Shadows of Friendship: beginning idea

“But Twiliiight...”

“No Spike.” Twilight shook her head as she scoured through her textbooks, glancing over at the little purple dragon, frowning slightly when she noticed he had polished the green spines that ran down his back and tail, “We don’t have time.”

“But it’s White Lightning!” Spike protested, hoping to tempt the purple unicorn filly that had hatched him almost seven years ago, “And he’s showing off his new DuelTech. Don’t you want to see what he’s come up with this time?”

Twilight flinched at the mention of White Lightning’s name, remembering the last time they had met. “I haven’t spoken to him since we got interrupted mid-match and he got into that row with his Sire...”

She trailed off but she didn’t need to say anymore. Spike knew which argument she was talking about. White Lightning had once been a student at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns alongside Twilight, but after that devastating fight he had been withdrawn from the school with a broken horn. It hadn’t been long after that that the first version of DuelTech had come out, opening up the only game Twilight willingly took time out of her busy research schedule to play, to non-unicorns.

“You can go if you want, Spike, but I’ve got important research to do.” Twilight shook her head, taking a deep breath as he did so, not wanting to think about what she had seen that day, “I have to compile this report for Celestia before the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“But you’re supposed to be on holiday.” Spike complained, “You should do something fun.”

“This is fun for me.” Twilight reassured him, chuckling slightly. She was well aware that he was only concerned about her, everyone kept trying to tell her all work and no play made her boring after all. The problem that no one seemed to understand, not even Spike, was that this was fun for her. She enjoyed a good game of Duel Monsters, who didn’t? However researching and reading were her favourite pastimes. Writing an essay like this wasn’t work for her, more a hobby. Especially when it was on such a fascinating subject. “And the Summer Sun Celebration is what I’m looking into, I’m certain there’s something important about this year...”

Spike let out a frustrated sigh as Twilight turned back to her books. “You’re sure it’s okay for me to go?” He asked, waiting a few moments and getting no response before asking, “Twilight?”

“Go. Have fun.” Twilight waved him off, only glancing away for a moment, “If I need you, I’ll come looking.”

“Thanks Twilight.” Spike grinned, pushing the book he thought she was looking for in her direction before racing off to the Grand Plaza where White Lightning was holding his exhibition.