Captain Felman looked out over the horizon to spot any titans that could come and attack the town. Ian, Riko, Mitabi, and a very small handful of other Garrison soldiers stood behind him, ready to defend the town at his command, despite their low numbers. As Felman continued looking out, his hands over his eyes to block the sun, Felman saw the rest of the Military finally coming towards the town, led by Erwin and Levi.

“It’s…” stammered Felman excitedly. “It’s Erwin and the rest of the Military! Now we can get some more help!”

“Felman,” Riko advised, “perhaps they can also provide an answer to the disappearance of the wall.”

“Yes! That as well!”

Felman looked over the faces of each of the soldiers as they came closer, but to his surprise, they were all smiling. Felman couldn’t make heads or tails of the scene before him, grunting and groaning as he tried to put it together.

“What is it, Captain?” Ian spoke.

“The soldiers approaching,” responded Felman. “They’re all… smiling.”

The Garrison soliders behind him all gasped as well, unsure of their reasoning.

“How could they be smiling?” hissed Riko. “The walls have vanished and titans will get in.”

Eventually, the Military reached Felman and the rest of the soldiers. Overly eager to hear the answer, Felman ran to Erwin, who dismounted his horse and approached him. As Felman gave him the salute, he gasped to see Erwin with half of his arm missing and bandaged.

“Commander Erwin!” exclaimed Felman. “You’ve lost your arm.”

“Yes,” confirmed Erwin. “A titan caught it during battle. I also wish to inform you that Pixis has also perished.”

Felman’s mouth went agape and the soldier behind them couldn’t hold back their shock.

“So…” Felman spoke, “that means…”

“Quit being so glum,” Levi chided with his stoic expression. “We’re here to deliver good news.”

“Good news?! What kind of good news can there be? The walls have gone. We’re defensele–”

“Just read, you excitable sod,” Levi grunted, handing Felman Celestia’s letter.

Felman snatched the letter from Levi furiously, angered that he could talk to him like that. Felman scanned the letter once. After reading the last several lines, his eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. His eyes scanned the letter one last time, word by word to make absolutely sure that nothing he read was wrong.

After he had seen enough, he dropped his arms limply to his side, stared up into the blue sky, tears streaming from his eyes. He then fell to his knees, dropping the letter onto the grass, and fell further to his knees, weeping like a baby. The other soldiers were surprised to see Felman in such a state, leaving Riko to jog over and grab the letter before it could blow away.

Riko too scanned the letter, but she only needed to read once. If Felman’s reaction was anything to go by, everything the letter had said was true. Riko looked to Erwin for a final confirmation. With a slight smile, he gave her a nod. Riko bit her lip and tried to keep her own tears from falling.

“Riko?” Mitabi asked.

Riko turned to face her fellow soldiers and looked at them with wet eyes that were already bleeding tears.

“The war…” she said. “Is over. We’ve won.”

The soldiers took sharp, deep breaths, finding the news incomprehensible.

“What did you say?” Ian asked.

“That shockwave,” Riko responded. “It was made by a powerful magic and it killed all of the titans.”

“But what about the walls?” Mitabi asked.

“The walls were made from titans all along,” Erwin responded. “We assume that in time, they would emerge and kill all the people in the districts, but it seems we’ve stopped it before it could happen. Make no mistake, Riko, whatever nightmares this war has caused, they are over now.”

Mitabi looked to Ian and Riko with excitement and wonder, unable to see why no one was celebrating yet. With a joyous yell, the other soldiers cheered as well. Mitabi ran to his fellow soldiers and gave as many hugs as he could at once to them. Riko turned to Ian, choking on her sobs, and embraced him. Ian carefully stroked her back, consoling her.

“It’s over…” she sobbed. “It’s finally over…”

The ponies looked upon Riko and Ian, smiling at their tender moment. Soon, the rest of the world could be like them and rejoice after over a hundred years of pain and misery.
________________________________________________________________________________________

The people of Hermiha looked towards the south as they saw the soldiers approach. Many were happy for their return, but they still couldn’t expect to hear great news after the disappearance of the walls. What confused them even more were the smiles on each of the soldier’s faces (minus Levi).

Kirill galloped his horse beyond the front, passing Erwin and Levi as he made his way to his hometown, excited to relay the news to the people. His smile was etched across his face and tears flew back from his eyes. Once he was close enough, he dismounted his horse as it went into a cantering speed and sprinted to the edge of the city where the people were gathering to hear his word.

“Hermiha!” screamed Kirill, stopping and throwing his arms up as his voice rung over. “It’s over! It’s over! The war is over! We’ve won! The war is over!”

The crowd looked at each other incredulously before a single man threw his arm up and shouted out victoriously. The joy spread like a virus over the city as the people also threw their arms up and cheered, the noise deafening even to the Military as they were still approaching the city.

Kirill watched as some of the people, friends, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives, and loved ones embraced or even kissed as they felt their anxiety and hopelessness melt of their bodies in the warmth of each other’s arms. Kirill wept even more at the sight, the overwhelming happiness infecting him as well.

As the members of the Military stopped, to see the people celebrate, Nile ran forwards to the city where two Military Police soldiers ran towards him from the town and met him right behind Kirill.

“Sir,” one of them spoke, giving their commander the salute, “is it true? Have we really won?”

“Yes,” Nile said, grabbing the soldier’s shoulders, “every word of it is true. The titans are gone. We have won.”

The soldiers trembled shocked to have the news confirmed.

“What shall we do, sir?” asked the other.

“Rally six other men,” Nile planned, “split into four groups of two, and travel to the Yalkell, Stohess, and Wrida districts, as well as the inner district. I’ll write a conformation for each group; you and the others spread the good news.”

“Yes, sir!” confirmed the soldiers as they gave their commander a salute and ran off back into the city.

Luna gave a small, but respectful smile at Nile for his proactive behavior. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, who have dismounted their horses, looked upon the happiness of humanity’s victory. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight stood beside their partners as they two observed the celebration. Pinkie Pie galloped past them and ran towards the city.

“Pinkie!” called Applejack, but to no avail.

Pinkie Pie leapt up into the air above the crowd, many of them seeing her above.

“Victory party!” cheered Pinkie Pie.

As she landed amongst the people, they held Pinkie Pie up by her back with their outstretched hands as she was passed on throughout the city. As Pinkie Pie cheered in her crowd-surfing venture. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, as well as their pony partners, laughed heartily at Pinkie’s jovial attitude.

The laughing soon died down as Eren looked down upon Rainbow Dash. He laid his hand upon the back of the base of her neck and gently scratched. Rainbow Dash, smiling blissfully, leaned her body onto Eren’s, her head nestled against his ribs. Together they watched as Hermiha continued celebrating their victory.
________________________________________________________________________________________

The next morning, in the partially ruined, but still intact Scouting Legion Headquarters, the sun streamed through Petra’s bedroom window and onto her face. Petra groaned as the light shone through her eyelids. Despite her rude awakening, she sat out of bed and looked out the window. She saw the cloudless blue sky, the birds chirping and flying about, and the green mountaintops in the distance. She gave a content smile, happy to know that she was guaranteed more sunrises with such a beautiful view.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Levi, dressed in his black suit with his white shirt and cravat, stood against a stairwell outside in the courtyard of the headquarters with Shining Armor and the entirety of the guards. Levi held a tin mug of coffee in his hand while Shining Armor and the unicorn guards each held a mug of coffee in their magic grasp. The pegasi ponies each had a deep dish, which they lapped with slight disdain.

“I have to say,” Shining Armor said, “I’m going to miss fighting with you. You’re a very good soldier.”

“Don’t talk like that,” Levi said. “I’d rather we’d never meet again on a battlefield.”

“Oh… I see. I still think you’re a great soldier and comrade to your troops.”

Petra, dressed in her white blouse and brown pants, stepped outside and walked towards Levi.

“Hey, look who it is!” called Shining Armor. “Good morning, Petra.”

Petra looked over at Levi and then at the well, noticing three spots that were missing the people who sat on them. Shining Armor could notice her mournful grimace.

“Hey,” he cooed, “what’s wrong?”

“She misses them,” Levi said. “You weren’t here when it happened, but two of our elite fighters, who were also her dear friends, perished during the 57th Expedition. And then Auruo was killed yesterday.”

“It’s just not the same without them,” Petra sighed sadly, sitting on the steps next to Levi.

“There will be a memorial service to the fallen tonight,” Levi said. “You can say your piece then.”

“So, what are you doing out here?” asked Petra to Shining Armor, trying to change the subject.

“Well,” admitted Shining Armor, “we’ve done our part. Once Twilight and her friends come down, we’ll be saying our goodbyes and returning to Equestria.”

“You’re leaving today?!” Petra exclaimed in shock.

Shining Armor chuckled, both flattered by her concern and humored by her reaction.

“Relax,” he said, “it’s just me and the guards. Luna, Twilight, and her friends have some business tomorrow at the capital before they can leave.”

“Oh…” Petra sighed, feeling forlorn about his leaving.

Shining Armor walked forwards to Petra, and with his hoof, gently lifted her chin up so he could face her.

“Hey,” Shining Armor cooed, “it’s not like you’re never going to see me again. From what I’ve heard, Celestia and Luna are going to be forming diplomacy with your world. I have a very good feeling that this isn’t going to be the last you see of me.”

Petra, grabbed on to Shining Armor’s hoof, pulling herself to her feet on it. As tender as he was, Petra wrapped her right arm over Shining Armor’s neck and pressed the right side of her face against the side of his neck.

Shining Armor, while initially surprised by her action, accepted her hug, putting his left arm around her lower back and pulled her closer, rubbing her upper back with his chin. As they went on with their embrace, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike walked around from the stone walkway and into the courtyard, catching the last of it.

“Farewell, Shining Armor,” Petra bade. “It was a pleasure fighting by your side.”

“Likewise,” responded Shining Armor. “I’ll see you around, Petra.”

Petra and Shining Armor let go of each other as he let her stand back with Levi.

“I’m glad to see that you made at least one friend here,” Twilight said to Shining Armor.

“I guess it’s just one more reason to want to come back,” Shining Armor spoke, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

“Well, I don’t want to keep you waiting,” she responded, stepping up to him. “Thanks for coming, big brother.”

“See you at home, Twily,” replied Shining Armor as he gave his sister a hug.”

“Safe travels, Shining,” called Applejack.

“Tell Cadance we said, ‘Hi!’” shouted Spike.

“You can tell her yourself soon enough,” Shining Armor said.

“Well,” Twilight asked, “are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

Twilight took a step back as Shining Armor and the unicorn guards grabbed their mugs (along with the pegasis’ mugs), and placed them on the steps behind Levi and Petra. The guards gathered closely as Shining Armor looked up, closing his eyes.

A gust began to pick up around them, getting stronger as it became a wall of wind which grew bright and white. The beam soon became nothing more than a white beam with Shining Armor and his guards as silhouettes inside.

Just then, the beam rose from the ground up and into the sky as fast as light could go, disappearing into the sky with a final twinkle. Twilight and her friends looked up as they imagined Shining Armor’s safe return home. Petra looking up, then threw herself on Levi, making him spill a few drops of his coffee as his balance was shaken.

Petra hugged Levi tight as she tearfully wiped her eyes on his cravat. Levi held back a sneer as he tossed away his mug into the bushes, leaving both arms free for him to hold Petra close. Spike and Twilight in particular looked upon the two with entirely glad smiles.
________________________________________________________________________________________

At night, many soldiers were gathered outside the castle and sitting on the ground. Neither of them were in their Military attire as they sat before a torchlit stage where Erwin stood front and center. Levi and Hanji stood in the back, their arms folded in sad knots. To the left of the stage, both Petra and Eren stood by, ready to give their own pieces.

“Many lives have been lost in this war;” Erwin spoke, “too many to count, just… too many. Tonight, on the first night of humanity’s victory over the titans, we shall hold a memorial service to those we have lost. For anyone wishing to say something on behalf of someone that they have known who died, do not hesitate to come to the stage.

“Our first two presenters are Petra Ral of Karanese and Eren Jaeger of Shiganshina. Could you please give them your undivided attention as they say their final words to their friends and comrades.”

Erwin stepped back, away from the torches light and into the shadows with Levi and Hanji. Petra walked up the stairs with Eren holding the stub of her left arm, helping her up.

“Thanks,” she whispered to him before she stood in Erwin’s spot.

A slight silence came about as Petra stared into the expectant expressions of her other soldiers. Breathing in, she began.

“On the day that I entered the Military as a cadet,” Petra stated, “I never realized that I would last longer than a day. On my graduation, I never expected to score the highest in my class. Upon joining the Scouting Legion, I didn’t know that my skills would allow me to join a group featuring the most skilled titan hunters in the entire Military. And when I joined that group, I had no idea that I would make so many friends…”

Petra’s tears began to appear on her face, bringing Rainbow Dash and Spike to tears as well. Petra sniffled hard and kept her composure, keeping a serious, slightly angry face to appear stronger.

“Gunter Shultz,” she resumed, “such a stone-faced person, but a great fighter and a fantastic comrade on the battlefield. Erd Gin… he might have had the lowest titan-kill count among us in the Special Operations Squad, but I completely understood why Levi saw a leader in him. Brave, sharp, and cunning; just like him. Auruo Bossard…”

Rainbow Dash could feel her cries coming on as she bit her lip, not wanting it to show.

“...he was such the biggest copycat, but damn it if he didn’t try and be like Levi. As well as copying his hair and his cravat, Auruo also had one of the highest kill counts of any soldier I have seen. I was so glad that Rainbow Dash spared him so I could finally see the real him. Now, I can not only say that he wasn’t just an excellent soldier… he was an even better friend.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t keep it in anymore. As she suddenly couldn’t stop imagining the sight of his charred corpse, she broke down into groaning sobs. Applejack rubbed her back while Spike massaged the top of her thigh.

“Gunter, Erd, Auruo, wherever your souls rest now, please know that I miss you all dearly and want to say… thank you for some of the best days of my life, and thank you for paving the way for brighter days yet ahead for the rest of us.”

As Petra walked off the stage, Rainbow Dash began clopping her hooves together, inspiring the others to applaud her for her emotional speech. Eren helped Petra down the steps as he grabbed her hand and held it tight until she reached the ground.

Once Petra began walking back to a seat among the crowd, Eren stepped forwards as he looked forwards at the crowd in front of him. Eren’s eyes went straight to Rainbow Dash, who was still moved by Petra’s speech, leaving him in a vulnerable spot. Eren then looked out over the crowd as he stopped in the center, ready to begin.

“My name is Eren Jaeger,” he stated. “I was one of the few survivors of the titan invasion of Shiganshina and the destruction of Wall Maria. After losing my mother and the disappearance of my father, I had vowed to kill every last titan that there was, which led my friends, Mikasa and Armin, to enlist in the Military.

“While there, I met countless friends that would both teach me and inspire me to become a greater person than I was. Of course, following the invasion of Trost, the 57th Expedition, the raid at Stohess, the invasion inside Wall Rose, my rescue from the Armored Titan, and the final battle with Hunter, I lost many more friends.

“Thomas Wagner, Marco Bott, Gunther Shultz, Erd Gin, Auruo Bossard, Historia Reiss, Ymir, Reiner Braun, Bertolt Hoover…”

Eren paused upon the last two names, knowing that honoring them despite their actions would be having him tread hot water.

“No…” he decided. “They deserve to be honored! I learned much of my fighting and 3D Maneuver Gear skills from Reiner and Bertolt. Yes, they were traitors to humanity and both caused many deaths, but I never knew them as the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan; they were always Reiner and Bertolt to me, and they always will be!”

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash both nodded, finding his words to be truthful and powerful.

“They learned from their mistakes and they fought for their redemption and they died for it. I say that tonight, for the courage they instilled in us as cadets to the soldiers they became until the end, we honor Reiner and Bertolt as heroes for humanity.”

Eren, completely overridden by his emotions, placed his right fist over his heart and his left arm behind his back in a fierce, unyielding salute. Many of the soldiers were stunned over Eren’s actions, unsure what to do themselves. It was the standing motions of a soldier by Eren’s friends that began it. Annie also placed her arms in front of and behind her back in the Military salute.

Eren gasped at her joining him. It was then that both Armin and Mikasa stood to their feet and presented Eren with the salute as well. Following them were Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Luna, Spike, Rarity, and Fluttershy. Eren continued to look surprised as his support grew.

One by one, the remaining soldiers stood to their feet and gave their fallen friends a final salute. Eren continued to hold his salute, but couldn’t contain his mounting shock as the whole of the Scouting Legion rose up and saluted.

The sounds of fists striking chests sounded behind Eren, and he turned his head to see that Hanji, Levi, and even Erwin presented a salute, the latter nodding to Eren respectfully.

Eren turned back to the crowd and scanned for Annie. Upon finding her, they locked eyes, knowing that one was looking at the other. Eren gave Annie a thankful nod, which she returned with one of her own. Annie then gave Eren a small, but noticeable smile, thankful for his help.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Annie sat on the side of her bed, looking out the window thoughtfully and nervously. Her hands were clasped over her lap as she squeezed them hard. Just then, the sound of clopping hooves sounded about behind her. Turning around, she saw as Luna and Twilight both quietly tread inside her room.

“What are you doing here?” asked Annie.

“You look nervous,” Luna responded.

“Of course I am. My trial is tomorrow and I’m certain to be executed. My crimes against humanity are too great to be considered salvageable, no matter what you or Celestia will say.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Twilight responded.

“What?”

“I had sent my sister an request for an approval to allow you to come to Equestria for your exile sentence.”

“Has she responded yet?”

“Not yet,” Luna said, “but knowing my sister, I’m certain she’s bound to agree.”

Annie turned her gaze away from the two ponies and back out the window.

“If you say so…” she responded without a shred of confidence.

Luna and Twilight looked forlornly to each other.

“Well,” Twilight spoke, “good night anyways.”

“Have pleasant dreams,” Luna bade.

Annie didn’t respond as Luna and Twilight both left the room, quietly closing the door behind them. Annie didn’t react at all as the click of the door closed behind her.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Eren, Rainbow Dash, and Hanji sat together inside of her lab. Along with the torches that lit the room, the three of them sat around a small bonfire the provided a little extra light for them.

“What about my powers?” Eren asked. “I can’t transform into a titan anymore, but there’s no way that Dallis will know that. Perhaps they’re going to keep their word about giving me to the Military Police now.”

“You can’t let them execute Eren,” pleaded Rainbow Dash. “I’m not going to leave here only to know my friend’s being hacked into like a frog!”

“Rainbow Dash,” chided Hanji, “ye of such little faith, you don’t think I am aware of this?”

“What?” both Eren and Rainbow Dash said at the same time.

“I have all of my findings recorded and saved as evidence,” Hanji said, producing a folder of papers that looked to have been thrown together inside. “Once I show these to Dallis, he’ll have to let you off the hook.”

“But didn’t you say that those T-cells were in my nerves?” wondered Eren. “Doesn’t that mean you’d have to prove it by cutting off one of my fingers and seeing the nerve like last time?”

“But Eren,” Rainbow Dash whined, “your finger won’t grow back this time.”

“I’m not going to do anything of the sort,” Hanji assured.

“Then how are you going to prove Eren’s innocence? You aren’t going to fudge your report, are you?”

Hanji gave Rainbow Dash a mischievous look.

“Maybe…” she squeaked.

“But why? You’re going to get in trouble if you do!”

“Why? Are you going to tell them?”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to speak, but nothing could come out, knowing that she would never betray Eren like that.

“In all honesty,” Hanji mentioned, “it won’t really even matter. Whether we tell the whole truth or the partial truth, it will all end up the same: Eren’s been cured and he’s no longer a danger to humanity.”

“How are you going to do that, then?” asked Eren.

Hanji’s cheeky smile turned to one of smug confidence.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Inside the Military courtroom of the Inner District, both Eren and Annie were chained to wooden poles in the center of the stand. Standing in front of them, without being chained, were Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike, all in their Scouting Legion uniforms (minus their cloaks). Luna sat next to Erwin, Levi, Hanji, Hannes, and Nile in the block next to Dallis’ table, where he read a small stack of papers over.

The room was crowded with many people who looked upon the ponies and wondered what the fate of the Military would be. Select members of the Military, including Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Sasha, Conny, Riko, Ian, Mitabi, and several Military Police soldiers, stood on the left side of the stand as they did last time.

“And following the death of Commander Dot Pixis,” Dallis stated, “it is by the will of Pixis himself and the power invested in me to name Hannes Berlitz as the newest Commander of the Garrison.”

Hannes gasped, but was soon met by a round of applause from Dallis, the other soldiers and citizens. Hannes managed to smile and wave thankfully to the others before the stopped by Dallis’s raised hand.

“Next,” Dallis stated, “is the fate of Eren Jaeger.”

Eren gulped, hoping that Hanji would pull through.

“So, Jaeger,” Dallis stated, “you do remember your sentence the last time we met. Is that correct?”

“Yes, sir!” he answered.

“And that following the 57th Expedition, depending on its success of failure, you would return here, correct?”

“Correct, sir.”

“However,” Dallis spoke, looking at Erwin, “an ulterior plan was set in motion that forced Eren’s judgment to be postponed for the time being. Erwin, do you have anything to say?”

“Yes,” he answered. “It is my firm belief that Eren was humanity’s only hope. Despite the powers of the ponies that have come to our aid, it was shown by the results of the 57th Expedition that they too were still weaker compared to the titan menace. I couldn’t allow Eren to be given to the Military Police, where he would have definitely been killed for their fearful desires.

“If you feel the need to punish any one of my men, punish me. I was the one who set the plan in motion; the others were only following my orders.”

“Erwin Smith,” addressed Dallis, “do you really believe that you should be punished for these actions?”

“Legally, yes. The damage done to Stohess by the raid, both in terms of property damage and loss of human life was too high. Ethically… no. Had Eren been killed by the Military Police, the damage that would have been done to humanity would have been far greater than what had happened in Stohess. You are free to judge me as you will, but I stand firm by my choice.”

Dallis stared at Erwin while Nile glared at him from the side.

“I see…” Dallis responded. “Weighing in both alternatives, as well as the identities of those responsible, I can certainly see your point, and that yes, had you not gotten Eren away at Stohess, humanity would have been in graver danger. For this reason, I pardon you for your acts against my verdict.”

Nile seethed, angered by Erwin’s dodge.

“Thank you, Dallis,” Erwin said.

“But what about Eren himself?” Nile said. “He should still be able to turn into a titan, right?”

“Wrong,” Hanji stated, holding her folder up.

“Miss Zoë,” Dallis spoke. “Might I ask you what you hold in your hand?”

“They are the results of my testing when my partner, Twilight Sparkle, and I created the formula to neutralize and destroy the cells in the human body that would allow them to transform into a titan.”

“Might I see them?”

“Certainly, sir.”

Hanji handed her folder to an official that sat next to Dallis, who in turn received the folder from his official.

“The first two pages are the most important,” Hanji stated. “The first page is a blood test I conducted on Eren before testing, which showed an alarming number of these T-cells. After the events of the final battle of Shiganshina, I had tested Eren’s blood once more, and this time, not a single one of these cells remained in his body. From this, I say that Eren is no longer a ‘threat’ to humanity and should continue serving the Scouting Legion without further fear of persecution.”

It didn’t take long for Dallas to read through the first two papers; he had seen enough.

“Very well,” he said. “Eren Jaeger, it has been confirmed that you no longer have the ability to transform into a titan, so you are now free from extensive Military supervision and shall continue to prove yourself worthy to the Scouting Legion. Eren Jaeger, you are dismissed.”

Eren took a sigh of relief as Rainbow Dash pumped her arm back with a toothy smile on her face. Two Military Police soldiers then went behind the wooden pole, unlocking Eren’s shackles off his wrists while the other pulled the pole out, letting Eren go. Eren then walked out of the stand and back to Mikasa and Armin, watching Annie as she awaited her part.

“Next,” Dallis spoke, “I shall deal with the fates of Annie Leonhardt and the six ponies, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and the dragon Spike jointly.”

The ponies looked at each other confused, unsure of his reasoning.

“Before the trial had taken place, I had a pleasant conversation with one of the dual rulers of Equestria, Princess Luna here. She had given me a letter from Princess Celestia herself that details her requests with both Leonhardt and the ponies. The letter reads as follows:”

Dallis unfolded the long scroll and held it before him.

“Dallis Zacklay,

“As you might have been aware, Annie Leonhardt, the former Female Titan, has defected from the side of her previous affiliation and has joined the Scouting Legion unofficially. I cannot excuse Annie’s previous offenses as the Female Titan and how she had hindered humanity then, but having received word from Luna, she has changed her ways and wishes to fight for the good of mankind.

“My former student, Twilight Sparkle, had promised that she would ask for me to intervene on behalf of Annie to reduce her likely death sentence. Having no reason to distrust Twilight nor Luna, I wish to make a request to you.

“My request is that whatever sentence Annie receives in your court will be changed to a permanent exile from Earth, where she will live in Canterlot with me and enlist as a royal guard; a community service, if you will.”

Dallis couldn’t help but chuckle at Celestia’s words, but his subsequent coughing brought his attention back.

“Furthermore, along with Annie, I wish to bring my little ponies home where they belong. I had sent them to your world so that they could help the Military defeat the titans, and seeing as that goal has been accomplished, I request that they return to Equestria so they can return to their old lives. I still wish to thank you for your assistance in letting them fight alongside you. You have my deepest respect.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia.”

Dallis laid the letter down on his desk and formed a noticeable smile, one that Annie couldn’t help but feel uplifted at.

“Miss Leonhardt,” asked Dallis, “does this sound correct to you? Do you object to this in any way?”

“No sir,” she answered.

“I see… In that case, Annie Leonhardt’s previous sentence to death by firing squad will be changed to an exile from planet Earth to Equestria. Likewise, the ponies Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and the dragon Spike are relieved indefinitely from their services to the Scouting Legion, and will return to Equestria with Miss Leonhardt.”

The ponies sighed in relief as well. Annie looked about the crowd of people that surrounded her. While they looked irate about Annie escaping death, she could tell that they were at least glad to be rid of her.

“Finally,” Dallis said, “I shall read off the responsibilities of the three branches of the Military following the end of the War on Titans. The Garrison will still be in charge of keeping the peace within the districts and towns that once comprised Wall Maria and Wall Rose and their interiors. The Military Police will still patrol the districts and areas that once formed Sina and the Inner District. However, due to some startling reports about the Military Police’s abuse of rights and privileges, they will be kept under close watch at all times, and will be punished severely for breaking rules and regulations.”

Nile grunted silently, hoping that his disdain wouldn’t be heard by Luna.

“Lastly, there is the Scouting Legion. I had received request from Erwin about his plans for the Scouting Legion, and after going over them, I concur. The Scouting Legion’s new responsibility will be the restoration of human civilization. Two days from now, the Scouting Legion will embark on an expedition to the lands south, east, and north of humanity’s former stronghold.

“On this journey, you are to report and document the topography of the land, the animals and livestock indigenous to the lands, the vegetation that grows there, as well as any natural resources you may find, such as water, salt, iron, what have you, back to the king at the capital. After one year’s time, you shall return to your base south of Hermiha, where you shall be granted a six-month vacation for you to see loved ones or whatever your heart pleases.”

Eren looked to Armin, and both of their faces were aglow with excitement, unable to believe their luck and fortune.

“Now that all is said and done,” finished Dallis, “this trial has come to a close. From what I hear,” he said, looking at Luna and then the ponies, “you have some business with the king momentarily. This meeting is adjourned.”
________________________________________________________________________________________

The ponies all walked out of the courtroom and down the long, marble steps towards the city street. Following them out were Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Hannes, the latter wearing the red sash over his shoulder.

“Well,” Eren joked, “looks like you’re going to have to put your being a good-for-nothing drunk on hold now.”

Hannes laughed as he ruffled Eren’s hair.

“Always such a precocious bastard,” he sighed.

“Hannes,” Armin said. “Thank you for everything.”

“Yes,” Mikasa said. “Thank you.”

“Come on!” called Applejack’s voice. “We’re going to be late with our meeting with the king!”

“You kids run along now,” Hannes said. “You have some business to attend to.”

At once, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin walked up to Hannes and gave him one last hug. Hannes chuckled as he put his arms around all three of them, holding them tight.

“Ah, I’m going to miss you so damned much,” he grunted.

“Yeah,” Eren said as he and his friends broke away from the hug. “We’ll see you around, Hannes.”

Eren, Mikasa, and Armin then ran down the stairs to their pony friends.

“Don’t run into any punks on the way!” called Hannes with his hands cupped over his mouth.

Eren and Armin looked back, giving him one last wave before they followed the ponies down the streets and towards the capital building. As they went out of sight, Hannes sighed nostalgically.

They’ll be alright, he thought. They always are.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Twilight and Luna plopped down the last of the seven 3D Maneuver cases at the center of the Scouting Legion headquarter’s courtyard later in the afternoon. Next to the cases was a large, leather trunk and Rarity’s suitcase. Twilight went and rejoined the other ponies and Spike, each of whom were out of their Scouting Legion attire and wearing nothing but their saddlebags.

Annie stood in the center, wearing brown tunic over her white hoodie and dark blue pants with brown boots.

“Are you sure that the others will accept me?” Annie asked.

“Certainly,” Luna assured her. “Celestia had revealed humanity’s existence to the other ponies promptly after your victory and said she was bringing one there. Believe me, once they see you, they will treat you with admiration and respect.”

“Plus,” Twilight mentioned, “look on the bright side. You get to hold the honor of being the very first human to set foot into Equestria.”

Annie took slight solace in this statement, smiling down on Twilight. Just then, Erwin led Levi, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Conny, Sasha, Petra, and Hanji down to the courtyard. Following them were the rest of the Scouting Legion forces. The faces on the humans’ faces were each somber, seeing their friends as they prepared to leave.

“Have you gotten everything?” asked Erwin.

“Yes, sir,” Twilight said. “All we need now is to send Celestia the signal to return us home.”

“Very well. I’ll let you have some time to say farewell to your friends before we see you off.”

“I appreciate it,” Twilight said, stepping forwards.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike stepped up while Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Conny, Sasha, Hanji, Petra, and Levi stepped forwards as well. Twilight stopped in front of Armin and Hanji, both of whom met Twilight on their one knee more towards her level.

“It’s been a lot of fun, guys,” Twilight said. “I really wish you all the best on your expedition in a couple of days. The Scouting Legion is really lucky to have the both of you in it.”

“And we’re both lucky for someone as great as you to come into our lives,” Hanji said.

“We’re all going to miss you Twilight,” Armin said. “Don’t you ever forget that.”

Tears formed in Twilight’s eyes. Unable to take it any longer she stepped off of her front legs and hugged them around Hanji and Armin one last time, her wings unfurling and wrapping over Armin and Hanji's backs, tears streaming down her face and onto Armin and Hanji’s shoulders.

Conny came to Pinkie Pie, ready to kneel down and give her his farewells. Before that could happen, Pinkie Pie hopped up and wrapped her arms around Conny’s chest, smiling wide as she nuzzled her face into Conny’s.

“No need for you to kneel down, silly,” Pinkie Pie chirped. “After all, what are friends for?”

“God dammit,” Conny chuckled and sobbed simultaneously. “I’m really going to miss you, Pinkie.”

“Aw, I’m gonna’ miss you too Conny. But don’t worry. As long as we keep thinking of each other, it’s like we’re still with each other!”

“Yeah… yeah, sure.”

Conny put his own arms around Pinkie Pie’s chest, grabbing at her coat as he found it harder and harder to eventually let go of her. Rarity and Sasha stood before each other. Rarity looked up at Sasha, who merely slumped over and sniffled, her tears filling her eyes.

“Sasha,” whined Rarity, “please, don’t cry like that. Otherwise, I’m going to start–”

Sasha bent over and picked Rarity up from under her armpits, standing her to her back hooves and hugging her tight, sobbing into Rarity’s shoulder.

“Oh, Sasha!” wept Rarity, as she rested her head against Sasha’s temple, tears pouring down her cheeks and Sasha’s back.

Applejack and Mikasa were already embracing each other in a long, loving hug. At that moment, Applejack took her Stetson hat off and fixed it atop Mikasa’s head. Mikasa felt the hat above her, wondering why she was given it.

“Just a little piece of me to take with you,” Applejack said.

“But this is your hat,” Mikasa said.

“Aw, shucks, I got a few more back at home. You go on ahead and take it.”

Mikasa smiled, happy for her friend’s parting gift.

“Thank you, Applejack,” Mikasa said, her eyes tearing up.

“D’aww,” cooed Applejack, “come here, sugarcube.”

Mikasa leaned forward into Applejack’s embrace, where the two of them hugged once more, Mikasa’s tears falling on Applejack’s coat. Jean knelt down on both knees before Fluttershy, who looked and Jean as nervous and coyly as she did with any other stranger. Jean, knowing how hard it was for Fluttershy to say goodbye, knew that her distance only made it harder for him.

Jean turned his head away to the side, his eyes shut tight as tears broke past his eyelids, his shoulders shivering as he groaned in agony to keep his feelings from showing. Fluttershy, seeing her friend in such misery, finally let her own tears come out as she jumped onto Jean, weeping as she hugged his torso and dug her face into his chest. Jean, feeling Fluttershy’s embrace, immediately threw his arms around her back and wings, sobbing into her long, flowing mane.

“Oh, Jean,” cried Fluttershy, “I’m going to miss you oh so much.”

“Me too,” moaned Jean, his voice muffled by the pegasus’s mane.

Spike walked up to Petra and Levi. Petra bent over and scooped Spike up his back cradled against her arm. Lifting him so her eyes could meet his, he sat up and leaned forwards, putting his arms as best as he could around Petra’s chest as she snuggled him into her chest.

“Thanks for saving me, Spike,” she whispered in his ear.

“Yeah,” he said, “no problem.”

As Spike continued hugging Petra, he felt a pair of fingers gently massage behind his ears. Spike turned to see Levi’s arm reach behind his head.

“You did well, Squirt,” he said in his usual gruff voice. “Best of luck to you.”

Petra lifted Spike back up and carried him to Levi, where Spike hopped off Petra’s arm and jumped onto Levi, hugging his neck. Levi, while apprehensive about feeling Spike’s hands on his neck, lifted his right arm up and rubbed Spike’s back.

“Yeah, yeah,” he said. “I’m gonna’ miss you too.”

Rainbow Dash walked up to Eren. When she stopped, she reached into her back on her side and pulled out two books. Eren bent down and observed the books. One of them was the copy of Daring Do and the Chasm of Chaos, and the other was Daring Do and the Marble Atlas.

“Aren’t these yours?” asked Eren.

“Yeah, but…” Rainbow Dash said, her wings flared open excitedly as her voice, “I figured that you’d need something to read on your expedition, and what better books to read than the ones your… friend got you…”

Rainbow Dash’s wings fell to the ground and her lips quivered. Looking up at Eren, she revealed her devastated face as tears filled up her eyes. Eren, smiling fondly, knelt to one knee and spread his arms open for her. Rainbow Dash, choking and wheezing on her sobs, ran to Eren’s arms as both she and Eren wrapped each other in their goodbye embrace.

“Goodbye, Eren!” Rainbow Dash hyperventilated. “I’m never going to forget you as long as I live!”

“Rainbow Dash,” sighed Eren, feeling his eyes moisten as well, “this isn’t goodbye. We’ll see each other again. I promise you on my life, we will meet again.”

“I sure hope so. I love you, Eren.”

“Yeah… I love you too, Rainbow Dash.”

Finally, Eren’s tears escaped from his eyes as both Rainbow Dash and Eren sobbed over their leaving. There were few dry eyes among the humans and ponies who watched them. Finally, Luna approached Eren and Rainbow Dash, putting her hoof on Eren’s back.

“I know it’s hard to say farewell,” Luna said, “but it’s time for us to return now.”

Eren turned back and gave Luna a nod. Continuing to hold Rainbow Dash, he put his mouth near her ear.

“It’s okay, Rainbow Dash,” Eren whispered. “Just be strong and be just as good a friend as you are to me, and we’ll see each other again eventually.”

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash sobbed as she slowly backed out of Eren’s hug. “Bye, Eren. I’ll see you later.”

As Rainbow Dash backed away, the only thing Eren was able to continue holding onto was her hoof, which he let slide further and further from his grasp until she eventually pulled it free. Eren stood up and joined the other humans as they watched the ponies and Spike gather next to Luna once again.

“Ponies from Equestria,” Erwin said. “Thank you for all that you’ve done. We’re forever in your debt.”

“You showed my little ponies love and friendship,” Luna said. “Your debts are paid. Thank you. Each and everyone of you.”

Erwin nodded, appreciating the statement while the soldiers behind him smiled fondly at her parting words.

“Ponies,” advised Luna, “stay close.”

The ponies and Spike stood close together with Annie caught in the middle. Luna glowed her horn bright, starting the signal to leave. Twilight and the ponies gave one last look at the Scouting Legion and the many friends they had all made.

A gust of wind began to encircle the ponies as their manes and tails were whipped about by the fierce winds. At that moment, Erwin placed his left hand over his heart, sending them off with honor and respect. One by one each of the humans saluted the ponies and dragon until each hand was placed firmly over their hearts. While the ponies smiled back at their friends, Twilight’s tears were blown from her face as the wall of wind became brighter.

Before the wall could become too bright, the ponies and Spike waved farewell, their bodies silhouetted behind the wall. Annie bowed her head and closed her eyes, ready to arrive in her new life. Eren kept his eyes on Rainbow Dash the entire time, even as the bright beam shot up into the sky, disappearing with a large twinkle as it faded amongst the starry sky.

The humans continued looking up as they continued to remember the good times they had all shared. Eren breathed in and out as his gaze was stuck on the orange, starry sky. Then he felt a hand place itself on his right shoulder. Turning to his right, Armin looked at him and gave him a nod. Eren, surprised, looked to his left to see Mikasa, also giving a smiling nod. Eren then looked out south over the wall of the Scouting Legion headquarters, a smile appearing on his own face, getting wider by the second.
________________________________________________________________________________________

The Scouting Legion, now in their uniforms, cloaks, and 3D Maneuver Gears, rode past the rainbow-crystal tower on the east where Shiganshina once stood early that morning. The morning sun shone through the tower as they past, covering them in a spectrum of light.

Leading them up front was Erwin. Following him on both sides and behind were Petra, Hanji, and Levi, their faces stern, but optimistic. Following behind them were Eren, Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Conny and Sasha. In place of the normal 3D Maneuver Gears, they had their golden wing-shaped sheaths, the handles of their jewel-bladed swords appearing outside of them. On each of their backs was a backpack with a blanket fastened on top. On Mikasa’s head was Applejack’s Stetson, shielding her face from the sun’s heat.

Following the rest of them was the entirety of the Scouting Legion, all on horseback, fully dressed and equipped with backpacks and Maneuver Gears. There were about a dozen wagons and carts being pulled with them by the horses that were filled to the brim with extra Maneuver Gears, provisions, and supplies.

Flaming water, thought Eren as he looked out over the top of the mountain range on the horizon, icy landscapes, snowfields of sand; whoever gets to see those things are the freest people in the entire world.

“We will now begin the 58th expedition beyond the walls!” declared Erwin as he whipped the reins on his horse. “ONWARD!!”

Finally, the front of the Scouting Legion’s formation passed through where the southernmost part of the wall protecting Shiganshina was. Eren looked past the ruins of his city, completely astounded that he was venturing further south than he ever did before.

As Eren turned to face forwards, his gaze caught Mikasa looking at him with an enthusiastic smile. Eren turned to his left to see Armin, who giggled in anticipation for their adventure up ahead. Eren smiled as well, keeping his sights on nothing more than the new world he was about to venture into.

Armin, thought Eren, you told me about it. So I’m– no… we’re going to the outside world.

Author's Notes:

And that's the end for The Ponies from Afar. It's been nearly ten months since I've completed any kind of real story, and damn does it feel good. I just want to thank the many people who decided to read it and continue supporting it over the seven months I've been writing it. I also want to thank Alexstrazsa for featuring it on Canterlot's Finest; he's a true pal.

For those concerned that this will be the end, do not fret. All I can tell you is to check FIMFiction Christmas morning... so I can let you know when you can all open your present...