*Raiden POV*
Two months after the fall of Faust.
I felt myself waking up slowly as the sun shined on my face from the open balcony in Lunas room. The day before had been a long one, considering Luna had tested me on all the royal duties she had been teaching me...by making me sit in her night court and do her job for the whole night with no supervision or assistance. Even with the small amount of people that come to Night court, it still found its way to be stressful.
Pushing those thoughts away, I rolled over and wrapped my arms around my fiance, accidently waking her as she turned to face me, her eyes full of love as she nuzzled my cheek.
"How are thou this morning, my love?" She said, her tone quite giddy as it had been since I had proposed to her last month.
Yeah yeah, three months is a short time to decide to marry someone, but Luna said it was normal for stallions in her time to do so, and that was enough for me.
I gave her a gentle smooch on the lips as my claws softly stroked her back and mane. "It would be easier if you hadn't sprung that test on me yesterday."
Luna snorted. "We needed to know if thou was capable of handling the stress of being my prince." She kissed my cheek. "And thou didn't disappoint, Raiden."
I gave her an unamused stare. "And getting Ronin and Chrysalis to appear several times to mess with me was part of that test?"
She pursed her lips while giving me a not so serious glare. "They had important things to discuss, and besides We had to get some ponies to show up somehow."
"Ronin literally tried to prove rocks reproduce, Luna." I said as I felt myself mentally face-palm. Ever since Ronin had been taken to see Pinkie Pies family last month he believes that rocks have to reproduce if there is a place where you can farm them, or else the Pie family would be out of business. To make matters worse, Chrysalis has been supporting his insane claims, stating its one of the funniest things she's seen him do in a while.
At this, Luna was unable to stifle her laugh as it began to echo throughout the whole room while I found myself joining in. After a while the laughter died down and I released Luna from my hold, to which she stretched out her hooves at me like a baby wanting to be picked up.
"Where arts thou going? We demand thou stay and cuddle thy princess!" She stated as I stretched out my back and faced her.
"We can't stay here all day, Luna. Today's the big talent show in ponyville, remember!"
Her eyes widened in suprise as she nearly jumped out of bed.
"Thou art correct!" She exclaimed before running over to a mirror and noticing her kinda poofy morning mane. "For Fausts sake, I look terrible!"
I chuckled and walked over to her, grabbing her mane comb off the cabinet nearby and brushing her hair as she leaned into me.
"Relax, Luna. It's just some bedhead. Nothing some tender loving care can't fix." I calmly stated as she leaned her neck back and bit my neck.
"Who said anything about tender?" She said, giving me a lustful gaze as I booped her snoot.
"We can't right now, love. We gotta get going." I reminded her, causing her to pout and give me the 'Royal Canterlot begging Eyes'.
After a moment of silent brushing and failing to ignore her stare I relented. "Fine, But we do it AFTER the show, not before."
"Huzzah!" Luna cheered just as I finished straightening out her hair. She looked herself over in the mirror and winked at her reflection. "Now that is a princess!"
She turned to me, a huge smile on her face. "Shall we go and fetch sister? She would love to come with us, I am sure of that."
"She said she was gonna leave early this morning after she raised the sun, stating she had some business in Ponyville before the show." I told her as she frowned.
"What could sister need to do there? It's not like anyone is in danger." Luna said as I scratched the back if my head while putting down the comb.
"I don't know, but she came to me last night while I was doing some lazy mares job for her-" A swift poke in my ribs from Luna as punishment for the jab at her interrupted me, making me laugh. "-and told me, though she seemed quite nervous about whatever she was thinking about."
Luna sighed, looking worried as her ears fell flat. "She's been holing herself up these past few weeks, Raiden. We know she is ok, for she passed a medical test we forced her to take earlier this month with no sickness reported, so we fear it may be something more serious that weighs on her mind."
Seeing her worry, I pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry, Babe. Whatever it is, I'm sure she will come to you about it when she's ready. That's what siblings do, after all."
She pulled back from the hug and looked into my eyes as she gave me a passionate kiss.
"Thou truly are good with words, my love." She spoke warmly as she magically put on her royal regalia. "Now we must be off! Our chariot awaits and we shall not let it do so!"
I followed her nearly prancing figure out the room with a smile, feeling quite happy with how everything was right now.
Finally, we can live a month or two without almost dieing to something dangerous.
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Ronin POV
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KNOCK KNOCK.
My eyes shot open as my mind registered three things: One, there was someone knocking at the door. Two, I was currently unable to get up due to the four mares laying on top of me. And three, Chrysalis had also woken up from the knocking, and boy did she look cranky as hell.
"Who the FUCK is knocking this early in the morning! It's like six or something!" Chrysalis screeched from under my right arm, effectively waking up the rest of the herdpile.
"Chrysalis, why do you feel the need to yell AT six in the morning?" Redheart growled as she squirmed slightly under my left arm.
"Oh, she wasn't yelling silly! THIS IS YELLING!" Pinkie, looking not at all upset with being up right now, happily demonstrates from my chest, making Twilight (who had been resting in between Pinkie and Chrysalis) glare at her.
"Pinkie Pie, please don't yell like that. We are inches from each other and we don't need to go deaf anytime soon." She turned to Chrysalis. "And besides, it's nine-thirty in the morning, not six."
KNOCK KNOCK.
I groaned, my ears ringing and feeling a headache starting to come on. "I don't care what time it is, can someone get the door?"
Four sets of eyes turned to me as Chrysalis gave a wicked grin, making me realize what was about to happen.
"If only our big and strong stallion would save us from such an ardous task." She said in a husky tone as I blinked in suprise.
"Huh?"
Redheart chuckled. "That's right, hotshot. Your mare's need time to get ready for today, and what better way to leave us to our own devices than to go answer the door?"
Pinkie joined in on the her herdmates bullshit train. "That's right! We gotta get ready for the talent show today, so go answer the door Rony-Wony!"
Twilight couldn't resist and put the cheery on top with a merciless snicker as she teleported me off the bed and onto the floor next to it. "You heard the girls, get to it, Honey!"
I got up and gave the four of them a glare, though I found myself smiling nonetheless as I began to go downstairs.
"Damn mares, teaming up on me four to one." I grumbled as I made my way to the front door.
"Now what the heck do you..." I started to state as I opened the door, only to find a rather disheveled Celestia standing at the door. "Princess you look like shit."
Celestia, even in her tired looks, couldn't help but laugh at that. "For the past month I have felt like it too, Ronin. May I come in?"
Seeing no reason not to, I stepped aside and let her into my castle. Over the past two months since Nicholas defeated the old man, what was my misshapen house/hive was now a completely black castle that stood as tall as the library tree that was down the road.
What can I say? changelings make great exterior decorators.
Celestia walked into the living room and plopped down on the couch, her eyes glancing at the space on the floor we had been sitting at two months prior before she turned to me.
"Come and sit with me, Ronin. I have something to discuss with you." She said, suprisingly stern as I walked over, fearing the worst.
As I sat in a chair directly across from her, I decided to speak first.
"Alright, who's attacking the kingdom now?" I stated as Celestia tilted her head slightly.
"Why would you think that?" She asked as I groaned, pointing up at a head mounted on my wall.
"Because last time I was in Canterlot I had that guy try to steal my magic, only for him to realize too soon I don't run on the stuff like you do." I pointed out as Celestias eyes widened at the sight of the horned head above my newly made fireplace. "Besides, we arent on the best of pages right now, so I figured that you would only come here for my help."
Celestia turned back to me, her shock evident in her eyes. "You do realize you hold the head of one of Equestrias greatest threats in your home, right?"
I waved her off, trying to get back on subject. "Yeah yeah, Twilight looked him up in your castle library or something. Said his name was Tirket or the like." I crossed my arms and leaned back into my chair. "So if it's not a fight your worried about, then what's up?"
Celestia collected herself and took a deep breath, looking more nervous than I had ever seen her as she looked me in the eyes.
"Ronin...I'm pregnant." She said calmly as every thought in my head shut down.
Brain is attemping to process that, please hold...
"I'm sorry...did you say pregnant?" I slowly managed to get out as she nodded.
"Indeed, and you are the father." She said, looking slightly worried as I got to my feet and pointed a finger at her.
"That's bull. How the hell am I responsible for that?!" I exclaimed as Celestia stood as well, giving me a warning glare.
"You do realize we not only did it at the Canterlot party three months ago, but you also slept with Daybreaker as well. And she just so happened to be using MY body as a host." She explained sternly as I found myself shaking slightly.
I knocked up...the ruler of this damned kingdom?! I thought rapidly as I was slowly freaking out.
"Daddy?"
Immediately, my panic attack stopped as I turned to the origin of the voice.
A small earth pony stumble walked her way over to where I was. She had pink fur and an almost silvery mane that came down to the bottom of her neck. I smiled and picked her up, making her giggle as I cradled her like a human baby.
"What are you doing up, Luxord?" I asked her as she gave me a two fanged smile.
"Purple Mama sent me to check on you!" She exclaimed joyfully as she wiggled her hooves. I smiled at her and sat back down in my chair, watching Celestia as she did the same, her eyes never leaving my child.
"Is that...one of your offspring? How?" She asked me as I shrugged, deciding bouncing the little one on my knee as she playfully squealed.
"Changelings births only take a month or two tops, and she came a week after the Faust event." I informed her as I sighed. "So...what happens now though?"
Celestia tore her gaze from Luxord and looked up at me, her tired eyes giving away how hard she was thinking and little sleep she had gotten recently.
"I cannot ask you to leave your herd to look after the child, that would be wrong." Celestia stated as she sighed. "But I would also wish for you to be in the foals life as well, nopony deserves to live without both of their parents love and care."
I nodded. "So, sounds like something we would need to talk about more then...with the rest of my herd present as well." I pointed out as Celestia nodded.
"Very well." She stood and turned for the door. "But for now, let us enjoy the show the youth of this town wish to give us. We can worry about other matters another time." With a smile from me she took her leave, the door closing with a slight thud as I turned and walked upstairs.
"Daddy, what did the big pony want?" Luxord asked me as I leaned in and gave her a nuzzle to her cheek.
"She just wanted to give your dad a heart attack, that's all." I said as I looked into what was Taks bedroom, noticing both him and Scootaloo weren't there.
Huh. they must be getting ready for the show then. I thought as I went to open the door to the main bedroom only to find it locked.
"Just a minute!" Redheart stated from behind the door as I rolled eyes.
"Why is it taking you four so long to get ready? We're not going to a dance or some fancy place!" I exclaimed as I felt Luxord snuggle up under my arm and had started to doze off.
Softly rubbing the side of her face, I couldn't help but smile.
To think, after everything thats happened I'm now holding my own kid in my arms. I thought happily as I felt a single tear go down my cheek.
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Nicholas POV/ Later that day
******************
"C'mon, Diamond Tiara! We're gonna be late for the talent show!" Applebloom exclaimed as she knocked on Diamond Tiaras bedroom door several times before getting a reply.
"I can't find my prized tiara!! And I am NOT leaving until it's found." Diamond vehemently argued, making me smile slightly at her antics.
"Then we're coming in to help." I stated as I reached for the doorknob and opened the door slowly, only to find Diamond Tiaras room an absolute mess.
There were fancy clothes piles everywhere, not to mention every drawer on every cabinet that lined the wall across from her bed we're either pulled out or were upside down on the ground.
"Whoa! This looks worse than the chicken coop at fluttershys before cleaning!" Applebloom stated in shock as Diamond Tiara poked her head out from under a pile of dresses that was near what had to be a king sized bed.
"Oh, Nick! You've got to help me!" She exclaimed as she hopped across the unruly floor and landed in front of me. "I can't find my tiara anywhere."
Oddly enough, I was having a hard time focusing on her face, rather I was focusing on what was on top of her head.
Applebloom noticed it too, and snickered lightly as she pointed to Diamonds head.
"Did ya try looking on yer head yet?" She asked Diamond Tiara, who immediately raised a hoof to her head and, after feeling the tiara there, blushed immensely from embarrasent.
"Dang it, now I've went and made a fool of myself." She said as I grabbed her in a hug.
"Don't be silly, we all make silly mistakes every now and then." I reassured her as I out her down and tussled her left ear with my fingers, getting a coo from her as I felt something poke my left leg.
Turning to Applebloom, who was pouting slightly from lack of attention, I grabbed her and held with my left arm and did the same to Diamond Tiara with my right.
"Hey!" Applebloom exclaimed, though her laugh afterwards betrayed any seriousness she was getting at.
"Put me down! I have to do my hair!" Diamond stated, though I shook my head at her.
"No time, the shows gonna start soon and I'd rather not be late." I said as I began to march out the house and into the common area of town.
After everything that had happened with Grandpa and Faust, we had decided to not tell Diamond Tiaras parents about her kidnapping. (Oddly enough, Tiaras mother seemed to look at the three of us in a better light than what she had before...though that might had been due to how Diamond had blown up on her before.) Both girls had gotten small burns from the spells Faust had used on them during their captivity, but we explained that by stating it was because of the monster that had attacked the town.
Who knew Tarus attacking would actually give us an decent alibi for that days events? Either way, I was just happy everything was back to normal...well, as normal as this town gets.
Letting the girls go, we decided to go to sugercube corner and get a snack for the road, though as we walked in we were met with friendly faces.
"Nick! what's up!" Axel exclaimed as he and Sweetiebelle walked up to us. Axel had told everyone he was permanently staying in his Rockstar form, something that suprised Tak to say the least. Even more suprising though was about a month ago when Sweetiebelle and Axel announced they were going out.
Let's just say Rarity nearly had a heart attack when she heard the news. Ronin was ok with it though, even though he had made a comment to Rarity about watching out for eggs in Sweetiebelles room.
I shuddered slightly at that image. That was one thought I did not need to think about.
"How have you guys been lately?" Sweetiebelle asked us as Applebloom smiled brightly.
"We've been great! Diamonds parents said they would take us to Canterlot next week to check out an art exhibit!" She told the dating duo as she started to get excited. "Ooo! What if I get my cutie mark there?"
Axel frowned. "Don't count on it, Apples. I don't see a farm girl getting an artsy cutie mark anytime soon."
He went to chuckle, but a jab to the side from Sweetiebelle stopped it cold.
"Excuse him, he's just cranky because Rarity won't let him snuggle with me at night." Sweetiebelle stated before smiling at Applebloom. "I'm sure if it's meant to be, you'll get your mark there!"
Applebloom and Sweetiebelle continued chatting while I noticed Diamond Tiara coming back with a bag in her mouth. She dropped it in front of me and gave me smirk.
"While you four were chatting, I went and got donuts for everyone!" She said triumphantly as Axel and I grinned and reached inside the bag.
"Score! You got the frosted ones!" Axel exclaimed as he and I ate through ours quickly while Diamond Tiara looked on before rolling her eyes.
"Colts." She muttered as Axel turned to me.
"So, are you going to join in the talent show?" He asked me as I shook my head.
"Nah, decided not to this time." I told him before grinning. "Besides, we gotta cheer on our lovesick friend."
Axel snorted. "I still can't believe Tak is actually going to do the mating dance with Scootaloo as a public performance." He shrugged. "At least it doesn't have an innuendos in it."
I chuckled at that before we looked at each other in shock.
"Crap, the show!" We exclaimed as I turned to the girls, who were talking with Diamond Tiara about what it felt like to get her cutie mark.
"Girls, we gotta go!" I stated as I quickly turned and ran out the door with everyone else not far behind.
A short burst of running later and we thankfully were able to get to the school. Originally, Ms. Cherilee had planned the show for about three months ago, but thankfully Celestia pulled some strings and got it to be set back three months instead, plenty of time for everyone to recover from the harrowing events that had happened and for the kids to practice any acts they were going to do.
Managing to find five seats near the front, with Axel and Diamond Tiara on the edges with Sweetiebelle, Applebloom and myself in the middle, we were set for the show.
Just as I was getting comfortable, though, I felt someone flick my ears.
"Oi, Nicholas. Looks like you managed to get here in time!" Ronin stated with a laugh as I turned and saw him sitting with his herd behind us. Ronin was in the middle with Twilight and Redheart (who were talking about some sort of medical theory) on his left and Chrysalis and Pinkie Pie on his right.
I gave him a a smirk. "And how long did it take you to get here?"
He squinted his eyes at me while Chrysalis, who was listening in on our conversation, gave me a toothy smile.
"Don't let him tease you for getting here late, we arrived merely moments before you." She stated as Pinkie jumped in.
"That was mostly Twilights fault though. She couldn't find her note-taking stuff and wouldn't leave the castle without it!"
Hearing her name, Twilight turned to us.
"I need to take notes on the mating dance Tak is going to perform, Pinkie! This is an undocumented phenomena for Equines and could change how their mating habits are viewed by other species!"
Redheart gave Twilight a shit-eating grin. "Or ponies will just think it's weird and barely care at all."
This made Twilight huff, and cross her forelegs, causing Ronin and Chrysalis to laugh as I looked past them.
"Ronin, look! It's Raiden!" I exclaimed, pointing towards the back of the rows of ponies and changelings and even a few griffons where Raiden, Luna, and Celestia were sitting.
Ronin turned to them and gave them a wave, one that both Raiden and Luna returned happily while Celestia gave Ronin a smile and a nod. I went to talk more with Ronin but was pulled back into my seat by Diamond Tiara.
"Nick! It's starting!" She told me as I turned my gaze to the mayor as she walked up on stage.
"Good afternoon, Mares and Gentlecolts! After all that ponyville has been through these past few years, we have decided to put on a talent show so our young ones can show us all the skills they have to bring a smile to our faces." She pauses as everyone in the audience cheers at this. "Of course, before we begin I would like to introduce none other than the eldest princess of Equestria herself, Princess Celestia!"
Celestia stands up from the back and walks on the right side of the audience as everyone cheered even louder for her (minus the griffons, which either said nothing, booed, or wolf-whistled at her like most of the changelings did)
Celestia got up on the stage and turned to face us, a winning smile on her face as her eyes shined with joy.
"Greetings, everypony!" She stated, her voice echoing throughout the area. "Or, should I say everyone at this point?"
Some laughter went out through the crowd as I felt Applebloom wrap her tail around my leg and lean into me.
"Today, I get to see something that I have dreamed of seeing for many years: multiple species of Equestria gathering together in harmony for something like this. It makes my heart soar to see how far we've come."
More cheers, this time from everyone as I even heard Ronin join in this time. Celestia let it go on for a bit before she cleared her throat and summoned what seemed to be a small box in the air next to her.
"Now, before the show begin, I would like the Blazeheart Brothers to come onto the stage."
My eyes widened as Applebloom and Diamond Tiara turned to me.
"Whoa, wonder what tah princess wants from ya?" Applebloom questioned as Diamond Tiara pushed me slightly.
"Don't keep her waiting, Nick!" She said as I squeezed past Axel and Sweetiebelle, the latter was sitting in Axels lap getting her mane combed, and got on stage as Ronin and Raiden made their way up there as well, Ronin standing on my left and Raiden on my right as we faced the crowd with Celestia standing next to Raiden.
"Today, I would like to honor these three for their acts of honor and valor to the country and the beings that live in it. Without them we might have faced certain disaster at the hands of the evil-minded beings that plague our world." She opened the box she had next to her and pulled out three medals, each one had a different symbol on it.
She went to Raiden first. "Raiden Blazeheart, a man turned dragon of simple ideals, but firm defense of said beliefs. You not only defended the country from destruction, but you also protected my dear sister and was with her all the way through your journey here." She placed the medal around his neck, a symbol of a half moon on it as Raiden couldn't help but smile big.
"Thanks, Princess!" He said, flinching slightly as he realized that his voice was as loud as Celestias, piercing even Lunas cheers of praise. Must be a magic thing.
Celestia nodded and turned to Ronin, who looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Ronin Blazeheart, when you first arrived in Equestria you sided with the changelings during the attack on Canterlot. However, this was not out of spite for us, but rather to help a species that was on the brink of extinction. Even so, you payed your dues and earned your forgiveness for the blood you shed by defending this town and its citizens from every threat that came to harm Ponyville, let alone other countries."
She placed the medal around his neck, which bore a katana as a symbol, as every changeling roared in approval. However, everything went silent when a griffon and a pony walked up on the stage and turned to Celestia.
"Princess, might I say something here?" Grazier asked as Celestia nodded.
"Of course, King Grazier. After all, Ronin did help Griffonia as well." With that, Celestia stepped back as Opal pulled a different medal made of what looked like silver from who knows where as Grazier turned to the crowd.
"Greetings, ponies and weird bug things." Cheers, laughs, and a glare from Chrysalis followed. "This man here is not just responsible for protecting your home, but he is also the main force that led a revolt against the tyrant king of my homeland as well. Without him, we would still be losing family and friends to that fools mechanical experiments." He turned and faced Ronin, who cracked a grin at him.
"How's being king, old timer?" He whispered as Grazier glared at him.
"Just because you'll be giving my baby girl some chicks to raise doesn't mean. you get to be sassy, boy!" He whispered back as he put the medal over Ronins neck. "This is from the people of Griffonia as thanks for your efforts...and uh, try to ignore the fact it's not gold because they refused to give over any for its creation."
Ronin and the griffons of the crowd laughed while everyone else cheered. Grazier and Opal made their leave as Celestia got everyone's attention.
"Now, for the last medal." She said as she turned to me. "Nicholas Blazeheart. As a young colt, what you have done for this country is insurmountable. You not only defeated the ice queen of the north and saved Canterlot from the wrath of the wendigos, but you also stood until the end and saved all of Equestria from your own flesh and blood. The sacrifices and suffering you have made and went through are not in vain, and everypony in this kingdom thanks you for your service to us." She placed the medal over me, this one bearing her own sun on it as the medal clanked against my chest.
The cheers were at their loudest as even Ronin and Raiden clapped for me. As I watched everyone, I couldn't help but get misty-eyed from all the praise.
This truly is real, then...everything is better now. I couldn't help but think as we took our leave and returned to our seats. As soon as I sat down the girls were hugging me from both sides.
"Nicholas, that was amazing! I can't believe you got a medal from Celestia!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed as Applebloom squeezed my right arm.
"That's so awesome, Nick! But ah think we forgot something." Applebloom said as I turned to her and frowned.
"What?" I asked, only for both her and Diamond Tiara to kiss me on the cheek at the same time, making my face flare up as I could barely stutter out a word.
"Thats our way of saying thanks for saving us, Nicholas." Diamond Tiara said as They both leaned into me while I glanced behind me.
Sure enough, my brothers were faring about the same. Pinkie was currently being held magically by Twilight, who was hugging Ronin, as to contain her excitement and urge to throw a party mid-show, while Redheart was now talking with her parents and Chrysalis was pretty much whispering into Ronins ear, making him look far redder than what I was earlier.
Farther back, I could see that Luna had actually tackled Raiden as soon as he got back to his seat, resulting in not only a broken chair but a royal canterlot make-out session on the ground as onlookers either watched in awe or took pictures.
Turning my attention back to the stage, I saw three mayor had returned to the stage and had gotten the crowd to quiet down while Celestia dealt with her sister in the back.
"Thank you everyone for your patience as we handled that." She said as she cleared her throat. "Now, for the first performance today we have our very own Tak and Scootaloo performing a special changeling dance for us today!"
The crowd cheered as Scootaloo and Tak appeared from behind the stage, though as soon as Tak was in sight everyone around the middle of the seating area nearly lost their hearing from how loud Ronin and his herd were cheering...especially Chrysalis.
"THATS MY BOY!!!" Chrysalis cheered louder than I actually thought possible as Tak visibly winced and turned red at the sight of his mom doing so.
Man, Ronin has weird taste in women...nice to know Chrysalis is supportive of Tak now though.
After a minute, everything quieted down as Scootaloo and Tak faced each other, their faces inches from each other and both of then on their hind legs as the music began to play and they began to dance.
To say they were in sync would be an understatement. They moved slowly, but gracefully as they almost never took their eyes off each other. Every once in a while, Scootaloo would be dipped and she would glow slightly, but it was clear that Tak was balancing her with his magic so she didn't fall over. As the two continued their Tango, I couldn't help but be amazed.
They continued their graceful waltz together as the crows watched in stunned silence the whole time. At the end of their performance Tak took a step back from Scootaloo and bowed his head low while kneeling to her as the music came to a stop.
Several gasps rang out as Scootaloo didn't move for the longest time. I was worried she wasn't going to return the gesture when she copied him exactly, to the relief and elation of everyone watching. The two rose up together and touched foreheads, Tak tilting his head slightly to make sure his horn didn't pierce Scootaloo as they did so.
As soon as they did that, cheers erupted from crowd as everyone got on their feet, hooves, or claws and gave them a standing ovation. (Even though I didn't turn around, I could hear Chrysalis actually crying tears of joy as one of Ronins herdmates was talking to her about the spectacle.)
Tak and Scootaloo turned to the crowd and took a bow as they shared grins before walking off the edge of the stage and coming over to us while Ms. Cherilee began to call up the next act.
They sat next to Axel just as Sweetiebelle and Applebloom nearly tackled Scootaloo out of her seat.
"That was Amazing, Scootaloo! Where'dya learn to dance like that?" Applebloom asked her as Sweetiebelle nodded.
"Yeah! You were awesome up there!" Sweetiebelle commented as Scootaloo, blushing from all the compliments, smiled at them as they got up off the ground.
"After Tak and everyone else came back, we decided to spend most of our time together practicing that dance." She nuzzled Tak, who went been red instantly before returning the gesture with a content sigh. "Apparently he's been wanting to do that dance with me for a while, and it only took me asking his mother to find out why."
Axel chuckled at that. "So you WERENT going to tell her what that dance meant?"
Tak gave Axel a glare and crossed his hooves. "I was going to tell her...sometime."
Everyone laughed at that while I felt Diamond Tiara poke my chest. I turned to her and found her sitting on my left leg and looking up at me.
"What's up?" I asked her as she blushed heavily before giving me a small smile.
"I love you, Nicholas." She said, making my mind break for about ten seconds before I remembered she was waiting for me to respond and was slowly looking more worried as I didn't.
I pulled her close and gave her a soft kiss on her lips, nothing too passionate, but enough to get my feelings across as I pulled back and winked at her.
"Love ya too, Diamond Tiara. Love ya too!" I said before feeling weight add onto my right leg as Applebloom sat their and gave me an expectant stare.
"And what bout me?" She asked me with big eyed as I suppressed a laugh and gave her the same kiss I gave Dianond before holding them close to me.
"I love you too, Applebloom." I whispered as they both sighed contently and turned to face the show, still on my lap, as some foal in a pirate outfit went onstage.
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Later that Night
******************
I was sitting outside on a hill next to the cottage watching the stars. Before all of this, I would've never really cared about the night sky, but after almost dying you tend to appreciate the little things in life more.
On the note of almost dying, it had taken me a whole month to convince Fluttershy to allow me to go out on my own. I couldn't blame her at all, honestly, and it warmed my heart to have someone who cared enough to be strict like that.
Even now though, I am a hundred percent sure she is watching me from her window.
As I went to get up two figures plopped down besides me, one on my left and one on my right.
"This seat taken?" Ronin asked as Raiden rolled his eyes.
"Why would it be taken, Ronin? He's obviously alone out here." Raiden commented as Ronin pointed a finger at him.
"You don't know that. His little girlfriends are nimble as hell. They could be anywhere plotting to attack him with killer cuddles." He stated with a far too serious voice, making me burst out laughing, too which they soon followed.
After a while of laughing and then just staring at the stars Raiden spoke up.
"Nicholas...Thanks." He said suddenly, making me look at him funny.
"Huh? For what?" I asked as Ronin put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a smile.
"For bringing us here. By accident or not, you made our lives a whole lot better by doing so, little man, and we owe ya big for that."
I shook my head, bringing out the necklace Grandpa gave me and gripping it tightly. "Don't worry about it. All I did was accidently send us back to where we belonged, that's all."
Raiden looked at the necklace in shock while Ronin stiffened slightly.
"You still have that thing?!" Raiden exclaimed as I nodded, feeling the necklace as I wrapped it through my hands.
"Yeah. Someone has to watch over it, considering who's inside it and all." I told Raiden as Ronin groaned.
"And your sure Faust can't get out of it?" He asked me as I nodded.
"Remember that guy in the suit I told you two about when I was alone with Callobrim that day? He visited me in a dream a month ago, telling me to watch over the amulet for him."
Raiden shrugged and leaned back, laying on the ground and staring straight up at the night sky.
"Well, it's probably better Nick has it then. If we throw it away, someone might find it and restart this whole mess again, while if Nicholas has it he can at Keats use her powers for good."
Ronin sighed and followed suite, though he kept his frown, not liking the idea of me holding a 'god' in a necklace.
"Just as long as your careful, Nick. We don't need anymore excitement for a while." He said as I nodded and laid back on the ground with them, staring at the night sky as I couldn't help but smile.
"I will...and I should be the one thanking you two. Without you guys I wouldn't have been able to enjoy this world at all, even with the girls by my side."
Ronin snorted a laugh. "Damn straight, bros before-"
Raiden turned to Ronin and glared. "Don't finish that sentence, retard."
I just laughed and shook my head, enjoying the company of my brothers as I slowly found myself falling asleep amidst Ronins laughing and Raidens scowling.
Everything is going to be just fine, isnt it?
THE END.