Dragon of Grace

Maria and Brandon's house became the base for Twilight's crew to brainstorm. They spent each day learning everything they could about this new Earth, save for revealing themselves to the general public. Maria taught them basic fitness and combat techniques to defend themselves if necessary. During their stay, the young Drake introduced them to Japanese games, horror shooters, and metallic hardcore music for the first time. It was a far cry even from what Twilight knew about human art. Back in Equestria, Celestia requested periodic updates regarding Twilight's studies. She read each one with utmost interest.

"Hmmm...Perhaps she would consider taking over for Shining now that he has a family. If this Maria person is truly as strong as she claims, she may even surpass him someday soon..."

A few days before Halloween, Maria received a call from a friend who lived in New York.

"Hello?"

"Wassup, girl?"

"Hey, Eric."

"My homie Zane's hostin' a Halloween party up in Massachusetts. I was callin' to see if you wanted to go."

"I can't, man. It's Emily's birthday. I'm gonna spend some time with her and her folks - help 'em chill out after all that bullshit they went through."

"Y'all can bring her."

"I'll have to check in with everybody. I'll call you back in a bit, let you know what they say."

"Aight. Cool."

"Later."

Maria disconnected the call. She dialed George and Lisa's number.

"Hello?"

"George?"

"Yeah. Who's askin'?"

"Maria."

"So the mysterious ghost girl finally shows herself, eh?"

"Looks like it."

"Thank you for saving my granddaughter."

"Don't mention it. Twilight was the real hero. We were just the cavalry."

"Least you're the modest type."

"I was actually calling about plans for Emily's birthday. Can you get Robert or Chelsea on?"

"One second."

"Thanks."

A few seconds later, Robert picked up the phone.

"Hey, Maria."

"Twilight told me she dropped by to see you a few weeks ago."

"Yeah. She was looking for you. I didn't wanna keep her too long."

"She's been staying with us. I can tell you one thing - she'd put the bookworms at school to shame."

"I don't doubt it. She's definitely got a curious air about her. Dad said you wanted to ask about Emily's birthday?"

"Yeah. My buddy Eric just hit me up. He was wondering if you guys wanted to go to a Halloween party this year."

"Sure. It'll do us good to get out."

"Is Chelsea okay with it?"

"Don't see any reason why she'd object. I'll double-check."

"All right. Just shoot me a message when you guys figure out what you wanna do."

"We will."

"Give Emily a hug for me."

"I know she'll be excited to see you guys again."

"Same here."

"We'll get back to you with a verdict. Later."

"Later."

Maria placed the receiver back in its hold. She stretched before heading across the hall. She knocked on the door.

"Come in." Twilight permitted.

Maria entered in the least threatening manner she could manage. She knew Twilight acknowledged her out of a combination of respect and fear, but she could tell the Alicorn hadn't fully opened up to her yet. She supposed it was only fair, keeping a killer at arm's length...

"What's up?"

"I just got in touch with Emily's folks. We're making plans for her birthday. We might end up going to a Halloween party a few states away. If we do, you guys wanna come?"

"We would, but...How would we blend in?"

"All we'd have to do is pass your looks off as costumes. Long as you don't fly or use any magic, you'll get by without any problems."

"No flying," Rainbow protested, "No way!"

"It's just for a couple days. Emily really wants to meet you guys. We can find you somewhere to stretch your wings if we need to."

"Well...I guess it couldn't hurt."

"You in?"

"Sure. What the hell."

"I appreciate it."

"Don't get all sappy on me."

"We should probably find you some clothes. Pick out what you want from the closet."

"Is that a gay joke?"

"That'd be a waste of breath on my part."

"Chillax. You get worked up too easily, ya know that?"

"Maria..." Twilight voiced.

"What's up?"

"Are you okay? You seem really down lately..."

"...Getting warmer..."

The dark shift in Maria's tone set the stage for what was to come.

Each mare picked out an outfit that best represented their personality. Robert sent an email that evening confirming the logistics. On the 29th of October, Maria and Twilight split into two groups. Twilight teleported her friends to George and Lisa's apartment while the siblings plotted their course. They met in front of the complex sometime after seven.

"Hey." Robert greeted.

Maria briefly acknowledged him. She knelt before Emily.

"Happy almost birthday, Em."

The child hugged her without saying a word. Maria wrapped her in a protective embrace. The others watched with tender feelings. At this precise moment, Twilight's shield began to crack.

"How's you arm?"

"It's okay."

"Did you thank Twilight?"

Emily turned to the pony.

"Thank you."

"What you did was really brave," the Alicorn emboldened, "I don't think I would've had the courage to fight them off."

"Really?"

"Yeah. We get scared a lot easier than humans."

"You didn't look scared."

"Adults are better at hiding it sometimes."

"Oh..."

"How old ya turnin' this year, squirt?" Rainbow asked to lighten the mood.

"Nine."

"That close to bein' a grown-up already, huh?"

Emily shrugged. Maria rose from the concrete surface. She glanced in George's direction.

"You mind if Twilight's friends ride in the truck?"

"Don't really have a choice. That's what we get for lettin' you durn kids multiply like roaches."

Emily giggled. Twilight began to suspect George acted like a grouch to amuse his granddaughter. In a way, it was endearing. Pinkie would've compared him to Cranky more than once had she been present. Of that, the Alicorn was certain.

"You guys figure out who's gonna ride with who." Maria instructed.

"I'll go with you." Twilight offered.

This statement caught the adolescent off-guard.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah...I think...I'm not afraid anymore..."

The rest of the group gawked in astonishment. They all understood on some level what was going on.

"I'm finally starting to figure you out."