Forgotten People

Chapter 14 – Departure

With the games finally coming to an end, the last announcement was to be made by Princess Celestia. The stadium was filled with eager spectators to hear what the princess had to say. Alec and Rainbow Dash were both sitting in the competitor’s stands. Alec felt a bit beat up after the previous day, but Rainbow Dash had managed to help him through.

“You feeling okay?” she asked putting a hoof round his back.

“Yeah, just a little shaky.” He replied doing the same to her. A few minutes later Hamish and Luna both sat next to them in the stands, both grinning mischievously.

“Okay, what did you do this time?” Alec asked sternly. Hamish’s grin began to open up.

“Let’s just say that Ace may be out of racing for a while.” A mild smirk appeared on the two Pegasi’s faces. A moment later Celestia appeared at the stands to usher a closing speech. The whole stadium quieted down to hear what she had to say.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts, I hope you have had a great time at these first Olympic Games. It has been a pleasure to observe them and to the competitors, well done each and every one of you for taking part. However, as much as disliking it is for me to say this, there has been some rather…maltreated practice happening outside of the stadium. So these next few announcements shall be made. To streak-winning Pegasus Ace Swift, due to cheating, threatening a young filly, and brutal violence against a young colt, you are hereby banned from all future Olympic Sports,” Ace swift kicked up dust in anger as he stared at the four friends.

“I’ll get you all, and then you’ll be sorry…” he vowed under his breath. Celestia continued to speak.

“But there were some good parts as well. There is special recognition that I would like to give to certain individuals. First off, Rainbow Dash for a winning-streak of five gold medals!” the crowds cheered in delight as Dash’s eyes began to sparkle with happiness as she nuzzled her head to Alec’s chest.

“Secondly, Alec Bishop, for a gold-medal streak. I understand that he was unfortunately a victim to that of Ace Swift, but it didn’t stop his determination to keep going.” The crowds once again cheered in happiness. Alec looked up and saw the rest of the Main Six cheering him on.

“Thirdly, and this is a tie, Hamish Johnson and Princess Luna, who both showed spectacular strength in the Weight-Lifting.” The crowd gave one final cheer as Hamish and Luna both hugged.

“And once again, thank you to everyone who attended this momentous occasion, and I hope you will be around next year for the next Olympics!” the crowds now burst with excitement, some even started dancing in the stands. The four competitors looked among each other, all happy to have done their best, and been recognised in the process.

***

A couple of hours later, Twilight returned home. Spike was asleep as he should have been, but there was something left on her desk. It was a note with Celestia’s stamp sealing it.

“This must be important.” She told herself as she opened up and began t read.

“Dearest Twilight Sparkle,

I am afraid that what you are about to read may be upsetting. You see, it is time for the two boys to return to their own world. I know that may sound hurtful reading it, but it is time. They have both had a great experience here, and I am glad that you have managed to make friends with them, however awkward it was at the start.

But I am aware of another thing. This may be especially hurtful towards Alec in particular as he has formed a special bond with Rainbow Dash. They both love each other greatly now, so as he learns about his departure it will upset him greatly, as it will for Rainbow Dash. But unfortunately, sometimes we have to let go for the ones we love. But it is not the end, at some point in time he can come back, but for now the two boys must return home.

This will also apply for Hamish as he has begun to bond with my sister. Sadly enough, it will strike him as upsetting too. I apologize greatly if you or any others of your friends will be upset by this, but it is time.

Meet me and the others at the ruins at midnight exactly to send them home. I hope you understand and will wish them a happy goodbye.

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.”

Twilight looked up from reading. So it was finally time for them to leave? A tear of sadness sparkled in her eye. She really didn’t want them to go after forming a new friendship. But at the same time she understood why they had to go. But the thoughts of Rainbow Dash’s grief snuck into her mind.

“I hope she’ll be okay.” She told herself. With that said, she set off for the ruins to say goodbye.

***

“So why are we here again?” Hamish asked Alec for the third time. Alec groaned in anger.

“For the last time, I DON’T KNOW! We’re gonna find out now.” He said, as Luna, Celestia, Twilight and Rainbow Dash all appeared. Twilight and Celestia looked especially worried, whereas Rainbow Dash and Luna were oblivious to what was about to be said. Twilight sighed heavily and tried to avoid the lump in her throat.

“Boys, it’s…well…it’s time for you to go home.” Alec and Hamish both looked shocked, as did Dash and Luna.

“WHAT?!” they all said in unison. Celestia took over the speech.

“I’m deeply sorry boys, but you can’t stay here forever. You don’t belong in this world, as we don’t in yours.” Hamish’s teeth gritted in anger.

“Oh! So that’s how it is? You let us in this world, squander our life here for the past six months, then tell us to bugger off?

Some ruler you are.” Alec kicked his friend in the arm in retaliation.

“That’s not what she’s saying!” he protested. Hamish grunted and shut his mouth.

“I know your reactions are terrible, but you’ve both had a great time here, and believe me, I don’t want you to leave either. But it’s time for you to go back to your old lives.” Rainbow’s lip began to tremble as did Alec’s.

“However, in good spirit, with the ones you have both bonded  with, I will let you say goodbye in private.” With that she backed off, along with Twilight, to a different location. Both pairs walked into different locations too.

“So…I guess this is goodbye?” Dash said in sadness, her voice beginning to croak. Both their eyes were sparkling.

“I guess so.” Alec replied. He was finding it difficult to speak. “I don’t want to go.”

“I don’t want you to either.” Dash replied, crying beginning to break free from her face. “I don’t want you to go!” she said, flinging herself onto Alec. She cried and cried onto his back, as did Alec to her. They both hugged each other tightly, knowing that they may never see each other again.

“Thank you.” Alec said whilst embracing through tears, “Thank you for everything.” Dash smiled through her crying.

“Thank you as well. It’s been great.” She replied through her embrace. With that said, they both kissed for one final time,

and this time they made it count. With tears streaming down both their faces, they lasted for 10 long minutes before breaking apart for the final time.

“Take care of yourself.” Rainbow said sadly.

“You too. I’m gonna miss you a ton.” Alec replied wiping tears off his face. They both hugged once more before returning to the ruins. Meanwhile Hamish and Luna were both saying their goodbyes.

“Thanks for the experience Princess. It’s been great knowing you.” Hamish spoke through tears. Luna hugged him, her wings wrapped round him.

“I’ll miss you too Hamish. But it’s not over, we’ll see each other again one day.” She reassured him through tears of her own. They both held each other close as they returned to the ruins to let the boys go. Celestia and Twilight reappeared.

“Are you both ready?” Twilight asked. They both nodded, tear stricken. With the affirmation said, Twilight opened up the portal back to their world. Looking into it, all you could see was an opaque swirling of blue and white. The two began to walk towards it, the magic beginning to engorge them. Before they finally stepped into their own world, they turned back to their loved ones and waved goodbye. They waved back in crying. Finally, they both stepped forward, out of sight of the four equines. The portal began to pulsate a little before finally shutting on itself.

They were gone.