ve seen all the books in here.” Allen nodded. “I just love to read. I’m so glad writers create so many different types of work – from reference guides, histories, fiction and of course novels.” She tried not to blush. “And, I enjoy reading a good fantasy novel or poetry book on rainy days…ah, all while sipping a warm cup of tea or cocoa.” Twilight sighed, forgetting herself for a moment.

“That sounds like a great way to spend a rainy day.” Allen closed his eyes and smiled. “But at least, you understand.”

“Of course I do.” Her eyes filled with sympathy. “It’s sad to hear that your parents aren’t letting you pursue your true passions.”

Allen let out a heavy sigh. “I know, it really is, but maybe someday I can make them see the real me.” There was a sudden glimmer of hope in his pale green eyes.

His optimism made Twilight smile, and having Allen here offered her a delightful change from her normal wake up routine. “I’m glad to see you have hope.”

“Yeah, so am I. Ooh.” Allen lightly winced.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked as her carefree expression quickly morphed into one teeming with concern.

Allen held up a hand. “I’m okay.” He closed his eyes and let his head tilt back, before he turned her way. “Just a muscle spasm. “My body doesn’t want me to forget about yesterday.”

“Are you feeling any pain?” Twilight looked at him.

“Some. The muscle twitches are easing, but those few spots on my arms and legs are still a little sore…it’s not too bad though.” Allen chuckled. “Considering I fell off a mountain.”

“Well, if you are hurting, don’t forget the doctor gave you something you can take for the pain.” Twilight reminded him.

Allen nodded. “Yeah. I put the bottle with my stuff.” He looked at Twilight and lightly shook his head.

“What?”

“Yesterday was a day of firsts for me. I was involved in a science experiment that involved teleportation. Then, I ended up on an alien world, fell off a mountain and was saved thanks to the help of two Pegasus ponies and a unicorn.” Allen started to laugh, as to any normal human this would sound like some crazy dream or maybe part of bad buzz.

Twilight let out a soft chuckle. Even though what happened to Allen, minus the experiment wasn’t too uncommon an occurrence for Equestria, she could see how it seemed a bit much for someone that came from a world bereft of such things. “Like you said, a day of firsts.”

“Yeah.”

Twilight stretched out her forelegs again and stifled a yawn. Then, before either could say another word, her stomach growled. “Oh my.” Twilight blushed a little. “What do you say we head downstairs and have some breakfast?”

Allen stretched again. “Mmm, that sounds good. I’m surprised my belly wasn’t growling.”

Twilight giggled as she walked over to her vanity and gave her hair a good brushing. Meanwhile, Allen pulled on his pants and proceeded to get dressed. Once the two were ready, they made their way downstairs.

* * * * * *

It was a peaceful Wednesday morning in Canterlot. The sun was slowly making its way into the sky. In her room, Princess Celestia let out a faint yawn as she continued to sleep. The thing she loved about Wednesdays was that they were her one day to sleep in. Aside from waking long enough to raise the sun, she could then lay back down and still catch a few extra hours of rest.

The middle of the week saw the royal court’s slowest days. They were mostly a time for meetings and paperwork. Royal subjects and the nobles didn’t storm their way to the castle with their newest rants until the end of the week, most of the time. In fact, the majority of Celestia’s appointments and various appearances didn’t take place till late in the week or on the weekend.

With that in mind, she enjoyed the rare instance of not having a care in the world, well, at least not until ten o’clock. Celestia would usually drag herself out of bed between 8:30 and 9:00, but it was a far cry better than having to stay up after raising the sun.

The princess turned over and bid her eyes to open. Glancing at her alarm clock, she stared until the hands and face came into focus. “Ah…8:35.” She let out a rather lengthy yawn and smacked her lips. Celestia shuffled around under her blankets, partially sitting up. “Might as well get up,” she murmured.

The princess threw back the covers with her golden magic and slowly made her way onto her hooves. She enjoyed a quick stretch and fluffed her lovely white wings, before donning her regalia. Stopping in front of her vanity mirror, Celestia made sure her crown was on straight. Thanks to her magic, her colorful mane was already flowing majestically, prim, and lovely. “That should do it…and of course. Can’t seem to wake up without needing a trip to the little filly’s room.”

Celestia sighed as she went into the bathroom and relieved herself. After washing up, she doubled checked her mane and stepped back into her bedroom. “I don’t know why, but I always end up peeing a river when I wake up.” She placed a hoof to her mouth and laughed. “It’s a good thing I’m alone. That would certainly be a crude thing for a princess to say in public.”

She chuckled again as she walked past her desk. Glancing over, she noticed a scroll resting on it. “Oh, what’s this? Ah, Twilight must have sent a letter.” Her horn lit up with a golden yellow glow as she unrolled the parchment. Celestia held it up to her magenta eyes and began to read it. “Dear Princess Celestia.” She smiled. “I never get tired of that. Hmmm, this must be the report from her trip to the Smokey Mountains.” Celestia continued reading the letter. “Aha, so the reports were correct. Huh, what’s this? “We found a dragon chasing someone.”” Her eyes widened. “Merry Way, come here!!” Celestia cried.

The door to her room flew open and in galloped her faithful maid and servant. The white mare stopped in front of the princess, clad in her maid’s attire as she bowed respectfully. “You called, princess?”

Celestia turned to face Merry Way. “Yes. Please go and get Princess Luna at once. Tell her it’s an urgent matter and to meet me in my private dining room.”

Merry Way rose and blinked her bright blue eyes. “Of course, but, Your Grace, Princess Luna is sleeping right now. Do you want me to wake her?” She asked with considerable reluctance.

The princess paused and closed her eyes. Merry Way’s concern for Luna sleeping was touching. It’s one of the reasons Celestia was so grateful to have her among her castle maid staff.

Celestia turned to Merry Way, a serious but gracious look in her eyes. “Yes. I know my sister is resting, but this won’t wait.”

The maid nodded dutifully. “Of course. Will there we anything else, Your Grace?”

“No, that is all. Thank you, Merry Way.” Celestia managed a smile as Merry Way bowed again and then promptly departed. The princess grabbed the letter and exited her room.

* * * * * *

Celestia stood near the large table in her private dining room and just shook her head. The door opened as Luna made her way inside. She joined her older sister at the table, covering her mouth as she yawned. “Ahh…what’s so important that you had to wake me up already?” Luna shook her head and stretched her dark blue wings. “You know today is my transition day. And it’s nowhere near eleven.”

“I know.” Celestia lowered her head. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’m quite aware this is your transition day, dear sister.”

“Yes.” Luna yawned again. “Why is it as we move into spring and the nights grow shorter that my transition days take place sooner?”

Celestia simply smiled and raised a hoof. “Well as the weather becomes warmer and the days longer, our subjects wish to see more of their princesses.”

“I suppose I can’t hold that against them or be too upset.” Luna was still a bit groggy, but managed a sincere smile. “It’s just a little tricky to adjust from being up most of the night, so I can be around to sit in on the busier court days for our subjects later in the week…mmm, and join in on the weekend functions, whatever they may be.” Luna stretched her shoulders and smiled. “Well, at least my Midnight Proxy and my Lunar Guards can tend to the night when I’m not around.” The princess shook her head and yawned again. “Pardon me, dear sister. Mmm, most of me is awake.”

Celestia couldn’t help but giggle. “Of course. And I do apologize again for waking you so soon.”

“Well, it is nearly nine and I wasn’t up that late…only till a little after three. So, what did you need me for?” Luna blinked curiously.

Celestia turned to the table and grabbed the letter. “I received this letter from Twilight. It has her report on the Smokey Mountains.”

“And?” Luna stifled a yawn.

“It looks like the rumors and reports we heard were correct. There is dragon activity there.” Celestia held up the letter.

“Hmm, but I can only wonder what stirred them up. Unless, you don’t think that premonition you had could mean anything?” Luna kept her eyes on her sister, while partially raising a hoof.

“I still don’t have enough proof. But, there’s more.” Celestia sighed after glancing back at the letter. “Apparently, dragons weren’t the only thing Twilight discovered in the mountains.”

Luna stepped closer to Celestia. “What else did she find?”

“Well, see for yourself.” Celestia presented the letter to Luna.

She took it in the grip of her soft blue magic. “Hmm, what does it…” Luna read the letter and then turned to Celestia, her teal eyes had gone wide. “Can it really be true? They found a human?”

Celestia sighed. “That’s what the letter says.”

Luna’s mouth hung open for a moment. “After all this time…one has found a way to come back here?”

Celestia shook her head, looking back to the letter. “No, I do not believe so. According to Twilight, it wasn’t intentional.”

“It wasn’t?”

“It seems the human came here by accident.” Celestia explained, setting the letter down.

Luna turned to Celestia and rubbed her hoof over her chin. “Well then, what should we do about this?”

“I thought about that.” Celestia began. She cast her gaze out a nearby window and then looked at Luna. “I’m going to write back to Twilight. I think it’d be best for one of us to go to Ponyville and see if she really has found a human.”

Luna gave a nod. “I agree. And at least we know one thing. There isn’t anything to fear from humans. You remember as well as I do that they were once our greatest allies.”

Celestia closed her eyes and hung her head. “Yes, I remember only all too well.” She sighed heavily. “It was a sad day when we had to say goodbye.”

“And then, there was that last battle against…” Luna was cut off.

Celestia held up a hoof and gave Luna a stern look. “We swore never to speak of that day!”

Luna’s ears drooped and she nodded solemnly. “I know. And to see you react this way, all these centuries later…Celestia. I’m sorry.”

The elder princess shook her head. “It’s all right, Luna. I know he meant a lot to you as well.”

Luna nodded. “Yes, but not nearly as much as he meant to you, sister.”

Celestia stood there for a moment, trying not to let the painful memories of her past enter her conscious mind. She banished them with another sigh, then turned to Luna. “I’ll send a reply to Twilight after we eat breakfast. I was hoping you’d join me.”

Luna cast out another yawn and stretched her back again. “Hmm, I was going to lay back down…but.” She took a few sniffs. “Are the chefs making what I think they’re making?” She turned her head and gave Celestia a look her elder sister was all too familiar with. “Is that cinnamon I smell too?”

Placing a hoof over her mouth, Celestia laughed. “Yes, I know what you like, and I figured it’s the least I could do for having to get you up so soon.”

Luna’s face softened and she smiled, less groggily. “Okay, I’d be happy to then. Oh, and if you’d prefer, I can go to Ponyville…that way you can see to things here and you know seeing another human...the memories. It could be painful.” Luna cautioned.

Celestia stood there in silence for a moment, echoing voices from her past spoke a few incoherent lines, but nevertheless, she knew which they were. Then, turning to Luna, Celestia nodded. “Yes, Luna, you may go in my place. You’re probably right, little sister, it would be best…at least for now.” Celestia shook her head and managed a smile. “Now come on, why don’t we eat?”

Luna smiled and stood right up beside her sister. “Of course, big sister.” The two shared a loving hug, then took a seat at the table. A few moments later, their servants came out with a series of plates and platters, nice and piping hot. Luna’s eyes widened in anticipation, while Celestia just chuckled.

* * * * * *

Allen swallowed the last bite of his eggs and leaned against the back of his chair. “Mmm, that really hit the spot, Twilight.” He smiled.

Twilight took another sip of orange juice from her glass. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

He scratched his belly, before downing the last of his orange juice. “Man, that was good. You’re a great cook.”

“I’m glad you think so. Of course, I could probably use more practice.” Twilight laughed. “You know it’s nice when I can cook. Usually, Spike does most of the cooking for me, with the exception of those days we go out.” Twilight ate the last forkful of her potatoes. “Yeah, reading all those books and cooking with Pinkie Pie and Applejack is paying off. I’m glad I let Spike sleep in today.”

Allen smiled as he looked around. “Ah, I was wondering why I didn’t see him. And…” He snickered. “Is that odd sound from the back of the library, Spike snoring?”

Twilight covered her mouth as she giggled. “Yep, that’s him all right.”

“Now I know what a baby dragon sounds like snoring.” Allen laughed as he sat up in his chair and placed his fork on his plate. Then, taking his napkin, he wiped his mouth one more time. “And I’d have never guessed you ponies ate food like this.”

“What makes you say that?” Twilight looked at him inquisitively.

“Well, on my world horses and ponies eat things like hay and oats. Not foods like nachos or scrambled eggs. But then again, on my world they don’t talk either.” Allen chuckled, while lightly shaking his head.

Twilight smiled at him. “Does that mean you like the fact that we do?”

He nodded, before trying to get every last drop of juice out of his glass. “Of course. I can’t say I’d be too fond of eating nothing but hay and oats. And it’s really awesome that you all can talk.” Allen covered his mouth as he burped. “Excuse me. Those eggs and potatoes were great. I’m still tasting them.”

“I’m so glad you liked them. And it’s refreshing to meet someone else that enjoys them scrambled with cheese.” Twilight sighed as she placed her fork on her empty plate. “So often I’m the odd ball out wanting scrambled eggs, while everypony else seems to like theirs over easy or sunny side up.”

Allen lightly grimaced as he swayed his head back and forth. “Eh, eggs are all right over easy, but they can be messy, and I just love mine scrambled with cheese. By the way, what type of cheese did you say you used on those?”

Twilight leaned back in her chair. “I used Equestrian Cheese. It has a really mild and creamy taste, plus it melts so good over things like eggs.” She chuckled. “It really goes well with cheddar when you melt it in with pasta, like macaroni.”

Allen nodded as his mouth watered from the thought of a nice mess of macaroni and cheese. “Sounds tasty. Of course…” Allen patted his gut. “I really need to start watching my carbs.” He cast out a heavy sigh. “There are so many days I sit back and can’t believe I let myself go like this.”

Twilight blinked, placing her hooves on the edge of the table. “So then, are you saying that not all humans look like you, Allen? It was something I’ve been wondering about.”

He shook his head. “No, not really. I mean there are plenty of large people like me, but most are skinnier than I am. It’s a real problem.”

She gave him a puzzled look. “Why would being a little chunky be a problem? There are plenty of ponies a little on the plus size in Equestria. Though,” Twilight placed a hoof to her chin and glanced toward the ceiling. “They do tend to live more in the bigger cities.”

“Yes well, I’m not sure how it is in your world, but it can lead to a number of health issues for people like me.” Allen looked past Twilight and scratched his cheek.

“Well, then, why did you, as you said, “let yourself go”?” Twilight asked leaning forward. “Oh, I’m not being too nosy, am I?”

Allen shook his head. “No, you’re fine. And I’ve given it a lot of thought over the past few years. In a nutshell, I think it’s because of my parents.” He sighed again.

Twilight ran her hoof over her chin. “Hmm, you mentioned them before. And how they won’t let you pursue your dreams.”

Allen nodded. “That’s right. And trying to live up to their high expectations, doing things I hate is anything but relaxing.” He lowered his head and closed his eyes. “I think that’s why I eat all the wrong things and ended up letting myself go. I mean, I wanted to try going to the gym, but between work and going to classes, I just feel so tired afterwards. And I don’t have much time as it is for my hobbies, like audio mixing.”

The unicorn gave him sympathetic eyes. “That’s so sad.”

“Yeah, that’s how I feel about it.” Allen sighed, then looked over at her. “And speaking of my weight. I have to wonder.”

“And what’s that?” Twilight asked.

“We know how well my last trip to the…Smokey Mountains was it?” She nodded. “We know how well that went. Even though you and your friends will be going back with me, is it really good for me to go like this?” Allen looked at her, a less than confident look on his face.

Twilight looked down at the table for a moment, before looking back at Allen. “Since we got back from the hospital last night, I’ve been wondering about that.” She perked up and smiled. “But I do have an idea, if you’d like to hear it?”

“Sure.” Allen smiled as he leaned forward, placing a hand on the table.

“I know a stallion that could teach some basic defense skills, and if you’d like, I could also have him teach you sword play. I have my magic, and my friends have their own unique skills, but it might be a good idea if you could defend yourself in case we get separated or we run into anything wild or that dragon again.”

Allen thought about what she said for a moment, then his eyes lit up at her mention of the word “sword”. “Wait, you mean he’d teach me how to use an actual sword?”

She smiled and nodded. “Of course I do.”

He placed both hands on the table and partially stood up, a more than excited look on his face. “That would be so awesome!”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle at his enthusiasm. “I’m glad you seem so eager to learn.”

Allen grinned. “Are you kidding? I’ve always dreamed of learning sword play.” He turned his head and grimaced. “Only, since my grandfather passed away, my parents refuse to let me learn anything cool like that.” He sighed. “They say it’d be a waste of time.”

The more Twilight learned about Allen’s parents, the less she liked them. She couldn’t believe how cruel they were to their own son. True, they probably wanted what they thought was best for him, but still, their methods seemed poorly chosen. “Well, while you’re here, you’ll get that chance.”

The excitement remained on his face. “Sweet. Oh, there is one other thing I wanted to mention.”

“And what’s that?” Twilight asked.

Allen pulled out his cell phone. “Well, I trust the mountains are a really large area, right?”

Twilight nodded as she stretched out her hoof. “Large is an understatement. The area is enormous! Oh, and that’s right, you said your phone could help us find the recall rod.”

“Mm-hmm.” Allen nodded, then he held up his phone. “Right now I have a 68% charge left on my phone’s battery. But, I don’t know if that’ll be enough to explore the mountains and find the recall rod. And you don’t have electric outlets on your world, do you?” He looked at her trying to recall the hospital and things he’s seen at her place.

“As a matter of fact we do.” She smiled.

“Do you think there’s any chance my charger cord could fit in your outlets then?” He fished out his charge and placed it on the table.

Twilight ensnared it in the raspberry glow of her magic, bringing it over to her. She held it up and examined the plug very carefully. “Hmm. This looks similar to our outlets…but, the prongs are different than ours.”

Allen placed both his hands on the table and looked at her questioningly. “Different how?”

“Well…” Twilight rose from her chair and walked over to the counter. She pointed her hoof to one of the outlets. “This is what our outlets look like.”

Allen stood up form his chair and joined her, studying the outlet. “Hmm, it looks similar…oh, I see.”

“Yeah.” Twilight showed him as she failed to get it to fit the slots in the wall. “While the plug on your charger and the holes in the outlet look like they should be compatible, there’s a difference in their design.”

“Right, I can see that.” Allen scratched his chin. “There’s a slight size variance.”

“Mm-hmm,” Twilight nodded. “But, not to worry.” She held up his charger cord. “I have some equipment in the basement I use for experiments and research. And, my comprehension of electronics is quite good. I’m not sure how long it’ll take, but I could probably make some sort of outlet adapter that would enable your charger to work.” Twilight nodded confidently.

“That’s good to hear.” Allen smiled, then stood there for a moment. “Okay, then. If you take me to see this stallion, I can work on learning defensive sills…and how to use a sword.”

Twilight chuckled at the giddiness in Allen’s voice. “And while you do that, I can start work on the adapter.”

A look of hope and confidence formed on Allen’s face. “Looks like we have a plan.”

“We sure do. Come on, I’m going to leave Spike a note, then we can head out.”

“Okay.” Allen followed Twilight up stairs to her study. There, she penned a note for Spike. After checking a few things and a couple books, she gave him a nod. The two made their way back downstairs. Twilight left the note where Spike couldn’t help but find it, and then she and Allen departed out the front door, closing it silently behind them.