The Cursed Prodigy and The Three Special-Grades

The distant sound of insistent beeps pulls Yuta out of his abyss of unconsciousness; he shifts slightly and is rewarded by an aching pain pulsating through each micro-movement he makes. On another note, he is surprised by the softness of where he lies. Cracking his eyes open, a flood of light assaulted his vision. He winced, shutting them shut before slowly allowing his eyes to adjust.

Taking in his surroundings, he found himself nestled in a pristine hospital bed, the cool sheets and bandages wrapped around his body a welcome relief against his sweat-soaked clothes. The room itself was a curious blend of functionality and extravagance. The walls were painted a crisp white, but the monotony was broken by a thin band of gold trim along the edges. Very fancy.

Modern medical equipment hummed softly in the background, its sterile efficiency a surprise, though not an unwelcome change from the humidity of the forest Yuta had passed out in. Getting up, Yuta began to flow small amounts of Positive Energy all across his body to lessen his aching.

"Phew..." Yuta sighed, the tension leaving his shoulders.

"I see you're awake." A soft voice startled him. Turning his head, he saw a nurse standing by his bedside, her horn glowing faintly as a magical clipboard hovered in her grasp. Her gaze swept over him, her brow furrowed in concern. "You shouldn't be moving too much, you were out for quite awhile." she cautioned. "The injuries you sustained aren't fatal, but you've clearly overworked your muscles."

Yuta flashed a weak smile. "It's okay," he rasped, his voice rough from disuse. "I can heal my body."

The nurse raised an eyebrow sceptically. "...If you insist," she replied, her tone neutral. "We aren't equipped nor have the experience in treating your species, so if you believe healing yourself is the best course of action, we won't stop you." She paused, her gaze holding his for a moment. "However," she continued, turning to walk towards the door, "the Princess would like an audience with you once you've regained consciousness. I'll bring her immediately. Do you need anything before I go?"

Yuta shook his head, his voice still too weak for much conversation. "No, thank you," he managed.

The nurse nodded curtly and exited the room, the soft click of the door shutting behind her, leaving an air of anticipation in its wake. Yuta leaned back against the pillows, sighing all the while.

"Yuta..." Another voice came to the side of the bed, though this time, he already knew who it was. Turning to his side, he gave a warm smile.

"Hey Rika."

Rika hovered calmly beside Yuta's bed. Her head and hands were the only things with material substance, while the rest of her body was clouded in a spectral cloud. She plunged her hand into her shadows, pulling out an item she had covered with her hands with extreme care. Slowly unfurling her fingers, he was presented with the sight of two fingers wrapped in cursed seals.

"I've wrapped them up while you were asleep, Yuta..." Rika spoke, and she was promptly rewarded with a pat on the head from Yuta.

"Thank you, Rika," Yuta replied as Rika's face was flushed red from the compliment. "Can you store them away for me for the time being? I'm going to meet the Princess, and it would be appreciated if we could have some privacy."

"Okay~!" Doing as told, Rika stores the cursed items back into her body with a happy hum before turning away and disappearing into the shadows.

A solemn silence filled the room after Rika's spectral form faded away. Yuta stared at the empty space she occupied moments ago, his mind replaying the past few days' events on a loop. World after world, dancing between space and time, fighting on lands Yuta never thought he would see in his entire life. Images of fractured realities, worlds teetering on the brink of chaos, and the desperate struggle to mend the damage Usowamoto had unleashed all flooded back. The adrenaline that fueled him during the fight had long since ebbed away, leaving a bone-deep weariness and a gnawing sense of unease.

If he would admit it, it feels eerily wrong for him to be this stationary. Probably because of all those world-hopping he did.

But even though the worst of the worst is over, the feeling of an unfinished task at the back of his mind continues to etch away at his subconscious. Was there something he was forgetting? Nevertheless, he should be able to breathe easy, right? So why...

What's with this sudden weight of unease coming from?

Just as he reached that conclusion, a soft knock on the door shattered the silence. Yuta turned his head towards the sound, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. The door creaked open a moment later, revealing the tired features of an overworked princess, Twilight. Relief and a hint of concern softened her usual regal demeanour.

"I'm glad to see you're okay," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling better," Yuta began, forcing a smile as his gaze met Twilight's. "If anything, I should be asking you that, Princess." Twilight's facade slips, surprised, before she collects herself. Something was definitely bugging her. "...Princess?"

"Ah!" She jumped slightly, a blush creeping up her muzzle. "Sorry! I was spacing out for a second." Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. "Either way, I'm glad you're recovering well. But there are a few questions I would like to ask if you don't mind."

"Sure, go ahead," Yuta replied, gesturing for her to continue.

"Where did you go after exorcising Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker? A rescue worker reported seeing you emerge from a portal, unconscious. However, I'd like to hear from your perspective."

"Oh, so those are the names of those curses?" Yuta chuckled, "Befitting. Well, after exorcising the curses. I was confronted..."

.
..
...

"...I see," Twilight spoke, nodding as she digested everything Yuta had explained. "So you chased them throughout worlds, exorcised the curse, and sealed a tear in a hole among several interconnected universes. That does line up with what the Wonderbolts had reported. About a spherical object suddenly manifesting in the middle of a giant firey tornado."

Yuta nodded, a weight settling in his chest. "That's about right," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of shame. "But the tear was immense. As I was sealing it, I was actively trying to open portals from the differing worlds to allow as many people, or ponies, a chance to return to their homeworld." He lowered his head, the guilt gnawing at him. "But... I don't think I managed to help as many individuals as that curse had doomed once I had closed the tear."

Twilight reached out and placed a comforting wing gently on his shoulder. "It's not your fault, Yuta," she reassured him, her voice firm but kind. "You've done the best you could in an impossible situation. Saving one life is a victory; you've undoubtedly saved countless more. Don't let the weight of what you couldn't do overshadow the good you've accomplished."

Twilight squeezed his shoulder gently, her touch imbued with a quiet strength. "Thank you for answering my questions, Yuta. It's... a lot to take in, but your actions have undoubtedly saved countless lives. Equestria is in your debt."

She rose from her chair, a hint of regret in her eyes. "However, as much as I'd like to stay and chat further, the rescue efforts still require my immediate attention. Canterlot is in pieces, and every hoof is needed to rebuild." Twilight offered him a warm smile. "Please, rest up in the meantime. You've earned it. And if you require anything at all, don't hesitate to call for the nurse."

Yuta returned her smile, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes. "Sure thing, Princess Twilight. See you soon."

As Twilight turned to leave, she paused for an awkward moment at the doorway, tilting her head slightly to the side. Almost as if there was one last time she wanted to ask him. But before Yuta could ask what was wrong, she resumed her pace and exited the room, leaving Yuta alone in the hospital ward.

The day after the meeting.

The blues of the sky divide the watercolour scene in two; hot summer hues burn the stone roads, and horizons stretch out through the cold dew. Fluttershy hovered atop a fallen house, blocking the main path connecting the city streets to the Canterlot Park.

"Over here, Discord!"

Discord stumbled over the debris and made his way to Fluttershy's location. Going through the motions of snapping his fingers, he paused just before completing the gesture; his arm trembled slightly.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, before finally completing the snap. A soft pop echoed in the air, and with a shimmer of displaced energy, the fallen house vanished from the road. A moment later, it reappeared in its original location, seemingly untouched by the chaos.

"Discord, is everything alright?" Fluttershy asks, hovering near the draconequus. "I hadn't seen you walk since Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Chrysalis attacked."

Discord ruffles the back of his neck, "It's nothing dear, I just..." He peers to his side, "Don't want my chaos magic to mess up the cleanup."

"Ah, okay..." Fluttershy responded, the answer leaving the pegasus unsatisfied.

Disquiet settled over the scene as the pegasus' reassurance followed tense silence. Fluttershy hovered anxiously near the displaced house, her wings beating frantically against the heavy air. Discord shuffled his hooves and mumbled excuses, casting furtive glances at the debris-strewn street.

The cause of his unease became clear a moment later. A tall figure emerged past the fallen splintered woods and shattered brickwork. The newcomer, clad in a fresh white uniform and sporting a sling, was Yuta himself, his head still wrapped in bandages. Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise, quickly replaced by concern as she watched the injured Yuta approach.

"Oh, Yuta!" Fluttershy exclaimed, her voice laced with relief as she swooped down to meet him. "I didn't know you were discharged so early! Is it really okay for you to walk around on your own right now?"

The injured Yuta chuckled, waving her concerns away dismissively. "Oh, no," he rasped, his voice rough. "I just sneaked out, but my body is recovering quickly, and I'd thought I'd help out here and there. Is there anything I can be of service to?"

Fluttershy fluttered her wings in agitation. "Oh no, it's quite alright. Really! Discord and I got it sorted. You really should take the time to rest your body."

Ignoring the disquiet churning in his gut, Yuta decided to take action. With a surprising display of strength for someone supposedly recovering from an injury, he lifted a large chunk of debris and effortlessly hoisted it onto his shoulder. "It's fine, and I'm already nearly fully recovered," he declared, his voice stronger than his raspy greeting earlier suggested. He strode over to a pile of rubble that wasn't blocking the main road and deposited his burden with a dull thud.

"You need to clear the paths, right?" he continued, turning his gaze between Fluttershy and Discord. "Then I'll gather them into one spot so that Discord will have an easier time shifting them away."

Without waiting for a response, Yuta marched off towards another street congested with rubble. "Let's handle the rubble over here, Discord," he called out over his shoulder. "There's something I wish to talk to you about in private as well. Fluttershy, could you survey that area over there in the meantime while Discord and I clear that path?"

Fluttershy, momentarily stunned by Yuta's sudden assertiveness, could only manage a bewildered "Um, sure!" before taking flight. As she ascended, a part of her mind was indeed thankful that Yuta wasn't seriously wounded. But another part, a more unsettling one, couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled upon her. It was as if a sense of security she'd held dear had been… stolen away. Was that the right word? Surely not. The only thing that had changed after that unsettling feeling arose was Yuta joining the conversation. Did that mean she subconsciously saw him as a threat?

"No!" Fluttershy mentally scolded herself, shaking the thought out of her head. "There's no way Yuta would ever do anything to us."

Despite her self-reassurance, a sliver of doubt lingered. Turning her gaze back towards Yuta and Discord, she noticed them seemingly conversing. At first, it appeared normal, their mouths moving in turn. Then, they paused before a pile of rubble, their postures shifting to face each other head-on. Their movements became agitated, their voices rising and falling in what appeared to be… an argument? The distance hampered her hearing the specifics, but the body language spoke volumes. It certainly wasn't a smooth exchange.

Right as the tension seemed ready to snap, Discord's shoulders slumped. His bravado evaporated, replaced by a defeated sigh. He mumbled something inaudible and went about clearing the rubble alongside Yuta. Though the argument appeared settled, a fragile truce at best, Fluttershy couldn't shake the feeling something was amiss. Before Discord's admitted defeat, her gaze snagged on Yuta's hand, and Fluttershy could've sworn she saw a white-knuckled grip tightening the straps of his sling.

The remaining hours of the day crawled by tediously and repetitively. Yuta and Discord worked side-by-side, clearing debris and aiding in the reconstruction efforts. Discord, his earlier reluctance seemingly forgotten, used his magic to levitate large chunks of rubble and shift them to designated disposal areas. Yuta, despite his supposed injury, displayed surprising strength as he hauled smaller debris and helped residents salvage belongings from their damaged homes.

Fluttershy, unable to shake the unease that gnawed at her, flitted between tasks. While she assisted with rebuilding and ensuring the safety of displaced animals, her gaze kept straying back to Yuta. His every movement seemed tinged with a hidden urgency, his focus intense. The way his look constantly stared into the abyss only solidified her suspicion that something wasn't right.

As the afternoon sun dipped towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the ravaged city, a heavy stillness settled over the scene. Exhaustion etched itself onto the faces of the ponies and creatures working tirelessly to rebuild Canterlot.

"Thank you for your hard work," Yuta said, placing the last pieces of debris off to the side. He straightened up, stretching his arms with a groan, and turned to Fluttershy and Discord. "Shall we call it a day?"

"Yes!" Fluttershy replied, relief coloring her voice. "Thank you for your hard work as well! As much as you said it was alright, you really should take the rest of the day to rest, Yuta."

"Will do," Yuta said, offering a tired smile. He started to walk past Fluttershy and Discord, then paused next to the draconequus, lowering his voice to a barely audible murmur. "Remember, your choice." With that cryptic message, Yuta turned and headed back towards the hospital, his hand clung tight to the sling across his shoulder. "Goodbye, Fluttershy. See you later."

Fluttershy watched him go, a frown creasing her brow. "S-see you!" she called after him, then turned to Discord with a questioning look. "Discord? What was that about?"

Discord avoided her gaze, his usual playful demeanour replaced by a forced nonchalance. "Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over, darling," he said, brushing his claws through her mane in a dismissive gesture. "Say, how about tomorrow we have some time off from this whole thing? All this work really isn't good on the nails, don't you think?"

Fluttershy's hooves froze mid-step, her brow furrowing in concern. "Discord..." she began, her voice tinged with a gentle reprimand, "You know that we can't afford to do that so soon. There's still so much to be done."

Discord flinched at her words, the mask of amusement he usually wore slipping for a moment, revealing a shade of vulnerability beneath the surface. A sheepish smile, more of a grimace, really, contorted his features. "But-" he started, his voice trailing off.

"No buts," Fluttershy cut him off firmly, her usual gentle conduct hardening with a touch of tiredness and seriousness. She began to walk away, shaking her head all the while. "And within a few days, there's still the funeral we need to attend for..." her voice softened as she spoke the last part, a pang of grief flashing in her eyes.

"Fluttershy..." Discord called after her, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. He took a hesitant step forward, only to stop again. "Wait, Fluttershy!" he pleaded, his voice cracking slightly. He watched her retreating figure, his hooves scuffling nervously against the rubble-strewn ground. Finally, he took a deep breath and blurted out, "If I said I needed to leave for a long time... would you be okay with it?"

Fluttershy's abrupt halt sent a jolt through Discord. He hadn't expected his question to have such an immediate effect. She pivoted on her hoof, her large blue eyes filled with a mixture of concern and confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice soft but firm. "Where are you heading to?"

Discord shifted uncomfortably, his hooves scuffing against the debris. "...There's some... important matters that require my attention. Even I don't know for how long I'll be gone," he mumbled, his voice devoid of its usual theatrics.

"But you'll be back, right?" she finally asked, a tremor of uncertainty strung along with each word. There was something about the way she phrased the question, a desperate hope clinging to the edge of her words, that left a hollow ache in Discord's nonexistent heart. He knew the answer he should give, the answer that wouldn't burden her with worry. But the truth, the gnawing truth that twisted in his gut, was far too heavy to voice.

"...Well, speaking of important matters," he announced, his voice adopting a theatrical lilt as he circled around his wife. "have you noticed the state of Canterlot's butterfly population? Absolutely disastrous! All this destruction must have thrown their migration patterns into complete disarray. Perhaps tomorrow, when you're not so busy scolding the ever-responsible me," he punctuated this with a wink, spawning a butterfly into the palm of his paw. "we could dedicate some time to ensuring these delicate creatures find their way back on course? A little chaos magic for a good cause, wouldn't you say?"

The mention of butterflies tore Fluttershy away from her awaited answer. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "... That's right." she sighed, a hint of exasperation debased with affection, "All this smoke and damage did push the local butterflies out of Canterlot. I suppose we can spare time to lend a helping hoof. Alright, tomorrow it is. But only because I can't bear the thought of those little butterflies lost and alone." Turning to face her husband, Fluttershy gave a pout. "And you'll be by my side?"

Discord, albeit hesitantly, leaned in to brush his cheeks against hers. "Of course, my dear. I wouldn't miss it."

Yuta continued his trek back to the hospital, the weight of the day pressing down on him. He rounded a corner, the air thick with the smell of dust and decay. Suddenly, a sickly green glow pulsed from the debris of a destroyed house. Squinting, Yuta spotted a wisp of malicious energy seeping from the cracks, its form coalescing into a low, guttural moan.

"K-k-k-k-k-kiss..." the curse sputtered, its voice a chorus of rasping whispers.

Without breaking stride, Yuta whipped his arm around and slammed a fist into the spectral form. A shockwave of cursed energy rippled outwards, shattering the curse into an ashing mist that dissipated harmlessly into the air.

"That's the sixth," he muttered under his breath, barely registering the feat. Resuming his pace back to his ward.

"Yuta?" Twilight inquired, descending from the skies and stopping in front of him. Her brow furrowed with concern. "What are you doing out of your ward? And did Rarity sow a new jacket for you?"

Caught off guard, Yuta stammered for an instant. "Eheh, you caught me," he admitted, raising a hand to ruffle the back of his head in sheepishness. "No, I usually carry around more than one jacket with me. How did you find me?"

"I sensed fluctuations in cursed energy within this area," Twilight explained. "I'm guessing that was your doing."

"That's impressive." Yuta compliments, "Yeah, I was exorcising a curse. In fact, that's the sixth one I've exorcised today." he confirms.

"There's still curses present?" Twilight's voice held a hint of disbelief. "I thought sightings of curses reduced significantly when you exorcised that portal curse a while back."

Yuta shook his head, a grim expression settling on his face. "Curses will still spawn, regardless of whether there was a power imbalance or not. But the number of curses popping up now is unprecedented."

"I agree," Twilight said, bringing a wing to her chin. "At first, my friends over in the Changeling Kingdom reported an upsurge of curses. I thought the curses were simply acting up because you exorcised their leader. But once I've received similar reports from the Dragon Lands, Griffonstone, and the North. I knew something was amiss."

Yuta didn't reply. Instead, he opts to stare into the dirt, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Yuta?" Twilight's voice broke through his reverie, laced with concern. "Something on your mind?"

Yuta shook his head.

He hesitated momentarily, then shook his head, the lie bitter on his tongue. "N-nothing," he stammered, "There's something else I'd like to tell you," he continued, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "I'll be leaving Equestria soon, in a few days' time."

Twilight stares back at the human, taking a while to digest what Yuta has told her. "...O-oh! Right! Of course, of course. It completely slipped my mind that you had to return to your homeworld." Twilight took a step back, her hoof unconsciously brushing against her cheek in a gesture that betrayed her attempt to appear composed. "W-well, apologies for forgetting. Shall that be the case, I'll have Pinkie arrange a farewell party for you." Twilight said, unfurling her wings, "I'll be off, then. So please actually take the time to rest."

With that, she took flight, leaving Yuta alone in the fading light. He watched her go, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Twilight's flustered side was a welcome change from the usual seriousness that cloaked her.

"A farewell party..." he murmured to himself. The thought was… unexpected yet strangely heartwarming. "I'll be most grateful, Princess Twilight," he called after her retreating form, a genuine smile gracing his features before sorrows overtake his lips.

Several days later - Ponyville - The Funeral.

The air hung heavy with a suffocating mix of grief and despair as Ponyville held a funeral for Sandbar. Twilight had attended far too many war memorials and funerals in the past few days, but none had come close to piercing her heart quite like this one.

Sandbar's family stood at the forefront of the assembled ponies, a raw, unbridled grief tableau. His mother wept uncontrollably, tears leaving glistening tracks through the dust on her cheeks. Beside her, his little sister clutched a worn teddy bear, and her small body racked with silent sobs.

Sandbar's father, a sturdy stallion with a braided mane now streaked with grey, tried valiantly to hold himself together for his family. But judging from the red-rimmed anguish in his eyes, he was barely keeping it together.

Behind the family stood Sandbar's closest friends. Silverstream stared blankly at the portrait of her departed friend, which captured his infectious grin and the twinkle in his eyes, the same smile he wore in his last moments. Gallus's gaze flits between the grieving family and the sky, almost denying the reality of the situation.

Ocellus clutched tightly to her chest as a tear broke through. Turning away from the scene, she stifled a sniffle as Smolder comforted her changeling friend. She clenched her jaw, keeping a tight rein on her emotions, her tail lashing restlessly against the ground.

Yona, however, stood silent and stoic, her large brown eyes downcast. She couldn't bear to look at the casket being lowered into the earth, the finality of the act too much to bear.

At the back of the assembled crowd, a group of familiar faces stood together, offering their silent condolences. Applejack, her hat tilted low in respect, stood beside Rainbow Dash, whose vibrant mane seemed muted in the face of such sorrow. Pinkie Pie gripped Rarity's hoof tightly, their coats brushing in silent comfort. Fluttershy leaned against Discord for comfort and security.

Standing behind them, a heavily bandaged Princess Cadance with a wing cast, Shining Armor, and a tearful Flurry Heart, their presence a show of solidarity with Ponyville. Sandbar and his friends had been instrumental in keeping the curses away from the Crystal Empire, and their loss was felt deeply by the royal family.

Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst offered silent comfort to each other. Around them were unfamiliar creatures – likely friends from other lands who had treasured memories with Sandbar.

Yuta stood isolated at the very corner of the cemetery; in his hands held a bouquet of white Chrysanthemums. He leaned against the rough bark of an ancient oak, its gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal arms towards the mourning sky. His eyes were fixed on the scene unfolding before him. Yet, amidst the collective heartache, a separate current of turmoil churned within him. He was a stranger in this land, an outsider to their traditions and the depths of their grief. Though physically present, he felt a million miles away, a silent observer.

The sorcerer continued to watch at the fringes of the gathering. As the ceremony progressed, various members of Sandbar's family and friends stepped forward, their voices thick with emotion as they shared stories and memories of the departed stallion. Some spoke of his kindness, his adventurous spirit, his infectious laughter. Others recounted tales of bravery and his unwavering determination to protect his loved ones and home. Like a brushstroke, each story painted a vibrant portrait of the young pony who had touched so many lives. Yuta listened intently, understanding what his student was like.

Finally, the last speaker finished, their voice trailing into a choked sob. A hush fell over the crowd, a heavy silence broken only by the occasional sniffle or choked sob from a grieving familiar. The moment stretched thick with unspoken emotions. Then, with a gentle nod from Twilight, the official ceremony came to an end.

The crowd began to disperse, some ponies offering words of comfort to Sandbar's family, others simply departing with tear-streaked faces. Yuta remained by the oak tree, his eyes lingering upon the freshly turned earth where Sandbar's casket lay. Once the throng thinned considerably, only a handful lingering near the grave, Yuta knew it was his time.

With a deep breath, he stepped away from the tree and ascended the gentle slope. He moved with a quiet purpose, his steps light on the soft earth. Reaching the graveside, he paused for a moment, letting the weight of the ceremony settle. Then, he gently placed the bouquet of Chrysanthemums he'd brought along next to the freshly placed gravestone. The vibrant blooms offered a silent tribute to Sandbar's life.

Yuta bowed his head in a gesture of respect, a silent goodbye to a friend he never truly knew. As he straightened, he saw a lone figure standing a few paces back.

"Those are beautiful," Twilight whispered.

"He deserved them," Yuta replied softly.

"...You were welcomed in the ceremony," she added, staring at the gravestone.

"...I didn't think it was proper to remind his family about the reason why their son died."

"..."

"In three days, at night, I'll be leaving," Yuta said, turning around and walking away. "Thank you for taking care of me. I'll go and say my goodbyes to the others, too."

As Yuta walked away, his eyes flickered over to Discord, which prompted the draconequus to turn his gaze to Yuta in return. They held the stare briefly before breaking them. Yuta was the first to walk back to Ponyville, and Discord continued to stare at the human's back.

"Discord?" Fluttershy asks, "Something wrong?"

"None at all, sweetie," Discord replied.

Fluttershy wasn't convinced. Her gaze held a knowing glint as if she sensed the turmoil simmering beneath the surface. But for now, she chose not to press the issue.

"Well," she said gently, "if you're feeling strange, perhaps we can walk back to Ponyville together? There's still much to be done, and I could use your help with the preparations for Pinkie's farewell party for Yuta."

Discord nodded slowly. Walking alongside Fluttershy, the weight of his secret seemed a little less crushing. Perhaps, he thought, there was still time to mend things.