One month later

Knock! Knock! Knock!

My eyes bolted open, shadows swimming across my ceiling as I sat up.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Heavy covers fell from me as I pulled myself from blissful sleep, my hooves stretching towards the door as if they could reach it from across the room. Then, shaking my head, I stepped wearily off the bed, making my way towards the offending sound.

“Huh? Wha? What’s going-shit!”

Or at least, I would have if my legs didn’t end up getting tangled in bed sheets

Stars exploded in my eyes as I face-planted into the crystalline floor. Legs and wings sprawled in every direction, my rear hooves still hanging off my mattress. My head throbbed from the impact as I picked myself off the floor and sat with my back against the bed frame, forehooves clutching my muzzle.

*What a pitiful display,* Fury laughed. *Were you being attacked, you would be eating more than dirt right now.*

It’s way too early for me to be dealing with you, Fury. At least I’m… wait, why does this feel so familiar?

“That sounded like it hurt. Are you okay, Flash?” Sunburst called out from the other side of the door.

“Yeah, I’m just... Son of a...” I rubbed at my sore snout, peeking at the clock on my dresser. Six-hundred on the nose. Time to make my monthly visit already? Guess it’s a good thing he woke me up.

*And to think I had such a marvelous plan to wake you up myself. Being able to access your memories does have its merits.*

I ignored Fury and moved from the side of my bed, hoof tracing the imprint of my face on the crystal floor as I stood. After a good stretch of my legs I opened the door.

“Thanks. Sorry again for waking you up on your day off—didn’t think you’d still be asleep, today being the day and all...” Sunburst said meekly as he moved inside. I closed the door behind him.

“All good. So, what’s up? Got a mission lined up for me?” Part of me wanted something to do other than inspection and diplomacy meetings. I was ready for some action. Any action.

“No, it’s nothing like that. It’s about… w-well,” Sunburst shuffled in place. “While I have to admit that staying at Ponyville has been a most relaxing affair, there’s just one teeny issue that’s been grinding at me since day one.” His eyes darted to the side, cheeks tinting. “I-I mean, it shouldn’t be a problem, but… I can’t figure out how to act around Starlight now that she’s, y’know, right here in Ponyville with me.”

Fury snarled. *...Kill him.*

And this is why you don’t have friends. Chill out. I got this.

“Sunburst, buddy, pal,” I dropped a hoof on his shoulder. He looked up at me. “...Do us all a favor and just grow a pair.”

The glasses on his nose nearly fell off as his eyes went wide. “P-pardon?!”

“The more you dance around, the worst it will get. Take it from me; it’s better to just talk to her and get it over with than dance around it for all eternity. It’s been a month since you moved here and had literally every single chance to chat her up. If you don’t make a move sometime this century, somepony else will. Is that what you want?”

“N-no, b-b-but—”

“Yes, what do you want, Sunburst?”

I hadn’t even noticed Starlight entered my room, brushing against Sunbust’s side as she sauntered next to him. Poor guy looked ready to burst a blood vessel.

“S-Starlight?” Sunburst’s voice jumped so many octaves I half expected his vocal chords to snap. His body went rigid as she stroked his chin, throwing him a sultry look that even made me blush.

“If you’re gonna wander into bedrooms for some release, you should’ve came to my room instead.” Starlight learned into his ear. I barely caught her whisper. “My door is always open for you.”

“IjustrememberedIhadathingtodothanksFlashbye!”

Sunburst disappeared from the room just as suddenly as Starlight appeared. From the opened doorway we saw Spike stop and stare at the fleeting unicorn, glass of orange juice in claw. After a moment he shrugged and stepped into my room.

“You’re gonna give him a heart attack one of these days, Noble.”

‘Starlight’ vanished in a flash of flame as Noble dropped the disguise. “Well, as long as he keeps playing hard to get, I’ll just have to make the most of it. Girl’s gotta eat, after all.”

“That’s gonna get you into so much trouble one of these days.” It was hard to sound serious while trying to keep down a laugh.

Spike grinned. “There’s no Noble without trouble.”

“Boys, please, let’s save the foreplay until after the visit. One of us has rogue changelings to hunt.”

“Don’t talk like you’re the only one who has to work. Got any idea how hard doing pony and changeling training is?” Spike fired back.

“I’m with Spike on this one,” I added. “Organizing Twilight’s guard and training with you and Spike is busy enough as it is. None of you would be talking so big if you had to deal with Fury and his training methods on top of that. I swear, if he makes me suplex one more bugbear I’ll wring his neck.”

*That reminds me. For today’s training—*

Shut it.

*Hmph. Such poor sport.*

Noble laughed. “I’m starting to miss the old days where all we had to do was have a month long stakeout. Which reminds me, drinks at my place tonight? Gonna see how hard I can get Mother and Shine Spark smashed.”

Spike groaned. “Please don’t. I can’t put out fires that fast.”

I shook my head. “Not tonight. After meeting up with Shining and Cadance for dinner, I got plans.”

Noble and Spike looked at each other, then me, eyebrows quirked.

“Plans, Buttermilk?”

“That’s a little vague.”

My skin crawled from the way they stared at me, as if scrutinizing my soul. “Y-y’know, plans. Stuff. Things. I’m a busy stallion.”

Another look at each other, then at me.

“Come to think of it, Twilight’s schedule is booked tonight,” Spike pointed out.

Noble dramatically cleared her throat. “As head of the Prism Guard’s changeling division and an honest, law-abiding citizen of Equestria, I must advise you that fraternizing with a superior is rather frowned upon, captain. It’s also really hot.”

“Could you guys cut that out? That’s really creepy! Also, my plans for tonight are none of your business.”

They smiled and spoke simultaneously.

“Just remember to bring protection.”

“That’s it. Both of you, out!” I pointed at the door, failing miserably to keep the rising heat out of my face.

Noble shrugged. “Fine. We’ll just meet up in a few hours and give you time to figure out the moves you’re gonna throw on her. Don’t take too long, Buttermilk. Let’s go, Shortcake.”

“You got it, Cuddleb—ow!” Spike yelped as Noble dragged him out of my room by the earfin.

*...You have the strangest taste in comrades.*

I smiled. No argument there.

Before stopping to check upon Twilight, I made for the kitchen, brewing up a pot of coffee for us. With three cups balanced on a tray, I made for Twilight’s chambers and knocked.. The quick shuffling of scrolls and a groan echoed from inside. “Who is it?”

“Did you fall asleep at your desk again, Twilight?”

Her pause spoke volumes.

“I got you covered. Two cubes of sugar, right?”

“Thank you, Flash.”

Only a few minutes passed before the door opened, revealing the beautiful and tired princess herself. She offered a small and damn cute smile of appreciation as she accepted her first cup in her magic.

I know I should have gotten used to it by now, yet that eyepatch still nagged at the dregs of guilt I carried like a scar. Not nearly as bad as it used to be—I can look her in the eye now—but some wounds take a little longer to heal, if they ever truly do.

“Good morning, Twilight,” I greeted once her first cup was finished. I offered the second before starting my own. Not like I needed it thanks to my new emotion-powered diet, but what pony in their right mind would turn down a good cup of coffee?

Twilight accepted the cup with no hesitation. “Morning, Flash. What’s got you up so early?”

“Just Sunburst things, though I could ask you a similar question. What kept you up?”

Another yawn. “Still looking through reports and distress calls. Nippone, Maretonia, Transylmanenia, and that’s just places outside Equestria. They’re experiencing all kinds of issues between civil unrest and suspected political sabotage.”

“And any one of those could involve the rogue changelings, or even a fragment of Malice.”

“We can’t jump to conclusions. Some of these could be simple friendship intervention requests. If we tackle each one like a pathos outbreak, it could make things complicated.”

“Then we’ll just have to be careful. I’m sure they won’t mind an infiltration squad or two making sure ponies aren’t doing something they will regret.”

Twilight snorted. “Well when you put it like that, I’m sure our guard will put my friendship lessons to practice. Makes for good cover.”

‘Our’ guard. My smile brightened a little. Has such a nice ring to it.

“So fighting baddies and putting out fires aside, I’ll be making the monthly visit at noon. Wanna come with?”

Twilight blinked owlishly. After a moment it clicked, her mood turning somber. “The burial grounds, right?”

“We lost a lot of good ponies and changelings that day. Making these trips are optional, but help keep what’s important in mind. Remembering what we’re fighting for.”

A light smile played on Twilight’s muzzle. “I got so wrapped up in everything going on I nearly missed it again. I’ll come with you.”

My heart swelled. Twilight had missed the last visit due to a meeting with Celestia and Luna. To have her take part in this tradition meant the world to me. “We would love to have you. I can wake you up when it’s almost time.”

“Doubt I’ll be going back to sleep. Got a full day ahead of us after all, don’t we captain?”

Couldn’t remember the last time I had butterflies in my gut flutter with anticipation like this. The way "captain" rolled off her tongue delivered a hint of intimacy that always took my breath away. “Well, if you’re going to stay up anyway, I wouldn’t mind keeping you company.”

One of her brows rose. I quickly corrected my phrasing.

“Y’know, to go over the reports. I might as well know what I’m dealing with ahead of time so I can figure out who to deploy where.”

All I got was a mysterious smirk before she retreated back into the room. The door was still open.

*Playing you like a damn fiddle.*

Eyup.

I couldn’t stop grinning as I closed the door behind me upon entering her chambers.

Compared to the rest of the room, her workspace was a warzone. Piles of scrolls crowded her desk, some opened and cast aside while others spilled over her desk in waves. I know she called this ‘organized chaos’, yet I marvel at how she somehow knows where everything is. Once at her desk, she wasted no time pulling me into her work.

The work itself was fairly simple. We reviewed each request and put our heads together on who to send and what we should prepare for. The sheer volume was the real problem. Twilight opted to handle sorting through and prioritizing every single request herself, allowing the rest of us to handle acting out the request on her behalf while she handled some of the bigger friendship missions. A time-consuming and stressful burden to be sure, except when we worked on it together.

We bounced ideas and strategies off each other. Tension loosened as Twilight relaxed more, sometimes drifting off topic to share a story or unload a stressful thought plaguing her. Somewhere in between talks I found my wing crossing over her shoulder while she leaned into me. She would sometimes trail off, only to jump upon realizing she fell asleep. Again. I simply laughed off her apology, knowing she more than most needed extra rest.

Despite her best efforts, she started drifting off. I helped it along by singing a lullaby knowing full well she would have a harder time fighting it. She’ll be irritated for a while, as she usually did whenever I did this, but at the end of the day she would regain her strength and smile.

At least, that was my plan until Fury intervened.

*If I can interrupt your pathetic courting attempts, you’re going to be late.*

Late for what—

I froze, eyes darting to the clock on Twilight’s work desk: Five minutes till noon.

“Shi—ah, crap! Almost forgot about the meeting!”

Thankfully I was not the only one who forgot. Twilight jumped from her seat. “Let’s hurry. Can you teleport us there?”

“I can get us close without exhausting myself. Grab my hoof.” I reached out towards her. Once she accepted, I teleported us to Everfree Forest.

Everfree was far from the risky endeavor it used to be. The parts of the forest that hadn’t been wiped off the face of the planet were vacant of animal life outside squirrels and similar small creatures. It took some time to pick up the pieces that were Fluttershy’s broken heart when she grasped the disaster in its entirety. Zecora, bless her heart, offered to help with Everfree’s recovery alongside many Ponyville volunteers. For better or worse, Everfree Forest was a lot quieter these days.

Emerging from teleportation, Twilight and I made a mad dash for the large clearing. Dozens of mounds were neatly set up in the dirt, each with a personal item belonging to the deceased embedded on top. Familiar faces flocking the center greeted us as we moved to meet them: Zecora, Shine Spark, Sunburst, Starlight, the element bearers, Noble, Spike, Elytra, even Discord was present, coiled around the disgruntled Chrysalis.

Shine Spark beamed as she saluted us. “Good afternoon’ you two! Glad you could make it to our humble gathering, Princess.”

“It’s about time,” Chrysalis sniffed. “And here I thought I would have to drag you here myself.”

“I know, I’m sorry, Chrysalis,” Twilight apologized sheepishly. “Got so involved with work I almost missed this again”

Chrysalis eyed her dangerously. “Shall we discuss matters over tea later?”

I barely caught the look of guilt that washed over Twilight before it was replaced with resolve. I barely resisted the urge to jump to her defense at the subtle message. “I appreciate it, but there’s no need. Thank you, Chrysalis.”

She studied Twilight for a moment before nodding in approval. “Good. Would rather our next tea time be spent preparing for my first royal meeting in Canterlot.”

“Glad to hear it. Thanks for inviting me, everypony.”

“Nothing to thank us for, Princess. If anything, thank Flash for coming up with this idea.” Elytra said.

“They deserved better than this, but I had to start somewhere.” I cleared the path for Twilight and I to reach the chest high tombstone in the center. Twilight peered at the writing etched into the stone.

Gathered here are Equestria’s bravest
Brothers and sisters, united in battle
Defenders against those who would divide us
Through their actions and indomitable will
We live, love, and fight as one

Twilight’s eyes welled up as she looked at me. “Yes, this really was a good idea. Thank you, Flash.”

“I don’t really deserve the credit. I did have a little help.”

“From who?” Discord asked. “I don’t remember giving you such a good idea.”

“Ever the humble one,” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry about who. Let’s just get started, shall we?”

Everyone gathered around the tombstone and took a seat, eyes closed. I noted the confusion from Twilight and decided to fill in the blanks.

“This is our time to reflect on what we’ve lost. What they have given us. If there’s anything you want to get off your chest, whether to us or to them, now’s the time. We’ve all given our piece in the last meeting.”

“...Yes. There is something I would like to say. To everyone.” Twilight’s face grew serious as she faced the tombstone. “Two months prior, on this day, we faced a threat greater than anything we’ve dealt with before. Many of us lost friends, loved ones, and family. But we’ve also grown stronger from it. Found new bonds and friends…”

Noble nodded at this. I smiled, nodding as well.

“Found strength to grow stronger. Became a family, maybe found a loved one along the way.

Spike and Elytra nodded. Discord grinned. I could swear I caught a small smile from Chrysalis as well.

“One thing we all have in common is the hope we’ve found by working together for a better tomorrow. Let’s continue setting the example and finding more bonds to create. More bridges to build between us and those in need. To those who gave their lives, those willing to open their eyes and find trust and courage in each other… thank you.”

“That was beautiful,” I whispered to her.

Twilight smiled back. “Do you have anything to say?”

I grinned. “Yes, actually. Discord, if you please.”

Discord snapped his fingers. My guitar poofed into existence and fell in my hooves.

“Flash…!” Twilight gasped.

“Turns out, all I needed was a push in the right direction from the right pony to remember what was important.” I propped up the guitar, giving the strings a few test strums. “There’s a lot I can say, but I owe them, everyone, something special. Something… close, y’know?”

Twilight closed her eyes, a warm smile beaming off her. “You’ve come a long way. I’m proud of you, Flash.”

Butterflies danced in my stomach as I smiled, face flushed. “Thanks, Twilight.”

“Bow chika wah wah…” Noble whispered. Spike gave her a light, admonishing elbow to the ribs.

I shook my head, stifling the chuckle threatening to come out of me. With a few shifts and plucks of the strings, I tried to get myself comfortable. Thanks again for bringing up this idea in the first place, Fury.

*All warriors deserve honor after death. You’ve merely given me an opportunity to continue dracossian tradition, even if I have to do it through you.*

Careful, Fury. You’re being less of an ass than usual.

*Next time you’re a bleeding heap on the floor, you will be reminded of your folly. And I will laugh.*

Whatever you say. Shall I offer a word for Fafnir?

*No need. I will deliver your regards to him with my offering.*

As I paused to feel out the right song for the moment, my mind wandered back to that fateful night. Losing control. Killing those changelings. Hurting Spike, Twilight, and the others.

The perfect song sprung to mind. A culmination of what we’ve been through. The reason to move forward and no longer turn my eyes away from what was important. I began playing.

...I’ll dedicate this to you as well. Time for me to let go and say goodbye, Sunset Shimmer...

Author's Note

My fellow paladins... we did it.

With this, Change of Heart: The Shadow of hatred comes to a close. What a ride!

I got things to say, but first thing's first: Thank you.

Thank you lovely readers for sticking with me on this massive and turbulent 5-year journey. This is a major undertaking, my first novel written to completion and on a level I can say I'm satisfied with.

Special thanks to AlicornPriest, Setokaiva, Peerimagination and Tempest knight for all of their amazing support into making this possible.

Major shoutout to my editor/co-author/sanity stabilizer Midnight Quill for sticking with me from start to finish and keeping my head straight.

Everyone mentioned (and those not mentioned but still there did that part) has been nothing short of amazing and knowledgeable. They're awesome people and good friends who chipped in and asked nothing in return. Can't thank you guys enough.

Okay, incoming sap alert:

I admit, there were a lot of times I didn't think I would finish this. That it would up abandoned and half finished like so many epics before it. Suffered life-changing events and crippled motivation for who knows how long. But this story... this was a story I was determined to finish no matter how long it took. It taught me so much about how to plot out a novel. How to approach a story and certain traps to avoid. It was a major experience, a worthwhile one.

If I had any advice to offer for those looking to tackle their own large project, plan carefully, concisely, and keep pushing until you make the finish line. You'll thank yourself later. I already feel the five-year weight roll off my shoulders.

As to future plans for this story, the "prismverse", it's hard to say at this time. Not quite sure I have it in me to throw myself at this for another 5 years, but there are plenty of stories to tell regarding this universe, as this was meant to be the pilot story, the "origin" of the prismverse stories. Don't know what the future holds at this time, but for now, it's time to put my head on a pillow and dream of new adventures.

Until our next adventure, stay classy, my paladins.

And thank you.