I may have brought Shining Armor back in one piece, but Cadance still put me under a binding spell for endangering him. I’d had to stand there, frozen, while I felt immense pressure over every inch of my body. Shining Armor was finally able to calm her down and convince her to let me loose after twelve minutes. I collapsed to the floor upon release.
After that there’d been a small celebration amongst ourselves to celebrate the demise of Sombra. Sunburst recounted the details to Cadance. On the surface she seemed unfazed, but every once in a while I felt a magic punch to my gut. When she held a grudge, she held it. Luckily by the end of the night she’d gotten over it and apologized for her behavior.
The day after the whole ordeal, I was back on a train to Canterlot. I decided to make my report face-to-face. And after that I’d have to figure out when I could go back to Ponyville.
My body relaxed as the train rocked on the tracks. I found myself asleep for most of the ride. My nightmares seemed to have subsided at long last, being replaced by dreams of Rarity. I found myself smiling when I woke up.
I looked out the window as Canterlot grew closer. It was good to be back in familiar surroundings. I waited until the train had come to a complete stop before standing. I stretched my legs and walked onto the station platform.
The walk back to the castle was slow. I was left with my thoughts. Despite everything that had happened, one thought dominated all others; my magic. Sunburst had opened an old wound for me with this new information. What exactly was I anymore? Somehow I had morphed myself into something between the two species. Was I better for it? I suppose so. But my heart was torn a bit for not knowing exactly who and what I was.
I arrived at the castle. The throne room was empty. I made my way to Celestia’s study. She was busy reading scrolls, but looked up as I entered.

“Shade! It’s so good to have you back!”

“I haven’t been gone that long.”

“It’s been five days. I was beginning to wonder if you preferred the Crystal Empire to here.”

“As if I’d leave you alone. This place would fall apart!”

She got a good laugh from that.

“Tell me everything.”

I sat down and described in detail what had happened. Her face darkened as I got to the part about Sombra. My voice was shaking a little by that point.

“How could such evil exist? I know there’s a lot of bad creatures out there, but Sombra was beyond that.”

“He was a misguided unicorn who decided that dark magic was the only path he could take. And he embraced it full-heartedly.”

“I doubt I will ever forget that book.”

“Trust me when I say the book isn’t half as awful as seeing it with your own eyes.”

“That’s right. You and Luna defeated him the first time..”

“Some of the things we saw in the old Empire still haunt us. But time away from such things always helps. Luna found it especially difficult.”

“Was that what pushed her over the edge?”

“It was a factor. One I wish I could help her and myself forget. I’m sorry you have to share a similar burden.”

She stood and walked to a shelf.

“It pains me that we had to deal with the worst version of Sombra.”

“Worst version?”

She looked over her shoulder at me.

“Do you know about the mirror portal?”

“A bit. Twilight told me about it.”

“Did you know that portal was the reason Starswirl left?”

“That’s right! He left because you kept using the portal to... I never heard why you used the portal so much. But apparently it threatened the existence of our world.”

She sighed.

“There was another version of Equestria. We discovered it over a thousand years ago. And in that Equestria, I found and fell in love with another Sombra.”

“So the worst version was here, but there-“

“He was the best. A kind ruler who loved his kingdom. Very much like myself. I was blinded though. As I fell in love with one Sombra, the other rose to power and reigned in terror.”

Tears rolled down her cheek.

“When Starswirl closed the portal, I couldn’t bring myself to face our horrible version of the stallion I loved. I left him in peace and he grew stronger and more wicked. It’s...it’s my fault the Empire fell as far as it did. That it disappeared for a millennia.”

I walked over to her.

“Luna said you two had never had anypony.”

“It’s easier than trying to explain how I fell in love with annother version of such a villainous unicorn in an alternate dimension.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I want you to understand why I feel the need to apologize for what you went through up there. It’s an evil that should have been stomped out a long time ago. I...I just wasn’t strong enough.”

I hugged her.

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

She hugged me back, wiping her tears as she did so.

“You’re a good pony Shade. I’m lucky to have you in my life. Rarity is lucky too.”

I smiled.

“Thanks. I’m lucky to be in both of your lives. You and her have taught me a lot.”

“On the subject of Rarity, I have a gift for the two of you.”

She levitated a package off the nearby shelf.

“The magic was adapted a bit, but I think it should have the desired effect.”

I opened the package. It was a small mirror, about the size of a piece of paper.

“Why do I feel I’m missing something?”

“Hold it up and say her name.”

I held the mirror in front of me.

“Rarity.”

The mirror began to glow. I sat staring at it for a several seconds. Suddenly the surface shimmered and my reflection disappeared. In its place was Rarity, sitting in the boutique! She smiled at me.

“Hello darling! I was wondering when Celestia would give you your mirror. Isn’t it wonderful? We can see each other every day now!”

I looked at Celestia.

“This is really her? I’m talking to her right now?”

The mirror Rarity giggled.

“Of course you are! Celestia and Luna figured out how to enchant these mirrors so that we could communicate quickly. We don’t have to wait for letters anymore! And this will help you not be so lonely when you have to be in Canterlot.”

“I missed you so much. More than you can imagine.”

“I think I can imagine. I missed you too.”

“I nearly froze to death up there. I didn’t realize how cold it got!”

“Don’t tell me you were out on the tundra!”

“It’s a long story. One I’ll save for when I get back to you.”

I looked up at Celestia.

“When might that be exactly?”

Celestia smiled.

“Why don’t you finish up and we’ll talk.”

I looked back at the mirror.

“I think I’m about to have a big talk with Celestia.”

“Don’t let her bully you. We’ll talk later?”

“Definitely.”

Celestia motioned to the mirror.

“Tap the glass to stop the spell.”

I put my hoof to the glass and Rarity shimmered away. I set the mirror down on the desk and smiled up at Celestia.

“Thank you.”

“It’s the least I can do. Why don’t you sit down?”

I took a seat and Celestia sat across from me.

“Twilight told me about the deal you made with her.”

“About the paperwork? I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is. I just thought I’d offer one step more since you have somepony important in your life now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ponyville for four days, Canterlot for three. Every week.”

“So I’d be helping from both places?”

“Precisely. I can arrange my schedules accordingly to fit some of the more..challenging things for when you’re here. And you can help Twilight keep up with her work and spend time with Rarity.”

“So..I guess I won’t be your Right Hoof anymore?”

“On the contrary. I’m expanding your responsibilities. I feel that Luna and I are capable of functioning on our own. For the most part.”

I chuckled.

“For the most part.”

She continued.

“But I think Twilight can benefit from your knowledge. She’s still young after all. You can be to her what Starswirl was to me.”

“That’s a tall order, but I think I can fill it. Are you sure you want to let me go?”

She giggled.

“Contrary to yours and Starswirl’s opinions, Luna and I can be mature. We’ll be fine.”

I stood and offered my hoof.

“I accept this responsibility. On my honor as your Right Hoof, I will watch out for Twilight.”

“Thank you Shade.”

She shook my hoof and then pulled me in for another hug.

“The next train leaves in thirty minutes if you were wondering.”

“I know. I memorized the schedule.”

“Is there anything you don’t know?”

“Plenty. But I’ve got a lifetime to learn.”

———————————

The train pulled into Ponyville Station. I jumped off and ran for the boutique. Twilight could wait. I had to see Rarity first.
I ran through town as fast as my legs would carry me. I was running so fast, I had a slight pain in my chest.
I arrived at the boutique and opened the door. Rarity spun around in surprise.

“Shade?”

I ran up to her and pulled her into a kiss. She didn’t hesitate in kissing me back. When we finally broke apart she took a deep breath.

“I didn’t think you’d be back so soon!”

“Celestia is having me stay in Ponyville for half the week to help Twilight. Four days here, three days in Canterlot. Permanently!”

Her eyes lit up as she registered what that meant for us. She kissed me again and ran to a wardrobe.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m finding a dress for tonight. We’re going to celebrate. All of us! I’ll let the girls know and we’re going to celebrate you being home!”

“Couldn’t it just be the two of us?”

She smiled at me.

“I like where your mind is heading, but I think the girls will want to officially welcome you back.”

“Fair enough.”

—————————

The banner said ‘WELCOME BACK SHADE!’. I was always amazed at how fast Pinkie Pie could cook up a party. Everypony was coming. I’d even invited Time Turner and Rose. Pinkie arrived early to decorate. Her methods irked Rarity to the point that she was straightening the decorations as Pinkie slapped them up.

“Can’t you put keep a bow straight for once Pinkie?”

“Where’s the fun in straight things?”

I just sat back and laughed to myself as the two battled for their own visions of the party. During an argument over table settings, I laughed loud enough that Rarity looked over at me, her expression stern.

“Am I amusing you?”

“Yes! Why don’t we just have some fun!”

She smiled at me and sighed.

“Why is your Discord-may-care attitude so appealing to me?”

“Because it’s paired with a charming wit?”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

Pinkie chimed in.

“Are you two going to be lovey-dovey the whole night?”

Rarity and I laughed. Pinkie cooperated more after that and as the last decoration went up, guests began to arrive.
Everypony came up to me at some point in the evening to welcome me back. I was happy to see them all. It was going to be nice seeing familiar faces so often. Everypony wanted to know about the Crystal Empire and what I had done up there. I decided to give them a simplified version of the events to play off the danger and just how scared I had been. They all thought it sounded like a thrilling adventure.
One by one, ponies began leaving as it got later. Twilight was the last to leave.

“I’m so glad you’ll be around more Shade. I’ll be sure to let you know when I need help.”

“I’ll come by in the morning.”

“Do you need somewhere to stay?”

Before I could answer, Rarity pressed herself against me and smiled.

“He’s already got somewhere to stay.”

Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh! ...Okay. I’ll just leave you two alone then.”

She left the boutique and I looked at Rarity.

“Well now she knows we’re up to something.”

She kissed me.

“What do you say we leave the mess for now?”

“Okay. Who are you? Where’s Rarity”

She giggled and shoved me playfully as she ran away. I ran after her, laughing the whole time.

———————————

We laid in bed as the moon rose into view of the bedroom window. My mind turned back to the cavern.

“You didn’t tell us everything, did you Shade?”

I looked at Rarity, her eyes filled with concern.

“How could you tell?”

“Your eyes said more than your mouth tonight. Though I doubt anypony but me noticed.”

I sighed.

“I didn’t want to scare anypony.”

“Including yourself?”

“...Yeah”

“So what happened?”

It took me a moment to start. But once I did, everything came pouring out. I told her about the book, the horn, and the ghost of Sombra. Her eyes were a reflection of mine, a mix of fear and worry. She didn’t say a word until I finished.

“I’m not happy you put yourself in danger like that. But I’d rather know when you’re in danger then have you hide it. I’m a big girl. I can handle it.”

“I don’t blame you for being upset. Especially since I nearly died twice.”

She sat up.

“Wait. Twice?!”

“Yeah... I told you I almost froze to death.”

“That’s just an expression though! I thought you were just saying it was really cold!”

“Oh... I didn’t make that connection.”

She shook her head.

“Honestly. It’s one thing when there’s a legitimate threat from something..”

“I didn’t mean to nearly freeze! I had to get information!”

“Oh? And information is worth risking your life?”

That shut me up. Rarity had tears in the corner of her eyes.

“What would I have done if I lost you?”

“I... I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“Obviously.”

“I’ve never had somepony care for me like that.. I’ve always been..expendable.”

She glared at me. Before I knew what was happening she had pinned me down, kneeling on top of me.

“Expendable? Do you really think so little of yourself?! What must you think of me then?! For taking pity on something so worthless?”

“You’re not like me! You have a kind heart! You make everything around you better!”

“So do you!!”

She took a few deep breaths and collapsed on top of me, squeezing me as hard as she could. Her tears fell to my chest.

“You can’t just risk everything for the sake of finding out something that nopony else knows. It’s not fair to you or me. I would never do that to you!”

I held her as tight as I could. I’d begun to cry too. And my chest was tightening.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to make you feel like this.”

I stroked her hair as she continued to cry. After a few minutes she began to calm down and raised her head to look at me.

“Promise me you won’t be that stupid again. Promise me you’ll always come back.”

I brushed the last of her tears off her cheeks.

“I promise.”

She squeezed me again and put her head against my chest. We stayed like that for several minutes.

“There’s something else bothering you, isn’t there?”

I sighed.

“...Sunburst discovered why I’m able to do what I do. The reading I mean. And why my appearance has changed so much.”

“Magic?”

I looked down at her in shock.

“How could you-“

She lifted her head

“I’ve wondered myself. So has Twilight. You can do things that aren’t possible for a normal pony.”

“That’s the thing... I’m not a pony it turns out. But I’m not really a changeling either.”

“Does it matter what you are?”

“I don’t know... I just feel like I don’t know where I belong.”

She pulled me close and pressed my head to her chest.

“Do you hear it?”

I listened carefully. I heard it. Her strong, amazing heartbeat.

“That’s where you belong. And whatever you are, you’ll always have a place there.”

“Whatever I am?”

“Yes. Because... I love you.”

I pulled away from her until I could see her eyes. Those beautiful eyes that were so easy to get lost in.

“I love you too Rarity.”

She smiled and kissed me. This kiss felt different. It wasn’t a kiss of passion like I had become used to. This kiss was gentler. It made my whole body feel warm. It was comforting. I felt myself melting away as I kissed her back. After a minute she started to lean into the kiss more and her hooves began to wander. I rolled her over onto the bed, me above her now, and stared at her for a few seconds. She was so beautiful. She was happy. And whatever I was, I was happy too. I was complete.

I was in love.

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