Warsong: Primordial Conflict

Sunset opened her eyes and found herself in a strange grove village. She looked around before realizing something of herself. She is a unicorn again. Sunset studied her hooves before looking around. The grove village was quite pleasant and cozy. The serenity of it almost welcomed her, if it wasn’t for a strange gathering of odd-looking ponies looking down at a trembling foal. Sunset tried to look over them when she approached, but they were strangely taller than they were from afar. She then pushed herself in and nearly tripped and stumbled as she popped out into the center. The whispering was clearer.

“She doesn’t have a horn. Wasn’t she supposed to have one sprouting by now?” One strange pony had stated.

“It has to be an omen. A Kirin should have their horn at that age.” Another spoke.

“Isn’t she the chieftain’s daughter?” Another spoke.

“How disappointing. It must be shameful for our leader and his wife to have such a disgusting disgrace.” A cold voice spoke.

"She doesn't even have any scales! She has to be an outsider." Another spoke.

“Then… whose child is it?” Another asked. This caused a lot of murmuring. Sunset furrowed her look and studied the filly. She looked more pony than Kirin. No scales or long tail. The only trait she could make out Kirin wise on the filly is the mane. The curly head of mane was matted and tussled, as if she had been pulled through several yards of prickle bushes. Sunset tilted her head when a voice spoke all around her.

I was born as a half breed between my father, the chieftain of the Grove and a traveling merchant pony who visited our tribe long ago. My father was quite stricken with the mare, even though he had married another tribe’s daughter to unite our warring clans. Yet… it always came off to me as a loveless one. He found his wife attractive enough, but the traveling merchant had a beauty unlike anything he had seen. The whole world around Sunset rapidly spun, putting her in the center of a festival where every Kirin was having the time of their lives.

In order to make the mare his, he threw a festival, honoring them as guests. It was this night I was conceived through taboo means. In the night, my father had ordered the merchant to be stolen away and live miserably as the bearer of his child in secrecy of his wife. I was relatively still freshly developed before the taboo ritual happened and I was given onto my kirin mother. When I was born, my father did not care for anything of my existence. It was my adopted mother, still unknown how she had conceived a child when they have not bedded for a long time, who saw me as her own. Sunset nearly lost balance as the ground zipped under her, bringing her closer to a gruff and grizzled looking kirin with two horns and a long and slender, beautiful Kirin next to him pleasantly enjoying a goblet.

Sunset noticed the same filly Kirin playing with two other Kirins.

My older sisters always teased me for being so different from them. Kirin are supposed to take on the colors of fall and trees, so it only made sense why. Yet, despite it, they still treated me like their own sibling. My father was disgusted by my appearances, however. He always had me do all the chores around the village, even having me go out and hunt for berries all by myself. He would always tell his tribe that he had full faith in me as being the daughter of their leader and this tale worked.

Sunset spun around as the world twirled. Her eyes fell upon a group of ponies. They appeared to be traveling merchants of varying heights.

One day, the merchant that was forced into secrecy had told her father, who was an owner of several plots of massive land, approached our village and demanded retribution. My father, being the stubborn warrior he was, challenged their best in competitions of strength, agility and precision to decide. He lost. If he had won, he would have had the merchants give over what land they owed so the Kirin could expand. With his loss, the merchants demanded several Kirin mares and foals along with half their crops and materials, leaving the village to suffer a starved winter. I was one of those foals.

Sunset narrowed her eyes, turning back around as the world spun and she found herself on the porch of what looked to be a cabin. Fickle could be seen working the land with other ponies and Kirin.

Half of us were put to work while the others were sold off to other landowners. Being a filly, I tended to the gardens and did the housework while the older ones managed the crop rotations and heavy lifting. My owner, who was unaware of the bastard child working for him is his granddaughter, began to take notice of my unusual appearance from the others. Believing me to be a rare species of Kirin, he had me appraised for testing. So many needles and tubes were used as the magical properties I inherited were beyond that time’s knowledge.

Sunset looked concerned as the world spun again, showing Fickle creeping out of the cabin for a late-night snack of the fields. Fickle was about to pluck a cob of corn when she stopped upon hearing what sounded like voices. She pushed aside the crops gently and peeked through the opening to see her surrogated biological mother talking to several other ponies.

Word was starting to get out about my special heritage, and I was to be sold off in the coming week. Even my own biological mother, unaware of my presence in her family home at the time, discussed prices about me. She had been treating the Kirin working for her family unpleasantly. Going as far as to threaten selling off their horns for profit. I didn’t think it would have fallen onto me. The world spun again and stopped, showing Fickle standing on a podium and being auctioned off.

Yet, no pony bothered to seem to bid for her. Fickle trembled in terror.

No pony knew what was being sold. They were told a special species never before discovered was starting at three hundred thousand bits. Yet, when I was led onto the stage, outrage began to erupt due to my appearance. I looked more pony than Kirin. Even as the curator and my owner tried to explain and even show proof that I had a special type of blood and properties, it left a sour taste in everypony’s mouth. That was also the first time my biological mother had laid eyes on me.

Sunset looked among the crowd as the father was arguing with several ponies. She spied the mare, having a look of shock and realization dawning on her. The world spun around again, stopping at Fickle hiding in the bushes as an argument was being shouted through the window.

When my mother told her father about me, the father swore among Celestia that he would cast vengeance upon the tribe. My biological mother sided with my owner while some peacekeepers representing the Kirins tried to dissuade them. This would be a mistake that would lead me onto a path I have never dreamed of. Yet, it came at a grave cost. During some time through the year, I begun sprouting my horn. I was excited to finally be able to be called one of the Kirins. And the ones with me were excited to hear it. But… Sunset gasped as a pony walked by, seeing the filly hiding in the bushes.

With a loud shout and a forceful pull of the filly by the tail, the pony dragged her into the house and over to the room where the argument took place. Everypony in the room went quiet. The owner looked down in disgust. Fickle trembled, looking between the ponies. Her eyes met her mother’s.

“M-momma?” Fickle whimpered. Sunset was not prepared for the next scene. The mother looked at her with such disgust, striking and being quite vulgar towards Fickle. Sunset was stunned. How can anypony treat anypony, let alone a filly, like that?! Sunset could feel her stomach churn uncomfortably. The world spun again, not helping Sunset ease from the horrifying sight she had witnessed. Fickle was now sitting on the cabin’s porch, looking disgruntled and all shine from her eyes gone. There was another thing Sunset noticed. The smooth stub from under her shaved mane. Her coat peeling and tufted as well as her tail having been shaved, revealing the stub that would make her kirin appearance applicable.

I suffered through so much that I was beginning to lose all hope in myself. I even contemplated breaking the rules and letting myself be fed to the hounds. It would have been a welcome death had I not decided to do something out of the blue. I began to gallop. No words spoken. No announcement to be made. No pony seemed to notice either. I galloped as far as I could, my mind blank and having no idea where I was going. I eventually fell into a river and let it carry me, unable to move due to the exhaustion of galloping so much.

The world spun again and this time, Sunset found herself standing at a riverbank. She could see Fickle, having washed ashore and unconscious. She eventually came to and groggily looked around.

Fate is such a cruel mistress. To my dumb luck, I had managed to wash down river for several miles, reaching the bank of my village. With some hope left in me, I decided I would return to my home. Only to find that what awaited me there was not the same home I knew. Sunset followed closely behind the filly, seeing the hopeful filly burst through the foliage, only to come to a stop and look on in horror. Sunset covered her muzzle with her hoof in a gasp.

I’ve learned later that my owner had fulfilled his vengeance while I was imprisoned. All the homes had been burned, the grove deforested for lumber trade and no Kirin was left. The only tree left untouched was the Grove Mother. What was once our village’s pride and joy was now an antler decorated reminder of the consequences of such acts of one Kirin. Not even my own adopted sisters, or my adopted birth mother, were spared from the wrath. The world spun around again, Sunset finding herself back in the grove, but it looked a little different.

Over the years, I've learned that I age quite differently from other normal ponies and even Kirins. I'm still uncertain of what magical properties my existence has. But despite the years progressing, I am still a filly. And I probably will be for a long while. In this time of solitude, I began to stay in what was once my home. Using what I could salvage from the other huts and houses, I made something that would easily shelter me from the elements. I even used my hunting and foraging techniques from being on my own to create a small farm for me to live off of. But even then, that empty feeling still lingered. The more I stayed there, the more I began to believe that the spirits of my village began to visit me. I... then lost the concept of reality and began to make constructs of what I could remember of my home. Sunset watched the filly work as she used her hoof to hammer in a wooden sphere into the side of a fence post. She then busily decorated it with moss and some paint. The filly wiped her brow and stepped back to admire the newly built resident of her little grove. Sunset looked around, seeing that the filly indeed had made plenty in her seclusion, each in varying poses and colors of paint. The world spun again as she witnessed images of Fickle surviving the fall, winter, spring and summer seasons many times. And like a flip book animation timelapse, Fickle had began to regain color in her coat, sleeker fur and her mane having grown out normally. The images faded and the world continued to spin until she found herself among stars and nebula clouds.

Sunset looked around in awe, her gaze finding Fickle looking around in confusion.

At the start of the new cycle, something happened to me. A dream, I had imagined at first. Sunset gasped as a massive serpent sailed behind them, causing them to turn and stare in horror. The serpent wrapped around them, forming a wall as one giant green eye lowered itself. Sunset could see Fickle's reflection off it. The World Serpent. Ouroboros as he calls himself, came to me and told me if I wanted to make a new friend. One that would help me forget the past and enjoy the present to the fullest. I was... under a state of vulnerability at the time this happened. In my delusional desperation, I whole heartedly agreed. Ouroboros explained to me I had to do a series of tasks in order for my new friend to appear. I did not question it at all. The stars faded and the colors melted. Sunset found herself back in the grove. She noticed the filly rolling something along a pathway, using her head to move it.

She grunted as she set the object on a wooden pallet. She then cantered around and pulled a lever. Sunset had to admit, the filly was quite resourceful. The pulley system she had created began to direct the object over to a slide that then rolled it down and into a strange tree house. Fickle wiped her brow and proceeded up the steps. Sunset followed after her, curious as to what was going on. The filly entered a small opening, too small for Sunset to fit through. She bent down, squinting her eyes as it was quite dark. Fickle poked her head out of the hole, startling Sunset as the filly fumbled in trying to close up the hole.

I spent the next couple of weeks following the instructions Ouroboros had told me about. The last step was for me to spend three days in solitary confinement. No light. No sun. No food or water. Just me and the darkness. At first it was real scary. My delusions began to play tricks on me, but I steeled myself and continued to idle in my solitude. But on the last day, I finally emerged, yawning and feeling quite hungry and thirsty. I was excited to see what new friend would show up in my grove. I waited. And waited. And waited. But no pony ever showed up. The sun was beginning to set and I was just about to turn in when I then heard the sound of hooves heading my way. Sunset observed as the filly beamed happily and began to gallop down her steps from her hut and out onto the pathway. She sat under a crudely made banner with a misspelling of "Welcome new friend!" painted on it. Her tail wagged as the hoof steps got louder and louder. Sunset narrowed her eyes, only to have them widen when she realized what was approaching. Fickle's excitable expression quickly turned into mortified horror.

Several wagons pulled up. Fickle recognized the ponies. Though now, they looked older and greyer. The lead wagon had a gruff stallion hop out with three other younger looking ponies. The ponies looked around before falling their gazes onto Fickle.

My old torturers had descendants that heard about me and had wanted to observe the grove for riches. Specifically for my tribe’s horns. But when they spotted me, I was frozen in fear. I was unable to move. Unable to think anything. The memories kept flooding back. Then, I noticed my biological mother step forward from among the crowd. She looked older. Disgruntled. Grey mane and wrinkles, shaking legs being supported by a walking stick. Seeing as I was alone and a run away, they proceeded to entrap me, despite my best efforts to use my grove to throw them off. The world spun again.

They cornered me. The lost hope I had back then returned and I braced myself for the inevitable. Until… she appeared. Sunset balked as the surrounding ponies advancing on the trembling filly backed away as the shadows seemed to spring to life. Then, all hell broke loose. The constructed Kirin statues came to life, being controlled by the shadows. The ponies screamed and panicked, the shadows snaking and ensnaring the ponies as well as assaulting the ones that managed to avoid the tendrils. Fickle stared in stunned awe. Then, as if an angel of death had descended from the heavens, Tenebres stood in front of the filly, grinning widely at the sight before her.

Tenebres had reassured me that everything would be, in her words, dandy. It wasn’t long when all the merchant ponies were rounded up, including my forced mother. She was the first to be judged. Tenebres gave me the choice of what I should do. Regardless of how I chose, the fate of the whole realm was starting to tick down. I wasn’t sure what I should do. Spilling my heart out to my birth mother wasn’t as easy as I thought it was. Especially when her own was so closed out to others. Deep down, I couldn’t blame her. But I never forgave her for what she did to me. To at least to avenge her disgrace and for my own sake as well, I would track down my father and have him suffer for what he did to all of us. Tenebres sealed the fates. The world spun as the scythe was lashed out in a quick, swift motion.

Sunset found herself in a black void. She looked around and spotted Fickle, in her true form, sitting and mindlessly bouncing a small, wooden toy on the supposed ground. Sunset furrowed her look.

“I’m still unsure of what I want to do. But I found comfort with Tenebres. She made everything worthwhile during my time of need. And I owe her so much for what she did for me. I wanted to return the favor by helping her best the other seven and show that despite being the youngest, even the shadows could shine bright.” Fickle sighed. “Every element’s reason is of their own. But thanks to Quiet Fire and Din, they broke all of their ties to Ouroboros’s bylaws and now… well… I’m certain they aren’t sure what they want either.” Sunset walked over to her and put a reassuring hoof on her back. Fickle looked up to her.

“That may have been the case before. But I saw what Fie has done. I promise you, the others are now aware of what they desire for. Each one having their own ideals now. I think you just need to help Tenebres understand that.” Sunset spoke. Fickle lowered her head and sighed.

“Even if I could, she clearly doesn’t care. She just used me for her own ends. And she will do so for a long while…” Fickle replied. Sunset darted her eyes in thought. She then sat down next to Fickle.

“I get that. But perhaps you shouldn’t just look to one pony for help.” Sunset replied. “I too once pushed away ponies for my own means. For the sake of wanting to control so much magic that would rival my mentor. I was naïve, dumb and mean. I ran away so that I could continue to walk that dark path. And when I had lost everything, one pony held out a hoof to me. Err… hand at the time. She showed me there is always another way to tackle life. Tenebres is obsessed with trying to shine amongst her sisters that she doesn’t realize how much they need her.” Sunset smiled softly. “Even if they don’t show it, even if they deny one another's importance to their positions, they cannot exist without the other.”

Sunset held up her hoof, imagining her hand taking form and six others reaching for her’s. “It’s how harmony can continue to exist. And how they can continue to exist.” She met Fickle’s gaze. “Quiet Fire and Din have a goal to achieve. One that’ll benefit everypony involved, including the seven power elements. If you told Quiet Fire what happened to you, she would have helped you. Just like she did for the others afflicted with the elements.” Fickle’s expression darkened.

“She… did look genuine when she was calling out to me.” Fickle murmured. Sunset nodded.

“I saw her memories. If there is anypony who you can fall back on, it’s her. She has some idea of what you went through from her own experiences. Perhaps it’s time to start letting other ponies into your heart and not just the shadows.” She said with a smile. Fickle sniffled and wiped her eyes.

“But… they’ll hurt me. Like they always do…” Fickle squeaked. Sunset wrapped a hoof around her and pulled her in for a hug.

“We all have pain in our lives that we deal with in our way and pacing. And there will always be more pain on the road to your future. But if you take the bad with the good, you can always see the light that’ll make you shine.” Sunset said. Fickle was stunned. Sunset felt warm to her. A new feeling began to well up inside the filly, one she could not describe just yet. But her body moved on her own. She held onto Sunset, burying her face into her chest. Sunset closed her eyes, holding onto the filly in comfort. When she opened her eyes, she found herself back into the real world. She pulled away from Fickle, who slumped limply. Sunset smiled and pet the girl’s head. Her eyes glowed once more and she saw images of Fickle hiding a crystal flowing with dark magic inside the telescope at the Starswirl Hubble Dome. Sunset stood up and looked to Din.

“The heart is at the Hubble Dome. You can’t miss it. It has a massive telescope poking out of the building.” She said. Din nodded and took off into the air with Quiet Fire still on her back. Sunset put a fist to her chest, praying that Din would find it in time. Fickle began to cackle. The girls readied themselves as Sunset turned to face the child. Tenebres lifted her head and grinned.

“Well, isn’t that sweet? Too bad it doesn’t mean anything in the end!” Tenebres spoke through Fickle. “Perhaps you missed the part where my sister’s and I get to choose our vessels. Fickle is a special case. Just like you.” Sunset narrowed her eyes.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked. Tenebres smirked smugly.

“As if I’d tell a mortal. What you only need to know is that everything is for a reason. And mine…” Tenebres tightened her fists and threw out her body, sending the beams back at the girls and knocking them off their feet. Tenebres stood, twirling her rapier and changing it into a scythe. “Goes beyond what my sister has in store! Try as she might to break that heart, I made sure she would suffer doing so!” Tenebres cackled and held up her scythe to the darkened sky. As if on cue, a massive geyser of dark shadows shot into the sky, creating a funnel off in the distance.

The girls scrambled to their feet and gathered together, readying themselves as Fickle began to hover above them. Lightning crackled overhead.

“The final phase is complete! I must thank my sister for the generous opportunity! Let the Age of Shadows mark a new era!!” The torrent of shadows washed and twisted around Fickle’s body, the girls having to shield themselves from the intensity of the wind and sinister magic around them. Sunset lowered her arm and clenched her fists.

“Fickle!! You don’t have to let this happen!! You don’t have to be afraid anymore!!” Sunset put a hand to her chest and gave a pleading look. “Please, Fickle! Let us help you! Let us show you that there is always going to be light even in the deepest of shadows!!” Sunset had realized her transformation. Her appearance stunning as the others began to glow. The girls levitated at level with Fickle’s silhouette. Sunset clasped her hands together, wishing with all her heart and being to save Fickle.

To end this nightmare once and for all.

Behind the girls, the flower began to blossom. It grew bigger and bigger, towering over the school. The roots began to snake and weave throughout the mass of land the school was on. It trailed downward and into the spiral of shadows in the earth, concealing it entirely as flowers began to bloom along the roots, creating a wavy shimmer of rainbow colors. From the center of the flower, a rainbow light snaked into the air, parting the clouds and creating an aurora borealis effect. Tenebres took notice of this as her image appeared from the torrent.

“What trickery is this?!? I tamed all the magic!! How is this possible?!?” Tenebres’s voice echoed throughout the city.

“Thought you could fool me, sister?!” A voice shouted. Tenebres gasped and looked to see Din grinning smugly as she held a crystal in her hoof, showing it up to her as she floated just above the school. She appeared to be injured a bit. “Decoys are so predictable! But then again, perhaps it’s better you don’t learn from your mistakes.” Din maniacally cackled. “I win!” Din then whistled loudly and Sunset smiled determinedly.

“Pinkie Pie?” She smirked. Pinkie Pie returned her smirk and pointed at Tenebres.

“Light ‘er up, ladies!!” She cheered. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy held their hands together and formed a ring around Sunset, drawing in the rainbow aurora borealis and combining their own power into Sunset. Sunset’s phoenix wings unfurled in a majestical display of beauty and elegance as her eyes glowed and she held out her arms. Tenebres snarled at the girls, grinning.

“That will not work!! Even with all that magic, I still have plenty to use!!” Tenebres barked. Din kicked back in the air as she floated casually in front of Tenebres. She held up the crystal and then dropped it.

“Oops.” She said. Tenebres’s eyes widened as the girls unleashed the rainbow directly into the crystal, shattering it instantly. Tenebres screamed loudly as the rainbow pierced through the shadows, wrapping and melting it all away. The clouds parted, revealing the sun and blue sky. The rainbow shooting outward and washing over the city, creating a spectacle that the world has never seen in its’ history. A bright light flashed and as quickly as it came, the light dimmed and the massive landmass that Canterlot High had been levitating on was back on the ground. Onlookers were stunned into silence and awe, watching the rainbow pillar flow high into the sky that then snaked into the flower.

The flower then closed itself and the girls floated down to the ground, where they were then met with cheers and applause. Pinkie Pie grinned widely.

“Friendship power rush!!” She cheered as she pulled Fluttershy and Rarity into a big hug. The girls were in fact giddy at the overwhelming feelings of their friendship, getting into a group hug before facing the crowd. The police were quick to keep the people from going past them, only allowing the chief and several other officers in. They approached the girls, only to stop when Discord popped in and clapped.

“Well done, ladies! I must say, it brings a tear to my eye that friendship wins again!” He grinned. Sunset smiled as the police approached cautiously. Wild Fire, however, didn’t hesitate as he rushed forward.

“Where’s Tenebres?!” He called out. The girls exchanged glances before turning around. They saw Fickle lying on her back, unconscious. Wild Fire held up his arm to halt the officers as everyone spied a shadowy alicorn lying on her side not too far off from the girl, clearly injured and rasping for breath. From the sky descended Din, who stepped in front of them all and faced them challengingly. Sunset furrowed her look with a smirk and turned to the officers.

“Let Din handle this.” Sunset said with her arms raised to them. When no officer proceeded, she looked over her shoulder and nodded. Din snorted and turned to face her sister.

“Ahhh, such a pleasant sight to behold. Wouldn’t you say, dear sister?” She smirked. Tenebres weakly eyed her, rasping and unable to move. “I will have to give you the benefit of the doubt. Using the Elements of Harmony in such a way was quite annoying. But that is all I can truly comment on. You are still just a child. Might as well give up your pointless desire to one up the bigger ponies.” Din stamped on her head and grounded her hoof, making Tenebres scream. “Let this be a permanent lesson to all involved that I will not hold back anything. Even at the sacrifice of my own vessel, I will go to the ends of the universe and see to it you grovel and beg beneath my hoof! Now say it! Say you give up this crusade! Let the mortals know that there can only be one apex of the world! And that apex is me!!” Din stamped on Tenebres a couple of times, the alicorn unable to move or react. Yet, she gurgled her words.

“You… you’re the… only… one…” She coughed. “I… surrender…” Din cackled evilly and reared up, bringing her full weight down onto Tenebres. The shadows splattered and Tenebres phased back into Fickle. The child’s eyes shot open and she clutched her head, screaming in pain and startling everyone. Fickle writhed on the ground before falling still. Everyone looked at Din. Din wiped her hoof in disgust before looking over her shoulder to them.

“I think that’s punishment is enough. Revenge is so underrated!” She grinned.

“I-is she…?” Twilight stammered, eyeing Fickle.

“The side effects of having a heart shattered. She will be fine after resting for a while.” Din explained non-chalantly, turning to them and walking over. The officers backed away, hands on their guns, but Wild held out his arm to de-escalate. Sunset stepped forward and met Din’s gaze. Din studied the girl. “Now then. As we discussed, mortal.” Sunset smiled softly and nodded. Din unfurled her wings, displaying herself majestically before curling them back to her body and shifting to her side. Everyone’s eyes fell onto Quiet Fire. She looked peaceful. Sunset walked forward and brushed her hand softly against her cheek. She is still warm. Twilight looked sadly at them.

“Sunset?” Twilight began. Sunset reached for Quiet Fire and pulled her down, carrying her in her arms. Sunset then turned around and walked forward to her friends.

“Everyone. We can still save Quiet Fire. But it’s going to require you to lend me your elements.” She said with a small smile. Rainbow Dash smiled and held out her hand, her hand glowing and shooting a beam at Sunset, causing a blue aura around her.

“No sweat.” She winked. Sunset felt an overwhelming sensation from just Rainbow Dash alone. She then felt another surge of power. She looked to see Pinkie Pie happily smiling with her arm outstretched to her. Then Fluttershy’s and Applejack’s. Then Rarity’s and finally, Twilight’s. Sunset’s hair began to flow upward like fire. Wings and tail of a phoenix unfurling from behind her. Everyone watched with curious awe. Sunset herself is baffled by the overflowing magic.

She then met Din’s gaze, who seemed uninterested at the sight the others were stunned by. Yet, Sunset heard her muttering in her head, as if the primal had forgotten her temporary transfer to her.

You owe me for this one, vessel. Din narrowed her eyes slightly. Sunset fell her gaze onto Quiet Fire’s peaceful expression. She took a deep breath and began to shift through her own mind. Using Quiet Fire’s own memories, she carefully pieced together certain memories and weaved them together. After piecing the memories, she began to play them in her mind like a film reel. Experiencing what Quiet Fire had been through at the start of her journey and the trauma of having the fate of Equestria tossed onto her without her consent.

Sunset began to tear up when Quiet Fire found out about Table Top. Her home’s destruction and her entire exile from Equestria. A mare truly tossed into a hole with only the clothes on her back. A tear trickled down Sunset’s cheek and she leaned in, letting the droplets hit Fie on the cheek. Quiet Fire began to glow. Small bits of fire began to erupt onto the edges of her wounds and sizzle. Her flesh inside and out being mended and weaving together as more tears trickled out of Sunset.

The last memory she watched was one where she felt truly lost. Having buried her face into another pony’s chest and cried her heart out. Sunset sniffled a bit, letting the tears drop onto Quiet Fire. Then, in a splendid brilliance of fire and light, a phoenix could be heard screeching loudly and the spectral image of the majestical avian formed above Sunset. Din looked up at the creature, narrowing her eyes. The phoenix returned her gaze curiously, as if the two were having a telepathic conversation of judging one another.

Din then bowed low to the phoenix and the avian bowed in return. It then flapped its’ wings a few times before displaying them majestically. Quiet Fire levitated out of Sunset’s hold and hovered in the air, the fire of both Din and the phoenix swirling around her. Everyone shielded their eyes from the bright light and wind. And then, as sudden as the flaring light shined, it vanished, leaving only an orb of fiery gold to float downward.

Din stepped towards the orb, standing between Sunset and it. Din looked over her shoulder to the girl.

Fate can be a fickle mistress. How odd that if things were different. Unfortunately, I cannot change what we will become. Tis a wonderful fire, mortal. The grandmother of all phoenixes sees more than what is shown. Din faced the orb and began to walk towards it. Our paths will never cross again. This, on my word as the one apex of the world. Sunset darted her eyes in thought before reaching out a hand.

“B-before you go, I-I just have one thing to say.” Sunset spoke. Din stopped, waiting for the girl to finish without turning around. “This world owes you more than you realize. Even if we never see each other again, what you and Quiet Fire have done for us will never be forgotten. Thank you. Both of you.” Sunset said, feeling relieved to get it off her chest. Din smirked.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Enjoy your peace while it lasts. This realm I leave for the phoenix. Din stepped into the orb and slowly phased into Quiet Fire as embers. When the orb touched the ground and Quiet Fire stood, that is when she woke up.

Quiet Fire’s POV

I let out a loud gasp of breath, falling onto my knees and coughing, clutching my chest.

“Ack!… Sweet Celestia, that stings!!” I exclaimed as I felt the intense pain in my chest.

“Quiet Fire!” I heard a voice call out. I looked up to then see a blur of fiery hair hug me, causing me to wince in pain.

“Owowowow…! G-go easy on the hug! I’m still sore!” I grunted. Sunset pulled away from me and flushed.

“S-Sorry. It’s just…” Sunset let out a sigh of relief and shifted herself to the side, wiping her eye and motioning to the others behind her. “Everyone is waiting for you. You’re their hero after all.” She said with a small smile. I blinked and looked between everyone. From Fluttershy, to Discord, to my parallel folks and even my own friends here not too far off. There was also a loud applause and cheers, making it hard to quell my headache. I rubbed my head.

‘Dying sucks…’ I commented. I heard Din snicker.

Dunno. You could have used the break. She said coyly. I arched a brow, unsure if she was truly being sarcastic or not. I then noticed a hand held out to me and I saw Sunset grin.

“Come on. You still have to decide what to do with Tenebres and Fickle.” She said. I studied her hand and then smiled. I took it and she helped me up. Wild Fire approached with a few other officers advancing on Fickle, guns trained on her. I quickly called my staff and chucked it past them, impaling the ground and creating a ring of fire around Fickle. Wild Fire held his hands to the officers that panicked at it. He sighed and rubbed his bridge in annoyance.

“The excitement is getting to them.” He said apologetically.

“Detective!” A voice called out. We looked to see the chief of police motion him over. Wild sighed and then pat my shoulder, smiling softly.

“Gave us quite a scare. What would your parents say?” He said. It took me a bit to realize he was referring to my actual parents as he walked off. Discord and the Rainbooms approached me as I turned to walk towards Fickle. I called my staff back as the police backed away to give us room. I knelt down next to the unconscious child. Sunset looked worriedly down at Fickle.

“I managed to learn about her a bit more. She does have it worst, but you two share something you had before starting your journey. She’ll listen this time around.” Sunset explained. I wasn’t sure what she meany exactly, but I put a hand to her head. It was hot, as if she was having a fever. I called away my staff and scooped her up in my arms. I stood up and faced the group.

“I’m glad everyone is okay. Fickle included.” I said with a small smile before looking to the police. “Unfortunately for the CCPD, Fickle is under my custody. But I think there is someone else that can be a fill in. Or some siren.” I then looked around. My expression furrowed in confusion. “Err… Is what I would say if she- she was right around here somewhere.” I stated, confused now. Everyone looked around. Din hummed and I felt my gaze being directed into the onlookers. With her eyes, I spotted Aria limping away into a forested area.

I narrowed my look. “She’s fleeing that way.” I said, nodding in the direction. The officers turned around and began scanning. One spotted her and called out to the others. I saw Aria’s eyes widen and take off as several officers began to give chase, leaving me and the others to exchange glances. I frowned.

‘I would help, but first things first.’ I thought to myself, looking down at Fickle.

The Next Day

Media and the news could only ever cover the events that transpired. The world had called it “The Equine Calamity”. With Din and Tenebres having been manifested for all to see, it was no longer a secret. There is another world. An Equestrian world where magic lives and breathes. The story was all over the place. From conspiracy theories to false misinformation, a lot mainly for trend setting and views from what I’ve been told.

Yet, the citizens of Canterlot City knew the truth. The officers had been working overtime. They were spread slightly thin due to calls of panic from some traumatized citizens or on the manhunt for Aria Blaze, who had successfully escaped authorities. The city was indeed in a buzz. The city officials have made a public statement that the persons involved with the Equine Calamity are under city protection until further notice of the situation. This was a big break for the Rainbooms to some degree.

Rarity had planned to make certain disguises for each of us in order to go outside without so much attention. I wasn’t sweating it at all. It’s not my first time having to deal with an entire community of attention with or against me. I spent the night at Sunset’s apartment. She had made an extra bed for Fickle to rest on, who is still unconscious at the moment and I slept on her couch. Rarity had face timed everyone via a thing called a laptop. I leaned over Sunset’s shoulder, a little curious as to how she was able to navigate everything so smoothly.

“So, what do you girls think?” Rarity asked with a smile as she had just finished presenting the disguises. Applejack furrowed her expression.

“‘Ah think we have other concerns than attention, Rares.” She replied. “Shouldn’t we be discussin’ on how to track down Aria Blaze? She might still have some o’ Tenebres’s magic.” I shook my head.

“Destroying the heart regresses almost everything that the primal had influence on. Anyone that hasn’t been lost to the shadows are for sure back to normal. Yet, I cannot guarantee they’ll be in a comfortable predicament. The best we can do is just wait for info on missing person cases.” I replied.

“So, it’s not completely fool proof then.” Twilight responded. I rubbed the back of my head.

“More or less, I guess. I just know from having fending off the others that things went back to normal to some degree.” I said.

“So, then what do we do in the meantime? It’s going to be a little tricky to go about our usual days now that we are heroes.” Rainbow Dash said as she spun a soccer ball on her fingertip boredly. I shifted my look.

“What happens is that Fickle and I need to get back to Equestria.” I said. “We’ve overstayed our welcome. My friends and Equestria need us there. But I don’t even know where to start looking for a way to get home.” I said.

“Oh, that’s easy!” Pinkie Pie chimed in. “Just take the portal from Canterlot High.” I blinked.

“Huh?” I asked. Sunset sighed and leaned back.

“That’s the thing Pinkie. I don’t know what happened but ever since Fickle and Tenebres showed up, the portal has been closed off. And I still have no way of asking Twilight since she’s so busy with the war efforts.” Fluttershy gasped and covered her mouth.

“Th-there’s a war??!” She stammered. Sunset and I exchanged grim glances. I then began to explain the situation going on in Equestria. After finishing, Sunset lowered her head.

“It makes more sense now. I can’t imagine the amount of stress she’s going through.” Sunset said sadly. Everyone was quiet. The silence was broken when Sunset’s laptop blipped and ringed. She blinked. “Discord?” Sunset said in surprise. I looked at the strange box notification showing Discord on vacation. The others had mixed looks as Sunset narrowed her eyes and accepted the call into their group.

“Hello, my little ponies! Or should I say, Equestrian Girls!” Discord greeted. He had a strange effect going on around him and with every movement he made, part of his body seemed to disappear before reappearing. It also didn’t help that his image was stuttering a bit. Sunset scrunched her face.

“Discord? How did you get our group password??” Sunset asked cautiously. Discord made a gesture, only for his image to freeze but his voice to come through.

“That is not important. What is important is that I am calling to let you all know that I have taken the liberty of setting things up for our return home. With the help of a few individuals I think Fie will appreciate.” He said with a smile. I arched a brow.

“That’s… generous of you.” I replied. Discord smiled.

“More out of kindness, I must say. If I was generous, I wouldn’t have left the last step needed to go home upon you.” He then blinked and rubbed his chin in thought. “Or perhaps that is being too generous? Kindness is more of my charm, really.” I gave him a stoic expression.

“Get to the point.” I stated. Discord cleared his throat.

“Right, yes. The last step to returning home is the key. Which you have in your possession.” Discord replied. I reached into my back pocket and withdrew the horn. It was still glowing with prismatic rainbow colors. Discord nodded, pleased by the sight. “Precisely! With that, everything is ready. When you get the chance, come see me in front of Canterlot High. Do becareful though. Traffic is crazy on the way.” He then flexed his fingers. “Ta-ta!” The call disconnected.

Sunset and I exchanged glances. Applejack sighed.

“Alright, Rarity. What did ya' have in mind?” She asked. Rarity beamed and happily rushed away from her desk before reaching over and pulling out a rack of clothes. I’ve never seen the fashionista so ecstatic.

“My new line of clothes! Inspired specifically on the elements of the world!” She giggled happily. Applejack slumped.

“‘Ah thought we were going to be disguisin’ ourselves. Not prancin’ our reputation.” She said with a sigh. Rarity made a strange beat box sound in dismissal.

“Please, darling! We get that enough for being in a band. But you know what they say! If you want to hide something, hide it in plain sight!” She squeed. Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle along with the others. I smiled and pulled away from the screen. I walked over to Fickle and studied her. She was still breathing, yet weak. I had another thought pop into my head. How am I going to not draw attention by carrying an unconscious half kirin? I heard a clear of a throat and shift in my head.

Din unfurled her wings and raised an unamused brow at me. I gave a bashful smile. ‘Oh… right.’

Arriving to the school was met with surprise. The Rainbooms (in their elemental disguises) and I touched the ground and I was in awe at seeing half the school and employees waiting for us. What was strange is that the school damages were fixed from the fight. Even cleaned of my blood. Seeing Discord talking to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna made me realize how it was all cleaned up so quickly. But not only that, it appears that it had been spruced up for a party of some kind.

Tables on the side with assortments of condiments, snacks and fruit punches. A dessert table, a stage in front of the school and a set up that appeared to be the work of DJ Pon3. The Rainbooms were shocked by all the set up and when we approached, we were met with cheers and applause. Discord turned and clapped with a soft smile.

“Glad you can join us, girls.” He said. Sunset looked around.

“What is all this? And the school? How is it fixed already?” She asked in wonder. Discord cleared his throat and wiggled his fingers.

“Just a little customary cleaning, as a way to say thank you for all you’ve done.” He said. That glint in his eyes made me narrow my own.

“How very thoughtful. Though considering you made it sound like it was urgent.” I stated. Discord put an arm around my shoulder and motioned at the set up.

“Fie, my dear friend. Don’t we all deserve a little vacation every now and then? I figured you would like to relax a little before we head back to Equestria and save the day once more.” He grinned. I rose a brow.

“Vacation? But my friends-“ I began but Discord hushed me.

“Your friends are fine, Fie. You know it yourself, don’t you? They are even with Starlight and the others. And being their friend, I know they are just as capable as any of the main characters.” He stated. My look furrowed.

“That’s… not very reassuring considering what I’ve been told.” I replied. Discord brought me forward to face the crowd.

“Listen to that, Fie. Cheers! Applause! Congratulatory gratitude for saving their world! Nothing like the fanfare you’d receive in Equestria. Isn’t it nice to just enjoy the moment?” He said. I looked to the crowd before my eyes fell on Sunset and the others. I found myself hesitating.

“Well… when you put it that way. But we really need to get back.” I began. Discord snapped his fingers and a cup of fruit punch floated in front of me. I took it in confusion as Discord walked over to the girls.

“And we will! Just as soon as the Rainbooms perform for the crowd!” He said happily.

“Huh??” The girls all said in unison. Discord slumped.

“Ugh. It can be quite the pain to be a teacher. We know the answer, but you all are smart enough to figure it out, can’t you? Here.” He flourished his hand and whipped out a pointing stick, snapping his fingers to have a chalk board on wheels appear. “Twilight. Would you be a dear and explain it? I’ll start you off. Where does your magic come from?” He asked. Twilight blinked and stepped forward to the chalkboard.

“From Equestria.” She stated simply. Discord nodded.

“Yes. But where is the work? Show the class how you came to that conclusion?” He smiled. Twilight rubbed her chin. Discord snapped his fingers and chalk appeared in front of her. Twilight took it and her lips pursed in thought. Realization then dawned on her.

“Of course!” She said. She then began to draw and write on the chalk board. We watched with curious interest as Twilight busied herself on the chalkboard before pulling away and smiling with her arms behind her back. Pinkie Pie smiled.

“Oooooh, formulaic!” She said. Twilight adjusted her glasses and turned to face them, stepping aside.

“What is it?” Applejack asked with a scratch of her head. Twilight presented the drawings on the chalkboard.

“Our magic does come from Equestria. But it’s how we use it. Your magic began when you started playing music. It got stronger when we were unified together. It can even get overbearing with constant use. I think what Discord is trying to tell us that in order for the portal to Equestria to open, we need to unify as we would to build up enough magic to allow Fie to wish herself and Discord home.” I arched a brow.

“Wait, can’t I just wish us home with the horn by itself? All we needed to do was find a portal and open it.” I said. Discord nodded.

“If you wanted to destroy the horn in the process and unleash some powerful magic into the world. Take it from someone who actively travels through portals, Fie.” He smirked as he flexed his fingers. I slumped. “Not only that, but we also cannot risk anything if we are to make it back home. Any number of things could happen with that logic. Better to play it safe. Now then, I think I made it clear. Whenever you girls are ready, head on up the stage and do what you do best. And Fie?” He looked at me. “Enjoy it while you can.” He then snapped his fingers and poofed away, leaving me to study the cup of punch.

Annoyingly right. Din scowled. I then looked up to the girls. Sunset smiled, walking over to me and playfully punching my arm.

“Not going to lie, I think we all deserve it. Besides, I believe you have some other friends that’d want to hang out with you.” Sunset motioned over her shoulder and I looked to see Cloudchaser, Flitter and Thi talking amongst each other. They did look like they were waiting for someone. I smiled softly and looked around. There was another person who I wanted to talk too now that I had time. But I couldn’t seem to spy her. Feeling convinced, I waved to the Rainbooms and made my way over to my counterpart friends. They saw my approach and smiled, Thi immediately rushing over and wrapping an arm around my neck and ruffling my hair.

“The mare of the hour!” She grinned. I bashfully sipped my cup of punch before waving at them.

“I… guess I’m staying for a bit longer.” I said. It wasn’t long for the farewell party to kick off. Dj Pon3 had the music going while everyone was either dancing, mingling or showing off. I found myself caught up in the conversation with the others that I almost didn’t notice seeing Wallflower walking by with Derpy and two other girls whom I recognized as the flower ponies in Ponyville, Rose and Lily. She seemed carried away in her own conversation. I excused myself from my friends and waved to them before jogging over to Wallflower.

“Wallflower!” I called out. The girls stopped and looked to see me approach. Wallflower smiled.

“Fie!” She waved. I stopped in front of them and nodded. Wallflower’s look saddened. “I… I heard what happened to you. When it was all going down, we were unable to reach the school due to everyone panicking.” She said. I shrugged and waved a hand in dismissal.

“No biggie. Rather you guys kept out of it. Trust me. Power Elements duking it out is not pretty.” I winked. Wallflower rubbed her arm sadly.

“Still…” she began. She then studied me. “H-how… are you feeling after… you know…” I blinked and took a moment to realize she meant my death. Now that I had time to think on it, I hummed in thought, scratching my head.

“Well… I can’t really describe it. I was floating in this stream of light. Before I could even grasp the situation, I had been pulled back and woke up in a lot of pain.” I explained, remembering the event. “Where I come from, our afterlife is completely different to the customs here. It’s hard to explain, but we believe to return to this river called the everstream. It’s been theorized that this is where we draw in our magic and how Equestria and all things around it live and breathe.” Wallflower looked intrigued.

“Huh. Equestria sounds completely fascinating.” She said. I shrugged again.

“It’s beautiful when you can enjoy it for what it is.” I replied, feeling a little nostalgic. I sighed. “Too bad my fight is elsewhere. I’m unsure how it’s going to be in Pony Land.” The flower girls exchanged worried glances. Wallflower hesitated a bit but she put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I smiled. There was a sudden tapping and a loud screech that made everyone protest the pain in their ears. We looked to the stage to see Discord having already dressed in an orange old style suite and gators.

He pulled the microphone off the stand and spoke.

“Hello, fellow students and esteemed guests. Hope you all are enjoying the festivities! For it is a special one where we are bidding farewell to yours truly and, who you call these days, Star Fire!” Discord spoke as he motioned at me. A spotlight from nowhere fell on me and I blinked. “Come on up, dear friend! I believe you wanted to say something?” All eyes looked on me.

“Wha? I never said-.” I slumped and sighed. “Dammit, Discord…” I walked onto the stage, having to race my thoughts to brace myself for the attention. Discord held the mic to me and I gave him an annoyed glare. Discord leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“Knock ‘em dead, kid.” He grinned before patting me on the back. I frowned as he stepped to the side.

“Thanks, Discord… ahem…” I spoke. I looked out to the crowd and found myself unsure of how I should go about it. “Err… How’s… everyone doing?” I asked. No one responded. I was starting to get nervous. That is, until Pinkie Pie shouted from the crowd.

“Speech! Speech!” She cheered. Her cheering became a chant with the people. I was taken aback a little.

‘A speech? Uhhh…’ I once again tried to think about what I can say. Thanks for the support but not necessary? No, that comes off as insensitive to everyone. ‘I’m not the hero of the day. All of you are?’ Inspirational, but I’m certain that’d confuse a lot of people. Unable to find any solid thought, I decided to wing it. I took a deep breath and faced the crowd.

“I… really have nothing to say inspirationally. Frankly, I’m just glad we happened upon this world by accident. And if it wasn’t for the help of a select few friends, familiar or strange, well…” I hesitated and cleared my throat. “Anyway, what’s important now is that balance has been restored and you all can go on with your lives as normal.”

“With some slight changes!” Discord chimed in. I gave a concerned look.

“Yeees… Changes. From what I’ve learned of your world, magic was either theoretical or practiced. But realizing now that our worlds are connected, and has been exposed to ours, I can only imagine that change will be happening sometime soon. I’m sorry if it starts to inconvenience you all.” I then smiled and looked to my friends in the crowd. “And even though I cannot belong here, I’m thankful for all of you who had made me feel accepted into this world. I can go back to mine knowing full well I’ve done something in my life that hasn’t exiled me. And I know that I can trust to leave this world’s balance and harmony to the ones who truly came through. Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and even Wallflower Blush just to name a few.”

The spotlight fell on the girls I named, each having different reactions to it. I sighed.

“But enough about me. I thought we were all here for a celebration? And from where I’m from, the speeches happen after the fact.” I grinned at Discord who gave a playful roll of his eyes. Pinkie Pie suddenly had appeared next to me and beamed as she took the mic.

“Know what else is magical?” She reached into her hair and withdrew a handful of sprinkles. “Confetti!” She threw the sprinkles out above the crowd and they popped into confetti. And with that, the festivities began.

The Rainbooms played and sang as the crowd danced and played some party games. To me, it was all so surreal. This was something I would expect out of Ponyville. Seeing Discord chat with Celestia and Luna, I couldn’t help but smirk. Seems someone is more home sick than I am. As the party progressed (and me being peer pressured into dancing a bit, only to show off just a little of the party pony I am thanks to Pinkie Pie’s parties), I found myself hanging back by the pedestal, taking a break from all the mingling.

I casually sipped my fruit punch and observed the crowd. I then noticed Thi Billet walking out from the crowd and leaning against the pedestal.

“Whew! Been a while since I’ve been to an actual party. Kinda’ makes me regret graduating Canterlot High too early.” She said with a fanning of her hand on her face. I smirked.

“College parties probably had nothing compared to this.” I teased. Thi chuckled.

“Alright, pony god. Say, I’m curious. You mentioned that you and my pony counterpart are best friends. Is that why you jumped in to save me?” She asked. “N-not that I needed saving. I could have totally kicked their asses.” I laughed a little before thinking.

“Yes and no. You do look and act a lot like her. But…” My look fell a bit. I saw her expression turn to concern. “Things in Equestria aren’t as easy, even with magic. And my Thi is… well…” I smiled softly and looked at her. “I think she just needs to remember who exactly she decided to pester and befriend back in CSGU.” Thi smiled and coolly leaned against the pedestal.

“Well, if she’s anything like me, then she’ll be grateful to have a friend like you. I guess I can now explain why we connected to easily.” She said. I finished my cup and tossed it into a nearby trashcan.

“You know? You’re right. And seeing you just makes me even more dedicated to knock some sense into her.” I replied. Thi looked concerned.

“O-oh.” She replied. I blinked and realized what I said.

“Don’t worry. She does it to me plenty of times. It’s just something we kinda have going.” I smirked. Thi smiled in relief.

“Must be nice. Here, the only friends I have is my gang. Well, I guess Flitter and Cloudchaser can be considered friends, but I’d rather keep them away from all the back-alley stuff.” I thought about this. And the more I did, I felt my mood shoot down a bit. Thinking about my Cloudchaser and Flitter Glider currently having to deal with Thi. I can only imagine how Scribble is taking it all in. They have to know I'm not dead, right? My eyes looked out to the crowd and I spotted Cloudchaser and Flitter enjoying the party together. Thi tapped my shoulder, causing me to look to her.

"I uhh... don't mean to interrupt your brooding. But uhh... your pocket is glowing." She said, pointing at me. I looked down in confusion, indeed seeing a rainbow like glow from inside. I reached in and pulled out the horn. When I held it up, it suddenly crackled and sparked before shooting out bolts of colors that exploded into magical images of cuti-marks. Ones that resembled the Elements of Harmony. When all six showed up, there was another that seemed to appear. A sun over a horizon. They then begin to shimmer, causing Thi and I to back away from the pedestal as it began to glow with the flower blooming once more. We shielded our eyes as the portal appeared. My eyes sparkled at the sight. This is it. Our way home. Equestria. It took me a bit to realize that the music had died down and I saw Discord step up next to me. He dusted his suite off and adjusted the cuffs.

"And thus, our adventure here concludes. It was a fun ride, wasn't it?" He asked me with a smirk. I didn't reply. I was too busy comprehending this. I spent nearly two weeks in this dimension and so much has happened. I turned around and saw everyone observing us. The Rainbooms smiled and showed motions of encouragement. Sunset stepped forward with Twilight.

"Guess this is it, Fie. It was real nice getting to know you." She said with a smile. I studied her. Her eyes shimmered with a newfound spark. I then smiled and nodded.

"Likewise. And considering you girls have a better control on your magic, I can rest a bit easier knowing that this world is in good hands." I replied. Twilight stepped forward and held out a book to me.

"Here." She said with a smile. I took it in my hand and studied it. "It's Megan's journal. She has a lot of fascinating tales about her time with Equestrian creatures and magic of the past. It isn't much, but it could help you understand something you might end up coming across in your adventure hopefully." Sunset crossed her arms with a smirk.

"I want to say we'd hope to see you again sometime. But..." She seemed to contemplate something before shrugging and playfully punching me in the arm. "Perhaps we can have something to remember you by?" I blinked, holding the journal at my chest.

"Huh? Uhhh... I don't really have anything on me right now that I can... offer." I asked. Thi wrapped an arm around my neck and held out her phone.

"In time I'm sure your world will catch up with tech. Let us have the moment." She winked. I rubbed my arm nervously before looking at Discord. Discord rolled his eyes.

"Ugh. I guess one picture couldn't hurt." He said, snapping his finger and a phone appeared. He then got me and all the ones who helped me out in this world gather around in front of the pedestal. He levitated the phone and pressed something before popping in with the group. Everyone seemed to do a mix of happy expressions, leaving me to awkwardly smile in the center of them. I heard the sound of several snaps from the phone. I was surprised at how quickly it was. Discord snapped his fingers, popping the phone over to him and tapping something. My friend's phones went off and Thi grinned, showing me the message Discord sent. I couldn't help but smile softly. It was a nice picture.

"We'll miss you, Fie. If you ever end up back here again, don't be afraid to drop by." Thi said. I felt a strange sensation of overwhelming joy and sadness as I then hugged Thi tightly, taking her by surprise. I held it for a couple of seconds before pulling away and wiping a stray tear.

"Thanks for making me feel accepted. It's... kind of funny... how things take a strange twist." I said. Thi grinned and pat my shoulder.

"Take care, Fie. And kick some ass for both me and my pony self." She replied. I nodded and wiped my eyes again before stepping back. I then turned to face the portal, Discord standing next to me. I then looked down at the horn. The magic of our world all contained in this little bit of decoration. It's powerful and shouldn't be in the grasps of any creature in Equestria. I closed my eyes, drawing in the power it held into me, Din gleefully accepting it and audibly cackling. The horn shattered in my hand and I closed it in a fist, nodding determinedly. I didn't need to turn around. This isn't where we belong. But I'm okay with that thought. Because it is one less problem for me to worry about. Discord stepped through the portal. I then gave a wave without looking and stepped into the portal, the light enveloping me as the changes in my body began to take effect.