//------------------------------// // Act 5 Chapter 3 // Story: Collision Code // by SSJRandomMaster //------------------------------// Act V: Collision End Chapter 3: The Winding Road Ahead --------------------------------------------------- The reconstruction of Canterlot was finally coming to a close. Many had voiced their complaints, and others demanded compensation. All, however, were grateful for not having to experience what had happened firsthand. Eventually, everything went back to normal, and everypony moved on with their lives.   “How are the last of the repairs coming?” Luna asked her sister, a stack of paperwork on her desk covering the very topic. A repair of this size wasn’t a simple task; fortunately, Celestia had a large amount of experience with it by now.   “Most of the more serious damage has already been repaired. The minor touch-ups are coming along smoothly. If we can keep this pace, we could have everything fixed come the end of the week.”   Luna looked out the window, the sounds of construction still filling the air. It was hard to believe that just two months ago, the city was the site of a war.   “Soon, the only remnants of the battle will be our memories…”   “And the millennia-old civilization taking refuge in our old castle,” Celestia joined Luna at the window, the last of her paperwork complete. Luna’s heart bled out for the astral ponies; she knew full well what it was like to be a prisoner for a time. But even her time was a small fraction of what they spent in that little dimension.   “It will take some time, but I’m sure they will grow accustomed to this era. Soon, they’ll be able to forget the past and form new memories, happy memories,” Celestia looked over to her sister and placed a reassuring palm on her shoulder.   “I’m sure the same goes for everyone else as well. That includes the two who fought to make this happen,” Quickly, Celestia gasped inwardly. Something she’d forgotten to mention before rapidly returned to her mind, “Which reminds me…”   Luna watched as Celestia returned to her desk, rummaging through the stacks of paper. Eventually, though, she found what she was looking for, a scroll that was different from the others.   “Due to all the reconstruction, there was something I was putting off. But now that the rebuilding is complete, I can finally make the commission,” Celestia undid the seal around the scroll and unrolled it. Luna looked at what was on the parchment, a small smile spread across her face.   “Do you think they’ll like it?” Celestia wondered. Luna took the scroll with her own hands and gave it one more look over.   “I’m sure they’ll love it.” --------------------------------------------------- Discord was someone who was perfectly content to go with the flow…his own flow, that is. He did what he wanted, when he wanted, never once thinking it through to the end. Even after he was set free from his stone prison for the second time, even after he’d made his first real friend, Discord couldn’t say he’d changed too much on the inside. But that changed throughout the course of Norma’s attacks. As Discord saw chaos spread from another source, as he saw the twisted mind of another crazed villain unfold, Discord couldn’t help but reflect on what could have been.   That is, if things had been different, would he have eventually caused something like that to happen? In truth, Norma did it all for one purpose: to amuse herself. And Discord was no stranger to doing what he could to entertain himself. But as he peered into the past of the prisoners, as he watched the dread and horror build in those affected by Norma’s game, he came to realize something. That even in his wildest imaginations, Discord had never gone to the places some of those individuals had touched time and again.   In time, Discord learned that even he, the spirit of chaos and disharmony himself, had to draw a line somewhere in the sand. And when he discovered that line, Discord found it was moving further and further away from where it was originally placed. At heart, he would always be a prankster, and he was sure somewhere he’d have a friend who would be willing to share in his fun. But just what he could consider fun had to change, especially after what he experienced.   It was the first time he’d ever done something like this, the first time he’d made a stand against another for the right reasons. When he finally managed to stand face-to-face with Norma, when the opportunity to end the game before the war began showed itself… he couldn’t deny what he felt in that moment, a feeling of pride that differed from what he felt in the past. It was the feeling of knowing he could have made a difference. Sadly, it didn’t come to pass, and he was defeated before he could stop her.   And yet, no one held it against him. No one expressed any disappointment for what he couldn’t do. Instead, they showed him praise, gratitude for what he had tried to do and for the good intent in his actions. But even so, Discord didn’t feel satisfied. Now that everything had finally blown over, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he could do more. So after careful consideration, taking into account what he could do, he came to a very understandable conclusion.   Discord got a job.   “Time to start my shift,” Discord said, donning a blue uniform and cap. With glee in his heart to start a new day, Discord strolled right up to the front door of his new job… guarding the Gates of Tartarus. Sure, the gates did already have Cerberus, but even he couldn’t keep them all under control if multiple breakouts happened at once—as the recent incident proved. Plus, Cerberus really seemed to enjoy having someone else around who wasn’t shouting death threats.   Many of the guards seemed to have quieted down since finding out of Discord’s involvement in keeping the prisoners in line. With someone able to warp the fabric of reality itself with no more than a simple snap of the fingers holding the keys, hope for another escape seemed all but gone. But that didn’t stop some from trying.   “Well, now, isn’t this a sight?”   While making his rounds, Discord heard a voice call out to him. Curiously, Discord turned, seeing a shriveled prisoner wearing a cloak. Discord searched his memories—ah, yes, this was Tirek, a centaur capable of consuming another’s magic. His folder was a colorful one, if Discord remembered correctly.   “To believe someone like you, someone who stood high above everyone else, was reduced to this…”   Discord looked at Tirek, then looked down, a sigh escaping his lips. “It’s the color, isn’t it?” He motioned to the suit he was wearing, “I knew I should have asked Rarity, but now, I thought I could figure it out myself. Honestly, I’ve tried like a dozen colors and none just seem to pop like I’d—“   “Your sense of fashion is not what I speak of!” Tirek yelled, his face popped out of the cloak, red with anger, “I speak of how you were turned to a loyal dog!” Discord looked back at Tirek, this time with an arched brow, “They’ve already thrown you in here with the rest of us, telling you to keep watch. How long until you come down here one day, only to find the door locked behind your back?”   At this, Discord took a few steps closer.   “You’re only here because you’re useful to them, but how long will that last? How long until they finally see you as too much of a threat to allow to roam free?” Discord placed a hand on Tirek’s call, a smile spreading across his face, “We could rule this nation together. No one can stop the two of us. All you have to do is set us free, set us all free, and watch the chaos unfold…”   Now Discord was the one to begin a wicked grin. His hand slowly moved as he pressed his fingers against one another. Tirek could already see his freedom within range. All Discord had to do was snap his fingers and—   “No thanks,” Discord’s fingers did indeed snap, but rather than the locks coming undone, a small pop rang out followed by pieces of confetti raining down on Tirek’s face. Tirek stood there, completely confused, Discord trying to hold in a chuckle from having faked out Tirek.   “Sorry to say, but that little portion of my life is over now. And to clarify, my current position, I haven’t actually told anyone about it yet. A little something to share during afternoon tea with friends.”   At this, Tirek began to shout. Discord casually walked away from the cell, listening to Tirek’s rantings come from within the cell.   Corey was right… that does feel good! As he thought this, Discord finally paid even the slightest inkling of attention to what Tirek was saying, and conjured a pair of earmuffs to slip over his head.   “You can’t say those things in public, Tirek,” Discord scolded, continuing to walk away from his cell. ------------------------------------ It was evening by the time Corey finally made his way back to the place he’d been calling home ever since he came to Equestria. The tree still looked as warm and inviting as ever, and he felt deep down that wouldn’t change no matter what. Today’s visits went over well, and Corey no longer had much to take care of regarding the incident. The Tartarus-related crisis, as far as he was concerned, was now officially a thing of the past.   Corey walked up to the front door of the library and paused for a few moments. Well, there was one other thing that was vaguely related to the crisis he had yet to resolve, but it was something he had no idea how to do. It grew on him before he even realized it was there, and indeed, even he had acted on it a few times with and without thinking. Mainly without, though.   Corey took in a long breath and stepped through the door. No one was around, from the looks of it.   “Twilight, I’m back!” Corey called out, listening for her response as he stepped through the front door, closing it behind him.   “Oh, Corey,” Twilight said, her voice distant, echoing throughout the library as she greeted him, “I’m just taking some time reorganizing some things! Would you care to join me?”   “Yeah, I guess,” Corey shrugged slightly, moving towards where he could already feel her presence was. Like the others, her presence was warm, just as he’d remembered it being, “Just which room is it?”   “The one where you used to study a lot,” Twilight confirmed. Corey shook his head. Even now that things were peaceful he was still meeting her in that room. As he drew closer, he could hear the low hum of magic being used, one that he could afford to pay attention to due to the lack of violence associated with it.   The door to the room was open, and sure enough, there Twilight was, her horn aglow as she moved books towards the front of the shelves, double-checking the alphabetical order of the author, then the title. As Corey stepped through, he couldn’t help but look around, feeling someone was missing.   “Hm, doesn’t Spike usually help you out with this?” Corey asked, looking around a bit more.   “Normally, yes,” Twilight said, “But with all that’s happened, he’s missed out on so many comic issues that I just wouldn’t feel right having him do this today.”   As Corey’s gaze returned to the books, he slowly realized the glowing was dying down, the last of the books returning to what he assumed was their rightful places on the shelves. He took a few more steps into the room.   “Is that it?” Corey asked.   “No,” Twilight shook her head. This time, though, she didn’t turn her head to face him, which Corey found only a little odd, “There’s a bit more to it than that. When you left today, you said you needed to talk to some people…”   Only after the last of the books was released from her grip did Twilight turn on her heel, facing Corey directly.   “That was fine with me, but I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while as well,” Twilight said, “This room just seemed like the most appropriate place for it.”   Corey took in a deep breath, letting the memories of his first days in this room wash over him. From when Twilight tried to overstuff his head in hopes he’d learn magic that way, to the time he’d spent trying to sort himself out following the incident in the Crystal Empire… all of it, was coming back to him. She did raise a perfectly valid point.   On the other hand… Twilight wanted to talk to him. Corey couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. She took in a long breath, the two beginning to walk towards each other now. Once they were within a few steps of each other, they stopped.   “How did John take the news, Corey?” Twilight asked.   “Better than I thought, really,” Corey said, “There’s really nothing else we can do but move on.”   “So… I guess with the visits you’ve made today, you’re not too worried about what your decision means, anymore?” Twilight asked.   “Mostly,” Corey said, “There are a few things I have left to do…”   “Yes,” Twilight said, “You certainly have a lot to think about…”   There was an awkward pause between them, broken when Twilight lurched forward and pulled Corey into a hug, eliciting a surprised grunt from the latter.   “T-Twilight…?” Corey asked.   “It couldn’t have been easy for you,” Twilight said, “To do what you did. Knowingly destroying the only way you had back home, for the sake of others. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, and you... you…”   “It was the better choice…” Corey said, finally raising his arms around her, “If I had chosen to take the orb and use it to get home, I’d have been killing those Norma trapped long ago.”   “I know, I know…” Twilight said, collecting herself, “It’s just… now, you really do have to rebuild.”   “I know,” Corey said, and at this point, Twilight released her grip on him, looking him in the eyes.   “Do you know what you’re going to do?” Twilight asked, “Even your… your talent isn’t… here, you know…”   Corey closed his eyes. “I know. There aren’t any computers here unless Pinkie winds up accidentally inventing one.”   “You think she could?” asked Twilight.   “She created some other things I’ve seen back home,” Corey said, “Maybe she could wind up making one of them one day, but I don’t think I can wait that long.”   “So then… what do you plan to do with your life now that you’re here for good?” asked Twilight, “If not what you were… learning to do back in your world?”   Corey gave a long, weary sigh at this. Here she was, once again asking a question he didn’t have the answer to. That just seemed to be the way things went for him for a while.   “You don’t know, do you…” Twilight said, sounding sad.   “I don’t,” Corey said, giving only the slightest smile, “But I think I’ll figure something out. I’ll be honest. With everything that was happening, ‘and then what’ was the last thing on my mind. I was just fighting for a chance of having to ask myself that question, I guess.”   Twilight shook her head slowly at this. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by that.”   “But at the same time, over the course of the last few months, I’ve changed. I’ve changed more than I ever thought possible. I wish it didn’t have to be under the circumstances that they were—fighting for my life against the likes of those that I personally never want to have to fight against again,” Corey stepped forward, he and Twilight merely inches apart now, “Twilight, for the first time in a while, I finally feel like… like an adult. I finally feel like I can be proud of myself.”   Twilight gave a small smile at this, remembering what John told her all that time ago. She couldn’t help but wonder if Corey even realized—   “I guess I should be thanking you for that, too,” Corey said, “In some way that I can’t put into words… you helped me along that path.”   As soon as the words finished leaving his mouth, Twilight felt her face light up. Both hands went to her very hot-feeling cheeks, and she immediately turned away in embarrassment.   “I-it wasn’t just me, you know…!” she stuttered, “Y-you were with the one who taught me for a while, remember…!”   “I guess that’s true,” Corey said. At first, his face remained normal, but as he continued, he could feel his own face warm up, “But meeting you was the first step. You met me with nothing but kindness, even in situations where I felt I didn’t deserve it. I felt like I wanted to repay that kindness… no matter what.”   “S-so… what about now…” Twilight said, looking into his eyes, “Do you feel like… like you’ve paid me back?”   “No, I don’t,” Corey said, “I still need to find a new direction in life, one that makes use of what I’ve learned about myself here.”   Twilight smiled. Still blushing, she put her hands down on his shoulders. Corey looked back at her, blushing the whole way.   “I’m not going to let you out of my sight until you do…” Twilight smiled, “And as long as you need me, I’m right here. You remember that, right?”   “Of course I do,” Corey said, “You couldn’t have made it any clearer to me than you already have.”   The two remained like this for a while, before Twilight spoke up again.   “If you stay at my side, if you stay with me, you realize you’ll probably need to keep fighting, right? Whether or not the fight really needs to involve physical violence?” Twilight asked, “Is that something you’re ready for?”   “As far as I’m concerned, Twilight,” Corey said, “As long as you’re at my side, I’m just about ready for anything.”   Twilight’s eyes half-closed, and she leaned in. “That’s all I needed to hear before I went through with this.”   With hearts beating fast, faces redder than blood itself, and hardly any inhibitions between them, Corey and Twilight met lips. This time, it lasted quite a while. Neither one moved for a while, not wanting to spoil the moment. They broke apart, staring into each other’s eyes for a long while.   “So… do you want to keep staying here?” Twilight asked.   “I think I will,” Corey said, “And besides…”   His gaze went past her, to the various books on the shelves. “I may have a few ideas as to how I can move forward in this world…”