//------------------------------//
// The End 
// Story: Birthday Wish 
// by Midnight Spawn 
//------------------------------//

Night Heart, you're not going to like what I'm about to write.

I was surprised (only a little) to see that you had kept up messaging me regularly, trying to keep in touch. Wanting to make sure I was okay. You've stuck by my side for so long and been a true friend. When what I said made no sense, you believed me anyway. When I disappeared without explaining a thing, you trusted me. When I was in dangerous situations, you rooted for me. I know you've never left my side. It's funny, this loyalty, makes me wonder if your pony-self might be Rainbow Dash herself.

Which is why it pains me so much... to say what I am about to say.

I... I'm not going to be writing anymore. Something has happened... something that can be only be fixed one way. You know how in some stories, the ending takes a surprising twist? Well, mine has. In the end, sometimes a hero has to do what nopony else can... and give everything he has. I've read stories where the hero sacrifices himself in the end, and I've always tried thinking of ways that he could have saved everyone and lived. But in the end, I've always known there was no other way. And now it's happening to me. I've fought to protect my friends, and now I'll die to protect my friends.

But, James, you might say, surely there is some other way! There's always a way! Not this time... thank you all for being there for me, and helping reach the end of my story. But now that I'm here, my story will end on a happy note. For as the hero falls, a new day rises.

And yes, I am in fact avoiding just coming out and saying anything. That is because you can not know what is happening for it to happen. So as much as I want to tell you what is going on, I can not. I know you'll be mad for a while, but... maybe one day you'll come to understand. Until that day, know that Equestria is safe. Everypony is safe.

So I'm going back to Equestria one final time... and I won't be coming back. I regret never meeting any of you, or getting to talk about season 4 when it comes out. I regret never getting to go with you to Equestria and showing you around. Or introducing you to the ponies and telling them what a help you've all been. Because you've been more than a help, you've been a family. My wish came true not because I met the ponies but because I met all of you. So thank you for everything.

I haven't told Sarah, but I will. I'll wait until it's too late for her to stop me, then change my password on this site so she can't get on. I want her to believe I'm going to Equestria and I'm happy. I want her to believe I'm safe.

So this is it, my final post. Night Heart, please let me go. I know for a fact you'll think I'm a fool in the beginning, but one day it'll all make sense. And I want you to know I'm okay with this. Knowing the results is enough to keep me smiling for all of eternity, so you should too. I didn't write this so you can cry over me forever, but so you can be happy I made a difference. We all made a difference. The world may never find out, but that doesn't mean we're not heroes.

I solute all of you for your courage, loyalty, kindness, and understanding. This is my choice. It's something I have to do.

MMMBrony, you have a bright future. Stay courageous.
Evedawalrus, keep smiling. Your kindness will take you far.
Stagequill, you've been here from the beginning, and I thank you for all you've done.
Swiftbullet, your selflessness makes you shine among men. Thank you for everything you've done.
Night Heart, I've never met anyone else like you. A true friend is a great find indeed, so thank you for being that. Anyone who meets you is lucky to have met such a wonderful person. I know you'll figure everything out--you have a gift for that. Please don't think you in any way failed to protect me. You SAVED me so I could do this.

The sun goes down on Midnight Spawn, and my final act is for my friends. Goodbye, and I love you all.