Home far away

"So where should we eat?" Spike asked the girls as they circled around him. He glanced around the area taking in the lights and decorations scattered around. "Looks more like a regular town. You wouldn't think it held such a massive secret." Spike thought to himself.

"Oh, oh, how about Sugarcube? Since Spikey liked the muffins there and I think they just expanded the restaurant section too!" Pinkie offered, skipping happily next to Spike.

Spike slowed his steps slightly as he remembered his first experience in the town. His hand slowly twitched as his mind cycled through the rest of the day. "I...." He quietly started.

Pinkie continued to talk, not noticing Spike's actions yet. "Mrs.Cake has already heard about Spike becoming the new Magi of the area. I think it would be good as she wants to really apologize for what happened to Spikey too." She added, looking back only to now see what Spike was doing.

A dark shadow hung over Spike's face as he looked down, his hands clenching and unclenching. He gave a small jolt when Fluttershy touched his shoulder. "I'm fine!" He squeaked out, walking quickly forward. "So Pinkie, what would you suggest to get for a first timer?" He spoke in one breath as the girls moved to keep up.

Giving a nervous laugh Pinkie glanced at the other girls who gave signals to be careful what she said. "Ummmmm, how about the chili meat stew? Great for packing on weight. If I remember right your grandfather said it's important when using magic to keep a healthy body full of all it's needs." She directed, throwing in an old memory to hammer the option in.

Spike's clenching eased up as she talked before he turned with a thankful smile. "That sounds...great right now." He slowly replied, his footsteps slowing down back to normal. "Why don't you all tell me about the town more and things I might have to do as a Magi now." He suggested, looking around the town. He could immediately see a music shop with two women arguing out front with posters in their hands.

Rainbow Dash gave a laugh when she spotted the scene Spike was seeing. "That's Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch. They run the music shop when not touring around in their music shows. They argue a lot but it's just over their clash of music styles. Octavia prefers the classics and Scratch likes dubstep and bass." She explained. "Don't worry, they always make up in the end." She added, just as the two used rock paper scissors to settle things with Octavia winning it seemed with her happy dance.

Spike gave a small laugh before looking at the building next to the music shop. A sign with a quill and sofa hung above the entrance where a man with a blue employee vest over a white shirt brushed off the chalk writing on a small stand near the door. Twilight answered this time saying "Quillium, owner of Quills and Sofas. Yes it's a weird name but what he really sells is writing supplies and furniture. Your grandfather used that shop a lot when he was making new spell scrolls...and also to replace the furniture in the mansion when those scrolls went off prematurely." She patted at a part of her hair in the way only someone who lost it could.

Walking slightly in front of the young man Rarity turned to look at him. "As a Magi you don't need to worry about technical things like taxes or how the town is run. Just focusing on ether production, magical incidents, and any events from our side of things that happen in this world like Nightmare night." She explained the parts he would have to care for.

"So not a mayoral position but more like an intermediary for the two worlds." Spike summarized easily, thinking over what he would need to research in the study to prepare.

Tapping with a single finger to lessen contact Applejack got the man's attention as they arrived in front of the familiar café. "Here we are Boss. Are you sure you want to eat here? Foods great but if you can't relax it'll all taste like sand." She said, wanting to confirm for the last time before stepping inside.

Spike's face scrunched up as he looked over the colorful façade of the building. With a shaky wave at the building Spike looked to Pinkie Pie. "C-could you g-go inside and get a seat for us so I don't have to stand waiting to l-long." He stuttered out the request.

"I'll make sure it's in a less crowded section Spikey!" Pinkie Pie said, saluting before darting inside. The group waited for a minute before she popped her head back outside. "All ready Master." She happily stated, opening the door further to let them inside.

Fluttershy moved forward only to get startled slightly when she felt a hand grab her sleeve. Looking back she took in the sight of Spike shyly hanging his head, peaking upwards at her. Smiling softly, her shoulders relaxed slightly. "Just hold on Master. We'll get you in a seat right away." She soothingly said.

Giving only a small nod of recognition at what she said Spike followed the larger woman into the building with the others keeping a tight circle around him. Stepping into the bright building Spike felt dozens of eyes on his form. Panic set in as he looked over the residents in the place, his mind connecting a few to ones that ended up close to physically harming him during that night.

Fluttershy placed a hand over his own that had tightened on her sleeve. With quick steps she took him to the large booth that Pinkie Pie now stood next too. With a jerk of her head she silently told Twilight and the others to get the people to stop looking.

The girls scattered to the different tables explaining a simple version of the situation. Almost everyone looked away once they heard about what was going on with Spike. A few even asked for their apologies to be given about said night's problems. Spike was squished in between Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy as the others took spots on the crescent moon booth. Spike would normally be in a panic being so close to all of them but his mind was busy keeping itself busy on other issues. His mind quickly shifted gears when a soft blue apron came into view. Looking up he took in the gentle smile of a plump woman with a swirling pink hair that looked like a frosting design.. "Uhhh..." He started.

"Good evening Mister Drake. I'm Mrs. Cake, I'll be your server." The woman cheerfully explained before taking a meeker appearance. "I also am one of the people who caused some trouble for you a while ago and sincerely apologies." She added, bowing deeply to the man.

Waving his hands nervously Spike gave a weak smile. "Raise your head. It's in the past now." He lied, a slight twinge running through his eye. "If you feel you need to repay then how about just making a meal? Pinkie Pie tells me the chili meat stew is a good choice for new people." He suggested.

Straightening herself back up, Mrs. Cake smiled. "Of course! I'll wipe it up in a jiffy full of love!" She proudly stated, taking everyone else's orders down.

As she walked away Spike looked to Pinkie Pie. "That's a bit of a weird thing to say to a customer isn't it?" He questioned.

Giggling loudly Pinkie gestured around the decorative building. "This place is actually known for its home style cooking. Plus Mrs. Cake is a special type of succubus." She answered.

Spike's attention swiveled towards Rarity near the edge of the booth who was silently laughing at his reaction. Clearing her throat Rarity explained further. "Where I am a more traditional Succubus who gains or gives nourishment from more intimate emotions Mrs. Cake does the same with familial emotions such as a 'mother's love' as she put it." She gave quotation marks around the emotion used as an example. "This includes adding it to her food she makes. It's why this place is quite popular in not only the town but by visiting Outers." She added.

"Huh, then this will be a new experience." Spike said as a bowl was placed in front of him. It's warm contents swirling an image of care in his mind from smell alone.

Twilight thought on what he said, getting an slightly uneasy feeling that something was going to happen soon.

As she placed the other plates down Mrs. Cake sat her hands on her hips. "Put everything on express order to get it to you fast dear. Eat up, I hope I can impress another Magi!" She proudly stated, gesturing for Spike to take a bite.

Looking at the others chow down on their various meals Spike looked to the stew. Hesitantly he picked up a spoon, scooping up a piece. Weighing it slightly to let the drops fall he blew on it softly. Once he felt it was cool enough he opened his mouth and ate the spoonful. Chewing slowly Spike let the taste wash over his tongue until...

The others paused in their meals to look at Spike only to be startled when they saw him frozen with tears streaming down his cheeks. "Spike! Are you ok?" Twilight questioned, leaning over Fluttershy to get a closer look at the young Magi.

"Did I make it taste bad?" Mrs. Cake asked, getting worried about what might happen to her if he hated the meal.

Spike slowly lowered the hand that held the spoon to the table as he raised another hand to his face, lightly touching the tears. "W-why am I cryin..." He started to speak before stopping his train of thoughts suddenly. "Oh... That's why." He sadly muttered. Taking a shaky breath Spike waved off the group's concern. "Don't worry I'm fine. Mrs. Cake your food is very delicious." He complimented, putting on a smile as Fluttershy helped wipe away his tears.

"May I ask dear why you suddenly cried after taking a bite? I've never had someone tear up before from my cooking." She asked, gently sitting after pulling a stool up to cup his hand in her own.

Spike didn't pull away from her touch which didn't go missing from the other's attention. "It's a bi-bit embarrassing but well... It gave me the feeling of a mother's cooking which is...… not something I've ever had before." He answered shyly, the group gasping lightly at his response.

"What do you mean by that Boss? You've never had a family meal before?" Rainbow inquired only to have a hand from Applejack slap over her mouth.

Stirring the stew slowly Spike sadly looked into the liquid. "I had to eat separately from the family whenever it was meal time. I usually got the scraps if there were any left. Though that's what happens when you are the freak of the whole family line." He replied softly.

Rarity broke her composure for a brief moment as she darkly muttered "If I could get my hands on them for doing that to a child." She looked back to Spike after slipping a mask over her emotions. "Well you never have to worry about them ever again. You will get only the best from now on. Right girls?" She said, looking at the others who agreed wholeheartedly.

Squeezing Mrs. Cake's hand slightly, Spike put on a smile. "Thank you for making a great meal. I'll try not to get any more tears into the bowl." He tried to change the subject, looking the plump woman in the eyes.

Frowning before putting on her own smile Mrs. Cake patted his hand softly, giving it a small rub as she let go. "If you ever want a proper meal with a mother's love mixed in just come on back sweetheart. I'll whip you up anything you could want. That's a promise." She proudly said, getting up from the chair and waving at the group as she left them.

Spike silently bite into his meal with gusto, now used to the feelings it was giving him. The others wanted to speak more but knew right now wasn't the moment. Settling in they ate their meals once more, enjoying the taste but noting a slight sour flavor in their mouths as they thought about what else their young master may have gone through.

Soon all the plates and bowls were clean of their contents and the group got ready to rise only for the girls to stiffen as if something powerful was looming around them. Spike looked at them confused which grew even more as he saw all their heads snap to the entrance of the restaurant. In stepped a tanned giant of a woman with pastel colored hair in a white skirt and golden long sleeved shirt over her large bust. Beside her was a smaller but still tall pale skinned woman with punk rock vibes from her tattered and rough clothes with a headphone set on her head looking like bat ears poking from the speaker sections. The two strolled their way towards his table after spotting him. As they approached Spike could see the girls shaking more and more with each step the women took as if between two options they wanted to do. In no time the two stood at the front of the table. The tanned woman hummed mirthfully. "Awww, did we just miss dinner? A shame but you wouldn't mind if we had you stay for dessert?" She suggested, her voice warm like the sun.

The pale one scoffed before nudging the taller woman's waist. "Maybe you should skip dessert this time dear sister. Your clothes can't handle anymore increases to your size." She teased with a cool voice like a calm night, taking a seat afterwards with a laugh.

"Heeeeey! I am keeping to my diet rather well thank you very much. This is just a cheat day for me." The taller one whined slightly, pulling a chair over and sitting down. The chair groaning ever so slightly from her stature.

"More like cheat week..." The pale one muttered, sliding her headphones off. Turning her attention to Spike she snapped her fingers. The girls sitting down obediently. "So you're the big star shaking up the order of things around here huh?" She said, looking him up and down with a SLIGHTLY interested look.

Placing his elbows on the table Spike leaned forward looking at the two strange women. "I'm sorry but I don't think we've met yet. Who are you two?" He questioned, hearing the girls around him inhale sharply through their teeth.

After pouting from her sister's comment the tan woman smiled warmly at him. "Our apologize Mister Drake. My name is Celestia and this is my 'darling' sister Luna." She answered, drawing out the word darling with a glare only a sibling could give to Luna.

Ignoring the look she received Luna leaned on her arm towards the man. "We're here to get a first hand look at the new Magi and owner of the Drake manor. On top of hearing that you pulled a rather interesting stunt that brought some pure ether into the world." Luna explained.

Resting his head in a hand Spike tapped his cheek. "Celestia and Luna..." He muttered, racking his brain to remember where he had heard those names before. When his mind came back empty handed he shrugged. "Sorry but...no clue who you two are really." He answered honestly.

The two stopped for a moment, their heads shifting to Twilight and the others who shirked away from their gazes. Sighing Celestia leaned back, catching a waiter's attention and placing a few orders. Once that was handled she looked back to Spike. "We are the ones who move the sun and moon for the Outers. Does that ring any bells?" She brought up, holding her hands out in a 'ringing any bells.' way.

Thinking once more Spike thought hard until a comment from Twilight popped into his head. "Oooohhh! I think I know now. You are Twilight's mentor right? The angel and if you are an angel then Luna is a demon right?" He finally answered, a bright smile on his face as his hands slapped the table.

Clapping slowly Luna congratulated him. "Good job, you really figured out this puzzle in record time there champ." She teased lightly. "Though it would have helped had the others taught you more about us. We aren't just an angel or demon but the highest level there is. You could basically consider us royalty." She added.

Spike perked up. "Ah, then do you want me to get up and like bow or something or just try in my seat? Kind hard to do since I'm surrounded by Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy here but I'll give it a whirl." He asked, gesturing to the two shying away women.

Fluttershy nudged Spike in the side before leaning towards him as she whispered "Spike! Are you ok with this? Their Outers and high ranking ones at that. Don't you have any apprehension towards them?" She said, in a hushed shout.

Cocking his head slightly Spike thought about it before shrugging once more. "Not really. I mean yeah it's a bit weird to be talking to royalty like this but I don't get the impression they are offended. Plus yes them being Outers is a BIT weird but they weren't ones who attacked me." He answered, looking at the two women as one of them specifically dug into a chocolate chip fudge sundae that was swimming in caramel and had a massive peeled banana on top. "I don't hold animosity towards them as they have yet to do anything towards me." He added with a small chuckle as Luna looked at her sister in slight horror at how quickly she was eating the sundae. "If anything I feel calmer with them here." He finished with a louder laugh as Celestia pushed a banana shake towards him with a 'go on' gesture.

The Oni blinked slowly at the smiling man before deflating slightly thinking this was alright then. She leaned back with a content smile.

Turning his attention back onto the two polar opposite women he smiled. "Well I've admittedly barely scratched the surface in terms of becoming a Magi and in terms of the pure ether situation... I honestly couldn't tell you how exactly I did that. I've been blacking out more than what's considered healthy recently with past events." He answered Luna finally. "So, any other reason you came to visit me besides curiosity?" He inquired, taking a sip of the shake.

Wiping her mouth clean Celestia coughed into her hand to compose herself. "We figured it would also be good to show you the other world you would be helping protect and converse with some Magi who worked with your Grandfather. Build some connections if you will." She offered.

Spike sat silently for a moment thinking it over, his hand tapping the table in a steady beat. The girls had already learned to pick up this signal of his as him thinking. Once his hand stopped they knew he had a verdict. "Sure, but is it ok for me to leave this place? Aren't there still things I need to handle first?" He agreed but raised a question.

With a wave of her hand Luna shook her head. "You need not worry about that. We will sort things as necessary to make your trip more relaxed." Her answer put him at ease.

"Well when do we go?" Spike asked, folding his hands together.

"Now." The two royalties said in unison as they reached over and grabbed Spike by the shoulder, his world flipping inside out.

The girls watched in shock and minor horror as the spot Spike had filled was now vacant. Applejack took off her hat and rubber the heel of her hand into her eyes with a groan. "Well shit." She complained, before being hit over the head lightly by Rarity.