When we arrived at Rainbow’s place all the girls were in her living room sitting in a circle. I, however, didn’t get a chance to say hello because my mom did it for me.

“Hi girls,” she waved wildly while she was linked to my arm with her other one.

“Greetings girls,” Luna pipped up grinning wickedly, “my sister and I are also wanting to hear the answer to Miss Dash’s question.”

“Seriously?” I was deposited onto the floor between Twilight and Rainbow. Fluttershy and Twilight were blushing furiously while the rest of them were just anxiously awaiting my answer. All of them were dressed in a type of shorts and t-shirt. I didn’t know where Rainbow’s parents were right now and frankly, I really didn’t want to know either.

I sighed irritably, “What was the question again?”

“You stalling,” Rainbow grinned at me crossing her arms under her chest.

“Yes, I am,” I admitted looking rather shocked at her, “It’s a deeply personal question.”

“I’m a deeply personal girl,” Rainbow grinned at me putting her arm around my waist pulling me toward her, “Now spill.”

Obviously, I couldn’t get out of it, “No I don’t get a boner every morning.”

Rainbow thrust one fist into the air, “Yes, I knew it.” There was blushing and giggles all around while mom and Luna had gleefully blushing faces for whatever reason. “OK Pinkie your turn,” Rainbow said.

“Okie doki loki,” Pinkie said with a smile and while bouncing slightly where she was seated she looked toward my mom. “OK Celestia truth or dare,” she asked.

My mom thought about it then said, “Truth.”

“OK, what’s the most embarrassing thing that you caught Fred doing?”

“Oh no,” I groaned putting my head between my raised knees.

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said with her hand patting my back, “Perhaps it won’t be that bad.”

Mom just looked at me and grinned wickedly, “Well this was about five years ago now and I was just coming back from the store. The first two bags of groceries were in my arms when I walked into the kitchen. I was just in time to see this five-second sequence of events.”

“Oh mom no,” I groaned again not looking up.

She laughed and continued, “He wasn’t prepared for the sneeze that hit him so that caused him to jerk his head forward and hit the cabinet, hard. That in turn made him dizzy and stumble backward, right into the kitchen island. From there he lost his balance fell down on the floor and let out a loud long fart.” Everyone started laughing, “He was stunned…but I couldn’t stop laughing.”

“OK,” Twilight tried to say calmly but failed, “that’s,” she laughed, “is bad.”

I tried desperately to pretend that I was somewhere else, anywhere else but where I was.

“OK, who’s turn is it?” my mom asked when everyone had calmed down again.

“Ooh I know,” Pinkie spoke up, “Why not let Luna ask this time?”

“Yeah,” Applejack agreed, “Go ahead, Luna.”

“Well alright,” Luna nodded with a smile while looking around for her prey. She just looked around for a minute or two before locking eyes with Rarity, “Rarity, truth or dare.”

Rarity took a deep breath, looked her square in the eyes, and pressed on, “Dare.”

Luna nodded, “I want you to kiss my nephew.” There were a few gasps while Fluttershy said, “Oh my.” “And not just any kiss either,” Luna continued, “but a hot passionate kiss as if you wouldn’t ever see him again.”

I looked between Luna and Rarity in shock at the dare. With each look at Rarity, she got closer and closer. When she got close enough she knelt down and curled up in my lap. I just couldn’t look away, and neither could anyone else for that matter, as she took both of my hands and put them around her. Rather low on her back, I might add. Then she leaned in and took my head into her hands, “Maybe this will make up for me laughing at you my darling.” At first, it was a slow and gentle kiss, but soon she deepened it with her tongue asking permission to enter. My mind had shut down at that point and with my eyes closed our tongues met in the middle.

The world fell away as she kissed me. She moaned slightly as her kiss got greedy then needy as if she was trying to drink me in. Soon my mind was lost in her kiss with my hands firmly rubbing against her back. Her hands gripped the back of my head and pull this time with a loud moan.

“ALRIGHT THAT’S ENOUGH,” came a sudden voice that brought me back to the real world.

Rarity and I stopped and looked toward Twilight at the same time in shock.

“Rarity’s my girl, so back off,” I heard not from Twilight, but that Spike had said that. Needless to say, I got confused by what he said. Rarity and the rest of them were in shock that he actually spoke.

“He can talk?” Rarity asked a little loudly while now hiding a little behind me.

Twilight just groaned putting one hand on her forehead, “Way to go Spike.”

Spike then, realizing what he just did, sheepishly looked up to Twilight, “Sorry.” Twilight gathered him up now looking a little scared now. However after a minute or so went by she took a deep breath when no one said anything, “OK, let me explain.”

“You’re from an alternate world and you’re a pony princess there and the crown actually has a magical element embedded in it that helps power up other magical elements and without it, they don’t work anymore,” Pinkie started saying in her excited rapid speech. “And you need our help to get it back before tomorrow night and if you don’t then you might get stuck here for a very very long time.”

“Uuh,” Rarity was speechless, as was most of everyone else.

“Uh, Pinkie?” Rainbow started to ask.

“Yeah she’s pretty much spot on Rainbow,” Twilight said simply while looking around with some apprehension now.

“Wait a minute,” Applejack held up a hand, “Let me get this straight. You’re a pony?”

“You’re a princess?” Rarity asked now leaning over toward Twilight, while still in my lap.

Twilight nervously nodded, “Mhmm.”

“That is,” Rainbow said calmly before throwing up her hands in excitement, “Awesome.” From there everyone got a little closer to Twilight now eager to ask some questions.

“Girls, girls,” my mother interrupted, “Why don’t we let her speak.” She then Nodded to Twilight, “Go on,” she told her gently.

Twilight smiled with a nod, “OK in short Sunset Shimmer is also from my world. She came here years ago and when the time was right, she returned to swipe my crown with your crown for the Fall Formal. But she didn’t get it and now she has to win it in order for her to get it.”

“That’s where Fluttershy and I come in,” I interrupted to fill her in, “It literally hit us and landed in our lap, so I picked it up and brought it to my mother who told me to let Luna hide it.”

Twilight nodded, “It’s the Element of Magic. It’s the one that powers the rest and without it, our world is without the most powerful means of defense. There are five other elements and in truth, my friends from my world represent those elements. Plus that world and this one are mirrors of each other in a way. You see my friends in my world are also Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. Applejack represents the spirit of Honesty, Rarity is Generosity, Pinkie Pie is Laughter, Rainbow is Loyalty, and Fluttershy is Kindness.”

“So like there’s one of me there that’s a pony?” AJ asked curiously.

“Yes there is, but our worlds are also different because, and I hate to say this and even a little ashamed now, there are humans there. However, they are nothing more than slaves,” Twilight said sadly.

“Wait…what?” Rainbow looked at her rather testily. “The humans there are slaves? Why? How?”

I gently put a hand on Rainbow’s shoulder, “Easy we don’t know the whole story.”

“Indeed, it was hundreds of years ago when they came to our world. We welcomed them with open arms and in so doing they grew and prospered. Everything was in harmony until they started attacking smaller towns. To this day it’s really a question of why, but after that, they started attacking larger cities and that’s when Princess Celestia took action. Soon their armies were destroyed and it was from then on that all humans were declared lower lifeforms and were pushed into slavery in order to keep them in-line.” Twilight hung her head while Spike patted her leg, “It was even taught in our schools that humans are evil and that everypony should know it.”

She sighed and continued, “However, then I came here.”

“How did you feel about us at first?”

Twilight looked at all of us, “At first I was scared of all of you because of what was taught, but then I got to know you a little. Even Spike here, who deals with them regularly in my world sees them better than I did.” “Now,” she continued while looking at us with a sad smile, “I know that not only I but all of us on our world is wrong and it’s wrong to keep any sentient being a slave.”

There was silence for a minute before I gently laid a hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “Don’t feel all that bad Twilight. At one point and even somewhat today we still enslave people. It’s nowhere near as widespread as back then but it still exists a little.”

“So our worlds are more alike than I thought,” Twilight said simply.

“Yep and it takes courage to admit when someone is wrong,” I said with a smile.

“Hear hear stud,” Rainbow cheered, “that’s why we’ll totally support you. It takes heart, guts, and courage and you’ve shown us you’ve got that.”

“Indeed darling,” Rarity said.

“Eyup.”

“Yay,” a soft cheer from Fluttershy.

“Yippee,” from Pinkie.

“Thank you all, but there’s still one thing that is confusing me,” Twilight asked while looking at me. “In our world, Princess Celestia doesn’t have a son, so why does the Celestia here have one?”

I sighed while looking around a little apprehensive myself, “That is something I can explain and it’s time that my friends in this world know what I just discovered.”

“What’s that darling?” Rarity asked while still in my lap. She had backed up and was now holding onto my arms.

“I’ll start from the beginning,” I began my tale. “It all began before this semester started. I had been dreaming about a woman wearing a cloak that was holding me as a child and sang a lullaby to me. However, I never saw her face. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but I kept on dreaming the same thing over and over again. Each one was a very lucid dream. I could smell and feel everything. Then a couple of days before the crown popped up I dreamed about my father. It was in a large white stone room and he was holding me. We were sitting on a large stone chair like a throne with a sun symbol on it.”

Twilight gasped quickly putting both hands to her mouth.

“I heard mom’s voice, but woke up before she came into view,” I continued while looking around gauging their reactions. They were all into the story and Twilight looked shaken. “Then I saw Sunset walk into the base of that statue and disappear inside of it. I even ran up and put my hand into it. Needless to say, it shocked the hell out of me. I told them what happened and could only speculate at that point, but figured out that there had to be some other world on the other side. Anyway, when your crown showed up it changed something in me when I picked it up. I felt different. Like the blood rush feeling you get after your legs have been numb for a while. It was also then that I saw who was under the cloak.”

Everyone leaned in with all ears trained onto me.

“I saw a white head of a pony and she was singing to me that I was her special sunshine,” I said as tears began to fall. “Then my head turned when mom told her that it was time to go. Then in my other dream, I saw my father turn around and I saw a tall white-coated anthropomorphic pony. Mostly human but with hooves, four fingers, the head of a pony with wings and a horn. Multicolored hair and tail that blew in a breeze that wasn’t there.”

“But that’s impossible,” Twilight whispered in shock, “she never mentioned a thing about a mate and you’re human. There would be some proof or something.”

I held up a hand and lit it. This time however there was a pure golden orb inside the palm of my hand. It pulsed slightly as it rotated.

Everyone gasped and flinched when it happened. Fluttershy, bless her heart, got a little scared, and hid a little behind my mom.

Twilight’s mind must have shut down because all she could do was stare between me and my hand. “How,” She barely whispered, “how can you do that?”

“Because I’m Princess Celestia’s son. From what I can guess she fell in love with my father, who was a slave at the time. Eventually, they were discovered after my birth and she brought me here to be raised by her human counterpart.”

“How…that doesn’t…I mean she…,” Twilight tried to talk but her mind was almost locked up.

“Wait a minute,” this time Spike spoke up jumping up to grab Twilight’s shirt, “the grave in the garden. She always goes to a single grave in the garden remember?”

Twilight looked down and nodded as the gears began turning again, “Yeah, it’s always under constant guard or protection spell.”

I made the glowing ball disappear as I, with everyone else listened.

“She once told me the name of…,” then she looked to me with wide eyes and shocked understanding, “Justice. His last name was Justice, but she told me that he was a pony, not a human.” Then she leaned into me as if taking a closer look then grabbed my hair, “I can see the resemblance now. Your long hair is one of her colors.” Then she grabbed my head, “And you’ve got her eyes. Well, human eyes but same bright color.” She backed up slowly, “You’re really her son. Which means that you’re a Prince of Equestria.”

“I kissed a Prince?” Rarity asked quietly while looking at me with stars in her eyes.

I chuckled at her antics, “Apparently yes. Of course, I only found this out two days ago and mom, Aunt Luna, and I have been dealing with it since. Well, mostly me considering they already knew.”

“Whoa,” Rainbow looked at me then smirked, “Well that explains how you left AJ and I in the dust the other day on the field.”

“I’ll say,” AJ nodded in agreement, “I wondered what got into him all of a sudden. Now we know.”

After a few chuckles, Twilight tapped my arm.

“So, now that you know,” she said to me after I met her eyes, “what are your plans? I mean especially that you have magic, which I still don’t get how that’s possible. I mean my talent is magic itself and I can’t use it here.”

I nodded to her with a sigh then looked toward the girls, “I plan to go back with Twilight.” Now they really had shocked looks, except for my mom and Luna of course.

“Why darling?” Rarity turned to me putting a hand to my chest.

I put a hand over hers and smiled, “Because I want to see her and get to know her.”

“But if you go back wouldn’t you become a slave too?” Fluttershy asked.

I shook my head with a smirk, “No, because she will see to it and who knows perhaps I can make a difference there.”

“Well,” Twilight mentioned, “she is trying to turn things around and now I’ll help her as well. Because all of you have taught me that valuable lesson. So who knows, maybe you can.”

“You’re leaving stud?” Rainbow asked as the rest of the girl’s eyes were on me.

“Sorry girls, but yes. It won’t be forever though,” I tried to reassure them.

“That’s true,” Twilight spoke up, “the portal opens every thirty moons. So yes, he will be back.”

“How long will that be sugarcube?”

“About two and a half years,” Twilight said.

“Aaw, but it’s such a long time Freddy weddy,” Pinkie Pie pouted as her hair went a little flat.

Gently I moved from under Rarity and went over to Pinkie giving her a hug, “I know it’ll seem like a long time, but at least I will come back Pinkie. I just feel like I have some obligations over there.”

She sniffed and nodded, “Okie doki loki.” Then her hair bounced back and she grabbed my shoulders, “I’ve got a great idea.”

I chuckled, “What is it?”

“Why don’t we each write our counterparts a letter about Twilight and our Fred. Especially our Freddy weddy and how they should watch out for him.”

“Say Pinkie that’s a great idea,” Applejack said.

“Yeah and I can tell my awesome counterpart to keep this guy fit,” Rainbow grinned, “Now where’s some paper?” She got up, “Don’t worry I’ll get some for everyone.”

I just smirked and shook my head at Pinkie, “Thanks so much Pinkie.”

“You are so welcome,” she hugged me tight, “This way I know that the others will look after you.”

“Alright everyone here’s a stack of paper and pens,” Rainbow said then came over to me giving me a punch in the arm. “You may be going away for a couple of years, but we’re behind you all the way stud. It’s just that we’ll miss you.”

I chuckled and pulled her into a hug, “Aaw I’m going to miss you all too.” There was some sniffling and even Twilight was smiling sadly, but all of them picked up a pen and some paper and started writing.

“And I will take them for safekeeping and hand them over when we get there,” Twilight smirked at me crossing her arms over her chest.

“What?” I turned and asked her now a little offended, “you think I’ll try and peak?”

“YES,” everyone answered at once and didn’t even bother to look up from their writing.

“Oh come on it was one time,” I laughed then sat back down. But as I watched I did feel great. I had wonderful friends, who even now were writing to their counterparts. Rarity handed hers to Twilight to put away. I smiled, walked over to her, and just hugged her.

She giggled, “What’s this?”

“Oh just feeling a little sentimental,” I smiled at her and just hugged her, “I love you all.”

“So do we darling,” she hugged back, “So do we.”

The night went on from there as the letters were done and handed to Twilight which put them away. It was after that they told me they found the new video and the plan to combat it

“I’ve got it,” Rarity stood up and cheered as everyone looked at her expectantly. “We can use this video against her.”

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“Easy darling, all that Sunset has been doing is drive everyone apart. So we can use a motto such as, “Sunset’s the one who divided us, Twilight’s the one who will unite us.” Then she quickly went over to her bag and took out some ears and tails, “She’ll unite us as Wondercolts in school spirit.” She started to hand them out, “I haven’t sold any in ages, but it’s perfect for this though. We’ll start tomorrow, let’s say while everyone’s at lunch.”

Fluttershy softly clapped her hands happily, “Oh that’s a wonderful idea Rarity, perhaps we could sing a song about friendship and unity.”

“Oh what a splendid idea Fluttershy,” Rarity beamed then sat in front of her thinking, “could you plan that out while I work on the dresses for tomorrow night?”

“I would love to,” Fluttershy smiled, “you always make the most beautiful dresses.”

“Oh thank you darling, but that reminds me,” then Rarity turned around to face me with a squint in her eyes. “Fred?” she asked looking like a snake out for prey, “Do you have a tuxedo?”

I nod to her, “Of course I do the one that I used last year.”

She scoffed, “Pish posh, that old thing? You need something else.” Now she leaned back as her eyes washed up and down my body. Sometimes she can be rather unnerving, as she muttered to herself thinking out loud, “No not black…something different…match the hair with…no….” Then her eyes went wide, “Or perhaps, oh yes…and then with…on the edges.” Her eyes softened as she obviously got a brilliant idea, “My darling Fred, what I have in mind will make you positively delicious.” The way she looked at me then was like a starving man looking at a steak.

OK, that might be a slight exaggeration. She did however have eyes that loved the idea of what I would be wearing. Others were looking at her with either smiles or smirks on their faces.

“Alright y’all,” AJ spoke up then yawned, “it’s getting late and we’ve got a long day ahead of us. So, why don’t we turn in for the night.”

In response, my body agreed with her by yawning myself, “That’s a good idea AJ.”

“Great,” Rainbow announced happily, “I got dibs on stud,” she practically jumped me after saying that. Now I had Rainbow curled up in my lap with a happy grin on her face. The blankets and pillows were spread out while my mom and Aunt Luna decided to call it a night by going home, thereby leaving more room for us. Rainbow had me lay down with her on a large blanket. She was facing me as she did before with one arm and one leg around me pulling me up against her. Then she laid her head in the crook of my neck and sighed happily drifting off to sleep nearly instantly.

I saw some grins and heard some giggles from the group, but I didn’t mind. After all, I would leave them tomorrow night and wouldn’t see them for a while.

It was about three or so hours later when I woke up because of Rainbow. She was holding onto me rather tightly while mumbling in her sleep. I wondered what it was until I saw one stray tear make its way down. Oh, Rainbow. I smiled sadly and wrapped an arm around her holding her close. She responded by mumbling a soft “no” and nuzzling more into my neck.

“She’s really going to miss you,” I heard Rarity whispered to me with a sad smile.

I nodded to her, “I’ll miss her too, all of you.”

With that, I fell back to sleep.

^_^

It was about an hour before lunchtime as we gathered in an empty classroom going over the plan. As expected when we arrived at school this morning most of the students had seen the video. It was evident with their giggles and chuckles as we passed the hallway. Twilight tried to hide, but we were there for her reminding her that there was a plan in place.

Right now though, we were looking at Fluttershy who had some sheets of paper and even pulled out an old-fashioned boom box. “OK,” she told us while handing out the sheets, “this is what I had in mind for the song. As we sing we can pass out the ears and the tails.”

“Say this is really good Fluttershy,” Rainbow said while reading it over.

“Indeed darling,” Rarity said as well, “I didn’t know that you had an ear for music.”

“Oh well,” Fluttershy blushed, “It’s just something that I dabble in.” Then she straightened up to explain, “I figure that we could start it without the music with clapping and stomping our feet before the music kicks in.” Then she turned to me, “Fred, since you really don’t sing then as soon as you start the music you can go around and pass out the ears and tails alright?”

“Sure and it’s OK some can sing beautifully and some can’t,” I smiled with a shrug as we shared some chuckles and giggles of our own before starting practice. We took that hour to practice, well they practiced while I watched anyway. It sounded wonderful and even Twilight’s voice sounded good. That surprised me a little because she seemed to be more of the geek type to me. However, she had a good singing voice though and I got a growing feeling that this would work.

^_^

Then came the decisive moment when everything would turn around. We all were in our positions putting on our ears and tails. For this, we all had blue shirts with a golden horseshoe right in the center. Pinkie Pie was the last to get in line and when she saw that we were ready she started banging her tray against the counter rhythmically. At the right moment is when Rarity started kicking the floor and clapping her hands in the same pattern. Fluttershy joined in with the glasses hitting the table. It really started sounding like the beginning of the old song “We Will Rock You.”

Of course, that started to get everyone’s attention as now AJ started hitting the table with her hands then clapping in the same rhythm. From there Rainbow joined in with her tray against the table and a moment later I turned on the music. While they started to sing I picked up the box of ears and tails.

“Hey, hey everybody we got something to say

We may seem as different as the night is from day.”

I spotted Flash, who at the moment was looking a little confused, so while they were singing I stepped up and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Hey Fred,” he said looking up to me, “What’s with all this?”

I set the box down, grabbed an ear and a tail, “A little impromptu school spirit to boost Twilight’s image. You wouldn’t be interested in helping would you?”

He smirked and grabbed the ears and put them on than did the same with the tail. We bumped fists then he grabbed all that he could and started passing them out. He started with his team first. Meanwhile, I picked up a lot of them and started passing them out from table to table. Keeping out of the girl’s way of course as they danced around. Soon they opened the door for Twilight to come in for her part.

“I’m gonna be myself no matter what I do

And if we’re different yeah I want you to be true to you.”

When Twilight got to Flash he was at the rocker’s table with a guitar and joined in on the music. Dang, that guy can play, I grinned while I got done passing out the ears and the tails.

“If you follow me we’ll put our difference aside

We’ll stick together and start working on that school pride.”

While the last couple of choruses were being sung everyone was up and dancing with ears and tails, as I was. I glanced over and saw Twilight over with Flash dancing while he and two others joined in. One on guitar and the other on the drums, wherever those came from. But the whole place was rocking and even though I couldn’t sing all that well I joined in with everyone else in singing about school pride. This was the best lunch ever!

^_^

“Hey who wrote that song,” Flash asked us as we walked down the hall afterward, “That was awesome.”

“Well you can thank Fluttershy for that,” Rarity smiled putting her arm around Fluttershy, “she does have a talent for it.”

“Really?” Flash asked a little surprised, “Wow Fluttershy that was great. You think you could write some for the band sometime?”

She blushed hiding behind her hair some, but she nodded, “I can try.”

“That’s great and I’m glad I was able to help you Twilight,” Flash said turning to her, “What Sunset did was wrong and I’m proud to support you.”

It was Twilight’s turn to blush a little mimicking Fluttershy some, “Thank you so much Flash.”

“I’ll see you around OK Twilight? Gotta keep the team in shape for the championship.”

Twilight nodded still blushing some as Flash took off. I just grinned silently knowing, but Rarity spoke up, “Don’t even think about it, darling. You’re already trying to get the crown. Who knows what she’ll do if you try and take her ex-boyfriend too.”

“Oh well I,” she said but got tongue-tied.

I wanted to step in and save her a little, “As a matter of fact Flash and I even talked about that and he wondered why she hadn’t done anything yet either. Not that he was complaining about what he knew she could do.”

“Right on,” AJ pipped up, “it’s like that gal has no morals.” Then she spotted Sunset with Snips and Snails, “I wonder what she’s all smiling about? Not like she’s going to win the crown now.” That got our attention as we watched them walk up to Luna’s door and knock.

“Vice Principal Luna something terrible has happened,” she said looking like she was about to cry with her hands clasped in front of her face.

I just rolled my eyes then turned to the girls, “You girls get Twilight out of here to the classroom we were at before while I follow.” At first, they didn’t want to, but I wanted to buy time in order to figure out what was going on. Snips and Snails went their own way while my Aunt Luna and Sunset walked away from her office. I followed from a distance and grabbed my cell phone.

:: Flash, Sunset is on the move and it looks like we are heading for the gym. Meet me at the doors?::

::On my way man::

And unfortunately, I was right as they walked into the gym and saw the destruction.

“Isn’t this just awful? And after Pinkie Pie worked so hard to make things so perfect.”

This is when Flash came up to me by the doors and peered in with me.

“Why would Twilight Sparkle do something like this?” Sunset asked my Aunt. Of course, that got our dander up for sure.

“And why do you think that Twilight was responsible?” Luna asked

“Because I have proof,” Sunset grinned, produced a folder, and opened it up to show pictures inside.

I turned to Flash, “OK she must have manufactured those pictures.”

“Then there must be evidence somewhere,” Flash nodded and agreed.

“It had to be where she could use either a copier or a computer to produce them.” It hit us at the same time.

“The library,” we said together.

“I’ll go to the library and look around while you keep her and your Aunt busy,” Flash smiled.

“You got it thanks,” we bumped fists again then he took off.

A couple of minutes passed before Luna and Sunset stepped out. “I’ll look into this Sunset, rest assured,” Luna told her as Sunset walked off with a huge grin on her face as she passed by me.

Then Luna walked over to me, “I can’t believe this.”

“Good, then don’t. Their fake. Flash is looking for the evidence right now.” I gently took her arm in reassurance.

“I’ll need to look into it like I said, nephew.”

I nodded to her, “I know and you will, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stall for time while we look right?”

She smirked, “Have Twilight come to my office in about thirty or so minutes.”

“You got it,” I smiled then took off. I knew where Twilight would be.

^_^

It was about an hour later when Twilight and I were in Luna’s office. The girls were rightly angry when they heard what really happened. Of course, they wanted to be with Twilight, but I wanted them to look at the damage, think of ways of cleaning everything up, and then redecorating. I held a hand to Twilight’s shoulder to calm her down after she sat down giving her a reassuring smile.

“But, but I don’t understand,” Twilight said to her.

Then Luna turned around and opened the folder, “This is clearly you in the photographs is it not?”

“Well yes, but,” Twilight started but Luna interrupted.

Luna held up a hand, “I know Twilight. I know that you are indeed innocent of this.” Twilight smiled with a sigh, “However, they are photographs and unless I do something I know that Sunset will. One way or another, so it needs to be nipped in the bud here. Because with these she will say that you don’t deserve it because of what you’ve done. And unless evidence to the contrary is brought up she would be right. No one who would do this deserves the right to run. That’s why we need evidence.” Then she looked up to me, “Nephew? Has any evidence to the contrary been found yet?”

KNOCK KNOCK

Then the door opened and Flash strolled in, “Vice Principal Luna,” he announced walking up to the table standing beside Twilight. “I found these in the library’s trash can,” he said with a smile handing them over, “it seems like someone cut her out of other photographs in order to fake those.”

I had a grin from ear to ear while Luna looked them over clearly relieved.

“I thank you Flash for bringing this to my attention,” Luna smiled. “Twilight,” she said turning to her, “I’m glad that I don’t have to remove you from consideration.”

“YES,” Twilight jumped from her seat and ran over to Flash hugging him tightly, “Thank you, you have no idea how important this is to me.”

When she pulled away Flash grinned, “What was I going to do? Not prove your innocence? Wouldn’t be much of Canterlot Wondercolt now would I?”

Luna stood up from her chair, “Unfortunately because the gym is indeed ruined we’ll need to postpone it until tomorrow night.”

Hearing that Twilight immediately started to panic, “Oh no, no no no no no. The portal, the portal.” She grabbed Spike’s backpack and started running to the door but I caught her before she could get away.

“Whoa hold on there Twilight calm down.” Have you ever tried to hold a panicking wiggling girl?

“The portal will close the portal will close.”

Meanwhile Flash was looking on rather confused.

I shook her a little by the arms, “TWILIGHT,” to which she calmed down enough to look up at me. “We know,” I tried to calm her down before looking to Luna, “If everything was redecorated by the time school ends would it still be up for tonight?”

“Yes it would but it would have to be finished by the end of the school day,” Luna said, “can you do it?”

I looked to Twilight with a knowing smile.

Her gears were turning, “Think think think.” Until she looked at a still confused Flash, “I got it. Flash I want you to go to your team and get them together. Tell them what happened here and for them to come together as Wondercolts to help redecorate for school spirit. Sunset wanted to separate us by doing this and it’s time that we stood together to fix it.”

Flash snapped to attention with a salute, “You got it.”

“Fred?” She turned to me, “You do the same with your contacts.” Then she looked between us, “tell them all to spread the word that it’s time for the Wondercolts to stand together.”

I gave out a quick laugh of delight and snapping to attention myself, “Yes ma’am.” And with that Flash and I walked out of the office, but there was one thing that bugged him.

“What does she mean by a portal?”

I chuckled and put an arm around my friend, “Flash my friend, that’s a long story. Do you believe in aliens?” He just looked at me funny and stayed that way while I explained. I told him everything that I knew about Twilight and even myself as we walked our way to his team. By the time we parted ways the story was told and at first, he really didn’t know what to think, so I told him to think about it.

Vinyl was going to be in the band room. Sure enough there she was when I walked through the door. Her headphones were on and she was standing behind her equipment head bobbing along to the music. She noticed me as I walked up to her so she stopped the music and pulled down her headphones.

“Hey there Fred,” she said with a smile as we bumped fists, “what’s up?”

“Sunset struck again, this time in the gym,” she listened, “she had Snips and Snails ruin Pinkie’s decorations and then frame Twilight for it. Luckily we found the evidence so Twilight is taken care of, but now we have to take care of the gym again.” I smirked, “The theme is coming together with Wondercolt pride. So what do you say about rallying the rockers while I get the techies?”

She just grinned back, put on her ears and tail, and just like that she was on board.

She left for the rockers while I was on my way to the computer room. On my way, there were many other students, and took a minute or two to explain to them what was going on. They all decided to help and put on their ears and tails.

When I got to the computer room the techies were typing away. Like any good techie, they didn’t notice me. So I went over to one and looked over his shoulder. They were working on learning the new python language three point five version. “How’s the new three-point five coming along?”

He responded without even turning his head, “Really good actually, I think I like the three-point five better than the two-point seven.”

“Yeah, but the two-point seven is still the mainstream in a lot of applications,” I said with a smirk.

“True, but that won’t last long as the three-point five will blow it away,” he smirked back. We shared a chuckle and that’s all it took to grab his attention.

“I need help from you and your friends.”

“Sure thing hold on,” he said and typed a few lines. After that, the rest of the room was on us, “What you need Fred?”

“Sunset struck again by having Snips and Snails ruin Pinkie’s decorations and then frame it on Twilight. We got Twilight off the hook, but we need you guys to help with the electronics and equipment. We need to come together as Wondercolts to help. What do you say?”

I watched as they looked toward each other and one by one they all agreed.

^_^

It was about an hour and a half later when I took a minute for a breather to rest. Looking around at the progress had me smiling with pride. Nearly the whole school came to help get everything ready. Tables were exchanged for good ones, streamers were being put up, balloons were being filled, and even Miss Finish’s photo booth and background were being put up. The techies got with the rockers on the sound and lighting. AJ and Pinkie had help with the food and drink tables, although that would have to wait until tonight, but that wouldn’t be a problem. Everything was coming together. Twilight was walking around doing what she could and encouraging everyone while still sweeping some of the floor.

She bumped into Flash as he was practicing with his band. She blushed again while Flash smiled at her. They would make a good couple.

“Hey, Fred,” called Vinyl to me, “they need me to set up my board want to help?”

I smiled, No rest for the weary, but nodded and stood up to follow her. “You know I’m really proud of everyone.”

She bumped me with her hip as we walked over to her equipment, “Yeah Twilight, you and Flash really brought everyone together. I think this is going to be the best one yet.”

As we approached her equipment, I put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. She turned to look up at me with a confused face. “I’m afraid that it’s also going to be my last.”

“What?” her voice shook with shock when she asked me, “but…why?”

I smiled sadly with my hands running up and down her arms, “Because Twilight is leaving tonight and I have to go with her.”

“Why? I don’t understand,” she asked.

“I know, but suffice it to say that there are otherworldly things happening here. She and I are a part of it. She will go back to her home and I’ll be going to see my original one. You see she’s not from around here and that’s really an understatement, but originally I’m not either. Originally I came where she came from, I only found out a few days ago.” She sat down on the cart containing her equipment as I did the same. “You see Celestia is my adoptive mother and I’m going to see my birth-mother tonight.”

“Will you come back?” she asked softly putting a hand to my chest. She even flipped up her shades so she can see her eyes. They were filled with worry and sorrow.

I smiled putting my hand over hers, “I’ll come back, although it may be a couple of years or so.”

“Well at least you will be back and that’s what matters,” she sniffed then punched me in the chest lightly, “and darn you for making me all emotional. I have a reputation.”

I chuckled and flicked her shades down, “You will always be cool to me Vi and when I go I’ll be taking you and all my friends with me in my heart.”

She hugged me. Then after a couple of minutes, she pulled back. “Alright then,” she said standing up, “let’s get this inside.”

Standing up I saluted, “Yes ma’am.” By the time we got back inside Flash and his band was playing. On stage with them were the girls as they sang a song of unity with his band. A good way to test out the equipment I thought. Not to mention giving music for everyone to work by at the same time.

Now the ball was going up, the floor was being cleaned and mopped, and all while the song played. I haven’t seen people have such a good time at working and cleaning in my life, but it was a great feeling.

Soon everything was done and everyone was happily congratulating everyone else on a great job.

“This looks so good,” pinkie happily announced as we were all on stage. Each of our arms was across the shoulder of each other as we looked at the finished gym with pride.

“Yeah it does Pinkie,” I said emotionally, “it really does.”

That’s when my mother and Aunt Luna came in with clapping hands. “Alright everyone,” my mother said, “the Fall Formal is back on for this evening.” Everyone cheered while Luna held a locked box in her hands. “I’m proud that you all have come together to make this possible. So, why don’t you all leave early today and get ready for tonight?” Everyone cheered again as they started to start filing out, “Make sure to leave your vote in the box that Vice Principal Luna is holding on your way out.”

On their way out we heard a lot of them say that they were voting for Twilight. Just as the last was leaving Flash came up to Twilight to talk. That was our cue to stand back and give them a little privacy.

“You did a great job Flash and thank you for everything that you’ve done,” Twilight said with a blush.

“You’re welcome,” he said with a nervous smile, “but I was wondering that if you aren’t already going with someone that maybe you could go with me to the dance tonight?”

“I have to leave tonight,” Twilight said sadly.

“I know, Fred told me.”

Now she was the one looking nervous, “How much did he tell you?”

“Everything.”

“You would still want to? Even though I’m different?” she asked though clearly nervous.

“Twilight,” he said gently while taking her hand in his, “I’ve watched you pull everyone together for tonight. I’ve watched you stand up to Sunset and everything that she’s done. I don’t care if we are different because I’ve seen your heart Twilight.” I watched as I could have sworn that she was blushing at this point. “And that is why it would be my honor to be your escort for the dance tonight,” Flash told her while raising her hand and kissing it gently as an old-fashioned true gentleman would.

I heard the girls “aww” beside me in a soft whisper, so it wouldn’t ruin the moment.

“I would love to go to the dance with you,” Twilight emotionally told him with a happy smile. That’s when the girls squealed with delight as they rushed up behind her.

“Oh darling,” Rarity said looking to Flash, “your eyes are going to pop out of your head when you see her tonight. So, I’m afraid that we have to go and get ourselves ready.”

“That’s OK Rarity,” Flash smiled, “I know you make the best dresses.”

“Thank you, Flash and you can pick her up at my boutique alright?”

“Alright Rarity I’ll do that,” he said while starting to walk away, “and don’t worry I’ll look my best.”

“You better darling,” Rarity singsonged as the girls nearly picked Twilight up as we all left. And by that, I mean that AJ and Rainbow were practically dragging me along. Why? Because they were curious as to what Rarity had in mind for me. I had to admit I was as well.

^_^

When we got to her boutique Rarity turned to me first and clapped her hands, “OK Fred, all you need to do is go over to the men’s section and find a white coat, white pants, and white shoes for tonight. When you have found them go over to Miss Saddles and she will do to them what I had in mind. And don’t worry about a thing.”

“Yes ma’am.” Then turned toward the men’s section, which was basically just on the other side of the wall. It was split right down the middle with only one cashier on the woman’s side. Everything else was doubled with changing rooms on both sides and even a full bath with shower on both sides as well. So, I figured that I would take a shower after picking out everything.

“Hi there,” came a woman’s voice beside me as I walked in, “I’m Sassy Saddles and you must be Fred that she told me about.”

“Yes ma’am,” we shook hands.

“She told me everything so just pick out the coat, shoes, and pants while I do the rest.”

“Alright,” I went over to the coats first. After some looking and rummaging around I found the perfect white coat for me. It fit perfectly actually, which surprised me. Normally for a person my size, and especially height, it wouldn’t fit that well. This one, however, fit like a glove. Wasn’t too tight, but wasn’t loose either.

I did the same for the pants and eventually found a pair. The shoes worked out as well, considering the size that I wear. Being over six feet tall has its pros and cons especially with formal wear at the ready like here. However, I did find what was needed and then returned with them to Miss Saddles. She thanked me and then went into the back room to do her thing.

With my clothes taken care of, my body came next. Luckily this place had a shower, which I needed to freshen up before tonight. That didn’t take long and once done I had a feeling that Rarity would want to check up on me.

“Oh there you are,” Rarity waved to me as I entered. Then she came up and sniffed, “Oh good you freshened up.”

“Of course.”

“Excellent, then you’ve picked everything out?” she wondered looking at me with a stern look.

A smile eased her mind, “Yes I was able to find everything and Miss Saddles is working on it now.”

“Oh that’s just wonderful,” she bounced in place, “I can’t wait to see you actually in it.”

“And to pay you back, sort of, I’ve paid for the limo for us all. Minus Twilight of course,” I announced.

“Oh, darling you didn’t have to.”

I held up a hand, “I know, but I wanted to.” Then took her hand, “I wanted tonight to be special for everyone, all things considering.”

“Oh darling,” Rarity hugged me while sniffing, “oh you’re going to ruin my makeup.”

I laughed a little while taking out my handkerchief and dabbing at her eyes, “Now then Rarity, it’s OK. You’ll look fabulous even without it.”

“Oh thank you. You always know just what to say to a girl,” she said while staring up at me. “I guess that’s why we all love you.”

“Thanks. So how are the girls coming along?” I asked trying to change the subject.

“Oh, they will look simply stunning tonight. They are taking turns with showering and helping each other get dressed.” With that, she turned and walked toward the back to help anyone that needed it. I looked at the clock on the wall and noticed that there was a little bit of free time. So, there was time for a little nap in the large lounge chair by the door. Because of everything that’s happened so far today it didn’t take me long to fall fast asleep.

^_^

“Darling,” a melodic voice slowly and softly calls out to me. It was like it had a hold on me and was slowly pulling out of the blackness of sleep. My body still felt like a ton of bricks when my eyes opened to see Rarity staring at me.

“Huh?” groggily I started stretching, “what is it Rarity?”

“Nearly all the girls are done, your clothes are done and so it’s time for you to get changed.”

I looked at the clock as my brain slowly rebooted, “How long was I out?”

“A little over two hours dear,” she said softly, “now go on, get up and go get changed. I want to see how you look and see if I have to make any final adjustments.”

I did as she told me to, but took a moment to stretch after getting up. Mainly to get feeling back everywhere. A chair isn’t exactly the most comfortable but always does decently in a pinch.

“Here you go Fred,” Miss Saddles said handing me my clothes and shoes, “everything else is already in the changing room.”

“Thank you Miss Saddles,” I told her and went to change.

After changing I turned to look at the full-length mirror. Rarity always does a fantastic job and Miss Saddles did a great job putting it all together too. New white socks to go with the white shoes. Button-down dress shirt, that was well pressed. I was surprised to see a blue tie there with a horseshoe on it. Always with the school pride. The coat was outlined with gold glittery trim as was the pants too. Though the pants were mainly at the bottom and the top. And to top it all off a blue handkerchief with a horseshoe on it. I put everything on, including the tie, in the appropriate spot with the horseshoe facing out.

My hair needed brushing, but I didn’t have a brush. Maybe Rarity or one of the girls will help with that. Once satisfied, I exited the changing room and made my way over to the other side.

“You really think that I look pretty?” Twilight asked as I approached the door to the woman’s side. I listened.

“Oh my yes, you look really pretty Twilight,” Fluttershy told her as the others agreed with her.

“Thank you all so much, but do you think that Flash would like it?” she asked and I took that moment to step around the door. All of them were just beautiful. So, I knew that Flash would love what Twilight was wearing.

“I know he will,” I smiled while standing at attention. Then taking one hand placing on my belly and bowing slightly, “Because I agree that you do look very lovely this evening. As do you all.”

When I rose back up they were looking at me with dropped jaws.

“Thank you, Fred,” Twilight said first with a heavy blush, which brought everyone else out of their stupor.

“Oh my,” is all Fluttershy said.

AJ took her hat off to fan herself, “Well now, don’t you look handsome tonight.”

“Oh my he turned out just…,” she tried to finish but didn’t as I approached them.

“Thank you, girls, but I do think that I’ll need help with brushing my hair.”

“Oh I can help with that,” Fluttershy said and patted a soft seat nearby. Fluttershy started brushing my hair when I sat down. “Oh this is going to be the best party ever tonight, I just know it.”

“I wonder where Flash is?” Twilight wondered while fiddling with one of her hair locks.

Just then there was the sound of the door opening with the bell going off, “Am I late?”

“Speak of the devil,” I chuckled as Fluttershy giggled. “Nah man,” I called out from the chair, “You’re just in time, take a look.”

Out of the corner of my eye, Flash went up to Twilight and like before kissed her hand. “You look beautiful,” he said.

Twilight gave out a soft, “Thank you.”

“Is it alright that you and I go ahead and leave?” he asked sheepishly, “I want to have some time to talk with you.”

Twilight wasn’t sure so she looked toward us. I didn’t have to even look to know that the girls were all nodding their heads to her. So, out of the corner of my eye, I watched them go.

“Oh she’s going to have such a great time tonight,” Rarity said with a soft squeal of delight.

“As I hope the rest of you do as well. The limo should be here by now.”

“Alright,” Fluttershy said while putting down the brush, “All done.”

So I stood up, turned around, and presented myself, “Well?”

“If you were a treat I’d eat you up,” Pinkie said with an uncharacteristic coo in her voice. AJ seconded that notion.

“Yeah stud you really look good tonight,” Rainbow chipped in.

“Thank you girls, for everything. Now I think it’s time for us to get going don’t you?”

^_^

Like a true gentleman, I opened the door for them and helped them out when we got there. This time though Fluttershy had Spike instead of Twilight. Spike started to object and wanted for us to go after them, but we calmed him down by telling them that sometimes girls need their own time. He didn’t like it but relented.

Right when Rainbow got out Flash’s car pulled up and parked. I smiled as he got out and rushed over to the other side to let her out. Twilight was happy when she got out as both of them waved to us.

“Oh she looks so happy right now,” Rarity squealed.

“I wonder what they talked about,” Rainbow wondered with a smirk as I just shook my head while trying to usher them inside.

“That’s for them to know only, now come on girls inside,” I urged as they slowly went inside.

The party was already going on when we got inside. Unfortunately, Flash’s band was going to play the first part of the dance while Vinyl did the second half. So, for the first part of the dance Twilight was with the girls and I. We all did have lots of fun though as the first part started to come to a close. During that whole time, Flash kept waving to her and she would wave back any chance they got. I was glad, and sad, for them. After all, we would be leaving tonight.

The last of Flash’s songs came to a close as they vacated the stage for my mother. Flash came up to stand beside Twilight taking her hand while I watched the lights turn on spotlighting my mother.

“First off I want to say how wonderful everything looks tonight. Everyone did a magnificent job pulling things together from the unfortunate events of earlier,” she said to the crowd. “And now, without further ado, I’d like to announce this year’s winner of the Fall Formal Crown,” she motioned for Luna to walk up with the box.

Now with the box open showing the crown, she took the envelope from my Aunt, “The Princess of this year’s Fall Formal is…Twilight Sparkle.” The crowd erupted into cheers at her announcement. Before she went up she hugged Flash then hugged the girls. Hugs all around as we watched her up on the stage as the crown was lowered onto her head.

“That’s it,” I said happily, “we won and there’s nothing Sunset can do about it.”

“TWILIGHT HELP,” came spikes voice from the rear by the doors.

“What the…,” I asked as we all turned around.

“It’s Spike,” Twilight jumped from the stage and took off running, “they’ve got Spike.”

As we were running after her Rainbow punched me in the arm, “You had to say it didn’t you.”

I sheepishly shrugged and kept running. All I could do was follow them with no sense of where we were going. Until Snips and Snails ran behind Sunset, who was standing at the portal with a sledgehammer.

“That’s close enough,” Sunset demanded as we stopped about twenty feet from the portal. Twilight was in front of the girls as I stepped up beside her. It really pissed me off at this point. I was about to activate my hands and maybe toss a fireball at her, but Twilight stopped me. She put a hand to me and shook her head.

“Don’t hurt him,” she called out to Sunset.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, I’m not a monster Twilight,” she said then turned to Snips and Snails, “let him go.”

To my surprise, they did as Spike rushed over to the awaiting Twilight kneeling on the ground. She gathered him up and held him close to her.

“You don’t belong here Twilight,” Sunset began again, “give me the crown and you can go back to Equestria tonight. Or keep it and never go home.” Sunset emphasized this point by getting the sledgehammer ready to swing as she held it like a bat.

“Look who’s talking Sunset,” I called out to her, “neither do you.”

“Fred,” Twilight told me trying to calm me down, but she only stopped me from doing something stupid. My anger to her was rising by the minute. How dare she destroy my way back to my birth-mother, my only chance to see her.

“Tick Tock Twilight, we haven’t got all night and the portal will be closing in less than an hour. So, what’s your answer,” Sunset grinned at us.

I already knew the answer and didn’t like it. My promise to my mom and Luna that I would never hit a woman was fading with Sunset.

“No,” Twilight said standing up.

“WHAT?!” Sunset cried out and pointed to the portal, “Equestria, the portal, your friends, lost to you forever. Don’t you see what I’m about to do to the portal?”

“Yes,” Twilight replied, “but I’ve also seen what you can do here without magic. Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony. This world might not if I allow it to fall into your hands. So go ahead, destroy the portal,” she said with mixed emotions and put the crown on her head, “you’re not getting this crown.”

“Fine,” Sunset looked to relent, “You win.” The sledgehammer dropped to the ground, but before any one of us could react, she lunged at Twilight.

“What the…,” is all my mind could comprehend as Sunset tackled Twilight knocking the crown to the ground. We all watched until Spike ran up and grabbed it by his teeth and that’s when the whole thing went haywire. It was like a big and dangerous game of keep away. And do you know what the only thing that was running through my mind?

Cue Benny Hill Chase Music.

First Spike had it but was trapped at the front doors of the school then Rainbow came up, “Spike Spike.” Spike then mouthed threw it toward her where Snips and Snails tried to get it, but without luck. She then tossed it to Fluttershy, who just stood there shivering in fright, bless her poor heart. That got AJ to lasso her out of the way before Snips had it. Then with Pinkie being Pinkie, she appeared out of nowhere to take it and toss it. From there it changed hands I don’t know how many times and over the course of a few stressful minutes it finally wound up in the two hands that we dreaded all along.

Sunset Shimmer.

“At last,” she said with wicked laughter, “More power than I could ever imagine.” I tried to get to her and maybe hit her with a fireball or something, but it was too late. A tall spire of magic shot up from her engulfing her and lifted her off the ground. Spike was in Twilight’s arms with all of us standing beside her as we watched Sunset transform from a girl. To a raging she-demon that looked nearly like fire itself. At least by the way her hair, tail, and dress looked.

Of course, that got everyone curious as Flash and Vinyl opened the doors. Wind from this magic was blowing everything around and I had to shout over it. “No, it’s too dangerous. Get everyone inside and shut those doors.”

And shut them they did as the transformation was completed. Sunset, or the new and evil Sunset, laughed wiggling her talon-like fingers. Her first thing was the change Snips and Snails into a lesser demon like herself.

The girls screamed in surprise and fright, but I stepped between them and the girls. “That’s far enough you two,” I ignited my hands on fire, “get behind me girls and protect Twilight now.”

“This is going to be so cool,” the evil Snips said while looking at me, but he didn’t get that chance.

“Snips, Snails,” Sunset called out to them, “get over here.”

This confused me a little as they flew away toward where she was.

“I had to jump through so many hoops tonight to get my hands on this crown and it really should have been mine all along.” Sunset, with her two minions, hovered near the entrance, “But let bygones be bygones. I’m your princess now,” she held up a finger wiggling it. “And you will be loyal to me,” right after that she closed her hand as part of the whole front of the school was crushed into a small ball. Then tossed it aside as if it was nothing. From there she immediately started turning them into zombie-like followers.

“That’s it,” I stepped from the girls, “I’ve had enough.”

“Fred no,” Twilight grabbed me, “don’t you’re not strong enough.”

“Maybe not, but I’ve got to try something.” My eyes told Twilight exactly how I was feeling about this. Then I looked to the others, “Keep her safe. I’ll try to do what I can.”

After getting close enough a big fireball was formed between my hands. “Hey Sunset,” I called out launching the big fireball at her.

“Huh?” she wondered and turned around right as the fireball hit her. She screamed when it hit, making me feel a little happy. She was shocked at what she saw, “What? How? How can you do that?” Then she just shrugged, “It doesn’t matter because you have messed with my plans long ENOUGH.” As she screamed out the last word she blasted an energy ball of her own at me.

Putting my arms in front of me in an “X” formation out of instinct brought up a shield. Her attack hit my shield and then dissipated, but not without a price. After it was safe I lowered my hands to my knees panting heavily like a dog that ran ten miles.

“What?”

“Surprised?” I was still standing in spite of my tired body, “so am I.”

“How? You’re human,” she called out with frustration, “you shouldn’t be able to do any magic at all.”

I laughed igniting my hands again, “You’re right, which means I’m not completely human am I?” She looked at me with confusion and even a little fear, “I AM FRED JUSTICE THE SON OF PRINCESS CELESTIA OF EQUESTRIA. I AM ALSO PRINCIPAL CELESTIA’S SON WHO RAISED ME AS HER OWN. I AM OF BOTH WORLDS AND WILL PROTECT BOTH ‘TILL MY LAST BREATH.” I felt something, like fire burn itself on either side of my neck, but I ignored it for now.

“That I can arrange,” she said preparing another attack, “my PRINCE.” When she attacked this time I crossed my arms again with the personal shield appearing once more. At first, I wasn’t worried, but instead of a ball of energy like before it was a steady stream. Plus in my tired condition, no amount of emotion would help and within a few seconds, my shield started to crack under the strain. Even with everything I had into it, it shattered with her beam hitting me full force.

The pain was all I felt while flying back to the statue. I had just enough time to look at the girl’s terrified faces as I flew past them. My body hit the ground once right in front of the portal then right inside of it.

Going through the portal felt like I was being pulled and stretched beyond belief. However, it only lasted about three seconds, maybe four, before being tossed onto a stone floor. The portal brought me to Equestria, but I had to get back.

Gasps were heard and even a scream or two as I spat out some blood onto the floor, “Okay, that hurt.” My knees were shaking while trying to stand up. I had a worry they might collapse under me. But with what strength I had left I inched my way to the mirror, which seemed to be the portal. “That bitch is NOT going to win.”

“Oh, such uncouth language.”

“Sorry Rarity,” I said putting my hand on the mirror’s frame. “I’ll be back in a little bit.” and stepped through. Once again I felt like being stretched beyond belief. And once again I landed on the other side.

“And you have nothing,” Sunset gleefully said to Twilight. Then froze because I was on the other side and even spoke to Equestria’s version of Rarity. Then I frowned, And unfortunately, the first words out of my mouth were cursing, however, Sunset deserves it.

“She has us,” Rainbow stood beside her proudly.

I stood up on shaking legs once again with my hands ignited glaring at her, “AND ME.”

They all turned and looked at me so happy that I was still alive, “Fred.”

“That’s it,” Sunset said while preparing another attack, “All of you have interfered long enough, now it’s time to die.”

“Lookout,” I tried moving, but my body just wouldn’t.

The girls huddled around Twilight as Sunset’s attack hit them. I shut my eyes against the light as I called out to them once more. The surprise came when the light faded. They were encased in a magical shield of their own. They were alright much to my relief.

“WHAT?” Sunset called out in surprise.

“The magic contained within my element was able to unite with those who helped create it,” Twilight called out pointing to Sunset. A stream of magic came from the crown and hit the group. They all lifted off the ground and started to hover in the air. “Honesty,” Twilight called out as AJ started to sprout pony ears and a tail. “Kindness,” she said as Fluttershy did the same. Then came Pinkie Pie with, “Laughter.” Rarity was, “Generosity.” Finally was Rainbow with, “Loyalty.” Twilight was hovering in front of the transformed girls as she transformed, “Magic. Together with the crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine. The crown may be on your head Sunset Shimmer, but you do not have the ability to control it. For you do not possess the most powerful magic of all.” Twilight grabbed their hands and formed a human heart in the air, “The magic of friendship.” A colorful rainbow erupted from them and surrounded Sunset.

“What is happening?” she called out as it surrounded her.

“Both here and in Equestria it is the magic that can truly unite us all,” Twilight said and then something hit me then went into the school. A small part of the rainbow came to me and suddenly I felt fine and my clothes were just as good as new as well. Then everything went silent. The girls were on the ground beside a crater with smoke billowing out of it.

I helped each one wake up and stand up asking them if they were alright. Each told me that they were and Twilight was happy with Spike back in her arms. We walked over to the crater to see Sunset inside.

“You will never rule in Equestria,” Twilight said to Sunset. “Any power you may have had in this world is gone. Tonight you showed us what was truly in your heart.”

Sunset started crying, well not crying but balling her eyes out, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know there was another way.” Sunset crying? This is new.

OK say what now?

“The magic of friendship doesn’t just exist in Equestria. It’s everywhere,” Twilight said aloud with a wide smile. That’s was when Pinkie brought us in for one big group hug. “You can seek it out as I did,” she said looking to us, “Or you can forever be alone. The choice is yours.”

“But all I’ve done is drive everyone apart,” Sunset said as she hoisted herself up to the edge of the crater, “I don’t know the first thing about friendship.”

Twilight then helped her up. I, however, watched her carefully, I mean who wouldn’t right? “I bet they could teach you,” Twilight pointed to the girls.

“Those are my girls,” Spike said crying out in support while clapping his front paws and standing on his hind legs.

“Whoa did that dog just talk? Weird,” a student said while looking down at him.

“Seriously? A talking dog is the weird thing about all this?” Spike wondered aloud.

“I for one think you are adorable,” Rarity picked him up and held him scratching him behind the ears.

“Oh yeah,” he sighed happily wagging his tail.

I smiled at that while Luna walked up gathering up Sunset and her two minions. Luna escorted them somewhere while my mother held the crown in her hands, “I believe that this belongs to you.”

Twilight walked up and knelt down in front of her.

“A princess, in any world, leads not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her.” She then gently laid the crown on her head, “We’ve all seen that you are capable of just that and I hope that you see it too.” Now she knelt down putting a finger under her chin to raise her head, “Princess Twilight.”

Twilight nodded, “I do.” That’s when everyone cheered while Flash walked up to her.

“Would now be alright to ask you to dance?” he asked.

Twilight looked up at the moon wondering if she had the time. It was pretty obvious that we did have some time, though not a lot of it. So she said yes and we all headed inside, except for me. I wanted these last minutes with my mom and Aunt Luna.

When I walked up to them they both hugged me tightly. We were all in the gym and the party was really in swing. The lights were going, Vinyl was doing her thing, and the music was blaring away. Twilight was having the night of her life dancing with Flash.

“I’m so proud of you,” my mother told me while straightening up my coat, “And Rarity did a great job, you look so handsome my son. I also heard what you said.” She had tears in her eyes.

I wiped them away, “Thanks mom, I love you.” We hugged again as she said how she loved me too. Then came Luna.

She hugged me again as well, “I love you my nephew and like your mother, I too am proud of you.” Then she pulled away with a few tears of her own, “Now we know that we aren’t the only ones that you need to say goodbye to, so go on and spend the rest with your friends. We will be at the portal when you’re ready.”

My mom smiled with a nod and so I turned toward everyone and ran over. And just in time for the picture, “Oh wait,” I motioned for my mom and Luna to come over. Which they did and all of us had Miss Finish take a picture of us. I asked for about ten copies. She said she could, being digital and all and having the printer right there.

By the time the pictures were printed, it was time for us to go. Everyone, including my mom, Aunt Luna, Flash, and the rest of the girls were all at the portal. The pictures were passed out. Twilight and I only needed one for each of us. Looking at the picture one last time really pulled against my heart. The girls were having their own hug-fest while I walked up to Flash. “I’ll need someone in charge to take over for me. Think you can handle it?”

“Yeah I think I can,” he smirked back to me.

“In that case watch over my mom and Aunt Luna while I’m gone alright?” I held out my hand.

“You got it,” he said with a smile and shook my hand. I stepped aside as Twilight walked up to him.

“Thank you Flash,” she said while looking up to him, “Not only you, but Fred and the girls have taught me so much in the past few days.” Then she reached up, pulled his head down, and gave him a soft kiss and on his lips.

While they were saying goodbye it was my turn with the girls, who were already crying by now. Even Rainbow didn’t prohibit her tears from falling. At first, I didn’t know what to say. What do you say to what feels like life long friends? Memories passed through my mind with each one, “I’ll be back girls, don’t worry. But thank you, each one of you for making me who I am today.” That did it and they all came in for another group hug. I held them for as long as I could until Twilight came up and tapped my shoulder.

“It’s time we got going,” she said with a smile that was both sad and happy.

One last look to everyone, especially my mom and Aunt Luna. Then with a deep breath, I turned and followed her to the portal. With a heavy heart, my mind tuned out everything else. The human world faded away in place of my original home and the unknown.

As before I felt myself being yanked and pulled then a few seconds later I walked out onto the other side. “Wow,” I looked around, “This room is much better when I’m not weak and hurt from a fight.” Just like in my dreams, or memories, the ponies here are anthropomorphic. Simply by the hair on their heads alone, I figured out who my friend’s counterparts are. Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy who bless her heart was hiding behind Rainbow, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack. Even Luna, or so I think, and she didn’t look too pleased with me being there. There was a pink coated one there that I didn’t recognize. Then the shocked face of…my birth-mother.

My heart was beating a mile a minute as I approached her. Or at least tried. Rainbow suddenly landed in front of me, “Whoa there human, where do you think you’re going?”

“Rainbow,” Twilight admonished and pulled her aside with her magic as Rainbow let out a “hey.”

“Twilight daring what’s going on?” Rarity asked as I stopped in front of my birth mother.

Twilight shushed everyone while I touched her muzzle for the first time. “Your coat is softer than I expected…,” I gulped nervously, “mother.”

Next Chapter: Chapter Five: Home Estimated time remaining: 23 Hours, 59 Minutes