//------------------------------//
// A Night at the Castle. 
// Story: Equestrian Eeveelution. 
// by Symphonicdysonince 
//------------------------------//

I lay resting on a cushion in Rainbow's and my given room. We were expecting Twilight and the others to show up later in the day. Of course, that meant that we slept straight through the morning. At this point, the sun was starting it's daily descent.

"So," Rainbow frowned, "why do you want to keep the understanding part of our bond a secret?"

<<A couple of reasons.>> I gave my mare a tired smile. <<First off, we both know how Twilight can get with her "studies", and you can't fully understand me yet. Wouldn't it be better -and faster- for all involved if you could explain it properly to Twilight in one go?>>

"Yeah, makes sense." Rainbow shrugged. "The other thing?"

<<Isn't this ability kinda like Fluttershy's special talent? How would she take it?>> My smile was replaced by a frown as I gazed of to the side. <<I mean, aren't you kinda stepping on her... Paws, with this? How would you feel if, suddenly and without any prior indications, Spike just grew wings and could fly as fast as you?>>

"That would be awesome!" Rainbow's grin slowly faded as she contemplated my words. "But, wait. Him flying as fast as me without the hard work I put into my speed would ruffle my feathers." She frowned as she settled back onto her cushion. "And if he does put in that work... Okay, that's a good point. You're kinda smart for a dog."

<<I resemble that remark!>> I smirked. <<Truth be told, all of this is just instinct and intuition.>>

She lightly bopped my head with a hoof. "Okay then, Clever Hans, what do you suggest we do?"

<<We wait until you can properly understand me before you tell everyone except Joy. Joy we should tell right away in case she has any tips that could help with the first part.>>

Our ears tilted towards the hall as a far off door slammed shut. "Are you saying we should lie to our friends?"

<<No!>> I sat back with a rapid shake of my head. <<Never! We just need to tell them that we need to figure a few things out, and let them focus more on their own issues. Like the downsides to their Elements? They will need to come to terms with that as well, and, while having a Pack to fall back on would help, everyone can only deal with this kind of a thing in their own way.>> Rainbow nodded as someone knocked on our door.

"You awake yet, Dashie?" Pinkie's voice called from the other side.

"Yeah!" Rainbow yelled back. "Door's unlocked."

One by one, the rest of the Element Bearers filed into the room. They each pulled up a cushion, nervously trying getting comfortable. They each waited for someone else to speak first. I got up and made my way from the group.

"Where ya going, Leo?" Rainbow asked.

<<These rooms have a kitchen, right? I'm hungry and getting food.>> I paused at the door leading further into the suite we were given. <<Anyone else want some berries?>> I waited for Fluttershy to relay the message. Only Rainbow took me up on my offer.

I tried to eavesdrop from the counter as I filled a pair of bowls. Twilight broke the silence first.

"So, do you know why Luna summoned us up here, Rainbow?"

"Yeah. Although she wants to be the one to tell you guys."

"Does it have somethin' to do with Leo?" Applejack pressed.

I began carrying the bowls back to Rainbow as I heard her verbal shrug. "Eh, kinda? It mostly has to do with all of us. My part of it does deal with Leo, but that's more of a symptom of everything else Luna wants to go over."

"Which is?" Twilight asked.

<<Food's up!>> I barked, cutting off Rainbow's reply.

Fluttershy spoke up while Rainbow flew over to me to grab her bowl. "If Luna wants to tell us herself, then we should respect that. Besides, I don't think Rainbow can tell us Leo's part without telling us everything Luna wants to go over."

"Yeah, Flutter's got it." Rainbow readily agreed. I settled in to let the mares gossip and pass the time. Eventually, the sun set and the moon rose. Shortly after, the guard from the night before came to get us. 

We made our way to the throne room, and the news Luna held within.



"... and that's the reason that We had gathered you here before us." Luna finished. "Again, these are just what my sister and I experienced. We do not know what gifts you may gain from the Elements, though Rainbow's Soul Bond with Leo suggests a similar grouping of gifts."

Luna had given a slightly more detailed speech than the one she gave Rainbow and I last night. Rainbow had asked Luna to give the basics of her gift and downside as she had gotten that already, and that Rainbow wanted to tell the others in her own time. While my prismatic mare had to interrupt the Princess of the Night, Luna understood her wishes and kept that part short.

Rarity had looked torn between face-hoofing or smacking Rainbow over, what she had seen as, Rainbow's minor scandal.

Now, the six mares sat digesting Luna's words. I lay across Rainbow's legs, snuggling into her barrel. I could see the worry flight across Joy's face, while Applejack seemed to be giving this the deepest thought. Pinkie was just being Pinkie about it.

"I understand if you have any questions or concerns, although I know that We can't monopolize your time. If you have anything to ask, you can send me a message via dragonfire." Luna gave a small smile. "For the now, you can spend the night in here in the castle and catch the morrow's first train." She leaned in and gave as much of us a hug as she could. "If nothing else, know that there are two ponies who understand what you are going through. Celestia and I are here if you need us. Do not hesitate to come to us for anything."

We stayed in her embrace for another hour, reluctant to leave. Unfortunately, we had to retire to our granted chambers. In the silence of the night, I could tell they were still coming to terms with these new changes.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, when I felt Rainbow shift beside me.

"You still awake, Leo?"

<<Yeah.>>

"Do you think the rest of the Pack will help the others with this?"

<<Probably.>> I rolled over to look Rainbow in the eye. <<I can't speak for the others, but you mares have grown to be a part of us. I don't know what we would do if we were separated from you. We'd help you girls with anything you'd need, and, for me at least, we'd follow you through Tartarus if you'd only ask.>> I gave her muzzle a lick, smiling as the now sleeping mare's breath ruffled my fur.