//------------------------------//
// Happy Homecoming 
// Story: Rebirth of Harmony 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

        A train pulls into Canterlot station. Ponies file out of their carriages. The crowds clear from around a car in the rear when its doors open. The Elements and their escorts step onto the platform.
        ‘My babies!’
        Rainbow flies out of the way, as Apple Pie is tackled in a hug. Pinkie Pie coos as she squeezes the life from her son.
        ‘Hi… mom...’ the trapped stallion gasps.
        ‘Mommy!’ Rainbow cheers, joining in on the hug.
        ‘It is so wonderful to have you back,’ Pinkie pines. ‘I was so worried about you every day since you left.’
        ‘It is okay, Pinkie,’ Trixie assures. ‘They were well taken care of the whole time.’
        ‘Rainbow. You look thin. Have you been eating enough?’
        The pegasus hides a churro. ‘Nuh uh. I’ve been forced to starve every night!’
        Pinkie grabs the nearest pony she can find. ‘Get my daughter all the snacks in the city! Send the bill to the palace!’
        Helios struggles under his aunt’s grip. ‘We’ll have a feast back at the castle. Just ask my parents, okay?’
        ‘I think that will be fine.’
        King James slowly trots towards the group. Everypony parts when they see his stern glare. Razzly hides behind Trixie, scared that the king is angry. Alba stands her ground, but looks away. James stops when Octavia blocks his path.
        ‘Go easy on her. For me.’
        ‘We’ll see,’ the king snorts. He looks over. ‘Prince Gusty. Good to finally meet you. I guess the rumor that you were banished to boarding school forever was a lie.’
        ‘Well, I can’t take all the credit for that one, but I did do my part to really make it stick,’ the griffin replies.
        ‘We’ll have to talk later. Your uncle is really worried about you.’
        Shaun hangs his head and backs away. Raindrops pats his back assuringly.
        James trots to his daughter. ‘Your mother and I want to have a word with you.’
        Alba glances up briefly before looking away again, frowning. ‘Fine. Let’s get this over with.’
        James huffs and turns back. ‘Luna and I would be honored if you stay with us at the palace. Take as long as you wish to see the city. We will send for you when it is time for dinner.’ He looks back at Alba. ‘As for you...’
        James teleports himself and Alba away. Razzly lets out a worried squeak for her friend. Trixie gives her a reassuring hug.
        ‘Well, it is certainly interesting to be back already,’ Trixie breathes. ‘I don’t know about the rest of you, but I could go for some lunch. Miss Octavia, would you mind suggesting a place?’
        ‘She’s gone,’ Raindrops reports.
        ‘Hmm. Then we’ll just have to go someplace else. Razzly, what do you feel like having?’

        James and Alba appear in one of the palace’s sitting rooms. Luna is standing at a window. Alba cringes and tenses up as her father takes his wife’s side. Luna lets out a long sigh and turns around. She slowly trots to her daughter. She glares down at Alba.
        ‘What made you think anything you did in the last two weeks was a good idea?’
        ‘Sorry, mom,’ her daughter mumbles, avoiding eye contact.
        ‘Sorry for giving the Republic a political black eye when you abandoned your trip to the Griffin Empire?’
        ‘He was plotting to killing us...’
        ‘Sorry for freeing the God of Chaos?’
        ‘He wasn’t that bad...’
        ‘Sorry for revealing the loss of Cadance?’
        ‘The Crystal Empire had to know...’
        ‘Sorry for betraying everything you once stood for as an Element of Harmony?’
        Alba stares at the ground and seethes. She stomps and looks at her mother, scowling. ‘That is a lie! I am still the same pony! I was doing what was right and what was needed to be done! Shaun saved us from death in the Griffin Empire! Discord is behaving and not causing any trouble! And Sombra is handling the Crystal Empire fine! None of my decisions have turned out badly!’
        ‘Not on the surface, but you failed to see the political implication of your actions! The Republic is looking its weakest since it was formed! I have been working overtime to repair the damage you have done!’
        ‘I did what was right! Ask anypony on the street to make the same decisions I made, and they will side with me!’
        ‘You didn’t think of the Republic!’
        ‘I did what was best for the Republic! Especially with the griffins...’
        ‘Emperor Mordred is accusing you of kidnapping the prince, damaging the castle and harming griffin soldiers as you fled from the Empire. You made us look like fools to the international community.’
        ‘If we had stayed...’
        ‘Then we wouldn’t be in the mess we’d be in right now.’
        ‘Then we’d all be dead right now.’ Alba looks down, crying. ‘You would rather your kids die than you look bad to the other leaders?’
        Luna steps back in shock. ‘Alba that is not what I am saying...’
        Alba turns away. ‘No. You hate us. I get it. We’ll just leave. Forever.
        ‘Alba...’
        Luna tries hugging her daughter, but she is blocked by a magical shield. James trots over and comforts his wife.
        ‘Dear, we have been making our own assumptions about what has been going on and basing our reactions on those,’ the king says. ‘Maybe we should listen to Alba’s side of things and explain our side as well before things get even more heated.’
        Luna nods. ‘Of course. I overreacted. Alba, you know I love you and never want to see you harmed.’
        Alba closes her eyes and looks away. ‘I love you too, mom.’
        ‘Is this a bad time to offer myself as an impartial witness?’ Octavia says, slipping into the room.
        Luna frowns at the other mare. ‘James and I need to have a word with you in private afterwards, but you are welcome right now.’
        The queen motions to a couch. Alba sits across from her parents. Octavia takes a nearby chair.
        Luna takes a deep breath. ‘Okay. Alba, tell us everything that happened, from the beginning.’

        A sky-blue unicorn with a golden-white mane carrying a violin case trots from a fancy music school. She takes her time to talk to her friends and teachers. As she nears the street, she notices a small crowd. She approaches slowly.
        ‘Excuse me,’ somepony in the crowd says. ‘I am here for her.’
        The crowd parts as Helios steps forward.
        ‘Helios!’ Krile cheers, catching him in a hug. ‘You didn’t tell me you were back!’
        ‘I’ve been sending you messages since we got to the Crystal Empire. I know I sent you several since we got close to the city.’
        The unicorn laughs. ‘I’ve been in class all day, so I’ve had my mobile off.’ She leans up and kisses Helios’ cheek. ‘Great having you back.’
        ‘Wonderful to be with you again.’
        ‘Whatcha bring me?’
        Helios scowls.
        Krile laughs and kisses her coltfriend again. ‘That is the Helios I remember.’ She trots ahead. ‘Come on. You can tell me everything.’ She keeps going. ‘And don’t forget to bring my violin.’
        The prince sighs, laughs and follows fillyfriend away, carrying her violin and saddlebag.

        The Pie family trots through Canterlot together. Technically, only one of the Pies is trotting. Rainbow flies beside her brother who still has their mother latched to him in a hug, wearing his hat. Apple Bloom laughs as her coltfriend carries his mom with them.
        ‘My little baby boy is back,’ Pinkie coos.
        ‘Happy to see you too, mom,’ Apple Pie laughs.
        ‘Do you like hearing about all our adventures, mom?’ Rainbow asks. ‘Do ya!’
        Pinkie nods. ‘They’re pretty amazing, but why are all of yours about food, Rainbow?’
        ‘Ya shoulda told her ‘bout Lucky,’ Apple Bloom suggests.
        ‘Who’s Lucky?’
        ‘Lucky Heart is only the super sweetest pegasus ever!’ Rainbow replies. ‘He saved me from a horde of villagers and made me dinner and let me be on top when we made out together!’
        Pinkie laughs. ‘Sounds like your father and me when we first met. He must be great if he gets you this excited.’
        Rainbow nods happily. ‘The only pony better than him is Synth Tech.’ She sighs longingly. ‘I would so do him hard.’
        Apple Pie facehoofs at his sister’s comment. Suddenly, the family is surrounded by ponies in dark suits with ear pieces. A lime-green unicorn steps out in front of them on her mobile.
        ‘Yes. Thank you. I’m meeting with the first of them right now.’ Lyra hangs up and turns to the others. ‘I just got word what your next mission potentially will be. What time would you like to schedule your appointments?’
        Apple Pie gets on guard, which is hard to do with his mother riding him. ‘Who are you?’
        ‘I am Lyra Heartstrings, Information Minister for the Republic. It is my job to be informed about everything worth being informed about and to prepare Republic agents for dangerous missions.’ She smirks. ‘And you two are headed on a fun one.’
        Pinkie scowls. ‘Where you sending my babies, Lyra?’
        ‘It wasn’t my idea. It was the queen’s and their little sister’s. You’ll find out at dinner.’ She levitates he mobile. ‘I suggest making the meetings early, so you have more time to recover.’
        ‘Recover from what?’ Apple Pie asks.
        ‘Like I said: preparations. If you don’t choose a time, I can just have my agents take you when I have a free spot.’
        Apple Pie growls. He glances over his shoulder. ‘Mom?’
        Pinkie has an intense frown. ‘Best to get it over with. I’ll have a word with your aunt once we find out more.’
        ‘Question!’ Rainbow says, raising a hoof. ‘Will there be churros?’
        ‘I can arrange that,’ Lyra replies.
        ‘Why didn’t you say so earlier! We can totally trust her, guys.’
        Rainbow flies over and starts talking with Lyra. Apple Pie sighs. Apple Bloom and Pinkie nearly bonk heads as they comfort the young stallion.

        Luna and James sit at a dinner table. Alba sits near them, trying not to look at her parents. Helios and Krile enter the dining hall. The prince takes a seat by his mother.
        ‘Hi, mom,’ Helios greets. ‘It has been too long.’
        ‘It is wonderful to see you again, my son.’
        ‘Does your father know you are here?’ James asks.
        ‘He does,’ Krile replies.
        ‘And he is okay with it?’
        ‘You can always make it a royal order if you really want to get under his skin.’
        James sparkles.
        ‘No,’ Luna commands.
        ‘Yes, dear.’
        Pinkie’s group enters the hall. They slow when they see the royals, but they still sit at the table.
        ‘Welcome back,’ Luna greets.
        ‘Mind telling us why we had a run-in with Lyra?’ Apple Pie says bluntly.
        ‘Don’t worry,’ his father assures. ‘It was for a good reason. She won’t do you any harm.’
        ‘It was because of my idea too. Sorry,’ Alba apologizes.
        ‘We’re just a little worried,’ Pinkie explains. ‘My kiddos just came back.’
        ‘Sorry,’ the princess mutters again.
        ‘Alba! Helios!’ a new voice calls.
        The prince and princess look to see an amber unicorn dragging a light blue pegasus into the hall. Sunset is too enraptured with a book to notice a change in her surroundings.
         Corona drops her sister to hug Alba. ‘Why didn’t you come see us right away?’ she asks. ‘I’m so proud of you for giving the griffins the shaft they deserve.’
        ‘Corona...’ Luna hisses.
        ‘Oh, shush, Auntie. I kept telling you they were murderous thugs, but you didn’t believe me. Thankfully, my cousins survived and proved me right.’
        ‘We had a little help,’ Alba replies. She looks towards the door and shudders. ‘And there he is now.’
        Shaun enters the dining hall with Trixie, Razzly and Raindrops. Corona scowls when she sees the griffin.
        Shaun smiles when he sees Corona. ‘Ah! Children of Celestia!’ he cheers, approaching. ‘Great to see you alive. I was so glad when I heard you stayed on the airship and made it here safely.’
        Shaun tries taking one of Corona’s hooves, but she backs away. ‘Do I know you?’ she growls.
        ‘Sorry. I should introduce myself,’ Shaun bows. ‘I am Prince Shaun Gusty of the Griffin Empire. Currently on the run for knowing too much about my uncle’s rise to power and for stealing enough state secrets to help you and your family evade the hit squads he sent after you.’
        ‘How do we know what you are saying is true?’
        ‘I was the one who gave you the note warning about my uncle’s intentions.’
        ‘And he helped save us from being killed,’ Alba adds. ‘You can trust him.’
        Corona looks the griffin over, huffs and takes a seat by her cousin. Shaun smiles again and takes the seat on Alba’s other side. The princess rolls her eyes. She looks at Razzly and shrugs. Corona uses her magic to levitate her sister to the table. Once everypony is seated, Luna stands.
        ‘Welcome. Now that everypony is here...’
        ‘Dinner!’ Rainbow speaks up.
        The queen nods. ‘Yes, that, but we also have important business to discuss.’ She waves and dishes are levitated to the table. ‘Please. Eat.’ She watches as the others dig in. ‘Now, I have been talking with Alba about your journey so far.’
        ‘To be fair, it hasn’t been as bad as she said,’ Helios interrupts.
        Alba glares at her brother.
        Luna sighs at her son’s comment. ‘She has been quite thorough recounting your experiences, but we would like to hear more from all of you.’
        ‘Ooo!’ Rainbow squeals, raising a hoof.
        ‘And not just all the different foods you have eaten.’
        ‘Aww!’
        ‘Furthermore, based on what Alba and Corona have told us and combining that with the current political situation, we are a little worried for the future.’
        ‘It is Morgan’s fault,’ Shaun says. ‘Ever since she arrived, she has been doing stuff to Mordred. I’d say she is making him worse, but it is more like she is amplifying his greed and ambitions.’
        ‘Thank you for that insight. We believe that at this rate, some sort of conflict is inevitable. I have been meeting with Ambassador Gilda, but we both agree that your presence is going to be a key factor moving forward.’
        ‘Well, I always knew I was the most important griffin in the world.’
        Alba groans.
        ‘I’m a little lost,’ Apple Pie says. ‘Where do we fit into this? And why do we have to arrange meetings with Lyra?’
        ‘As the Elements of Harmony, you are a great symbol of the Republic. We are hoping to use you as ambassadors once more.’
        ‘Because that turned out great last time,’ Helios moans.
        Luna sighs. ‘We are hoping that having a griffin, the crown prince of the Griffin Empire no less, will aid in our diplomatic endeavours.’
        ‘So, we’re being sent back into the Griffin Empire right away?’ Apple Pie asks. ‘After they tried killing us?’
        ‘Hopefully not right away,’ his father replies. ‘We are still working on a diplomatic solution to that.’
        ‘Then where are you sending us?’
        ‘We want to prepare for the worst, and Alba offered a suggestion based on your experience. We are sending you to meet with Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.’
        Razzly lets out a loud scream before shrinking back in embarrassment. She covertly slips a napkin under the table.
        Helios gapes. ‘Changelings. Really?’ He looks at his sister. ‘And this is your idea!’
        ‘As Shaun showed us, changelings can slip into the Griffin Empire and have no love for Mordred’s policies towards them,’ Alba explains. ‘If it does come to conflict, they would be a great ally to have on our side.’ She snorts. ‘Besides, I thought you cared for changelings.’
        ‘I do… But from a distance where they can’t eat me.’
        ‘Changelings have been welcome in the Republic for ages! Even after their attack on the Crystal Empire, there have been no open persecution or discrimination against them.’
        ‘There is no discrimination because they are too scared to reveal their true selves.’
        ‘Well, I guess not everypony is as caring as you.’
        ‘Well, I mean… Uh… You are talking about recruiting Chrysalis! She was one of the queens who attacked the Crystal Empire!’
        ‘We have information that leads us to believe she will be sympathetic to our cause,’ Luna replies. ‘It is a risk worth taking.’
        ‘Do we even know where she is? How do we find her?’ Helios looks to Shaun. ‘How did you find the changelings that helped you?’
        ‘It was tough,’ Shaun replies. ‘Mordred drove them all underground in the Empire. I don’t even know where to look in the Republic.’
        ‘I do,’ Corona states. ‘I’ll go with you.’
        ‘What!’ Sunset shouts, finally looking up from her book. ‘That is insane! Last time...’
        ‘Last time turned out perfectly well,’ her sister says. ‘I know where to look and what we are looking for. Besides, we have to pay back our new family for all the hospitality they have shown us.’
        Alba smiles at her cousin. ‘Thank you, Corona.’
        Apple Pie sits back. ‘Changelings… That is pretty intense.’
        ‘They’re not bad once you get to know them,’ Shaun says.
        Rainbow looks up from her eating. ‘Wait. Changelings eat love. Does that mean we have to eat love too when we’re there? What does love taste like?’
        ‘It is a little salty,’ her mother replies, covering a laugh.
        ‘MOM!’ her kids yell.
        ‘I don’t get it,’ Sunset mopes.
        ‘It is in one of your books,’ her sister replies. ‘Trust me.’
        Helios grimaces. ‘Aunt Pinkie’s tact aside, what does going to see changelings have to do with seeing Lyra before we leave?’
        ‘Changelings will do everything in their power to manipulate you,’ his mother replies. ‘We want you to be mentally prepared for any tricks they pull.’
        ‘If one o’ them even thinks o’ tryin’ t’ go after mah AP, Ah’ll smash ‘em!’ Apple Bloom states, hitting the table with a hoof.
        ‘Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,’ James sighs. ‘Enough about that. We’re having a feast and catching up. Who wants to share a story from your journeys?’
        ‘Ooo! Me!’ Rainbow says, waving hoof.
        ‘Not about food.’
        ‘Aww!’
        ‘Tell him about your coltfriend,’ her big brother suggests.
        James narrows his gaze as he focuses on his daughter. ‘A colt is showing interest in my daughter.’
        Rainbow nods. ‘Uh huh.’
        ‘Is he cute?’
        ‘Very!’
        ‘He better be!’ He turns to Krile. ‘See. Tell your dad that is how you raise a well-balanced daughter.’
        The young mare covers a laugh. ‘Yes, sir, King Sparkle.’
        The king rolls his eyes. ‘You’re worse than your dad with that title. You better not call my son “Prince Helios” all the time.’
        ‘She’d have to do it once to start,’ the prince grumbles.
        James looks at his son for a moment before looking back at Krile. ‘That is one thing you got right so far.’
        Everypony laughs and goes back to telling stories. Luna smiles as she listens. She looks at Alba. The princess smiles as she listens to her friends and family. She notices her mother looking and frowns before striking up a conversation with Corona. Luna sighs and goes back to watching the others.

        Early the next morning. The Elements gather outside of Lyra’s office. Rainbow sleeps on a cloud. Apple Pie and Apple Bloom rest their heads on each other. Helios levitates a large cup of coffee. Razzly sleeps next to Trixie. Only Alba and Corona are awake. They talk about various spells they know while waiting to be called.
        Shaun folds his wings over his head. ‘This is all part of it, right? She is trying to mess with our minds. Psychological warfare without the logical.’
        ‘Funny how you didn’t see this coming,’ Alba snorts.
        ‘My powers function better with coffee and donuts and maybe a basket full of fish and chips,’ the griffin moans. ‘You would think somewhere in Canterlot there would be a place that sells griffin or Diamond Dog food...’
        ‘Powers? What is he talking about?’ Corona asks.
        ‘He thinks he is psychic,’ Alba answers. ‘Just go along with it if you want to keep your sanity at the expense of his. Fewer migraines that way.’
        ‘She is just jealous of my amazing, stupendous, astounding...’
        A magazine is shoved in his beak.
        ‘I like my way better,’ Corona says.
        Lyra comes out of her office. She sees the sleeping ponies and choking griffin. ‘Apple Pie. You’re up.’
…
        Apple Pie sits across from Lyra as she goes through a folder. The young stallion looks around the office. The walls are covered in pictures of a cream mare with a purple and pink mane.
        ‘You have a lovely wife,’ Apple Pie states.
        ‘Thank you.’ Lyra sets down the folder and turns to the stallion. ‘So, how long have you been ashamed of your family?’
        The stallion stands. ‘We’re done.’
        ‘Come on. You can be honest with me. Your mother is always bouncing about, acting strange, talking about inappropriate subjects at royal receptions. Your sister sleeps all day, rarely got in any sort of trouble growing up, eats more than the rest of the family combined and stays so thin. Not to mention she completely demolished you at the Iron Pony.’
        Apple Pie shakes his head. ‘That isn’t even that half of it. You’ve seen the way she is. Hordes of stallions and more than few mares chasing after her all the time. She acts like she doesn’t know anything, but she’s as smart as the rest of us. She is bringing it on herself and acting all innocent. It is just...’
        ‘Well, maybe if you spent more time with her...’
        ‘How can I! She just darts off with those wings of hers! Why couldn’t I get something like that from dad? Why is she so special?’
        ‘You have your earth-moving powers, and you revitalized an entire farm. And I don’t just mean the one in the Griffin Empire.’
        ‘Yeah, but who ever talks about that? “Apple? He’s just some farmer living between an irradiated former war zone and a forest filled with creatures from your nightmares. Why can’t he be more like Rainbow?” If I wanted to be more like Rainbow, I’d have to eat my weight in fried sugar for breakfast, then give in to the illusion Discord showed me.’ He sits and shakes his head. ‘Buck that.’
        Lyra opens the file. ‘From what you reported of that encounter, that would be what you’d be doing.’
        ‘Mom just dances about throwing parties for everypony. Rainbow … Yeah, the wonderful and exciting life of Rainbow Pie. If it wasn’t for Helios and his sense of sanity, I’d doubt I was related to any of them. Like, he is the only one with a bit of sense in him.’
        ‘Well, if you don’t mind living the boring life of an apple farmer, that is fine. No real drop in team Loyalty if you just want to go home with Apple Bloom and knock out a few foals.’
        ‘Whoa! Hey! I never said that! I just...’
        ‘You just wish they weren’t so over-the-top and super hyper? Maybe let you out of the background once and a while?’
        Apple Pie frowns at Lyra. He looks away and takes a deep breath.
        ‘Tell your sister I’ll see her now.’
…
        Alba watches Lyra, trying to read the unicorn.
        ‘Feel free to guess what I am going to say,’ Lyra says.
        ‘You’re going to say I’m a bossy know-it-all, a stuck-up princess,’ -- she scowls -- ‘maybe a terrorist, if you were my mom...’
        The unicorn smiles and sits back. ‘Actually, I wasn’t going to say any of that, pervert.’
        Alba glares across the desk. ‘What did you say?’
        Lyra turns a page in Alba’s file. ‘Last time you visited Full Moon, before she disappeared, you found a… certain type of comic… One with certain pictures of ponies doing certain things...’
        ‘It is an art form...’ Alba mumbles.
        ‘It wasn’t until about a year ago when you discovered that you could...’
        ‘Don’t say it…’
        ‘Well, let’s just say you discovered that a lot.’
        ‘It was for science,’ Alba growls.
        ‘Probably could have reached another planet with the amount of science you do.’
        ‘Watch it.’
        Lyra laughs. ‘Sorry. You have been restraining yourself since your journey was first proposed. Quite impressive.’ She turns a page. ‘Just the night before you left Canterlot, the night after you met Razzly, in the first night in Manehattan (don’t know if Razzly was with you at the time), the night of Cadance Times (we know Razzly was there then),’ -- she turns another page -- ‘on Blueblood’s airship, Emperor Mordred’s castle (both nights), the Crystal Palace and once more when you got home last night.’ She looks up. ‘That about covers it.’
        Alba seethes as she stares at the unicorn across from her. Magic radiates from her as she holds herself back from attacking. ‘I will destroy you.’
        ‘At least write a nice condolence card for my wife when you do.’ Lyra sets down Alba’s file. ‘We’re done.’
        The princess stands and heads to the door.
        ‘Before you go, just one last question.’
        ‘What?’
        ‘It is pretty evident that when you start dating you will be colt crazy, but I am wondering… If you two were older, would you try it with Razzly? Just once to see what it is like.’
        ‘You are a disgusting, little...’
        ‘Not even for science?’
        Alba clams up, turns away and leaves.
…
        Rainbow floats on her cloud while Lyra goes through her file. The unicorn finishes reading and sets down the document.
        ‘You know, I am pretty amazed,’ Lyra states.
        ‘I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to...’
        ‘You’re clean. We couldn’t dig up one thing about you that you haven’t broadcast to the whole world already. You even posted a selfie during your escape from the Griffin Empire. I don’t know if you are insane, brilliant or just really thick.’
        ‘I’d say about fifty percent of each.’
        ‘You’re free to go. Food should be here soon. Just got the call from the caterers.’
        Rainbow cheers as she flies from the office. Outside, her older brother looks upset. He is not even looking at his sister while Apple Bloom tries comforting him. Her younger sister is quietly meditating to get her emotions under control. The princes still look knackered as they sit together. Trixie wakes Razzly for her turn. Rainbow smiles as she arranges her cloud in the center of the room. A door opens, and Raindrops looks in. The pegasus is tackled in a hug.
        ‘Raindrops!’ Rainbow cheers. ‘So great to see you. I bet you’ll pass your exam as well as I did.’
        The older pegasus frees herself. ‘Actually, I was going to talk to you about that. I’m going home.’
        ‘What?’
        ‘You have come so far and matured a lot since we left Cloudsdale together. I am sure you can handle the rest of this journey.’
        ‘You mean “we can handle the journey”. Together.’
        Raindrops shakes her head. ‘No. It will be you. Alone.’
        Rainbow tears up and whimpers.
        ‘Rainbow, you are great young mare. You can do anything you want. You don’t need me as a crutch or a foalsitter. I believe in you.’
        ‘But...’
        Raindrops gives her friend a hug. ‘We’ll be cheering for you in Cloudsdale. Just don’t overfeed all the changelings with all the love you share with everypony.’ She goes to the door. ‘See you around, Rainbow.’
        Raindrops closes the door behind her. Rainbow’s cloud bursts over her, raining on her as she starts crying.
…
        Razzly fidgets in her seat as she waits for Lyra to begin.
        ‘I know this is scary, Miss Souffle,’ Lyra says, ‘but this won’t take long, and I won’t hurt you.’
        ‘Alba looks so upset, and Rainbow was crying when I came in here...’
        ‘Don’t worry. I have nothing of the sort planned for you. In fact, you really impress me.’
        ‘I do?’
        Lyra nods. ‘You started out so shy and timid, but now you are quite brave. I think it is pretty fun that you use the image of your timidness as a way to lull ponies into thinking you are weak or into getting what you want.’
        Razzly smiles proudly. ‘Well, I am clever and spectacular.’
        ‘It worked on Discord, didn’t it?’
        ‘He was a big sweetie once you got to know him. Definitely not as scary as history made him seem.’
        ‘I’ll bet.’ Lyra looks in Razzly’s file. ‘I bet you didn’t wee once that whole time.’
        Razzly tenses up. ‘Excuse me?’
        ‘Oh. You have a tendency to wet yourself when faced with an uncomfortable or scary situation. Must have been pretty embarrassing on your first day of school.’
        Razzly looks away and holds back crying.
        ‘It is okay. You can let loose here. I can have somepony clean up between meetings.’
        ‘I try so hard,’ Razzly whimpers. ‘I don’t want to look weak, especially in front of Alba or Trixie. I’m sorry.’
        ‘It is okay. Like I said, you have gotten a lot braver since you made your friends.’ Lyra laughs. ‘Hell, I bet the changelings would run in terror, thinking you’re counterattacking if you react with as much fear as you do when they are just mentioned.’
        ‘I won’t! I’ll prove it! And I know I’ll be safe since Alba and Trixie will be there to protect me!’
        ‘There’s the brave warrior we have grown to love.’
        Razzly nods proudly and goes to the door.
        ‘By the way, when you are old enough, Alba wants to have sex with you.’
        Razzly lets out a sharp squeak. She slowly turns back to Lyra.
        ‘Have a nice day! Send Shaun in for me, will you please?’
…
        ‘Nope!’ Lyra says, setting a card on her desk. ‘By the laws of statistics, you should have at least guessed one right by now.’
        ‘It is too early!’ Shaun defends. ‘I didn’t have access to the buffet long enough! There was pineapple in my fruit salad! That is the devil’s fruit, all pointy and full of endzones.’
        ‘You mean “enzymes”.’
        ‘No, there are little hoofball stands in each one. If you listen closely you can hear the pineapple demons cheering every touchbasket.’
        Lyra rolls her eyes. ‘Anyway, your insanity aside, you are pretty reliable. You’ve really proven yourself.’
        ‘Your pony gods wouldn’t have chosen me as your Element of Honesty if I wasn’t so perfect.’
        ‘So very perfect. Too bad she doesn’t see it that way.’
        ‘Who are you referring to?’
        ‘You know exactly who. You loved her at first sight. Too bad she will never love you back.’
        ‘Still in the dark.’
        Lyra leans forward. ‘You love Alba.’
        Shaun laughs nervously and tries shrugging off the accusation. ‘Me liking her? She’s a pony. I’m a griffin. Yes, she is attractive for a pony, and I am a pillar of griffin perfection, but there is no way she would ever look my way.’
        ‘Which is why you are always trying to get her attention.’ Lyra leans back. ‘It is okay. You’ll return to the Empire. Find a nice female griffin or two and settle down. You’ll just have to deal with your longing every time you host a reception when she visits or when sent to Canterlot on royal business.’
        ‘But you are talking about Alba. S-she is special. I-I don’t know what you are talking about. I-I’m not attracted to her. Pfft.’
        ‘Don’t worry. You’ll move on.’
        ‘I’m fine. I’m fine. You’re silly.’ He leaves the office. ‘Hey, Alba! Want to see this cool trick I was showing to Lyra? First you pick a card...’
…
        Lyra paces, levitating Helios’ file. ‘Where to start with you?’
        ‘What is that supposed to mean?’
        ‘There is just so much here for changelings to support. The odds of you cracking first is two-to-one. Razzly is next with seven-to-two.’
        ‘That is not entirely fair...’
        ‘To start with, you have a bizarre attraction to your sister Full Moon. You are riddled with insecurities. Krile has you whipped. You’re a mother’s boy. You quit the Iron Pony. You aren’t the best magic user. You’re a bit of a wimp. Need I go on?’
        ‘Wimp?’ Helios scoffs. ‘I destroyed a school!’
        ‘You were having a temper tantrum and lost control of your emotions.’
        ‘I put a pony in the hospital.’
        ‘One pony when there were potentially hundreds more you could have hurt too. You protected them. You tried protecting Storm Runner and failed.’
        ‘I could have killed him!’
        ‘Which is why you went to his bedside, sniveling and begging forgiveness. You just have to accept that you are too kind for your own good.’
        ‘Just because I am kind, it doesn’t make me weak.’
        Lyra sits at her desk. ‘If you are not as weak as you have shown, you have to ask yourself: when push comes to shove, could you do something unthinkable to save the day?’
        Helios stares back in shock, looking for an answer.
        Lyra picks up a new file. ‘I believe I still have a couple more appointments, so if you’ll kindly leave...’

        Alba trots around her room, picking out items to pack for her trip. She sets some books on her bed next to her saddlebag. There is a knock on her door.
        ‘Yeah? Who’s there?’
        Luna enters. ‘I was just wondering if you needed anything for your next trip.’
        Alba turns away. ‘I don’t need anything from you.’
        ‘I thought you would say that, but I got you something you might enjoy anyway.’ The queen sets a book on Alba’s bed. The cover features a young mare laying on her back with her legs apart. ‘I figure the book you got from Full Moon is getting old by now...’
        ‘MOM! What the hell!’ Alba closes her eyes and holds back more screaming. ‘This is so embarrassing.’
        ‘You are lucky to have an easy source of this material. When I first needed it, it was nine hundred years before it was readily available. Believe me, I needed it a lot until your father came around. No pun intended.’
        Alba cringes. ‘That is so wrong...’
        Luna sits on the bed. ‘Alba, you know how old I am. I was without a serious relationship from the time Discord was sealed until I married your father. He, Twilight and their friends were already interjecting themselves into my timeline a lot already. It could have been disastrous if he interjected further. … Pun intended that time.’
        Alba grimaces. ‘Mom, that is so… Wait. Are you saying dad and Twilight visited you with time travel?’
        Luna nods. ‘Your father, Twilight, Applejack and even Pinkie were all instrumental in helping the Republic turn out the way it has.’
        ‘How involved were they?’
        Her mother thinks. ‘Twilight helped write the constitution, though I think most of her contribution was reciting it by rote. We had to convince her an amendment decreeing all sandwiches to be cut diagonally was a bit much.’ 
        Alba laughs. ‘That’s funny. What else did they do?’
        Luna sighs. ‘Applejack helped with some farming techniques during a major crop failure. Rainbow Dash trained our early air force. I don’t think there has been a single formal event until recently where I didn’t wear a Rarity-designed dress.’
        ‘That is amazing! Why didn’t I know this before?’
        ‘Do you know the panic it would cause if everypony knew history was being shaped by time travelers?’
        Alba groans. ‘That is the problem. You keep all these secrets from the population. It wouldn’t hurt to know these things.’
        ‘The knowledge that there are time travelers whizzing about solving every problem would make everypony complacent and make them expect that somepony else will come along and fix everything for them. Why bother solving your crisis if somepony from the future will do it for you?’
        ‘Wouldn’t hurt with the stars going out...’
        ‘You finally saw that, didn’t you?’
        Alba sits by her mom. ‘Discord wouldn’t let us free until I did. Why didn’t you tell us? You must have known for a long time. I’ve seen the records in the Crystal Empire’s library.’
        ‘Tell you the universe might be ending? Do you know how much of a panic that would cause?’
        ‘It would get everypony looking for a way to stop it.’
        Luna puts a foreleg around her daughter. ‘I’ve known about the stars going out since before we sealed Discord. I have looked into every possible way to reverse it. I’ve consulted with your father and The Doctor for centuries. We have tried everything we could think of to fix it, but it keeps happening.’ She frowns. ‘Keeps happening faster and faster. We are up to losing a star a week now. I don’t know how long we have left.’
        ‘It makes all this griffin and changeling nonsense seem rather pointless, doesn’t it?’
        ‘Maybe a little, but it gets you out of the castle. And you found your cousins. I was quite shocked to learn I still had nieces.’
        ‘Corona is really nice, and Sunset reads everything in front of her. I’m sure the three of us will find a solution and save the universe!’
        Luna laughs and hugs her daughter. ‘I know you will. You’re definitely destined for something amazing.’
        Alba smiles and returns the hug.

        The Elements and their family gather at the train station. Krile gives Helios a big kiss. Shaun waits on the train, eating a large bowl of pineapple for breakfast. Sunset lectures her sister and keeps trying to put books in her saddlebag. Apple Pie says his goodbye to his mother then carries Rainbow onto the train. The pegasus is still sad about her friend leaving the journey. She perks up a bit when Razzly gives her a freshly-baked churro. Alba gives her father a hug before joining the others. James and Luna watch with Pinkie as their children take their seats on the train.
        ‘Excuse me,’ a pony mutters, trying to slip past.
        ‘No surprises this time?’ James asks.
        Octavia looks back. ‘Don’t worry. I arranged for something special.’ She smirks. ‘Taking a page out of your daughter’s playbook. Everything will be out in the open soon enough.’
        Luna groans and rolls her eyes. ‘Great. Just wait until Rainbow finds out.’
        ‘Find out what?’ Pinkie asks.
        James laughs nervously. ‘Well, when a drunk, ninja assassin...’ he begins.
        Octavia laughs to herself and boards the train. The Elements sit around the car, trying to avoid each other after having to face their secrets the previous day. The assassin sighs and heads to the back of the car. ‘Hope you all brought plenty to do. It is a long ride to Los Arion.’
        Everypony mumbles an acknowledgement. Alba even raises her book up to show it. A smaller book falls out of the one she was showing off. The princess turns bright red as she quickly snatches the book back and shoves it in her bag.
        ‘That is for science!’ Alba shouts.
        Helios starts laughing at his sister. Shaun covers a slight beak bleed as thoughts form in his head. Apple Pie holds his head and grumbles. Trixie becomes flustered when Razzly asks what the book was. Rainbow putts her cloud over.
        ‘You know. I like science too,’ the older sister says.
        Alba balls up and tries focusing on her real book. Corona comforts her cousin while trying not to snicker. Octavia laughs to herself again, pulls her hood down and relaxes.