The Cursed Prodigy and The Three Special-Grades

Love is the most twisted curse of all.

The door to Fluttershy's cottage clicks, swinging open; Fluttershy steps in. In her arms, she cradled an overflowing bag of groceries, ribbons, and balloons peeking out from the top. Behind her, Discord followed, lumbering slightly to avoid scraping the low doorframe. His arms were laden with similar bulging bags, the contents rustling and crinkling with each step.

Despite the festive decorations, a shadow of sadness lingered in Fluttershy's eyes. The recent events had taken a toll, and Yuta's impending departure only added to the weight on her heart. Discord shuffled in quietly, his usual chaotic energy muted while he stared at the wedding photos of him and Fluttershy decorating the living room.

This... mudaneness, or lack thereof, from Discord was starting to worry Fluttershy. Usually, whenever Discord was tagging along with her to go grocery shopping, he'd had the bags walk along with out-grown feet as they chatted about everyday life. Perhaps it was the atmosphere after the funeral, or did Discord's opening himself to others have him acting this way?

Fluttershy wasn't sure, setting the bags she held aside as she turned around and closed the door. But,

Perhaps it was from all the fighting these past few days, the stress of it all. If she could, even she wouldn't want to leave the cottage for the next few days to recharge. Wanting to spend time with her husband in quiet bliss. Thankfully, Starlight has mandated a two-month break from the School of Friendship. Both so that the school could have time to rebuild and to give respite to the students who had first-class seats to the horror show that is curses.

Discord set the bag aside. Opening it with a flourish that seemed strangely subdued, he began to sort them out by hand—organising the items in an organised chaos fitting for Fluttershy. A bag of vegetables went next to a vibrant bouquet of lilies, separated only by a jar of honey. It was a practical approach with a distinctly Discordant touch.

When she turned around to fetch the bags, she noticed the bags she placed to the side had gone missing. Turning to the kitchen, Discord had already taken them with him and organised them along with the ones he had.

"Thank you for helping." Fluttershy said as she couldn't help but notice how his tail swished nervously behind him. Despite the lingering unease, a trace of warmth bloomed in her chest. "Now, I should prepare the sandwich fillings for the party. Would you like to join me?"

Discord smiled, an act that was bursting with its usual hearty shine. "Oh! Are you preparing the sandwiches with the mild hint of honey and mixed salad combination?" He asked, "You never prepare those unless the occassion is really special. Sounds like a plan! Though, knowing Pinkie, there might already be ten different desserts on their way."

Fluttershy chuckles, "I don't doubt that. Could you fetch the honey for me?" Discord, his movements still a touch awkward, reached over and gingerly grabbed the honey jar, bringing it gently to Fluttershy's side.

"Thank you very much," Fluttershy said, her voice warm. "You're a big help, Discord."

As Fluttershy grabbed a salad bowl from a cabinet and tossed the vegetables in with practised ease, Discord stood staring at his wife. A stray strand of her light rose mane draped to the side of her cheek, catching the soft sunlight filtering through the window and illuminating its delicate sheen. The Draconequus instinctively reached a claw forward to brush the mane back.

Fluttershy turns to her husband with a slight tilt of her head. "Something wrong?"

Discord smiled, "Nothing dear," Reaching a claw and brushing the stray strands of her mane back, he pulled his arm back. "Just capitivated by your beauty."

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in her eyes. "...Are you trying to get on my good side so you could steal a bite of the salad?"

Discord chuckled, a sound that still lacked its usual boisterousness. "Hmm," he said, scratching his chin with a claw in a show of theatrics that seemed forced. "What if I said yes?"

"If I gave you any," Fluttershy countered, a smile tugging at her lips, "Angel would want a piece too. Then Harry, and the rest of the critters. You know how it goes."

"Ohhh, poo," Discord said, his voice feigning disappointment. Yet, he enjoyed the lightened mood, a nice and welcomed contrast to the heavy atmosphere that had clung to them recently.

Though, unbeknownst to Fluttershy, behind his back, Discord subtly twirled his fingers in the air, a magical gesture so slight it was almost invisible. Back in the living room, a pen on the table suddenly levitated, hovering above a sheet of paper with a drunken focus. As if guided by an unseen hand, the pen scribbled something on the paper while Discord and Fluttershy laughed in the kitchen.

The next day, two days before Yuta's departure, he emerged from the Everfree Forest, his katana held loosely at his side. The dissipating curse energy swirled around the blade before dissolving into harmless motes of light. He had spent the morning placing wards around the forest's perimeter, ensuring a reprieve from the encroaching curses.

In the clearing, Applejack waited with a bandaged head, a testament to a recent skirmish. Relief washed over her features as she spotted Yuta.

"The Everfree is clear, Applejack," Yuta announced, sheathing his katana. "I've placed several wards around the perimeter. Curses shouldn't be a problem for a while."

"Thank you, Yuta," Applejack replied, her voice warm. "You really didn't have to do all that. We could've handled it."

Yuta smiled, "It is my last time staying in Ponyville and getting to know all of you, I'd like to help out here and there." Walking past AJ, "I'll head over to the School of Friendship to clear the remaining cursed residues left over from the curses. Take care, Applejack."

"See ya at the party later!" Applejack called after him as Yuta set off towards Ponyville.

The summer sun beat down mercilessly, but lazy clouds like spun cotton candy drifted across the cerulean canvas of the sky, offering dappled shade that danced across Yuta's path. The air hung heavy with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass, a familiar summer perfume that usually filled him with carefree joy. Today, however, an unsettling undercurrent ran beneath the pleasant facade. The normally bustling streets of Ponyville seemed strangely subdued.

Shop windows that were usually overflowing with colourful merchandise seemed oddly bare. Here and there, a boarded-up window or a hastily repaired door hinted at recent damage, and Yuta couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the townsfolk's demeanour. Ponies eyed him with gratitude and wary curiosity, their voices hushed as they spoke amongst themselves.

Then, a loud whistle pierced the air, drawing Yuta's attention. Turning to the source, he neared the front of the Ponyville Train Station. As he was about to turn outside the intersection, he spotted the unmistakable silhouette of a departing train at the station. A jolt of surprise shot through him as he saw Discord and Fluttershy seated in one of the carriages, seemingly lost in conversation.

Yuta's eyes widened at this as he broke into a sprint to the train station, hopping onto the platform. But it was too late, and the train was already moving. Thinking if he should give chase and simultaneously drawing his katana, he was stopped when a high-pitched yelp came from next to him.

"Ah! Yuta!" Rarity yelped, "You startled me!"

Yuta skidded to a halt, his heart hammering in his chest. He smiled, trying to regain his composure while sneakily sheathing his blade. "Sorry, Rarity. I didn't see you there." Turning back to face the moving train, Yuta stares at the back door of a carriage chugging over the horizon. "Do you happen to know why Fluttershy and Discord are leaving Ponyville?"

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm not sure where they're headed. They just popped by the boutique earlier to borrow a picnic blanket. They said theirs got… well, let's just say a little worse for wear during the whole school incident. And so I tagged along," Her voice softened with concern. "Is something wrong, Yuta? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Yuta blinked, the tension draining from his shoulders. "A picnic blanket, huh?" he repeated, a sheepish grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Discord can be... unpredictable sometimes."

Rarity chuckled, the sound tinkling like wind chimes. "Discord unpredictable? My dear, that's putting it mildly. But a romantic at heart, nonetheless. I wouldn't be surprised if he were whisking Fluttershy away for a little farewell soiree."

Yuta's smile faltered slightly. A farewell soiree? In times like this? He really is a chaos spirit. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Fluttershy deserved a moment of peace after everything they'd been through.

"They did leave a message for you, Yuta," Rarity continued, her brow furrowing slightly. "They said they'd vowed to be back in plenty of time for the party. Did you have something important to discuss?"

Yuta hesitated. Did he? He wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to say to Discord or even if the draconequus was receptive to conversation at this point. Or what he assumed Discord might've done... But his heart was put at ease once Rarity mentioned the promise they'd... or he made.

"...No, nothing urgent," he finally mumbled. "Just... farewell wishes, I suppose."

Rarity's gaze softened. "Well, in that case," she said, her voice gentle, "I won't pry. But do remember to drop by Carousel Boutique later, alright? I wouldn't want you to leave for your world without a proper send-off outfit!"

"Sure, I'll do that," Yuta replied, a genuine smile returning to his face. The encounter with Rarity had calmed him down considerably. Perhaps it was best not to dwell on Discord and Fluttershy's sudden train ride. He had a school to clean and a farewell party to prepare for.

"I'll head over once I'm finished cleaning up the school," he added.

Rarity beamed. "Excellent! Now, don't dawdle too long, dear. I have a feeling Pinkie has a grand send-off planned, and you wouldn't want to miss all the fun, would you?"

Yuta chuckled. "There's bound to be enough fun for everyone if Pinkie's in-charge." With a final wave goodbye, he turned and headed towards the School of Friendship, ready to tackle the lingering traces of the curses and put the school back in order – one of two final acts of service before his departure.

With due time, Yuta makes it to the bordered-off School of Friendship, where the distant sounds of hammering and sawing indicate the state the school is in. Lined just at the pond's edge, black and yellow caution tape covers the entries so no regular individuals without proper authorisation can pass. But the norm doesn't apply to Yuta. Stepping across the tape and crossing the bridge to the school's entry, Yuta entered the giant double doors and figures he'd walked around until he found someone he recognised.

Finally, after a series of inquiries, he arrived at the scene of the most significant damage – the blown-off rooftop. To his surprise, Starlight, Twilight, and Sunburst were at the scene.

"Princess," Yuta greeted, bowing respectfully to Twilight. He then turned to Starlight. "Principal Starlight." Finally, his gaze fell on Sunburst. "Vice Principal Sunburst. I'm here to remove the curse residuals."

"Ah Yuta!" Sunburst replied, "Glad you could make it! Shall we start over here?"

Walking over to the cratering hole, Yuta could already feel the tense air radiating from the site. The construction ponies nearby gave the area a wide berth, their movements noticeably more hesitant whenever they glanced in Yuta's direction. Crouching down, he extended a hand, his palm hovering just above the debris-sewn rooftop.

A faint tendril of darkness pulsed weakly beneath his touch, a ghostly echo of the malevolent force they'd recently faced. Focusing his energy, Yuta channelled his own curse against the residual curse. It was a delicate task, purging the darkness without causing further damage to the already fragile structure.

With a whispered incantation, a soft pink light bloomed from Yuta's hand, engulfing the tendril of darkness. The air crackled with a faint hiss as the two energies clashed. The dark tendril writhed, resisting Yuta's cleansing touch, but his light held firm. Inch by agonising inch, he pushed back the shades, slowly purifying the tainted area until the last vestiges of residuals faded away.

"That's one down, many more to go," Yuta announced, rising to his feet.

Starlight approached him, her expression etched with worry. "Are you sure you can handle this all by yourself, Yuta? It's a lot of ground to cover."

"Well, it can't be helped since any of you possess cursed energy, but if you'd like, you can observe how I clear the residuals."

Yuta repeated this gesture all across the school, no matter how small the area was. Interestingly, after observing Yuta's cleansing technique a few more times, Twilight and Starlight seemed to grasp the concept. They began hovering their horns over extensive patches of corrupted debris, their focused magic mimicking Yuta's light and slowly pushing back the shadows.

Sunburst, ever the eager learner, was a little slower on the uptake. He furrowed his brow in concentration, muttering incantations as he attempted to replicate Yuta's actions. His attempts initially sputtered and fizzled, but with a few helpful pointers from Starlight, he finally managed to generate a steady stream of cleansing light.

With the combined efforts of the four, the work progressed at an impressive pace. Large sections of the school were cleansed in mere minutes, the air growing lighter and freer with each passing moment. In less than an hour, they had cleared the entire school, leaving behind a space that felt whole and ready for the rebuilding process to begin.

"We really appreciate your help, Yuta," Starlight said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'm so sorry I had to pull you away from your farewell preparations, especially during your last days in Ponyville."

Yuta flashed a reassuring smile. "Think nothing of it, Principal Starlight. Helping to rebuild the School of Friendship is a farewell gift in itself. Besides," he added with a wink, "it wouldn't be right for me to leave knowing there's still darkness lurking in the halls."

Starlight chuckled, the sound laced with relief. "True enough. You've made incredible progress today. With the curse residue cleared, the construction can proceed much faster."

A thoughtful frown creased her forehead. "If you'd excuse me, Yuta, I need to brief the workers on the reconstruction plan. We have a lot of ground to cover before the farewell party."

"Of course," Yuta replied politely. "Good luck with the workers, Principal Starlight."

As Starlight turned to head towards the waiting construction ponies, Yuta lingered for a moment, gazing around the cleansed school grounds. A sense of bittersweet satisfaction settled over him.

"Yuta?" Turning to the voice, Twilight walked up to him, her horn glowing faintly with residual cleansing magic. "How are you feeling?"

Yuta stretched, his shoulders popping with a satisfying crack. "Much better, Princess. Thanks for asking. Just a few aches and pains from the last battle, but nothing that won't heal." He brushed a hand across his chest, fingers tracing the white jacket.

"Speaking of battles," Yuta continued, "Have you seen Rainbow Dash around? I've managed to catch up with most of your friends, but she seems to be missing in action."

Twilight's expression softened. "She went to visit her parents' grave earlier today," she explained gently. "It's been a difficult time for her, losing them during the fall of Cloudsdale. But she should be back by tomorrow, getting ready for the farewell party."

Yuta nodded understandingly. He knew the pain of losing loved ones all too well. "Ah, okay. That makes sense," he murmured, a pang of sympathy for Rainbow shooting through him. Shifting gears, he queried, "What about the students? How are the ambassadors handling everything?"

Twilight sighed, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "The ambassadors… well, it's a bit complicated. When I approached them yesterday after the funeral, they asked for some space. I figured it best to respect their wishes."

Yuta raised an eyebrow. It wasn't unusual for ponies to need time to grieve, but something about Twilight's tone made him suspect there was more to the story. "Is everything alright, Princess? They don't seem particularly enthusiastic about the farewell party either."

Twilight hesitated, then let out a defeated breath. "To be honest, Yuta," she confessed, "they seem… apprehensive. Almost afraid. They haven't spoken much about their experiences during the whole curse ordeal, and they seem hesitant to interact with the ponies of Ponyville. After we've reconstructed the destruction, I'm arranging professional help for the young ones."

"That sounds like the right call," he said softly, his voice tinged with empathy. "Trauma can linger long after the danger has passed. Professional help will give them the tools they need to heal."

A heavy silence descended between them, thick with the unspoken weight of their shared experiences. Both Yuta and Twilight had faced their fair share of darkness and loss. They understood, perhaps better than most, the invisible scars left by such battles.

"I…" Twilight began, then faltered. Her gaze drifted towards the bustling activity of the construction ponies, a flicker of worry clouding her features.

"Is there something else troubling you, Princess?" Yuta prompted gently.

Twilight hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze directly. "I feel like there's something I have left unattended," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "Like there's a loose thread in this tight-knitted situation. I can almost sense it, this… unfinished business, but I can't quite grasp what it is."

"..." Yuta doesn't need a sixth sense to tell that Twilight's unease was palpable. "Perhaps it's one of your many royal duties?" he offered tentatively. "Maybe a diplomatic issue or a creature petition that slipped through the cracks?"

Twilight shook her head, a hint of certainty breaking through the fog of her worry. "No, that isn't it. I have a feeling this is something… different."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken questions. Yuta knew pushing wouldn't provide answers. Twilight needed time to sort through her intuition.

"Then, perhaps it's nothing," he offered with a gentle smile, hoping to ease her worry. "The recent events have been taxing. It's natural to feel a bit unsettled." He knew his words weren't entirely convincing, but they were all he could offer now.

"Anyhow," he continued, changing the subject slightly, "I should probably get going. I promised Rarity I'd stop by the Carousel Boutique so she could work her magic on my farewell outfit."

A smile touched Twilight's lips. "Right, the farewell party." She paused, then seemed to hesitate. "...I-I," she began, wanting to push the discussion further, then stopped herself mid-sentence. Yuta raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air. "No, go ahead," Twilight finally said, forcing a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow for your send-off. And Yuta," she added, her voice softening, "thank you. For everything."

Yuta returned the smile, warmth blooming in his chest. "Anytime, Princess. Until tomorrow then."

With a final nod, Yuta turned and headed towards the bustling centre of Ponyville. The weight of Twilight's unease lingered with him, a shadow amidst the preparations for his departure. She couldn't shake the feeling that his farewell wasn't quite as simple as it seemed.

The Day: Yuta's departure.

"Surprise!!!"

The sound of a grand fanfare filled the air as Yuta stepped into Sugarcube Corner, blinking slightly in the sudden brightness. A banner stretched across the entrance, emblazoned with a heartfelt message in glittering letters: "Yuta, You'll Always Be Ponyville's Hero!"

Before him, Pinkie had transformed the interior of the confectionary store into a scene of vibrant chaos. Balloons bobbed in the gentle breeze, colourful streamers crisscrossed overhead, and a massive cake frosted in Yuta's colour scheme and a hint of pink sat proudly in the centre.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection, Yuta could only manage a surprised "Ah!" His surprise quickly melted into a warm smile as he scanned the small, jubilant crowd. There were all the familiar faces he'd come to know and care for: Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, Starlight, Sunburst, Twilight, flanked by Spike and Fluttershy, her usual shyness replaced by a radiant warmth as she stood beside… Discord.

"How'd you like the party!?" Pinkie exclaimed, rushing over to Yuta. "You aren't a fan of big parties, right? So I only made sure the party was large enough for our close friends to celebrate!"

"It's lovely, Pinkie." Yuta complimented.

Yuta's gaze then landed on the unexpected guests – Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, their royal bearing softened by genuine affection. Flurry Heart, perched on her father's shoulders, waved excitedly at Yuta. Even the ambassadors, Gallus, Ocellus, Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona, were present to welcome him to the party.

"Prince Shining? Princess Cadance? What are you doing here?" Yuta stammered, genuinely surprised by the presence of royalty.

"We're here to say our goodbyes as well," Princess Cadence replied, her voice warm.

"What rulers would we be if we didn't send our hero back to their home world?" Shining added,

"Seconded," Spike added, walking up next to Shining. "It would be a shame if I couldn't meet the famous Special-Grade Sorcerer everycreature is talking about."

"Spoken like a true fanboy." Smolder mocked, earning a huff of smoke in her general direction as she joined in with the rest.

"You can say that again." Dash points out, floating overhead.

"Well, he can be seen as a superhero!" Silversteam chimed.

"That said, thank you for lending a hoof-... uh hand in saving our empire," Shining says, nudging Yuta playfully.

"The citizens of the Crystal Empire are eternally grateful for your selfless service," Cadance adds her thanks.

"Don't mention it," Yuta said, "Let's enjoy ourselves while the night is still young."

The night flowed with the carefree ease of a gentle summer breeze. The farewell party buzzed with an undeniable warmth. Fairy lights twinkled from every corner, casting a soft, whimsical glow over the room. Laughter filled the air like the tinkling of bells as ponies shared stories and reminisced about Yuta's first and only days teaching at the school.

For Yuta, it was a sensory smorgasbord of delight. The music kept everyone's legs tapping. Even the usually reserved individuals loosened up from the festive atmosphere and found themselves swaying and twirling to the music, their inhibitions replaced by pure joy.

The air itself thrummed with a current of bittersweet affection. Every shared joke, every heartfelt interaction, only added to making the night more memorable for the sorcerer. He revelled in the camaraderie, savouring these precious moments that he knew would soon be relegated to cherished memories.

The cake was a masterpiece of sugary artistry, courtesy of Pinkie, of course. Its layers boast a rainbow of flavours that promise an explosion of taste with every bite. Too bad very few got a taste of it before Yuta crashed into it face-first when trying to smash a pinata, igniting an explosion of laughter and giggles from the crowd. Yuta himself sported a generous frosting beard and a dusting of sprinkles in his hair and could only grin sheepishly.

"Oh goodness!" Rarity exclaimed, rushing towards the scene of the carnage. "Careful, darling! You're going to ruin the gifts everyone prepared for you!"

Her worried gaze landed on the pile of presents – some unscathed, others adorned with regrettable frosting camouflage. "Is yours alright, Fluttershy?" she inquired, concern softening her voice.

Fluttershy, who had been perched on a nearby stool, jumped slightly at Rarity's question. Fumbling slightly, she reached for the picnic basket nestled beside her. "It is," she murmured, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes.

Curiosity piqued, Rarity leaned closer. "May I?" she asked politely.

Fluttershy nodded and, with a trembling hoof, lifted the lid. A collective gasp escaped their lips. Nestled within the basket, instead of the sandwiches Fluttershy had planned, lay a collection of photo collages. But dominating the basket was a series of photos – snapshots of Fluttershy and Discord, seemingly taken just yesterday, their faces etched with joy as they explored a sun-drenched meadow.

Fluttershy's cheeks burned crimson. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice barely a whisper. "I brought the wrong basket! I'm so sorry, Yuta. I must have grabbed the wrong one during the chaos this morning. I'll be right back; I just need to run home and get the correct basket with your sandwiches."

Before Yuta could protest, Fluttershy was already out the door, her hooves drumming a frantic staccato against the wooden floorboards. Yuta stared after her, wiping globs of frosting from his face.

"Excuse me, everyone," he announced, his voice cutting through the lingering laughter. "I appreciate the cake… well, what's left of it…" he added with a sheepish grin. "But I think I need to wash up before the frosting sets. Please, carry on without me."

Fluttershy's heart pounded a frantic tattoo against her ribs as she jogged through the quiet streets of Ponyville, her hooves leaving a soft thud against the cobblestones. Reaching her quaint cottage, she flung open the door and rushed straight for the kitchen. Relief flooded her as she spotted the familiar woven basket nestled on the counter, the one filled with the sandwiches she'd lovingly prepared for Yuta. Right as Fluttershy was about to leave, Angel tugged at her tail.

"Angel?" Fluttershy turned, facing the bunny. "Is there something you need?"

Angel pointed at the far end of the table, drawing her eyes over to a single sheet of paper lying flat on it, stark against the cheery tablecloth. Curiosity tinged with a sliver of apprehension as she turned over to the bunny, then back at the folded letter. Leaning down, she picked it up and unfolded the paper with trembling hooves. Her eyes scanned the message scrawled across it in familiar, loopy handwriting.

"My Dearest Fluttershy," the note began, the words seeming to dance before her eyes. "There are some loose ends I need to tie up," the message continued. "Unfinished business that requires my attention. I don't know how long I'll be away nor when I will be back. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you this face-to-face; please forgive me. Live on without me in your mind, and let these memories be a reminder of the love we share."

The note was signed simply, "Discord."

Fluttershy's heart plummeted to her hooves. The playful, flippant tone of the note's beginning was overshadowed by the chilling weight of the final sentence, "Live on without me in your mind" The words echoed in the quiet kitchen, each syllable a hammer blow in the forefront of Fluttershy's mind.

It couldn't be.

The playful merriment of the farewell party had evaporated as quickly as Fluttershy's composure. Bursting from her cottage door, she tore down the familiar path, hooves pounding a frantic rhythm against the packed dirt. The once peaceful night felt threatening. Moonlight pierced the clouds and painted the streets a navy blue. The wind sang past her mane like a pitiful whine for the pegasus.

"Discord!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with raw desperation. The name echoed through the silent night, swallowed by the vast emptiness that stretched before her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the already indistinct shapes of the landscape. She pushed further, her wings finally unfurling in a desperate bid for speed.

Fluttershy's frantic flight led her straight back to Sugarcube Corner, the warm glow of its windows practically calling out to her. Ignoring the fact that it was well past nighttime, she launched herself through the open doorway with a desperate cry. In the process, her wings knocked against a table of delicate sweets and fruit punch, sending a cascade of sugars all across the floor and garnering everyone's attention.

"Fluttershy! What's wrong?" Pinkie squealed, abandoning a half-eaten tray of cupcakes in her haste.

"Discord… he's gone!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with barely controlled panic.

The wind howled across the grassy fields on the outskirts of Ponyville, whipping Yuta's hair into a frenzy and sending shivers down his spine despite the warm summer night. The grass swayed around them in an almost hypnotic fashion. Discord stood beside him, an uncharacteristic seriousness etched on his face. The carefree draconequus of yesterday seemed to have vanished.

Yuta studied him for a moment, the silence stretching between them heavy with unspoken words. Finally, he broke the tension. "I honestly thought for a moment you might try and escape yesterday," he admitted, his voice low.

"Rarity told you, didn't she? I vowed to come back, and there's no way Fluttershy would have forgiven me had I toyed with the life of her dear friend." Discord said, walking over to Yuta.

"Have you done what you wanted?" he finally asked, his voice neutral.

Discord's expression remained unreadable. "...Somewhat," he mumbled, his gaze flickering towards the horizon. "I just hope Fluttershy can forgive me."

"Then let's get this over with," Yuta said, his voice hardening with resolve. "The others might suspect something if I'm missing for too long." He drew his katana, the moonlight glinting off the polished steel as he walked closer to the chaos god until he stood directly before him. Discord didn't flinch. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as if bracing himself for what would come. "I'll make this as quick as possible," Yuta said calmly, almost in a show of mercy.

Almost.

Grabbing Discord's neck with a free hand, Yuta brought the katana over his head. With a flare of cursed energy and a burst of speed, Yuta brought down the executioner's blade and sliced Discord's head clean off.

Well... That was the intended plan, anyway.

A sudden telekinetic pull halted Yuta's arm in motion in mid-air. Surprised, Yuta whipped his head around, only to see Twilight on the far end of the field with her horn lit and pulsing with magic.

"No!" Yuta grunts, forcing an abundance of cursed energy to flow freely into his arm. This allowed him to break free of the chains binding him as he swung at the draconequus's head. But another interference in the form of a rainbow blur shoving Discord just enough to the side messed with Yuta once more. The katana met its mark, not with a sickening thud of flesh and bone, but with a sickening crack – a chunk of Discord's horn sheared clean off.

Yuta stumbled back, feet trying to navigate the bumpy terrain. Disbelief painted his face as he spun around, taking in the scene. Twilight stood rigid, her expression a mixture of fury and betrayal. Discord stared at the severed piece with a mix of shock and confusion. Nestled against his side, Fluttershy clung to him like a vine, her face contorted in a mix of terror and relief.

"Discord!" she cried, her voice cracking with emotion. The familiar warmth in her embrace seemed to ground Discord.

"What were you trying to do!?" Twilight screamed, her voice laced with raw anger. Her ordinarily gentle eyes now burned with a cold fire. Beside her, Rainbow stared at Yuta with caution, joined by the rest of the members of the party. Rarity and Spike had worried looks plastered across their faces, and AJ was already in a stance. Pinkie, Starlight, Sunburst, Shining, Cadance, and Flurry were next to Fluttershy. All were trying to calm her down.

"Answer me, Yuta!!" Twilight demanded.

Ocellus, Gallus, Silverstream, Yona and Smolder stood slightly further away from the princesses, though still visible to Yuta. Their expressions were a mix of betrayal, disbelief, and denial.

"This is... the worst possible outcome," he finally managed his voice barely a whisper above the whooshing wind.

Rainbow wasn't interested in hushed tones. "So is this what it's all about!?" she roared, her voice laced with a venom Yuta had never heard. "A betrayal? Why, Yuta? Why would you do this?"

His gaze darted around the circle, finally settling on Fluttershy's tear-streaked face. The pony he had grown fond of now looked at him with a mixture of fear and betrayal that twisted his insides.

Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Discord. "Discord, you didn't tell them, right?" he began, his voice gaining strength. "You can't take this secret to the grave anymore. They... all ought to know the truth."

Discord, his back still turned, remained silent. A shudder wracked his massive form, and a single, choked sob escaped his lips. He couldn't face them, not with this truth hanging heavy in the air.

Sensing his turmoil, she reached out a trembling hoof. "Discord, what is all this about?" she pleaded. "Please, you mentioned something about not being able to tell me something face-to-face in your letter. Don't I deserve to know?"

"..."

"Discord!" Fluttershy yelled. "Say something!!"

"If he won't," Yuta raised, "I will." Stopping just shy of talking distance, Yuta pierced his katana to the ground next to him, the winds still howling persistently. "Discord... is a curse."

.
..
...

"What are you talking about!?" Dash began, "There's no way that's true!"

"Except it is," Yuta interjects, "Twilight, you saw it yourself the other day, hadn't you? The number of curses was still largely present in Canterlot and other regions of Equestria."

"He ain't lying," AJ adds, her tone indicating that even she found it hard to believe the words coming out her mouth as sweat rolled down her cheeks.

"How is that related to Discord being a curse? If he truly is a curse, should I be able to tell from the cursed energy he was releasing whenever he used his powers?" Twilight inquired.

"What I'm saying is that he is the reason why curses are still present in Equestria. The power imbalance from the birth of a strong being. As for his cursed energy, it most likely has to do with his cursed energy trait, being a chaotic being in nature; his cursed energy does not interact in a normal sense with ponies or any creature, for that matter. Am I right to say that, Discord?"

Silence...

"...Discord, tell me that he's lying," Fluttershy demanded, shaking her husband. "Please!"

"No, even so. Discord is an exception among curses. Not once after the years he was reformed had he attacked anyone." Twilight argued, sweat beginning to pool on her forehead. "There is absolutely nothing you gain from "exorcising" him!"

"This isn't for me to gain, Twilight." Yuta cuts, his voice growing deeper with regret. "It's for you."

"... for me?" Twilight said, "What are you talking about!?"

"Do you remember our pact we made back when the school was first attacked? Do you remember our agreement?"

"...I will exterminate the root cause for the curse's appearance in your world, and I promise I won't betray you or your friends. In exchange, bring me the cursed spirit that brought me here alive. Alternatively, if I happen across the curse that brought me here before you are able to, then my original offer is still in effect. Once either side has fulfil the requirement of the binding vow, we cannot back out and must complete it.

The weight of those words pressed down on her, choking the air from her lungs. "No..." she breathed, a tremor in her voice. "Are you saying... Is there no other way to back out of this agreement...?"

Yuta met her gaze, his own filled with a deep sadness. "I'm sorry, princess. There isn't. We agreed to it. The repercussions of a binding vow with others are considered to be far greater than that of a self-imposed binding vow. That isn't a risk I'm willing to bear."

"But wouldn't attacking us constitute you betraying my friends? Or me, for that matter?"

"Princess," Yuta countered, his voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation, "with all due respect, you are preventing me from carrying out the vow. In a sense, it's you who is betraying me."

A heavy sigh escaped Yuta's lips as he deliberately stepped forward, forcing the others to flinch back in fear and defiance. His hand reached up, fingers tracing a cryptic symbol in the air that only he could see as he whispered the incantation, a low, guttural energy pulsed from him.

"Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure," he chanted, his voice gaining a hollow, echoing quality. As he did so, Yuta brought up the severed horn of Discord lying on the ground moments earlier as it dissipated into shadows.

The world seemed to hold its breath. The wind died down completely, replaced by an oppressive stillness. A thick, inky darkness began to ooze from the ground where the horn was, spreading outwards like a sentient stain. It crawled over the grass, blotting out the moonlight and stars, swallowing the ponies whole until they were isolated silhouettes.

"Princess. Choose your hell."

Twilight's hooves dug into the damp earth, her horn trembling with the effort of holding back a torrent of emotions. For a heartbeat, she remained frozen in place, the weight of the situation crushing her. Staying aside and allowing Yuta to proceed would be to forfeit Discord, her friend, to this horrifying ritual. Yet, the thought of opposing him, of wielding magic against someone who had nothing but done good and had saved Equestria, coupled with her downfall with the binding vow she imposed on Yuta simply because of her mistrust in the sorcerer, now sent a wave of nausea through her.

Suddenly, a gentle touch on her flank pulled her out of her paralysis. It was Fluttershy, her eyes wide with fright, but her voice surprisingly firm. "Twilight," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "Don't let him do this. There has to be another way."

Twilight stepped forward, taking a long, steady breath in, her gaze meeting Yuta's glowing eyes—his cold, calculating stare felt like Twilight was pushing against an impossible wall. Yet, she soldiered on.

"Yuta," she said, her voice surprisingly steady, "The vow we made... it only stipulated you couldn't betray my friends, and it didn't state I couldn't protect them if they were the source of the curses." Unfurling a wing, she drapes it like a protective shield over Discord and Fluttershy, her legs firmly rooted to the ground. "Please, there could be another way. We don't have to fight."

Inspired by Twilight's courage, the rest of her friends rallied behind her. The Mane Six and Spike stood shoulder-to-shoulder, a united front against the Special-Grade Sorcerer.

"That's my Twily," Shining spoke, proud brother energy radiating from him.

The heavy silence that descended upon the field afterwards was deafening. Each of them waited with bated breath while Yuta remained motionless for a long beat, obscuring his face in the shadows. The outside winds picked up on the atmosphere, whirling and whistling louder and louder.

"...I bear no hatred towards any of you," he finally spoke, his voice deeper than usual, tinged with a hint of regret. "In fact, I cherish the time I spent with you very much. The kindness you've shown me, the friends I've made... they mean more to me than I can express. That's why... " His voice trailed off, a deep sigh escaping his lips. The darkness around him seemed to intensify, pulsing with an energy that crackled with raw power. "I'll be the monster all of you can hate."

Suddenly, Yuta raised both hands. His right hand, an open palm. His left hand, clenched into a spellcasting fist, held a single, gleaming object – the ring adorned with the symbol of his vow, his promise he made with his lover.

Forming the Mudra of Dakini.

"『Ryōiki Tenkai.』: 『Shingan Sōai』"