It was cold and dark in the slums beneath Canterlot. Twilight didn’t have near as much time as she’d thought; her physical state was worsening at an exponential rate. Just escaping the city proper had taken all she had left, and now she found herself trapped among the living refuse of Equestria.

Her hind leg had been the first to go, perhaps because it had spent so much time doing the work of two. Unable to protect herself from the dangers of her fellow ponies – dangers that would never have existed in her own world – she crawled her way into a dark, dirty alley in hopes of finding a hiding place.

So now here she was, hidden inside a cardboard box with the rest of the trash. Her legs couldn’t carry her, her breathing came in rasps, her lungs felt constricted and weak. Her last hacking fit broke something inside, she could feel it. Her entire body burned with the sensation of being too close to a fire.

But Twilight wasn’t scared. There was no pang of regret, no clouds of doubt drifting over her. She’d passed the torch; Equestria was in Trixie’s hooves now. She had so much confidence in the decision, for in that brief conversation Twilight had seen with crystal clarity the potential within that boisterous pony. Maybe she was just clinging to the last hope of a lost cause… but something inside, something warm, told her otherwise.

The pain began to ebb, Twilight’s breathing slowed.

It was time.

...

Ponyville. Beautiful, calm, beloved Ponyville.

The princesses were there. Cadance and Shining Armor, who gazed upon her with sheer joy. Luna, who smiled down on her with such kindness and serenity.

Celestia, who watched with all the pride and love of a mother.

She didn’t notice Discord at first. He lingered, his face sad and shoulders sagging. Twilight went to him, opened her mouth to say all the things she’d longed to for two years.

He set a finger to her lips.

He smiled.

Twilight wept.

There was Applejack, her Stetson over her heart and a welcoming smile on her freckled face. Rarity, her pearly face beaming with pride, stood beside her. Spike was on Rarity's back and waving with that dopey smile of his. Rainbow flew overhead, offering a cheer as her brilliant wake decorated the pristine sky. Pinkie Pie had balloons flying up to aid in the cheer, even as tears were streaming down her cheeks. Fluttershy merely sat and watched, pretty eyes moist and aglow.

And Sunset. She gazed at Twilight with pride, her tears dripping to the grass. She opened her hooves wide in welcome.

Twilight ran to them, tears streaking her face. She held them all, one at a time, delighting in their unfathomable warmth.

The world began to fade, but there was always the warmth. It filled her to bursting. So much time, so much effort, so much fear. None of it mattered. The pain was gone, her heart was full, her mind was clear.

She was home.

Author's Notes:

It's been a long and harrowing journey. I thank those of you who managed to reach the end.

I thank my editor, Danger Beans, for putting up with what I put him through.

And my deepest, most sincere apologies to Twilight Sparkle. I hope she can someday forgive me for what I've done to her... though I don't expect her to.

And now, because I can, have some music. If this were a movie, I'd require this play over the credits. Do ignore the preposterously cliche anime character in first second or two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM6PYawZ8nk

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The Story Continues in Trixie vs. Equestria!