Tokyo Equestria

Twilight Sparkle sat on the opposite side of the little table in Ko's room as him. All around them the young unicorn turned human had drawn circles and symbols, all connected by an intricate pattern of lines which led to a wide basin of water on the table. Twilight had her eyes held shut, and was breathing deep and even, her fingers dipped into the liquid.

"Are you sure this is going to work Twi?"

"I'm not sure Ko, I really hope so..."

The girl threw her head back and sighed in exasperation.

"It's so much easier to do magic with a horn...the alicorn that makes up a unicorns horn allows a connection to the leylines, sort of like plugging into an outlet- it charges you."

"But if you don't have a horn, shouldn't you be unable to plug into the magicka?"

"Well sort of, I am still a unicorn, my mind and my heart, so I can understand leylines and magic patterns. A pegasus, or an earth pony can't do that. That's why I could write them down and draw them- but I had to do that because without my horn I can't print them in my mind. All this time I've been drawing the symbols that build up the magic patterns for simply feeling magic, in my world and yours. It's taken...a long time, I started this just after you got stabbed, but I think I have it done."

"So...This spell will bring you home?"

Twilight looked at Ko and looked into the basin with a sad smile.

"Not yet. But if it works, you'll be able to meet my friends."

"What do you need me to do?"

"....Just sit there and wait."

Ko awkwardly looked away and scratched the back of his head, embarrassed as Twilight began to preform her ritual. There was a faint hum in the air as a gentle breeze began to blow, and though Ko stared at the runes he could not see the glow that began to emanate from them. The water gently stirred for a few seconds before it stopped, and Twilight removed her fingers.

She opened her eyes and looked into the pool, smiling at the visage now shining in the clear still water. She tapped the water and watched as the figure in the reflection jumped at a sudden shock, turning around and gazing back at her confused and shocked. She smiled and recited familiar words in a clear confident voice for the first time in too long.

"Spike, take a letter please."

Not even half an hour later a crowd had gathered around the shimmering silver portal which stood in the middle of the library. Spike, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Shining Armor, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Twilight's five closest friends were now gazing into the semi-reflective oval of magic that shined with the visage of two oddly hairless beasts.

After a few short questions to determine if it was truly the young apprentice, and extensive questioning about where she had gone, and how, and why she looked as she did, and who the other 'person' in the room was...Twilight had finally gotten a chance to introduce her human friend.

"His name is Ko, he found me in a dark damp place covered in filth, and he protected me, taught me the ways of this world called 'Earth' so that I could survive here. Ko, these are my friends and mentors; Princesses Celestia and Luna, my brother and sister-in-law Shining Armor and Cadence, Spike the Dragon, and the fellow Elements of Harmony- Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. They are the ones who taught me how to make friends, and practically raised me."

"Yo."

"Ko show some respect! They're royalty!"

Twilight blushed excruciatingly red and lightly smacked the boy who sheepishly grinned and bowed. In turn, each of the prismatic ponies on the other side nodded or greeted the stranger. When they had all met, and the pink one was saddened by the lack of the ability to throw either a party for the safe finding on Twilight, or the meeting of Ko, Princess Celestia stepped forward, a serious expression on her face.

"Twilight. You've lost your horn, but can still cast magic?"

Twilight's smile faded and she gave a nod.

"Yes Princess, the magical fields are different and faded in this world, but present still. I can see them but with difficulty, but given time I could find a way to cast spells, like this communications portal."

"Do you know how our two worlds connect, Twilight?"

"Judging by the geographical consistencies and similar linguistics, I have assumed that this is a parallel dimension in the same timeline, and position as our own world... just a world where a different species rules."

"Ever wise my dear Twilight, to come to such a conclusion in the year you've been gone."

"We've missed you Twi...can..can you come back soon?"

Spike stepped forward and held his tail in both claws. Twilight stared at him, a saddened look on her face. He has grown, at least a few inches, and was beginning to show muscles. He must have been doing a lot of work in my absence, probably had been staying with Applejack on the farm and working with them to earn his stay. She thought. But... He was at the library when the portal opened, and it looks lived in... Has he been caring for it, the entire time, in case I would return?

Ko reached over and wiped a tear off the girls face, taking her hands in his. He turned to the portal again.

"Horses. I have no magic, and in my world I live in poverty, and have many enemies. But to see this girl, and know her troubles... I will protect her, she will remain safe in my care, and I will do everything I can until she returns to you."

As he spoke, the portal shimmered and flickered, and slowly faded away.

The rest of the day, and into the night, Twilight cried into Ko's chest.