Stardust Balance

"That. Was.

 Awesome!" Spike perfectly mimicked Rainbow without intent, practically bouncing up and down the hallway we traversed. The dragon proceeded expressing his enthusiasm. "I think I loved it better than Episode VII. That part where Vader stormed down the hall with his lightsaber out? Probably the best thing in Star Wars ever!"

With a smile, I inquired teasingly, "Better than the revelation from Empire Strikes Back, Spike?"

"Oh, that's a close second." Spike said gleefully, green reptilian eyes shining in pure joy. "But I don't think anything can top what we just saw. Then again, maybe if you'd let me watch the prequels..."

Oh Spike. Laughing, I rubbed the dragon's head fondly. "Glad you enjoyed Rogue One, Spike, I knew you'd love it. As for the prequels... Well, as I said, we'll wait until you're older and more open-minded." I certainly didn't want Spike to fall into the same trap I did as his age when those particular films came out.

You mean blown away by mindless action scenes, terrible dialogue, mediocre performances by the cast and overstuffed CGI?

Aside from the great acting by Ewan McGregor and Christopher Lee, you took the words right out of my mouth Sombra.

"What about that Clone Wars movie then?"

"Hmm... Sure. That's one less of a guilty pleasure for me."

"Huh?"

"Guilty pleasure." I clarified to a curious Spike. "Meaning when you know something's bad but you enjoy it regardless, which applies to, say, the Star Wars prequels and... Michael Bay's Transformers movies." Yeah, I admit it, you can all laugh now.

You enjoy those brain dead heap fests? The blasphemy.

Then, getting an idea, since I wasn't particularly busy that day, I recommended, "Anyway, we can watch it this Friday if you want Spike. Maybe this time we'll ask Twilight and Starlight to join us too." That'd be funny, imagining Starlight's reaction to a TV, movies and video games. She has yet to enter my room and witness them all herself.

Speaking of which, back in your world, Jack, there is recent speculation over Miss Glimmer cooperating with Miss Shimmer to the human universe against a new threat.

...You're full of [BEEP], Starswirl, and I'm not gonna listen to you.

"We can invite Rarity too!" Spike added enthusiastically, then continued as though it were an afterthought, "Oh, maybe all our friends. It'd be like a, I don't know, family get together to watch a movie." The young dragon then gasped excitedly. "Imagine if that was like a weekly thing; we all go to your room to watch movies together. That'd be fun!"

Hah! That brought back memories. "Funny you should mention that Spike." I began cheerfully, glancing up towards the ceiling in nostalgia. "When I was about your age, my family usually had weekend 'movie nights' together, watching films with sweets and coke and all that. Good times..."

The grin on his face widened, showing pointed teeth. "Let's do it then! This Friday, the first official Movie Night! I'm gonna go find Twilight and tell her all about it; I know she'll want to join in!" I smiled, reveling in my brother's bliss for that ideal occasion. Truthfully, I could do with some relaxation of the sort myself.

But, slowly, as Spike turned a corner, my smile dropped, expression ranging from fondness to weariness. Oh Spike. Why did I even suggest that? I'm not entirely sure I'll be available, due to recent events. But seeing how excited and happy the dragon I've come to love as a little brother... Sometimes, I think, I'm far too soft-hearted for my own good.

Your recommendation was beautiful, Jack, there is no need to feel ashamed presenting the idea. I agree with your previous train of thought, you too could benefit from a long break. Your search for Zagreus, admirable and gratifying it is, shouldn't neglect spending time among loved ones. Perhaps Mr. Spike was the key to reminding you of such.

...I guess-

Ump!

And here I thought you were attuned enough to recognize when someone approaches. Once again, my expectations of you are overestimated.

"Whoops, sorry about that." Starlight, having exited a room to my right, accidentally bumped into my side, papers flying around us in a frenzy. "I didn't watch where I was going."

No harm done. "It's fine Starlight, let me-" But the skillful unicorn was fast enough to recover all the papers and neatly organize them on her back, smiling at her work in relief. I couldn't resist grinning humouredly. "Never mind, Twilight's been teaching you well, clearly."

Starlight looked bashful, nodding cheerfully. "Along with handing me work to study upon. These are notes concerning a organizing spell for proper clean up and keeping everything look neat and tidy. I just finished practicing the spell while taking notes of my own progress as Twilight asked and- Oh, you probably don't wanna hear me go on and on about it. You've been busy yourself of late, Stardust."

Smirking, I answered casually, "It's fine Starlight. Believe it or not, I care about your studies under Twilight as well, so I enjoy hearing your own progress. Ever since you first began as her student, I you've already demonstrated what a brilliant pupil you are under her."

Starlight flushed, waving in dismissive embarrassment. "That's only because I have an excellent teacher to guide me." Grinning, Starlight flicked her horn and, voila, the papers disappeared elsewhere. Probably Twilight's desk. "Twilight's taught me so much since she took me on, I couldn't be more happy and honoured to learn from her. Although." Cue cartoon sweatdrop, Starlight glancing my way in amused weariness. "When she does start with the lessons, she can really put you to work."

"Sounds like her." I replied jokingly, prompting our shared chuckles.

"Hmhm. So far we're gone through with the basics; Twilight said she wanted to make sure we've covered everything beginners know before advancing to the more complicated parts." Starlight smirked faintly. "And if she calls magic like teleportation and breathing underwater 'easy,' I'm starting to worry what she might consider difficult."

"You'll get through it." I nodded with a positive smile, before something occurred to me. Something that I've pondered concerning Starlight's studies before. "Is she only teaching you magic right now?"

"Alongside friendship, sure." Starlight replied, tilting her head. "Why do you ask?"

Hm... Well, despite how brilliant a mentor Twilight is, there are some things even the Princess doesn't excel at, though I hate admitting that. I think it's time I stepped in to help. I would never consider taking Starlight away from her, so I'll think of it like... A Teacher Assistant, like I usually had back in school.

But more meddlesome and hamfisting your own lessons into her work.

"Would you mind helping me with something, Starlight, if you're not busy?"

"Um, sure." Starlight blinked curiously. "I did just finish with Twilight's request, so I've got some time to spare. Where are we going?"

"The kitchen." I answered, leading her back down the hallway. "There's something I want to teach you that Twilight probably won't for a while."

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/243194/a-journey-beyond-sanity

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10959457/1/A-Journey-Beyond-Sanity