AJ laid on the barbell bench after fitting it with two fifty-pound weights and he began pumping the barbell up and down.

After about twenty reps he paused and set the barbell back.

“That should do it, ah better go shower now,” AJ said before he saw Thunder again and she was not so sneakily examining a photo.

Getting a feeling based on what he saw before at the barn when they ‘met’ Applejack walked over to her.

“Hey, Thunder…Strike,” Applejack asked.

“Huh?” Thunder blushed a bit and quickly hid the photo “Oh! Uh, hi Applejack, what do you need?” Thunderstrike asked.

“Remember when we last talked, durin the time ah caught ya at the barn?” Applejack said.

“Uhh…. nope, don’t remember,” Thunder said quickly.

“Ah can smell a lie remember?” Applejack said.

“...Alright, yes, what about it?” Thunder asked.

“Ah… want to apologize fer nearly attackin ya, but to be fair you were trespassing,” AJ said.

“Um, thanks, I guess,” Thunder said.

“Ah remember however ya said you were takin pictures, without mah consent,” Applejack said.

“No I-”

“...”

“Ok yes, but listen, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I just…” She looked like she was struggling to say it.

“Ah get what yer gettin at, ah’ve noticed various mares watchin me exercise,” AJ said.

“Really? Who's watching my stallion-” Thunderstrike said before slapping her hands over her mouth and blushing madly at what she just said.

“Yer stallion?...” AJ said, he suspected she liked him but to claim he was her stallion came as a surprise.

“G-gotta go!” Thunder darted into the female restroom and AJ watched with a blush.

“Dude, you so like her, and it’s clear she has it bad for you,” Blitz said from behind a corner.

“Will ya stop snooping!” AJ said honestly annoyed with Blitz.

“Can’t help it, when my friend is about to get a marefriend I wanna be there to subtly guide the scenario,” Blitz said before leaving for the showers.

“Ah swear this new Rainbow is worse than the previous,” Applejack said with a sigh before he headed for the locker rooms as well to shower off.

Not noticing a figure following him in…

Applejack finished undressing from his sweaty workout clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist and headed for the open showers.

Blitz was taking his shower in the next stall and Bulk had managed to squeeze into one on the other side, and to Applejack's disgust, they didn’t bother with the curtains.

Applejack sighed and removed his towel before slinging it over the side of the curtains.

Blitz glanced back.

“Hey there AJ! Finally decided to join us in au natural?” Blitz snarked again.

“Blitz ah swear, one more remark and ah’ll-” AJ threatened as he approached the shower.

“Just relax AJ, you know Blitz likes to mess with his friends,” Bulk chuckled.

“Ah know,” AJ said with a sigh and he entered the shower and closed the curtain.

“Aw come on, afraid someone will see you?” Blitz asked.

“BLITZ!” AJ said.

“Alright alright,” Blitz chuckled.

“Ah swear,” AJ then cleaned himself off with the water and some stallions conditioner and shampoo and after getting rinsed off he shut off the water and exited the shower to see his workout buddies.

Still naked…

“What are ya doin? Get dressed,” AJ said.

“Why the rush?” Blitz said putting his arm around AJ much to his discomfort.

“What are ya doing?” AJ asked.

“Nothing,” Blitz said with a smile.

AJ was about to say something but a giggle made him freeze and he turned to see several mares watching.

“WHAT THE HAY?!” AJ grabbed a towel and wrapped himself up.

“Easy AJ, sorry girls, AJ’s having an off-day,” Blitz said.

“Aww,” They pouted.

“What. the. Hay?” AJ demanded.

“Well according to Bulk, we managed to sneak some of the interested new mares in town in here to give them a view of what their options are,” Blitz said.

“Options?...” AJ asked nervously.

“YEAH! Blitz is always on board with showin off but you’ve been avoiding it, we’re not asking you to do something shameless, it’s all for mare charity,” Bulk said pulling a pose for the mares who clapped.

“This is wrong… very wrong…” AJ said shaking his head in frustration and he walked over to the locker and began putting on his clothes.

“C’mon AJ, we’re trying to get you to come out of your shell here, they want-”

“AH want to leave, you don’t dictate mah feelings, and ah don’t appreciate bein taken advantage of like this, ah’m goin home no if’s and’s or but’s about it!” AJ snapped at the two.

“But-” Rainbow attempted

“No buts!” AJ said sharply before slinging his workout bag over his shoulder and walking out.

“So… is next time canceled too?” Bulk asked.

“...No, I’m not giving up on him,” Blitz said.

AJ walked out of the locker room with a frustrated snort and he bumped into someone.

“Scuse me,” AJ grunted.

“Wait! AJ,” A female voice said but AJ was too frustrated to tell the difference.

“Ah swear Blitz! If ya don’t leave me alone ah will-” AJ spun to see a nervous Thunderstrike.

“Sorry…” She said.

AJ realizing what he did he took a deep breath to calm down “No ah’m sorry… it’s… Blitz,” AJ said.

“...Understandable…” Thunderstrike sighed.

“Huh?” AJ said.

“That shameless playboy was probably trying to force you into another one of his sex shoots in the lockerroom,” Thunderstrike said.

“Your not-”

“What? Crazy for him like every other mare around here? I was once I will admit, but it quickly wore off when I saw how he offers himself to any mare wanting him, he claims it’s to give every lovelorn mare the love they need but frankly, I think he’s just in it for the free sex,” Thunderstrike said.

“You too? Huh,” AJ calmed a bit, feeling a little more at ease knowing someone else was on the same page.

“You however won’t do that, you want a mare for the long haul, I think… that’s admirable,” Thunder said.

AJ found himself blushing a little “Well, ah appreciate it, ah… gotta go now, but maybe ah’ll see ya here again?” AJ asked.

“...S-sure! Oooor…” She said with a drawl.

“Or?” AJ asked.

“We could…. Meet up at some point… talk? Over a smoothie?” Thunderstrike asked looking like she was ready to bolt from how nervous she was.

Not wanting to leave on a sour note AJ nodded.

“Toooomorrow?” She asked.

“Sure,” AJ said.

“Great! Can’t wait!” She said before running off.

“That was weird… but… maybe this can go somewhere,” AJ wondered before leaving.

Thunderstrike rounded a corner and took a breath.

“Wow… that was… nervewracking,” She said before turning and addressing a mare sitting on a bicep machine.

“Thanks again, the rehearsing really helped, I’ll bet me an AJ will bond for sure!” Thunderstrike said cheerfully.

“Thanks, I’m just glad to help, by the way, did you see Blitz?” She asked.

“Why do you ask?” Thunderstrike asked.

“Oh no reason,” The blue pegasus mare said casually “Good luck on your date, now for the favor in return,”

“Yeah, you did say you wanted a favor in return,” Thunderstrike said.

“Can you tell Blitz to meet me on Tuesday at this place?” She asked showing her a restaurant card “I want to get together with him,” She purred.

“Ugh, you too huh? Alright, you helped me I guess I can help you,” Thunderstrike said.

“Thanks!” She said before leaving.

“What was your name again?” She asked.

“Oh, just an old flame of his, call me Rose,” She said gleefully before walking away.

“What an odd mare… she kinda reminds me of somepony,” She said before shrugging and leaving.

Dusk was writing out another theory on the Spell of destined love when Barb entered his room.

“Huh?” Dusk turned to see his assistant.

“Heya Dusk, can you come with me for a bit?” She asked.

“No, I am researching,” Dusk said.

“C’mon you do that all day, why not come with me somewhere, like Sugarcube Corner?” Barbra said.

“Like I said I’m busy, Maybe another time-”

“Come on!” Barb grabbed his arm and dragged him out of his chair.

“HEY!” Dusk managed to get his arm out of her grip “What gives?” Dusk asked.

“I am not letting you waste your days trying to fix the irreparable, we’re going to Sugarcube Corner whether you like it or not!” Barbra said firmly.

“What is with this obsession with going there?” Dusk demanded.

“Oh fine, I want you to meet somepony,” Barb sighed.

“You interrupted my work for a set-up? Barb,” Dusk sighed and pinched his nose.

“Your not getting out of this,” Barb said.

“And if I say no?” Dusk asked.

“I didn’t want it to come to this buuut, If you don’t go I’ll tell everypony you…” Barb glanced around and whispered conspiratorially.

Dusk gasped “You wouldn’t dare!” Dusk said with narrowed eyes.

“Oh I would,” Barb said with a glare.

“I swore you to silence about that!” Dusk said.

“Well it’s about to become vocal, unless you agree to a blind date, right now!” Barb said.

“.....Fine… BUT, you won’t bother me again after this, will you?” Dusk asked.

“I won’t,” Barb said.

“Fine, let me get ready,” Dusk grumbled and he walked to the nearest restroom.

“Whew… he bought it…” Barb sighed in relief.

Dusk walked out of the castle in his nicest casual wear with Barb at his side.

“Alright, trust me you’ll be surprised when you meet her,” Barb said.

“Alright,” Dusk sighed.

“Try not to kill the mood with that sour attitude of yours,” Barb said.

“Fine,” Dusk said.

As they made it to the pastry shop they entered and Barb pointed Dusk to a table nearby.

“Ok, go over there, I will make sure nopony interferes,” Barb said.

“Alright,” Dusk said.

“And cut it with the one-word responses!” Barb whispered harshly before going over to Mr Cake who nodded and went over to a mare sitting in a corner and he whispered to her, she got up and walked over to the table Dusk was at.

“Um… Hi?” Dusk asked more than said.

“Hiya!” Derpy squealed as she plopped down.

“Derpy? What are you doing here?” Dusk asked.

“Silly! We’re dating right now!” Derpy giggled.

“Oh… so you're the mare Barbra is setting me up with?” Dusk asked.

“That I am! Dusk, I want to ask if we can be marefriend and coltfriend,” Derpy asked.

“...Rather sudden, we hardly know eachother,” Dusk stated.

“I don’t have much to hide, I love muffins, I can fly left and right without trouble, and I love-”

“What I mean is we need to know eachother for a long period of time before thinking of that,” Dusk said before conjuring a checklist “I’ll also need to know whether our schedules are compatible, your experience with advanced language and a whole list of other things, if you’ll take twenty minutes to fill it out I would be appreciative,” Dusk said as he handed it to her and Derpy looked at it confusedly.

“...Why do I need to fill out a checklist of things to see if we’re compatible? Shouldn’t we just spend time together?” Derpy asked.

“This is quicker, also I have five more if you aren’t doing anything today,” Dusk said, conjuring a stack of parchments.

“....Uhh…..” Derpy said, looking a little overwhelmed.

“Question one, what is the definition of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?” Dusk asked.

“.....I dunno…” Derpy said getting uncomfortable.

“Doesn’t know…” Dusk wrote down.

“Why are we doing this? We should just get to know eachother upfront,” Derpy asked.

“When you’ve been approached by opportunists as often as me, you tend to be guarded,” Dusk said.

“I’m not an opportunist though, I just wanna be your very special friend,” Derpy said.

“I’m not calling you one, but I have to be sure,” Dusk said

“...” Derpy looked upset.

[Thirty minutes later]

Dusk and Barb left, Dusk was writing something down and Barb looked upset.

“What. The. Hay. Was. That?” Barb asked.

“It’s perfectly logical to examine and perform a checklist on your potential date to see if they are trying to take advantage of you or not,” Dusk said.

“You know Derpy! She shouldn’t have had to prove herself to you!” Barb shouted.

“Calm down Barb, if you’d been taken advantage of and approached by opportunists half as much as I am you’d do it too, I don’t want to be taken advantage of because of my position in the government,” Dusk said.

“I get that but you literally quizzed her until she made an excuse to leave!” Barb said.

“Excuse? It sounded reasonable to put off the quiz,” Dusk said.

“She said ‘I left my muffin in the oven, let’s do this again some other time’ Total excuse, you drove her away on purpose didn’t you?” Barb said.

“No, I simply wanted to know if she was the one, drop it Barb,” Dusk said taking his leave.

“You are so entitled sometimes!” Barb yelled after him.

“Oh? I’m entitled? At least I didn’t threaten the other into something they know they're uncomfortable with!” Dusk bit back.

“I was trying to help you!” Barb said.

“Want to help, don’t set up any more dates! I have more important things to do!” Dusk said before walking away.

“....ARGH!” Barb kicked a rock and stormed off.

Elusive walked out of the Boutique and took a deep breath.

“Ok… today is the day I tell her,” Elusive said before heading off to Dusk’s castle.

Upon entering he found that Barbra wasn’t around.

“Barbra! I… need to talk to you about something!” Elusive called, but no response came.

“Hmm, where is she?” Elusive asked as he walked through the castle, suddenly he heard grumbling and rustling noises.

Looking towards the kitchen he saw the pantry door open and he walked over to there.

“Um… hey Barbra… I need to talk to you,” Elusive asked.

“Mhm…” A voice grunted.

“You see, it’s time I came clean... about us,” Elusive said.

“Mhm…” the voice grunted again.

“You see, I have been unfair to you as long as we’ve known eachother, and I apologize, I thought if I acted distant enough you’d give up and find someone of your own species… not saying that you and I being together is bad or anything, but…. W-what I am trying to say is… I think it’s time we both moved on, and hear me out, I do like you, before you were a cute kid with a puppy love I was sure you’d move on from, but then you grew up and I found that my feelings shifted… I always imagined a prince when I was a filly, but then I began to see you,” Elusive began his tangent.

“Mhm…” The voice grunted again.

“And now that things have changed and we’re both swapped for life, I saw you in a different light again, you….. I think I love you Spike… or Barbra… and that is why, it is best we part ways here, I am a pony I live only a hundred years if I am lucky, you are a dragoness, you live for much much longer, you understand where I am coming from right?” Elusive asked.

“Mhmm…” The voice grunted again sounding a bit more annoyed.

“I think… it’s best we…. Barb? Are you listening?” Elusive asked finally catching on that something is off.

“Mhm…”

“Barb can we speak face to face?” Elusive demanded.

“What is it!?” Dusk stood out from behind the pantry door and looked surprised to see Elusive “Elusive? What’s going on?” Dusk asked.

“What the? Were you the one I was talking to this whole time?” Elusive asked embarrassedly.

“I… wasn’t actually listening, I was busy gathering supplies for a trip to Canterlot,” Dusk said.

“For what?” Elusive asked.

“To hash things out with Luna directly, a problem arose in my last attempt to send her a letter, why do you need to talk to Barbra?” Dusk asked.

“I…” Elusive blushed a little “N-Never mind that, have you seen the dear?” Elusive asked.

“We… had an argument and I said some harsh things, I decided to give her time to herself for now,” Dusk said.

“I see, I will continue looking for her then,” Elusive said as he walked away.

“Ok, have a good day Elusive,” Dusk waved him off.

Elusive exited the castle and began searching for her, he visited all her usual spots and some he’d suspect she’d be at but noponies seen her.

“This is odd, where did she go?” Elusive asked as he walked away from another nail salon.

As he walked on he saw Berry and Cheese at a restaurant and he decided to pay a visit.

“Hello Berry,” Elusive called.

“Oh! Hey!” Berry jumped and waved.

“Heeey!” Cheese waved as well.

“I’m sorry, who are you again?” Elusive asked Cheese.

“Cheese Sandwich, or in this reality Swiss Cheese,” Cheese said with a smile.

“I see, I wish I could say I am surprised that you retain your memories of…” Elusive looked around before leaning in “Being a stallion,”

“Ah it’s no biggie if anything me and Pinkie have been having lots more fun now that we’re gender-swapped!” Cheese said.

“Shh! Nopony can know!” Elusive whispered harshly.

“Oh yeah,” Cheese said.

“And what do you mean more fun? I haven't noticed any new parties around here,” Elusive said.

“Oh we’ve been partying all right,” Berry chimed in with a giggle.

“.....What?” Elusive said looking surprised.

“Your surprised? Everypony ships us, we might as well,” Cheese said with a wink.

“...I’m now uncomfortable,” Elusive said.

“You’ll warm up to the thought yourself eventually,” Berry said.

“Ok, leaving now… no wait, actually, can I ask your help?” Elusive asked.

“On?” Cheese asked.

“Locating Barbra, I simply must talk to her,” Elusive said.

“Finally worked the nerve?” Berry waggled his eyebrows.

“Berry!” Elusive growled.

“Jk jk,” Berry chuckled before turning to Cheese “Let’s test out the new sense maneuver we worked on,” Berry asked.

“Number forty-four or number eighty-seven?” Cheese asked.

“Better go with eighty-seven,” Berry nodded.

“What are we talking about?” Elusive asked.

“Oh, through our combined senses we’ve constructed multiple ways to use them ranging from zero to a million,” Berry explained.

“And this one can help us locate our friends anywhere within a town-wide radius,” Cheese said.

“Well get on it then, I am starting to worry,” Elusive said.

“Very well, Cheesie,” Berry said and the two started making out.

“....What are you two doing?” Elusive asked and other ponies began to stare.

“Onfffe Sefond!” Berry said while kissing his marefriend.

A minute passed and ponies were beginning to murmur.

“Berry! Can you hurry this up, I feel awkward!” Elusive whispered loudly, Berry held up his index finger to ask for his patience.

Another minute passed and they stopped kissing.

“The kiss told us everything about pickles, raspberries and the location of Barbra,” Berry said.

“...I’m not even going to grace the first two with a response… where is Barbra?” Elusive asked.

“She’s in the Everfree forest… odd, why would she be there?” Berry asked.

“She’s where?! At this hour?” Elusive exclaimed.

“Relax I’m sure she’s fine, let’s go check it out,” Berry said

“Very well,” Elusive said.

Berry nodded before putting bits on the table and following Elusive along with Cheese.

As the three ran to where Berry and Cheese located Barbra they eventually reached the edge of town and paused upon a startling sight.

Drag marks and small drops of blood.

“BARBRA!” Elusive ran to the scratch marks in the ground and examined them.

“What the hay happened?” Swiss asked.

“I don’t know, Barbra might be in trouble!” Elusive said looking out towards the forest and standing.

“I have to investigate!” Elusive said feeling oddly more panicked than ever.

“It’s too dangerous!” Berry said.

“Forget the danger! She’s in trouble!” Elusive said before running into the forest following the tracks.

Berry turned to Cheese “Find and tell the others! I’ll help him!” Berry said to Swiss Cheese who nodded and ran off while Berry ran after Elusive.

“LET ME GO!” Barb cried as she wriggled in the bindings and tried to shake off the blindfold.

“Stop shaking or you get another hit!” A familiar male voice said loudly.

“...Wait a minute, I remember that obnoxious voice!” Barb said.

“Shut it!” The voice said as she was tossed onto the ground and the blindfold was removed.

She looked up and saw Garble and some dragons she didn’t recognize.

“This the dragoness you were talking about?” A blue fat dragon asked.

“She’s a pretty one, real pretty,” Another darker blue one said with a lick of the lips.

“Yeah yeah, you believe me now?” Garble said.

“Yeah, we believe you met a pony lover,” A green dragon said with a wave.

“And your gonna watch me get my payback right now,” Garble said with a grin.

“Just as long as we get a turn,” The dark blue one said.

“Can do,” Garble said before hovering over her.

“Y-your not going to-”

“Yeah, I’m going to show these losers-”

“Ahem,” The green one coughed.

“I mean… cool guys how a real dragon dominates! Call this penance for what you did,” Garble said.

“Did what?! I didn’t want to murder an innocent baby phoenix and I showed you up, so what?” Barb said.

“What? I’m talking about busting my left ball!” Garble said.

“What?” Barbra asked.

“Yeah, I tried to get you on my crew but then your stupid pony friends stepped in and when I hurt one you kicked me in the crotch, well guess what? You busted me! I’m a laughingstock among other dragons now! Well, now that you’ve grown up nicely I think it’s time to take some payback!” Garble said before moving forward to remove her clothes.

“Hey hands off! HELP!” Barb cried.

“Scream all you want, but any pony would be a real idiot to get between a dragon and what he wants-” Suddenly a rock hit him in the head and he grunted in pain and turned to see Elusive and Berry.

“Then I must be quite stupid,” Elusive said.

“Elusive!” Barbra cried in joy.

“Who are they?” The green dragon asked.

“Oh just her stupid pony friends, here’s an idea, how about I beat them up in front of you, then take you,” Garble said before walking forward.

“Stay away from her!” Elusive said firing magic at Garble who took it with a step back from the force of the attack.

“Hah! Was that your best?” Garble asked.

“No, but it made a decent distraction,” Elusive said.

“Huh?” Garble questioned when suddenly Berry came down from the tree above and smashed a rock into his head.

“OOOMPH!” Garble fell over and rubbed his head.

“Curses, that didn’t knock him out,” Elusive said squaring up for a fight.

“Oh your getting it now,” Garble said getting up and breathing fire at Berry who jumped into a bush avoiding it.

Garble got up and rushed at Elusive.

Elusive punched at Garble but his fist glanced off of Garble's chest and Garble rammed him off his feet and shoved Elusive onto the ground.

Elusive rolled out of the way of a stomp and fired more magic into Garble's face and Garble stumbled to the ground.

“Berry! Get Barbra out of here!” Elusive said.

“Got it!” Berry said as he jumped out of another bush and grabbed Barbra and ran off with her.

“HEY! Come back with our good time!” The blue dragon shouted and they chased after them.

“NO!” Garble cried and he turned to Elusive.

“Oh that was a mistake!” Garble said getting up and stomping over to Elusive.

“Bring it on!” Elusive said getting up.

Berry ran with Barbra over his shoulder.

“We have to go back! Elusive is back there!” Barbra yelled.

“Elusive made me Pinkie Promise not to turn back!” Berry called.

“I don’t care! Garble will kill him!” Barbra said.

“Help is on the way, I know Elusive! He’ll do whatever it takes!” Barry said before one of the dragons flew overhead and landed in front of him and the other two surrounded him on the other sides.

“Give us the dragoness and we’ll only punch you and not use our claws,” The fat dragon sneered.

“Not happening!” Berry shouted.

“I love it when the ponies act tough,” The green one laughed.

“Hey how about whoever gets her first get’s first round?” The darker blue dragon said.

“I-I’ll tell Ember on you all!” Barb threatened.

“Good luck doing that, because after we’re done with ya we’ll just toss ya into Ghastly Gorge,” The darker blue one laughed and they began closing in.

“What are we going to do?” Barbra asked.

“Duck,” Berry said.

“What?” Barbra asked.

“DUCK!” Berry dropped to the ground with Barbra and immediately a powerful magic beam struck the light blue one sending him flying.

“AH!” The blue dragon cried.

“Huh?” The other two turned to see Dusk, Cheese, Applejack and Rainbow Blitz.

“Oh great, more?” The dark blue one got ready.

“Excuse me,” The dragon turned and stumbled back in surprise when he was face to face with the stare.

“Go away!” Butterscotch said.

“What the heck?!” The dark blue one said.

“Leave my sister alone!” Dusk said before firing another magic blast at the green one and he turned and ran.

“It’s too crowded here! Run!” The green one said.

“She ain’t worth it! Let’s book it!” The dark blue one said as he grabbed his friend and ran for it.

“Barbra!” Dusk said running up to her.

“DUSK!” Barb said as they ran up and untied her.

“Where’s Elusive?” Blitz asked.

“He’s back there! Fighting Garble!” Berry said.

“Crap! Hang tight Elusive!” Blitz took to the air and zoomed off.

“Wait here! We’re going to help! AJ, Cheese, Butterscotch, stay here in case the dragons come back!” Dusk said before running off.

“Got it!” AJ and Butterscotch said.

“Thank you guys… thank you…” Barb sobbed clearly having been frightened.

“It’s alright sugarcube,” AJ said giving her a hug.

Elusive impacted a tree.

“Ugh!” Elusive grunted.

“You thought you could fight a dragon? Things don’t go like they do in stories, dragon beats pony, easy to understand,” Garble laughed.

Elusive grunted as he got up.

“Why risk your life for her? She isn’t even the same species as you,” Garble asked.

“A gentlecolt never leaves a lady stranded,” Elusive said before throwing another punch but Garble just took it and shoved him down.

“I’ll bet my buds have caught her already, shame I won’t be first, but I’ve had my fun of pony thrashing, time to start with the fire,” Garble opened his mouth and prepared to breathe fire on Elusive, Elusive winced as he prepared for the heat.

But something tackled Garble away.

“AGH!” Garble spouted flames upward as he was tackled off his feet and they landed on the ground.

“Leave my friends alone!” Blitz said punching Garble in the face and the two struggled.

“Guys!” Elusive said getting up.

“Stay down Elusive, we’ll take it from here,” Dusk said before charging another blast and firing at Garble who shoved Blitz off and the blast hit him sending him skidding.

“Ooof!” Garble grunted.

“Don’t EVER come back!” Dusk said his eyes lighting up and his horn charging a ton of magic before he fired and Garble ‘eeped’ and braced himself, only for the blast to rip through the foliage to his left.

Garble looked to see a smoldering hole in a big tree next to him and he gulped.

“Next one I aim will be at you if you don’t leave NOW!” Dusk said angrily and Blitz walked up next to him.

Garble held up his hands in surrender “Ok ok! I’m not gonna fight an alicorn over her! Goodbye!” Garble got up and scurried away.

Dusk panted and returned to normal before turning to Elusive and helping him up.

“Are you ok?” Dusk asked.

“Yes… he mainly just tossed me around, Is Barbra ok?” Elusive asked.

“Yes,” Dusk said before Elusive swung his arm around Dusk and Blitz’s shoulder and they proceeded to carry him back to the others.

Ponyville hospital

Elusive lay in a hospital bed and his friends surrounded him.

“I swear I’ll be ok, in fact the doctor said I’ll be out of here by twelve, just minor bruises, I was lucky that he only toyed with me, had he been serious with me from the get-go this would be different,” Elusive said.

“Rarity… I mean Elusive, you risked your life for me back there… how can I thank you?” Barb said with tears in her eyes.

“Nothing dear, I simply did the right thing for a friend,” Elusive said.

“Well, we better get moving, who’s gonna stay with him overnight?” Blitz said.

Applejack turned to him noticing the hint in his tone.

“I suppose I will, I need to make sure that-” Dusk said before Barbra interrupted.

“I will,” Barb said.

“But Barb, you should be in a bed too if anything, you were almost-”

‘I’m staying with him!” Barb said before turning in her seat.

Dusk sighed and looked to the others “Very well, we’ll come to check on Elusive at the Boutique tomorrow, Barb, are you ok with taking care of him?” Dusk said.

“Yes,” Barb said as she remained sitting by him.

“Then I suppose we should leave,” Blitz said already ushering Butterscotch out.

“Huh? Why leave right now?” Butterscotch asked.

“I’ll tell you later,” Blitz said and one by one the group filtered out until eventually there was just the purple dragoness and Elusive.

“Elusive, I want to say that-” Elusive put a finger over her mouth and shushed her.

“I should tell you before you say anything….” Elusive said.

“What?” Barb asked.

“...Barbra… I had intentions to talk to you when I was looking for you earlier, it was… going to be a sad talk indeed, but what happened there in the forest… it changed things for me,” Elusive said.

“W-What do you mean?” Barb asked heart beating faster.

“Barbra, You are an amazing dragon, those other dragons that nearly had their way with you, were nothing but thugs and brutes, but you, you were raised with the gentleness of a pony, and that is a gentleness I wish to pursue something with…” Elusive said.

“Y-You mean,” Barbra began to cry happy tears.

“Spike or Barbra, whichever you spend the rest of your long life as, I would like to ask you, can we be more than friends? Can we be… in love?” Elusive asked with a smile.

“YES! Yes, I do! I-I mean will, I mean can… I mean-” Barbra stuttered over her words, overwhelmed by the situation. Elusive chuckled and pulled her in for a kiss.

It was the happiest moment of her life.

Author's Note

Is Dusk being entitled or cautious enough given his circumstances? Let me know your opinion.

Also hooray, the ships are sailing one after another.

Also, hooray Elusive has realized his love for Barbra [Who I will remind is the legal age of consent in this story]

Also clop is coming soon, if you want I'll take opinions on whether or not I do that with the rest of the story.

Also, I hope you guys had a fun time with this chapter like I did, let me know what you thought in the comments as well.