In Another World

Dear Lazlo Kis,

It brings me great joy to receive your letter, and I must say that my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, has been keeping me updated on your progress. She speaks highly of you, and I am delighted to hear that you are adjusting to your new life.

I remember telling you about the upcoming Grand Summit of Species and Countries, and I would like to invite you to discuss the matter with me before making a final decision. It is not mandatory for you to attend, but I believe it would be beneficial for you to have more information before making a choice. I have set the 1st day of winter for our meeting, but if that date is not convenient for you, please let me know, and we can arrange another time.

Furthermore, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit my school, Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. A student proposed that you share your knowledge about a world without magic, and many of my students and professors support the idea. I believe it would be a fascinating presentation, and I have scheduled it for the 5th of Early Winter. It will be a two-hour-long event, with an hour dedicated to your presentation and another hour for questions from the audience. If you prefer a shorter presentation or a different date, please let me know, and we can make the necessary arrangements.

I understand that these invitations are not mandatory, and you are free to decline them. I assure you that there will be no negative consequences for you, but other nations' leaders may request to meet with you or send representatives if you decline the GSSC invitation. Additionally, your travel expenses will be covered, and you will be paid as a guest speaker.

Should you choose to accept both invitations, you are welcome to stay at the castle during your visit. However, if you decide not to, that is perfectly acceptable as well.

Please respond through Spike with your decision.

Warmest regards,
Princess Celestia

Twilight stared at the letter. She was at least as surprised as Lazlo was when earlier this morning a Royal Guard Messenger knocked on his door and gave him this letter, only saying that it was from Princess Celestia and then taking off.

To say that it was unexpected was an understatement, at least for the presentation part, the other could be predicted, but Lazlo already forgot about that summit too.

"The Princess wants you to speak in her school? That is a great honor! You must accept it!" Twilight spoke, seemingly more enthusiastic about this whole thing, than Lazlo.

"Didn't have much speech like that... Most of them were just as part of a group of speakers." Lazlo said to her. "Not sure, it's a good idea, but I'll think about it," he said, then got up from the couch he had been sitting on since arrived at the library.

"What about the other one?" Twilight questioned. "Being a representative of your species in Equestria. I would say, it's also a great honor, but considering your situation..."

"I'll probably accept it. I don't want ambassadors or anyone else knocking on my door constantly. I'll go for a walk, and have some things to do. I'll sleep on it and come back tomorrow morning if it's okay with you." she nodded and he left the library.

It was time for him to go around and properly apologize to the ponies, who knew about his deal with Discord. He already decided to do it a few days ago, but only now he felt he was collected enough to do it. Except for Twilight. With her, he felt he needed a little more time to do it and it needed to be the most perfect if he could say so and the biggest chance for that was if he did it with the others too. Except for the princesses. He considered writing them letters, but maybe he will have a chance to do it personally if he goes to Canterlot. It was only fair.

He needed to do this. There was no more hiding behind false justifications. No more ignoring the images of ponies, he knew and made friends with, living in the hell that Discord created. He already accepted any punishment for it, but he still had to do this. No matter what others thought of apologizing, it was still a symbol at least.

His first stop was Carousel Boutique. It was the closest and also among the girls, Rarity was probably who he was the closest after Twilight. Not like it was much compared to the others but he sometimes went to her for new clothes, also she was living relatively close to him, since Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all lived at the edge or even out of the town, and with Pinkie, he liked her, but he felt he would go completely crazy if he'd spend more time with her than necessary.

Since it was during business hours, he didn't knock on the door of the boutique just simply opened it and walked in. The ringing of a small bell signaled his arrival. He immediately noticed Rarity as she was in the shop, currently working on a dress that was placed on a mannequin but she looked towards the door when she heard the bell.

"Lazlo, darling!" she greeted. "What do I owe the pleasure? Here for a new set of clothes?"

"Hello, Rarity. Not for that, only to take away from your work for a few minutes if you can. Just want to say a few things."

"Of course, dear. I'm due for a break anyway. Come, I'll make some tea." she walked to her kitchen, and Lazlo followed.

"Just water is enough for me, not really a tea drinker," he spoke, while Rarity motioned for him to sit down at the table, and he did so.

"So what did you want to talk about?" she asked while placing a glass of water with her magic in front of the human.

He wanted to get right into it but hesitated for a moment. Was it really the best time, or setting? Maybe he should talk about something else. The topical nervousness and thinking about stopping before starting. But he couldn't think of anything else, and he was preparing for it for days. He had to do it. Meanwhile, Rarity finished making her tea and was trotting to the table to sit. Noticing the troubled expression on the human, she became concerned but before she could say anything, Lazlo spoke up.

"I just... I want to apologize. For what I did when Discord was free. I... No matter how justified I felt my decision is then, or how I thought, I'd get through my bad feeling about when I get back or anything I said in my defense, it doesn't matter. The truth is that I did something evil, made a choice that is cruel and would've made millions of life miserable. I knew that already, yet I still went with it. Yet, when I finally gave faces that I know to those miserable ponies, I realized just how awful and evil I was. And I am sorry for that. I did something terrible to those, who did nothing but try to help me ever since I've gotten here. And I hope, that one day, I can earn your forgiveness." the whole time, he was looking into her eyes. Yet another lesson from his grandfather. If you fuck up, then at least have the decency to do a proper apology, looking at them the whole time, and normal people will have a decent reaction to it, even if they won't accept it.

Rarity was silent for the whole time, listening to his speech. She was thinking of his words and quietly sipped her tea. After several seconds, she put down her cup and smiled at the human.

"I forgive you, darling. Actually, I already did. But I appreciate the gesture. Still, my sympathies that you can't go home, Twilight explained to us, why is it impossible." she spoke still wearing her smile that became a little sad as she said her last sentence.

"Well, I just have to accept that I'll live the rest of my life here, but thank you." he stood up. "Thanks for listening, but I have to go and visit the others, and I also don't want to keep you from your work."

"Speaking of my work..." she too stood up and levitated his empty glass and her cup to the sink. "Winter is getting close, and I assume you will need something to keep you warm out there during that time."

"Yeah... Though it's okay for now, and I can handle cold pretty well, I'll be in need of some warmer clothes," he confirmed.

"Of course, dear. Go, visit the others now, but don't forget to come back sometimes so I can make something for you, and try not to make it before you start shivering on your way here." she smiled as she escorted him out.

Since Sugarcube Corner wasn't far from Rarity's shop, that was his next destination. It was around midday so relatively few ponies were there.

"Lazlo! Hello!" the blue earth pony, Mrs. Cake, who was standing behind the counter, greeted him. "Haven't seen you in quite a while."

"Hello. Is Pinkie here? I need to speak with her." he greeted back, but getting to the point of his visit immediately after.

"Yes, she's in the kitchen, I- urgh..." she suddenly grunted, cutting herself from finishing what she wanted to say.

"Are you okay?" Lazlo asked with a concerned expression.

"I'm fine, dear!" she assures him and walks around the counter and now Lazlo can see a big bump on her stomach. "The little ones just like kicking sometimes." she patted her bump a little.

"Oh, you're expecting? Didn't know about that. And little ones? Twins?" he asked, making sure, he heard correctly. She nodded with a proud smile. "Well, congratulation! I wish you and your foals good health!" he told her while smiling himself.

"Thank you! It's such a wonderful feeling that I'm going to be a mother and my dear husband is happy too, but I also can't wait to have them out of me, it can be a struggle sometimes."

"Well, I can only imagine that maybe. But I don't know anyone who truly regretted suffering through it. I don't know about this language but in my native tongue, pregnant women are also addressed as they're in a 'Blessed state', which is a nice expression in my opinion."

"I never heard that one, but I agree with you," she said, thinking about the expression. "Anyway, Pinkie's in the kitchen, I think she can have a break since it's a quiet time here right now."

She allowed him to go to the kitchen, where Pinkie was just finishing up with a tray of cupcakes. She looked up when she heard the human walk in. She gave him a wide smile and took a cupcake from the tray.

"Hiya Lacy! You came at the perfect time!" she practically yelled. "Try one!" she was already in his face, trying to force-feed him with a cupcake, that had light blue frosting and the number of sprinkles on it, that even a kid would think is too much.

To prevent her from trying to force a whole cupcake down on his throat, he quickly grabbed the baked good and took it from her, taking a bite from it, while with his other hand, gently pushing her away. She didn't seem offended by his act, the signature smile remained.

"So what do you think?" she asked, shaking a little from excitement.

"It's good as long as I choose the size of the portion that gets into my mouth." he gave her an unamused look, that quickly changed to a more serious one. "But I need to speak with you in a more serious tone." her smile became less ecstatic and nodded. He took a big breath and started. "I'm sorry about my behavior during the Discord incident. I made an evil decision and-" A pink hoof was pushed into his mouth, silencing him.

"I already forgave you, silly! We all are! We even told you, but they'll surely be happy to hear a real apology from you. But if you really want to make up for it then spend more time with your friends, not just Twilight, but the others too. And go back to the chess club too." she told him and at this point, he wasn't even surprised that she thought about that too.

After eating another cupcake and then actually buying more tasty treats he first went home because he didn't want to carry all the baked goods with him the whole time. Also, it was already afternoon and he still didn't have lunch so he had to put some normal food in his system as well.

Another long walk was behind him as he approached the ground below Rainbow Dash's mansion. He didn't see it many times, which was surprising at first as it was floating in the sky but it was basically outside of Ponyville and wasn't that high up. She only had a mailbox and a bell on the ground, which he guessed was there since only pegasi could knock on her door.

He rang the bell and waited. A few seconds later he was about to try again but just before that she flew out of one of her windows and landed next to her.

"Hey, Lazlo. What brings you by?" she greeted.

"Hi. I came to apologize for my action when Discord was free. What I did was evil and would've ruined the life of many. I'm sorry for what I did."

"Hey, it's okay," she spoke up before he could say more. "I mean, it wasn't cool, but if you don't do it again, then I won't hold it against you." she flew up a little and patted his shoulder. "But enough of the mushy stuff. You want something else too?" he shook his head. "Then I have some napping to finish, see ya!" and she was already back in her house.

The next destination was Sweet Apple Acres. His legs were aching from the marathon he walked today so he hoped he could sit down somewhere when he was there. He immediately noticed Applejack kicking some apple trees.

"Hello!" he greeted her, getting her attention. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting, but I want to talk to you." she stopped and regarded him.

"About what?" she asked, though this time she didn't seem displeased with him, quite the opposite, she seemed to be in a good mood.

"I apologize for what I did during Discord's rampage." he kept the way he did with the others and got to the point immediately. "What I did was evil and would have made life terrible for many."

"I thought you weren't sorry for that. What made you change your mind?" she asked, a little skeptical but still open to hearing more.

"I never really put faces on the images of suffering ponies. I ignored it when it occurred to me that the same fate will apply to my friends here too. Rarity kind of helped me to see the truth when we were on our way for the race a few days ago. That because of my cruelty and selfishness, your life, the other mare's life, and the life of the children would have been a living hell if it would've worked. And I'm sorry for that."

She listened to him, while occasionally giving small nods of agreement. After Lazlo was finished, she didn't speak for many seconds.

"You know..." she spoke up after. "...when I heard about how you deceived your mother, I started disliking you. If you could do that to your own ma, then what would you do to others? And yet, Twilight asked me to be nice to you and you did some good too, I admit that. But when Discord came and you were ready to leave us with the only thing that could stop him, I was furious. But the Princess gave you a second chance and asked us to do the same. And I cannot deny that if Princess Luna could be forgiven, you should have the right too. I did bad things too in the past, and my family and friends always forgave me, so I will try to do that for you."

"Thank you. I will let you continue your work now. Have a nice day." he said and left her to her work.

"Wait!" he stopped. "Will you tell me about your grandpa? And what about your father? "

"After my parents divorced, when I was just a kid, I didn't see my father often, I spent one or two weekends with him each month but sometimes even less, so not much about him to tell. He moved away to find better work. He did find someone else and that's why I have two lovely half-sisters. As for my-" before he could continue though, something interrupted him.

"APPLEJACK!" the yelling of a filly turned their attention to the newcomer. It was Apple Bloom, running towards them at record speed, while she was spinning a hula hoop with her tail and spinning two plates on two sticks on her head. "You won't believe what happened today!" she stopped just in time not to collide with her sister. Then turned side and Applejack stared at her open-mouthed. "I got another cutie mark! Two cutie marks! I have two cutie marks!" she was constantly jumping in excitement so it took Lazlo a few seconds to realize that there were two different markings, a silver ring and below it, two sticks with one plate on each.

He was here in Equestria for long enough to know that it was at least not normal. Even if a pony had a cutie mark that had multiple symbols, those were connected, like Applejack with three apples, or even Twilight with one big star and several smaller ones around it. It was probably also the reason why Applejack was in a good mood. Apple Bloom had gotten one cutie mark recently since she told her that she got another one and the mare was still happy that her sister finally got her mark.

"Yee-haw, little sis! You got not only one but two cutie marks!" Applejack cheered.

"Congratulations Apple Bloom!" Lazlo too praised her, while trying to figure out in his head, how the hell did she learn all this, as even with practicing every day, it would've taken more years, than her age, and that's ignoring the fact that she couldn't have started from birth.

"Thanks, Lacy!" she seemingly just noticed that he was there too.

"We gotta tell Big Mac and Granny Smith! And also write letters to the whole family! But first, let's go, celebrate!" Applejack told her, then turned back to the human. "Wanna join?"

"I still have others to visit, and also don't want to intrude." he politely declined.

"Alright, but Pinkie won't let you miss her cute-ceañera, so be ready for it," she told him.

After that, the Apples went back to their house and Lazlo left the orchard. The next destination was Fluttershy.

On his way, however, he wasn't thinking about what to tell the shy pegasus but how to apologize to Twilight. Oh, he knew what to say, basically the same things he told the others, yet it was so hard as it had to be perfect. Because she was the one, he was the closest.

Arriving at Fluttershy's hut, he noticed many animals move away from him, though not running in fear, more like being cautious and keeping a distance. He wasn't here many times, only once or twice and he looked different, so it was to be expected that they didn't want to be close to him.

The door opened a few seconds after he knocked, revealing the yellow pegasus.

"Oh, hello Lazlo. What brings you by?" she let him in and offered him a place on her couch.

"Hello, I just came to talk a little, if you have the time," he answered as he looked around. He didn't remember ever being in her hut, only the outside.

"Of course. Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you. Not really a tea drinker." he declined.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot about that." she apologized and he sighed. He remembered that the shy pegasus apologized for everything.

"I'm not even sure, I ever told you that, but never mind. I just came here to apologize." he got to the point. She looked at him confused at first, so he continued. "About the Discord incident and what I've done back then. What I did was horrible and I believe an apology is in order. I made a selfish decision and you almost suffered a lot because of it."

"You don't have to apologize." Fluttershy sat down next to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. "I already forgave you and our friends did too. I mean, it wasn't nice, what you did, but we did some bad things too, we were all under Discord's influence."

"There is a difference between hypnotizing you and offering a deal," he argued. Then he felt something poking his legs on his left. He looked and noticed a little white bunny standing there on the couch. He reached down and petted him but to his surprise, the bunny hit his hand away, then began pushing against his leg, seemingly wanting him to move away.

"Angel! You should know better than to behave like this when we have a guest!" Fluttershy scolded the bunny, but without success. Lazlo didn't do anything to the bunny, he simply let him push him, not like he had any chance of forcing even a small movement. Seeing that the man decided to ignore her pet, she did the same. "You were also hurting from the bad news, you received before that. You should talk with the others too."

"Already did apologize to Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow. They forgave me, or something like that."

"That's wonderful. What about Twilight?"

"I'll go to her too. I just need a little more time to think for hers."

"Oh, alright. I think you should be able to put behind yourself all of this." she smiled, then her face turned to shock, then apologetic. "Not that I'm implying that you should forget your old life, I'm sorry if you interpreted it like that. I just think that you would be happier if you could move on from that decision. I know, me and my friends can."

"Thank you." he smiled, glad to hear it. "I think, I should go now. Goodbye."

He left the hut and was on his way home. He thought about going back to the library to speak with Twilight but he was exhausted mentally. Even if those talks didn't take long, they still tired him. He also had to think a little more. She deserved better than he could do with the others.

The next morning, he left early. The library still wasn't open, when he arrived. Spike let him in as Twilight was still upstairs. When she got down, instead of greeting the man, she looked disapprovingly at him.

"Lazlo! You should know better, than just leave a letter from the princess just like that!" she began to lecture him, he almost fell back because of the surprise onslaught. "You shouldn't have left the letter here, you should keep it with you, at least until you answered them!"

"Yeah, sorry!" he quickly interrupted to stop her, before he had to spend the whole day here, listening to her about this. "Yesterday was more eventful than I expected."

"Why, what did you do yesterday?" she asked, but she had to wait for his answer as two ponies suddenly entered the library.

"Twilight! Need help!" spoke Applejack as she entered with Apple Bloom. The little filly was doing the same, as he last saw her, with the hula hoop and the plates but now, she was step-dancing too. Looking at her side, he could see a horseshoe with a ribbon.

Applejack quickly began to explain what happened. This morning, Apple Bloom got yet another cutie mark, but what's truly scary is that she can't stop performing her talents. It didn't take a genius to figure out how dangerous that is. Though it raised the question, of why did she bring her here and not to the hospital. It seemed like some kind of illness or a defect. However, he also thought that if it was some kind of magical disorder, then Twilight probably can figure it out too, as she has massive knowledge in magic, but still, a hospital with actual experts would've been the best choice.

"It's most likely an unusual equine illness. Now, where is that book about it?" she began looking through some books on a shelf but Spike found it quicker. She got the book from her assistant and then began flipping through the pages. Soon she found something. "Cutie Pox," she said. "This puzzling pony plague afflicted a population of ponies back in the Paleopony Period!"

"Heh, say that ten times fast!" Spike said.

"Yeah, I know some tongue-breakers too," Lazlo added.

"Really? Can you teach them to me?" the dragon asked.

"They're not in English, or what do call it? Common language?" Lazlo shook his head.

"Random cutie marks appeared all over the ponies' bodies, causing them to perform all the talents that came with them!" Twilight continued explaining the Cutie Pox.

"And what's the cure?" Applejack asked, trying to hurry things up.

"It says here there's no known cure!" Twilight said, looking afraid. "The cause of the breakout was never discovered, and the cutie pox disappears as mysteriously as they arrived!" she continued reading the book, and with every word, all creatures looked more and more worried.

And then another cutie mark appeared on Apple Bloom's flank and from now none of them understood what she was speaking as she was speaking in a foreign language.

"My sister's speaking in fancy!" Applejack looked terrified. "What does she saying?"

"I don't know!" Twilight said, before turning to Lazlo. "Do you understand it? Is it your native language?"

"No, far from it." he shook his head, then looked at Apple Bloom's new cutie mark, which was a silver fleur-de-lis. "My guess would be French, based on the symbol."

"You mean Prench?" Twilight asked and Lazlo gave her a confused look. "It was-" she stopped herself. "Not important right now!"

"Yeah, we need to find a cure! We can't wait for it to just go away!" Applejack was now panicking and Lazlo understood it. He would too in her place. Twilight looked troubled for a moment, deep in thinking, before she looked up, smiling.

"I know! Zecora! She might have an idea!" she yelled, then they all rushed out of the library instantly running towards the Everfree Forest, where the zebra alchemist lived.

They couldn't go fast, though. Apple Bloom was slowing them down. Her state got worse by the minute as more and more cutie marks appeared on her body, forcing her to perform more and more activities. Ponies on the street looked at her and were concerned until one of them yelled that she was cursed. The true panic, however, began when Spike corrected the pony that the filly wasn't cursed, just had a mysterious and incurable illness.

At least something good happened too as they noticed the zebra, whom they wanted to visit walking in the town in their direction speaking to herself.

"Zecora! Apple Bloom has cutie pox! We were just on our way to see if you had a cure!" Twilight quickly summarized the situation.

"But magically you're here! Was your zebra sense tingling?" Applejack spoke.

"My zebra sense did not bring me round, it was a special flower that I needed found. I thought I picked enough to fix all the potions I had to mix, but after my visit from Apple Bloom, some had mysteriously left my room. Apple Bloom! What do you say? Did this flower just walk away?" Zecora said while looking at the little filly. Apple Bloom looked nervous but didn't say anything. Zecora then took a few small items out of her saddlebag. "A cutie pox cure I have forsooth, for healing power is in the Seeds of Truth." the items she took were golden seeds.

"Well then, give them to her! Quick!" Applejack was impatient, which was understandable.

"These seeds must be planted in the ground. With the truth, they'll grow, and the cure is found." Zecora explained.

"Come again?" Applejack seemed confused. She wasn't the only one, as Lazlo too was lost.

"The Seeds of Truth do hold the cure, but one must speak words, true and pure." came more explanation.

"So how does it live like that in the wild? I don't think animals just go to it and confess stuff so it can grow." Lazlo asked.

"The plant can bloom without words of true, but then it loses its power to cure you," she answered.

"Well then let's get to it!" Applejack took the seeds, quickly dig a hole in the ground, placed the seeds there, and put back the dirt. "Alright, they're planted, now somepony tell the truth!" she looked around, hoping someone will step forward to speak.

"Two plus two is four. I have five fingers on each hand. My hair is dark brown. I have two half-sisters. Humans are the only sentient species where I'm from." Lazlo began listing basic facts but nothing happened.

"I can't stand it anymore!" Apple Bloom shouted. She looked terrible. She was dirty, her mane, tail, and coat were tangled and messy. Her little bow was damaged and she looked exhausted. "It's me! I admit it! I didn't earn my cutie mark! They're all fake!" Her confession seemed to work as the plant started to grow. "I figured the Heart's Desire would help me get what I wanted most! So when Zecora left her hut, I mixed up a special potion and put the rest of the Heart's Desire in it!" as she continued a beautiful white flower bloomed.

The whole process was a sight to behold, and for Lazlo, no matter how many magical things he saw, there was always something else new that can take his breath away. Ponies got out of their homes, looking at the flower in awe. But it didn't last long as Apple Bloom pulled the whole plant out of the ground and ate it in one piece. She then collapsed and the cutie marks disappeared from her body. She was herself again. She sighed in relief along with every pony who gathered around. All were happy that it was over. Her two crusader friends walked up to her, asking if she was okay.

"I'm great, and I've never been happier to be a blank flank. But I'm awfully sorry I lied," she tried to get up but was unable to. "I was so desperate for my cutie mark, I just got carried away." she then turned to the zebra. "And I'm really sorry I snuck those flowers from you, Zecora. Why, I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted me to come by again." she looked ashamed.

"Now, Apple Bloom, do not be silly. You are always welcome, my little filly. With each mistake you learn something new, growing up into a better you." Zecora was just as forgiving as any other pony.

"Apple Bloom, would you mind writing to Princess Celestia and telling her what you've learned?" Twilight asked as she felt a great lesson was learned, one that was worthy of sending to the princess.

"I'd be happy to, Twilight!"

With the letter written and sent, Apple Bloom was taken back to the farm by Applejack so she can finally rest after what happened. She needed one, badly. Lazlo had a feeling, she fell asleep on her sister's back.

He went back to the library with Twilight, he had something important to do after all. But on his way and even at the moment of arrival, he still wasn't sure what to say, until he realized that he's been stupid. He can't say anything else than he said to the others. Still, it was time that he apologized to her, she deserved it just as much as anyone else, or even more so.

"So will you answer the princess' invitation now?" Twilight asked once they were back in the library, sitting on a couch.

"Before that, I need to tell you something." he looked at her. "Yesterday, I've been going around, apologizing to the others. It's long overdue that I apologize to you as well for being a horrible friend and betraying your trust. You've been nothing but kind and helpful. And I was ready to doom your life, your home, your country. It was a cruel and selfish act by me. And I-" He only got that far before he was interrupted by Twilight as she stood up on her hind legs and wrapped her front hooves around his neck. Lazlo was surprised by the sudden act but after a few seconds, he returned the hug, even stroking her back a little.

"Lazlo..." Twilight whispered. "I already forgave you. And don't call yourself cruel and selfish. You are a wonderful person, you were just through a lot since you got here. I hope you can live a great life here, I know mine got better since I got to know you." they let go of each other.

"Thank you," Lazlo said. Then looked at Spike, who just came into the room. "And of course, I apologize to you too, Spike."

"Don't worry about it." he shrugged it off, then raised the parchment and quill in his hands. "I'm ready to write your response to the princess' invitation," he said.

"Oh, right. Well, I accept both. The dates are good too."

"Lazlo," Twilight spoke, while Spike was writing the letter. "Would you mind staying here for a little bit? The girls should arrive soon, we arranged a little get-together before this whole craziness with Apple Bloom. And it involves you too."

Spike then sent the letter. While they waited for the others to come, they were having a small conversation, until Twilight brought up a chess table. They played a few rounds, mostly won by Lazlo as Twilight was a little out of practice, though she said that she'll try to go to that chess club with Lazlo.

Finally, the others arrived. They were all smiling at Lazlo, which at first creeped him out a little as he was afraid, they would force him to do something embarrassing. But luckily it wasn't the case.

They each had a parchment with them that they all gave to Spike. Twilight too had her own, which was passed to the dragon along with the others. Lazlo had a feeling what they were for but he had to be sure.

"Are those...?" he asked.

"Yes." Twilight nodded.

"We decided that we will send the letter to the princess about your forgiveness together." Rarity added.

"Some of us wanted to send it earlier but we agreed that it would be fairer," Pinkie spoke.

"And you can't have it for nothing," Rainbow said.

"So we agreed that if you do something like apologizing, then we will all write our letter." it was now Applejack's turn.

"We can all move on from this and start over," Fluttershy added.

"After you left the bakery, I went to visit the others and tell them that we can finally send the letter, but then Twilight said, you didn't apologize to her, but then I calmed her down that you will tomorrow, that is today and I was right as you just apologized to her an hour ago!" Pinkie explained further.

"You can send them, Spike!" Twilight gave the word and the letters were already flying toward Canterlot.

"I... Thank you!" was all the human could say, getting really emotional.

"I know that this wasn't the life, you were hoping for, or maybe fighting for..." Twilight said as she embraced him yet again, this time he returned it immediately.

He closed his eyes for a moment but felt another presence touching him, opening his eyes revealed Pinkie, who joined the hug.

"But don't be sad! We will be here for you to cheer you up!" she spoke.

Soon every pony and even the dragon joined, making it a big group hug, with Lazlo Kis in the center of it. He felt tears running down his cheek. It was an annoying feeling but he didn't care this time. Finally, for the first time in weeks, maybe months, he felt truly happy. And he realized something. He lost so much. And yet... He felt richer than ever.