Charming Thunder woke up from his consciousness and shook his head. He then glanced at a crater that was made by Twilight's magic. The students that were no longer brainwashed began to surround the crater. He then got up and walked up to the crater with them. In the center of the crater, kneeled a smoking and defeated Sunset Shimmer. Twilight stood over her triumphantly as she said, "You will never rule in Equestria. Any power you may have had in this world is gone. Tonight, you've shown everyone who you really are. You've shown them what is in your heart." The human counterparts of Flash Sentry, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom all look down upon Sunset Shimmer as well. Flash looked especially disappointed.
Sunset Shimmer cried as she said, "I-I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't know there was another way."
"The magic of friendship doesn't just exist in Equestria. It's everywhere. You can seek it out, or you can forever be alone. The choice is yours."
Sunset Shimmer climbed out of the crater and Twilight helped her out. Charming Thunder walked around the crater to get to them. "But...but all I've ever done since being here is drive everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship."
"I bet they can teach you." Twilight's friends smiled when suddenly, a lightsaber was activated and the crimson beam was placed under Sunset's neck. "Its okay, love. Its over."
"You're kidding right," Charming Thunder grunted. "She became stronger than you knew and she deserves more than just pain and suffering."
"Maybe so. But if you strike her down in anger, you'll wind up like your father." Charming Thunder looked at Twilight and back at Sunset Shimmer. He then sighed and stood back as he deactivated his lightsaber.
"Those are my girls!" Spike shouted as he clapped.
"Did that dog just talk?" the drummer asked. "Whoa. Weird."
"Seriously? The talking dog is a weird thing about all this?"
Spike suddenly got picked up by Rarity and scratched his ear. "I, for one, think you're adorable."
"I believe this belongs to you," Celestia said carrying Twilight's crown. Twilight knelt down as she continued. "A true princess in any world leads not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her." She then placed the crown on Twilight's head. "We have all seen that you are capable of just that. I hope you see it too, Princess Twilight."
"I do," Twilight said. The crowd then began to cheer as Charming Thunder smiled. He then felt a tap on his shoulder and turned his head to see Fluttershy holding two pieces of his helmet he wore since his transformation.
"I believe that this belongs to you," Fluttershy said. Charming Thunder smiled and grabbed the mask. He placed it on his face and it made a clicking sound. He then grabbed the top of the helmet and placed it on his head. It then hissed and then his breathing sound returned to normal.
"Would now be a completely awkward time to ask you for that dance?" Flash asked as he held out his hand. Twilight looked at the moon noticing that she still has time and at Charming Thunder who then nodded at her. She then giggled and grabbed Flash's hand.
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As the party continued inside, Charming Thunder sat on a step outside with his helmet off and gazed at the starry sky. Sunset Shimmer cleared her throat to get his attention. Charming Thunder turned his head to face her. "Um, hey," Sunset said.
"Hey," Charming Thunder said.
"Might I sit with you?" Charming Thunder smiled and tapped on a spot for her to sit at. She then sat next to Charming Thunder and said, "I just want to apologize about earlier and--"
"There is no need. It is because now I understand why Celestia never mentioned you anymore." Sunset Shimmer placed her hand on Charming Thunder's robotic hand. He then looked at Sunset Shimmer and away from her.
"Look, I know how much you missed me, but life is life. Things change."
"So....after all those years, you still cared about me."
Sunset Shimmer hugged Charming Thunder tight as she said, "Of course I cared about you. But I soon forgot about you. And now here you are, son of a dark unicorn the Crystal Empire feared most."
"I redeemed him to the good side when he returned the third time. He risked his own life to save me from harm."
"You mean he's..." Charming Thunder nodded and started to cry a little. "Aw, Charming. I'm so sorry about your loss. I'm sure he was a good stallion and--" She was interrupted when she heard laughter from Twilight and her friends. Charming Thunder looked up at the moon noticing that his time to leave was now. Charming Thunder turned back and saw that Sunset Shimmer disappeared. He then saw Twilight and her friends hugging. He then smiled and walked up to the group.
"You'll look out for her, won't you?" Twilight asked.
"Of course we will," Rarity said. "Although I do expect some sort of apology for last spring's debacle."
"I have a feeling she'll be handing out a lot of apologies."
"Don't worry," Charming Thunder said. "I bet that she will get along with them quite nicely."
"We better get going," Spike said.
"I know we've only been friends for a short time, but I'm gonna miss all of you so much." She sighed and began to walk with Charming Thunder to the statue.
"That crown really does suit you, Princess Twilight."
"You know what, Spike? I am starting to feel a little more comfortable wearing it."
"And the wings?"
"I've been walking on two legs and picking things up with these! Wings? I'm thrilled that's all I'll be dealing with back in Equestria!"
"And not to mention me being like some kind of Jedi Knight," Charming Thunder added. The trio then stepped through the portal and headed back to where they belong.
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The princesses and Twilight's friends stood waiting for Twilight and Spike's return when the mirror suddenly opened a portal. Twilight was the first to step out of there standing on her back hooves. She then got back on her fours as her friends cheered for her return. "Twilight!" Fluttershy said.
"Ah, you're back!" Rainbow said.
"You've got your crown!" Rarity said with joy.
"I knew you could do it!" Pinkie said while she bounced in the room.
"Oh, we were so worried," Applejack said as she sighed with relief.
"Sunset Shimmer, is she alright?" Celestia asked.
"I think she's gonna be fine," Twilight replied. "I left her in good hands."
Rainbow scratched her head and asked, "What are hands?" Spike popped out and landed behind Twilight. She smiled as Charming Thunder flew out and landed on Twilight.
"Ow!" Charming Thunder said. "Okay now that I am not going to feel in the morning."
"Charming Thunder?" Rarity said. "What were you doing there? I thought you were with Sweetie Belle."
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Rarity. But don't worry. Your sister is fine."
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Charming Thunder gazed out at the balcony as he looked at the stars. Celestia stood behind him and stood next to him. "You ran into Sunset Shimmer didn't you?" she asked.
"You told me that she was not in Canterlot anymore," Charming Thunder said. "Why lie to me?"
"She wanted to know something dark that I keep hiding from her."
"You know, when she and I talked among all her dark thoughts, I took a glimpse at something in her heart. Something that she would never forget."
"What?"
"Me." Celestia smiled as they both continued to gaze at the stars at the crystal castle now that Charming Thunder's task was done.