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// Two Halves, One Pony (Read Author's Note) 
// Story: The Element of Concord 
// by Loyal Defender 
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The next two days were spent relaxing, and trying to recover from my injuries. But the time did pass by enough for me to be more than happy to have this vacation over. I guess my life WAS going to be full of action and such. But you know what? I was fine with that. Because beggars couldn't be choosers, and I'd rather have a life full of excitement than a life like my old one back home. So, now the Friendship Express was closing in on Ponyville, my home away from home...literally.

As I got off the train, I took a deep breath, recollecting the fresh, aroma-filled air of Ponyville. It felt good to be back. When I headed into town, though, I noticed that everypony was still here. Weird....wasn't everypony supposed to be in Canterlot at the Friendship Festival? Why were they all still here? My question was somewhat answered with a loud rumbling sound, coming from above. Looking up, I saw that large, ferocious storm clouds had begun to gather. "A storm? On the day of the festival?" I questioned. A bright blue spark caught my attention, and I fixed my gaze onto Canterlot. What was going ON up there? I had to find out. I raced back to the station, and paid for a ticket to Canterlot.

Hurrying to the front of the train, I rushed up to the conductor, who seemed surprised I suddenly came in here. "What are you doing at the front of the train? Return to your seat, please." He said, fiddling with some buttons and levers.

"Can you up the speed of the train by a good amount?" I asked.

"What? Look, I don't have time for this, I've a schedule to keep, and--"

"Something's going on at Canterlot, and I need to reach it quickly! I'll pay you double to speed up the train!"

The conductor tapped his chin with a hoof, before shrugging. "Alright. It's not in my business to accept deals, but if you're that much in a hurry. 24 bits."

Getting out 24 bits and handing them to the conductor, I thanked him and hurried back to my seat. At that moment, the conductor turned on the loudspeaker. "Attention everypony, this is the conductor speaking. Due to a case of urgency, the Friendship Express will have its speed increased by a substantial amount. Please do not get up from your seat during this time, buckle up, and enjoy the trip!"  The ponies murmured in confusion, before the train lurched, and departed from the station. It began to accelerate, puffs of smoke rising out of the smokestack, wheels squeaking as it began to speed up a bit faster than it normall would. It didn't take long before the train was going pretty fast, faster than it normally would. I know, it was a risky move asking the conductor to speed up, but I had to find out what was happening at Canterlot.  I could only hope that the girls were okay...

After about 30 minutes of intense travel, the train slowed to a stop at the Canterlot Train Station. I didn't hesistate in taking off out of the train and outside. I hurried as fast as I possibly could, along a path that would take me to the upper levels in Canterlot, where Princess Twilight and the girls would likely be. As I was on my wau up to the upper levels, everything suddenly went dark. It only took another look at the sky to see what was going on. The sun and moon were alternating back and forth, between day and night. "Are the Royal Sisters just messing around up there..?" I questioned, continuing my urgent dash. It would take at least five minutes to get up there if I hurried as much as possible.

As I hustled up the path, I momentarily looked back at the lower levels of Canterlot, noticing that a lot of the city was damaged or turned into rubble, as if something had destroyed these buildings. The alternating daytime and nighttime stopped after about a minute or two, but not long after that, a large storm cloud began forming over the Royal Castle, looking like a cross between the eye of a hurricane and a tornado. Lampposts wobbled, roof tiles began flying off, and the wind picked up. I could only hope I wasn't close enough to be swept up. The wind, however, did make it harder to advance, which was both a good thing and a bad thing, a good thing being that I couldn't get any closer to being swept up into the windstorm, a bad thing, since whatever was happening was preventing me from investigating.

I had to grab onto anything and everything to not only pull myself forward, but prevent myself from being sucked up. I was three fourths of the way there when I saw something gray and black get sucked up, along with something small and purple... "Twilight!" I shouted, still aware she wouldn't hear me. I moved faster, trying to get to the top as fast as I could, when not too much longer after seeing Twilight, the wind died down, the wind tunnel dispersed, and slowly after, Twilight descended down, seeming okay. Finally, I could see what was wrong! I hurried up to the top after a grueling three minutes of running, almost out of energy by the time I reached the castle. At the same time, an odd, light wave washed over the city, restoring the bright color and undoing the damage done to it all. Okay, I was confused now, and now aware that I had missed something. But I would focus on that in a bit. I saw the girls and Spike standing near the balcony.

"Twilight!" I exclaimed, hurrying over to her, hugging her close. "Oh, thank Celestia you're alright!"

"Well, yeah, of course I'm alright!  It was scary there for a moment, but I'm fine!  No need to worry!"

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"I saw those weird clouds from Ponyville, and hurried all the way up here to see what was going on and--" I stopped myself, seeing a lot of rubble undone, the damaged castle fixed, and...a darker, taller pony with a broken Unicorn horn just standing there. I'd save the question of who she was for later. Unless she was a resident who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"What HAPPENED here?! Are you all okay? What was with the weird, swirly clouds? Why was there a wave of light? What is--what happened?"

"It's.... uh, kind of a long story...."  Twilight said, scratching at the back of her neck.

"Well, alright. I suppose explanations can wait till later."

"Speaking of explaining, what HAPPENED to you?!" Spike asked, pointing to my injuries, cuts and bruises from the electricity and fighting. The pain was gone for so long, I forgot I had those injuries.  For those of you curious about the rest of the incident in Las Pegasus, I'll tell you.  "Well..." I began, and told them everything that happened, from staying at the hotel, to the cafe incident, to spying on the thief ponies, all the way up until the electrical console bit, and how I wound up pulling the airship up.

"Seeing as the city was still in terrible danger, I had to take a risk. So, I rolled up my sleeves and stuck both hands into the sparking console wiring. Let me tell you, it was way more unpleasant than you could imagine it to be. The electricity coursed through my body, giving me repetitive, RIDICULOUSLY painful electric shocks. It smelled of smoke and roasted coffee beans in that room. But somehow, I managed to endure the pain and rewired the control panel to reactivate the controls. And it was a ridiculously close call, too, because the airship was quickly plummeting down towards the city. I could even see ponies running around in a major panic. So I had to act fast.

I grabbed the brake on the panel, and pulled back, but most likely because of how I wired it, a lot of electricity still crawled across the buttons and switches, though less painful. But I had the courage to grab the lever, and pull it back, pressing a few buttons to try and get it back online. Just as the airship was about to crash into the streets, I pulled it up just in the nick of time. The ship slowly ascended back into the sky, narrowly missing the city's giant ferris wheel and roller coaster. I managed to 'park' the airship just outside of the city, out of harm's way.

In the end, I ended up recieving a 500 bit reward for saving the city. But I told them that I didn't need money, as the safety of everypony's lives was the real treasure to protect. So I returned the money. Though they did offer to put my heroic actions in the newspaper, to which I agreed. So a few days later, the story will be published all across Equestria. I saved thousands of lives that day. I sustained a lot of pain and injuries, but I was more than willing to do it if it meant protecting everypony in the city. I think what really adds to the credibility was the fact that I had no aerial training whatsoever. So the fact I got the airship online was pure luck."

"Wow, that's pretty impressive!"  Twilight said.  "I'm sorry you had to do that while you were on vacation, though..."

"Ehh, no need to apologize, Twilight, I kind of saw it coming. Judging by how many times I hadn't gotten a single break from all the action in Ponyville, I kind of assumed action followed me wherever I went. But, it was worth it, I saved multiple bank accounts. And just by looking around, I can tell you were on just as big a journey as I was. But, with the quote, unquote 'damage', though it seems to mostly be repaired, the Festival isn't offically cancelled, is it? I partially came back as a deal to attend it in time."

"Oh, canceled?  Oh no, I don't think so!  We just have to get it all re-built, I think!"

"Oh, thank God, I was worried I’d come back for nothing – aside from seeing you. I'm well-looking forward to celebrating. Well, I'm gonna pack some of my stuff before the festival begins." I said, and began heading off, passing by the mysterious tall Unicorn, getting a good look at her. Seriously, who was she? Hopefully she was on the good side, if she was a kind of tagonist. The only thing I said to her was, “...No comment.”

It took a while to get back to the castle, mostly due to the fact I wasn't in a hurry this time. Though it did give me time to look at the unrepaired damage to the city. It looked like World War III had happened. I couldn't stop thinking about what the Festival would be like. Would it be big and loud? What kind of games would they have? Would I meet new friends? Was I going to wind up trying to see how much food I could wolf down at the party before it ended and try not to get a stomachache? There were so many questions, and only the festival would or could answer them.

I had to hurry, though, as I had a feeling the Festival would begin soon, so I had to hurry. Oddly, though, I noticed that Chrysalis was gone, and was not in my room like she usually was. Shrugging it off, since I had no time to worry, I hurried back over to Canterlot, eager for the celebration.

It took a good few hours before Canterlot’s damage was fixed (something about a staff. Typical magic stuff.) When I went back, it looked as though Canterlot had been torn out out of the Earth and replaced with a shining, glittering utopia of a festival. Colorful banners hung up, a giant stage in the center, colorful balloons strung about, and the smell of delicious food wafted through the air. Ponies were just beginning to arrive around the festival, indicating its officially beginning. It wasn’t hard to find Twilight and the girls (I mean, they would be admiring their hard work), as they stood near the stage. I’d also noticed the Unicorn from before wasn’t around. She was probably preparing for the festival or something. “Well, well, what happened to Canterlot? Looking around, all I see is a beautiful utopia of wonders in its place!” I cheerfully commented, approaching the six ponies.

The Friendship Festival was beautiful. Hundreds of ponies gathered at Canterlot to celebrate the occasion, stuffing their faces with cake, soda, and even little cubed cheeses (I stuffed half my belly with those, they were irresistible, but luckily they had backups in case someone gobbled them down). The music, I could remember better than a game's OST (which is saying something), and the fireworks, the flashing lights, even the games there were all such a blast - I ended up winning 10 of 14 games, and got plushies, bookmarks, little games, and entertainment, though I gave the games to fillies and colts who didn't win. Ponies were kinda proud of my generosity, considering I spent plenty of time earning the prizes. I told 'em - "'S not about winning. It's about having fun! Best to be a good sport for those who lose."

I had, counting, 47 cubed cheeses, four slices of cake, and of pizza, ten cups of soda, five bowls of ice-cream, and 12 cookies. Why am I counting? Because I wound up with the record of most food eaten at one party (in Equestria, at least. I figured, why not make the party interesting with a challenge?)

"I'm gonna get so sick later.." I commented, as I narfed down a bowl of ice cream.

"That's future Loyal's problem." Spike replied, drinking a small soda cup.

I also met the people the girls had met on their adventure. A cat named Capper (didn't trust him, looked shady), these creatures called Hippogriffs (and I thought Griffons were the only mythological creatures who wouldn't be related). One of them was named Skystar, and let's just say she was the Pinkie Pie of...what was it, Seaquestria? In other words, REALLY DAMN HAPPY. And there was a group of.....vultures, parrots? I didn't know what they were. Turns out they were delivery birds. Deliv-birdies, if you will. I'd met a whole slew of characters. And I finally met the same 'Unicorn' I'd seen before when I got back. Her name was Tempest Shadow (though I did overhear her mention her real name t0 the girls...but due to the party clamoring, I didn't quite catch it before, I'd have to ask later), but that was all I really knew.

And then...came the brilliant finale. The pony known as Songbird Serenade came onstage, the lights dimmed, and...let me tell you, that was a moment I'd never forget. As she sang, it was almost like she was speaking to me. Well, she was...to all of us. But I mean in a sensational kind of way. I could see how she earned her name as she sang. I am not afraid (actually proud) to admit that I shed a tear at that moment. She was...beautiful, really. If you're wondering, the song she sang was called 'Rainbow'. And man, was it memorable. I hadn't cried like that since...well....ever. And I was glad my stomach held up during that time, because the first of a storm of stomachaches came up after the song and I had to lie down for about fifteen minutes before it went away. But I knew more would come. So, let's cut to when the festival was over, and everypony was heading home, after three intense hours of fun and play. I actually got a good look at Tempest, and said, "You know...the only scary thing about you is that you're actually *taller* than I am."

Speaking of storms, I also found out the reason behind all the weird stuff.

Turned out, this guy named the Storm King came to Canterlot, wanting the four Princesses to power his scepter. He sent Tempest after Twilight, who chased her to the edges of Equestria and beyond, all to capture her. The girls ran into the deliv-birds, who turned out to be pirates, surprisingly, a pod of seaponies (which were the Hippogriffs, turns out, they have items to turn them into seaponies, which was used on the gorls), and a town where bidding, and selling of civilians was somehow legal, where they met Capper. At one point, Tempest finally caught Twilight, brought her back to Canterlot, and had the Storm King power his scepter, and betrayed Tempest (big surprise, in fact I actually told Tempest, "You never ever trust a big baddie, they always use you! Villainy 101."). So, the storm clouds and the day and night changing were due to the Storm King's doing. But let's just say his plans were shattered...literally. After seeing how Twilight protected Tempest, Tempest protected her, and--BOOM--reformed.

Later that evening, as I was getting ready for bed, Chryssi dropped from the ceiling, landing with a soft *PLMMP* onto the bed. "I like doing that. Makes me feel like a spy."

"And, likely, a little bad if you accidentally crushed me."

"Yeah, but I'm careful. I'm a bug, I have higher senses, so I'm precise. Anyways, how'd the vacation go? And the Festival, if you made it?"

"The vacation was too full of action, the Festival was amazing. I brought ya a few desserts since you couldn't come."

"How d'ya know I was there or wasn't there?"

"Wait..you mean.."

"Mean what?"

I turned to Chryssi, a serious look on my face. "Chrysalis...did you.....sneak out?"

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. What's it matter to you?"

"Chrysalis, there was a lot of love at that festival, and happiness! Being exposed to it could have revealed yourself!"

"But it didn't."

"Chryssi, there's too much risk going to public events, you know that. We could become a target if they find out you live in the castle!"

"Loy, calm down, nopony knew it was me."

"Who'd you even disguise yourself as, anyway?"

"Just some random pony I saw passing by in the streets below, who looked entirely uninterested in going to the party."

"You're lucky you even saw one!" I huffed.

"Psh, I could have just have easily kidnapped a pony, tied them up, bound their muzzle--"

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"Okay, okay, you're right, too much. But the point is, I didn't get caught."

"If anypony finds out that the villain who captured the four princesses--five, counting Flurry--is living in the same place as one of the princesses she captured, they'd take you away! And punish you!"

"Please, what's Tia gonna do, send me to the moon?"

"It's not funny, Chryssi! Being punished by Celestia is the worst thing!"

"Why? You've never been punished by her."

"So? I know ponies who have, which I won't name. But if they take you away, I won't have a roommate to keep me company at night!"

"You're just afraid of the dark."

"Anything could hide in it.." I said, rubbing my shoulder.

"Why're you making such a big deal out of this?"

"You took a huge risk, and I...well....I....I just can't bear to see you taken away."

Chrysalis stepped off of the bed. "Oh, please. Like they could capture me. The first time I was defeated was at the wedding. The second time they just chased me off. The third time you just...defeated me and reformed me."

"I'm well aware that so far, Ponyville is the only place who knows you're reformed! Ugh, I can't believe you'd pull something like that!"

"Calm down, Loy, nopony saw me."

"But they could have! You know, this isn't the only dumb thing you've done! Remember last month when you wound up pulling that prank that made you laugh so hard, ponies almost found you because your laugh turned into your evil laugh? Or two months before that when you decided it'd be funny to shoot birds and cover them in goo! Both of those traits are things even ponies from outside Ponyville could have heard or seen! You've done stupid things in the past that turned out to be major and could have just as easily ended up getting you caught! And I've had to LIE about it to keep your cover from being blown! And I don't like lying!"

"Loy, calm do--"

"NO! I've had to cover for you so many times, and what have you done to help me in return?! Nothing! You've had me read aloud in ways I don't prefer, you've played jokes on me that end up being not funny, and what's more, you always almost crush me when you drop from the ceiling, heightened senses or not!"

Now Chryssi was angry. "You're blaming ME for all that?! You're the one who even let me be your roommate in the first place!"

"I wouldn't have done it if I'd known what trouble it'd bring!"

"I was doing it to be nice, but you never even did anything to respect me!"

"I'm a villain, what do you expect?!"

"You're a reformed villain! I mean, God, Starlight acts uneasy, but she can at least control herself!"

"Well then maybe you should have had HER as a roommate!"

"She has her own room!"

"You're always causing trouble for me, Chrysalis, and I don't appreciate it! Maybe I shouldn't have had you as a roommate! In fact, maybe I shouldn't have had you as a friend at ALL!"

"You don't mean that!"

"Yes, I do. You've been nothing but trouble for me and it hasn't worked out 100% once! I wish I hadn't even met you! I wish you'd just *GET OUT!*"

The room fell dead silent for about fifteen seconds. Then, Chrysalis spoke, her voice heavy and flat. "You know what? Fine. I'll leave. It's not like I needed you, anyway. You were just my cover." With that, Chrysalis spread her wings, and flew through the open doors of the balcony, and off into the night. And the room was, once again, silent.