//------------------------------// // 9 A Dazzling Preparation // Story: An Unexpected Trip to Equestria // by Anonomis //------------------------------// On Monday during breakfast; Principal Celestia had called for an impromptu assembly. Everyone headed to the gym trying to figure out what was going on. “I'm sure you're all curious as to what this is about,” Luna started “We'd like to introduce three new students to Canterlot High School for starters. Welcome Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze,” Celestia added “Secondly; we are going to have a musical showcase.” “Awesome,” Dash exclaimed “That's odd. When do we an assembly to welcome new students,” Sunset whispered to Brian as he only shook his head “No offense.” “Would someone care to show us around,” Adagio asked curiously “Would Sunset Shimmer please step forward,” Celestia called “She'll gladly help you three out. With that out of the way; everyone may head to their first period class.” As everyone filed out of the room; Brian and others hung back till the end. It wasn't that important to get to class as their fellow students started running to beat one another. “What do you think about the new students,” Fluttershy asked “Something feels off.” “What do you mean by that,” Rarity asked “I don't know how to explain it. I'm hoping I'm wrong.” “Let's get to class,” AJ suggested “We're the last to leave.” Once they reached their class; Brian started to fall asleep, having already spent countless years writing. Cheerilee was teaching about five paragraph essays and was incorrect. Everything the students learned here would not be proper in a college setting. ●DRRAMSCAPE● “I’m guessing you realized those three new students have something off about them,” Ignis mused “Yeah, I just can’t figure out what it is,” Brian answered “I’m sure we; err, you; will figure something out. In the meantime remember, I’m here when I’m needed.” “Thanks. Hopefully you're not needed.” ●REAL WORLD● “Mr. Dragnov? Are my lessons that bad that you feel the need to get some sleep,” his teacher Miss Cheerilee asked hitting his desk “No, ma’am. Small headache that was bothering me,” he lied “Perhaps a trip to the nurse may help?” “Thank you. Hopefully it will help,” he said taking a hall pass from her Brian wasn’t lying as he did have a small headache and was glad to have an excuse to leave class. He planned to visit Nurse Redheart about the headache but instead of heading back to class, find Adagio and company to learn more about them. Having his phone would help if he saw anything suspicious. As he was in his way to the nurse's office, he heard a trio of singing voices coming from Celestia’s office. Although he couldn't make out what they were singing, Brian knew who the voices belonged to. While sitting in the nurse's office, he sent Sunset a quick text letting her know: Sunset, I just heard singing coming from Celestia’s office. 3 guesses to who New girls? Could be nothing Brian I hope you're right Brian let the issue go and thought Sunset could be right and he was just paranoid. The next day while at lunch, the Dazzlings came in and through their singing caused the musical showcase to become a Battle of the Bands. Sensing something sinister with their singing, Ignis temporary tool control of Brian and gave him selective hearing, tuning out the music while Sunset and the others were unfazed due to the Equestrian magic they had. “Let’s sign up. I want to destroy everyone” Octavia said running to Brian “You go ahead. I’ll be rooting for you,” he replied “Fine! Be that way! I don’t need your help to win anyway,” she yelled as she stormed away Brian decided to have Sunset and the others come over to his house after school to talk about what transpired earlier and what to do about it. “What's with Octavia, darling? She didn't seem to be her usual self,” Rarity asked “I’m guessing it had something to do with the new girls and their singing. They remind me of sirens from mythology at home,” Brian explained “If the school is going to make a Battle of the Bands, what are we going to do,” Rainbow Dash asked starting to freak out “Isn't it obvious girls? You need to join in and try to win. Sunset, contact Twilight and see if she can’t help out. With Ignis helping I should be able to survive the hypnotism.” “What are you going to do,” Sunset asked “Whatever I can. Since I’m not participating, no one should think much about me spying on the competition. If I have to, I will use these,” he stated To enunciate his point; he walked over to one of the walls and removed two small sticks; about a foot and a half in length. “What are those,” Applejack asked “Specially made Escrima sticks. Each of them can extend to three feet and I can connect these and make a bo staff if needed. And I’m going to keep these in the sleeves of my jacket.” “If you don’t mind us asking, why did you bring us here,” Fluttershy asked quietly “Ooh, is it to have a party,” Pinkie asked which was answered with collective face palms from everyone “Simple. The small recording room next to us. No one except Octavia knows about it and due to her being possessed, she shouldn't be coming by right now, so you can use it. All I ask is just let me know so I can expect you,” Brian answered “You realize that we aren’t all going to fit right? So what do we do,” Dash asked stating the obvious “Split into shifts. Pinkie alone recording the drum track, etc. I could try and make the rest of the room a recording studio but it will take a while to soundproof the room. I’m not worried about neighbors, but I don’t need anyone listening to steal our ideas.” “Let’s soundproof the entire room just in case we need it,” Sunset suggested “Agreed. Anyone against,” Brian asked getting no objections After taking a moment to look up easy to make soundproofing, Brian and the girls had it completed in about two hours. “Brian, I forgot to ask but what is the rest of this room if that is a recording studio and what are those in the corner,” Dash asked “A mini dojo. At home I hold duel black belts in karate and taekwondo, and I happen to be a 2nd Dan in the latter. As for what’s in the corner, those are specially made bricks to train with. One has the same density of human bone, the other is three times as thick and is supposed to be a cow,” he answered “After this is over, could you please fight me? I gotta know how good you are,” she exclaimed “Let’s get through this before we look to events in the far future, but I don’t mind sparring against you. If you want I can teach you the same grappling techniques I taught Sunset the other day.” “Wait a minute, you taught Sunset martial arts? When,” Dash demanded “On Friday. You showed me the basics and he helped elaborate. We made up after the hell I put him through,” Sunset answered “It’s getting late. What do you have planned for tonight,” Brian asked, changing the subject “Well it’s normally around dinner time at 6 at my house but I can always tell them it’s a sleepover,” AJ said “Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo are over at your house; Applejack with Apple Bloom. I overheard them making plans before school ended,” Rarity said “Well Big Mac can take care of them for the night,” AJ answered “Here everyone. I have a change of clothes for you,” Pinkie said pulling out clothes based on the girls along with similar sleeping bags “Before we eat, can we use the bricks,” Dash asked “Sure, but use only light strikes. These are mainly for practice,” he said “Of course.” For about fifteen minutes they trained before everyone started getting hungry. “While you girls are getting changed, I’ll get to work on dinner,” Brian said walking up the stairs Having a total of seven people was difficult but Brian decided on making pizza for everyone and planned on three: one cheese, one mushroom and the third being pepperoni. Everyone would get one piece of all three and there would still be some for dinner tomorrow for him. “Pizza smells good,” Dash said being first upstairs The others came up after she did having changed clothes and set up their sleeping bags. With plenty of room, after dinner Brian planned on grabbing his and joining them. “Dinners ready in three…two…one,” he said counting down as the timer went off He pulled the three out of the oven and set them on the table. Everyone grabbed a paper plate and dug in. “That was delicious,” Rarity said “Where’d you learn to cook like that,” Dash asked “From my parents. They taught me to cook and sometimes I use what I learned and other times I just make something that’s edible,” he replied jokingly “Since its still early, could you play a song for us,” Pinkie asked as everyone nodded in agreement “Sure. It's one of my favorites from home. I don’t need to use either my cello or guitar for it. “Oh Danny boy the pipes the pipes are calling. From glen to glen and down the mountain side. The summer's gone and all the flowers dying. ‘Tis you 'tis you must go and I must bide But come ye back when summer's in the meadow. Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow. 'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow. Oh Danny boy oh Danny boy I love you so.” “That was beautiful,” Rarity said crying “Thanks. At home my best friend is of Irish ancestry and he plays that frequently. I found that to be an absolute favorite,” Brian said “It’s 9pm guys. If we don’t get to sleep soon we'll never find a way to beat the Dazzlings,” AJ said “Give me a moment to grab my sleeping bag and I’ll join you,” Brian said “Hold that thought a moment. Twilight just got here,” Sunset commented looking at journal “I’ll be right back,” he decided “Unless you somehow have super speed, how do you plan on getting there,” Dash asked “I can fly,” he stated simply causing Sunset to face palm “Yes, Nappa. Yes, you can,” Sunset replied playing along With it being dark outside, Brian quickly changed to Ignis and within a matter of moments had flown to the school, picked up Twilight and was back home. The door was opened and Ignis motioned with a claw for her to enter. Once she was in he quickly reverted and looked around to see if anyone saw a flying dragon. “I don’t know if you ate earlier or not but there’s a few slices of pizza in the fridge,” Brian said “Thank you. Sorry about showing up late,” Twilight said “Don’t worry about it. Everyone else is downstairs. Pinkie might have a change of clothes and sleeping bag for you. I'm going to change and I’ll be sleeping there as well.” Brian went into the room and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and grabbed his jungle camo sleeping bag and headed downstairs just as Twilight finished eating. “That was good. Did you make that by yourself,” she asked “Yeah, I did. Besides; what brings you through the portal,” Brian asked As they went downstairs to join everyone Pinkie handed her a change of clothes and sleeping bag. Brian set his up near the wall as Twilight changed with the others surrounding her for privacy. “After Sunset sent me that message regarding the three new students and their singing I did some research and came across something. I believe they might be sirens. Although they were sent here from my world by a mage named Starswirl the Bearded. They may have come to the school due the Equestrian magic I inadvertently brought over. Oh! Brian, I was asked to give you this,” Twilight explained, handing over a folded object Brian opened it and saw a letter his wife Octavia wrote him along with a picture of his daughters Harmony Eve and Melody Rose. “Goddammit,” he yelled through tears as he struck the brick with a palm-heel strike breaking it, much to Dash’s horror “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy,” Twilight asked “I would be, but I missed being there when she gave birth,” he said through tears “I’m sorry. I did alter the portal so it is open if you want to use it to see Octavia,” Twilight said hugging him “After this is over, I’m heading home,” he said simply “Dear God the only thing I ask of you is to hold her when I'm not around when I'm much too far away. We all need that person who can be true to you, but I left her when I found her and now I wish I'd stayed.” He wrote a letter telling her that as soon as this was over he planned on returning for a few days to be with his family. Twilight promised to give the letter to Octavia once she got back. “I am curious on one thing. How's time work?” “This world and Equestria are split across entire dimensions. It was only days ago I was here from looking at a calendar; but in Equestria months have passed,” Twilight explained “Alright it’s after 10pm. Bed time with no arguments,” he said The next day at school, Brian saw Octavia and Vinyl and had heard some choice words that he was surprised Octavia would ever say. He knew it was due to the sirens hypnotism but still hated what he saw. Afterwards Brian received a text that simply read: O’s acting strange. I’m coming over for a little- V “At least it's not just one person. Almost the entire school is possessed by the sirens and this isn’t getting better,” Brian said to Twilight as they sat in the library “And we still have the rest of the week for this. By the way what was that message about,” she asked “Vinyl, Octavia’s roommate, was temporarily kicked out and will be staying with me. I’ve got another room if you want to stay as well. Does Principal Celestia know you’re here?” “Yes to both. Our Celestia, the princess, already let her counterpart know that I would be returning. Are you sure you don’t mind me staying,” Twilight answered “I wouldn't ask if I didn't mind. Sorry if you’re not the only one there.” “No worries. I just hope we can get rid of this threat,” she replied After school, Brian let the others know about Twilight and Vinyl staying at his house just in case they decide to stay over. A short time later a car pulled into his driveway that signified only one person. As he answered the door and she walked inside Vinyl let out a sigh and removed her signature headphones. “Sorry to come by like this but Tavi is acting weird. Earlier today she actually was harassing me and said some choice words that were unbecoming of her. I’m glad her parents didn't hear it or she would have been punished,” Vinyl said “It’s fine. I hope you don’t mind but I have another guest staying here. Twilight; if you don’t mind,” Brian said introducing Twilight “Good evening, my name is Twilight Sparkle,” she said “Vinyl Scratch aka DJ-Pon3,” Vinyl replied Both the girls got settled into their rooms as Brian finished his homework. His grades were great but he deliberately made mistakes to cover up his aptitude. He could easily make valedictorian but he didn’t care for it. Since he already graduated once everything is just refresher. “Anyone for Chinese food? My treat,” he asked “What do you have other than eating out? Various meats,” Twilight asked looking in the fridge and freezer “Meat is common to eat here. We don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to,” he answered “I just don’t want to be considered evil or a cannibal by eating meat,” she said “We can make chicken tomorrow, if you don’t like it you don’t have to eat it and we’ll find an alternative.” “Alright, I'll try. When I go back through the portal, I just won’t tell anyone I did eat meat,” Twilight decided “Can we try that new Kimchee place? I heard they do have meat and alternatives,” Vinyl asked “Sounds good. Shall we go,” he asked As the three sat down to eat, Twilight asked the dreaded question, “So how are we going to win the competition?” “I’ll try writing some of the music and if Vinyl wants to, provide additional support. Having multiple musicians may really help,” he answered “Where can we have practice? I don’t want the school hearing it,” Vinyl mused “My house; particularly the dojo. Yesterday, Sunset and the others helped me get it soundproofed.” “I can’t say that it will be all the time but eating meat here isn't too bad,” Twilight said “No one's going to force you to have any of you don’t want to,” Brian answered “Damn. I didn't expect to see Tavi here,” Vinyl said looking at who walked in “Are you cheating on me with these two bimbos? My own roommate and the girl who shows up out of nowhere,” Octavia demanded “Well? Say something!” Brian kept silent as he knew she was possessed and didn’t want to say anything he might regret after Octavia reverted back. Luckily, she left to get her food as Brian, Twilight and Vinyl finished theirs and left. “Really? Accusing me of cheating? I came here so you to help me as a friend. Besides, you and Tavi are together and I’m not getting between you two,” Vinyl said angry at what Octavia said “And yes, I am here as a visitor and I came through the same portal Brian did but he invited me here as I would otherwise be sleeping in the school library,” Twilight said “Just remember, this should be over in a few days with the Battle of the Bands finale on Saturday. Both of you have your reasons for staying over and I’m not stupid enough to do or say anything I’m likely to regret,” Brian added “Wait a minute, you came through a portal to here,” Vinyl asked Twilight, wanting clarification “Yes, as did Brian originally. Where we're from is called Equestria and has pony counterparts to everyone here,” Twilight explained “Here. It’s not the best but it’ll show you what I look like there, my regular and alternate self,” Brian said handing Vinyl his phone “Wow. You changed into a fucking dragon? That is badass,” Vinyl exclaimed “Yes, that's my Nightmare form Ignis. Thankfully I have better control now then I did in the video. When the school saw me attacking Sunset that was under control. In fact, the dripping ooze was due to the anger and bloodlust I had. Now that is gone, creating the solid black dragon,” he explained “Can I see him, please?” “Let’s go downstairs. It’ll give me more room,” Brian said “I said it once and I’m saying it again, that is badass! Can you breathe fire,” Vinyl asked as he changed back “Just the once as shown in the video. This is better,” he said holding out his hand creation a small black flame “This is Hellfire. When you absolutely, positively want something reduced to ashes. It’s hotter than the sun and just as dangerous,” he said dissipating the flame “I saw that in the video, you destroying that necromancer. It was totally awesome,” she exclaimed “I’m glad that you have Ignis under control, Brian. I couldn't imagine what kind of damage he would have caused otherwise,” Twilight said hugging him “I can imagine and it’s not pretty. Let’s just simply say blood and gore,” he answered “Hey guys it’s getting late. Think it’s time to turn in,” Vinyl decided “Agreed,” Twilight and Brian said together The next morning Brian was up early as usual and completed his ritual of morning training and after getting changed, made pancakes and eggs for breakfast. While they did eat at school, it never hurt to eat something extra as well. Wednesday while in class Brian received a text from Fluttershy that simply read: Wrote some songs for us to play. Could you help with guitar? FS Vinyl would be busy as she was in charge of setting up the lighting for the show and would be home late. He let her know that Sunset and the others would be staying over to write music. “So can I see what you have Fluttershy,” he asked “Wait, you wrote music? I thought I’m the leader of the band,” Dash asked “Enough. We aren’t fighting or nothing will get done. All of you have the chance to write a song and if you agree it could be played this weekend,” Brian said playing mediator “Alright. What do you have Fluttershy,” a defeated Dash asked After reading Fluttershy’s lyrics, the girls worked on adding the instruments which took a couple hours. “Let's end things for today. The songs sound great but need a little work. Principal Celestia cancelled class so participants in the Battle of the Bands could have more practice. Thursday, or tomorrow night the school is having a kind of dance before Friday's first auditions." “You’ve heard us play, how about you play something for us this time as we’re staying over,” Applejack suggested “Alright. This is one of my favorites: Mr. Crowley. It’s from my home,” he said playing along with the song from his phone “You are good but do you need your phone to play along,” Pinkie asked “I don’t need it but it helps so you can hear the actual song as I play. Here's another one I like playing: Hail to the King.” “Do you switch often between guitar parts,” Dash asked “Depending on the song I will change parts as long as there are two guitars playing. Otherwise, it’s not worth switching,” he answered “Since you played a couple songs on guitar, how about you show us something on cello,” Sunset asked “Alright. I’ll have a little fun and screw around, no song in particular,” Brian offered He grabbed his acoustic cello and raised the endpin and played standing up. Not having anything in mind, he just strung notes together and ended up incorporating parts of songs he played at home. After about ten minutes of playing the girls were surprised to see just how good he really was. “How long have you been playing for? Even without anything in mind that was really beautiful,” Rarity asked “In total, I’ve played for twelve years, since I was thirteen at home. From junior high (middle school), high school and finally through college,” he said simply “Aren’t you supposed to play sitting down? There’s another instrument that plays standing,” Pinkie asked “You’re right. Typically cellists sit while bass players stand mainly but they do sit at times although it’s a pain in the ass for them to sit.” Thursday morning , the girls worked on clothing ideas for the party that was being held that night. Brian wasn’t planning on dressing up so he decided on wearing black cargo pants with his usual black shirt and trench coat but instead of wearing his regular black tennis shoes, opted for combat boots. “Are you sure you don’t want anything for tonight, Brian,” Rarity asked “I’m sure and thanks for the offer. I prefer to be better safe than sorry and this time I’m going armed,” he said attaching the Escrima sticks to arm holsters “Hopefully you don’t need to use them. I don’t like seeing people fight,” Fluttershy said “I hope so myself,” he answered “Well, we had all the practice went could. Let's go to the dance,” Applejack decided With Brian bringing up the rear, the eight of them walked to school to go to the school for the evening's dance as Brian stood on the side. He knew he resembled a bouncer but his dad being in the military taught him to never forget his surroundings so Brian watched carefully. Twilight grabbed a second glass of punch for him as she guessed he might be thirsty. “Here. Thanks for everything you’ve done this week for the girls. I know they all feel the same way but don’t want to say anything. What are we going to do if we make it to the finals,” Twilight said handing him the glass “Outside. I need a little air,” he said quietly as they walked outside “Sorry, but I don’t need anyone else hearing. If we make it, you are going to need some kind of counter spell to defeat them. I’ll play as a distraction so you can ‘pony up’ in the meantime. I’ll let the others know using my phone,” he said sending a quick message to Sunset and the others “Are you sure you’re capable of doing it? The sirens are like us and have strong magic that seems to be getting stronger when people get angry,” Twilight questioned “I have a theory about them but I’ll explain it when we're together. Hopefully it is partially correct.” As the dance ended, Brian could see that tensions were at an all-time high and he couldn't wait for the competition to be over. The girls notified their families about them having a sleepover at his house. “Are you going to do anything to them,” one of the parents demanded “No, not at all. I am not stupid enough to do anything,” Brian calmly responded “See to it you don’t. If I hear you did anything with my daughter and you will regret it,” they responded “Music and sleep is all and considering how late it is, everyone is pretty much going to sleep; myself included.” After hearing the threats, Brian walked the girls back home where once they got undressed from their party clothes and changed into their pajamas and climbed into their sleeping bags for the night. As he fell asleep Brian once again found himself in the dreamscape. “You know I can’t help you this time,” Ignis pointed out “It’s due to my theory that their amulets are the power source,” Brian answered “Well, this time you get to show everyone how well you can shred on guitar.” Friday morning after breakfast he planned on explaining his theory to the girls. “In regards to Sonata, Adagio and Aria; I have a theory as to their power. The charms that they hold contains the sealed remnants of the actual sirens. As such, they are three mortal females and I will not be able to ask Ignis for help. When you changed into the demon, Sunset, I was able to join in as long as I didn’t directly strike at you with my claws,” Brian explained “In other words only music will end the spell,” Twilight said “What better way to win a Battle of the Bands then with music? If I have to, I’ll play distraction when you ‘pony up’ and let you girls continue playing after I stop,” he explained After that everyone headed to school for the Battle of the Bands qualifying. Brian sat in the audience and was glad they made it to the finals. “Congrats on the victory. Rainbooms vs Dazzlings will be good,” he said “We couldn't do it without your help,” Dash said “You played the songs, I just assisted in writing.” “Don’t be so modest darling. You helped a lot more than you think. You gave us a place to stay and practice that we might not have had otherwise,” Rarity corrected The girls wanted to celebrate but Brian wanted to wait until after the finals at that victory would have cause to truly celebrate if they won. In the meantime he decided on making spaghetti for the girls as they stayed over again that night. Saturday morning Brian made pancakes for everyone again as the girls started to make final preparations for the competition. They packed up their instruments and drove to the amphitheater for their final practice as they were harassed by Trixie and her friends. Brian was away from the stage but with a few hours left before the competition started Twilight and the others suddenly disappeared. 'What the fuck? I heard them on stage practicing and now they disappeared,' he thought to himself “Your little girlfriends won’t be competing tonight as they took a little fall. I, the great and powerful Trixie, will be taking their place,” she said smugly “You are certainly an odd one. Everyone is under our spell except you. The others we sense have Equestrian magic but you are different,” Adagio mused “What,” Brian asked sarcastically “Tell us how you are not under our spell and we’ll let them go,” Aria demanded “What?” “Do we really have to ask a third time,” Adagio asked “What? What? What? What,” he repeated annoyingly “Are you a lightbulb,” Sonata asked “Well, you’re not very bright,” Aria chimed in “Oh well. The show must go on and we will win and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Adagio decided As Brian left, the Dazzlings made sure there was someone guarding the door to where Twilight and the others were locked in. With the concert starting shortly he tried to figure out what happened when Spike ran into him. “Brian, help. Twilight and the others are trapped under the stage. Trixie pulled a lever causing them to fall. We gotta get them out,” Spike exclaimed “We need to make one stop before we go. I need Vinyl to set up their instruments,” Brian answered writing a text to Vinyl V- can you set up the instruments we brought? Grab my guitar as well we'll need it Gotcha. Good thing I’m prepared. Let me know if you need me Brian After sending Vinyl the text Brian started to creep up near the stage and saw the guard at the door. Quickly withdrawing the Escrima sticks, he connected them into a three foot bo staff and charged towards the guard with the staff held low towards the legs as Brian took him down. Brian proceeded to open the door releasing his friends. “Stand back,” Brian said before opening it “Is he dead,” Fluttershy asked seeing the guard “No. I just tripped him. He might have a small concussion from the fall but he'll be fine,” Brian answered with a shrug “What are we going to do now? Twilight wrote the counter spell but we have no way of using it,” Dash asked hanging her head “We do. Follow me and you’ll have your answer,” he said picking her head up Brian led the girls up the hill where Vinyl was waiting with their instruments set up and connected to the speakers in her car. “Get yourselves ready. I’m going to stall them in the meantime. It's show time,” he said grabbing his black guitar “It’s time to slay [5],” he shouted into the mike as he started playing one of his favorite wrestling themes The Dazzlings were surprised that someone dared to interrupt their performance. Brian continued playing, oblivious to the sirens on the stage. He turned his head to check on the girls to see if they were close to ready. “Are you girls ready,” they nodded “Good because you're up. Dash, jump in with the guitars,” he said As Brian quit playing he watched as Twilight and the others did manage to ‘pony up’ and used their magic to defeat the Dazzling and return everyone to normal. “Brian I’m sorry for what I said and did this past week. I wasn’t acting like myself,” Octavia said through tears “Please cheer up. You were under hypnosis so you couldn't be blamed. Besides all this week I had Twilight and Vinyl as roommates." “Twilight, Vinyl; I’m sorry about calling you bimbos. Please don’t think ill of me because of that,” she begged, dropping to her knees “Tavi, I know you didn't mean it. Besides, you couldn’t get rid of your best friend,” Vinyl said pulling Octavia to her feet before hugging her “Well, I think the true winner of the Battle of the Bands is clear; the Rainbooms,” announced Principal Celestia “Trixie; I have to know something.” “What could the Great and Powerful Trixie help you with,” she questioned "What the hell were you thinking!? Pulling a lever, making the girls fall?” "Trixie wasn't thinking. The fall is ten feet down and I didn't think about them getting injured,” Trixie said through tears “I could have killed them!” “Well; you didn't,” Dash stated “Let's just move on.” “How’s about we celebrate at my house with a pizza party,” asked Brian as Twilight, Sunset and the others cheered in agreement “Well there’s a few people missing. Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell, Apple Bloom; would the three of you like to come as well? Vinyl, you and Octavia are coming as well, making this a dirty dozen.” “Dirty dozen? What’s that,” Twilight asked curiously “A movie from home featuring a band of thirteen different people,” he replied Everyone walked to Brian’s house and after getting settled, he ordered five pizzas for the group. With help from Vinyl and Octavia they went to the store and bought a few cases of root beer and two gallons of ice cream to make root beer floats with. “Refreshments and dinner is served,” he announced “Before we continue, let’s propose a toast. To the Rainbooms and Brian who we couldn't have defeated the Dazzlings without his help,” Sunset offered “Here, here,” they said in agreement “What are we going to do afterwards,” Sweetie Bell asked “Sleepover. Pinkie, I think you have everyone's sleeping bags,” Brian said “Yes indeedie.” Pinkie pulled out multiple sleeping bags with their respective designs on them as Brian ran inside and retrieved his. As there was more room outside it was decided they would sleep under the stars. As they ate, everyone watched as Brian grabbed a cup and scooped some ice cream into it before pouring in a can of root beer. “What’s that,” Pinkie asked curiously “It’s called a root beer float. Something from home my parents made for me,” he explained Scootaloo was the first to make one and her eyes lit up in delight, “This is really good. You girls should try one.” 'I figured Pinkie would be the first. She's one that could make something crazy into something delicious,' he thought After a few hours of partying they cleaned everything up and stored the soda and ice cream in the fridge and freezer. Before they headed to bed Brian had something he had to tell them. “After tonight I’m going home for a while to see my family,” he said showing the girls the photo of the Equestrian Octavia and his daughters. “I will be gone a week at most considering this is the end of the year.” “This is your wife Octavia from the other side,” Octavia asked “Yes. It’s been a while since I was there and I missed being there when she gave birth.” “When you’re with me do you think of her,” Octavia asked sadly “Yes and no. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t; but having you as my girlfriend here isn’t any different over there, except age. She’s four years younger than I am and although I am 25 actually, my physical appearance here on this side is that of when I was 18,” he explained “I hope someday I’ll be able to meet my counterpart and your family,” she said “Your physical appearance may be from years ago, but the lightning scars on your body and the cutie mark on your arms are rather new,” Twilight said “Lightning scars? Can we see,” Scootaloo and the others asked He took his shirt off and held is arms in front so they could see the true extent of his scars. “What’s a ‘cutie mark’,” asked Apple Bloom “Where we come from it represents your talent. Brian is an oddity as his transformation to an alicorn was not related to his cutie mark,” answered Twilight “Why not,” Sweetie Bell asked “That is kinda hard to explain. Do you remember seeing a black dragon fighting against Sunset? Well, that was me. The first time I changed into Ignis, was under different circumstances. When I ascended to an alicorn it was due to a combination of my magic and Ignis’s. I hope that answers the question somewhat.” “Can we see Ignis,” Scootaloo asked “Sure,” he said transforming “That’s so cool,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders said together as Brian changed back Once they went to bed, Brian was unable to sleep for the first time in a while and ended up starring at the stars before he finally slept. What kept him up was the idea of actually going home to see his family. While he thought about actually leaving Equestria to go back to the real world, Brian decided that it wasn't worth it as he truly had nothing there. This was home as far as he was concerned and nothing was going to change that. He actually had a girlfriend and wife with whom he loved and had twin girls. At home he never had a girlfriend and was a virgin which he internally hated. There was only one true friend he had and Brian considered Deltorix more of a brother than anything. When Brian actually fell asleep he was out until around 9:45 Sunday morning. He threw the sleeping bag in his room as the girls made pancakes as a surprise. After they ate, they walked to school and were shocked that Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna were there. “Before I go, I have one last thing to tell you. ‘It’s time to leave you. Let’s say goodbye. These precious moments just seem to fly’. Now, in the words of Army General Douglas MacArthur from my home ‘I shall return’,” Brian said with a bow before starting to walk backwards towards the portal. “It’s best if you walk forwards in the portal,” Twilight said turning him around She stepped through the portal holding Spike and Brian followed knowing what was waiting for him.