Author's Note

For redsopine's nan. Don't give up on the light, bro.

The Hope We Conspire

Diamond felt her body pressed against something cold. The texture told her all she needed to know.

"Concrete...?"

She opened her eyes.

"Sunlight..."

She rose to her hooves to see the grove of trees that surrounded her. It was almost as if they were guiding her way somehow.

"The pain...It's gone!!!"

It was true. The agony so vividly ingrained in her mind had all but disappeared. She was finally free.

"Woohoo! Yes! Haha! I'm okay!"

She flipped backwards.

"Wait...How did I do that?"

The filly looked herself over.

"And what's with the getup!?"

She had on a simple white t-shirt, a pair of blue denim jeans, and black sneakers.

"Where am I...?"

A breeze cleared the path. It blew away the autumn leaves, letting Diamond know it was time to move forward. Unsure of what awaited her beyond the shadows, she heeded its call.

Modest houses lined the blocks. They were completely different from what she remembered back home, and yet, the environment brought something new to mind: a deep sense of peace and tranquility. A kitten strolled down the path. Unlike Rarity's cat, Opal, it was just a normal mixed breed.

"A stray...?"

Out of the blue, a large, metal vehicle with wheels barreled down the road.

"Kitty!"

Diamond charged into the road. She jumped, grabbing the kitten and wrapping it in her forelegs. They rolled out of the way. The vehicle honked in surprise, but kept going.

Diamond let out a few heavy breaths, still relieved it no longer hurt to do so. Not only that, but her speed and strength had mysteriously increased a thousandfold.

"You okay, kitty?"

"Mew."

"Good."

"That was amazin'!"

"That accent...!"

Diamond stood up, cradling the kitten in one leg while freeing the other. Her suspicions were confirmed.

"I had no idea y'all could run so fast!"

"Apple Bloom...?"

"Who were you expectin'? Ruth Rose?"

Tears streamed down Diamond's face, but the smile never left.

"Hey, whatcha cryin' for? Did you get hurt?"

"No...Sorry..."

"Man, you're all emotional today." Scootaloo commented.

"Where's Silver Spoon?"

"Did ya forget?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"It's been a long day."

"Sounds like it. She's at the arcade waitin' for us."

"Arcade...?"

"Come on," Sweetie Belle encouraged, "We'll go together."

"What about the kitty?"

"He'll be okay. I leave food out for the animals all the time."

"Thanks, Sweetie Belle..."

"Sure. It's no big deal."

"I'll race ya!" Scootaloo said.

Diamond put the kitten down and joined the others.

When Diamond saw Silver waiting for them in front of the arcade building, the last of her restraints finally dropped.

"Hey, gu-"

Silver's words were cut off by an abrupt embrace. A life of memories came flooding back to Diamond: a new life, where every day was filled with joy, peace reigned, and evolution prevailed every day. In this world, the flow of change was constantly in motion, and everyone stood united against the forces of stagnation, suffering, and despair.

"Anyone mind telling me what's going on?" Silver asked.

"I think she hit her head." Scootaloo replied.

"Diamond, you're squeezing too tight!"

Diamond let go of her companion.

"Sorry. I just um...I just missed you is all."

"We saw each other earlier today! Jeez, you're acting weird..."

"I think I just need to rest when I get home."

"Yeah. Tell me about it."

After playing for a while, the sun began to set. The girls each went their separate ways. Diamond took her time to adjust to the new environment. Without her link to Silver, she truly would have been lost, and she understood that.

Somewhere along the way, the kitten from before tracked her down.

"Mew."

"Are you following me?"

"Mew."

She leaned down to nuzzle the creature.

"Do you want to come home with me?"

The kitten purred and rubbed against her leg.

"Okay, but I should warn you, my mom and dad are a bit eccentric."

The filly carried the kitten the rest of the way home. Spoiled and Filthy were already waiting for her, just as she predicted. With a smile and confidence in her heart, she surrendered herself to this new reality.