//------------------------------// // Chapter 18 - The Aftermath // Story: An Alternative Beginning // by ultrapoknee //------------------------------// His question was answered quickly enough. The temperature began to drop faster as a dark human shape formed in the mist. Two pure white glowing eyes peered out and a dark voice, warped and evil sounding, said, “Not a chance in Hell.” Sunset looked at the scene, then at the Elements, then locked eyes with Gregory. Both of them had the same thought. She was the first to speak. “Well…shit…” None were more dumbfounded than the bearers. “W-What? Why didn’t that work?” Rainbow asked in a panicked tone. “I haven’t the faintest idea, darling!” Rarity said in the same tone. “Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “What’s going on? What’s wrong with the elements?” “I-I don’t know!” Twilight said, glancing at each of their magical jewelry. “The elements have always worked. Even when we were first corrupted by Discord, we never lost our connection to them or…” Twilight paused as a horrible realization hit her. “Go on, Twilight.” Jason, still shrouded in mist, said in mocking tone. “Finish your little thought. I believe the answer is obvious. Why, take a closer look at those trinkets. Don’t they look dimmer? Has the light faded away like your friendship has this past year?” As they stared at the elements, something unusual happened. Light began surrounding the gemstones, but moments later the gems went completely black. Each fell off of their bearers and fell to the ground. Upon seeing this, Celestia caught on as well as her ear splayed against her head. “Oh Faust…” “B-But we made up! We’re back together again!’ Applejack denied. Jason merely shook his head. “Yes, you are reunited once again,” he acknowledged, “but after The Trial, after all that’s been revealed, how can any of you claim to be harmonious? What time did you dedicate to repairing that broken bond from your own callous behavior you’ve dealt to me or what ponykind has dealt to the world?” The winds picked up again as Windigos reformed around Jason. “Is it any wonder the elements failed?” “This isn’t good,” Gregory said grimly as he pulled out his pistol. “Time to run! Inside the shield, now!” He began shoving the ponies towards the gates while turning to Ember. “Ember, get your dragons inside!” Ember nodded, raised her head and roared loudly. As one, the dragons all turned and flew towards the door. She aimed the pistol in her own claws at Jason. “Gregory? Do we use these?!” “Gregory!” Pinkie called out as they made it through the shield. “You promised!” “Aim and fire!” Gregory shouted. “Be careful! They have a nasty kick!” Ember didn’t hesitate. She aimed and fired. Gregory did as well. However, a wall of ice formed around Jason, and the bullets embedded themselves in the icy shield. Jason, still partially hidden behind mist, simply said, “Those bullets might be effective against magic, but ice isn’t magic, is it?” “Should have known it wouldn’t be that easy,” Gregory said as he turned to Ember. They exchanged a look, one that clearly said ‘Time to retreat.’ Ember, clearly not wanting to do so, nevertheless snarled and whirled around, grabbing Gregory’s collar and flying both of them through the door, which was quickly shut. He landed on his feet and turned towards the shield. The Windigos were pressed against the shield, attempting to get in. Fortunately, it seemed as if the shield was too strong for them. He turned to everyone else. “Alright, back inside,” he said. “We need a new plan.” “I don’t understand. Is Jason right? Is it too late for our friendship?” Twilight said in a defeated tone. “The Elements just fell off of us and the gems went dark, Twi,” Rainbow said despondently. “I’d say it’s beyond too late…” “That ain’t fair to say, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “We just got together again. Of course we didn’t have time to mend the fences. We can’t let one bad thing ruin the bond we’ve built our whole lives!” Rainbow sighed. “I hope you’re right,” she said softly. “My mind’s just all a jumble right now.” Once everyone was back inside the school, Pinkie whirled on Gregory with a frown on her face. “You promised me, Gregory! What happened to trusting us?”  “This isn’t the time or the place for this conversation,” Gregory retorted. “Any plan we come up with won’t work if we’re not all on the same page!” Pinkie said angrily. “This coming from the mare who basically tried to blackmail me with our friendship to get her fucking way?!” Gregory bellowed in utter fury. “Yeah, to get you to see reason!” Pinkie stamped her hoof on the ground. “What kind of heroes are we if we killed just because things get hard?” Gregory stood taller, and his expression grew hard. “I didn’t see any other choice,” he said, and his tone was eerily similar to how Jason’s had been at The Trial, causing everyone else save for Pinkie to shudder in fear and worry. “The world is not the sunshine and rainbows you think it is.” “Then it is up to us - all the creatures living in this world - to make it like that,” Pinkie said. “Saying that is just giving up and accepting things as they are now. If that’s the case, then the Windigos are right and the world should freeze over!” The two stared each other down, neither relenting, before a new voice called out. “Stop! You have to stop fighting!” Everyone turned to see Cozy Glow with the students coming toward them. “That’s exactly what those evil spirits want!” “Yeah!” Gallus stated. “I bet those ghosts are getting a nice feast from all the negativity you two are spreading.” “We just need to calm down and think of a better way to stop those freaks!” Smolder said, slamming a fist into her palm and cracking her knuckles.  “Yona want to help any way Yona can. But friends fight no more!” Yona added with a stamp of her hoof on the ground. “It’s better if we all take a breath.” Ocellus said. “Now, let’s make up and put our heads together. There’s no I in team!” Sliverstream beamed. Gregory took a deep breath, then exhaled. He turned back to Pinkie. “They’re right,” he said. “We need a new plan.” Gregory racked his brain with everyone else before looking at the students again. It was then that it registered who had finally joined the party. “Wait. you’re Smolder, right?” “Um, yeah?” The dragoness said in confusion. Gregory looked down at the shield he’d lifted from Garble, then back at her. A grin was plastered all over his face as he pointed at them. “Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream, Yona, Sandbar, and Gallus.” “Oh, are we doing introductions again?” Sliverstream asked excitedly. “Do humans suffer from short term memory or something?” Ocellus asked gently. “No, you’re coming with us,” Gregory said. “I have an idea now. It’s a longshot, but it’s worth trying before we try anything more drastic.” He turned to the former element bearers. “But first, I need you six to pair off with them. Smolder, you’re with Applejack. Yona, you’re with Rarity. Silver, you’re with Pinkie. Sandbar, you’re with Fluttershy, Gallus, you’re with Rainbow, and Ocellus, you stay close to Twilight.” As the group began to head back outside, Twilight spoke up. “Gregory, I don’t feel comfortable putting Starlight’s students in harm's way like this.” “Neither do I,” Gregory said, “but these six are prime Bearer material. If they became friends in the show, I think they can become friends here. They don’t have the baggage you and your friends have right now, and time is of the essence.” “Wait, Bearers?!” Sandbar asked in alarm. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Time out! Us?” “That’s what I’m hoping,” Gregory said. “So, we are banking everything on one chance?” Ember deadpanned. “Unless you want to go back out there and try shooting our way out again,” Gregory replied with the same deadpanned expression. “I don’t deserve to be a Bearer!” Sandbar shouted. “I mean, I think being a bearer would be cool, but…” Gallus trailed off, unsure of what to say. Gregory stepped in front of them and held out his hand. When they all stopped, he looked at each of them. “Look, I get it,” he said, “some of you are probably terrified out of your minds. Honestly, I can’t tell you to do this. You all have a choice. If any of you think you’re not up for this, I won’t blame you for walking away.” “I don’t deserve to be one,” Sandbar said, looking down with an intense look of guilt on his face. “I…I was in Ponyville when Jason was there…and I did nothing…” Gregory slowly walked up to the poor earth pony and knelt so he was at eye level with him. “Is that why you were so nervous when you met me?” he asked gently. Sandbar rubbed the back of his head and looked away in shame. “…That’s why it won’t work for me. I’m not a good pony…” “Let me ask you this,” Gregory said. “Do you feel guilty about it? Would you do anything to make things right if you could?” “Well, yeah. But, I don’t know, doing it because I feel guilty doesn’t feel genuine enough.” “No, you’re right,” Gregory said, “that’s why these six are going to tell you how they became friends in a single day and how they became the Bearers. Again, I won’t tell you that it’s your destiny or some stuff like that, but I will only ask you to do it. You have every right to say no. But before you do, at least listen to these six mares. Then you can make your decision. Does that sound good?” The students all looked at each other with uncertainty before nodding their heads. Gregory nodded back and everyone exited the school once again. Not much has changed save for the snowfall through the shield having made the snow deeper. Jason stood a few meters away while staring blankly at them before speaking. “Have you decided to accept your fate or will you continue to hide?” Twilight took over. She turned to the six young teenagers. “Alright, students. I know you might think friendship is hard, but making connections with others is easy if you let it. The first time I met the girls, I was determined to face Nightmare Moon on my own. Yet every step of the way, they stayed by me and helped me realize that friendship isn’t a waste of time.” “Ah know it might seem a bit hypocritical comin’ from us,” Applejack continued, stepping up to stand beside Twilight, “and while makin’ friends is easy, keepin’ friendships is hard work. But it’s worth it.” “There’s always going to be times when trouble strikes,” Rainbow added, stepping beside Applejack, “but that’s when you have to kick trouble right in the face and say ‘Not today!’” “Of course, not everything is resolved with violence, “Fluttershy said, standing next to Twilight. “It takes a kind person to stop and look at everything from another's perspective. Then you’ll see that you have more in common than you first thought.”  “We all made that horrible mistake with Jason and with other creatures,” Rarity said, “but it’s never too late to change.” She turned to Sandbar then. “Darling, I know how you feel, and I don’t blame you for hating yourself or feeling unworthy. But you can’t let it get you down. You’ll end up like how I was this past year, and nopony wants that for you, especially your family.” Pinkie was the last to walk up. “Friendship really is magic, and I don’t just mean literally. I was once friends with almost everypony in Ponyville, and I was always happy and smiling during that time. Having friends is priceless.” “You’re all forgetting something,” Sunset said from nearby. When everyone turned, she stood and said, “Yes, a good friendship requires kindness, loyalty, honesty, generosity, and laughter, but one thing that you all must have is the empathy within to express the other five.” Twilight’s ears drooped and she nodded. “Yes, if there was a seventh Element of Harmony, it would be Empathy. We all lacked that with Jason and with other non-ponies. Even…even with changelings…” she gave Ocellus an apologetic look.  “Empathy is a big part of being a good friend,” Sunset continued. “That’s all I have to say.” The students then looked at each other after absorbing all the wisdom the bearers imparted. Silverstream was the first to speak as she turned to Ocellus. “I know I might have startled you when we first met, but I think it's really cool you're a changeling. And I really wanted to compare notes about our transformation styles,” Silverstream said to Ocellus. Ocellus smiled slightly and nodded. “It’s alright, and sure, we can do that,” she said. “Hey, Smolder, right?” Gallus said, looking at the orange dragon. “I saw some of your moves out there when you were fighting the Windigos. Those were pretty cool, and I’d love to see them again.” “Eh, it was nothing. I don’t mind showing you. But I haven’t seen much from you, so you better bring something to the table.” Smolder said with a cocky grin. Gallus returned the grin and said, “Sounds good to me.” “Yona wants to know how pony made those vines grow!” Yona said excitedly, looking at Sandbar. “Yona has never seen anything like it.” “Oh, um, I would love to. Just as soon as I figure it out myself.” Sandbar chuckled sheepishly. “I wouldn’t mind giving you some pointers. And I think becoming friends with you all is great too. All your emotions feel right like a warm blanket.” Ocellus said. She took a deep breath and dropped her Ladybug disguise, revealing her changeling form. Gregory looked at her wings and smiled. “Well, look at that,” he said, “looks like you got some new bling.” Ocellus looked back, revealing that her wings, once black, were now bright red with sparkling white bits of light dotting them. “Whoa…” was all she could say. “Okay, that’s amazing!” Silverstream said excitedly. “How’d you do that? Is that a changeling thing?” “No, I think this is an ‘us’ thing. I never felt this way around others before.” “I know what happened, and I’ll explain later,” Gregory said. “For now, though, it’s time.” The elements all smiled at this and turned back to Jason. With renewed confidence, the students joined them as they marched towards the barrier with no fear of the Windigos. Jason’s visage bore a subtle frown as he saw the Elements of Harmony, still lying on the ground outside of the shield, gleaming and shining once more. However, instead of the former bearers bathing in their luminescence, it was the students channeling their might. The necklaces and crown began to glow and shift, reforming into brand new objects as they selected their new bearers.  Smolder’s, the Element of Honesty, turned into a golden ring with an orange circular gemstone in the center that looked like a draconic eye, appeared on one of the talons on her right claw.  Gallus’, the Element of Loyalty, also became a golden ring with a red gem emblazoned on it, this one with the appearance of a dark blue pair of wings. It appeared on Gallus’ right claw as well.  Sandbar’s, the Element of Kindness, became a golden bracelet around his right foreleg, a bright green tree seed blooming out of the ground emblazoned on the front.  Silverstream’s, the Element of Laughter, also turned into a golden ring which formed around a talon on her right claw, the gold band emblazoned with a bright purple tailfin connected to a pair of bright purple wings.  Yona’s, the Element of Generosity, turned into a gold bracelet as well with its gem being two dark green horns. It wrapped around her right forehoof. Lastly, Ocellus’, the Element of Magic, retained its crown form. Only the gemstone that had once been a purple star changed into a bright red and multifaceted gem resembling a beetle with its wings spread. The crown molded itself around her horn, glowing brightly along with the rest. With each member of the new Bearers now bearing their newly reformed elements, they turned towards Jason. It was Ocellus, surprisingly enough, who stepped forward. “Jason,” she said in a pleading tone, “You’ve done so much for changelingkind. I can’t thank you enough for you sharing your knowledge with our queen to improve our lives, but please…it’s time to try and let go.” All the new elements somehow managed to glow more brightly than when any former bears wielded them. A brilliant cadence shone from each element. A light far brighter than any bearer that came before as the students hovered in the air. However, unlike with Twilight and her friends, the rays swirled around Jason like a tornado. Jason attempted to fire off some ice magic, but his shots fizzled out harmlessly from within the swirl of colors. He looked down at his hands as the rainbow particles were eating away at his blue tinted skin, returning it to its usual pigmentation. As the sparkles moved up his body, Jason’s cold demeanor became more expressive as he released a scream in anguish. The elemental rainbow dispersed all at once to reveal Jason back in his original form. Gregory watched this from the side, in awe of what he was seeing. “Whoa…” he said. When he saw Jason collapse, he rushed over to his fellow human’s side and looked the semi-conscious human over. “Hey, you okay?” he asked. However, before Jason could respond, ghostly tendrils shot out of his body, forcing Gregory to back away quickly. Gregory followed the translucent lines up in the sky to see that they were still attached to some Windigos. “Dammit!” Sunset exclaimed “You have to hit him again!” “No, the elements are working,” Ocellus shouted. “It’s just that the Windigos are clinging to him. I can feel it! They latched onto his hatred!”  “Jason!” Celestia called out. “You must let it go! Free yourself from the bonds of hatred or else the Windigos will remain!” Jason weakly lifted his head up to the group as a lone tear fell from his good eye. “…I-I can’t…” “What?!” Both the old and new bearers exclaimed. “Jason, you have to stop man,” Gregory said urgently. “It’s not worth it to wallow in that darkness! I know because I've been there before!” Sadly, Jason shook his head. “I can’t. How can I? The pain is too much. I loved them. I loved all of them and they hurt me…” Gregory took a step forward. “They hurt me too. I know they didn’t hurt me as much as they hurt you.” “Then how can you say anything? You got hurt once and left. I was hurt nonstop for three whole years. Just…Just kill me.” Gregory recoiled at that, knowing it was true, but he took another step forward, one hand outstretched. “I though that was the right call earlier, but it wasn’t,” he said, “I know you’re not lost yet.” “You were so gung ho about doing it earlier, now you're chickening out…” Jason chuckled bitterly. “...I should’ve known. Nothing ever goes my way.” “If I killed you, I would lose something in myself I could never get back,” Gregory argued. “Killing is a last resort.” Jason merely put his head back down. Meanwhile, the tendrils grow thicker with each passing second. The Windigos began to squirm and thrash in the air as they grew larger and more grotesque. “We’re running out of time!” Sunset stated urgently. Suddenly, the sound of buzzing could be heard from the south. Everyone turned to see a small contingent of changelings flying up towards them, led by a clearly exhausted Chrysalis. The changeling queen spotted what was happening and with what must have been her last bit of strength, made her way towards them. She turned and surveyed the scene before her eyes locked on Jason. “Jason…? Jason!?” When Gregory saw the look on her face, he took a step backwards. He might not be able to help Jason, but he had a feeling she would. He called out, “Chrysalis! Help him!” Chrysalis galloped towards the fallen human and slid to his form before gently turning him over. She winced slightly to the coldness of his body as she spoke softly. “Jason. Wake up, I’m here.” Jason opened his eyes weakly as Chrysalis came into view. “…Hey Chrysalis…” “Hey, yourself. You look like a mess,” she said, clearly attempting to look at him with a reassuring expression. “…Heh…I hadn’t noticed…” “Jason.” Everyone heard the changeling queen’s voice crack. The sight of her compatriot was clearly sending her emotions into a whirlwind. “Jason, I need you to let it go.” “I-” “I know it’s hard. Believe me, I know!” Chrysalis raised her voice. “When I lost my daughter, I could only think of revenge and nurturing my hatred!” She took a deep breath and calmed her voice. “I was in the midst of conducting yet another new scheme when I found you. Some nonsense about using the elements for myself. But, you convinced me that it would’ve flopped. You, in your own way, helped me start to resolve those issues. Believe me, letting my hatred for ponies go was hard, and it still is, but I know it’s better to do that than to let it fester.” “Chrysalis…” Jason’s voice was weaker now. The changeling queen didn’t let up. “When I first met you, you were nothing but a powder keg of negative emotions. It was so potent that more often than not, you made my drones fall ill. But please…pass all that anguish and misery, I could feel the positive emotions.” Jason coughed slightly as he responded, “…You’re wrong. Anything good in me died a long time ago. Sometimes I wish you would’ve just left in that forest…” Chrysalis looked up and saw that the Windigos were beginning to recover. She looked around with a desperate look on her face until her eyes fell on Ocellus who in turn gave her a nod. Seeing the bright wings on the brand new Bearer of the Element of Magic, she inhaled and turned back to the weakened human. “Jason, I know you feel like there’s no point to anything anymore,” she said gently, “but I want you to think about all the good that you have done. It was you that gave my changelings a fresh start. It was you that steered me away from another revenge ploy that could have put me in stone like you said. You’ve also shared human knowledge with us that’s improved our lives considerably.” “The changelings are only happy because they are in disguise,” Jason retorted. “If they come out in the open, then they’ll face persecution. Even if that horn protects them, they won’t be accepted. They’ll be alone again. Just like me…” Chrysalis sighed and took a deep breath. “Jason, look at me. I want to show you something.” He turned to her and waited. An instant later, Chrysalis’ form was encased in green flames. Her height increased while her form took on distinct features. Her front hooves were replaced by hands and working fingers. Her slender back legs grew from her equine limbs as she stood at the same height as Jason. Her chitin smoothed over into dark brown skin while her muzzle shrank down into a pair of lips and a nose. On her back were brightly colored similar wings to Ocellus’ that resembled bright blue wings more akin to a butterfly. She was wearing an outfit now that preserved her new human modesty, a pair of dark green pants and a warm looking brighter green jacket. Her eyes, however, remained the same.  Despite his weakened state, Jason stared up at the now human changeling queen in awe. “…How…?” Jason asked. “I thought you couldn’t morph into humans…” “I couldn’t at first,” Chrysalis said, “but with enough time and practice, I was able to use your memories as a frame of reference. It took me months but here we are..” “How did you even replicate clothes?” Jason asked. “Oh, clothes are easy,” Chrysalis replied with a wave of her new hand, “but that’s not important. What is important is that I went through all this effort and time for you. To help you with all that pain and loneliness.” “Why do this for me?” “As if you really have to ask,you silly man,” she said with a small smirk. “I did it because I care for you. I did because despite your reasoning, you still aided my progeny. All of them - including me - have come to see you as more than just a benefactor. You are family, Jason.” “…” Jason fell silent as he looked away. Chrysalis laid hand on his cheek and gently pulled him back to look at her again. “Take it from me; hatred is a poison,” she said in a gentle tone. “I’ve carried it for over a thousand years and I’ve never been truly happy. But I was able to start ridding myself of it thanks to you. And now you must do the same.” “How? How do I make it stop?” The sound of Jaosn’s pitiful voice made most of the ponies tear up while others looked down in sympathy. Gregory looked at him in understanding. “Hatred is a powerful force,” Chrysalis said, “but there exists an even greater power that can banish it. Do you want to know what it is?” Jason nodded at her, his visage filling with something akin to hope, silently praying for his friends’ words to be true. Chrysalis smiled gently as she leaned downward. “Love, Jason. That force is called love. And I hold all the love in the world for you.”  Their lips met for the first time. A sparkling pink light began to form around Chrysalis’ horn as the two began to rise into the air, arms wrapped around the other as they deepened the kiss. Swirling bright pink light seemed to engulf them. The sound of magic only increased as the lightshow brightened. The others watched, most remembering a similar incident where the same magic had been used, the wedding of Princess Cadance and Captain Shining Armor. Even Gregory had to look away as Chrysalis’ and Jason’s eyes opened, revealing nothing but blinding white light emanating from them. A heart shaped blast of magic burst from the two and it spread. Everyone who was enveloped in its glow felt a brief but powerful sense of joy and wonder and deep feelings of camaraderie and love. It might have lasted only a second, but the feelings would forever be engraved in their memories. The Windigos seemed to be the only ones negatively affected by this. They screeched and howled as they were blown back by the heart shaped force field. Eventually, their sounds died away, leaving nothing but silence. No snow was falling, nobody made a sound as they all tried to process what had just happened. Jason and Chrysalis were standing on the snowy ground again, not taking their eyes off of one another. It was Gregory who spoke first. “And here I thought only Princess Cadance and Shining Armor could do that.” Chrysalis turned to Gregory and, to everyone’s surprise, grinned at him. “I learned a thing or two from them,” she said in an amused tone. “After all, the sign of a good leader is learning from one’s failures.” Gregory nodded, then looked around. “Yes, yes it is.” He turned back to the brand new couple, focusing on his fellow human. “How are you feeling right now, Jason?” Jason took a breath and exhaled, his breath forming a small cloud as he did so. “Well, better,” he admitted. “I admit, being possessed by Windigos made me feel powerful, but I felt trapped at the same time.” He locked eyes with Gregory. “Now I kinda know how Nightmare Moon must have felt.” Gregory chuckled. “Well, welcome back to the world of reality,” he replied.  “Good to be back,” Jason replied.  Just then, there was a sound of an echoing wail that made everyone freeze in place. The sound came from all around. Everyone looked and saw that the Windigos were still around. However, while they were still hovering in the air, they were streaked with some blackness that hadn’t been there before. “What’s happening??” Sandbar asked nervously. Sunset replied immediately. “The Windigos have been corrupted by their possession of Jason,” she said. “They need to be completely purified.” “Unfortunately, the only tool that can do that is long lost,” Celestia said, igniting her horn and facing the corrupted and wailing Windigos. “All we can do now is make a stand here.” “Just one thing after another,” Sunset sighed. “Chrysalis, you should take Jason inside the shield,” Celestia said, turning to the now human queen. “He looks too exhausted to do anything else.” Chrysalis held onto Jason and supported him. “You don’t have to tell me twice,” she said as she quickly led Jason towards the open gate, the remaining changelings following her through the door. “What can we do?” Ocellus asked as Chrysalis and the changelings left. As Celestia tried to think of what to do, something in Gregory’s pockets began to vibrate. Confused, he reached in and pulled out the three mana cores. They were glowing much more brightly than before and were warm. “What the hell…?” he said in confusion. The Windigos seemed to screech in pain even more as they were exposed to the bright light of the silvery mana core. Celestia, who was nearby, saw this and her eyes went wide. “Where did you get those?!” she asked in alarm. Before he could answer, the three cores fired out a beam of light directly at the largest of the Windigos. To his and everyone else’s surprise, the Windigo began to evaporate, slowly disintegrating as its magic made its way towards the gems. The cores grew warmer, but he didn’t let go. He was unable to by this point Soon, he felt himself being lifted off of the ground but not because of the cores pulling him up. Now he was starting to be surrounded by magic, but unlike before with Chrysalis and Jason, this one was pure white. “Whaaat theeee heeell…?” he said, terror clear in his voice now. “I can’t let go!” he shouted as more and more Windigos began to vanish, entering all three cores and causing them to glow more brightly than before. He looked down frantically. “What do I do here!?” “The mana cores are trying to reconstitute themselves now that they have a new influx of mana, Twilight explained quickly, “but since you can’t wield magic like us, the mana has nowhere to go. You need to find a conduit for the cores!"  He looked around wildly before he spotted the metal pole in his free hand. He looked at the cores, then at the metal core. Having no other options open to him, he gripped it tightly and stabbed it into the largest mana core fragment. A second sun appeared in the cores immediately, hiding Gregory in a bright silvery glow. This glow outshone even the love magic that had come from Chrysalis and Jason. An explosion of magic spread from the light as Gregory screamed. Instantly, the remaining Windigos were gone, leaving nothing but the intense glowing aura that surrounded the now floating human.  Slowly, the light receded, and Gregory fell back to the ground, landing in the deep soft snow. Clutched in both of his hands was now a large white and silver metal staff with a glowing silvery white orb on the top, similar in color to that of the now vanished Windigos. He now wore two silvery rings on both of his middle fingers. Both were made seemingly of the same material as the staff with two glowing gems set in them. He lay in the snow, staring up at the sky with a seemingly unseeing look in his eyes. He was barely breathing too, but the cold air around him was enough to show air escaping his open mouth. “Gregory?” Ember asked in astonishment. He continued to lie there, completely unresponsive. However, something began to happen to him. His normally brown hair began to shift and became pure snow white. His eyes, still open, began to slightly change color. Whereas once they had been bright blue, now they lightened ever so slightly and became icy blue. Suddenly he took in a deep intake of breath and sat up quickly. He was still clutching the changed metal pole in his hands. He took in great gulps of air as he stared ahead. Everyone watched him, unsure what was going on or what had just happened. Finally, he slowly looked around. A look of confusion passed over him and he asked, “So…um…not to jinx anything again, but…is it over now?” Celestia walked over and smiled at him. “It is, but I believe we should all head back inside.” She helped him up with a wing and supported him before turning to everyone else.. “There’s much to discuss.” [Canterlot Throne Room - One Month Later] The throne room in Canterlot Palace was packed, not only with the few nobles who had escaped what had now become known as the Spring Purge, but also with dignitaries from other nations and races from all over the world. Everyone was waiting for Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood to come out and address the various races represented. While some were speaking among themselves, the slight majority of others had their attention on the only two humans in the room. Jason, now wearing a suit based off of the ones Gregory had brought, stood next to Gregory who was also wearing a similar suit, one of the ones he’d brought from Earth. Both were sipping on some cider and talking quietly.  Gregory shuffled and, leaning his new staff against a nearby wall, straightened his tie once more before picking the staff up again and brushing a strand of his new snow white hair back. “Okay, I can understand why you’re here, being Chrysalis’ romantic partner and all,” he said to Jason, “but why the hell am I here? I’m just a teacher.” “Right, and being one of the only two humans in an address involving all the races has no bearing at all,” was Jason’s snarky response. Gregory held out his hand and the ring he wore on that hand began glowing slightly. A small and perfectly shaped and perfectly clear ice cube formed out of thin air in his palm. The gem stopped glowing after the cube had finished forming and he gave Jason a glare. “Don’t make me put this down your back, smartass,” he retorted. Jason put up his free hand defensively. “Easy there, Frosty. I just thought it would be obvious.” Gregory rolled his eyes, then placed the ice cube in Jason’s cider. “There, some enchanted ice that won’t melt but will keep your drink cold.” He made one for himself and placed it in his drink, then poured himself some more cider. “Wonder when this is gonna start?” “I’m sure they want to give the other leaders some time to get here,” Jason replied. “The Windigos attacked a lot of places, remember? Chrysalis is still cleaning frost from the hive. It’s been rough for everyone.” “Yeah, that’s true,” Gregory acknowledged as he slowly looked up at the tip of his staff, which now was a softball sized sphere glowing with the power of all the Windigos, who had now become nothing more than a memory. He took a deep breath and exhaled, then saw something out of the corner of his eye and turned. “Speaking of Chrysalis, here she comes now.” The changeling queen was flanked by two drone guards. Strangely enough, she was not in her humanoid form but instead her normal equine one. However, this form had gone through more changes than anyone thought. The holes adorning her limbs were gone as if they had never been there before. Her chitin had a noticeable shine to it that reflected the light beautifully and she still wore the ever present and confident smile as she approached the two humans. “I have to say,” Gregory said, “and I mean this in the most respectful way possible, but you look fantastic, Chrysalis.” “Yes, I know,” Chrysalis said without missing a beat. “It has never been in doubt– the sheer radiance of my beauty knows no bounds.” “Gotta love that overbearing confidence of her,” Gregory grinned, elbowing Jason playfully. “Just don’t let the Princess of Food hear you.” “I thought Cadance hated that nickname,” Jason said. “It’s through no fault but her own for having a name such as hers,” Chrysalis said with a smirk. “At least my subjects have taken a liking to it for obvious reasons.”  “Part of me regrets telling you that fandom nickname for her,” Gregory said, “but since I still haven’t met Cadance yet, I wouldn’t know how she’d react to it.” “I would be more concerned about the two human representatives drinking before a meeting,” Chrysalis chided them both. “I wasn’t aware this was a party.” “This is nonalcoholic cider,” Gregory replied, “so it’s not like we’re getting wasted.” “It’s still a formal function, and if I can’t eat…” Chrysalis’ magic flared and the mugs of cider vanished, “...then neither shall you two.” “Well you’re no fun, bug horse,” Jason replied. This caused Gregory to snort in amusement. “Anyway, everyone has gathered and will be following after me soon enough.” Chrysalis shot Gregory a sly look. “Even a certain lord of the dragons has come to visit. I wonder what she will do after not seeing her little colt toy for so long~.” Gregory once more created an ice cube and held it up. “Don’t make me put this down on your withers, smartass,” he said with a grin. “Oh, so forward,” Chrysalis said in amusement. “I haven’t even done anything and you’re already wanting to get me all wet~.”  Gregory rolled his eyes, then turned to Jason. “This one’s a handful, I can tell. When’s the wedding and when are you gonna have kids?” “As soon as you tell me when your first date’s gonna happen, I’ll let you know,” Jason quipped back. “Anyway, here they come.” Everyone turned. Gregory was expecting Ember to be in armor, and of course she didn’t disappoint, although the armor she wore now was different than what she’d worn before. There seemed to be less of it, as if this was more or less formal armor than armor made for fighting. She still had the Bloodstone Scepter in her claw. Unlike the armor he’d seen her in before, now her armor was a deep crimson. Gregory raised his hand and waved at her. “Sir Gregory, Sir Jason,” Ember greeted with a nod before sneering at Chrysalis. “Bug!” “Her name is Chrysalis. What brought this on?” Jason asked the annoyed Dragon Lord. Chrysalis, to her credit, ignored the death glare Ember was sending. “I may have done a little light teasing concerning her and the colt toy, nothing too bad,” Chrysalis said. “You posed as me and Gregory and had us kissing in various locations all around Canterlot while screaming a fake love confession!” Ember snarled. Gregory sighed, then looked at Chrysalis. “Come on, really?” he asked with a slight glare. “You’re older than all of us here. Pranks are only funny when everyone can laugh about it afterwards.” “Please, some say mimicry is a form of flattery,” Chrysalis retorted. “Besides, I only wanted to speed things along.” “Don’t do it again!” Ember snapped. “Half the reason we took so long was because the princess had to dispel that nonsense as a prank. Now be quiet. She’s about to speak.” Everyone then turned their attention to Princess Luna at the podium. Prince Blueblood stood near her side. “My fellow Gaians,” Princess Luna said in her Royal Canterlot Voice. Everyone in the room went silent as they faced the princess and Prince Blueblood who stood next to her. She lowered her voice to normal when everyone was silent and continued. “I thank you all for joining us today for this state of address. I know we are all still reeling from the effects of the return of the Windigos and their subsequent attack, but now that a sense of normalcy has returned, I want to bring to everyone’s attention that what has happened should not have occurred!” There were murmurs of agreement from everyone in the crowd before Luna continued. “It is a well known fact through Equestria’s very history that Windigos feed on negative emotion, particularly that of hatred. I have heard the rumor mill on what many believe is the likely source of this recent plight.” More than a few ponies turned their ire to Jason, and Gregory to a lesser extent. Luna saw this and immediately continued. “Yes, I suppose it would be easy to place the fault at Sir Jason Wright’s feet, but he is innocent in all this. The feelings brought about from The Trial is not what drew the Windigos here. That was nothing more than a victim of abuse seeking reparations for their pain. No, what brought those malignant spirits here was us.” Several ponies voiced their disagreement more audibly now. “Preposterous!” “We’re the innocents here!” “It’s their fault!!!” A few ponies were giving the two humans with some hatred in their eyes. “ENOUGH!!!” Luna shouted, blowing the dissenters to the ground with the force of her voice. As they began to recover, she continued.  “Have you all truly learned nothing from this debacle!?” she asked angrily. “The only crime Jason has done is expose the festering hate that laid beneath a false visage of harmony! Had none of you noticed how much Equestria has been targeted in the Windigos’ wake? Silver Shores. Los Pegasus and - to my great horror and shame to say this - Ponyville!”  Twilight and the others looked down in regret and sadness at the mention of Ponyville. Ponyville had been completely destroyed, with nothing left. All of their former homes were nothing more than rubble. Sweet Apple Acres was gone, as was Carousel Boutique, the former Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy’s house, Rainbow Dash’s Cloudominium, and even the last remaining part of Ponyville, the Shelter, had fallen once the ice had been magically melted. Nothing remained now but a blank area where nothing had begun to regrow, leaving many ponies who had once called the town home currently homeless. “We all harbored hatred for a creature who only sought justice,” Luna continued. “We refused to acknowledge our shortcomings and accept responsibility. This can no longer stand. If we are to prosper in this world, we must abandon this arrogance that we are infallible! I know that change is not easy. I am a prime example of that. But this change must occur for it is our very future on the line lest the Windigos make yet another return and finish us this time. How many more gravesites will it take for us to take hold of this message? I say this to you all - nay - I bid this request from the depths of my soul to release this hatred of these two humans who stand before us. Release this resentment for other races. And let us truly, truly aspire to espouse peace and harmony!” Nobody said anything for a while. Finally, a pair of clapping noises could be heard from one side of the room. Everyone looked to see that the two humans were the first to applaud. Soon, other races began to join in, followed lastly by the ponies. The throne room was alive with applause of every kind. Luna smiled as even the dissenters applauded as well. She looked to her sister, who was positively beaming at Luna for her passionate speech. “Well said, sister. Well said. I couldn’t have done better myself,” Celestia said softly but audibly. Blueblood stepped forward and stood beside his aunt, looking up at her and giving her a warm and kindly smile before he too turned to the crowd. When the applause died down, he said, “There is much work to be done in the coming months and years, but know this: my aunt and I will work tirelessly to make sure this kingdom, no, this world, is one where anyone, any creature, can live in peace, harmony, and friendship. Equestria has been given a second chance, and we intend to use that chance to better our kingdom and the lives of every creature living here, not just ponykind!” The applause only doubled in noise and plenty of whistles of approval came up from the crowd.  [Ponyville - One Week Later] What had once been a small and cozy town full of ponies was now a deserted lot full of damaged buildings and destroyed trees and gardens. There had once been the sound of ponies talking to each other even during the year after The Trial. However, now there was silence as the majority of the ponies who had escaped the Windigo’s attack had now been put up in temporary shelters in Canterlot. The rest had moved to other towns to begin anew. Twilight Sparkle and her friends stood at the spot where the Ponyville Town Hall had once been. Jason stood next to them while Gregory watched from a few feet away, letting them have this moment. None of them spoke as they looked at the devastation around them with saddened hearts. Nobody spoke for a while. “You know…” Rainbow suddenly spoke up, “I could always take naps because of how quiet Ponyville would be this time of day. It was never too distracting and the local chatter was pretty soothing.” “Tell me about it, partner,” Applejack agreed. “Big Mac and I used to come to the hill overlooking the farm and listen to birds chirp away and feel the breeze blow through our manes. It was nice…” “Oh, I know,” Fluttershy added solemnly. “The animals were always so friendly in the local park. I would always feed Mrs. Duck and her ducklings by the pond.”  “I found the market place the most enjoyable when gathering materials and listening in on the latest gossip trends,” Rarity added. “Did you girls know that Cloud Chaser and Flitter were both pining for Thunderlane? Such gossip would’ve been the talk of the town.” “The best part of working at the Cakes was the morning. Smelling those fresh baked goods was like walking on clouds.” Pinkie said with a small smirk. “Yeah, I can relate,” Rainbow smirked back. “Especially considering you always had a cloud with you. Sometimes ah thought that you were hitched onto that thing,” Applejack  laughed. “Haha, remember the cloud walking spell?” Twilight asked. “Oh, darling, please don’t bring that up,” Rarity whined. “It was pretty funny until you fell,” Pinkie said. “Yeah, and I saved the day with the sonic rainboom!” Rainbow cheered. “And I can’t thank you enough for that, darling,” Rarity said in gratitude. “There were so many dangers we faced here as well,” Twilight said. “Nightmare Moon. Discord. Tirek. To say nothing of all the wacky shenanigans that happen on a weekly occurrence.” “Most of those we can thank our sisters for with their constant Cutie Mark Crusading,” Applejack said. “It’s hard to believe it's all gone now…” Fluttershy said. “Unfortunately, it is,” Gregory said as he walked up to stand next to Jason. Jason nodded. “A part of me really won’t miss this place,” he said without any emotion. The mood of everyone dropped a bit and everyone went silent for a bit before Twilight turned to Jason and said, “I wish you had seen the best of Ponyville, Jason. Maybe it would’ve turned out like the show.” “Well, it didn't, so let's not focus on that,” he replied. Twilight nodded as she reached into her saddle bag. She pulled out a plaque with golden letters and placed it on the ground. “Ponyville was our home,” she said as she stepped back. “We had a lot of good memories here, but we were ignorant to so many of its faults. Still, I don’t want to see the ponies we knew here forgotten, so I had this plaque made.” Everyone stepped forward to get a good look at the inscription, which read: Ponyville; a town that tried to live in harmony but was lost in the storm. While the citizens have moved onward, we shall never forget the rise and fall. Gregory raised his staff and struck the ground with it. The crystal on top brightened slightly and a small pedestal made of enchanted ice began to rise from the ground, lifting the plaque while also encasing it in said ice. The ice was clear and pristine and enchanted so it couldn’t be melted even on the hottest day. He looked back at the group. “This way, it won’t age and be weathered or lost,” he said. Twilight gave Gregory a grateful nod. “Thank you, Gregory,” she said. “Of course,” he nodded. Jason gave a grunt as he began to walk away. Everyone turned to face him. “Jason…” Twilight’s voice called out, causing him to stop. Twilight took a deep breath and said, “I was wondering if you would attend the counseling session with Trixie later this week. Starlight thought it would be a good way to talk through everything.” “…” Jason looked back with an unreadable expression. He stayed quiet for a time before he continued walking, heading back towards the train station. “Let him be for now, Twilight,” Gregory said before any of them could move to follow. “He needs time away from you to think. Frankly, I’m surprised at how calm he’s being, considering this entire place used to be a town that tormented him.” Twilight’s ears went flat, and she slowly nodded. “Yeah, you’re right,” she said sadly. There was silence for a bit as they pondered Gregory’s words before he said, “Now, before we leave, I have a small proposal for you and your friends and your families.” Twilight looked up with some curiosity now, as did the others. “What’s that?” she asked. Gregory looked around one last time before turning back to Twilight. “Starlight has been considering creating a brand new town next to Yggdrasil,” he said, “and she’s looking for people to consider settling down there to help build the town and establish businesses there. Would you and your families consider it?” That made the former Bearers of Harmony stop and think. They looked among themselves for a few minutes before any of them responded. Applejack was the first. “Ah’ve seen the lands on the visit to the school,” she said. “It’s a bit rough, but a little Apple family TLC can make all the difference.” “Especially since Applebloom seems to now possess earth pony magic too,” Gregory said. “And who knows? Maybe you’ll get some in the future.” Applejack snorted. “Maybe,” was all she said with a shrug. “The area is way outside the borders of pretty much every nation,” Rarity said, humming to the idea. “I could make some clothes for the creatures without breaking my punishment. It will be free of charge of course. New students should look their best.”  “I know Mrs. Cake has been looking for a fresh start,” Pinkie stated, “ so I think that’d be just what she and the twins need.”  “Well…I don’t know what I could do to help,” Fluttershy admitted, “but I’d love to come too.” “It’s a good location for stargazing,” Twilight said with a small smile, “and I can deliver some messages to Spike with little issue while he’s still there. I think we would like to relocate, Gregory. A fresh start for all of us.” Everyone looked more or less happy, but Rainbow looked uncertain. They noticed this and gave her their attention. “I…I don’t know…” she said hesitantly. “What would I do there? I still can’t fly, so it’s not like I can do anything related to the weather.” “Well, weather control is something I don’t think we’ll have there unless there’s a weather emergency,” Gregory replied. “Weather control isn’t harmonious. Besides, there’s always a chance you’ll get control of your wings back if you make a genuine apology, remember?” “Yeah, there’s that,” she admitted. “I have to do something before that, but you can count me in too.” “I’ll let Starlight know when we get back,” he said, “Now come on, the last train from Ponyville is leaving before they dismantle the train station and I don’t want to be late.” With that, the group began walking away from the new memorial, leaving it to be enshrouded forever in ice for all future generations to see. [Seeds of Yggdrasil - Later That Week - Trixie’s Office] “I love my parents. I love them very much. But, I don’t know. I can’t seem to get them to listen to me about my issues.” Rainbow slumped into her chair as her words failed her. Around her were five best friends. Trixie was sitting at her desk writing this down on a notepad with her magic, nodding in an attempt to be sagely. “Hmm, yes,” she said, “Trixie can understand when ponies don’t listen to what she has to say, but when was the last time you spoke to them since Gregory came to Gaia?” she looked at Rainbow looking over a pair of glasses. False glasses, of course. “That’s the thing. I’ve been kind of avoiding them for like a month before he showed up…” Rainbow gave a sheepish smile as the rest of her friends deadpanned at her. Trixie shook her head and removed her fake glasses. “Yes, Trixie can understand avoiding ponies too,” she said, “but if you really want to start fixing things with them you need to sit them down and talk to them. If you want, Trixie can offer you three a safe space here where you three can talk. Where are they now?” “They moved from Cloudsdale to Vanhoover,” Rainbow said. “It was the only place that tends to forget certain events.” Trixie nodded. “Yes, that does tend to be the case,” she said. “Still, you can’t avoid them forever you know? They are a big part of your past and you really need to work things out if you’re going to start moving on from the events of the past year. There can be no half measures here. As you have said, they’re pretty stubborn in their defense of you. You have to be more stubborn than you usually are to get through to them. Again, Trixie will offer you and your parents a safe space here where you can talk to them.” “…I guess I’ll reach out to them…” Rainbow said. “Good,” Trixie said before turning to a certain butter colored pegasus. “Now, Trixie wants to get to you, Miss Fluttershy. To put it bluntly - as Miss Pie has informed me - you were acting like a nut while you were coddling Discord. It’s clear you are using him as a substitute for your animals.” “I can’t help it. He’s been so helpless without his powers.” Fluttershy said. “Trixie can understand that, but let Trixie ask you something: if Jason Wright and Gregory Graystone can live a life without magic and turn out as well as they did, surely Discord can learn how to do so in time too,” Trixie said. “Miss Fluttershy, taking care of a friend who’s lost something isn’t a bad thing, but you may have a deeper issue than just losing your animal friends. Miss Pie told me you had Discord literally in baby clothes.” “Uh huh. That’s right.” Pinkie said while folding her forelegs in a very humanlike way. Fluttershy looked rather uncomfortable now, and looked around the room. She took a deep breath. “I…I don’t want to talk about it right now,” she admitted. “It’s something very personal.” “This issue isn’t something that can be ignored, Miss Fluttershy,” Trixie insisted. “You’re bordering on very possessive behavior. Picture a crazy cat lady times one hundred. That's ten rows of ten felines!” Fluttershy’s bottom lip began to quiver slightly. “I…I…” “Trixie’s office is a safe space for you,” Trixie said reassuringly, “and your friends have all sworn to keep what is said here secret unless said otherwise. You can tell us anytime, but it has to come out eventually. The sooner you confide in everyone here, the sooner you can heal.” Fluttershy took a deep breath, then exhaled. “I’ll try,” she said. For the next few moments, she tried to say what she wanted. Finally, a tear fell as she shakily admitted. “I…I’m unable to bear foals…” The room went silent with shock. Even Trixie had a slightly stunned look on her face. She was the first to recover. “Please continue.” she gestured to Fluttershy. Fluttershy whimpered, but relaxed slightly when Pinkie put a hoof around the trembling pegasus. Fluttershy relaxed and continued. “E-Ever since I was old enough to know better, I wanted to be a mother…I wanted to bring life into the world and love and cherish them. But…one day when I went to a checkup, the doctor caught something and asked me to take some tests. He told me that I can’t conceive…my world shattered that day…” “And is that why you became an animal caretaker?” Trixie asked. “That’s part of the reason,” Fluttershy said. “I really do love taking care of animals, of course. It’s what my cutie mark means. But I always saw my animal friends as sort of like my children in a way.” “Fluttershy, why didn’t you tell anypony?” Twilight asked. “Maybe I could have helped. I could have asked the royal physician to look at you and see if there was anything that could be done.” She shook her head vigorously. “I was ashamed,” she said. “I felt like I was broken. No stallion would want a broken mare like me…” “Now that’s simply not true,” Trixie said. “You’re not broken.” “That’s right!” Rainbow said emphatically. “You’re easily the best mare I ever knew. You patched me up and supported me throughout all my crazy stunts. And even when I was avoiding everypony, you still made time to come see me.” Fluttershy took a deep breath and exhaled. She gave Rainbow a grateful, but saddened, look. “I still can’t help but feel broken. I can never have foals. It hurts whenever I think about it.” “That may be true, but I know you inspired many foals as an element bearer.” Twilight said. “Some inspiration I was,” she said with downcast eyes. “I failed to be kind when kindness was meant to be shown.”  “Hmm, Trixie can see the dilemma and she proposes that instead of focusing on the sordid past, you should look to the future,” Trixie suggested. “Trixie is certain Starlight is already considering bringing all of you onto the staff. You can help guide the young minds of this school. Plus, if you truly desire a foal, adoption is an option. There are a lot of foals that were left without their parents after the Windigo incident.”  “I know,” Fluttershy said, “I’ll think about it…it might not be a bad idea to give a foal or two a home…” Trixie nodded as she looked at the others. “Trixie believes now would be a good time for a hug. Well? Go on.” All six stood and walked over to each other, embracing each other in a group hug. Just then, the door opened as Jason walked inside the room. He scanned the occupants silently as he moved to a chair which had been tailored to human specifications and sat there waiting for him if he ever decided to show up. Wordlessly, he sat down. For a few tense moments, no one said anything as Jason hunched over and intertwined his fingers, glaring a hole into the floor. With a big sigh, Jason spoke softly. “…You know, during that first week in Equestria, I dreamed of a moment like this…” The girls all tensed up as Jason spared them a glance. “All of us together in one place, sitting and laughing, swapping stories from our worlds. For that first week, that hope kept me believing that things would get better if I just tough it out.” He picked his head up again as a flash of anger passed over his eyes. “But then the abuse started. The shunning, the shouting, the stoning, the flash mobs and the beatings. I really didn’t get it. How could this be the same world Susie and I used to watch? How could the characters we cherished be this cruel and heartless?” Jason opened a folder that he’d walked in, took out one of the pages in it and looked down at it. Printed on it was a picture of him sitting next to the aforementioned little girl. He placed it down on the table. It showed her lying in a hospital bed with Jason sitting next to her bed. They were both watching My Little Pony on a hospital television. He sighed. “This was taken during one of the last times we both watched the show together, right before she took a turn for the worse. I remember the episode was one of her favorites. It was about the time Fluttershy took that class from Iron Will. She loved that episode so much. I never thought I’d see her again except in my memories.” “How did you get it?” Trixie asked. Jason sighed. “Sunset brought over a printer for Gregory’s PC, my old computer. He printed out every picture he found on it of me and Susie.” He smiled a bit as he looked at the paper. “I’m grateful to them both. It’s nice to have them.” “She looks adorable,” Trixie said, “but Trixie feels there is more for you to say.” “Yeah…” Jason shuddered as he put the picture back in the folder and put it down almost reverently. “Susie’s memory helps but even that became clouded after three years. It’s crazy to think that much time has passed yet everything still feels fresh and raw. The sadness was too much sometimes.” Jason gently traced his scars over his blind eye. “Then, when I finally reached the tipping point and I wanted to die, but was denied, the sadness left and the anger took over. I wanted nothing more than to destroy Ponyville and everyone in it. I wanted to raze it to the ground and give those bigoted hateful liars a taste of their own medicine.” “And why didn’t you?” Trixie asked. “Trixie admits that when she used the Alicorn Amulet, it felt good to stick to the entire town for her mistreatment. Instead you chose to use that Gjallarhorn and take the elements to trial.” “I wasn’t going to prove those xenophobes right and make them the victim,” Jason replied. “I wanted my story heard for the truth that it was. I wanted the entire world to see who the guilty party was. I didn’t want there to be a single doubt as to who did this to me. It felt right at first, being on the side of the morally just and passing down judgment. Then, showing up for the tribute of bits only to smelt it in my tormentors’ faces. It felt good for a while, but it didn’t last. I still felt hurt, resentful and bitter. Then, I went and got possessed.” “Trixie was inside keeping the staff and students in the bunkers during that. What was that like?” Jason took a deep breath, then exhaled before saying, “It was exhilarating at first, but it soon became terrifying. It was like every negative feeling I had was multiplied by a hundred. The sadness, the hurt, the anger and the hatred. It was all I knew and it was suffocating.” Jason stopped to wring his hands as he shuddered. “Having something drive your body with your hate as the fuel source puts things in perspective. I thought that with the trial over and the tributes that I can finally be happy, but I wasn’t. I thought with all the pain I suffered and survived that I was stronger, but I wasn’t. I thought seeing Ponyville reduced to a barren wasteland would make me feel at peace but it didn’t. During that last battle, there was a part of me that was actually hoping that Gregory would manage to shoot me and end my suffering. I was so lost that I felt like death was, once again, the only way out of that nightmare…” “Trixie heard that Chrysalis confessed her feelings for you at the end of all that. Doesn’t that help lift your spirits?” “It does. Believe me, it does. But the love I feel for her is constantly at odds with this emptiness now. All I felt– all I’m still feeling is emptiness…and she doesn’t deserve that…” Jason looked up to everyone with unshed tears in his eyes. “...I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I can’t deal with it. My name is Jason Wright and I need help.” The six ponies shuddered at the mention of Jason’s suicidal thoughts. It wasn’t something that happened to ponies often and it was almost impossible for anyone to understand. Trixie, on the other hoof, gave Jason an understanding look. “Trixie remembers her own brush with death,” she said. “When Starlight saved Trixie, there was a part of her that resented Starlight for doing it, but Trixie learned to let that go this past year. It wasn’t easy, but if Trixie could do it, she knows you can too. It will take time, but anyone can heal.” Trixie looked at the girls and they all nodded their heads in silent agreement. “Trixie wants to propose a group hug again. Would you want that?” Jason looked up at the ponies he once idolized then hated with all his soul with an unreadable expression. The girls themselves looked anxious but also understanding. He knew that if he said no that they would respect his wishes. Even so, he thought back to Susie and then to Chrysalis and how she urged him to attend, and the decision was made clear. He got up and took a shaky breath before he bent to one knee with his arms spread out. The girls took the invitation and slowly approached while tentatively hugging him from each side. Jason choked back a sob as he realized that he didn’t feel revolted or angry. He felt the same warmth he felt whenever Susie would hug him with a bright smile on her face. Finally, letting the tears fall, Jason slowly tightened the hug. Trixie smiled at the display. “Trixie believes this is a good first step. There are many more to go, but the road to healing always begins with a good first step.”