With the Changeling civil war put to rest once and for all, everyone had more time to spend on knowing how Equestria works, and so, even after the final battle, the Puyo crew took some more time to explore and have fun with the ponies. From venturing into Seaquestria from the south, to the Northern expedition to the Crystal Empire, and every place in between.
The group was more focussed on going to the places they’ve once been for their rescue missions. Some places look exactly like before, while some were finally seen in its usual state. Everyone thought it was very, very fun- They get to have lots of fun with their friends just before returning home. Why not go for a dive in Seaquestria? Or sightseeing around the city of Manehattan? Or perhaps watch a match of intense buckball? All these interested the Puyo cast and for a whole week, they’ve been doing whatever they wanted.
All but one, actually.
“Miss Rafisol?”
Twilight popped her head through the entry to the balcony of her castle one evening. The girl stopped hovering and meditating and turned.
“What’s your business?”
“N-Not much. I just have a question to ask about you.”
She returned to her levitating state as Twilight paced around.
“Rafisol, why wouldn’t you go with anyone to have fun? Looks like they’ve been having an amazing time here.”
She tensed up. “I-I’m not interested, that’s all.”
“Ally told me you both have had your differences in the past. Is it something about that?”
Upon mentioning Ally, Rafisol stepped back on solid ground. Reluctantly, she nodded. “It’s a very long story, to how we found each other and all. It’s complicated, too.”
“I can take it. Is there a problem you’re having?”
“Yes, actually,” Rafisol said, “Well, about the two of us. During her adventures with Arle, I tried to take away Ally’s power of love for myself. I needed it to continue existing in this world. I would’ve succeeded. Ally trapped me inside of her pendant after I failed numerous times to obtain her powers. But... ugh, how do I put it, I felt... weird and oddly pleased about residing in the pendant.”
“Oh?”
“I started to think that Ally and I are actually the same person split into two extremes. You see, Ally is someone who is always brimming with love and excitement. Then for me... I’m just this dark existence, who doesn’t know anything about these joyous feelings. It felt... It felt right, residing with her. Even though I am trapped, I felt happy because it feels as if I’m with the other half of myself. I feel complete with her by my side. That’s why when the Queen tried to threaten Ally, I jumped out of the pendant to save her.”
“Actually, how did you do so anyway...?”
“You don’t need to know,” Rafisol said. “Well... I’m just worried now, about all these thoughts I have for her. I can’t find the words when I face her. I just can’t... How would she think of me?”
Twilight smiled.
“I’m sure your friends, Ally included- Would welcome you into their team very much. The more the merrier, right? However, you must take that step towards friendship on your own. If you have such feelings for Ally... You should tell her. From what I know, she never treated you as an enemy, but she wants to treat you as a friend.”
“Really?”
“Her love really amazes me sometimes,” Twilight said, letting out a giggle. “It extends to her enemies, too. I’ve been doing the same thing with the magic of friendship for years, but she has given me a new understanding of what my friends and I should be achieving in our quest for harmony. I still don’t understand what happened that caused Chrysalis to refuse at the last second, but it’s absolutely true that love conquered our fight, and it can mediate any conflict.”
“Now, you can either keep your thoughts about Ally to yourself, or you can actually be friends with her. I’ll leave whether you want that up to you.”
Twilight gave her a smile, and left. Rafisol just stood there, thinking about her next move.
”Maybe... Just maybe?”
“On behalf of Equestria, we express our deepest thanks for your hard work in reviving our kingdom.”
It was the last day of the crew’s stay in Equestria. The princesses and the pony crew were there to send them off. Celestia bowed to Arle and Ally- The ones who led the pack.
“It has been our honor to be a part of this adventure,” Arle replied. “And I’m sure this isn’t the end of our journey, either. When you all are in trouble again, we hope to come back and help once more.”
Twilight nodded. “Then you’ll need to find some way to connect with us. I’ve been talking with Ecolo and we’e exchanged locations of our worlds for making portals and communicating and whatnot.”
“That’s perfect!” Amitie said happily. “We can come back anytime!”
“This May be farewell,” Cadance said, “But I’m sure our people wouldn’t forget the hard work you’ve put into helping us recover from the Changeling invasion and pursuing peace once more for the land.”
Ally was beaming. “I’m glad to hear that! Now, everyone, since we’re about to separate, let’s all fall in love, shall we?”
Ringo giggled. “You mean we’re all just going to say our last goodbyes, right?”
“Yeah, cut the cheesy wording,” Schezo joked.
Following that was a session of tearful goodbyes. Some hugged, some shook hands and hooves, both sides expressing their wish for each other to be alright and happy as always, to keep their spirits up even in the darkest times. Not long later, Ecolo created a giant pair of doors. It was a portal back to the Puyo World, now that their mission was complete and they can return. One by one, they all wave to Twilight and her friends as they made their exit.
The last to go was Ally, since she found it hard to leave. But, she did anyhow.
“Thank you, everyone,” Ally said, putting on a cute smile.
“It’s what we do,” Twilight said, stepping close to give her a hug, which she gladly accepted.
“We’ll meet again sometime soon, won’t we?”
“Maybe we will. Now, go with your friends, Alright?”
She nodded excitedly as she waved, entering the portal. And so, the Puyo crew were all gone, and peace to Equestria has been restored.
“Well, What do we do now...?” Starlight asked.
“Isn’t it obvious???” Pinkie giggled. “Come on! We gotta celebrate!”
“We’ve been doing that all week, Pinkie!”
“No excuses! Let’s go!”
Everypony else had a laugh. Typical Pinkie. While on their way back to the station since they were in Canterlot and had to return to Ponyville, Twilight was chatting with Celestia.
“So will she be alright?”
“She will be, it’s just that she can never exit that barrier.”
“Phew. Looks like she’s finally taken care of.”
“Yes, our people are safe, and the changelings once again thrive. I’m glad about that- I hate sending my people to war, honestly.”
“Who doesn’t? That’s why harmony and love between the tribes is so important.”
Soon, the Puyo crew all returned to their respective hometowns when they reached the Puyo World, and the group was separated like always after the adventure was done. Ever since, thanks to Ecolo, they have been experimenting with gathering everyone together for some fun times and quality chit chat. This was how Ringo and Ally, despite the long distances from Primp Town- Where the rest of the group lived, was able to still connect with the group.
Everything was peaceful again- Nothing much happened since their adventure in Equestria. They did go around telling their other friends who did not join the fun about it, and they would eventually get to visit Equestria, but it wasn’t something they did very often as they didn’t want to disturb everycreature there. Besides, they’re a huge deal, they don’t want to be running straight into crowds anyway- They preferred a more simple life.
They all took something away from this experience- From Ally herself. There are differences between people and can tear them apart into enemies. But if they’re willing to open up to the other, just maybe they could become friends. Love could heal any rivalry and bring people together. It was never meant to be used as a weapon to combat people- It was something to be shared, something to cure people of their grudges towards each other, to forget about being enemies and fall in love. Not literally, but you get the idea.
Her point was proven- After her adventure with the ponies.
Ally was out for a walk on a bright sunny day. She thought about all the happy times she had after she was rescued in her adventure. She was both very relieved and carefree to be back in her world. The gentle breeze gave her a sense of relaxation as she walked along the pathway near the forests.
She eventually caught sight of a lake. There, she found someone she recognized.
Rafisol was at the edge of the pool of water, not moving. It felt like she was staring blankly at something, or she was thinking about a lot of things- How thankful she was, how much she actually liked her, and her wish to be friends with her counterpart.
“Rafisol?”
She turned.
“Oh, I’ve been expecting you.”
Ally stood next to her. She tensed up just a little, but Ally didn’t notice.
“Why are you out here of all places?”
“I... I had some things on my mind.”
Rafisol was noticeably blushing. Ally saw it. “Are you...”
“I-I’m not!”
“You are, Rafisol. Something you want to say?”
She hmphed and turned away.
“No, even if I do, you wouldn’t like it anyway.”
“What?”
“I don’t know how to tell you this. I really don’t.”
Ally and Rafisol stare blankly at each other. After a bit, Ally smiled and stroke up a conversation.
“You know,” She started, “During the days I got trapped, you were talking with me a lot from inside my pendant through thoughts. I... I’m glad I had someone to talk to. I was all scared and alone. Now that you’re here, I can’t help but feel like something changed about you.”
“What?”
“You went from trying to kill me, no offense, to... Actually supporting me. That isn’t like you. I’ve been wondering... How did you suddenly change?”
Rafisol was going to smile, but she resisted the urge to.
“When you trapped me in the pendant, I was in this virtual world with nothing and no one in it. But through time... I felt unusually.... *sigh* How do I put it... I just felt pretty fine about being there. It’s great at least for me to continue existing.”
“You’re hiding something. Come on, don’t be shy.”
Ally sat on the pale green grass. Rafisol was going to levitate, but she thought she would act normal for once, so she followed suit.
“Whenever you commit an act of love and care... For some reason, I feel the warmth as well. I started to think why you’re so into spreading love. Then I realized- You seem to make people very happy. I... I wish to have that happiness too. I looked up to you, being so keen on spreading joy and love. I always wanted to tell you all that, but I can never find the words.”
“So why did you suddenly break out of my pendant then?”
“Because... When I heard you talking with Chrysalis, you mentioned something about me that left me think about a lot of things. You... You said that you never hated me, you wanted to be my friend, and you wanted to teach me to love. I didn’t believe you at first, but I soon realize that you never tried to hurt me, even after I tried to hurt you first. I... I feel bad for having this attitude towards you. You really care for me, don’t you?”
Ally nodded. “I just hoped that you’ll understand I didn’t trap you to save my friends from danger, I wanted you to reflect, too. I mean what I said- Even Though you’re my enemy, I don’t mind, I want to be friends with you.”
“R-Really? Even after...”
“Quiet, you,” She giggled, putting a finger over Rafisol’s mouth. “So How did you come out?”
“Right. When you said all those things about me, I felt a strange feeling from you. You... It seems to be love, believe it or not. You loved me... I felt so, so happy. And when she tried to threaten you, I don’t want to see the one person that has cared for me all along to perish. I found a way out since your magic to keep me in there was so diminished, and I took it to save your group. *sniff* I thought I’d show you just how much you mean to me, knowing you cared for me when no one would.”
“Awww... You’re welcome...”
“But, you’re here because you have to return me to the pendant, aren’t you?”
“What? No!”
Rafisol was surprised.
“I don’t want to. Especially after all you’ve told me. You’ve changed a lot, it seems. I guess you finally learned to embrace the power of love, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess so... Hey, can I.., Can I tell you something? Since I’ve already gotten this far.”
“Go ahead.”
“Ally... I... Oh, you’re gonna hate me for-“
Ally touched her hand.
“You love me?”
Rafisol immediately blushed and covered her face.
“D-D-Don’t say that so loudly! Come on!”
She shrugged. “Whoa... Really?”
“I don’t know why either. But... Seeing you’ve been caring about me so much, and I’ve been residing beside you for quite a while, I felt... I felt glad to be around you. You know? We are like counterparts. You are all about love and I’m not at all. It felt like... We’re the same person, just split into two extremes. That’s why when I’m with you, I... *sigh* Yeah, I feel really happy and I like you as a companion, since you and I are meant to be the same person together.”
Rafisol smiled. Ally gasped and smiled too.
“That’s what I’m saying- Even the worst of enemies could change into friends if they’re willing to embrace love and friendship. It’s hard to imagine it at first, you’ll need time to let the feeling set in. When you do, you might just find the one you care for most beside you. Listen, Rafisol, you know I don’t hate anyone, not even you. You and I had our differences, but when I realized you wanted my powers to exist, I wanted to give it to you without any fighting, that’s why I returned you into the pendant. Whenever I feel love, you’ll feel it too, and you would learn, won’t you?”
“Mhmm.”
“But now that it’s been a while, and I think your act of helping me and my friends in the battle tells me you’ve changed quite a lot. You do have a sense of love for me and my friends, you want to protect us. I’ve been thinking- Maybe I don’t need to return you to the pendant. Maybe... Maybe you can be with me, and with my friends, and just live a normal life.”
“Really? But... But will you all accept me? I’m just literally a dark existence, and that won’t change...”
“If I could accept Chrysalis, why not you? You’re not a dark entity from my pendant. You’re just Rafisol. You’re a normal person- A friend I care for.”
Rafisol couldn’t deny that. And Ally seemed very cheery, she didn’t want to hurt her feelings.
“I can tell from that face,” Ally giggled, standing up. “You’re not hurting my feelings at all.”
Rafisol rolled her eyes and did the same. “Fine, fine. You know... Thanks, Ally. For being there for me.”
“What can I say? You’re a part of me, I’ve been with you the whole time.”
Ally put her arms around her friend.
“What are you doing?”
“It’s a hug. Don’t you feel warm and glad like this?”
“*chuckle* Y-Yeah, I guess so.”
Rafisol was blushing, and she tried her best not to make Ally realize that. Slowly, she mimicked the action. She smiled, closed her eyes, and hugged her tighter. She started tearing up.
“This feels so nice... I feel so loved like this...”
“*giggles* Who wouldn’t. Hey, I can feel that tear, you know.”
“What? No! I-I’m not crying!”
Rafisol let go and playfully pushed her away. Ally just let out a laugh.
“Ah, Arle and the others are coming soon. You want to come?”
“Hmmm, maybe. Just to be around and... Well, spending time with you all and see what happens.”
Ally shrugged, then came back to face her friend.
“So what have we learned from all this?” Rafisol asked, “Just asking.”
“It’s obvious. Love conquers all, doesn’t it?” Ally giggled. “Now, since we’re friends... Rafisol, let’s fall in love?”
She puts out a hand. Gently, Rafisol pushed it away. Ally was confused until she spread her arms wide and turned the handshake into an embrace. This was really the first time Rafisol had been so open about her feelings since they’ve become friends, and Ally was brimming with joy as she complied and huddled up, as she was tightly wrapped in the hug.
In her heart, Ally knew- She understood Rafisol’s fears of being the odd one out, ‘special’, threatening... The poor girl, born as a magical entity from her pendant, alone and gloomy in her prison... And she left the impression of being a hoarder and a force to be feared when she first broke free to fight Arle and her friends. Shunned out for so long, she knew Rafisol was desperate for a Power she possessed. However, instead of fighting her to protect this power, she shared the warmth and care of it- The Power of Love. Only then, she thought, would the one who takes this power truly be satisfied.
Frankly, this was the same attitude she had for Queen Chrysalis, she wished the Ponies could just hug it out with her, but the Queen just didn’t seem to admit this time. But she was determined- She knew the ponies would never give up on her, just like she never did for Rafisol.
It hindsight, they just want to steal this power. But deep down, all they wanted was in some way, to be loved.
“I’m so happy, Ally...”
“That’s good to hear, Rafisol. So? Love or not?”
“Friendly love, Okay? I feel weird loving someone that is actually myself.”
“Oh, True!”
Ally chuckled, and the two, in a warm embrace, shuffled as they share a hearty laugh.
Behind the nearby trees, the four were watching secretly.
“*eeps* Awwwww!” Amitie covered her big smile to stop herself from screaming.
Ringo gave a thumbs up. “Looks like Ally and Rafisol made up. The power of love really is amazing.”
“Gugu~” Carby seemed to agree, hopping up and down excitedly.
Arle looked at the two girls, once enemies, now seemingly best friends. All she could do is smile and watch as the two let go, and chatted while holding hands. To see how love bonded these two counterparts together was the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.
“Can we maaaaaaaaybe just let them be for a bit? So they get some time to themselves and each other,” Amitie suggested. “Plus, I wanna see them together!”
Arle rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I guess we could.”
”My enemies may not love me back...”
“Like Chrysalis, there are those who can never embrace the power of love...”
“Those who are lonely, outcast, marginalised... So much, it burns into their mindset.”
“They don’t love, they think they don’t deserve to be loved.”
“But that’s why, deep down, when they are loved, their happiness may be kept to themselves, yet in reality, their cheer was, indeed, in full bloom.”
“That’s why I love...”
“That’s why I’ll keep loving...”
“To protect harmony, to protect the smiles of everyone.”