Solaire, after playing with the small ponies for a couple of hours, was now laying on the floor, covered in them. Sweetie Belle was curled up to his side, Applebloom was ontop of his chest, and Scootaloo was draped over his left arm. They weren't asleep however, just talking.

Solaire had told them what he had done the other few days, leaving out the bad bits of course. How he was teleported into the world, leaving out the bad bits once again. He wasn't afraid to tell them by any means, but wasn't sure if their sisters or parents would've liked him telling their young ones about such violence and sadness.

After they were done talking about Solaire, they began to tell him all the adventures they went on. What they did at their homes, what they liked to do and their hobbies, their name as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and other things. With each thing they explained to Solaire, he learned a little more about the world he was in.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were loving his company. He was strange, of course, being considered an 'alien.' Yet he talked to them normally. Usually when they would try to talk to an adult, they got strange looks, or the adults would simply 'play along' with their talks. Solaire, however, added to the conversation. He continued it, asking questions, giving advice, or just laughing along with them. There weren't many ponies that were willing to do that.

Conversation came up about how late the other 'grown ups' would be, and how long Solaire would have to watch them.

"I dunno'.. The last time they were gone, they took until the next mornin'!" Applebloom said, staring up at the ceiling while still on Solaire's chest.

"Yeah- but that's not all bad. We have him to keep us company!" Scootaloo said, poking at his arm. Solaire chuckled softly, while Sweetie Belle nudged further into his side.

"Hey- what do you think they're doing all day and night anyways?" Sweetie asked.

Solaire had an idea of what they were doing. Possibly normal things during the day, hanging out and having fun. But if they were out at night for that long, they were most likely drinking.

"Say, what do they usually look like when they come back?" Solaire asked.

"Weeell.. Applejack stumbles in and heads straight for the bathroom or the bed. She's always thirsty too."

That confirmed it. Definitely drinking. Though, it was a good thing the young ones didn't understand what it was. Not that it wouldn't be okay, but that they might get interested into trying it. Which, well.. Wouldn't end well, Solaire imagined.

"Do ya' got any other clothes mister? Wearin' that armor must be.. uncomfortable." Applebloom said. Solaire chuckled.

"I wish I had other clothing. No- this is the only thing I got."

"Maybe my sister can make you something! You know, as like a.. payment, or something. I think it'd be fair!"

Solaire sat up a little. "You know, that isn't a bad idea. I'll ask her about it-" He said, laying his head back down. "At the moment, i'm currently buried under you all."

"Yeah- well- your fault for choosing this over giving us the information about your plan." Scootaloo snickered, before Solaire laughed again.

"Let us not forget who screamed so loud that the windows began to shake."

Scootaloo huffed, turning away from him. "It wasn't that loud!"

"It was pretty loud.." Sweetie countered.

Scootaloo huffed in opposition, her cheeks red.

"Oh, don't fret. I've screamed louder than that a few times. Sometimes you just cant control yourself." Solaire said with a smile, looking over to Scootaloo. She turned to him, the red gone from her face.

"B-But you're like.. a knight!"

"Your point is?" Solaire said with a chuckle.

"Aren't knights supposed to be.. I don't know.. brave?"

"Just because you're scared doesn't mean you cant be brave. Most brave people are scared." Scootaloo looked at him weirdly, before shrugging, setting herself all comfortable onto his arm. The room was filled with a peaceful energy, and Solaire was slowly drifting off to sleep.

Before he could though, Applebloom stood up, getting off his chest and back onto the floor. "How 'bout we go and 'nvite Spike over? Isn't he all alone at the castle?" Applebloom asked, turning to Solaire.

"I.. think so. I suppose it wouldn't be bad, but you'll have to accompany me on the walk there. Can't leave you alone." Solaire said, standing up, shrugging the other two off of him. Sweetie Belle gave a loud sigh.

"I really don't like walking that far but- okay.. I guess." She said, stretching her hoofs. Scootaloo, who was doing the same, gave a loud yawn.

"It'll wake us up, that's for sure." Solaire nodded before heading for his items. Clipping his sheath onto his armor, and attaching his satchel and flask to his hip, he was ready to go. He turned to the others, watching them all stretch and grab their little saddlebags full of whatever it was that they carried, and stare up at him eagerly.

"Alright- let's go."

"Y'know, I didn't think Solaire would do somethin' like that. We only just met 'em." Applejack said, who was currently in a steambath with the other five ponies. They had all decided to take some time off and go to the spa. They had all pitched in to get a full treatment, meaning massages, steambaths, pool time, and many other things. It was very much needed.

"As long as I can get some time away from those three, i'm happy." Rarity giggled.

Twilight gave a sigh. "I hope he doesn't think that we don't want to spend time with him. Maybe he thinks that we used that as an excuse to just.. have fun without him?"

"Nah- he's like.. the most optimistic creature I know. I bet we could do anything and he would be fine with it-" Rainbow said before Fluttershy surprisingly punched her in the shoulder softly.

"We aren't going to use him like that." Fluttershy spoke angrily. Well, as angry as Fluttershy could get. Rainbow looked back, nodding in agreement.

"Of course we aren't- just saying." Rainbow said, before pointing a hoof at Twilight. "Besides, Twily would be against it for sure. She wouldn't like us using her snuggle buddy-"

"Stop it!" Twilight groaned. "I said nothing happened between the two of us- he's just really good with his words and really sweet! We were both looking at the sun, and it was warm in the room, and I fell asleep. Nothing more-"

"I'm gonna' have to throw a 'snuggle buddy' party! We got to commemorate you and Solai-"

"Sttoopppp~!" Twilight whined in protest, shaking her head. "I knew it wasn't a good idea to tell you guys! I should've left it out. You all make me question my actions!"

"Alright then, I guess i'll just have to snuggle up next to him when night time comes arou-" Rainbow was interrupted by an even louder groaning Twilight.

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Because.. Because he-"

"Because you wan't him all to yourself!" Rainbow teased, before Twilight banged her head against the wall.

"Noooooo!" Twilight whined once again. "Y-You all need to go to tartarus!"

"Oh don't be so angry Twilight- it's only friendly teasing." Rarity said, rubbing an itchy part of her fur. Twilight looked at her with rage, her eye twitching. "O-Okay, I'll keep quiet."

"Thank Celestia.."

Rainbow then continued. "But, like, if you did cuddle with hi-"

"Sttooopppp!"

The sun had just began to fall over the horizon, and Solaire watched it from the top window. Spike and the girls were currently telling eachother scary stories with the lights off, hiding under a fort that Solaire helped with. He decided to let them have their own fun, and didn't want to disrupt anything.

Earlier, they had gotten Spike out of Twilight's castle and invited him over. Starlight was trying to pull Solaire back into her room for another night of drinking, but Solaire luckily escaped her grasp. She was extremely needy, and Solaire didn't quite know why.

As the moon finally took the sun's perch in the sky, Solaire gave a quiet sigh. Celestia would be going to bed now, and relaxing after a possibly stressful day. He knew she was going to be fine, and didn't need him there, but he sure felt like he wasn't doing his job. He was to help the sun in any way possible, and at the moment, he was leaving it to fend for itself.

He shook his head, slumping over the windowsill. He needed to think about other things other than Celestia and the other ponies living here. He needed to think about himself for a little bit, and understand what his own plans were.

Solaire knew that he couldn't truly die. If he were to die, he would come back, but not in this world. He would most likely go back to his own if he were to be killed, and that was a thought he didn't like. The only way he could stay here is to make his very own bonfire. He had one ingredient already, the bones of an undead. However, he needed another item that wouldn't be easily obtainable.

A fire-linked sword. He didn't know if it were possible to make one in this world, as it seems certain concepts of his own world don't mix with this one. Either way, he was going to try. He needed a bonfire to heal his wounds, to restore his flask's estus, and incase of death, could come back.

He would have to ask Twilight, or Celestia and Luna about such things. They seemed to be the smartest, or atleast the most capable of understanding the concept, and could possibly help him. Though, he didn't know if it was at all possible.

A soft poke to his back cleared his thoughts however. Solaire turned to look at whoever poked him, and stared down at the small orange pegasus.

"What're you doing?" Scootaloo asked him curiously.

"Thinking." Solaire said, turning back to the windowsill, using his hand to keep his head up while his arm rested on the edge. There happened to be a chair next to Solaire, in which Scootaloo managed to climb ontop of.

"Thinking about what?" She asked, tilting her head towards him, before gazing outside at the lantern-lit ponyville streets.

"Things."

"Ugh- fine." Scootaloo groaned, resting her chin onto the edge of the windowsill. Solaire reached over and patted her head softly.

"Why're you hanging out with me instead of them..?" Solaire asked her,

"Not a big fan of scary stories.." Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I used to love them, but now, they just don't do anything for me. Decided to come over and see what you were doing instead." Solaire chuckled, still watching the streets.

"Sorry to disappoint you with silence. I've just been thinking about things here in this world, my plans, and how to adapt. I intend on staying here- much better than my own world."

"You didn't tell us about your own home."

Solaire chuckled. "There is a reason for that. I don't know if your guardians would be thrilled with me telling their young ones about such danger and sadness."

Scootaloo poked at his arm. "Hey- I'm not a foal. I can handle it."

Solaire shook his head with a smile. "No can do. All I can say, is that i'd rather forget that place, and start anew here."

"That bad?"

Solaire nodded silently. With that, Scootaloo simply stared out into the streets, watching as some ponies would walk by. The night market was open, where many 'adult' things were sold. Alcohol being the main thing sold. Scootaloo then pointed out at the window.

"Is that Starlight?" She asked, to which Solaire searched where she was pointing. Funnily enough, it was Starlight. Solaire guessed she was running out of her little stash in her room, and came out to buy some more. "What's she doing?" Scootaloo asked, to which Solaire shook his head, laughing lightly.

"Adult things. Don't worry about it." Solaire said, patting her head again. With each pat, Scootaloo seemed to nudge into his hand, however Solaire took it away before she could get more. With a silent whine, she sat in silence.

A few minutes had passed, before Scootaloo spoke up again, breaking the silence. "So.. what are you?"

"What?" Solaire asked.

"Like.. Species." Scootaloo clarified.

"Human. Undead Human." Solaire told her, to which she nodded. She turned to him for a few seconds, a smile on her face.

"You're a cool human."

"Thank you, Scootaloo. You're a cool pony." Scootaloo turned her head towards the window again.

"I know."

Silence filled the surrounding area for a little while, only whispers and light screams could be heard underneath the little fort.

"This is peaceful. The night time. I may be a warrior of sunlight, but I will never underestimate the beauty of the night. Looking at it- it shows that it is just as beautiful as the day. People are just scared of the darkness it brings." Solaire said to no one in particular, simply speaking. Scootaloo didn't say anything, simply staring still.

Solaire sat in silence once again until he saw what looked like to be Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow all heading towards the boutique. He sat up from the windowsill, patting Scootaloo's head once again.

"Alright girls, and dragon. They're back. Clean your stuff up and come downstairs-" He said, making his way for the door. Spike and the girls were picking the fort up, setting the blankets and pillows to their respective places. Solaire made his way slowly down the stairs, each step made a loud thump, and his armor clinked together.

He made it to the bottom when Rarity opened the door.

"So you all are back?" Solaire asked, looking at the group as they walked in. They seemed rather.. disturbed. "Is everything alright?"

Twilight nodded, a frown still upon her face. "Y-Yeah, yeah. Just some stallions who weren't exactly the most appropriate, or nice."

Solaire tilted his head, walking towards them. "What do you mean?"

"A group of stallions approached us, and were trying to get us to come back to their.. houses. A bunch of creeps, essentially." Solaire shook his head with a groan.

"Next time you're having trouble, don't be afraid to tell me. I can make sure they won't dare approach you."

"It's okay, Applejack kind of.. solved that for us."

Applejack groaned irritably. "I didn't mean to kick 'em that hard! Not my fault he was bein' a weirdo." The group laughed a little, while Applejack sat in annoyed silence. Solaire pointed to the stairs.

"They're up there getting things cleaned up. I invited Spike over, since he was all alone with Starlight. I.. hope that isn't a big deal, is it?" He asked Twilight, a little nervous if she was going to be upset. Putting his mind at ease, Twilight shook her head.

"No- it isn't a problem."

Suddenly, a muffled voice came from behind. Emerging from the stairs was Spike, wearing Solaire's helmet. "I'm the new knight!" Spike exclaimed. Solaire smirked, walking towards him and picking the helmet off of him, and clipping it onto his own armor.

"Soon enough, perhaps. But you'll need your own set of armor, not mine." Solaire chuckled. Soon enough, the girls had made it down the steps as well, each going to their respective 'guardian.' Applejack with Applebloom, Rarity with Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo with Rainbow. Rainbow wasn't Scootaloo's guardian, but she was currently letting her spend time in her own house.

"Alright you two, let's get going. Starlight will be worried if we aren't back soon." Twilight said as she began heading for the door, waiting for both Solaire and Spike. Solaire picked spike up, setting him ontop of his shoulder, and followed Twilight.

"That's if she isn't passed out already." Solaire said under his breath as he followed.

Luna had just started doing her shift of the night, attending meetings with certain nobles and other ponies that required her attention. She usually got the meaner side of ponies, since none of them exactly liked staying up late at night discussing.. well, anything. She didn't speak up about it, as it hadn't bothered her, but it was still something that annoyed her from time to time.

Now that she was free from meetings, she was free to explore the dreamscape. She, as the Princess of the night, was tasked with the job of making sure all ponies were having safe dreams. Certain dreams could change parts of reality, and hurt the psyche of a pony. It didn't seem important to anyone else who never dealt with it before, but to Luna, it was extremely important.

As she walked through the dreamscape, many bubbles of thoughts and dreams passing her by, a dark bubble appeared in front of her. The only bubble that had the same color as this was Solaire's, however, this was definitely not Solaire's dream. Luna tried to pry into it, and enter inside, but something was preventing her from doing so. With each attempt, she would get a feeling of dread that would wave over her mental state. Taking a few steps back, she stared at it further.

She could see little images inside of it, showing what seemed to be the perspective of something riding a large dragon, spear in its hand. The arms and hands were similar to Solaire's but with a different set of armor and clothing on it. Suddenly, the little bubble popped. Whoever's dream it was, they had just woken up.

"I'll have to ask Solaire about this. 'Tis very strange." Luna said, looking around the rest of the dreamscape. All Luna could do and hope for, is that it wasn't someone with malicious power. Perhaps it was another being from Solaire's world?

From what Solaire had told her previously, she hoped that wasn't the case.

Solaire sat on Twilight's bed, watching her as she put the contents of her bags into their respective places. Solaire shook his head.

"Twilight, I can sleep on the floo-"

"Nonsense! I won't let a friend of mine sleep on the floor, and from what you told me about Starlight, I don't think i'll be letting you sleep in her room either. You can sleep in the bed with me for now- don't worry about it." Twilight had insisted on him staying in her room for the night, or until he was ready to go back to Canterlot. As much as he protested against it, he knew that he wouldn't win. Twilight usually got stuck in her ways.

Though, this was a much better scenario than what happened with Starlight. Solaire would be staying away from her for a little bit. She seemed to drag him into her room everytime she saw him, and Twilight saw it when they entered the castle. Solaire had to explain to Twilight happened, which caused her to yell at Starlight.

Now, he felt a little bad for Starlight. Still, she shouldn't be trying to pull him back into bed with her!

"You can take off your armor- it won't be a problem. Tomorrow we can go pay a visit to Rarity and get some other clothes made for you. Running around in that armor all day must be tiring." Solaire had told Twilight about being 'paid back' for watching over the young ones. Solaire shook his head with a smile, taking off his helmet in the process.

"No, it isn't as uncomfortable as one might think. In fact, in my own world, I would spend weeks inside of it. There is nothing else for me to wear, so the only times I did take it off were for repairing." Twilight looked up at him with a frown.

"Well- this isn't your world, so you can be as comfy as you want, okay?" Twilight strode to the bed he was currently on, jumping ontop of the covers, and sliding down into them. Solaire simply looked at her before she gave him an impatient look. Solaire gave a loud sigh, standing up and removing his armor one piece at a time.

It was quite awkward, especially with Twilight looking. He stared at her for a second before narrowing his eyes, causing her to look away. Once he was finally free from his armor, all that he was wearing was a simple set of cloth briefs. He pulled the covers and blanket open, before sliding inside and pulling them over himself. It was warm- extremely warm.

"This seems unnaturally warm." Solaire stated, before Twilight agree'd with a hum.

"Yep. I cast a spell on the blankets and cover with a heating spell. It makes it all nice and cozy- helps me fall asleep. Is.. it too much?" She asked, turning over to him. Seeing his bare chest up close, she had donned a slight blush on her face. Solaire hadn't noticed, and gave her a small smile.

"No- it's quite fine. It just seemed quite odd for it to be so warm. I'm not opposed to it. It's better warm than cold." He said, snuggling into the pillow he laid his head on further, and closed his eyes. Twilight hadn't stopped staring at him, and noticed that he looked so peaceful and innocent. He was somewhat intimidating with his armor, as he wore it everywhere, with a sword clipped onto his hip. It wasn't exactly common to see someone donning full armor that isn't in the guard.

She kept on staring, admiring his features. He was humming lightly, with each breath giving out a tiny, low moan. He was definitely enjoying the comfyness of the bed. Twilight shook her head, turning her back to him and closing her eyes, trying to fall asleep.

But after a half an hour passed by, she just couldn't. She didn't realize that sleeping with somepon-someone else was going to be this weird. It wasn't like she hated it, she just wasn't used to it. As quietly as she could, she turned back to Solaire, who was now sleeping peacefully.

A smile fell onto her face once she saw his, and she had instinctively draped a wing over him from under the covers. She didn't exactly think about it- it just happened, and she pulled herself closer to him. If she was going to have someone else in her bed, she was going to use them to sleep easier. It.. was only fair, right? She gave him a bed to sleep in- she gets to use him to sleep, right?

Right..?

As she pulled herself close to his chest, she could feel the heat coming off his body. He felt.. extremely warm near his chest. She was now against his chest, a wing draped over his side, and her head tucked underneath his own. She made sure to not poke his chin with her horn. That wouldn't have ended well.

Though, to her surprise, Solaire pulled his right arm over her, pulling her even closer to him. She didn't know if he had done it on purpose, or if it was an instinct to do so since he was dreaming. Either way- she was now all cuddled up with him, under nice warm sheets in her own bed.

The others would definitely tease her if they saw what was going on here. Yet, at the moment, she didn't care. All she cared about was drifting off to sleep in the arms of this warm human that was holding her. It seemed as if all thoughts came into a melting mess, and disappeared.

"Twilightt~ Wake u-"

Rarity stopped as soon as she entered the room, looking at the two sleeping individuals in the bed. Seeing as Solaire was currently in bed with Twilight was.. quite a shock.

However, she wasn't exactly surprised. The teasing may have just not been in vain to begin with. Though, she was not expecting to see such a thing so early. Twilight was the one that would move so fast, though. How would Celestia feel about any of this?

Suddenly, a book was thrown at her. Her face scrunched up at impact, and she stared forward at the bed, where an angry Twilight was sitting up in the bed, glaring at her. If looks were able to kill, Rarity would've been already splattered onto the walls by now.

Rarity knew what she should do already, and slowly backed out of the room, letting the door shut with a soft 'click.'

Even though it was a nearly silent sound, Solaire awoke from it. Turning his head to the ceiling as he rubbed his eyes, he almost forgot where he was at the moment. Realizing where he was, he turned to his left, noting that she had left. Or, atleast wasn't in the bed no longer.

"Where are yo-"

Solaire deflected a book from hitting him on the side, looking at whoever the culprit of the attack was.

"Why?" Solaire simply asked, his arms at his sides in question. Twilight stared at him, a little in shock that she had done what she just did, her mouth still open.

"S-Sorry."

"'s alright. I guess..?" Solaire asked, stepping off of the bed, letting his feet hit the floor with a soft thump. "You seem to have gotten up.. frantically."

"Rarity saw us."

Solaire stared at her with confusion, giving a shrug. "I don't understand."

"They're going to tease!"

"... I don't understand." Solaire said again, still confused. He eye'd his armor, walking towards it. "I don't get what the big uh.. problem is?" He said, putting on the boots first. Twilight stared at him, a little upset now.

"How do you not understand?!"

"I just don't." Solaire said, already done with the bottom half of his armor. Twilight groaned loudly.

"They're going to think we were doing something! You know, sleeping in the same bed doesn't exactly give the best look!"

Solaire shrugged again. "Then we'll tell them to not worry about it and that nothing happened."

"It's not that easy!"

"I.. think it is." Solaire said, now fully equipped in his gear. Sword at his hip, along with his satchel and flask. Twilight groaned loudly again, shaking her head.

"Whatever, whatever. Let's just go, okay? If she's here, we can ask her about that clothing idea." Solaire simply nodded, following her as she headed for the bedroom door. She seemed to stop right before opening it, giving a large sigh and breathing in heavily.

"Here we go.." She said quietly.

As they went down the hallway of the castle, the 'fabulous' individual they had been looking for. She turned to the both of them, her expression a little nervous, as if she was going to get yelled at for 'intruding on their business.' Sure, she shouldn't have simply opened the door to her room, but it was definitely going to be a fun story to tell the others.

"Rarity.." Twilight said irritably, staring at her with the same gaze from before. Rarity nodded nervously.

"Yes..?" Rarity asked nervously.

Twilight closed her eyes, before giving a loud sigh. "Solaire was wondering if you were able to make him any clothes. He made a good point in it being some sort of payment for how he foalsitted the girls for us."

Rarity, who was expecting to be yelled at, looked at Twilight confused, not registering what she had asked.

"Rarity?" Twilight waved a wing at her, to which Rarity seemed to snap to life.

"Ah- yes, yes! Of course. You'll have to come by so I can get some measurements. I'll be able to make something easily, darling."

Solaire nodded. "Thank you- as long as it's not a big problem. I don't mind wearing my armor, but as Twilight mentioned to me, I wouldn't be against wearing something less.. well- armor like."

"Well- I don't have much to do right now, so how about we go and get it done right now? Just for the measurements, then you can be on your way. It'll take some time afterwards to make the clothes but- it'll be worth the wait." Solaire nodded, stepping forward.

"Lead the way." Rarity turned around and headed down the hallway to the entrance, whilst Solaire and Twilight followed. Right before Rarity opened the door however, Twilight broke the silence.

"Don't say anything about what you saw, Rarity."

Rarity stopped, glancing over at Twilight. "I won't, dear." Rarity gave a light chuckle, before opening the door and heading down the path to Ponyville.

Solaire noted that today was hotter than the day before. He could feel his armor heating up, making it a little more uncomfortable to walk in. Twilight could see Solaire flex his arms and fingers, and moving his helmet around a little, trying to get a little more comfortable in his set of armor. Soon enough, he wouldn't have to worry about it.

"So.." Rarity broke the silence again as they walked, "I won't tell anypony about what I saw.. But.. what were you two doing?" Rarity asked, keeping her head straight, daring not to glance over at Twilight.

"He needed somewhere to sleep. I didn't want him to sleep uncomfortably so I told him to take his armor off. Plain and simple." Twilight said, trying to move past the topic.

"You two seemed to be very.. close."

"We were sleeping, Rarity, things happen without us noticing! It wasn't.. intentional." Twilight's voice faded out as she finished the sentence, with Rarity humming softly.

"Okay~ I suppose. I won't bring it up to the others. Promise, darling."

Twilight sighed in relief that the topic was closing. "Thank you, Rarity. Thank you."

They had officially made it into the streets of Ponyville. The same stares and the same whispers that Solaire heard from before were being heard once again. As he had told himself before, he didn't mind it. However, he wouldn't mind if they just went on with their day and didn't stare. Didn't they know it was rude to stare?

They approached the front of Raritiy's boutique, opening its doors, and making their way inside. As they made it fully inside, and with the shut of the door, Rarity turned to Solaire.

"Okay- well.. Here comes the awkward part."

"Awkward.. part?" Twilight asked.

Rarity pointed a hoof at Solaire. "Take off your clothes."

...

Solaire stared at her, a little confused. "I don't think I heard you rig-"

"Take off your clothes." Rarity repeated. "I need to get proper measurements, and since you're a creature I've never dealt with, I need to get them spot on. In order to do that, you need to be.. naked."

Solaire wasn't expecting to have to get naked. He turned over to Twilight, who had a blush on her muzzle. She turned her head to the wall. "I'm not looking-"

"Well- on with it." Rarity urged, waiting for Solaire to undress. With a few protesting words under his breath, he began to undress himself. Helmet and boots were removed first, as he then moved onto his chest-piece. As soon as he removed it, the door opened.

"Hey Rari-"

The door was smashed shut with a blue glow around the door handle. A muffled voice came from the other side, protesting against the door. "What the buck was that for, Rarity?!" It was a male voice.

"C-Come back later, Darling! I'm busy!" Rarity yelled, holding the door shut with her magic still. It took a few moments before the pony behind the door sighed in anger and left. Twilight glanced over to Rarity.

"You didn't lock the door?" She asked mockingly.

"Just.. Can we just hurry this u-"

"Done." Solaire said, now standing completely nude, his hands placed firmly on his hips. Rarity turned to him, a blush forming on her face. "No staring." Solaire said, to which Rarity shook her head and floated a tape-measure over to herself, and began to measure.

With Rarity being so close to his.. nude body, it was quite awkward and uncomfortable for both parties. Solaire didn't looked at her, and simply stared forward, trying to ignore the fact that he was being seen for all he was. Though, with his gaze not on her, he didn't know exactly what she was doing.

Was she staring?

Was she doing something to him?

Solaire shook his head, simply staring forward still. He didn't focus on what Rarity was doing, it would only make hi-

"Done!" Rarity exclaimed, turning away from him. "I've got all the measurements I need. Legs, arms, height, everything. You can get dressed now, dear." Rarity said, looking at a small notepad that she had with her, where she wrote down all the measurements.

"That fast?" Twilight asked, turning around from the wall to look at Rarity, only to be blessed with the image of Solaire naked. She turned her head immediately, but had a good glimpse of.. something special.

"Well- I didn't want to make the awkward tension in the room last any longer- it was better to get it done as fast as possible, don't you think?"

Solaire, who was currently dressing back into his armor, nodded. "I'm hoping that I didn't cause you any trouble here."

Rarity waved a hoof around dismissively. "No no- you didn't cause any trouble. In fact, you were so still that I didn't have to tell you to move around at all. Possibly the easiest measuring I've done."

Solaire nodded. "Glad it was easy."

"Can we go now?" Twilight asked, turning her gaze from the wall back onto Solaire, who was now fully dressed, and putting on his helmet. With a twist, and a few clippings, it was completely on.

"Sure.. Where will we go?" Solaire asked, facing Twilight. Twilight gave a shrug, not really knowing. She just wanted to leave the boutique, and ignore the recent memories she gained just a minute earlier.

"Uh.. Back to the castle?" It wasn't a statement, more of a question.

"Sure." Solaire said whilst walking towards her, giving her a pat on the head. "You're the one in charge."

"Wouldn't mind being told what to do from time to time.." Twilight thought, nodding and heading out the door. "Thank you, Rarity!"

"No problem, dear!" Rarity yelled back as the both of them left.

As the both of them began to walk back on the path to the castle, Solaire spoke up. "Are you still worried about Rarity telling the others what she saw?"

Twilight sighed. "She's the gossip queen of the town. I'm not going to be surprised if she did tell everyone."

Solaire patted her head softly. "Don't worry about it. Next time, we'll just lock the door, won't we?"

"Next.. time..?" Twilight asked, looking up at him.

"Well.. Your bed was rather comfy. I can still sleep on the floor tho-"

"No!" Twilight protested immediately. "I-I mean.. No, you won't be sleeping on the floor. We'll lock the door next time." Solaire nodded with a chuckle, still patting her head. They were out of the main streets of Ponyville at this point, the only thing being heard through the quiet morning air was the content hums from Twilight, and Solaire's armor.

With Solaire removing his patting hand from Twilight's head, she whined in protest. "Y-You said a few days ago that there was no head scratches until the day after."

"Yes..?"

"W-Well it's been way longer than a day after!" Twilight said, staring up at him with a pouted face. Solaire began to chuckle, waving his hand.

"Sure. Once we get to the castle, that is. Not until then."

Twilight puffed her cheeks out. "Fine.."

"Fine, i'll go with it." Shining told Celestia. The both of them, along with other high ranking guards were currently having a meeting on what to do with the rebel's on the borders. They had been moving in further, taking even more land for themselves. Celestia needed Shining Armor, even though she didn't want to admit it. Even though she insulted his skills, she knew she was wrong.

Finally, Shining had agree'd to push into their territory, and fight them head on. He didn't like the idea, but if it would stop the countless meetings, and get rid of the 'punishment' bestowed upon him, he would have to. After talking with Celestia earlier in the meeting, he warmed up again to her, but still hated the idea.

"Thank you, Shining. I understand that you may not like the idea, but with you commanding, it'll go much smoother. I trust you, Shining." Celestia smiled at him, but to Shining, it felt fake. It felt forced.

"I just hope you know what your asking for. We're charging in there with the intent to kill. You understand that, right?"

"If you can solve a dispute without killing, then try it. However, I don't think solving it peacefully with all of them is possible. I'm not telling you to go in there to kill, Shining. I'm telling you to go in there and put a stop to their violent tendencies. And if that requires them to be put down, so be it."

Shining had never seen Celestia like this. She was always so peaceful- she was always willing to try the peaceful route at all costs. Rarely had he seen her go to such lengths to put killing at the forefront of her missions. Yet that's exactly what she was doing.

Shining shook his head, looking away from her. "Alright then." He said reluctantly.

"M-May I suggest a change of topic?" A female guard spoke.

Celestia nodded. "Of course."

"W-We have reports from guards that were stationed near the Dragon Lands. They say that a lot of them are being.. killed."

Celestia's ears perked towards the guard. "What ever do you mean?"

"W-We aren't sure. We've seen the corpses of multiple dragon's in the outer lands. We don't think it's the rebels though.."

Celestia shook her head in thought. "No.. It couldn't be them, they wouldn't go after dragons. I don't know of anyone else who would into their land like that and start murdering them." Celestia turned to Shining. "Send more guards to the outer Dragon Lands outpost, and have some investigate further into the area. Try to see what's causing it, or who is causing it."

Shining reluctantly nodded. "Yes.. Ma'am."

"I have strange reports too." The second guard, male, spoke up.

Celestia had a feeling it wasn't good. "Go on.."

"Changeling activity has spiked. We've seen many of them searching around the mountains- the only time we've seen activity this bad is when they were searching for a new hive."

"Do you think they could be searching for a new hive?" Shining asked Celestia, who shook her head.

"I don't see why they would. It wouldn't make sense unless something is.." Celestia's words slowed. "..forcing them to.."

"What're you thinking?" Shining asked, to which Celestia set a hoof onto the table.

"Don't worry. I'll need to talk to my sister before I say anything privately or publicly. And I'll have to arrange a meeting with.. a certain individual."

Shining now looked at her with concern. "Do you really think it has anything to do with him?"

"It might.. As much as I'm hoping it isn't.. it might."

"Why can't you just let me drink in peace?!"

Twilight and Starlight began arguing a few minutes after Solaire and Twilight got back into the castle. Starlight was out in the open with some ale, and it seemed to set Twilight off. The arguing had been going on for a good ten minutes, with Solaire simply staring in silence.

"You know why, you shouldn't be bringing your drinks back here to the castle! There are rules here, and this was one of them!"

"I'm not hurting anypony! What is the big deal, you go to the bar all the time!"

Twilight's voice was now increasing further in volume. "Going to the bucking bar and bringing ale back into the castle are two different things! How long have you been drinking, huh? And what for?! You don't have anything to forget!"

"Are you kidding me?! You don't understand what it's like to be me, Twilight. You don't understand at all, Twilight." Starlight then looked at Solaire, giving him a seemingly apologetic look before walking off down the hallway.

"Ignoring the situation, huh? I better see those drinks out of the castle tomorrow!" Twilight yelled to her, before Starlight disappeared out of sight.

The room fell silent, as Twilight simply looked on down the hallway where Starlight was. Solaire lifted a hand, about to speak up, yet couldn't find any words.

He didn't know what to say.

"She.. She ignores the rules, and she acts like i'm the one that's at fault. How the buck does that work?" Twilight said to no one in particular, before turning over to Solaire. "I-I'm sorry you had to see that, I just-"

Solaire pat her head softly, his head tilting to the side a little. "Sshh.. Don't worry about it. It wasn't my business to deal with. I'm not going to question it."

Twilight nudged into his hand, her eyes closed now.

"I'll go talk to her, okay? I'll go see what's going on." Twilight's mouth opened up slightly, before closing it. If anyone was going to be able to talk to Starlight about her drinks, it was going to be Solaire. He also had first hand experience in what her drinking did- after hearing what happened with her and him two days ago- it.. set her off. She couldn't believe that Starlight would do something like that.

Solaire took a step back, waving a hand at her as he began to walk down the hallway to Starlight's room. "Don't worry, you'll get your head scratches when I return." He could hear a quiet happy squeal after he said that.

He approached Starlight's door, hearing quiet sobs on the other side of it. He didn't know if he should really step inside, but, did anyways.

"Twilight I don't want t-" Starlight stopped as she saw Solaire, before she wiped her eyes with a hoof. "O-Oh.."

Solaire didn't say any words, and simply sat down in front of her after closing the door. He removed his helmet, setting it to the side, and reached a hand out. He grabbed her hoof softly, and held it with both hands.

There was nothing but silence, before Solaire said, "What's wrong?"

...

Nobody had asked Starlight that before. They assumed she was just some alcoholic, someone who drank just for the sake of it. Nobody asked what was wrong- why she drank- why she does what she does. Even being a great therapist didn't mean that you weren't vulnerable too.

"You don't want to know.." Starlight said with a sniffle.

"I do. Why else would I have come here?"

"To defend Twilight.."

Solaire shook his head. "I didn't come here to defend her. It was an extreme reaction from the both of you. I came here to talk to you and to help you, Starlight. I'm not mad at you."

"B-But I-"

"No. It doesn't matter what you did. I'm not mad."

...

Starlight pulled her hoof away, wiping a tear with it. "I.. after hearing that you helped Twilight with her problems, I thought that.. I thought that I could bring you into my room and- and possibly have you help me with mine.. But I got so entranced in our conversation that I forgot about it and.. ended up getting drunk."

It made sense now why Starlight was constantly trying to get his attention now. She just needed someone to talk to about her problems.

Someone who wasn't apart of the group.

"Well. I'm here now. And i'm willing to listen to anything you have to say."

Starlight had never really tried to speak about her feelings before, and now that she was confronted with doing so, she didn't know how to say any of it. She simply sat there in silence for a couple of minutes, not doing anything but staring into nothingness. It took awhile before she finally spoke.

"I used to not be a good pony. I was angry, I was upset.. After what I did to Twilight and her friends I didn't think I would ever be accepted anywhere but, they did accept me. Even though they tell me that I've changed, even though they tell me that I've done good and proven myself, I still have dreams about being a villain again, and losing all of my friends. I feel like that side of me is taking over my brain- taking over every thought. I understand that I've done good but.. My past has left a permanent scar on me.."

Starlight continued. "I drink to not think about any of that, I drink so I don't have to think about anything at all. It works, sometimes works too well. There have been nights that I've passed out in the street or in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes I can't even tell what I did the night before- and to think i'm the person that Twilight chose to be a counselor.."

Starlight wiped another tear. "I have to help those kids. When the school re-opens, I have to start that job all over again, and help all of those kids. How can I help them if i'm having trouble myself? I can't even help myself, so am I even qualified to help any of those kids? I don't think so. They look up to us adults to know what we're doing but, right now, I don't know what i'm doing."

"I'm not doing anything. I drink and read, drink and read, drink and read. I rarely leave the castle anymore. I don't do anything with my life- I don't have any meaning except helping others and now, now I can't even do that. I don't get it- what is my purpose?"

Solaire was silent after she finished, looking away from her and admiring the room, before his gaze landed back onto her. He reached his hand up to his hair, running his hand over it, and scratching the back of his neck. Finally, he decided to speak.

"You aren't a villain, I can see that much so far. Losing your friends is a very possible idea, and not just for you, for everyone. You can lose those you care about fast by something that may or may not be your own doing. Your past may have hurt you, Starlight, but it does not define you. It does not define anyone. If I were to judge myself on my past, I should be executed, now shouldn't I?"

Solaire continued with a heavy sigh. "Just because you try your best to help others, and its your job, doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have your own personal troubles. It's what makes us who we are. You used your drinking as a way to take all that pain away yet- now it's taking you away. Give up the drinks. See what happens. If you ever need help, you always have friends to rely on to help you through it. Twilight was angry because that's how much you mean to her."

Solaire fell silent once again for a few moments, gathering his thoughts. "How about we get you out of the castle for a little bit? We go and do something. Just us two. You can tell me anything and everything. You say you don't leave the castle often so this'll be a little trip for you. We'll go anywhere you want."

Starlight began to shake her head. "No- no no- I don't want you to waste your time o-"

"It's not wasting time if it's with a friend, is it?"

...

Starlight smiled with a sniffle, clearing her eyes with her hoof. "N-No.. It isn't."

"Then let's get up, go out and do something. How about we go up to that school you were talking about? Twilight said there were dorms there, and that the students still live there despite it being closed down for the time being. How about we go and pay them a visit? They'll prove just how much you mean to them, i'm sure of it."

Starlight stood up, shaking the tears from her eyes.

"I'd like that."

Author's Note

Oh jeez. I'm sorry this took me some time to write!

I hope it was worth the wait. Chapters are going to be coming out slower because I want them to be longer.

If you liked anything in the story- or want to give any criticism, be sure to comment! I always see it, even if I don't respond.

And, to anyone who needs to read this-

Before you do anything drastic, always think about other options. You might just save yourself from something you'll regret.

Ciao.