The next day, Twilight woke up and stretched her legs a little bit. Sometimes, those muscle cramps would occur and she needed to give them a good crack so it wouldn't cramp up every now and then. She went over to her mirror and saw that her mane and tail needed a good brushing since she basically woke up looking like a troll. Don't tell her I said that or else she'll kill me. Anyways, after brushing her mane and tail, she went downstairs to find Spike making breakfast. This was a far more common occurrence than you may think.

"Good morning, Spike." Twilight said as she saw her personal assistant making breakfast once again.

"Morning, Twi. I was making some breakfast this morning. Care to have some?" Spike asked. He would do this on a very frequent basis and most of the time, Twilight would want some as well.

"That would be wonderful, Spike." Twilight said with a smile. She loved it when her personal assistant would ask her about that even though she would want some most of the time. Her thoughts began to drift and it settled on Knuckles. Something about that dude just didn't seem right. He was very hostile and aggressive towards others, but there had to be a reason why he did that. If only she could figure out what that was and could get through to Knuckles about it. Of course, that was as easy as finding a needle in a haystack, but Twilight was not one to give up easily and she was determined to get her answer someway or another.

"Twi, are you alright? You seemed to be staring off into space there for a second." Spike said with concern. Sometimes, he would notice Twilight go off into space and not pay attention to what he was saying because she was so deep in thought.

Twilight sighed and said "I don't know, Spike. My mind has been on the entire situation me and the girls have had to deal with for the last few days. It's been crazy." Seriously, it has.

Spike asked "Oh, are you talking about that Knuckles guy? Yeah, he sounds like a very mean dude. Attacking Pinkie and then messing around with you guys and the Princesses."

Twilight said "Well, to be fair, Pinkie does have a bad habit of sneaking up on other ponies and she should have expected that to happen. But that does not give him the excuse to treat my friend like that. However, I understand why he would react that way. I would definitely not be happy if somepony tried to say hi very loudly right in my face." She knew that Knuckles should not have punched her friend like that, but she did understand why he reacted that way and Pinkie had it coming. If it wasn't from him, it would have come from someone else. It was only a matter of time.

Spike asked "Why exactly is this dude so hostile? I understand that Pinkie showed up out of nowhere, but why did he insult you all and the Princesses like that when you last met?" It left him really confused and he wanted to know why.

Twilight said "I don't know. I don't think it's just because he's a mean creature, but probably something else. I think that there is something more going on. He told us he didn't appreciate us coming onto his property and he didn't want anyone around. However, he seemed to be very evasive about something. He kept talking about something called the "ultimate power," but when we tried to ask what that was, he said that it was none of our business and only those who are part of his tribe could know."

Spike seemed astonished by that and asked "What exactly is the "ultimate power" and what is his tribe?"

Twilight said "Like I said, he didn't say and frankly, I don't know. I think it could be some sort of powerful artifact held within his family for generations, but it could be something else entirely. I would ask him, but that would be as easy as trying to figure out Pinkie Sense. As for his tribe, he said that he was part of the Echidnas which good luck trying to figure that out. I'm guessing it was some sort of native tribe that he was part of back in his homeland. I doubt he would want to share any of that with strangers and he would do everything he could to keep it a secret."

Spike suggested something by saying "Maybe this "ultimate power" could hold great power and he is afraid to have others find out because they might use it for evil. It's probably unlikely, but it could be a possibility."

Twilight thought about it for a second and said "You could be right, Spike. It would make sense that he would keep it a secret so that Equestria is not harmed. The last thing I would want is for Equestria to be in danger again because this "artifact" fell into the wrong hooves. So I understand why he wanted to keep this under wraps, but that doesn't mean he has to be so rude to us." She did understand that whatever this could be, it had to be kept a secret, but there was this strange thought in the back of her mind that maybe Knuckles was trying to protect them from taking the Master Diamond for fear of them using it for evil.

She didn't know if that was truly the case or not, but she needed to find answers. She wasn't as concerned about the Master Diamond, but she wanted to know more about him. From what she could tell, he had a very big mansion and he was probably alone for most of the time. She figured that he probably had someone in his life at some point, but that was probably only for a short time, considering how hostile he was towards strangers. Twilight definitely had her work cut out for her, but she believed she could accomplish this. It wasn't going to be easy, but she was not one to give up very easily.

"I think I'm going to go over there to talk to him." Twilight said. She was aware of the danger with that, but she figured the only way to get through to him is humility and not hostility. That would only make him more angry if she did that and she did not want to get involved with that. But if she treats him nicely, he'll eventually start to take notice and his anger will subside. She remembered reading something from one of Starswirl's books where he put in a quote that said "Hate does not drive out hate: only love can do that."

She found it fascinating how Starswirl wrote down all of these different things that he explored on another planet and she wished she was there for that. But, this was long before she was born, so that wouldn't have been possible.

Spike did not like this idea whatsoever and he said "No! You can't do that, Twilight! That guy is dangerous and if his muscles won't kill you, then the traps will!" Even though he wasn't there, he knew that it was a terrible idea to do that after what Twilight and their friends experienced over there. In other words, she was basically walking into a death trap and if she ticked off Knuckles enough, she would very well suffer that fate.

Twilight said "Spike, Knuckles only gets angry if you provoke him. If you treat him nicely and talk to him in a respectful manner, then he won't act as hostile." Even in her head, she seemed slightly doubtful about that, but she was determined to get through to him. No matter what the cost.

Spike said "I'm pretty sure he'll just tell you to leave even if you try to be nice to him. From what you told me, he doesn't like company of any kind and will do anything to get it away from him. He's just a grumpy dude that does not like to be disturbed and left alone."

Twilight said "Yes, but why would he act that way? That is the thing, Spike. No one acts that aggressive and hostile towards others for just no reason. There has to be something going on and the only way to find out is from the source."

Spike gave her a deadpan look and said "I'm positive that he won't tell you that. He made it clear that the artifact he spoke of is only something mentioned within his tribe and he will make sure that no one finds out about this artifact, whatever it may be. That's if it is an artifact. There's a very likely chance it is not."

Twilight looked at him with optimism and said "Then I'll just have to build up his trust. I know that sounds very difficult and it could take a very long time, but if he trusts me, he'll tell me more about his past and what this "ultimate power" is."

Spike said "The chances of that are a needle in a haystack. I don't know, Twilight. He might just be a lost cause. It's just not worth the effort in my opinion. If he doesn't make you give up himself, you probably will after a while."

Twilight said "I'm not giving up on him and he is definitely not a lost cause. Someone just needs to treat him with kindness and compassion and then maybe he will soften a bit. I firmly believe that something else is going on here that is making him act this way and I'll find out no matter how much he resists. I don't give up easily and he'll eventually relent."

Spike cast a doubtful look at Twilight and said "I'm not sure about that, but if that is what you want to believe, then you go right ahead. However, please be careful. I don't want that guy to physically harm you or capture you as leverage to take over Equestria."

Twilight smiled a bit and said "Knuckles wouldn't do that last part. Celestia said that he already made it clear that he has no intentions of taking over Equestria as long as he is not disturbed and I don't think he wanted to anyway. It was probably just a way of him saying for us to leave him alone or else there will be consequences. He was more focused on finding that artifact that his tribe has held for years rather than conquering Equestria. But anyway, I promise to be careful. If I get into trouble, I'll simply get out of there as quickly as possible. Hold the fort down for me and I'll try to be back as soon as I can."

Twilight and Spike briefly hugged each other for a few seconds and then broke it off. Twilight left and headed over to buy a ticket for the train to Baltimare. She waited for the train to arrive and once it did, the conductor called out one last time for anypony planning to board. Twilight got on the train and sat down. The conductor went inside and the train started moving. Twilight stared out the window as she was leaving Ponyville and going right towards Baltimare. She sighed and hoped that things would go well with Knuckles.

Meanwhile, in the Brody Mansion, Knuckles was busy reading a book about the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and he had the campfire going while he was sitting on his recliner in his robe in his living room. He realized he needed to use the bathroom and he got up to use it. After doing his business, he washed his hands and finished drying them up. Before he left, he stared at the mirror and he saw his reflection. He sighed and said with guilt "What have I become? She would be incredibly disappointed with me if she saw me now and might even disown me. Pretend like she never knew me. It sucks to be alone, but that is the only way to block the pain. Plus, I have a Master Diamond to find, so all of this stuff means nothing to me right now. Once I have it, then all of that will go away for good."

He knew that wasn't true in his heart, but in his head, that was the best way to avoid the pain. In other words, he knew deep down that what he said was absolute bullcrap, but the pain and traumatic heartbreak over the years on top of a stone cold heart made him believe it, despite what his conscious might say. His phone suddenly rang and he picked up the phone. "Yeah, what is it Malcolm? I'm busy reading about Abraham Lincoln right now." Knuckles said with annoyance.

Malcolm said "My apologies sir, but there is someone at the door."

Knuckles growled with anger and yelled into the phone "ARE THOSE SIX PONIES AND THEIR PRINCESSES BACK AGAIN?! I TOLD THEM NOT TO COME BACK!"

Malcolm said in a surprisingly calm voice "Only one of them is here sir."

Knuckles was slightly taken aback by that and said with bitterness "Which one is it?"

Malcolm said "The purple alicorn sir."

Knuckles stared into space for a few seconds and said with anger "Out of all of them, it had to the purple Princess! She's probably the worst one of them all! Ugh! She never listens, does she?! Was it she wants out of me?! *sighs* Alright, I'm going to put on a change of clothes and I'll answer the front door. See ya." Before Malcolm could say anything else, Knuckles hung up the phone and put it away in his pocket. "I swear, if she is trying to make friends with me, that's not going to happen. She's a stranger to me and I do not want her to know my dark past and diamond secrets. It's the best way to protect her for her sake and my own good."

He threw on a change of clothes and went to the door. He opened it and said right out of the gate "I told you never to come back here, and what do you do?! YOU COME BACK! Does no one ever listen to my simple requests?! If you don't want your precious homeland harmed, I suggest that you leave me alone or else you'll regret it!" He was glaring at Twilight and he had one of his fists balled up in case she decided to try anything funny.

Twilight said "Look, I'm not here to scold you nor to try to fight you. All I want to do is talk, nothing more, nothing less."

Knuckles hardened his glare at Twilight and said "You are still technically part of the Equestrian government, so I'm not telling you anything. It is my Fifth Amendment right to refuse to say anything to government authorities and foreign nations are supposed to honor that. You are never getting my secrets nor what I did as a child."

Twilight didn't seem fazed by that and said "I'm not here to talk about your artifact secrets or your childhood. I just want to talk about things not related to that."

Knuckles gave her a skeptical look and asked "What kind of things?"

Twilight said "Well, anything really. I only want to get to know you better because I know for a fact that it must suck living in that mansion by yourself."

Knuckles knew that Twilight had a point and she was in fact right. He was lonely in there, but it was for the best. He didn't really want to, but that was the only way to prevent himself from getting heartbroken again. He softened a little bit and then he glared at Twilight again. "I'm not lonely! I have my butler Reginald and my security guard Malcolm! They live with me, so that statement isn't valid!" He knew that was not what Twilight was talking about, but he didn't want to look vulnerable in front of her. The last time he was vulnerable, someone that he deeply cared for had died.

Twilight looked at him with curiosity and asked "But are they really your friends or just ponies you keep around in your house as a distraction?" Knuckles thought about it for a second and started to really question what role Reginald and Malcolm really played in his life. He suddenly realized that his defenses are faltering and Twilight was starting to get to him, but he could NOT let that happen. It was time for his counterattacks.

He glared at Twilight again and said "They are not my friends! They are simply acquaintances! They help me around the house with things and I couldn't ask for anything more! I do not need friends! They are a waste of time and mean nothing to me! I didn't need them then and I definitely don't need them now! So, I order you to leave my property now or else things will get ugly! Good day!" He slammed the door in her face and walked away. He heard the knocking on the door again and he groaned in frustration. He opened it again and said "WHAT?! I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE!"

Twilight said to him in a calm voice "What if I make a deal to you?" Knuckles was taken aback by that and began thinking. He didn't trust anyone, but anytime they tried to make a deal or establish an alliance together against a common enemy, he was willing to hear them out and most of the time, he would quickly agree. So, he'll at least hear this one out to see what it was she was suggesting.

He raised a brow at her and said "I'm listening."

Twilight sighed and said "As long as you let me visit whenever I want, I promise to never speak about your artifact secrets or your childhood." She genuinely meant this. While she did want to know about his childhood and the Master Diamond, she believed that this was going to be the only way to get through to him. It wasn't the best, but it was progress. She really wanted to get to know him so she could better understand him and if that meant not exploring secrets he didn't want to be public knowledge, then it would have to be that way. She could deal with it.

Knuckles stared at her with skepticism and asked "So you're telling me that as long as I allow you to visit my house whenever you want, you promise to never talk about the ultimate power or my childhood? In that case, you would be suggesting an alliance."

Twilight nodded and said "Yes. That's what I'm suggesting."

Knuckles thought about it for a few moments and weighed his options. On one hand, it sounded like a good idea because she would never speak of those things that are sworn in secrecy, and he would be able to have someone to talk to besides himself, Reginald, and Malcolm. But on the other hand, this could seem dangerous because if she tried to know him, then eventually, certain things may be revealed and then he'll relive those tragic events all over again on top of some evil individual trying to wield the power of the Diamond. However, something about this proposal seemed genuine. She didn't get angry at him nor did she return the yelling at him. She remained calm the entire time and spoke in that type of manner, which really shocked him since no one had done that before besides her and someone else that he rather not mention right now. She even stayed calm when he yelled and screamed at her at the top of his lungs. Maybe it was alright.

Knuckles looked at Twilight again and said "Alright, you got a deal. BUT, if you EVER try to talk about the ultimate power or my childhood, then IT'S OVER! Am I clear?!"

Twilight nodded and said "Yes, sir. I promise to not talk about that as long as I can come here whenever I want to." Twilight held her hoof out for a hoofshake and Knuckles understood the motion. He gripped onto her hoof and for Twilight, it hurt like heck. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! That hurts!"

Knuckles stared at his hand and said "Really? My hand is completely uninjured." It surprised him that Twilight got hurt by that and winced in pain. "But, I am now convinced of your commitment. Don't dishonor it or else you'll pay the price for it."

Twilight said "I assure you that I won't. But, I probably need to head back to Ponyville now because I'm sure my friends are scared out of Celestia's minds about me. So, I'll come back to visit as soon as I can." She turned around and teleported away. Knuckles shut the door and went back to his recliner.

"I sure hope she honors that commitment because I can't have her using me in order to get access to the diamond. It is my sacred duty to protect that diamond and fight off any enemies that may try to use it for evil. I don't believe she will do that, but it cannot become public knowledge. If all six of them knew, one of them would spill the beans at some point. Probably that pink one would be the first to do it. But as long as this purple alicorn honors her word, then the diamond will be kept safe and no one will ever have to know about its power."

Twilight returned to Ponyville and made it back to her home. When she opened the door, she said "Spike, I'm home!" She got no response and thought that was a little strange. She began looking around for him and asked "Spike, are you in here?" As soon as she saw him, she saw the rest of her friends standing there with very worried and upset glances. "Uh, are you guys doing okay?"

Applejack was the first one to speak up by saying "Do ya care to explain why you were in Baltimare for the entire morning?"

Twilight said "Yeah, I do. I was visiting Knuckles to see if I could try to talk to him."

Rainbow asked with anger "Why would you even go there?! He treated us lower than dirt and he threatened to take over Equestria if he was provoked!"

Rarity added "Darling, it is simply not safe for you to be going over there by yourself. That creature is very unpredictable and he is extremely powerful!"

Pinkie added "And he is a super duper grumpy pants!"

Twilight attempted to say "Listen, girls-" but all of them started protesting and refusing to let her speak which made her very irritated. She understood her friends' concern, but she had an important detail to share with them that might make this situation a bit more tolerable.

She eventually had enough and shouted "GIRLS!" All of them stopped yelling and looked at her with worry. "Listen, I know that what I did was not the smartest idea, but I wanted to try to get to know him as a friend."

Rainbow was skeptical of that and asked "Yeah, and how well did that go for you, huh?!"

Twilight said "Well, we managed to strike a deal. As long as I get to visit his home whenever I want, I would not talk about the "ultimate power" or his childhood."

Applejack asked "And he agreed? Just like that?"

Twilight nodded and said "He did. I know that seems strange, but he told me that he was fully convinced of my commitment right after completely crushing my forehoof with that hand of his."

All of them shrieked in fear about that and Rainbow said "That creature will pay for hurting my friend like that! He will deeply regret it!"

Twilight said "Wait! It wasn't his fault. He just has a stronger handshake than most bipedals typically do. He was somehow able to crush my forehoof, yet he said his hand was completely uninjured by that. And I thought alicorns have incredible Earth Pony strength, guess I was wrong about that."

Rainbow smirked at Applejack and said "Sounds like that creature could probably win arm wrestling, huh Applejack?"

Applejack's face turned slightly red in anger and simply let out a huff in frustration. She really wanted to go after Rainbow for that one, but she chose to hold her tongue rather than to speak something she may regret.

Rarity said "But even so, that still doesn't mean it's safe to be visiting him. We already saw his temper flare more than once, so what will happen if something really bad happens and he just snaps?"

Twilight sighed and said "Look girls, I understand your doubts, and to be honest, I have mine as well, but I have to at least try. Fluttershy could be right. He could have been suffering through immense pain throughout the years and simply chooses to act hostile towards others so that they don't find out the truth about him. All he needs is a friend to act kind to him and treat him like any other pony. He might be different in physical appearance, but he is still a creature who can express emotions the same way we can. I refuse to judge another pony or in this case, human without knowing what is causing that pain. I know this isn't easy and it will be difficult, but as long as I continue to be nice to him, he will eventually open up and our questions will finally be answered."

Applejack sighed and said "To be quite honest Twi, none of us like this idea at all, but we understand that yer just tryin' to help this creature out. And 'cause of that, we'll support you on this case, only for your sake, not his. We still don't trust him yet and it will take time before we do so." The rest of the group concurred with Applejack and Twilight smiled.

She said "I understand. I'm not expecting you to trust him yet, but I do ask that you support me on this task. I know I can count on you girls to support me and you'll have my back. Am I wrong?" The rest of the group said she wasn't and they all went in for the group hug. After a few seconds, they broke it off and they all headed back to their respective places, which left Twilight and Spike alone once again. Spike went upstairs and Twilight simply stared at her bookshelf. She sighed and knew that she had a long road ahead of her before she completed the journey. Knuckles was one of the most stubborn individuals she had ever seen, even more than Applejack during Apple bucking season, and he would do anything in order to evade difficult questions. It might be tough, but it was what needed to be done. She could only hope that it would be effective.

Author's Note

AN: Alright! We've come to the end of another chapter yet again. I was bored today, so I just decided to go ahead and write the fifth chapter of this story. Things are progressing nicely and this could be the first step towards Twilight healing Caleb's stone cold heart. We'll have to see as time goes on. Hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Next Chapter: Spending time with a potential friend! After Knuckles agreed to a deal from Twilight to allow her to visit whenever she wanted without mentioning the Master Diamond or his childhood, she comes to visit him as soon as she could. However, when she gets there, he had a surprise for her. What exactly could it be and will Twilight like it?

Until then, my fellow readers