“I won’t let you…” Toxigo raised the blade, shaking in his hand.

“Toxigo! What are you doing?!”

Toxigo turned his head to see Coppermane.

“Don’t get any closer,” Toxigo said.

“Toxigo, put the knife down,” Coppermane said, slowly approaching Toxigo.

Toxigo shook his head. “She still lives...”

“What are you talking about?” Coppermane beckoned. “Who still lives?”

“Don’t worry, Coppermane,” Toxigo said. “Soon, you won’t have anything to worry about.”

“Toxigo, listen to me,” Coppermane pleaded. “Just tell me what’s going on. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but this isn’t the solution.”

“There’s no other way. I have to do this,” Toxigo said. He lifted his hand, taking a deep breath. But before he could finish the job, Coppermane lunged forward and pushed his hand up.

“Toxigo, stop!”’ Coppermane yelled. “Just talk to me!”

“There’s nothing to tell!” Toxigo shouted.

“Tox, I won’t let you do this to yourself,” Coppermane said, struggling against Toxigo. “You have to open up to me. I can help you.”

“I’m doing this to keep everyone safe!” Toxigo yelled. “Why can’t you understand that?!”

“Because you’re my friend, and we need you!” Coppermane shouted. Toxigo didn’t budge, continuing to fight against him. Seeing no other way, he kicked Toxigo’s leg, knocking him to the ground and loosening his grip on the knife, dropping it from his hand. Toxigo fell to the ground with a clank along with the knife, and Coppermane snatched it before Toxigo could.

Toxigo looked up at Coppermane, whom held the knife in his hand.

“I’m sorry, Tox, but I had no choice,” Coppermane said. “It’s for your own good.”

Toxigo balled his fists in rage as he slowly stood up. Coppermane didn’t seem fazed at all, looking at him sternly. He must’ve learned how to stare like that from Fluttershy.

“Fine…” Toxigo snarled. “You really want to know what’s going on?”

Coppermane nodded. Toxigo stayed silent for a moment, feeling tears welling up in his eyes.

“She’s in me,” Toxigo mumbled.

“What?”

“Chrysalis,” Toxigo said. “I don’t know how, but she’s inside me. Her blood is running through my veins. She taunts me in my nightmares, and they’re just getting worse. As long as I’m alive, so is she. I can’t escape her, I’m afraid she might take over my mind. I don’t know if she’s growing stronger with time, but I can’t let her kill you all. Not to mention Jet Set has probably told everyone that I’m alive, and now they’ll be hunting me down. I’m only bringing more harm to you all, and I don’t want to be a burden.”

“But I thought you said you killed her?” Coppermane asked. “Once you’re dead, you’re dead, right?”

“I thought so, Coppermane. But she’s still alive. I can feel her,” Toxigo said. “She taunts me in my sleep, saying she’s going to awaken soon. God, why is she doing this to me? She took my family away from me, I can’t let her take anything else away from me. I don’t know what to do,” Tox felt his hands shaking and his working eye tearing up, “… I… I…”

“Hey, it’s alright,” Coppermane said, rubbing Toxigo’s shoulder. “No wonder you couldn’t sleep.”

“I’m only bringing danger by living,” Toxigo said. “I shouldn’t be alive…”

“Don’t say that,” Coppermane said. “Think about how happy Rarity and Rainbow Dash were to see you. Remember?”

Toxigo sighed. “I suppose…”

“And what about Sunset?” Coppermane asked. “I thought you were excited to see her.”

“I am, but what does someone like Sunset even see in me? I’m just a pile of scrap metal. How can I even call myself a person when half of me is an amalgamation of metal? Sunset deserves better than a walking pile of junk like me.”

“Toxigo, stop. I know what Sunset sees in you. She wouldn’t stop talking about you for the longest time. In her eyes, you’re a hero. You were willing to sacrifice yourself to save the world. That takes a lot of guts. Besides, I know you’re not totally disabled. You’ve been able to adapt to your prosthetics, right?”

Toxigo examined his prosthetics, flexing the synthetic limbs a little.

“I guess…” Toxigo mumbled. “I’m sure she wouldn’t want someone with so much emotional baggage, though.”

“I have a lot of baggage too,” Coppermane said. “It doesn’t make you weak. Sunset likes you because you’re you.”

Toxigo didn’t budge, deep in his own thoughts.

“I know this is hard,” Coppermane said, “But I’m sure the others will help you if you tell them what’s going on.”

“No!” Toxigo snapped.

Coppermane flinched. “But, why not? They need to know.”

“It’s only going to raise more problems,” Toxigo said. “Just stay quiet, please? We don’t need any more problems as it is.”

Coppermane shook his head. “This is too important, Tox. Besides, you’re going to have to tell them at some point. You can’t keep hiding.”

“Coppermane, I’ll figure something out,” Toxigo said sternly. “I don’t want to make them worry right when I see them again, especially Sunset. I just want to enjoy some time with my friends with no worries for a little while. Please?”

Coppermane sighed. “Fine. If that’s what you really want, as selfish as it is, then I guess I won’t make you. I’m just saying that it would benefit us all if you came clean.”

Toxigo sighed. “I just don’t want to create more problems.”

“I know,” Coppermane said. “I don’t want to be the bad guy, Tox, but I have to be upfront as well, y’know?”

“I get it,” Toxigo said.

“Your friends are here for you, Tox,” Coppermane said. “But we can’t help you if you don’t let us. We’ll help you all the way, and we won’t let anything bad happen to you.” Coppermane gave Toxigo a pat on the shoulder. “You get me?”

Toxigo looked up at Coppermane and gave him a nod. “Sure.”

“Good,” Coppermane said. “I’m gonna head back to bed, and I suggest you do too. Promise me that I’ll see you in the morning?”

Toxigo sighed and nodded. “I promise.”

“Perfect,” Coppermane said. “And hey, if you need something happy to think about, just try to imagine how big Sunset’s smile will be when you give her that stuffed animal.”

Toxigo pondered, and the thought of Sunset’s smile managed to bring some light to his heart.

“Thanks, Coppermane. You’re right,” Toxigo said. Coppermane stepped up the stairs and didn’t look back to see the look on Toxigo’s face, along with his eyes illuminating green. “Everything will be just fine.”

Toxigo’s eyes opened to the bright morning sun. He let out a mighty yawn and stretched his limbs before sitting up to get out of bed. After a quick pit-stop at the bathroom, he walked downstairs, and his mouth began to water when he was greeted with the smell of pancakes.

He reached the bottom of the stairs, and looked to the kitchen to see Coppermane cooking breakfast.

“Morning,” Toxigo called out.

Coppermane turned around and smiled. “Morning, Tox. Sleep alright?”

Toxigo shrugged. “I didn’t have another nightmare, so I suppose I did.” He started walking to the table, and was surprised to see there were more than two people in the house.

“Rarity? Rainbow Dash?” Toxigo asked.

“There’s our favorite cyborg,” Rainbow said.

“Um… morning,” Toxigo said. “When did you get here?”

“About fifteen minutes ago,” Rarity said. “Coppermane invited us.”

“Why?” Toxigo asked.

“I thought it might be good to have some more… protection for you on your first day back. Things at Crystal Prep have gotten bad, so I figured it couldn’t hurt,” Coppermane replied.

“Don’t you think this might be overkill?” Toxigo asked.

“Nonsense, darling,” Rarity said. “The more the merrier. Besides, I finished the necklace you requested for Sunset.”

Rarity handed the necklace to Toxigo, who grinned. “Wow, nice work. I knew I could count on you. Thank you so much.”

“I’m always happy to help,” Rarity said. “I know Sunset will just love it!”

Toxigo smiled and took a seat with everyone else. He had a big day to look forward to. Seeing his friends again, and more importantly, seeing his Shimmercakes again.

“We’ll meet up with the others inside and get them ready” Rainbow said.

“Alright,” Toxigo replied. “I’ll try to keep myself calm.”

“It’ll be fine, darling,” Rarity said. “We won’t be long!”

Rainbow and Rarity entered the school, eager to tell their friends the news.

“Rainbow! Rarity!”

They jumped when a voice boomed from the Rainbooms’ usual practice room. Twilight was poking her head out.

“Twilight?” they beckoned.

“In here, now,” Twilight said.

They yelped when Twilight practically yanked them inside. The rest of the gang, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Flash Sentry, were in there along with Twilight.

“Darling! Was that really necessary? You could’ve stretched the elastic on my shirt,” Rarity whimpered, checking her shirt.

“I’m sorry, girls, but this is important. Take a look,” Twilight said, gesturing to the table beside her.

Rainbow and Rarity walked over to examine, and they both gasped. On the table was the head of Echo, along with the rest of her remains inside the box.

“Echo?” Rainbow said. “What happened to her?”

“Our world’s Sunset Shimmer,” Applejack said. “She hacked her apart.”

“There goes any chance of having some slight defense.” Flash groaned.

“But that’s not it,” Twilight said. “There’s more bad news.”

“What could be more awful than this?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight pulled out the data chip she obtained from Echo, presenting it to everyone. “Echo gave this chip to me before she demanded to be shut down for good. I took a look at the contents… and I know who the monster is.”

“Who?” everyone beckoned.

Twilight bit her lip. “It’s Toxigo.”

Everyone gasped.

“But that’s impossible,” Applejack said. “He died in the explosion, right?”

“Wrong,” Twilight said. “Apparently he escaped Equestria and crash-landed here in this world. Our world’s Sunset Shimmer then locked him up in her basement and turned him into that changeling hybrid. The thing that was hunting for our Sunset, and that attacked Coppermane.”

“Wait a minute,” Flash said. “If Toxigo is that changeling hybrid, then…”

“Then he survived the explosion,” Applejack continued. “Which means…”

“Which means he’s still alive!” Pinkie exclaimed.

Their joy was replaced almost immediately by another more concerning thought.

“But… can we trust him?” Twilight asked. “What if Sunset finds out that he’s the monster? Or worse, what if he’s not himself anymore?”

Everyone began conversing with each other, except for Rainbow and Rarity. Second thoughts of reintroducing Toxigo to the group had surfaced, and now they didn’t know what to do.

Coppermane and Tox stood outside at the front of the school, waiting for the girls to return. Toxigo wore the same suit he wore at the mall to remain incognito. They slowly walked inside, hanging out by the entrance.

“Okay, you know the plan?” Toxigo asked.

“I get the girls out here to meet with Sunset, and then once we prep them, you reveal yourself. Then we’ll send the Alicorn Amulet back to Equestria where it belongs, and you’ll come back to help us win the fight against CPA,” Coppermane said. “Did I get all of it?”

“Rock-solid,” Toxigo said.

“You ready?” Coppermane asked.

“I think so,” Toxigo said. But something in his peripheral vision caught his eye. He looked, and his heart dropped. “No.. no no no, why now?”

“What?” Coppermane asked.

“Neon Lights is packing,” Toxigo said. “And he brought company.”

Coppermane took a look for himself.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Coppermane groaned. “What do we do now?”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan,” Toxigo said. He leaned into Coppermane’s ear, and whispered what he had in mind. “You follow me?”

“I think so,” Coppermane said. “But we have to hurry.”

Toxigo guided Coppermane to a nearby ventilation shaft. He managed to get it open and crawled inside, followed by Coppermane. They watched closely, and Toxigo’s heart skipped a beat when Sunset Shimmer walked by.

“I’m so sorry, Toxy. I lost it. I’ve failed you…” Sunset cooed as tears fell down her cheek.

She sighed heavily as she turned the combination lock on her locker.

“Hello, bitch.”

Sunset froze, and slowly turned her head. The second she noticed something amiss, she was pinned against the locker, and was face to face with Neon Lights. A knife punctured her jacket above her shoulder as Neon stared right into her eyes. Behind him was the rest of his posse.

“You,” Sunset growled. “What do you want?”

“Information,” Neon sneered. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“T-Toxy?”

“Who else?!” Neon shouted.

“Toxy’s dead!”

Trenderhoof walked up and pulled a small spectrometer out. He held it up to her, and Sunset could feel the magic being extracted from her.

“Tell us now!” Neon shouted.

Sunset backed away from the spectrometer. “I-I don’t know!”

“Hey!”

Neon and his gang turned around to see Sunset’s friends standing firm.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing your faces here,” Flash growled.

“Get your filthy hands off our friend,” Rarity sneered.

“Or what?” Neon sneered.

“Or we’ll have to use force,” Rainbow snarled, cracking her knuckles.

Jet Set and Upper Crust drew light cannons from their backs. Royal Pin did as well, pointing his at Sunset, making her yelp.

“Come any closer, and the bitch gets it,” Neon growled. “It doesn’t matter who answers me, but my patience is running thin. Where is Toxigo?!”

Nobody said a word. Sunset shed a tear as she looked at her friends.

Neon chuckled. “You fell for Toxigo. I don’t know why. A girl like you deserves someone who can actually defend you. Not some pile of scrap metal from a junkyard.” He turned to look at her friends. “I don’t know what any of you saw in that freak. But our Sunset has opened our eyes. You’re all pathetic. I know for a fact ladies don’t like pathetic people.”

“Ladies don’t like you either,” a voice said.

Neon flinched, as did everyone else. They panned around to discern where the sound came from, and jumped when someone jumped down from the ceiling vent. He stood up, and Neon’s eyes filled with rage.

“Coppermane?!” Neon sneered. He was about to walk towards him, but didn’t want Sunset to get away. “Royal, watch the bimbo.” Royal nodded and took Sunset from Neon. He walked towards Coppermane, balling his fists.

“You insulting, patronizing, asshole!” A familiar voice yelled.

The voice came from the vent again. Neon looked up, and in the darkness he saw a pair of red eyes looking at him.

“What the…”

Out of nowhere, Neon was grabbed by two odd hands from up above, hauling him up into the vent, making his friends freak out.

Silence blanketed the hall before Neon fell back out of the vent, covered in sticky residue, and missing his sunglasses.

“What the hell was that!?” Neon shouted.

“My new friend, Neon.” Coppermane replied, looking smug.

Coppermane looked back up towards the ceiling vent. Two arms were sticking out of the vent holding onto the sides. Toxigo jumped out and landed on the ground. He slowly raised his head, icily staring down the Crystal Prep students.

“What the…” Neon asked.

Toxigo took off his mask, making them gasp. “Long time no see, Neon.”

“No! No! That’s impossible!” Neon said.

“I told you he was alive!” Jet yelled.

Neon turned his head back to Toxigo and quivered in fear. He could only imagine how much anger flowed through his veins after hurting his girl.

“Uh.. hey.. Tox, old buddy.” Neon nervously said. “It's...been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“Did you miss me?” Tox sneered.

“Oh, uh, yes, of course buddy. I’ve missed you. I-I thought you died.”

“Do I look like someone who died, you idiot?” Tox replied with his eyes illuminating devilishly.

Neon could feel the sweat running down his head. “Well, it's great to see you’re back, again. And you’ve...got a new scar, th-that’s, that’s cool. Makes you look like--”

“Like what?” Toxigo snarled.

“Like an action hero!” Neon quickly said.

The halls went dead silent. And no one said anything else. Until Neon spoke up again.

“So, uh, Coppermane said you were his friend, is... is that right?”

Tox snarled some more. “Yes.”

“Well..w-why would you make friends with that loser? Why not just come back with us again… b-buddy?” Neon nervously asked.

Tox looked back at the rest of Neon’s posse all looking scared out of their minds, and slowly backing away. They knew they were in big trouble. Tox’s eyes kept moving side to side, observing their emotions, and then leaned down to Neon.

“Because Coppermane is something you aren’t. Loyal, honest, brave, intelligent, kind… a best friend. A real friend. Something you clearly are not. Real friends don’t go stabbing each other in the back. They give them the support they need. He helped me when I needed it, he saved my own life from decaying, he kept me alive from the monsters that you’ve all become. And I’ve heard about everything that you put him through. But as for what you’ve done to me? Well... I think a bigger punishment is in store for what I’ve got planned for you.” Tox finished with his eyes slowly becoming empty voids.

Toxigo’s eye just stared down into Neon’s soul. With a quick grab, he pulled him up by the tie and collar, and stared into the pits of his eyes. His metal hand quickly rose up close and clamped around his throat, pulling him closer to stare eye to eyes. Neon felt his other hand grabbing onto his other arm and from what he could see, he began loosening the straps that were holding the light cannon onto his arm. Once the final strap was loosened, it fell and hit the ground with a hard metallic bang.

“Not fun when you’re the one getting hurt, is it Neon?”

Neon just shook his head, afraid of what he was going to do.

“You burned my house down, destroyed my eyes, blackmailed my friends against me, beat me up, insult my new friends, attacked my girl, steal my technology, and you betrayed me… WHAT DID YOU HAVE TO GAIN BY HURTING ME!?” Tox screamed at the top of his lungs.

“You know what we had to do!” Royal yelled back.

“We couldn’t let you make that choice!” Trenderhoof retorted.

Coppermane and the others except for Sunset all looked at each other with questionable faces. What is it that they were talking about? What choice did he make?

Tox looked back to see Sunset crying, and he felt a tear go down his own face. He couldn’t stand the sight alone of his girl in pain. And now, he had the head of the attackers in his clutches.

Tox slowly turned his eyes back to Neon and snarled.

“You hurt my girl… and now, you’re going to die. Slowly…swiftly….painfully...” Toxigo sneered.

Neon struggled to get himself freed, and stared at Tox’s eyes, seeing the fury flowing.

“No… please! Grant me mercy, I beg of you!” Neon pleaded.

“I begged for mercy from you when you assaulted me, but you responded by shoving a spinning drill into my face! It's too late for it now, Neon. Way too late...” Tox said with an evil tone, removing his metal hand, exchanging it for the other one and readying his metal one.

“You’ve never dealt with an cyborg haven’t you? Well, let's see how you like being hurt by one…”

“Toxigo!” Coppermane shouted.

Tox’s attention turned to Coppermane looking at him sternly.

“You’ve made your point. I think it's time that they just leave.” Coppermane said
.
Tox then looked back to see the rest of his posse terrified beyond all belief, and then see his own friends scared. The thought of scaring them just hurt inside. Coppermane was right. He couldn’t just kill someone in front of them, not when he made it this far to get back with them.

“Fine. But I’m only letting you go because you said so.”

Tox looked back at Neon’s quivering face.

“But if I catch you stepping on our school’s property again, I will find you. And unlike this time, I will actually finish what you started… Understand!?” Toxigo said.

Neon nodded quickly, and Tox pushed him away from his face, making Neon fall to the floor. He could feel the anger that Toxigo had growing inside.

“Neon…” Royal said.

“I know,” Neon said. “Let’s get out of here!”

The Crystal Prep students bolted out of the school at the speed of sound, not letting another second pass.

“And stay out!” Tox shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Ugh! They got away again!” Rainbow groaned.

“I think that can wait…” Applejack replied, pointing at Toxigo.

Toxigo turned around and collected Neon’s shades, then slowly walked towards Sunset. She was still pinned to the lockers, her face buried in her hands as she cried.

“We can’t just stand here!” Twilight panicked. “What if he attacks us?!”

“Twilight, it's okay!” Coppermane said. “He’s fine.”

Toxigo slowly approached Sunset, removing the knives from her jacket to free her.

“Shimmercakes?”

Sunset only recoiled more, trembling harder.

“Shimmercakes, I-I got this for you.”

Sunset slowly opened her eyes, and lit up when she saw a beautiful necklace being presented to her. A pendant of bright aquamarine, cut in the shape of her cutie mark. She looked up, and gasped when she saw who it was. Her eyes began to water again, but out of joy instead of fear.

“T-Toxy?”

“Hi, Shimmercakes. Sorry I took so long.”

Silence blanketed the halls again. Were Sunset’s eyes deceiving her? Was this just a dream? No. It wasn’t. Shimmercakes… she’s never heard such music in a long time. A smile graced her face as pure joy took control of her. She cried out as she began bawling, and immediately lunged into Toxigo’s arms. Toxigo held her tight, never letting go.

“Toxy… it… it’s really you…” Sunset whimpered.

“Shh… it’s okay. I’m back, and I’m here for you,” Toxigo said, rubbing her back as she continued to bawl on his shoulder. He couldn’t stop a tear from falling from his own eye too.

“Toxy? Wh-Why are you crying?” Sunset cooed.

“Sunset, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Tox bawled. “I can’t believe I let them hurt you, and… I hurt you…”

“No, Toxy…” Sunset cleared a tear coming down his face. “It's okay… You’re back. You’re home.”

Sunset’s eyes were so inviting and sweet, and when his eyes panned down to her lips, he couldn’t help himself. He cupped Sunset’s face and surprised her with a passionate kiss. Sunset was stiff for only a split-second before relaxing in Toxigo’s embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck. It’s been too long since their first kiss. Toxigo almost forgot how sweet her lips were.

They pulled away, and Toxigo gave Sunset a smirk.

“I’ve wanted to do that for such a long time,” Toxigo said.

Sunset blushed. “I guess this means we’re together now?” she said with a smirk.

“I guess so,” Toxigo remarked.

Sunset giggled and leaned in to kiss Toxigo again, all while their friends smiled.

“Well I’ll be. It's really him.” Applejack smiled.

“I never thought I’d be glad to see him again.” Flash said.

“But, he’s the monster!” Twilight barked. “He’s the one who stole the Alicorn Amulet and almost killed Coppermane! How can--”

“Twilight.” Coppermane interrupted. “It's okay. I ran into him Saturday night and got him over to a hospital. He means no harm to any of us. Don’t worry.”

Twilight took a moment to study Toxigo from afar now that everything was calm, and he didn’t look off at all. He looked… normal.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive Twilight.” Coppermane replied.

“Wait, hold on. If you knew he was alive, how come you didn’t tell any of us?” Flash asked.

“He asked me to keep it a secret until today because he wanted to surprise you guys.” Coppermane replied.

“Actually, I kind of knew too.” Rainbow said.

“Me too. We promised we’d keep our lips sealed until today.” Rarity replied.

Everyone gave a simple nod in response, still trying to take everything in.

“Well I’ll admit, you did surprise us.” Applejack replied.

“Is this why you said you were busy yesterday?” Flash asked.

“Yeah. I was helping Toxigo get back in his normal state. Well, mostly normal. He’s got red eyes, but he told me that was a curse left by the Alicorn Amulet.”

Coppermane’s head turned back to Toxigo, whom observed Neon’s sunglasses.

“Well, Neon got away, but at least I got my hands on a trophy,” Toxigo said, placing Neon’s shades atop his face. “What do you think?”

Sunset giggled. “I love it. Welcome home, Toxy.”

Toxigo smiled and gave Sunset a big hug.

“I missed you so much, Shimmercakes.”

“Me too…” Sunset said.

“Group hug!” Pinkie squealed, everyone gathering around in a huge hug around the new couple.

“Great to have you back, bud.” Rainbow said.

“Welcome home, sugarcube.” Applejack smiled.

“We’ve missed you so much!” Fluttershy cooed.

“We’ve got so much to catch up on!” Pinkie squeed.

“I missed you guys too. It's great to be back again.” Toxigo smiled.

“So, how much do you know what’s been going on with us?” Twilight asked.

In the Rainbooms’ practice room, Twilight was showing Toxigo the video footage and supporting evidence of his transformation.

“So that’s how I turned into that... thing,” Tox murmured. “I remember now. I dragged two changelings with me while I fought Chrysalis in the sky. I blacked out when I hit the ground. When I came to, I was met with her placing the Queen’s blood in my veins. I begged her not to, but apparently this world’s Sunset thought otherwise.” Toxigo groaned, looking away from the laptop. “So… aside from all of that, what else has happened?”

“Well we know human Sunset is the reason you’ve got changeling blood inside your system, which is why you can’t remember anything that happened.” Twilight responded.

“And we believe that she is in your possession of your unicorn magic,” Flash said.

Toxigo’s heart dropped. “You’re kidding.” Everyone shook their heads, making Toxigo sigh. “Well, do any of you at least know why she’s doing this?” Everyone shook their heads again, eliciting another groan. “Great. Just great. I just hope this won’t involve any magic consumption.”

“Is there anything going on with you that we should know about?” Applejack asked.

“There is. The Alicorn Amulet is staying out of my hands, and it should go back to Equestria where it belongs. Safer in the hooves of somepony there than it is here. As much as I would love to use it against the Crystal Prep students, I don’t want to… um… repeat history, if you know what I mean.”

Sunset gave a nod. “I’ll be sure to let Princess Twilight know. Anything else?”

“Um… n-not that I know of. Except… I’ve slowly become weaker and now I’ve just endangered your lives by even showing up.”

Everyone stayed silent for a bit, just thinking of what to do now. What could they do? But Coppermane looked at Toxigo with a questioning face.

“Uh, shouldn’t we tell everyone here that he’s not actually dead?” Applejack asked. “I’m sure everyone would be thrilled.”

At that moment the bell rang.

“Oh, sweet! Lunch break. It's the perfect time!” Rainbow said.

“You want to tell everyone you’re back? They’re gonna find out eventually.” Sunset asked.

Toxigo sighed. “I guess. Neon and his friends already know I’m alive, so there’s no point in hiding anymore.”

“Actually, can I talk with you privately first?” Coppermane asked.

“Huh?” Toxigo grunted.

“I just want to talk to you about something real fast,” Coppermane said.

“Uh, okay. I guess that’s fine…” Toxigo said quietly. “You guys okay with that?”

Everyone nodded and stepped outside. Once the door closed, Coppermane spoke up.

“Tox, you need to tell them what you told me.”

“What? I’m not saying anything!” Toxigo said.

“That kind of information is vital to our cause, Toxigo. If you want to help us, tell them what you told me,” Coppermane said.

“We’ve got enough problems as it is. I don’t think they need to know about the last bit of a Queen that’s inside of my body!” Toxigo said.

“This problem is as real as our other issues, Toxigo,” Coppermane said. “You can’t hide it forever.”

“Just… give me some time to think, okay?” Toxigo said. “We have enough to worry about already. Besides… I just got together with Sunset.”

“I know, but I just don’t want it to get out of hand,” Coppermane said.

“I’ll come clean when it feels right,” Toxigo said.

Coppermane sighed. “If you say so. C’mon, we shouldn’t keep the others waiting.”

The group arrived at the cafeteria, but were surprised to find some unsettling sounds coming from the doors. They opened the doors, and saw everyone arranged in a circular formation around the middle.

“What the hell is going on in here?” Coppermane asked.

“Oh, thank goodness you all are here,” said a voice. The group looked to see Octavia Melody approaching them, looking worried. “I don’t suppose you could intervene and stop the fighting at all?”

“What?” Fluttershy sputtered. “Who’s fighting?”

“It’s Hoops and Score. They’re fighting our new classmates.” Octavia replied.

“What?!” Coppermane growled.

“Hoops and Score? Who are they?” Toxigo asked.

“They’re the brutes who bullied Coppermane when we met him,” Rarity said.

“Looks like they’ve found some new prey,” Applejack sneered.

“Not on my watch,” Coppermane sneered, stomping over to the commotion. He shoved his way through the crowd to get to the middle, revealing Hoops and Score in a heated fight with Indigo, Lemon, Sunny, Sour, and Sugarcoat; the Crystal Prep transfers.

“We helped save our planet from world domination!” Indigo insulted.

“Go back to Crystal Prep!” Hoops retorted.

Indigo’s fists clenched tightly and tried swinging another punch, but she was quickly blocked and punched back by Score. She winced, tumbling to the floor, hacking up some blood.

“Get up and fight!” Score shouted.

“I think you’ve done enough!” Sunny snarled.

“Go back where you came from!” Hoops remarked.

“Hey!” A voice called out.

The crowd parted to make way for a very angry-looking Coppermane.

“Leave them alone,” Coppermane growled.

“Coppermane, no!” Sunny cried. “Don’t get into this!”

“You five don’t belong here,” Score said.

“You five are the reason Coppermane and Toxigo suffered!” a random student yelled.

“YEAH!” Everyone yelled.

“And now because of you five, Toxigo’s dead!”

“Stop!” Coppermane shouted, silencing everyone. “Now, leave these girls alone.”

Score chuckled. “Or what?”

“You beat us once, but that was just dumb luck,” Hoops smirked. “We won’t hesitate to kick your ass again.”

“Maybe I can’t… but perhaps my new friend can,” Coppermane said.

Score stifled a laugh. “Yeah, right! I’d like to see what kind of wimp you’ve paid to--”

“He said leave them alone.”

Coppermane smirked and turned around, and so did everyone else. A collective gasp filled the cafeteria as they began backing away. Parting the crowd was a green-skinned boy with wacky hair and a trophy from his last skirmish in the form of shades.

“No… no. No you can’t be!” Indigo cried.

He removed his shades, revealing a synthetic eye and a blood-curdling red eye, freaky enough to send chills up everyone’s spine.

“Did you miss me?” Toxigo smirked.

The former Shadowbolts backed away.

“H-How?!” Lemon beckoned. “How is that possible?!”

“No…” Hoops stammered. “Y-You’re dead. Th-There was a funeral and everything!”

“Do I look dead to you?” Toxigo remarked raising a brow. “Hoops and Score… Coppermane’s bullies...”

“You’re friends with that loser?” Score cried.

“You bet I am,” Toxigo said. “And he’s a better person than either of you could ever hope to be. Now, you leave those five girls alone, or I’ll have to remind you of what I’m capable of.”

“I’d like to see you try you worthless piece of junk,” Score retorted. He threw a punch but Toxigo moved in time and grabbed his incoming fist with his mechanical hand.

“Wha--? Let go!”

“Don’t test me, Score,” Toxigo sneered.

But despite Toxigo’s warning, Score delivered a strong blow to Toxigo’s cheek with his other hand, forcing him to let go. Everyone went dead silent as Toxigo rubbed his cheek, painting his hand with trace amounts of blood.

Rage filling him, he straightened his arm to activate the integrated weapons. But no weapons readied.

“Damn… no weapons,” Toxigo said. “Guess we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way.”

In the blink of an eye, Toxigo grabbed Score’s arm and threw him down on the ground like a wet towel. He let go and put his food on Score’s chest.

“Believe me, I could go on,” Toxigo smirked.

“No, please! I’m sorry! I’ll stop!” Score pleaded.

“Wise decision,” Toxigo said. “Now you listen. These girls have changed, more than you know. If I ever catch you bullying them again, you’ll get a better taste of what I can do. Whether you like it or not. Understand?”

Score nodded, his eyes saturated with fear. Toxigo lifted his foot and allowed Score to get up. He and Hoops wasted no time in getting the hell out of there.

He walked over to Lemon Zest to help her get Indigo back on her feet, and then sneered at everyone around the room.

“Now… it’s obviously true. I’m still alive. Mostly thanks to Coppermane helping me. But that’s trivial compared to how you’re treating these five girls. I understand your anger, believe me. But we’ve put all grudges behind us, and you should too. The hate ends now.”

“They kept attacking CHS!”

“Endless years of pranks and threats!”

“Non-stop gloating!”

“Enough!” Toxigo shouted. “What is the matter with you people?! Y’know, I loved this school because everyone was treated like family, no matter who you were. It didn’t matter if you had different skin, a different nationality, interests or disinterests, you were treated like a family member. Compared to that, Crystal Prep is a nightmare. If you stand out even the tiniest amount, you’ll be ridiculed for the rest of your high school life. These girls are on our side now. They’ve changed. Why can’t you all see that? What happened to CHS while I was gone?”

“Toxigo, stop,” Coppermane said. “They’re not the enemy. It’s Neon and his gang. After all, they’re the ones who blackmailed those five girls into hurting you.”

Everyone gasped.

“Yeah… they were blackmailed,” Coppermane said. “Neon sabotaged their friendship. They never wanted to hurt him, but they didn’t have a choice. It’s over now, though. Don’t take your anger out on them, Toxigo. It’s not worth it.”

Toxigo sighed. “Fine. But I’m still disappointed in all of you. And bottom line… don’t let me catch you hurting these five again. Get me?”

The look in his eye was cold… and dead serious. Everyone nodded, not wanting to taste Toxigo’s wrath.

Toxigo suddenly grasped his temples as if he had a headache. His eyes closed, and when they reopened, the red glow was gone.

“Whoa…” Toxigo groaned. “Wh-What just happened?” He looked around and noticed some concerned and/or confused looks from everyone around him. “Um… well… g-go back to whatever you were doing… I guess…”

Everyone shrugged and resumed what they were doing before, mostly going back to eating food and talking.

“Tox… y-you okay?” Indigo asked.

“Um… yeah, I am.” Toxigo said.

Indigo gave a friendly smile along with the other girls.

“Well, now that that’s over… you’re alive!” Sunny exclaimed, giving him a big hug. The rest of her friends quickly joined in.

“Great to see you again, dude,” Lemon said.

“Welcome back. Surprised you aren’t dead yet.” Sour said.

“Welcome home, Tox.” Indigo replied.

Tox looked at some of the bruises on Indigo and winced in concern. “You should probably go to the nurse's office.”

“I’ll get her over there.” Sugarcoat said.

Sugarcoat and the rest of her friends walked off to get Indigo over to the nurse’s office, leaving Toxigo alone with his friends.

“Listen… I’m sorry for getting into another fight. I don’t like doing it, but I had to take action, y’know?”

“We understand, darling,” Rarity said.

“So… what do we do now?” Applejack asked.

“We should probably contact Princess Twilight about the Alicorn Amulet. I think it’s time I lived without omnipotence. Something like this is just too dangerous in this world. But first… let’s get something to eat.”

“We should visit the nurse’s office at some point too,” Sunset said. “Just in case, y’know?”

Toxigo shuddered when he felt Sunset take his hand, examining the semi-dried blood on it.

“Good idea,” Toxigo said.

“I agree!” Pinkie blurted out. “We want to make sure you’re good and healthy for the party later today!”

“Wait, what?” Toxigo asked. “A party?”

“Of course!” Pinkie said. “How else are we going to celebrate you cheating death???”

Their friends just chuckled.

“I could definitely use something to unwind for a little bit,” Toxigo said.

“Yes! Welcome back party!” Pinkie squealed.

The group clamoured as they went to go get some food. Toxigo offered his hand to Sunset, whom gladly took it. She surprised him with a kiss on the cheek and a side-hug.

“I’m so happy you’re back,” Sunset said.

Toxgio felt himself blush. He gave her a peck and squeezed her hand.

“And I’m so happy you’re finally mine,” he said, making Sunset’s face go as red as her fiery hair.

“Is the coast clear?” Hoops asked.

“I think so,” Score said. “But just to be safe, let’s stay how we are.”

“Good point,” Hoops said. “But the green one called Toxigo has what we need. We have to get it!”

“We have to strike when the time’s right,” Score said. “Not when all his friends are around him.”

“I’m aware of that,” Hoops growled. “But once we have it, we’ll be unstoppable, and she will certainly be pleased.”

Score snickered, his eyes glowing slightly green. “Yes… and soon the rising tide of time shall take him.”

Hoops’ eyes shimmered with a similar green color. “Soon, my friend. Soon…”

Author's Notes:

Sorry for making you wait so long for this one. I've been so busy with other school things and writing projects. But this is finally done, and I hope you enjoyed it.