My Little Dashie: The Fifth

by NCC Q

Chapters

• Chapter 1: The Gates of Equilibira
• Chapter 2: Meeting Royalty
• Chapter 3: Home In Stillwater
• Chapter 4: Sending a Message
• Chapter 5: Present
• Chapter 6: Newcomer
• Chapter 7: More To Come
• Chapter 8: Only A Matter of Time
• Chapter 9: Preperations
• Chapter 10: Arrival
• Chapter 11: Hyper-Sonic Rainboom

Chapter 1: The Gates of Equilibira

"See you later Dashie!" I wave to her, my parents smiling at the two of us. The light envelopes me. No longer was the darkness plaguing me. No longer did I have to feel pain and suffering again. No longer was there sadness or grief. This was paradise.

'BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPP'

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The image of Dashie smiling up at me was slowly being engulfed in in a vast field of intense light as I moved up into a large....something. It seemed like a portal or something, but I couldn't exactly make it out as it was emitting an unimaginable amount of light and energy. I looked back to see Dashie but she had been completely blocked out. All of a sudden I felt an extremely powerful wave of disorientation, kind of like a massive weight being pressed down on my entire body.

"Mom..." "Shhhhh, its okay honey" She interrupted, "Everything will be just fine." The waves seemed to increase as I approached that portal thing. 'I am going to die, aren't I?' I thought. 'Oh my God,what about my little Dashie? How will she...'

My thought was cut off as the light from the portal touched me. It penetrated deep into my soul and suddenly I knew everything would be all right. But it was too soon, I needed to do something very important first.

I reached deep inside myself, concentrating harder than I ever have before. I really needed to do this. It took an immense amount of willpower. I was already really weak and disoriented but I somehow pulled it off.

Suddenly I blacked out from where I was and shifted to a new location, though not being so new. This was my hospital bed in Ponyville. I was lying in the hospital bed, and I could feel something warm against me. It was Dashie! She must have fell asleep next to me. That's why she was in my nightmare. I couldn't move, talk, or open my eyes, but so very faintly, I could hear my heart monitor start to deteriorate. Damn it, I was about to flat-line. I heard all of Dashie and I's friends start to notice the change in pace with the beeping. They started to react. "Oh no!" "We need to get help, NOW!" Even Princess Celestia was starting to worry, deeply by the sounds of things.

I reached inside myself once more as I gathered up every bit of strength and willpower I could for one final effort. At this point, I was extremely weak, finding it hard to focus. I was, after all, a few seconds from dying. But somehow the sulks and worries of the ponies near my bed reminded me of how much I was loved. I needed to do this. I felt a large rush of strength that ended up triumphant. I did it.

Cutting it close, I uttered a full-hearted and meaningful smile from my tombstoned face, as a final and affectionate goodbye to Equestria, to Ponyville, to all of my loving friends, but most of all, and primarily, to the pony I cherished and loved, the one who changed my life and patched up all of the bruises in my heart, the one who I raised as my own daughter and gave me happiness, my sweet little Dashie, forever and always. I felt a small tear run down the side of my face.

Suddenly, I herd a solid 'BEEP' from my heart monitor.

'Goodbye, my little Dashie' I thought quietly to myself.

The large beep quickly turned off as I snapped back to where I was before. 'Transcending' into this large portal. At the same time that weakness and disorientation lifted off me with pleasurable relief. I'm pretty sure I just died.

I finally entered the portal. It was beautiful. The energy emanating from the corridor inside the portal seemed to penetrate into into my soul and fill me with love and harmony. The feeling was indescribable. I began to see the end of the portal nearing.

I exited out the other side in the most breathtakingly incredible place I've ever seen.... or even imagined. I was in a paradise of of godly light and harmony with an ambient energy flowing threw it and penetrating my soul. My parents smiled at me and pointed towards a giant gate, about 15 meters high. My pleasure only increased as we closed in on this enchanting gate. They were irradiating with liveliness and energy. They were made out of clouds... or gold.... or something. But they amazed me. I stopped in front of the gate and allowed its energy to pierce into me for a bit. Shortly after my parents grabbed the two handles on the door. I could feel the energy on the other side trying to smash threw and engulf me.

My father spoke. "Well son, welcome to your new home." He looked at my mom, who looked back, and nodded. They pulled the doors open and what I was seeing and feeling was unlike anything. The energy exploded threw the door and pulsated threw every part of my mind, body, and soul at tenfold. I uncontrollably gasped and my body tightened up. what I was feeling at that moment was indescribable in every way. I looked out to see the most amazing thing ever.

"Mom..... This place....." I was mind boggled. "It is called Equilibria, my dear." She said back quickly.

I stepped out of the gate and noticed that we were on a rock platform sticking out the side of a very tall mountain. The view of 'Equilibria' was incredible. I saw fields, forests, lakes, springs, mountain ranges, I even saw small towns much like Ponyville in the distance. There were dragons flying in the orange plastered sky, flying from mountain to mountain. The sun was setting far in the west. It was.... the most beautiful setting I've ever seen.

A tear formed in my eye. My parents must have saw it and they gave me a hug, knowing what I was thinking. The hug broke with my mother still holding on to my shoulders. "You mustn't worry about her feelings too much, Brian. She will continue to live. The note that you left will tell her that." She was right. Dashie would take comfort in that note. But she was also wrong. I know my daughter. Dashie would be broken without knowing that I was still well and thinking about her.

Wait a second..... How did they know that I left a note for Dashie before I passed?

"How did you find out about the note?"

"Deep in the heart of Equilibria, near the capital city palace of Clairmont, there is an ancient shrine. A temple that allows, with the permission of the king or queen, to interact with Equestria. We can see what is going on in Equestria inside the shrine, we can even do things like change the weather, help ponies in need, or even make a physical appearance. Physical appearances are rarely granted by the king and queen though. It has something to do with the natural flow of Equilibrium in both our realms. Too much interference in Equestria could destroy the balance and cause a lot of trouble."

I simply let out a very dumbfounded "hmmmm...." And continued to admire the amazing view. "When is it coming?" My father said, breaking the silence.

My mother shrugged. "He should be here soon." Now I was confused. I just looked at them with the dumbest face ever. 'what?' I was thinking. Right than a large red dragon slammed onto the rock platform from above. It stood up on its hind legs and roared very loud. By this time I was on my ass. "Finally." My dad said. I just continued to glance back and fourth at my parents and the dragon, still knocked on my hind end. "Wha... Bu... I..." I couldn't even get any words out.

My parents mounted themselves on the back of the red dragon quickly. I just stared at them in complete awe and confusion. What the hell was going on? My father lifted his eyebrow at me.

"Well? You commin' lad?"

End of Chapter 1

Chapter 2: Meeting Royalty

Well. I was on a dragon. I didn't really like that fact but I was. Going to a place called 'Clairmont'. I couldn't help but think to myself though... this shrine. Dashie wouldn't be happy without knowing that I was okay and thinking about her still. Maybe I could use it just to let her know that I'm still with her. Maybe I could use it to see her grow into an old mare and live out her life.

We were picking up speed. And by that I mean we were going very fast. I felt  the wind pounding so hard against my face that it was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe. But the beauty from Equilibria was overriding my discomfort.

From what I can tell, the time here works the same as on Equestria and Earth. There is a day that comes to a close, which is only logical to think that there is a night too. But anyway, it was getting quite late. The sun was about a quarter the way behind the horizon and it would be nightfall soon. I certainly hope we got to Clairmont soon. Its bad enough riding on this dragon. But doing it in the night, I would not want to be here.

We continued to soar threw the orange sky, when I could see it. Right in the centre of all the beauty was a huge mountain, attached to the side of the mountain was Clairmont. It actually looked a lot like Canterlot, accept it was much bigger and instead of being high up near the top of the mountain, it was down further near the ground. It was connected to the ground by a long flight of stares, and along the sides of the huge castle stuck out landing pads, most likely for dragons to land as I could see quite a few more flying towards Clairmont. As my parents and I neared the giant castle city I noticed that there was something off about it. I could see some of the citizens. They were very small but I could still kind of see them. They didn't look very human. Come to think of it... none of this made a lot of sense. If I'm dead, and I'm now in paradise... than I must be in heaven or something. But if I am in heaven, than why is it linked to Equestria, a land of ponies, in some kind of balance? Why is there dragons, an animal that can only be found in Equestria, and not Earth? Why is there a shrine connecting to Equestria? Why is there a king and queen? I thought heaven was supposed to be kept by god and his son.

I was just so confused and had so many questions. It was all so frustrating. But it took me a few seconds to notice that in my frustration, I had ranted about all of that out loud in front of my parents. My mom looked at me and sighed as the dragon slowed to a stop and landed not-so-very gently on the landing platform. We all got off and she began to talk.

"Honey, you are not in heaven. It is a complicated process that brought us here. We are... well you could probably call it pony heaven." We continued to walk down the stares off the platform into the city. What she said was true. There were ponies everywhere. "You see, the reason we are here is because of destiny. When me and your father had our car accident, we were surprised beyond belief when we ended up being carried off threw a portal and were showed the same gate you went threw earlier... accept we were shown around by a couple of pegasi ponies. It took a while... but we knew all about Equestria long before you got there."

Then my dad cut in "Exactly, we found out about the shrine shortly after we got to Equilibria too. But it was useless to us since we wanted to talk to you, but the shrine doesn't link to Earth. And that's why we started contacting you in your dreams and such when we found out you had somehow made it to Equestria."

Then my mom again "It was a series of events that triggered our coming here. We came here because you were destined to. And you were destined to come here because of your daughter."

I loved the way they referred to Dashie as my daughter. It made me feel like I really did a good job as a father. My parents are human and they even understand me and Dashie's love for each other. Even though she is a pony and I'm a human. It's nice to know that understand. But wait..... If this is where Equestrian ponies go when they pass, than that means that Dashie will be hear in roughly 20 years. Which means we can have another life together.

My frustration immediately went away after that. I still had some questions, but I was satisfied.

"So, uh.. mom? Where are we heading to?"

"hmm?" She said back to me.

"Well, we did come all the way out here to Clairmont. What are we going to do here?" The streets were littered with ponies.

"We are going to go to the throne room to meet the king and queen. They always greet newcomers to Equilibria, and answer any questions they might have. They might even let you visit the shrine."

Now I was interested. If I got a visit to the shrine, I could give Dashie a sign that I am still with her.

We continued down threw the streets until we approached a large building at the very back of the castle near the face of the mountain. This must have been the palace. We entered and continued down a series of hallways until we hit a line. This must have been all the newcomers like myself. Ponies that just got here.

"So...uhh... a king and queen. They aren't gonna try to intimidate me with their power or anything, right?" I had to say it.

"Don't be ridiculous you loon. A matter of fact, me and your mother are quite close to the king and queen. We became friends a long time ago." Classic dad, always so blunt.

That made me feel better. I was friends with Princess Celestia back in Equestria. I guess I've just gotten used to not having to worry about disrespecting royalty by trying to act like you are friends or something. I don't know, maybe this is reminding me too much of medieval kings and queens. I mean a princess, sure. But in the land of ponies I'm not so used to kings and queens.

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Some time passed, and finally we were almost there. Only a few ponies left to go. We were standing right next to the entrance when I could hear both the king and queens voices. They sounded calm, loving, and godly. I was actually looking forward to meeting them. Finally it was my turn. Me and my parents were showed in by a royal guardsman. As soon as we walked in the room the king and queen smiled gracefully. They were, of coarse, alicorns. And the queen looked a tiny bit like princess Celestia as well. She was cobalt coloured with a purple and olive main and tail that curved and swerved in the air as it sparkled with magic. She wore a thick golden necklace with a jewel in the centre, and had a crown made of gold and coated in jewels. She was also wearing golden hoof guards

And than there was the king. He too was an alicorn, his coat was dark grey, almost black, and he wore golden armour fitted for an alicorn of his size. He had no head dress, but beside his thrown was a golden helmet. His main and tail weren't feminine and elegant like the queens, it was stationary. It was spiky and combed backward much like Dr.Whooves back in Ponyville.

"Greetings king Poradese, and oh my, queen Serenity, you look lovely this evening." My mother said in a cheerful voice. "My son Brian recently passed and he is new here. Me and my husband collected him at one of the gateway portals."

"Hello there, son!" King Poradese said in a happy voice. "Greetings, darling. We haven't had another human here in Equilibria in roughly 40 years." Queen Serenity said.

"Well, I'm certainly glad to be hear." I said cheerfully. "I've only been here for about an hour and I've herd so much about you." I plastered a smile.

"Its always nice to meet the son of old friends, lad. So, do you have any questions, concerns?" Poradese asked.

"Yes, actually, I was hoping you could tell me what the whole deal with Equilibria being linked with Equestria is all about. And why we'd be in danger if somepony overused the shrine."

"No problem son. Its pretty simple. Equestria and Equilibria exist in a state of balanced Equilibrium. Both lands consist of energy which connect and interact with each other. Now these energies are opposing energies. If one didn't exist, the other would loose balance and slowly and violently destroy itself because there would not be another force to contain that energy as sort of a counter wait. It is the exact same on the other side. Equilibria and Equestria need one other to balance their energy. They need to keep each other from getting out of control If the balance became unbalanced than both realms would parish violently, and everypony would suffer. Now we can use the shrine a lot for minor things like simply monitoring Equestria, but doing things like actually making physical appearances leaves residual energy traces in Equestria from Equilibria. These residual energy traces if large enough can cluster together and begin to fracture and attack Equestria from the inside. This would weaken Equestria's energy field and the energy would no longer be strong enough to counter Equilibria's energy. Equilibria's energy would override and destroy Equestria. Eventually, since Equestria would not be there to contain Equilibria's energy, it would overcharge and eventually rip apart this land as well.

Does that answer your question, lad?"

"Yes, yes it does, thank you. I have one more question though." I said, satisfied.

"Shoot."

"Well, would it be possible to use this shrine of yours to let my daughter know that I'm still here?"

"Yes. Yes it would be possible depending on what you intend to do."

I explained to him the whole deal with me and Dashie and what I intended to do. He understood, and gave me a scroll to show to the guards guarding the shrine to let them know I'm clean. He told me that it was late, and I should get a good nights sleep until morning so I could go to the shrine. We said our goodbyes and left.

"Hey, mom. Where am I going to live anyway?"

End of Chapter 2

Chapter 3: Home In Stillwater

I guess the dragon was a one time offer. Can't say I'm disappointed, but it would have been a lot faster than a train. We were headed to a town a tiny bit South-East of Clairmont. There, you could see the whole city of Clairmont by simply looking North-West. It was quite a sight.

Once we loaded off the train, we approached a sign that said 'Welcome To Stillwater'. Stillwater. Pretty simple name for a town. Apparently my parents had been living here for the past 40 years. And like always, weather it be with humans or ponies, my parents always were great socially. They were quite popular.

My parents intended to show me around town. There was a bakery, a library, an apple business. I got to meet a lot of the ponies from around town. I must say, some of them reminded me of the old gang. I kinda missed all of them, especially Dashie. But I knew they would come here some day.

It was now dark, and everypony started going inside for the night. Me and my parents figured it'd be about time to go inside as well. They showed me to my new house. It was right beside their own house near the centre of town. It actually looked quite nice. I assumed I'de have to go threw the trouble of buying it and dealing with all that stuff. But it looks like my parents reserved me a house when they found out I had a heart condition.

It must have been convenient for them knowing that I was going to die ahead of time, so than they could make these preparations.

We entered my new house. "So, whatchya think?" My dad said. It was great. It had a living room with a fire place, some furnishes, a kitchen with all sorts of cooking materials, everything I needed. We went upstairs when my mom decided that I was tired.

"Well, we wouldn't want to tire you out, Brian." My mom said. We'll leave you to get some rest. I escorted them downstairs to the door, we said our goodbyes, and they left next door to their home. Now I could have some time to myself to think.

'Well, we wouldn't want to tire you out, Brain.' This sparked a thought. We walked around for quite a bit while in Clairmont and in Stillwater. But I wasn't that tired. There was a mirror in the living room, I could see myself sitting on my couch, but I didn't look as old as I did before. I walked up to the mirror. Was I young again? My wrinkles were gone, my hair was thick and was brown in colour like it used to be. I looked like I was in my late 20's or really early 30's. I just laughed a little bit. No more getting tired after a short walk.

I continued to examine myself. 'Hmmm.' I thought. Right then I noticed something in my reflection. It was behind me on the wall, right above the fireplace. I turned around and walked towards it. It was my mothers painting. The one of the rainbow. I couldn't believe this. I took it up to my room to look at it for a while, when I noticed something else as well. Inside my room, there was a box. A cardboard box that was in pretty rough shape. On the side of it, in pen, the box read 'Give to a good home.' I couldn't believe this. I left this box on the street when I first found Dashie almost 40 years ago on Earth. How was this possible? I picked it up and looked inside. There was a book. It was.... my book of memories. I took it out and opened it.

I was looking at pictures of my childhood on earth. I looked so happy. I flipped threw those pages until I was in my early adulthood. After that... After my parents died, there was a large gap. Than pictures of me and Dashie started to appear.  Pictures of when we were on Earth. Her first bath, her birthdays, her cutie mark, the times we played together. Then there was another gap. That was when princess Celestia and the others came to take her away. I started flipping threw the pages. Pictures of me and Dashie in our new home in Equestria. Than later pictures of us and all the other ponies. Our nights at the Grand Galloping Gala. Her first race. Dashie when she first joined the wonder bolts and achieved her dream. My final weeks in Equestria. After all of that there was nothing. Or at least there should of been nothing. I flipped the page once more to end my life story, but there was another picture. It was a picture of Equilibria. I didn't put it there. I had no idea how these things were possible. My mom's painting, the box, the book of memories. Instead of digging for information I simply left it. I put everything back and went to bed.

I did have a pretty exciting morning ahead of me. I was going to the shrine to contact Dashie for the first time.

End of Chapter 3.

Chapter 4: Sending a Message

I woke up and looked out of my window. It was morning. I must've slept for about 8 hours. I was pretty overwhelmed by what was happening so by the time I fell asleep I was pretty exhausted.

My parents sure did put in a lot of effort into making me feel at home here. They even went and got me some clothes before I came here. I put some of them on and went to my parents house next door to let them know I was going to the shrine.

When I left, a lot of the ponies of Stillwater were waving and greeting me as I made my way to the train station. I've not even been here for a full 24 hours and I already felt at home. I wouldn't be completely at rest though until I let Dashie know that I am okay.

The train would not take me directly to the shrine. It would take me to Clairmont. I would have to go to the shrine myself. It wouldn't be too long of a walk though. The shrine is only about 10 minutes out of Clairmont's front gate.

Lucky for me, I manage to catch the train as it is leaving from Stillwater so I didn't have to wait. As I walked in, I noticed that a lot of the ponies were staring at me. In Ponyville they were used to me, but these ponies probably were from different places like Mainhatten or Fillydelphia when they passed. I went and took a seat by a male earth pony. Once the train started moving, he broke the silence between us.

"I ain't never seen nothin' like you. Where'd you come from?"

"Ponyville." I said back.

"Never been there before, but I thought that they only housed ponies. I must say, with no offence intended, that you look pretty strange for have bein' born in Equestria."

He misunderstood. "Oh, I wasn't born in Equestria. I was born in a place called Earth. I made it to Equestria threw a portal. Its a complicated story."

"I see than. Well, Equilibria is a good place. I think you'll like it here."

"I'm sure I will." I gave off a little smile.

We made it to Clairmont, and I started making my way to the main gate so I could get to the shrine. I started going down the stares. I had a pretty long walk down. Ponies were trotting up and down the stares to Clairmont.

Once I got down, I was in a park. I exited the park threw the East side and started walking towards the shrine. I could already see it. It surprisingly looked a lot like the ancient Roman Parthenon. Once I got to the front gate, I was stopped by the guards, who asked for a permission scroll by the king and/or queen. I showed it to them and they let me in.

I entered a chamber in the centre of the temple. In the Centre of the chamber was a rectangular pool of water. In the centre of the pool of water was a stone coffin with a lid hanging off the side, connected by hinges. I looked around, not knowing what to do to actually get this to work. I went to the centre were the coffin was and sat on the edge. 'Am I supposed to lay in the coffin or something?' I thought. I was so busy thinking and looking around that I lost my balance and fell in by accident. Feeling stupid, I went to sit up but the lid started closing over my head. It lowered against the coffin and I was trapped inside.

Suddenly, I felt my senses start to dim down, like I was passing out or something, they continued to do so until everything was gone.

I woke up a few seconds later in the rain. It was poring crazily. It took me a few seconds to notice that I couldn't feel anything under my feet. I looked down and I was in the air over Ponyville. "Aaaaaaah!" I exclaimed, startled. I started kicking my legs until I noticed that I wasn't falling. I was floating above Ponyville.

I couldn't believe how hard it was raining over Ponyville. It was raining pretty hard when I died but now it was really hard. I could only assume that Dashie hasn't been clearing the sky. It was only 10 hours since I died in the hospital bed, she was still probably there.

I flew over to the hospital and looked in the window to see if she was still there. My body was lying on my deathbed and Dashie was curled up crying into it. Everybody else, Twilight, Pinky, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and princess Celestia were all there crying and comforting each other. It was terrible to watch, but it was also beautiful.

I used to be a wreck. My life was dull, uneventful. But something beautiful happened. I found Dashie, and over the period of my life, the events that happened led me to come to Equestria. And I lived out the rest of my life in happiness, surrounded by loved ones.

The raining had finally stopped as I continued to watch. Dashie lifted her head from my body, her eyes were red and swollen from crying, to the point were they weren't shedding tears any more. She has probably been here since I flat-lined about ten hours ago. She looked like she had finally gotten a hold of herself. She looked up at my body's face for one last time and noticed what I left her when I first had passed. The full whole-hearted smile I left was still plastered on my face. She looked for a moment and smiled as all of the other ponies took notice. They went over and gave her a hug. This made me so happy.

But I had something I had to do. While they were hugging, I took the opportunity to send Dashie my message. And conveniently for me, the rain had stopped earlier. I would not have been able to show my sign if it was still raining. I would have had to change the weather which would have left higher residual energy traces from Equilibria.

The saying is that you rarely are able to make physical appearances in Equestria due to the residual energy effect. But thankfully I was able to pull some strings with the king and queen. Luckily for me, it was a long time since somepony last made a physical appearance in Equestria, so the energy had diminished. And the only other thing I requested was a rainbow, which doesn't leave too much residual energy. Hence, I was granted the permission. But with an exception. A regular, solid appearance could still be dangerous. Instead, I wouldn't entirely be making a physical appearance.

I wouldn't be bound to Equestria's physics. I wouldn't be solid, I would be like a ghost. And the only pony who would be able to see me is Dashie, nopony else. But this wasn't a problem.

I flew up above Ponyville and closed my eyes. All it took was a little concentration and there it was. The most beautiful  rainbow you would ever see, right above Ponyville. I quickly took action into executing my message. Shortly after the rainbow had formed. I quickly positioned myself in between the green and blue inside the rainbow. And then I waited a few minutes.

Dashie and her friends stepped out onto a balcony in the hospital. I saw them looking around Ponyville seemingly admiring the view. I don't blame them. The view was amazing. Fresh and shimmering all over the town. Then Dashie took notice to my rainbow, and all the others did too. They looked at it with smiles on their faces, shocked by the beauty. It took a couple of seconds but I saw Dashie squint her eyes at me, shortly after her eyes burst open in surprise and I herd her distantly yell "I-IT'S DAD!" and than she pointed at me. I smiled at her constantly, without stopping, and she smiled back. The others were trying to spot me out, but of coarse they couldn't see me.

I remained up in the air for a while. My rainbow disappeared but me and Dashie were still smiling at each other. Eventually she left the hospital with her friends and went along with her day, a lot happier now that she saw me smiling at her. I figured she got the message, and I closed my eyes and thought about Equilibria. My self awareness started to fade again, just like it did when I got here, and before I knew it, I woke up in the stone coffin. The lid opened up by itself and I sat up and got out. Sitting on the side of the coffin, I let out a sigh of relief and a smile. And then I began to laugh out loud.

End of chapter 4.

Chapter 5: Present

Fifteen Years Later

'You think you could escape us? You fool. You were mistaken.'

"You again? What do you want? Why do you keep bothering me? All I want to do is live my afterlife in peace!"

'You will see, we will ruin you. And this time, it will be successful. No more fellow humans to save you.'

I started to run as fast as I could, but the voices kept uttering terrible things of destruction and suffering. They kept saying that I haven't escaped them, that its only a matter of time until they surface and destroy everything I have come to know.

The king and queen. I need to warn them before it's too late! The last time I heard these voices they tried to bring me into an eternal slumber. If they were in Equilibria somehow, who knows what kind of chaos they could bring.

I continued to run when I was tripped by a tendon. I looked up and the voices were whispering things and seemingly moving around me as doing so. All of a sudden they stopped, and In the distance I heard a growl, followed by a ghostly hum that continued. The ghostly hum seemed to move closer and closer as I heard a ticking noise. The ticks seemed to occur further away from each other as they got closer to me.

Tick tick tick... tick....tick.......tick.........tick.........tick.......................tick..........................................................tick

By the time the ticking stopped, the sounds were in my face. I wanted to see what it was but there was no light. Everything was dark. I started to move back when the sounds suddenly stopped, and in an instant, were behind me. I felt something warm on my back, like breathing. I stopped walking backward, and I really didn't want to look behind me, but I did. And right then a creature of indescribable horror appeared. It's eyes lit up which illuminated its entire face. It moved forward and roared at me.

--

I wake up with a frightful yell, I was soaked in my own sweat. I don't remember what kind of dream I had but it was not pleasant at all. I look out the window, it was still night. "Aww for crying out loud." I went to the bathroom to water down my face and relax. As I was doing so I looked in the mirror and there was somebody, or something behind me. I turned around to face it, but as soon as I did, it charged at me and slammed me against the wall. I tried to say something but it placed a hand over my mouth. This figure, it somewhat resembled me. It was just as tall as me, it wore the same clothes, same face, everything. But the figures eyes were completely black, there weren't even any whites, and there seemed to be a black liquid running down it's face, like it was crying black tears. It opened its mouth to speak, I could see it's teeth, they were yellow and black and rotten, and they were ridged and sharp like shark teeth. "MY TIME IS NEAR." It said, its voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard. It raised its other hand behind its head, poised to strike its long yellow claws at my throat. It lunged its claws at me, I closed my eyes to brace myself, but while my eyes were closed, the hand came off my face. I opened my eyes slowly to notice that the thing was gone.

I have no idea what it meant by "My time is near." But I just blew it off as a hallucination or a waking dream. After all, I hadn't had much sleep for the past 2 weeks ever since these nightmares started up, so I was probably lacking in REM sleep. I go back to bed, but don't get much sleep that night.

---

I wake up the next morning tired. I had a really rough night. It's been 15 years since I first got here to Equilibria, 15 years, and I have never experienced nightmares like that. I should really stop thinking about them though, maybe they will stop.

I've been here a long time now, I expected to age for some reason, but after all this time in Equilibira, I still look to be in my late 20's or early 30's. Realistically, I am 75 years old counting my time on Earth and Equestria. Although I did die, I don't really feel dead. I still have to eat, sleep, drink water, and I can still get physically hurt. I remember about 14 years ago I decided I would go and work on the roof of my house, I didn't think I could get hurt so I was careless and fell off. I had some broken bones to mend but nothing too serious.

Life here in Equilibria is pretty simple. Like in Equestria, I will go around and just help my friends with whatever they need done. Over the past 15 years, I've gotten into the habit of going to the shrine every once and a while and checking up on Dashie. I don't really do anything, I just watch her for a while. Sometimes I will do something to keep her on track in life, show her signs, she seems to fare great on her own though so I never really have to do that. But I think she knows that I am watching her and giving her advice from afar. No, I know she knows. I try to make it to the shrine as much as possible, but its a pretty busy place. I mean, a lot of the ponies in Equilibria have friends or family still in Equestria.

A lot of the ponies I knew have passed, like Granny Smith for example. She's been in Equilibira for quite some time now. 14 years actually. She came around a year after I did, moved to Stillwater and I must say, she looks very nice as a young mare.

I don't just monitor Dashie, I monitor the others too occasionally. They all have aged gracefully. Applejack is still happily harvesting apples, though she isn't doing any of the physical labour of coarse, she just manages it. Fluttershy is still caring for the animals around her cottage, and though her favourites, like her bunny angel, have passed, she has found others. Pinkie Pie now owns sugar cube corner, and surprisingly still eats plenty of junk and has that incredibly upbeat personality. Twilight has mastered the arts of magic and still performs incredible feet in the name of her royal duties, though she still owns that same library that she simply cannot part with. Speaking of which spike is gone. He matured into a large dragon and decided to join his own kind, he makes occasional visits to Ponyville still. And Rarity became a well known tailor across Equestria. From what I can tell, she gets asked to make attire for famous ponies all the time. And Dashie, she became one of the most famous fliers in all of Equestria. She isn't any more because her years have caught up to her, but I am still the proudest father ever. She now works as a manager in the weather factory.

I head downstairs and eat some breakfast. I had an appoint with Libby, the keeper of a Stillwater library, to organize some books. Once I arrived, we began.

"So how have you been, Brian?"

I let out a small chuckle "Well, I could probably be better. I've been having these crazy nightmares."

"About?"

"That's the thing. I don't really remember much about them. But I know that they are terrible. And last night... I had the weirdest experience."

"What was it?"

"I don't even know where to start. It was some crazy hallucination I had. No biggie."

"Well if you're missing so much sleep that you are hallucinating, maybe it is a 'biggie'. Maybe you should make an appointment with a sleep clinic or something. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, Brian."

I paused and thought for a moment. "Do you really thi-" My question was cut off by a large ball of smoke and an odd sound.

We both look to see what had caused it. A scroll had dropped out of the smoke and fell on the floor of the library.

"What the hell?" I said in surprise.

Libby slowly trotted over and picked up the scroll. "Looks like its for you." She said.

"For me?" She hooved the scroll over to me. On the top it said 'Brian Dash'. I open it and start reading.

Brian Dash,

My apologies for any inconvenience, however there is a pressing matter to attend to. There is a certain pony in Equestria that you may know who is sick. You have been selected to greet her when she is guided threw the portal between Equestria and Equilibria. Please make your way to Clairmont immediately so we may discuss what events will take place.

Sincerely, King Poradese

"Sorry, Libby. But I'm gonna have to help you at a different time. I've been summoned by King Poradese."

End of Chapter 5.

Chapter 6: Newcomer

I'm navigating threw the streets of Clairmont looking for the king and queen's royal hall. It was back near the face of the mountain.

There, I think I see it.

I enter the building and start to find my way to the throne room when I am stopped by one of the guards.

"Are you Brian Dash?"

"Yes."

"This way, please. His majesty is waiting for you."

He led me threw the same route I had taken the last time I came here about 3 months ago. I never could find my way there, even after all this time. We found the entrance to the throne room and I was shown in by the guard.

Like always, both his and her majesty smiled gracefully. "How are you on this particularly fine day, boy?" He said.

"I am fine, your majesty. Thank you. Hello Queen Serenity."

"Hello, my dear."

"For what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We have a new pony coming to Equilibria. As you may be familiar with our regulations, we like to have newcomers met with somepony who they are familiar with to make them feel more welcome at our front gates. We have chosen you." The queen said in her elegant voice.

"If you don't mind me asking, my queen. Who is this pony?"

-------------------------------------------------------

I'm making my way over to the hospital room where everypony else was gathered around. I couldn't believe what was happening. One of my friends was hurt. 'Come on, stupid legs.' I thought. I wish I could just fly there like I used to be able to, leaving a trail of awesome colour. But all I had were these legs. I was earthbound. And my legs weren't even that fast thanks to my old age.

I finally make it to the emergency room. Everypony was gathered around at the entrance to the room, including a doctor.

"What happened?" I asked in worry as I trotted over.

The doctor looked at me with a sad expression. "I am so very sorry, Ms. Dash. But you are going to have to wait out here along with your friends."

I look at all of them with a confused expression, until Twilight spoke up "It's Pinkie, Rainbow. There's something wrong with her."

"What's wrong with her?"

"We don't know yet."

The doctor went inside the room.

Twilight continued to speak. "Do you guys think she's gonna be alright? I hope that there isn't some sort of-"

"Shhhhhh." I said, putting my ear against the door. I may have been old, but some doctor wasn't gonna prevent me from knowing what was wrong with my friend.

"Miss Pie?........... Miss Pie?"

"Wh-What happened? Where Am I?" Pinkie Pie said quietly.

"You're in a hospital, Miss Pie."

"What? Why would I be in a hospital? Is there something wrong with me?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

"What is it? Am I going to be okay?"

"I'm afraid not Miss Pie. You suffered a heart attack a few hours ago. We've managed to stabilize you for the moment, but.........." The doctor paused.

"But what doctor?" I could here her start to tear up. It broke my heart. At this point I was really worried about what might be wrong with her.

"Miss Pie, I am so very sorry to inform you of this, but...... but although we've managed to stabilize you for now, you will be gone within the hour." My stomach did a back flip. I slowly stepped away from the door with my mouth open. "No...."

Everypony looked really worried. "What's wrong sugar cube?" Applejack said. I explained everything I just herd to them. By this time they all had tears in their eyes.

I herd a small bang behind me, it was Princess Celestia. She had teleported here. "I got your message Twilight, I came as soon as I could. Is every-" She stopped as soon as she saw all of our expressions. "Oh no." She said. Shortly after we herd yells from inside the room.

"I want my friends!"

"I'm sorry Miss. Pie, but-"

"I don't care! I want to see me friends!"

The doctor stepped out. "I'm sorry to inform you all, but your friend-"

"We know." I said promptly.

His ears shoot down and he opens the door for us.

"Pinkie?" I said.

"Did you guys find out?"

"Yes, pinkie. We're so, so sorry." I started to choke on my words.

At this point we were all choked up and on the brink of crying.

"Dashie?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah?"

"I'm scared. I don't wanna die."

"It's okay Pinkie. Don't be scared."

"Dashie, I'm tired."

"Just close your eyes and go to sleep, Pinkie, everything will be fine."

"This is it? isn't it?"

"Just let it happen."

Pinkie closed her eyes, and under her last breaths, she whispered "Throw a pa-"

'BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPP'

I stared at her body, and started to cry. Twilight came and gave me a hug, and then everybody else joined in.

-----------------------------------

How I dreaded riding these damned things. I never thought I'de have to do it again, but I am heading for the mountain range for the same gate I came threw 15 years ago. There are two pegasi soaring beside me. They worked for the king and queen. There jobs were to enter the portal and retrieve Pinkie Pie. My job was to greet her in that place between the portal and the gate, the place made of pure light and energy. We approached the rock platform that the gate was on and the dragon landed. Again, not-so-very gently. I hadn't been here in 15 years, so it felt pretty weird. We made our way towards the gate and I helped the pegasi open it. Once it was open a burst of light flew threw. I walk in, the pegasi flying right behind me. We walk about 100 metres into this light filled realm when we hear and feel a deep rumbling.

BOOM

The portal opened right in front of us.

The pegasi look back at me and I nod. "Good luck, boys." They turn their heads back and make their way threw the portal.

I wait a few minutes listening to the ambient sounds of the portal when I see something coming threw. I look and there is Pinkie Pie, flying threw with the pegasi. She had a huge smile plastered across her face. She must have been feeling that same magical energy that I did when I came.

The guards set her down when they emerged from the portal, shortly after of which the portal closed. But Pinkie Pie was too busy looking around to notice.

"eehrm" I grunted.

She looked over to face me and gasped. Her face lit up like a light bulb.

"BRIIIIIAAAAAAN!?!?"

"Yeah, it's me Pinkie."

"Oh my I can't believe its really you! I just can't I haven't seen you in years and you were like one of my bestest of bestie best friends and..." she gasped "What would Rainbow Dash say if she knew that you were here! This is so exciting I was all scared cause I thought that maybe I wouldn't go anywhere but now I'm here in this wonderful place and YOU are here and I feel so full of energy! I haven't felt this hyper since I was young!"

It is safe to say that she didn't stop talking for one instant until we got to Clairmont to greet the king and queen. We discussed were she was going to live, and she too was going to stay with me, my parents, and granny smith in Stillwater just outside of Clairmont.

Once we got back, I told her everything about Equilibria and Equestria, the shrine, everything. She was so happy to know that she would yet see her friends again. I even arranged for her to go to the shrine and have a look at what the rest of our friends were up to.

It's nice to have had a little taste of old times.

End of Chapter 6.

Chapter 7: More To Come

Two Years Later.

It's been two years since Pinkie Pie came to Equilibria. And since then, all the others, discounting Dashie, have come too. First it was Rarity, than Fluttershy, than Applejack, and finally Twilight. They all decided to get homes in Stillwater with me and Pinkie. They look nothing like my recent shrine visits before they passed, though. They are young and active just like they used to be in the good old days.

I think the reason Dashie is still in Equestria is because she is the youngest out of all of them, which gave her more time.

All of my friends know everything about everything there is to know about Equilibria by now. I was there for each of there passings with whatever friends they had in Equilibria, and I made sure that I explained everything to them.

Over the past 18 years, I've come to have a different outlook on death. Well, in the realm of ponies that is. It's not really dying. It's just transcending into another world. One of unimaginable beauty. It's actually not a bad thing. In the end you result in seeing all of your friends and family again. I haven't physically been with Dashie in 18 years now, and I miss her to an inconceivable extent, but the fact that she knows I'm still watching her, and the fact that I know I'll be with her soon is keeping me going.

Life has been pretty simple. I just kinda do the same thing I do since I got to Equestria and Equilibria. I go around and help my friends with whatever they need doing. Pinkie Pie has opened a Sugar Cube Corner in Stillwater, Twilight has organized a library, Applejack managed to find an apple tree field just outside of Stillwater, and has named it Sweet Apple Acres, Fluttershy has made friends with all the natural fauna in Equilibria, and Rarity has her own dress shop.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am sitting down on the couch in my dads old house relaxing. It was a hard day at the weather factory, pretty tiring. Normally it wouldn't have been given I was still young. But I guess it comes with being old and fragile. I hear a knock at the door. 'Do I really have to get up?' I think. I get up anyway and answer.

It was the long disbanded and grown up Cutie Mark Crusaders. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie-belle.

"Hey guys, what's shakin'?"

"Oh, nothing important. May we come in?" Applebloom asked.

"Uh... yeah, sure." I moved out of the door frame to let them in. "Here, make yourselves at home." I said cheerfully. They trotted towards the couches and took a seat.

"Can I get you guys anything?" I looked at each one and they all said "No, thank you."

"So what brings you younglings here?" I asked.

"Just visiting. We all have some time off of work so we decided to come and say hello. We realize that you don't have much company, and we wouldn't want to watch the best flier in Equestria be alone." Applebloom said with a smile.

"Heh. I haven't been able to fly fast for years. But thanks."

There was a few moments of silence. "Hey, Girls? What do you think happens to ponies when they die?"

They all got surprised looks on their faces. "Why would you ask such a question? Is there something wrong with you?" Sweetie-belle asked in a worried tone.

"Oh, no. But, you know. I am getting pretty old. That time is coming."

"Don't be silly, Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo said in confidence. "You still have plenty of time left."

"Well, I certainly hope so."

We continued to exchange conversation until they had to leave. We said our goodbyes and I was left to await their next visits in the future. Which is good because I don't get to see anypony outside of work that often. I still have Tank to hang around but he isn't exactly one for conversation.

Hours have passed since the girls left. I don't know what to expect. For death, I mean. All of my friends are gone, I lead a pretty sad and lonely life nowadays since Twilight died last year. I only hope that wherever I go, wherever I end up, it is a good place. Filled with life. And I can only hope that daddy will be there waiting, along with all of my other friends. I cling to that thought. It's the only thing that has kept me going these past 18 years.

I make my way to my bed and I lay down. I look out the window at the starry, moon bathed night.

"I know your out there, daddy."

End of Chapter 7.

Chapter 8: Only A Matter of Time

It's been 20 years. 20 full blown years since I got here to Equilibria. Back in Ponyville, all of the ponies had been there for a much longer time than I had, so they were the more pioneer type ponies that knew more than I did. But this is my ball game. I had been here for longer than any of my friends. Though my parents have been here for about 60 years.

Speaking of which, my parents, my 5 friends, and myself were going to attend the Annual Clairmont Ball tonight. I've attended time and time again for the past 20 years, and I must say that although it is quite similar to the Grand Galloping Gala back in Equestria, it is much more exciting. There is a place for all the high class Clairmont stuffs to go and have their quiet time, but than there is the place that my friends, parents, and I go for the ball. It is the main party place and it is definitely more exciting than all that high class stuff.

It's about six o'clock in the afternoon, and I am making final check-ups to see if everyone is ready. My first stop is Fluttershy's place.

I approach cautiously as not to alarm the shy pony before lightly knocking on the door.

"Who is it?" I can just barely hear her voice.

"It's me, Brian."

"Oh please, come in."

I open the door and walk in. I don't see anypony. "Hello?"

"I'm over here."

I turn towards the voice. "Wow" is all I can get out as I see Fluttershy standing to my left in a beautiful dress.

She blushed. "You really think so?"

"Yeah, did you make that yourself, Fluttershy?"

"Mostly, but I had some help from Rarity."

"It looks amazing. I assume that is what your wearing to the ball?"

"Um.... yeah." She said ever so quietly.

"Well then, since your ready, would you care to join me so we can collect everypony else and get on our way?"

She simply nodded and followed me as I lead her to Rarity's shop. I wanted to make a stop there so I could try on my tuxedo. She had already made one for me but the jacket was far too large.

We arrived and I knocked on the door.

"Come in!" I heard from inside. We both enter

"Hey. Rarity? I was hoping I could try on my tuxe-" I stopped as Rarity came out from behind one of those fold-up walls that you are supposed to get changed behind. She was wearing a stunning dress.

Both me and Fluttershy were looking with a surprised expression. Rarity smiled and blushed slightly, though remaining confident. "It's right over here, dear." She showed me to it. I picked it up and went to the closest change room.

When I came out they both looked at me and Rarity spoke up "Looking fabulous, Brian. I must say you do look smashing in formal attire."

I let out a small chuckle. "Thanks."

Shortly after Twilight knocked at the door to collect her dress, followed by Appplejack, who wanted something simple like what she wore in that one fashion show Rarity set up many years ago, and finally Pinkie.

We exchanged conversation for a while "Alright than. I'm gonna go back and drop my clothes off at my house." I said

"Yeah, I'm gonna head back to the library and get my dress on." Twilight added.

"Me too!" Pinkie said

"Why don't we all meet back here?" I said. Everybody agreed and we went our separate ways.

On my way home I notice It is getting dark. The Ball was probably going to start soon. I entered my house and dropped off my old clothes. I walk up to the mirror in my living room to look at myself, adjusting my tie, making sure everything is spiffy. I look up and close my eyes. 'I'm ready.' I think to myself. I open my eyes and look in the mirror one last time before I gather my parents and shove off. 'Everything checks ou-'

This wasn't my reflection. I look straight and I see my face, but the eyes. They were black. Completely black. And a strange black liquid was running down the reflections face, like black tears - This was that same creature that attacked me in my bathroom four years ago. I stepped back, blinked, and shook my head. It was starring at me. No, it was more than that. This thing was digging deep down and starring straight into my soul. Whatever it was, it knew me somehow. Everything about me. It knew about Dashie, it knew about Equestria, Equilibria, it knew everything I knew, like it fed information from my memories. It opened its mouth, bearing its disgustingly yellow and black pointed teeth. "EVERY DAY I AM CLOSERRRRRR-" It's voice became distorted on the last word and started making horrific sounds. Sounds that were so terrible that they were simply unbearable to listen to. I clench my ears and begin yelling. The sounds just keep getting louder and louder as I fall to my knees, screaming at the top of my lungs. My vision starts to blur and the feeling in my arms, legs, and face start to numb. And before I know it, everything goes dark.

Brian! Brian! Are you okay? Brian!

I open my eyes and look up. My parents are hovering above me with worried expressions.

"Brian! Are you okay?" My mom yells.

I let out a big 'uuuugh' as I sit up and put my hand up against my throbbing head. "What happend?" I say.

"We don't know. We herd you screaming from our house so we came to see what was wrong. You were unconscious on the floor." My dad said.

I look over to see the five other ponies crowded around with relief in there eyes.

"Why are you guys here? What time is it?"

Twilight Sparkle spoke out. "Well we waited for you at Rarity's shop, but you never came, so we decided to trace back here to see if we could find you. We saw your parents hovering over you on the floor."

"Well, we should get going, shouldn't we?"

"Hold on a minute cowboy." Applejack says. "If you just here fainted than maybe you shouldn't be goin' to no parties. It could be dangerous."

"I feel fine. My headache is going away." I lied. It was pretty bad. "I guess it was just the suit. I must have over heated or something. I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Well dear if the suit is too hot..."

"No, really. I'll be fine. But thanks Rarity."

"Well, if you say so. Shall we forward on?" A clutter of agreement steered around our group as we headed off.

-------------------------------------------

We are not even in the palace yet and we can hear the fun that the ponies are having. We hand off our passes to the guards at the entrance and head in. There is a huge party going on.

We enter and there is a massive dance floor with ponies all round having fun and dancing. Music booming everywhere.

"Well, here we are! Have fun!" My mom yells. We all trail off into different directions and mingle.

I decided to go over to the bar table and order a drink.

"What'll it be?"

"Got any Scotch?"

"Yes we do. On the rocks?"

"Yes, thank you."

He handed me my glass and I began to sip from it. My dad comes up from behind me and takes a seat beside me.

"Hey, could I get some of what he has?" They hand him his drink.

"So, hows it been goin', son."

"It's been alright. Could be a bit better though." We paused for a a few seconds, the music still booming.

"That one librarian, uuuh... Libby, that's it. I understand that she's been eyeballin' you?"

"What?"

"Eyeballin'. You know. As in she lakka you beezneez."

"Dad, I haven't talked to her in 3 months. And seriously? I gave up finding a partner when I went to Equestria. How would that even work anyway? A pony and a human?"

"I dunno. Stranger things have happened, my friend."

We heard a voice from a few chairs away. "You guys talkin' about gettin' pony action? Are you serious? You guys aren't nothin' but a pair of hairless monkeys. That's pretty disgusting."

"Actually, I'm married, thank you very much. Have been for over 80 years." My dad spoke up in a sarcastic manner.

"What, to a pony?" The colt chuckled. "That's mighty weird, boy."

My dad was about to say something when I interrupted.

"No, my father over hear has in fact been married to another 'hairless mokey' for the past 80 years. But aside from being an idiot from across the bar table, I have a better suggestion for you. Take your shit somewhere else."

I don't like swearing, I gave it up a long time ago. But it felt appropriate.

"Aaah, whatever." He muttered, and continued to sip his drink.

"I could have handled that myself." My dad said.

"Yeah, but I'de like to avoid a bar fight being started at a royal event. We all know what happens when you get into arguments at a bar table."

"Aaah, whatever." He muttered, much like the colt across the table.

I finished up my drink and let out a satisfied sigh. "Hey, I'm gonna go mingle." I said. "I'll talk to you later." My dad let out a dismissive grunt and lifted his hand. I walked over to see Twilight sitting at a table by herself. I approach and sit down. She looks kind of sad.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh. nothing. I'm just......"

"You're......."

"Well..... I'm not to big at huge social gatherings like this. I spent so much time studying magic in Equestria, I guess I don't really know how to mingle in crowds."

"Come on, Twi. It's not that hard. Ponies don't care much about how you talk to them, they just want to have a good time. It's not like they are inspecting your social abilities or anything. You just gotta go and talk. They'll listen."

"I don't know....."

"Don't think about it too much. You see that group over there? Go and join in." I let out a smile.

"Well, I guess I could try."

"That's the spirit."

Right then a large blast of light appeared in the middle of the table, followed by a ball of smoke. Out of the ball of smoke fell a scroll. Me and Twilight both looked at each other in puzzle. I picked up the scroll and looked at the side. "It's for me." I began reading it. As I was reading it, my face turned from a confused look to a completely shocked and awed look.

"What is it, Brian?" Twilight asked. I put down the scroll and sat there starring at the table.

"Brian, what is it?"

I look up slowly and meet eyes with Twilight Sparkle.

"It's Dashie."

End of Chapter 8.

Chapter 9: Preperations

I stand up and look over at the crowd.

"We need to gather everypony and get to the king and queen. And we need to do it now." I said, seriously.

Twilight nodded in recognition and we walked into the crowd together to gather everypony. We managed to find my dad who was still ordering drinks at the table.

I approached quickly, Twilight behind me. "Dad, we need to leave."

"Why in the hell-"

I opened up the scroll in his face abruptly and he flinched slightly backward.

"Read." I said.

He squinted his eyes to read the scroll and regained his posture.

He stood up. "Don't even gotta read the whole thing. You lead the way, boy. I'm right behind ye."

"Thanks, now we need to find mom and the girls."

"Your mother is over there." he motioned his head towards her. She was sitting at a table with another pony chatting.

We quickly made our way over and approach the table.

"Mom."

"Oh hey, Brian. Are you having a good time?"

"Yes, but-"

"Oh, of coarse! Where are my manors? Starbright, this is my son Brian. Brian, this is my old friend Starbright."

"Nice to meet you." Starbright said.

I nodded. "Charmed." I turned back to my mom and placed the scroll on the table.

"I don't want to interrupt your good time, but we need to go, now." I said bluntly, raising my voice over the music.

She looked at the scroll for a moment, picked it up and handed it back to me.

"I don't know exactly what it says but I can guess it has something to do with your daughter."

"Yes. It's time."

She stood up and looked at her friend. "Sorry, Starbright. It was nice talking to you again but I have a very pressing matter to attend."

"Oh, don't worry about it." Starbright smiled. "We'll surely have another time to catch up."

"Thanks." My mom said with a smile. She looked back at me, my dad, and Twilight. "Let's go."

We found Applejack next to the dance floor.

"Applejack!" Twilight called out. AJ looked over and smiled.

"Hey fellas! What can I do ya for?"

Twilight looked at me, I nodded and she trotted over to AJ. I heard a brief exchange of conversation and saw AJ pointing over to the left. Twilight motioned us to come and we moved forward.

"Let's do it." AJ said.

Twilight looked at me. "AJ knows where Pinkie Pie is."

I shrugged. "Lead the way."

Pinkie Pie was right where I would have expected her to be. Right in the middle of the dance floor jumping all over everypony and being herself when she's excited about a party.

"Pinkie." She looked over and waved with a smile. She then fell down and disappeared into the crowd of ponies.

Right then we all heard a cheerful voice from behind us. "Hey guys! What's up? Isn't this a great party!?"

We all turned about and looked in confusion to see Pinkie standing there behind us. We stared for a second in confusion. Pinkie's smile went away and she raised her brow and tilted her head. "Is there something wrong?"

I shook my head and blinked. "Um..... no, Pinkie. We just received word. Dashie is on her way t-"

"Woo! Rainbow Dash is coming? Yay! Where is she?"

"Not here yet. We need to leave and pick her up from the mountain gateways. First we have to collect everypony."

"Okay!" She said cheerfully. "Oh! If you're trying to find everypony the best place to look for Fluttershy is in the gardens outside. I think she went there. And Rarity should still be in that boring place for all the important ponies.

"Could you collect Fluttershy and meet us in the throne room? We'll be passing by the important ponies so we should see her there."

"Sure!"

"Great. Come on everybody."

We made our way out of the party, threw the hallways and into the main palace which was littered with ponies of high wealth and class. We eventually made it to the throne room, but there was a large line-up of ponies greeting and talking with the King and Queen. We made our way up alongside the line, receiving a number of complaints from the line as doing so.

"Brian? Twilight? What are you doing here? I would have thought you'd be at the party." Rarity said from the line. I showed her the scroll and explained what is happening. "Care for a free pass to the front of the line?"

She exited the line and followed up until we were in front.

"King Poradese, Queen Serenity. You sent me this message. I made my way over with everyone as soon as possible."

"Yes, of coarse." Queen Serenity looked at the subject she was greeting. "I'm sorry, this is going to take a few minutes."

"I'll take care of it." The King said.

She looked at the group. "Is this everyone?"

"Not quite, Queen Serenity. There are two more on the way."

"I see. As you are aware, somepony who was very close to you is about to pass. We need you to go and make sure they get the proper welcome."

"Yes, Queen Serenity. I would be more than happy to do so."

"There is a purple coloured dragon stationed at landing pad C for you just outside the palace. Be careful, it is dark out, and dragons can fly quite relentlessly."

'Don't have to tell me that twice.' I thought.

"Good luck, Brian Dash."

"Thank you, your highness." I bowed my head as a respectful gesture and we moved towards the door. I was going to wait for Pinkie and Fluttershy, but right then they came through the door.

"Pinkie told me what happened. I can't believe Rainbow Dash is coming here." Fluttershy said in her usual quiet, soft voice.

"Neither can I, but we need to leave the palace and find landing pad C. Our ticket to Dashie is waiting there for us."

End of Chapter 9.

Chapter 10: Arrival

We exited the palace and started scanning threw the landing pads.

"Well it has to be somewhere." Rarity said.

"The Queen said that it is right outside." Twilight added.

"There." I pointed to a gate with a C above it, behind it a flight of stairs that led up to pad C."

"Halt, who goes there?" A guard asked.

I showed him the scroll and he let us pass. Like the queen said, a purple dragon was stationed at on the landing pad. The dragon was of coarse large. It was purple with a beige underside and had green spikes sticking out of its head and neck. Fluttershy stayed behind.

"Are you comming?" I said.

"Umm... uh.... I think I'll just use my wings if that's okay." She said very shakily.

I sighed. "Okay."

There was something vaguely familiar about this dragon. I couldn't quite put my finger on it so I simply chose to ignore it.

There were of coarse two pegasi ponies to accompany us to Dashie's welcoming. They trotted over. "We will be retrieving your friend, relative, or loved one and escort him or her through the portal. Once that is complete we will exit the gate and allow you to greet him or her in privacy. Your job is to-" Yadda yadda yadda. I've done this so many times before. I don't know why he was explaining it. It is probably just protocol to make sure that the process of greeting new ponies is done properly. I just let him continue, but I wasn't really listening.

We began to walk towards the dragon when it looked at us, seemingly in awe. It huffed and took a few steps backward to take good a look at us.

It spoke in a very deep and bellowing, yet very familiar voice. "Pinkie?" Pinkie smiled and hopped once when she heard her name.

"Fluttershy?" Fluttershy flinched and hid under her wing.

"Brian?" I simply raised my brow.

"Applejack?" She looked in confusion.

"Twilight?" Twilight opened her mouth. Logically piecing together who she thought this was.

The dragon paused for a few moments and looked over to Rarity.

"Rarity? Rarity, is it really you?"

Everybody was still a bit confused, but I think we were piecing it together slowly.

Rarity smiled and began to tear up. "Spike?" She said in a shaky voice. The girls quietly gasped.

"Yeah. Yeah it's me. After all these years.... After I joined the dragon migration. I never thought I would see you again."

Spike slowly walked over to Rarity on all fours and they simply looked each other in the eyes for a few seconds before sharing a hug. I don't think they knew it, but everypony could hear them. "I missed you so much." Spike said quietly in his bellowing voice.

"I did too."

Everypony started to stir in quiet conversation as Spike and Rarity broke from their hug. They moved towards them and Twilight spoke out. "Spike, is it really you?" She said with a smile.

"Yeah Twi, it's me."

I greeted Spike but the others continued to talk and catch up with him. I was happy to see him, but we still had to hurry.

"Erm..... I don't mean to interrupt, it's great that your with us again, Spike, but Dashie is about to pass, and we don't have much time."

"Rainbow Dash is coming?" Spike said in surprise. Everybody looked at him. "Sorry, it's just that I knew that ponies come here as well as dragons do when they die, and I knew you were probably either already here or about to be here, but I never thought I would actually be summoned to fly anypony to the mountain gateways. I never thought I'de be able to find you. But anyway, we should go."

We all loaded on accept for Fluttershy who was still a little nervous around spike. She decided to stay behind and use her wings to fly.

If spike were any younger he probably wouldn't be able to do this. It must've been his age. He probably grew wings out of maturity. Spike took off with me, my parents, Twi, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie as the escorts did as well. Fluttershy waited a bit longer but eventually took off and followed us.

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Working at the weather factory is really hard work. I walked through the door of my dad's old home and lightly kicked the door to shut it. I was really tired and wanted to take a nice nap. I stretched my wings and made my way to my bedroom. I've been leading a pretty sad and lonely life now. All my friends have passed on. I don't know where they are but something tells me that they are fine. I still get occasional visits from the long disbanded Cutie Mark Crusaders, who are leading good lives with good jobs.

As I make my way to the stairs, I pass the bookshelf that housed my father's letter. The one he wrote for me shortly before he died. I placed it down on my couch. It was written in pencil.

“Dashie, I know your memory isn’t what is used to be and your hearing is going, that is why I am writing this in a note. I raised you from a filly into the mare that you are today, in a world that wasn’t meant for you. For half a year you were without me, taken from me and put where you belong, but not with who you belong: Me. For those six months not a single day went by that I didn’t think about you, not a single second went by that I didn‘t think about you. After four and a half months when I arrived in Equestria for the first time, my only thoughts were to find my daughter, my little Dashie. Only to be sent back to Earth for another month and a half.

            When I woke up in the clearing near the lake, I began to look for you. I found you, crying, I knew that we’d be together forever. I still remember all of our adventures together, my wings, learning how to fly, your races and performances, our mutual dreams, flying together. I still remember your fillyhood on Earth, your first bath, first words, doodles and drawings, our baking mishaps, your first preened feathers, getting your cutie mark. I remember it all, I will never forget. Dashie, I’ve lived a good life, but my time has come, I’m an old man now, everybody has to die eventually. Do not be sad, because I will be waiting for you up there until your time comes, but do not make me wait too long. As the old wise saying goes, ‘don't cry because the good times are over. Smile because they happened.’

            I will be watching you, whispering advice in your ear, if you ever need me, just know that I am a part of you; we can still share dreams, remember that, and never forget your old man. I hope you had a good life, because I know I did.

Love, Dad.”

The letter brought tears to my eyes. For 20 years he has been with me from afar. But it isn't the same as actually being with him. I miss my dad.

When I fell asleep, I flew with him. We circled around and did aerobatic tricks that I developed myself. Suddenly in our flight session, he started to speed up. I sped up too so I could keep up with him. I noticed that we were going up. Once we started flying threw the clouds he disappeared. Everything was white at this point. I tried to fly around and find him but I found myself coming to an uncontrollable halt. All of a sudden, anything with a trace of colour other than white disappeared. I dropped a few feet and landed. I was in an endless space of nothingness.

Then I heard a sound. It sounded a little bit like an explosion. I looked up to see a giant hole open above me. A hole seemingly made out of energy. Kind of like a portal. I found it very attractive and started to fly towards it. Right then I could see two objects emerge from it. They were pegasi. They met me about half way to the portal.

"Follow us." One of them said. I was a little suspicious of them but for some reason I felt very compelled to go threw that portal. I went inside with the pegasi on either side of me. The feeling was incredible. I couldn't even begin to understand what I was feeling. I could see the end of the portal nearing.

We exited and I was so interested in that feeling that when we emerged I turned straight around and looked straight back down the portal. Suddenly it imploded and closed in my face and I was left with this amazing feeling of energy. I closed my eyes to let the energy penetrate me. When I opened me eyes I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I saw my best friends. Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, AJ, Fluttershy. They all smiled and gleamed at me with joy. Suddenly I heard a voice from behind me. Every word was like a symphony of beauty to my ears.

“Hello Dashie, it’s been a while.”

I turned around. It was daddy. He was here waiting for me. They whole time I was alone, for all those years they really were watching me from afar. They were there, always. Suddenly I felt peaceful and relieved. I was given closure. Resolution.

“Heya Pops. Yeah, it has been a while. How’s it been?”

“Oh, you know. Same shit, different day.”

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Me and Dashie looked at each other for a few moments and than broke out sulking in between laughs.

We lunged at each other with full force and squeezed tightly in the most heart felt moment I had ever experienced in my entire existence. I could feel her warm tears on the side of my face as we cried into each other. I never wanted to let go. It was beautiful.

After what seemed like an eternity of love and affection. We finally broke our hug and sighed. We looked over to see the girls smiling at us, tears in there eyes too. Rarity was actually crying though.

We made our way out the gate and Dashie gasped at the sight of Equilibria's beautiful night.

"This place. It's called Equilibria. It's beautiful, isn't it?" I said.

"Oh my gosh."

Spike came and slammed down from above onto the rock platform. Dashie yelled and backed away.

"Oh hey Rainbow Dash!" Spike said in his deep voice.

"SPIKE!?" She said loudly.

"Yeah. Nice to see you too."

Dashie broke out in laughter. probably because of his deep voice.

Spike sighed and rolled his eyes. "You guys gonna pile on, or what?

"W-wait a second. Am I young?" Dashie exclaimed. She looked at her hooves and began to flap her wings.

"I'm young! I can fly again! Yes!"

End of chapter 10.

Chapter 11: Hyper-Sonic Rainboom

The Wonderbolts were performing at the Annual Clairmont Ball. It was a big celebration and they wanted to get popular in Equilibria, as they were in Equestria. They would perform some of their signature aerobatics tricks to gain the favour of the King and Queen and earn their fame back. The crowd gathered and watched as Spitfire lead her squadron to flight. The Wonderbolts approached in a V formation with 6 of their aerobatic fliers, smoke and thunder trailing behind them. They pulled up and quickly turned off their smoke trails as they rearranged themselves into a single file formation, still flying upwards. The leading flier quickly turned to the right and tucked into a circular movement. The other fliers followed in and all 6 were travelling in a circle until they closed in tightly and then burst outward in a spectacular explosion of light and sparkles.They regained themselves into a Diamond formation and began to do a horizontal loop, when they suddenly heard something.

A massive, ear ringing explosion could be heard from far outside Clairmont. The Wonderbolts stopped their performance and immediately started glancing around for the source. They were surprised when they heard a distant wooshing sound following the boom. It was seemingly getting closer.

The crowd and Wonderbolts looked up to the southern sky to witness a massive white light surrounded by an immensely beautiful shockwave ring coloured with all the fragments of the light spectrum. The wooshing sound became increasingly loud as the rainbow shockwave ring travelled over the crowd and smashed into the side of Clairmont's mountain. Hats could be seen flying off of pony's heads along with flying leaves and other small debris as the shockwave hit with mild force.

The Wonderbolts stared in awe where the source of the explosion came from.

The crowd cheered very loudly, assuming that it was the Wonderbolts who had created the explosion.

Spitfire called down. "It wasn't us! We didnt-" She sighed and shrugged to one of her teammates. There was no way they could hear her. She then looked over to Sourin' who was still staring at the source of the explosion.

She flew over behind him to talk. She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off.

"Impossible." Sourin' Said flatly.

Spitfire looked at him, noticing his shocked expression. "Do you really think that it could be-"

"-Rainbow Dash." Sourin' said.

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"Screw flying on Spike. I wanna stretch these wings a bit!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Wait, Dashie. Coming here isn't that simple. You need to meet the King and-"

Woosh

"-Queen." I said trailing off. I looked over to Twilight, who shrugged. "Can't blame her."

I laughed. "No, we can't really."

We all waited on the rock platform and watched her 'stretch her wings' a bit when, out of the darkness, we saw her coming down from a dive with a bright glowing ball of friction forming around her. As she gained more and more speed, the ball formed into a pointed Mach cone which started to become very bright with energy.

BOOM!

She doubled her speed out of a hyper sonic boom that shattered the light spectrum. The explosion itself was so large it shattered some of the rocks off of the mountains. This was probably her largest Sonic Rainboom yet. She was accompanied by a trail of rainbow. She did a few large loops in the sky before finally slowing down and landing on the rocky platform.

She smiled at me, panting. "That! Was! Awesome!" She yelled.

We all started laughing. "It's great to have you back, Dashie." I said over the laughter, with a big smile.

Tears began to leak from her eyes as her smile widened. "It's great to be back."

"Dashie, I'de like you to meet your grandparents."

My parents walked over from the rock they were sitting on.

"Mom, dad. This is my daughter Rainbow Dash."

"Brian... er.... your father, told us so much about you. We were really looking forward to meeting you when your time came." My mom said.

"Hey! That means I can call you grand-pops." Dashie looked at my dad.

He looked over to me in confusion with a raised brow. I chuckled.

"Ummm...... yeah, I guess so." He said.

"So you guys are pop's parents, eh? He's told me all about you guys too. When we were on Earth, he kept this painting of yours' in our house and he used to talk to it sometimes. It kinda freaked me out a bit, but I got used to it. He told me about what happened to you guys once. You know, he really loves you. He was really lonesome and sad before he found me.

My dad rapped his arm around my mom's shoulder and placed his free hand on her other shoulder. They both smiled at me. I could feel a blush coming on but I held it back and coughed. "We should get going. You're gonna meet the King and Queen, Dashie. They will answer all of you questions."

End of Chapter 11.