//------------------------------// // Episode 433 'Real Penultimate' // Story: PONY POV SERIES SEASON 8: FINALE! // by Alex Warlorn //------------------------------// In Canterlot, a licensed seller of rare and exotic magical artifacts had been amazed at the battle and light show in the sky. He wasn't a bad pony, but just sitting on unsold merchandise didn't pay the bills, and he was too old to open another shop or find another job. Thus he was willing to look the other way if the payment was good enough on some of his more tricky artifacts. Maybe if he'd not been so distracted by the epic battle, he'd have noticed one of his treasures glowing. It was ancient, it was powerful, he knew its name, and he knew it granted great power but could be unruly. He had no idea it sought the bloodline of one pony in particular. And now... it was awakened, sensing her great power. It called out to her. It might have taken months, but Trixie would unwittingly come for it. A descendent of Magic Star would wield the Alicorn Amulet once again. +++ Princess Celestia = Persona 4 - 'I'll face myself - 2nd Version' (Piano) = Luna had already been an Alicorn, and Fluttershy had been an adult, but Diamond Tiara was a foal, the youngest mortal creature known to be purified from Nightmarification. It had not left her full of vitality. But there was still something that needed doing, and with everything that had happened and would happen, it was best to have it done sooner than later. The parents of Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle had both agreed to this procedure after it had been explained to them, and had already agreed this was for the best. "My sister was supposed to do this." I grasped the soul dagger in my magic, frowning. I’d found it in the smashed and burned out remains of the Well of Truth with Luna, but Luna... was currently in no shape to use it. “If Discord was here, he could turn you both into something that would make the transfer painless, but this can’t wait until he grows up." Not everypony knew Pinkie Pie was pregnant with Discord, but the Crusaders had a knack for finding things out they weren't supposed to, and it seemed best to tell Diamond Tiara sooner rather than later. Her seeing the newborn Dissy without warning could be catastrophic. Diamond Tiara turned over, staring at a wall. "So he managed to reset himself after all, and I have to go on living," she said glumly. "Yes, ye do,” Luna’s voice had told her. “There have been enough attempted tragedies today. Sweetie Belle lay in a bed next to Diamond Tiara, looking like she was in a waiting room at the dentist’s office, instead of a guest room at Canterlot Castle. "Couldn't you give us pain numbing magic or something?" "I would if I could, my little pony,” I said apologetically, “but this is surgery of the soul, not of the body.” Even my potential sister who performed this surgery on Applejack in the corrupted world could not have managed that, so I had no hope of doing so. "Uh, maybe we don't need to do this? It has come in pretty handy!" Sweetie Belle scooted a little further away. "It did help you thwart evil, yes,” I said patiently, “but that evil is now vanquished. You both need to live your own lives. And forgive me for speaking of things beyond your years, but what would happen if one of you fell in love with a colt, and wished for him to be your special somepony?" I saw the look in Sweetie Belle's eyes, she'd thought the same herself already. "Such heartfelt emotions would pass through the bond, and you and Diamond would both love him, as if it was your own love. You would forever doubt yourself, wondering if your feelings were truly your own. As much as this has helped you up until now, it would hinder you in the future as you seek the world's simpler joys. Even Discord did not intend for this to happen... it needs to be undone.” Thankfully, but unfortunately in this instance, there were not exactly many ponies in Equestria who were experts in manipulating and weaving souls. With my sister indisposed, the surgery would be performed by me or nopony. At least I had Lulu with me in spirit to guide my horn. I dared no distractions for this procedure. Sadly, this meant Sweetie and Diamond's parents could not be there in person, but thankfully they still had absolute faith in me. They’d read about me gorging myself with cake like any other pony with a sweet tooth... They’d heard of me shot in the back by Chrysalis with seeming ease and held captive and helpless, and even that had done little to shake their faith. While Cadence was the Princess they held in highest regard, I sensed that I still held their respect. Filthy Rich may have finally forgiven me for not being able to cure his wife's madness. I doubt he would have trusted me with his daughter otherwise. I'd considered whether Sweetie Belle having that part of her soul returned would result in her becoming aware of Rarity's sacrifice, but the original soul exchange had not swapped any memories, so there was little reason to believe it would happen now. I used palace-grade privacy spells to soundproof the walls, of course. Nopony thought for a moment that I might be up to something inappropriate; I’m grateful to Apple Bloom for scrubbing the most vile of those tabloid rumors out of existence. In any case, Nurse Redheart from Ponyville was here with me, purely because I did not feel right tying down two of my littlest ponies, and putting small medicine balls in their mouths to keep them from cracking their teeth. Just before that, Sweetie Belle fidgeted her hooves and looked up at me. “Excuse me, Princess? If I get back the part of my soul that was in Diamond when she became an Alicorn, will it happen to me too?” I chuckled, and gave her an honest, warm smile. “I don’t think we need to worry about that happening, my little pony. Rest now... this will all be over soon.” And so it was. The two foals squirmed and twisted from the unavoidable pain, as I lifted up the pieces of their souls they had exchanged while transformed into living dolls during Discord's Day of Chaos, and more gently than silent falling snow, placed them back where they belonged. One more flick of the soul dagger severed the thread that had connected them. The small parts of soul resisted coming home for a moment, unsure, scared of their larger whole... but the little pieces of their souls finally embraced the whole, while the whole embraced them. It’s a little like how my siblings describe passing on, when their mortal selves rejoin their cosmic whole. In their feverish pain, each filly had a vision of hugging a toddler version of themselves. Just as quickly as the procedure had begun, it was over, the pain vanishing as if it had never been. Each of them fell straight into slumber for a much needed rest, whole entities unto themselves for the first time in a year. Rarity, your force of will was beyond imagining. To do this to yourself to the extent that Diamond remembers, and maintaining the presence of mind to see it through to the end, is proof of that. You truly were an amazing mare. As for the soul dagger, I tried to unmake it and found that I could not. Perhaps only its creator could, or perhaps some of the essence of Discord’s Father had gone into it. I placed the dagger in the same vault where I'd stored the various captured weapons from the war with Tambelon. May it never see sunlight again. But now, Diamond Tiara could have her more emotional and heartfelt moments in privacy, without Sweetie's unwillingly eavesdropping. +++ Diamond Tiara Now I'm truly alone. After a year of Discord always chattering away in the back of my head, after getting lectured within my own mind by Rarity, the Spirits of Dark Magic, and even a shred of Sweetie Belle's soul... For the first time in a year, I'm now completely alone inside. Not that you could tell from how I was always acting. But now it's all over. The heroes have saved the day, and I didn’t die after all. Fate must be patting herself on the back. Time for the villain to politely fade away, while the heroes go on with their next journey. The first time I woke up after my 'surgery,' I found mama sitting next to me. = 'You Have To Forgive Yourself' - Pony POV Series OST = She stroked my mane, smiling. She looked ready to hug me to death, but held back like I was made of glass. "And how is my sweet innocent filly doing?" Me? An innocent little filly? That's a good one. You don't get to call yourself 'innocent' after everything I've seen and done. Even before that, calling me 'innocent' was a stretch. I'd seen the other worldlines... I was a little beast with or without what happened to my mother. "How can you call me that? All the cruel things I did... I misinterpreted everything you told me." "And I should have taught you better," said the flawed mortal pony. "I should have told you that 'reach for the stars' didn't mean 'build a tower out of other ponies to get there.'" "No," I said, my vision blurred. "I didn't want to know what you really meant. I had everything. I could have had anything. I wanted to believe I deserved it all! I enjoyed the feeling of stepping on other ponies to get the crown at the top!" "... You don't mean that." "Yes I do!" Mama sighed. "Diamond, you forgave me, and I forgive you... I truly do! But you need to forgive yourself." "But..." My tears flowed. I'd heard more 'I forgive yous' than I can count throughout this whole thing, but... but... Now I'm sane enough to appreciate it, and wonder if I deserve it. "It's not easy, is it?" I bit back another wave of tears. "Yes mama..." She drew me closer. "I know the feeling, my little princ-" Lightning struck from within, involuntary, unwanted, unintended, unannounced. Flashes of me showing Alula and Tootsie their fantasy selves and stringing them along. “Diamond!” I heard myself shout. "Call me Diamond, please! Not Princess! I never want to be called Princess again!" I was as shocked and confused as my mom. The loving name my parents had always called me... now it only filled me with shame? Father had always called me and mom his princesses. Discord had called me princess too, trying his hardest to be like a father to me after my transformation and my cold rejections. Those had been the few points of warmth in the cold world I had existed in, but now... I could tell what mom was thinking as clearly as if I could read her thoughts. 'This is going to be awkward to explain to Filthy.' Of course, Pinkie Pie would choose that very moment to slip into the room, carrying a cheer flag that proclaimed 'Welcome to Princesshood!', as she pushed along a cart with a triple layer cake and snacks that only would have tasted like ash to me right now, humming happily. Mom turned around and glared, making urgent 'shoo before she sees you!' gestures. Without missing a beat, Pinkie Pie did an about face and walked everything right back out again. (Pinkie Diane's Notes: Lemme just check something here. Put on the brainy specs and... ahem! 'Diamond Tiara will freak out in a 'PLEASE ANYTHING BUT THAT!' way at being called 'Princess', due to the trauma of Discord calling her that. Plus, she corrupted Alula and Tootsie with the idea of being Princesses, so now it has MAJOR bad mojo to her. This IS a scar that Diamond will likely carry for a LONG time.' ... (Sorry, but I’m gonna have to say... NO WAY JOSE! Look, I know I'm not supposed to do this anymore! I really really really am sorry, but no way! (This isn't because Princesshood is now glued into her future whether she likes it or not. And this isn't about how awkward it could make her eventual coronation either! (Here's the thing... 'Princess' was the super loving nickname that her parents called her, and they used it during the good, precious times she had with both of them! It brought them together as a family! And... you know, isn't the whole point of our adventures how just having one really bad thing connected to something you love isn't supposed to be a reason to throw away that thing you love? Doesn’t that kinda go against the whole lesson Rarity learned? And the lesson Button Mash learned? The lesson everypony’s been trying to teach? (So sorry, nope! As soon as her mommy gets her to love herself again, I'm getting her started on Pinkie Diane's Learn To Love Being A Princess Program! Just try and stop me, mister! Heh, I didn't think I'd have to pull this one out for another year at least! I might have given Rarity back her light, but I'm still Pinkie Pie! I still make ponies smile!) Mama looked a little upset, but she finally nodded. "...Alright, Diamond. If that’s what you want. I know the feeling... that feeling of asking yourself 'How could anyone ever forgive me?'" "I destroyed the world. No one SHOULD forgive me." I didn't shout it, I just stated it as a fact. "And you were insane when you did it." Mama hugged me. I hugged her back without hesitation. "So were you when you... when you..." She smiled and nudged my muzzle with a hoof, shushing me. "Diamond... How about we stop blaming ourselves for what we did, and work towards redeeming ourselves, together?" I shuddered. Everything for mom. Okay. So be it. I was just so, so tired. If mama wanted to walk this road, maybe I'd do the same. "O-Okay mama..." We held that hug until I fell asleep again. = "Awakening Will" - Megaman Zero 2 = Somehow, I wasn't too surprised to find Princess Luna standing in front of my bed when I next woke up. I couldn’t see anypony else, and the castle halls were silent. My bed faced away from the windows, the light outside casting a long shadow behind her. "You're expecting a punishment?" Princess Luna said cooly. I nodded. Luna stamped her hoof on the marble floor. "Then let this be your punishment: There are dozens of universes where you chose RIGHT. In many instances, you merely kept your end of the bargain and got your mother back without helping Discord further. There is even one where you went beyond the Nightmare state, becoming a true Alicorn and saving your mother yourself. You always had a choice, Diamond Tiara. Living with the choice you made is your punishment... Just as living with MY choices is mine and living with THEIR choices is the Changelings’." "Sounds like a slap on the wrist for a favored pony. You think 'feeling sorry' for something means somepony shouldn't be punished?" "Other punishments would serve no purpose here. Your family has suffered enough, and your victims seek no such closure." I looked away, sighing. "I'm sorry,” I said, for all the good it was worth. "And that is also part of living with our bad choices: seeking to atone for them. Go and sin no more." "WHY do purified Nightmares become Alicorns?” I blurted out. “I don't understand. It feels like winning for losing.” Princess Luna spread her wings and struck a pose. "Once you set a hoof down that path, there is no turning back. But more than that, to be an Alicorn REQUIRES having a heart... and no regrets. An Alicorn sees all through crystal clear sanity and is incapable of apathy. Even a Fallen Alicorn cares for creation in some fashion, but they can never regret. When a Nightmare becomes an Alicorn, she knows that she hurt others, that she bears the responsibility. There is no 'if only I had,' only 'I did'. The Alicorn can never hide from the mistakes the Nightmare committed." I sighed. "So it's a curse." The Princess narrowed her eyes. "No, what you DO with it decides if it is a curse or a blessing. Just like a convict in prison can either wallow in suffering and blaming others, or take that time to rethink her actions, to grow and emerge a better person than she was before." Princess Luna trotted over to me. I cringed, but her expression softened, and she sat down on the bed close by, putting a wing around me. I'll admit, after having wings and a horn for so long, I felt... a little incomplete without them, whether I liked it or not. As much as I was horrified at what I'd done and tried to do, I couldn't help but feel pieces of me were missing. Princess Luna leaned close to me, but not in a big scary sort of way. Somehow, like a comfort in the dark, a reassurance, like a full moon. "Let me tell you something, my little pony. I did not say this before, because I knew you would not listen, not until you were cured. "You said you saw the other worlds... but you journeyed among them with DISCORD as your guide. Rota Fortuna NEVER crafts ONLY dark and evil paths for ponies. There are lines of fate where you and Apple Bloom are BEST FRIENDS. Others where you never even met. Still others where she was your right hoof instead of Silver Spoon, and they were ALL open to you BOTH from the day you were born. "If one day you desire redemption? You must accept this simple fact: the falsehood of the words 'fate made me do it' or 'the devil made me do it' or a million other excuses. The truth is, unless you were mind-controlled to do something, your choices were your own. I know this is a bitter pill to swallow, believe me I know that. But in the end, accepting that fact is the ONLY way that one can ever become better than they are now." "I KNOW THAT ALREADY!" I shouted. The whole room shook, and the light from outside turned ominously red. "I saw it all! You think Discord only showed me worlds where I was a bully? He showed me a world where I was the farm filly and Apple Bloom was the spoiled brat BEFORE I became a Nightmare! It didn’t even matter... one of us had to play the role. I saw worlds that your sister is hiding from you. I know everything that happened is my own fault! “I even saw the Heart World. The true world! I know our world is a pale imitation of another! I saw that other me go from little monster to innocent victim in the space of one heart song! It wasn’t her fault at all, suddenly it was always her mom! Somepony to blame! That's what it always comes back to! Even your sister knows this, why else do you think she spread that rot about the 'Nightmare Forces?' Because ponies NEED somepony else to blame if they're ever going to forgive anypony!" I fell back into the bedcovers, panting, and the tension gradually left the room again. "I see,” said Luna. “Consider this, then: There are worlds where your mother was pulled back from the brink and remained herself, while you were reformed or never became the bully you were in the first place, and no one 'took their place'. Whether Discord lied to you, or you deceived yourself, this idea that either you or your mother must be a villain is simply not true.” I... I admit, that one left me speechless. The soothing light that illuminated the room faded to blue. Princess Luna nodded towards the window behind my bed. "There is a world where neither I NOR my sister fell, and today that Equestria's Bearers are myself, Celestia, Cadence, Twilight Sparkle... my sister's student who lost her way, and a sixth mare I can never see clearly, all of us Alicorns. There was never a Nightmare Moon or a Nightmare Daybreaker in that world. The choices that we made averted that fate." "I know how painful that realization is,” Luna continued, seeming... sad. “To realize that things never HAD to be the way they were... to realize that you have nopony to blame but yourself. I don't blame you for not seeing that world. In your state, you would have never looked for it, because you had convinced yourself it was impossible. “To truly heal, you must face a harsh reality: the actions you took would have never achieved the ends you desired. At least, not without such a cost that could never have been worth it. It is the nature of a Nightmare to say 'it will be worth it in the end' and then turn a blind eye to every proof to the contrary, even the two I've seen succeed in the Truth realized they had no place in their 'new world.' And there is only one 'Nightmare' I know of who realized that themselves, and turned back of her own free will." I had a pretty good idea who she must be talking about. "Miss Rarity?" Luna nodded. "Indeed. In one world I spied within the Truth, she became Nightmare Charity, but part of her soul refused and would not complete the transformation. She struggled against the darkness, ultimately piercing it and emerging into the light as an Alicorn without the Elements." The lights outside outside my window sparkled like diamonds. "Know this, little pony: the universe is NOT uncaring. It is not cold. My Mother IS the Empathy of Existence, and she would WEEP to see a pony who feels the universe cares nothing for them. Yes, even for YOU, after everything you and Discord did! She loves you. She CAN'T hate. And our Father CANNOT refuse to forgive a truly repentant soul. He waits for every soul with open hooves, when the time to pass on into Him comes. They ARE Existence, so Existence is INCAPABLE of being uncaring. "I will not blame you for thinking the world is unfair and finite, for it surely is. We've seen truly 'fair' and 'eternal' mortal worlds and they are terrible to behold. Let this be a comfort to you: If no one else in this entire world loves ye, My Parents do and ALWAYS shall." I can't resist the feeling of comfort and peace that gave me, there was no fighting it now. So I just surrendered. Maybe I was sick and tired of my own doom and gloom and wanted to give happiness a try again? I thought of Silver Spoon and mama... goodness knows they want me to. "No one expects you to come to terms with your actions in a single night, nor to adjust to the pain of having a heart again. Hearts are oftentimes troublesome things, sometimes happy and sometimes not. "But know this, you above all Nightmares should be grateful. Your attack was contained and next to no one actually saw you in all your horrific glory, and few indeed remember what you and your adopted relatives did." (Princess Luna's Diary: When we think about it, in spite of being now an Alicorn, Diamond Tiara is still an adopted part of Discord's family, not ours. Discord never disowned her, and the decree of a god is reality. Her true form is that of Nature's Law, but she is technically part of the pantheon of Nature's Fury. Leave it to Discord to leave one last thorny knot of chaos to remember him by.) "Remember these wise words from another universe that My Father has engraved in eternity: forgiveness is never earned, it is given, that's why it is called forgiveness. While you give the apology, it is their decision to give forgiveness in return. Unlike me and Fluttershy, you do not have a COUNTRY to apologize to. But you still have SOME ponies to whom you owe an apology." That was when I woke up for real. Should have seen that coming. The sounds of Canterlot filtered in through the windows, and it was a bright and golden day outside. There was no sign of Sweetie or mom. I didn't have long to dwell on this though, as just I got my wits back together, the door to my room burst open, and four fillies and one colt came tumbling into my room. = We're All In This Together - High School Musical = They raced for the bed like a pack of wolves. My brain went blank at all the smiling faces, dumbfounded by so much love and happiness being directed my way. What could I say after all I'd done to them? All the ways I'd wronged them? And yet here they were anyway, for nopony's sake but mine. The personal visit from the Moon Goddess Herself was less shocking! I got more hugs all at once than at any moment before in my life! "Okay okay, give her a little room to breath." The gray, silver-maned filly gently but firmly nudged the others back a bit. "Silvey?" "Did you really think anything was going to keep me away?" "Alula?" "Sorry you had to give up your wings and horn for a while, Diamond." "I-I think I'm better off without them for a little while. Tootsie?" "It's Liza!" "R-Right, Liza! FEATHERWEIGHT?!" He took a quick photograph, and gave me the picture, bowing. "To remember this by," he whispered. And finally... "N... Neatly... Spell?" "Princess Celestia said you banished the monster who cursed you, Diamonds, and you became a Princess! Yippie!" She hopped and hugged me again... Regardless of the shame I still felt about being called a princess, I can't say that it didn't make me happy to see Neatly Spell being every bit as excitable as always. Maybe it wasn't so bad when she said it. "Princess Celestia said we were the best medicine you could have," Silvey said, still smiling. What? You thought I was talking about the Shield Flanks and Mr. Video Game Junkie? I was too tired to say that I wasn't their friend, that I didn't deserve to be their friend, and from the looks on their faces, none of them would have taken 'no' for an answer anyway. I did everything I possibly could to make Silver abandon me while I was able to rewrite reality. What hope did I have when I could barely move? "Why are you here?" I asked Featherweight. "Looking out for you... as always," he whispered. Funny how the last time we saw each other, I tried to kill him. Ponies are such silly creatures, aren't they? I have no idea how anypony found out about my connection to Neatly Spell, let alone her connection to 'Diamonds.' It’s not like Neatly would ever ‘tattle' on me. I think they only found out after I was already cured. Maybe it traveled along the royal grapevine: 'Rich Pony's Daughter Last Seen In Canterlot Finally Found!' I bet Fancy Pants found out, and it spread from there. I'm just happy that she didn’t get mixed up in the 'final battle' somehow. I'd rather see her keep her innocence, and just be a carefree foal who happens to work on the side as a server, but that's splitting hairs. I never did ask Discord for the details of what I did for her and... and I don't want to know and I’m not going to ask. The Elements of Harmony fixed her up good as new, that’s enough for me. I have no intention of telling her anything about Nightmare Nhilis until we're a lot older. Call me a hypocrite all you want. Neatly has something I didn't have even before Discord twisted me, innocence, and I WON’T spoil her happy world! "It's good to see your crown back where it belongs, Tiara," Silver said with a smile. "Huh?" I reached up. "Oh! Right! Um, thanks for holding onto it?" "My pleasure." I glanced around the guest bedroom, and sure enough, there was a dresser with a mirror. I leaned towards it and saw myself, surrounded by... all these ponies... my friends? Wearing my tiara. After a year of not wearing it, I guess it really did feel good to have that back. I don't think it would get in the way of my horn... I breathed in deep, and looked at them. "Girls, and you too Featherweight... I just want to say, I apologize for all the trouble I caused you. I was a selfish jerk." "Everything worked out for the best,” said Featherweight softly. “No reason to hold onto grudges. I forgive you, Diamond Tiara." He gave me a nuzzle. "Of COURSE I forgive you, Diamond Tiara!" Silver hugged me. "Me too!" Neatly Spell cheered. "Me three!" said Tootsie/Liza. "Me four!" Alula Kicker said. "I never stopped believing you'd come home!" "Hey, Diamonds?" asked Neatly. "Do you think you could be my co-flower filly for Big Sister and Prince Blueblood's wedding?" Oh, right. I'd seen them falling in love while I was helping foil the Changing Invasion, one of the few things I did that I’m actually proud of. Given that I was Nightmare Nhilis at the time, I tried to avoid thinking about it. So yeah, Prince Blueblood isn't a jerk anymore. Wait... Dang it, I'm not supposed to know about that. Think, Diamond! "I... I think I'm going to have to turn that down,” I said. “I'm not sure I feel up to it." "Aww! Well, there’s time! Maybe you'll change your mind!" said Neatly Spell, never losing hope. I knew it was crazy, turning down a chance to make more high-society connections like that, but after everything, I think I’m done with big fancy events for a while. That said... "Silver, why don’t you do it instead?" Silver's eyes went wide. "Me?!" I gave her a tired smile. "You've been a better friend than I have. I owe you one." "Any friend of Diamonds is a friend of mine!” said Neatly. “I'm fine with that! Unless Diamonds changes her mind..." "O-Okay, I'll think about it." On that note, I looked to Neatly. "Congratulations on your sister getting to be a P-P-Princess." I managed to force myself to say the word. She at least earned it. "Thank you! She said Blueblood was a 'fixer-upper,' whatever that means." It means that Blueblood and I are a lot alike. Well, at least that's one pony in Canterlot we can get along with. Too bad big events don't seem to be done with me. "Diamond Tiara? Is it truly you?" said a new voice from the door. "Shiny Star!" Without thinking, I hopped out of bed to greet my my maid... and my legs instantly gave out, pitching me to the carpet. Ow. “Miss Tiara! Let me help you. Oh, the Princess said something like this might happen." A moment later, Shiny Star was helping me into a wheelchair. I didn't complain. "Shiny Star... thank you," I said. Shiny Star startled a little but said with a smirk, "Always a pleasure, Miss Tiara." She had helped me so many times before, visiting mom in the mental hospital, so she knew this side of me. "Your mother says you've already heard the news, that she's cured now." "Yes... yes, I know," I whispered. For all the evil we'd done... that was one thing I owed Discord for. "She's already moved back into the house,” said Shiny Star. “Everypony is waiting for you." I smiled. "Miss Tiara!" Randolph too?! He came in pulling in a flat cart loaded down with a very large stack of gifts that had trouble fitting through the door. "Here are your Hearth Warming Eve presents, your birthday gifts, and a 'Welcome Home!' package from Miss Pie!" I am so asking daddy to give them both a big raise... "Whoa," gasped Alula. Featherweight gaped at the pile of gifts, and took another picture, as if by reflex. "Better late than never," Silver Spoon remarked, craning her neck. "Ooh, can I help you open them?" Liza/Tootsie said with a grin. Shiny Star beamed. "Now we can stop baking that 'Welcome Home Both My Princesses!' cake every few days." I know I'm skipping ahead here, but I think I'll just leave this part out so I can get some rest later. Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis VISITED MY HOUSE as part of my 'welcome home!' party! They also gave me a replacement of the dress I'd taken from their house before. "You liked it so much dear, we're sorry to hear you lost it," Fleur de Lis said. Ponies can be crazy sometimes. They offered to be my godparents, but the position was already taken by the Apples. Hey, it was a family tradition between the Riches and the Apples that dated all the way back to the founding of Ponyville! No, I didn't know that before, or maybe I knew and didn't care... Now I wish I’d taken time to see my actual godparents in another world before... We also had Nurse TLC there for my homecoming party, the mare who fought mom to keep her locked up in the hospital. They’re good friends now, go figure. Anyway, back to what was happening now! "Randolph, I just want to say... thank you for everything, and I'm sorry I never thanked you for anything before." "Oh my! Is your condition worse than we thought miss?" Randolph instantly had a thermometer in my mouth, checking me for a fever. "Shiny Star, are we certain she isn't a changeling?" I rolled my ears, glancing at Silver Spoon. "I'm going to be hearing that a lot aren't I?" "Yep!" I’d bet half of my old allowance that I’m going to be homeschooled for a while. Surrounded by bodyguards. I was going to need the time... It’s funny how I’m a sealed Alicorn, but I’ve never had an Element of Harmony when so many other ponies in Ponyville did in some world or another. I wondered, was that because my heart was just that weak? The closest thing I’ve seen was a world where I held the Element of Cruelty. Heck, once I saw a version of me that became Discord’s Yokai. Maybe Chaos really is more my style? I was gonna need more time to figure this out. I sure as heck was going to be spending a lot of time apologizing to the Crusaders, but you know exactly how that’s going to turn out, the same way you know that apples fall down not up, so there's no need for me to bore you with that now, is there? Heh. +++ = .hack//SIGN - Ending Theme, Yasashii Yoake (instrumental version) = Princess Celestia stood deep in the realm of the collective unconscious - the domain of dreams - the realm of Princess Luna and one of the things that decidedly separated her from Galaxia. "Hello little sister," said Princess Celestia. "Nice of you to visit in person, Celly," echoed a voice on the wind. "Did you actually think I wouldn’t, Lulu?" The realm around them appeared as a moss covered island in a lake being fed by a small waterfall. The lake was surrounded by neon-colored luminous plants and fungi. The full moon hung directly overhead, a larger and more perfect silver-blue moon than had ever existed in the waking world. With constellations in the sky from vantage points across countless galaxies. A giant glowing pink lily arched in the center of the lake, like a bed canopy. But Celestia wasn't paying attention to the beauty that can only exist within dreams themselves. Instead she was focused on the blue mass of shadows and sparkling stardust before her. It MIGHT have been in the shape of a Alicorn mare... but there was a lot missing, like a chalk drawing giving only a vague impression. Sparkles trailing shadows slowly came from every direction, adding themselves to the mass. "No sister... I did not," the mass of sparkles and shadow spoke. "So how long do you think it'll take you to reconstitute your physical form?" The wind gusted, sounding like an impatient sigh. "Celly, I spread myself out across three cities worth of ponies' minds and almost as many timelines... Reforming my physical body will take at least a year." Luna almost felt like she was back to being a cosmic entity. Almost. Celestia frowned, bowing her head. "A year with your company only in my dreams... You will still able to create avatars in the waking world, won't you? I'd rather not give the tabloids any more fuel for the fire. Remember how many thought I'd locked you away in the dungeons when you spent a year out of sight, recovering and learning about the modern world?" "Do you fear to tell them the truth, sister?" "I imagine whatever nonsense they come up with for themselves will be far more believable than the truth, no matter how I spin it. And I imagine some wouldn't be entirely happy to learn part of you dwells in their minds right now... more than it usually does, anyway." "You know very well that I am not truly in any individual pony's mind right now. My spirit is anchored to the vast expanse of the collective unconscious, able to slip around as I normally do... but I suppose most ponies wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Tell me Celly, has your skill with illusion magic improved since I saw it last?" "Please tell me that was a rhetorical question." "I could 'speak' while you puppeteer." "Shouldn't we be free of all this convoluted nonsense? And didn't we already have enough trouble with heretics claiming our physical bodies were illusions?" "Celly, I'm trying to reconstitute my entire physical body molecule by molecule. If I had the power to create a puppet body in the physical world, don't you think I could just inhabit that and be done with it?" "... Perhaps I can make an Avatar for you?" The mass of stars and shadows shuddered. The idea of her consciousness trying to fit into the puppet body made by another goddess, in particular her sister's, did not fill her with confidence. It was not done for a reason, most of them humiliating on the part of the one trying to control an avatar that was not even theirs. Plus, the two of them were opposite concepts. Their essence mixing in such a way could be... unpleasant. "Thank you, Celly, but no." "I just don't like the idea of you being all alone AGAIN, Lulu." "Don't worry creator/mother/goddess... you shall not be alone," whispered the 'breezie' Triangle Crown, camouflaged perfectly with the rest of Luna's realm. Spotting it would have been like trying to notice a drop of water in an ocean. 'This doesn't count as sleeping.' "Understood creator/mother/goddess... Fear not, I shall always be there to remind you of your sins whenever you forget." "I'll manage. I have Olo the imaginary Owlbear in my dream world, and then there's Tiberius." "Who?" "Oh right, with preparing for Discord I forgot to mention. Apple Bloom noticed my pet Windigo kept fading out of existence, and the retcons that reality patched in to allow their continued presence were growing increasingly porous. So instead, they sacrificed themselves during our battle with Discord, and their spirit eventually inhabited the body of a possum I'd found and named." Celestia smiled. "It seems that even with Discord gone, our lives will always be a convoluted web." "True, but it does at least make things interesting." "Love you, Lulu." "Love you too, Celly." +++ = Sanctuary (After Battle Version) - Kingdom Hearts II = “Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight Sparkle wrote with a quill held in her own magic, in the Golden Oaks Library, surrounded on all sides by little mountains of crumpled up paper that Spike was busy recycling. “After trying to sum up our final adventure regarding Discord, and the last year of our lives that feels more like seven, and everything my friends and I have learned... I've come to a conclusion! Life is too complex to condense down to a single letter. We're too complex to be summed up in one report, and what we learn and what we come to understand is too nuanced to be broken down in one easily digestible chunk. I’m not sure a whole book would be enough. “I've seen ponies mock the idea of there being a greater reason for things, while others insist the reason has to always be about them. But at the end of the day, everything we know is just one tiny flash of a much bigger picture. Just because we don't understand it all, doesn't make it nonsense. In fact, it's beautiful. “Speaking of which, I was going to include a collection of photos of everypony who’s been a part our journey this year, and helped us get this far. But Spike counted them up and said that was way too many, and you'd probably have to put the photos away and go back to Day Court business, and that kind of took the magic out of it. “Life is always going to have new challenges, new changes, new dangers, but that's what enables us to keep on growing. I'm not scared of whatever comes next. Unless it's a test I haven’t studied for, but what are the chances of that? “Not everything on this list is in chronological order... and that nearly gave me a stroke, but Pinkie Pie and Rarity insisted that emotional build up was more important here and they're the artistic ones. Some of this you already know, but I included it for completeness sake. “I'm sure you've also heard of the headaches ponies around Ponyville, Canterlot and Cloudsdale had after the battle... everypony’s been talking. At least we can tell them to take an aspirin for it, even if we can’t always explain why. The injuries we can't see take the longest to heal, and even then they'll leave scars, but there's more to life than pain and loss. Pain shared is lessened, joy shared is multiplied. Here we are. Alive. In spite of all the trials and ordeals, here we are, thanks to all the ponies who came before us. Here we are! We’ve made it through the blood, sweat and tears and even made new friends along the way. HERE. WE. ARE. "Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Whew... “Okay! Mail it, Spike!" Spike raised an eyebrow. "You sure this time?" "I'm sure I'm sure!" "Okay then!" And dragon mail away it went. "So what's next?" Twilight hugged Spike. "That's the fun part, isn't it?" ++ "Did you ever have the feeling that you were born just to spite somepony?" Coffee Swirl asked, looking over some dusty notes with odd runes. "SO WHAT?!" Sweet Berry said, hugging him with a smile. "Maybe I was born just for a joke of a pile of cakes falling on somepony who wanted a joke to happen! WHO CARES?! What matters is that you're here! And you've got friends who care about you! And you still make the best coffee in Ponyville, Cotton Candy!" "You know that isn't my name... now." She kissed him. "Ask me if I care." Coffee Swirl... ACTUALLY SMILED, and accepted the moment of happiness. Outside, 'Baby Zipzee' as Sweet Berry insisted on calling Fluttercruel, was having a mini-temper-tantrum at the sight through the window. "Now now dear, she was there first... " said Fluttershy, or 'Zipzee' as Sweet Berry would call her. 'REALLY there first,' Fluttershy thought. Tiddlywink, Ponyville's resident toy shop owner, stepped into Coffee Swirl's shop for a mug of coffee and some of Sweet Berry's little coffee cakes. Fluttershy smiled, watching. 'May you find happiness, my dearest.' +++ On another occasion, Fluttershy sat in her cottage with Cupcake, Zecora, and Cheerilee. Angel was given the daunting task of keeping Fluttercruel occupied as her mother talked with her 'followers.' After a few minutes of savoring the tea, Fluttershy felt bold enough to set aside her teacup and get down to business. "I have no plans of being formally crowned a Princess of Equestria for a long long time, if ever... " Cupcake flapped the new Wings given to her by Princess Luna, which had done nothing to bring her a bad fate, unlike its previous owners. "I don't care. I’m here for you because I made a promise, not because of Nightmare Whisper's mind control magic." "We're here for you Fluttershy, whether you're crowned or not," Cheerilee affirmed. "I'll be your knight whenever you need me." Zecora smiled apologetically. "Princess Gaia, it has been an honor to serve for a future bright, But at least for now, I must resign as your knight." "Oh! I'm happy to hear that you’ve decided that! But, um, what do you mean, for now?" Fluttershy blinked, very confused. "It’s been a pleasure to serve, it is true, But one cannot serve masters two." Zecora pushed a letter to Fluttershy. Fluttershy picked it up with her wings and read it, with growing amazement. "You've been recommended to Shining Armor and Cadence for teaching Kifuko zebra culture?" "If Queen Parabola's legacy does return, Then she does indeed have much to learn." "But Zecora... teaching Kifuko? Are you really um... going to do it?" Fluttershy was still Fluttershy and didn't want to even utter even a single syllable to imply she doubted the alchemist's credentials to teach the finer details of her culture's heritage and court protocols. "There are not many Zebras they know, So the number of options they have are low. "A stranger might only be a bust, They want somepony they trust." "But Zecora... Are you sure? Is this right? We've finally made friends with you after all these years." Zecora smiled. "Do not think our visits will diminish to naught, I go only as far as Canterlot." "But... Shining Armor, I mean... Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence have to travel all over Equestria, and even to other lands. Can't you recommend a Zebra that you trust?" "Sadly, my princess, that puts me in a bind, It has been too long since I last saw my own kind." "Oh..." Cheerilee, being an actual teacher, tapped her chin. "There may be a few other factors to consider." The group looked to her. "For starters, Kifuko is a newborn,” Cheerilee continued. “That may not sound important, but it is. Logically Equestrian would be her first language, as her family is that, which means Zebrafrican would be her second language. Zecora would need to be there to teach it in person... but teaching a pony a second language is not something you can do at that age. Two to three is the best time for that. Teaching her zebra culture will be important too, but that may not require you to move to Canterlot, at least not yet. Perhaps you could start by sending them Zebrafrican toys and games to play with Kifuko, bedtime stories and the like." Zecora gave that some thought and nodded. "That is a valid point I had not considered, my friend, but for this issue it is not the end." Cheerilee nodded. "I know, but I'm also saying that if you're having any second thoughts at present, you don't need to rush off to a choice." +++ If not for the medical restraints, Trixie would have planted her face into a pillow with a groan and a sigh. Princess Celestia herself stood over her... wearing a Nurse's uniform for some reason as she patiently waved the golden glow of her horn over Trixie's own horn. "Not that Trixie is not honored to be graced with the personal attention of Princess Celestia herself... but couldn't Trixie just be healed in a flash by Nurse Red Heart's magic touch?" "Even the Hearts' gift has its limits,” said Princess Celestia patiently. “You performed magic far beyond your limits, magic that surpassed that of any of your ancestors. Be thankful that your horn is intact, and the magic center of your brain wasn’t burned out, or even I wouldn't be able to help you." Trixie's relaxed poise and casual tone was surprisingly nonchalant over this narrowly avoided fate. "It would have made good for a final spell for the One and Only Trixie." Celestia smiled, shaking her head. "Honestly, Luna should be doing this, but she is... indisposed... Now please hold still, Trixie, or I shall tighten the restraints." Trixie fell silent, suddenly thoughtful. "Why Princess Luna? She's better at healing magic than you?" "... No, quite the opposite really. But Luna has... a stronger affinity for your magic." Trixie blinked. She couldn’t turn to look at her cutie mark, but Trixie knew very well what she’d see there if she could. 'Princess... Why does Trixie’s cutie mark have a crescent moon?' 'Oh Trixie,' Luna thought to herself. 'If I had not been banished to the moon, or if we had met earlier in your adult years, or even met personally a year ago, you would have been my faithful student, on your way to succeed me as Twilight grows closer to ascending. Maybe if the invasion of Canterlot had not happened and Discord had struck earlier, that fate would have been ours to share... but it would seem that door is closed to us now. Such is Fate. She never did care much for those who think the doors will remain open forever.' - Applejack flicked her ears, hearing a knock on her door. “Now, who could that be?” She trotted over and opened it up to find Derpy with a box on her back. "Delivery pour you!" Derpy called with a smile. "Thank ya kinda, Derpy!" AJ hauled the box inside, and waved to the mare as she departed. She then blinked at the return address on the fairly large package. "Princess Luna?" she asked, then opened it to find a stack of books. "Huh? Did Ah get a shipment for the library by mistake?” There was note to go with it. 'Greetings Applejack, It is our fond hope that these will help you on the path ye have chosen, as we discussed before. We've included a schedule drafted by our sister, that you may work them into your day at your leisure. For privacy’s sake I shall not go into details, but we shall remind ye that this path will put a divide between those ye love and thyself. Only you can decide if it is worth it. Remember, Twilight Sparkle has studied all her life. While experiences are great teachers, some things can only be learned the hard way. Nopony said this would be easy.' Applejack started reckoning just how many books were in the box, and how thick each volume was, and how many of her daily hours were already committed to farm chores, which she certainly couldn’t slack on. "Well... can't say Ah should be surprised by that..." 'P.S. We've also included an account of our actions and misadventure during Discord's Day of Chaos. Tis yours to read it or not, as is your choice to reveal anything you learn of our actions that day. You have our royal blessing and protection to say all or nothing.' "Well if that don't beat all." - Twilight Sparkle 'Well, it's about time this happened,' Twilight Sparkle thought. "I swear I just saw Vinyl Scratch wearing an artist's hat!" Rainbow declared, looking back and rubbing her eyes. "Don't be silly, darling,” said Rarity. “This is Hoofington. Vinyl Scratch is back in Ponyville... and it's called a 'beret.'" "Ah reckon' that house looks exactly the same as the one in Ponyville!" Applejack swore. "Maybe they had the same architect?" Fluttershy suggested. "Architect nothing,” said Fluttercruel. “Did you see those three fillies who look just like the Crusaders with different colors?!" I wisely decided not to share my theory that Hoofington was a backup Ponyville. Pinkie Pie gasped. "Do you think if we look hard enough, we'll find a bakery run by Upside Down Cake that Surprise works at in the off season?!" "If we see a baby dragon, I say we test for changelings!" Spike remarked. "Well, we're here," I said, looking at the house I'd visited so long ago, it seemed now. This time, it wasn't a house call in the dead of night. It was to visit the family of a friend. “What, that house?” said Spike, pointing. "That’s where Trixie grew up? I don't know if I'm relieved or underwhelmed.” "It is somewhat anticlimactic,” mused Rarity, “but for one like Trixie who seeks to be the center of attention, having such an extremely ordinary home is perhaps to be expected." "And it ain't like any of us grew up in big fancy houses neither," replied Applejack. Except for me, living in the royal palace... but I let that pass and simply knocked on Trixie’s door. The door swung inwards almost at once, revealing a darkened interior. "Come in," spoke an over-the-top dark and foreboding voice that no self-respecting evil overlord would take seriously. Pinkie Pie hopped along. AJ and Rainbow shrugged, then entered boldly, while Rarity followed behind me with Spike. Sealed Alicorn or not, Fluttershy is still Fluttershy, and had to be 'nudged' along inside by her own daughter. = Midsummer Night Sisters Introductions - Pony POV Series OST = The door flew closed behind us, and magical multi-colored spotlights snapped on, half blinding us. They leaped and spun around five Trixies dancing in synch. "Oh my! Are they illusions?" asked Fluttershy. Spike got poked in the belly by one of them. "Hey!" "Enope," said AJ. The middle dancer laughed and bowed with a flourish. "Come now! Surely you remember my sisters!" "Trixie?" I exclaimed. She threw off her cape and hat, pointing towards the leftmost dancer. "Presenting Mixie, the Eldest!" Her cutie mark was a pale moon with the outline of a witch flying against it. And one by one, the mares threw off their purple hats and capes. "Pixie! The Second Eldest!" Her cutie mark was a pan flute. "Nyxie! The Second Youngest!" A blue unicorn with a cutie mark of a book with fairy wings. "Lexy! The Youngest!" Hers was a comedy and tragedy mask. "And introducing," said the middle unicorn, before she vanished in a burst of smoke. "The One and Only... Trixie!" She popped up behind us, fireworks flying and crackling! "The Mid-Summernight sisters!" cried the four, striking a group pose. "You just had to steal the show didn't you, Trix'?" said Lexy, as she opened the window shades. "Would I be Trixie if I didn't?" Trixie beamed. "It's wonderful to see you all! Come along! My brothers Puck and Robin are in the next room, along with our parents." "Hey Trixie...” Spike gave her a claws-up. “Nice trick!" "Thank you, Spike!" "So you really acted like Trixie's 'sister,' huh?" Mixie asked, giving me that look. "The more the merrier, right?" I grinned politely. "Huh, I like you!" Mixie said. "And in case I never said so... thank you for bringing my sister back to us." "You're welcome... but I couldn't have done it unless Trixie herself wanted to come back." Mixie smiled. "Thank you for unlocking the door for her then." "It was my pleasure." "I apologize in advance if I mistake you for each other... I'm probably going to," said Rainbow Dash. “Just saying!” "It's part of the game for us," Lexy said with a smirk. "Heh! Well, the Dash doesn't lose!" "We'll just see about that." I'll leave it to your imagination how that competition went... but I'll say Rainbow is a lot more perceptive than she gives herself credit for. +++ The middle-aged white stallion swept his hoof dramatically, then stroked his moustache. "And that's the story of how I stopped feeling sorry for myself and I became a teacher and a coach, after the doctors told me I could never play hoofball again!" said Rarity's father. "You told it very well dear," said Rarity's mother, putting a foreleg around him. "And that's how Rarity got her birth name." (Interviewer's Notes (Unicorn): Thank you, dears. It was an honor to interview the ponies who raised such a generous and selfless daughter. You should know, during her latest epic battle, Rarity asked us to remind you that she's always loved you.) "Never had any doubt," her father said. "Why do you think we trusted her with Sweetie Belle so much?" +++ Rarity II On this particular subject, my memories are crystal clear. Rarity didn't want anypony who didn't know already about her unmaking and my creation. She didn't want to make my new life any more complicated than it needed to be. It was my responsibility to honor my own request, and the fewer who know a secret the better. Unfortunately, Diamond Tiara herself knows, and she will have to live with that guilt, but at least she will not also suffer the blame and accusations of others. I wasn't afraid of some villain using this secret against us. Surely, only the most contrived and poorly written villain could easily discover a heroine’s secret so obscure that there is no physical evidence of it ever happening. Not a single Shadow Spade novel resorted to such contrivances! For the record, I have no memories from whatever former incarnation Pinkie Pie provided, along with cutting a 'spare' out of herself, and I think it’s best I don't. Life is complicated enough. For all I know, I hold the soul of a Rarity who pushed Sweetie Belle out of the way of a wild lightning bolt. Since I have no recollection of my actual former life, I honestly don't know if I'm lying if I say 'I did this with you in the past,' so there is no deception. Nothing for Applejack lie-detecting talent to notice. (Rarity II’s Additional Notes: I hold that she made a wise choice with what she knew at the time, to refrain from using it constantly before the wedding, lest she begin accusing ponies who had cheated on their diets of being spies. None of us could have predicted the changelings. I also hold that parentheses are a vital part of writing and should be respected as such!) Applejack has faced loss in her life, and doesn't believe in hiding from that loss. I know what her answer would be on the subject. Indeed, I'd be a poor friend if I didn't. Dragging her to the spa one day, I said, "Applejack, I know that you had 'spares' of your father's hat before we fought Nightmare Whisper." Applejack coughed, glancing away. "Eyup... Ah never go anyplace without a hat, so folks just assumed Ah loved hats, and they kept giving me more for my birthdays. Ah had to mark Pa's just to tell it apart from all the others." "But when you finally lost that precious keepsake, I couldn’t help but notice you chose the hat I made over all the others.” I smiled warmly. “I know my own work, and I’ve never seen you wearing any other, since I gave it to you. Why mine?" "Because it was from you, Rarity. Yer a friend. Ah want ya to know, Ah appreciate it. It might not be Pa's hat, but it's still a hat from somepony dear, and that makes it precious all the same." "Thank you, Applejack." "Yer welcome!" And now I had another important meeting to keep! +++ "It's been far too long since we've done this, darling," Rarity said, as she and Fluttershy relaxed, enjoying their 'weekly' spa-date for the first time in months. Fluttercruel was busy being given the foals' treatment, so the friends could have some alone time. The Spa Sisters had retroactively had plenty of time to get used to caring for a Demi-Draconequus avatar by now, even if ponies had been less than comfortable around her at first. "I'm sorry I haven't been able to make it the past few weeks, Rarity. I'm just so sorry." "Please think nothing of it, Fluttershy! I haven't exactly been able to make time like I should have either. Saving the world can do that to a mare. I’ve had to write letters to over a dozen ponies, apologizing for late commissions." Rarity looked around at everything in the spa... the paintings, the patterns in the wood, the plants, the imaginary forms in the steam, her... hooves beginning to prune? Oh right... Maybe she and Sweetie were part seapony after all. Could Alicorns breathe underwater? She wasn't too keen on requesting a test on that subject. Fluttershy was giving her a concerned look. "Rarity, since the final battle... um, sometimes you act like normal things for us are first time experiences. Is there... anything else that’s still bothering you?" "Well, thank you for not accusing me of being a changeling, dear." "Oh, of course you aren’t. A changeling wouldn't get your personality so right, and then act so excited over tiny little things." Rarity blushed. "I suppose that after a near-death experience on a level nopony else to my knowledge has had, all the world can look new. One learns to appreciate all the things one took for granted before." Fluttershy smiled. "The world is a beautiful place, isn't it?" I floated as best I could in the hot tube and looked at the ceiling. "A wise pony said, 'Nothing is so ugly in this world that the proper application of light can't make it beautiful.'" "I think Princess Celestia likes that saying too." "For a mare of my profession, it bears repeating." +++ = Gundam Wing - Just Communicate = After having her horn fully healed and getting the all clear from her doctor, Trixie had a promise to keep. "Welcome to our park, Abra-ca-dabra!" said the mare who greeted her at the front entrance. She had an orange coat with a purple, orange, and yellow mane, and a sleeping cat in front of a crescent moon Cutie Mark. “I’m Pumpkin Tart!” Trixie couldn’t help but think that the mare felt strangely familiar. "Huh?" "Oh! Just a park thing!" replied Pinkie Pie, casually springing out from behind a lamppost. "We give some ponies a name you use in the park! It's like roleplaying!" Trixie blinked... but her family DID love roleplaying. "Very well, then!" she said, before Pumpkin Tart introduced her to two other ponies named Fun Fairy and Lovely Ladybug, who likewise felt strangely familiar. "Hey, mind coming back for Nightmare Night?" asked Pumpkin Tart. "The three of us are gonna be in charge of it, and you seem like somepony who'd be all about that." Trixie had the oddest feeling she was being invited to a reunion that she’d missed the original meetup for. Regardless, she smiled. "Hmm... I’ll have to check my calendar, but it does sound up Trixi... Abra-ca-dabra's alley!" Trixie didn't notice Lovestruck and her husband (or Always and Forever and Yours Truly according to their name tags) having a similar discussion with a group of primarily pink and white ponies about Hearts and Hooves Day. Or for that matter, a collection of Hearth's Warming themed ponies discussing their plans for that particular day but calling it 'Christmas', whatever that was. "Okay, we are totally bringing Diamond Tiara here," said Silver Spoon of all ponies. She was mostly here so Diamond's parents could have some alone time with her. "Really?" asked Sweetie Belle. Her Dream Park name tag said ‘Star Song Melody,' and she was waiting in line for the Ferris Wheel with the rest of her friends. "Like, I didn't start having fun again until you dragged me to the Gaia Festival,” said Silver, dead serious. “Diamond needs a lot of things right now, but that can wait. What she really needs is to be a kid again." "We all kinda need that after this whole mess," Scootaloo replied. Her name tag said 'Honolulu.' "Ain't that the truth!" Apple Bloom replied, wearing a 'Toola Roola' name tag. Button Mash smirked, holding the stuffed bear that he’d won for Sweetie Belle as they got on board the Ferris Wheel. “Well, I’m not sure, since some fillies didn’t invite me to the active party for a certain adventure the other day...” Sweetie giggled, nosing him apologetically. "It was over your level cap." “Then you have to bring me along next time, right?” said Button eagerly. “So I don’t fall too far behind!” “Button! I don’t even want there to be a next time!” Scootaloo grinned, lowering the visor on her Dream Park hoofball cap. “Not until we’re older, anyway!” "Come one, come all!” Trixie announced, setting off fireworks in the center of the park. The Crusaders oohed and ahhed. “Gather around and witness the One and Only... Abra-ca-dabra, as she brings you amazement and wonder!" Pinkie Diane watched all this from the side with a smile that was bittersweet, especially for her. Yes, more of her friends had been returned, yes this park was a memorial... but it wasn't their world. Their history was gone, and this was as close as she could get to having it back... and she'd already gone through this enough to accept she could settle for it... but settling for something didn't mean you couldn't pay tribute to it too. "Ready girls?" she asked a group of ponies all wearing ladybug costumes. "Ready!" they called, preparing to go on after Trixie. 'Who said a tribute had to be sad?' Pinkie Diane thought. It was why one of the houses set up here was designated as 'Minty's house,' painted the greenest green that had ever greened, and gifted visitors complimentary socks. "Hey Pinkie, where'd Fizzypop end up?" Fiesta Flare asked. "I dunno, but she’s not here." - "Here's your delivery, lady.” The exceptionally grouchy griffon strapped on a pair of smoked-glass goggles, and rudely thrust another pair at his client before opening the sealed shipping container for her inspection. “Sheesh, what does this Storm King character need all those cockatrices for?" "You're not paid to ask questions," hissed Tempest Shadow, her broken horn sparking. The delivery-griffon cringed, feathers and fur fluffing. "Yes ma'am!" With her failure to capture the Merpony King Leo's old pearly gift to Hippogriff Queen Novo, and remove any chance the queen had to 'visit' him anytime she wanted, she now needed to go after a more difficult target, one that would take long term preparations, not sudden and swift conquest. At least the Storm King had been understanding of her failure. The furious Queen Novo had trapped her in a watery prison when she’d seized the pearl back again. If her yeti soldiers had been a little slower, the hippogriff Queen's golden crown and water drop cutie mark might have been the last thing Tempest saw above the waves. - "Rumble?” asked Thunderlane. “Hey bro, what are you reading?" "Just some book I found," said the young pegasus, showing him the front cover of 'Equality Manifesto.' Pinkie Diane After everything that happened, I realized I really needed to start writing some letters to my family still on the rock farm, not just my foster family in Ponyville and my sisters in Canterlot. Before... well, before we broke off from the Heart World completely, I didn't think about how the three of us, me and my sisters, had no interest in continuing the rock farm when our parents kicked the bucket (which might have had to do with me only combining back with Pinkamena not so long ago). What had been in the family since forever would all be on Maud Pie's shoulders alone. But then, Nightmare Nhilis' evil plan happened, Apple Bloom turned a whole buncha stuff around, and all of a sudden Maud Pie was our oldest sister all along! Then came my other sisters Inky and Blinky, (you know, Octy and Photo!), and the triplets after that: Limestone, me, and Marble (we came out in that order). Talk about one big happy family! So now mom and dad are super happy that our family's legacy will continue! I think it’s great having two twin sisters, even if Limestone is angry a lot and Marble is even shier than Fluttershy! Huh, it’s almost like my split personalities got born as separate ponies. You don’t think... nah! Of course, there was one big, and I mean really, really big thing that I couldn’t explain in a letter, and I wanted the whole family there for me to tell them all at once. Dragging Octy and Photo back to the rock farm sure wasn't easy! Maud Pie had to give some 'big sister nudging' to get them to come... you know, like physically delivering them to the house. Yada yada yada, you know the drill by now. Half my sisters acted like they were meeting the other half for the first time, even though we definitely absolutely positively all grew up together. I was the only one who knew why, and I wasn't about to spoil that cause everypony ... well, it was nice to have the family together. But I could tell Photo thought I could have just sent her a postcard. Hehe, didn't stop her from taking some nice pictures though! We had an old family favorite, rock soup and rock pie! Maud, Limestone and Marble aren't faking it when they say they love it. Yeah I know, when I described the rock farm to the Crusaders, I might have made it sound a little like the worst place in Equestria that I just couldn't get away from fast enough. Maybe a little filly sees things a little differently? I did kinda bottle up my feelings until they became a separate personality, four separate alternate personalities actually. Good thing I'm all better now! So after dessert I said, "Oh by the way everypony, the reason I wanted you all here is to tell you I'm pregnant with Discord!" Mom and dad didn't ask if I was joking, they got out the exorcism rocks right away. They’re soaked in stuff that ghosts hate, salt! Or maybe it was root beer, I forget. Hmm, I wonder if this is what Fluttershy felt like when ponies kept being scared of Fluttercruel or Bon Bon when the same thing happened to Moth... Huh? What!? Don’t be silly, using the exorcism rocks doesn’t mean hitting me with them! Why would you even think that? Buuuut... I wasn’t excused from the table until I explain the whole adventure and how I wound up that way to my family... with a few teensy-weensy bits snipped out of course, so Diamond Tiara doesn't have Ex-Nightmare troubles. Maud looked the same as ever, but I could tell from the tiny flick of her ear and that little twitch of her cheek that she was intensely intrigued with my story from start to finish. Marble Pie looked dizzy, while Octy stared at me with saucer eyes. She'd seen the crazy stuff in the sky, but not all the details. Limestone just kept her eyes narrowed while Blinky hid her feelings behind her glasses. Mom and dad looked at me with their jaws hanging lower and lower, and their eyes getting bigger and bigger. "And then we all had a group hug and laid on the grass, the end!" And the first thing dad said was, "So... you haven't met your Special Somepony foretold by the Pairing Stone after all?" "Sorry dad, not yet. According to Princess Celestia, that’s how this kinda thing goes: hers, Luna's, and Discord's original moms were all single when they were born too. Cadence was the first one who had two parents!" Mom gave me the 'I want grandfoals!' look. "You will bring him here for the traditional family blessings right?" "Like, duh!" Here's hoping Baby Dissy doesn't turn all the rocks into cheese or secretly change Holder's Boulder into a dragon egg, heh! Then Limestone could be a mom too! Am I worried my Pairing Stone Special Somepony will think I'm taken because of Baby Discord? ... If he's as crazy as I was when I was paired, then if anypony understands, it'll be him!