The Equestrian Hero's Call: Destruction's Edge

by Genis94

Rating: teen
Tags: Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Human, Princess Luna, Original Character, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Tragedy, Main 6
Length: 35603

Months after his initial arrival into Equestria, Robert must brandish his weapons once more as a new threat arises. But will the battle against these evil forces prove to be greater than his own internal struggle?

Months have passed since his initial arrival in Equestria, and everything has been looking up for Robert. But all good things must end. A new threat has surfaced in the peaceful land, as an ancient evil returns with unstoppable power. The only hope for survival rests in the hands of the young human. But while he takes up the fight against a maniacal being of destruction, he faces a battle within himself that threatens to be more crippling than any blow.

Author's note: Okay first off, I know this is pretty poor in the style of its writing. It's actually been complete for a while, but I procrastinated adding it due to my work on my Tales of the Abyss story. Yes I could have gone back and touched it up, but honestly, I'm a lazy bastard. Secondly, I've got another one of these stories planned out and will begin working on it soon. I promise it will be formatted in my current writing style to spare you all from bashing your heads against the wall in boredom. So I hope you enjoy (loose definition) my latest story!

Published 2012-12-19 01:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-19 01:40:01 UTC

Destruction's Edge

The Equestrian Hero’s Call: Destruction’s Edge

By Genis94

“It is gorgeous out, just gorgeous!” Rarity said.

“Perfect day for a picnic!” I added.

“So how have you been settling in Robert?” Twilight inquired.

“Well, the house is furnished now. I still can’t believe Celestia waived the fee for it.”

“Well you did help save all of Equestria.”

“I guess that’s true. Thanks again for using your magic to charge up the electronics.”

“Not a problem! Although, sorry about nearly frying your... what did you call it?”

“iPhone. Don’t worry, it just gave off some static, no damage to the main components.”

The scenery where we were sitting was... well serene. But I think I’m getting a little ahead of myself. My name is Robert Shearer. About two months ago I was pulled into the world of Equestria. While I was still adjusting to the world there was an attack. A being known as Despair attacked Canterlot, bringing with him a message of his impending return. I was tasked with stopping him from regaining power and enslaving the citizens to serve him. I faced many hardships along the way; guarding the mane 6 from harm so they could use the elements against him. Eventually I faced him at the grounds where he was originally sealed. The battle was lengthy, and in the end nearly cost me my life, but I accomplished my mission and was granted the right to live where I desired.

“So how have the rest of you-”

I was caught short by the sound of something running toward us. We turned to find Spike running, clearly with something important to tell us.

“Twi... light... I have... hang on let me just...” he said panting between words.

“Deep breaths Spike. Just tell us what’s up.” I told him.

True to my advice Spike then breathed in and belched out a scroll of parchment. Twilight levitated the scroll and began to read it aloud.

“Dear Twilight, I am sure you are just as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot. Wedding?”

“A wedding?! Oh man, I need to get my tux ready!” I exclaimed in amazement.

“I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion.”

Twilight continued on, listing each pony and the role they would play. I couldn’t help but wonder what a wedding in Equestria would be like. Especially one in Canterlot. I noticed it must be huge if it was something to cause Rarity to faint when she heard she was to design dresses for the bride and bridesmaids. Twilight finished reading the letter but was confused when the bride and groom were not listed anywhere.

“I don’t understand. Who’s getting married?”

“Oh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.” Spike answered producing another scroll.

“Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and *gasp* my brother?!”

I coughed uncontrollably as the tea I was drinking traveled down my windpipe in shock.

“Your brother’s getting married? Congratulations Twilight! That’s great news” Applejack said in joy.

“Yeah, great news... That I just got from a wedding invitation! Not from my brother but from a piece of paper!”

Twilight went on about how she was upset with how she was informed. I waited patiently for an opportunity to calm her down. After she finished using a sandwich as a mime and asking just “who in the hoof” the bride was I cleared my throat to get her attention.

“Twilight I know you’re upset, but if he’s your brother don’t you think he has his reasons about informing you like this?”

“You don’t know him like I do. He’s my BBBFF!”

Everypony, myself included, gave a quizzical look as to what the acronym meant.

“Big Brother Best Friend Forever?”

“Ohhh!” We all said in unison.

Twilight went on detailing the relationship she and her brother had(in a very catchy song I might add). Once the singing was over Applejack went over to cheer Twilight up.

“As one of your PFF’s...”

More confused looks made up the scenery.

“Pony Friend Forever.”

“Ohhh!”

“I want to tell you that your brother sounds like a real good guy.”

“He is pretty special. I mean, they don’t let just anypony be captain of the royal guard.”

Rarity asked to be certain about the major detail that the bride was a princess and the groom was captain of the royal guard. She fainted again after realizing that we were helping with such an important event.

“Captain of the royal guard huh? I might be able to talk shop with him.” I said cheerfully.

“Sure you can... once I’m through with him.” Twilight muttered.

I had a feeling this wouldn’t end well. I could practically smell the hostility emanating from her. We gathered our things and left for Canterlot. I was sure to bring my garb and weapons after what happened at the last major event I visited. The girls were busy talking about how excited they were about the wedding, with me adding an occasional comment. I didn’t speak much because during the ride something caught my eye. Canterlot looked like it was surrounded by something. When we reached the toll to the station, a pink field of energy passed through the train. I was wondering just what it was when I noticed all of the guards waiting at the station platform.

“Woah! What’s with all the guards?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I’m just as confused as you are Rainbow. But I doubt they would station all of these guards here for nothing.” I responded.

“I’m sure they’re just taking the necessary precautions. Royal weddings do bring out the strangest ponies.” Rarity assured.

Pinkie Pie sneezed up some confetti right on cue.

“I don’t think they’re here for crowd control Rarity.” I remarked as I observed just how heavy the guard was.

Twilight stormed off to lecture her brother. I didn’t like the look in her eyes so I followed her leaving the other ponies to their own devices. We approached a large group of guards stationed outside of the castle. There I saw a white coated stallion, with a blue mane, in purple armor issuing orders.

“Your brother?”

Twilight ignored the question but confirmed my suspicion.

“I’ve got something to say to you mister!”

Suddenly the guards pointed their spears in our direction. Instinctively I raised my shield, unsure of what would happen. The stallion in purple armor looked at us.

“Twily! Ah, I’ve missed you kid! How was the train ride?”

Twilight was quick to cut him off and let her wrath fall upon him.

“How dare you not tell me in person that you were getting married! I’m your sister for pony sake!”

I thought this would be the usual lecture where Twilight would practically talk her victim into submission. To my surprise Shining Armor was quick to state his case.

“It’s not my fault. Princess Celestia has ordered a major increase in security.”

“You mean all of those guards at the station?” I asked.

“Exactly. There’s been a threat made against Canterlot. We don’t know who’s responsible for it but Princess Celestia asked that I provide... additional protection. This you need to see.”

Shining Armor took a few steps back then began charging up magic. Suddenly he released the energy, charging the force field surrounding the city with additional fortification. Immediately after, he gave a pained expression and rubbed his head.

“The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests squarely on my shoulders. Staying focused on the task at hand has been my top priority.” He said as we followed him up the castle wall.

“Okay, I get it. You’ve been busy protecting Canterlot with a force field only you could make. But why didn’t you tell me? Am I not that important to you?” Twilight sadly asked.

“Twilight, you’re my sister. Of course I care about you. But I would understand if you didn’t want to be my best mare.” He said with a sly grin.

“You really want me to be the best mare?”

“I’d be honored”

“I take it the best mare is similar to the best man?” I asked.

“I guess so... (Uh Twilight? Just who is this?)”

“Oh, sorry! I was so mad I forgot to introduce you! Shining Armor, this is my friend Robert.”

“Well, any friend of Twily is a friend of mine!”

“Good to meet you.” I responded, shaking his outstretched hoof.

“So how do you know each other?” He asked.

“Kind of a long story, but I helped your sister save Equestria a little over a month ago.”

“Oh don’t be modest Robert. You were the one who beat Despair.”

“Despair? You mean you were the one who stopped him?”

“Yeah. Although, he did make me look pretty pathetic when I fought him at the Gala.”

“That was you too?”

“Yeah, I had to use makeshift weapons though. I grabbed an iron cane as a sword, and a royal guard’s body armor as a shield.”

“Wait a sec! That was my armor!”

“You’re kidding! I didn’t see you when I found it.”

“I got knocked clean out of it by him. Fortunately I managed to block most of his attack with a shield spell. After that I lost consciousness.”

“You used my brother’s armor as a shield?!” Twilight blurted.

I panicked trying to think of something to say. It’s not exactly comfortable when a unicorn capable of turning you into a frog or something is mad at you.

“Twily it’s alright. This just means that my armor is practically historic now!” Shining Armor said, saving my neck.

“Well, I guess... But back to the wedding. Just who is this ‘Princess Mi Amore Cadenza’?”

“Twily. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza... is Cadence!”

“Cadence? You mean the best foal sitter in the whole world, Cadence?”

“Wow Twilight! You know the bride too?” I asked in wonder.

“Of course! She was my foal sitter. She would take care of me when my parents went out. She was always so sweet and kind. We even had our own special hoof shake!”

“Can I see it?”

“Sure! Sunshine, sunshine; ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” She rhymed, dancing to each word.

“Heh, that’s kind of cute.” I commented.

“But I still can’t believe it! You’re marrying Cadence! You’re marrying Cadence!” Twilight exclaimed, bounding around in excitement.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

There stood a pink alicorn with a mane of purple, pink, and cream.

“Princess Cadence! Sunshine, sunshine; ladybugs awake; clap your hooves; and do a little shake!” Twilight repeated the rhyme as she trotted before Cadence.

“What are you doing?” she stared at Twilight.

“Oh hello Cadence.” Shining Armor greeted his fiance.

“Hello Shining Armor. How was... what is that thing?” She asked looking at me.

“Oh! My name is Robert Shearer. I’m a human.”

“Uh huh... So as I was saying...”

“Hey Twilight. You said Cadence was kind and loving right?” I whispered.

“I don’t know what happened, but it looks like she’s turned into a total snob!”

The next day the girls split up to get started on their wedding assignments. I decided to head to the castle and visit Celestia; I figured she might be able to fill me in on the situation.

“Halt! State your business.” A guard asked with a serious look

“I’m here to visit Celestia. Tell her Robert is here to see her.” I calmly explained.

The guard quickly left to inform the princess leaving his friend to watch the gate. About seven minutes later he returned.

“You have permission to enter.”

“Thank you. Keep up the good work.” I told them as I walked past.

I made my way up the castle to the observation tower where I spotted her on the way to the first gate.

“Robert, good to see you!” she said still looking into her telescope.

“Good to see you too. So what’s this about a threat on Canterlot?”

“*sigh* You heard about that, did you?” She sighed as she left her observation.

“Yes, from Shining Armor no less. Why not inform me about the situation?”

“I figured since the last time you were at an event in Canterlot it ended... less than satisfactory, that I should allow you to relax.”

“Relax?! There’s guards everywhere! Not to mention the giant force field! You should have just told me. So what is the threat?”

“That’s the thing; we don’t know who the threat is from or when it will happen. I had to play it safe, so I ordered this increase in security.”

“I bet I can give a guess as to when someone would strike.”

“The wedding...” Celestia grimly concluded.

“Exactly. You know as well as I do that has to be when they’ll strike. It’s just too much to be a coincidence.” I agreed.

“What do you propose we do?”

“I have one plan, but you’ll have to go with me on it.”

“I’m listening.”

I whispered the details in her ear. If this much was being thrown at security, I couldn’t risk the wrong pony overhearing us.

“I’ll prepare it right away. You should check in with Shining Armor. He may have some information that can help you.” Celestia told me.

“Alright, I hope I’m wrong about the attack though. I wouldn’t want such an amazing event to be ruined.”

“You and me both...”

“So there’s no new intel?” I asked.

“I’m afraid so. I told you everything I know yesterday.” Shining Armor confirmed.

“Well, I suppose we should both get a little off topic. It’s just not healthy to be thinking about it too much.”

“Thanks, I could use that. I’ve been so busy giving orders I haven’t been able to just talk.”

“So are you nervous? About the wedding that is.” I asked.

“A little. Even though I know Cadence is the one I want to be with, it’s still a bit to prepare for.” Shining Armor admitted.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just let your heart guide you and you can’t go wrong.”

“Didn’t take you for the philosophical type.”

“I guess I’ve just had a lot of time in my life to just think about the world.”

“Well, tell me more about how you know Twily.”

“When I first arrived here it was... a bumpy ride.” I cringed.

“How so?”

“I fell out of the sky.”

“You look a lot less crippled than I would have expected from something like that.”

“Luna saved me. She heard my screams when I was falling and caught me before I could go ‘splat’. We both wound up in the hospital though.”

“So you know Celestia and Luna? You really get around.” He chuckled.

“I woke up a week after I fell. Celestia was my first visitor, but then she brought in Twilight and her friends. Twilight actually healed my wounds and gave me a place to stay.”

“I’m sure she had a million rules about her books while you were there.”

“Heh. Well eventually I went with Twilight and her friends to the Grand Galloping Gala, and... well you know what happened after that.”

“Yeah, I still have aches from that.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“After our little journey, Celestia gave me a house in Ponyville. I’ve been living there ever since.”

“Quite the story! Listen, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Shoot.”

“One of my groomscolts can’t make it for the festivities. He caught a nasty flu a few days ago.”

“Wait are you asking...?”

Shining Armor gave a curt nod before continuing. “Well, I figure since Twily is the mare of honor, I should have her friend fill in as one of my groomscolts, or in this case men.”

“I don’t know what to say! It’s an honor!”

“Glad to hear it. Oh, look at the time! I have to meet with the southern garrison.”

“I actually have to meet Twilight and her friends too. I’ll see you at the rehearsal?”

“Sure! It’s in the castle event hall. Not that far from the grand hall actually.” Shining Armor informed.

“See you then.” I bade farewell.

“Can you believe Cadence? She’s totally rude!” Twilight yelled.

The mane 6 and I were having drinks outside of a cafe. Twilight was surprisingly aggressive to somepony who was apparently a huge part of her childhood.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Yeah Twilight, she’s been kinder than harvest in autumn.” Applejack defended.

“Oh really? Did you know that after she said she ‘Loved, loved, loved’ your apple fritters she threw them in the trash?”

“She was probably just trying to spare my feelings.”

“No, she was being rude and insincere!”

“Twilight are you sure about this?” I asked.

“Of course! She was demanding about her dress, insulted Pinkie’s party plans, and even raised her voice to one of Fluttershy’s birds!”

“Well, he was singing really out of key.” She quietly admitted.

“Ugh! All of you are too caught up in the wedding to see how horrible she really is!” Twilight yelled, slamming her front leg down on the cafe table; Turning around immediately to walk off.

“Ahh! Hot!” I yelled as my coffee spilled onto my lap.

“Oh dear! We’d better get those clothes cleaned quickly if we want to avoid stains!” Rarity said.

“Oh, no worries. I’m just peachy!” I angrily responded.

“Peachy? But I thought you were a human? Oh! Do humans taste like peaches after they get hurt?” Pinkie began asking.

“Ah, think ya might want to avoid asking him questions for now Pinkie. He looks angrier than a bull seeing red.” Applejack told the energetic pink pony.

“Of course I am! I just got coffee spilled on my lap! Ouch! Hurts. To. Move.”

“Come on y’all. We’d better get him some cold water... and let Rarity clean his clothes or she’ll have a fit.” Applejack said as she got up from her seat.

“Hmph! I’m just trying to be considerate. After all, I’m the only one who can tailor clothes for him.”

The girls helped me waddle along back to the castle where we were staying. The whole walk was painful and a little embarrassing. Once we got back I had the girls get some ice for the burn. Did I mention that hot coffee burns like hell? I used the time to change into new clothes so Rarity could clean the others, otherwise I would just hear it from her when they got back. About half an hour later there was no sign of them. Finally Twilight entered the room clearly distressed about something.

“Robert! You have to help! Princess Cadence is evil!”

“Evil? What makes you say evil?” I asked with a raised brow.

“I think she might be controlling my brother. She cast some sort of spell on him that made his eyes go all...” she said, making her eyes roll around in her head in a goofy fashion.

“I think you may be overreacting a little Twilight. We can’t be certain about anything yet.”

“You sound just like the others. They’re too busy being the new bridesmaids to listen to me at all. I just-”

“Wait. Did you say that the others are busy? You saw them?”

“Yes I did. Why?”

“They... They left me here... And didn’t even bother to get me the ice?!” I angrily roared.

“Ahh! What’s wrong?”

“Earlier when you slammed the table, my coffee spilled on my lap. I’ve been waiting for them to bring me ice for the burns since.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! Here, let me heal it for you.”

Twilight’s horn began glowing and I felt a familiar sensation run through my body. In an instant the burns were healed as if they were never even touched by the scalding hot liquid.

“Thanks. I still can’t believe Rarity forgot since she wanted to get the stains out.”

“I can get those out for you. Sorry about that.” Twilight offered as she frantically apologized.

“It’s okay. You already apologized and healed me to boot.”

I noticed that she had already used her magic to get the stains out of my pants and shirt. I shrugged figuring she probably would have insisted anyway.

“Well, we should get some rest. The rehearsal is tomorrow, and I plan to make it memorable for Cadence.” She said in a sinister tone.

“A-alright. Just don’t be too hasty Twilight.”

The next morning I got dressed and went down to the royal dining hall for breakfast. Fortunately there was some cereal to substitute for hay browns (hash browns but with hay). At around noon we all went to the event hall to rehearse the wedding.

“Right, all of you will stand there. Then Cadence will walk in.” Celestia ran through the instructions.

Just as Cadence made it to the altar, Twilight arrived on the scene.

“Twily! I was worried you wouldn’t make it.” Shining Armor happily greeted.

“I’m not going to stand next to her! And neither should you!” Twilight yelled.

“Twily, what are you talking about?”

“She’s evil! She’s been horrible to my friends, she’s obviously done something to her bridesmaids, and I saw her casting a spell on my brother that made his eyes go...” She said, reenacting the eye motions she showed me last night.

Cadence looked around, all eyes on her.

“W-why are you doing this to me?” She began sobbing from the pressure.

“Because you’re evil!” Twilight said as Cadence ran crying for the exit.

“Evil! And if I don’t stop you you’re going to ruin my brother’s life!”

Twilight turned around only to bump into an angry Shining Armor.

“Do you want to know why my eyes went all...” Making the eye motion himself.

“It’s because ever since I’ve been performing my protection spell, I’ve been having terrible migraines. Cadence hasn’t been casting spells on me, she’s been using her magic to heal me. And the reason she got rid of her old bridesmaids is because she learned they were only helping with the wedding so they could meet Canterlot royalty. And if she hasn’t been on her best behavior with your friends, it’s because while I’m busy with my duties she has to make all the decisions about the wedding by herself! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go comfort my bride. You can forget about being my best mare. In fact if I were you, I wouldn’t show up to the wedding at all.”

Shining Armor left her sister behind. Everypony else began filing out without offering a word to her.

“You have a lot to think about.” Celestia scolded as she made her exit.

The only living souls remaining in the room were myself and Twilight, who had already succumbed to tears.

“Are... are you going to be okay?” I asked.

“*sniff* I need some time alone...”

“Twilight I...”

“Please. Before I end up ruining the wedding for you too.”

“Twilight, the wedding is already ruined for me if one of my friends is crying while I’m just standing there. Everything will be fine.” I tried to comfort.

“No it won’t. I had a chance to earn a sister, but instead I drove away my only brother.”

She sang another short tune out of her sorrow. Just as I began hugging her to help cheer her up, I noticed Cadence was standing over us.

“I-I’m sorry!” Twilight began.

In an instant, Cadence’s eyes flashed to green eyes with cat irises.

“You will be!” She coldly responded.

Suddenly green flames sprang up around us, trapping us within their embrace. Before I could try and do anything, we began sinking through the floor. I felt lightheaded, and in a few moments, passed out.

“Ugh... My head...” I began as consciousness returned.

“Hey Twilight, are you alright?”

“Yes.. but where are we?” She answered as she got to her hooves.

“The caverns beneath Canterlot.” A voice echoed within the space.

I looked up to see an enormous image of Cadence above us. Her face marked by a sinister grin.

“These caverns were originally used by greedy unicorns who sought to dig up their riches. Now they’re all but forgotten.”

“H-help!” Twilight cried out.

“Ha ha ha! Nopony can hear you, and they won’t even think to look for you here. Now I can be left to fulfill my plans.”

“Plans? What plans?” Twilight asked.

“The plans I have for your brother of course.”

Twilight stood up infuriated. She began charging magic into her horn with a fear inspiring fury. In an instant, it was glowing fiercely with energy.

“You... you stay away from my brother!”

*SHABOOM!*

Twilight blasted the image of Cadence, only to have the energy ricochet off the diamonds surrounding us. The beam finally blasted the ground in front of Twilight.

“Over here!” The alicorn taunted.

*BOOM!*

“Ha! Now I’m over here!”

*BOOM!*

Twilight blasted at each image of Cadence, destroying the diamonds in the room. Finally she unleashed a blast that created a massive hole. Once the dust settled, we could see Cadence in the room where the hole was blasted. As soon as she saw her, Twilight began charging at her.

“Wait!” The princess begged.

Too late. Twilight tackled Cadence to the floor.

“Twilight it’s me! The Cadence you saw is an imposter!”

“Likely story!”

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves...”

“And do a little shake!” Twilight finished.

“Oh, Cadence! I’m so glad to see you again!”

“As happy as I am for this reunion, we have an imposter to catch.” I interrupted.

“You’re right, but how do we get out?” Twilight turned while still hugging Cadence.

I looked at Cadence. In the corner of my vision I saw a flicker of light reflected off her eyes.

“Follow me!” she instructed.

“Stop!” Twilight yelled as we entered the event hall.

“That Cadence is an imposter!”

Everypony looked at the accused Cadence.

“Oh! Why is she trying to ruin my special day?”

“It’s not your special day. It’s mine!”

The true Cadence walked through the doorway. Everypony in the room gasped in shock.

“She’s a changeling! A creature that turns into somepony you love and feeds off of their love for you.”

Suddenly the Cadence at the altar began undergoing a hideous transformation. In a few moments she became a large insectoid creature resembling an alicorn.

“Whoa. That’s actually pretty damn creepy.” I muttered.

“It’s true. I’ve been passing myself off as Cadence in order to get to Shining Armor here.” She glanced at the stallion. His eyes were green as he was in her thrall.

“I’ve been feeding off his love; weakening him and the spell around Canterlot. Soon the shield will fall as my underlings are already chipping away at it. Once they break through, we’ll feed off of the love of every pony in Equestria!”

“No. You won’t.” Celestia said as she approached the imposter.

Suddenly they locked horns as if in a swordfight.

“You may have weakened the shield, but now that you have revealed yourself, I can protect my subjects from you!”

Celestia hovered up in the air and fired a beam of pure golden energy. The Changeling Queen quickly fired a green beam of her own. For a moment it seemed that Celestia had victory assured, but then the Changeling Queen’s energy beam managed to overpower Celestia.

*KRABOOM!*

Celestia was tossed through the air and onto the ground from the explosion, her tiara clanging to the floor several feet away.

“Princess Celestia!” the mane 6 cried out.

“Celestia!” I called out myself.

“You must get to the Elements of Harmony, and use their power to defeat her!” She weakly instructed.

“Going somewhere?” The Changeling Queen asked with an evil grin.

“You six go and get the elements. I’ll hold her off!” I told them.

“But...” Fluttershy began.

“Just go! I’ve got this.”

The mane 6 ditched their dresses and ran for the chamber where the elements were kept. Rarity delayed for a moment trying to catch her works.

“How foolish! You witnessed me defeat Celestia, yet you would challenge me unarmed?”

“Who said anything about unarmed?” I confidently responded.

I ran to the pillar on the right side of the room and opened the secret compartment I had Celestia make. Inside, I found the Solar Sword and Lunar Shield; weapons that Celestia and Luna gave me to fight Despair.

“Clever. You anticipated an attack so you had your weapons hidden in this room the whole time. But you can never defeat me! With this power I will make all of Equestria fall to my whim!.”

“Only one way to find out...”

I drew my sword and shield and began charging the Changeling Queen. She began firing blasts of energy at me, but I managed to swiftly dodge. Suddenly a massive beam like the one fired at Celestia came my way. I blocked the blast with my shield, but the sheer force of it sent me flying backward.

“Nnnnggg!”

I came crashing to the ground near the doorway.

“Now to finish you!”

Another blast came my way. I managed to pick myself up and charge my shield just before the impact. The beam’s continuous energy was too much for just my shield. I charged my sword and raised it in front of my shield to help block the oncoming energy. Suddenly something strange happened. My shield began focusing a sphere of shadow energy on its surface while my sword shone brightly with light. Before I could try and make sense of it, the sphere fired as a massive beam with the sword’s light providing a central energy source.

“*gasp*” was all the Changeling Queen could manage.

The Changeling Queen quickly dodged the beam as it went flying out the window.

“I... I did that?”

Before I could try and fight again, I felt a sudden loss of strength and nearly collapsed. I looked up to see the Changeling Queen inches away.

“Ooof!”

I was pinned to the wall by some form of slime-like material, that was covering my wrists and ankles.

“Shining Armor... please!” Cadence said standing next to her fiance.

“Oh no you don’t!”

The Changling Queen quickly pushed her away from Shining Armor and stuck her hooves to the ground with the same slime used on me.

“Now where was I? Ah, yes. How does it feel to taste defeat human?”

“To be honest, I’m a bit conflicted.”

“Oh? How so?”

“I can’t tell which I find more disgusting: the slime you used to stick me to the wall, or your ugly mug.”

“Why you insolent!”

“Blugghh!” I exclaimed in pain as her hoof impacted my abdomen.

“Now be silent and know your place.”

I fell unconscious from my injuries and exhaustion. I later awoke to see Twilight and the others being forced back into the entrance hall.

“Oh no...” I began.

“*gasp* Robert! Are you alright?” Twilight called.

“I’m fine, you know just... hanging around.” I made a joke simply to calm my nerves.

“*giggle* Oh, Robert! You’re always good for a laugh!” Pinkie giggled.

I looked up at the ceiling and saw Princess Celestia hanging in a cocoon.

“You were all foolish to think you could defeat me! Twilight Sparkle here was the only one who suspected me. Yet you were all too busy with your precious wedding to notice!”

“Ah’m sorry Twilight. We should have listened to you.” Applejack appologized to her lavender friend.

“Same here Twilight. Even though I listened I still had my doubts. I should have known you would never make an accusation like that unless it held water.” I added.

“Accusations can hold water? Hey Applejack! You can just use accusations instead of replacing those buckets!” Pinkie enthusiastically exclaimed.

“It’s alright everypony. She had us all fooled.”

“I did didn’t I?” She said, beginning to sing a song boasting her success.

While the Changeling Queen was distracted, Twilight snuck over and freed Cadence.

“Go to him, while you still have the chance.”

Cadence walked over to Shining Armor, who was still under the Changeling Queen’s spell. She hugged her fiance and using a love spell, brought him back to his senses.

“Wha... where am I?”

“You’re here with me; that’s all that matters.”

“Oh, how touching! Too bad it’s far too late for either of you to have a happy ending!”

Shining Armor attempted his protection spell, but to no avail.

“I’m too weak. My protection spell won’t work.”

“My love will give you strength.”

“What a lovely, but absolutely ridiculous sentiment!”

Slowly Cadence and Shining Armor began charging up magic. After a few moments they touched horns, combining their energy and releasing a massive aura that repelled the Changeling Queen and all of her minions. The aura also freed Celestia and I from the slime imprisoning us.

“You sure you’re alright there Robert? Looks like you had a bumpy ride.” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Well, unless Canterlot hospital can treat injuries to pride...”

Twilight ran over to check on Celestia.

“I’m fine, really. I think right now we have a wedding to salvage.”

The festivities were beyond what I had imagined. Rainbow Dash’s Sonic Rainboom made the vows all the more magical. The reception was a blast, full of dancing, singing, and eating. Finally it came time to say goodbye to the bride and groom.

“Twilight, none of this would have been possible without you little sis. Love you Twily.”

“Love you too BBBFF.”

“And Robert, before I go, I want to thank you for helping Twily rescue Cadence. And thanks for being one of my groomscol- er men.”

“Your welcome, but I hardly did anything. You and Cadence were the ones who saved the day.”

“Either way, thank you.”

Shining Armor turned and got into the carriage with his new wife.

“Ready to go?”

“Oh! Almost forgot.”

Cadence leaned out the window and tossed the bouquet. The bridesmaids were lined in a row ready to catch it, when Rarity burst in between them.

“It’s mine!”

Moments after catching the bouquet, the other bridesmaids glared her into submission. The chariot then rode off, not only to its destination, but towards a new tomorrow.

“I suppose it’s time we headed home ourselves.” I began.

“Yes, but you have to admit this was the best wedding ever.”

“True enough.”

While the wedding was one of the most magical events I had ever been a part of, I was ready to head home. I had some things that I needed to take care of.

It was about a week after the wedding. I had finally finished planning out my new training regimen.

“Alright, time to get started.”

The first portion of my workout was a jog around the entire town of Ponyville. I didn’t have much in the workout clothes department, so I used my black Gi. I tied on my white belt, laced up my sneakers, and ran out the door. I was about halfway through my jog, breaths heavy and sweat on my brow, when Rainbow Dash swooped down and started hovering beside me.

“Hey Robert. What’s with the getup? Are you headed to a tournament?”

“No, I’m just doing some exercises. This Gi was all I really had that was suitable to wear.”

“So what’s with the sudden uptake in working out? You seem pretty determined if you’re pushing yourself this hard right off the bat.”

“Well, since Chrysalis beat me I’ve been thinking about how I need to get stronger.”

“Wait, Chrysalis?”

“The Changeling Queen. Turns out that’s her name.”

“Oh, so you just think you need to get better?”

“I don’t just think it, I know it. I can’t just try and win all my fights while I’m still weak like this.”

“You’re being too hard on yourself. Sure you can go ahead and train, but you should still give yourself credit. After all, I think you’re an amazing fighter.”

“Thanks Rainbow. Say, would you and the others want to hang out this Saturday. I need to show you all some of the technology from my world.”

“Sure thing. What did you have in mind?”

“I figured we could play some games, watch some shows, stuff like that.”

“Games huh? Not sure how good games from your world are.”

“What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll beat you?”

“Oh, it is so on now!”

“Well I’ll see you Saturday then.”

“You bet! And you’d better bring your A-game!”

Rainbow Dash flew off to continue her stunt practice and tell the others about Saturday. I went on with my training for the day: pushups, jack knives, yoga. I was mostly working with stuff off the Wii fit, but I was doing so many reps it was the hardest workout of my life. Okay, so maybe fighting Despair was more tiring, but I mean training wise. I finally plopped down on my bed, I could hardly believe I spent an entire day training.

“Well, I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”

By the time Saturday had rolled around, I was feeling on top of the world. My training was already showing some results. I may not have gained much muscle mass, but I was getting much stronger. At around noon I heard knocking on my front door. I opened it up to see the mane 6 all standing to greet me.

“Hey there girls! Welcome to my humble abode.”

“Enough chit chat! Time for me to cream you at one of your own games!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Oh! We get to play games? Is it pin the tail on the pony? Or maybe bobbing for apples?”

“No Pinkie. I thought I’d show you some of my video games.”

“C’mon already! I want to show you my sweet moves!”

“I guess since Rainbow’s feeling competitive, how about I start by showing you BlazBlue?”

“Sounds interesting. What’s it about?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a fighting game. The story is kind of hard to nutshell, but it’s basically about these characters that are trying to prevent the world from being destroyed.”

I turned and directed them to the living room where all the games were set up. I laid out some cushions and powered up the Xbox 360. After I connected my wireless controller I plugged in the wired one for the other ponies to use.

“Wait, are you sure you can use this controller Rainbow Dash?”

“I’ll make it work!”

I was beginning to regret teasing her a few days ago. She was already holding the controller and inspecting each angle of it. After seeing some of the stuff in this world, I decided not to question the fact they could use something like a game controller with those hooves of theirs. I went through the menus and started up BlazBlue: Continuum Shift. Within a few moments the intro started up.

“This is a pretty catchy tune! Can’t understand the words, but still pretty good.”

“I don’t know what the lyrics mean either Rainbow.”

“Wait, you own this game but you don’t know what the lyrics mean?” Twilight inquired.

“No, I don’t know Japanese.”

“C’mon! Let’s get to the action.”

I rolled my eyes. Rainbow was really itching for a fight. I scrolled down to versus, while giving Rainbow Dash a basic explanation of how to play. Once the character select booted up, I scrolled over to Ragna the Bloodedge; my go-to character.

“These guys look pretty cool, but Ragna the Bloodedge? Doesn’t sound like a hero to me.”

“He’s actually the main protagonist. He has a gruff exterior, but he’s still a hero.”

“Whatever. I think I’ll go with... this guy!” Rainbow said as she scrolled over to Bang Shishigami.

“Ohhh! This is going to be fun!”

“Why’s that?”

“Ragna is my usual character so I’ve got some good experience with him, and Bang is mostly centered around speed and air movement, so you should feel right at home.”

“Alright, let’s go!”

The game started up slowly due to Bang’s boastful intro. Once the game started however, I began unleashing all of my combos on Rainbow.

“Oh, man! Quit hitting me!”

“Carnage Scissors! I’ll devour you!” Ragna exclaimed as I won the first round with a distortion drive.

“That move was flashy, but I’m sooo going to make a comeback.”

The next round was a repeat of the last. I dominated Rainbow for most of the match, until she was at near KO health. I saw I only needed a little more astral for what I had planned, and began guarding all of her attacks.

“What’s the matter? Why aren’t you trying to hit me anymore?”

“Oh, you’ll see...”

Once my meter filled, I entered the command for my astral finish.

“I’ll show you... the power of the Azure!”

“What the?!” Rainbow exclaimed as Bang was hit with the first strike to begin the astral finish.

Suddenly the screen changed background, and Ragna unleashed Black Onslaught. Rainbow’s jaw dropped as Bang was helpless to the barrage of attacks. Once it was over I looked over to see her jaw still hanging.

“I... lost...?”

“Hey it’s alright. These games take time to get used to.”

“We’ll partner, how about I take y’all on?”

“Alright Applejack. You’re on.”

The next few matches were repeats of the first. Applejack’s Tager was overwhelmed, Twilight’s Tsubaki was just shy of bringing me below half health, Pinkie’s Taokaka only bounced around randomly, and Rarity was too busy observing Rachel’s sprite to try and fight back.

“Well Fluttershy, want to give it a try?”

“Oh, I don’t really like fighting...”

“It’s fine. No one gets hurt in these games.”

“Well, who should I play as?”

“Well, Noel has a similar personality, and she loves animals too.”

I was worried about Fluttershy feeling bad if I creamed her, so I decided to go easy. The first round was fairly the same. Fluttershy was still getting used to the controls and moves. Round one finished off with another distortion drive. I was confident of victory at this point, but I toned it down for Fluttershy’s sake. Big mistake. Fluttershy began barraging me with Noel’s drive attacks. My first loss to a pony was realized.

“Nice moves Fluttershy. But now it gets serious!”

I began playing for real, but I could still barely keep up with Fluttershy. Just how was this pony doing so good?! Finally, she entered the astral heat command... while I was in the middle of an attack. Crap.

“Releasing Armagus!” Noel shouted as she trapped Ragna in a seal of energy. Noel then began dancing around the stage, barraging Ragna with more and more bullets. Finally, she clicked her guns together, producing an explosion that knocked out Ragna.

“I... you... how...?” I began, trying to find the words.

Fluttershy shook her head almost like she was leaving a trance. “Huh? I-I’m sorry. It was just so fun that I um... must have lost track of everything else.” She said as her cheeks reddened.

“Wow, Fluttershy! You managed to beat Robert at his own game!” Pinkie blurted.

“Well, how about we watch some shows?” I said, quick to change the subject.

“Sure! I’d love to see what kinds of stories your people come up with.” Twilight answered.

I thought for a moment what to show them. I finally went and booted up Netflix to show them Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It was actually quite interesting how the internet was working here. Twilight managed to rig a wireless device for my 360 and we were getting free wireless from a Starbucks router. Turns out Equestria was more like a parallel dimension, and technology was capable of communicating between the two worlds. As the video began loading, I noticed Rarity was drawing something in her sketch book.

“What are you drawing there, Rarity?”

“Oh, I was just designing you a Ragna costume.”

“Wait, you picked up all the details from his sprite?”

“Rarity has, what we like to call, fashion vision.” Twilight began.

“Fashion vision?”

“When she sees an amazing outfit, she observes every detail. She can then replicate it down to the last thread.”

“That’s... amazing!”

“Hey! The show’s starting!” Rainbow announced.

“Thanks again for having us over.” Twilight thanked as they began walking to the door.

“It was my pleasure. Same time next week?”

“Definitely! I want to see if they find the philosopher's stone or not.”

“Ah’m gonna have to bring some Apple family deserts if we’re watching more shows like that.”

“I’ll be sure to buy some popcorn myself.” I replied.

“See you later alligator!” Pinkie said, bounding out through the doorway.

“Um... Robert?”

“What is it Fluttershy?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to adopt one of the pets at my cottage? It can get pretty lonely living in a house all by yourself.”

I could understand what she meant. Adjusting to Ponyville wasn’t so bad, but living alone is always hard to get used to.

“Sure! I’ll stop by tomorrow and see what animals you have.”

“Oh, that’s just wonderful! I’m so happy I could just yell! *gasp* yay!” Fluttershy said in her iconic yay voice.

“Alright then, see you tomorrow.”

Just when the last pony left I realized something. I had no job in Equestria! I thought for a moment and decided to see if Applejack would let me work at Sweet Apple Acres. I shutdown my electronics, went upstairs, and plopped down on my new bed.

“I guess I’ll talk to her after I visit Fluttershy. I can’t believe I didn’t think about something so important up until now!”

After breakfast that morning, I got dressed and walked over to Fluttershy’s cottage. I kept thinking about the different kinds of animals she must keep there, and which one I would have.

“Maybe a dog? I’ve already had three, maybe I should try something new. A cat? Nah, could be a little allergic, plus Opal is enough cat for me to stand.” I talked to myself as I walked to the cottage.

“Oh, Robert you made it!”

“Of course Fluttershy. I’d love to have a look at the animals you have.”

“Well what are you interested in? Maybe a snake? Or would you like a bunny?”

“I’ve been giving it some thought, and I’ve kinda liked the idea of having a ferret.”

“I think I have just the thing! Wait right here!” Fluttershy said before darting off.

When she came back she was holding something in her hooves. She hovered closer and extended her hooves to reveal a ferret, but it looked strange. The ferret had a red coat with white markings.

“Whoa! Cute and cool rolled into one!”

“I found him in the woods a few weeks ago, but everypony else finds his fur color to be too strange.”

“I think it’s really cool looking!”

The ferret looked up at the comment and jumped onto my shoulder.

“Awww! I think he likes you!”

“Hey little buddy, looks like you and me are going to be friends for a while.”

“I have plenty of food, so I’ll give you some to feed him.”

“Thanks Fluttershy. I’ll be sure to pay you next time.”

“Oh, no need. I’m always happy to help out a friend.”

With that, I walked back home and gave my little friend the grand tour. I gave him something to eat, pet him for awhile, and put on my suit to go ask Applejack about a job. I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack was busy bucking apples.

“Hya! Well howdy there sugarcube! What’s with the fancy getup?”

“Well... I realized I don’t have a job here in Ponyville, so I was wondering if I could work for Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Well, of course you can work here! The Apple Family is always willing to welcome a hard worker! But, uh... you still haven’t answered my question.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you wearing that suit? Are you asking somepony out?”

“Wh-what?! No! I wore this so I could ask for the job!”

“Well, you don’t have to be so stiff ‘round here. If you ask me, suits should only be worn on dates and funerals.”

Great. I felt like a total idiot for wearing this all the way out here.

“Well... *ptooie* let’s shake on it!” Applejack said, extending her spit covered hoof.

I felt it was a little gross, but I humoured her, and spat on my own hand before shaking.

“You can start tomorrow. Be here at 8 a.m. sharp!”

“Allright, I’ll get home for some rest (and to wash off the embarrassment...)”

“What was that?”

“N-nothing!”

I’ve been working at Sweet Apple Acres for about a month now. I never thought I would use my shield for helping Applejack buck apples. All I had to do was charge it up and swing. Today I was walking with Applejack and Big Macintosh to the Ponyville market to sell our current inventory.

“Set her down at the usual spot Big Mac. Help me unload the harvest Robert.”

“Got it.”

“Thanks for the help Big Mac. Head on back to the farm and make sure Apple Bloom isn’t getting herself into trouble again.”

“Eeeyup.”

We were selling the trademark apples as well as some pastries and bottles of apple juice. A few hours went by with some pretty good business. Another pony walked up to purchase from our stand.

“Hi there, how can I help... Oh, hello Ms. Cheerilee.” I greeted the cerise coated pony.

“Oh, hello... do I know you?”

“My name is Robert. I was the human that appeared here a few months ago.”

“Ah, yes now I remember. I heard you saved Equestria and even got a window in the castle.”

“Oh, it was nothing...” I said, blushing from the complement.

“Howdy Ms. Cheerilee!” Applejack joined in.

“Hello Applejack. Is Big Macintosh doing okay?”

“He’s fine! Healthier than the best tree in the orchard!”

“Well, I’d like to purchase some apples as snacks for the class. I’m taking them on a field trip to Canterlot to learn about the history of Equestria. The stain glass windows are perfect for visual aids.”

“That sounds mighty fine. Be sure to keep an eye on Applebloom and her friends. Don’t want their crusading to get them in trouble again.”

“I was wondering if you and your friends would be available to tell us about your adventures while we observe the windows.”

“I’d love to, but I’m afraid I’ll be working the orchard for a while. I heard Rainbow’s busy seeing a Wonderbolts show in Filliedelphia, Twilight’s doing research, Fluttershy’s caring of some injured bear, and Rarity is busy with one of her dress commissions.”

“That’s too bad. Say, would you be available Robert?”

“Well, I’m working for Sweet Apple Acres-”

“Oh, it’s fine! Take a day off. You’ve really helped with the harvest anyway.”

“Well, since it’s fine with Applejack, I’ll be there.”

“Great! The train leaves at 8 o’clock Friday morning. I think the class would love to see you in your full heroic outfit.”

“See you then. Oh’ that’ll be 13 bits for the apples and juice.”

“Ah think we can knock it down to 10, seein’ as it’s for a field trip.”

“Thank you Applejack. I’ll see you at the train station Robert.”

“Alright.”

I arrived at the train station right on time. Cheerilee was doing roll call for the trip.

“Ah, you’re here. Class, I’d like you to meet our guest speaker for the trip, Robert. He’s here to tell us about his experiences in Canterlot, and about a special item in the castle he was involved in.”

I grinned a little when Cheerilee made the window a surprise. I could hardly wait to tell these foals about my adventures. We boarded our train and left for Canterlot. I sat across from Cheerilee for the trip up. I noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders were walking up to our seats.

“Hey, there Applebloom. How have you been lately?”

“Okay, but I can’t believe our latest crusade was a dead end.”

“What did you try to get your cutie marks in this time?”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS LAUNDRY CLEANERS!” they shouted in unison.

“I-I see... So what happened?”

“I thought we could try it out on some of my sister’s dresses, but we... used the wrong box...” Sweetie Belle trailed off.

“Wrong... box?”

“I accidentally grabbed a box of flour and well...” Scootaloo trailed off as well.

“I think I can guess what happened there...”

“Rarity was so mad she kicked the head off of one of her mannequins!” Sweetie Belle explained.

A frightening image...

“So what did you come up here for?”

“We were wonderin’ what you got your cutie mark in!” Applebloom said excitedly

“Well, humans don’t get cutie marks. When we find our special talent nothing appears on us.”

“Aww...”

“But, if I had to guess... being an attorney.”

“Attorney? What’s that?”

“An attorney is someone who argues points in a court against an opposing attorney. I wanted to specialize in criminal defense.”

“So there’s a cutie mark for arguing?!”

“I... guess so?”

“Ha! Ah told you Scootaloo!”

“Okay, okay, you were right! Happy?”

“You said criminal defense, right Robert?” Cheerilee asked.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Why would you want to defend a criminal?”

“Sometimes the police get the wrong guy or they’re framed for a crime. I wanted to defend those people against injustice.”

“That sounds like a very inspired point of view.”

“Honestly, I was first inspired because of a game... Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney.”

“That doesn’t make it any less admirable.”

“Thanks.”

“Well, our train stop is coming up. We’d better get the class ready.”

We departed from the train station and made our way to the main street. I was glad to see repairs were nearly complete. We finally got to the castle and entered the great hall where Cheerilee began teaching her students about the history of Equestria.

“Now, I’m sure most of you know about the founding of Equestria from the Hearts Warming Eve plays, but who here knows about history’s heroes?”

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle raised their hooves frantically.

“Yes, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.”

“Our sisters were heroes! They stopped Knightmare Moon and Discord!” They both answered.

“Right you are! But, let’s look back a little further. Long ago there was a being named Teruza, who threatened the existence of Equestria itself! He was about to invoke catastrophe on all of Equestria, when Celestia and Luna, wielding the Elements of Harmony, intervened and sealed him behind the Gates of Tartarus.”

“Wow!” The class admired.

“Now we move forward to the near present.” Cheerilee said, walking towards my window. “A being known as Despair, who was sealed away by Celestia and Luna as well, broke free and sought revenge. Fortunately for all of us, Applebloom’s and Sweetie Belle’s sisters, along with their friends helped defeat him one final time.”

“Helped?” A young filly with a white coat asked.

“I believe our guest speaker can explain.”

“Well, that’s when I came in. I was tasked by Celestia to stop Despair’s return to power. I was given the Solar Sword and Lunar Shield to combat him and his monsters. Eventually we duelled and I prevailed. This window was placed here by Celestia, in honor of my victory.”

“Oooooohhh!” The class admired.

“I heard that you got your flank handed to you by the Changeling Queen.” Diamond Tiara interrupted.

“Diamond Tiara! That was uncalled for! I’m giving you a detention, and you are going to write me an essay on how we properly treat others.”

“B-but!”

“No excuses!”

Even though that was resolved, I still felt bad about my loss being brought up. I was lost in my thoughts about how I needed to grow stronger, so Cheerilee called the class for lunch. I followed along, but felt something tug at my pant leg.

“E-excuse me. Was that true about how you saved Equestria?”

I looked down. It was the white coated filly from earlier. Her mane was purple with small streaks of white.

“Oh uh... yeah, I guess it’s true.”

“Wow! You’re amazing!”

“Well thanks, but I’m no more amazing than you.”

“*tee-hee* My name is Lily Blossom. But, most ponies just call me Lily.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you Lily.”

“Thanks for saving all of Equestria Mr. Hero!”

“Ah, it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Sure it was! When I grow up, I want to be just like you Mr, Hero!”

I felt so happy in that instant. This little filly said she wanted to be like me when she grew up. I walked with her down to the park where we were having lunch. Just before I could take a bite of my apple, my ferret popped out from under my hat.

“When did you...?”

“Oh, wow! Is that your pet Mr. Hero?”

“Yeah... but, just what are you doing here Ragna?”

“Is that his name?”

“Yeah, I named him after someone he looks like.”

I held him out, staring daggers at him for sneaking here with me. His eyes were bulging into a begging face.

“I... Oh, fine! You’re off the hook (you and you’re adorable face).”

I finally ate my lunch, sharing some of it with Ragna. Lily was just an adorable little filly. She earned her cutie mark in gardening, with her talent for growing, you guessed it, lilies. She told me that one day she wanted to plant lilies everywhere so that the whole world would be happy and pretty. I told her it was a great dream to have and that she should pursue it without hesitation. Out of this field trip, I found a filly who actually looked up to me.

It’s been five months since the field trip and eight months since I arrived in Equestria. Knightmare Night was tomorrow and I had stocked up on candy for the foals. Rarity told me she had finished my Ragna costume a few months ago and I was glad to be able to wear it. I figured since I would be taking a break tomorrow that I should get some training done.

“Thanks for setting up these dummies, Twilight.”

“Not a problem. Just keep it down please. I just got a great book in from Canterlot and I’m at the best part.”

“Sure, no problem. I’ll keep the volume down as low as I can.”

My weeks of training had been paying off; my strength had grown immensely, even if my appearance didn’t show it. I drew my sword and readied my shield for training. I had grown skilled in the use of my weapons, and had invented several combinations from sheer instinct. After my warm-up of basic moves, I moved on to using energy based attacks.

“Hey there Mr. Hero! What’re you doing?”

“Oh, hello Lily. I was just doing some weapons training.”

“Neat! Can I watch?”

“Sure you can. Just be careful with those flowers you have there.”

“I brought them here for you, Mr. Hero.”

I stopped for a moment. That was so kind. Over these past few months, I began to see Lily almost like a daughter. I moved on to my new skills. Disarming with shadow spheres then striking with cleaving light, to using my sword’s light as a blinding distraction and hiding my presence by bending the shadows around me.

“You’re really strong Mr. Hero!”

“Well, hold on to your seat. I have one more move to practice!”

I focused for a moment. I charged my blade with light energy and barraged the final target with strikes. After five attacks, I raised my shield into position and charged the beam I used at the wedding.

“Cosmos... Drive!” I shouted as the beam fired.

The target was completely obliterated. I turned to face my audience of one, when I suddenly felt exhausted and collapsed.

“Mr. Hero! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine... just... need a nap.”

I dozed off after that. I woke up later to find myself lying on my couch.

“Ugghh... How did I get here?”

“I carried you here.” Twilight said, as she got up from the cushion she was lying on.

“How did you know I was out?”

“You’re joking right? I was just at the climax of my book, when I heard that huge ‘boom’ outside. I saw the beam and went to where it came from.”

“Thanks for that Twilight. Where’s Lily?”

“She went back home, but left some flowers here for you. I put them in a vase for you.”

“Thanks for that, Twilight.”

“So...”

“So?”

“What was that attack you used earlier? I’ve never seen anything like it!”

“I discovered it at the Royal Wedding. I call it the Cosmos Drive. As you can tell, it can deal serious damage, but has its toll on me.”

“That’s astounding! I guess with these weapons it’s more than meets the eye.”

“You’ve got that right.”

Knightmare Night had finally arrived. Everypony was wearing a costume that night, and I was no exception. I was wearing the Ragna costume that Rarity made for me; every detail was exactly like the one shown in the game. Twilight also conjured a spell that changed my hair and iris color so I would look just like the real deal. I brought out the prop sword and went on my way. All of my candy was eaten up in the first go, though Pinkie had a big hand in that... I made my way to the town square where several games were setup. I spotted my friends giggling with none other than Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. Twilight was dressed as some form of mage, Rainbow Dash was a soldier, Fluttershy (I’m surprised she left her cottage too) was dressed as a cat, Applejack was a country music singer, Rarity was a princess, and Pinkie Pie was... Deadpool?

“Explain to me again: why are you dressed as Deadpool?”

“Well, when we were playing that one fighting game and you showed him to me I thought he was really funny! So I made a costume and everything!”

Just imagine if the fans heard about this...

“So how are you doing Luna? You are the mare of the hour.”

“I’m quite fine.” Celestia answered.

“Uh... okay, but I was asking Luna, Celestia.”

“Then go ahead and ask her.” Luna said.

“W-wait! What’s going on here?!”

The mane 6 and the princesses began giggling.

“I think we should fill him in Celestia.” Celestia said.

“Well Robert, Luna and I thought it’d be funny if we went here as each other. It’s been fun to watch ponies get confused over it!”

“I see...”

“Mr. Hero!” a familiar voice called out.

“Lily! How are you doing?”

“I’m great, Mr. Hero! Are you alright after yesterday?”

“It was nothing. I-”

I stopped for a moment, noticing what Lily was wearing. She had on a green tunic and a matching hat.

“S-so what are you going as?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“*tee hee* I’m going as you!”

I think my heart skipped a beat at that. I felt so overjoyed! For the first moment in my life, I felt like I had a child.

“Mr. Hero?” Celestia inquired

“Of course I call him that. He is a hero after all.”

“How sweet. So what are you going as Robert?”

“Oh, me? I’m going as Ragna the Bloodedge. He’s a character from-”

“Rag...na?”

“Y-yes... Is there something wrong?”

“N-no... It’s nothing.”

We continued on that night with the festivities. We carried on bobbing for apples, getting candy, and even playing a prank or two. Finally we went back to town hall for the tale of Knightmare Night. I was excited to see if Zecora was going to tell it again.

“Fillies and Gentelcolts! I am pleased to welcome you to another Knightmare Night celebration! Now we begin the tradition of telling the tale of... Knightmare Moon! Without further adieu, I would like to welcome-”

“Yeah, great story there, but I’d like to substitute it for a much more interesting story.” a voice suddenly said.

“Up there!” somepony in the crowd yelled.

I looked up to the sky to see a black alicorn with a sickly green aura of a mane. His eyes were an eerie gold.

“No...” Celestia began.

“You see, this tale actually takes place right here in this very town. And that’s not all! This tale also happens on this very day! It’s something I like to call: The return of Teruza! Starring yours truly!”

“W-what! That’s Teruza?!” I said in disbelief.

“Oh ho! So someone has heard of me! I’m honored!”

“What are you doing here again? I thought I sealed you behind the Gates of Tartarus!” Celestia demanded.

“Awww! I thought you would have missed me! You’re so hurtful Celestia.”

“Answer me!”

“Jeez no sense of humor. I saw your little watchdog Cerberus was having a fun walk, so I figured ‘If he’s allowed to take a break then why don’t I go ahead and follow by example?’ So I just excused myself from that hell-hole.”

“But, I thought I returned Cerberus before any monsters escaped?” Twilight said, puzzled.

“Pfft, Ha Ha Ha! You thought I would just let everypony know I was back before I regained my power? What kind of dumbass does that? I’m not as cliche as other villains.”

“Just what do you want? If you try to hurt anypony...” I began.

“And what do we have here? A human? And one with a terrible sense of fashion... That damned get-up is bringing up some... unpleasant memories.”

“What?”

“Well, that’s none of your concern. What’s important is that I’m here to finish what I started centuries ago.”

“You’ll never get away with it! The Elements of Harmony will-” Celestia began

“Ha Ha Ha! The Elements of Harmony? You think I came back without preparing for shit like this? I’ve planned for Every. Single. Possibility. The Elements can’t affect me! Can you guess why? Really? Nopony? I’ve already absorbed the Gem of Kano!”

“No! You couldn’t have!”

“Oh, but I did! And now that I have it with me... There’s no way you can beat me!”

Suddenly, Teruza unleashed several beam spells that began demolishing Town Hall. Everypony scrambled in a panic to try and find safe haven. Celestia and Luna flew up to attack Teruza head on.

“Robert! We’ve got to get along now!”

“No! You go and get Big Mac. Have him bring the cart around and evacuate everypony he can.”

“Ah... Fine. Just be careful for me, ya hear?”

“I will.”

Teruza had trapped Celestia and Luna in magic spheres. They were breaking through, but it would take time for them to get free.

“Ha Ha Ha Ha! So one successful adventure and you think you can beat me? You don’t even have your weapons on you!”

“Piercing light of the sun! Eternal shadow of the moon! Lend your power to me in my time of need and vanquish my enemies!” I recited.

Two bright lights flew through the air towards me. The verse I just recited was one that Celestia taught me to summon my weapons at will. The two lights spiraled down to me and burst in front of me. I stood holding the Solar Sword and Lunar Shield, prepared to battle this new foe.

“Impressive. But, that little light show is all you’re going to be showing me tonight. Now DIE!”

Teruza fired a beam of green energy at me. I placed a shadow wall in front of me to block the impact. The shield was demolished, but his attack was blocked as well. I charged through the smoke and leapt up to attack my assailant. I slashed at him point blank, but he was somehow able to dodge. I turned around to see him preparing a beam at point blank range. I raised my shield just in time to block the beam, but the force sent me flying to the ground.

“Unnh! (Crap not again!)”

“Man, you’re all bark and no bite. I thought I was finally going to have some entertainment. Ah well, I guess once I’m finished with my plans I’ll have one hell of a memory. Now... Di-”

I raised my sword and blinded Teruza with a flash of light. While he was distracted, I snuck away by bending the shadows around me.

“Huh? Oh, so you want to play hide and seek huh? Well let’s get started!”

Teruza began blasting everything in sight. I had to think of something quick! I hid in an alleyway and released the shadow bending to give myself a moment to rest. I began trying to formulate a plan.

“*whimper*”

I turned to see what produced the noise. It was Lily!

“What are you doing here!?” I whispered.

“I... I got so scared all I could think to do was hide!”

“Don’t worry. I’m going to get you out of this.”

“*sniff* Okay...”

I couldn’t see a way to beat this guy now, and I certainly didn’t want to put Lily at risk. I instructed Lily to hide in the nearby building, while I got Teruza’s attention. I would then draw him away from Ponyville and attempt to escape him in the Everfree forest.

“Hey! You want me?! I’m right here!”

“Looks like you’ve finally grown a pair kid. Now let’s paint the town red!”

I turned and began running from Teruza only to have him cut me off a few feet away.

“I don’t think so.”

He bucked me backwards through the air. I landed on the ground with the wind knocked out of me.

“Gluuugh!”

“Man you’re starting to bore me! I thought you were supposed to be the hero around here?! I-”

I looked up to see why he stopped. He was looking at the house to my right. I looked at the house to see something that shocked me to the core. Lily was at the window! Teruza knew she was there!

“Well well! I might get some entertainment out of you after all...”

“No! I’m the one you want right? Let’s go!” I yelled with hints of injury.

“Nah, I think this will be much better.”

Teruza unleashed another beam of energy at the house. At that moment, everything froze. There was no sound, save for my own heartbeat. Slowly, the beam inched towards the house, and in an instant, Produced a terrifying explosion.

“No... No...!!!” I began, tears welling up in my eyes.

“My god! Isn’t this just gorgeous? The flames, the carnage, the smell of charred flesh! It’s just a masterpiece depicting how fragile and futile life is, and how easily I can take it away. I’ll leave you to give your review! I’ve got big plans! Ah Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!”

Teruza flew away, but I didn’t care right now. I crawled to the burning building, desperate to save the innocent filly who was inside moments ago. As I neared the base of the building, the mane 6 and the princesses arrived.

“Robert, are you-” Celestia began.

I ignored them all. I stood up at the building and began digging away at the burning planks. The flames ate through my gloves and began to burn my hands, but I fought through the pain. I was holding on to any shred of hope that Lily was alive.

“Robert, stop!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

Rainbow tried to push me away from the building. My adrenaline kicked in, and I threw her to the ground.

“W-why?”

“Lily! Please be okay! Please be alive!”

“Robert...” Twilight began.

“I won’t let you die! I-”

I had just removed another plank of wood. Underneath I saw the burnt remains of a small filly. I knew in the back of my mind that it was Lily, but at the same time I refused to accept it.

“No... No it can’t be...”

“I’m sorry Robert.” Luna tried to comfort.

“C-Celestia, please! You have to bring her back!”

“I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”

“What?!”

“Life and death is something even I shouldn’t meddle with. I already crossed that line once when I brought you back.”

“How could you...”

“Robert?”

“How could you just let her die?! You brought me back, but you won’t save her?!”

I was blinded by my rage and sorrow. I began charging at Celestia in anger. I was stopped by something grabbing my arm. Applejack had lassoed my left arm. Rainbow Dash grabbed the rope so Applejack could secure another on my right arm.

“Let go of me!” I yelled, struggling against the ropes.

“Let me go! Let me-”

*Krack!*

Something struck me on the back of the head. I fell to the ground and immediately lost consciousness.

My eyes finally began to open. I didn’t have a clue as to how long I had been out. I was in Ponyville General Hospital, but my current location wasn’t the biggest thing I had on my mind.

“Lily...”

I looked down to my hands to see them covered extensively in bandages. The pain I felt was a constant reminder of my failure. I began sobbing uncontrollably. I just wanted a second chance. A way to bring back the innocent girl who died. My sobbing was interrupted by my door opening. Twilight and the others slowly walked through the doorway to enter my room.

“How are you feeling?” Twilight asked.

“I just want to die.” I responded coldly.

Twilight was taken aback by this. She was desperately searching for the right words to try and help.

“Darling, we just want to help.”

“There’s nothing that you can do to help me now.”

Everypony in the room was at a loss for words. They’ve never seen me in such a depressive state. Pinkie Pie slowly walked up to my bed.

“I just wanted to say, sorry for hitting you on the head the other night.”

“That... was you?”

“I just had a feeling if you didn’t stop yelling, you would say something that would give everypony frowns for sure. I’m really sorry about what happened though.”

“I... I... I’m sorry Celestia!”

“I accept your apology.”

“Princess! How long have you been here?” Twilight exclaimed.

“Long enough. I would like to apologize to you Robert. I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I was too weak to beat Teruza. I told Lily I would save her, but... she’s dead and I’m alive. Why couldn’t it have been the other way around?”

“If you had died then, all of Equestria would be doomed. We need you now more than ever.”

“How could I help?”

“You need to shake off your doubts. You are the hero Equestria needs!”

“I’m just a human! I’m just a pathetic human who couldn’t even save a little girl.”

“The only thing that Teruza needs to succeed, is for you to do nothing. If you can’t find the strength to carry on, his victory is assured.”

“I need some time to think about it. I need to go home first.”

Twilight healed my burns and I left the hospital to go home. The walk home was full of reminders of my inability to defeat Teruza. Buildings were destroyed beyond repair, scorch marks showed the signs of battle, and then... there was that building in particular. The one where Lily died. I fought my tears as the memories surfaced at the sight of the building. Finally I made it back to my home. I was surprised to find my house relatively untouched aside from some debris on the lawn. I walked inside and slumped against my door.

“What am I going to do? What can I do?”

“You can start by losing the emo attitude.”

I turned to see who had just insulted me. I looked down to see Ragna sitting upright with his front legs crossed.

“In case you didn’t notice, Lily died because of me! I really don’t need a lecture... from...”

I paused as I tried to digest what was happening.

“Y-you..! You can talk?!”

“So talking ponies and magic is perfectly normal, but talking ferrets is where you draw the line?”

I couldn’t think of an adequate response. He had a very valid point there.

“So what if somepony died? You can’t just let Teruza win already! You need to get off your ass and kick his!”

“How can I? He wiped the whole damn town with me last time!”

“You already have the physical power and skill to beat him. You just need the right weapon and training.”

“How do you know so much?”

“Well... it’s kind of a long story.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Fine. Centuries ago, Teruza tried to destroy Equestria. He almost succeeded too, but I intervened.”

“Just who are you? I thought it was Celestia and Luna who defeated him.”

“Yeah, they beat him alright, but they couldn’t have done it without my help. I kept him stalled for weeks while they discovered an enchantment that could enable my weapon to make him vulnerable to our attacks. My name is Ragnarok the Godbane.”

“Godbane? Not the most heroic name.”

“I swear I think my parents knew this shit would happen, and they gave me the name just for the irony.”

“So you’re saying that if Celestia and Luna enchant my weapons, I can beat him.”

“I hate to break it to you, but that enchantment was a one time deal. Only my weapon has the ability to use it, but if you could find it and absorb it into your weapons, you might be able to wield the enchantment.”

“Sounds like a start for now, but... you haven’t told me why you’re a ferret.”

“Ugh! I was hoping you would drop it after all the info I just gave you, but if I have to... I used to be an earth pony with the same color scheme you see here; I had a red coat and white mane. During the final battle against Teruza... I managed to make him vulnerable, but at the same time I was mortally wounded. Celestia and Luna finished him off, but while they were doing that I was using a forbidden art to transfer my soul into another body.”

“Wait a sec, I thought you said you were an earth pony? How could you have done something like that?

“I was born with the ability to steal the energy from souls. Looks like I could also use my power to give my soul energy to another body. Unfortunately the only body nearby was this little furball. So I- Hey, sorry okay? Look just drop it. I let you have your fill of this body for a good 300 years, so now’s my time to use it.”

“Uhhh... who are you talking to?”

“Right, I forgot to mention. I couldn’t just remove the ferret’s soul, so we both inhabit this body. That’s why this body has been capable of immortality. The fur color changed when I placed my soul in as well.”

“This is... a lot to take in!”

“Speaking of which, I’d like to take in some food right about now. Can you come into the kitchen and serve me some of that ferret food?”

“Sure I-”

*Knock Knock Knock*

“Hang on, let me answer the door.”

“Fine. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

I waited until he rounded the corner then I turned to the door to see who was there. I opened the door to be greeted by the face of a timid, cream colored pegasus.

“Oh... hey Fluttershy.”

“Um... hello Robert.”

We stood there awkwardly for a few moments.

“So... why are you here?”

“W-well, after you left from the hospital I was so worried about how you really were, so I came here to visit you. That is... if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind. I understand why you would be worried about me. I was... am guilt ridden. I still can’t forgive myself for failing her.”

Fluttershy lowered her head. She was beginning to feel sad too.

“I know you feel bad right now, but I’m sure she wouldn’t want you blaming yourself right now.”

“I-I know. It’s just that I promised her I would get her out safely. I failed her.”

“You did the best you could. Nopony could ask for more than that. Besides, I-”

“Hey! Are you going to wrap up with whatever it is you’re doing?! I’m sta-”

Fluttershy looked past me to see who was yelling at me. Her eyes widened noticeably when she saw Ragnarok standing there.

“Uh... I mean... Squeek?”

Fluttershy darted past me and grabbed Ragnarok in a flash.

“Oh my goodness! I knew you were special, but I had no idea you could talk!”

“Hug... Crushing... Lungs!”

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I just got so excited! I mean, I’ve always been able to talk with animals, but now there’s one that can talk to my friends!”

“Look lady, I could stand it when Fuzzy here had control of this body, but I’m not going to take anymore of your lovey dovey pet care.”

“Oh... I guess that’s okay...”

“Jeez you really need to grow a spine...”

“I guess I’d better feed him now. Thanks for the talk Fluttershy.”

“It was no trouble. I just wanted to make sure one of my friends was okay.”

Fluttershy was just too kind. After that she took her leave and I finally fed Ragnarok.

“I’ve put enough thought into it. I’m going to stop Teruza!”

“You sure about this kid? I know you have what it takes, but the road to fighting him may go through a river of blood.”

“I know. I’m scared, but... I’ve made up my mind!”

“That’s what I like to hear. You’d better rest up tonight. We’ll gather supplies and begin the journey tomorrow.”

“Right.”

After dinner, I went straight to bed. I wanted this: a chance to avenge Lily and stop Teruza from causing more destruction.

I had a dream that night, or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a nightmare. I was laying down in a lush field in Equestria. There was a slight breeze and the sun was shining brightly.

“Mr. Hero!” I heard a familiar voice call.

It was Lily with a small saddle bag with flowers. She handed them to me with a big grin on her face.

“Thanks Lily. It’s always nice to get a gift from a cute little filly like yourself.”

“It’s alright Mr. Hero! I always love to give out my flowers!”

We sat there for a while just admiring the scene.

“Mr. Hero, I have a question for you.”

“Go ahead. I’ve always got time to answer a question for you.” I said, staring out at the field.

“Why couldn’t you save me?”

I felt a chill run through my body at the question. I slowly turned to the young filly. When I looked at her, my eyes widened in horror. I exhaled trembling breaths as I saw Lily standing there, her body aflame.

“You said you would protect me Mr. Hero. Why did I die?”

Her body was deteriorating from the flames. I could almost smell the horrid stench from that night.

“N-no! NOOOOOOO!!!!”

“NOOOOO!!!!”

I rose up from my bed in a sweat. I was breathing heavily.

Why? Why did I have to witness that again?

“You okay kid?” Ragnarok asked.

“I... I’m fine. I just... had a bad dream.”

“Well, we need to get packing now. We have to set out for the two pieces of my blade. If I remember the rumors right, one part should be in the museum in Trottingham. I heard they put it on display as an ancient plow. Heh, they don’t really know it’s a part of Chaos Reign.”

“That’s the name of your sword?”

“Yeah, I guess I thought it would go with my name.”

“I’ll just grab some basic provisions and we’ll be on our wa-”

*Knock Knock Knock*

“I guess you’re popular, huh?”

I got dressed in my hero’s garb and went downstairs to open the door.

“Hello?”

It was one of the royal guard at my door.

“Are you Robert?”

“I am.”

“The Princess has requested your presence in the command tent at the soldier’s barracks outside of town.”

“Barracks? Since when has Ponyville had barracks?”

“Since last night. You are to report ASAP. That is all.”

The royal guard left me after that. I grabbed a quick breakfast, equipped my weapons, and was about to head to the barracks.

“Hold up. I want to go with you.” Ragnarok insisted.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, if it involves Teruza, I want to know about it.”

I decided not to argue and had him ride along on my shoulder. We arrived at the barracks in about ten minutes. There were at least a hundred tents there.

“They set all of this up in one night?!”

“It was a necessary precaution.” Princess Celestia answered.

“Princess! You called me here to meet you?”

“Correct. It seems the situation has escalated sooner than I predicted.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll be able to brief you better inside the tent.”

I followed her inside a large tent with several guards at the entrance. Inside there was a table with a map of Equestria on it. I noticed seven other ponies standing in the room along with a baby dragon. It was the mane 6 and Luna along with Spike.

“I see you made it Robert.” Luna observed.

“Teruza has already begun to attack other towns and cities throughout Equestria. Fortunately it seems there have been no fatalities.”

“Why wouldn’t he kill anypony?” Twilight asked.

“We can’t be sure, but we must stop him regardless. Robert, in your current state, your weapons cannot defeat Teruza, but there is a way to defeat him.”

“You mean the two pieces of Chaos Reign. I know one piece is in Trottingham.”

“H-how could you have already...?”

“Yeah, what’s with putting part of my sword on display there and calling it a freaking plow?” Ragnarok spoke out.

“T-that voice!”

“Long time no see Celestia.”

“Ragna!”

“*sigh* You’re still calling me by that nickname? And why didn’t you mention my part in beating Teruza?”

“Well... you were such a close friend. At the time you were the only pony I had ever seen die. I couldn’t take the truth of the matter, so I tried to move on, to bury the pain. I never once regretted not giving you your place in history.”

“Well, I guess it’s fine. You were still just a kid after all. Once we wrap up this mess for good, maybe you can build a monument in my honor! Oh, and be sure to make it of my pony form.”

“Hey! I thought I was the one doing the fighting here.”

“Fine! Make one for the kid too (but make it half the size of mine).”

I rolled my eyes at his words.

“So where does that put me?”

“It seems he’s working in a pattern by attacking towns and cities in an almost circular fashion.”

“I guess that would make sense, but that still doesn’t answer why there’s no fatalities.”

“I’m just as in the dark on this one as you are. We do know that if this pattern continues, his next target should be Trottingham.”

“If he attacks there then-!”

“We may lose that half of Chaos Reign.”

“I understand Princess. I’ll take a train to Trottingham immediately.”

“I’ve already alerted the station. There will be a military grade escort train there for your use. We’ve loaded it with fewer passenger cars so that it can move faster, yet still have room for you and the others.”

“Others?”

“Well of course! Aren’t you going to bring Twilight and the others?”

“I... I don’t think I can.”

“What?! You can’t just leave us hanging like that! You-”

“Enough Rainbow. It’s his decision.” Celestia interrupted.

“I’ll head to the train station now.”

I turned and left without another word. I went back home and gathered my supplies, heading for the train station immediately afterward. I found the train easily as it was heavily guarded and looked more like a train from our world than the usual pastry esque design. It looked almost victorian age in its design. I was about to board the train when I heard galloping behind me. I turned and saw the mane 6 loaded for bear.

“What are you all doing here? I thought-”

“Save the lecture for later. We’re coming and that’s that!”

“But Rainbow Dash, you could all get hurt or worse!”

“We know the risks Robert, but we need to be there for you, like you were for us.”

“Twilight... I”

“C’mon partner! We’re already loaded up, so we’re not turning back now.”

“I... Thank you...”

I was worried about them, but I knew they wouldn’t let me go alone even if I started the train with them still on the platform. Once all of us were onboard and ready, the train began its journey to Trottingham. I had to get there before Teruza! I wouldn’t let him get away with what he’s done.

I woke up from my nap as we were on our final approach to Trottingham. I was beginning to get anxious and my blood began to boil at the thought that Teruza could be there now.

“Are you alright darling? You look positively furious!”

“I-I’m fine. It’s just... he’s going to be there.”

“You can’t let this sort of thing get the better of you. Take me for instance. Sweetie Belle has ruined my works more than once, yet I keep my composure and keep focused.”

“Easier said than done. He’s taken so much from me already. I have to stop him, to make him pay!”

I had just noticed that my hand was clutching the armrest of my seat with such force that it began to creak from the pressure. Soon the city was finally in sight. It looked similar to Boston or maybe New York. As soon as the station was in sight I got up and grabbed my weapons. The girls and I departed from the train, while Ragnarok rode on my shoulder. A guard detail met us at the station shortly as we stepped off.

“Sir! Lieutenant Colonel Flame Fury reporting!” A black maned, blue coated, unicorn guard saluted.

“Why are you saluting me? I’m not military.”

“Sir! You work on the direct orders of Princess Celestia, Sir! That gives you authority only rivaled by her or Luna!”

This felt a bit familiar. I guess now I would know how Commander Shepard might have felt.

“At ease. What’s the situation?”

“Sir! We’ve set up a defensive perimeter around the city. When this Teruza comes, we will barrage him with a full counter assault.”

I thought of the scene that would follow that. Dozens, or even hundreds of guards could die if they try to fight him.

“Have your troops pull back from their positions and work on crowd detail. I want all civilians brought into the most stable structures you can find. Your men are to make no attempt to fight Teruza unless it is absolutely necessary.”

“You’re having us sit back and watch as he demolishes the city?!”

“I’m having you live to fight another day. Order your men to keep the civilians under guard until the threat has been neutralized. Am I understood?”

“... Yes sir...”

Flame Fury reluctantly walked off and began barking orders.

“You sure about this Robert? Now nothing can slow down Teruza.” Rainbow asked.

“Nopony else is dying because of me, and especially not when I can do something to help.”

“I’m really glad you made that call Robert.” Twilight said.

“Thanks. So how do we get to the museum?”

“According to this map it’s about two blocks away. It’s been awhile since I’ve been here.”

“You’ve visited Trottingham before?” I asked as we began jogging to the museum.

“My parents took me here when I was just a filly. I remember everything being so much bigger though.”

“I know that feeling.”

We arrived at the museum. Its entrance was adorned by two large manticor statues. We climbed up the steps and went straight for the nearest information booth.

“Let’s see here... It’s ordered chronologically. How old was Chaos Reign?”

“It was 1200 years ago, but I don’t think it really matters.”

“Why not?”

“If they wanted to cover up the fact it was my weapon, they would have made it seem older so nopony would connect the dots.”

“Great. So now we just go on a goose chase through a whole museum?”

“No. I can still sense it’s energy. It feels like it’s above us.”

“Let’s get moving.”

We began frantically running around the museum, following the directions Ragnarok gave us. Finally we entered a large atrium with the piece of Chaos Reign at the back. It was tied to a mannequin horse that appeared to be pulling it through a field. The blade itself looked more like a large slab of metal that was curved near the top.

“I can see how they passed it off as a plow.”

“Well, hurry it up and absorb it already!”

“How do I do that?”

“You just have to will it in your mind. Imagine the very energy and matter of the blade is being pulled into yours.”

“Okay... Imagine it being drawn into my blade...”

Slowly the large blade began resonating. It began to glow a blackish red, then whisked into the very soul of my sword.

“I-I can actually feel it! It’s almost like it’s living in the Solar Sword!”

*Boom!*

We began to hear explosions nearby. Teruza must have been making his way here.

“We’d better get out of here now!”

We made a mad dash for the entrance of the atrium, but before any of us could get out, a massive wall of green energy blocked our path.

“My you sure are wasting your day at the museum. You just look at the one exhibit you had planned for then you leave? I’d hate to see your manners at parties.”

Teruza materialized in the center of the atrium. My blood began to boil at the very sight of him.

“Teruza!” Ragnarok barked out.

“Wait a sec... That voice... Is that really Ragnarok?”

“You’re damned right it’s me! I’m here to make sure you-”

“BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh my god this is rich! I-I’m sorry! I haven’t laughed like this in eons! Just let me catch my... Oh man...”

“You done?”

“PFFFFT! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is priceless! The mighty Ragnarok, now just a little fuzzball!”

“Keep laughing you bastard! I’m going to make you pay for what you did to Lily! I swear it on my soul!” I butted in.

“Didn’t your parents ever tell you not to write checks your ass can’t cash? I would love to hear you screaming in pain myself, but I’m on a tight schedule. I’ll let my friend here handle things.”

*Krzzzzzpow!*

Some form of magical field appeared before us. Out of this field came a grotesque chimera. It had twin wolf heads, the body of a massive lizard, and the tail of a beaver.

“What kind of creature is that Twilight?”

“I-I’ve never read about this creature in my books.”

“M-make it stop! Make it stop!!!” Fluttershy began to panic.

“W-what’s wrong?!”

“I can hear their voices... All those poor animals are screaming in pain! They’re begging for help, but they can’t stop listening to him!”

“Cute isn’t he? Or maybe she? It? Eh, doesn’t matter, I still think it’s cute.”

“You son of a bitch... You’ve made them into that chimera... How depraved...”

“Like I need a lesson on morality from someone who’s part of a race that constantly kills itself. You humans are such idiots! You have one war, preach about peace and loving, then you just go straight back to killing! It’s so pathetic it’s gone past comedy , back to tragedy, and then stops at damned stupid!”

“Shut up! You think I’m like that? We each decide our own fate! And I’m choosing to fight and stop evil every time!”

“Oh, blah blah blah. These speeches are starting to give me migraines. Take care of them for me Fluffy!”

Teruza teleported out of the atrium to continue his campaign of destruction. I sized up my enemy. As depraved as he was, Teruza made a formidable monster.

“Ragnarok, stay back and keep the girls safe.”

“Stay out of the fight. Got it.”

Ragnarok hopped off my shoulder and stood by the mane 6. I couldn’t think of a strategy at the moment. I couldn’t even tell how agile this creature was.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

I charged forward at the beast, my shield raised to protect myself. It lashed out with both heads. I dodged to my left, bashing the beast’s right head as I went. While it was stunned I attempted to leap on its back. As I began descending from my jump it’s beavertail smacked me across the room.

“Unh!”

“Robert!” The mane 6 called out.

“Stay back! Don’t try to interfere!”

I didn’t want the slightest risk to come to any of them. I began to stagger to my feet, as the beast charged me head on. I waited for it to get close, then I flipped over it, slashing its back as it tumbled into the wall. It howled in anger and pain as it righted itself shortly after the attack. It began to charge me again, but I stood my ground. It grabbed my shield with one head while I fended off the other. It disarmed me of my shield just as I knocked it away. This beast was tenacious, as it charged me again without hesitation. I ran towards the nearby wall and ran up the walls length. The beast growled as it waited on the ground for me to fall. As I lost momentum, I twisted myself in the air to face my target. I flipped forward to gain more momentum as I cleaved down on the monsters back.

“Arrroooooo!” It cried out before it collapsed.

“*pant* It’s beaten.”

Fluttershy wasted no time trying to comfort the poor creature.

“You poor thing! Look at what he’s done to you!” She said, tears beginning to form.

“Is there anything we can do for it?” I asked Twilight.

“I don’t think so. The magic that fused these animals together is strong. If we tried to separate them...”

“There has to be something we can do! M-maybe Celestia can-”

“I’m sorry Fluttershy. I’m so sorry.” I tried to comfort.

Fluttershy began to cry uncontrollably. I did my best to comfort her. I sat down beside her and held her close. I swore to myself I would make Teruza pay for this as well. I stood up and carried Fluttershy, as she wouldn’t have left the beast’s side otherwise. Just I began walking I heard a familiar growl. I turned to see the beast looming over us, it’s claws poised to kill. I crouched down with my back facing the beast to shield Fluttershy.

*FFFFFBOOOOOOOM!*

I looked up to see the beast burst into flames and die. I searched for the source of the explosion only to find Flame Fury standing at the entrance.

“Looks like I got here just in time.”

“Lt. Colonel!”

“I know, I disobeyed orders.”

“I’d say saving our lives makes up for that.”

Fluttershy was still crying in my arms.

“I’m sorry ma’am. If I hadn’t killed it, both of you would probably be dead.”

“*sniff* T-thank you. At least they’re at peace now.”

“How are the civilians?”

“All accounted for and safe. I guess you made the right call after all. If we had tried to fight back...”

“It’s fine. Right now I suppose we should head back to the train station. We need to figure out where we’re going next.”

“I’ll escort you back.”

I grabbed my shield and walked back to the station with the others. Teruza had only so much time left now that I had half of Chaos Reign.

We had finally reached the train station and began to say our goodbyes to Flame Fury.

“Thanks again for saving my skin.”

“No need to thank me. You already saved all of my troops. I owe you a great debt. It’s been awhile since I could smile after a defeat.”

“This isn’t a defeat. We have half of Chaos Reign. We can win this.”

“I know. It’s just... I thought I might fail again.”

“Again?”

“Back during the attempted Changeling invasion, my platoon was hit the hardest. Almost half of my troops were hospitalized from the attack. I felt it was my responsibility for any of them being hurt. I was actually planning to make up for that here by becoming a martyr for my troops.”

“You didn’t fail your troops that day. They still believed in you. Why else would they stay by your side today?”

“You’re right. Thank you again. I’ll be sure to assist in the repairs any way I can. It was an honor to meet you sir.”

“Likewise.” I saluted back.

The mane 6, Ragnarok, and I climbed back aboard the train.

“So where’s our next lead Ragnarok?”

“Well, the last rumor I heard put the other half of Chaos Reign at Baltimare.”

“Hold on y’all. If this Teruza fella is going in a circle then the next town he’s hitting is... is...” Applejack couldn’t finish.

“Appleloosa!” Pinkie Finished.

“Oh, I want to go there again. There was so much fun! Well except for the big fight, but there were pies involved!”

“Robert, you have to go there. It’s too small for the guards to care about. Braeburn is there. My family is in that town.”

“Sorry, rodeo gal, but we need to focus on the bigger picture. If we don’t get the other half of my sword, Teruza will-”

“We’re going.” I interrupted Ragnarok.

“Are you crazy?! We need to get a head start on Teruza!”

“I’m not going to abandon a whole town! Now you can either go with me, or start walking to Baltimare. Your choice.”

“Hmph. You’ve got guts kid. Fine, I’ll go with you. Just don’t come crying to me if Teruza beats us to the other half of Chaos Reign.”

With that, I alerted the conductor to take us to Appleloosa. Applejack was quite nervous. I decided to talk to her about it.

“You okay?”

“No. Ah mean, yes. Ah mean... *sigh* Ah'm sorry. Ah'm just so scared about what might happen.”

“It’s alright. You’re afraid about your family getting hurt. No one can blame you for that.”

“Thanks. It’s nice to have somepony to talk to once in awhile. My family and friends have always been there for me. I can’t stand the thought of losing them.”

“I... know how you feel. Teruza already took so much away from me. I swear he won’t do the same to you.”

“Thank you Robert. Are you okay though? You haven’t been doing well since-”

*Crash!*

“What in tarnation was that?!”

“I think it came from the cargo car!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“I’ll check it out.” I instructed.

I readied my sword and shield as I walked into the cargo car. I could see some boxes laying in the middle of the room. I looked around to try and find the cause of the fallen crates. I took another step forward only to step on something laying there.

“Ow!” a familiar voice cried out.

As soon as I heard the noise, a purple and green baby dragon popped out from under the mess.

“Spike? What are you doing here?”

“Uh...”

“Spike?!” Twilight shouted in amazement as she entered the car.

“Uh, hey Twilight.”

“Don’t ‘hey’ me! Why are you on this train?”

“Well... you almost always go on adventures without me. I wanted to try and help out.”

“Oh, Spike. I’ll let you come along, but only if you promise not to sneak around like that again.”

“I Pinkie promise!”

The three of us went back to the passenger car to see the others.

“Oh, my Spikey-wikey is here!”

Spike blushed and began to mumble at Rarity. I returned to my seat and allowed them to speak. I sighed as I slowly allowed myself to doze off.

“Time to wake up sleepy head!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“*yawn* Five more minutes...” I said, still half asleep.

I began to drift back off to my nap when a loud party blower noise rang through my ears. I felt the paper coil through my head and out my other ear. As soon as it exited the left ear, it coiled back up out the right.

“Ahhh! What the?! How did you even do that?!”

“Uhh I blew into it, silly.”

“But!”

I then realized it was probably for the best I didn’t understand. The thing went through my eardrums and brain after all. I sat upright and looked out the window. The landscape was barren and full of cacti.

“So we’re almost at Appleoosa?”

“Yes darling. Fortunately this time our train wasn’t attacked by the buffalo.”

“Hey, they apologized! Besides, they were just trying to protect their stampeding grounds.” Rainbow Dash defended.

“W-wait. Why is there smoke?” Twilight asked.

I looked towards the front of the train. The town ahead had smoke billowing from several of its roofs.

“No... This can’t be happening.” Applejack said in disbelief.

“I don’t like it either Applejack, but this is the reality of it. But I promise I’ll save them all.”

“Thanks. Y’all are the best.”

Soon the train rolled into the station and we departed.

“Whoa! So this is what this guy’s been doing?” Spike asked.

“Yes Spike. He’s been attacking towns and cities all over Equestria.”

“Hey! Whoever y’all are, you’d better get dow- Cousin Applejack!”

“Braeburn!”

“Well howdy cousin! How have you been?”

“Fine. How have things been going with the buffalo?”

“I hate to interrupt but isn’t the town under attack?” I butted in.

“Right you are. So who is this Applejack? You never told me you had a boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?!” We both said in disbelief.

“What’s with your family and making these assumptions?!”

“You mean you aren't dating?"

“N-no! I’m just working on her farm and we’re just friends!” I yelled, blushing all over.

*Crash!*

Our talk was interrupted by what sounded like wood splintering.

“Oh no, it’s coming this way!” Braeburn panicked.

“What is?”

“That giant monster!”

Before I could ask just what it was, the monster rounded the corner. It was a massive assemblage of bone and flesh that resembled a giant minotaur. It’s right eye was glowing a fierce red, while the left was hollowed out with it’s skull exposed on the left half of its face.

“W-what the hell is that!?”

“Like it? It’s funny how everyone fears death. They run from it, they fight against it, but best of all they throw others in its path in order to insure their own existence.”

“Teruza!”

“Oh relax. I’m not actually there. I just figured I’d drop a line since you were visiting while renovations were still under way. It’s a bit of an embarrassment really. The big lug is great at demolition, but he just can’t seem to tackle the pest problem here. Well, once you plug all the mouse holes, they have to come out.”

“Remember, the cornered rat will bite the cat. We won’t go down without a fight.”

“Fight? Ha ha ha ha ha! It’ll be more like trying to move an elephant with an ant!”

“But I have the will to fight! The will to protect! That’s what will give me strength!”

“Well, I think you’ve chewed up enough of my minutes. And besides, it’s bad to call and fly. We’ll meet again. If you’re still alive that is. Your show Flesh Hunter!”

“Guuuuaaaaa!!!”

“Get moving! I’ll handle this!”

“Be careful.” Applejack instructed.

“Just kick his ass!” Ragnarok said.

The others ran off for cover, while I stared down my opponent. This wouldn’t be easy; he was at least 20 feet tall and had bones protruding from its body. I readied myself as he charged at me head on. He raised his right arm to crush me. I dodged to the right and charged at him myself.

“Hyaaa!”

I slashed at his leg to little effect. He swung back his arm and back slapped me through the air.

“Graaah!”

I landed to the ground with a hard thump. I looked around and found myself in the town square. Several buildings were caved in, while others had gaping holes.

“You... I’ll make you pay for this!”

I got back to my feet and found my opponent rounding the corner. I hid in the nearby wreckage of a building to try and find a weakness.

“Maybe its eye?” I pondered.

I noticed its right eye was the only unique feature on him. It had to be some form of energy source. Flesh Hunter was searching around for prey, occasionally striking a building. I waited for an opportunity to strike, when I heard a scream.

“Mommy! Daddy! Help me!”

A young filly was cornered by Flesh Hunter. Suddenly images of Lily burst into my head.

“Not again. I won’t let you kill somepony again!!!”

I charged out from the wrecked building and stabbed Flesh hunter in the back. He simply shook me off and I landed between him and the filly. I charged my sword with energy.

“Now feel the power of the sun and the moon!”

I began slashing at his legs, cutting him down to size. After five strikes, I took aim at his head and placed my sword and shield in position.

“Cosmos... Drive!!!”

I unleashed the beam at his face, destroying it completely. After the beam cascaded into the horizon, his body crumbled to dust. I felt faint from exhaustion and fell unconscious.

I had the same dream from a few days ago. I was sitting in the field with Lily again.

“You really are strong Mr. Hero! I can’t believe you beat that giant monster all on your own.”

“Well, I had to protect those ponies. I couldn’t stand the thought of that monstrosity killing them.”

“Either way, you saved everypony!”

“I guess I did.”

“But if you’re that strong... why couldn’t you save me?”

I turned to see Lily burst into flames again. I could practically smell the stench of burnt flesh.

“N-no! I tried! I tried to save you, but I... I was too weak...”

“*gasp!*”

I rose up in the bed I was laying on. I looked around to see where I was. I saw a closet, a welcome sign on the wall, and what appeared to be empty glasses on a tray.

“An inn?”

I looked at the nearby wall clock. It was almost 9 o’clock. I got up and walked outside. I needed to find something to keep my mind off of Lily. The town was still fairly damaged, but many buildings were untouched. I heard some laughter and music coming from a nearby building, so I went inside to see what was going on. It was a small saloon filled with ponies all drinking and listening to the band play. I was still only 17, but I figured I could try getting a drink to take my mind off things.

“What’ll ya have?”

“Uh... Just give me whatever beer you would recommend.”

The stallion turned around and filled a wooden stein with beer from a keg.

“Here ya go. Say... Don’t I know you.”

“Can’t say we’ve met. I only got here today.”

“That’s it! You’re the guy that saved my daughter! I owe you everything, so all your drinks are on me. In fact, a round on the house for everypony!”

All the ponies began to cheer at the notion of a free drink. I laughed a little from embarrassment and waved slightly at everypony in the bar. I sipped my beer, but found the taste to be a bit bitter. I was about to excuse myself, when I felt a slightly warm sensation, along with a sweet aftertaste.

“Wow!”

I began to sip more and more, until I finally hit the bottom of my stein.

“Here you go. Another round.”

“Oh, thanks.”

I began to drink more and more until I began to lose control. My vision became blurry and my thoughts were jumbled, but I felt happy.

“I’d like to proposhe a toast! To everypony here, becaushe you’re all sho wonderful!” I proclaimed in my drunken slur of a voice.

“Cheers!” everypony called out.

“Ah ha ha ha ha! It feels good to drink. I guess that’s why Vash the Stampede does it so *hic* much.”

“Who?”

“The humanoid typhoon! Greatest gunslinger in the galaxy!”

“Sounds like you’ve been hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

“Oh no no no. *burp* He’s the greatest. He always makes everyone happy! And he never kills. He’s a real hero!”

“Whatever you say.”

“Well don’t that beat all. Of all the places to find you, it had to be here.”

“Oh hey Applejack! Want a drink? I’m buying! Or I guess not. Ha ha ha ha ha!”

The mane 6 were all here. Apparently they had been searching for me this whole time. Fluttershy was still tiptoeing through the crowd, apologizing whenever she bumped into somepony.

“Gee, you look really silly Robert!” Pinkie Pie blurted.

“Ha. You too Pinkie! All... uh... three of you!”

“I’ve read about this before. I think he’s drunk.” Twilight observed.

“No, you think?” Rainbow condescended.

“Okay so maybe I fell off the wagon. Big deal.”

“Partner, you look more like you fell off the wagon and down a cliff.” Applejack said.

“Your friend sure is mighty lively.” Braeburn said as he walked in to see the commotion.

“Hey Braeburn! I jusht wanted to shay sorry about earlier.”

“Sorry?”

“I didn’t mean to be so rude. I think your cousin is really pretty. In fact all six of you are cute. I-I feel like I could just give somone a kiss.”

Applejack blushed heavily at my words.

“Okay that’s it. No more for you mister.” Rainbow Dash said as she lifted me from the bar stool.

I stumbled clumsily with each step as we headed back to the inn.

“I shtill don’t see why you had to bring me back here. I feel fi-”

I fell straight to sleep mid sentence as I fell into my bed.

I woke up the next morning with a terrible pounding in my head. It was difficult to open my eyes, because the light hurt so much.

“Ow... What did I do last night?”

I paused for a moment. I always said those were the worst words you could say in the morning. I looked around.

“Okay, no bodies, no drugs, and I didn’t sleep with anyone.”

I sighed with relief, but the pounding in my head kept me from enjoying it as much as I would have hoped.

*Knock knock knock*

I stumbled out of bed and made my way to the door. I opened it to find Rarity standing outside.

“Good morning Robert. I just came to check in on- WAHAHA!” She cried out in shock.

“Ow! Please don’t talk so loudly. Your voice is like a thousand nails on a chalkboard.”

“Well, I never! I only came to check on you, and I find you looking simply dreadful! We’ll have to clean you up before you go to breakfast.”

“*horf!*”

I began to vomit in my mouth at the mere thought of food. I ran for the trash can and let out the disgusting fluid.

“Ugh... I’m never drinking again, ever!”

“Why ever did you think it was a good idea in the first place?”

“I just wanted to get my mind off things.”

“Well you could have done something like design a dress, or style your hair.”

“Not exactly within my interests.”

“Well, the girls and I will be waiting downstairs. Oh, and you may want to be careful around Applejack.”

“W-why?”

“She’s still a little upset that you embarrassed her in front of Braeburn.”

“T-that was just the alcohol talking!”

“Try explaining that to her.”

Oh boy. This didn’t sound good at all. I went to the bathroom and cleaned myself up. I pondered what Applejack was going to say to me. I decided I would face my fate like a man. I walked downstairs and found everypony sitting down to breakfast.

“Robert!” Applejack called out as soon as she saw me.

“Pleasedon’thurtmeI’msorryIwasdrunk!”

“Come again?”

“Aren’t you mad at me for what I said last night?”

“Well, Ah reckon Ah am a little upset about that, but that don’t mean Ah’m gonna lay you out for it.”

“Phew! So we’re fine?”

“Ah said Ah’m still upset about it. Do you have any idea what Braeburn thought after we hauled your drunken behind back here?”

“Uh...”

“He said ‘Boy you sure got yourself a keeper! He’s even polite when he’s drunk!’ Ah was so embarrassed!”

“I-I’m sorry! But... could you refresh my memory on what I said?”

“Ah’d rather not say it.”

“Oh! You were saying how you thought Applejack was pretty and how you thought all six of us were cute!” Pinkie Pie chirped in.

“W-WH-WHAAAAAAAAT?! I SAID THAT?!”

“You did say it.” Twilight confirmed.

“Yep.” Rainbow added.

“Oh my gosh I’m sorry! I had no idea what I was saying last night. Although now it’s coming back to me...”

“Well, now Braeburn thinks we were ‘hiding our relationship because of what a drunkard you were’. Do you have any idea what a blabber mouth he is?”

“I’m soooooo sorry! I didn’t mean any of it. I-I mean... I think you all look nice, but not like that! Please forgive me!”

“Well, Ah suppose Ah can forgive you. After all, you are a great friend.”

“Thanks Applejack. It won’t happen again.”

“Well, how about some oatmeal?”

“*horf!*”

I ran for the bathroom and vomited again.

“Huh, guess he doesn’t like oatmeal.” Pinkie concluded.

“Y’all have a safe trip! And keep Applejack safe!” Braeburn called out from the station.

“You can count on me!” I returned.

“And Applejack, make sure he doesn’t get that drunk until the honeymoon!”

“We already told you, it’s not like that!” We both called out in unison.

“Whatever you say. Have a safe trip!”

We waved our goodbyes as our train began to pull out of the station and onward to Baltimare. We set down into our seats and began chatting away the minutes.

“Well, this is it. Once we get this last half of the sword, we can end this nightmare once and for all.” I said.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself kid. We still have to get there.” Ragnarok objected.

“I hate to agree with him, but he’s right. We need to be careful the whole way through.” Twilight said.

“I guess you’re right.”

“Oh, lighten up Robert! Don’t let these frowny-wowny-meanies get to you! You need to relax once in awhile.” Pinkie bursted in.

Applejack cleared her throat in protest. Apparently she was still upset about this morning. Pinkie lowered herself with a nervous smile spread across her face.

“W-what I meant to say is, you can’t get down in the dumps and worry yourself all the time.”

“Pinkie’s right darling. You need to get your troubles off your mind... in healthier ways of course.”

“What do you mean? Like a board game?” Spike asked.

“You know, that’s not a bad idea Spike. Anypony have a board game?”

“Oh! Memememememe! I brought a bunch along for our victory party! Although I guess we can play one of them a little early.” Pinkie said as she bounced in her seat with glee.

“Wow Pinkie! You always seem to be planned for everything.” Fluttershy commented.

“Only with parties! I’m no good at planning anything else. Like this one time, I tried to plan out this renovation for Sugarcube Corner, but I wound up forgetting to build a foundation.”

Applejack raised her head in realization at Pinkie’s words.

“Is that why we found a giant gingerbread lookin’ shed crashed into our house during that flood?”

“Uh... Ooops?”

We all burst out laughing at this, except for Applejack who was probably thinking about the expenses Pinkie would have to pay for the house on house collision. Pinkie was lowering herself as low as possible in an attempt to avoid Applejack’s icy glare.

“So what board games did you bring?” I asked once we had all calmed down.

Pinkie ran for her bags quickly once she saw it as an out from Applejack’s intimidating gaze. The party pony produced several cardboard boxes with colorful images plastered on them.

“Let’s see here... Battle Clouds?” Pinkie asked for approval.

“Oh man I love that game!” Rainbow said, hovering out for her seat in excitement.

“But it’s only for two players.” Twilight interjected.

Rainbow quickly lowered into her seat with a pout covering her face.

“What about Monopoly Canterlot edition?”

“Fluttershy never buys any of the property because she doesn’t want anypony hating her for having to pay taxes, and Rarity...” Rainbow trailed off.

“That was one time! It’s not my fault you wouldn’t give me the hat as the game piece. Instead you insisted I use the plow! Do I honestly look like some sweaty work horse-”

Rarity realized her poor choice in words and shyly glanced over at Applejack, who had her eyes squinted to a point that it looked like she was peering into your very soul.

“Ah ha ha. I-I mean... I’m not nearly as fit and strong as Applejack. She’s the one fit of such an honored game piece.”

“That’s more like it.” Applejack said in approval.

“Oh! I’ve got it! How about Apples to Apples?”

“Wait, you have that in Equestria? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” I asked.

“You never asked silly!”

“Good point.”

Pinkie produced a red box filled with nothing but cards of two colors, red and green. We sat around in a circle and began drawing our cards.

“So who’s going to be the first judge?” Twilight asked.

“How about Fluttershy.” I nominated.

“Oh, well I-”

“Go on Fluttershy.” Twilight insisted as she levitated the first green card to her.

“Well let’s see. Annoying.”

I looked down at my cards. Looked like I had some celebrity ponies I had never heard of before. Just who was Daniel Trot? Some kind of comedian apparently. I spotted a good one at the end of my hand. Wasps. I played the card, hoping that Fluttershy would see them with a fair amount of annoyance as well.

“Let’s see here... We have Wasps, Snakes, Coal, Rainy days, Prince Blueblood, Sunday cart pullers, and bagels.”

“Well what are you going with?” Rainbow Dash asked impatiently.

“Well... I’m not sure exactly who Prince Blueblood is...”

“He’s only the most uncharming, brutish, and terrible prince ever!” Rarity bellowed furiously.

“I don’t see how coal is annoying.”

“Obviously you’ve never had it mixed in with your gems.” Spike muttered.

“I’m fine with rainy days. I usually get to snuggle with my animal friends indoors.”

Rainbow Dash was clearly upset with her card being shot down. She gritted her teeth, but quickly corrected herself.

“What’s a Sunday cart puller?”

“It’s a pony who’s too stuck up to understand how to pull a cart like a sane pony.” Applejack explained.

“Why would somepony find bagels annoying?”

“I keep mistaking them for doughnuts.” Pinkie answered.

“And who could possibly hate snakes?”

Twilight visibly shuddered at the word, the events of Winter Wrap Up still fresh in her mind.

“I guess if I had to go with one, it’s wasps. They buzz right into my face sometimes, and sometimes I worry they’ll sting me.”

“Yes!” I exclaimed, satisfied that I managed to beat Blueblood with a mere wasp.

“Don’t cheer just yet, I’m going to catch up with you!” Rainbow Dash challenged with a sneer on her face.

“Alright, this is for the win!” Twilight reminded.

I had managed to keep a steady lead for the most part, but Rainbow had tenacity and Pinkie was... Pinkie.

“The final card is envy.”

I looked through my cards carefully. I wasn’t sure what I could use for this one. I finally noticed I still had a wildcard from earlier. I thought about what I would have it say, when I found the perfect one to win over the judge.

“Alright, we have The Wonderbolts, Bakers, and... a wild card?”

“That’s mine.” I confirmed.

“What would you like it to be?” Twilight asked.

Before I could get a word out, the train came to a screeching halt.

“What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked, still shuddering.

“Not sure. I’ll go check with the conductor.” I said, grabbing my weapons in case.

I made my way to the engine car, only to be greated by smoke everywhere.

“*cough* What’s going *cough* on?”

As the smoke began to clear I saw the conductor and engineers working frantically.

“I-It’s the pressure control valve sir! Something swooped in here and ripped it out!”

“What?!”

“Unless we get it back, we can’t move this train. We’ve managed to stabilize the engine for now though.”

“Did you see where this thing went?”

“Looked like it went into the woods near the tracks. I’d be careful sir.”

“I’ll be fine, just stay here and do what you can.”

“Y-yes sir!” the conductor saluted.

I made my way back to the passenger car to inform the others.

“So what’s going on?” Spike asked.

“Looks like something stole the pressure control valve. We need to get it back or we’re stuck here.”

“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s pummel that thief!” Rainbow exclaimed.

We all left the train and began to search the woods. I saw some strange claw markings on some trees, leading us deeper into the forest. We walked for about ten minutes before I began feeling nervous.

“Anypony else have that feeling of being watched?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’ve been feeling it for a while now.” Twilight stated.

“Hey, this is no time to get scared. We need to get that part back.” Ragnarok interrupted.

“Yeah. I guess you’re-”

*Wham!*

Something swooped in and tackled me, quickly bounding off and glaring at us. It looked like some sort of stone diamond dog assassin.

“What is that strange creature?” Rarity asked.

I stumbled to my feet and noticed something tied around the creature’s waist.

“The valve!” I exclaimed.

The assassin drew a small sword in response to my discovery and jumped into the trees. I raised my shield and tried to keep tabs on where he was. I heard a noise to my right and prepared to block, only to find nothing.

“What the-”

*Splutch*

“AHHH!”

Somehow the assassin threw me off and got a quick slash at my arm. Before I could retaliate he was in the trees again. How was I supposed to fight an enemy I couldn’t even find? I calmed down and tried to think about the situation. Maybe if I could trick him, I could get a shot in. I focused my shadow bending and cloaked my presence, I then made audible footsteps in order to get his attention. Sure enough he attempted to attack me in my cloaked form. Fortunately I dodged his attack and began my plot. I used my shadow energy to create a pair of foot like auras that began walking around the area to my right. My opponent took the bait and attempted a fatal strike on the decoy. Once he landed on the ground I intensified the auras and trapped his feet.

“My turn!”

I charged at my foe and stabbed him straight in the chest. The assassin writhed around in pain then slumped to the ground. I collected the part from his waist and began walking back to the train with the others.

“Glad that’s over with.” I said.

“Robert, look out!” Pinkie warned.

I turned around and was pinned by the assassin, who was somehow still alive.

“Damn!”

I struggled against his weight, but he kept me from attacking him. Ragnarok jumped into my assailants face and began clawing away, only to be tossed aside into a tree. The assassin planted his foot on my arm as he raised his blade for a final strike. Suddenly he was swept aside by a blur. A cream and pink blur.

“Fluttershy!” I cried out.

I soon found that my concern was misplaced. Fluttershy was mercilessly pummeling the assassin into nothing more than pebbles. After she panted for a few moments, she broke out of her stupor.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I must have lost it there.”

“S-scary...” I said to myself.

“Whoa! I take back what I said about you!” Ragnarok complemented.

“Well thank you. Oh! Are you hurt?”

“Tch. I’m fine.”

With our group safe and sound, we made our way back to the train, and delivered the part to the crew. Once the valve was repaired, we got back on track with our voyage. Fluttershy bandaged up my wound in the most caring way once she got a hold of her little medical bag.

“So, ready to finish our game?”

“You sure got over that quickly.” Twilight commented.

“So what’s you’re wild card Robert?” Pinkie asked as she began making a house of cards with the ones lying around.

“It’s envy right? I guess I would have to go with you Twilight.”

“Huh?”

“Well, you’re Celestia’s student, you’re brother is captain of the guard, you’re now related to royalty, and you’re the element of magic. I’d say that warrants some envy.”

“*giggle* I can’t really argue with that. Plus, it beats the others in my opinion.”

“Oh, sure. That’s totally unbiased.” Rainbow condescended.

“What’s wrong? Sore loser?”

“Arrrggh!”

All of us began laughing at Rainbow’s expense. I don’t think I’d ever had such a great game of Apples to Apples.

After our delay, we finally made it to our final destination, Baltimare. It was a large port city in the outer regions of Equestria. The first thing to hit me, once we got off the train, was the smell of the sea nearby.

“*sniff* Ahhh, smells like summer.” I commented.

“Maybe we can hit the beach then.” Rainbow added.

“There won’t be a then if we don’t get the other half of my sword now.” Ragnarok interrupted.

“You seem a bit on edge.” I observed.

“Well, this is make it or break it time.”

“True, but you should relax.”

“Sir!”

I turned to see a courier running for us at top speed. He came to a halt, and began catching his breath.

“Uh, at ease.”

“I’ve been sent by Princess Celestia. She requests your presence at the clocktower, sir!”

“Princess Celestia is here?”

“Yes sir!”

“Thank you for informing me. Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you sir!”

The courier turned and ran off to what was surely his next stop in his workday.

“I wonder why Celestia has come out here.” Twilight began.

“We can ask her about that when we see here. Where’s the clock tower?”

Everypony, including Ragnarok and Spike, all pointed behind me to the large building with the clock face on it.

“Oh... right.”

We made our way through the streets to the base of the clocktower. We spotted an entrance, along with a navy blue coated alicorn waiting for us.

“Ah, there you are Robert. I’ve been expecting you, though you’re a little late.”

“I can explain that. You see-”

“It would be best if you explained with Celestia present. She is waiting inside, follow me.”

Luna lead us inside the tower and up several spiraling staircases. We finally reached the top floor, where we were surrounded by cogs and clockwork.

“It’s good to see you all here unha-”

Celestia paused as she noticed the bandage on my arm.

“What happened?”

“Our train was attacked on the way here; some sort of creature stole the pressure control valve, so Robert and the rest of us tracked him to the forest.” Twilight summarized.

“Whatever it was, it was lightning fast. I had to trick it just to get a shot in, but Fluttershy deserves the credit for beating it.”

Fluttershy shyly looked around.

“I-I’m sorry for losing it back there.”

“Don’t be Fluttershy. You saved my life. I owe you a big debt.”

Fluttershy blushed in response.

“Oh, thank you.”

“What exactly did this creature look like?” Celestia asked. I could sense the seriousness in her voice.

“It was some sort of stone assassin; kinda looked like a diamond dog. It was fast and durable too. I stabbed it right through the chest, but it was still able to pin me down.”

“It’s just as a feared. Teruza has used a forbidden summoning magic. These creatures are actually several evil souls compacted into a crystal form. By placing the crystal into a body, you can create a near unstoppable monster.”

“But we stopped ours. Why would he go through the trouble of a summoning magic if it didn’t even manage to do more than cut me?”

“Exactly. The one you encountered was small and weak compared to others. Most soul compaction bodies are massive. The one you fought would have only needed about four or five souls to operate. These spells were outlawed and forgotten because most would require the souls at least one hundred ponies.”

“So what, it was a distraction? From wha-”

*Thooom!*

Our answer came sooner than I would have hoped. We looked out of the clock face to see a massive stone construct marching its way to the city.

“Attention all citizens of Baltimare! You have just won the first prize in my contest of mayhem! You get to be destroyed by the souls of history's most infamous murderers and cutthroats! Enjoy the slaughter fest!”

“H-how can we stop that thing?!” I panicked.

“We would have to destroy the crystal that contains the souls, but...” Celestia drifted off.

“But?”

“If the crystal is destroyed, the resulting energy would create an explosion that could wipe out everything within a 20 mile radius.” Luna finished.

“What?!”

“It’s up to you Robert.” Celestia said.

“But if I destroy it...”

“We can combine our power to contain the blast, but we would need someone else to destroy it, otherwise we might not have the power to stop the explosion.” Luna said.

“So I have to think of a way to quickly blast through a giant stone monsters chest?”

The task was beginning to make me cave. I couldn’t use the Cosmos Drive. Getting close enough for that would present its own problems. And trying it from too far away could result in a miss.

“C’mon Robert. You just have to believe in yourself and you can do the impossible!” Rainbow encouraged.

“Sheesh. You’re starting to sound just like Kamina.” I laughed.

Wait a second. That was it!

“Rainbow, you’re a genius!”

“I am? I mean, of course I am! So what did I say that’s genius?”

“Remember that move I thought up with you?”

“Wait, you don’t mean that move do you?”

“Yep.”

“Whoa whoa whoa! I‘m all for living the extreme, but that’s just plain suicide!”

“We don’t have much of a choice right now do we? Besides, this is our best shot.”

“Please don’t make me do it. I don’t want to be the one to be blamed for killing you.”

“W-what are you t-talking about Rainbow?” Fluttershy stammered.

“Robert thought of this really awesome move for busting up big monsters, but it’s really dangerous.”

“The cone I make should protect me from the g-force.”

“Yeah, but what about it breaking up and you going splat on the ground?”

“S-splat?”

Fluttershy was beginning to panic.

“Whatever it is, don’t do it please! I don’t want you to die!”

“I’m sorry Fluttershy, but I have to try.”

“B-but I-”

“Let him go Fluttershy. You need to have faith in him and believe that he will succeed.” Celestia instructed.

“I-I... Alright Princess. I believe in you Robert.” Fluttershy said, her eyes watering from the tears she nearly let loose.

“Right! Let’s go Rainbow!”

Rainbow and I ran outside in order to meet our foe... and to break through heaven and earth and even tomorrow!

I was hovering high above the landscape. Rainbow Dash was nervous, but nonetheless, carrying me to battle. Our monstrous foe was mere minutes within reaching the city.

“Alright, once you hit Sonic Rainboom, do a barrel roll and throw me.”

“I know what to do!” Rainbow retorted angrily. “Sorry I’m just... nervous.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Hey, I’ll be fine too!”

The loud thumps of the giant stone beast returned us to the task at hand. Rainbow ascended higher in the air to position us at the right angle.

“Alright Rainbow, this one’s for Kamina!”

“But he was just a character in a show.”

“So were you, and you’re carrying me in the air about to kill a giant stone monster.”

“You got me there.”

Rainbow stopped in her ascent and began to charge downwards toward the beast. I formed my weapons into Hallowed Light, the two handed sword that guided me to victory twice before, and formed a cone of shadow around me, leaving the top open so Rainbow could hold me. I charged my sword with light and positioned it at the tip of the cone, creating a cascade of radiant energy.

“Almost... there!” Rainbow grunted as she fought against the air.

Suddenly everything burst into a shower of color, and our speed doubled. We had achieved a Sonic Rainboom!

“It’s your show now!” Rainbow said as she barrel rolled and tossed me.

The form I was in was incredible. If the cascade of light and shadow wasn’t flashy enough, I know had a rainbow trail on my current missile form.

“Radiant Giga Drill Break!” I cried as a flew towards the face of destruction.

I crashed into the beast’s chest and pierced through it in the blink of an eye. I could hear something shatter behind me, and a mass of energy began reacting. The soul core exploded violently within the barrier that the princesses had set up, but the force was still enough to shatter my shield. I panicked. I was now flying at mach 10 towards the ground without anything to stop me! I focused as best I could and summoned my remaining strength to create a shield around me.

“C’mon baby! Just enough for this!”

A sphere of shadow formed around me, but I wasn’t certain if it would hold against the blast.

*SMASH!*

I crashed to the ground and formed a huge crater from the impact. My senses were blurred; everything felt distant yet near. I could feel an aching in my muscles and I couldn’t move; the shock from the impact must have paralyzed me for now. I shut my eyes and slipped unconscious. I began hearing voices in my dulled state a few moments after.

“Is he okay?”

“Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!”

“Oh darling, please wake up.”

“Whoa! He made an awesome crater!”

“Pinkie!”

“This is all my fault!”

“*groan* Can’t a guy get a little sleep around here?”

I opened my eyes to see the mane 6 all crowded around, concern being the only constant on their faces.

“Robert! Are you alright?!” Rainbow begged.

“Of course I am! Just who the hell do you think I am?!”

*Smack!*

“Ow! What was that for?”

“You idiot! I thought you were dead!” Rainbow scolded, tears running down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry. That was pretty stupid of me.”

“You think?!”

“Rainbow, he said he’s sorry.” Twilight tried to calm her.

“I know that! I just... I thought I had just killed one of my best friends.”

“Awww! Isn’t this just touching!”

I looked up above us, and sure enough Teruza was hovering there in his usual menacing state.

“You!” I grunted as I struggled to my feet.

“You know, you just smashed my brand new toy. It was pretty damn expensive too! If it wasn’t for the fact I have a schedule to keep, I’d kill you right now!”

“You stay away from him!” Twilight demanded.

“Relax. I won’t kill him now. I want him to suffer some more before I pull the curtains on this play. Until then enjoy the intermission!”

“You’re not going anywhere!” Twilight yelled in an omnipotent voice.

All 6 of the element bearers formed into position and unleashed the power of harmony on the black alicorn. A massive explosion ensued and the area was covered in a thick smoke.

“*cough* Did we get him?” Rainbow asked.

“Wait, what’s that?” I asked.

The smoke began to clear and we saw what looked like a giant black gem floating in the air. It faded away and revealed a smirking Teruza.

“H-how?” Twilight began.

“Wow Celestia sure knows how to pick her students. Didn’t I tell you before? I’ve absorbed the Gem of Kano! Your pathetic elements can’t do shit! I’d love to stay and gloat, but you’re starting to make me late. Until next time!”

Teruza flew off to wreak havoc on another part of Equestria. Meanwhile Celestia and Luna flew over to the crater to check on us.

“Robert, are you alright?” Celestia asked.

“I-I’m fine. Just what was that? It managed to shrug off the Elements like they were nothing.”

“It is an artifact known as the Gem of Kano. Long ago, a mad unicorn attempted to usurp the throne by using this artifact to protect from the Elements when my sister and I wielded them.” Luna answered.

“What happened to that unicorn?” Twilight asked.

Celestia looked less than proud about answering the question.

“We... that is to say Luna and I... were forced to banish him for the rest of his natural life. His gem may have protected him from the Elements of Harmony, but he neglected to remember our natural affinity for magic. We then sealed away the artifact and destroyed all record of Kano’s existence.”

“That must have been hard. But you did what was necessary.” I tried to comfort.

“Maybe... But now Teruza has found this artifact. Our only option of defeating him is to use Chaos Reign on him.”

“Exactly. That’s why we came here in the first place Celestia.” Ragnarok added.

“Right Ragna. I actually brought you to where the second piece is already.”

“You did?” I asked.

“Come. All will be revealed in time.”

We followed Celestia back to Baltimare and into the clock tower. Once we reached the clockwork room, Celestia turned and stood before us.

“Sooo... where’s the piece of Chaos Reign?” I asked.

“Why, it’s right in front of you.”

I looked forward but only saw what looked like an ornate lever. I was about to ask where it was when Ragnarok chimed in.

“Ha ha! Clever Celestia! Hide both of them right in plain sight! Very clever!”

“Wait, that lever is?”

“You know it!”

I reached out to the lever and focused on its aura. Sure enough, it was just like the piece at the museum. As I began absorbing it, the lever floated out of its place and I could see its full form. It was a long rectangular piece of metal that had a long handle like piece to it. I finally absorbed it into my weapons like the other half, sighing with relief that we were finally able to bring the fight to Teruza.

“Thanks for the help Celestia. We probably would have just wandered around aimlessly if you hadn’t shown us where it was.”

“I’m glad I was able to help. Although, there is another matter I wish to discuss with you.”

“What would that be?”

“We’ve been getting reports of magically scorched ground being spotted outside of the cities that Teruza has attacked.”

“We’ve attempted to dispel these markings, but they seem to be a type of magic we have not encountered before.” Luna added.

“Can you show me a map of where they’ve been found?”

Celestia led us downstairs and into a storage room she had had prepared for just the occasion. In the center of the room, a table sat with a map of Equestria spread across the top. Celestia levitated a quill and began to draw where the scorch marks were found.

“As you can see, these markings appear to be connecting to these cities. The trail stops here at Baltimare. The last place he has visited.”

“But what does this mean Princess?” Twilight asked.

While Celestia and her faithful student began to discuss what was happening, I took a closer look at the sketch. It almost looked like some form of incomplete circle. What could this mean? He attacked towns and burned trails connecting them. It sounded almost like...

“No...”

“What’s wrong?” Luna asked.

“I’ve seen something like this before. He’s creating a massive circle. He’s probably using it to create a magical reaction on a massive scale.”

“I see now... All of the towns he’s attacked are on the outer borders of Equestria. He’s most likely planning to use the reaction to destroy Equestria in one move.” Celestia observed.

“But Princess, I’ve done some research on magic circles. He would need a focusing point and an energy source.”

“Correct. He probably doesn’t have the energy to activate the circle on his own, but I know where he might go to activate the spell.”

“Canterlot.” I finished.

“What?! You mean he’s going to activate the spell there! My family is there!” Twilight panicked.

“It’s the most logical place, Twilight. Just look. It’s literally the center of Equestria and it’s the highest elevation point.” I told her bluntly.

“But what about an energy source?”

“We don’t know. Luna and I will have our top researchers look into the matter. For now you should all get some rest. I’ve alerted the local hotel; you’re to be provided with stays in their suites.”

Rarity began to squee with joy at the thought of staying in such luxury. We said our goodbyes to the princesses before taking our leave. It was getting late, so we ate dinner inside the hotel before heading to bed. I kept my weapons beside my bed and drifted off to sleep.

“You know Mr. Hero, you really are amazing! You’re strong, smart, and you’re kind of funny.”

“Oh, I’m funny am I? Well I try.”

“But is this all a joke to you?”

I turned to see Lily burst into flames for the third time. This time she was towering over me in a menacing form, her voice sounded like she and Teruza were speaking at once.

“I’m dead. And yet you’re able to just keep playing with your friends like nothing happened.”

“That’s not true! I think about it all the time. Everytime I close my eyes, all I see is that house burning. I think about how helpless I was.”

“Yet you can save these other ponies so easily. You let me die.”

“Shut up! Just shut up!”

“You don’t even care about me anymore. You just want me gone, like some sort of pest.”

“No I don’t! I... I...”

“Why don’t you just die and let all the pain go away? Everything will be better then.”

I awoke in my room with tears rolling down my cheeks. It hurt so much. I had to keep enduring the guilt and torture. I... I just wanted it all to end. I grabbed my sword and placed it against my throat. I could feel some of the blood trickle down my neck from the blade’s touch. Just a simple movement. Just one little pull and I could be free. But then I stopped. My friends. I couldn’t just leave them. I would just end up making my friends suffer like me. It all welled up in me. I felt so frustrated.

“Graaaahhh!”

I threw my sword away. The loud clanging of the metal hitting the floor echoed through the room for what seemed like hours. The once beautiful weapon, felt ugly to the touch. I placed my head in my hands and began to sob.

“Why? Why is this happening to me? Why did you have to die?”

Soon I noticed the new visitor to the room. Fluttershy had her head poked through the door, looking at me with concern filled in her eyes.

“Robert, what’s wrong? A-are you bleeding?”

I couldn’t respond. I just kept crying and sobbing. Fluttershy slowly trotted up to me and tried to comfort me.

“What happened?”

I simply looked over at my sword, its blade still wet with some of my blood.

“W-why would you do something like that?!”

“Lily...” I began.

“Who?”

“Lily... I let you die. It’s all my fault! All of this is my fault!”

“None of this is your fault. You’ve been doing everything you can to stop Teruza.”

“But I couldn’t save her.”

“We can’t always succeed at everything. No matter how bad it hurts, you need to remember that you did your best and that your friends are there for you.”

I began crying again. Fluttershy’s words hit home. I was about to throw my life away for nothing. I fought with all my might back then. And even though it hurts, even though the pain is horrible, I have my friends to give me strength. Fluttershy continued to comfort me by hugging me as I cried there.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

The rest of the Element bearers entered the room, curious as to what was going on.

“I... Remember when I told you I drank because I was trying to get my mind off of things?”

Rarity nodded in response to the question.

“The reason I did that is because I’ve been haunted by Lily’s death. I felt like I failed; like I let her die. I almost took my life tonight, but I remembered that all it would do is hurt all of you.”

“Robert...” Twilight began.

“Fluttershy talked some sense into me. I think I can come to terms with what happened, but Fluttershy? Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

“I want you to keep an eye on me. I want you to make sure I don’t stray from the path I’m on; that I accept my failures and don’t let them destroy me.”

“I promise.”

“Good for you kid. I’ve been where you are before, and trust me, I felt just like you did. Remember that you’re lucky to have friends like this.” Ragnarok added.

“Thank you. Thank you all.”

With that we all turned back to bed. For once since that night, I wasn’t afraid of what I would see in my dreams.

I woke the next morning feeling more alive than I had in days. Everything felt so clear and right. I got dressed and noticed that my blade was still discarded on the floor. All of the ugliness I saw in it last night was replaced by an indescribable beauty. It was no longer the tool that I nearly used to end my own life, but rather the tool that could be used to free this land from the fear of destruction. I packed up my gear and woke Ragnarok.

“Huh? Wha... what’s going on? What *yawn* time is it?”

“Morning. That’s good enough for me.”

“Five more minutes kid...”

“Fine then. I’ll just eat your share of breakfast.”

Ragnarok sprung up from his slumber and scurried over my face towards the door.

“Fat chance kid! I’ll be sure to save you some crumbs!”

“H-hey! No fair!”

I chased after Ragnarok to the door, opening it to see the girls all heading towards breakfast.

“Good morning Robert. Are you feeling... better?” Twilight tread cautiously.

“I feel great. It’s like the weight of the world’s been taken off my shoulders.”

“Oh thank goodness. I didn’t want to see you like that again.” Fluttershy said in relief.

“Yeah! I thought even I wouldn’t be able to get you out of the dumps. And I even brought whoopie cushions. Tee hee! That’s such a funny word. Whoopie!” Pinkie giggled.

“Well I was lucky to have friends like you. If it wasn’t for all of you, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you right now.”

“Oh now darling, you simply must stop bringing that up. Let’s all just have a happy care free-”

“Sir!”

The voice calling out was familiar. The courier from the other day galloped up the stairs in order to speak to me.

“I *pant* Cloudsdale *pant* sorry too many*pant* stairs.”

“Take it easy. Now what’s this about Cloudsdale?”

The courier took a moment to catch his breath before attempting to finish his message.

“I’ve been sent by Celestia to tell you that Cloudsdale is being attacked.”

“What?!” Rainbow shouted in astonishment.

“Why there? Cloudsdale isn’t anywhere near a border.” Twilight pondered.

“I don’t know, I’m just the messenger. It’s something about a monster, but they’re not mentioning anything about that Teruza guy.”

“We have to get to Cloudsdale! Robert, that’s my hometown!” Rainbow pleaded.

“I know. We’ll take a balloon up. Twilight, can you cast that cloud walking spell on us?”

“It should still work even if you’re human. We’d better get going though.”

“Yeah. I guess we’ll be having breakfast in flight.”

After we had learned of the attack on Cloudsdale, we made our way to a military airship that was waiting to take us into the clouds. Rainbow Dash was pacing nervously and stretching her wings the whole time. After Twilight cast the cloud walking spell on me, I went to see if I could help out Rainbow.

“How are you fe-”

“Fine. Peachy. It’s just sooo great to learn my hometown is being attacked and having to sit around on this lamo airship.”

The engineer in the corner began to tear up at the sullying of his workplace’s name.

“We’ll be there soon Rainbow. As long as we stick together, we can handle anything.”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath to calm herself.

“I-I guess you’re right. I just hope there’s still a city left to save.”

“We’re about to breach the cloudline. Docking in about five minutes.” The captain informed us over the speaker system.

“It’ll be fine Rainbow. Let’s go to the boarding ramp and we’ll all be off soon.”

“Alright...”

We all gathered at the boarding dock and waited for it to open with anticipation stenching the air.

“Well, at least I get to visit Cloudsdale!” Spike attempted to lighten the mood.

“I’m sorry Spike, but dragons aren’t capable of landing on clouds because of their scales. Even if I cast the spell, your scales would just shred a hole in the clouds.” Twilight responded.

“Aw, man! I guess I’ll just wait on the ship...”

“I’m sorry Spike. We’ll be back in no time.” Twilight reassured her number one assistant.

“We’ve breached the cloudline. Lowering the landing ramp now.” The captain informed us once more.

The landing ramp slowly lowered, only increasing the anticipation welling up inside us all. The scene that was revealed on the other side was like something out of an apocalypse movie. There were gaping holes in the clouds, buildings burning (not sure how a cloud burns), and several pegasi flying frantically for safety.

“Cludsdale... no...” Rainbow Dash said with tears in her eyes.

“We can rebuild, Rainbow Dash. The city isn’t lost yet.” I reassured.

I ran down the ramp and slowly placed a foot on the clouds. I was relieved when I felt a solid feeling beneath my feet. I looked around for any sign of this so called monster, but could only see the constant destruction of the city.

“I don’t get it. Where’s the monster the courier mentioned?”

“Darling, behind you!” Rarity warned.

I quickly pivoted to see a monstrous griffin like creature swoop down and nearly take my head off. The mystery creature swung around and landed in front of me.

“This must be what the courier mentioned.” Twilight pieced together.

“I’m going to pulverise it!” Rainbow yelled as she charged into the fray.

“Rainbow wait!” I tried to warn.

Rainbow Dash zipped around the creature and began to form a tornado around it, spinning it in place and leaving it dazed for a strike.

“Nice work! Now let’s end this!”

I charged headlong towards the beast as it began to shake off the dizziness. I jumped into the air for an overhead strike to finish the battle in one blow.

“Now you’re mine!”

“Stop!”

I hesitated for a moment at the sound of this mystery voice, allowing my opponent to whip me aside with his large tail. I landed on the clouds with a soft pomf, a welcome change from the usual thuds on the surface. The beast began flying off and I searched for the source of the voice that put me in this situation.

“You moron! Do you have any idea what you almost did?!”

A rather familiar griffin landed in front of me with a look that could kill.

“Well? You gonna answer me?”

“You’re Gilda right?”

“Don’t change the subject!”

Her attitude alone was enough to confirm my suspicion.

“Do you have any idea what you just did? Robert here could have been knocked into one of these holes!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her former friend.

“Hmph! If it isn’t the flip flop. You’re new lamo friend here nearly killed my dad!”

“What are you talking about? Giovanni wasn’t here at all!”

“Are you dense? He’s the one that nearly got turned into fresh cutlets!”

“Wait a second. That was your dad?” I asked to stop the arguing.

“Yeah, you idiot!”

“That was him?!” Rainbow asked, her jaw hanging uncontrollably.

“When did this happen?” I asked.

“Earlier this morning, dad was having some coffee like usual. I went upstairs after breakfast to... uh... listen to my new records, when I started hearing loud crashes downstairs. I ran down to see what all the noise was, when I saw him flying out through a gaping hole in the wall he made.”

“Uh huh...”

“What’s up Rainbow Dash? You sound like you doubt her.” I inquired.

“It’s nothing. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“Yeah, right now we...”

“Look out!” Twilight cried.

I ducked just in time to see the monster formerly known as Giovanni’s claws scrape the clouds inches in front of me.

“Too close...” I said while trying to prevent the heart attack I was feeling.

“We have to try and stop him.” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Hold it right there flip flop. I saw what you and your buddy there nearly did, and there’s no way I’m letting you just slice him up.”

“I have no intention of killing him. I just want to stop him.”

“Yeah... We might have a problem there.” Rainbow Dash began.

“Right. How are we going to catch him if I can’t fly?”

“Umm, excuse me, but can’t you use that chariot?” Fluttershy meekly asked.

We all looked in the direction her hoof was pointing. Sure enough there was a flight chariot used by the pegasi.

“That... actually works out perfectly! Great job Fluttershy!”

“Oh, it was nothing...”

“Uh... we still have a tiny problem.” Rainbow Dash unfortunately said.

“Great. Things can’t ever be easy can they? What’s the problem Rainbow?”

“This chariot is meant to be pulled by two pegasi.”

“Well, we have two pegasi right here. We just need to hitch you and Fluttershy-”

*Snap*

As soon as Fluttershy heard her name she reflexively shut her wings from fear.

“My point exactly.”

This was a big problem. If we couldn’t get airborn, there was no way we could catch Giovanni.

“Well, what if you and Gilda pull it?”

“What?!” Both former friends asked in astonishment.

“Well, yeah. You’re both great flyers, so it should work right?”

“There is no way I’m pulling this thing with Little Miss flip flop.” Gilda rudely answered.

“Well excuuuse me! It’s not my fault I’m always the better flyer!”

“Why you little!”

“ENOUGH!” I stepped in.

“This is bigger than your petty dislike for each other. You need to put your differences aside and work together for the greater good. Am I understood?”

Both parties looked at each other resentfully while muttering “Yes, sir...”

“Good. Now let’s get hitched up.”

After taking the time to hitch up Rainbow Dash and Gilda (who were still vocally displaying their displeasure with this arrangement) we took off and began pursuing Giovanni. I had my weapons drawn but was still keeping a firm grip on the chariot, lest we start experiencing turbulence.

“Alright lamo, what’s your plan?” Gilda resentfully asked.

“Hey, don’t call him a lamo, lamo! He’s trying to save your dad after all.”

“Cut the chatter, both of you. My plan is to get on Giovanni’s back and see if I can break whatever is controlling him.”

“Fine, but if you hurt one feather on his head I’ll-”

“Dodge!” Rainbow instructed Gilda.

Our chariot did a tight maneuver to avoid a head on collision with Giovanni. We didn’t get much of a break considering he came back for another round about five seconds later.

“Whoa! Rainbow, Gilda, do you think you can get above him?”

“Did Rainbow sleep with a blankie for the first month of junior speedster camp?”

“H-hey! At least I didn’t wet my bed during that late night storm!”

“I’ll take that as a yes...”

The two took a break from their arguing and out maneuvered Giovanni, placing me directly above him.

“Alright, just get us a little further ahead of him.”

“Think you can keep up Gilda?” Rainbow challenged.

“I could, but then we’d just start letting him get ahead of us.”

This is seriously getting old.

The two bitter rivals pushed their limits and got me at just the position I needed.

“Be ready to pick me up!”

“When should we do that?” Rainbow asked.

“It’ll probably be associated with both of us falling.”

“Remember what I said!” Gilda warned.

I turned around and, after a few seconds of mental preparation, jumped off the chariot and on to Giovanni.

“Well, that wasn’t so baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!”

Giovanni began shaking furiously to remove his new hitch hiker. I was holding on for dear life, while still trying to get my sword ready. Fortunately all of the exercise my feathered friend had gotten today had also tired him out, eventually giving me the opportunity to put my plan into motion.

“Okay Giovanni, things might get a little... pass-outy.”

I charged up my sword with light energy, but I directed it to the hilt rather than the blade. I raised my arm and prepared for the worst.

“Well, this always works in anime...”

I pressed the hilt of the sword against Giovanni’s head, releasing a purifying light through his body. After the flash, he seemed to be smaller and unconscious. Wait... unconscious?

“Why do I have to be right about bad things?”

We began free falling without anything under us save for the ground. I probably could have used my sky cloth, but that would have left Giovanni falling to his doom. I put my faith in Rainbow Dash and Gilda, and closed my eyes.

*Thump!*

We both landed with a loud thud into the chariot I had just abandoned moments ago. I sighed with relief as we began to turn around towards Cloudsdale. We landed in the downtown section which was the closest landing area, with Twilight and the others waiting to greet us.

“That was super duper cool! You were flying around everywhere! And, and then you jumped off the chariot right onto him and-”

“I-I know Pinkie. I was there.”

“Uh, hello? You mind unhitching us?” Rainbow interrupted.

“Oh, right.”

We unhitched both of the ace flyers within a few seconds, but Gilda didn’t stay still for long. Gilda darted over to the back of the chariot to check on her father.

“Dad?! Dad are you okay?!”

Giovanni was unresponsive; a fact that made Gilda furious.

*Punch!*

“Unh!” I grunted as the force of her punch knocked me to the ground.

“Gilda! What are you-” Rainbow tried to ask.

“You said you were going to help him! He was all I had left after Rainbow... YOU BASTARD!!!”

*Krack!*

“Aughh!”

Gilda had a rage that I had never seen before. Her punches were filled with an undying hatred for me. While I could have stopped her at any time, I allowed her to vent her rage.

“G-Gilda?”

“Shut up! I’m not done with...”

Gilda snapped up immediately and slowly turned towards the voice that spoke her name. The origin point she was staring at was the chariot, whose only occupant was Giovanni.

“D-dad?”

“Gilda? Is that really you?”

Gilda teared up again and ran to hug her father.

“*sniff* Oh, dad! I thought I’d lost you forever!”

“It’s alright Gilda. I’m back from that nightmare.”

I slowly raised myself up, though Rainbow Dash lifted me back up to my feet.

“You must be the one who saved me. I can’t ever thank you enough for helping me and my daughter.”

“I was glad to help.” I said while nursing my chin.

“I’d like you to come to my house so I can properly thank you. I’m a Griffin that always repays his debts.”

“Sure thing.”

We followed Giovanni back to his house, a rather large house even by Cloudsdale standards. We all settled in in the living room (the seats were so soft I thought I would actually nod off right there.) and started our chat.

“As I said earlier, I’m grateful for what you did for us.”

“I was only doing my job.” I responded modestly.

“It seems your job is pretty rough, though I think my daughter would like to say something to you.”

“But dad I-”

Giovanni simply narrowed his eyes and the message was carried along. Gilda gave up trying talk her way out of it, and proceeded to talk to me.

“Robert, I’m sor- I-I’m sorrrrr-”

Gilda looked almost like she was gagging from trying to form out the word. She took a deep breath and began again.

“I’m soooOOOoorrrRRyyyYY!” She struggled out of her mouth.

“It’s fine. You were in a pretty dark place. Losing someone you care about is a wound that never heals easily.”

“I-I know. My dad was all I really had left... My mom passed away when I was just a kid...”

“I think I remember you saying my name back there Gilda.” Rainbow Dash observed.

“Well I... I never told you this, but you were actually my only friend. I felt so lonely after we both left Junior Speedster camp.”

“Gilda... I had no idea I meant that much to you.”

Rainbow Dash paused for a moment, obviously pondering something.

“Well, what do you say Gilda? Friends?”

Gilda was taken aback by this. She must not have expected Rainbow Dash to ever be friends with her again.

“Friends.”

The two former former friends both hugged each other to signify their rekindled friendship. I’ll admit, I may have shed a tear or two at such a heartwarming scene.

“Although, there is one thing I wanted to ask you Gilda. What were you really doing after breakfast?”

“W-what are you talking about? I just went upstairs to listen to my new records.”

“Yeah right. back in Junior Speedster camp we missed the hurricane drill because your records were so loud. So what were you really doing up there?”

Gilda blushed as she was backed into a corner by her own alibi.

“I was... uh...”

“Honey weren’t you just telling me this morning that you were going to play with your new dolls?”

“D-dad!”

I think if it wasn’t for the fact my jaw was attached to my skull, it probably would have fallen to the ground below the city in about 10 seconds flat. I never thought Gilda had a feminine side.

“Thanks a lot dad! Now I’m going to be a laughing stock!”

“Hey, your secret’s safe with us. Right girls?” I asked.

“We all Pinkie promise.” Twilight answered.

“You’d better not blow it like your promise to Spike, Twilight. Otherwise...” Pinkie warned.

“Yes, I know, ‘Foreeeever’!” Twilight sarcastically mimicked.

“Oh, yeah. Spike is still on the airship. We’d better check in on him.”

“I can’t believe all of you forgot about him! I mean, I could have understood Robert and the others, but you Twilight?”

Twilight blushed at the accusation of her forgetting about her number one assistant.

“I was just... mentally exhausted from healing Robert’s injuries!”

“You’re kidding right? You were explaining all of the equations in that cloud walking spell on the way- OW!”

Twilight had interrupted my exposition of her lie with a swift kick to the leg.

“Oh dear, it looks like you must have injured your leg when you fell on that chariot. (Do that again and I’ll demonstrate an indigestion spell).”

“W-well, let’s get going girls! Sorry to leave so soon, but we have to check in on our friend.”

“It’s perfectly alright. And remember, if you ever need a favor, just ask.” Giovanni reminded.

We left the house and made our way back to the airship, but something was amiss. There was no guard detail on the deck.

“Where is everypony?” Applejack questioned.

“Wait, what’s that over there?” Twilight pointed out.

I followed her pointing to the mess hall. The door to it was locked, but I could make out the crew all knocked out inside.

“Stand back!” I warned the others.

I charged my sword and cut clean through the lock. As soon as I pushed the door open, we all flooded inside to check on the crew. I found the captain, who was still in pain, and began asking him about what happened.

“We were attacked. The guards were all knocked out and thrown into the walk in freezer. Then that... thing! Teruza! He grabbed the little dragon and left after he threw us in here.”

“He kidnapped Spike?!” I shouted in astonishment.

“No! He’s gone too far this time! When I get my hooves on him I’ll-”

“Twilight please calm down. We’re all upset that he took Spike. I just *sniff* I-” Rarity tried to comfort, but began breaking down herself.

“Don’t worry everypony. I’m sure we can find Spike and save him. I swear I’ll get him back unharmed!”

Time passed, and unfortunately we found no viable leads. There were no witnesses other than the crew and soldiers, and if he left a trail we sure couldn’t find it.

“This is getting pretty hopeless. I’ve tracked run away varmints before, but this fella sure takes the cake.”

“We are not giving up! I hatched Spike myself, and I’m not losing him now!”

“But Twilight, not even my Pinkie sense can find him! This guy is even better at hide and seek than I am!”

I was beginning to grow despondent myself. I began walking around aimlessly, when I heard a voice in my head.

“Hey there tiger! Glad to see you haven’t decided to die on my yet.”

“Teruza! Where is Spike?! What have you done with him?!”

“Nice to see you too. I just wanted to tell you exactly where we are.”

“And why would you do that?”

“What fun is there in destroying a country if there isn’t even a challenge to it?”

I was doubtful of his intentions, but this was the only real lead we had.

“You can find us at the ruins in Hoofington.”

“That’s halfway across the map. You honestly expect me to believe you?”

“Fine. Maybe your little friend can convince you.”

“He’s telling the truth! Please help me!” Spike pleaded through our telepathic line.

“Don’t worry! I’ll be there soon!”

“Good to hear it. I’ll be eagerly awaiting our final battle. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

With this new information, I was sure we could save Spike and stop Teruza all in one trip! I began running back to the others to tell them, when I stopped to think about what could happen. Since the Elements of Harmony were useless, they couldn’t help me in battle. Not only that, but Teruza was relentless and wouldn’t hesitate to kill any of them. I couldn’t put them in harms way any more. I slowly walked back to them and set my plan in motion.

“Did you girls find any leads while I was gone?”

The shared expressions between Twilight and Rarity were enough to confirm my suspicions.

“What are we *sob* going to do?” Twilight cried.

“WAAAAHAHAHAHAHA! I’LL NEVER SEE MY SPIKEY-WIKEY AGAIN!”

“I’m sorry girls, but we have to turn in for tonight. We’re not going to find them when it’s this dark out. You all head back to the airship, I want to check in with Giovanni.”

“A-alright. Just be back here soon, okay?”

“Okay.”

I was relieved that my plan was going so smoothly, but I felt guilty for keeping them in this sad state any longer. I walked back to Giovanni’s and knocked on the door.

“Oh, it’s you Robert. I was just finishing up dinner. Would you care for some?”

“Uh, sure.”

I went inside and found myself sitting down to a meal with Gilda.

“So when did you become friends with Dash?” She asked as we awaited our meal.

“It took a bit to get on her good side, but about a week after I met her.”

“Huh, what convinced her?”

“W-well... During our adventure... she went off on her own to fight one of Despair’s minions rather than wake me. She was dying when I found her, and after I beat the guy, she actually did. But we had a potion that Zecora gave us, which managed to bring her back to life. We’ve been friends ever since.”

“W-whoa. That’s... a bit to take in. But that does sound like Dash.”

“What do you mean?”

“She sometimes only respects someone when they’ve proven they can keep up with her on an athletic level.”

“Dinner is served!”

I stared down at my plate wide eyed. This meal... it had meat in it. I’ve been living off vegetables and tofu since I got here.

“This is spaghetti... and meatballs!”

“Yeah, so?”

“Where did you get the meat?!”

“Calm down. Not everyone in Equestria eats a vegetarian diet. Didn’t you ever wonder why there are animal farms?”

“I figured they were just like pets.”

“Well, they’re not. You’re not going to pass up one of my dad’s meals are you?”

“Are you kidding?! This is my favorite!”

I wasted no more time talking. I practically leaped into my meal. It was so tasty! I guess being deprived of meat does that to you. I only paused when I noticed that some noodles had traveled down my windpipe.

“Ack! *cough!*”

“Whoa! And I thought I was a messy eater!” Gilda laughed.

“Sorry. I haven’t had meat since I got here.”

“Well, you’re welcome to it any time.” Giovanni assured.

“Actually, I came here to ask a favor.”

“Well, I promised you I would help you if you ever needed it. So what do you need?”

“I need a lift to Hoofington. It’s important that I get there right away.”

“That’s a bit of a flight, but I’d say I’d still owe you after that. Gilda, can you clean the dishes for me while I’m out?”

“Oh, fine.”

We stepped outside and Giovanni had me climb on his back for the trip. It was about an hour until we reached Hoofington; an hour that felt more like an eternity. I stepped off Giovanni’s back and thanked him for the lift before he flew off. I walked my way into the quiet town and began looking around for the ruins. There were no ruins immediately visible, so I wandered around the town for a bit.

“You there! Prepare yourself to be amazed by this spectacle!”

“That voice... No...”

I began dreading ever setting foot in this town. I recognized that voice, and it was of one of the only ponies I never wanted to meet in Equestria.

“Face The Great and Powerful Trixie when she is addressing you!”

“*groan* Look Trixie, I’m in a bit of a rush. I’m looking for the ruins that are supposed to be around here. So if you don’t mind...”

“Trixie knows exactly where the ruins are.”

“You do?! Tell me!”

“Only if (and that’s a big if) you manage to defeat Trixie in a show of skill.”

“Fine then. Let’s see if you can top... this!”

I summoned a sphere of shadow slightly above the ground in front of me. I then swung my sword in a low arc to send the sphere into the air. I charged my sword as I began spinning around from my momentum to face the sphere again.

“Light Spear Cannon!”

I stabbed forward, piercing the sphere and sending the light energy in a straight line out the other end.

“So how was that?”

Trixie seemed to be focusing on something else. I was about to try and bring her back to the real world, when she smiled and turned her attention back to me.

“Very well done. Trixie admits defeat.”

“Fine then show me- Wait what?”

“Trixie sees it’s obvious that she will not be able to top something as spectacular as that.”

I was completely stunned. It was one thing for Trixie to admit defeat, but to be polite about it? Although, I bet she would pull a complete 180 if she found out I got that move from a video game. Then I noticed she was looking past me. I turned to see what was grabbing her attention, but all I found was an empty street.

“Well, can you lead me to the ruins now?”

“Of course. The Great and Powerful Trixie! Will now display her amazing directional skills.”

This is going to be a loooong walk.

Unfortunately I was right about it being long. Trixie kept looking behind us for something and she would constantly stop to show off her “spectacular display of wonderment” which only consisted of little light shows. When we finally reached the ruins, I was about ready to run inside and beg Teruza for a mercy killing.

“Th-thanks for the *twitch* help.” I said between gritted teeth.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie was glad to be of assistance. Now if you’ll excuse her, Trixie must get her rest if she is to astound ponies with her amazing feats.”

Ninth circle of hell, thy name is Trixie.

I shook off the intense stress I was feeling from my time with Trixie, and focused on the task at hand. I slowly traveled down the stairs (the only part of the ruins visible from the surface) and drew my weapons for what I believed to be my final battle. I slowly creeped around, poking my head around each corner to assure I wouldn’t be caught off guard. I began seeing a green glow coming from one of the doorways. Figuring it was were Teruza was hiding, I shimmied along the wall so I could minimize the chance of detection. I poked my head around the corner to a large cathedral like room. Inside, Spike was strapped down to a table while Teruza was preparing something that could only amount to trouble.

“You’re honestly telling me you never wondered about that?”

“I thought that all dragons could send letters like I do.”

“Oh man are you dense! And you’ve never wondered why ponies, creatures who hardly come into contact with dragons, had your egg? Or why you don’t even have wings? I guess living with a scholar sure didn’t rub off on you.”

“J-just what are you getting at?”

“Okay this is going to take awhile to explain, so just sit there and- Oh right. I guess you kind of have to sit there huh?”

“You jerk!”

“Anyway, years ago, there was an artifact known as the Lens of Lorelei, which was used to amplify magic power to unheard of proportions. But the alicorns were afraid of the power the Lens could unleash, but they couldn’t destroy it because they were just a bunch of pussies. So they sealed it away into a pocket dimension that only a certain bloodline of dragon could open. That bloodline... is yours.”

“Y-you’re lying!”

“Am I? Well why don’t we just pop the trunk and see what’s inside?”

“You’re not getting that chance Teruza!” I finally blurted out.

“Ah, right on schedule. You heroic types sure can’t resist a grand entrance.”

“Shut it. I’m here to save Spike and put an end to your mayhem!”

“You’re just going to save Spike? What about your little friend peeking through the doorway there?”

“Wha-?”

I turned around to see a petrified Twilight standing in the doorway. Before a single syllable could be shared between us, a spell glyph appeared below Twilight’s hooves. Suddenly a pillar of energy surrounded her, trapping the Element of Magic inside. Twilight desperately tried to teleport or blast her way out, but her magic couldn’t save her. Just when Twilight’s fear hit a boiling point, a beam of magic collided with her body, ripping her soul clean out.

“NOOOOOOO!!!!”

The energy surrounding her dissipated, and I rushed to her side, begging that she was somehow alive. I felt her neck for a pulse, but all I could feel was her warm body slowly beginning to turn cold.

“N-no...! Not again...! NOT AGAIN!!!”

I began sobbing over the body of one of my closest friends. After I had just gotten over the guilt of losing Lily, I was now faced with the horror of watching Twilight die before my very eyes.

“*sob* This is all my fault... Twilight, no!!!”

“You want her back don’t you? There’s still time to return her soul, but I need a favor.” Teruza said, injecting as much poison as he could into the last word.

“What do you want...?”

“See this big green flame portal I made?”

I did see it. He must have made it while I was grieving over Twilight.

“I want you to stick your hand in there and pull out that Lens of Lorelei I mentioned earlier.”

“Why can’t you just do it?”

“Don’t you get it yet? This was all part of my plan! The pocket dimension can be opened by the purple dragon line, but no creature from Equestria can reach inside. This is where we screw with the rules so hard, those self righteous alicorns that sealed away the Lens will feel it from beyond the grave. In return, you get your friend back.”

I actually began thinking about it. I could actually save Twilight! I could right this wrong!

“Fine then... I’ll do what you want. Just give her back! She’s my friend!”

I walked up to the altar where the portal was, and reached inside. I felt around the strange pocket dimension, but sure enough, found the artifact that Teruza wanted. I pulled out a small glass circle with an intricate metal frame and magic symbols carved on both surfaces.

“Good. Now just hand that here and I’ll bring back the stiff broad.”

I complied with his request, and fortunately he kept his end of the bargain. Twilight’s soul flew across the room and back into her body. I rushed to her side to check on her again. She was alive, but barely.

“Thanks for sealing the fate of this country! Hope you enjoy the fireworks! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

The magnitude of my actions finally hit me. I may have just saved my friend, but it was merely a delay from certain death for every living thing in this country. I felt numb and hollow. I stumbled over to the altar and freed Spike from his prison. He rushed over to check on his surrogate mother/sister the instant he got on his feet. I began to follow him, but I stopped dead in my tracks. This sickening feeling in me welled up and made me vomit on the floor.

“What have I done...?”

“W-we need to get Twilight help!” Spike insisted.

I was still recovering from the shock, but I slung Twilight over my shoulder and made for the exit. Spike and I searched around for the hospital, but we couldn’t figure out where it was. My previous feeling of guilt soon turned into panic. My traitorous actions would have been for nothing if Twilight died. But then, a familiar unicorn walked up to us, her eyes filled with the kind of shock associated with someone who just witnessed a murder.

“She... What... Twilight...” Trixie tried to ask.

“The hospital! Where is it?!”

Trixie’s eyes sank into her head. Tears began filling her usually confident eyes.

“I-I can take you, but what happened to Twilight?”

Trixie was clearly concerned if it managed to make her refer to herself in the first person.

“It was a trap. Twilight had her soul ripped out and I... Oh god what have I done?!”

“This is all my fault...” Trixie muttered.

“What?”

“I... Some black alicorn told me if I made sure Twilight followed you, he would make sure she never upstaged me again. I-I never wanted this!”

Her words sunk into me like lead through water.

“You did this... all just because of your superiority complex?!”

“I’m sorry! I *sob* I’m so sorry!”

While I was furious with her, she was not only my only hope of finding the hospital in time, but she seemed genuinely sorry.

“If you really want to make it up to Twilight, you’ll take us to the hospital. Now.”

“Sure, just follow me.”

We made our way through the maze of a town, but finally found ourselves at the hospital’s front door. We hurried into the lobby and ran for the nearest clerk.

“We need a doctor immediately! It’s an emergency!”

“I’ll page the doctor right now. Oh, hello Trixie. Are you here to perform for the kids again?”

“No, aunt Tariat. I led them here because they’re from out of town.”

“Well, that was very thoughtful of you. I’m glad to see you’ve grown to have such nice manners.”

Even with the current situation, I couldn’t help but be dumbstruck by this.

“You know Trixie?” I asked the mare behind the desk.

“Of course! I’m her aunt after all. In fact, Trixie grew up here in Hoofington. Oh, she was always trying to learn about magic so she could help out her aunt here at the hospital. Our children’s ward hasn’t been able to get many guests to keep the kids company. But then one day she got a stage cart and began doing shows all over.”

“I-I was always bragging and trying to be the best so I could build an image for myself. I figured that way, more ponies would visit when they learned Trixie was performing at the hospital.”

“Is that why you said you stopped an ursa major?” Spike asked.

“I said the ursa attacked Hoofington because I was sure that if somepony asked, the ponies of Hoofington would lie for my sake.”

If I didn’t feel low already, I was definitely getting there.

“I-I’m sorry I thought you were just some ego fueled brat.”

“No... You were right. When I first went out on the road, I got this huge rush from being praised for my skill. I became obsessed with fame. I actually came to love hearing my name so much I... well you know.”

Just then, the doctor, and several other staff members burst through the door with a gurney to take Twilight in for treatment.

“We’ve got a faint pulse here. Have a defibrillator on standby in case she goes into cardiac arrest. I want a stimulant spell on her now.”

I began following the team of physicians, when I was stopped by one of them at the door they came through.

“Sorry sir, you’re going to have to wait out in the lobby until she’s stabilized.”

I wanted to try and pull rank on him right there, but what was the point? All that would do was make me even guiltier than I was already. I walked over to the nearest seat and slumped down in it. Well, now Teruza had everything he needed to destroy Equestria. He marked out the circle, got his energy source, and...

“Canterlot... That’s it!”

“What’s what? What about Canterlot?” The Great and Puzzled Trixie asked.

“I might be able to stop Teruza! I know where he’s going, so if I hurry-”

“*pant* Kid...”

“Ragnarok? What are you doing here?”

“D-did that ferret just talk?”

“Listen lady, I don’t have time to explain. I know you’re planning on taking on Teruza.”

“Wait, how did you even get here?”

“I hitched on your ride.”

“But then why didn’t I see you at the ruins?”

“W-well... As soon as I began following you... I got chased by a cat...”

“That’s it?”

“Hey! You try running away from something like that when you’ve got tiny legs!”

“Well, what did you want to tell me?”

“Chaos Reign has been fully assimilated into your weapons, therefore you need to give it your own activation command.”

“My own command huh? I think I have an idea of what to say.”

“Good. And... I have something else to tell you, but it has to be alone.”

“You two don’t mind right?”

Spike and Trixie both nodded and began talking to each other about Twilight. I walked off to a safe distance with Ragnarok, so he could tell me what he needed.

“If what I’ve pieced together is right, Teruza has all he needs to start the spell.”

“Y-yeah... I was the one who-”

“Hey, it’s alright. But the problem is that once he starts the spell, there’s only one way to stop it.”

“And that is?”

“You have to absorb the spell’s reactive energy into your soul. Unfortunately, this chain reaction will rend your soul apart.”

“So I would have to sacrifice myself to save Equestria...”

“I’m sorry kid. I wish there was an easier way of telling you this.”

“How do you even know about this counter?”

“My old teacher did this when Teruza tried to destroy the town we were training near.”

“You had a teacher?”

“Yeah. His name was Rending Saber. He took me in when I ran away from home and taught me everything I knew.”

“It must have been hard...”

“Yeah. Well, we don’t exactly have much time to waste. We need to find a way to get to Canterlot.”

“It’s not too far from here. Couldn’t we get a carriage?”

“No, it’s too late at night for that. Even if we found somepony that could pull one for us, it would take too long. What we need is a teleportation spell.”

“Twilight’s the only one I know who could help us, but she’s...”

“Um... I might be able to help.”

We both turned to see Trixie meekly looking at us.

“When I was making sure Twilight was following us, she kept teleporting away so you wouldn’t see her. I think I saw her do it enough to figure out the spell.”

“Lady, if you can get us to Canterlot, I’ll have them mention you in the plaque on my statue.”

“I-I’ll try.”

We all stood there with great anticipation as Trixie’s horn began fiercely glowing as she attempted to replicate Twilight’s spell. Trixie was clearly trying her hardest, but her magic aura began flickering as she became exhausted from the attempt.

“*pant* It’s no use. I’m only good for tricks; I can’t do anything this advanced. I really am a failure... And I got Twilight in her current state to boot...”

Now was as good a time as any for me to play the motivational speaker.

“You have to try Trixie. All of Equestria is depending on your magic getting us to Canterlot. Do it for them. Do it for your aunt. Do it for Twilight.”

Trixie absorbed all of what I said, and raised her head to look at me. That’s when I saw it. There was fire in her eyes; a kind of determination that you rarely see.

“Alright, here I go!”

Trixie’s horn furiously glowed with magic, and a blue sphere outstretched from it, enveloping all of us in its glow. As the field reached out behind us, we instantly vanished from the hospital.

Just a moment after we had left the hospital, we materialized in the mainstreet of Canterlot. Trixie wobbled for a moment from stretching her magical limits.

“Trixie, are you okay?”

“I-I think so. Wait, it worked?”

“Yeah, you did it!”

“*sigh* Good. I need to rest for a moment. You need to stop that spell you mentioned. I want to be able to apologize to Twilight.”

“You can count on me. I just need to find Teruza.”

“I think I found him kid.”

I looked in the direction Ragnarok was pointing. Canterlot Castle had smoke billowing all around it, and the faint sound of chaos accompanied the scene.

“Alright, let’s go Ragnarok!”

“Right behind ya!”

Ragnarok and I sprinted our way up to the castle, weaving our way past the confused ponies who were exiting their homes to see what the commotion was. As we finally made our way to the front gate, we spotted a familiar white coated stallion.

“Sergeant, I need your team ready to flank the intruder while we get his attention. Robert, your job is to... Robert?!”

“Good to see you Shining Armor. How’s Cadence?”

“She’s been very supportive of me keeping my position as Captain of the Royal Guard. And now it seems I really need to live up to my title if I’m going to have a wife to go back to.”

“What’s the situation?”

“Some alicorn has broken into the throne room of the castle, and we’ve detected a surge in magical energy. All of the guards inside have been critically injured, but we’ve managed to get them sent to the hospital. Right now, all of the remaining guards have regrouped under my command for a counterattack on the intruder.”

“Don’t. I know who this guy is, and I’m the only one who can stop him. I can’t place any of you in risk when it won’t make a difference. Besides, you have somepony to go back to.”

“What are you talking about? You’ve got your friends to go back to as well.”

“That’s just it. I want you to do me a favor. I... I want you to tell them... Goodbye. Goodbye, and thanks for all the memories.”

“W-what?! You can’t honestly be sure that you’re going to die!”

The somber look on my face was all the evidence Shining Armor needed.

“But... Why?”

“If Equestria is to survive, then I have to die. I... I wish there was another way. *sniff* This is how it has to be.”

I was beginning to lose my composure. I knew that I had to do this to save the country, but... I was torn by the thought of never seeing my friends again. Shining Armor placed a hoof on my shoulder reassuringly to stop my crying.

“You have my word. I’ll tell them everything. They’ll know that you cared deeply for all of them and that you died a hero.”

“Th-thanks Shining Armor.”

I wanted to say more, but time wasn’t on my side. I rushed past the guards and ran into the castle. In the hall outside of the throne room, I found Princess Celestia and Princess Luna desperately trying to break a magic barrier.

“It is no use sister. Now that he has the Lens of Lorelei, he could maintain this barrier and destroy Equestria with energy to spare.” Luna sadly admitted.

“We have to try Luna. If we can focus our strength, we might be able to make a small hole in the barrier.”

“But we won’t be able to enter it before it closes. If only Robert were here...”

“I am. And I‘m ready to face Teruza.”

“Robert, I assume you overheard our plan?” Luna asked.

“Yes. Just make the hole and I’ll handle the rest.”

“But... You know what has to happen, right?” Celestia sadly inquired.

“Yes... But, I have to do it. This is my battle, and I have to see it through.”

“I’m sorry it has to end like this...”

“Don’t be. I wound up here by accident. I don’t even really belong here. If my sacrifice can save all of Equestria, then it will have been worth it.”

“Alright, we’ll begin making the hole now.”

“Ragnarok, you’re staying here.”

“The hell’d you just say?”

“I’m not putting you in danger either. You’re going to stay here while I fight Teruza.”

“Look, I’m not leaving you alone. So you’re having me come along whether you like it or not.”

I could see the hole starting to form in the barrier. It would only be a few seconds before it would be ready, so I had to think fast.

“Ragnarok, look out! There’s a cat right behind you!”

“W-where?!”

While my little red friend was distracted, I ran towards the now large hole, and dove through it.

“Oh, you son of a bi-”

Ragnarok was cut off by the barrier closing behind me. It may not have been fair to him, and Applejack would have throttled me for that, but this battle was between only me and Teruza. I ran up to the double doors leading to the throne room. This was it. The final battle was about to begin.

The throne room was eerily dark, save for the glowing spell glyphs in the center of the room. Teruza was eagerly putting the finishing touches on his spell.

“Game over Teruza. Your reign of terror is done.”

“Done? I’ve only just started!”

I threw my weapons into the air to create Hallowed Light, and stepped onto the massive spell circle in order to prepare for the fight.

“Nice scene for a battle huh? Right in the middle of this country's heart, and standing on the seed of its destruction. Although, I think we could get a better view.”

Controlled by his thoughts, the barrier and spell circle simultaneously raised into the air, smashing through the ceiling of the castle. Both forces came to a halt high in the air, where all of Equestria was visible. I looked around the countryside and could see the markings Teruza made were beginning to glow.

“Pretty view isn’t it? Once the energy connects all of the towns, it’s just a matter of time before the spell reaches critical mass. I’d give it about... 10 minutes give or take.”

10 minutes... I had to defeat Teruza and stop the spell in only 10 minutes.

“Fine then. I’ll beat you in five.”

“A little confident are we? That fancy sword of yours may have saved you last time, but the most it’ll do to me is give me a paper cut.”

“That’s why I have Chaos Reign.”

“Oh no! Not Chaos Reign!”

“You won’t be laughing for long!”

I focused on my sword as I began to speak my activation phrase.

“Restriction 666, released. Dimensional interference field deployed. Chaos Reign, activate!”

Silence. There was only silence to meet my command. My blade remained in it’s current state, completely unchanged.

“But I... Why isn’t it working?!”

“HA HA HA HA HA! Oh man the look on your face is priceless! I told you before, I planned for every. Single. Possibility. I sealed Chaos Reign’s power before they banished me, so it’s nothing but a hunk of metal now! So like I say: Magic is AWESOME!”

“Dammit! I’ll just have to beat you without it!”

“Fat chance you can do that! But, I’m not sure if it’ll be too fun fighting you with a body like this. I looked into your memories when I was toying with your head, and I saw one handsome devil in there. He’s like the me I never knew!”

Before I could ask what he meant, Teruza erupted into a veil of green energy. I could hear his maniacal laughter as he emerged from the cocoon of energy completely transformed. He was no longer an alicorn, but a human! And what shook me to the core, was the fact that he had taken the form of Hazama! He was an exact duplicate in every way. His green hair, golden eyes, even the black vest and trench coat combo. As soon as his transformation was complete, his energy returned to him, raising his hair up on end.

“Oh, I really make this look good. And look! I even have his toys!”

I could see the twin knives he produced, but that wasn’t what concerned me. What had me worried was that he had the Ouroboros: Metal Snake heads that were controlled by the users energy.

“Shall we get started?”

Damn! Even with Hallowed Light, I probably couldn’t beat him... But I had to try.

“Let’s go!!!”

I charged headlong into Teruza, swinging my sword overhead for a cleaving strike.

*Clang!*

Teruza simply blocked the blade in between his two knives. We were in a deadlock that could only be stopped by one overpowering the other. Or so I thought.

*Krack!*

“Unh!”

I completely forgot he could control Ouroboros with just his mind, and got blindsided by one of them smacking me across the face. He wasn’t giving me any breathing room, because just as I began to recover, I could see both of the Ouroboros heads crisscrossing towards me. I used my shadow spheres to catch both of the heads and crush them. I knew he would probably use his magic to repair them, but now was my chance to hit him. I charged up and jumped into the air for a strike.

“HYAAAAAA!”

I landed the hit, but Teruza simply blocked it with his own arm. What little blood came out was not enough to suggest a major injury. I jumped back and began charging him again.I had a clear shot right at his chest for a stab, but what he did next stopped me dead in my tracks. He changed his face from the menacing Hazama, into the innocent Lily.

“You wouldn’t hurt me would you?”

“I-I... Uaaah!”

While I was momentarily frozen by the trickery of Teruza, he repaired one of the Ouroboros heads, and blindsided me with it.

“Oh man, this is just too easy! You’re actually starting to bore me!”

“You... son of a... Bluuurg!”

I was vomiting blood from my injuries. I couldn’t keep this up for much longer. I wasn’t even sure if there was a point in keeping this up. I couldn’t possibly beat him without Chaos Reign. It looked like I probably wouldn’t get the chance to try any longer. From my position on one knee, I could see Teruza angling his remaining Ouroboros head for the killing blow.

“You’ve been fun for a while, but now it’s time to say goodbye. Now DI-”

Just as Teruza was in mid swing, everything stopped, but I could still see everything as though I was unaffected. I was confused. Just what was going on? That’s when something materialized in front of me. It was a young filly... with a purple coat and white mane.

“L-Lily?”

“Hello there Mr. Hero. It’s good to see you again.”

“N-no! This is just another one of those nightmares. I put that behind me! It wasn’t my fault!”

“What are you talking about Mr. Hero?”

“Y-you’re not going to blame me for your death?”

“Of course not silly! It was never your fault.”

“Then why are you here? How are you here?”

“When I died, the forces that watch over Equestria gave me the power to help you. When you call on me, I can make Chaos Reign like it was before Teruza sealed it, but only for a short time.”

“So I can actually beat him?!”

“You always could. You just needed to stop doing things alone.”

“Thanks Lily. I’ll never forget about you.”

“You’re talking like I’m gone forever. I’ll always be watching over you Mr. Hero.”

“Alright, let’s finish this... together!”

“-IIIIEEE”

Time returned to normal at that instant, and the Ouroboros head was rushing at me.

*Clang!*

With a quick swing, I cut the head in half and struggled to my feet.

“Well look at this folks! He’s still got some fight left in him!”

“I’m not going to let you win. Do you hear me? I’m not going to let you win!”

“Yeah, I think you said something like that earlier, but it’s pretty obvious who’s going to win here.”

“Heh. You’re right on that one. It’s time for me to end this!”

“You picked a nice time to grow a pair. But, it’s too late. There’s no way you can beat me. And if you try to absorb the spell now, I’ll just start over again!”

“Restriction 666, released.”

“Are you seriously trying that again?! Does anyone here pay attention?!”

“Dimensional interference field deployed.”

“I’ll always be watching over you Mr. Hero.”

“Now engaging the Lily Paradox!”

“The what?”

“It’s time you saw the true power I possess! Chaos Reign, activate!”

With that, Hallowed Light suddenly transformed itself into Chaos Reign. The sword was massive with a blade that was more like a huge slab of metal. Out of the reflection of the blade I could see that my eyes were glowing fiercely. My right eye was a bright gold, while my left was a deep navy blue.

“W-whoa! What- What is this?! You shouldn’t be able to use that sword!”

“Well, tough luck. I’m using it. Here I go!”

I charged straight at Teruza and slashed right at him. He attempted to block with his knives, but I shattered them on impact.

“Now, I’ll show you... The power I wield!”

WIth a reversed grip on the handle, I slashed upwards against Teruza.

“Is that it? That little- Unh love tap is all you have?”

“No... This is!”

Suddenly, the huge slab swung outward, forming what appeared to be a scythe blade. Out of the other end, a large beam of shadow and light energy formed.

“Oh... That...”

I began slashing away at him with the newly created blade, each hit clearly registering pain on the target. I finally pulled back the blade and charged it with all the energy I had left.

“NOW DIE!”

I folded in the blade again, and thrust it into Teruza.

“Heh... Ha ha... HA HA HA HA HA!”

“It’s over... Enjoy your stay in Tartarus.”

“I’LL BE SURE TO SEND YOU A POSTCARD! LOOK ME UP IF YOU’RE EVER IN THE AREA! HA HA HA HA HA!”

Teruza’s form began fading away as he was forced back into Tartarus. I sighed with relief. It was finally over.

*Krzzack!*

“Oh no! The spell!”

I had to stop the spell quick. And the only way to do that was to...

“Alright... this is it.”

I thrust my sword down into the spell circle, absorbing the energy into my body. Even though my mind was set on saving Equestria, one thought kept rising to the front of my mind.

“I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!!! I... I want to live!”

Once all the energy was inside of me, the spell circle lost its glow and looked more like glass than a projection of energy.

“I... I did it!”

*Crack!*

“Uh oh.”

*CRASH!*

The surface of the spell circle shattered, leaving nothing but air beneath me. I began entering free fall, but luckily for me, I still had my sky cloth. I slowly parachuted down to the castle gardens. Not a minute after I touched the ground, Celestia and Luna flew to my position, with Ragnarok hitching a ride on Celestia.

“Robert! Thank goodness you are alright.” Luna sighed with relief.

“So it’s finished... Teruza is defeated?” Celestia asked.

“C’mon Celestia, you saw the spell circle get crushed.” Ragnarok insisted.

“I’m just glad it’s all- AUUUUGGHHHH!!!”

“Robert?! What’s wrong?!” Luna asked.

“It’s happening...” Celestia grieved.

What looked like red lightning was arcing from my chest. I was writhing on the ground in an undescribable pain. I could feel my soul slowly tear itself apart from the overload of energy.

“And here I thought I- MMMFF- might have more time. That I could- GRAAAAHH! *pant* That I could say goodbye to my friends myself.”

While I tried to keep up an act of the acceptance of my death, I was screaming for help on the inside.

“You’re not dying here ki- Robert.”

“W-what?”

“I can control soul energy. I’m the one who’s saying goodbye today.”

“N-no! You can’t die for me!”

“You’re being selfish!”

“Selfish?”

“Yeah, you think you have to be the one that dies here. I’ve lived far longer than I should have, and I’m the one who fought Teruza to start with. This is my burden.”

“I-I...”

Everything began fading. The last thing I saw was Ragnarok glowing.

“You be sure to keep the peace around here for me, you hear?”

I began regaining consciousness in a large room. I was laying on an ornate and plush bed. The other furniture in the room all looked expensive and rare.

“Am I in the castle? Wait, I’m alive? So that means...”

The door to my room began to open and the royal sisters entered, along with six other ponies and a dragon.

“How are you feeling Robert?” Celestia asked.

“I’ve been better, but I’m alive.”

“I’m very glad to hear that. I almost threw a fit and... well... may have nearly thrown the moon off course.” Luna shyly admitted.

“I had no idea you cared that much. Sorry to have you worried.”

“I believe your friends would like to talk to you about that.” Celestia said.

Twilight was the first to walk over to the bed.

“Hello Twilight. Sorry if I worried you. How long was I out for this time huh? You guys were probably placing bets-”

*Smack!*

Twilight had just... slapped me! Did I ever mention that getting slapped by a hoof hurts a lot?

“How could you?”

“Twilight?”

“How could you act the way you did?! You tried to sneak off on your own to Hoofington, and then what you said to Celestia!”

“What are you talking about?”

“She told us that you said ‘I came here by accident. I don’t belong here anyway.’. How could you say something like that?!”

“Twilight I-”

“And what about me?! I promised I would watch over you and make sure you didn’t get in a sorry state like this again!” Fluttershy yelled.

“I’m sorry. I-”

Fluttershy hovered over to me. She looked angry enough to hit me too, but instead she just hugged me.

“*sob* I thought you were going to leave forever!”

“Fluttershy...”

“I’m with both y’all on this one. I thought for sure he was going to just leave without so much as a goodbye.”

“Applejack I wouldn’t-” I tried to speak.

“Darling, you’ve said enough. I- *sniff* ALL of us are your friends. Why ever would you think you didn’t belong.”

“Yeah! All the foals used to say I was weird because of all the parties I kept throwing, but look at all the friends I have now!”

“Seriously, Robert. You were like me when I was changed by discord, but like... it was YOU.” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

I began crying tears of joy. I knew I had friends here, but I didn’t know they cared for me this much. I was remorseful for all the deception I had subjected them too.

“I’m sorry for what I did. I guess it doesn’t matter where I’m from or who I meet. What truly matters is that I have friends to support me, and that I remain myself.”

“I doubt even Twilight could have said it better.” Celestia applauded.

“Hey! What about all those friendship reports I’ve sent you?”

“What’s wrong Twilight? Upset Robert here managed to outshine you in front of Celestia?” Rainbow antagonized.

We all shared a good laugh as Twilight blushed and pouted there. All was right with the world once more. A week passed, and a statue was being constructed in honor of both me, and Ragnarok. It seems there was even going to be a mention of Trixie in the plaque. Speaking of which, Twilight and Trixie became good friends once she apologized to Twilight, and has since been getting magical tutorship from Twilight. It seems that while Ragnarok was gone, Ragna (the ferret) was still alive. I’ve kept him as my pet since he already was mine. As the country as a whole begins to rebuild, we are also reminded of the losses. I’ve talked with Celestia, and we’re organizing a festival to honor the filly who was killed and saved Equestria. The Lily Festival, as we’re calling it, is going to be held at the Ponyville lake next summer. Now that peace can finally reign in Equestria, I look forward to what new memories I might make with my friends.

The End