Author's Note

Lookie what I found.

Familiar

Spike spent the morning in solitude, starting a new game on Symphony of the Night to bide his time until his sister returned. He made it a point not to wander around campus while Twilight was busy. So far, this mentality had served him well in avoiding unnecessary problems. Between the game and his comics, the hours ticked by like an ever-flowing stream.

Shortly after three, Twilight entered the room with a mysterious stallion Spike had never seen before.

"You brought company," the dragon teased, "HFIL must've frozen over."

"This is Flash," Twilight introduced, "He's training to join Shining's unit. I brought him to help me work on a project."

"You like Dragon Ball?" Flash interjected.

"We've got the entire Buu Saga on tape back home." Spike revealed.

"Lucky."

"Anyway, I'm assuming you guys need room to work?"

"Yeah," Twilight confirmed, "Sorry."

"Don't sweat it."

"I've got a few bucks I can give you for food."

"That works."

Twilight levitated the cash to her brother. He stuffed it in the pocket of his jeans.

"Remember, if you meet a cute mare while you're out-"

"Yeah, yeah. I know. The three Cs."

Spike stood up and stretched, heading toward the door.

"Later, nerds."

Twilight closed the door once the dragon was out of view.

"'The three Cs'?" Flash said in confusion.

"Be confident, be chivalrous, be considerate. It's based on the code of the holy knights."

"Makes sense he'd pick up on it so quick being around you guys."

"You ready to start?"

"Yep."

Flash handed Twilight a manual from under his coat. It was filled with information on computer hardware and security.

Spike felt the warmth of the sun beat down over him. It'd been some time since he last went out during the day. With a soft, cool breeze, he felt the sweet sting of sorrow claw under his skin.

"If there is a god, let me find a love that's pure...A love that's true..."

The dragon's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar tone.

"Spike?"

Spike looked aside to gaze upon the face of his older brother.

"Shining!? What are you doin' here, ya nut!?"

"I had some time off. Figured I'd drop by. Where's Twilight?"

"She's workin' on a project with one of your guys."

"Flash, I bet."

"That's the one."

"Well, since she's busy, you wanna grab a bite? It's on me."

"Thanks, man..."

Over lunch, Shining caught up on recent events in his siblings' lives.

"Knowing Twilight, you guys probably got one of those PS2s already."

"Guess we've gotten predictable."

"I know it's none of my business what you guys do, but you can't stay cooped up all the time shutting out the world. It's not good for your mental well-being."

"I know. It's just...I dunno..."

"What's on your mind?"

"What's really for us out there?"

"Friendship, love, adventure. There's a whole world of opportunities if you're willing to look."

"How long will those things last?"

"As long as you're willing to fight for them."

"Is it really worth the effort?"

"You'll never know until you try, and I'll let you in on a little secret: you're far more capable of achieving those things than we are."

"What do you mean?"

"You're a dragon: the one creature in all existence my army fears. Your power is only limited by your judgement."

"I'm not a warrior like my ancestors."

"You could be if you wanted to. The only thing holding you back is your own self-doubt. Discard that and all your limits will fall away like paper mountains."

"Maybe..."

"Twilight made you grow up faster than she should have. All I can do to make it up to you is help you realize your potential."

"Yeah..."

"I was saving these for her, but I think you should hang on to 'em until we get back."

Shining slid two cases over to his brother. The first was a self-titled demo by a new band: End This Day. The other was written in a script Spike had never seen before. It read "For the Memories" by Dead to Fall.

"How did you even find these?"

"I know you guys are into heavy crap. I emailed the bands asking for a copy of each one. They sent 'em free of charge."

"Now you know why we like it so much."

"There's a sense of camaraderie hard to come by even for armed forces. I guess it's a pocket of sanity in an era where life seems to have lost meaning."

"I don't say this lightly. I think you understand me even better than Twilight."

"Only because you're willing to give me insight."

"You wanna hang out for a bit until they're done?"

"Sure. No problem."