"Look Rarity..." Twilight stammered.
"Everything Sombra said is true?! How could you lie... Why fool us all?!" Rarity interrupted.
"Maybe we better talk downstairs, your mother..."
"What? Father snores like a freight train, she wears earplugs even when he's away she's simply accustomed to it. Don't think you can change the subject!"
Rarity was quite fired up and I suppose I couldn't blame her, Dash and Applejack both looked both looked mad as well while Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, Pinkie however just looked confused her head cocked to the side like she was trying to figure out an extremely difficult algebra problem.
"Well? Ya'll got somethin ta say fer yourselves?"
"That’s sick! I mean, maybe out in the country like Applejack it's..."
"Dash!"
"Kidding, kidding. Jeez..."
"I'm sorry girls, I didn't want to keep anything from you but the truth... Well it's..."
"It's what?!"
What do we do? I'm so stupid!
It was inevitable we'd slip up, I'm not sure they can take the truth though...
What do we do then?! Another lie...? I don't want to, we need their help still though and they are our friends... Sort of...
I know... We'll tell them something, a half-truth...
"Listen, let me try to explain..." I sat up trying to think of something then I noticed all five of them staring at me their mouths agape. "What?" I looked down and then understood, my scar prominently displayed surrounded by Twilights mark. I was so used to it I hardly noticed anymore.
Pinkie pushed into the room kneeling down staring at it. "Now I get it..." She whispered smiling.
"Is that a tattoo?" Dash asked.
"No, it goes much deeper than the skin..." I whispered putting my arm around Twi. "Okay, here it is..."
"They’re not brother and sister at all!"
"Pinkie how could you..."
"It's not what it appears, their married!" She giggled holding up my hand showing my ring and Twilights hung as always around her neck, strangely mine had sized to fit me here but hers remained larger still sized to fit over her horn.
"But ya'll are too young fer..."
"Nope! They’re not from here, far away but still so close..." Pinkie interrupted again on her feet now practically vibrating with excitement. "Twilight was a princess and it's her crown Sombra stole and brought here...!"
"But where are they from?" Fluttershy whispered looking amazed and terrified at the same time.
"Another world! Lots like ours but different, I thought there was something so strange about you both from the moment I met you! Rick always acting so calm, cool and collected..."
"Not that cool..." Dash shrugged leaning against the doorframe.
"And Twilight your so awkward! Not socially, well a little bit but aren't we all? Not me I guess but that’s not the point... What was I saying...? Oh! Awkward with your body, like you didn't know how to use it at all!"
"What do you mean Pinkie?" Fluttershy asked having finally ventured into the room.
"She's a pony! A magical Unicorn from another world! I'm so excited!" She collapsed onto her kneels gasping but still grinning from ear to ear.
The others just stared a minute looking from the two of us back to her confused Dash finally breaking the silence laughing out loud.
"That’s a good one Pinkie, you really had me going for a sec there..."
Well... What the heck. "It's all true." The chuckles stopped as they stared at me again. "She was right on pretty much everything, left a few things out but that’s to be expected. How did you know any of that Pinkie?"
She blushed brightly still smiling happily though. "Um... Lucky guess?"
"Same old Pinkie..." I chuckled.
"So you expect us to believe what Pinkie just said is true?" Rarity asked skeptically and I certainly couldn't blame her.
"Hey!"
"Oh come on Pinkie, we all know yer good at spinning a yarn but ya can't expect us ta believe..."
"Why not?! I've never lied to you before!"
"We know Pinkie but for something this... This unbelievable, we need some proof!" Dash added looking at us suspiciously. "Well?"
"There’s nothing we can say that will prove anything unfortunately, I can assure you that if Sombra does regain the crown... It won't be good..."
"What do you mean? He's had the crown for simply ages."
"It's my crown... Well, it's in my keeping for now. It's one of the six Elements of Harmony, powerful magical artifacts from our world... If I could just use my magic I could convince you... Ugh! I'm sorry..."
"She's not wrong there, with just a bit of effort she could levitate you all..." I suppose I could to with a bit more effort but that was neither here nor there. It did make me think of levitation though, not really a spell but more an innate ability for all Unicorns... Suddenly I heard a chorus of gasps and a tiny shriek, I'd lost myself in thought again oblivious to the faint glow coming from my chest and poor Fluttershy hovering a foot off the ground clutching the doorframe for all she was worth.
"Let me down, let me down, let me down... Please let me down!"
I gently set her down not quite understanding how I was able to do that here and just what their reactions might be...
"Cool! Me next! Me next!"
Okay so one reaction I could have guessed...
How did I...
I don't know... Maybe because you’re a human naturally you can still use your magic here! Does it still work the same? Is there a greater drain on you?
I'm sure if I let her we'd be here all night testing, I quickly levitated each of the girls in turn including Twilight and it was far more difficult and strenuous I felt like I was back in the first days of my training levitating cups but at least it still worked. As for any other spell? No time and as I said we could have another thirty moons and she'd still be testing.
"Well I hope that convinces you enough to at least hear our side of the story?" I asked.
"Yeah! Oh... Oopsie, I mean of course we will! We must have been crazy to doubt Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie giggled nudging the others.
Rarity sighed still looking a bit confused. "Alright... Let’s go back downstairs in case mother wakes up..."
We all headed down and keeping the lights low began our story, how Twilight first came to Ponyville and met them, sort of... And everything that happened after. Abbreviated of course, then my arrival and our trials and tribulations again very shortened still by the time we came to a halt it was well past midnight...
"You were very close Pinkie, I'm amazed though you did miss two very important things."
"Oh? What?"
"Those would be our daughters..." Twilight smiled.
"Ooh! That makes sense now..." Came a squeaky voice from the stairwell, we all turned to look finding Sweetie Belle crouched down trying to hide, poorly... "Oops..."
"Sweetie Belle!"
"Sorry sis, I heard the commotion and I just wanted to hear..."
"What did you mean Sweetie?" I asked.
"Oh!" Suddenly shy she hid behind Rarity peeking out blushing. "I... Well... Yesterday Scootaloo said you called her Angel and were looking at her funny, not pervert funny though. She said it was more like her dad looks at her sometimes..."
"So she's still got her family here..." I whispered with a smile missing my own Angel and baby badly.
Twilight rubbed my back leaning against me. "In our world Scootaloo is our daughter... Well adopted daughter, but we love her every bit as much as our own..."
"Aww..." The girls cooed.
"Well as unbelievable as yer story is ah believe ya. Count me in still."
"It's all so sweet... And terrifying..." Fluttershy gasped. "But... I'm still in too, we've got to get you home to your own world, your babies..."
"Don't have to ask me!" Pinkie giggled.
"Well I don't like that you tried to keep secrets from us... But heck I can sure understand why you did, I'm in!"
Everyone turned to Rarity who was standing back with her sister in front of her as she teased out tangles and knots in Sweetie Belles hair nervously. "It's just so much to process... Everything I thought I knew wasn't real and in its place some so unreal but true..."
"Rarity...?"
She smiled squeezing Sweetie Belles shoulders comfortingly. "I'm in, somehow it just feels right... My goodness look at the time! Off to bed young lady..."
"Aww..."
"All of us." She looked to the stairs then us shrugging with a smile. "Well who am I to tell a married couple where to sleep? We'll be up in plenty of time, and Sweetie..."
"Hmm?" She'd made it to the stairs but was lingering.
"Let’s keep this to ourselves shall we? Not even Apple Bloom and Scootaloo."
"But... Okay..."
Rarity sighed kneeling down holding out her arms. "Come here."
She practically ran into her sister’s arms both of them holding each other tightly while the rest of us 'Awwed'.
"I know I've been a bit... Difficult, this past while and it would be easy to blame that on Sombra but..."
"But...?"
"Well..." She sighed again looking her in the eyes. "Your just so precious and special I've never really felt... Like I deserve to be your big sister..."
"What?! But you’re the best!" She squeaked. "You help me, teach me, love me... You’re the best big sister I could ask for!"
"Sweetie..."
"Nu uh!" She hugged her sister fiercely gasping as Rarity hugged her back just as tightly both of them tearing up a bit.
"Thank you..." She smiled pulling Sweetie Belle to lay down cuddling with her. "Well I suppose you can stay this one time." The lights went out and we all got comfortable all of us tired.
That turned out much different than I imagined...
For the better.
Definitely, but I wonder how the heck Pinkie could know...
Trust me that’s a long road that just leads you back where you began, I've spent... Perhaps wasted might be a better word for it, many days trying to figure Pinkie out. Magically, scientifically... It just doesn't do any good!
I'll bet... Well the hard part should be out of the way eh?
I hope so... We kissed softly and let ourselves slip off along with our friends.
The principal’s office is not the ideal place you want to end up especially after a nice breakfast with friends and the moment you walk through the front doors of the school! A stern looking Luna was waiting for us escorting Twilight and I to the office leaving the others confused and worried.
I can't recall an occasion that I had been summoned to the principal’s office when I was young but I was sure there must have been one as the sensation felt very familiar...
Luna steered us into the two seats before the large desk taking up a spot behind her 'sister'? Couldn't really tell in this world. Celestia looked up from the papers she'd been idly flipping through.
"You know why you were brought here I assume?"
"Not really P... Principal Celestia, did... Did our papers come in...?" Twilight guess blindly.
"They did not!" She slammed both her hands down on the desk standing to tower over us. She was about six feet tall so were we both standing she wouldn't be much taller than me but with our awkward position in these short chairs the effect was impressive, I had the distinct impression she practiced it on occasion all the better to intimidate when she needed to. "I don't know how you two behaved at your old school though your transfer here may now make sense... Regardless this is unacceptable no matter your location!" She snapped tossing a handful of photos on the desk before us, pictures displaying us gleefully and wantonly smashing and destroying the dance preparations, tearing them down...
Something was clearly off though, well other than the fact we hadn’t been anywhere near here last night and of course we knew we didn't do it.
How...? Sombra!
No doubt.
These look like us but... How?
Pictures can be changed on a computer by someone who knows what they’re doing... And whoever did these seems to, I can see a few discrepancies though with the heads and bodies, I guess they haven't noticed... "These are fake, where did you get them?"
"They were anonymously left here this morning; what proof do you have that they are fake?" Luna scowled looking down at them.
"We weren't even here last night! Just ask..." Twilight begged.
"We aren't interested in alibis from your friends, it's bad enough you've destroyed school property but you've ruined everyone’s chances of enjoying the dance! It will have to be canceled, I suppose the crown will just have to remain with last year’s King and Queen..." Celestia nodded.
"I suppose it will." Luna agreed.
"You can't just..." I stopped myself short, they really could just arbitrarily declare us guilty, we had no parents to intervene on our behalf...
"And as for you two... I've never had to expel a student before let alone two! But the outcry..." The phone rang suddenly interrupting her. "I thought I asked her to hold my calls...?"
Luna picked up the phone quickly. "She's busy right now... Who? Of course, put her through. Maybe you had best take it Celestia."
"Hmm...?" She took the phone looking somewhat irritated. "Hello? It is... Mrs...? Oh, I do remember of course... You do...? They were...? Oh dear... I will, thank you very much for the call..."
Celestia and Lunas expressions, Luna had leaned down to place her ear to the other side of the phone as Celestia talked, definitely sisters. Their expressions had gone from annoyance to abject embarrassment as the call had gone on both of them flushed slightly. Celestia hung up the phone slowly and deliberately looking at it not meeting our gaze. "It seems I..."
"We..." Luna added squeezing her shoulder.
Celestia smiled wanly finally looking up at us. "We made a mistake, I... I hope you can forgive us, the evidence seemed so..."
"We understand, mistakes happen." I squeezed Twi's hand softly. "The important part is that we acknowledge them and move forward right?"
"That’s a surprisingly mature response, thank you..." Luna smiled.
They apologized again and we got up letting ourselves out as they talked together deciding not to announce the dance cancellation until lunch. We hadn’t gotten much past closing the door behind us when we were surrounded, Pinkie, Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy all looking concerned. Rarity stood a bit back watching slightly bemused.
"What happened?!"
"Musta been somethin serious fer the vice-principal ta drag ya both to the office."
"Scary..."
"So scary Fluttershy! I always get the heebie-jeebies’ whenever they call me to the office... Not that I've ever been... Well maybe after the pudding incident... And the party cannon... And..."
"A... Misunderstanding, Sombra tried to frame us for something..."
"And I would say we got off easily thanks to a certain someone." I grinned nodding to Rarity.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you mean darling..." She smiled innocently. "I was curious about what was going on so I engaged with some harmless gossip with Raven..." She nodded over at Celestia’s secretary who smiled and waved. "She alluded to some trouble last evening and you two were the main culprits, I of course knew that to be simply false. But they would no doubt not take my word over any other student, my mother however... Did I mention she used to be the president of the PTA? A quick phone call and..."
"Thank you Rarity." Twilight clutched her hands.
"You saved our butts for sure."
"Oh pish-posh, what are friends for?"
"Looks like Sombra's stepping up his game." Dash grin.
"What did he try'n frame ya'll for anyhow?"
"Well that’s going to be a problem..."
We stood in the wreck of the gym staring at the carnage, Sombra and his boys had certainly been though. Short of setting the gym on fire they'd have had a hard time doing more damage, every ribbon had been ripped down, balloons popped, tables overturned their legs broken thankfully the sound system hadn’t been delivered yet or I could only imagine how much worse it could have been...
"Why would they do this...?" Pinkie was almost in tears between the ruined decorations and the prospect of the dance being cancelled crushing her sunny disposition.
"The stakes are high Pinkie, we still have no idea what he really intends to do with the crown but clearly some magic Equestrian or not seems to exist here..." Twilight mused.
"But how'r ya gonna get the crown back now? Ya'll can't wait until next year!"
"We'll just have to... Snatch it, get it away from Celestia and Luna before they give it to him..."
"Rick, you don't even know where they've got it hidden or when they’re going to give it to him!"
"It's got to be in their office Dash!"
"We can't be sure of that!"
"Oh dear... Oh dear..."
"Let’s not panic everyone..." Rarity walked around slowly picking up bits and pieces a faraway look in her eyes. "We could make this work..."
"Make what work? They destroyed everything..." Twilight hung her head sadly.
"Not at all, we still have supplies and some of these decorations can still be salvaged."
"But..." Everyone interrupted.
She held up a hand with a smile. "We can make this work, we have to! Not just for Twilight and Rick but for every one of us! Sombra has to know we won't be pushed around anymore! So what do you say? Together?"
She cut quite the figure full of righteous anger and self-assurance, what else could our answer be but 'Together!'
Twilight and I didn't have classes of course but the girls did, I expected them to return on their free period together but still the amount of work before us seemed impossible in the short amount of time we had. Still Twilight and I began cleaning up but to my surprise we'd only just started when Rarity returned several girls in tow.
"Mrs. Sweet was quite sympathetic, she gave us free reign to use some of the crafting supplies and let anyone who wanted to help have the period off! Their coming with the supplies..." She smiled happily. "Let’s get set up over here, Rick if you could put some of the less damaged tables upright?"
I did and before too long more of her classmates arrived with boxes of supplies and behind them was Dash with what looked like plenty of people from her class!
"Yeah well I figured we could get as good a workout here cleaning up as we could out on the field, Coach doesn't care as long as we're tired by the end of the period!" She laughed.
We all started cleaning up while Rarity and her classmates made and re-made decorations and while we did so a funny thing began to happen, students of all kinds curious about what was going on began poking their heads in and rather than passing by came in to assist!
Second period came around and Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie arrived and clearly the word had spread, some of the students here had to go to their next classes but even more arrived to help! Before too long lunch loomed and the gym was looking just as good... No, even better than before!
Celestia and Luna made an appearance both of them looking around in surprise and amazement, they made their way up to the stage both of them smiling.
"Students... Students! You've done... Amazing work in such a short period of time, we were sure we'd have to cancel tonight’s dance..."
"But what you've done here, how you've come together..." Luna continued sweeping her arms out.
"We're very proud of what you've accomplished, everything shall continue as scheduled I hope to see you all this evening."
"As do I."
Everyone cheered and applauded as much for themselves as for Celestia and Luna I imagined, we broke for lunch there wasn't much left to do amazingly. An announcement over the PA reminded everyone to come to the dance tonight and not to forget to vote for the King and Queen. With everything that had happened recently I'd almost forgotten, everything coming to a head one way or another tonight things would be decided...
The rest of the day passed in a blur Rarity spiriting Twi away for a bit leaving me to wander the school alone, I spotted Lyra exiting a classroom and followed her to her locker I guess I was sneakier then I thought as she jumped as soon as I spoke.
"Lyra..."
"Ahh!" She spun around flattening herself against a locker. "Oh it's you Rick, don't scare me like that!" She admonished with a gentle smile.
"Sorry..." I apologized stopping suddenly noticing the fresh bruise on her cheek and heavily made up eyes trying to conceal one of them blackened. "That son of a..." I stepped forward and she stiffened making me even angrier, I gently caressed her cheek making the bruise fade and black eye disappear, something else I wasn't sure I would be able to do here but I just reacted though I had to steady myself from the sudden wave of exhaustion that hit me...
She blushed fetchingly pushing my hand away gently. "You shouldn't... Sombra might..."
"He might what? I'm not scared of him but I am afraid for you, you can't let him..."
"What...?" Her hand went to her cheek her mouth opening in an o of surprise not feeling any pain, she flipped open her compact staring confused. "How did you...?"
"It's a very long story, Sombra's reign is coming to an end, you don't have to stay with him, you don't have to let him hurt you..."
"You... You don't know what you’re saying! I... I... I have to go..." She grabbed her backpack shutting her locker and dodging around me rushing off down the hall.
I didn't pursue or call out after her, I hoped she'd see tonight, I sighed making my way back to the main halls everyone seemed excited and happy about the prospect of the dance tonight many still wearing theirs ears and tails it was quite the sight to see.
Again that afternoon Rarity invited us over knowing we had nowhere else to go, shortly after we arrived all the girls showed up heading upstairs leaving me to hang out in the living room with Sweetie Belle, I amused her by telling her about Equestria and levitating her and various objects around the room careful not to get spotted by Pearl. Her giggles and adorable behavior only reminded me how badly I missed my own girls, still it cheered me up. We'll be home soon...
After an hour they came down each of them showing off their party dresses, I wasn't sure if Rarity had made them all but she certainly could have, she had skills here too though not quite the experience of our Rarity. They were all beautiful in their own way, as Pearl took some pictures Rarity pulled me aside.
"Sorry..."
"What for?"
"Well, you know... The flirting and all..."
"Don't be silly, us old guys do like having a beautiful young girl flirt with us you know?" I chuckled.
"But you’re not... I mean you are but..."
I stopped her with a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. "I'm teasing; don't you worry about it."
"Thanks, also all this fanfare with the dresses and everything. I know it's not important for why you've come..."
"True, but..." I turned her head to watch Twilight laughing and talking with her friends. "When she was this age she really never had anything like this friends included so thank you."
"Never...? But you said..."
"She was older when she came to Ponyville and met all you... Well you know, most of her childhood she spent in pursuit of knowledge. I'm not complaining and I don't think she would either, it's made her the mare she is today, the mare I love..."
Rarity giggled. "You really do remind me of my mother and father, they still get misty eyed together too." She smiled. "Do you think we have a Twilight here too then? We should find her!"
"We did discuss that; she could be anywhere though. Another school, collage..."
"Not to worry darling, Facebook." She smiled mischievously. "But for now things look good everyone I've spoken too intends to vote for Twilight and Flash... Oh, Flash... I'm sorry for suggesting that as well..." She blushed.
"No problem, well I was a bit jealous I'll admit. Twilights so amazing... I... Well, I just don't feel like I deserve her..."
"Not for me to say..." she whispered. "But I think that means you do."
"Thanks."
"I wish I had time to fit you for a suit as well! You'd look so dashing together!"
"That’s alright, the attention won't be on me which is fine, I'll be keeping my eyes open for Sombra and his 'gang'."
"Do you think he'll try something?"
"Not sure but I doubt he's about to give up without a fight."
"Then we'll all be ready."
Another hour or so of preparation, makeup and minor distractions and we were on our way back to the school, admittedly I was intrigued by this place it's society and people but I just wanted to go home, sleep comfortably in our bed with my love beside me, cuddle my baby and Angel little things I missed so much. So let’s get this done.
Thankfully with such a large school the gym was also huge which was good because it looked like every student was here! Some talking in small groups but mostly mingling, laughing and having a good time. It took all of two seconds having walked through the doors for Pinkie to take off like a shot determined to have a good time and make sure everyone else was too!
We split up each promising to meet a short while later and to keep a sharp lookout for Sombra or those we knew to be associated with him. So for the moment we were alone, well not really.
A few songs had played since our arrival but now a slow one started pairs coming together to sway to the music, I offered Twi my hand and we came chastely together well aware of the multitude of people around.
The princess and the bum eh?
Oh you, my prince, my knight, my lover, my husband... All I want, all I need.
And always yours, now and forever...
Suddenly a throat cleared beside us. "Mind if I cut in?"
Flash Sentry looking every bit the dapper gentleman smiling to Twilight warmly, god I wanted to punch him. Instead I stepped back gesturing him in. "See you later Twi." I backed away letting him take her away and as much as I would like to keep an eye on them I still had bigger problems on my mind.
I transverse the party looking all over checking with any of the girls and some other students but no one had seen Sombra or Lyra, the general consensus being they were too humiliated to show their faces with their upcoming defeat.
I wished I could be so optimistic, nothing I knew about him suggested to me he was done, but never the less he wasn't to be seen and that was worrying.
"Hey..."
I jumped slightly I'd been so engrossed with looking all around I hadn’t been looking right beside me, and there she was my little Angel well this worlds version of her at least. A simple but pretty dress she looked very uncomfortable in her hair combed neatly but some strands already sticking out. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stood beside her grinning.
"Oh, hi there... Scootaloo? Was it?"
"Some dad, he doesn't even know my name."
"Sweetie Belle!" I growled softly pulling the three of them to an out of the way corner.
"I'm sorry! It's just... You came up in conversation and maybe I mentioned you were her father in another dimension then we spent a couple hours looking up what another dimension meant then she forced me to tell everything!"
"Forced?"
"She tickled me..." She whispered blushing.
She was so cute I couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay but this has to stay between you three now ok?"
"Just how are you my dad in this other dimension? You don't look anything like him."
I knelt down looking in her serious face resisting the urge to hug her like I would my Angel if she was upset. "In our world... You were alone and you had been for some time..." Not exactly true but not a lie either. "We couldn't leave you like that, we didn't want you to go to an orphanage or take a chance on a foster home, you deserved a family that loved you and we try... No, we do give you that... Her, sorry her... I love my little Angel more than life itself and I'd do anything for her..."
I was interrupted by a tough little tom-girl throwing herself into my arms hugging and letting me hug her. "Thank you..." She whispered.
"I'm so happy you have your family here Angel... Sorry, Scootaloo."
"You can call me Angel..."
"Thanks... Anyhow! Don't you worry about that, go have fun girls!"
"Kay!" They echoed, one last little hug and they were off.
The dance was well underway with still no sign of trouble I let myself relax a little dancing with each of the girls and enjoying myself, good music and everyone was getting along forming new bonds of friendship, I was cautiously optimistic as the time came to reveal the results of the students voting.
Celestia and Luna took the stage, they weren't quite as dressed up as most of the students but they both had nice dresses on and smiles on their faces. "Students! This is a very special night and momentous occasion!" Luna began then passing the mic to Celestia back and forth, definitely sisters.
"Indeed, never before has the student body so come together averting calamity and making this night even better!"
"But that’s not all, the vote for this year’s King and Queen has been completed and for the first time since its inception a nearly one hundred percent turnout!"
"Even more amazing this year all of that hundred percent goes to this year’s King and Queen... Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle!"
The crowd broke out in thunderous applause and cheering as Twilight and Flash made their way up to the stage, seeing the school the past few days I wasn't surprised they won but one hundred percent? That didn't seem possible unless Sombra's own followers voted against him... Or were ordered to...
I quickly pushed my way closer checking all around for anything amiss my paranoia reignited then up high above then in case he was planning some 'Carrie' style humiliation. But nothing, they had just finished crowning the two of them when I finally spotted what I'd been looking for or rather what I was allowed to see, Sombra at the gym entrance but what really got my attention was who he had with him held tightly though she struggled in vain against him, Fluttershy... With a sneer at me he yanked her out the door.
I had no idea what he was capable of in this world but if it was even a tenth of... We had to move fast, I spent a few precious minutes getting everyone (even Flash) letting them know what was going on before we rushed to the entrance with plenty of tag-alongs following the new King and Queen which was fine we might need the help...
We burst out the doors into the cool evening air not sure what to expect and we weren't disappointed by the scale of the spectacle he'd arranged. Fluttershy was safe at least held off to the side by the same two who'd grabbed me before, the statue... The portal was looped several times around the base and up to its head with ropes, tow straps and heavy chain all hooked up to five pickup trucks engines idling. Looks like some of Sombras boys borrowed daddy’s truck to go to the dance. We all froze at that sight I had little doubt if it wasn't protected in some way they could tear it down with ease.
"What the hell are you doing Sombra?!" I shouted.
"Having my crown returned of course..." He chuckled.
"It's not yours you big... Meanie!" Pinkie shouted.
"Let Fluttershy go!" Twilight implored.
"Fine..." He gestured and they released her to run over to us. "Now the crown, unless you want to be stuck here the rest of your lives...?" His threat was enforced by one of the trucks revving pulling tight near the top snapping the head off the statue, so much for protection...
"Stop! Why are you doing this Sombra? What do you hope to gain?"
"Twilight Sparkle... You've never known pain like I have, seen what I've seen..." He convulsed slightly grimacing in pain. "This world, I've got things to fix here..." He glanced at Lyra who stood by his side fidgeting quietly. "And in your world... I've got business there too; I can't remember... When I took the crown everything was clearer, now..." He shook his head facing us with a snarl. "Enough stalling! Crown now or..." He raised his hand and the trucks revved slack disappearing on the bindings.
"Wait! Here... You don't know the power your messing with..." Twilight held the crown out and one of his guys grabbed it running over to him.
"Maybe I don't, and maybe..." He slammed the crown down on his head and... Nothing...
Everyone looked around confused but I kept my eye on him, he didn't look surprised or shocked. His eyes were closed intense concentration on his face clutching Lyras hand tightly. The change came ever so slightly if I hadn’t been watching him so intently I would have missed it completely a slight darkening of his outline his shadow lengthening, shuttering and his now cruel smile... The darkness crept down his body engulfing him, Lyra stared in horror but didn't pull her hand away even when it began creeping up her arm.
By now people were catching on even if they didn't know what they were seeing, everyone watched in awe as the shadow slowly engulfed Lyra too.
This is going to be bad.
I know, but...
What?
I think we can still beat him, when I had the crown I felt... Something, a reconnection of some sort. Please just trust me.
You know I do.
I know.
There was a low pulse of energy snapping our attention back to them shadowy wings unfolding from both their backs beating the air slowly lifting them off the ground despite their insubstantiality. Their eyes flew open together reveling an all too familiar Smokey tinge we both knew well.
"Sombra..." I growled.
Lances of shadow shot out from him striking each of his followers transforming them dark crystals sprouting from their flesh their eyes dull but still burning with that same sickening hue.
"Now I remember, the Crystal Empire... My Empire..."
"Not again."
"Silence!" A shadow flew from his body with explosive force striking above our heads shattering some of the stonework in front of the school, I don't know if it was by luck or design that no one was harmed. Most of the students scattered either to the sides or back inside but some just remained staring in shock we quickly herded them away from the entrance as small pieces continued to fall and it was possible the whole thing could collapse!
Sombra watched us all scatter with amusement Lyra floating by his side but she wasn't watching us she seemed to be in some sort of internal turmoil looking off into the distance then back down at the ground again and again finally Sombra stopped her looking into her eyes.
"Go on, you know you want to."
"I..."
"Go. I'll deal with this rabble and then show you your new kingdom."
She nodded slightly leaning forward for a kiss but he'd already turned his attention away from her, she turned away sadly meeting my gaze for just a second her eyes pleading before she flew slowly and awkwardly away I guess just being handed a pair of wings doesn't really give you any skill with them.
"I don't know what she's up to but..."
"But you've got to stop her."
I saw a tinge of jealousy in her eyes, I leaned in kissing her soundly. "Love you."
"Love you."
"You six can handle Sombra right?"
"We can." She smiled.
"What?! Twilight darling, we can't..."
"Ah said ah wanted ta kick him one but..."
"Look I'm awesome and all..."
"Ya! Now you'll be sorry you meanie bo beanie!"
Fluttershy just whimpered trying very hard to make herself look small. "Your strong together." I grinned meeting each of their gazes before taking off, I was worried very much so but I trusted Twilight and if she thought they could do it then that was good enough for me.
Lyra was almost out of sight as I ran after her, a few of the transformed members of Sombras gang tried to block me but they were quite slow and I easily dodged past them I could only hope Sombras defeat would free them as it did before...
I managed to keep her in sight as she slowly gained more confidence with her wings speeding up as we moved deeper into a residential area, thankfully it was late so there was no one out to react to the flying girl nor the muffled explosions each of which made me wince coming from the school.
Lyra sped up again and I lost sight of her between houses as I raced to catch up then I heard her ahead and to my right shouting, in anger or fear I wasn't quite sure...
"Come out! Get out here or I'll... I'll..."
I rounded the corner just in time to see her throw a shadow at a simple home, could be any one out of the thousands around us, the window shattered surprised cries coming from within.
"Father!"
What? The front door opened and a woman emerged, I was only a dozen feet behind Lyra and could see her clearly her hair and face a slightly older version of the girl before her.
"Lyra...? Honey what..." She winced as Lyra’s voice boomed out again.
"Father!"
I got a little closer trying not to startle Lyra but as I got closer I could see her mother more clearly a familiar line of bruises up her arms, split lip and a nose that had clearly been broken before none of them too fresh but more than enough to make me question everything and start in horror when I realized what she was here to do...
"Lyra... You don't have to do this..."
She spun quickly a dark ray springing from her hand surrounding and grappling me. "Rick! You’re not supposed to be here! Not supposed to see this..."
"Don't do this, things might be bad but this won't make them..."
"Shut up!" The force around me crushed me a moment leaving me gasping for breath, she stared in shock a moment then pulled it away. "I'm sorry!"
I collapsed to my knees but still managed to grin. "You’re a good person Lyra, despite everything that’s happened to you, what Sombra’s trying to turn you into... You don't want to throw that away for a moment of revenge."
"I... I..."
"Lyra, who is this? what’s happened to you?" Her mother walked up to her cautiously reaching out to her.
"No... I don't know what could happen." She turned back to me. "You don't know what he's done to me, to us..."
"Your right, I don't know. But if you take this step you may well become the monster Sombra wants you to be."
"Sombra? Is that your boyfriend we've never met?'
"Can you blame me...?"
"What the hell’s going on out here?! Who broke my window?!"
A man I could only assume was Lyra's father came out the front door gawking at his broken window swearing up a storm. He was of average height, average weight well just average all around. Slight paunch and minor receding hairline but nothing to distinguish him from the multitude of dads out there, certainly not what I would expect a domestic abuser to look like but I really had no experience, Scootaloo yes but even he hadn’t looked like I would have expected... That didn't prove anything though evil doesn't come in a cookie cutter shape it has many forms most of them not what they appear.
"Did you do this Lyra? Dammit you know better than to work me up... What’s with that get-up? I thought you were going to a dance tonight not a costume party." He chuckled walking over.
Lyra's mother interposed herself between them. "Now wait..."
"No mom, this time I protect you..." She swooped around between them hovering a foot off the ground either he didn't see what was going on or he just didn't understand as he kept coming. "Let's see how you like it when someone is strong enough to fight back..." She swept out her hand sending a small mote of shadow tumbling toward him it swept low catching his feet sending him straight to the ground.
He scrambled to his feet his face beet red. "What the...?! What’s going on? How did you..."
He was yanked off his feet pulled right over to his daughter in an instant. "You haven't seen anything yet father..." And he was hurdled into the side of a nearby home, he would have fallen to his face if not for the shadows surrounding him.
He was still conscious though trashing his head back and forth his body immobilized. "What’s going on? You better let me down or..."
She gestured pulling him away from the wall the few feet to her. "Or you'll what?" She slammed him back into the wall roughly.
I'd been frozen partially entranced by what was enfolding before me but that bit of brutality shocked me back into action, I moved up a few feet behind her still not quite sure what to do. "Lyra..."
"Stay back!" A pulse of dark energy pushed out from her knocking me several feet back and onto my butt, she was learning fast. "None of your business I said." She glanced over her shoulder at me her eyes dominated by dark magic but that wasn't all, tears... She turned back to her task slamming he father against the wall again and again each time a little harder. "Why?" Slam. "What did we do wrong?" Slam. "Tell me!" Slam. "Why daddy...?"
He wasn't conscious to answer not that he likely would have any answers anyhow, none that would appease her. I moved up again surprised to find her mother moving up as well opposite of me we each grasped an arm.
"That’s enough..."
"Honey please..."
"No! You know how he is mom, so many times he's gotten better... No, pretended to! And then backslid again and again!"
"He tries..."
"No more! I have to end this."
"You know he loves us, it's just... I still love him and I know you do too..."
"There’s no going back if you do this Lyra, you can't take it back and you'll never know why. That piece of yourself will be lost forever..."
"What do you expect me to do? Just let him keep..."
"I absolutely do not expect you... Either of you to let things continue the way they were, if nothing else this should show you what can happen..."
"I do..." Her mother nodded.
"What can we do?"
"Flat out tell him no more, no more hitting, yelling... Abuse of any kind or you’re both leaving, I know that won't be easy..."
"Where would we go?"
"There are programs, but I hope it won't come to that. He'll have to realize he's going to lose the two most important things in his life, then counseling and time but he's got to realize you two are worth it, he's got to. Do you think he's worth it?" I asked letting Lyra go stepping back, her mother didn't look as convinced but she let her go as well.
"I... I..." She looked back and forth between the three of us, with a grimace she raised her hands in anger both of them wreathed in shadow but she stopped staring down at him then finally letting them drop. "Okay..."
Far in the distance there suddenly came a scream of rage and burst of light and power I could feel, the shadows disappeared from around Lyra her eyes returning to normal as she blinked in wonder. "What happened...?"
I looked back towards the school. "Looks like things got taken care of..."
A groan from below drew our attention as he rolled over his wife helping him to his feet. "Ooh my back..."
"I hope this opens a new chapter for you three, don't forget what we talked about."
"I won't, we won't. Who are you anyhow? A classmate of Lyra’s?"
"Rick, just a friend..."
The father had been leaning against his wife watching our exchange with a bit of confusion and blossoming anger, I don't know how much he remembered of the last little while but it wouldn't surprise me if he blanked it out completely. He managed to pull himself upright away from his wife simultaneously pushing me away.
"I don't know what right you think you have to tell me how to deal with my wife and daughter."
I thought I'd held my temper in check pretty well throughout this whole thing but enough was enough. My fist slammed into his jaw knocking the sneer off his face and him onto his ass a surprised and perhaps even fearful look on his face.
"Maybe someday you'll learn the difference between my wife and daughter and 'my' shovel, if I have to come back and teach you you’re not going to like the way I do it." I sighed relaxing and offering my hand to Lyra. "Let's get back to the dance shall we?"
"The dance...? Oh!"
"Sombra will likely need you before tonight’s over..." I whispered. "Besides you mother and father have a great deal to talk about."
We looked back as we got to the end of the block I was on the lookout for raised voices, a raised hand... I might not have any authority here but I wasn't going to stand by and let something like that go on but I could only do so much... All I could see was him with his head in his hands and her embracing him, a positive sign I hoped.
As we walked I noticed Lyra looking at me intently. "You really aren't a normal boy are you?"
"That is definitely true." I chuckled. "It's a long story Lyra, suffice to say even if it was only our friendship in another world I wouldn't leave you to a fate like that..."
"Another... So that was all real? The power, pain and darkness... Sombra! We have to hurry!"
"It'll be ok."
"How do you know?!"
"Trust... The energy stopped and your back to normal so I'm sure he is too."
"Maybe... It's just... Since he came I've always been attracted to him, he's the only one who listened to me, my problems. He never judged me but I could tell he wanted to do something to help me, but not this..."
We had gotten back to the parking lot and it was quite the sight, cars and trucks tossed aside as if by a giant child. Craters and torn up chunks of dirt, grass and concrete. The front of the school was a bit damaged when I left but now completely collapsed and further along as well patches smoldering and some even burning but thankfully under control the two fire trucks seeing to that. There was an ambulance as well but all the paramedics seemed to be doing was tending to small cuts and bruises, strangely there were no police either we missed them or they were still to come...
But everything that wasn't there and even what happened wasn't foremost on my mind but she was there, surrounded by her friends and other students all of them looking fine a bit singed but fine.
Thank god you’re ok.
You too.
You had the dangerous part Twi.
Hmm... Maybe, tell me.
I told her what had occurred, she was saddened to hear such things went on here too ideal a society as it seemed there are just some things you can't get away from I guess. For her part Sombra's overconfidence was his undoing as it has been for many a villain and hero throughout history, obsessed with letting them know his plans to enslave this world then use its people as an army to invade Equestria and get his vengeance. On Princess Celestia, Luna, the Crystal Empire, Cadence and Armor... All of them.
But that time allowed Twilight to show the others what connection they had in this world and the other, the crown and other Elements though powerful artifacts on their own were truly only focuses for those chosen as the Elements of Harmony the power flowed through them in either world clearly evidenced by their flowing hair, pony ears and wings on Fluttershy and Dash!
Was Sombra...
Destroyed? No, the shadow within him... His former self with all his hatred, bitterness, anger and Dark magic was separated from him and... I don't know, gone forever I hope. What remains is a confused young man, perhaps the same as Sombra was in his youth I don't know.
Does he remember?
Bits and pieces, after what happened those who followed him want nothing to do with him as well as most of the student body who suffered from what he's done, I don't know what to do about him...
Not our call...
But...
We can offer suggestions but ultimately it will have to be up to them, I know someone who will still stand by him though. I tilted my head towards the girl beside me oblivious to the conversation going on.
"Hello Lyra."
"Oh! Twilight Sparkle... I... I'm sorry." She hung her head sadly pulling her hand away from me.
Twilight sighed and smiled it wasn't in her nature to hold a grudge, she reached out and pulled Lyra into a hug. She stiffened but then returned the embrace crying. Pinkie was the first to join in but not the only one all the girls could emphasize with her and I hoped would keep anyone else from blaming her for any of Sombra’s misdeeds. Now Sombra...
"Where is he?" I asked.
"Principal’s office."
I carefully made my way through the rubble Lyra and the others right behind me, inside wasn't nearly as bad as outside but there was still quite a bit of damage, the girls had slowly changed back to normal as we walked which was just as well one less thing to explain. We stopped at the door to the office hearing raised voices within then we burst in altogether! Sombra sat quietly Celestia and Luna both with hands on their hips facing him, their surprise at our entrance quickly passed and they motioned us in.
"I suppose you were all involved in what happened tonight whatever it was... every student I ask seems to have a different story, with one exception... Each and every one points the blame squarely on you!" Celestia pointed at Sombra who nodded his head wearily.
"I... I don't remember, but if everyone says I did it I guess I did..."
"You aren't leaving us a lot of choice here..."
"Wait!" Lyra interrupted. "I'm just as much to blame as he is!" She pleaded kneeling next to him.
"Lyra...?" He looked at he as if not recognizing her then smiled slowly. "Lyra! You’re ok." They kissed once softly before he turned back to them. "She had nothing to do with it, it was all me."
"Sombra!"
"Shh..."
"Celestia and Luna looked at one another sighing in unison. "Nothing like this has ever happened before..."
"I know Celestia, what can we do? Expel them both?"
"Perhaps and alternative?" Twilight offered.
"Such as?"
Suddenly with all attention turned to her she blushed then cleared her throat. "Well, things got a bit crazy but no one got hurt, there was some damage to the school but that could be part of his punishment, helping to repair and clean up that is. Pon... People change, for the better we can hope. They deserve a second chance... Don't they?"
Everyone was silent a minute until Celestia and Luna both nodded. "Perhaps... What do the rest of you think?"
"Sure! He was a big meanie but..." Pinkie looked at he and Lyra together. "Kind of a sweetie too..." She giggled.
"Well ah recon we can give em a chance, sure hasn't done much ta warrant it but... well, maybe that’s comin."
"I guess... He was pretty mean... But if he's turned over a new leaf..."
"Leaf shmeafh! What I want to hear is an apology! You might not remember what you did but you know you did something! So?"
He turned and looked at Dash and the rest of us some realization dawning on him. "Your right, I... I can't remember what it was... I don't want to remember, but I am sorry. If you give me a chance, I'll do what I can to make up for it."
Rarity sighed with a small smile. "I would just as soon as put this all behind us, Sombra and Lyra are part of this school and up until now an unwanted part... But everything that happened was because we let it happen and I think that’s about to change. So with Principal Celestia and vice-principal Lunas permission..." They both nodded. "Welcome to Canterlot High."
"Thank you... Thank you all, I'll do my best."
"I hope so." I nodded clasping his shoulder probably harder than necessary I still had my concerns naturally, I glanced up at the clock on the wall it was ten fifteen, I nudged Twilight. "Times almost up." I whispered.
"Oh! We've got to go!"
"That’s fine, thank you for your assistance tonight and we'll see you all Monday."
"Right..." Nope.
We all exited except Sombra there was still much to go over concerning his punishment. Lyra decided to wait outside the office for him.
"He really doesn't deserve you, you know?"
"You don't know him like I do Rick, I think everything’s going to be ok. Thank you, all of you."
I caressed her cheek gently. "I hope so, best of luck with you know what."
"Thanks, goodbye."
We bid her farewell the seven of us exiting the school all of the fires had been extinguished and most of the emergency personnel and students gone, at the base of the statue we formed a circle each of us smiling sadly.
"Well, looks like this is it."
"You'll come back and visit won't you?!"
"Pinkie, they have their own lives and family’s..." Rarity hugged her comfortingly.
"I know..."
Twilight caught up each of their hands in hers pulling them close. "I was so lucky to meet all of you the first time and even more so to meet you again, I know we'll be together again someday, until then take care and take care of each other." Her tears fell softly but she smiled as she embraced each of them.
"Keep an eye on Sombra and Lyra won't you?" I asked.
"You know it sugar cube." She grabbed my extended hand pulling me in for a hug of my own that all the girls piled in on.
I reached out just to make sure the portal was still there my hand passing through with ease thankfully I was not looking forward to spending over two years here! I picked Twilight up and we turned to the portal.
"Don't forget us!"
"No chance Pinkie, farewell all..." And I stepped through.