The Sparkle In His Soul

The spa door jingled as Allen and Rarity stepped inside. Immediately, Allen’s nose was assaulted with the various perfumes, oils, and incenses that were drifting through the air. Oddly enough, he found the mixture of the fragrances to be quite pleasant.

“So, this is the spa, huh?” Allen asked as he turned Rarity’s way.

“That’s right. Come on, darling.” Rarity smiled grandly as she led them to the front counter. There, she rang the bell.

Barely a moment passed, before Lotus arrived at the counter. Allen watched as the light cerulean mare flipped back a stray lock of her pale rose mane, which had slipped out from under her white headband. The human froze for a moment as he noticed Lotus’s azure eyes on him, before she turned to acknowledge Rarity.

“Ah, Miss Rarrity, welcome. I trust you’re here for your “usual”?” Lotus smiled happily, while greeting one of her favorite customers.

Rarity returned Lotus’s jubilant expression. “Why yes. And I’ve brought a guest with me, Lotus.” The unicorn turned and glanced over at Allen. “He could use one of your best massages. Now, would you and Aloe please take good care of him?” Rarity blinked her eyes earnestly.

Lotus turned to look over at Allen again. She tried not to let her mouth drop, before she responded, “Why yes. Would you parrdon me for just a moment?” The spa pony vanished behind the enclosed counter.

Allen stood there with a charmed smile on his face. Wow, she has an adorable accent. It sounds Swedish. He snickered.

Rarity turned to Allen. “What? Why are you smirking like that, Allen?”

He chuckled again. “Nothing. I just found her accent very charming.”

“Ah. I know what you mean, darling.” Rarity closed her eyes and tittered softly.

Lotus had slipped out from the counter and made her way to the massaging area. She smiled as she discovered Aloe at the massage tables. “Ah, sister, there you arre.”

Aloe finished restocking the towels at one of the tables, before she looked up at Lotus. “Yes, I’m here, replacing towels. Is everything okay?” Aloe asked, a slight look of surprise on her face.

“Yes…um. Just come with me.” Lotus placed a foreleg around Aloe and pulled her from the tables. “Over herre.”

Lotus had them stand behind the large leaves of a decorative plant. “Look there in the waiting area.”

Aloe puckered her lips funny as she wondered why Lotus was suddenly acting more than a little bazaar. Nevertheless, she did as he sister instructed. A joyful smile formed on the Aloe’s pale rose face. “Ah, I see Miss Rarrity is herre.”

Lotus face-hoofed. “No, no, no. Next to Miss Rarrity…look she brought a guest.”

Aloe shifted her gaze as she noticed the peculiar creature standing next to Rarity. “Oh my, who or what is he?”

“I don’t know, but she asked that we give him a massage. We could see if he’d talk while we do our thing. I wonder where he’s from or what he might be.” Lotus remarked, doing her best to remain hidden behind the decorative shrub.

Aloe laughed at her sister. “For all your usual curiosity, I see you’re still being a little shy.”

Lotus frowned at Aloe as she playfully scolded, “Don’t tease me, Aloe, not yet.”

Aloe just smiled. “I’ll make sure things arre ready for them. You go get them shecked in.”

“Of course.” Lotus winked as she made her way back to the counter.

Rarity stood there lightly tapping her hoof on the floor. “Well, this is a tad unusual for here.”

Allen looked at her and nodded, before he said, “I wonder where Lotus went?”

No sooner had Allen asked and the spa pony returned to the counter. She closed her eyes and lightly lowered her head, before she said, “So sorry about that. I had to sheck on something in the back. But yes. We’d be happy to help your friend. Let me just have you two sign in and I’ll get you two back to the shanging arrea.”

Allen tried not to grin, but for some reason Lotus’s accent just tickled him. He couldn’t explain it. Rarity slid the clipboard with the sign in sheet his way. Allen took the quill that was resting on it. He studied it curiously, before it dawned on him that he saw Twilight using one when she was working on a letter last night.

The human looked around until he found the inkwell. He dipped the quill in and then scratched down his name, right under Rarity’s. “There we go.”

Lotus looked at the clipboard. “Okay, Miss Rarrity and…Allen. If you two would just come around and step this way, please.” The spa pony stepped away from the counter and led them out of the waiting room and back past the large plant she and her sister had just been hiding behind. They went a little further and Lotus held up a hoof presenting them with the changing area. “Here. You can each step behind one of the two scrreens and put on a robe.

Lotus swallowed a little nervously. “Uh, let me know if you have any trouble getting one of our robes on, Allen.”

Allen smiled at Lotus’s thoughtfulness. Then he waved a dismissing hand. “Not to worry, it should be fine.” He nodded recalling he was able to wear a robe at Rarity’s place.

Looking his way, Lotus nodded. “Okay, but if you should have any trouble, please don’t hesitate to call for me.”

Rarity and Allen each went behind one of the two privacy screens. Allen had been so taken with Lotus’s accent, which really reminded him of someone Swedish, that he’d nearly forgotten that he still had the bundle with his old clothing. “Uh, where do I put my clothes and I forgot I was carrying a thing with my other clothing.”

Allen stood there for a moment, he wondered if the spa pony would come behind the screen, though he was still dressed, so he didn’t think it’d be a concern. That was when he heard her call back to him, “Therre arre some drawers along the wall. You can put your clothing therre. If you need a whole drawer, that’s fine. Wednesday is one of our slow days.”

He checked the wall, and just as Lotus had stated, there, Allen found a series of drawers. He pulled one out and smiled. “Here were go.” He turned toward Lotus. “I found them. Thank you, Lotus.”

“You’re welcome!” She called back.

Allen chuckled again, still quite taken with her accent as he placed his bundle of old clothing in and then added his new attire after he undressed. After closing the drawer, he saw a small assortment of robes hanging on a rack close to the screen. He examined the selection and chose a simple white one that had blue trim and a cloth belt.

After donning the robe and tying the belt, he stepped out from the screen. He took a shaky breath, but felt more at ease given that he kept his underwear on. All he wanted was a massage, thanks to Rarity he was already fresh and clean from showering.

Rarity emerged from her screen. She was clad in her usual white and yellow robe accented with a fancy cursive purple ‘R’ and tied with a purple cloth belt. Rarity looked over at Allen and held up a hoof. “Enjoy whatever you’d like, Allen. They do more than just massages. Me, myself, I’m going to soak my hooves to start. I’ll probably be here for a few hours at least. But if you don’t want more than a massage, feel free to head out once you’re done. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, darling.”

Allen lightly bowed his head respectfully. “Thank you again, Rarity. I can’t begin to thank you for your kindness.”

Rarity crossed a hoof over her shoulder. “Oh come now. It’s nothing really. And you’re more than welcome.” With that, Rarity left Allen to whatever he wished.

Lotus walked over to Allen. Once again she looked at him with due fascination, then she smiled at him. “I see you had no trouble putting on a robe.”

He shook his head. “Nope, this one feels very similar to one I tried at Rarity’s. It’s just a tad off in the shoulders, but it’s still comfortable.”

The spa pony closed her eyes as she smiled. “Then, did you want to starrt with a massage?”

“Yeah, that’ll be good.”

“Follow me.” Allen walked over to the massage tables, staying close to Lotus.

As they walked, Lotus kept looking back his way. Allen found the expression she gave him both intriguing and a little unnerving. Why does she keep looking at me like that? If I didn’t know any better…I’d think she was attracted to me. Wait, wait, wait, that’s ridiculous, Allen, there’s no way one of these ponies would be drawn to a human…is there? Nah, of course not. He shook his head now that Lotus had them come to a stop, as she presented the massage tables.

Aloe greeted them both with a friendly smile, while she stood next to the tables. “Ah, Lotus, is this the customer you were telling me about?”

Lotus nodded, then she replied, “Yes. This is Allen. He’s Miss Rarrity’s guest.”

Aloe eyed him up, a similar smile like Lotus’s forming on her face. “Well then, I gather you’re herre for a massage?”

Allen nodded, feeling just a tiny bit nervous, seeing as Aloe was giving him almost the same look that Lotus had. “Yeah. I was…working out for a while and feel just a little sore.”

“Well, not to worry, my sister and I can take carre of anything that ails you.” Aloe gave him a confident look and then winked at him.

“Okay, um I guess I just lie down on one of these tables.” Allen placed a hand on his chin, while he examined the three tables.

Lotus moved to the head end of one. “Here, you can use this one.”

“All right.” Allen sat down on the table. “Should I lay on my back or my belly?”

“Your back is fine to starrt. Oh, would you like us to burrn any incense or use any massaging oil?” Aloe stood there, lightly swaying her light cerulean tail.

“Uh, oh boy.” Allen stammered. On Earth, he’d never been to a spa, and most times anyone that offered to give him a massage, well, it never ended well. From what he saw of massages on TV and in movies, they seemed like a lot of fun, but in reality they usually hurt more than they helped. And given the looks they were giving him, he was reluctant to add any thing like oils or aromatherapy to the mix. “Let’s save the incense and oils for another time.”

“As you wish.” Aloe replied, but to his relief she didn’t seem disappointed from his decision.

There, see, Allen, it was just your imagination. He nodded to himself as he looked over the table.

Lotus walked over to him and gently placed a hoof on his knee. “Relax. You seem a little stressed. You must have pushed yourself too hard.”

“Too hard,” words Allen was no stranger to. Since the day his parents decided he was going to succeed where they didn’t, despite their countless successes in science, he’s always known the push of hard work and ended up overdoing things more than a few times. It was actually surprising he hadn’t been to a spa before, of course it was probably another of those things he figured that his parents felt were just a waste of money. And that’s considering they were both accomplished scientists and while biology wasn’t their major, they knew enough of it from their studies in college and abroad to understand its benefits.

Lotus patted his knee and looked into his pale green eyes. “Arre you okay?”

Allen shook his head. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just spacing out a little.”

Lotus giggled, then she gave her sister an implied look. Aloe nodded and moved to the other side of the table. Lotus turned her focus back to Allen. “Come, just lay on your back. I heard Miss Rarrity talking to you when I came back to the counter earrlier. She said your legs and uh, arrm were botherring you?”

Allen nodded, holding up his left arm. “Yeah, this arm and both my legs.” The human turned and lied on his back, turning his head to look at Lotus.

She smiled over at him as she went to work. Her hooves pressed against his sore left arm as she began her work and applied varying pressure to his tired muscles.

Much to Allen’s surprise, her ministrations were quite soothing. There was just a little pain at first, but then as her hooves moved and kneaded around his limb, he sighed in response to how relaxed she was making him.

“How is that so farr?” Lotus asked sweetly, still bearing him a welcoming smile.

“Mmm,” Allen just sighed and nodded. “Yeah, that’s nice.”

The smile remained on Lotus’s face as she continued massaging his arm. She turned her eyes to Aloe and nodded. “If you don’t mind, Aloe is going to starrt on your right leg.”

Allen looked up and saw her standing on his other side. “Oh, okay.”

Aloe smiled at him as she gently moved the end of his robe, just enough to expose his legs. “Therre we go. Now, just relax. My sister and I will relieve all those aches and pains for you.”

The silly smile returned to Allen’s face. He found Aloe’s accent just as adorable as Lotus’s. Yep, that accent has to be Swedish or this world’s equivalent. And there was something about the way her mane and tail just complimented her rose fur that kept the smile on his face.

Aloe shared Allen’s warm smile as she started at the foot and ankle of his right leg. Much like her sister, Aloe started with gradual pressure and worked her way around the lower portion of his leg.

Lotus had finished with his arm and stood behind him, so she could get a good angle on his shoulders. “Aside form training too harrd, how has your day been, Allen?”

He looked up at Lotus and took a cleansing breath. “Pretty good actually. Though, it may be a while till I’m able to head home.”

“Oh?” Lotus began, while she rubbed his shoulders. “And where is home?”

That was a good question. It hadn’t been an issue telling Twilight and her friends about Earth. But would it be such an easy topic for other ponies? He smiled before he answered, “I come from a distant land, and got lost in the mountains yesterday. Thankfully, Twilight and her friends found me and have been helping me.”

Lotus nodded as the happy look remained on her face. “They are wonderful ponies. And I’m sorry to hear you’re lost.”

Aloe nodded as she looked up from her work. “Yes. Arre you going to be okay?”

“Uh-huh. The ponies of Ponyville have been very friendly. So, if I’m stuck here for a little while, at least it’s no big deal.”

Aloe and Lotus looked at each other, a distinct look on their faces. Then Lotus looked back down at Allen. “Well, hopefully we can help with any tension you’re carrying.”

“I appreciate that. But how about you two, how’s business?” Allen knew it wasn’t the best of topics, but he knew that when he’d got to the salon for a haircut, it was a good way to make conversation with the stylists.

“Till you and Miss Rarrity came in, it was rather slow.” Lotus replied.

“That’s right,” Allen began, “You said Wednesday’s are slow.”

“Mm-hmm.” Aloe nodded as she moved up his leg, and worked the pain from his knee.

Allen took in another deep breath as he turned his eyes back up to Lotus. She was lightly humming as she continued massaging his shoulders. She worked her hooves around them for a few more moments. “There.” Lotus looked at a nearby clock. “Your shoulders arre done. I’d better go sheck on Miss Rarrity. Aloe, could you be a dear and finish his massage?”

Aloe smiled and gave a simple nod. “Of course.”

Lotus stepped away from the table and left Allen there with Aloe. He turned his focus to her and smiled as she began working on his lower thigh. “So, how long have you and your sister had this spa?”

Aloe paused for a moment and turned her eyes to the ceiling, then she looked back at Allen. “A few years now. We used to worrk in Canterlot.” Aloe cast out a heavy sigh. “But we didn’t have a good location and Canterlot nobles were so picky with what they expected for their money. So, we came here …I want to say thrree years ago. Yes, and things have been great here.”

Allen smiled as he took another soothing breath. “Well, I’m glad you two are here. So far, this is the best body massage I’ve ever had.”

Aloe smiled and tried not to make it too obvious that she was blushing. “Aww, that’s sweet of you to say. My sister and I really love what we do.”

“It shows.” Allen closed his eyes and let his head sink into the plush pillow.

His eyes popped open as he noticed Aloe nearing his upper thigh. For a moment, he wasn’t sure how much of a body massage they gave here. He felt that nervousness return as Aloe’s hooves drove further up his leg, nearing his nether region. He tried to curb his anxiety but he wasn’t sure he wanted a happy ending, least of all from a pony. No matter how cute they or their accent may be.

He puffed a breath out of his mouth, then before another moment passed, she withdrew her hooves and walked around his feet and started on his other leg. Allen sighed and felt like smacking himself in the head. You idiot, why would you think these two would offer happy endings here? This isn’t an isolated room, stupid. I really need to stop watching so much Anime and Science Fiction. He snickered a little as he let out a relaxing sigh.

“Sorry if I hit a nerrve there.” Aloe spoke sincerely.

Allen shook his head. “It’s okay, I think that spot was just a little tender from overdoing it.” He was about to mention his fall off the mountain, but figured it made little sense. Besides, he didn’t feel like going into details. But overall, this was nice. Aloe and Lotus were really friendly, had cute accents and were great at what they do.

Part of Allen wanted to try out some of their other services, but he didn’t want to take advantage of Rarity’s kindness. He already felt he had pushed it to the limit with the clothing. Still, he was very grateful, but once Aloe was done with is massage, he was going to head out and check in with Twilight. He glanced around and saw the clock Lotus had been checking.

Yeah, he nodded to himself. It’s almost five. I should head back to the library. But for now, I’m just going to enjoy this break in the action. Man, I could use someone like Aloe back on Earth. A massage like this would be pretty good. Oh and if she was a cute girl, then I’d enjoy a happy ending. Allen chuckled under his breath, then closed his eyes as Aloe continued his massage, leaving him for the moment without a care in the world.

* * * * * *

Aloe accompanied Allen as he walked back into the waiting area. He took a deep cleansing breath in through his nose and out through his mouth. “Ah.”

“So, is there anything else I or my sister can do for you?” Aloe asked looking the human over.

Allen shook his head as he tucked in a portion of his shirttail he missed after he changed. “Nah. I’m good. Mmm.” He stretched a little. “That was a good massage though. Thank you, Aloe.” He smiled.

“You’re welcome. Miss Rarrity said she was paying for both of you.”

“That’s right.” Allen nodded, making sure he had the bag with his other clothing. “Be sure to give Rarity my thanks. Have a good day.”

Aloe smiled and nodded. “Same to you, Allen. I hope once you find your way home, that you’ll think to come back and visit us. We’d be happy to be at your service.”

There it was. A very bittersweet thought and feeling. If he does make it back to Earth, it would be unlikely that he’d ever make it back here. Even though Ponyville felt nothing like home and despite his parents, Allen did long to return home, well, at least to his apartment. Still, he couldn’t deny a melancholy sensation at the thought of not being able to return to visit the spa ponies or this unique town they all lived in.

Not sure what to say, Allen thought he’d say what he truly hoped for. “Yeah. I can’t make any promises, but I would enjoy coming back here, if I’m ever in the area.” He smiled and waved.

“Okay. Take carre, Allen.” She waved a hoof as he made his way out of the shop.

Her accent was still very charming and that enchanting look in her eyes almost made him forget she was a pony. Shaking his head, Allen looked around, he wasn’t completely familiar with Ponyville, despite the tour Twilight had given him. “Uh…”

Allen ducked back into the shop. There he saw Aloe at the counter starting on some paperwork. She looked up at him. “Yes?”

He scratched the back of his neck. “Do you know how I can get to the Golden Oak Library from here?”

“Ah, yes. Just head straight once you get outside. And make a left at the stationery shop. You should be able to see it and get your bearring from there.” She smiled.

“Oh, right. Thank you, Aloe.” Allen had a sheepish look on his face as he waved to her.

“You’re welcome, Allen!” She smiled and waved again.

Allen wore a stupid grin as he made his way back outside. His lack of familiarity with Ponyville was certainly a problem. But at least now he had some idea how to make his way back.

He followed Aloe’s directions. Then after making it to the stationery shop, he looked in every direction. He didn’t see the iconic library or its leafy branches anywhere. “Now, how did I get lost?” He mused aloud.

“Lost?” He heard a strong but elegant voice speak.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw another of the ponies walking his way. Only this one seemed a bit taller. She had a dark blue coat and a swirling mane that was sapphire blue and had a purple outline. Her mane is swirling, is that even possible? He wondered. Allen gave a silent nod when he saw a slender horn protruding from her forehead. Ah, she’s a unicorn. Her hair must be some magic trick or spell. Clearing his throat, Allen replied, “Yes, I think I’m lost.”

“Are you sure? Maybe you are just off course a little. Come now, tell me where are you heading?” The unicorn asked in the same potent but delicate tone.

“I’m on my way to the Golden Oak Library. Twilight Sparkle is expecting me.” Allen looked around and still saw no trace of it. “I’m not from around here, and seem to have lost my way.”

The pony nodded. “I see. Not to worry, I am heading there myself. Come, I will escort you.”

“Really?” Allen asked.

“Of course. It’s no problem.”

“Thank you, so much.” She just smiled. Allen gave her a closer look. He found it odd that she seemed so made up. She had a fancy black tiara and a necklace of some sort, which featured a white crescent moon. Turning his eyes to her hooves, he noticed she had on sparkly shoes that appeared almost lavender in color. Furrowing his brow, Allen concluded she must be like Rarity and enjoy dressing up or at least accessorizing.

The unicorn turned her teal eyes Allen’s way. “So, you do not appear to be from around here.”

Allen shook his head. “No, I’m not.” For a moment he almost thought he’d tell her the complete truth. Then, much like his time at the spa, he decided a little embellishing wasn’t such a bad idea. “I’m from a distant land. Far from…Equestria.”

She nodded. “I see. That would explain it. Oh, and look. We have arrived.”

“Wow.” There was a momentary feeling of disbelief as Allen saw the library. It turns out he was only two blocks away. It figures. He thought as they made their way to the front door.

The unicorn knocked on the front door. Then, to Allen’s surprise, she unfurled a lovely pair of wings, which matched her fur flawlessly.

Wings?! Allen blinked. “You have a horn and wings?” He gasped.

The library door opened and Twilight greeted them. “Oh, good evening, Princess Luna.”

Allen’s mouth fell open. “P-p-p-princess?!” He looked at Luna, then to Twilight and the back at Luna. “Princess Luna?” His eyes widened.

Twilight smiled. “Ah, Allen, there you are. Good.”

Luna tried not to snicker as she turned to Twilight. “We had better head inside. I do believe your friend was not expecting me to be the pony I am.”

Twilight nodded as she stepped outside and guided a stymied Allen into the library, followed closely by a softly snickering Luna.

* * * * * *

There was an awkward silence as Twilight led Allen over to her living room. “Have a seat, Allen.” She directed him to the spacious couch.

He looked at her and then over at Luna. “She’s a princess?”

“That is correct,” Luna replied walking over to them.

Allen looked around, then popped up to his feet and moved so he could kneel before Luna. “Your highness. Forgive my lack of manners. I had no idea you were royalty.”

Luna placed a hoof over her mouth and giggled. “Oh, come now. There is no need to be so formal.”

Allen kept his head lowered. “Are you sure? As far as I know…well, on my world anyway. It is very rude to disrespect royalty. In fact it can come with a rather harsh punishment.”

“Oh, well, you have nothing to fear. Come now.” Luna placed one of her elegantly covered hooves under his chin. “Please, look up. I have no doubt that you respect the crown. But here, we can be a little more casual.”

“Really?” Allen asked as he raised his head to meet Luna’s gaze.

She smiled at him. There was intrigue in Luna’s teal eyes. “Yes. Now, come, have a seat.”

Allen sat down on the sofa, beside Twilight. Turning her way, he asked, “Why is Princess Luna here anyway?”

Luna sat in the plush chair across from them and held up a hoof. “I’ll answer that question. In fact, I’ll speak a little more casually as well.”

“Okay.” Allen smiled.

“My sister received a letter from Twilight. She mentioned dragon activity in the Smokey Mountains and about finding you – a human.” Luna sighed as she gathered her thoughts. “Let’s just say, your arrival here isn’t the first time our world has seen your kind.”

Allen’s pale green eyes widened more than a little. “Wait…there has been a human here before?”

Luna nodded. “That’s correct. And not just one.”

Twilight turned her attention to the tea service sitting on the coffee table. “Did anyone want some tea? I had Spike prepare a pot.”

“Huh?” Luna looked over at Twilight. “Tea? Sure, I would love a cup. Thank you. Uh, just sugar for me.”

“Allen?” Twilight looked over at the human.

“Sure. Just sugar for me as well. Ooh, raw sugar, if you have it. Thank you, Twilight.”

Twilight chuckled as she poured tea into three mugs. “You’re welcome. Just give me a moment.” A moment was all it seemed to take as Twilight added the requested sweetener to each cup, and like Allen, she added raw sugar to her own tea as well. Using her magic, she carefully set a cup and saucer in front of each of them. “Here you are.”

Allen reached down for his and nodded thankfully, then cautiously took a sip. “Mmm. Lemon ginger?”

“Yes. A very soothing blend.” She smiled, then took a sip from her own cup.

Luna’s horn lit up with a soft blue glow. She raised her own cup and took a few delicate sips. “Mmm, yes a delectable blend.”

Allen set his cup down. “Uh, you were saying…princess?”

“Right. Your kind has been to our world before. Only it was a very long time ago.”

Twilight held up a plate of crackers and cheese. “Here.”

Reaching over, Allen took a few pieces of marbled cheese and a few crackers. “Thank you, Twilight.” He munched on a cracker. Then once he swallowed it, he gave Luna his full focus. “So, how long ago was it?”

Luna nibbled on some cheddar, then sipped from her cup. “A very long time ago. Nearly 1,200 years.”

Allen spit the tea back into his cup and gave Luna a dubious glance. “1,200 years?! That long?” He blinked at her and then at Twilight.

Luna couldn’t help but giggle at his reaction. Then, placing a hoof over her mouth she cleared her throat. “Yes. A long time for most, but for an alicorn, like me, it’s not that long at all.”

“I’m sorry, an ali-what?” Allen placed a hand to his chin. “You said, Alicorn…corn? Is that right?”

“Why yes.” Luna nodded, stretching her wings. “You were more than a little surprised when you saw my wings as we arrived.”

He nodded. “Well yeah. I mean, I’ve seen winged unicorns in various forms of fantasy on Earth. But, never heard them called “alicorns” or would have ever guessed you would be more than just something out of myth and legend.” Allen paused for a moment. “Wait, are you one of the two princesses Twilight told me about? She said one moves the moon and one moves the sun.”

“That’s right. I am the princess of the night.” Luna closed her eyes and sighed. “And it’s a pity. Seems the humans that left chose to deny our existence and that of our world.”

“Chose to deny?” Allen and Twilight spoke at the same time, while looking at Luna.

Lowering her head, Luna cast out a heavy sigh. She sipped from her mug, before she replied, “Yes. It was a sad day when we bid farewell to the humans.”

Allen bit off some more cheese, then after he swallowed it, he said, “My kind. I gather you are convinced I’m human?”

Luna nodded and took a deep breath. “Yes. Even though your look is a little stockier than the humans I remember best were, there is no mistaking it. In fact, just looking at you is bringing back so many memories.”

For a moment, Allen wasn’t sure what to say. Then it became obvious. “Just what happened? Why aren’t there any humans here in Equestria? Well, other than me.”

Reaching for her cup, Luna discovered her mug was empty. “Twilight, could I trouble you for…”

“A refill, princess?” Luna nodded. “Certainly.” Twilight’s horn lit up with a raspberry glow as she raised the teapot and filled Luna’s cup. “There you are.”

“Thank you.” Luna added some more sugar, this time raw sugar. She stirred it, then invited a few sips. “It’s a shame my sister, Celestia, isn’t here. While I was very close to the humans that lived here, I believe she was even closer to them then I was.”

Twilight refilled her cup and Allen’s, then looked over at Luna. “What makes you say that?”

“I’m sorry, but she has sworn me to silence on speaking on our dealings with humans. All I can tell you is that we had no choice but to send them back to Earth.” Luna whimpered faintly. “It was not an easy or a favorable decision. But sadly, the fate of Equestria hung in the balance and if we hadn’t sent them back, both our kinds would have paid the price for defying Grim Night.”

Swallowing some cheese, Twilight stared in awe at the princess. “G-Grim Night? Who or what?”

Luna shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Twilight. I’ve already divulged more than I should have.”

Allen grimaced, setting his cup back on the table. “Okay, fine…so you’ve told us all you can. But, then why did you need to meet with me?” Allen’s eyes widened. “Wait…I’m not in trouble, am I?!”

Luna shook her head. There was a bleak look encompassing her face. “No. You aren’t.”

“Does it matter that he’s here?” Twilight asked. “I mean, we are trying to help him find a way back to Earth.”

The princess looked up. “You are?”

“Yeah.” Allen nodded, but he was less than enthused about it.

“Then, I believe I am finished here.” Luna set down her teacup and stood up firmly. “Please keep my sister and me informed about your progress with getting Allen home. If you should need any assistance, please let us know.”

“All…all right. Thank you for stopping by, Princess Luna.” Twilight rose to her hooves and walked Luna over to the door.

“Wait!” Allen called. Luna and Twilight stooped and turned back. He gave them both a puzzled look. “So…that’s it? You came all this way to see that I’m a human, tell us some cryptic tale and…leave?”

Luna nodded and held up a hoof. “Yes. That’s all there is to tell. It was lovely meeting you, Allen. I am sorry to cut this so short, but if you’ll excuse me, I had best get back to Canterlot. My sister will want to hear my report and it will soon be time for me to raise the moon.”

With that, Luna departed the Golden Oak and was gone. Twilight walked back over to Allen. He gave her a puzzled look. Twilight nodded grimly. “I know, Allen. I would have liked to hear more of the story too.”

“Well, I guess at least the visit went well.” He scratched his head.

Twilight nodded. “Yes. I actually thought she’d be here a little longer than that.” The unicorn walked over to Allen and smiled. “Now, I wanted to wait till Luna left, but was meaning to ask. Are those new clothes?”

“They are.” Allen smiled. He stood up and showed them off. “What do you think? They look just like my other clothes. Rarity did a great job. I’m glad you suggested we stop at her place.”

Twilight closed her eyes and smiled. “I knew she could help. And those look great on you.”

“Yeah, Rarity said the same thing. Oh and that she owed you a favor or two.” Allen grinned.

“Believe me, she does. That’s why I wasn’t too worried about cost.” Twilight looked Allen over again. “Yes, those turned out nicely. Oh, but where are your old clothes?”

“Right here.” Allen held up the bundle with them. “Eh, they’ll need washed.”

Twilight smiled. “No problem. I can help with that.” Her face lit up. “Oh, tell me, how did the rest of practice go?”

Allen nodded. “Not bad. You want to hear about it?”

“You bet I do.” Twilight joined Allen as they sat back on the sofa.

“Okay. Oh, and then you can tell me about your progress on my charger.” Allen remarked.

“Of course. Now, about your training?”

Allen grinned as he collected his thoughts. “Well, there I was, getting ready to lunge at Blade. And of course I fell on my face again…and Rainbow Dash laughed. But I got right back up and held my wooden sword at the ready…”

Twilight sat on the couch, lightly swishing her tail as she listened to Allen talk about the exploits of his sword training. For whatever reason, she was really happy to be spending time with him again.