"It's so quiet in here," Spike wondered aloud, standing in the grand entrance hall of Twilight's castle. He had a look of despair on his face.



When the party returned from the motivational celebration in Canterlot, they decided that they should spend the night in the Princess of Friendship's vast home. It was spacious, and with a group of over 4 dozen members total, it hardly felt empty. ...However, the fact that Twilight herself was missing gave the castle an eerie vibe.



Fizzlepop Berrytwist arranged the group's sleeping quarters. There were so many rooms, there was more than enough space for them to sleep in pairs: perfect for the handful of members that happened to have relationships underway.



All this coziness and company wasn't enough for poor Spike. Without his adoptive mother around, he may as well have been left at a day-care center.



The last members to come into the main hall were Sunset Shimmer and her coltfriend, Flash Sentry. The two were giving each other a pep talk as they came in, and from the way they were smiling at each other, they seemed to be making... other plans.



When the pair noticed Spike leaning on the right-hoof railing on the stairs, Sunset knew right away that he was distraught like never before. So, she and Flash decided to try to calm his shot nerves.



"Hey, Spike," Sunset cooed. "What are you still doing up, little buddy?"



Without saying a word, Spike only looked around. He faced Sunset and Flash, directing his pupils towards a large crystal which resembled Twilight's cutie mark. Spike hung his head as his snout began to pucker.



"You miss Twilight, huh?" asked Flash. Spike only gave a solemn nod.



Sunset approached calmly. "Now, Spike. I know you miss Princess Twilight. Trust me, we all do. But you need to get some sleep! We need you and everyone else at their best in order to open the portal."



Spike crossed his little arms and huffed. "Can't sleep. Too empty..." The look in his eyes clearly displayed how much he missed his "mom."



From there, Flash acquired a sad look. "Even with all your wonderful aunts? What about your siblings? The rest of us are here too--"



"TOO. EMPTY." Spike yelled angrily. His clenched claws began to shake, and he started pacing slowly.



"Spike..." Sunset whispered. "Would Twilight want you to worry yourself sick like this?"



A brief, tense silence followed. "No..." Spike soon mewled, his eyes starting to leak.



Suddenly, Spike couldn't take it anymore. He sat in the middle of the floor and burst into tears. Sunset and Flash were quick to comfort him.



"Easy, little guy," Flash gently spoke. "We'll get Twilight back. I promise."



The little dragon looked up at the two ponies, the light in his eyes displaying the emotional scars of mourning and hopelessness. The same look that, just the other day, inhabited the faces of Team Harmony's entire roster... and many ponies beyond.



"W-What if it doesn't work...?" Spike innocently sobbed.



Fighting back tears of her own, Sunset softly answered, "It will, Spike. It will... as long as we stay strong. For her..."



After a few minutes of coddling, Spike manages to pull himself together. "Thanks, you two..." He stood up. "I... I better go upstairs to our room, huh?"



Sunset nodded to concur with Spike's assumption. But as he started up the stairs, she hurriedly stopped him. "Wait! Spike! I... just remembered. Rarity's been looking for you. She'd like you to go see her before you head to bed."



"R... Really...?" Spike said, cleaning out his ear with his index claw.



"That's right, Spike," Flash added. "She insisted that we let you know. She said it's really important."



Spike's green and purple face turned red as a tomato. What could Rarity want with him this late at night? And why was she so insistent on getting him to visit?



Many questions, and emotions, raced through his mind... but he regained his composure. "Okay. I'll go see Rarity right away. Uh... where is she?"



"Allow me to guide you," said Fizzlepop, who was watching the whole exchange. "Follow me. And when you see her... put on your best gentlecolt face.~" The wink Spike received from Captain Fizzy made him more confused. But before long, the two were off.



Sunset and Flash smiled at each other. The latter mused, "Sunny, you sure are the champion of mending broken hearts."



With a laugh, Sunset returned, "And you, Flash, are the champion of wooing just about any mare.~"



The two gave each other a quick peck on each other's lips. Then, they headed off to their own room to prepare themselves for the next step in Operation: Starfield.

