Taming a Tempest

by XD-385

With the erasure of Ruin, Equestria is at peace once more and its heroes rest. But the shattered soul known as Tempest Shadow still searches for her place in the world in the wake of her crimes. The one who defeated her, and chose to help her, may be the only one to heal her scarred soul.

4. New Seeds Taking Root

Pretty much since the moment I woke up, I have had Nightshade Holly on my mind all day. I still could not forget the moment we parted ways at the train station since just yesterday. Her pleas to be allowed to stay. My desperation to stay near her as I chased the train for as long as I could. I wanted to see her again.

Even before noon, I was already debating visiting Canterlot to see Holly again even though we had already seen each other just yesterday. We had routinely seen each other on Sundays since we really started opening up to each other only for her to break that routine for that surprise visit yesterday. But why stop there? Nothing was stopping me from going up there and spending another day with her.

I spoke of my concerns with Fluttershy and she assured me that everything would be fine if I wanted to go see Holly again. Scootaloo would be taking Gladesong out for a quiet scooter ride through the nearby forest path for a miniature Running of the Leaves event for just the two of them and Rainbow Dash had invited Fluttershy to come visit her parents in Cloudsdale. She always hates going alone when Bow and Windy are involved...

Having the entire day to myself, I immediately set out for Canterlot. The weather was fair with only a marginal number of clouds in the sky, but it was still unpleasantly chilly as I wrapped myself up in a jacket. I did not wait long for the next train and was soon on my way up the mountain. The warm confines of the quiet train car left me feeling relaxed and cozy. I wanted to take a nap, but the clouds were not doing a good job of keeping out the sun. I eventually arrived and quickly made a beeline to Holly's apartment complex at the edge of town. But not after taking a moment to pick up a box of assorted chocolates at the nearest confectionary. After such a painful goodbye yesterday, I wanted to perk her up with something sweet.

The foyer was quiet and a bit dusty, as I had come to expect. No one ever seems to bother turning the lights on except at night, lending the place a deserted vacant feel. I would have felt I was doing some urban exploration had I not known the place had a single occupant. I made my way up the steps to the first door and tried to see what I could through the peephole. Try as I might, I could not make out any of Holly's natural purple or rosy red colors. I quickly found the door was unlocked and stepped inside.

I stood still as I waited for Holly to come running. She only leaves the door unlocked when she is home. But the only sound I got was the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. I definitely caught her at a bad time and approached the couch to chill out on it while I waited. However, no sooner had I placed the box of chocolates on the coffee table before it that I picked up another sound in the air. Was that her voice?

Curious and wanting to maintain the element of surprise, I slid my shoes off and inched myself closer to the bathroom with the door slightly ajar. Indeed, I heard Holly's voice as I drew near. And she sounded anything but happy while apparently just talking to no one in particular. "Please... How much longer..."

A sense of mild alarm came over me. She was in distress. I hurried quietly into the bathroom and tried to see what I could through the blurred glass door as steam wafted out of the shower stall. I could make out Holly's colored form standing up high, her hoof resting upon the window that faced west towards Ponyville. I could hear her mutter mournfully, "I don't want to be here anymore... I...want to be free..."

I could see her bow her head, letting out a quiet sob with the falling water soaking her in her sorrow. "How much longer until I... Until I can truly start over... When I can be with him all I like...?"

A sympathetic smile spread across my face as I heard her unknowingly share her inner thoughts with me. I knew she missed me, but it was especially touching to actually hear her say it like that. Knowing what she wanted, I opened the door and spoke softly. "Why wait?"

Definitely having been caught at an embarrassing time, Holly gasped and looked at me in a panic for a second before she began to comprehend who she was looking at. She squeaked and stammered before falling silent while looking utterly ashamed with one arm draped across her chest with her hoof on the opposite shoulder. I tried to change the subject by reaching for the bottle of shampoo nearby. "Need a pair of hands?"

I honestly had no idea how much bathing she had done by that point. I was just trying to be witty. Holy cracked a slight uneven smile, so my words definitely had some effect. "No... I've already..."

Holly was happy to see me. I could tell that much. But she was still conflicted over how to respond. I had walked in on her during a moment of weakness. In what was likely a strange mixture of delight and lingering sorrow, she stepped forward while still soaked to the bone and threw her arms around me in a desperate embrace. I was very glad I was still wearing my jacket at that time. "It's... It's so hard to be strong when you're not here... I can't help crying half the time when...I am alone with my feelings like this..."

I let out a long sigh before setting the bottle of shampoo down and putting my arms around her. I managed to smile and said with a whisper, "It'll get better. And there's no need to cry if you miss me. Because I'm here now."

"I know... And...I'm really grateful for that... You never stopped caring... Even when you were the only one..." She muttered quietly as her tender sniffles soon stopped. It was then that I happened to get a good look at her rosy mane. With it being wet down, it had lost its usual hard-edged circular mohawk look and hung just past her head. Perhaps it had been a long time since I last saw it like that, but I could swear it was longer than I remembered. I would have to wait and see it dried out to be certain. Regardless... I adored how lovely it looked when allowed to flow naturally. I even felt tempted to kiss her for how lovely she looked, but managed to resist that urge.

Before I knew it, I noticed Holly's horn right next to my head as it was coated in a gaseous magic aura. I knew what was coming. A magic bubble in the shape of a heart formed at the tip and swelled to the size of a large apple before detaching and was carried away with the steam from the shower. I knew she was already feeling better by that point. I felt no need to mention it and gently whispered sweet words into Holly's ear. "You bring to mind a porcelain rose... Beautiful and elegant, but so very fragile and in need of proper care."

A haggard chuckle came from Holly as yet another heart bubble formed at the tip of her horn. She lifted her head just enough to look at me and appeared to be so much happier by then. "Thank you... You...really know how to make a mare feel better about herself."

"Just being honest, opal eyes. And I've had lots of practice." I retorted softly as my finger traced over the edge of her ear. Not wanting her to get cold, I turned the shower off before reaching for a towel. My jacket was getting wet enough and I did not want Holly to get cold during such a dreary time of year.

"Thank you..." Holly mumbled as she used a levitation spell to take the towel and wrap it around herself. Her smile faded momentarily as her gaze fell to the floor. "I'm sorry to had to see me like that... I know I don't have any real reason to cry like that when I'm with you."

All I could do was smile reassuringly at the delicate mare before me. I soon embraced her, but then lifted her into my arms like a bride as she quietly yelped in surprise. I carefully turned to the door in the cramped confines of the bathroom and started to carry her towards the couch. "Holly... You have more than a decade's worth of tears to shed. You weep as often as you need to. I won't hold it against you."

"If you say so..." Holly muttered as I felt her relax in my grasp. She rested her head against my shoulder with her long relaxed breaths caressing my neck and cheek. I could see a smile forming on her lips as her insecurities faded away for the moment.

I soon sat upon the couch and turned sideways to lie down upon it. Holly rested atop me with her head upon my chest. Feeling quite happy myself now that we were together once more, I dragged my thumb along her jawbone while whispering into her ear. "It'll all be OK, baby... And I'll be with you every step of the way."

Before I even knew it, I noticed Holly start to quietly snore on my chest. All that crying in the shower must have tired her out for a nap. With nothing to really do myself and being unwilling to move from that stop if it meant waking her up, I decided to just set my head down on the pillow under me and pass the time with a nap of my own.

I am unsure how much time passed. Maybe two hours or so. I groggily awoke from my nap while feeling rather refreshed. However, I was quick to notice that Holly was no longer atop me. I immediately sat up in bed as a mild sense of concern came over me. My ears listened for any sound, which I quickly detected from the kitchen. Clinking of glass jars, a small knife chopping on a cutting board. Was she making a sandwich?

I looked over the back of the couch and could see a bit of Holly from around the corner of the kitchen's doorway. Her magic was at work doing...something. Before long, I got my answer. She soon walked out of the kitchen on just her hind legs while holding a pair of sandwiches upon her upturned hooves. She paused momentarily as our eyes met, but that look of surprise turned into a quiet smile. "I made lunch... You want one?"

"Please." I retorted as she approached me. I took one sandwich in hand while Holly took a seat beside me. Whole wheat bread with lettuce and mixed greens topped with tomato, cucumbers, rose petals, shredded provel cheese, and a layer of honey mustard. I really enjoyed it and made certain to speak my thanks after the first bite. "This is good. Thank you."

Holly once again smiled as her magic was busy holding her own sandwich aloft. I am sure that were her magic not being focused at the time, another one of those heart bubbles would have been produced from it. "It was the best I could on short notice..."

"No, really. It's fine. This is all I need." I replied while really appreciating the light snack. I was not terribly hungry anyway and was looking forward to a more filling dinner later on.

After a minute more, Holly paused halfway through eating and looked at me with a conflicted gaze. Her next question surprised me. "I forgot to ask... Why are you here? Didn't we already spend time together for this week yesterday?"

Yeah, she did surprise me yesterday when she came to Ponyville directly. Having just finished my sandwich, I turned to her while feeling like I may have come at a bad time. "Well... I had the day to myself and... I wanted to see you again. Was that a bad idea?"

A look of alarm settled upon her face as Holly set her sandwich aside before placing her hoof upon my hand. "No, no! I'm always happy to have you here! It's just... I don't want to be a burden... Once a week is enough... You didn't have..."

I let out a sigh before turning my hand over and grasping her hoof in my palm. "Holly. You're never a burden. I'm here because I want to be. Is that all right?"

Holly gave me an uneasy look as a more somber smile fell upon her lips. She leaned forward and rested her head against my shoulder. "Yes... It's always all right when you're here. You... You can come by whenever you want. My doors are always open to you."

I replied to her affection with some of my own. I leaned down to her head to place a kiss upon her horn, but caught myself and just stroked my hand over her back instead. A long delighted sigh hissed from Holly's nostrils. However, as I stroked my hand over her, I felt some patches of inconsistencies in her coat. "Hm? You feel a bit...plush in some places..."

"I do? Oh... I suppose that's my winter coat coming in." Holly retorted before sitting up and looking herself over.

"You get a winter coat like that? I thought only pegasi get that fluffy." I retorted while remembering how Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are prone to developing a thicker coat than usual during cold seasons. It took me a few years just to notice.

Holly merely shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what to say about it. I've always gotten a slightly thicker coat whenever winter starts approaching. Are you sure it's exclusive to pegasi otherwise?"

I went silent for a moment as my eyes scanned Holly. She was indeed a unicorn, but one of taller and slender stature than most other unicorns. I know I have seen others with her body type before, so it is not exclusive to her. I began to brainstorm. What if her kind was a specific caste of unicorn with ancestral origins that differ from most others. There was only one place I could think of that may hold the answers. "Huh... That's a good question. Maybe we could swing by the museum today and see if there are answers there."

"The museum? I haven't been there in ages. Are you sure we'll find an answer there?" Holly replied while looking and sounding quite intrigued. It had likely been a long time since she last got to embark on a personal field trip like that.

I smiled at the thought. I had not been back there myself in a long time. "Well, it'll give us something to do together today."

Holly did not even have to say a word. She was smiling at the preposition of us spending time together in town. However, I then noticed her sandwich still unfinished on the coffee table before us. "Your sandwich is getting soggy."

"It... Oh!" Holly quickly snatched her sandwich up in her magical grasp and continued eating. It was during this pause in conversation that I took note of Holly's mane. She had styled it back up to how it had always looked now that it was dry, but I could see that she was steadily growing it out. The hard edges of her mohawk were gone with the edges looking much softer than before and were no longer even. I decided to not mention it since it still looked too similar to how it has always looked.

It did not take long for Holly to finish off her lunch. Once that was out of the way, I asked, "Would you like to head out now? We still have the whole day to ourselves."

My friend cast me a sincere smile with no trace of uncertainty in her eyes. "I'd love to. I don't have any plans for today, so... I'll just follow your lead."

"Sounds good. Oh, just a sec..." I retorted before undoing my jacket's zipper a bit and reaching inside. I pulled out a scarf I had stashed in it just in case the weather got even colder before I got home. Rarity had woven it for me a while back and it consisted of stripes of color that made up the coats of her and our closet friends. A full rainbow of hues that really stood out. I then draped the scarf over the couch's back and stood up while zipping my jacket closed. "Shall we?"

Holly's only response was a smile as she once more rose on just her hind hooves and placed her hoof in my hand. Before long, we were on our way through the streets in dreary autumn weather. A cloud cover was beginning to form and would likely have the sky covered before the day was over. The dreary atmosphere only made Holly's quiet affections all the more welcome as she leaned against me while I put my arm on her shoulder. I just felt so at peace and was very happy that I had decided to go to her today.

We must not have been the only ones who had the same idea since the museum was quite busy by the time we arrived. Tourists and locals had filled the vast halls with a constant clamor in the air. No one wanted to be home on a cold dreary day and needed some stimulation. Holly turned her gaze towards the very tall ceiling of the museum, taking in the sheer scale of the place. "I forgot how big it is in here..."

"Yeah, the very architecture itself is worthy of attention in these kinds of establishments." I retorted before looking around to see what I could from the edge of the lobby. The museum artifacts were some of the few things that were spared during the razing of Canterlot a number of years back thanks to the anti-fire measures installed to protect them. Everything in it and the local art museums survived. Now that the museum had reopened a year or two ago, it has been business as usual.

We momentarily forgot why we were even there and just wandered in the main hall for a moment to see the largest artifacts on display through the crowd of visitors. We eventually wandered into a corner of the museum that held artifacts and displays detailing the origins of the kingdom of Equestria itself and the time immediately before it. That is to say, what gave rise to Hearths Warming Eve.

I had not visited that exhibit in a long time, but Holly proceeded to trot around while taking in everything like an excited schoolgirl. She was showing so much intrigue and curiosity as she likely had gone a very long time since being allowed to indulge. However, my eyes were eventually drawn to one specific display case. The one that contained the royal mantle and crown of Princess Platinum.

Something I noticed right away was something about the mannequin that the royal attire was placed upon. Having been in and out of the Carousel Boutique countless times, I had long since memorized the general shape of your average mare. But this one did not match them. The body was slender, the legs were longer. In other words, it bore an uncanny resemblance to Nightshade Holly herself and other mares that I had often seen in Canterlot. I know Rarity herself has performed as Princess Platinum during a stage play or two and her costume always fit, but... Was Princess Platinum a distant ancestor of my friend?

I did not even notice Holly walk up beside me. She observed the display case a moment before she looked up at me. "Do you think that mannequin is accurate in its proportions?"

A crooked scowl fell upon my face as I thought long and hard about the implications of what I was seeing. "Probably... Considering that the royal family were familiar with her ages ago, they probably would insist that the mannequin that holds her own clothes would be accurately designed to resemble her measurements... Still doesn't tell us much though. We'd probably be better off checking a library for the information we're looking for."

"Maybe... But we did just get here. Can we look around a while longer?" Holly asked in return as she sounded like she was having a good time.

I saw no reason to depart early and continued to wander through the museum. Maybe forty minutes in, we eventually wandered into a corner of the museum that I had completely forgotten about. It chronicled and displayed artifacts regarding ancient Equestrian culture and races. Things like the ancient cloud cities of the pegasi and mountaintop settlements of the unicorns and stuff like that. It was there that one such display provided some interesting information on its plaque. Something about 'high unicorns'.

Holly and I were together when we stumbled upon that plaque. And it provided quite a bit of detail. I do not recall the entire thing, so I will summarize what it displayed. In the distant past, high unicorns made up the ruling caste of the unicorn race. They were tall in stature and they lived at the very peaks of the mountains unicorn settlements were built upon. The term 'high unicorn' ultimately fell out of use when it became meaningless as all ruling authority was given to the royal family that rose to power after the founding of Equestria as a nation.

The look on Holly's face as she read all that. I could not help but smirk at her. "Well, that explains a few things. You have royal blood flowing through your veins, huh?"

A clear blush filled her cheeks as Holly placed a hoof over her lips to suppress a giggle. "Oh my... I... I don't know what to think of that. Me? Related to a princess? Or maybe a king?"

I then crossed my arms as I scanned the plaque again. It said nothing about Holly's thicker winter coat. But I then began to cross-examine what I already knew. Pegasi have always lived in cloud cities situated miles above the ground. Where the air is thinner and colder. High unicorns lived at the very top of mountains where the climate is generally the same. This high altitude lifestyle must have surely resulted in them developing thicker winter coats as an evolutionary response to the environment.

I proceeded to share this hypothesis with Holly. She held a hoof to her chin as I explained, clearly understanding what I was getting at. "Hm... That does make a lot of sense... I can't think of a more likely scenario myself."

"I guess that solves the mystery. You unicorns grow a thicker coat in winter since you're used to that kind of chilly weather from way back when." I replied before reaching for Holly's chin and scratching a thicker patch of her coat. "And it does make you even more satisfying to touch and cuddle."

Holly's response was a delighted giggle as she tried to hide her face with a hoof. "James, you're always so good to me...!"

"And that's because you earned it, opal eyes." I said while stroking my fingers over her ears. Holly adored the attention and let me pet and caress her pretty head as much as I wanted.

We continued to wander for a while longer. We eventually came across an exhibit that must have been new. It covered the history of the civilization that once covered the expanses of the Empty Plains. Ever since the War of Preservation, the royal family has declassified information regarding the history of humanity in Equestria since it was impossible to deny any longer. To be fair, the world at large greatly underreacted to this information being made public, though I think that is normal when that much time has passed since a world-shaking event. Holly was quite curious, as was I while we browsed the exhibit and its plaques and display cases. A number of artifacts were preserved quite well unless they were modern reproductions. Such a sad time it must have been back then. Perfectly in balance with the rest of the world until poor broken-hearted Discord sowed the seeds of temptation in the emperor just to see what would happen. Oh well. What is done is done and steps are being taking to rectify that disaster.

Around 2 PM, Holly and I came across a café of sorts nestled in the corner of the museum serving famished visitors all manner of refreshments. Since we had only a light lunch, we both decided to stop by and pick something up. We both settled for a banana sundae each with hot fudge. And I swear they inflate the prices at these tourist traps...

We started to dig into our snack with Holly looking like she was having a very good time. This visit was doing a good job of serving as a distraction to her present dilemmas. She almost looked two decades younger with how happy she seemed while she dug into that ice cream treat. I could not help but ask, "Having a good time?"

Holly looked at me with her vibrant eyes and said, "Yes! I can't remember the last time I even came here... Let alone a time where I was enjoying myself so much!"

"Yeah, you look like you're enjoying yourself. Feels good to see you so happy." I retorted while helping myself to another spoonful of my treat. Holly could only smile back with such sincere happiness. She needed a break from her routines.

Eventually, Holly brought up a topic I was not expecting. "Um... James? That exhibit we passed... The one about that war and humans from long ago... That was fairly recently, right? Did you...serve in it?"

I paused in my eating as I thought back to that sordid affair. The worst memories I had were still dulled and somewhat fuzzy as a result of the treatment for the PTSD I developed after that mess, but the memories were there. Just not as...vivid as before. "Yeah... I was there. And I'd really prefer to not have to go through that again. War is... It's not something your kind should ever be exposed to."

Holly gazed at me in concern before soon rising from her stool and walking over to me on just her hind legs like many times before. I was unsure of what she was up too, but just watched silently as she lifted my hand with her hoof before she tenderly held it between her hooves. "These are not the hands of a warrior... No one with hands this tender should ever have to take up the sword..."

"You're not the first to make that observation." I replied while cracking a smile as a sense of nostalgia came over me. I remembered when Marble Pie did the same thing, holding my hand as she claimed my hands are those not of a warrior, but of an artist. How I miss that beautiful mare... And I know she misses me.

My friend looked at me with a gaze of sincere sympathy. "I hope you never have to take up the sword again... That's not a life for you. You shouldn't have to put yourself in danger like that."

I pulled my hand free and stroked my fingers over Holly's mane. "Well, having that kind of power and tools at your disposal does have a certain thrill to it. But yeah, here's hoping my days as a defender of Equestria are over. Kendra and I are sick of that business. And I doubt we'll see a problem like that now that Ruin is gone."

Holly tactfully chose to not inquire further about anything I said and returned to her seat. We continued to dine a while longer, but no sooner had Holly finished her snack, an uneasy look settled upon her face. "Um... I need to use the restroom. Could you wait for me please?"

"Sure. Let's meet up near the entrance. I'll look around a bit more then meet you there." I replied as I gathered up our empty bowls. Holly trotted off for the lavatory while I disposed off our trash and walked off in a direction I had not gone before.

I was sure I was getting close to the central hall where the entrance to the museum is in plain sight when I stumbled upon another exhibit that was a recent addition. Perhaps too recent for my tastes. I froze as I beheld something standing tall above the visitors milling about. I took a deep breath and began to hurry through the crowds around me until I was standing before what I had spotted. Indeed, standing before me was what I thought it was. A human mannequin clad in the Godslayer's dark winged armor. And locked safely away in a display case at its feet was none other than one of his prized Twin Moons. The jet black blade of the falchion remained pristine, its glowing red runic 'eye' forever closed like those of its master. Its mate was nowhere to be seen, lodged in the ground as a marker miles away in an unmarked wasteland where Equestria's dark defender faded from this world.

I was at a loss for words as I stood before the only things we had left of our fallen friend. The clamor of the crowded museum around me began to fade into being just white noise as I gave my undivided attention to the dark armor before me. It was so very hard for me to not have tears rush to my eyes as I found the will to speak. "Hey... It's been a while, huh?"

No words came from the empty suit of armor, but I was sure he could hear me. I was certain that he was not bound to oblivion. He was up there somewhere. Watching and waiting. Hopefully in happiness. "Things have...been pretty good in Equestria. Things are looking up. The world is healing. And...people miss you. I wish...you could've survived that last clash out there... It was too soon."

I bowed my head, trying to find all the words I needed to say. All the words he needed to hear. "Applejack really misses you... She... She went ahead and adopted a little colt not that long ago. And he... He has his daddy's eyes. I feel like it was meant to be. He knows who his father is and she's making sure he knows. They're doing fine. We all are... And... Babs Seed? In Manehatten? You...really got to her. I heard that as soon as she's done with school, she's gonna sign up for the royal guard. Said she wants to help keep Equestria safe like you did... She said that she'll visit you here...when the time is right... She really looked up to you. But you already knew that, right?"

My thoughts finally went back to Nightshade Holly. She was probably already done with the restroom and waiting near the entrance for me. I did not want to cut my 'conversation' short, so I looked up at the armor before me and said, "Also... You remember Tempest Shadow, right? She... I know it's been two years, but... She's come a long way. You wouldn't even recognize her if you saw her now. Calls herself Nightshade Holly now. She's trying hard... She really wants to be better than what she was. I think you'd be very happy with her if you could see her now. And... I'm doing my part too. I'm making sure she gets the support she needs. I won't give up on her."

I knew I should not keep Holly waiting. With some reluctance, I tried to at least smile while starting to feel pretty choked up. "I'd best get going now... It was good talking to you. And... Well... Thank you for all that you did... We would never have made without you."

I hurried away from my fallen friend's remnants before I could cry. I did not want to give Holly the impression that something was wrong. Sure enough, I spotted her waving at me while standing tall. I hurried over to her and cracked a smirk. "You're a lot easier to spot when you're standing up like that."

"I guess... Where were you anyway?" Holly replied with a look of curiosity in her eyes. I must have kept her waiting a little.

I knew better than to bring the Godslayer up to Holly. She feared him and rightfully so after he almost crippled and killed her during the operation to capture her a few years back. So I just gave a vague yet heartfelt response. "Just saying hello to an old friend I haven't seen in a while."

Holly then asked a very unexpected question as her eyes scanned me for a few seconds. "Did you cry?"

A hand rose to my cheeks and felt along their grooves. I did feel a narrow rail of sediment leading from my eyes. "Huh... I guess I did."

"Do you...want to talk about it?" Holly asked as she reached for my hand. I returned the favor by tenderly taking her hoof into my grasp.

I knew better than to bring up the Godslayer around her. While they were at least on some speaking terms during the few times they met after her capture, Holly never really did stop fearing him and his untimely demise destroyed any chances of them ever warming up to each other. "Nah... I did all the talking I wanted. I'm good now."

Holly then stepped forward and rested her head against my chest, her ear tilted towards it. She stayed silent for several seconds before muttering, "I don't want to see you upset..."

"Well, I'm not. I swear I'm OK." I whispered back as I stroked my other hand down her back. We paid no mind to anyone else around us as I held her for a moment. Eventually, I knew we had to depart. But it felt too soon to go back to her place. And so I thought up a reason to tarry a while longer out in the town. "Say... I know you're still good on your food supplies, but what about necessities for the house? Laundry detergent, bathroom supplies, and all that other stuff?"

Sure enough, she glanced up at me with an uneasy gaze. "You're not going to treat me to another shopping spree, are you?"

"I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't have the intention." I replied with a bit of a whimsical smirk. I was starting to take some pleasure in doing nice things for her, even moreso at her insistence against it.

Holly must have known that I was not going to settle for any other outcome by that point and just rested her head against my chest once more. "Why are you always so good to me..."

"Do I need to provide a reason by this point?" I retorted as I began to lead her to the door. Holly did not have a response. She merely leaned against me as we walked along hoof in hand.

Our destination was the same store we had recently done grocery shopping at. I picked a pair of baskets before turning to Holly. "So, you're good on food for now, right? You know everything that you could use more of?"

Holly still looked reluctant to have me treat her to more stuff, but she still nodded. "Yeah... I can remember."

I followed along while Holly placed the necessary goods in the basket. Detergent, bath and shower supplies, toilet paper, dish soap, a few light bulbs, and so on. However, we eventually passed the magazine racks. I had an idea when I noticed a few coloring books at the edges. While Holly was not looking, I knocked one into the basket. I had all but forgotten that she finds enjoyment in those.

While going down the last aisle, we passed by the frozen foods section. My eyes scanned the boxes of ice cream on display. I knew Holly had a scoop at home and I did not recall ever seeing any cold treats in the freezer. While I knew we were there for only household necessities, I decided to make an exception. "Hey, Holly? What ice cream do you like? Cookie dough all right?"

Holly turned around in surprise, seemingly shocked that I would offer to buy her a box of her own personal dessert. However, rather than object, she soon brought up a very good point. "But... We already had ice cream a little while ago."

I paused as I realized that. Indeed, we both had ourselves a banana sundae at the museum's café. Still, there was always next time. "Still... It'd be nice to have some for next time."

She must have understood that I wanted to get some for both of us instead of just her. Holly glanced at the freezer's glass door before looking back at me with a slight smile. "Cookie dough would be great."

Holly levitated a couple of boxes of the stuff into the baskets and even picked up a box of cones to go with them. We then made our way to the checkout lane and ended up being served by the same clerk as last time. She recognized us and once again assumed we were a couple. We kind of expected it, but still sputtered a bit in denial. Once we were out of there with Holly levitating the bags around us, I asked, "Does she do that with every pair who check out together?"

"I don't know... I don't think its normal for most people to go shopping in pairs anyway." Holly said while bringing up a good point. Who does grocery shop together? We must have been the only ones who do that in Canterlot.

We returned to her apartment without a hitch and soon went back inside. While Holly insisted that she handle the groceries, I still at least turned the phonograph on to play some music to liven up the dreary confines of her apartment. However, she soon came to me with something floating in her magical grasp. "James... Did you get this?"

It was the coloring book. She must have not noticed it during checkout when the clerk mistook us for a couple and we were spazzing out. I just cracked a smile and said, "You like those, right?"

"Yes, but..." Holly mumbled before she paused. She averted her gaze for a moment as she realized that it was probably too late to take it back and that I enjoy making her happy. With a sigh, she smiled modestly at me. "Thank you... I'll start on it when I finish my current one."

While Holly went to put the book away with the others and her art supplies, I flipped open my DSi after digging it out of my jacket's pocket and turned it on to check the time, having forgotten about the clock on the wall. Just a little past 3 PM. But I was then distracted by a loud yawn from Holly as she stood in the doorway to the laundry room. It must have been contagious since I let out a yawn too. Dreary Sundays are the worst Sundays since they always make you sleepy and lazy. We both looked at each other before I stated the obvious. "Nap time?"

"Nap time." Holly said in agreement. I pulled my jacket off and closed my DSi to put it in sleep mode. But no sooner had I kicked my shoes off and started to recline on the couch did I notice Holly watching me from the doorway to her bedroom. She and I shared a silent gaze for a bit before she finally asked, "Will you...join me?"

I was all too happy to do so. I got up immediately and walked over to Holly while turning off the phonograph and switching off the lights. "I'd love to."

The two of us soon snuggled up to each other on her bed with Holly smiling all the while. She felt so velvety soft in some spots where her winter coat had developed. I was looking forward to when the rest of it would grow in. My friend then gazed at me with her beautiful opal eyes and whispered, "Thank you for being here with me today, ,James... I'm glad to have you here."

"And I'm happy to be here, Holly. Sweet dreams." I whispered back as the two of us shared a tender nuzzle before I adjusted the quilt that covered us. We must have been tired because I swear we were both fast asleep in mere minutes.

I cannot recall what I was dreaming of during that nap, but I woke up slowly while feeling quite relaxed and refreshed. The light in the room peeking through the window blinds was very dim. The sun must have been on the verge of setting over the western horizon. I tilted my head about and found Holly still snuggled right up to me. Not wanting to rouse her and being very unwilling to leave her in the dark, I decided to pass the time by tracing my finger along the spiraling grooves in her horn from the top all the way down to the base.

Holly let out a quiet happy mumble in her sleep as my touch was likely affecting her dream. I doubt there is any real sense of touch in the horn since it is just a solid crystalline mass, but its connection to the brain was probably resulting in my touch affecting her dreaming thoughts. I almost expected her to generate another one of those heart bubbles. And she did, but not in the way I foresaw.

Sure enough, Holly's magic aura started to form around her horn in a gaseous manner. But it was not the usual shade of aquatic green. It was a bold rosy red hue that startled me slightly. I lifted my hand as that familiar shape formed at the tip of her horn. The bubble in the shape of a red heart swelled until it detached and drifted into my palm. Roughly the size of an apple, it glowed brilliantly in the dark as I could swear I almost felt it beating in my grasp. I did not understand why the color of her aura had changed. But that red... It felt...tender. Loving, almost. Not an alarming shade of red, but...rather an amorous hue. Holly must have been experiencing an extremely happy dream.

Just as I was starting to ponder the nature of this red magic hue, the bubble burst in my grasp right as Holly began to stir even more. Her beautiful opal eyes soon opened and gazed at me before they opened wide in unease. We shared a silent stare for a moment before she asked, "Did I...do anything strange...while I was asleep?"

"If producing more magic bubbles from your horn doesn't count, then nope." I retorted while deciding it was best to not mention the change in color of her magic aura. I doubt there was anything wrong with her, but red tends to be a color that can trigger a sense of alarm in someone. I did not want to make her concerned over a false alarm.

Holly cracked a drowsy smile as she looked up at me apologetically. "I still don't understand why I do that... All I know is that it only happens when I'm with you."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. I think it's an adorable little quirk of yours." I retorted while scratching my fingertip along her ear. I then reached over to the lamp on the end table nearby and flicked it on to cast some light around the room. For a minute or so longer, we continued to lie there in bed with Holly's head upon my chest.

As the moments went by, I heard Holly mutter softly. "I can feel your heart..."

"What does it sound like it's saying?" I asked in an almost joking manner as my hand stroked her mane.

"I don't know... I can only feel it thumping away. But...I like to imagine that it's saying it's happy to be around me." Holly said softly before letting out a long sigh as her eyes closed.

"Well, that's not an incorrect assumption." I retorted before pulling Holly up closer so I could nuzzle her face. She all too happily returned my affection.

Eventually, our eyes fell upon the clock in the corner. Half past 5 PM. I glanced at Holly out of the corner of my eye. "I don't wanna be stuck in here to eat when it's this dreary and dark outside. Wanna stop by the Tasty Treat?"

Holly's eyes perked up at the mention of the most exotic eatery in Canterlot. "Ooh, yes! I haven't been back there since the last time."

"Really? You shouldn't wait for me if you want to try some more of what they have to offer." I replied while pulling the quilt off of me and sitting up in bed.

"I know, but... I just prefer to dine out with somepony to talk to." Holly said as we both took a moment to stretch. I immediately fetched my shoes and jacket while Holly waited by the door. We were soon on our way, the moon rising high into the sky as the streetlamps lined the streets with their glows.

Holly walked beside me as always with her hoof in my hand. I expected her to engage in some form of conversation, but all she did was remain silent while gently leaning into me. All I could do was smile while I released her hoof from my hand and just put my arm around her shoulders instead.

We were all too happy to get in and out of the cold once we arrived. Coriander Cumin swiftly guided us to the same booth as the last time we visited. Things were quite busy with only a few tables unoccupied. I suppose that dark dreary weather of late autumn encourages the locals to go out to dine at locations with vibrant interiors and spicy cooking that warms them up on the inside. Holly mirrored my thoughts as she said, "I never thought I would appreciate all this color so much at this time of year..."

"Yeah, autumn might be colorful with all the leaves changing colors early on, but it loses its charm towards the end. All the cold of winter with none of the colorful charm of autumn with all the leaves gone." I retorted while having little love for the season in general. Not to mention how bad my allergies can get with all that dry dust getting added to the air from the dry dead plants.

With them so busy, Saffron Masala had no time to come out and take our orders. Coriander had to do it. Holly had taken quite an interest in what I had last time and ordered some of that. What was it called again? Navratan korma? Regardless, I placed an order of the paneer tika masala and an order of garlic naan. For as busy as they were and how there were no other employees there, Coriander Cumin really seemed to be enjoying himself. He was very pleased with all the business they were getting.

With the clamor filling the air from the other customers, I felt isolated with Holly despite the activity. It felt like we could do or say anything and no one would notice. I glanced at Holly and saw that she was looking back at me. She looked less insecure compared to the last few visits I made. "You look happy."

She smiled bashfully that I had been so blunt with my observation. "I guess that's because I am. I feel like every time I see you, things get a little brighter. I'm just taking things one day at a time, but it feels like...I'm gone miles in just these past few weeks."

My hand gravitated to her hoof and held it gently in my grasp. "I can see that. It feels like you've gotten far better since we...really connected."

"Better late than never." Holly said with a slight chuckle. We continued to talk for a while longer. Holly asked we about all my friends. What Kendra was up to, how Gladesong was doing, all that stuff. A lot of simple mundane topics that are hardly worth describing, yet were enjoyable to talk about.

Saffron Masala eventually brought out our orders, but was simply too busy to really have time to chat. I suppose we could always catch up later and it did conversely give me more time to focus on Holly. Our food was amazingly fragrant and colorful to behold. Mine consisting of a delightful reddish orange curry smothering cubes of white cheese and Holly's being a yellow curry with all manner of healthy green and orange vegetables mixed in with both being served on a bed of rice. We were all too eager to eat and dug in, our conversing having taken a backseat for the moment.

Not a scrap was spared. What curry was left on our plates was sopped up with the naan. We both let out a long sigh of delighted satisfaction, hoof in hand as we just listened to the exotic music of a far away land playing over the restaurant's sound system.

Curry is very filling and we were definitely in a minor stupor from it at the moment. All we could do was lean together with my arm around Holly's shoulders. She smiled dreamily with her eyes closed, head resting against my chest. Once again, I felt tempted to kiss her, but I resisted that urge.

Customers departed while more took their place. The Tasty Treat never stopped being filled with the noise of happy patrons. Eventually, Coriander Cumin dropped off our bill. It was discounted like the last time, an act of goodwill between friends with a small message of thanks from Saffron along with minor apologies for simply not having time to really converse with us. I wrote down a brief response at the bottom, thanking her for the delicious meal and promising we would catch up later. I still left a handful of bits on the table as a tip before standing up and gently guiding Holly to the door while bidding farewell to Coriander Cumin. Once we were outside and walking away, Holly brought up a little point. "I think I would like to work there sometime..."

"I'm sure they would appreciate it. They looked a little understaffed tonight." I retorted while once again holding her against me in a gentle embrace. That music from inside the restaurant could still be heard behind us from a single outdoor speaking under the door's awning, a romantic vibe underlying its exotic tempo. It only made me want to kiss Holly more.

We eventually returned to Holly's apartment and turned the lights on to light up the interior. Still cool and empty, it really brought the mood down a bit. I glanced at the clock while hanging up my jacket. A little before 8 PM. I had roughly an hour before I needed to make my way to the train station to go home. I tried to think of a way to pass the time. We were way too full for dessert, so ice cream was out of the question. My eyes fell upon Holly as she sat upon the couch. Her gaze matched mine, showing uncertainty and unhappiness over my approaching departure. Still, I had something on hand that should serve as a pleasant distraction for the remainder of her time.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my DSi, its power light showing it was in sleep mode. I cast her a whimsical smile, wordlessly asking if she wanted to play. Holly's eyes perked up before she cast me a welcoming smile in response. I took a seat beside her and allowed her to hold it in her magical grasp before it flipped open and she started up the game. Like before, I had Super Mario 64 DS in the console. And Holly wasted no time in getting back into the swing of things.

After a while of exploring levels she had not yet touched, Holly started to poke around the player select hall while wondering who could still be behind the remaining locked doors. I gave her a push in the right direction by pointing her back to the ghost house. She was very reluctant to do so after the scare with the piano last time, but she took my advice and tried again. However, she was quick to find out that she could not enter the level as Yoshi and all attempts to eat the ghosts would fail. She had to backtrack to the hall and swap Yoshi out for Mario first.

Holly looked a bit on edge when she finally got back into the haunted level. I decided to cut her a break and point her to exactly where she needed to go to unlock the next player, pointing out the path she needed to take to reach the upper floors of the haunted mansion within. She succeeded and soon entered the attic with a painting showing another mustached plumber wearing green. Holly knew exactly what to do and jumped in.

We were greeted by the goofy yet trippy tune of a haunted merry-go-round being serenaded by ominous cackling every five seconds. Holly quickly lost any apprehensive she had and soon began to looked more annoyed than disturbed by the repetitive audio feedback. She pressed on and eventually found herself in a silent room with a very large mirror covering the far wall. Mario's reflection followed his every move, as did the cloud-riding cameraman behind him. Holly let out an amused snort as she said, "I forgot there's a literal cameraman following me..."

When Holly finally made Mario approach the mirror, the camera suddenly drew close to show his reflection flicker and change to the form of the green-clad plumber from before instead. Followed immediately by the source of that cackling, the king of the boos himself. Holly wasted no time in making sort work of him since she had already became familiar with the weaknesses of the standard boos in the prior level. After three attacks from behind, Holly was rewarded with a key. And she knew exactly where to go.

Holly quickly backtracked to the hall with lettered locked doors and put the key to good use. Mario walked into the locked chamber only for his brother to burst out with a laugh. Holly had a hard time reading his name as it was revealed in text, so I had to tell her how to pronounce Luigi. She immediately tried him out, not appreciating that he could not wall jump, but loving his superior jumping prowess and helicopter spin backflip.

Unfortunately, that was when I noticed that the clock was nearing 9 PM. I had to depart soon if I was going to make the next train home. With some reluctance, I placed my hand on Holly's shoulder. "Hey... Don't wanna kill the mood, but... I gotta get going soon."

My friend immediately cast me a disheartened gaze, but knew better than to try and argue about it by that point. She knew I could not stay. She paused for a moment as if trying to find the right words, but nothing came. The jingle for the game's save process was heard as she prepared to pass the device back to me. I then turned it off and placed it in my pocket. Finally, she looked at me with a somber frown. "I really enjoyed our time together... Same time next week?"

"You know it." I said with a quiet smile. I did not want to leave either, but I could not make such a sudden change of plans like that. I fetched my jacket, but also wrapped my scarf around my face as a precaution. It was bound to be windy and cold outside by then. I walked to the door, but then turned to look at Holly. "Would do...like to see me off at the station?"

Holly immediately rose to her hind hooves and walked briskly over to me with her hoof finding its way to my hand. "Please... We'll go together."

No words were spoken as we made our way to the train station under the late autumn moon. Indeed, it was cold outside with the temperature being in the upper 30s. Holly would shudder from time to time, but I am sure she could handle the cold for a while. Ponies seem quite tolerant to cold weather since I only see them consistently break out winter clothing in freezing temperatures.

A train was in the station when we arrived. The two of us took a seat on a bench that was just under the glow of a lamppost, huddling together in the cold. I could not find anything to say. I knew I had to depart soon, but... God, I really did not want to leave her.

Holly had her hoof resting upon my hand. Even with how cold the air was around us, I did not want to pull it away and tuck it into my pocket as long as she was touching it. She eventually whispered, "I really wish you could stay longer..."

"Me too... I really enjoyed my time with you." I replied in earnest as I turned my hand over to hold her hoof in my palm with a thumb rubbing over its top.

Holly then whispered sweetly as she took my hand between her hooves and nuzzled her face against it, "You could stay overnight... I'll cook us breakfast in the morning. Help you get your day started for...making sure I don't feel so alone overnight..."

Her suggestion made me immediately consider doing just that. I thought up so many excuses I could use. I could hurry over to the palace and request Celestia to send Twilight a message to pass to the Cakes and to Fluttershy letting them know I would be delayed in coming home. So many possibilities flashed through my mind, but I knew I should not. It would not be called for to suddenly drop everything like that. So I instead thought about the following weekend. "I wish I could... I'll see if I can make it happen next week. We'll see."

"I would love that..." Holly muttered as she looked at me with such a sad, yet hopeful gaze. "I just wish...I had something to hold onto until you come back... To make the wait more bearable."

I immediately thought about sending messages through the mail, but that would take days to arrive at best. "Hmm... Maybe you could ask the royal guard to deliver messages to Celestia for rapid communication through Twilight. Maybe even... Nah, they'd never agree to let you see her in person to have you sent directly. I wonder how that would go, you coming out of Spike's mouth as a plume of smoke before solidifying..."

That weird idea got a brief chuckle out of her. However, that quiet laughter was interrupted as my friend shuddered harshly as a bitter wind blew against us. "Ugh... I should've remember to pick up a scarf or sweater... It's just too cold for me."

My thoughts instantly went to my beloved Rarity. I know she would be more than happy to provide our friend with such a thing. "I'll talk to Rarity about that. Winter is approaching after all."

"Thank you..." Holly whispered in reply as she leaned against me for warmth. However, she then surprised me as her magic started to undo my scarf. I did not object and merely watched. What she was doing made me smile. She wrapped my scarf around us both so we were bound together in warmth. "Do you...think we could record this? I...want to treasure this memory..."

"Hang on. Let me see if it has enough power. It was getting low when you turned it off." I replied as I pulled my DSi out of my pocket and flipped it open. The battery light was in the red when I turned it on and activated its inner camera. "Do you want to take it? There's not much power left, but it's more than enough for a photo."

Holly's ears perked up at the offer and the promise of her request being fulfilled. Her magic aura surrounded the device as I let it float free. I could see Holly's face flushed with a barely noticeable blush on the screen as the camera looked at us. I made sure my smile was visible above my scarf while our heads rested together. We looked absolutely adorable sharing a scarf like that. With a click of the button, the image on the screen froze as the moment was forever captured in an image file. No blurs or grainy feel at all. It was the best quality we could ask for.

As I slid the DSi back into my pocket while trying to conserve what little power it had left, Holly leaned against me as she inhaled through her nose. "It feels like...you'll never leave me..."

"And that's because I won't." I replied while putting my arm around her. "You're too dear to me now."

"Mmm... Thank you for...making every week better than the last..." She muttered before raising her hoof to the portion of the scarf that was covering her muzzle. She was inhaling deeply with each breath.

I happened to notice this act and observed in silence. She was inhaling deeply with each breath, eyes closed while her hoof was pressing the scarf to her face. She was not merely breathing. She was...smelling it. Inhaling the scent that was infused into the fabric... My scent. My scarf had absorbed my natural scent after years of use.

This realization left me feeling... I have no idea how to describe it. Flattered? Confused? I really do not know. Still, I felt the need to ask. "Do...I smell nice?"

Holly's eyes popped open as she became more aware of what she was doing. "Oh, uh... Well..." Her eyes closed again as she inhaled deeply through her nose, taking in my scent once more. "Mmm... Sorry, it's just... When I close my eyes and...breathe in... I feel like you're right beside me... Like the scarf is your arm around me..."

I felt unexpectedly touched by this sentimentality. I could not help chuckling a bit at how endearing she was being. And I knew exactly what I could give her to help her cope with our time apart. "Well, if You like it that much..."

Before anything else could happen, I pulled the scarf over my head and adjusted it so that it was snuggly wrapped around Holly's neck. "Why don't you hold onto that until I get a scarf just for you?"

Sure enough, she did not see that coming. Holly held the loose part of the scarf in her hooves as she began to stammer at this offer. "But... But... James, I can't...I mean... This is just..."

I just smirked at how good I had gotten her with my temporary gift. It was fun watching her squirm in surprise. And so I patted her gently on the head and said, "I'll be OK. The train will be leaving soon and I'll be out of the cold. And I can tolerate this level of cold without a scarf. Really, it's no trouble. I'll have Rarity weave one for you by the time I visit next."

A quiet sniffle came from my friend as she tried to smile. "You... You're so mean sometimes... You're going to make me cry again." She playfully patted my arm before trying so hard to not cry.

"Easy there. We don't want any salt deposits getting stuck in the fabric, do we?" I retorted while showing a bit of a cunning smirk. However, it was then that the train's whistle blew. It was almost time to depart. The two of us shared a knowing gaze before my hand reached for Holly's hoof, helping her stand as we approached the door together. I knew the pattern by then. We stood near the door to the nearest train car as Holly's gaze was directed to the floor. "Five more minutes..."

"I know..." She muttered in return. Holly then leaned against me, her head upon my chest. I saw her swivel her ear until it was resting over my heart. Was she listening to the tempo of my heartbeat?

Just... I do not know where they came from, but... Tears began to gather in my eyes. I did everything I could to hide it from Holly as I brought a hand to my face to wipe my tears while trying to maintain my composure. I sniffed as I knew I so dearly did not want to leave her.

"James...?" The tears never stopped as the five final minutes were about to pass. I looked down upon hearing my dear friend and looked at her in tears as she looked up at me with the very same gaze, tears of her own flowing down her cheeks. "I'm...afraid..."

I inhaled sharply in another attempt to maintain my composure as I threw my arms around her and held her tightly against me. I did not understand what was wrong with us. But I knew what I wanted to say. "I don't want to let go..."

We both knew we had to part. And soon. Holly then whispered to me, "Then... Until we next meet... Can I at least give you something to hold onto for now?"

"Like...what?" I whispered back with my voice breaking. I felt her hoof lift my chin until we were both gazing into each others' eyes. And then... Her hooves were upon my cheeks.

"This..." Before I even knew it, her lips were upon mine. I must have been in a state of shock as I had no idea what to say, think, or do. It so much for my emotions to take in. It was brief, but deep. So very close to going beyond a mere kiss. As my mind was reeling, I felt the unseen force of magic gently push me through the door behind me right as the conductor was about to close it. When I came to, I was looking at Holly on the other side as she gazed back at me with a sincere smile on display. She then seemed to point at my hand as she began to walk to the right as the train started to move in that direction.

Puzzled, I looked down at my hand. Indeed, she had slipped me a little parting gift. Easily the largest heart bubble I had seen yet was being grasped in my palm. Larger than the largest orange. The aquatic green glow was so strong that I could not see through it. It remained in my grasp for only a moment more before it burst into sparks. I looked up to see Holly at the edge of the train platform while waving goodbye to me.

A sense of panic came over me. I was not satisfied with that one glance. I turned and sprinted down the aisle of every train car behind me as I desperately tried to keep Holly within my line of sight while paying no mind to any of the startled passengers I rushed by. When I finally all but ran into the final door, I saw Holly holding the scarf around her neck over her face. Breathing deeply most likely so she could detect my scent. I watched as long as I could until she was no longer there. With nothing else to do, I fell into the first empty seat I saw.

I cried. I do not even know what had come over me, but I cried. I felt utterly miserable for the remainder of the ride. Even now as I write this, I do not understand what is wrong with me. Why did she do that? Why did she kiss me like that?

I know I should not feel that kind of love for her. To love someone like her is dangerous. I need to be cautious next week. As of right now, I just want to take a hot shower and go to bed with my wife in my arms. Fluttershy knows I have had a long day and wants to help me relax with a massage before bed.

Holly... I do not understand. What is wrong with me? A part of me is scared. And I am not sure why. And I am worried of what the answer might be.