A Balance of Fire and Light

“With as busy as you say you are, I wouldn't think you'd be here so often.” Twilight said as she rested, having finished her training until evening.

“Well, James may be experienced doing this training with his daughters, but I get the feeling you girls might be a bit much for him to handle.” Airi casually answered.

“Well, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash may be a bit of a hoofful, but we wouldn't give him that much trouble.”

Airi smirked and nodded, “Honestly, it's not just James who needs help. While I can't say I know how politics in Equestria work, you're going to need to learn how to maneuver yourself beyond those borders now.”

“I don't know.” Twilight quietly said. “I don't think I even have a position in Equestria that isn't just for show anymore.”

“All the more reason to broaden your horizons.” Airi replied. “Make connections, deals, friends, make yourself too important to ignore.”

“I made my school.” Twilight awkwardly offered.

“If that's all you think you can do, I guess that's good.” Airi said with a shrug, “But I think you can do much more than that.”

“What can I do?”

“Please, a smart girl like you doesn't need someone to tell you what you can do: Go and figure it out.”

“Oh … right.” Twilight said, uncomfortably shifting.

“Did someone have to tell you to start your school?”

“No.” Twilight spoke up, “The School of Friendship was my passion project. I knew it was what Equestria needed.” She explained emphatically.

“See, you are smart enough to see what you can do for your world. And you clearly have the passion to fight for it.”

“I don't really know.” Twilight mumbled as Cozy Glow, Xellos, and even L herself came to mind.

Airi shook her head as she heard the comment. “Jeez, lighten up. I'm telling you that you're clearly capable of amazing things if you just try. Have some faith in yourself.”

“It's just …” Twilight hesitated, thinking of everything she's gone through since moving to Ponyville. “I've never actually accomplished anything important on my own.”

“Who said you have to do it alone.” Airi said with a laugh, “Even Tsunami has her sisters. And we were just talking the other night about how we've all had help getting where we are.”

“Oh, hello.” Fluttershy said as she walked over to the two.

“How's the training treating you?” Airi asked with a smile.

“Yeah, you don't seem tired at all.” Twilight said, happy to see her friend and change the topic of conversation.

“Oh, it's not that bad. I just need to be careful.”

Airi chuckled as she heard the explanation. “Maybe I should tell James to be a little harder on you.”

Fluttershy jolted slightly as she heard the suggestion. “Oh, no. It's alright, I'm just a little more used to it than everypony else.”

***

“I must admit, I wasn't expecting a call from you, Twilight.” The image of Lady Seto said pleasantly.

“I'm sorry about that Lady Seto.” Twilight said apologetically.

“You can just call me Seto.” She answered easily. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Twilight paused, she didn't really know what she wanted, all she knew was what she was thinking. “I guess I want to learn about where I can belong. My world has just gotten so big … I don't think I fit where I used to anymore.”

Seto smiled warmly at her, “That is exactly what so many recruits to the GP say. But I don't think the GP would be a good fit for you.”

Twilight gave a weak laugh and smiled. “I was getting ready to move into leadership in Equestria, but now that's gone. James is bringing us all around to other worlds, but don't know if I fit in out here yet.”

Seto nodded sagely, “I understand the problem, and there's no way you could just return to the life you knew before, even if you wanted to. But your position doesn't allow for as much flexibility as others might.”

She sat silently for a few seconds before speaking again. “I'm going to arrange transport for you and your friends to join me on Jurai, and from there we may have a more productive conversation.”

“Oh, you don't have to do that.” Twilight said quickly.

“Oh? I believe that it may be just the right thing.” Seto said with a smirk. “You and your friends may benefit from seeing more of the universe, and you might just understand your place in it a bit better.”

Before Twilight could answer an image of James appeared beside Seto's. “Ah, that explains it.” He said with a chuckle. “I just got a notification about some transport arrangements, and checking up I got redirected here.”

“Yes.” Seto calmly said, “You and your pony friends will be joining me on Jurai for a few days.”

“It would have been nice to have more than twelve hours notification.” James countered.

“James, Twilight and I were talking.” Seto said firmly before the image of James vanished. “I look forward to the company of you and your friends soon. I believe something of a party will be in order.” With that, Seto's image vanished and Twilight was left alone, wondering just what all was going on.

***

“I am so sorry about this, James.” Twilight said as everyone sat in the transport shuttle.

“That's okay.” James said dismissively, “I think it may actually be good for me to be on Jurai for a few days.”

“Is something goin' on?” Applejack asked as she faced James.

“Nothing beyond the usual.”

“What's the usual?”

“Please, Applejack.” Rainbow Dash moaned as she rolled her eyes. “You've seen him sleeping on the couch this last week, right?”

“Yeah, he falls asleep watchin' the news. Everypony does from time to time.”

“Really? You don't know the problem.” Rainbow Dash deadpanned.

“Hi girls,” James cut in, “I'm still here.”

“Look, something has him stressed out, so a change of scenery should be good for him.” Rainbow Dash barreled on, heedless.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity scolded, “You really must learn some tact. We can all see something's wrong, but not everypony is going around talking about it.”

“Guess I'll just wait this one out.” James said, clearly speaking to himself.

“Whatever.” Rainbow Dash said, shaking her head, “It's just cool that we're going to Jurai.” she paused a moment as a thought occurred to her. “It's not going to take days to get there, is it?”

James shook his head, “Nah, we're looking at a couple hours. Though I'm hoping for something a little less cramped than a patrol cruiser.”

Rarity examined her outfit once more, admiring her handiwork and the praise she would no doubt receive for her beauty. “Twilight said this was arranged by a princess, I doubt that she would allow her guests to arrive in anything less than luxury.”

“You're not entirely wrong.” James commented, “I guess you really only met Seto once, so you don't know her that well. She has a habit of arranging things in a way that will benefit her, and sometimes that means putting others at risk.”

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash agreed with a shudder as she remembered being locked in the Time Chamber with James.

“Maybe it's not so bad that I'm going.” Twilight cautiously said.

“I don't think anything bad is actually going to happen.” James idly commented.

“Not that.” Twilight spoke up, not wanting to talk about this, but she couldn't keep it in. “This was arranged because I don't know if I really belong in Ponyville, or even Equestria anymore.”

The ponies all gasped at the announcement as James gave Twilight a curious look.

“Of course you belong in Ponyville, Twilight.” Rarity said, firmly.

“What in the hay could make you think that?” Applejack asked, shocked.

“No Twilight, don't leave!” Pinkie pleaded, throwing herself on Twilight.

“I'm not planning on leaving.” Twilight clarified, climbing free from Pinkie's crushing hug, “Nor do I want to leave. But with all the changes recently, I don't know where, or if, I belong. It's been so bad that I sometimes have to ask who I even am.”

“I can answer the last one for you Twilight.” James calmly said. “You're our friend. And frankly, I don't see that changing anytime.”

“Is this about …?” Starlight cautiously asked.

“It's pretty clear that Celestia is pushing me away.” Twilight interrupted, “All because I accepted help from L, and with all the responsibilities that have been taken from me. It almost feels like she's trying to hold me back, even.”

“Celestia wouldn't do that.” Rarity said, trying to comfort her.

“Yeah, unless she thought you were some kind of threat to Equestria or something.” Rainbow Dash blurted out, drawing stares from the rest of the group. “What?”

“Maybe not me,” Twilight conceded, “but L. She's part of me now, I welcomed her into my body and that's not something that can just be undone.”

“Are you sure?” Starlight asked, “I've read up on mazoku, and the only other time that a Mazoku was bound to somepony's eyes was with Shabranigdo to Rezzo. And you're not blind like he was, so something is clearly different.”

“Yeah, it's a completely different situation, Stalight.” James said. “Rezzo's eyes were basically the door to the jail that housed Shabranigdo's power. He wasn't blind, his eyes were magically sealed. … Besides, that's still not addressing how they were bound. Shabranigdo was bound to Rezzo's soul. It's possible that L's power is just as inextricably merged with Twilight's.”

“And because of that I may have lost everything I had.” Twilight finished.

“Not everything.” James corrected.

“You've still got us.” Fluttershy quietly added.

“I was important, I was the Princess of Friendship.”

“And you still are.” Starlight said, “Who you are hasn't changed, even if you do share your body with somepony else.”

“Let's just take this as it comes. If you want to stay in Ponyville, that's more than enough reason to stay.” James said as the transport announced their arrival.

Glad that for the time being she was certain her friends would be with her no matter what, Twilight let the topic drop for now.

Stepping outside they found themselves in a hanger much like the one they had first arrived in as they came to the Galactic Academy, only significantly larger. Floating above a veritable lake was an oval structure with several rings floating over it and two small prongs floating beneath it. The entire structure, save the dome over what was clearly the main ship, appeared to be grown from a single piece of wood.

James smiled as he looked on the ship. “I see,” he said with a chuckle. “Well ladies, we'd best not be late.” As he finished speaking he felt a comfortable warmth in his chest as the group disappeared from the dock, finding themselves suddenly in what appeared to be the canopy of a tree that had been carved to be an open area with a stream running from a pond in the middle where another tree stood tall.

Several New Guardian officers turned to salute as the group appeared on the bridge, dropping the salute shortly after to return to work.

“Wait!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly as she looked around. “Is this really …?” She asked, cutting herself off in excitement.

“Yes,” James confirmed with his half smile. “This is Hinako.”

After he spoke several chimes softly sounded, musical while not melodic.

“Yes, they're happy to meet you too.” James said, looking nowhere in particular.

“Does this mean that Hinako is intelligent?” Twilight asked, admiring the open view into space, as if she could simply walk forwards and into the yawning expanse of darkness with pinpoints of light.

“She is.” James confirmed. “But she's not the most powerful of the third generation Royal Trees, and she has trouble communicating to anyone but me so has to use terminals.”

With a flourish of his hand a screen appeared showing a motherly woman with long brown hair who smiled warmly at them. Beneath her the word “Welcome.” was spelled out in English and Ponish.

Moments later the text changed to “He meant to say the weakest of the third generation Royal Trees.” Her image turned to James and gave him a half smile of her own, though she still looked quite friendly.

“Whoa.” Applejack said as she read the message. “Royal Trees?”

“I didn't know trees could be royalty too.” Rarity said, sounding as astonished as Applejack.

The image of Hinako turned to the ponies, her friendly smile returning. “Yes, I am a descendant of Tsunami, the one responsible for all of Jurai's Royal Trees.” After a few moments the text changed again. “Unfortunately, our power is less each generation.”

Hinako appeared to blush slightly as she rubbed the back of her neck. “And since I tend to leave this universe from time to time my power is even more limited.”

“I would like to have her around more.” James commented, “but we can't easily replicate the power she needs to remain as she is.”

“James' Demon's Blood Talisman can support me for a while, but I have to return here, and specifically Jurai, to regain my strength.” Hinako silently explained.

“How are you doing, anyway?” James asked as the message disappeared.

“Better now, and it looks like you've been eating well again.” Hinako smirked.

James' half smile vanished, “It's not quite that … I'll explain later.”

Hinako's smile vanished as James clear discomfort.

Almost desperate to change the subject, Hinako turned back to the ponies. Within moments she focused on Rainbow Dash, her screen flying up to and towering over her. She looked to be judging the pegasus with a hash eye as her eyes narrowed and she looked Rainbow Dash over.

“Hey, what's your problem?” Rainbow Dash snapped.

“There isn't one.” James said firmly.

Hinako reacted quickly, no longer looming over the pony and looking a bit sheepish as she turned to James.

The musical tones once again played as James cocked his eyebrow at her. “You know as well as I that it's rude to just cut them out like that.”

James shook his head and turned to Rainbow Dash. “Sorry, she can be a bit defensive of me at times.”

“Can you blame me?” Hinako asked in text on her image as she shrugged. “It seems you bring a new woman around every couple years or so.”

“Even if I weren't dating Rainbow Dash, these girls are my friends. You can't just treat them like intruders.”

“Jealous much?” Rainbow Dash mumbled under her breath to Applejack.

Hinako turned back to glare at her briefly, words began to form on her image, only to vanish as James spoke up. “Yes. She did the same to Lucca and Tali.”

Hinako blushed briefly, her face scrunched up in embarrassment, and turned to face out towards space. “So … off to Jurai, right?”

“Yes, please.” James calmly said.

***

As Twilight watched their descent towards the ringed blue planet, she couldn't help but let her emotions soar. The sense of adventure in witnessing a new planet for the first time was intoxicating, even if that planet were one that many traveled to regularly.

As she turned, she found James not looking at the planet, but at her and her friends with a wide smile.

“Sorry,” He quietly said, “just enjoying all of you seeing another first. I've been to so many planets that it's nice to see it from a fresh perspective.”

“It's a shame we're here on business,” Applejack said, “I'd love to get a look around this place.”

“This isn't business.” James corrected, “Twilight has business here, we're just tagging along. … Hinako?”

As James spoke, the gentle notes answered him.

“Would you keep track of the girls, and give them computer access as they need?”

The notes answered, several lower than the others.

“I know you do. Just like …” James said before more notes cut him off. “Exactly.” He answered with a smile.

“What was that?” Rarity asked.

“Basically we have support from Hinako for pretty much anything we may need. Basically there's nothing for you to worry about here.” James answered.

“I wasn't worried about anything.” Applejack said, “Was there something for us to worry about?”

“Nah, Jurai's a safe planet.”

“Sir,” an officer interrupted, “They're waiting for you on the dock.”

“Right!” James said suddenly. “Thank you lieutenant. Let's not keep them waiting girls.”

The docks of Jurai stood in stark contrast to the nearly sterile docks of the Galaxy Academy. Being built directly into the largest tree in the universe, it was entirely earth tone, with golden browns and lush green accents.

Waiting along the walkway was a lone veiled woman in a long dark dress, her veil reaching to just below the tip of her nose so her expressions were still viable.

“This place is just so lovely.” Fluttershy breathlessly commented as she admired the scenery.

“Thank you very much, miss. We're pleased that outsiders enjoy our planet.” The veiled woman said with a smile bowing slightly as she did.

“I want to go exploring.” Rainbow Dash eagerly said as she looked out over the canopy of the forest far below.

“There will certainly be time for that.” The woman said with a nod. “But for now it would be best if you came with me as a banquet has been arranged to welcome you.”

“Oh, you didn't have to do all that.” Twilight was quick to say.

“If you'll follow me, Lady Seto is waiting for you.” The veiled woman said before turning to walk off.

Pinkie happily bounced behind her, giggling as she did.

The ponies looked around in awe as they walked along the bridge over the lake that had formed in the hollow of a branch. At the center was pillar with a large building and garden on top, delectable aromas of all kinds drifting towards them as they approached.

The building was open on all sides, offering those inside a view as magnificent as the smells that tempted the group even closer while it's location offered all the privacy they may need.

Fluttershy happily hummed as she took in the sights of the wondrous garden planet as they went. This is exactly what she had been hoping for.

Inside, a long table was set with all manner of foods, baked, roasted, and raw with a selection of pastries set to the side.

“I'm glad you were able to join me here.” Lady Seto said as everyone was seated. “I know this isn't a state banquet, but I do hope this meager spread is to your liking.”

“Of course, Lady Seto.” Twilight politely said. “You didn't have to go to the trouble.”

Seto laughed briefly, waving away the comment. “It was no trouble at all, you are our guests.”

“I must say, Lady Seto, everything here looks absolutely divine.” Rarity marveled as she carefully examined the scenery and her place setting.

“Oh, I agree.” Fluttershy said, watching a butterfly flit past to land on a flower beyond the open walls.

“Aren't you girls all just so thoughtful.” Seto said with a wide smile.

“James, it's a pleasure to see you again.” Said a man Twilight quickly recognized as Utsusumi.

“A pleasure for me as well.” James answered with a smile. “Not just because Azusa's guard isn't here to drag me away.” He added with a laugh that Utsusumi readily joined in on.

“You and your friends are guests of house Kamiki, you don't have to worry about anything like that.” Utsusumi replied before adding with a laugh of his own. “Though it seems you've been a bit lax in your training lately, so perhaps a little run from the guards wouldn't be amiss.”

James' smile faded slightly as he quietly nodded.

***

“That was certainly an enjoyable meal.” Seto said with a laugh as she looked to Pinkie, who even now was demonstrating some of the new gags that Cheese Sandwich was producing in his workshop. “But I'm afraid Twilight an I have business to discuss in private.”

“What kind of business?” James asked, before quickly cutting back in, “If you don't mind me asking, obviously.”

“She had some questions for me, and I felt it would be easier to answer them in person.” Seto calmly said, “Though if she wishes to indulge me in my hobby I could certainly be persuaded.”

“Besides, James,” Utsusumi said, standing up from his seat. “You and I have some training to do.”

“What?” James asked, whipping his head to the man.

“I may not be as strong as your usual opponents, but I believe I can give you a workout at least.” Utsusumi said as he lead a defeated looking James away.

“Wait up.” Rainbow Dash said, jumping up from her chair.

“You're quite free to go exploring now.” The veiled attendant said as she walked up from seemingly nowhere. “If that's still what you'd like to do.”

“Oh, uhm … Yeah, sounds good. James can handle himself.” Rainbow Dash said before taking off.

“That was certainly an enlightening luncheon.” Rarity said as she watched her friends leave. “I do wonder, though, would there happen to be a spa I could visit. I would like to know what services they might offer.”

“Ya know what, I think I'll join you, Rarity.” Applejack said, jumping down from her chair and trotting up beside the overdressed mare.

“Applejack,” Rarity nearly gasped happily, “it's been moons since we had a proper spa day. We have to make the most of this.”

“Anything, as long as we start with a good hot steam.”

Rarity chuckled as the two followed the attendant. “Would you like to join us Fluttershy?” She called back.

“Oh, that's alright.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Maybe next time.”

“Uh, how often do you think we're gonna be on Jurai?” Applejack asked, cocking her eyebrow at the pegasus, who even now was watching a butterfly flit about the flowers.

“Oh, I just mean back in Ponyville, they know just what I like.”

“It's a shame that you won't join us.” Rarity said.

“Come on Rare, it's been a long time since I've had a good steam and boy do I need one.”

“I'm off to find some place to train.” Starlight said as she got up, “The sooner I get this body suit off, the better.”

“Oh, maybe you could still catch up to James and Uts …” Fluttershy said, trailing off as she tried to remember the name of Seto's husband.

“Utsususumi.” Starlight finished for her. “His name's a bit of a tongue twister.”

With only a “goodbye” Pinkie bounced off to wherever her whims would take her.

***

“We are aware of your situation.” Utsusumi calmly said as he walked with James. “And your desire to keep it a secret from your guests.”

“I appreciate that it wasn't mentioned.”

“Of course. But have you considered what would happen should the pirates accomplish their goal? Those girls would have no idea what had happened, and would then learn about this secret. And aren't you in a relationship with one of them?”

“Yes, and it's not something I do easily.” James sighed. “As much as I'm preparing them, they have trouble thinking of pirates as anything but treasure hunters. I have reason to believe that should they learn of the pirate's plan, maintaining security would become significantly harder.”

Utsusumi smiled and held his chin as he thought. “Would that we all could live such joyful lives.”

“Yeah, reality has a way of spoiling the fun in life … Anyway, it's not like the pirates will actually be able to succeed.” James added after a moment.

“I believe that's what we're going to find out.” Utsusumi said with a grin.

James returned the grin and nodded before a sound caught his attention.

Utsusumi also turned to the sound of hooves coming towards them, and before any could guess, Starlight came into view.

“I'm glad I found you two.” Starlight said with a smile, coming to a trot before stopping by the two. “You don't mind if I join you, right?”

James shrugged, “Fine with me.” He casually said.

“It's always better to be surrounded by friends.” Utsusumi agreed. “Though you may have some difficulty keeping up. You're still working on recovering from your procedure, after all.”

***

Rainbow Dash soared through the massive tree, trying to get a sense of just how large it was, but the trunk looked more like a sheer cliff wall stretching far away in any direction from her perspective.

Looking down didn't seem to help much either, she couldn't see the roots of the tree through masses of leafs coming from other branches. But it did appear that they weren't so high up as to reach the cloud line.

The real question, however, was where she could find a mystery, or better yet, some treasure.

As she flew she allowed her mind to wander. “Now how would Daring Do start this? … Right, she knows about a lot of this stuff before she goes treasure hunting. That's kind of Twilight's thing. … but in Daring Do and the Saddle of Andal she overheard Cabaleron's henchponies talking about the saddle at the bar.”

“So where do I find a bar?”

Settling on down for the time being she began to dive, once again questioning just how large the tree was.

She wasn't long into her dive when the sound of frightened screaming caught her ears. Without a thought, she adjusted her direction and shot off, the thought of adventure pushed to the back of her mind for the time being.

Not seeing the source of the scream gave her pause for only a moment, until she heard it once more and realized that it was through a dense patch of foliage. With a burst of speed, she crashed through into a dark pathway, lit only occasionally by the odd beam of light that happened to penetrate the leafs.

The scream sounded once more and Rainbow Dash knew which direction she needed to fly. She also realized that the scream sounded familiar.

Accompanying the scream was the sound of a stampede coming her way, and as she turned she could see Fluttershy running from half a dozen mantis creatures four times her size.

Beating her wings briefly, Rainbow Dash backed up and adjusted her angle before launching herself at the lead mantis.

The collision knocked the mantis down as Rainbow Dash pushed off and landed several feet away, skidding to a stop.

Fluttershy was quick to cower behind Rainbow Dash as the mantises came to a stop at the new arrival.

“Fluttershy, isn't this more your thing?” Rainbow Dash quickly asked.

“Normally yes, but I can't understand them, and they keep grabbing at me.”

“Well, Dashinator to the rescue.” Rainbow Dash said with a wide grin.

The lead mantis readily climbed back to it's feet and focused on the pony that just hit it. As it stared her down the other mantises began to spread out, clearly trying to surround them. Chittering constantly as they did.

“You really can't understand them?” Rainbow Dash asked, keeping an eye on as many of them as she could.

“They don't seem that interested in talking.”

The lead mantis rushed forward and swiped at Rainbow Dash, who leaped up and dodged. Fluttershy ducking beneath the outstretched limb.

“I see what you mean.” Rainbow Dash said as she watched the mantis's limb close around the air where she was. “They're definitely trying to grab us.”

Fluttershy jumped as another mantis lashed out at her, holding Rainbow Dash tight as she jumped up to her.

“Gah! Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash chastised.

Fluttershy's response was simply to whimper.

“I bet if we had our full strength, these guys would be easy.” Rainbow Dash growled as she became acutely aware of the limiter she currently wore.

“Do you think?” Fluttershy asked, still holding on to Rainbow Dash. “We can't quite control ourselves yet.” She pointed out before shrieking as a claw brushed her tail in an attempt to grab her.

Rainbow Dash was the next to shout as a mantis hurled itself through the air towards the two. Quickly she dodged to the left, pulling her friend along with her.

“Have you tried giving them the stare?” Rainbow Dash suggested as another mantis began to crawl up the foliage towards them.

“Do you think it would work?”

“It worked on a grown dragon, it couldn't hurt to try.” Rainbow Dash grunted as she dodged another mantis leaping at her from the wall.

Fluttershy whimpered before nodding. “Uhm … excuse me.” Fluttershy meekly said, still hiding behind Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash sighed and shook Fluttershy off, forcing her to fly on her own. “You gotta be firm with them, Fluttershy.”

“Right, firm … firm.” Fluttershy quietly encouraged herself. She took a deep breath opened her eyes wide and glared disapprovingly at the mantis creatures. “Now listen here creatures!” She said as roughly as her gentle voice could muster. “You're being very rude! We were just minding our own business, and you need to leave us alone!”

The mantis creatures stared at Fluttershy, as if contemplating what she was saying.

“I think it worked.” Rainbow Dash hesitantly said.

“I'm not sure.” Fluttershy answered, not looking away.

Just as the mantis creatures began to advance again once again it sounded as though a stampede were coming their way. Expecting more mantises from behind, Rainbow Dash braced for a hard fight, and began to look for potential escapes.

As the heavy footfalls got rapidly closer it became apparent that it wasn't more mantises, but Jurians running their direction, bow staffs in hand they rushed forward and formed a defensive circle around the ponies.

Every time a mantis began to approach they were met with a hard smack from the guards, though if that did more than startle the mantis it didn't show.

Before long the guards began to expand their circle, pushing the mantises back until they were running off.

As Rainbow Dash watched, the image of Hinako's terminal form appeared next to her, the text beneath her reading. “It seemed like you two were in trouble, so I requested aid.” Shortly after the text changed. “Are you alright?”

Rainbow Dash paused a moment before nodding. “Uh, yeah.” After a moment Rainbow Dash shook her head. “We were just fine, those creatures wouldn't have stood a chance.”

Hinako gave her a sarcastic smile. “I'm sure you had it all under control.”

Before Rainbow Dash could react she was tackled from behind with a shout.

Pinkie held her in a tight hug, “I'm so glad you're alright!” She announced.

“Too tight, Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash gasped.

“Once Misaki got Hinako's message I had to come running to make sure you were alright.”

“Who's Misaki?” Fluttershy quietly asked.

“Oh, she's the Second Empress of Jurai.” Pinkie answered casually, “We met as I was looking around and meeting everycreature. She's super nice, and really fun!” She continued, not loosening her grip on Rainbow Dash at all. “Ooh! We should all go visit her! We were in the middle of a great party, and it would be super fun with everypony there! We're singing Karaoke!”

***

“Huh.” Applejack mused as she looked from the carved doorway in the trunk into the single room that she had been put in with the other ponies, save Twilight. “Guess it's a cultural thing to put everypony in one room like this.”

The room itself was completely open to the outdoors, with a small waterfall running from the leaf canopy to several small pools decoratively serving as a barrier to keep them from getting close to the edge. Near the back of the room was a single circular bed easily six meters across with blankets and pillows enough for each pony.

“Yay! Slumber Party!”

“That's certainly one way to look at it.” Rarity commented.

“Kinda weird that there's only one bed.” Rainbow Dash said shaking her head.

“Yeah, but look at the size of it.”

“I'm just glad it's good weather tonight.” Fluttershy commented.

“So how was the spa?” Starlight asked, turning to Rarity and Applejack.

“Real impressive.” Applejack said with a whistle. “And fancy too, that steam smelled like a forest of flowers.”

“Pinnacle of service and style. Unfortunately their treatments simply were not designed with ponies in mind.” Rarity evaluated before her face turned to a pout. “They completely ignored my horn, and only soaked and polished my hooves. Though they did do a gorgeous job of that polish.”

“Come on Rares,” Applejack scoffed, “That mane and tail treatment couldn't have been any better.”

“Hmm … True, it's as though the shampoo was personally tailored for me, and completely luxurious.” Rarity conceded.

“I may have to try it myself tomorrow.”

“What about our training?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Frankly, it would have been nice to be able to ditch these suits earlier.”

Applejack laughed a moment. “Yer telling me. I got mine off for the spa and kept throwing myself around on accident. Fortunately I didn't hit nothin.”

“Thankfully I handled myself quite gracefully.” Rarity said proudly.

“If that's what you call movin at a snails pace. Granny Smith has more get up an go than you did.”

“Does anypony else wonder why Twilight isn't here too?” Fluttershy asked.

“Probably some political thing. They put James in his own room too.” Applejack said dismissively.

“True, but remember: James is a stallion, so that may not be the only reason.” Rarity commented as she began to put rollers in her hair.

Applejack rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to speak before a look of understanding covered her face and she promptly closed her mouth again.

“Duh, but it's not like he's that kind of guy.” Rainbow Dash commented.

“Of course we know that,” Rarity said as if stating the obvious, “but he can be a pretty shameless flirt.”

“You know, despite all the time we've spent together, we haven't had that much time to just talk like this.” Starlight said as Rarity applied a mask to her face.

Over an hour passed and as the ponies talked the leaves outside their room rustled suddenly, making Fluttershy leap in shock.

“Come on, Fluttershy, it's just the wind.” Rainbow Dash said as she rolled her eyes.

“Not exactly.” Came a familiar deep voice from the dense foliage beyond the wall.

Fluttershy cowered near the back of the bed as Applejack pressed her hoof into her forehead.

“James what are you doing out there?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew off the bed towards James' voice.

“Sorry if I interrupted anything.” James said, still out of sight. “It's just that my room is … occupied at the moment.”

“Wait, so did they put you in a room with a bunch of other guys?” Applejack asked as James emerged from the leaves.

“Not exactly, I don't really know how they decide who gets a private room and who doesn't. Thing is …” James began before Rainbow Dash cut him off.

“Seto's got a herd of girls chasing you down?” She casually guessed.

“Again.” James finished.

“Wait,” Rarity began, giving James a curious look for more than the sticks and leaves currently caught in his hair. “Aren't you the one who revels in attention from girls?”

“Depends on their motive. These women just want something from me so it's all tainted by that. Also, I don't even know any of them.” James explained, plucking a stick from his hair and casually tossing it out the open side of the room. Ultimately this had no effect on the state of his head.

“And you were thinkin you'd come to us to get it without an ulterior motive?” Applejack sarcastically suggested.

“Not at all, just to hide out until my room is empty. But if you were to offer I'd be hard pressed to turn down such lovely ladies.”

“Well …” Applejack paused as she smirked at him. “I ain't.”

“Come on,” Rainbow Dash said as she pulled James toward the bed. “We were just talking anyway.”

“Well, alright. But it really wouldn't be proper if James were to stay for too long.” Rarity commented.

Without a care, the group talked and joked into the night, eventually falling asleep on the gigantic bed. James, silently snoring as he held onto Rainbow Dash with Starlight laying curled up next to him, the other ponies spread out on their own section of the bed.

***

From Hinako's bridge they watched as Jurai began to shrink in the distance.

“So what did you spend all that time talking with Lady Seto about?” Rarity asked as Twilight joined the group.

“Yeah, we've barely seen you the last few days.” Pinkie Pie said, excited to see her friend. “Come on! You've gotta tell us.”

Twilight laughed as Pinkie hugged her tightly. “Mostly just politics … She also tried to set me up with several guys.”

James let out a quick laugh at the comment as he sat several feet away watching Jurai vanish in the distance.

Rarity snickered at the comment herself. “Well, do tell, who were these guys she tried to introduce you to?”

Twilight sighed, “A banker's son, the owner of a kimono shop that's been in his family for generations, the head librarian for Jurai's planetary library. There were a couple others, but I wasn't really interested. At least, not in a relationship.”

“Ain't it a bit weird that she tried this right away?”

“Matchmaking is kind of her hobby, Minaho warned me about that.” Twilight answered. “Creatures even ask her to help them find partners, and she's apparently pretty good at it.”

“Hopefully that's all the interest she takes in your relationships.” Rainbow Dash dead panned, vividly remembering her own experience with Seto's meddling.