Nine Realms

While the ponies of Equestria could safely say that their time in Asgard had been interesting, none could deny that they were all just as eager to get back to their home as they were when they got here. So, after enough time had passed, the moment came when word was sent, and the ponies were all required to gather at the great palace at the centre of the realm. Having dispersed not long after their arrival, it took a while for all of them to be brought into one place, but once they were, they were happy to see one another, all looking hopeful that, at long last, this would be the end of their journey through the nine realms. Aesir guards had been sent to escort them to where they were required, and although silent, the ponies continued to show great anticipation for what was to come. The only thing that disturbed the peace of the moment, however, was the constant cawing of the ravens that were found in all places of this realm.

But, they put that small irritation aside, for soon they beheld the splendour of the grand palace of the King. And if they thought the rest of Asgard looked impressive, then this enormous construction put all of that to shame. Towering high into the sky, it glistened brightly in the everlasting sunlight above them, and appeared as though it were forged of nothing but gold and platinum. A monumental sight, nopony could deny that, and yet, as they looked down from it, they watched as the highly-ornate gates at the base of the palace were opened for them, creaking so loudly that all in the city could hear it. Clearly, entry into this place was not given lightly, so the ponies made sure that they were as presentable as possible for this audience, Rarity doubly so. On they walked, and soon, they were within, entering just as those great gates were closed behind them.

Now, at last, they were within the hall of the king himself, which was decorated in many huge statues of warriors, Kings and Queens. High above was the ceiling, looking like it stretched all the way to the top of the palace, and on the walls leading up to it were elaborately-made stained glass windows, each depicting what appeared to be some moment of significance in their history. For a moment, it reminded Twilight of the interior of the royal palace, back at Canterlot, which naturally only served to deepen her longing to get herself and her friends back home. But, she turned, seeing that there, sitting upon a golden throne, was what had to be the king himself. An old man, by all appearances, with a great grey beard, he held aloft a mighty spear, and one eye was covered in a dark patch. Like all here, he was clad in mail and plate, a warrior, with a cloak of bright red upon his back. And when he spoke, his voice was deep and foreboding.

"So...the peoples of Equestria. I have been looking forward to this meeting for some time."

Twilight, along with all the others, gave a deep bow to him.

"My apologies for entering your realm, your Majesty...but given what we've been told...we believe that only you may be able to help us."

The king nodded.

"Indeed. And in truth, I have been seeking such a way for you for some time now."

Lifting her head up, Twilight looked understandably surprised by that.

"You...you have?"

A smirk crept onto the man's lips.

"I have. Ever since you entered Midgard...I have been watching."

The ponies, as one would expect, weren't quite sure what to make of a statement like that. Indeed, none of them had any recollection of ever encountering this man before, so the question of how he could have watched them was foremost on their minds. The King, seeing these thoughts as clear as day upon their faces, smiled, before giving a quick whistle. Immediately, one of the many ravens they'd seen in this city flew down from on high, resting atop the golden throne.

"My servants are many, and what they see...I see also."

An amazing claim, but one that Twilight was not willing to question right now. Instead, she stepped forward, pausing to look at the court of this place. Many Aesir were gathered here for this meeting, and among them, Twilight could recognise not only Frigg, but Gullveig as well. Clearly, their Vanaheim companion had managed to ingratiate herself fairly quickly, which Twilight smiled to. Gullveig smiled back, but otherwise said nothing. Instead, she and everyone else there watched as Twilight took another step forward, listening to the King speaking further.

"From Midgard, you strode forward. The lands of the Jotuns, the underground kingdom of the dwarves, the fires of Muspelheim, the ice of Niflheim, the great light of Alfheim, the ancient forests of Vanaheim...and now...you come to me."

A chuckle escaped him.

"An impressive journey. I have known of no other who has visited so many in such a short time."

Twilight smiled back.

"In truth...we are eager to return home. I mean no disrespect to you or your nine realms, but..."

But the king halted her with a raised hand, speaking calmly.

"You need not speak further. Home is where the heart is, as they so often say, and I have no doubt that you should return to where you belong."

The other ponies drew closer, standing just behind Twilight, the latter of whom looking more than a little taken aback by all of this.

"In truth, I feel somewhat indebted to you. After all..."

A brief look of shame came to him.

"...one of my own nearly sent you into the dark halls of Helheim for his own amusement, and for that...I apologise."

Twilight, at first, didn't know what he was talking about. But, as memories of a white mare upon an icy field returned to her, understanding dawned. Her expression became more serious, but not so much so that she was upset enough to ask for this meddlesome Aesir that had caused them so much grief that day. Instead, she remained quiet as the King looked to them again.

"Let it never be said that Odin does not aid those who need it."

Slowly, he raised himself up from his throne, looking to each of them in turn.

"Twilight Sparkle...Applejack...Fluttershy...Rainbow Dash...Pinkie pie...Rarity...and Spike."

He lifted his great spear upwards, and within moments, it began to glow, becoming brighter and brighter as the seconds passed.

"I, Odin, son of Borr, King of Asgard, All-Father of the nine realms, do hereby grant thee passage to the realm you came from. Go now, and journey there in peace."

With an almighty motion, he brought his spear back down, bringing its tip into contact with the ground. As soon as this happened, there was a great shaking all around them, and before long, Twilight and her friends looked on in shock to discover that the same glow that had engulfed the spear now surrounded them as well. It intensified, and soon, she began to feel that familiar sensation, the one that preceded every single transportation from one realm to another. She knew it, that this was their last journey, and her friends would soon make it back home. The others too knew this, wide smiles upon their faces, unable to show just how joyous this was for them. And in the final moments, the young Princess turned to the elderly King, smiling warmly.

"...Thank you."

A bright flash, and then, it was over. The ponies were gone from the hall, the only trace of them being the slight wisps of steam from where they had been transported from. Odin, letting out a long sigh, got back into his throne, looking more than satisfied at having rendered such aid. But, before he could take even a single moment's rest, he was interrupted by the immediate opening of the hall's great doors. All eyes turned to see another Aesir come running in, panting furiously, much to Odin's surprise.

"What is it?"

The messenger halted, taking a few moments to get his breath back, much to the irritation of those around him. But, when he was able to finally speak, his words were frantic and panicked.

"Sire! It's...it's Fenrir!"

Slowly, Odin frowned.

"Yes...what of it?"

The man continued.

"The great beast! The wolf that has been foretold will one day slay you, my liege!"

Odin rolled his eye.

"Yes, yes, we all know what it's going to do, but why are you bringing it up now?"

Here, after realising what he was about to say, the messenger hesitated.

"Um...weeeeeeeeeell..."