//------------------------------// // Journey's End // Story: An Earthbound Journey // by ShadeJak //------------------------------// In a bright flash of light and a soft hum, the phase distorter materialized back in the frozen caves of present-day Equestria. “Well I’ll be! They’ve made it back two seconds early!” Whooves said with a smile as the door opened and the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony emerged. “Are you all okay?” Celestia asked, approaching with a concerned look on her face. “And Sombra… I trust he’s…?” “Yes, gone.” Twilight said, smiling. “Thanks to you and everypony who believed in us, King Sombra’s gone for good.” “Yup! It was reeeeeally scary at first! Sombra was like this freaky thing we couldn’t comprehend or something and we couldn’t hurt him! Then we started praying and it was like everypony we knew heard us! Then suddenly when all seemed totally lost, someone who must’ve been like really really important heard us and prayed for us, and then KABOOM! Big ol’ meanie Sombra went bye-bye!” Pinkie explained, a wide grin appearing on her face at the conclusion of her summary. “Very good to know.” Celestia said, chuckling lightly. “Sis!” Sweetie Belle and Applebloom shouted in unison, rushing over and hugging Rarity and Applejack, who returned the embrace. “Miss me, lil’ sis?” Applejack asked. “See? We had this all under control.” “I suppose we do owe you three some gratitude as well, for helping Dr. Whooves.” Rarity said, nuzzling her sister. “Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo cheered as she managed a short flight over to Rainbow Dash and hugged her tightly. “You really beat him? Tell me he was begging for mercy when you totally overpowered him!” “Yeah, something like that, squirt.” Rainbow said with a laugh as she mussed the filly’s mane. “You manage okay without me?” “Well… I was scared for a moment…” Scootaloo said. “But so was everypony else. But I knew you wouldn’t lose!” “Pretty sharp thinkin’ kid.” Rainbow replied with a cocky smirk. “Wait… where’s Trixie? Did you find her?” Luna asked, noticing the showmare was nowhere to be found. “Gone...” Twilight said. “She used time travel to escape not long before we did, right as Sombra was dying.” “I’m sorry… we don’t know where she could have went to.” Fluttershy said softly. “I suppose nothing can be done about her, then…” Celestia said sadly. “How unfortunate she could not be helped…” “Indeed…” Whooves said. “Searching for her now may very well be like finding a needle in a haystack the size of Equestria… even for myself.” “Still, King Sombra has been stopped. It is best we return to the Crystal Empire and inform Cadance and Shining Armor of the good news.” Celestia replied with a small smile. ~ “Twily! You’re okay!” Shining cried out, a relieved smile on his face as his sister and the others appeared in the throne room of the crystal palace. “Yes I am, big brother.” Twilight replied, trotting over and nuzzling her brother, then initiating a quick Sunshine Greeting with Cadance celebrating their victory. “This is such great news.” Cadance said. “Sombra’s forces all vanished just a little while ago. Charlatan and his penguins have already left to return back to their kingdom, and he gives his thanks as well.” “Awesome!” Rainbow cheered. “Equestria is safe once again! Sombra made such a big mistake thinking he could mess with us!” “Aww guess I don’t have anything to use this for, now…” Spike lamented, admiring the sword in his claws. “Well, Spike, I believe I intended it be brought to Canterlot for study. It is a lost Equestrian relic after all.” Twilight said smirking. The young dragon sighed. “Fine…” He muttered. “I’m gonna miss you, cool ancient sword…” He said; kissing the blade as Twilight floated it away from him. “At any rate, we will hold a ceremony honoring this victory, and all you’ve done in a few days.” Celestia explained. “For now, I suggest you return home and get some rest, I think you’ve all earned it.” “Wait… but what about my exams?” Twilight said, her eyes widening with worry at the realization she still had several left to do when she’d started on this adventure. “Don’t worry about them right now, Twilight.” Celestia said. “You’ve been away handling a far more important matter, so I’m willing to postpone yours to a later date. Take the remainder of the week off and you can resume them after.” Twilight seemed uncertain for a moment, but then felt Rainbow pat her shoulder. “Twi, seriously, in case you didn’t notice from what we’ve just gone through it’s okay to have a little more to life then studying and tests!” Rainbow said, playfully nudging the unicorn. “Seriously, Twi? Don’t be such an egghead all the time.” “Okay, I suppose I can do that.” Twilight said sheepishly before looking back over at Cadance and Shining Armor. “Also, keep me posted on how the new foal is coming along, won’t you?” “If everything goes well, the shower will be in about nine and a half more months, Twily.” Shining said, prompting giddy squeal from his little sister and a collective ‘awww’ chorus from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “We will look forward to it as well.” Celestia said. “In the meantime, Luna and I must return to Canterlot, and see to it repairs are made from any damages caused by Sombra’s attack.” “Thank you all, again.” Luna said, joining her sister and the two immediately vanished. “Well…” Cadance began. “Why don’t you all stay the night and tell us everything, and we’ll have the Crystal Express get you back to Ponyville tomorrow morning?” she asked. “Oh, you’re gonna totally love this story; especially since I played such a huge part in it.” Rainbow said with her usual cocky smirk, prompting several facehooves from her friends, save Scootaloo who just grinned with excitement and anticipation. ~ “Ahhh, it’s good ta be home!” Applejack said as she trotted off the Crystal Express train at the Ponyville station, followed shortly by the others. “Ah can’t wait ta see Sweet Apple Acres again!” Applebloom added as she walked out and looked around, smiling as she saw the Ponyville citizens had gone back to their daily lives now that the looming threat of Sombra was long gone. “Wait till Granny Smith an’ Big Mac hear all about it!” “Oh yeah… he should be gettin’ back from Appleloosa.” Applejack remarked. “Well, c’mon Applebloom! Race ya there!” She said, doing a brisk trot so her sister could keep up as she headed towards Sweet Apple Acres, turning long enough to wave goodbye to her friends. “Seeya all later! Ah probably got a lot ta catch up on!” She hollered before she and Applebloom disappeared into the distance. “Well, I feel it best to return to my boutique at once.” Rarity said, putting her forehoof to her forehead dramatically. “The poor place has no doubt grown dusty without me and I will certainly need to get to work on thinking of some fantastic outfits for us for the ceremony!” “Can I help?” Sweetie Belle asked with wide, hopeful eyes. “If you can do exactly as I ask I suppose I can use your assistance.” Rarity replied, figuring simply having her retrieve necessary things for her would be the easiest way to allow her eager little sister to help without destroying the place as she lead her back to her place, also giving her friends a farewell wave. “I should probably be taking off as well!” Pinkie Pie said as she bounced out of the train. “I was thinking on the way back, I gotta plan a big super-duper saved-the-world party! Maybe tomorrow night? It’ll be superciting!” “I look forward to it, Pinkie.” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “Just say the word and I’m there.” “Great! Well I better get going! I got LOTS of planning to do!” The pink pony said, suddenly gaining a fantastic burst of speed and zipping off in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. “I guess I better get home, too.” Scootaloo said. “We’ll go flying together later, won’t we, Rainbow Dash?” The filly asked, repeating the same look Sweetie Belle had given Rarity moments ago. “That’s a promise, squirt!” Rainbow replied with a smile as Scootaloo lit up with glee and whipped out her scooter from her saddlebag and hopped on, speeding off into town. Twilight shook her head for a moment, amused by everyone’s antics and looked over at Spike. “Spike? Would you mind bringing my things back to the library for me? There’s something I still want to check out before I head back.” “On it, Twilight!” Spike replied, hefting the saddlebags over his shoulder and rushing off towards the library as fast as he could. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “If you don’t mind me asking…?” “The black crystal that appeared here. I’m wondering what happened with it.” Twilight said. “Do you mind coming with me?” She asked. Her two friends nodded, standing by her as she teleported them all to the crater where it had emerged. ~ “Oh my… it’s gone!” Fluttershy said. “Nothing but ashes now…” Twilight said. “I wonder if Sombra had sent it from the past. With him destroyed, its connection to him is gone. I’ve wondered the same about the Alicorn Statue…” “You think he sent it from there to be found here?” Rainbow asked. “Wouldn’t surprise me. Since Sombra is gone now, his influence in this time is, too.” Twilight said. “I gotta admit, that’s quite a relief!” “I’ll say.” Fluttershy said. “Oh! I need to get back home, too! My animals are probably so worried about me!” “Well, I’m going to head back to the library now. Rainbow, why don’t you be a good friend and get Fluttershy home?” Twilight asked. “Oh! You don’t have to… I mean, if you don’t want to…” Fluttershy said, embarrassed. “Hey, you were great and helped me start this whole thing.” Rainbow said. “What kinda loyal friend would I be if I didn’t return the favor somehow?” “Um… thank you…” Fluttershy replied. After parting ways with Twilight, the two pegasi headed back down the hilltop and towards town again, only to hear a scream come from the Carousel Boutique. “Rarity!” Fluttershy cried out. “She must be in trouble… or chipped a hoof again…” Rainbow mused as she rushed into the open door of the boutique, and was treated to a rather bizarre sight. “W-w-w-w-w-WHAT… in Equestria… is that thing doing HERE?!” Rarity demanded, her saddlebags on the floor next to dumbfounded Sweetie Belle and her hoof trembling as she pointed at the Rari-T1000 robot they’d encountered earlier in their adventure that now worked diligently at her sewing machine. “Exclamation. SUCCESS!” The robot cheered, a chiming sound briefly coming from it. “Fabulous Robot Pony Fashion Line Objective completed. Begin celebratory behavioral program.” A second later, the robot pranced about, giving the hanger line that held several odd but strangely fashionable outfits on it a spin and letting out a loud, contented sighing noise. “Query. Sister Unit, have you finished?” The Sweetie Bot asked, entering and causing Sweetie Belle’s jaw to hang open in disbelief like Rainbow’s and Rarity’s already were. “Affirmative.” Rari-T1000 said. “Please provide Elder Sister Unit with reclining furniture for temporary powerdown.” “I hope I still have some of my Neighsian tea…” Rarity said flatly. “Because I think I’m going to need some right now.” She approached the designs her robot double had created. “Though I do admit these designs aren’t bad at all… perhaps you would be interested in a job here?” She asked. “Scanning.” The Rari-T1000 said, seeming to acknowledge her organic counterpart for the first time. “Previous employment terminated. Offer accepted.” “This is too weird for me.” Rainbow said, shaking her head and returning outside. “What happened?” Fluttershy asked. “She’s fine, just… let’s talk about it never, okay?” Rainbow asked, shaking her head again at the bizarre experience. Moments later, the two arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage. Everything appeared to be in order as the birds flew from their houses and numerous animals including Angel rushed out and gathered around the yellow pegasus chirping and chittering happily that their friend had returned. “I’m so happy you’re all okay!” Fluttershy said, sitting down and embracing them all. “You’ve stayed out of trouble, right Angel?” She asked the small white rabbit, who just shrugged and nodded. “I was thinking of making a nice lunch, would you like to join us, Rainbow Dash?” The pegasus asked. “I guess I can stick around for lunch.” Rainbow said, patting her belly when she heard a growl come from it and landing on the ground. “That’s wonderful!” Fluttershy said with a smile. “And… you were really brave, handling that adventure and all. I know your mom would be very proud of you… for what it’s worth, anyway.” “Thanks, Fluttershy.” Rainbow said. “And yeah, not to sound all cheesy but this whole experience wasn’t just crazy and awesome…” Her face grew more serious. “But… it helped me get a lot off my back and let me, ya know, come to terms with it all, I guess. But yeah… I think she would be proud!” “Well I’m glad for you, Rainbow. I know how long it’s bothered you and it must feel nice to be able to… well… be at peace about it.” Fluttershy said, giving her friend a hug. “Now I should probably get started on lunch right away and—” Her words were cut off by an upbeat fanfare, causing her to pause and look around. “Really?!” Rainbow grumbled, staring up at the sky as Discord came spinning down. “Lovely noon, isn’t it?” Discord asked cheerfully as he touched down. “Oh, hello, Discord!” Fluttershy said, smiling again. “You certainly did surprise us.” “Would I be the god of chaos if I wasn’t full of surprises?” The draconequus asked, making his camera appear in his paw. “Come on, Discord! In case you haven’t noticed this whole adventure’s kind of over, now!” Rainbow protested. “Alas, yes…” Discord muttered, putting his paw to his forehead in mock despair. “But before we return to our dull life routines that most certainly won’t be interrupted by any cataclysmic events any time soon, I thought it’d be appropriate to get one last group picture!” He said with a grin. Snapping his eagle claw, a bright flash of light surrounded Rainbow and Fluttershy and they found Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie, along with nearly everypony else they’d run into on their adventure standing there with confused looks on their faces. “What the…?!” Twilight asked, looking about in shock as Spike ducked behind her. “Wasn’t I in Cloudsdale just now?” Spitfire wondered, looking over at an equally confused Soarin. “Dad? What are we doing here?!” Minuette asked, staring at Whooves who seemed rather surprised by the sudden change of venue. “Oh come ON! I was just leavin’!” Gilda protested. “Oh my this isn’t the Horseshoe Bay!” Steven Magnet the sea serpent lamented, noticing he was now on dry land. “YEAH!!!” Bulk Biceps cheered, flexing his massive forelegs. "What the?" Lyra asked, looking around. "Aw, how am I gonna get my Dungeon Mare robot over here?" "You don't. Get another hobby, please." Bon Bon replied with an eyeroll. “What the Tartarus is going on here?!” Daring Do shouted, though none of the many ponies and others present had an answer. “Tavi… is this some kinda weird dream?” Vinyl asked, looking around her. “As odd as this is, I don’t think so, Vinyl…” Octavia replied. “Alright, everypony!” Discord ordered, causing the large crowd to pause and stare at him in confusion as he made a tripod appear for his camera. “Ready, and say Fuzzy Pickles!” ~ The next nine and a half months had gone by without much incident; other then the occasional experience that was considered almost typical life in the land of Equestria. The ceremony had come and gone, and life seemed a little more peaceful. Now, at long last, the awaited moment of the celebration of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor’s foal had come. Ponies from all over the land attended, the party planning done by Pinkie Pie and another, equally eccentric planner by the name of Cheese Sandwich had ensured it to be the greatest and most enjoyable celebration Equestria had seen in some time. “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe this! I’m really an aunt, now!” Twilight squealed excitedly as she looked down at the tiny, bundled pink foal Cadance embraced on her throne. “I can tell Skyla’s excited about that, too.” Cadance said with a smile, watching as the foal reached out to Twilight. “She’s beautiful, Cadance.” Celestia said. “I’m certain she’ll be just as kind and compassionate a leader as you’ve been for this empire.” “Thank you.” Cadance said. “I hope it doesn’t make you feel old being a great-aunt, now.” She added jokingly. “Over a thousand years, I suppose the term’s to be expected eventually.” The Princess of the Sun said with an amused eyeroll. “Well, now that you’re finished fawning, why not let good ol’ Uncle Discord get a look at the new bundle of joy?” Discord said, rising up from behind Celestia and Twilight and giving Cadance and Shining the puppy dog eyes. “If you do anything—” Shining began, glaring at the inevitable party-crasher. “I know, I know, you’ll give be a very disapproving look. Sheeeeesh some ponies!” The draconequus said, taking up the foal and making a silly face at her. Skyla giggled and reached her tiny forehooves for him. “Well what do you know? I think she likes me already!” He declared. “If you ever need an upstanding and ideal role model of a foalsitter—” “I’ll be available.” Twilight replied, cutting Discord off and prompting a sulk from the chaos god as he returned Skyla to her parents. “Ah gotta admit, I’m hoping we don’t run outta cider!” Applejack said, trotting over and followed by Applebloom. “Had ta get the whole family in on this an’ we’re still goin’ through ‘em fast!” “Well you guys do make the best cider!” Rainbow said as she set Scootaloo down from flying her around the ceiling and the two pegasi chugged down the drinks they’d gotten. “Honestly, Sweetie Belle, how many more of those can you drink?” Rarity asked as her sister chugged down a cider cup as well. “Aw, come on! You had like five already.” Sweetie Belle replied. “Lightweight.” Gilda sneered, clenching her claw into a fist and bumping it against Dash’s hoof. “I guess saying yes to your invitation to this wasn’t the worst mistake I could make, Dash.” “Glad to hear you admit it, Gilda.” Rainbow said; pleased to see their friendship finally renewed even if the griffoness had lost little of her edge. “Don’t get cocky, Dash. I’m not gonna admit anything else.” Gilda replied. “If you ask me, you could stand to lose a little of that bluster.” Rarity said. “Come on, settle down, girls.” Twilight said, approaching them and floating a cup of cider for herself off of a passing tray. “Let’s just try and enjoy the rest of the night.” Taking a sip, Twilight heard a distant crash and then noticed Spike and Fluttershy rushing towards them. “Princess Cadance? Shining Armor? I think someone’s at the door!” Spike said. “Yes… now they’re knocking. Not sure if we should be the ones to answer it, though.” Fluttershy said. “That is rather odd, I can’t imagine any guests arriving this late.” Luna wondered, glancing over at her sister in confusion. “Don’t worry, I’ll go answer it.” Twilight said with a smile as she teleported through the crowd and to the front door, using her magic to open it slightly. “Oh, hey, Twilight!” Derpy said with a big smile. “Sorry I kinda crashed into the door, there… my bad.” She said sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. “Oh it’s all fine… um, what brings you out here? Some kind of late mail delivery?” Twilight asked, noticing the messenger bag around Derpy’s neck that she always brought for her mail routes. “Ooh! Actually, yes!” Derpy said, reaching into her bag as Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, the royal sisters, and Spike approached through the crowd and stood behind Twilight, who simply stared at Derpy in confusion. “It’s for you and your friends!” Derpy explained, taking out a letter with her teeth and holding it out to them. “For us?” Rainbow wondered. “Lemme see that!” She said, taking it away from the mailmare and tearing it open. “Ooh! Mail for us? Who’s it from?” Pinkie asked, jumping up and down trying to see the letter. “Funny story! Got it from Snips and Snails and they said it was “Totally super-urgent that this gets to Twilight and her friends!”… they didn’t say who they got it from, though, just that I had to get it over to you right away!” The pegasus explained. Rainbow stared in utter shock as she unfolded the letter and saw what was on it. Curious, Twilight floated it away from her and held it out for the others to see, gaining similar looks of disbelief when they saw it. As we performers always say: The show must go on!!! The flier to one of Trixie’s shows which the envelope had contained stated, signed by the showmare herself. “Ooh! I’m going to need more popcorn!” Discord said gleefully, hovering behind the group as he summoned a bag in his paw and cast an aside glance in amusement. ... THE END? ...