It's been a few weeks since Manheattan, and, far as I could tell, a few episodes occurred, including Trixie's appearance, Dragonshy, and the whole time travel incident. Fun fact, that's one of the few time travel stories done perfectly, as Twilight going back in time is what caused her to eventually go back in time, creating a loop. How did I know? Well, giant bear paw prints, the dragon cave was empty, I checked once a week, and that the Damn didn't have any cracks. Which reminds me.

Harmony? I asked. Did Tirek escape?

Yes, he did, she replied. I do not know where he is, though. But even then, I was planning on having Twilight and her friends fight him.

And if that plan were to fail? I asked. Then Tirek would have the power of every pony in Equestria, and that's including Celestia and Luna. I can fight him, and make sure he isn't a threat now, before he begins to steal power.

There was a bit of a mental sigh before she replied. Fair point. I'll try to find him.

Thanks, I said.

Okay, anyway, I was currently, and in person, watching Lesson Zero play out. It is even more terrifying in person. Right now, the shit was just starting. That's to say, we were at the beach ball scene. You know, I wonder what were to happen if I burned the doll, and kept them all away. Looks like I'm about to find out.

Twilight had just cast the "Want it, need it" spell on her doll, and caused the CMC to lose it. Time to step in.

I jumped off the building I was on, and sprinted toward the grassy area they were on, arriving just as Big Mac ran off with the doll. And here we go.

I altered my path to intercept him, and reached him just before a pegasus mare could get the doll, and yanked it out of his hands, the surprise factor helping me out there. And either it's because of Harmony or the fact my frame's shields are strong as hell that I wasn't being effected. Either way, I'll take it. Now I just need some place hot. An, oven, maybe, but it can't be in town. And, unfortunately, I have no idea if there's a range limit on the spell. By which I mean, I have no idea if the effect will fade after a time with distance. Not going to risk it. Maybe destroying it?

Harmony, I need non-magical ways to counter the "Want it, Need it" spell!

The easiest way would be to destroy the afflicted object, Harmony replied. Twilight Sparkle really used that because of a self imposed deadline?

She thought Celestia put it in, I replied. Now, how to destroy it? I only have my Paris, the bow, my Lato, and my Skana. Not very destructive. Wait a minute.

I placed the doll in my left hand, and drew my Skana. I looked at it, and it began to glow green. With that, I skidded to a stop, and tossed the doll in the air, before slicing it with my sword, and it began to dissolve. Perfect.

After that, I made my way towards the Everfree forest, knowing any pursuers would stop at its edges unless it was the Elements or princesses. As soon as I hit the brush, I ducked into it, and looked around, to see none were pursuing me. Well, now that one crisis is averted, I can prevent another- Philomena. Celestia and the troll bird had not yet arrived, if they had, the town would probably have been talking about it, which meant I had time. Unfortunately, I can't kill the bird, it is a phoenix, after all, but I can at least make sure Fluttershy will know.

So, I made my way to her cottage, where a few animals were outside, including the bear and, seeing as how they can somehow read, I took a piece of paper, after tormenting Angel a little, and wrote down When Princess Celestia visits with a bird, Fluttershy will probably bring it here. Tell her that it's a phoenix, and that it's alright, they always look sickly before being reborn. After that, and after the bear nodded in understanding, I decided to kidnap Angel, something none of the animals made any noise, literally, over, and went into the forest to feed him to a timberwolf. I do believe I just rid the world of an evil greater than Tirek. Believe me, I'm not one for animal abuse, but with Angel, can you really blame me?

Anyway, as the sun began to set, with Celestia arriving in Ponyville then, I made my way to Golden Oaks, making sure to get there a second after the Elements arrived, and, using some paper I took from Fluttershy, as well as an ink quill, and wrote Celestia wasn't going to punish Twilight at all. She's lying simply because she wants to make sure her world remains perfect. I then knocked on the door after nailing the note to the door with an arrow I took from the mare in Manehattan, who is alive, even if she's practically catatonic.

With that, I left, and went back to my camp. So, Harmony, I said, you have that prophecy wording down?

Yes, I do, the goddess replied. Here it is: As the moon covers the sun, a being of shadows will appear. None but a god will be able to stop his emerald sword, and all else will fall before. When Equestria has come close to its fall, it and the shadows at its side shall be either its savior, or its destroyer.

Pretty good, I said. Though it makes me sound kind of Overpowered. I mean, only a god can defeat me? By your account, that would mean just you.

Not exactly, Harmony said. There are some gods who do not live in this world, some who would love to conquer Equestria, and even mortals that can attain the powers of a god.

Fair enough, I said. Still, that fall bit, was that the part of the future you saw?

Indeed it was, she replied. Unfortunately, I can not say if you will win or lose, simply that you will be the one to decide Equestria's fate.

Didn't sound that way, I replied. Sounded like I'd have some allies with me.

She didn't reply, which meant she knew something about those others. Doesn't look like I'll get anything out of her, though.

Anyway, I was about to sleep, when I noticed a light blue glow coming from the brush, withing my view. Wonder what it is.

I hope this'll work. I sat down, and got into a meditative pose, with one difference: my eyes were open, and I could see the blue dots move and get bright, indicating they were getting closer. After a few seconds, a head popped out, but the shadows and darkness prevented me from seeing the details. I could, however tell it was pony-like. After about a minute, it was close enough to be in arms reach, which is when I grabbed its throat, and flipped in onto its back as I stood up and drew my Skana.

After it had been flipped, I channeled into my sword for light as I held it up to where I assumed the face was. What it revealed was the face of a changeling.