The sun beamed down, reflecting itself in her eyes. Twilight Sparkle had run all the way from the house and to the train-station. While trying to catch her breath, she cast her eyes on the train that just arrived at the station. She searched for a familiar face. Perhaps a cowboy hat that made sure the boy stood out in the crowd. But she couldn't spot him anywhere.

"Braeburn!" she finally yelled. Everypony just kept on walking, telling their goodbyes to the ones they loved. Some were leaving for work in another town, others for family.

So many times she had been at the station. Leaving for Canterlot in order to visit the Princess and tell her about her latest studies. Do some shopping for her friends. Get the newest books in store. Sometimes get a special something for Spike, to thank him for all his help.

He stood at the end of the station, knowing she wanted a moment alone with the young man she was searching for. Spike had argued with him, and wanted to apologize for his silly behaviour, but Twilight wanted him first. She wanted to tell him everything that was on her heart. And pray he didn't take it personally – because she cared for him.

She cared for him deeply.

With this thought, she lost hope. All the guilt she felt from the night before came pouring down in her heart, and made it cringe inside of her. She wanted to sob, banish every book she had read about love and heartbreaks. Even though it wouldn't help in any way.

It was at that moment a hand was put on her left shoulder.

She knew who it was. Therefore she spun quickly around, throwing her arms around the boys neck.

"I thought I was too late," she quietly whispered, swallowing her tears. The same hand brushed her hair gently.

"I wouldn't leave without a goodbye."

She looked up at him. Braeburn seemed almost at peace. As if he was happy about this.

"After what I did last night? Braeburn, I…"

He put a finger on her lips, a gesture to tell her to be silent.

"Ya did nothin' wrong, Twilight. Nothin'."

Twilight Sparkle felt the tears for real. She hugged him tightly, and he returned the hug without hesitating.

"Just promise me one thing, will ya?" he gently asked, stroking hair away from her face. The purple eyes, covered with pearly tears, answered him with a yes. Then he smiled sweetly.

"Promise me ya'll always follow that thing right there," he said, pointing at her heart. "When it tells you somethin', listen to it. It's always right. Trust me."

Twilight kept her eyes closed, still hugging him.

"Sometimes it will feel wrong… But those are the times it's right," he continued. "Twilight… I fell for ya. I have fallen. I feel my heart skip a beat while lookin' at ya, and sometimes I feel even dizzy! But that's why I'm going. Love is all 'bout lettin' go, right?"

Braeburn shed a single tear.

"So I'm saying goodbye. And I wish you the best, Twilight. Nothin', but the best."

He kissed her on the forehead. Put his hands around her face, while she held his hands. Looking at each other without a word, they shared more than they had ever shared before.

"Take care of yerself, alright?"

Twilight laughed, quietly.

"If you do the same," she sobbed, trying to smile bravely. Braeburn nodded.

"I fell for you, too," Twilight added. "Just not in the same way."

Braeburn smiled even wider, warmer. Kissed her forehead again.

"I'll just give Spike a word, then I'll be goin'." He took a step backwards. "Goodbye, Twilight. See ya again soon."

Twilight nodded, smiling half-heartedly. She stepped backwards herself, waving at him slowly. Her figure disappeared in the crowd after a couple steps more, more because she ran the other way – far away from the station.

Far away from this twisted heart aching.
~~

The day was heavier than usual. Pinkie Pie, the poor thing, tried her best to cheer her friend up. But not even the brightest cupcakes and confetti could make her sad face take its leave.

Rainbow Dash had tried to cheer her up by having a little show outside her house. Spike had eagerly applauded her flawless flying; while Twilight smiled the best she could to not be rude. Alas, the smile wasn't that big.

The turning point would be the gala. The chance for her to forget her guilt and just enjoy herself. That's what Spike was hoping for. He wanted the best for her – just like Braeburn did.

And now the young cowboys words still echoed inside his mind, after two weeks.

Ya gotta tell her someday, Romeo, for the sake of both of ya.

He shook his head, feeling his cheek heat up. He couldn't do something like that now! She needed time, and after that she had to focus on her studies. Her friends…

That summed it up. He could never tell her.

"Stupid!" he mumbled to himself. "You're such a coward. Stupid, little dragon."

Twilight Sparkle certainly looked better. Probably she felt better. She hadn't been in love with Braeburn, after all. Not as he knew. But she felt guilt. And she cared for him. That alone was pretty strong emotions. Enough to make her feel down for quite some time.

She had resumed to her studies a week ago. She had a lot to catch up with, and Spike had quickly realized there wasn't anything else he could do but make sure she had everything she needed. Breakfast, light, ink, quills, air – you name it.

It was like she was glued to her chair. Not with the usual glue. That kind you couldn't break loose from. Scary stuff! He had been a victim for it some years ago. Luckily, the young magician fixed it with an easy, little spell. She had fun mocking him a while for it, though.

Not that he minded. He had always loved her laugh.

Fluttershy had spent the day at their place, reading books about Everfree forest and the nice animals that dwelled inside of it. The rest? She didn't want to know more about them. Spike had left them alone, even though both girls had been reading all the time. He had casually brought them cookies and other snacks so they wouldn't go hungry, and every time he didn't hear much conversation between them.

The poor visitor had in the end fallen asleep. Twilight didn't have the heart to wake her up, neither did Spike. So he was on his way to carry her into his own room.

"Put her in my room instead. I have to stay up anyway."

Spike, overjoyed by hearing her gentle voice again, offered her a crooked smile.

"But you got to have some sleep," he added, as soon as he was thinking straight. Twilight shook her head, laughing silently.

"Just listen to me this one time, please?" she sighed, while still smiling. Spike wanted to protest, but just couldn't find a way to do just that. His mind only wanted to do as she told him, no matter what. So he carried Fluttershy to Twi's room, and put her in the bed.

The pink-haired girl smiled shyly as soon as she landed on it, and quickly found peace. She snored quietly, just like she always was quiet. Strange girl – but very kind.

When he came back down, Twilight was sitting at the same spot, her eyes focusing on the letters in front of her. Her wand was laying a couple of meters away from her. He could recall a day many years ago, when he had tried out her wand. The result hadn't been the best. His hair went pink instead of his green, and he got matching spots on his tongue. But luckily Twilight Sparkle saved the day.

"I really think you should sleep, Twi," he whispered, coughing afterwards. She sighed.

"I have to…"

"I know, but you should sleep. These two weeks you haven't slept much at all."

Twilight rolled her eyes, but stood up. Spike felt his heart rush with concern when he noticed how unbalanced his friend was. Her feet reminded of jelly, and he swore she would fall on her knees in a matter of seconds.

"Twilight…"

"Don't dare. I'm fine," she laughed nervously. She tried taking a step, but quickly leaned against the sofa. She breathed heavily. "I'm fine," she repeated, weak in her voice.

Spike didn't reply. He simply walked over to her, and held his arms around her.

"Don't say it's fine when it's not."

It was a brief hug. Very brief. Only lasted a few seconds.

It still felt like a wonderful moment. And she seemed happy.

"I'll try, Sherlock."

Spike chuckled, then his concern shone through.

"You're sleeping in my bed tonight. You need the rest," he exclaimed, holding around her from one side. Twilight sighed, for the third time, but didn't complain.

"Thank you," she said weakly, instead of insisting on letting her study some more. Spike had never been happier to get his will. Normally, she was the one who got the last word.

On the way to his room, she began hesitating. Then she stopped walking. Spike turned to her, once again worried.

"What's wrong?" he asked. She kept her eyes on their feet.

"I've been having nightmares."

She was about to start walking again, but Spike stopped her.

"What kind of nightmares?" he continued asking. Twilight Sparkle bit her lip.

"The same I had the night I went out in the cold."

She hadn't told him about that.

"I dreamt about Discord, Spike. He told me I…"

She broke down whilst crying. Instead of letting go of her, he brought her inside another hug.

"What did he tell you?" he mumbled, holding her gently.

Twilight Sparkle shut her eyes tightly.

"That there's something bad ahead of us. That's what he said."

She didn't tell him everything. He knew that. But the fact that she had told him about it, even though not in detail, was enough for him. Maybe for her as well.

"Whatever he meant by that, I won't let him hurt you. Not ever." He grinned, bravely. "Just let him make all the chocolate-milk he wants! I'll swallow it all whole! Perhaps Pinkie Pie wants a bit too, though."

Twilight Sparkle laughed, through her tears.

"You silly dragon!"

Her crying ended, and she seemed better.

"I know. But when I have such a silly best friend, I have to be silly too, don't I?"

"Well, that's true."

They both laughed. Spike felt lighter, and he could swear Twilight also did.

"Let us get you to bed. It's not many days until the gala, either."

Twilight sighed.

"I guess not," she whispered. Her purple hair covered her right face now, which it never used to do. As if it wanted to cover up her secrets. Make sure he wouldn't look through her.

The rest of the way it remained silent between the two. Twilight lay down on the bed, and she yawned tiredly. Spike put a blanket over her, and studied her face.

No make-up covered it. She was always like this. Beautiful.

He blushed, but only barely. She couldn't see it in this dark – if he was lucky.

"Good night, Twi. Try to get some sleep."

She smiled back at him with warmth that made him all fuzzy inside.

"Good night, Spike. And thank you for taking care of me."

She yawned once again, and closed her eyes. Spike stood still, watching her quickly falling asleep. Instead of making grimaces in her sleep like she normally did, she smiled. He believed the sun wanted to change place with the moon, only to see this smile. She was so peaceful.

If only she could be like this always. Peaceful. Happy. Without any worries. Surrounded by nothing but wonderful dreams.

Spike couldn't help himself. He silently bent down to the student, and kissed her carefully on the forehead.

"Goodnight, lovely," he whispered, blushing fiercely.

He knew he loved her. He could feel it deep in his heart. And that scared him.
~~

"Sister, what is bothering you?"

A young woman – or so it seemed – turned her head around. Her hair was coloured in light colours, pale blue, green and pink. Her eyes, pink as parts of her hair, landed on a younger figure. This young maiden had hair like a sleeping sky, and eyes matching the mysteries.

"My thoughts are wandering far, dear sister," the older responded, turning back around. She studied the town beneath them, the people wandering in the many streets and some meeting up with loved ones.

"Perhaps they're in Ponyville?" the younger asked, offering a faint smile. "We have been far gone, Celestia, but we still know you well."

Princess Celestia sighed, smiling.

"I know, Luna. I know."

She sat down on the pillows in front of the window. Hiding her face in one hand.

"I've known for a long time this day had to come. The gala. Still, I wish it did not. I wish there was another way," the Princess whispered. "Oh, Luna, I wish we did not have to do it."

Luna sat down beside her sister, placed her hand on her sister's.

"It must be done, Celestia. It cannot be avoided."

Celestia moved her other hand to her mouth, closing her eyes. She wanted to hide her despair.

"Think – a life of eternity. It sounds wonderful, does it not? Then why does it feel so lonely? All these years, watching your beloved ones die…"

She shook her head.

"I've been alone since the day you were banished to the moon. You have no idea how much my heart have ached since that day. And now that you're here, I feel at peace."

Luna smiled faintly.

"Dear sister…"

"Luna, I do not wish for her to experience this. But she was chosen; from the day she was born. The day she entered my school, and became my student. It's her role! Her role…"

Celestia looked at her younger sister. She bit her lip, and shook her head once more.

"She will watch the ones she loves die… And I cannot stop it."

A hand was put on Celestia's shoulder.

"Tia. She will not be alone. And she will have time. Do not be so hard on yourself. She will be a fine Princess – just give it time. Give her time to get a hold on her role."

Celestia sighed, but smiled at her sister.

"Thank you, dear Luna. Without you, I do not know what I'd done."
~~

It was a beautiful day. The sun shined, the snow glittered, and the world seemed at peace. Not only that – it was the day before the gala. Tomorrow they would all leave for Canterlot, celebrating Luna's successful nights and beautiful moons.

Twilight Sparkle was still excited, of course. She had the dress in place, the shoes, plans of a hair-do – and her heart. If Discord were telling the truth, she would get a surprise at the gala.

She had to be ready for it.

"What should I wear?" Spike mumbled for himself. Twilight laughed gently at him, rolling her shoulders.

"I have no idea," she chuckled, standing up from her chair. He seemed to look at his closet with a narrowed stare. She could picture the clothes dancing in front of him, screaming that he had to pick them and not the others.

"Can't you go to Rarity for some advice? You know I'm horrible with fashion. At some rate."

Spike shook his head, grinning.

"You're better than me! But all right, I'll go. Care to join me?" he beamed, dragging a couple of his shirts along with his ties.

Twilight Sparkle closed her book, put it in place, and turned to him.

"Suppose I have time."
~~

Rarity was running from one girl to the other. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had also visited the diva in search of advice, and she had eagerly started on two new projects. Dash rolled her eyes at the friend's enthusiasm, while Pinkie Pie happily chewed on a gum.

"Rarity?" Spike carefully exclaimed, making the designer to turn her head towards him.

"Spikey-Wikey! Come in, come in!" she sang, still running from Pinkie to Dash. "I've already designed a couple of suits for you! Twilight, where's Twilight?"

She spoke so fast, stressed out of everything that had to be done. Still, she seemed so overjoyed by it all. Her love for fashion, clothes and galas – it couldn't be bigger.

"Twilight's coming too," he replied, gesturing to the door. In came Twilight, with a high speed, making the bell above the door to chime longer than usual. Rarity sang out in joy, and rushed over to them.

"No time to lose! Stand over there, both of you! I'm almost done with these two!" she quickly explained. Rainbow Dash groaned miserably.

"You said that one hour ago!"

"Sh!" said Rarity, ignoring her moaning.

Twilight Sparkle was the one Rarity focused on. She knew she had to forget the dress she had planned to use, because Rarity had her own.

"Rainbow Dash, you're done," the designer called, too focused on a new dress. "Hope you like it! A present from me."

"Yeah, thanks a bunch, Rarity!" the racer grinned, before rushing out the door. Pinkie Pie sang to herself, while chewing eagerly on her gum. Twilight had never seen her this quiet before. Rarity tried her best to get the party-girl's dress done either way, though.

"There you go, sweet-heart!" Rarity sighed, smiling faintly. Pinkie Pie did a happy dance while singing happily.

"It's super-duper-fantastic, Rarity! Thank you sooooooo muuuuuuuch!"

Rarity got a crushing hug from the pink-haired girl, who giggled in excitement.

"Do not worry about it, dear. I'll see you in the morning!"

After that – it was only the three of them left.

"I made Applejack's and Fluttershy's dresses yesterday. They looked absolutely stunning, you should've seen them!" Rarity tried to look positive, but Twi could see her eyes closing more often than they were open. She was tired.

"Rarity, you don't have to…"

"Nonsense! Now, let me do my work, dear Twilight!"

Spike turned his gaze to Twilight, who didn't know what to respond. Rarity wanted to do this for them, as generous as she was, but Twilight was more worried than eager about it.

"It won't be much work, though," Rarity suddenly added, with a wider smile. "I've been planning your outfits for a couple of weeks, and I hope you don't mind – they will match a bit."

Twilight felt her cheek blushing. Just what she needed.

"Not at all," Spike mumbled, but Twilight could see him hesitate like her. "Sounds… great."

Rarity lightened up, and ran up the stairs. Twilight avoided eye contact with her assistant in the meantime.

Spike, on the other hand, took the opportunity to study her. The blushing cheeks, how she bit her lip and the way she tumbled with her hair.

"And here you go!"

Rarity came dancing down with two outfits in her hands. She handed Spike a handsome suit in black, while Twilight got a dress in dark purple. In their hands, they had no chance to spot the details.

"What are you waiting for? Put them on!" Rarity said, pushing them on their way to the dressing rooms. Spike tripped inside while growling out a moan, and Twilight ended up in her with some kind of a pirouette.

"Are you sure about this?" Spike's voice was weak. Rarity only laughed.

"Trust me, Spikey-Wikey! I know what I'm doing."

Twilight knew she would get a surprise once she took the dress on. Then she would see the details. And Spike's reaction was already sign to worry a bit.

When she came out, Rarity's gasp was synchronised with Spike's.