The conclusion has arrived. But how nice am I to give you guys these two chapters at the same time?

At the end of the chapter there will be the thank you list I promised.

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Chapter 23: Goodbyes aren't Forever

''A man must sometimes risk his life to keep a promise to a friend. That time is now.'' While holding Dark in a full sleeper hold, a mix of thunder and flames that were exiting our bodies began to circle us. As it became more intense with every passing second, the mane six, Solar, Green Spectre with his sister in the cart, the wounded Bluestar and the weakened Icestorm had to step back.
''Blade… not again. This is the third time that it looks like I'll lose you. I don't want that.'' Applejack screamed towards me. I looked at her but she couldn't see my eyes because of my shades. I didn't want to lose them either, but if I didn't do it then it would be the same result, but then for everyone and not only for me.
The intensity of the flames increased. The thunder began to hit all around the place. ''We must…evacuate.'' Bluestar managed to say and they began walking out of the castle. When they were out of our sights Dark began to talk again. ''You really are set to die aren't you? To die and end my tyranny.''
''I promised to end it here, and you won't give up. You are consumed in your grief. That I'll stop.'' Dark made a sighing sound. ''You are just as naïve as you grandfather Blade. Because… It's not over yet!'' Suddenly I felt a massive jolt of electricity. Dark's tail was wrapping around me. It hurt really bad but I kept holding on. ''If one of us dies… The circle will be broken and the survivor will be free! And you, little pest, won't leave alive. And I'll be reunited with my wife!''
The electric shocks worsened each passing second. My body couldn't take much more but I hold on tight. I saw through the gap between my eyelids that we were almost completely surrounded by the electric flames. I closed my eyes and saw the famous movie, 'Life'.
I saw my boring youth, even more boring school days where I met my very first friend that I could call a best friend and of course work, I hated that.
But I also saw my life here. Meeting the Apple family. I even heard their voices in my head. ''Be careful not to mix the animal's food.'' ''Blade! Any ideas for our cutey marks?'' Those were good memories of there.
Meeting Twilight and Spike. ''Blade, I just thought about it but, how does weather work in your world?'' ''Hey Blade… Down here. I wondered, uhm, are there dragons in your world?''
Meeting Rainbow Dash and her constant racing. ''Come on Blade, I want to see your Flareboom again versus my Rainboom. Let's see who's the most awesome. *grins*''
Meeting Fluttershy and the animals. ''Are you looking for an animal companion? I got lots and lots of choices?'' I promised to look for one later.
Meeting Rarity and her clothes. ''Stand still Blade…And you too Bluestar. Your suites are harder than you'd think.'' I still hear Icestorm laugh.
Meeting Pinkie Pie and her parties. ''This party is for you. So what's your name?'' I still get tears in my eyes when I think back about it.
The Princesses. ''It would be my pleasure to be called a friend of humans.'' ''So thou likes art Blade? We could show thou the collection we have here.'' Damn it all!
Solar. ''Good, very good. The speed and aim is but!'' ''It's still too weak.'' '' It's good to see you back, after all those years Blade.''
And my two best friends here. Bluestar. ''Thanks Blade, that makes me happy. You're a real friend you know that.''
And Icestorm. ''Blade…Take that asshole down… If you're my friend… You at least need to be able to do that.''
And the love of my pony life. Applejack. ''Blade, don't you dare die on me out there.'' Ha-ha there goes my promise.

I knew. They were my strength this whole time. Seeing all that made my fear go away. I didn't feel the shocks anymore. I opened my eyes and saw that the flames and electricity completely surrounded us. This was the end. I let go with my front hooves and made two fireballs. ''Stop this, the chain reaction will blow this whole building up!''
I closed my eyes and concentrated on all their smiling faces for one last time. When I opened them again I looked Dark straight in the eyes. ''This is your salvation!'' I hit both the flame orbs against each other. The sound was gone and I just saw a blinding white light and averted my eyes. When I opened them for a brief second there was a White Unicorn with the same hair as Green Spectre. She had crossed thunderbolts as cutey mark and smiled. ''Thank you, for saving my husband and my children from the darkness.''
I smiled. At least I saved him in the end.

Outside the building
Everypony looked in amazement. Every fight there was stopped at the sound and looked at the sight in awe. There it was. A Flaming Pillar as high as the sun itself and electric charges were seen around it. But the mane six didn't like the sight. It meant that the fight had ended in a draw. With both sides gone.
''Blade!''
The mane six looked at the pillar of fire and thunder. Even though it, was sad it was beautiful. Meanwhile everywhere else in Equestria weapons were put down. The army knew their leaders were defeated and gave up. Following the day the soldiers were all escorted to the princess who had to choose their judgment, but it wasn't one according to human standard. The Soldiers were bathed in Royal Sunlight and gazed upon the brilliant light of the sun behind Princess Celestia. They begged for forgiveness and returned to Ponyville where they helped to restore the town they destroyed, together with the villagers Ponyville was rebuild.
''How did you do that Sister?'' Luna asked. ''Normally soldiers of war won't offer to do that on their own before sentencing themselves to banishment.'' Celestia giggled a little. ''That is also thanks to those humans Luna. They showed me the same thing when they visited me. That was before Mary, or Icestorm, joined us in Equestria. They showed such smiles, confidence, friendship. I was a good feeling. They called it human companionship. Even though they didn't really know what it is, they claimed.'' Luna now laughed. ''How stupid are those humans. Using words they don't know.'' The Princesses laughed in silence. Princess Celestia now looked to two ponies next to her. ''And what will the two of you do? You were spared from the darkness of dead by those three.'' Green Spectre looked at his sister. Space Rift was still paralyzed by the attack of Icestorm. ''When my sister recovers we will travel with the soldiers. Bluestar has shown me the way we should take. We will now travel peacefully. They will be known farther than ever before, and we will tell about their greatness.'' Celestia nodded. ''So you will be a narrating traveler. I hope your story will reach many ears.'' ''Thank you princess. And thank those three also. If it wasn't for their understanding… We might be the same as our father. Consumed by our hatred and revenge.''

2 days later
Bluestar woke up and saw he was in the hospital. He tried to stand up and it went better than expected. ''Oh, finally awake I see. The Doctors were worried but I assured them it was okay.'' Bluestar looked at the one who talked and saw it was Icestorm. ''Hey Ice, you okay?'' Icestorm glared. ''I'm stuck in a hospital and my magic is drained from top to bottom. Yeah, I'm okay.''
Bluestar and Icestorm laughed but remained silent afterwards for about an hour. The doctors checked on them and they were allowed to leave. Outside the mane six were waiting and they were greeted with hugs. ''Any word about him?'' Twilight shook her head. ''His body wasn't found and he hasn't been seen since.'' Bluestar looked down. ''Well, there is a lot to prepare for the Grand Galloping tomorrow night.'' Rarity laughed a little. ''I already finished all seven dresses and both the suites. You never know what happens.'' Bluestar smiled. Even a suit for Blade. But if he is still not found…

Opening of the Grand Galloping Gala
Bluestar and Icestorm arrived early. They wanted to meet the princesses before the party officially started. ''So you haven't seen anything either. Princess?''
''No we're sorry. I have even asked the soldiers to search for him but the last search party just arrived without any information.'' Bluestar and Icestorm looked down. ''No, I won't believe he is dead until I hold his dead body in my hands… I mean hooves. He is our friend and I won't kill him off that easily.'' Bluestar giggled at the comment of Icestorm. ''Even though you almost killed us with those hits of you.'' Icestorm glared at Bluestar. ''What did you say?''
''Nothing''

The princesses laughed. ''What a beautiful friendship you have.'' ''And funny.'' Luna added and all of them laughed. Bluestar smiled, that's right, he thought, everyone worries about it. And if I know him good enough he would like us to enjoy the party.
''Hey there you are darlings. You look fabulous but why not, in the clothes I made.'' Rainbow dash glared at Rarity. ''Don't push it.'' The girls headed to the princesses and thanked them for the invitation. ''I hope it will be better than last year.'' Twilight said and looked to Princess Celestia.
''I just hope the birds won't fly away again.'' Fluttershy said quietly and hid behind rainbow Dash.
Music was heard from another room. ''Ah, the party has started. Please enjoy yourselves.'' The Princesses left and everyone split up. Pinkie tried to hold back on the merrymaking and looked like she had a lot of fun dancing on her own. Bluestar smiled at the sight. He knew he had to wait for Twilight after her talk with the Princess but it was worth it.
After a few minutes Bluestar saw Icestorm dancing with Big Mac. ''Who would have thought they would already show it. Tss. Showoffs.'' Bluestar laughed at himself and looked for the others. It looked like Rarity was searching for her prince again. And apparently she gave Blue Blood another chance because she was talking to him again.
Rainbow Dash was talking with Soarin and apparently it went well. Even though she probably bribed him a little with the apple pie behind her back. Bluestar went to the Balcony and looked to the twilight sky. He looked down when he heard a ton of birds singing and saw that Fluttershy was finally having her best day ever. The birds were all surrounding her and singing their longs out. Bluestar laughed. It was just funny to see. He heard hooves coming from behind and turned around. It were Applejack, Twilight and Princess Celestia. ''Luna took over for us. So we wanted to see how you're doing.''

''Hello, welcome to the Gala. Hello welcome to the Gala.'' Luna was shaking hooves for only a minute but now noticed why her sister was so relieved to switch. Why did we even accept this task? She thought and continued her job.

''She'll be fine though.'' Princess Celestia assured. Bluestar laughed and returned to the sunset. ''That Luna also manages this while shaking hooves.''
''Yes, she is a talented Alicorn.''
Bluestar looked closer to the sun. There was something strange about it.

''Crap, I'm late, why the hell would it be today of all times. I'm just glad that Rarity finished everything before. Now…To the Gala.''
''You should really be more careful next time. You were lucky he was there to save you.''
''Oh calm down.''
''Calm down? Your body was in worse shape than that time you helped Spike in the…..''
''Don't tell the future.''
''Yeah. But I mean it, You were this close to death, It's just that that thing reacts to high energy spikes.''
''Everything worked out in the end. How do I look?''
''Like an idiot with a suit. Oh and before you go. Pick me up at sugar cube corner. I'm waiting there for you. Or actually, sulking.''
''Sure but what will you do?''
''Back to where I belong, or more like when I belong.''
''Like always…''

Bluestar narrowed his eyes to see better. But he was too late. The sun was only an inch above the horizon. Soon it would be gone and the night was here. Bluestar turned to Celestia, Twilight and Applejack. ''Let's get to the rest and enjoy the party.'' They nodded and turned around. Icestorm came to him instead and opened her mouth to say something when a loud sound was heard.

''BOOM''

Both Bluestar and Icestorm turned to the horizon and saw a flame colored circle widen all over Equestria. ''Come on, seriously… He comes now?'' Bluestar complained but smiled with a tear in the eye. Icestorm stared in shock and looked at the circle of flame. ''It's a sonic Flareboom!'' Spike suddenly said and turned to the crowd inside that didn't hear it.
''Hey everypony!'' Spike yelled but was overpowered by the voice of an angered Rarity. ''How dare you. To ruin my night. Again, for a second time. I must say…'' Bluestar didn't listen because there was something closing in real fast. First it was a dot. Then it were two dots. These dots became two Pegasus.
''Hey! We're here!'' One voice yelled. ''That's Solar, I thought he wouldn't come because of his guilt feeling.'' Icestorm said. ''Watch out, incoming pony!'' A second voice yelled and the dots separated. Solar arrived first thanks to the push he got but missed the door. ''Sol…ar'' Bluestar said painfully when Solar hit the wall next to the balcony door. He fell into the woods where the sound of singing birds came from. ''Hope he is ok… but on the other hand.'' Bluestar looked at the speeding Pegasus that was no more than 2 yards away from the balcony. The Pegasus smiled and tried to fly through the doors and make a big entrance. Too bad for him the doors were smaller then he thought.

''Hello everypony! You didn't ThouGHU!'' The Pegasus's wing hit the side of door and lost his balance. ''Watch out!''
Rarity was still yelling at Blue Blood and didn't noticed the commotion. ''And finally, I like to say that you MUST STAY OUT OF MY WAY!'' Blue Blood looked shocked and wanted to say something back when he was hit by the Pegasus. ''Wew... That was one crash landing I don't want to repeat.''
''But…But…But…'' Rarity stumbled on her words. ''Blade! Your alive.'' Again something flew by Rarity only this time it was Bluestar and Icestorm that hugged Blade. ''How did you know of the suit?'' Blade looked to Rarity and smiled. ''Solar told me.'' Blade also felt some hugs on his back and noticed the amount of ponies hugging him was increasing to five. When Rarity, who wanted to be part of the drama, joined in Blade noticed that they suddenly broke up the hug. He stood up and turned to where everypony was looking.
There stood Applejack, crying but with a smile. ''I'm back. To keep my promise.'' With that Applejack started to Gallop towards Blade and hugged him. The crowd began to clap to the reunited couple. Even both princesses were clapping. Then Celestia cleared her throat.
''Honored guests. I'd like you to give another round of applause to the heroes of Equestria. The former Humans. Blade, Icestorm and Bluestar.'' Applejack and Blade let go of each other and Blade went to his friends. ''Really glad to have my best friends with me.'' Bluestar said to me. ''You're right. I'm also glad that you guys are my good friends.'' ''What… not best friends.'' Blade joked, not expecting the next answer. ''OK…you guys are my best friends. I realized that since I came here.'' Blade looked shocked but laughed after that. ''Apparently miracles do exist. Never thought to heard that from you.'' Nopony really noticed their conversation they had while getting applause. ''Hey how about you? What are we to you?'' Icestorm asked a little irritated. ''Me? About you guys?'' Icestorm and Bluestar nodded. ''You two are my first true friends in a long time. Of course you guys are my best friends.'' Blade gave them a hug but was met with a hoof of Icestorm. ''That is still not permitted.''
''Aye…Ma'am…'' The crowd now also began to laugh. ''Hey come on Everypony! The Gala isn't finished yet, we have a lot of time to go right? Princess Celestia?'' Blade evaded the silencing hoof Bluestar threw at him for his inappropriate speech. ''No, it just started so the party can continue.'' Princess Celestia said to us, Blade also noticed a little excitement in her voice and got the hint.

''Now that was what I wanted to hear. Pinkie, hit it.'' With the party cannon Pinkie Pie shot the classical band of the stage. In a gentle way… with pie's she bought from Applejack earlier. Pinkie laughed and got on stage. ''Mares and Gentlecolts. I present you, Vinyl Scratch.'' Blade now also came on stage and whispered something to them. ''That is cool. Go ahead.''
Blade took the Microphone and went in front of the stage. ''Please enjoy the party!'' The music started.

You would not believe your eyes

If ten million fireflies

Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they'd fill the open air

And leave teardrops everywhere

You'd think me rude

But I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe

That Equestria turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay

Awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs

From ten thousand lightning bugs

As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head

A sock hop beneath my bed

A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

I'd like to make myself believe

That Equestria turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay

Awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

When I fall asleep

Leave my door open just a crack

(Please take me away from here)

'Cause I feel like such an insomniac

(Please take me away from here)

Why do I tire of counting sheep

(Please take me away from here)

When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies

I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes

I got misty eyes as they said farewell

But I'll know where several are

If my dreams get real bizarre

'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

I'd like to make myself believe

That Equestria turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay

Awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe

That Equestria turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay

Awake when I'm asleep

'Cause everything is never as it seems

When I fall asleep

I'd like to make myself believe

That Equestria turns slowly

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay

Awake when I'm asleep

Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Blade got a round of applause and bowed towards the crowd. ''Thank you, please enjoy the rest of the Gala.'' The classic group led by Octavia took the stage again. When I joined the rest of the gang I noticed something. ''Hey… Where are Solar and Fluttershy?''
''Fluttershy is in the garden and you threw Solar in the wall and he fell in the garden near her.'' Bluestar said. ''Oh…''

Solar was looking at Fluttershy, as fate would have it he had felt in the middle of a singing circle of birds with a happy Fluttershy. When he opened his eyes the song Blade sung just started. It was something that couldn't be explained. The magic just flew in the air when those eyes met. But they had seen each other before so why now?
''Damn, was she always this cute?'' Solar accidently said that out loud and quickly covered his mouth with his hooves. ''Sorry, I didn't mean to make you embarrassed or something.'' But instead of that Fluttershy only blushed heavily and apparently without herself noticing it. Her heartbeat raised with the rare combination of a, as far as she knew, gentle colt, a romantic garden and a serenade that was sung inside.
Fluttershy quickly thought what to do now. 'Oh my gosh, what should I do? Oh, what did Applejack do at this moment again' She then thought of the time Applejack suddenly kissed Blade right on the lips. Fluttershy began to blush even more and tried to be as brave as Applejack.
''Uhm Fluttershy… I don't know how to ask this but…
'Here goes nothing!' Fluttershy thought and threw her head down, planting her lips on those of Solar. Solar was needless-to-say shocked. The kiss continued for a few seconds until They both let go.
Fluttershy suddenly saw what she did and jumped backwards. ''Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that… now you must hate me and… '' Then without warning Fluttershy ran away, leaving a stunned Solar behind.
''What the hell just happened?''

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Apparently people don't really get it. This story will continue. There will be more chapters. But I will attent to other stories first.

And here is the thank you list.
Thank you!
-ShiningShadow1965
-BiggMomma
-frontdoor6
-MrUbaNub
-adonxxxjuri
-bro-pony
-beachbro

Thank you fellow writers. You have given me ideas or inspiration through talking with me, making stories or reviewing.

Now I'll take some kind of holiday and concentrate on my exams.
Have a nice day.
Blade-Tribal-Wolf