In the wide, open field outside of Canterlot, Dawna, Sunset Shimmer, and Scimitar (still recovering from Masque's tackle) were finishing their story to the Power Ponies and Mighty Machines.
"...And after that, we made it our mission to follow Tartus, figure out his plan and motive, and stop him before it's too late." Dawna explained.
"So... if I'm getting this right..." Dusk said looking at Sunset Shimmer, "That emo guy's your boyfriend?"
"What?" Scimitar asked.
"That's all you took from that story?" Sunset Shimmer asked. "Not that Dawna's the daughter of a world-traveling chief or that Tartus tricked my friend into building the same device that stole the energy from your age-old artifacts?"
"Sorry." the Masked Matterhorn said. "This is all so... Hard to take in. If I'm adding this up right, Tartus has been going through several worlds looking for anything that can get him access to the Relics of Creation. Now, I think I heard him say he was going after Korra."
"Who's Korra?" Sunset Shimmer asked.
"A very powerful human in another world." Dawna explained. "It takes a while to explain the full story, but long story short, she once had a team-up with the Power Ponies, Mighty Machines, and the Twilight Sparkle you know."
"Now, my so-called father is going after her." Scimitar said.
"If you've been investigating him," the Shadow Blot said, "What do you know about him?"
"Other than what I already know, very little." Scimitar said. "We don't know where he came from or what his motivation is. Long before I was born, Tartus has been travelling in secret from one world to another gathering various things and forging alliances. But every time he left, he either stole something, betrayed his allies, or both. He's no friend for any hero or villain."
"Well, he's not travelling in secret anymore." Anar D said. "That guy stuck around to gloat."
"If he's getting confidant," Dawna said, "Then he might be nearing his endgame."
"He said he needed the last Relic of Creation," the Masked Matterhorn said, "Which, as Midan explained, is called the Uniscope. He also said that he was going after Korra."
"Well, the answer is simple." Rodan said. "We go back to Republic City and warn Korra about Tartus."
"Korra's not in Republic City right now, remember?" Dusk asked. "She went exploring the Multiverse with the rest of her friends."
"Then we get Twilight." Sunset said. "Not you, the Twilight that I know. I mean... the one that..."
"I think you mean the one that helped us in Republic City?" Devastator asked. "Why?"
"She found Korra first last time." Dawna said. "She found her and met up with her, which lead to their adventure in Korra's world. It could be our only chance... but there's one problem. As powerful as my world-traveling powers are, I can't help so many people through. If we go to the other Equestria and pick up the other ponies there, it'll be a strain for the rest of us. Which means..."
"Some of us have to stay behind." Radiance inferred.
"Well, I think it's pretty obvious." Anar D said. "Matterhorn and Shadow should go without the rest of us."
"What?" everyone asked.
"D, you're nuts." Rodan said. "You actually think they should go alone?"
"First of all, I'm not going." Anar D explained. "The last time I went to Republic City, I ended up blowing up! Secondly, I only think it's appropriate for them to go. I mean, Midan did trust them. That makes him their responsibility."
"D, there's no way..." Mistress Marevelous said.
"No." the Masked Matterhorn interrupted. "He's right. It's got to be just me and Ricky."
"That's this world's Ricky?" Sunset Shimmer asked quietly. "That's not what I expected."
"I agree." the Shadow Blot said. "It's not often that I think about agreeing with Anar D, but I agree."
"Really?" Hum Drum asked. "But... what if something happens?"
"Don't worry." the Masked Matterhorn reassured. "We'll be back. Until then... Hum Drum, you're in charge."
"Me?" Hum Drum asked.
"The same goes for you, Devastator." the Shadow Blot told his friend.
"Which Devastator?" the big wirewolf asked looking around. "Is there another Devastator? I know you're not talking to me."
"Hum Drum, you've come so far these past three years." the Masked Matterhorn explained. "Back then, you were just a baby dragon with nothing to lose. But you brought the six of us together when we were separated. you overpowered Arcanus' will. An alternate you even fought in an army of freedom fighters. I know you have the makings of a great hero and a good leader."
"And Devastator," the Shadow Blot said, "You're the most deserving wirewolf I know. You're loyal, you know what's right, and you never give up. You're the guy I trust to lead the Machines."
Hum Drum and Devastator looked and exchanged looked with each other. They both sighed.
"All right." Hum Drum accepted. "I'll keep Maretropolis safe until you return."
"As will I." Devastator promised.
"Great." the Masked Matterhorn said. "I'm glad to count on you all."
"Do me a favor, will you, guys?" the Shadow Blot asked. "Tell Celestia... Tell her I'll be back before she knows it."
"Will do, buddy." Timberwolf said.
The ponies, the wirewolves, and the draconequus gathered around for one last group hug.
"While you're there, could you bring me back a souvenir?" Anar D asked. "Like a snowglobe or a bobblehead or..."
"This isn't a vacation, D." the Shadow Blot said rolling his eyes.
"Great, now you ruined this farewell moment." Masque said.
"Hope everything turns out all right." Hum Drum said.
"Well, if it's not entirely right," the Masked Matterhorn said, "Just remember...
"When you're lost in the dark"
"When you can't see the light" Radiance sang.
"And you believe" Mistress Marevelous sang,
"You must grieve
And forfeit the fight"
"You still have the strength to stand up" Saddle Rager sang.
"Because you're cool and tough enough" Zapp sang.
"And it takes a lot more to faze" Filli-Second sang.
"'Cause there is still hope" the Power Ponies sang,
"Aaaaalwaaaaaaayyyyys"
"When you're trapped in your life" the Shadow Blot sang.
"Because you cannot speak," Dusk sang.
"Remember this fact" Rodan sang,
"Don't react
By acting weak"
"Don't ever let your fears hold you" Devastator sang.
"If so, everyone will scold you" Timberwolf sang.
"So stand up and sing your praise" Masque sang.
"'Cause there is still hope" the Mighty Machines sang,
"Aaaaalwaaaaaaayyyyys"
"I really thought I was through" Anar D sang,
"Six feet under is quite a fall"
"Well, from our point of view" the Masked Matterhorn sang.
"YOU'RE BACK STANDING TEN FEET TAAAAAAAAAALL" everyone sang,
"WHEN YOU ARE BEING HELD BACK
JUST BECAUSE YOU LOST YOUR NERVE
JUST BE A HERO
AND GO
'TO PROTECT AND SERVE'
SOMETIMES, EVEN HEROES ARE AFRAID
BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE OUR CHOICES UNMADE
IT JUST HELPS US EMBRACE THE DAYS
'CAUSE THERE IS STILL HOPE
THERE IS STILL HOPE
THERE IS STILL HOPE
AAAAAAAAAALWAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYS"