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// 2. The Return of Harmony 
// Story: A Poetry Anthology 
// by Shaslan 
//------------------------------//

I’ve nowhere left to go
I’ve got nowhere left to run. 
I’m all out of ideas,
and I fear that Discord’s won. 
I’ve taken every turn,
Gone down every track,
I’ve tried every avenue
But none seem to lead me back.

Back to the exit, back to my friends
Back to real life, where this nightmare ends.

My hooves are bloody
But the maze is unending 
My breath is short 
But in vain I’m sending
Purple sparks shooting up
Distress signals into the night — 
Magic bursts from my horn
But nopony answers my light.

The trickster has trapped us, the labyrinth enwraps us
Tight in his choking embrace.
My hooves are all blisters, but oh, where are my sisters?
The ponies he has stolen from me? 
He took our wings and our magic, then both were returned —
What can I do against magic like this?
He has the power of a deity, and demands we swear fealty —
Even my Princess cannot help me now. 

A surge of wild hope, as I see my friends before me, 
As Discord pouts and warns, “Don’t bore me,”
But hope turns to horror as these are not the friends I know and treasure; 
Their colours are fled, their spark removed for his pleasure,
Only pale mockeries where once their cutie marks lay.

All hope fades, all is lost
Equestria will be conquered
And at what cost?
Until I remember in a spark of inspiration
All I need to do is use my imagination
And find a way into their hearts. 
“Remember,” I tell them, hope flaring bright,
“Remember when we met, that very first sight.
You were loyal and brave, honest and true,
Kind and generous, and laughter lived in you.”
Their colours return in a rainbow flood, 
The enemy is stoned, and all is good.