Parallel's Path

Parallel had sent letters out to everypony she had met on her travels, each saying how she hoped to see them again, but she didn't expect to need them together as soon as possible. At this point, the letters were already sent, so she could only hope that each one gets to its recipient, and they all decide to come, before it's too late.

Jack Bolt was outside, working on his lumber as usual, when a messenger came over. He hadn't been expecting anything, since he lives practically in the middle of nowhere, but he was feeling quite honored that somepony had sent him something. The messenger said,

"Letter for Mr. Jack Bolt."

"Thank you, sir. I wonder who it's from?" The messenger then walked away. Jack Bolt opened the letter, and it was the same one Parallel had sent him. After reading it, he said to himself, "So, that filly who helped me out so long ago was kind enough to write to me. Actually, I guess I could take a little break from my work. It is a bit of a slow season right now, so  it would be nice to see how she's been holding up. I might as well head over right now. Don't worry, Parallel, I'm coming."

Island Breeze was working on a new surf maneuver he had invented, called the Parallel Corkscrew, named after the filly who visited him so long ago. He had finally perfected his performance, when he headed home to find his mailbox full. Most of it was just typical fan mail, but he recognized one as a letter from Parallel. He opened this letter up immediately, and when he finished, he said to himself, "So the filly that gave me a vision of an awesome new stunt wrote to me. That's awesome. I guess I owe her one, since she did a solid for me, I should so the same for her. Plus, the next big competition isn't for months, and I haven't been to Ponyville for a long time, so I guess I have no reason to stay here. I'm coming, Parallel, so just hang loose."

Heraldry was at home, doing some research into undiscovered stars, when he was surprised to see a letter appear by his front door. Normally, if it was a coworker or something of the sort, it would have arrived first thing in the morning, but this was midday, so he was intrigued. He decided to open the letter. It was from Parallel. He read the letter, and said to himself,

"Fascinating. Parallel wants me to visit her in Ponyville. I do have the next few days off of work, due to equipment repairs, so I suppose I could take her up on her offer. I should thank her personally for allowing me to keep some of the reward from her discovery, anyway, so I might as well make a trip to Ponyville immediately. Don't worry, Parallel, I shall be there as soon as I can."

Split Mentality was taking a rest at his home in Cloudsdale, when he got bored, and decided to go for a quick fly. However, he didn't get far before he saw a messenger pony delivering a letter to his home. He sprinted back, wondering who it was from. He thought it might be from Melody, thanking him for helping her with moving. He picked up the letter, opened it, and read it. When he finished, he said with a serious tone,

"Oh, so it's from Parallel. She sure knows how to flatter a pony. You know, I haven't flown over Ponyville for a while, and could use a change of scenery." He twitched his neck. "You got a deal, Parallel, I'll head there right now!"

Corona was just finishing the lecture he was giving at the time. When the audience dispersed, he decided to fly back home, where he found a letter at his front door. He saw that it had been sent by Parallel. He was still feeling grateful to her for helping him with his fear a few days ago, so he opened it up, and read it. After finishing, he said to himself,

"This couldn't be more perfect. I'm supposed to be giving a lecture in Ponyville tomorrow, anyway. If I go there immediately, I can visit Parallel when I arrive, and be ready for my lecture the next day. How could an opportunity of this scale be denied? I shall make my way there immediately. Fret not, Parallel. I shall be there soon."

While the stallions were receiving their letters, Equality thought about how his last letter from Midnight had mentioned where she and Rusty Sprocket were staying while still in the Crystal Empire. Equality took this opportunity to write a letter to the couple, saying that he needed the two of them in Ponyville immediately. He found a pen and some paper, wrote down his message, and just happened to spot a gray mail mare flying above him. He told her to take it to the address listed on the envelope immediately. She had a bit of trouble reading it, given her misaligned eyes, but she figured it out, nodded at him, and dashed off. She dropped a muffin behind her, but she didn't seem to notice. Meanwhile, Parallel was on her way to Sweet Apple Acres. She saw Apple Bloom bucking the apple trees, and ran to her. Apple Bloom, surprised to see her, said,

"Hey, Parallel. What brings you here?"

"No time to explain. I need you to meet up with me at some point really soon. It's about something very important, and I need all my friends to be there."

"Whoa, you're serious about this? Well, I'll see what I can do."

"By the way, do you know where Ms. Cheerilee lives?"

"Well, 'course I do. She lives on the other side of town, near town hall. She's probably sitting outside, like she usually does on warm days like this."

"Thanks, Apple Bloom. I'll be sure to let you know when I need you." Parallel ran off to the town hall area. When she arrived, just as Apple Bloom said, she was sitting outside her home, just enjoying her retirement. Parallel walked to her, and she greeted the filly,

"Oh, hello Parallel. Did you need me for something?"

"Actually, not yet. But within the next few days, I might need you to show up at my home. You see, I have three days to make my most important decision ever, and I need you there for it."

"Well, that sounds kinda vague, but I can tell you're serious, so I'll try to make it. Just come back when you need me for, well, whatever it is."

"Thank you, Ms. Cheerilee." She then ran off, trying to find Rocket Boost and Woodwind. She had always seen the two ponies together, so she assumed that they'd be found in a likewise situation. Sure enough, both were walking through town, when she caught up to them, and she said,

"Hey there Rocket Boost, Woodwind." The two found her familiar, but couldn't quite recognize her. Then, Woodwind asked her,

"Aren't you the one who we met back in Ponyville Park so many years ago?"

"Yes, that was me, Woodwind." Rocket Boost replied,

"Oh yeah, I remember you. Parallel, right?"

"That's me." Rocket Boost continued,

"Didn't you win that contest to visit Island Breeze's home?"

"Oh yeah. I remember you two were competing in the Equestria Surf Classic. You guys both did great. Anyway, I have no time to explain, but I need you guys to be ready to meet up with me sometime within the next few days." Both were confused, but they sensed the honesty in her facial expression. Woodwind replied,

"Alright, sure. My home is right by Ponyville Park. Just come by and tell me when." Rocket Boost commented,

"My house is right next to his. Same with me, just let me know when."

"Thanks, guys. I'm glad I can count on you." As she ran off, they said to each other,

"Has she always been this crazy?" They both shrugged, as they continued walking.

A few hours later, MIdnight and Rusty Sprocket had been enjoying a dinner outside at a fancy restaurant in the Crystal Empire. Rusty Sprocket had been meaning to ask Midnight a question.

"You know, Midnight, I know we've only known each other for a few days, but I can't help but feel this strong connection between us."

"I've been meaning to say the same thing to you, Rusty. I just feel like that thing I was missing in life was a stallion I felt close to."

"I'm glad you agree, because I have a question for you." He reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a black box. He got on one leg, and said to her, "Midnight, my love, we've only known each other for a few days, but love has a way of bringing two ponies together. It would make me the happiest stallion in Equestria if we could spend our lives together." He opened the box, and inside was a diamond ring. "Midnight, will you marry me?" All the other patrons at the restaurant observed the two, and Midnight started crying. She said,

"Oh, yes, Rusty Sprocket, I will." Everypony applauded the now-engaged couple, as they blushed, and gave each other a kiss. After the two left to return to their home, the same gray mail mare appeared, and delivered the letter from Equality to them. Midnight opened the letter, and read it. It said,

"Dear Midnight,

I have no time to explain, but I'm going to need you to come to Ponyville as soon as you can. You see, my daughter, Parallel, has a huge decision she needs to make within the next three days, and she needs you and Rusty Sprocket to be there for her. I would say I hope you can come, but for my daughter's sake, there's no other option. I apologize if this seems rather blunt, but I'm completely serious here. Please say yes. Parallel needs you to.

Sincerely,

Equality"

Midnight and Rusty Sprocket couldn't have picked a better time to be engaged. Not only could they announce it to one of Midnight's closest friends, but now they have someone to ask about being best mare. Midnight said to her fiance,

"If we both use our magic, I think we can make it there right away. I have a place there, anyway."

"You don't have to tell me twice." The two waved their horns, and cast a spell, sending both of them to Ponyville.

Split Mentality was flying on his way to Ponyville, when he remembered that he wanted to check on Melody before he stopped to see Parallel. He rerouted himself to Hollow Shades, and when he got there, he saw that Melody's wings had made a miraculously fast recovery. He asked her,

"I thought you had to wait about a month before you were able to fly like this again."

"I thought so, too. But hey, I've never been one to stay grounded long, have I?"

"I suppose you're right. Anyway, I got a letter from Parallel saying that she wants me back in Ponyville. I have no plans, so I was wondering if you'd be interested in coming as well?"

"Well, since I can fly again, sure why not?"

"That settles it, we're off to Ponyville."

It would be another day before Parallel saw any of the ponies that she had to gather together, but the time finally came the following morning, when she saw Split Mentality arrive at her front door. She said to him,

"S.M., I'm so glad you could make it. I hope you brought Melody with you." In a serious tone, he replied,

"Well, she's not as fast of a flyer as me, but she should be on her way. What do you want to do, anyway?"

"About that, I guess I should tell you. You see--" She was cut off by the appearance of two more stallions. Island Breeze and Heraldry had both used their magic to appear in Ponyville, and they had followed Split Mentality to her home. Island Breeze said,

"Hey, Parallel? What's happening? And who's this guy?" Heraldry commented,

"I was wondering the same thing. I happened to meet up with Island Breeze when I used my magic to get here. I see you have another guest as well." Before he could continue, another stallion appeared. "Speaking of which, here comes another." It was Corona. He introduced himself to everypony, and said,

"My, my, you've accumulated quite a large amount of company, Parallel. Are you expecting more?" Suddenly, Melody flew toward the crowd. She noticed Split Mentality, and said to him,

"I'm here. Oh my goodness, there's a lot of ponies here. Maybe we should go somewhere that has room for all of us." Equality, who agreed with this, then announced,

"Alright, everypony, I'm glad you all could come. You see, my daughter has to make an important life decision, and she requires all of you to be with her when she does. I noticed that a lot of you have already arrived, so I believe we should head to Ponyville Park, where we can all discuss this. If there's any objections, please speak now." Nopony said a word. "Very well then, we'll head to the park immediately."

The herd all formed a group, and walked to the park together. Along the way, Parallel saw Rocket Boost and Woodwind walking on the road. She went up to them and said,

"Hey, guys, remember how I said I'd need you for something? Well, this is it." Rocket Boost responded,

"Wait, you were serious?" Woodwind stomped on his hoof, and said,

"Oh, so this is what you need us for. I see you've assembled quite the herd here. Alright then, we'll come along." The two joined the group, and Rocket Boost quietly said to Woodwind,

"What was that for?"

"Hey, I didn't exactly trust her, either, but that was really rude, Rocket."

"Oh, yeah, I guess you're right. Sorry for that."

"And I'm sorry for stomping on you." The two smiled, and walked on with the group.

The group finally arrived at Ponyville Park, when they saw two unicorns kissing on a bench. Parallel recognized them as Midnight and Rusty Sprocket. She said to them,

"Oh, hey there, Midnight and Rusty. I see you two are, well, getting along well..." Midnight, who blushed at being seen like this, responded,

"Actually, we're more than just getting along well. You see, we're engaged now." Equality was thrilled to hear this. One of the few friends he made when he was young had finally found a special somepony. Parallel also grinned in response. "Say, who are all these ponies?"

"Oh yeah, you see, I've been meaning to see you two. In fact, I'm expecting three more ponies to join us all." Rusty Sprocket responded,

"Really? What for?" Before the filly could reply, two more ponies appeared. They were Cheerile and Apple Bloom. They both said,

"Hey, Parallel." Cheerilee commented,

"Wow, so these are all the friends you made on your travels, I see. You really are quite the social breezie." Apple Bloom commented,

"I guess this is what you needed us for?" Parallel responded,

"Yes, it is. In fact, I'm still expecting one more." Suddenly, a voice beckoned to the whole group from above. They all looked up, and saw a chariot, with none other than Princess Celestia riding it, as well as a green stallion. The princess said,

"I think you mean you're expecting two more." Everypony marveled at the sight of the princess. They all bowed in respect, as the stallion stepped off the chariot to join her. He then said,

"Jack Bolt reporting for duty, Parallel. Wow, you really brought everypony you know to this, didn't you?" Princess Celestia answered for her.

"Actually, she needed all of you here for what's about to happen. If you could all listen to me, I can explain everything."

Princess Celestia gave everypony the whole story, and to no surprise at all, everypony except Parallel, Equality, and herself were shocked, to say the least. Parallel, who knew that her life was about to change forever, said,

"It's true, everypony. I come from another world, and I needed you all here so Princess Celestia could bring me to the portal to my home world. This may sound hard to believe, but the fact that I met up with all of you was, in fact, predetermined. You see, where I come from, they could sense that you all needed help with something. Jack Bolt was behind in his work, Island Breeze needed some inspiration with his surfing, Heraldry needed somepony to tell his story to, Split Mentality and Melody needed help getting her moved into a new home, Corona needed somepony to help conquer his fear, Equality--my father--needed somepony to love and care for, given that all his other family is gone, and Midnight and Rusty Sprocket were both looking for somepony to spend their lives with, even if they didn't realize it. As for Apple Bloom, Cheerilee, Rocket Boost and Woodwind, the four of you all just happened to help me out along the way in my time in this world, and I thank you for that." Again, everypony was shocked. By meeting up with Parallel, they had not only bonded with her, but each other. Princess Celestia then said,

"Now that you all know the story, not just from me, but also from Parallel herself, I'm going to need you all to come with me. She has two ponies waiting for her in my castle."

After everypony nodded in agreement, Princess Celestia cast a spell that sent the whole lot of them to the throne room in her castle in Canterlot. This was the point where Parallel could not turn back, as she knew that her time to make her greatest life decision was nigh. She looked behind her, and recognized who she saw. It was her biological parents, Crystal Destiny and Sacred Alignment. After she had found herself in this world, her only encounters with her parents were in dreams, and now, everypony saw them. Parallel walked up to her parents, with Equality right behind her. As all four smiled at each other, Parallel couldn't help breaking into tears, knowing that she would never see one of her two families again.

Equality was the first to speak. He said to Parallel's parents,

"You must be Parallel's mother and father from her home world. Hello, my name is Equality. I'm the one who has been taking care of her since she found herself in this world. I imagine you've come to take her back?" Crystal Destiny responded,

"At first, that was our intention, but now that I've seen just how many of you care for her, and were willing to come with her to help make this decision, all I want is for our daughter to be happy." Sacred Alignment commented,

"We knew that Parallel would find herself some friends and family in this world, but we never would have expected this many. All I can say now is thank you for everything, Equality, and everypony else here as well." The herd spoke amongst themselves, each reflecting on how much Parallel had done for them. Jack Bolt was the first to speak to Parallel's parents.

"I remember when Parallel came next to me one day when I was working on my wood. I didn't see her there, and she passed out from the sight of my ax, but I made sure she was completely safe. We spent the rest of the evening together, and she even ended up helping me with my work. She has one impressive kick, I must say. She's also really concerned for others, as I've noticed." Island Breeze spoke next.

"I remember how I was just giving my winning performance at the Equestria Surf Classic, and I was lucky enough that she was the winner of my contest to see who would get to meet me. We ended up going to my home together, and I even gave her a lesson in surfing. But to be honest, I think I learned something from her too. You see, even though I was winning competitions left and right, I didn't know what I was competing for. After seeing her awesome skills on her first try, I was inspired to do even better. I'm not just in it for the waves anymore. Now, I'm in it for Parallel too." Midnight commented,

"I first met Parallel when we were first on the train to the White Tail Woods. She was writing a letter to Equality, and I was more than willing to send it off for her. You see, she bears such an uncanny resemblance to him that I felt obligated to help her out any way I could. I guess seeing her young self so ready for her journey reminded me of Equality when we were her age." Everypony went silent, now realizing the connection they all had. Parallel had been special to them all in one way or another.

The next pony to speak was Heraldry, who was now more than ever willing to tell his story.

"When I met Parallel, we actually bumped into each other back in the outskirts of Ponyville. She didn't react much, as she had spaced out upon seeing me." Everypony then whispered to each other about her tendency to space out, and he continued. "When we met up again in Canterlot, my hometown, I had been meaning to tell somepony about my life story, including how I was born an alicorn, but stripped of my status, and the fact that when I was given the opportunity to have my wings back, I refused." Princess Celestia, now remembering the situation, then said,

"About that, Heraldry, do you still want me to keep your wings?" He responded,

"Yes, Princess. In fact, I don't think I'll ever want them back. You see, Parallel reminded me just what it means to be humble, a trait that I had to acquire after I was made a unicorn. Plus, the fact that she enlightened us at the observatory to the location of an undocumented star, thanks to her father, was a great help to us. Thank you Parallel, and you too Equality, for everything." Split Mentality spoke next, in a serious tone.

"I should thank you, as well, Parallel. You see, along with my goal to become a vigilante justice, I have my duties in Cloudsdale to tackle, so helping me and Melody with her move was very well-appreciated." Melody commented,

"You know, I agree with S.M.. You see, I know you first saw me when I was in Las Pegasus competing in the Equestria Surf Classic. Back then my wings were still broken. I knew I wanted to stay in it, though. When you came with S.M. to my home in Hollow Shades, and helped me move in, I knew I came into the competition for a reason. Anyway, thanks for everything." Rusty Sprocket spoke next.

"As for me, if it wasn't for meeting up with you on the bus, and later on the train to Neighagra Falls, I wouldn't have been able to meet up with the love of my life, Midnight. Thank you, Parallel, for allowing my to find the special somepony I had been searchign for, even if I didn't know it." The realization that she had helped out all these ponies on her travels, whether it's in their career, their life, or in love, had finally sank in for Parallel. She was now tempted to stay in this world, when Corona wanted to speak.

"Parallel, my friend, you've done so much for these ponies, that I can see, but I must also thank you for what you've done for me. You see, if you had not stayed the night with me, like you did, I would have never convinced myself to overcome my fear. I'm a braver stallion that I ever was, now, and you're the reason for it. Thank you." Parallel, overwhelmed by everypony's gratitude, wanted to reply with her own likewise words.

"You see, you're all feeling grateful for everything I've done for you, but to be honest, I should be thanking you all. Jack Bolt, you taught me what it means to not give up on what you believe is right, even if that means putting in extra work. Island Breeze, you taught me to keep calm, and enjoy life, with no stress or rush. Heraldry, you reminded me that no matter what happens to any of us, none of us are invincible. Split Mentality, you taught me that in order to achieve your goals, you must be able to stay true to them, even if other pressing matters are at hoof. Corona, you taught me just what it means to be resourceful, using everything you have at your disposal to complete your objective. Midnight and Rusty Sprocket, if it wasn't for you two showing up on the trains when you did, I may not have been able to stay in touch with my dad, Equality. I owe you for that one. Also, congratulations on your engagement. Melody, when I saw you doing your best on the waves, even in your condition, I learned to never give up, not when you have something to prove. Rocket Boost and Woodwind, you two were the first friends I ever made in this world, and we stayed together throughout our school years. It's friends like you that I can count on to be there for me. Cheerilee, I know we don't know each other that well, but you were there for my dad when he was suffering, and it's because of you that he had the courage to take care of me, so thank you for that. Apple Bloom, when I was lost on my way home, you were the one that helped me find my way back, and I can't thank you enough for that. Finally, Dad, you have done more for me than words can explain. Not only were you my father in this world for so many years, but you were also my teacher, and my guide through life. You taught me what love really is, and that devotion to the ones you love is one of the strongest guiding forces in existence. Dad, you're the reason I'm still alive today, and I'll be forever grateful to you." Everypony, including Princess Celestia, was tearing up at Parallel's heartfelt words. Even Crystal Destiny and Sacred Alignment, who had expected her to say something of the sort, started crying.

After Princess Celestia got a hold of herself, she said,

"Parallel, you have touched us all with your pure, honest, heartfelt words. I know that you value each and everypony here more than we could ever understand. Originally, I was going to force you to go back to your home world, since it's where you belong, but I have now learned that you've made so much of a life for yourself in this world, that it would feel wrong to keep you from it. After speaking with your parents, I have determined that if you wish to stay in this world, you can, on one condition."

"What's the condition, Princess?"

"All your memories of your home world will be erased from your mind. You will believe yourself to be from this world, and you will not be able to contact your real family again." Parallel was more than happy to stay in this world, but she couldn't bear the thought of losing her origins.

"What? You mean, if I choose to stay here, I'll never be able to see or hear from my real parents, or anypony from my home world again, and I'll forget they ever existed?"

"I'm sorry, Parallel, but for the sake of protecting two worlds from falling into paradox-induced chaos, any possible link between them must be severed. However, if you decide to return to your home world, you can be with your family, and pick up where you left off in life. This means, however, that you won't be able to see anypony from this world again, either. This does, unfortunately, mean that you won't be able to see Equality, your friends, or anypony else here, and your memories of ever meeting them will have to be erased. I know this sounds like torture, but we cannot risk the possibility of a dimensional paradox."

"Wait, what about the others? I know that whichever world I leave behind, I will forget all about, but what about the ponies in it? I wouldn't want them to forget about me, either. They said it themselves, I've helped them in ways that they couldn't be grateful enough for."

"You're right, and I sympathize for all of you, but we still cannot risk causing a dimensional paradox. After all, even though you were chosen to come into this world, the fact that you did defies the laws of nature. Again, I apologize, but there really is no other way." Suddenly, Crystal Destiny wished to speak.

"Maybe there is a way, Princess Celestia." Parallel grinned, hoping her mother knew of a way to solve her dilemma. "As you said, the fact that Parallel has existed in both worlds is an impossibility. You claim that wiping out her memories of the world she leaves behind, as well as that world's inhabitants' memories of her, would solve everything. However, that would defeat the purpose of her coming to this world in the first place. I agree that the risk of a dimensional paradox is too severe to take, but it would be immoral to remove her entirely from either world. I suggest that only her memories of who she met be erased, but now what she did for them, or what they did for her. That way, everypony learns their lessons, and both worlds are saved from harm." The princess smiled at the foreign mare, wondering how she had not thought of such a compromise herself.

"Very well, Crystal Destiny. In light of this new proposition, I shall preserve Parallel's memories of what she had learned, and what she had done for others." She waved her horn, and cast a spell on Parallel. The glow surrounded her, and suddenly, she froze up, and her eyes each gave off a beam of rainbow light, almost like lasers.

Sacred Alignment, happy to know that Parallel's mission was a success, asked his daughter,

"Well, kid, are you ready to go home now?" Parallel was still indecisive. Before she could say anything, Equality walked up to her, gave her a hug, and said,

"Parallel, you deserve to be the one to decide where you belong. You've been following your own path for as long as I can remember, maybe even before. You went from the lost, aimless little filly I met all that time ago, to this self-assured, strong young mare I see before me now. You've really proven yourself to be a dark horse of sorts." When Parallel heard Equality use the words 'dark horse', they constantly repeated in her head, as if to beckon to her, as she spaced out. "If you wish to return to your home world, I won't try to stop you, but if you decided to stay with us, I couldn't be happier. After all, we're both your family." Equality started breaking into tears, as he continued to hug the only daughter he ever had, and the only family he had left. Parallel shook herself out of her trance, and responded,

"Dad, you don't have to cry for me. I know that I'm the only family you have, but quite frankly, everypony here is family to me." Everypony went silent, as she continued. "Mother, Father, you sent me on this mission because you knew that these ponies needed me. I'm glad to have completed my mission. Dad, and everypony else, you all did wonders for me, most of you even taking care of me at some point. In a way, you're all family to me." Everypony looked at each other, because they knew she was serious. All they could do is smile for her. "Anyway, I've made up my mind. I know who I want to go with." She walked to the family she chose, and as she said goodbye to the other family, with tears flowing from her eyes, everypony left the room. The magic mirror connecting this world to Parallel's home world had disappeared, along with her memories of everypony from the world she left behind.