• Published 27th Apr 2019
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The Equestrian Odyssey - A Tale of Two Worlds - Kamahido



Twilight accidently brings a human from Earth to Equestria. Will he be able to coexist with the equine inhabitants of this new land?

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Chapter 2 - Departures

Arc awakens early the next morning. He looks down to see Rarity curled up next to him. The rhythmic sounds of her breathing fill Arc’s ears. Smiling, he watches her for some time before patting her cheek gently and whispering.

“Rarity?”

While she doesn’t open her eyes, Rarity lets out a small moan as she shifts to press her body tighter against his.

“Hey. I need to get up now.”

Rarity slowly awakens and looks into Arc’s face for a moment before quickly turning away.

“Oh, um… that’s fine.”

Arc raises an eyebrow. “Something wrong?”

“I don’t like being seen before I’ve put on my face, remember?”

“Right.”

Rarity slowly turns back to him, sheepishly.

“S-sorry. It’s probably a bad habit.”

Arc shrugs as he swings his legs over the edge of the bed. “I suppose it is. But being someone who’s livelihood depends heavily on looking their best at all times…”

Rarity sighs as she interrupts him. “I’m sorry, Arc. I’ll try not to be so rude in the morning.”

Arc turns to her and smiles. “You don’t look too bad. I mean… nothing a little brushing won’t fix anyways. I mean… you know what, I’m going to stop talking now before I dig myself in deeper.”

Rarity giggles. “It’s fine, Arc. I know you didn’t mean it as a slight. But I do thank you for last night.”

“Can I confess something?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“I… um… I just wanted to say…”

There is a knock at the door. Both Arc and Rarity jump in surprise.

“Uh oh! Trouble!”

Arc looks confused. “Trouble?”

“You don’t want anypony catching you in here, right?!”

“Would that be bad?”

Rarity nods fervently. “You’re the Hero of Light! It wouldn’t be good for your reputation if you were found sleeping with a mare!”

“Oh… I guess not.”

The knocking continues, this time louder as Applejack’s voice rings out.

“Up and at em’, Rarity! Come on!”

Arc turns to Rarity. “I’ll just take a portal back to my quarters.”

“See you at breakfast?”

“I’ll be there.”

Arc attempts to call forth his gauntlet. But nothing happens.

“Uh oh.”

Rarity looks confused. “What is it?”

“Cherry’s still in my armor somewhere aboard ship! I can’t open a portal without my gauntlet!”

Applejack pounds louder.

“Get that pillow off your head and let’s get moving! There’s work to be done!”

Rarity looks to him, fearfully. “What do we do?!”

Arc’s mind races as Applejack continues to bang on the door. He quickly reaches for his ring, pulls out a magic cloak, and throws it over himself.

“I’ll see you later, Rarity!”

He vanishes and Blinks through the side of the ship. Rarity sighs and walks over to the door. Opening it she finds Applejack tapping her hoof impatiently.

“About time you got up, sleepyhead!”

Rarity smiles nervously as she steps aside to let her friend into the room. “Sorry. I was… otherwise indisposed.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Say what now?”

“I mean I was…um… busy.”

Applejack sighs as Rarity closes the door behind her. “Oh. I see. Well, we all have our little morning rituals, I suppose.”

“So what’s this about work?”

“The others and I were thinking it’d be a nice surprise for Arc and the princesses if we got the grounds cleaned up a bit before the summit officially ends later this morning.”

Rarity turns to the vanity in a corner of the room. “That’s a nice idea. Just give me a few minutes to brush my mane.”

Applejack rolls her eyes. “Really? Nopony’s going to see us. They’re all still in bed at this hour.”

Rarity smiles as she levitates a brush and gets to work. “Well, one never knows. After all, somepony will be patrolling the grounds, I’m sure.”

Applejack chuckles. “Come on, Rarity. You don’t really think even Arc would get up this early, do you?”

Rarity laughs nervously. “He might surprise you. After all, he is quite the hard worker. And a very early riser.”

“I suppose so. But I sure hope he sleeps in a bit this morning. Partially because we all want this to be a surprise.”

“And the other part?”

Applejack sighs. “That and because he works TOO hard.”

Rarity giggles and blushes slightly. “Those words sound funny coming from you, Applejack.”

“I suppose so. But it’s the truth and you know it.”

“No arguments there.”

Applejack begins pacing impatiently.

“Come on, Rarity! Hurry up!”

“I’m nearly done.”

Grunting, Applejack’s eyes wander around the room. As they settle on a nearby chair her eyes widen.

“Uh… Rarity?”

Rarity does not look over from her mirror as she speaks. “Yes?”

“What’s Arc’s tunic doing here? You have to fix a stitch, or something?”

Rarity’s magic falters and she drops the brush. Her pupils shrink.

“Wha-what tunic?”

Applejack points a hoof. “This one right here.”

Rarity studders, not looking over. “I… I don’t see anything.”

Applejack frowns. “That’s because you’re intentionally not looking this way.”

Rarity sighs and bows her head as her ears droop. Applejack picks up the tunic and looks it over.

“Looks like this is the one he was wearing last night.”

Rarity nods sadly. “I suppose you caught us.”

“You want to tell me what happened? After all, you did ask him to come to your room in front of all of us.”

“You remember what I told you girls last night?”

“Sure. What about it?”

Rarity looks at her reflection in the mirror. “Like I said, I just… wanted more.”

Applejack frowns. “So… you’re saying you two went all the way?”

Rarity shakes her head. “No, we didn’t. I don’t believe that’s what Arc wants right now. In fact, I know it isn’t.”

Applejack breathes a sigh of relief. “Good! You two don’t want to rush into something like that too fast.”

“What do you mean?”

Applejack’s eyes wander around the room as she struggles to find the right words. “Well… I, uh… I just don’t think it’s healthy. After all, there’s Sweetie Belle to think about. That and Arc needs to focus on Dinky’s upbringing.”

Rarity frowns. “You don’t think we could do that together?”

“I’m not saying that at all. It’s just… not something you can just take back and pretend it never happened after the fact.”

Rarity turns to her friend, angrily. “Well, I for one wouldn’t mind that in the slightest!”

“Say what?!”

“I’d love for us to take our relationship to the next level!”

“Rarity, you can’t mean that!”

She hops down off her stool. “And why not?! What is wrong with two pon… two individuals whom care for one another expressing their love?!”

“Well… I just think you’re moving awfully fast, that’s all.”

Rarity sighs and looks Applejack in the eye.

“I see. You’re only concerned for my well-being then?”

“Yes!”

Rarity narrows her eyes. “Nothing else?!”

Applejack looks to one side nervously. “I… of course!”

“Then look me in the eye and say that!”

Applejack turns to meet Rarity’s gaze. She opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out except a sigh.

“You’re a terrible liar, Applejack.”

Applejack looks down at her hooves. “Is it really that obvious?”

“It is.”

The pair are silent for a time. Eventually Rarity speaks.

“How about you tell me the real reason you’re so apprehensive about this?”

Applejack frowns, not looking up. “Because I’m… I’m…”

“You’re what?”

“Jealous.”

Rarity nods and puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.

“See? Was that so hard?”

Applejack nods. “You have no idea.”

“Oh, I think I do.”

“Really?”

“Of course. After all, it’s not easy to confess one’s feelings. The only reason Arc and I were able to get this far was because I was able to tell him some of how I felt.”

“Some?”

Rarity sighs. “I haven’t worked up the courage to tell him a few things. But I hope to be able to do so one day.”

“Like what?”

“Sorry. But that’s between him and I.”

“Fine. Honestly, I kinda wish I could be more like you, Rarity.”

“How so?”

Applejack turns to the chair and picks up the tunic. She looks at it a moment before sitting down on her haunches and holds it to her chest.

“Well… I’m not nearly as pretty as you are.”

“Nonsense! With some nice dresses and some makeup you’d outshine me any day of the week!”

Applejack sighs. “It’s not just physical appearance. But your personality really makes you stand out among the mares in town.”

“You could too if you wanted.”

“Even so, I don’t have the same level of courage you do.”

“To speak your mind?”

Applejack nods silently.

“Tell you what, Applejack. How about I help you with that.”

“What do you mean?”

“You just pretend I’m Arc and say what your heart tells you.”

“To you?”

Rarity nods. “It’s just for practice. Go ahead.”

“Well… okay.”

Applejack clears her throat before starting.

“Uh… hey, Arc. How’s everything going on Earth?”

“Fine. Anything interesting happen here in Equestria while I was gone?”

Applejack looks to Rarity nervously. “Not… really.”

“So, was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”

“I, uh… was just wondering if you’d like to… go… uh… to the store with me?”

Rarity narrows her eyes. “Really?”

Applejack shrugs. “Well, I do need a new rope.”

Rarity facehoofs “Applejack, do you really think Arc would enjoy going to Barnyard Bargains with you?”

“…maybe?”

Rarity sighs. “Or are you just saying that because you don’t know what else to say?”

Applejack looks away. “Uh…”

Rarity smiles at her friend. “Want to know how I did it?”

“…kinda.”

“Just invite him to dinner.”

Applejack looks confused. “With my family?”

Rarity shakes her head fervently. “No, no! Just the two of you, silly!”

“But what if he gets… lonely?”

Rarity narrows her eyes and stares at her friend coolly. Applejack sighs.

“I just can’t bring myself to say it! He’s better off with you, Rarity.”

“Bring yourself to say what exactly?”

“How I really feel.”

“And how DO you feel?”

Applejack looks down at the tunic in her hooves as she speaks.

“Like a million bits whenever he comes around. Arc’s the Kindest, most Honest, bravest stallion I’ve even met. He’s done more for me and my family than anypony else ever did.”’

“And you feel as if you owe him?”

Applejack shrugs. “Kinda. But he’s never once tried to get a favor or anything for all he did.”

“Is that all you like about him? What he’s done for the Apple family?”

“No. Of course I owe him a lot, but… that’s not how I feel about our relationship… or lack of, I suppose.”

“And how do you feel when he comes around the farm?”

Applejack smiles broadly. “Like a bright sunny summer day in my chest, with the leaves blowing around me for good measure.”

Rarity nods as Applejack continues.

“And when he talks to me, it’s like… a thousand violins start playing in my head. I can’t hardly think straight!”

Applejack pulls the tunic to her face and inhales deeply before continuing.

“That scent too. I don’t know what about it gets to me, but I… I just want to curl up with him and… and just be held. I’d nuzzle his side and he’d stroke my mane until we both fell asleep. We’d just lie there together, with his hand on my back and my face on his chest. And when we woke up, I’d just want to do it all over again.”

Rarity smiles. “That’s beautiful, Applejack.”

“It’s honestly how I feel. Nothing more.”

“See? You know what it is you want to say. All you have to do is follow through and tell him how you feel.”

Applejack sighs. “Easier said than done.”

“How so? You just said so many wonderful things that any stallion would love to hear.”

“Maybe. But saying it in front of you and saying it to Arc’s face are two different things.”

Applejack looks to her friend, confused.

“Rarity? Why are you trying to get me to confess to him? Aren’t you worried I’ll take him away from you?”

“No, Applejack. I’m the Element of Generosity, remember?”

“What’s that got to do with…?”

Rarity blushes slightly as she interrupts. “Like somepony said last night. He has a big enough bed for two at a time.”

Applejack blushes feverishly. “Wha-what?! You mean BOTH of us! At once?!”

“I know it’s not very ladylike to suggest such a thing. But you and Rainbow Dash were both so passionate in your…”

“Hold on! RAINBOW DASH?!”

Rarity puts her hooves to her mouth as she blushes and gasps. “Oh my! I probably shouldn’t have said that aloud!”

Applejack sighs. “Well, I think we all kinda assumed she was sweet on him. After all, she always has that weird look on her face whenever his name came up. Not to mention Pinkie Pie.”

“I guess all that leaves is Fluttershy.”

“Shy as she is, I don’t see her confessing anything to anypony.”

Rarity sighs. “Perhaps not. But you saw what she did when Tempest tried to hurt the Ursa Major.”

Applejack nods. “Yeah. She was like a completely different mare out there.”

“Fluttershy CAN be brave when she wants to be.”

“You mean when she has to, right?”

“Well, when she sees something she wants to change, anyways.”

Applejack chuckles softly.

“Imagine me being outdone by Fluttershy in this.”

“Stranger things have happened, Applejack.”

“I suppose.”

“So that means you need to hurry up and say what you need to.”

“But what do I SAY?!”

Rarity giggles. “What you told me, silly.”

“But what if he doesn’t feel the same way?! I’ll make us both look like total fools!”

“Just be the Element of Honesty and Arc will respond in kind. I just know it.”

Applejack gasps. “How can you be so sure of that?!”

Rarity smiles as she takes the tunic from Applejack and holds it to her heart. “Because I know just how Kind and understanding Arc really is.”

Meanwhile, Arc Blinks inside Light’s Hope, decloaks, and hurries down the corridor. The guards salute and part as he passes them. He breathes a sigh of relief as he enters his quarters.

“That was close! I don’t want Applejack getting the wrong idea about Rarity and I.”

A familiar voice rings out.

“She’d understand.”

Arc looks towards the couch to see Eidolon’s Ward sitting there waiting for him.

“Sorry if I scared you.”

Arc walks over to her. “Kinda. But I guess I was more surprised than anything. Have you been here all night?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs as Arc sits down beside her. “Not… exactly.”

“Oh?”

“As you know, I don’t need sleep after all.”

“I suppose that can lead to some very long and lonely nights when we don’t spend it in our Sanctuary.”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “It did before, yes.”

“What do you mean?”

“The only thing that changed was what I did with the time. Before I would simply watch you as you slept from the helmet.”

“I remember you saying that. So what do you do now?”

“Many different things. Sometimes I read a book or write a bit.”

“You write?”

“Once in a while.”

“What about?”

“A lot of things. About my perception of life from beyond the grave is one of my favorite subjects.”

“That kinda makes sense. Care to share anything?”

“I could. But you don’t really need to hear it, Arc.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’re so grounded in reality I don’t think there’s anything there that would make you reevaluate… anything.”

“So… it’s for others?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes. I’m hoping Twilight can publish it for me someday.”

“To help others?”

“Yes. If my experiences with you have taught me anything, it’s that we should always be looking for ways to make the world a better place. In this small way I can still contribute.”

“That’s very noble of you, Cherry. I’ll see to it your words are put into print whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you. I keep my writings under your bed. I hope that’s okay.”

Arc shrugs. “Might as well. I don’t store anything else under there.”

“Would you do something for me?”

“Anything!”

“Promise me you won’t peek at them. At least not until I’m… gone.”

“What? But why not?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs and looks at its gauntlets. “I just… there’s things in there that I want to stay a secret from everypony until then. Please understand.”

“If that’s what you want, then I promise.”

“Thank you for understanding. I hope they’ll be of help to someone lost and hurting one day.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, me too.”

They are silent for a time.

“So… what else did you do?”

“Took a walk through Ponyville.”

“In the middle of the night?”

Eidolon’s Ward nods. “Yes. Everything’s just so peaceful. You should try it sometime.”

“I’ll have to do that.”

“That’s one of the things I write about. Thinking that tomorrow is guaranteed.”

“I know it isn’t. You’re proof of that, Cherry.”

“You understand that, yes. But others don’t, Arc.”

“Carpe diem.”

Eidolon’s Ward turns to him, confused. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Carpe diem. It’s Latin for ‘seize the day’.”

“Latin?”

Arc chuckles. “An old language back on Earth.”

“I see. Do humans live by that?”

“Some of them do.”

“And you?”

Arc grins. “Every day of my life.”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “I didn’t for the longest time.”

“Really?”

“Yes. There was a time when I didn’t think of much other than how to better Cherry Hill Ranch.”

“What changed?”

Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet on Arc’s hand.

“I met you.”

“Did I really make THAT big an impact on you?”

“Yes. You showed me there was more to life outside the boundaries of the ranch. That there was a future for me other than cherries.”

Arc smiles. “And you did the same for me.”

“I did?”

“Yes. Before I met you, I didn’t give relationships a second thought. I figured it was something I could think about when I got older. And because of that I almost let you slip away from me.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

Arc looks away. “Even though it cost you…”

Eidolon’s Ward interrupts him. “For the happiness you gave me, no price was too high, Arc. I mean that. But let’s not talk about this anymore today. After all, you need to see the diplomats off after breakfast.”

“I suppose so.”

“But perhaps you should take a shower first to wash off last night’s… activities.”

Arc blushes. “Oh, um… we actually went right to sleep.”

“That may be. But the scent of a mare is probably all over you now. Best to wash it off to avoid a rather embarrassing conversation later.”

“I’ll take your word on that. Thanks, Cherry.”

Arc heads for the shower as Eidolon’s Ward sits back down on the couch.

“A shame, really. Rarity certainly wants to take their relationship further. But Arc still holds back.”

She sighs.

“I truly envy the mare whom Arc chooses to bed.”

Arc showers and returns to the living room. Eidolon’s Ward walks over to him.

“Shall we head to the cafeteria for breakfast?”

Arc smiles at her. “Where now?”

Eidolon’s Ward sighs. “The Dining Room.”

Arc nods. “Right.”

Eidolon’s Ward giggles as the armor melts away for Arc to step into it. “Princess Luna is rubbing off on you.”

“Well, she was right. That does make it sound less military.”

Cherry enters his head as Arc recalls his armor.

“That’s one of the things I love about you, Arc. A willingness to admit when you’re wrong.”

Arc shrugs as he leaves the room and walks down the corridor.

“No one’s perfect.”

Arc makes his way to the Cafeter… ahem, Dining Room. He finds the diplomats sitting around chuckling to themselves. Twilight and her friends sit around nursing cups of coffee with the rest of the delegates.

“I see everyone apparently slept well.”

Felix looks to him with drooping eyes. “We’re now paying for last night.”

Fiona nods. “Either that or its residual poison.”

Rutherford nods as he sits in front of an empty coffee pot. “Yak like this muddy liquid! Want more!”

Brightwing flutters over and lands next to the pot. She sniff it momentarily before her entire body goes rigid. Arc frowns.

“Uh… who made Prince Rutherford’s coffee?”

Twilight raises a hoof. “I did. Why?”

Arc turns to a servant. “Make some fresh coffee please.”

“Right away, sire.”

Arc turns back to the others as the servant leaves to carry out their orders.

“Twilight… why…?”

Twilight shrugs. “What? It’s only double strength.”

Rainbow Dash looks down at her cup. “I thought it tasted kinda funny.”

Goldstone gasps. “Could it be poisoned?!”

Ghaleon turns to him angrily. “Will you SHUT UP about poison?!”

Ashe rolls her eyes. “Yes. The danger of that matter has passed.”

Gestal nods. “Indeed. Thanks in no small part to Lord Arc here.”

“It was a group effort. All of you fought equally hard.”

Tugem chuckles. “That may be. But you were the first to enter battle, sir.”

Sereb nods soberly. “Yes.”

Ember brandishes her claws. “That’s right. But next time I see Decimus…!”

Iris raises an eyebrow. “Next time?”

The Marquis frowns. “I thought he was killed.”

Arc sighs. “Yeah, well… he has a nasty habit of not staying dead.”

Ikis gasps. “Are you in danger, Lord Arc?!”

Arc shakes his head. “Every time he comes back, someone takes him down.”

Fluttershy looks nervous. “But how?!”

Rarity nods. “Yes, I too would like to know that. Twilight?”

Twilight shrugs. “There’s no known magic that allows for such things. At least as far as I know.”

Arc puts a hand to his chin. “Could it perhaps be his Shadow Magic?”

Tugem frowns. “Possibly. It’s certainly not well understood.”

Applejack grits her teeth. “Well, a more permanent solution seems to be in order.”

Pinkie grins. “How about we lock him in the dungeon?!”

Arc sighs. “The Dark One would probably just break him out.”

He looks around the table.

“But let’s move on to brighter matters. On behalf of Equestria, I’d like to thank all of you for coming. Also, I must apologize for the trouble the Council of Shadows gave us.”

Rutherford laughs. “Bah! That not your fault!”

Fiona smiles and nods. “Yes. You couldn’t have known what they were planning.”

The Marquis chuckles. “Perhaps the next summit will go over better.”

Felix smiles toothily. “Yes. I too am looking forward to meeting like this again.”

Gestal nods stoically. “I agree. Perhaps next time there will be more time for official peace talks.”

Ghaleon chuckles. “One can but hope.”

A short time later a pair of Royal Guards enter the room with Yona and Smolder. Rutherford grins and waves his daughter over.

“Yona! You miss all the excitement last night!”

“Yes, father. From how things look outside, you must’ve been trying to dance again.”

Smolder frowns. “Yeah. What was all that racket last night?”

Ember grins. “A great battle.”

Smolder rolls her eyes. “Battle? Here? There’s nothing worth fighting over.”

Ember glares at her. “Why you little…!”

She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“I’ll tell you about it later. Right now it’s about time we headed home.”

Iris nods sadly as she stands. “Yes.”

The Marquis puts a tendril on her shoulder.

“Matriarch. We are sorry for what happened to your son.”

Sereb nods as he escorts his mother toward the door.

“So are we.”

Arc and the Mane 6 lead the procession outside as the Lunar Destiny and The Equinox stand idly before them.

“As you came here, so shall you be returned to your lands. I wish everyone a pleasant voyage home and a peaceful morning nap.”

All assembled chuckle and board the ships. Ember and Sereb turn to him.

“I’ll drop Smolder off and fly back as quick as I can.”

Arc nods. “Alright. It looks like there’s plenty of cleanup work here to do anyways.”

Sereb sighs. “I will do the same for my mother.”

Arc sighs. “Yes. She needs you right now.”

“Perhaps. But she is strong.”

Brightwing flutters around as she channels her magic. “I must fly away… very fast!”

In a flash of light Brightwing vanishes. As the last of the delegates boards, Arc touches his earring.

“Rose, notify both ships that their passengers are aboard and they are cleared for takeoff.”

“Yes, Arc.”

“Thank you. Arc out.”

He severs the connection as Twilight and her friends walk back toward the base. Applejack is the first to speak.

“I’m certainly glad that’s over.”

Pinkie giggles as she bounces around. “It was a lot of fun though!”

Rarity looks around. “Maybe. But also a lot of work.”

Rainbow Dash scoffs. “Well, next time somepony else can make the arrangements.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “Why’s that?”

Rainbow Dash grins. “Because that much danger was too much. Even for me!”

Everyone laughs as the ships take off and begin their return trips. Arc walks over to them.

“Thanks again for all your hard work everyone.”

Twilight smiles at him. “It was our pleasure.”

Rarity sighs as she looks around. “Well, let’s get this mess cleaned up.”

Rainbow Dash groans. “Do we have to?”

Arc shakes his head. “Nah.”

Fluttershy looks confused. “But then who’s going to…?”

“Canterlot is sending over Hard Hat along with a special cleanup crew. They’ll take care of the damage to the base and surrounding grounds.”

Applejack raises an eyebrow. “What about inside?”

“They’ll handle that too. Putting everything back in order will be quite the job.”

Twilight looks to Arc. “So… what now?”

“Everyone can go home and get some more sleep. You’ve all earned it.”

Rainbow Dash grins. “BYE!”

In the blink of an eye she flies away at top speed. The others giggle as Pinkie turns to hop down the path.

“I think Rainbow Dash has the right idea!”

Arc nods. “Yes, well… I’m sure all of you have quite a bit of catching up to do at home. I’ll let you get to it.”

Rarity appears concerned. “What about you, Arc?”

“I need to check on the princesses again before heading over to the Little Hooves Orphanage.”

Twilight gasps. “Was there much damage from the battle?!”

Arc shakes his head. “None. I just want to help Derpy and Dinky serve breakfast to the orphans.”

Fluttershy points a hoof skyward. “But the ships have already left.”

Arc calls forth his gauntlet. “I’ll just have to catch up then.”

Opening a portal, Arc turns back to the others.

“Take care everyone.”

They wave as he steps through and vanishes. Together they walk back toward town. Applejack turns to Rarity.

“You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“I just thought you would’ve liked to go with Arc.”

Rarity sighs. “Yes. But we both have a job to do right now. That and Sassy Saddles is probably going crazy putting up with Sweetie Belle this past week.”

Twilight looks in the direction of the ships in the distance. “Well, I hope he takes care of himself. Equestria really does need him.”

Applejack nods. “So does Ponyville.”

Rarity smiles broadly. “As do I.”

Pinkie grins. “Yeah! And Sugar Cube Corner!”

Fluttershy appears confused. “Oh?”

“He’s our best customer!”

Twilight and her friends laugh heartily as they make their way down the path toward town.

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