The Chronicles of Summer Rain, Vol. 4 -- Fury Run

by shysage

Rating: everyone
Tags: Fluttershy, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Human, Romance, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 25603

Returning from 'Equestria Past', Summer Rain and Shysage just need rest and time... But a nasty 'Fury Boil' pops, sending a steady stream of deadly Furies directly at Ponyville. The only victim may be the most painful of all...

Coming back from 'Equestria Past' via the Portal, Summer Rain and Shysage just need rest and time... They get neither... A nasty 'Fury Boil' pops, sending a steady stream of deadly Furies directly at Ponyville. The Phantom Alicorn and Equestria's Princesses work together to kill Furies until Princess Twilight and the now 12 Elements of Harmony put an end to the Fury Run. There is only one victim, perhaps the most painful of all...

Published 2014-07-02 06:40:06 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-16 03:06:49 UTC

Chapter 2, Fury Run

Hi, it's me.. Summer...

I'm sorry... I have to do this... ...because Shysage can't...

He... He just cant... I'm so sorry... How could I...

I love him so much...

When we came home from raising Cel and Lu together, it was just... ...hard...

We thought at first they wouldn't remember... ...here... ...but they did...

It was very nice to not have to leave them again...

Still, I cried a lot...

They still love us... Even though they rule Equestria... We loved them so...

But those first days back were very hard... ...for Shysage and I...

We spent two years together, living... raising amazing girls...

Then came back...

We felt so pulled in many directions... So many limits...

It was hard...

I got my 'desires' back too, before we came back, and it just made everything harder... Here...

We were walking, early one morning, because we both wanted...

That's when we first saw... it...

Shysage said it looked like a big blister or something... It looked very ugly... ...pointed at Ponyville...

It was near my tree... Near Princess' Castle...

Shysage said it was just floating there, maybe 50 feet in the sky...

We went and got Princess Twilight up, finally, she saw it for five minutes maybe, then it went away when the sun started coming up...

The next night we went... again... Lu came too... I hugged her... I love our girls, they really are amazing.

Lu didn't know what it was either, but it looked bad...

Looked worse too, I don't know...

Princess said she would have Cel look the next night... Zecora too...

That day... Shysage and I, we just... held each other all day... That's it... Stayed together... Felt a little better though...

I love him so much...

That third morning, early, Zecora was there, and Cel too...

And that music in the background was very loud, I don't know...

We had to wait until the 'blister' thing was showing, it was very early... A long wait...

When Zecora saw it, she got very upset, very fast... She stopped trying to rhyme even...

Zecora said it was a 'Fury Boil'... Furies came out when it popped...

These furies didn't have much of a body, but could easily get inside a pony... They would eat the pony, from the inside out, until the pony died... Then they would find another pony...

Once a fury was inside, had to kill the pony in order to kill the fury... Was very bad...

Zecora was very scared...

Zecora always called me Phantom Alicorn, never Summer any more, I don't know why...

Fury Boil popped right away... ...that morning...

Zecora Screamed... Loud... "Phantom Alicorn, get ready, they come" she yelled...

Soon as Mark spun, first one came... Easily batted to dead, but...

Told Shysage could only see when maybe 50 feet away, maybe a second to kill... ...and not always exactly same direction... ...each one very difficult...

Next one quickly... Another... Another...

Maybe three or four a minute...

Princess Twilight said for Shysage to go get Equestria Girls...

He had to leave... me... there...

He said he would ask true friend to help me... I needed that...

...

Zecora yelled, if one gets me ill die, and Equestria would be over-run with furies... Many ponies would have to die... Me too...

...

I was so scared...

...

I just kept hitting...

...

I couldn't miss any...

...

...Nopony to help...

...

I couldn't look away or would die...

...

I just kept hitting...

...

It felt like such a long time... Arm was getting sore...

Was only 20 minutes... Wanted to cry, but had to... ..focus...

...

Shining Armor came... Carefully put shield around... So I wouldn't die... I was so glad... He was scared, but worked ok...

I started not quite killing some... I was already tired... Cel and Lu... ...killed those with magic... I needed them helping...

...

I just kept hitting...

...

I was so tired...

...

I wanted to quit, so many furies... ...still coming...

...

Time... just stopped...

...

I kept hitting furies...

...

Shysage and I hurting even before this... Was so hard...

I started messing up more... I was very tired...

...

...

...

Over an hour later... Equestria Girls there... Finally...

...

Shysage was back, couldn't do anything... ...I had to focus... ...Furies still coming...

...

My Twin walked carefully behind me, and touched my back... She helped me watch, was easier... I love my Twin, she really helped... I was missing less... Still, very hard though...

...

Princess and Twins tried the group link, but it didn't work...

Something was wrong between someponies in group...

Princess was crying, this was very hard... ...She pleaded "Girls, Summer needs us..."

Maybe 15 minutes more...

...

...

...

I just kept killing furies...

...

...

...

Pinkie and Applejack... Hugged... Group Link finally active...

Princess told her Twin, Twilight, both would cast backwards Wind spell then Fire...

Finally, 12 Elements of Harmony, magical pipe up to boil... The magic pipe just sucked the rest up I think... ...burned them up...

...

...

...

Furies stopped...

...

...

...

I fell... to the ground... Twin backed away, scared...

...

...

...

I was a Pony quickly... I just lay there... Couldn't even cry...

...

...

...

I was so empty... crazy maybe... was so hard...

...

...

...

Princess had Raritys help, and they sewed the boil shut through the magic pipe...

...it just disappeared... ...was gone...

...

...

...

I just wanted rest...

I just wanted Shysage near me...

Chapter 4, Embracing the Storm

That same morning, both Raritys made us two nice collars, with a short rope. Everypony helped us get them on.

Shysage couldn't run away now...

But I was so tired from the furies though, I took Shysage home, and slept all day. Shysage slept too. We slept all night too.

Shysage usually slept a lot now. But it was easier to care for him that way.

I felt better after sleeping, but still... I was very sad... He was still close, but he was gone... It was just so hard...

I'm not sure I had fully accepted what had happened yet. I was still recovering from batting maybe 400 furies to their doom in a little over an hour.

I felt bad though, the Equestria Girls had to go back, and Equestria was hurting when they left. My Twin looked terrible, because she knew I was hurting...

There was nothing I could do...

I couldn't even go to the Portal to see them off...

My Twin came to our house, and we just cried together... Still, I thanked her for just being there. She cried more, I don't know...

They made it home, I guess...

Everypony thought that Shysage still had his precious memories, they were just somehow disconnected. Maybe some event or situation would revive that connection...

That next day, I think, I started to try things to see if maybe we could jog his memory.

Early on, I had a lot of help with this. Princess Twilight and the girls, they were wonderful, we tried a lot of different things. They were very patient, and we tried hard to think up possibilities... Things we had all done together...

Nothing seemed to make any difference...

I lost track of time, but after the first week maybe, fewer and fewer came to help.

I knew why... ...this was an unspeakable tragedy. It was just hard for ponies to be around us. Especially ponies that knew us both before... It was just terrible now... It hurt me, so it hurt those that visited... ..a lot...

Cel and Lu came a few times, but we mostly just cried together.

Well, I just cried a lot anyway...

I loved him, and he was gone. He was here, but he was gone. And we were both hurting before all this...

The next week maybe, I took him a lot of different places. I wanted to see if specific places might have some effect. He would only walk for a little while, then he wanted to eat then sleep.

It just got frustrating. I tried to be patient, but I'm not sure how good a job I did...

Cel and Lu (Princess Celestia and Princess Luna) sent an Air Coach to pick Shysage and I up one morning that week.

They had found the tree they grew up in. Well they found the stump of it.

They were saving it as a surprise, but instead were hoping it would jog a memory maybe.

Shysage didn't like the harness in the Air Coach. Once there, I just wanted to cry with our girls. Shysage ate for a while then fell asleep.

It was truly an amazing day, but with their dad remembering nothing, well... ...it was just difficult for everypony.

It was like a terrible storm... ...and I couldn't stop it... I had to embrace it... I don't know how well I did...

Princess Twilight suggested maybe a brief rest from being around him occasionally might help. I don't know...

Dawn quickly volunteered, she's amazing. Our house is right next to her showroom.

They put an anchor in her showroom, so we could move the rope to that, and I could have some time alone.

I didn't want it but I probably needed it.

I did that a few times... But I just felt so much at a loss without him...

After maybe two weeks though, I think I lost hope. I was just spent. After everything else we had to face when we came back... I didn't know what else to do...

Chapter 5, Running Away

I think it had been over two weeks since Shysage had lost his memory.

I really wasn't sure, I had lost track of the days. Each day was it's own nightmare for me.

As I mentioned, during those weeks, I and others had tried everything we could think of.

Princess Twilight and her girls too.

(opt:btm4d)

Overall, his body seemed to work fine, he just couldn't remember anything... He couldn't even talk... And I really missed even that...

I led Shysage over to Dawn's.

An anchor for the short rope between my and Shysage's Collars had been added inside the Showroom.

When I needed a little break, I would walk Shysage over to Dawns, and Dawn would use her magic to move the rope from my Collar to the anchor. I would leave Shysage there while I took a time-out. Shysage usually just slept. I left my collar there sometimes too...

I did that just now, and mentioned to Dawn I might be a while. Dawn said that was fine, Shysage was easy to care for. Water and Oats were all he wanted, and he was happy.

I hugged Dawn and thanked her, then left.

I took to the air, then flew straight to the balcony outside the Portal room in the Crystal Palace.

I wanted to leave, and never come back...

I was in the bleachers behind the High School a little before the last bell.

I sat facing the back of the bleachers and just cried...

The seven Equestria Girls headed over to the bleachers with maybe 10 other girls with them. They were continuing friendships that they and I had started. I was so glad...

But when they saw me, they knew their friend needed them.

The Equestria Girls all started crying, and explained to their new friends that a very hurting friend needed all of them. They all understood immediately and were soon heading away. Just the Equestria Girls came.

Well, they gathered around me, and just hugged me and cried with me, for maybe an hour. I think I needed to cry. I know really needed them...

"Girls, I really love you all" I said through my tears. I think I said it more than once...

Nopony asked about Shysage. If he was better, I wouldn't be here alone.

"Girls, I have a special favor. I dearly love all of you, but can I spend a while with just my Twin and Fluttershy? I am just so afraid of hurting any feelings..." I said this, then started to cry again...

Equestria Girls Twilight said really for all of them "Summer, it's fine. We will all help you any way we can, you know that."

The Equestria Girls all walked me over to Fluttershy and Summer's apartment, then took turns hugging me, then they left by twos or threes for their homes.

When just Equestria Girls Summer and Fluttershy were left, I asked "Twin, Fluttershy, can you take me for a drive?"

Equestria Girls Summer and Fluttershy both hugged me tightly and Summer said "Of course..."

I climbed in the back of Equestria Girls Summer's new Mustang, and Fluttershy sat in the front with her sister.

They were soon on the road, driving away.

I said "Just head for the closest freeway..."

Equestria Girls Summer asked "Where are we going, Summer?"

I started crying, then I said "I don't know... ...just away..."

The Equestria Girls sisters just looked at each other.

I think my Twin and her sister quickly realized what was going on, and so my Twin headed West. Intentionally. Any freeways that headed West couldn't go very far because of the 'ocean'. I didn't even know what the ocean was.

While they drove, I just sat in the back, crying, not really even looking out of the car.

Everything just felt so hopeless...

The most important pony to me... I hurt him... I lost him...

Maybe half an hour later, my Twin eased the car into a parking spot in front of a low stone wall.

The sisters got out, and I did too, not really knowing why they stopped.

The first thing I saw was more water than I had ever seen in my whole life...

Almost in a trance, I walked through a passage in the low wall, then out into the sand maybe half-way to the water.

I was awestruck... The crashing waves, and the sound they made... The birds... The light breeze... The Sun dancing off the waves... The boats bobbing up and down further out... The rhythmic sound the water made as it receded and advanced on the shore...

I just put my arms up on my head and drank it all in for maybe fifteen minutes... I didn't move...

The Equestria sisters were maybe ten feet behind me, hugging tightly. They loved the 'beach' too.

Then I said softly "I wish Shysage could se--"

Then I stopped, and fell to the ground crying...

I think Equestria Girls Fluttershy was waiting for an opportunity like this.

Both sisters walked up behind me, knelt down, and each put one of their hands on my shoulder.

Equestria Girls Fluttershy said quietly "Summer, if the situation were reversed, how would Shysage respond?"

I immediately began sobbing... "He would never leave my side..."

Everypony knew this was true...

While sobbing, I yelled... "I'm doing the same thing she did..."

I sobbed maybe another minute, then stopped crying abruptly.

I formed my hand into a fist, and brought it down hard in the sand. "No. I'm not going to do this to Him." Then I said softly "He needs me now more than he ever did..."

I stood up. "Twin, can you take me home please?"

"Of course" my Twin said.

Then the Equestria sisters hugged me tightly, and cried with me for a little while. I really love them both...

Then we climbed back into the Mustang, and were soon back at the Portal.

"Twin, can we come with you?" Equestria Girls Summer asked. "It is Friday night, so we have a day or two"

I began to cry... "That would really be nice.." I said through tears...

The three of us were quickly through the Portal, and standing on the balcony as ponies...

The trip to Ponyville was quick and quiet. We all flew together.

Equestria Girls Fluttershy is not afraid of heights, and so is quickly becoming a very strong flyer. She headed to her Twins cottage. I knew my sister would so enjoy the surprise.

It was dusk when us Summer Twins landed outside Dawn's shop.

Dawn welcomed both of us.

While crying, I confessed that I really wanted to run away. I apologized to Dawn for this. She just hugged me and cried with me a minute or two.

Then weeping softly, I looked at Shysage and said "But he needs me... I can't leave him like this..."

Dawn helped me get my collar back on, then used her magic to tie the rope back on.

Then I leaned on Shysage, waking him up, and put my front legs around his neck, and I hugged him tight for a minute.

Then I rubbed his ear with my nose, and said softly "Shysage I'm not leaving. You need me more than you ever have. I'm waiting."

Shysage put his head down, then tried to go back to sleep.

I got up, and Shysage did too. Shysage had at least learned this much.

We all walked slowly over to Shysage's house, well, our home, and were soon inside. Shysage found a spot and lay down. I sat next to him.

My Twin and I talked briefly, then the Fluttershy Twins arrived too.

Everypony hugged everypony.

It was hard not to cry around Shysage and I. We all cried...

I was sitting next to Shysage, and wrapped my leg around his. I still loved him. A lot...

My Twin started the Soul-Link, and the Fluttershys did to. Then the Fluttershy's included the Summers, and we all relaxed into each other's loving presence.

I really needed this... I really did...

...

...

...

But soon, we all felt a fifth presence in the link...

It was Shysage...

I just dove in... I wanted to know... I had to know... I was looking for clues... I needed...

We all saw it. His memories were still there -- shining, sparkling... Gold maybe... They were off to the side though...

Shysage still loved me deeply. Shysage still carried unthinkable damage from choking down rage and abuse as his family abandoned him for years...

All that was still there...

His memory was there... Something was just blocking the way, and nopony knew what that was.

I broke the link and just sobbed on everypony's shoulders.

"He remembers..." I kept saying that over and over...

We all cried and hugged together...

At least, now there was hope...

All four of us spent that night together with Shysage.

We all knew what had to happen, we just weren't sure what it was.

In the morning, I led Shysage to the Oats, then the lake, and we all ate together.

We spent most of the day wandering in the meadow, talking, sitting, thinking... Crying too...

I deeply loved everypony around me right now. I told them I appreciated them just being with me, then I cried...

We all cried together...

But I felt a little better. I was ready to wait.

Late in the afternoon, the Equestria Girls needed to go.

I took Shysage and walked the girls to Princess Twilight's new Castle, but didn't go in.

Instead, I sent the Fluttershys in to see if Princess Twilight could come out briefly.

They were soon back with my Princess, and I bowed. Then everypony hugged everypony, weeping softly.

"Princess, can you go with the Equestria Girls to the Portal? I really can't go, but don't want them to have to go by themselves." I asked.

"Summer of course. I would be delighted to help you any way--" Princess Twilight stopped and cried at this point.

I just hugged her again, and we cried some more.

I bowed again, then walked off with Shysage.

My sister said softly "Wait, Sis..."

I stopped, and she walked up to me.

"Sis, I want to come with you." Fluttershy said quietly, then she started crying. "You need me now too... I should have come sooner...

"In your dream, Shysage volunteered to take care of me until you got back. I want to do that for him..."

We both cried on each other's shoulders a little while... Our Twins soon joined us, and Princess did too...

I think we all needed this...

"Thank you Sis, I think I need you too..." I said.

Then my sister and I walked off towards Shysage's house...

I really love my sister...

(I found this conversation out later and added it.)

"You girls are all just so amazing..." Princess Twilight said between tears.

Equestria Girls Summer volunteered "She wanted to run away yesterday, but I think she realizes what she needs to do now." Then she started crying too, and said softly "I love my Twin..."

Between crying and tears, Princess Twilight said "I have never known such amazing love and devotion... And at the center of it all, they are both deeply devoted, true friends..."

Even though it was late, an Air Coach soon picked Princess Twilight and Equestria Girls Summer and Fluttershy up, and they were quickly all hugging in front of the Portal.

"Princess, please keep us posted..." Equestria Girls Fluttershy said while weeping softly.

The Equestria Girls were soon back in the Equestria Girl's world, snug in their sleeping bags in Fluttershy's apartment.

"Sis, I love you. Thanks for helping with my Twin today" Equestria Girls Summer said softly.

Fluttershy just got up and hugged her sister, and they cried together a little while... They were soon fast asleep.

Fluttershy, Shysage and I came back to our house, and before long, we were laying down next to each other.

Shysage fell asleep right away.

"However long it takes Shysage." I said while weeping softly.

Fluttershy and I were soon asleep too.

The next day, we decided to develop a routine. In the mornings, we would walk with Shysage in the meadows.

In about the middle of the afternoon, we would leave Shysage at Dawns and go out to a slight hill out in the meadow East of town. I really didn't want to go back to my tree...

I fell down there on that hill each day and talked to my true friend. I began to understand Shysage's devotion to him. True friend was all I had left, and I told him so often.

Well, Fluttershy always came with me, and lay next to me and cried softly. And she never left my side either... I really appreciated that. I told her that a lot... Besides, I don't think she planned on leaving any time soon... I really love my sister... And right now, I needed her too...

Every few days, we would all spend the day and night at Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy loved her animal friends, and that was fine. Maybe the variation would help, I don't know...

...

Days turned into weeks...

...

Weeks turned into months...

...

All we could do was wait...

...

One afternoon, I actually overheard Princess Twilight and the rest of her girls. They were away from us but close enough I could hear.

They were crying, of course. Princess Twilight said at one point "True friend please help them... They need you so..." and she started to cry.

That really meant a lot to me...

Author's Note

Princess Twilight's words at the end of this chapter are not intended to force Summer's beliefs on Princess Twilight. Out of desperation, Princess Twilight is just adopting Summer's perspective as they all grope for some sort of solution...

Chapter 6, Crying Out

The next afternoon, Summer and Fluttershy walked Shysage over to Dawn's, and Dawn used her magic to move the rope to the anchor.

Shysage drank some water and was quickly asleep.

Dawn didn't worry about Summer running away, not any more. She appeared to be just as devoted to Shysage now as she was before this happened.

It just hurt a lot to watch them together... Summer was giving everything like she always had; Shysage remembered nothing, and so could give nothing...

Having Fluttershy always with Summer also made a big difference as far as Dawn could tell. These sisters loved each other a lot...

Summer and Fluttershy hugged Dawn and thanked her again. Both really appreciated this brief time away.

Summer and Fluttershy headed out to the small hill East of town.

Dawn needed to run to Sunny Ray's house quick, and she told Camille to stay inside, and that she would be back soon.

Camille said "Ok, mommy", and Dawn hugged her and was soon on her way.

Camille noticed that Shysage was sleeping in the Showroom, so she walked to the back room to try to find something to do.

After a little while, Camille found a bug. It was near the back door. Camille didn't know what it was, except that it was a bug. She just looked at it a minute. It didn't look dangerous.

Camille moved her nose up to the bug, and the bug scrambled quickly away. She did it again, and the bug ran away again. This was sort of fun.

Camille moved her nose up towards the bug again. The bug jumped up this time, and this startled Camille.

She scooted back away from it, and her hind legs slid across the floor.

One of her hind legs slipped between the back door and the frame for the door along the gound. The door was latched shut, and wouldn't open.

Camille's leg, right above her hoof, hurt a LOT. When she tried to pull her leg back up, it just pulled the door closed, and hurt even more... Everything she did hurt...

Camille was soon hysterical, crying out "Help, Mommy" very loud, and over and over. She was soon screaming for help, from anypony, and crying loudly...

Shysage was trying to sleep, and couldn't sleep with the noise.

He picked his head up, looked sluggishly around the room, then put his head back down, and tried to go back to sleep...

One of your own foals getting hurt bad, has to be one of a parent's worst nightmares. We are grateful that this never happened to our two girls in early Equestria.

But when Camille was screaming, she sounded a lot like Lu, when Lu was very young. That was very scary...

I guess that is what it took to pull my memory back... And the background music faded away at this point too, and it was quiet...

I think I was trying to sleep, but I heard a young foal crying out, and my head shot up, and I yelled "LU !!!"

I got up and tried to run to the back room, but there was something tight around my neck. I changed into my Equestria Girls 'people' form, threw it off, and ran quickly to the back room.

"Oh, Camille..." I said softly. She was screaming, but stopped as soon as she saw me.

I pressed my shoe against the bottom of the back door to force it open some, and gently pulled Camille's hoof free.

Camille ran quickly into she and her mom's room, laid down, and just cried.

I found a piece of cloth and got it wet with some water, and walked in and picked Camille up; she was shaking.

I gently carried Camille out the front door, and sat down in the warm sunlight with Camille in my lap, and leaned my back against the wall of Dawn's shop.

Then I carefully wrapped the wet cloth around Camille's leg, around and above her hoof. I tied sort of a knot in it, so maybe it would stay put a little while.

"That should feel better, Camille" I said calmly. Then I gave her a big hug.

Camille soon calmed down.

"Thank you Shysage" Camille said, still sniffling. "Mommy said you forgot everything. Do you remember now?"

"I think so, Camille" I said softly.

"I remember you" I said, then I gently bumped the top of her nose.

Camille just laughed.

"I think Summer will be happy now, Shysage" Camille said.

I just sighed... I hadn't even had a chance to think about that yet... "I think so too" I said to Camille.

I was still even now trying to put together what had happened... Camille had mentioned forgetting everything -- that was also very scary.

Before I could think about this more, Dawn walked up, and was quickly very concerned about the bloody cloth around Camille's hoof.

"Mommy, I got my foot stuck in the back door, but Shysage helped me. It feels a lot better now." Camille explained.

Dawn quickly replied "Thank you, Shysage, it is so good to know that we have such good neigh--"

Dawn stopped right there... Her eyes suddenly got very big, and she began crying immediately...

"Camille, can you walk now?" I asked.

"I think so, but is my mommy sad, Shysage?" Camille asked, looking at me.

I gently stood Camille up on the ground, then I smiled, and said "I don't think so, Camille."

I got up and hugged Dawn a minute, then asked "Do you know where Summer is?

Still crying, Dawn walked me towards the meadow to the East, then pointed.

I saw Summer and Fluttershy immediately.

"Thank you Dawn" I said, then I started across the meadow.

When I was still a good distance off, Fluttershy sensed my presence, and I seemed to know that too. I have no idea how, and it really didn't matter. I just stopped a minute.

Fluttershy got slowly and quietly up, then walked back to me. I knelt down, then hugged Fluttershy tightly for a minute or two, and said simply "Thank you, Sis." Fluttershy was weeping softly... I think I was too...

I think that, while hugging Fluttershy, I somehow sensed from her, the blinding anguish my Mare was feeling. And that really hurt me...

I asked Fluttershy "How long?"

Fluttershy answered softly "Two and a half months..."

We were both crying after this...

Leaving Fluttershy there, I headed out towards Summer, as quietly as I could -- I was trying not to cry.

I wished I was back to being a pony myself, but I wasn't really sure how to do that... I had only recently learned how to turn into a 'people' by myself, as it was...

When I was near Summer, I just stopped.

She was laying down on the ground crying, with her head in the grass off to the side away from me...

Every minute or so, she said "Shysage, please come back..." and cried some more...

I knew she was crying out to true friend in between her words, and I quickly thanked him...

When I first headed into the meadow, towards Summer and Fluttershy, my plan was to do exactly what Summer had done to me in her dream about the future, and I remembered everything.

Summer had also written this: "Up to this moment, Summer had never loved this Stallion as much as she did right then. And she wanted to make sure he knew it."

I certainly felt exactly like that, towards Summer, right now... But the closer I got to my Mare, the more I felt her pain... It was paralyzing... It was devastating... Things would work out far differently...

As quietly as I could, I walked slowly around in front of her, and knelt down in the grass -- I was still a people at this point. I was trying hard not to cry too. I don't know how well I was doing...

Summer's head came up abruptly, and she immediately looked to her side, and realized Fluttershy was gone. Only then did she look forward.

Our eyes met right away... ...and I saw her pain... ...and I could no longer NOT cry, and burst into tears. Summer did too, and quickly lunged forward at me, knocking me over backwards, and also immediately changing me back into being a pony.

As Summer came to a stop, she was laying on top of me, and we were both hugging tightly... Very tightly... I never wanted to let go of her, ever again, and I think she felt the same way. My head was right next to her's... Holding each other tightly, crying, was all we could do right now. For a few minutes, we didn't move... Well, we couldn't move...

I think, while I was 'gone', my Mare had just swollowed a lot of the pain she felt. With me back, some of it became a raging torrent... The pain I felt in her caused the same thing in me... We were both sobbing gut-wrenching... Well, we weren't hysterical, but we were both close to that...

During her Dark Journey, after Fluttershy was miraculously brought back to life, Summer wrote that everything else around her simply melted away as she hugged her sister...

Summer told me later that this happened here too... Nothing around Summer even mattered now... She had her Stallion back... All she could do was cry... ...and hold me tightly... I think I felt the same way...

After a few minutes of crying like this, I said, as best as I could, through my tears "Summer, I don't want to move, but this feels nice, and probably looks terrible. I think we should get up..."

Summer got up, and we were quickly sitting, facing each other, hugging tightly, crying again...

Summer tried to say through her tears "Welcome back, Stallion..."

We couldn't really say much more, we were both sobbing... We probably could have spent the rest of the day like this, and still not want to let each other go...

...

...

...

Through my tears, I noticed that Dawn and Camille had gathered Princess Twilight and all her girls, and they were sitting next to Fluttershy, also crying...

Maybe five minutes later, we both suddenly heard a loud 'boom' above us.

Evidently, Princess Twilight had insisted that Rainbow Dash do a Sonic Rainboom right then, right there...

Within ten minutes, it seemed like a lot of the town was gathered too, but nopony got closer to us than Princess Twilight and her girls. Everypony kept that wide perimeter, and a bunch were crying softly too...

It didn't matter... I was hugging my hurting Mare, and didn't want to stop any time soon.

Ten minutes more, and a Canterlot Air Coach arrived with two Princesses, Princess Celestia (Cel) and Princess Luna (Lu)... Our girls...

Cel and Lu ignored that perimeter.

Both Princesses, crying, ran quickly past the townsponies, and as the townsponies looked on in amazement, Cel and Lu threw their crowns into the grass, and ran up to us.

Just as we did that morning, over two years ago now, on our second day in 'Equestria past', Summer and I each reached out and quickly pulled one of them to us...

Our family... Me, Summer, Cel and Lu, were quickly sitting together, hugging tightly, and crying... Sobbing...

We really needed this...

It must have been terrible for these three mares when I was 'gone'...

...But our family was whole again...

We cried together as a family for an hour, then our crying tapered off.

Most of the Townsponies had already headed back into town.

I called Princess Twilight and her girls over, and we all stood in a tight circle, and Summer tried to thank Princess Twilight and her girls while crying. "I have no idea how I even survived this nightmare... But you girls were a big part of me surviving. Thank you all."

We all just cried together for a little while, then everypony hugged everypony. Then Cel and Lu retrieved their crowns, and were soon in their Air Coach headed back to finish a busy day in Canterlot.

Summer and I walked back to town, as Princess Twilight and the rest wandered off to their homes once we were near them.

We ended up at Fluttershy's cottage, and she, Summer and I just cried together for a while. Fluttershy had been a huge help to Summer for over two months. Summer thanked her a few times. I did too...

We spent the rest of the day at Fluttershy's, and I think Summer really enjoyed that time. I think Fluttershy did too.

We spent the afternoon in the grass surrounded by Fluttershy's animal friends. Fluttershy made us a nice dinner, and we just sat and talked until dark.

Then Summer and I each hugged Fluttershy tightly, and headed back to our home.

We headed into our room, and I lay on my side, then had my Mare climb up under my front legs, and I pulled her close. Then I asked her to tell me what had happened...

She did the best she could. We both cried together a lot, it was just horrifying. I could only imagine how hard it was for her... I hugged her tightly the whole time, and when she had to stop, we just cried together for a few minutes.

When she was done, still crying softy myself, I mentioned a few things.

I reminded her that nopony plans on having to fight Pony Furies, and nopony promised that being a Phantom Alicorn would be easy. And as monsters go, those furies were probably the worst for a Phantom Alicorn.

But, with everyponies' help, no Pony Furies got through, and I was the only one that got hurt. I told her I was glad I survived... Phantom Alicorn magic is not meant to be survivable...

On top of all of that, if we had not faced such turmoil when we returned, we may never have been up so early in the morning, and would have missed the Fury Boil, maybe nopony would have seen it, and many ponies would have had to die... Maybe one of us...

I stopped and sighed at this point...

Then I softly told her that none of this changed the fact that I knew she was really hurting...

I asked her what I could do to help her right now. I said that I knew the last two and a half months had been excruciating for her, and I wanted to know how I could help her work through that pain.

Summer rolled over to face me, and just looked into my eyes a minute maybe, then began to cry...

Through tears, Summer said "Shysage, this just proved to me that I simply can't live without you... I have never felt so alone as I did during that time, and I just want it all to go away... Please.. just hug me... just love me... just hold me..."

Then she pulled herself close to me, put her head next to mine, and cried... I cried with her as we hugged tightly, like we did earlier. I think we both needed to cry together still...

We cried together like this as long as we dared, our bodies weren't helping us...

Summer rolled back over facing away from me, and climbed up under my front legs again, and I hugged her tight, and cried with her until she was asleep, maybe two hours later.

Summer woke up twice that night, and each time I said "Summer, I'm right here..." and she quickly calmed down, and was soon back to sleep.

Summer woke up in the morning with a start, and felt for her collar. I just pulled her close, and nibbled her ear, and said "I love you, Summer", and she began to cry...

Summer rolled over to face me, and we just hugged tightly and cried in each other's arms, er legs, for a little while.

Summer asked if we could hug as 'people', and I said that would be fine.

Summer changed us both to being people, in our well worn Equestria Girls clothes.

I laid down on my back on the floor, and Summer sort of curled up on me with her head on my shoulder, and her legs on the floor and to the side. My Mare was trying to avoid causing me problems... I hugged her with one arm, and gently ran my other hand through her hair.

Summer wept softly, and would occasionally kiss my neck. For a while, I just held her hand in mine. She said she could easily stay there all day. I could too...

That wasn't the plan for that day, but we would do this again. She said it really helped her...

I love her so much...

Chapter 7, Beach Day

Summer and Shysage guessed that they would probably spend 'today' (the day after he got his memory back) in the Equestria Girls world, and they were right.

This was only fair; Shysage's memory loss had a profound impact on both sides of the Portal. Their last parting as a group through the Portal had been just terrible.

By now, it was basically sun-up.

After laying together as people on the floor for a while, Summer and Shysage changed back to ponies, then headed East to the meadow and ate and drank together. Then they just flew slowly around Ponyville together. This would make it easier for Rainbow Dash to find them when it was time to go.

And they flew very slowly; they were both very out of shape.

Amazingly, Fluttershy soon joined Summer and Shysage. Fluttershy didn't like flying fast or high, but Summer and Shysage weren't doing either of those things, and Fluttershy joined them. She did fine, and they enjoyed their time together in the air.

Plus, Fluttershy missed her sister... Shysage realized they probably missed each other. They had spent the last two months together.

They hadn't flown for very long, and were soon heading to the Castle when they saw the Air Coaches arrive.

In an hour, Shysage and the seven Equestria ponies were headed to the bleachers behind the High School. Cel and Lu weren't coming just yet, evidently.

Still, Princess Twilight made it clear everypony would stay together, and with Shysage.

The rest of the Twins soon joined everypony in the bleachers. Everypony was soooo happy to see their Twin again, and Equestria pony Summer and Shysage got a lot of hugs. It was just a huge relief that Shysage was 'better'. It had been a nightmare for everypony; they all felt Summer's pain.

It was maybe the middle of 'Summer Break', and Equestria Girls Rainbow Dash was running a Saturday morning Soccer practice. She quickly called her Twin in to help. Both Rainbows had a blast together doing that.

Shysage's Mare asked the Rarity Twins for some help. Both of their 'people' clothes had seen a lot of use in 'Equestria past', and Summer asked the Raritys about a trip to her shop for some new clothes.

Of course the Rarity Twins quickly agreed, and so Summer asked Princess Twilight how to handle that.

Princess called for everyponies' attention, and mentioned that Shysage, the Summer Twins and the Rarity Twins were going to Rarity's shop for a little while. Princess wanted everypony else to stay in the bleachers.

Shysage and four beautiful friends were soon standing in Equestria Girls Rarity's shop. Both Raritys were there, and they were looking forward to doing this together. That's what Twins do.

Shysage was first, because the Raritys decided he would be the easiest.

He mentioned that the clothing he was wearing now seemed to hold up fine. Shysage liked the White zippered, hooded sweatshirt, and the White Tennis Shoes. Jeans or some other darker colored pants (not Black though), along with a simple 'T-shirt' worked fine for him. His Mare requested that the 'T-shirt' be White.

Equestria Girls Rarity mentioned that these clothes would be easier purchased locally, than hand-made. They took some measurements on Shysage and decided that a trip to a local store would take care of this.

Equestria pony Summer Rain was next, and rather apologetically said that she would like two sets of clothes; a new set of stylish "Equestria Girls" clothing, as well as an exact duplicate of the clothes Shysage had asked for.

Shysage just hugged his Mare.

Both Raritys smiled, and said this was not a problem. They took some measurements on Summer, and indicated that the stylish clothing would take a while anyway, and they would need to find a way to get them to Summer at some point. The clothes like Shysage's would just get purchased locally as well.

Equestria Girls Summer jumped in when it was quiet, and asked for the exact same two sets of clothing as Equestria pony Summer had requested. Smiling again, the Raritys took some measurements, and found them to be nearly identical to her Twin's measurements -- no surprises there.

Equestria Girls Summer said further, that her parents were actually supplying she and Fluttershy plenty of extra funds, and so she wanted to pick up the costs for everything. She knew her parents would fully agree to this, they loved this whole group.

Shysage and his Mare quickly thanked her Twin. This was very generous. They asked her Twin to thank their parents for them as well.

However, this got the Rarity Twins thinking. They talked together about making a set of matching 'T-Shirts' for everypony in the group. It was an amazing idea, but it would have to wait, because it would take a while.

The Rarity Twins would talk today and get the design down however. They both wanted to weave the words 'Equestria in our Hearts' into the design somehow. Still, after they knew what they wanted to do, they would run it past the Twilights. This project would be amazing Twin fun.

Equestria Girls Summer volunteered to provide the costs for that as well.

The group was in Rarity's shop for only maybe twenty minutes, then they headed back to the High School.

The Celestia and Luna Twins had not arrived, so Princess Twilight was keeping everypony in the bleachers still. She was so glad when Shysage came back. The Equestria Girls world scared her. Well, it helped that Princess' Twin, Equestria Girls Twilight Sparkle was helping Princess. Still, Princess Celestia had said...

Equestria Girls Summer Rain asked Princess about driving the Rarity Twins to a local clothing shop quick in her Mustang. They promised to all stay together.

Shysage suggested that this would probably be fine, as long as they made no other stops. Princess Twilight's Twin agreed, and they were quickly on their way.

The rest of the Twins, the Applejacks, the Pinkie Pies, and the Fluttershys, were just sitting in the bleachers talking together, enjoying being with their Twin. The Twilights were busy together just trying to keep tabs on everypony.

A few of the Equestria Girls friends actually wandered over that morning, just to check in with their friends. They were all amazed that there were two of their amazing friends, but this meant they got twice the love and attention that morning.

Equestria Girls Summer and the Rarity Twins were soon back with clothes for Shysage and the two Summers, as well as enough White 'T-Shirts' for everyone in the group. Changing clothes would need to wait until a trip to Fluttershy's apartment, closer to time to leave.

BUT, Equestria pony Rarity was STILL in shock at the sight of a store that had more clothing in it than she had EVER seen in her entire life. She just followed her Twin around awestruck there...

After maybe half an hour, Cel and Lu walked quickly over, relieved that they managed to find the rest of the group. Equestria pony Summer (mom) hugged them both, as did Shysage (dad). They began to relax at that point.

Shysage realized that this may only be Cel and Lu's second time through the Portal. He really should have had somepony there for them, and he apologized for that.

Still, Cel asked mom quietly "Mom, when you left the past, you said we shouldn't stay long the first time we used the Portal. This is ok now, right? We just want to make sure."

Summer (mom) answered "Well, yes I was talking about your first time here, on that day. But in general, you just need to be very careful here. This world is a lot more dangerous than Equestria. The Equestria Girls have grown up here, and so they are better at avoiding the hazards here. And dad grew up here too."

"There are enough dangers here that those of us from Equestria just need to be careful to always stay with somepony that grew up here. That is no guarantee, but it's just safer. And staying together is very important as well."

After another half hour (at noon according to someponies' cell phone), Soccer practice was over, and the Rainbows, a little out of breath, joined the group in the bleachers.

A few minutes later, the two Principal sisters walked over to the group, and hugged their Twins before doing anything else. They had brought a Van big enough to fit everyone (they hoped), and had parked it next to Fluttershy's apartment.

The Twilights made sure everypony was accounted for, and then the group walked over to Fluttershy's apartment. They had to cross one street, but that went fine, other than taking almost a minute to get everypony across.

The Raritys had everypony wait in the front yard outside Fluttershy's apartment. They would not all fit inside at the same time anyway.

The Rarity Twins took this huge pile of clothing inside, then pulled Shysage's clothes out, and sent him into the bathroom to change. He was soon outside helping watch over the rest.

The Raritys next had both Summers come in, and change into their 'exact duplicate' of Shysage's clothes. The Raritys had done well, the Summer's new clothes fit fine.

The two Summers walked out of the apartment together, and onto the grass, looking strikingly similar... Well, nearly identical... They were Twins after all.

Shysage immediately walked over and hugged his Mare, and whispered in her ear that she looked hot. She blushed brightly, then kissed her Stallion. Shysage quietly told her that she was beautiful no matter what she was wearing.

Nopony else could figure out how Shysage could tell the two Summers apart, especially dressed in identical clothing.

Shysage heard the discussion, and pointed out that he had been staring into his Mare's eyes for over two years; he could always pick her out, on either side of the Portal.

Both Pinkie Pies said at the same time that it was just a lucky guess, and everypony laughed, including Shysage. If that was the case, his first mistake would be rather embarrassing.

Still, Shysage had said what he did, since he knew that it was just a matter of time before Summer could no longer put off feeling the crushing effects of the last two and a half months.

Shysage and Summer were busy helping others at this point, and they both were trying to avoid making the other amazing ladies around them feel uncomfortable with their actions.

But at some point today, Shysage knew Summer would probably need him. His compliments were intended to remind Summer that he was thinking about her.

The Raritys next had everypony come get their white 'T-Shirts". There was a wide selection of sizes, and Rarity said they could put the 't-shirts' over their blouses, or go in the bathroom and change. And the 't-shirts' were optional, not required. Well, everyone was wearing one anyway, when they were done.

After the 'changing' was all done, Shysage asked Cel (Princess Celestia) to follow him into Equestria Girls Fluttershy's apartment briefly. Shysage showed Cel the 'couch', and had her sit on it briefly. She was impressed of course, it was very comfortable. Well, it was for a 'people'.

Still, Shysage said simply "The Canterlot Recorder and his Assistant would like one of these for their new home when it is convenient." Cel just smiled. She knew what it was for. And it was a lot softer than the 'table/bench' she and Lu had grown up with.

Principal Celestia next asked everyone to get into the Van. It was an '18 passenger' Van, and it was clear that their 19 people would be tight. Equestria Girls Summer offered to drive her Mustang there as well, and that took care of it.

Still, before starting the Van, Principal Celestia sternly warned everyone to stay with the group, to stay together.

Both Summer Twins and Shysage (who sat in the back) went in the Mustang, and the rest rode in the Van. Equestria Girls Summer just carefully followed the Van all the way there. Shysage's Mare just watched the sights along the way.

It was early afternoon when Principal Celestia eased the Van into a parking spot at the same beach Summer had visited two months ago. The Mustang pulled into the next parking spot over.

The nine happy twins bubbled out the doors, and were quickly on the way to the water.

Like Summer did her first time, the Equestria ponies were mostly transfixed at the view of something so amazingly and overwhelmingly new, and huge -- the 'ocean'.

Shysage read Summer's mind, and said "Go join our girls, and our pony friends, it's ok"

Equestria Girls Summer and Fluttershy heard this, and walked up on either side of Shysage, and put their arms around his shoulder.

Equestria girls Fluttershy said "We'll watch him for you, Sis, go have some fun."

Summer smiled, kissed Shysage, then ran off to take in the amazing sights and sounds with the Equestria ponies. She was soon standing next to her Princess, on one side, and Cel and Lu on the other side. Everypony was awestruck.

Shysage put his two arms around the waist of the two amazing friends next to him, and together, they just stood there and watched the rest. Shysage loved the beach too.

Maybe fifteen minutes later... ...a voice came out of the blue...

"Well, I'm not suprised..."

Shysage knew immediately who this was...

Arms dropped so they could turn, and Shysage along with Equestria Girls Fluttershy and Summer all turned around.

Shysage quickly began "Oh, hi, let me introd--"

She got this really angry look on her face and said loudly "Don't even bother. I told you this was all your fault."

Shysage could say nothing more, her anger simply silenced him as it always had. Shysage looked at the sand and could say nothing.

Equestria Girls Fluttershy had already sensed who this was, and said softly "Ma'am, we are just all really good friends."

The response was quick, loud, and biting... Fluttershy almost didn't have a chance to finish.

"I don't care. I've been telling people for decades that my husband is the problem. This just proves it..."

She turned to leave, and said to another older woman standing behind her some "C'mon, lets go..."

They were soon back in their car and were gone.

Shysage just stood there... ...didn't move, and made no sound. He was still looking at the sand in front of him. Tears were streaming down his face.

Then Shysage walked slowly towards the water, but away from the group, then sat down in the sand, pulled his knees up to his chest with his arms, put his head down on his knees and cried softly.

Equestria Girls Summer and Fluttershy stayed with him, and just sat next to him.

Equestria pony Summer had seen this through her Twin, and just stood where she was, horrified...

The rest of the group had not seen or heard any of this.

Summer was quickly crying, and ran over to Shysage, and sat next to him, and threw her arms around him, and cried with him.

Shysage didn't move for a few minutes, so Summer asked what she was honestly feeling "Shysage... do you want me to go away?"

Shysage immediately felt like such an idiot. This woman had always simply battered him into the ground -- she just didn't care.

But Summer was so vastly different... and she didn't deserve this... Shysage was upset at the whole thing... Thirteen hundred years ago, Summer and Shysage only had each other, and had bonded so closely. That was here to stay. Anything else would not be fair to Summer.

Shysage honestly didn't know any more which side of the Portal was his 'home'... And he was having a hard time drumming up allegiance for a family that just gave him searing pain, and had no further interest in him anyway... Shysage evidently wasn't even worthy of the simplest of consideration from them; he must have done something terrible...

He remembered the point in Summer's dream where Summer actually had to scream hysterically at Shysage to help him see what he was doing to her. At least this hadn't gone that far.

Shysage stood up quickly, then reached down for both of Summer's hands, then he gently helped her up, while looking into her beautiful eyes. Then he reached both his arms around her back and pulled her close and kissed her.

Shysage wanted to say something, but what had just happened left him feeling, well battered. He could put off tears no longer, and was quickly sobbing on Summer's shoulder. Shysage's Mare sensed his pain right away, and just held him tight, and cried with him.

"Without you, I'd be dead... Please don't ever leave me..." Shysage pretty much pleaded this through his tears, more than once...

Each time, Summer said simply "Oh, Shysage..." and hugged him tightly.

Shysage sobbed on his Mare's shoulder for maybe 30 minutes. That's some of what his family had left him... At least he had a shoulder to cry on... And a few times Shysage would calm down, hug Summer tightly, then start sobbing again. He really couldn't help it.

Still, Shysage didn't want to ruin an amazing day, and so choked his crying off.

"Summer, I'm sorry... I'm supposed to be taking care of you..." Shysage said softly.

"Shysage, I have seen all the pain inside you a few times, and usually wondered what could have possibly caused so much damage. Now I know... But I hope I'm different..." Summer answered back softly.

Shysage's Mare said nothing else, but also realized from this that she could probably help Shysage cry through that sea of pain he carried. She didn't know how long it would take, but she would gladly do it...

Shysage just kissed his Mare, then hugged her tightly for a minute, then said quietly "It would be so easy to leave here, move to Equestria, and never come back... ...except that we have amazing friends here... So I just can't do that... Summer, over 1,200 years before my family was even a thought, you have given me so much... Far more than I ever imagined possible... I will fight for that... I will fight for you..."

Then Shysage kissed her again.

Summer smiled, then said quietly "I'm waiting, Stallion."

Shysage smiled back, then said quietly "Summer, I love you so... But let's go join the others."

Hamburgers and Hotdogs were late lunch, expertly cooked by the Applejacks.

Shysage hoped that nopony asked what Hamburgers were made of; ponies and cows are friends in Equestria. And ponies generally were vegetarian anyway. Shysage loved Hamburgers though, and evidently his Mare did too. Still, they split one, they were pretty big.

Pinkie Pie brought cupcakes for dessert, of course.

Good food... Amazing friends... The beach... It doesn't get much better than that. It was an awesome afternoon. Well, the rest of it.

Equestria Girls Pinkie Pie also had Shysage take a bunch of group pictures with her cell. The pictures were of the group with the ocean in the background, and came out very nice. Shysage wasn't sure what Pinkie would do with them; maybe they were for the shirts for everypony that the Raritys were designing.

Still this was really a very different collection of 'Twins'. Shysage and Summer deeply loved them all. And Shysage was sure that stranger things had shown up on Facebook...

At around four o'clock in the afternoon, everypony packed back into the Van and the Mustang, and the group headed to Sweet Apple farm. It was sort of on the way, so it didn't take long to get there.

The plan was for a camp-fire and more dessert there. Shysage suspected that nopony had 19 sleeping bags, so tonight's ultimate destination would probably be the Portal, late. This was probably best.

Still, everypony, especially Princess Twilight and the Equestria ponies, all relaxed at the farm. The surroundings more closely matched Equestria, and there were only friends and family close.

For maybe two hours, everypony basically wandered around in the nearby pasture with their Twin. Most Twins Soul-Linked to do some 'catch-up' with each other. Shysage hugged his Mare tightly a minute or two, then sent her off with her Twin as well.

Shysage talked to Big Mac for a little while, until he had to get back on his chores. Shysage mostly enjoyed the peacefulness. Well, he wished he could fly here, that would be amazing. Maybe he could learn how to transition to that form here himself some day.

After maybe an hour, his Mare and her Twin returned, and Summer hugged Shysage tightly for a minute. He noticed tears in her eyes, so he pulled her close as she stood next to him. They stood together and talked a few minutes.

It was just the three of them at this point, so Shysage said quietly to Summer's Twin "Twin, I really hope we aren't making you uncomfortable... I really love Summer, and the last few months have been very hard for her. Still, I want to be careful. We both love you a lot, and don't want to make it hard for you."

Equestria Girls Summer Rain quickly responded, yet spoke quietly and slowly "Shysage, I know... I'm just waiting until you find your Twin..."

Summer and Shysage both hugged her. She was waiting too.

At around seven o'clock on somebodies' cell, Big Mac rang the very loud Farm bell, to call everyone back, as the fire was already burning nicely.

The Rainbow Dash Twins said they wished they could do a Sonic Rainboom here -- that would have gotten everyponies' attention.

Equestria Girls Pinkie Pie laughed and said that would also get the local Sheriff's attention too. The Equestria Girls all laughed at this, it was probably true. A loud explosion sending a visible shock-wave out for over a hundred miles would not be received very well here.

It wasn't dark yet, and soon everyone was sitting around the fire with a nice bowl of Ice Cream in their hands. Summer insisted on sharing hers with Shysage, and he didn't mind. It seemed like the least he could do for his Mare right now.

As an informal way to help the Equestria ponies learn some valuable Equestria Girls world manners, Shysage suggested that everypony thank those that had both prepared the amazing food, and also taken care of transporting this large group all over the map, which everypony did.

Shysage also remarked that this had been a very nice day, and would certainly help his Mare after her ordeal, and thanked everypony for that too, and especially for their help when he was 'gone'. He could say nothing more for a few minutes though.

When it was dark, it was time to go. Shysage guessed correctly, the Portal was their next destination.

Shysage's Mare wanted to sit in the back of the Mustang with him on the way back, and they both hugged tightly the whole time. She needed it. Shysage realized he probably needed it too.

Evidently, in the Van on the way back to the High School, everypony else decided to come to Equestria and spend the night there since it was a weekend for them. A Twins day would follow, then the Equestria Girls would need to return.

Shysage knew that the more the Equestria Girls came to Equestria, the less they would feel isolated by the Portal, so this was good. And again, Shysage felt the Portal possessed a certain amount of 'sentience', and he had learned not to fear it as much.

Well, it had taken he and Summer to the distant past, but still everything there was nearly perfectly timed. And Summer was with him.

Another Twins day would be nice for everypony, but Summer needed Shysage tonight, and he knew it. He asked Summer's Twin if she would be ok with that, and she said that would be fine. She mentioned that both Fluttershys took good care of her when her Twin was not there.

Maybe five minutes from the school, Shysage asked Equestria Girls Summer if they could make a quick stop on the way, and she said that would be fine. Next, Shysage asked to borrow Summer's Cell.

Shysage texted Equestria Girls Twilight that they would be a little late, but that they should all wait for them.

Next, Shysage directed Summer to Shysage's 'cubical', his 'shack' in the Equestria Girls world. It was close to the High School. The Mustang was soon pulling in behind the large blue car Summer remembered. It was dusty, parked under a roof thing, next to a very small 'house', that was a single room probably no more than 10 feet by 10 feet square.

Shysage quickly let them in, and there was barely enough room for the three of them inside. There was a small bed with boxes under it, and a large shelf above it with strange equipment on top. There was a toilet and sink, and a very small refrigerator with a microwave sitting on top.

It didn't take Shysage's Mare long to realize that the 'scope' thing that had saved her life, was probaby built by Shysage in this very room...

Shysage didn't try to explain anything, and quickly got to work. From his time in 'Equestria past', Shysage had a substantial beard. He used first a large noisy thing, then a smaller noisy thing, and it was soon gone.

Shysage's Mare didn't even wait until he was done, but ran her finger across his cheek and said simply "Wow..."

Shysage was quickly done, and carefully washed his face.

They were soon back on their way, and the Mustang pulled to a stop outside Fluttershy's apartment.

Summer mentioned that everyone else was waiting at the Portal, so they headed there.

As soon as Shysage and the two Summers walked up, Princess Twilight relaxed, and then started to send the Twins through the portal. She sent Cel and Lu then their Twins later after asking everypony to help them.

Summer and Shysage were last, and went though the Portal together. Both were hoping they would just be in 'present day Equestria' on the other side.

They were.

It was late afternoon in Equestria, which was good. Shysage knew the Portal had the ability to navigate Time, and so he was not surprised.

It seemed to Shysage that the Portal would often adjust the Time a little, when traversing between the two worlds, in order to help them, and he appreciated that. Shysage really couldn't explain any more than that.

Summer asked to speak briefly, and then simply said that having Princess Celestia and Princess Luna come to the Equestria Girls world was amazing, but that, back in Equestria, they were both still the rulers of the Realm, and needed to be treated as such.

Everypony immediately understood Summer's point, and quickly bowed to the two Princesses. Well, Summer and Shysage didn't because Cel told them not to. And Princess Twilight didn't either.

Princess Celestia (Cel) said quickly "You may all arise, and thank you. Equestria welcomes each of you."

Summer and Shysage both hugged Cel and Lu tightly, then Shysage asked Princess Twilight if he and Summer could head to their home. He explained that Summer had done well today, after only getting him 'back' just yesterday, but it was clear she needed him.

It was hard for everypony to not hear this in the Portal room, and everypony was quickly hugging Summer and Shysage, and they all hoped Summer got to feeling better soon. This had been heart-breaking for all of them.

Summer's Twin and the Fluttershys walked them to the balcony, they all hugged again, then Summer and Shysage flew, as ponies, back to their home in Ponyville.

Chapter 8, Embracing the Storm, Part 2

Summer and Shysage flew together to Ponyville, to their home, and really did enjoy flying together again. It was clear though that they were both 'out of shape'.

They went inside their home, and found that Dawn had put both of their collars and the rope inside the door. This was only fair, Dawn didn't need them any more.

Rather than dwell on the nightmare they had just survived, Summer changed them both to 'people', and they hugged immediately and tightly. Summer's Twin wasn't in range yet, so, for a while, they just stood there, hugging and kissing. They kissed a lot, until both their bodies seemed to respond, and then they tried to just hug more; neither of them wanted to stop hugging. Shysage had been 'gone' a while, after all. They tried to ignore their bodies, for a little while anyway.

Shysage was a little apprehensive about how this evening and tonight would go. Things had been pretty rough before the Fury Run, and he was not sure what effect the passage of time would have, on each of them, and in a number of areas. And he felt battered now too...

Still, he had pretty much made up his mind that he would do what was best for Summer; what she wanted, what she needed. She is the one that had to cope without him for months, and Shysage still couldn't even imagine what that was like. He would let her call the shots. He told her that, then hugged her tightly.

Tears filled Summer's eyes, and she said softly "Shysage, I love you so much... It seems like a miracle to me that I even got you back... I just want you near me..."

It was quiet for a few minutes while Shysage hugged his Mare tightly.

Well, it was clear Summer really liked how Shysage's face felt with no beard, and she had her face up against his if and when she could. This simple gift seemed to mean a lot to Summer. And he liked her that close, too. Shysage guessed Summer would probably want to sleep like that, and he would make it work.

After kissing and hugging some more, Summer said "Hi Twin", and then changed she and Shysage back to ponies. Twin must have been in range now.

It was afternoon, and Summer and Shysage walked to the meadow off to the East, and Summer led them over to the little hill. They were both soon laying down on their bellies next to each other, taking turns thanking their true friend that Shysage was back.

Both were weeping softly for this, they were in no hurry.

After this was done, they rubbed noses some, in between gazing into each other's eyes.

A little while later, they were both staring off into the distance.

"Summer, even being here next to you is an amazing privilege to me, I hope you know that" Shysage said softly.

Summer wrapped her neck up and over Shysage's neck like she did in her dream, then rested there and sighed.

"Well, that's good, Shysage... We've raised two foals as Stallion and Mare, and I just can't survive without you... I'm trying to put the last few months behind me... It was awful...

"I missed everything else we do together, even when it's hard... ..but not even being able to talk to you was so painful... Maybe that was the hardest of all, I don't know..."

Shysage rolled over on his back, and Summer was soon on top of him. Well they were sort of at an angle. They were just hugging, well as ponies.

Summer smiled then said "We aren't staying here long, right? Because you know..."

"Oh, precious Mare..." Shysage said, smiling himself. "Nah, I just wanted to hug you. I really love you. And I'm glad to be back with you."

They hugged, and rubbed noses a few minutes. Summer said softly "Stallion, tell me how this feels."

Shysage was immediately apprehensive. This could go in any number of directions.

Still, Summer, instead of rubbing Shysage's nose, actually licked it with her tongue.

Shysage slowly licked Summer's nose back, then said softly "Maybe we should save that..."

Summer giggled, then said "I suspected as much, Stallion."

Summer thought for a minute, then said "Ooops, sorry Twin..."

Shysage got this worried look on his face, but Summer said her Twin just laughed. Summer said her Twin mentioned something about 'taking notes', then Shysage laughed a lot.

Shysage explained the phrase to his Mare, then she laughed a lot too.

Then they both got up.

Summer said "Can we fly together a while? I really missed being able to do that with you. I think I need the exercise, too."

Shysage replied "Well, I know I need the exercise. That sounds amazing."

Shysage and his Mare rubbed noses, and were soon flying lazily around Ponyville. Both had really missed this simple way of spending time together.

From the air, they watched the ponies of Ponyville. Many seemed to be scurrying around, finishing their day below. It looked like the Cake's shop was busy right now, but this was not a surprise.

Shysage said "No more food for me, please. That 'Burger' was very good, but I'm stuffed."

Summer just laughed.

Still, being able to save even one of the ponies below from a fury was an amazing victory. But they had saved MANY ponies; it could have been a lot worse... And the ponies below them had absolutely no idea what had happened early that morning, over two months ago now...

Shysage suspected a new volume of Summer's chronicles would probably be requested at some point. "Summer, did you take any notes for the time I was 'gone'? And we can discuss this later of now is a bad time..."

Summer was quiet, and headed to the closest meadow and landed, then sat down. Shysage followed and landed, then sat facing her, and hugged her tightly.

Weeping softly, she said quietly "I actually did a few chapters on your compy. I had a lot of time, because you slept a lot... I cried a lot while doing it, well I cried a lot anyway... I hope I didn't ruin your keyboard... I don't know if you will like what I wrote, it was all from my perspective. It was the best I could do though..."

Shysage let Summer cry on his shoulder for a little while; He just hugged her tightly.

"Summer, I love you very much... I will keep your chapters exactly like they are, I'm sure they are perfect. What you endured was a nightmare, and your description of that will certainly be better than anything I could come up with."

Summer picked her head up, and looked into Shysage's eyes, then sighed. "Stallion, I am just thankful I got you back... ...because it really was a nightmare..."

Shysage then carefully licked Summer's nose.

Summer smiled... "Shysage, let's fly some more... Because... Well... you know..."

They were quickly back in the air, enjoying flying together again.

They had been in the air together for less than half an hour when a bunch of other ponies joined them. The Fluttershys and Summer's Twin came first, followed soon after by the Twilights, and the Rainbow Dash Twins.

Equestria Girls Fluttershy was crying... Her Twin, Equestria pony Fluttershy had joined her as they flew. She loved flying, but understood Equestria pony Fluttershy's fears. She was just elated that she and her Twin were flying together now...

These flying friends all spent maybe the next half hour flying slowly together above the town. They all talked, they laughed, this was just an amazing way to be together.

It must have been an amazing sight too, there were nine of them flying together.

It wasn't the Wonderbolts, but Equestria pony Rainbow Dash still said "Flying with you ponies like this is amazing... It's even better than the Wonderbolts..."

Everypony felt the sentiment behind the statement, and both Twilights said at the same time "Aww... Rainbow..."

Summer realized that the rest of the ponies should not be left alone long, so Summer led them back to the Castle, to the others, who were just sitting outside the Castle talking. The Celestia and Luna Twins were not there, however.

They all just spent the next hour outside the Castle just talking together. The lights on the front of the Castle were now very bright. Visiting together was easy to do, even though it was getting dark. And Summer told them all again that she really appreciated them 'being there' for her.

Summer tried to spend some time with each set of Twins that evening. She really did love all of them. And being with friends like this really was amazing...

Summer only later realized that Shysage was not with her. She immediately began looking around for him. Before she got too apprehensive, Summer saw her Stallion. He was sitting under 'Summer's Tree'; it was one of the closer trees to the Castle after all. Summer really didn't want to go back over there...

Summer apologized to the Twilight Twins, then walked slowly over to Shysage. She was just concerned...

Shysage was facing the tree, facing a patch of grass stained with his own blood... Summer sat next to him and started to cry immediately. Shysage put one of his front legs around her neck, and pulled her close.

Neither of them heard, nor saw, that the Twilight Twins had followed Summer over, then quietly sat together behind them both.

Shysage hugged Summer tightly, then spoke softly.

"Summer, we both need to embrace what happened here, the 'storm' that we have both had to deal with... It was painful, for you the most, but at least it's over. And if me losing my memory for two and a half months is the price we both paid to rescue the rest of Ponyville and beyond from furies, I can live with that. That is what True Friendship is all about.

"And so many other really good things have happened here as well...

"I don't think being a Phantom Alicorn will be easy, and I sometimes wonder why one of the most sensitive mares in Equestria was given that honor. Maybe that's where I come in, I don't know.

"But Summer, this is who you are, who we are. This is what has helped us become what we are today, and accomplish all that we have accomplished, and whatever might be in store for us. We both need to accept that."

Summer's crying slowed, then stopped as Shysage said all this. When he was done, Summer sighed in Shysage's embrace, then spoke softly herself.

"Stallion, you are right, a lot of amazing things have happened here, and we need to accept the bad along with that.

"And I agree with everything you said about the sacrifices we make and have made, for the sake of True Friendship, for the benefit of others. That too is who we are, who we have chosen to become.

"And I guess, knowing what I know now, I would probably have everything work out all the same way, if I could choose again beforehand, I don't know.

"But still, this blood on the ground... You losing your memory... It all just... Shysage, this Phantom Alicorn just cannot live without her Stallion by her side... Shysage... I just cant..."

They both were crying now, hugging tightly too.

Summer soon heard her Twin crying too, very close...

The Twins were all now sitting behind Summer and Shysage. Well, Summer's Twin moved to sit next to her, and just hugged her Twin. The rest of the Twins weren't in any order, but were all close, each with their Twin. And they had all been there that terrible morning, two and a half months ago. And it was pretty dark this far from the Castle.

Still, Princess Twilight said "Ok girls, and Shysage too, let's say it, you should all know this by now."

Everypony said:

"We are deeply devoted to each other...
"We are true friends, and committed to true friendship...
"We are... ...Equestria..."

Princess Twilight continued, addressing everypony present.

"This Fury Run has taught me three very important lessons.

"First, there is nopony among us that is of secondary importance. You all know that Shysage's role in this group has largely been in the background. But his injury deeply impacted us all.

"I can look around this group, and honestly say that NONE OF YOU are 'expendable'... I personally need each and every one of you. And I know this puts me in a very difficult spot, but that is just the way it is. I love you all. I need you all. And Equestria needs you all...

"Second, given our roles together helping to safeguard Equestria, we must all CONSTANTLY work hard to maintain our devotion to each other. Summer's Dream surfaced that need, and the Fury Run just emphasized how important it is for us to stay deeply devoted to each other.

"We never know when the Group Link will be required, and we need to make sure we are ready. And Pinkie and Applejack please understand me -- I am NOT trying to point any fingers. It honestly could have been ANY of us, me included. Girls, we MUST work to stay devoted to each other. We must all safeguard that constantly.

"Lastly, I also heard what Shysage said a little while ago, and it is true. If Summer and Shysage working through that "two and a half month storm" was the cost of our group being able to save Equestria from furies, that is a cost we must ALL accept, TOGETHER... That is a part of who we are, and what we do. And again, it could have been, and in the future could be, any of us that are called on, to pay such a price.

"Ok, girls, please 'circle up' as Twins, with Shysage between the Summer's and the Fluttershys. Let's get the Group Link going for a little while."

The peace found in the Soul Link is amazing, and really defies description. The Group Link is even more like this...

The 'Soul Link' was originally surfaced during Summer's 'Dark Journey' to rescue the Equestria ponies from Discord's tombstones.

After starting the 'link', Equestria Girls Fluttershy took some of Equestria pony Fluttershy's pain into her own soul to ease the pain her Twin was carrying, and as the focal point of Discord's rebellion, Equestria pony Fluttershy carried a lot of pain... Soon the Twins were all doing this, sharing each other's pain.

Well the purpose of this Group Link quickly became Summer's amazing friends each taking some of the pain from Summer's soul, the pain that resulted from losing Shysage for two and a half months. Each of the 13 devoted friends present took some, and Shysage did too. But after each of the 14 ponies took some, there was not a lot left. It really helped...

Then they all just relaxed together. It was amazing.

Princess Twilight broke the link after a little while.

Summer and Shysage hugged and thanked everypony, which took a while, then they hugged her sister and her twin, then Summer's own Twin. Summer and Shysage then walked off together to Shysage's home.

This discussion between Summer and Shysage began soon after they started walking from the Castle to their home.

"Summer, so when your Twin is close, you can sense some of what she is seeing and hearing, correct? And she can likewise sense what you are seeing and hearing as well, right?" Shysage asked.

Summer answered "Yes, and it seems that can't be turned off either. Why do you ask?"

"Well, what do you think is the range of that link... How close do you need to be to your Twin for that link to be active?" Shysage asked again.

Summer thought for a minute, then replied "Shysage, I'm not very good with distances, I'm sorry."

Shysage stopped, and hugged his Mare. "Summer... From our home to the Castle is easily in range, right?"

Summer immediately answered "Yes..." then also immediately understood his point. "I think I see what you are getting at. We can't do anything about that though, right?"

Shysage replied "Well, maybe. Let's walk out to the hill East in the meadow, and see if it is still active. I don't know how much pressure our actions have placed on your Twin in the past, but I know waiting is hard..."

"My Twin just mentioned that she knows we kiss a lot, but that's it." Summer said quietly.

"Well I think your Twin is amazing" Shysage said, knowing full well that Equestria Girls Summer would be able to hear that.

"I think the distance is no more than a mile, but I don't know..." Shysage offered as a guess.

Shysage decided to call it the "Twin Link". This information came into play briefly during Summer's dream, but otherwise was not something anypony had explored.

Well, it worked on the little hill in the meadow East of town. But at the far side of the meadow, near the lake, it did not work.

Shysage and his mare walked slowly back, and Summer mentioned when the link returned. At this point, Shysage flew straight up for a minute, then came back. It was dark, but the lights on the Castle were bright. Princess Twilight's Castle was beautiful at night too.

"Maybe three quarters of a mile" Shysage said to himself.

Then Shysage said to Summer "Lets give your Twin some peace maybe", and he led them both to the far end of the meadow.

It was actually lighter out now, and the rising, full Moon was the reason.

Summer and Shysage were soon laying on their bellies in the grass facing the Moon. The appearance of the meadow under the hushed light of the full Moon was very beautiful.

Summer said what Shysage was thinking "Stallion, we are completely alone right now... Is that safe?"

Shysage just sighed... "Mare, you are amazingly beautiful... I could look at you all night... Well, I might want to do more, but still..." Shysage paused briefly, then said "How badly do you want a foal?"

Then he quickly asked "Summer, honestly, how are you doing in your recovery from the last two months?"

Summer answered immediately "Stallion, there's something on your mind, if I am not mistaken."

Shysage answered with a smile "Summer, I can't keep anything from you, can I? Well, we need to have this discussion at some point, but I want to make sure it is not at a harmful time."

"Shysage, I am overjoyed to just have you back. And the Group Link made a huge difference. Let's talk about it now, and we can stop and finish later if it becomes a problem." Summer suggested.

Shysage thought a minute, then said softly "We have mentioned giving you a foal quiet a bit; sometimes seriously, sometimes not. I just don't think there ever will be a 'good' time for the Phantom Alicorn to have a foal..."

Summer replied quietly "I know Shysage... I think that's just a part of my calling... But I know you are wise, tell me what you are thinking."

Shysage gently mentioned the following to his mare.

"Well first, I think any use of your Phantom Alicorn magic could impact the development of a baby in your womb. And we don't even know if your body would block the use of your Phantom Alicorn form in order to protect the baby.

"I also don't know if using the Portal is a good idea while you are pregnant either. I am not extremely concerned about this however.

"The biggest problem with the Portal is that taking a foal through from here to the Equestria Girls world would be very dangerous. Human babies don't fall very gracefully. The Portal has surprised me before, however.

"And I still am not sure how to handle obligations I feel left over from the Equestria Girls world...

"At any rate, I think we should only pursue our own foal if we willingly accept the following conditions.

"First, if the protection of Equestria requires it, we must be fully willing to use your Alicorn magic, even if it might harm the baby in your womb.

"And I guess, once you are pregnant, we should be able to determine if you are able to even 'spin up' your Cutie Mark. But there is a chance, we may find that a pregnancy puts you out of action. That could get scary.

"I also suspect that you will need to stay in one world or the other for the duration of your pregnancy, and even beyond until the baby passes a certain age. My preference would be Equestria, because the system in place for 'health care' in the Equestria Girls world is very convoluted, and expensive, and getting worse. Well, that and you have absolutely no identity there.

"And even after all of this, the occasion may arise where we may need to leave our foal in the care of somepony else, maybe for an extended time, should our presence in, say the Equestria Girls world be required."

Shysage just stopped here and sighed.

"Precious Mare... Us having our own foal would require a lot of things to go right, and we need to be willing to accept it, if that doesn't happen..."

Summer was silent for a minute or two, then she spoke softly "Well Stallion, I think we are both on the same page here.

"I want you to know that I really appreciated what you gave me up in the clouds, but I feel really bad that I haven't been able to give you anything in return.

"Still, I understand past obligations need to be resolved somehow before we get too much further. I guess we just need to be very careful here until that happens, whatever 'very careful' means...

Shysage began to weep at this point, then said softly "Summer, I really don't deserve you... You are absolutely amazing... I could never find a better Mare, on either side of the Portal..."

"Well, I'm Shysage's Mare, I hope that's ok with you." Summer said with a smile.

Shysage just hugged her...

After a brief pause, Summer said quietly "Let's go home, I think my Twin is waiting up until we are back in range before she goes to sleep."

Summer and Shysage walked across the meadow, and Summer was right. As soon as the 'Twin Link' was active again, Equestria Girls Summer said "Thank you, and good night."

Summer said "I love you, Twin."

and Shysage said "Me too."

It was late, and had been maybe a day and a half, if you include their full day in the Equestria Girls world.

Shysage and his Mare were soon in their home, in their room.

Shysage was correct, they were both quickly 'people', in their brand new Shysage clothes.

Shysage was on his back with Summer laying on top of him, curled up like this morning, with her legs out to the side. Summer's face was up against Shysage's, and she occasionally would kiss his face; well, maybe more often than just occasionally.

Shysage again hugged Summer with one arm, and held her hands in his free hand.

It was clear neither would be able to sleep this way, so Shysage asked Summer to sit up a minute, and Shysage went and got his scratchy old pony blanket, and folded it up into a fairly large pillow. He sort of leaned it up against the wall in the corner of their room.

Shysage was soon laying back on the floor, with his head and chest sort of at an angle on the blanket pillow. He was actually laying parallel to the wall right next to him. Summer curled back up on his chest, moved her legs down a little further, and was very comfortable.

"I love you, Mare" Shysage said, and Summer just sighed contendedly.

Summer was soon asleep.

Shysage didn't think he could sleep, but it really didn't matter. He was taking care of his Mare.

Shysage did finally doze off, only to wake up maybe in the middle of the night. Summer had moved over against the wall, and so was laying on her side next to Shysage. Her knee was pretty high up on his legs, but Summer was clearly sound asleep.

Shysage just went back to sleep himself. He couldn't sleep very deeply on his back, but again this was about Summer. He just made it work.

Summer slept very well, and Shysage woke up early to Summer gently kissing his face. He liked that. He kissed her back too.

After a few minutes, Shysage hugged her tightly and then he sighed contendedly.

"I love you too, Stallion" Summer said softly.

Shysage liked mornings like this. Well, he really loved his Mare.

"How did last night work for you, Mare?" Shysage asked quietly.

"Well, aside from wanting to... well... Otherwise, it was fine" Summer answered with a smile.

"You're not alone there, but we just need to get used to that I guess..." Shysage said.

"Yes. That's why it's time to go flying, Stallion. Are you ready?" Summer asked.

"Summer can we just hug a little longer?" Shysage asked.

Summer kissed Shysage, then said softly "Hi Twin..."

Shysage smiled, then said "Flying, it is."

Summer changed them both back into ponies, and Shysage and his Mare headed to the meadow for some Oats.

Summer's Twin begged them to come to the Castle instead, and enjoy some breakfast with the Twins, and so that's what they decided to do. Evidently, everypony was waiting for them.

"Well, we get to fly a little anyway, Shysage" Summer said quietly.

Shysage thought a minute then said "Summer, today is a Twin's Day, so you should enjoy your Twin while you can. I think I will try to get some writing projects done today."

"Well, it's not like you have a lot to do..." Summer said with a smile.

Shysage thought about asking Summer where she put the Fury Run chapters she did, but realized this might not be a good idea. He realized he could find them easily enough.

Summer and Shysage landed at the Castle, and were 'people' for a few minutes as they kissed and hugged. Then they headed into the Castle for breakfast.

Chapter 9, A Good Day

Breakfast was very good, except that Summer and Shysage were both still full from yesterday, and so simply shared one serving.

The Celestia and Luna Twins were back with the group now, and so Shysage noted that he needed to hug Cel and Lu this morning at some point. Well he wanted to, anyway.

While everypony was eating, Princess Twilight asked that everypony remain seated afterwards, as Princess Celestia had some words to say to the group.

Cel's comments weren't long.

She thanked everypony for their help, both with killing the furies, and especially with helping mom (Equestria pony Summer) with everything while dad (Shysage) lost his memory.

Cel had to stop here, herself, and cry briefly, as did Lu. This was just a hard time for the family. Well, they weren't the only ones that cried.

Cel mentioned that she was just very grateful that everypony present was available to help with this nightmare.

And she concluded by asking dad (well, Shysage) to put the account of the "Fury Run" together.

Cel lamented that, while Ponyville and maybe the rest of the realm was spared an onslaught of deadly furies, just about everypony had no clue about what even happened, and those who 'stood in the gap' for Equestria, which was basically everypony in this room. Cel felt that needed to change.

With this, Princess Celestia's comments were done.

Today was a Twins day, and so Princess Twilight mentioned that the Twins should feel free to spend time together here in Equestria, well around Ponyville. They should return to the Castle maybe late afternoon to start heading back to the Portal room.

Most everypony was quickly off to enjoy the day with their Twin, and rightly so.

Once outside, the Rainbow Dash Twins immediately took off into the sky.

The Applejacks headed to Sweet Apple Acres.

The Raritys headed to the Boutique, probably to work on the 'T-Shirt' design some more.

The Pinkie Pie Twins headed off to the Cakes, of course.

The Twilights stayed in the Castle. Shysage thought they would end up in the Library.

Shysage, the Summer Twins and the Fluttershy Twins waited a minute maybe, then Summer and Shysage made their way over to Cel (Princess Celestia) and Lu (Princess Luna), and hugged them both tightly.

Cel and Lu were waiting for them, and Cel mentioned that she and Lu wanted to accompany mom and dad to the Canterlot Recorder's home.

Summer and Shysage had no idea what to expect, but they were soon on their way. Cel and Lu's Twins came of course, along with Summer's Twin and the Fluttershys.

The short trip across town took a little longer, as everypony they encountered quickly bowed to Cel and Lu, and this was fine. They were the rulers of Equestria.

Once they arrived at Shysage and Summer's home, Cel asked that only mom and dad come in with she and Princess Luna. The rest would wait outside.

Once inside, Shysage saw immediately what this special visit was about.

Cel had their new 'couch' delivered while mom and dad were at breakfast.

It was perfect of course, and a very nice royal red, with two nice, large pillows. It made everything else in Shysage's home look very out of place. But that didn't even matter...

Summer and Shysage both turned into people, then sat down on their new couch together. Cel and Lu both used their magic to place their crowns carefully on the floor near the door.

Cel and Lu's heads were quickly in mom and dad's laps, as Summer and Shysage hugged their girls, just like they had many times in 'Equestria past'... Mom and dad just loved their girls, hugging them tightly, running fingers through their mane, kissing their foreheads, like they always had... Everypony was soon weeping softly... Ruling Equestria didn't change the devotion felt in this room... And the last few months had been terrible for the family...

For maybe twenty minutes, the family just spent time together. After maybe ten minutes, Cel and Lu switched between mom and dad, and they just hugged some more. It was clear that everypony had missed this... Preferences, but no favorites...

Still, when they were done, they switched back for a few minutes, Cel with dad and Lu with mom.
Almost at the exact same time, Summer and Shysage said "Cel, I love you" or "Lu, I love you."

Then Cel and Lu backed up, as mom changed she and dad back into ponies.

Lu said softly "I really don't want to leave..."

Mom (Summer) just hugged her tight... Then she said softly "Lu, honey, you are both welcome here any time."

Cel added "Yes, sister, that was too short..."

Shysage walked over and hugged Cel again, then said softly "I dont understand it, but I think there may be some ponies in Equestria that would resent the relationship we have..."

Cel, still wiping away tears, replied softly "Well dad, they need to understand that Princesses don't just pop up out of nowhere, especially good ones.

"My father was a great military leader, but from what I can remember, neither our father or mother had much time left for us, after the pressures of leading a still bickering collection of ponies.

"In two short years, you both gave us so much... And it has served Equestria well for a long time."

And Lu added simply "And mom, dad, I'm not ashamed of that at all. We love you both a lot..."

The family all hugged together as ponies for a few minutes, then Cel and Lu retrieved their crowns. They were soon heading out the door, to the waiting ponies.

It was hard to conceal that fact that the family had been crying together, but evidently everypony outside shed some tears too, either because they were Twins or just extremely sensitive.

The group made their way back to Princess' Castle, to the Air Coaches waiting in the grass.

Shysage and Summer hugged their girls again, then they were on their way back to Canterlot with their Twins.

Summer sat facing Shysage, and they hugged tightly, as Summer started to cry.

"Shysage, why does it hurt so, to leave them..." Summer cried.

Weeping softly himself, Shysage just said "Because they are our girls..."

Well, it was a Twin's day, and Summer soon calmed down, and Shysage hugged her again, and she headed off with her Twin and the Fluttershys.

Shysage walked slowly back to his home, alone, which he really didn't like right now. But he had stuff that needed to be done, and Summer's Twin was here, so he got to work.

'Summer's Dream' was the first project Shysage worked on. He decided to leave the 'Summer's Dream' part (the early chapters) alone, since he and Summer had already gone through it a few times.

Shysage quickly wove together the amazing chapters about the events that followed, covering the transition back to 'Equestria present', and Princess Twilight's even more amazing battle with Eschate Zumulus, with the 'Group Link', and everything else.

Princess Twilight connecting with 'the Bond of Knowing' was just amazing...

When he got to the group link that freed both Summers from the effects of each of their run-ins with Rape, Shysage just cried...

This had been a concern Shysage personally dealt with starting even when he managed to snatch Summer from death that scary morning so long ago. This concern was also one of the things that drew them both together.

And as he and Summer worked through the implications of Summer's Dream together, this drew them closer too.

At the time, Shysage's proposal to Summer in her dream confused Shysage. He increasingly didn't mind, but still. It was pretty clear to Shysage now, that this part of the dream reflected what Summer really wanted. Well, Shysage also realized that he was 'hopelessly' in love now too.

Shysage used stored video segments in the 'scope' to actually get the details arranged correctly.

By around noon, Shysage had a good solid first pass done for the entire volume, and that was very good progress.

Shysage had to 'step away' for a little while, from what he had just written, and so he began looking for the files Summer had made while Shysage's memory was gone.

Shysage quickly found them, where they belonged, in with the chapters for the other volumes that he and Summer had worked on.

Shysage opened the first file Summer wrote, and read maybe five lines, then immediately closed it, and was weeping softly.

His Mare wrote simply, each word indelibly etched with the searing pain she felt. He would change nothing... He could change nothing... He couldn't even read any more right now...

And Summer was right, all her chapters were in 'first person', reflecting her own thoughts and impressions. Shysage would not change this either; he just decided he would use 'first person' for much of the rest of that volume. This would be a little while; Shysage needed to document their trip to "Equestria past' still...

For now, Shysage would not even try to look at them again until his Mare was here...

Summer and her Twin walked in the door at this point, and Summer immediately noticed the tears in her Stallion's eyes. Summer hugged him tightly right away.

Shysage just said softly "Mare, we are going to have to do Fury Run together... And we need to make sure we have plenty of time to cry when we do..."

Equestria Girls Summer spoke up softly "Can I help too, please?"

Summer and Shysage just pulled her into their hug.

After their group hug was done, Shysage's Mare gently licked Shysage's nose.

Shysage smiled, then said softly "What brings you beautiful ladies here?"

"We are going to help with your job, again" they said together.

Shysage pulled the 'Summer's Dream' and other chapters up.

The Summer Twins were soon sitting together on the cover for the 'scope', as people, and they worked quickly through the entire volume a few times.

Shysage turned himself into a 'people', and laid on their new couch, propping his head up on one of the pillows, and watched and helped from there.

And, every time they worked through the part where Shysage proposed to Summer, she had to stop, get her Twin safe, then hug and kiss Shysage a few minutes. That really was an important part of Summer's Dream to both Summer and Shysage now.

Equestria Girls Summer is blazing fast at typing, and very skilled at editing. Shysage and his Mare would often discuss word choice, phrases, details, etc., and her Twin would get it typed in. Well her Twin just helped a lot with everything.

The three of them decided to call the volume 'Homecoming' to reflect the main theme woven through both sections; the Equestria Girls always having a 'home' to come 'home' to -- Equestria -- whenever they felt it was time. That offer stands even now.

Summer's Twin just cried...

And Shysage's Mare and her Twin had a lot of fun doing this too. Well, it was an amazing experience for all of them, and being able to re-live those events was spectacular.

Well, by late afternoon, thanks to everyponies' hard work, volume two of Summer's chronicles was on the way to Princess Twilight's Library for delivery to Cel via courier.

Accompanied by the two Summers, Shysage carried the pages in his shoulder sack, and the three of them headed to Princess Twilight's Castle, to the Library.

Shysage was right, the Twilight Twins were in the Library, both surrounded by piles of books.

Shysage and the two Summers quickly bowed to Princess Twilight, then all gave her a hug once back up.

Princess Twilight helped Shysage get the stack of pages out, and she put them where they belonged. Magic worked so much nicer for that.

It was soon time for the Twins to head to the Portal room, and Air Coaches began to arrive outside the Castle.

With Princess Twilight's permission, Shysage, the Summer Twins, and the Rainbow Twins just left at that point, and flew to the Crystal Palace. This would mean fewer ponies for the Air Coaches.

Both Summers, both Rainbows and Shysage were quickly on the balcony in the Portal room. Before doing anything else, they all hugged together, and maybe cried a little too.

Soon after, the Twins spent some time Soul Linked, and were quiet.

Shysage just sat on the balcony looking out over the Crystal Empire as the Sun headed for the horizon to the West. It was very beautiful.

But then, he noticed that his Mare was very beautiful too. Rather than just stare at her, Shysage just walked over, and sat next to her.

It took an hour to get the rest of the ponies to the Palace, and Princess Cadance brought them all up to the Portal room.

By then, the Summers, the Rainbows and Shysage were just sitting, talking together. The Futtershys soon joined the Summers, and the sisters hugged tightly. Shysage really wanted to hug all the Twins, so he just didn't hug any of them at this point.

Princess started sending Twins through the Portal. Then she and her Twin went, and then Summer's Twin went. Summer and Shysage went last, and together.

Summer and Shysage generally went through the Portal together now; neither wanted to get separated from the other while traversing the Portal. Well, neither wanted to get separated from the other...

In the Equestria Girls world, it wasn't dark yet, but it was getting there. Everypony just spent the next hour maybe visiting with their Twin. It had really been a nice visit, it seemed like everyone was smiling.

Equestria Girls Summer wanted to take her Twin to Fluttershy's apartment for a few minutes, and so asked Princess about this. The Fluttershys would come too, in order to let them in. Princess agreed as long as Shysage went. Well, he wouldn't let them leave without him anyway.

Once inside Fluttershy's apartment, Equestria Girls Summer pulled out her Twin's 'Backpack', that had been left from before Summer's dark journey. They had already agreed that the first three volumes of Princess Celestia's Commentaries would stay here, but the backpack was Summer's.

Summer loved it, but gave it to Shysage, so he could carry it for her.

The Summers and the Fluttershys Soul Linked together, the four of them, for a few minutes, and were silent.

Shysage was glad that they didn't include him, because he was working on a surprise for his Mare.

They were all soon back at the Portal.

Shysage actually put Summer's backpack on correctly. He had a feeling it would be properly on his back as the book-bag it used to be, on the other side of the Portal.

Everypony hugged a few minutes, then Princess started sending the Equestria ponies back through the Portal to Equestria.

Soon, just Summer and Shysage were left. They both hugged everypony again, then went through the Portal together.

They were both soon back in Equestria.

And Shysage was right, he was now wearing Summer's 'new' book-bag that Rarity had made for her. It really was beautiful.

Shysage asked 'Rare' to help move it back to Summer, and this was done quickly. Shysage told Summer she looked amazing wearing it. She just blushed.

It was pretty dark out, so everypony just let the Air Coaches worry about the flying. Still, Princess' beautiful new Castle was easy to see at night, even from a distance.

Shysage, his Mare, his Princess and five other amazing friends were soon on the grass in front of Princess' Castle, hugging tightly, weeping softly.

It had been a good day.

Chapter 10, By The Moonlight (Pegasus Play)

Hi, it's me, Shysage.

(opt:btm4e)

It was pretty late in the evening by the time Summer and I got home after seeing the Twins off in the Equestria Girls world.

Summer and I had a real 'couch' now, and we decided to test it out a little more.

We both changed into people, in our nice new 'Shysage' clothes. I laid on the couch, and Summer was soon laying on top of me. I didn't mind, and we hugged and kissed a while, until it was clear we needed to move.

Summer then rolled over to the side, up next to the back of the couch, and put her head down on my chest near my neck. We both sighed together at the same time.

I was again hugging Summer with one arm, and held her hands with my other hand.

Our new couch is very nice. Laying like this was very comfortable, much better than the floor, and we were both soon asleep.

I awoke a few hours later, surely past midnight, to find Summer gently kissing my face. Evidently, she could not sleep any more, and so was making good use of her time. I just kissed her back. Well we both said "I love you" at the same time once, too.

Kissing her, especially as people, just does something to me. I didn't really mind. I love her so much.

Still, I got up, and asked her to join me, and then asked that she change us back into ponies. I still couldn't do that yet.

After we were ponies again, I stood facing her, and we rubbed noses a minute. Then I gently and slowly licked her nose.

Right after doing that, I walked quickly out the door, and into the broad path outside our home. As I had expected, it was very bright outside, thanks to the same Full Moon we saw last night. I was planning on that.

Summer followed me quickly of course, probably wondering what I was doing. We were soon again standing, facing each other, looking into each other's eyes.

I slowly bowed to the ground in front of her, on my knees, and all, closing my eyes, and putting my head down. Then, still bowing, I looked up.

Summer then did the exact same thing, bowing fully, closing her eyes, dropping her head, then opening her eyes again. Still bowing, she looked up at me.

We were still both on our knees.

Then, I gently unfurled my wings straight out to the side, while tilting the tops of my wings as far forward towards Summer as I could.

Summer... blushed... brightly... I could even see this in the moonlight... I wasn't sure why she blushed, until she slowly did the same thing with her wings...

Wow... She looked beautiful like that... Maybe it is a Pegasus thing, I don't know... But I was awestruck... ...I just couldn't look away... I just wanted to hold her tight...

Hi, this is Summer.

One of the most important things to us ladies is security...

For the last two and a half years, Shysage has done nothing but take care of me... He protected me... He guided me... He watched over me... He rescued me... In so many ways he was just always there for me... And for our girls too, and that alone was extremely important to me...

I honestly felt like he was sheltering me, us, under his wings that whole time...

And when he put his wings out like that, I just connected that with his amazing care for me... I just melted... I just wanted to hold him too...

And I gotta say too, my Stallion really did look HOT... But again, it wasn't just that he looked that way... Everything was just amplified by his amazing care and consideration for me... I was awestruck too...

Anyway, Shysage licked my nose in the house, then we came out here.

After we both put our wings out like that, we were quickly rubbing noses again, still bowing on our knees before each other.

Then, I gently licked Shysage's nose, and I quickly ran off...

Of course, he ran after me.

I was not trying to outrun him, and I was not running really fast, that wasn't the point of this at all. I just wanted him to chase me, and that's what he did. Well, he started it!

We both kept our wings spread, and this is generally not a good idea, but it was just a part of what was going on. And yes, this is a Pegasus thing. I have no idea how my Stallion knew to do that...

Shysage realized I was heading for my tree, and he just followed me. He said later he would have followed me anywhere.

Most of the way there, I shrieked, and pulled my wings in quickly and dove to the side into the grass. Shysage followed me of course, and only then realized that we had almost 'tackled' Princess Twilight.

Shysage and I tumbled together into the grass, laughing of course.

But we quickly got up, and bowed to our precious Princess.

She had us up quickly, and I just as quickly gave her a big hug, and said "I love you, Princess". Then Shysage hugged her too.

"What are you two doing up in the middle of the night?" She asked with a smile.

Shysage and I looked at each other, and I think we blushed.

I said with a smile "We are playing a game..."

Princess Twilight thought for a minute, then said "It looks fun, can I play?

Shysage and I looked at each other again, and I think we blushed again.

Then Shysage said "I don't think three can play this game, Princess..."

Well, by then, our Princess "just knew', and smiled, then said "Oh, you two..."

We both felt a little bad, and Shysage said "Princess, I'm sorry, we are really trying to avoid making things harder for anypony..."

Princess Twilight sighed, then said softly "Shysage, I know... It's not what you two do, it's who you are... I simply know of no other ponies that are so deeply in love... So deeply and fully devoted to each other... You have both woven true friendship so deeply into every part of your lives, and the time you are together... Anypony that spends time around you realizes that. It's not a bad thing either..."

Princess stopped, and sighed again...

"But I am glad we have stopped aging... I can only hope that some day, I can meet such a stallion... And I would be lying if I said I didn't envy you both... Still, being a Princess seems to take a lot of my time..."

Shysage sighed sympathetically... "I'm sorry... I'd offer you my Twin if I could, Princess..."

Princess Twilight smiled. "I don't think Summer's Twin would pass up that opportunity."

I blushed again. My Twin was waiting...

Shysage spoke up again, softly "Well, Princess, I know that I really don't deserve this amazing Mare..."

I just said softly "Oh, Shysage..."

It was quiet for a minute, then Shysage asked "Princess, what brings you out tonight?

A look of concern quickly swept Princess Twilight's face as she answered...

"That Fury Run really scared me. If you both hadn't seen that thing, hundreds, maybe thousands of ponies would have had to die... Probably most of Ponyville... And some of us...

"Whenever I can't sleep, I get up and just take a walk around Ponyville, just to make sure. I doubt I would be able to spot everything, but I am trying to keep an eye out anyway..."

I spoke up quickly "Princess, can we walk with you?"

Princess Twilight thought a minute, then answered "I would appreciate the company, but wouldn't want to interrupt your game..."

Shysage answered softly "Princess, putting others first has brought us where we are, and we're not going to stop now. We would be happy to walk with you."

With Shysage on one side of our Princess, and me on the other, we all walked around Ponyville for a while.

We talked, laughed, and maybe we cried some too. It was a good time.

At one point, Princess said "I don't understand it, but I feel safer with you both around. I really can't explain it."

Shysage mentioned "Well, Princess, we really do need each other, that much is true."

I replied a little more seriously "Princess, I just don't feel safe unless Shysage is near me. I can't explain that either."

We were soon back in front of Princess Twilight's new Castle.

I spoke up "Princess, we don't mind if you wake us up to come on your walks with you. This was very nice. Please don't be bashful about that."

Shysage then added quietly "Princess, we both love you a lot... We would be happy to share this task with you."

Princess just said quietly "I know... And thank you."

Shysage and I both hugged our Princess, then she went inside her Castle.

It was silent for a minute or two, then I said quietly "Shysage, I wish you had more Twins..."

For maybe a minute, I just looked into Shysage's eyes... I just can't explain what that does to me...

Out came his wings, and mine did too. Then I ran off, the rest of the way to 'my tree'.

I kneeled down, wings still out, and he did too, then we rubbed noses a little while.

Then he gently licked my nose, and he ran off.

I followed him, of course.

We essentially retraced our steps, and ran back through town, past our house.

All of a sudden, Shysage pulled his wings in, and screeched to a stop, and I barely stopped in time behind him.

"Shysage you need 'tail lights' " I said, then I started laughing.

Shysage smiled, then said "Summer, come with me a minute."

We walked to the front door of Dawn's shop. Dawn is our neighbor. While running past, Shysage noticed Camille, Dawn's foal, standing next to the open door, and looking out. She looked concerned.

"Summer, are you mad at Shysage? I saw you chasing him..." Camille asked.

I walked up and gave Camille a hug. "No Camille, we were playing a game. I don't think I have ever been mad at Shysage."

Shysage just added "Nor I, you, Mare."

Camille heard 'game', then said "Can I play too?"

I got a very serious look on my face, and said "Camille, you must never come out at night unless your mommy is with you.

"Especially since you are young, that can be very dangerous.

"And it would be very easy for you to get lost out here, too.

"I know it looks light out tonight, but that is only because the moon is bright, but it will go down soon. Then it will be very dark."

Then I smiled, and said "Some time during the day we can play a running game with you and your mommy, just not tonight."

Camille yawned big, then said "I'm getting tired anyway. Bye, Summer and Shysage."

Camille walked into the showroom, closed the door, and was inside.

Shysage quickly bolted off, opening his wings in the process.

I just followed him.

Shysage ran out to the small hill in the meadow to the East and stopped.

We actually both lay down on our bellies side by side for a little while, and again thanked our true friend that Shysage was back, and for each other, and also for all our amazing friends, on both sides of the Portal. And we asked him to protect our amazing friends too.

Then we got back up, and kneeled facing each other on that hill, with our wings out.

We rubbed noses a minute. Well, maybe two...

Then I gently licked his nose, and ran off.

He followed me, of course.

This time, I took to the air.

Flying at night, even under a full moon is very dangerous. Still I wasn't flying fast, and we did know the Ponyville skyline very well, so it worked ok.

I flew over Ponyville, then headed straight for Princess' Castle. When I was close, I slowed, then dropped closer to the ground.

Next, I flew up the entire front side of the Castle, all the way past the top, past the end of the large Spire...

It's me, Shysage again.

This part was absolutely amazing... And deeply, breath-takingly moving...

I was not as close to the Castle as Summer was, but was following her... ...up the front of the Castle...

The full moon, behind us... was shining on her back... on her wings... on her beautiful mane and tail... on her amazing body...

My Mare... ...softly glowing by the moonlight... flying gracefully in front of Princess Twilight's beautiful new Castle...

I was absolutely awestruck...

I watched my Mare fly up in front of Princess' Castle almost in a trance... Summer looked so beautiful... That sequence of images burned itself into my soul, and I will never forget it... Ever...

Summer arched our path around, behind the top of the Spire, then back down in front, and we landed back at 'her tree'.

We bowed on our knees to each other with our wings out. Then, still on our knees, we rubbed noses, well a while...

Then I gently licked her nose, then I flew quickly away.

Summer followed me, of course.

I flew to the East again. Once I was past the end of Ponyville, I carefully landed in the meadow, then bolted off, further East across the meadow.

There is a large lake on the far side of that meadow, and I ran up to the edge of the lake, then stopped.

Summer ran up and stopped, facing me.

With my wings still out, I bowed on my knees in front of her.

She did the same thing.

We rubbed noses a few minutes.

Then Summer gently licked my nose, jumped up, pulled her wings in, then jumped through the water around the edge of the lake, splashing wildly.

Water and wings don't mix, and it is really easy to injure your wings in water. They had to be tucked away for this.

And ponies are not good swimmers, so we just stayed near the edge of the lake.

Still, I jumped through the water after her...

(opt:btm4f)

Summer took over at this point.

Anyway, we jumped into the lake and splashed each other for maybe five minutes or so... ...Laughing...

We had moved back around to the side of the lake closest to Ponyville at this point, then we climbed out and just fell together into the grass.

We were soon hugging tightly, staring into each other's eyes, weeping softly...

I said softly "Stallion, the more I give you... I receive far more in return..."

Shysage just answered softly "Sounds like true friendship to me... I love you Summer..."

"I love you too, Shysage..." I said.

It was quiet for a few minutes. We were both falling asleep.

Then I said "Shysage, I think Fluttershy wants to fly with us in the morning. Let's go sleep near her cottage, maybe?

Shysage smiled, and said "Summer, I will follow you anywhere..."

We were soon in the grass, in the clearing next to Fluttershy's cottage, laying side by side, with our heads next to each other.

We fell asleep quickly.

Chapter 11, Calming Down

The next morning, Shysage awoke to Angel jumping up and down on his back, like it was some sort of trampoline. Shysage suspected that Angel developed this habit while Shysage's memory was gone.

Angel wasn't always the most friendly animal...

Shysage also noticed that his Mare was still close, but she and Fluttershy were a small distance away, still laying on their bellies, just talking together quietly.

Shysage mustered the lowest voice he could, then said "Angel", and raised the pitch of his voice a little at the end as he said it, to add a little authority.

Angel quickly jumped the entire distance between Shysage's back and Fluttershy's front legs, and just cowered in fear next to Fluttershy.

Everypony just laughed.

Shysage got up and moved next to his Mare, and said "Hi, Sis" to Fluttershy. Then he rubbed his Mare's nose briefly.

"Don't let me interrupt anything" Shysage said quietly. "I'm with my Mare, anything else is fine."

"We have been talking a while, Stallion, you were really tired, I guess. I think we will go flying soon though" Summer said.

Shysage added softly "Fluttershy, you were such a huge help for my Mare. I think we are going to try to spend more time with you, if that's ok."

Both sisters looked at each other, and smiled at this.

The three of them were soon in the air flying slowly around Ponyville. Fluttershy seemed to be enjoying herself too, which was very nice. Summer and Shysage loved to fly. Well, that WAS a Pegasus thing.

Before long, Rainbow Dash and Princess Twilight had joined them, and they all just flew together. This was just amazing. Flying with such amazing friends...

Shysage led them on a path that flew them near Princess Twilight's Castle, and they all noticed that Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie had gathered in front of the Castle now, so they all landed.

It wasn't too long before they were all sitting in a tight circle together. Shysage didn't feel like he really belonged here, but everypony else thought otherwise apparently.

Still, Princess Twilight had them say together:

"We are deeply devoted to each other...
"We are true friends, and committed to true friendship...
"We are... ...Equestria..."

And it wasn't a pain or anything either; the ponies in this group were all just really close friends, and loved each other dearly.

Shysage spoke up after a minute's silence "Princess, can you try to see if the Group Link works with this group? I think I might block it, so I can back out if I need to.

Princess thought a minute, then said "Good idea. Shysage back out, girls move in tightly, and let's see if it works.

It did.

Shysage didn't mind sitting and watching, as Summer and her amazing mare friends enjoyed the communion of the Group Link. They were in no hurry, and neither was Shysage. He just waited.

Seven of the most amazing mares he could ever imagine... And one was his Mare even... What had he even done to deserve this, Shysage thought to himself...

Almost an hour later, the mares were still enjoying each other's presence, when an Air Coach landed near Princess' Castle. Princess Twilight broke the link.

Shyage was already over talking to the lead stallion, and walked back to the group. "Mom and dad need to head to Canterlot" Shysage said to his Mare.

Summer and Shysage hugged everypony, then both climbed into the Air Coach, and they were soon on their way.

Half way there, Summer said quietly "Shysage, I love you..."

Shysage thought briefly, then mentioned softly "Yes, that trip over this same route was much different. You were really scared, if I remember correctly."

"Yes... Four months into making amazing friends in Ponyville, and I thought that task was soon to be over. I really didn't know what to think. I was so scared, I didn't even bother watching the scenery..." Summer said quietly.

"Instead, you left your sister, and found her Twin" Shysage said with a smile.

"Well, yes, but those amazing girls have still left me feeling torn across the Portal... I love them all..." Summer said softly...

Shysage sighed, then said "I know... We do get to see them quite a bit however."

"Well, I'm glad most of my dream was just a dream..." Summer replied.

Shysage just answered back "I love you too, Mare."

The Air Coach landed in it's parking spot in the grass next to the large grass Commons area outside the Canterlot Audience Hall.

Summer and Shysage both got out, and walked over to Cel and Lu, who were on the Audience Hall side of the Air Coach.

After both were near Cel and Lu, Cel said simply 'Mom, dad, turn around."

Summer and Shysage turned around, and both immediately gasped...

Next to the Audience Hall, the grass Commons area was maybe 600 feet wide. The grass Commons area now extended, the same 600 foot width, all the way to the edge of the top level of the mountain... You could see across Equestria for dozens of miles now... It was amazing...

Cel volunteered "The large building shown perched on the edge of the top level of this mountain in most paintings of Canterlot, was actually a building owned by us.

"We had stopped using it a few years ago, when we realized it was going to fall off the edge. The two buildings on either side were vacant as well. We had them all removed, and added grass to the end."

Cal and Lu next walked maybe halfway from the Audience Hall to the edge, then sat down together... Just like they had the afternoon of their first visit up here in the distant past... Well, it was less that a year ago for Summer and Shysage.

Summer and Shysage walked over and sat next to them.

Lu said quietly "Mom and dad, we both remember our first visit up here. It is clear now that you knew what would eventually be up here. Our comments about our kingdom being up here must have really amazed you."

Shysage said softly "Well, yes, but really, our two girls are what really amaze us."

This precipitated a group hug for a few minutes.

Cel then said "Mom, dad, come over here."

Cel walked over to the side, well the left side when looking away from the Audience hall.

There was a small, maybe 25 foot round island surrounded by a maybe 20 foot wide moat of sorts, and the island could only be accessed by a small bridge.

Summer knew what it was immediately, and didn't really want to get closer, and was quickly hugging Shysage, weeping softly.

That island was the only part of the surrounding Commons that was under a small shield covering Princess Twilight and her girls, along with the five Equestria Girls, and Summer Rain. Sunset Shimmer threw every magic spell she could at it, trying to kill the twelve ponies under it. A huge rut surrounded that spot after the battle was over.

That night was one of the scariest nights for Summer, and she was sure her Princess would get killed...

Summer and Shysage just walked slowly away. Still, Shysage thanked the girls for the memorial. That really was an important night for Equestria's history.

Cel and Lu next led them over towards the edge of the Commons, the edge of the top level. Everypony knew there was maybe a 400 foot drop-off past the edge to the next level.

Still, it was clear that safety was a big concern, and there were two rows of fencing and guards stationed along the slowly curving fence line.

In the center was a raised platform, maybe 20 feet wide, also with fences on the side, but no fence at the edge. It was accessed via steps, and was guarded by two Unicorn guards.

The guards quickly moved aside as Cel and Lu walked up on the platform.

Cel said "Mom, dad, please come with us."

Then, Cel and Lu spread their wings, and jumped, and were quickly gliding away. They didn't laugh like they did in the past, but it was still an amazing sight.

Summer and Shysage followed them quickly.

Shysage sighed, their girls really were amazing.

Their gentle glide took them down slowly, over the old site of 'Coptol', which the forest had reclaimed. Cel pointed out where it used to be though.

They landed near the stump of a very old tree; it was what was left of the Sequoia that was their home for two years. The door was still in the side of the trunk, but most of the top of the tree was gone. And the river had moved further away than Shysage remembered.

Shysage walked away from the door maybe five steps towards the river, and could not hold back his tears, and was sobbing... Everypony else just joined him...

Shysage said through his tears "Cel, Lu, we really love you both..." It was hard for anypony to talk much though.

Still, Shysage realized that being here when his memory was gone was probably terrible for these three mares. They all needed this now...

After a while, they all were laying down in their bellies facing the river. Cel was next to Shysage, and Lu was next to Summer.

The family talked over some memories, but these would usually result in more tears, but nopony minded.

Shysage also remembered his Mare walking out of the river, soaking wet, and looking... He really couldn't mention that though. Well, he probably could have, but he didn't.

And at one point, Cel said softly "Dad, you were right... Magic is who we are. I am so glad you told us both that early."

The family reminisced for a few hours, then Cel and Lu got up, and asked mom and dad to fly with them.

They headed to the meadow that they had learned to fly in. Getting there didn't take long, flying. The meadow was shaped differently, but was still in the same general area. And they could all still see Cloudsdale off in the distance, covered with buildings now, however.

Two Air Coaches were there waiting for them, and they were quickly back up in the grass Commons of Canterlot.

Cel and Lu led them into the Audience Hall, then through some large doors, and into the Princess' Annex. Cel and Lu lived in this area.

There was a large, comfortable room there, and Summer and Shysage both spotted a familiar looking red couch along one wall.

Cal and Lu's crowns were carefully placed on a nearby table.

Summer and Shysage knew what to do, and their girls were soon in their laps, as this close-knit family loved each other. They were in no hurry, and Cel and Lu switched between mom and dad a few times.

Summer and Shysage got up, then sat on the floor. Cel and Lu both laid on the floor and put their heads in mom or dad's lap, and just relaxed there. Mom and dad would scratch their ears or run their fingers through their mane, or kiss their forehead. Such simple gestures communicated volumes within this family.

After a little while, Cel and Lu got up and retrieved their crowns, and mom changed she and dad back into ponies. Still, the family sat in a tight circle, and hugged as ponies for a few minutes.

Then it was time for dinner. Of course, it was good.

Sooner than anyone wanted, mom and dad were hugging their girls next to an Air Coach on the Commons lawn.

Maybe an hour later, Summer and Shysage were heading into their home. It was dark, but they didn't bother with lights.

Shysage walked into their room, and was quickly laying on his side, as Summer climbed up under his front legs. He hugged her tightly to his chest, of course.

"Shysage, it is really scary to me that I so deeply love so many amazing ponies scattered all over Equestria, and on the other side of the Portal too..." Summer said this and was weeping softly.

Shysage was quickly weeping softly in agreement too... "I know how you feel, Mare..."

It was quiet for a minute, then Shysage sighed, then added softly "But we have each other..." Then he hugged Summer tight.

Summer just sighed too..

They both fell asleep.

Summer woke up a few hours later to Shysage gently rubbing her ear with his nose.

They were soon sitting up, facing each other, rubbing noses.

Then, Shysage slowly licked Summer's nose then walked quickly out the door, into the moonlight.

Summer quickly followed.

Shysage was already on his knees, bowing, with his wings out...

Coming soon...

The Chronicles of Summer Rain, Vol. 5 -- Faded Memories

Chapter 1, Coming Back Home

Hi, it's me, Shysage...

Coming back home to 'Equestria Present' was very difficult for Summer Rain and I.

The song "Hellriders*" (from the "Treasures of Aht Urgan*" expansion OST, FFXI*, *=c 2014 by Square Enix) was playing in the background, and captured the turmoil painfully well... This song was quiet at this point though...

I know that both of us deeply love Princess Twilight and her girls, and seeing them again was amazing. Also, Summer had missed her sister especially, and for them to finally be able to hug each other again, after two long years... That was amazing too.

"And 'Our girls' were here too, and being back was so nice, in many ways...

Still, for Summer and I, everything we had known and loved and worked for through two years, we lost -- in the space of maybe eight hours... It happened so fast...

I thought loving my Mare as I did that afternoon in Cloudsdale would help her, but neither of us realized the pain would be so great... And for an hour or two we really had no idea what was next... We really had nowhere to go. It was all so jarring, for both of us... We cried a lot together...

That same day in the Portal room 'back home' was really amazing, and it really did seem like our family was not so disconnected. We had only been separated from Cel (Princess Celestia) and Lu (Princess Luna) for maybe 4 hours, and Summer was hurting a lot from even that.

Cel and Lu were close at least, and we got to have some time together as a family again. And helping Cel cry through all that pain was just amazing for our family... We both really love Cel and Lu...

Summer and I had spent every second together for the last two years, and we were both so... We are so devoted to each other... That was like heaven for us... But then, all of a sudden that changed. By itself, that wouldn't have been a serious problem, but everything just piled up so quickly...

This was all further complicated by the fact that Summer's desires had come back maybe a month and a half earlier. It was an accident, but still... But we were both hurting even then, because by then we knew who the girls were, and so we realized we would need to give them up soon.

(opt:btm4a)

Then after we felt left behind, I tried to give her as much as I could that afternoon... It helped, just for a while... But it did help... ...and we felt like we couldn't even risk that, not now, not here. I don't know... It was just all very hard...

The day after Summer told our story, that day was a Twin's day, and I just couldn't justify keeping Summer from her Twin. They are both amazing, and really help each other. I understand Twins just do that. And Summer had been away two years... Summer would spend most of that day with her Twin and the Fluttershy Twins, and I know Summer really needed that.

I realized I would probably have her back after that day anyway, so I told her to spend that day with her Twin while her Twin was here.

I tried to busy myself with work, even though I felt terrible. I wanted Summer. I want Summer close... ...maybe too close, I don't know... ...even though keeping us apart would have made it far worse.

I got volume Four of Princess Celestia's commentaries done, and took them to Princess' Library. She would notify Prince... er Cel, and Cel would send a courier to get the text for printing.

Then I started working on 'Summer's Dream', and was making very good progress. I was again amazed at how detailed her memory of that dream was... I made it to chapter 3, to where I proposed to Summer in her dream. I could not work any more after that... Everything hurt again...

Leaving the 'scope' on record, and on Summer, I headed into the meadow East of town. There is a slight hill there, and I spent the afternoon crying on that little hill. I talked to true friend quite a bit too. I really didn't know how everything was going to work out.

Well, I would take care of my Mare, one way or another. Living so far in the past, really with nopony else besides each other... We had bonded so close during that time. But now we were back, and it was hard. Still, I was committed to taking care of Summer. I just was not sure how best to do that. And she is very important to me... I cried a lot...

Summer found me there, crying on that hill, and she and her Twin cried with me a while. Summer's Twin is amazing... And I really love my Mare...

We then flew to the Castle, and were quickly through the Portal in the Equestria Girls world. Summer is beautiful there too... I just wanted to hold her... ...for her to hold me... We did for a few minutes.

Again, Princess Twilight had us all stay at the Portal, as everypony hugged everypony. I hoped the rest of the Twins had a nice time... I just couldn't help that Summer and I felt so... ...hurting...

Summer's Twin and her sister told us they would ask true friend to help us... That made Summer and I cry, we really appreciated that.

After dark, we were back home. I wanted to be alone with Summer... I needed to be alone with Summer... Everything hurt the least like that... ...with her in my arms... ...well, front legs... She was all I really had...

(opt:btm4b)

We were in our room for the night. Summer was up against my chest and neck. Everything else was far apart. We do that a lot; it is just very comforting for my Mare, and for me too. I just hugged her... We cried together a long time, then fell asleep.

We woke up early in the morning, and, well, it was just very difficult. We didn't know what to do so we just cried together a while. After maybe half an hour of this, I got up, then sat on the floor, then asked my Mare to sit facing me. I hugged her tightly, then we rubbed noses briefly.

Still, I told my Mare that I would NOT put her through this much longer, given everything else we had to face right now. If we couldn't work something out, I was NOT going to push her away. I would just give her everything I knew she deserved, and we would let everything else work itself out from there, one way or another. I told Summer she was my life, no matter what. I would do everything I could to take care of her, regardless of what that required...

She cried, and hugged me tight... I cried too...

I think it helped that Summer knew what the 'end point' would be if all else failed. I think she needed that security. She needed to know. It helped her relax, I think...

I love her so much...

Still, it was very early in the morning, a few hours before dawn, and we decided to go for a walk around Ponyville, and just be together.

We hadn't walked far...

We were actually heading for Summer's Tree. We saw it near Princess Twilight's Castle.

It was very wierd... It looked like a large infected area, a blister, like a pony could get on the skin of their leg or thigh... ...Except that it was maybe three feet in diameter, and maybe 50 feet in the air. The edges of the 'blister' or whatever it was, feathered quickly to nothingness, allowing what was behind the edges to be seen...

It was just floating in the night sky, blocking the view of the stars directly behind it... It looked like a three foot blister, just floating there in the air... It was very eerie...

Whatever it was, it was pointed slightly down, right towards the center of Ponyville. It looked very menacing too...

After dealing with evil enough, maybe we had developed sort of a second sense about things like this. This blister was not a good thing.

We knocked on the Castle door, and nopony came. It was, after all, very early in the morning, maybe two hours to sunrise.

The door was not locked, and we walked in, feeling very bad about waking any pony up.

We actually found Spike, but waking him up was a lost cause. He just rolled over, and was snoring again.

We finally found Princess' bedroom door, and softly asked if we could come in. The second time, she said we could, so we opened the door.

"Let me guess, you two want me to marry you" Princess Twilight said with a smile. We really love our Princess...

"Princess, I'm sorry, there is something outside your Castle that lookes very bad, you really need to come take a look." Summer said. Summer wasn't smiling.

Princess put her crown on, and we walked quickly out to the front of the Castle and down the stairs.

Princess saw it, and was alarmed right away. It looked menacing to her too.

After about five minutes, the sunrise began to brighten the night sky, and it was gone...

Princess said she would have Lu (well Princess Luna) come watch the next night; maybe she would know what it was. Watching over the night was her responsibility, she needed to know anyway.

We both hugged Princess, then she headed back into her Castle, and probably went back to sleep.

We realized that we would probably be up most of the next night, so we went home and tried to get some more sleep too.

Whatever that 'blister' thing was, Summer and I talked, and realized that we would probably be involved in dealing with it. "Throw it on the pile" I thought to myself...

Summer and I really just needed time, but it seemed we wouldn't get that...

(opt:btm4c)

We were both tired, and soon fell asleep again.

We slept until noon maybe, and didn't get up for a little while; I just hugged her close. We spent most of that day just together... Hugging, flying, eating... We just slowed way down and enjoyed each other's presence. I can't explain how important that is to both of us...

By sundown, we were laying on our bellies next to each other in front of Princess' Castle.

Princess Twilight and her girls soon joined us. It was just nice to all be together like that. Summer and I hugged each one, we really did miss them all.

I don't know if that blister thing made any difference, well with Summer and I.

Still, it looked very bad...

Lu arrived a little later, and she and Summer hugged. I hugged her too... Then we just lay on our bellies together and waited. We would have to wait a while... We just all talked together. It was nice.

Very early in the morning, it was back.

Princess Twilight and Summer both said at the same time that it looked a lot 'worse', well if it was a blister, it looked more infected.

Lu had no idea what it was, and her magic could sense nothing from it either. Lu agreed it looked very menacing though.

It also looked like it had gotten visibly more 'Red' just in the two hours or so that it was visible.

Again, it disappeared at the first light of day...

Princess and Lu agreed that Cel (well Princess Celestia) needed to come see it. Princess Twilight also mentioned that she would have her friend Zecora come as well, she knew a lot about magic too.

This was all important, because nopony had a clue what this 'blister' was, or what it would do. Well, if it was a blister on the skin, it would probably pop, but we didn't know what that meant for this blister.

I took my Mare home... We were both very tired... Summer was up under my chest and neck, and we cried softly together, and were soon asleep.

Chapter 3, Last Fury

Shysage was really concerned...

He thought was safe, so he came to me slow...

...

...

...

I thou-- ...I'm so sorry... I thought he was a Fury... Was crazy...

I spun up Mark...

...

Princess Twilight screamed... ..."SUMMER NO!!!"...

...

I hit him... Shysage... I...

...

He hit... ...my tree... very hard... fell down...

I was crying... I'm so sorry...

...

Bones broke, head twisted all wrong...

He was... hurt very bad...

I didn't want to los-- No please... No please...

...

Twins straightened him out... .there... On the ground...

We all cried a lot... Lu and Cel too...

We all cried... ...our tears... On Shysage... Oh please...

...

It worked... Tears of Devotion... He slowly fixed... Was breathing again... I was crying more...

Maybe two minutes later he opened his eyes... was so glad...

Fluttershys backed up crying though...

Shysage got up... Walk--... Walked away from m--

...

I screamed "Shysage" a bunch, crying... He didn't do... He just walked away and started eating grass...

...

Cried so hard... Was hysterical, I don't know...

...

Fluttershys got on both sides of me... both hugged me, stopped me...

Said Shysage's memory was gone...

...

No... No... No...

Everypony crying again... Lu and Cel too... They threw their crowns down...

We hugged... They cried... with me... Our family broke... No...

...

Princess Twilight told Shining Armor to stop Shysage, or we never see him ag--

Shysage just sat down...

Oh, Shysage... I'm so sorry... How could...

No...