Xamspona Tevopi/ Twilight Sparkle
Pyre/ Luna
Etpinego/ Applejack
Gilzia/ Celestia

Darkness and pain consumed me as I drifted through the endless void of unconsciousness. A burning pain like none I had ever experienced before, pierced through my existence like white hot rods. I tried to scream something, anything, in hopes of help, yet all that came out of my mouth was silence. Onward the pain continued, growing in intensity until I was praying for any kind of relief, even death, as terrifying visions began to flood through my mind.

A great battle raging above Canterlot, cast in the light of a black sun, as blood flowed through the streets like a river. While the cries of those close to me were desperately calling out for me to help them, yet I could do nothing. Helplessly I was forced to continue to watch the neverending visions, each one worse than the last. I felt as if my mind would crash under the monumental stress till suddenly everything went silent. Leaving only an unnerving, but welcome, calm behind.

Calm.

It was strange, I didn't think that death could be so calming. However, after the nightmare that was still fresh in my mind, I found myself willing embracing the reprieve that I had found myself in. Seemingly floating between realities in an almost zen-like state of calm. Like a swaddled newborn being gently rocked to sleep by their mother, I too felt like I never wanted this feeling to end. How long I continued in my state of transcendence I may never know; nor did I know if my muddled mind even cared anymore.

'Wait... I do care,' my subconscious groggily thought as I tried to find a reason to fight this mist I found myself consumed by, and like a trio of beacons to help guide me home, I found them. My reasons for wanting to live, my mares.

Slowly I found myself calling to them, yet even in my subconscious mind my voice came out sounding weak and hoarse as I tried to hold onto the memories of them. Using my love for them to help guide me and give me strength.

'Gilzia... Etpinego...Pyre.'

As I continued to call out their names in my mind I felt myself beginning to move my arms and legs, trying to escape this tempting prison. Clawing, pulling, kicking, with each reach of my limbs I felt myself climbing steadily higher.

Ahead of me I could begin to make out a dim glow as I struggled on through the inky darkness. My lungs began to burn as I felt the sudden urge to breath begin to take over me. A dull roar could be heard in my surroundings as I continued to desperately climb towards the glowing beacon that grew ever bright as I went on. Finally, when I thought I couldn't go on any further, I felt myself break through into fresh air as I frantically gulped down the precious oxygen that would ease the burning in my lungs.

Quickly scanning around at my surroundings I tried to get some sort of bearing on where I was. Yet on all sides of me, for as far as I could see, was rolling hills of water beneath a starry night sky and the light of a full moon. Somehow I had landed in an ocean, a conclusion I had quickly come to by the saltwater that was trying to force itself into my mouth by the swells rising all around me. Helplessly, I bobbed along with the waves as I was pushed and pulled by the water. I tried to see if I could spot any kind of boat or aid of some kind on the distant horizon, but all I could see on all sides of me was only water. Only water. Treading alone in the water I tried to fight off the sense of panic that I could feel swelling up in me.

On and on the waves continued their endless assault on me while I tried to come to terms with my current situation. Where was I? Where were the others? Was I back on Earth, or was this still Equus, or perhaps, this was somewhere else entirely? A thousand questions began to run through my mind, but I forced them back, trying to focus on surviving first and foremost. A passing swell raised me high as my ears picked up what sounded like a faint voice on the passing breeze.

"Eric."

It was so soft that I thought I had imagined the voice, but as another swell passed I heard it again, unmistakably this time.

"Eric."

Urgently I turned in the water, trying to find the source of the voice. I spit out a mouthful of water as the surge, raising me high, dropped me again. I could see nothing. I felt the barely suppressed panic begin to rise again as the voice continued to call, flashes of the visions depicting the deaths of those I loved ran rampant through my mind. Again I rose with the ocean, I tuned as I heard the voice once more, and then I saw it, an island.

It was close, probably no more than a mile away. In the pale moonlight I couldn't make out much detail on the landmass, but I didn't care it was a chance.

Putting my head into the water I began to swim towards the black island. Kicking and pulling at the water I swam, the strength of the ocean easily overpowering me as I felt it pull me too and fro. Slowly the water began to sap away at my endurance, till I could only feel the dull pain in my muscles. Eventually, I raised my head as I tried to catch my breath and check up on my progress. Looking towards the island I could see that I was closer, not by much, but it was enough to give me hope.

Further on I swam, the dull aching in my muscles soon grew into a sharp pain as my limbs grew heavy. Yet still further I went on, the mysterious voice and desire to survive driving me on. Drawing closer to the landmass, I could begin to hear the dull roars of the waves crashing against the cliffs.

Lifting my head again, I could now see the island a little clearer, its towering jagged cliffs rising like a black wall in the night. I coughed and gagged on seawater as my exhausted muscles struggled to keep me afloat in the churning surf. Desperately I scanned the island, the waves continuing to raise and lower me, trying to find a safe place to make landfall. A ghostly blue light around the far side of the island off to my left caught my attention, no more than a couple hundred yards away. Yet I didn't know if I had the strength in my body to fight the raging surf even for such a short distance.

My mysterious voice, on the other hand, had more faith in me as I heard it call to me over the crashing surf, "Eric...come...Eric..."

Too tired to go on normally, I resorted to dog paddling as I tried to keep my head above the waves. Gradually I made my way closer to the glow, inch by inch and yard by excruciating yard. The pain in my body and the voice in my ears the only thing I was able to register anymore.

The ferocity of the waves grew stronger as I tried to make my way towards the other side of the island. Threatening to finally drown me as they came crashing down on me. The terror that I had just been able to keep in check came rushing back as I clawed and gasped to keep my head above the surf.

Above the dark waves I could see the ghostly blue glow that would hopefully lead me to shore, but I had no way of getting there because of the water's obstruction. Another wave lifted me high before violently tossing me below the surface and holding me. I futilely tried to fight the crushing water to no avail as I was mercilessly tumbled against the ocean bottom. My skull impacted something hard right before I felt my body go limp. The surf calming around me as I faded in and out of awareness yet all I could feel was the water that was rushing into my lungs.

My mind panicked as I tried to fight the dizziness that was starting to consume me, but my body would not heed my demands. The last thing I saw before the blackness overtook me once more was the faces of my herdmates. While the blue glow seemingly floated over to me in the calm water the voice was heard calling to me one final time, willing me to slumber, as tendrils of radiant light reached out towards me.

"Shhh, rest now, Eric."

The sinking blackness consumed me again, I was unsure if this time was the end or not. I felt a heavy pressure pushing on my body as a faint beeping noise began to fill my ears. Slowly the pressure distorted into a sharp pain, centered in my chest, causing me to wince. I tried opening my eyes again, and thankfully, was rewarded as they began to move.

White soon replaced black as I found myself now in a strange room. Rotating my eyes lazily I took in my surroundings, trying to determine where I had now ended up this time. Judging by the utilitarian decor and smell of cleaner in the air I was lead to believe that I was in some sort of hospital. While the cool colors of the blue sky that I could see through the gap of the curtains in front of the window let me know it was morning. But where was this hospital? Earth? Equus?

Slowly I attempted to sit up but the sharp pain from before returned with a vengeance. Forcing me to let out a hiss as I clutched at my bandaged chest, the heart monitor racing loudly. Falling back against the bed I waited with clenched teeth for the pain to subside. Luckily the pain soon returned to a dull throbbing, allowing me to regain some of my composure, as a nurse rushed into the room.

Upon seeing the unicorn mare a mixed series of emotions began to flood over me. I was relieved to have returned back to Equus, back to my mares' sides. Yet even through all my relief and happiness, I couldn’t help but still feel a sense of melancholy over the still apparent loss of my home world. Feeling a little depressed I laid my head back against the pillow, closing my eyes, as the mare walked over to the side of my bed.

“Welcome back to the world of the living, Ambassador,” she spoke to me teasingly as I heard her check up on the heart monitor and IV drip bag. I tried to respond but I found my voice dry and unresponsive, forcing me to settle on a gruff moan. The nurse caught onto my discomfort as she rested a gentle hand on my shoulder, “You have some very important guest who told me to inform them as soon as you had awakened. If you're up for visitors I'll go send word to them and then I’ll be right back with some water.”

Another moan from me was all the nurse needed as she left me to my thoughts. I didn’t know what to make of any of my recent experiences no matter how hard I tried. Was any of it real, or was it all just an elaborate dream? It felt real enough though, as I swore I could still smell the salt of the surf, and what of those horrifying visions? I felt a cold shiver run up my spine, recalling the blood curdling screams of my friends and loved ones and sights of the city streets running red with blood.

My brow furrowed as I tried to suppress the horrifying memories as the popping sound of teleportation magics began filling my ears and I felt the warmth of some familiar presences wash over me. My lips curled into a blissful smile, but it was quickly erased from my face when a weight suddenly straddled me on the bed.

“How did you do it, Eric?” the Princess of Friendship asked me, her voice almost on the edge of hysteria, as she shook me by the shoulders. Her jostling had its intended effect as my eyes shot open to glare at the lavender alicorn sitting atop me. I was momentarily taken aback by Xam's appearance. The normally well-kept mare appeared absolutely frazzled as she looked down on me with an almost crazed look in her eyes.

The bags under her eyes and the disheveled state of her wings and hair told me that she probably hadn’t slept in God knows how long. I let out a pained growl, her shaking irritating my wounds, but she was unfazed by my warning display, “How did a species devoid of magic do it?”

As discomforting as her continued assault was to my current health, I was more relieved to see that she was still among the living and my visions, as horrifying as they were, were still just illusions. Luckily for me her companions came to my aid as the young alicorn was enveloped in a navy blue aura, lifting her off of me so that I could see my other guests more clearly.

“Patience Xamspona Tevopi, I am sure Eric will be more than happy to answer your questions, if perhaps, you gave him time to,” Pyre told her younger counterpart, setting Xam next to her. The Princess of Friendship nervously fidgeting in place as she tried to contain her anxiety but she didn't speak.

Casting Xam a sympathetic glance, I felt my heart leap for joy as I saw the other members of my herd alive and well. My respite though was short lived as Etpinego rushed onto the bed, throwing herself across my chest, as she wrapped me into a crushing hug.

"Y'ah darn stupid idjit!" She berated me, her voice muffled as she buried her face into my neck, "Don't y'ah ever scare us like that again. Or next time I might just finish the job."

I gently wrapped her in my arms as I looked back to the others in the room. Xam had managed to calm down some as she gave her friend a sympathetic smile. Meanwhile, Pyre looked absolutely relieved, smiling warmly at Etpinego and I, but Gilzia, while still appearing relieved as well, looked worried for some reason. Concerned on what could be bothering Gilzia, and desperate to hold them again, I reached my hand out to them trying to speak again but unfortunately not doing much better. Luckily the sisters understood my silent request as they came to either side of the bed, resting their hands in mine.

With them standing closer to me now I could see the signs of stress and worry etched on their faces. Not wasting any time, I gently pulled them to me, the sisters not resisting as they climbed up onto the bed, settling with their newest herdsister in my arms. Relief poured through our bond at knowing each of us was safe, the sisters each wrapping a wing around us, as we breathed in each others scent. All while Xam looked silently on from the foot of the bed, thankfully giving us our moment to reconnect. It was this scene that the nurse found us in when she returned to the room, a glass of water in her magical grip.

"Oh, excuse me, your Highnesses," the nurse nervously said as she gave a quick bow to the royals in the room, her cheeks tinted pink, "I wasn't expecting for you to arrive so quickly."

"It is quite okay," Xamspona said as she regained her regal bearing.

The nurse stood there a moment, unsure of what to make of my guests sudden arrival, three of which were snuggling her patient. My mares made to get up, embarrassed at having our secret relationship found out, but I held them close not wanting to be devoid of their presence quite yet.

The nurse was finally knocked out of her stupor with a start as I tried to clear my throat, "Forgive me, I came by to bring the ambassador some water."

"Thank you, my little pony," Gilzia said as Xam took the glass of water in her own magic, the nurse excusing herself as she hastily left.

I graciously took the cup as it was offered to me. Gilzia and Pyre sitting up to give me room to grab the cup, although Etpinego seemed more than content to keep using me as a pillow. Bringing the glass to my lips I let out a sigh of relief as I quickly downed the liquid, the cool water doing wonders to soothe the fire in my throat.

"Thanks, Xam," I managed to say, my voice struggling to form the words, "what happened?"

A concerned expression flashed across the four mare's faces as Xam spoke up, "You don't remember?"

I shook my head, "The last thing I remember is getting the shit knocked out of me by Etpinego's element. After that it's kind of fuzzy."

"Eric, you have been in a coma here at the hospital for the past week," Pyre told me, her expressive aqua-colored eyes shimmering in the morning light.

"A week!" I tried to shout, my voice coming out broken as a short bout of coughing overtook me. After a few moments I tried again, softer this time, "A week?"

"Yes," Xam confirmed with a nod.

"A week," I mumbled to myself, still in disbelief.

"Eric," Etpinego softly began, her ears laid back flat against the brim of her stetson as she drew my eyes to her emerald green ones, "there's somethin' we have'ta tell y'ah."

"What's that?" I asked, looking between the four mares. It was Gilzia who finally spoke up first.

"As soon as you were attacked by the Element of Honesty and lost consciousness, Pyre and I felt the bond between us disappear," she paused for a moment, looking down to the farm-mare, who had her face buried in my chest again, as she brushed a comforting wing across the smaller mare's back. "We feared that maybe our mysterious alicorn had made a move on you. Yet when we arrived to the room all we found was Etpinego desperately trying to wake you as you laid wounded and unresponsive." I hummed as I listened to Gilzia retell the events while I placed a kiss on the top of the head of the orange mare in my arms in some attempt at an apology for making her worry, "But that was not the only thing we found."

"What do you mean?" I asked, picking up on the sun princess's ominous tone.

"Etpinego's element was still active when we entered the room, even after it had lashed out at you," Xamspona tried to explain but I had no idea what she was getting at, with a sigh she continued, "The elements only work when they are brought together, and only when triggered by the Element of Magic. Once activated, the other five elements combine their powers while using the Element of Magic as a focusing gem to aim and amplify the powerful magic that they produce. Yet somehow your touch, by itself, was able to activate Etpinego's element when it was separated from the others, and what's more is that it hasn't turned off since."

"Why's that?" I asked, to which the lavender mare gave a defeated sigh.

"We don't know," she admitted, "most of what we know about the elements and how they work is a mystery. But it's like you were somehow able to start a reaction with the Element of Honesty as the focus point as opposed to the Element of Magic."

"Alright you kind of lost me again. What kind of a reaction?"

"When we came into the room the Element of Honesty started activating the other elements, and it was only the quick thinking of Gilzia and Pyre to teleport the unaffected elements away that prevented the spell from being completed."

"Unfortunately," Pyre added, " it now means that the elements are unavailable to us until we have determined exactly what this reaction is."

"I didn't do anything intentionally I swear. All I did was kiss it and then it lit up and shot a bolt of lightning at me," I told the others in the room defensively, as Gilzia laid her hand on mine.

"We know Eric, we know that you would not do that, but rumor has somehow spread among some of the nobles and dignitaries that you did have ulterior motives and had wanted to weaken our defenses all along."

"That's ridiculous!" I tried to yell, angry that others would think that I would betray my mares and the citizens of this nation that had taken me in during my time of need.

"Do not worry, Eric," Pyre added, "they are only rumors spread by those that would like to exploit the idea that Equestria is now weaker without the elements." A smirk spread across the night alicorn's lips, "But rest assured, Equestria was strong long before the elements were rediscovered and if there are those that would wish to test our strength then I think they will be quite surprised."

"Still," Gilzia interjected, "even though we shall make statements to correct these rumors and try and lessen the backlash of this we still need to resolve this issue quickly. So I would like to ask that you and Etpinego remain here at the castle to help Xamspona with the investigation into the cause of this event."

"Of course, Gilzia," I told her, but Etpinego didn't reply, looking down to her I saw her fast asleep on my chest.

"Poor Etpinego,"my leadmare said softly as she brushed some of the farm-mare's blonde mane away from her face, "she has been so worried about you that she's hardly eaten or slept since then. Even though she has told us she knows it was an accident, I believe that there is still a part of her that blames herself for what happened."

"And what about you two? Do you blame yourselves?" I asked her as I held her hand.

As I looked into the eyes of my leadmare I could see in those pink depths that she too blamed herself for both what had happened to me and also the emotional stress that her youngest herdsister had gone through since then. The room grew silent as a somber mood settled over everyone there, Xam deciding to excuse herself from our private conversation.

"Well it's good to see you up again Eric, but I have some things I need to look into. So if you'll excuse me," and with that she silently made her way out of the room.

As the door latch clicked closed all that could be heard was the beeping of my heart monitor. My eyes remained on the white mare before me, who sadly looked over Etpinego as she continued to absently stoke the sleeping mare's back. Pyre and I could clearly pick up the sadness and guilt through the bond as Pyre laid a comforting wing across her sister's shoulders and I continued to hold her hand.

"Gilzia what's the matter? Is there something else?" I asked her to which she gave me a small nod.

"Back when I felt your presence fade through our bond, I thought I picked up the hint of another presence. One that I had not felt in a long time, and wondered if I would ever feel again."

"What presence, sister?" Pyre asked obviously hearing this for the first time as well.

"Mother's."

Author's Notes:

It lives!!!!!

But really in all seriousness I do apologize for the long wait. Thank you for all of your patience and will try not to take as long next time.

As always thanks to my editor AidanPryde , for helping me out. Seriously give the guy some love.

Questions/comments/critiques on how to make this and my writing better, as always, are highly encouraged.