The Changeling turned away from the increasingly bright light coming from Canterlot, and his smirk grew greater. "Now, about that offer I had for you..."

"I'm not saying anything until you let Lyra go!"

I'm not giving this guy jack shit! I'd much rather be the one they'd threaten if I were to refuse, but they were using my own caring for somepony against me! There was only one way they'd ever get me to cooperate, and that doesn't involve threatening me with the well-being of somepony else!

"Yeah! Let her go!" Rainbow demanded from behind.

The Changeling scowled and a few surrounding growled and lunged forward at my resistance. The Changeling in charge gritted his sharp teeth, and with a hoof, he signaled the two binding Lyra; sure enough, they released the ropes around Lyra's neck. She shot both of them a scowl before getting up and turning towards me. She had a thankful but dreading look on her face before she took off into the thinning crowd of ponies trying to escape the Changeling horde. I know she would've probably wanted to tell me thanks, but she knew she needed to get out of there as fast as she possibly could.

"There. Now--"

"Let them go too." I motioned my head in both Pin Stripe and Rainbow's direction, and they both stopped their struggle with the green substance upon hearing this.

"Davin, what are you doing?" Pin Stripe whispered into my ear.

I didn't answer him; he'd know soon enough anyways.

The Changeling growled while exposing his fangs. "I don't think so."

"Why the hell no-" My attempts at negotiating were halted right then and there, as the Changeling struck me across the face with a perforated hoof. If it weren't for the green stuff keeping me upright, I would've been knocked to the ground for sure. The blow did cut the side of my face however, and I could feel blood beginning to seep from the wound.

Rainbow gasped, "You just try that again! I'll buck your lights out!"

He completely ignored Rainbow's threat; instead, he got in my face again. "Because you wish it." The Changeling sneered, regaining that shit-eating grin of his.

It took me a moment to stop my head from spinning from the blow, but I shook myself out of it.

I gave up my hopes for getting my way any further; at least Lyra was safe. All I could do was pray that they wouldn't harm anypony else. "What do you want from me?" I gritted through my teeth.

"Like I have mentioned before, you have proved your willingness to aid us by leading the Royal Guard straight into a trap," the Changeling laughed as he spoke, "which I'm sure they're all thrilled about now that they know it was all thanks to you." He glanced over the crowd, to the several Royal guards straining to break themselves free from the green goo.

All I could do was just roll my eyes and scowl, and hope the Royal Guard wouldn't see it the same way the Changelings did. The train repair was the only real reason I was in good foothold with the Royal Guard as it was.

The Changeling continued, "We want your magic ability."

This caught Pin Stripe and I completely off guard, and the both of us would've reared back if it weren't for the green substance. Rainbow Dash didn’t share our surprise; instead, she actually started laughing!

"His magical ability?" Rainbow gasped for air as she continued to laugh between her words, "You've got to be kidding! He's probably the only magicless unicorn in Equestria!"

I was a bit annoyed with Dash as she continued to have her laughing fit. I didn't see it all that funny. Besides, when I was able to do magic, before I lost my horn, I was starting to get the hang of it. Sooner or later, it would grow back, and I would be able to try again! ... Why am I getting so defensive over this?

"Oh no, he is quite capable of magic." The black figure turned towards me again, "Aren't you?"

"Hardly." This earned me another equally dazing swat across the face, now only just from the other side; I cringed through the pain.

Rainbow's laugh attack was cut short, from what I assume would be because of my being hit again.

If I wasn't bound to this green shit, I'd be going ape-shit on this fucker! This guy better consider those two as freebees...

"Don't you try to lie to me!" the Changeling stomped a hoof onto the ground, "Now... Your magic..." He leant his head forward towards mine, and I could feel a buzzing in my head as he approached.

I tried to back my head away, but I couldn't move from where I stood; not going to lie, I began to panic. "What could you possibly gain by taking my magic ability?! I barely have any as it is!"

He chuckled, "Oh you do; I've seen it myself. That green pony would be dead if you didn't."

Suddenly, and for whatever reason, the lost memory of the events leading up to the town hall incident ran through my mind; I remembered it clear as day... The blue eyes in the dark, the falling section of roof, the bright white light, the splitting pain...

My mouth dropped as the realization hit me. "...T-The spell... Lyra...no... No!" I still was unsure of what the exact spell was, but at the time, I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. It was all the Changelings would ever need. I was screwed. Everypony was screwed. All of Equestria was screwed!

This whole celebration is ruined because of me, and the Changelings would take over; again, because of me!

"Fuck! This is all my fault!"

My words must've registered as mere white noise to the Changeling, because he still pressed slowly forward, his grin growing wider. As the horn like tip on the top of the Changeling's head glowed green, the painful buzzing in my head caused me to forget everything that was transpiring around me; the world faded out.

The light from Canterlot flickered for a moment, distracting everyone except for the blue unicorn and the Changeling caught in a battle of magic. With an almost completely inaudible blast, the light grew exponentially, and soon grew into an overwhelming wall of light that spanned the plain between Canterlot and Ponyville in a matter of only a split second. As the wave of light swept over the Cider Season Celebration, every one of the Changelings were swept off their hooves as if the wall of light were a barrier that they couldn't penetrate. Nopony was affected in the least as the wave passed over, in exception of only one; there was no sign of him anywhere.

The Royal sisters took quite a while to find the strength and energy to get themselves back to their hooves, but once they did, they immediately set straight to the ill-fortuned mare and stallion in Celestia's personal chamber. As the two entered through the partially open door, they were greeted by a very calming atmosphere. The mare and stallion were resting on the bed holding each other, both completely sound asleep, and looking rather well; other than the bit of tarnishing of their coats, they appeared completely healthy.

A sigh of relief left Celestia's lips as she sunk her head, her eyes widening as her gaze fell upon her crown lay rest on the floor.

Luna reared back and raised a hoof upon seeing this. "Sister... But, Chrysalis?..."

In a golden aura, Celestia picked up the crown from the floor, and gave it a quick buff on her shoulder. She placed the crown back atop her head, regaining her royal poise. "I believe that she has been handled for us, Luna."

Luna tilted her head and pondered for a moment what exactly Celestia meant by that, and looked back out the doorway to the rest of the castle. "And if Chrysalis shall return?"

"I highly doubt she'll be in any condition to return and try for a third time." Celestia met eyes with the dark blue Princess of the night. "The best thing to do now is to make sure that those Changelings haven't caused any more damage than what has just occurred here. Twilight Sparkle and her friends are expecting us at the Celebration in Ponyville, and I believe it would be best to make sure that nothing out of the ordinary has occurred there."

Luna nodded her head in agreement, "I shall see to it, sister. Are thou meeting us there after things here have been settled?"

Celestia gave a short nod of her head, "I will meet you there after I make sure things here are settled and these two are alright."

Princess Luna turned out of the chamber doorway and made her leave. Celestia trotted towards the bed, leaning down and gently woke the couple.

"Wake up, my little ponies..."

Cold. Blistering cold. The only thing I could feel as I came to and got myself up off the snow. The wind was howling, and the snow being carried in the wind felt like needles against my face. I took a look around for any sign of, well... anything. It was blizzarding! I couldn't even really see my own hoof shielding my eyes from the wind and the snow.

"Well, I'm definitely not in Ponyville anymore!"

Honestly, I should be panicking right now. I guess the cold has already taken it's toll on me. Whelp, no point staying here. Heading off towards the white-out, I'm sure to find something!

I hope...

...

God I'm freezing. I've been trotting through this...this, knee-deep fucking snow for what feels like hours now, and I'm not any closer to getting anywhere! Sure, civilization could be mere inches in front of my face for all I know! Ugh, guess I'll just keep on going for a bit more; who knows, maybe there actually is a town up ahead?

Nope! Fuck! Just more snow! Ugh... How did I even get here in the first place? I wonder what everybody back in town is thinking? Do they even know I'm gone? Do they even care? Does Lyra even care? God what am I saying, of course they know, of course they care! These ponies are the most welcoming, understanding, selfless and generous beings I have ever met! I mean, that doesn't mean I don't miss my REAL home, family and friends or anything... I wonder how they're all taking my loss back home? I sure hope the shop is still in business...of course it is. Tom and Mark are amazing at what they do... Fuck, I miss those guys so much. I think I'd give anything to be back home right now.

"I'd much rather be working in the shop with those two right now than cold and alone in this fucking frozen desert!"

It was almost as if those very words cursed me. Next thing I know, the ground disappeared from beneath my hooves, and I plummet downwards.

*Thud*

"Ahh, fuck." I must've fallen a good 30 feet straight down. Luckily, there was a lot of snow to cushion my fall.

After an eye roll and a long sigh, I shook myself off and started trekking off again in the same general direction.

Is this even the same direction? I think... I'm not sure. I don't really care right now. I just want to go home.

...

Ugh, I can't feel anything. I can't feel my legs, I can't feel my face, not anything. "No! J-Just keep p-pressing on, Strach... J-Just keep p-p-pressing on! I-I refuse to d-die like this... N-Not after everything I-I've b-b-been through!"

I'll press on for however long as I'm still in control of my own body, 'til the last breath. I'm not going down without a fight. You're not taking me again! Don't even try!

"Uh... Huh?" Braeburn lifted his head off the comforter slightly, "Where... Where am I?" his eyes widened at the sight of the mare in front of him. "C-Cherry!?" he shot up and found Princess Celestia standing at the end of the bed. "Princess?!"

The cream-colored mare slowly opened her eyes, but not quite nearly to the same amount of shock as the stallion sitting upright and wide-eyed before her.

Celestia couldn't help but giggle slightly at Braeburn's shock, but in spite of the emotional rollercoaster he had gone through in just a short matter of time, she stopped herself and cleared her throat as she regained her composure. "Ahem, I--"

"Am I dead?" Braeburn slowly looked around the room.

Just a simple question caught Celestia completely off guard. "Uh, n-no Braeburn; you're quite well, in fact."

By this time Cherry had sat up on her haunches, quietly watching the situation before her take hold. If she was in any more shock than she already was, she would have asked the exact same question.

"Uh, Princess, do ya mind tellin' me, w-what in Equestria happened here? The last thing I remember was..." He looked over to Cherry Jubilee, who's face was flushing slightly. "O-Oh my..."

After a brief explanation of what had taken hold, Braeburn and Cherry seemed to understand; at least, to a certain degree. The matter of the magic spell and the Changeling Queen disappearance were a few details that were tough to grasp.

"Uh, alright... But uh, how do two ponies, I-I mean, uh, two earth ponies, manage to muster up that kind of magic?" Cherry shrugged, lifting a hoof.

"Uh, I-I... Well--" Braeburn stammered.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much, you two. Everything is being handled." Celestia raised a hoof in attempt to settle the uncertainty. "I'd really not like to delve deeper into this more than I need to, especially after what possible horrors you two have been through recently."

"T-Thank you, Princess..." Cherry gave a grateful nod.

"My pleasure." The Princess have a smile and a tip of her head, "Now, I'm sure that you two must be anxious to return to your homes..."

"Well yes, but..." Cherry stopped to look over to the stallion standing next to her.

The stallion and mare looked at each other a moment, each with a bit of uncertainty and concern in their eyes. Celestia was a little taken back at this, but she made an effort not to show it.

Braeburn had to force himself to look away, and face the princess. "A-Actually, Princess, may I ask to be taken to Ponyville? You see, I've missed quite a lot, and I'd like to see my family an' make sure they're all doin' fine."

Celestia grew a smile about her face and she nodded her head. "Of course, Braeburn."

"I-I'd like to go with you, Braeburn." Cherry asked rather meekly. "If, that is, alright with you of course."

"That'd... Uh, that'd be alright, I-I guess." There was some hesitation in Braeburn's voice.

"Well then, come now. I shall see to it to have you two taken to Ponyville as soon as possible." Celestia nodded her head, and the trio left the chamber.

After Princess Celestia herself arrived, the Cider Season Celebration had returned to its happy, busy atmosphere. Everypony was once again enjoying themselves and the company of the Royal Guards and the Royal Sisters.

"Well ah mus' say it sure is an honor havin' y'all here fer Cider Season!" Applejack leant out a hoof holding a full cup of cider towards the white alicorn Princess.

Celestia gripped the cup in hoof and took a sip of the sweet liquid. She hiccupped once just after taking a sip, earning a chuckle from the surrounding ponies. "Oh, excuse me."

Twilight nervously chuckled, "Ah, heh. It's ok, Princess. Applejack and her family make the best cider in Equestria!"

"Darn tootin'!" AJ swung a hoof, "We take extra care jus' ta make sure every apple we use, is just right."

"Well you and your family have done an excellent job, Applejack. We will be sure to make it to every Cider Season Celebration here in Ponyville from now on; we've been missing out!"

"Ahh, shucks, your highness." AJ tilted her hat down in front of her blushing face a bit, "We're jus' happy ta be the ones everypony looks up ta, this time o' year! Speakin' o' which, where in tarnation is Davin? That stallion, ah swear. He's always findin' himself in trouble!"

"Yes, of course! Twilight Sparkle, to where may we find that stallion friend of yours?"

Applejack immediately covered her hoof with her mouth, in attempt to not completely fall over laughing at how those words made Twilight's face turn completely red in embarrassment.

Luna giggled and rolled her eyes. "We mean the stallion friend of yours whom fixed the train for the Royal Guard."

"Y-Yes I know who you mean Princess." Twilight was quick to regain her composure. "I'm actually...not sure where he is." Twilight looked over the heads of a few of the surrounding ponies.

Twilight did manage to find a stallion, but not exactly the one the Princesses wished to speak with. Twilight waved over the blue-maned earth pony, who seemed to be frantically looking about. "Pin Stripe! Over here!"

She gained his attention and he began making his way over.

Twilight waved a hoof inviting the stallion to join her. He seemed a bit taken back as he approached not only Twilight, but the Captain of the Royal Guard, the Royal Sisters, and the host of the Celebration itself.

"U-uh, yes?" Pin seemed a bit nervous, and a bit jumpy. He wouldn't make eye contact with anypony; he just kept frantically looking about.

"Have you seen Davin anywhere?" Twilight watched as the stallion nervously, or rather, worriedly, looked about the Celebration for Celestia-knows-what.

"Who do ya suppose I'm looking for, Twilight?! I can't find him anywhere! It's like he just got up and vanished with the rest of the Changelings!"

Twilight's mouth dropped. "Pin Stripe, Princess Celestia, come with me! This is bad!"

I'm not giving up. I'm not giving up. There's not a single chance in hell I'm giving up. C'mon Strach, get up. You can do this. Ugh...

Not here. Not now!

Get up, Davin. Get the fuck up!!

Finally my legs responded. I got myself up out of the snow. I pressed on again into the infinite blizzard.

I was cold--no... I was frozen.

I'm actually a bit surprised I'm even still alive. Who knows how extremely bad hypothermia has set in by now? I need heat. Fast.

Finding shelter from this blizzard took top priority. Dying in this cold is not an option.

Sorry, but it's not. God, what I'd give to be home again right now...

...

God, this is it. This is it... Why did it have to be like this?

"WHY?!" I screamed into the blizzard as my legs finally collapsed underneath my own weight.

"I've been through so much! Why can't I go on!?"

My legs wouldn't respond. It was no use. I was completely numb from the shoulder and flank down, and everything above the top of my neck I no longer could feel.

"I just want to go home..."

"Just let me go home, God. Just let me go home..."

God damnit, my tears are freezing to my face. Ugh for fuck sakes... Going out with a bang, eh Strach? This is not how I imagined the end would be... The real end... freezing to death in the middle of a frozen desert in the middle of nowhere... Collapsed on myself like a wounded animal... Pathetic.

"Fuck it. You know what? I don't even care anymore! Take me! God damnit, TAKE ME! Do us both a fucking favor!"

My vision was blurred from the half-frozen tears still in my eyes. Out of the corner of my eye, I swear I could see a light through the blizzard. It's nothing I haven't seen before. I saw basically the same thing when I passed after the train accident.

Good. Death. Finally. Luck may just be on my side this time, and I won't be awoken in some magical world of ponies, or someplace where I have absolutely no chance of belonging anyways.

This is how it should have ended the first time...

Author's Note

Over a month. Over a month to update. I'm not even going to get into how unacceptable that is.
Honestly, I've been swamped with school work and my music, and with added writer's block on the side.

Well anyways, I finally broke through it and found the time to update. Don't ask me how I did, because frankly, I have no idea. Again, I'm so terribly sorry it took me so long to update, and I know this Chapter is lacking a bit in length compared to my previous chapters.
For those of you who've been waiting patiently for an update, thank you. This story wouldn't be what it is now, if it weren't for you guys.
Thank you.

P.S. Just to avoid any confusion, no. This isn't the end. It's the beginning.