In a sterilized hospital room, the slow and steady beeps from an EKG Machine continued in rhythm. Morning's sunlight crept up through the windows granting a warm glow to the otherwise dull white painted walls by adding an array of bright colors reflecting off the many bouquets showered throughout the room.

It was a welcomed view considering all the carnage and chaos that had befallen the once peaceful kingdom of Equestria, though not one that came without casualties. One casualty in particular with a needle providing another round of life-giving blood.

"That should about do it," Becky said, clicking a stopwatch.

Benny held out his arm, even though he was told to hold still, a kind gesture to help Becky put the cotton swab over the needle.

"He's certainly looking better."

While applying another band of medical tape over the point of entry where she extracted the needle, Becky traced the tubing that fed another blood donation to Sniff's arm.

Lying comfortably on his modified hospital bed, kept warm by Mayor Mare and Lyra sleeping alongside him, he remained unconscious. Yet another mystery unsolved by the many heroes who helped save him.

"Yeah," Becky finally answered half-heartedly before returning to her duties and cleaning up. "Twilight and Cutter were up practically all night with him, hoping he'd finally wake up."

Benny took a moment to examine the display again. After the surgeries and fourth transfusion, it felt like a miracle that Sniff pulled through. Though for the moment, calling it “pulled through” felt far too generous.

"It's been two whole days." He laid his hand on Sniff's to speak to him. "Hey, Sniffles. The new theory is that when you got scared from getting stabbed by Harmony, you fell victim to her magic just like the rest of us did with the Elements. But, given how she was a demi-god, that's going to keep you like this a bit longer. More time than the rest of us guys dealt with. Longer than Kelly, obviously. Ya just gotta hang in there."

Still trying to take it all in, while disposing of the used needle, Becky gave in to her body's demands and took the other open seat. She sighed with a yawn, burying her face in her hands.

"I'm sorry I haven't gone to the meetings. I'm sure I could help out if there were a few more to help me out here—"

"Don't," Benny quickly interjected. "We had a meeting for the emergency response for the Darkness, security, and one for immediate recovery. Neither lasted longer than an hour or two. Part of which was Chris being a little too honest about his marksmanship training when we did a recap. But if there's one thing we all agree on, it's that we want you here. Although, we do want you to bring Cerb back—"

"No," Becky interrupted just as firmly. "He's more of a danger to the other patients and himself here. Just be glad he agreed to take the wheelchair out."

Stuck in the seat until his head stopped spinning from the blood draw, Benny groaned angrily, rolling his head back in his seat.

"Gah... Like he had a choice. He can't even walk on his own. And not that he hasn't been a big help with the negotiations. No one will tell him no on anything, but we're hoping that if he at least came back for his follow-ups, Fluttershy would come back... Now that Rarity is keeping her distance from all of us, too."

Hearing that, Becky picked her head up, not expecting to discover that development.

"What? What the fuck is her problem now? Is it the crystals? She’s not pulling them out. She’d tear him open worse than he already is trying to get them out."

A little calmer about the subject now than he was the night prior, Benny could give a straight answer without throwing around any blame.

"It’s not the crystals. Fluttershy is having panic attacks and one emotional breakdown after another. Lumberman went over with Applejack to see if he could help and said that she was a mess. And from what Applejack said, she cries herself to sleep and wakes up screaming. So, Rarity is taking care of her full time."

For a moment, Benny sat with his mouth parted slightly. The words he was about to say almost felt out of place, if not painful irony.

"I think she has PTSD. She's afraid of Cerb killing again but has nightmares about Discord dying… She won't leave her room."

Becky slumped in her chair, another crushing blow taking away from their victory.

"Jesus Christ. They weren't ready for this. Hell, we’re not ready for it and we’ve already gone through this shit before. Even I’m having nightmares.”."

Benny sighed again, pressing himself to spit out more of the bad news.

"Yeah. Luna is running herself ragged, dealing with all the nightmares her troops are having. So many ponies aren’t able to fall asleep naturally cause of the nightmares and just passing out from exhaustion during the day. Now she’s pretty much doing 24/7 dream patrols just to keep things under control. Combine that with Cerb’s night terrors… I don’t think she’s slept in days.”

Knowing the kind of strain that must have on Luna, Becky had to ask.

"And Kelly?"

Benny groaned, still upset with the answer, especially given the seemingly never-ending stream of bad news.

"Still in Canterlot with Celestia trying to calm the tensions in the Solar Guard… She… God damn… She's actually really mad at Luna for lying to her."

Becky lamented, despite not agreeing with Kelly's behavior.

"Sure, it was fucked up that Luna did what she did to win Kelly over. but they did seem good for each other... Sorta. Both still wanna keep it hush-hush for now, though."

Benny looked around the room quickly to double-check that the mares were asleep and only the guard's shadows stood outside the door. There was still some level of privacy Luna wanted for her and Kelly, inspiring a low volume to his voice.

"After all that's come to light about us and them and the emotions and our blackouts, Kelly said something that I think might be true... But it might do more harm than good if she's right."

Hearing Kelly with a dangerous idea wasn't out of speculation. On the other hand, a theory on what was happening to them seemed out of place this late in the game made Becky raise an eyebrow.

"Do tell."

Wanting to keep this as private as possible, Benny carefully stood up but promptly sat back down. The blood drain had left him a bit more off-kilter than expected, so it was Becky that moved her seat next to him, but he kept his voice to a whisper.

"There's been all this talk about binding or bonding with each other. Well, what if it's more than magic that can get imprinted on us? What if thoughts or emotions can as well? Maybe working like some kind of inherited ability that works like Harmony's strings?"

The implications and possible ramifications that came with such a possibility were honestly frightening. The surface threat of a momentary impulse of altered behavior had already been considered and shrugged off. However, if any of the new relationships that brought the new couples together were a result of even accidental manipulation, it could be devastating. Not only to the progress made but to the stability they still held as well.

Knowing this, Becky stood up, mentally mapping out her responsibilities for the hospital.

"Stay with Peter for a bit. I have to check up on the kids and everyone else who hasn't been released yet. As soon as I'm done, we need to make sure Justin doesn’t find out about this. And, uh… You mind if I have Dash wait in here with you? This place is crawling with guards, and I know she’s getting tired of standing watch for me. She can escort you back to the kids when you're not so wobbly."

In another familiar hospital room, Iron Sparks sat upright in his bed. It was breakfast time, made possible by the assistance of his mother spoon-feeding him a mixture of steamed carrot slices and peas. And yes, it was more than a little embarrassing.

"Look at you. My brave little soldier. These carrots aren't too tough for you, are they?"

Swallowing down less than a mouthful of three peas and one thin carrot slice, Iron Sparks cracked a goofy grin. The bit of pain he did feel wasn't about to ruin his good morning.

"I'm not a little foal anymore, mom. Although, I think three carrots is too many. Can you get me another drink of juice, though? All these pills still upset my stomach."

From the hallway outside the door, two of the guards sounded off.

"Attention on deck!"

To Iron Spark's shock, a familiar voice responded back.

"As you were. And keep it down. There's ponies still trying to sleep."

Both guards answered back, each with a different reply.

"Yes, Sir."

"Yes, Captain."

There was no other pony Iron Sparks could have been happier to hear, although that voice said something unexpected.

"Uh... No... It's Second Lieutenant, now. Carry on."

Despite the lower rank offered as a correction, sure enough, it was Spearhead that opened the door. Free of bandages and brimming with a smile fit for a toddler, he merrily greeted his subordinate.

"Good morning. And please, don't get up. Also, try not to freak out. You have some visitors."

The soft cladding of steps followed by gold-covered hooves led in Kelly with Ralph, and Celestia gracing the room with their presence. It was enough to almost make the injured pony stand to salute his monarch were it not for his injuries.

As welcoming as it was to see Celestia looking so confident, Becky was unquestionably nervous.

"Good morning, Iron Sparks, Gentle Hoof. I would like you to stay calm while I properly introduce you to Miss Kelly Bardwell. She insisted on addressing some misunderstandings face to face rather than something less formal."

Needless to say, Iron Sparks was speechless, if not compelled to silence by fear. Not that Kelly fared much better.

"Um... Good morning. I'm glad to see that... Uh... You... I'm glad you're doing much better."

Sobering were the moments that passed after Kelly's fumbled greeting. To have the victim visit her attacker and offer such condolences made things beyond awkward. Although, perhaps more than awkward, embarrassingly shameful for Iron Sparks to verbalize a reply to.

"I'm... so... sorry... Miss Bardwell. All the pain and trouble we must have caused you. All because I was afraid that you... I mean, I thought—"

"Stop," Kelly quietly requested with watering eyes. "I've already had this discussion with Spearhead. It was a misunderstanding. And... I'm partially to blame as well. I was scared, too. None of us really knew what was happening when you... Before it all happened."

The emotional tension in the air grew strong, and defenseless words were on the verge of being said if Kelly didn't steer the conversation back to safer waters. However, that would have to wait until after an interjection from Spearhead.

"The responsibility of that day falls on my shoulders. No matter the consequences, you followed your orders and acted in defense of your fellow pony."

The claim sounded like a slap in the face towards Kelly, but that being said, Kelly continued along in tune.

"I can't be mad at you for what happened. Until recently, I was, but knowing now what it's like to be in a real fight. Having to choose to act or stand back and hope for the best. To be the aggressor or risk losing a friend, even if you don't know who you're looking at is the enemy or just a confused ally who might need your help."

Kelly's posture emanated her weakness. The same powerlessness she felt since returning from the Everfree Forest and seeing all those she couldn't help. Those who refused to wake or leave the side of those unable to leave their hospital beds, it was all still heavy on her mind.

"I know that had the situation been reversed, I'm certain most of my friends would have done the same... Better safe than sorry to save a friend than sorry for being safe and losing a friend... Though, no matter what anyone chooses, it's never clear until after the fact. Which is why I don't need an apology. Not at least until we have a chance to talk."

Finally finding the words she needed to make her point, she wiped her eyes and looked Iron Sparks eye to eye. Seeing the humanity within his large pony eyes provided a little comfort and ease needed to fully clear the air, even with eyes so large and unhuman.

"It wouldn't be very considerate of me to ask for or accept an apology when you haven't been given the opportunity to understand what happened. That, and I've been told that you're actually a very kind and giving pony. So, I'd like to get to know that pony... I don't think how we met isn't how we should remember each other."

The olive branch had been extended and well received by the last of the three, granting Becky a level of relief she had not expected. It was then she decided to take the next step to make the event more personable.

"Hey, Ralph. The sun is up now so why don't you turn in for the day. I think we'll be fine now."

Ralph bowed his head, as he knew what Kelly was really after. Much of the Solar Guard had still been uneasy about the humans, and this would help further their progress if she showed even more trust to be surrounded by them.

"As you wish. I shall wait until you call upon me again." He turned to the 1st Lieutenant, granting him a much-deserved salute. "I leave Miss Bardwell in your care."

Spearhead saluted back, proud to be in service again.

"Orders understood. Get some sleep. We’ll send for you when the caravan for Ponyville is preparing for movement."

Ralph took his leave, closing the door behind him in time to catch the changing of the Guard with a familiar pony approaching his watch. A white stallion Earth pony with the perfect white coat and blue eyes. The perfect end to his night of watching over his ward was picking up on an old routine.

"Morning Sam."

The Earth pony continued to march towards his post. There was no smile exchanged nor pride in his demeanor. He looked to be bothered, annoyed even. His voice, a full octave lower as if he was forcing himself to engage in the social interaction.

“Morning.”

The two passed by each other, and the coldness from a pony Ralph once thought to at least be a mutually respected comrade in arms, felt off. His whole presence was colder, meaner, and downright rude. Such a transgression between ranks was heavily frowned upon, giving Ralph pause in his stride.

If this was about the human’s return to see Iron Sparks, then Ralph could not simply stand by and risk this attitude impacting the already troubled relations. However, the turnover between the off-going and oncoming pairs created a new perspective.

“All conditions normal,” The first pony still on watch reported. “Private First Class Iron Sparks, under the orders of Princess Celestia, is to remain in bed and not to leave for reasons other than basic necessity, of which are still restricted to his room. Only family visitation is authorized during normal visiting hours unless accompanied by, or with written approval Captain Flash Sentry or higher authority. Prisoner status is to remain in effect until cleared by higher. Medical staff are to be accompanied when transporting prisoners for appointments if scheduled. Lastly, given the unexplained attack of the black substance throughout Equestria, this will now be a fourteen-hour watch. A thirty-minute lunch may be provided when available.”

Sam snatched the spear from the standing guard’s hoof and threw up the most disrespectful salute with his hoof.

“Orders understood.”

The second guard, another all-white pegasus, lazily saluted and then took the spear before completing the turnover.

Of course, the oncoming guards could feel Ralph watching them the whole time, and once in position, turned to confront him over his learning presence. However, Ralph was already rounding the corner at the far end of the hallway.

By himself, Ralph reflected on the discussion he overheard silently to himself.

“The Solar Guard must be struggling from being stretched so thin. Covering both day and nights, on top of recovery efforts? I can't blame them for being so agitated when they are working such long hours."

His thoughts reflected back to the horrors he'd gone through. So many terrible secrets he held that could help out the Solar Guard's view into perspective.

"If only we could speak of the horrors Harmony brought upon us. If they knew of the injured who couldn't stand duty if they wanted to… I can only imagine what they must think of us."

Back with the guards now standing duty, the lazy pegasus guard looked to the angry Earth pony. The lively conversation taking place inside with the prisoner and his lively visitors made conversation easy to mask.

"What do you think that bat pony's problem was?"

The Earth pony rolled his eyes in annoyance, a flash of green glazing over the glossy orbs.

"No idea, but he knew my target. It's best I don't run into him again."

The lazy pegasus took a deep breath and grumbled, pondering the dangers they could be facing. It was a short thought process, leaving him to stand more relaxed.

“Forget about him. He’s going back with the human to Ponyville before our watch is over. You got nothing to worry about.”

Fourteen hours was a long time of standing around doing nothing, but the alternatives could have been much worse.

“This job stinks, but at least we’re not stuck with Pharynx in the frozen north searching for Thorax and Ocellus.”

The pegasus guard snorted, both out of disgust as well as bemusement.

“I knew Thorax. He wouldn’t take a grub like her with him. I’d bet two feedings worth of love he took off for the Crystal Empire because he was hungry and she followed after him. Another two feedings says she got lost on the way and he got frozen in a block of ice after starving.”

The Earth pony blew raspberries, taking some sick pleasure in the description provided.

“Pft. If I was dumb enough to take that bet, I’d be in a block of ice next to Thorax already.”

[Meanwhile, in Starlight’s bedroom.]

"Shhh! You'll wake him."

"We're supposed to wake him."

"No, it's a surprise."

"No, waking him up is the surprise."

"No. Remember? We wake him up for the sur— He's awake. Damnit… Surprise?"

Barely awake, Chris blinked with all the intensity of a towel fight in body armor to see his bedside alined with Starlight, Cream, and Prim. With them came a hot breakfast, fresh clothes, a med bag, and a stack of papers, each held respectively.

"Morning, ladies. Are the kids up?"

To answer his question, Dinky belly-flopped on Chris's stomach.

"We're up-We're up-We're up! Hooray!"

Next to them, Button mumbled with his eyes closed.

"There's no school today. Is waking us up more punishment?"

Cotton Cloudy popped her head up from near the foot of the bed with an excited yawn to greet the morning.

"Oh! Are we going to the hospital today! You promised if ever the black stuff wasn't a danger, we could leave the castle. Remember?"

While Cream and Prim helped Chris to sit upright in bed, Starlight set up Chris's breakfast tray, sharing a hopeful smile for the three.

"Well, that is the plan for the day. Iiiiiiif, Chris reads this morning's report and thinks it's safe."

The smell of fruit-covered waffles and syrup finally got Button stirring enough to sit up to address the business of the day.

"If it's safe outside, can we still sleep in Chris's bed? Harmony won't come after us so long as Chris is with us. So if we go back to our own beds, won't she come after us?"

Information had been overwhelming to take in, on top of nearly impossible to understand, but Cream felt safe with Chris's view on the matters.

"Discord put an end to Harmony, but we just wanted to make sure you all felt safe coming home. So, as long as Chris thinks there's no real danger around, you'll go back to your own beds, and we'll go back to taking care of him at night."

Chris happily nodded along, chewing the first bite Starlight fed him.

"Oh, yeah. You're all big ponies now. Staying in my bed was only to make sure you all could sleep tight, and I could heal up a little faster."

Dinky, still treating this like a sleepover, pranced around the bed, bounding up and three times before her front legs gave out and she flopped on the floor by Prim’s hooves.

"Is that why all our moms shared a bed? Because Starlight was hurt beating up all the Echoes?"

Starlight had a slight twitch in her ear, giving Chris a guilty smile. Some sweet perfume still lingering about her.

"Eeh, you could say that,” Prim answered with a guilty grin. “Your moms and I are a little too big and would have kept Chris up all night bumping into him. And simmer down. Doctor Horse said no running or jumping or rough play."

Cream looked ready to make some kind of comment, likely sexual in nature, only to shut up when Prim elbowed her in the chest.

Chris raised his hands, examining all the bandages and splints.

"Listen to Prim, Dinky. You’re still recovering just like everyone else… And I’m pretty sure it was you who kicked me in your sleep.” He shot a look to Starlight with a goofy grin. “And I could only imagine what you girls would do with all my other boo-boos if you swapped beds."

Changing positions, Prim took Starlight’s spot at Chris's side to lay out the contents of the medical bag. It wasn’t a welcomed sight, but a job she was more than proud to tend to.

"We'll find out soon enough, but not if we don't change these bandages. Now you three can head downstairs with Creamy for your breakfast. We need to take care of Chris and help him with his work. And Dinky, your mother will be very busy today, so she wanted me to remind you not to be wandering off alone."

Huffing out some excited breaths, Dinky popped her head out from the neck of Chris's clean shirt brought in, beaming with youthful innocence.

"I know! We all stick together from now on. And if I do get lost, I'll just look for the pretty lights again."

There was a schedule to keep and temptation in the air, so Cream thought it best to move the kids out. Of course, not before sneaking in a syrup flavored kiss from her favorite stallion.

"Mwah! I'll try to keep the kids busy for as long as I can. But the girls and I would like some private time with you tonight. Even if all we do is talk, we still have a lot to catch up with for thanking you."

Chris smiled back, already looking forward to it no matter the outcome, even though he knew full well his current injuries insured talking was all they’d do.

"Of course. And uh, be careful around Berry Punch when you see her again. Give her and Onyx a chance before telling her more than you already have. I don't think Onyx is ready for anything more than holding hooves."

As tempting as it was, Cream gave the thought a giggle and started escorting the foals out.

"That poor stallion went through all that with you and—"

"You know why, Cream!" Chris jokingly shouted back.

"I know! I know!" Cream called out cheerfully, exiting the door. "Enjoy your breakfast, hun!"

The door latched shut, and the three went back to more pressing matters. Chris, however, did lose some of his optimism as they got back to it.

"Onyx took on some of my Order just by boxing with me which helped us in the long run, but if Rose is right about that's what making all of you mortal—"

This discussion had already been shared more than once, and Prim didn't care to hear it again. Especially not while tending to his torn-up hands.

"It should be their choice. They deserve to know. And after what you said Harmony has done, I don't think any pony would think that staying with the old way is better."

Chris couldn't stop a hiss from escaping as the last layer of gauze pulled off took a piece of dead skin along with it.

"Ahh... You know it's not that simple. You're taking all the bad along with the good. We lost Discord because of it. Buckskin might be crippled for life. And all the others that are messed up more than me. And that’s not even getting into all the possible fallout afterwards."

This discussion had already run its course before, and neither was responding to it. It was a silent hint to move on, which is exactly what Chris did.

"I don't know if Dinky is right about the lights, though. From what the kids told us, it sounds like it kept them safe from the owlbear, but also led them to find each other."

A much better topic for Starlight to involve herself in, bringing up the papers for Chris to review as she levitated up another bit.

"Twilight produced these memory images for us to show you. The same light that Dinky and the other foals said brought them together is the same one, although bigger when it tried to steer them to us at the castle."

Chris carefully chewed as he revisited the images. Going in reverse order, the lights swirling around Trixie, then around Gruff, then two new ones he hadn't seen before. One from Dinky's perspective of what looked like a faded outline of an alicorn in the same lights, pointing towards the ridgeline of the gorge that would have led to the castle entrance. The other was of the same lights but blurred without shape, leading them on when they were on the stolen scooter.

"Huh? Maybe another Harmony or another Echo that wanted the kids for herself?" Chris asked.

Starlight lowered the pictures and let Chris take a sip of coffee to help the food go down. Then, after another bite for her hungry man.

"Maybe, but if those same lights are what gave Gruff the note, then why bother staying with him after the kids were already saved? Why even bother following Trixie? It didn't stop or help her. Both times it waited until…"

Starlight drew silent for a moment, leaving Chris to push the pictures out of the way with his bandaged hand, revealing her empty expression and misty eyes.

"Star… It's been two days. You need to talk about it. I've lost friends, too."

Starlight took a heavy breath, moving the breakfast tray out of the way to crawl into Chris's lap. Even if the blankets still covered him, she still needed to be close to him, at least as close as his injuries would allow.

"She isn't dead. She's just stuck there. It's permanent nothingness. Nothing about her will continue to exist while she's there. She can't breathe, can't think, can't die... Twilight said that only Discord could cross a void like that, and now he's gone, too."

It hurt to think about such a non-existence. It wasn't like the concept of being in limbo or stasis. Starlight had no starting point to work off for a rescue. All she could do was hold onto Chris, who could only look on the mare with pity.

"There's no reaching her or spell to wake her. I can't make a portal to pull her back. Not even light can get in or out anymore. That fucking picture is all I have left of my first real friend. There's so much empty space that even the bridge collapsing couldn't force its way through."

She gripped tighter around Chris, slowly breaking down a little more as the images of Trixie's final moments replayed in her head. It was only when Chris laid his mangled hand over the back of her head that she finally started to calm down.

"Starlight... We can't undo what she did. She sacrificed herself because she probably knew there wasn't any other choice. Had she taken you or Twilight with her… I mean I barely even..."

After all the times of going through the motions of grieving a lost one, Chris recognized that despite his best efforts, there was a hollowness to his words. It wasn't anything malicious or done out of negligence, but he didn't know how to correct it.

"Look, Star... I can't make that hurt go away. And no one can replace what she meant to you. It's gonna keep on hurting, and it sucks, but we're still here for you. At the very least, you know I’m here for you. Okay?"

Even though every movement of his hands hurt, he forced his fingers under her chin to lift it up, bringing her eyes in line with his.

"When you're ready to let it all out, just grab ahold of me and we'll take as long as you need to get all that pain out together."

For an impromptu speech, Starlight couldn't have been better comforted by any other. Chris was the source of strength she needed, and that made dealing with her flurry of emotions all the easier to weather. Though, Chris's compassionate efforts reminded her why Prim was still there.

"Oh, no. Just look at you. You're bleeding again."

A particularly nasty gash in Chris's left thumb had opened up again. While not gushing at the moment, she kissed his palm and guided his hand back to Prim with her hoof.

"Chris, thank you, but I'm not ready to give up on her just yet. And stop beating yourself up. But... I still might want to let some of that out on you tonight. The girls have been good to me... I, uh... had a good cry last night. Then... you know."

Chris had a little snort of a laugh at her skirting around the obvious, but how could he not.

"Don't feel bad about it. We all grieve in our own ways."

Getting that cleared up, and Prim going back to work on cleaning and rewrapping Chris's hand. Starlight, likewise, decided that busying herself with work was what she needed to do. There were still a few more photos and documents to go through.

"I guess you're right. I just hope Fluttershy is doing okay. I know her and Discord were a lot closer than Trixie and I were."

Looking to get back to work, the corner of an envelope suddenly jogged her memory.

"Oh, also, King Aspen sent a letter to you last night. I'm pretty sure it's about... you know."

Chris groaned, mentally kicking himself for how he had previously put his foot in his mouth.

"Goddamnit... I really scared the shit out of him. Even after explaining myself and Cerb putting his foot down, they still looked at me like I was some kind of monster. And I can’t exactly blame them."

Hoping to save the potentially bad news for last, Starlight pulled the letter and buried it back to the bottom of the pile of papers.

Anyway, getting back on topic. These are images of what Rose showed us when the Darkness made it through. All the reports we've received show there was no loss of life, thank goodness, and while the metal and crystal portions stopped moving after they were separated from the portals, the fluid portions took longer. Now all three forms appear to be made of inactive Hopeless Magic. Every Kingdom is looking at you for insight about what it might be."

As Chris looked over the pictures, nothing really stood out. Not until one picture of a wave of the oil looking to turn and move against gravity flipped into view.

"The only thing that comes to mind is the Smooz... but it wasn't really anything like this. It wasn't even a part of the show. Well... not the one I told you about, at least."

Becky flipped over more pages in a chart. Her expression was hard to read. Then again, given her patient, the results were near impossible for this buck to not be amazed by.

All she could do was hope to try and stay positive.

"You're looking a lot better today."

Her patient was Buckskin, and better was not how he would describe things. Not with so many pins holding his legs together under the cast he'd been immobilized under.

"I can't feel my hooves. Everything still hurts. I can't stay here and leave my forest unprotected."

Becky laid a soft hand over Buckskin's chest. A comforting touch all her patients had come to experience and covet.

"I know, tough guy. You're a lot stronger than you look. You'll be back home soon, but these injuries are too serious for you to move right now.”

Blackthorn, sitting upright in the bed next to Buckskin, sounded much in the same mindset.

“You live to fight another day. Be patient, as our time to stand tall has not been lost. This is merely our time to heal and rest.”

From the other side of the room, Kühn shared more words of encouragement from his floor mattress.

"Deer kin great warriors. Very proud of new friends. For now, fight over. Use time to come back even stronger."

Still trying to maintain the same level of confidence, he turned to Vogt, still asleep on a similar mattress.

"Harmony great adversary. We plan better next time."

That about did it for this room, and Becky felt terrible about having to leave them, fearing too much of Cerb had rubbed off on them.

"Hopefully, that day never comes. I don't want to see any of you hurt again. But Blackthorne, please practice what you preach and lay down. Limit your movement, and as much as I'm sure it bothers you, try to limit your conversations. Your concussion isn't as bad as Vogt's, but you'll take just as long to recover if you don't stop trying to prove you’re fit for duty. You might even get out tonight if Doc gives his approval."

Not wanting to argue with his doctor, Blackthorne begrudgingly laid down again, his frustration matching his commitment to following orders.

"My headaches and nausea won't stop me from performing my duties. I have a responsibility—"

Another gentle touch on his hind leg from Becky's hand ended his protest, bringing a sad smile to Becky to share.

A sudden inspiration of humor found its way to her to help keep him in compliance.

"Keep that up, and I'll let King Aspen know you’re trying to defy his orders. Otherwise, I'll have to strap you down to that bed myself."

Blackthorne cracked a grin and held back a laugh at the thought of how their struggle would go if push came to shove.

"No need for that. I prefer your hands to come with comfort. Buckskin told me of the consequences that come from the angry hands of a vengeful Lady Landon."

His humor on the matter was enough to lift Becky’s spirits a little more, granting a more enjoyable connection between the two. A short-lived comfort that ended with an encouraging gentle squeeze of positive reinforcement before Becky pulled away.

"Yeah. You remember that."

Her last stop was back to Kühn, where she took the time to kneel down in front of him.

"You keep these three in line for me. Okay? I don't need any more work than I already have."

Carefully, she leaned down and kissed his forehead, cautious of how close she brought her lips to his wound. Having taken on the vicious blow, she was compelled to give the small gesture of appreciation towards him. It was another token of admiration for one of her many saviors before heading towards the door.

"And stop scratching at your stitches. I can still kick your ass if that's what it takes to stop you from ripping that open."

“Yes, mam,” Kühn answered back while fighting his hoof away from another itch.

When Becky opened the door, she nearly walked into Midnight, who promptly moved aside to let her through. A stern expression crossed his face, though he was kind in his demeanor.

"Need I remind you not to wander off without an escort? The guards on duty here are watching every creature. You especially require one of us dedicated to watching you.”

Becky shot a cocky little grin and strummed a finger over his bandaged ear as she passed by. Playfully leaving him behind, she made a sharp right, knowing he would follow along.

"I know you're always creeping around somewhere. I didn't walk off alone."

Caught off guard, Midnight failed to hide his blush, which Becky thankfully missed, and quickly trotted up to catch pace with her.

"I do not creep. I merely… maximize my effectiveness out of sight of would-be attackers."

The door closed, leaving the bucks and yaks to rest.

… as well as gloat.

"Losing my horns was a small price to pay to feel hands like that," Blackthorne fawned dotingly.

Next to him, Buckskin flaunted his own experience.

“Get in line. Becky saved me from Harmony, and I clearly had the most hands-on time with her.”

Kühn grinned wickedly with a chuckle that undermined them both, drawing their attention.

“Bah. Deers great warriors, but not get kiss from great healer, Becky. Kühn save Becky from evil Sword pony. Clearly, Yak only one in line.”

Their yak friend made a strong argument, but certainly, not one that Blackthorne would concede to.

“You must need another blood transfusion, Kühn. That, or the Sword Pony hit you harder on the head than you said he did if you believe you stand a chance with such a majestic creature like Becky.”

"Ha!" Kühn laughed back in their direction. "Mighty bucks last to stand with humans but say first in line? Yaks first non-pony to accept humans. Allies before we even know where danger and Darkness come from. Share meals, protect and care for Becky and friends. We even learn human dance while humans learn strength of yaks and show great respect even when Devil Dog beat Prince in show of strength. Most of all, we fight side by side and bleed together. Deer?"

Kühn took a long deep breath through his nostrils. He smiled as he sighed in relief with an obnoxious and arrogant tone.

"Haaaa. King Aspen make deer look bad. Not trust humans like pony friends at first. Insult close pony friends because Deer King too proud. Then King accuse Becky of hurting Buckskin when she only try and save him. Now?"

As cruel as it was to keep laughing, Kühn couldn't help find recent development all the more hilarious.

"Now King scared of human because now he know humans top preditor wherever they hunt. Best warrior when in war. Even smallest human Chris crush Echoes with hands and fall mangy Timberwolf Kings like deer he hunt back in his world."

Blackthorn shot up from his bed, pointing angrily but defenseless at the claims.

"Shut up," he grunted, not wanting to risk Becky hearing him. "Those were just... misunderstandings. And Chris already admitted that deer in the human world are very different from us. Even Cerb strongly asserted they would never hurt us or the wild feral deerlings of the forest. They only kill in self-defense and defense of others, which includes us."

Defending his pride as best he could, Blackthorne retired to lying down again.

"We are proud, yak. Proud, but not so proud as to be mistaken for fools... King Aspen will make amends. Elevate us high enough to stand with Equestria's greatest predators. You'll see. Harmony's influence will be undone, and the Thicket will be sought after just like the humans are."

It had been some rather tense 48 hours. Emergency surgeries and confusing blood transfusions had been tense for the heroes. However, there was a considerable amount of extra care and caution given to the children.

Thankfully, it had largely panned out, but not without the need for extended care, both physically and emotionally, along with heavy security.

So, after checking in the mix of six Lunar Guards, four bucks, two Hippogryphs dawned in their cloaks, and Gilda, despite all requests to stand down, Becky warmly greeted the room as she entered.

"Good morning."

Silverstream was the first to rise up like normal, as she was the closest to the door. Again though, she was overly excited to see her human caretaker, sounding off with a lively gasp.

"Becky! Good morning!! You guys! Wake up!"

Across from Silverstream, Yona quickly lifted her head, waking as she heard the call. Her tail was fluttering like crazy as soon as she noticed Becky, which said everything she couldn't speak.

Next to Yona’s floor mattress, Gallus rose up like waking from a nightmare, which made him wince and fall over to hold his tattered wing.

"Gahhhh... Good morning, Becky. Is Grandpa awake yet?"

Not even five seconds in, and already the warm entrance was dashed by Gallus. Not that Becky could blame him, and her heart truly went out for him.

"I'm sorry, Gallus. There hasn't been any change yet. But, if you're up for it, you and Gilda can have your breakfast with him this morning."

Gallus slid out of his bed as if it had been an order, not a question. All his emotions were put out on display, much like the limp he carried on with.

"Thank you, Becky."

Before making a turn for the door, he made his way to the bed farthest in the back. One pared up next to Sandbar; the only one with machines active.

The EKG had been silenced, though the weak rhythm still flashed without change as Ocellus slowly stirred. The cold air and unnaturally pure scent of oxygen coming from her ventilator mixing with the dim warmth of her breath she faintly released was a bitter comfort she could barely muster through her waking groans.

Seeing her awake, he propped himself up to lay his claws on the hoof of a still sleeping Ocellus.

"Hey, kiddo. I'm going to see the old bird. Are you going to be okay if I leave for a while?"

Ocellus slowly peaked her eyes nearly halfway open, which was better than she had managed the night before. The blue of her eyes had faded to a much paler pallet that was a cry for help in and of themselves.

"Hey, Gally... Can you have Benny bring me something to eat before you go?"

Spitting out a whole sentence left her winded, causing a few moments of labored breathing before stating the obvious.

"I'm so hungry."

Sitting in a chair on the other side of Ocellus, Vinyl pulled the blankets up a little more to keep Ocellus warm, then rubbed her hoof over the hungry changeling's side.

"Don't you worry about breakfast, kiddo. Benny had to go help his old buddy Peter feel better, and then he said this morning you should try a nice warm hunny bun. It’s gonna be totally sweet."

Becky leaned in and cupped her hand around Ocellus's cheek, giving her a loving caress before continuing down the marred neck of her patient.

"Ooooh," she cooed in a motherly tone. "That was always Benny's favorite treat when he was your age. Oven Fresh said she could make it for you. But I also ordered an extra special breakfast smoothie for you."

Reaching the back of her patient's neck, she lifted the gauze to see that under the clear medical tape, none of the carapaces had started to heal. It was a bad sign, but Becky had to stay positive.

"Lot's of vitamins to keep you healthy. Lots and lot's of minerals and calcium to heal your shell, and enough protein to make Cerb jealous. All mixed together with strawberries, pineapple, and some other fruits I haven't had yet.”

She gently placed the gauze back and moved to rub her hand down her patient’s side over the blanket.

“You liked the peanut butter banana shake Top Shelf made for you last night, and she's making this one for you, too."

Sandbar sat up and adjusted his leg to move closer to Ocellus, knowing her condition had yet to improve but did his best to sound optimistic.

"Wait until summer time comes around. At the beach, they sell shaved ice covered in strawberry syrup. Oh, and watermelon, and- oh, there's a bunch of flavors you can mix together."

That was looking to be over-optimistic given the state of her condition. Enough to the point that Becky had to look away to avoid breaking down, which brought her to Smolder.

Smolder, of course, could see the writing on the wall but was uncharacteristically playing willfully ignorant. Sporting a positive smile, she lifted her cast arm and opened her wing enough to show the handy work of the stitches and glue still holding everything together.

"Doing much better today, Becks. Any chance of Ember coming around today?"

Another sour note for Becky to deal with.

"Egh? Not sure what her plans are… She's, uh."

Word had gotten around that Chris was some kind of information wizard about all the creatures and their history. Becky was also said to hold a wealth of info, but Smolder could tell that she didn't recognize a dragon on a mission. Not even when the Dragon Lord herself had stormed out of the hospital room the night Cerb left.

"Stupid question. She's probably still plotting with Cerb on who to fight next. Us dragons are born fighters, you know. Say, any chance we can hear the story of Cerb taking on the first wave of Echoes again?"

A nice idea, except that story always led to the owlbear coming back. Now wasn't the time for that, but it was the perfect time for someone else to take over.

"Big sis!"

No one had heard the door crack open as Button pushed his head inside, waiting for the okay to be let in.

The perfect out for Becky, made even better by Benny pushing the door the rest of the way open. Although, he did so while leaning heavily on Rainbow, pissing Becky off, and rightfully so.

"Walking fine on your own already?"

That tone came off like a lecture waiting for Rainbow to be left alone with Becky again, making her ears wilt.

"Oops."

Since one good turn deserves another, in came Redheart with a breakfast cart, along with Chris, Prim, Starlight, Berry Punch, and the rest of the foals. The perfect excuse for Becky to take her leave.

"Come on Gallus. Midnight and I will take you over to see Gruff."

Zipping through the obstacle course of legs and hooves, Pina Colada darted in, short of breath, and threw her forelegs around Yona's neck.

"Good morning! Nurse Redheart said I can hold your smoothy for you if you don’t mind. Can I?"

Yona tilted her head, staring at the young filly with her big doe eyes, and nodded agreeably.

"Okay!" Pina cheered as she released Yona, only to slump back into her as her legs went limp.

"Oof! Dang it. Sorry, sis. Doctor Horse said no smashing for me right now. I'll be better soon, though, so it’s okay. Oh! Onyx is staying at my house now. Mom said he's going to stay with us until it's safe. Did you know he was the first one to make it to the castle to come find us? Spike was there too, but he had to stay home today. He has to stay in bed just like you do."

A breakfast smoothie was placed down in front of Yona, and Pina Colada sat on the floor with the cup between her legs. She wasn't really helping Yona directly, but every little thing she said was a welcomed treat to hear as she carefully began to take in her liquid breakfast.

Becky's exit took a while, given all the good morning hugs and affectionate foals greeting their growing selective family. Thankfully, after making it out, Becky caught sight of Lumberman and Applejack before making it to Gruffs room.

Talking to them would give her a much-needed update on a patient no longer in her care.

"Hey, Gallus. Doctor Horse is already in there checking up on Gruff. Can you step in there with Gilda while I talk with Lumberman?"

Gallus weakly smiled and made his way past the Lunar Guards posted at the door.

"Sure thing, Becks. Tell Applejack that I hope Big Mac is feeling better."

Even if Gilda was grounded with her broken wing, Becky knew he’d be safe with her. Really, the whole hospital was safe, but it would be a lie to say that no one didn’t want it, especially Becky.

“Hey, you two. Hope you’re both faring better than me. How’s Mac looking today?”

Quickly opening up the door to Sniff’s room for privacy, Becky led the newest arrivals away from prying eyes and eavesdroppers.

Closing the door behind her, Applejack gave a smile, but not one that came with a follow-up that would bring it down.

“Big Mac is doing just fine. Laid up bandaged like I was, but…”

Ready to step in, Lumberman bit the bullet to lay out the bad news.

“Granny has been on a warpath. Mad as hell at Twilight and… just about everyone."

Getting that part out of the way, Applejack gave a slightly better smile, eyeing up Becky.

"That don't apply to you, none. You helped patch up ole Big Mac plenty. She says yer welcome by any time. And not just to check up on 'em. Kelly, though?... Granny’s mighty pissed she up and took off for Canterlot to make friends with the fellers that nearly did ‘er in. Said some nasty things ‘bout letting Mac getting laid up as well. Can’t say I’m any pleased about it either, but she kinda drove a wedge between them two.”

Not the end of it, Lumberman had another terrible tidbit to share.

“And by wedge, she means a mare from out of town that came with a care package and sweets intentions for Mac. From the sounds of it, ‘ole Mac laid the groundwork for romance starting months ago, and she came at the wrong time to call him her muse.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, not fondly recalling the details.

“Wrong time to raise the sheets with his fifth leg. Morning wood, my ass. Otherwise… How's Gallus fairing?"

"Crushed," Becky softly answered with remorse. "When he heard why Peter was asleep, he thought the same thing would happen to Gruff… or at least he did since everyone else woke up and. Well… That really isn't the case."

"Peter?" Lumberman asked just as soberly, taking a look at his friend still asleep with his companions.

Becky shook her head, just as sadly.

"No. His girls stay up all day and night talking to him, hoping it will help him wake up. And Benny was able to give a little more blood this morning… Fucking stupid on my part. He's given more than what should be safe. But he's the only match between us. But I'm really worried about Ocellus. She's not getting better."

Saying it out loud hurt a lot worse than expected.

"The medicine needed to fix her is beyond us, and I think the food is only slowing the inevitable. She needs love, but—"

"Still no volunteers?” Applejack bluntly asked, vainly hoping for some kind of good news.

All the walking and standing caught up with Becky again, forcing her to take a seat.

“I can’t blame them. Everyone involved in the fight is tapped out for magic to the point that exhaustion would be dangerous. And that’s if they weren’t creeped out or repulsed by her being a changeling… I mean, Redheart, God bless her, tried, but Ocellus wouldn’t… or can’t. Not after Sandbar passed out when he tried to convince her he’d be fine to feed on him.”

Applejack, still tired herself, pulled up a seat and sighed, racking her brain for a solution.

“What about Ring?”

Another obvious choice that was still pending availability.

“Harmony’s dead, so no Crystal Tree, and Ring still hasn’t connected with the roots.” She sighed again, dwelling on how dire things had become. “Rose can’t afford to use any of her magic, but when she was awake last, she said that Harmony must have used up a lot more power than they thought to bring the kids together. There wasn’t a lot left for Ring to pull from, who was on the verge of death herself. Something about the old Ring already being damaged. She barely functioned as an Echo. Which, probably was from exposure to Order as a construct even when she was a pony.”

Applejack lowered her head, hoping their last option could be reconsidered.

“I still say that maybe a little Order might be just—”

“No,” Becky firmly answered. “We’re pushing the limits by just touching her. Any direct exposure to bodily fluids would nullify what little magic she has left, which would end up making her more mortal and kill her faster… Which is why we need to have a talk with Ben.”

Benny welcomed Ocellus into his open arms with a little help from Vinyl and Redheart lifting her up into his lap. Her tired body, half laying on his lap and the other half laying against his chest, she held him like a child fighting off sleep.

“Golly,” Benny spoke to her like she was a much younger child. “Just look at how pretty those big blue eyes of yours are. Oh? They must be so big because of this right here.”

No one would dare interrupt Benny when he held Ocellus. She had taken to him like a fish to water, and clung to him with a constant smile. It was the only time she seemed to be able to ignore the pain enough to eat, and now she had a new treat in front of her.

“Honey Bun?” She quietly asked under her strained voice.

“Awe,” Benny playfully whined. “Becky done gone and spoiled the surprise, didn’t she? But, no matter.”

With his free hand, he pulled off a pinch of the soft, airy, pastry and brought it to her muzzle.

“Small bites.”

Ocellus sniffed once, drawing in the sweet scent of the warm, sugar-saturated treat carried in with the cold oxygen fed to her.

“Thank you, Benny.”

Lumberman sat his chin on his hand, drawing a deep breath and holding back the hurt that was bound to come sooner rather than later.

“Yeah… I saw it too…He found himself a new Lucy.”

Flashes of bright beams blazed through the air. Explosions in all directions masked the cries for help Cerb searched for, but all in vain. He was crushed, pinned under an impossible weight, unable to move no matter how hard he tried.

The stench of charred flesh, feathers, and fur raked over him along with the hot breath from the roaring screech blasted in his ear. Blood and drool sprayed out from the owlbear’s beak, summoning Cerb to face its wrath.

The attack had come on so quickly, he couldn't reach the pistol in time. What good would it even do? Just like the last time, he couldn’t fight this beast alone.

"Justin!"

Cerb's eyes opened to Rutherford panting, trying to hold him down without crushing him under his massive bovine body weight.

"Nightmare gone now... Safe here. Safe, awake."

Another night without his lovely girls, another night spent suffering. Only this morning there was additional pain in his right arm, which drew his attention to Ember and Thunder both pinning it down.

"Sorry," Cerb choked out, finding himself out of breath. "I'm up."

The three let up from holding Cerb to the carpet, which is where he stayed, giving them the chance to assess this morning's damages.

Thunder lowered one wing as best she could and turned her back to Ember.

"My back feels wet. Did I tear anything open? I can feel it stinging back there between my wings."

Surprisingly civil and compassionate, Ember gave the mare a thorough look over. Her claws gently parted the fur and her eyes were keen for injury. After closer inspection, the source was located, much to her dismay.

"You're fine. It's my blood this time. Sorry. My shoulder must have—"

"No," Thunder grunted. "It's my fault. I bumped it when Justin was trying to grab your face. I can't maneuver for shit anymore."

Ember sniffed the air over Thunder, unintentionally noticing another issue.

“Damn it. You got another sliver poking out. That’s what’s stinging you. Don’t move.”

Moving in faster than expected, Thunder turned to see Ember lowering her face between her shoulder blades. The bright red fork-tipped tongue of the Dragon Lord parted her fur and stopped right where the slight sting turned into a hornet stabbing with its venom.

Thunder tensed under the unpleasant sensation and then gasped in relief as the sting sunk to a more tolerable level. Just in time for Ember to spit out a half-inch shard of crystal in her claws for Thunder to see.

“Another one the doc’s missed. You want it?”

Aching in pain, both from the interrupted recovery efforts as well as yet another shard extraction, Thunder turned for the sliding glass door.

"No. I know how much you love those things. Now, come on. Let's go clean up."

Two down, one to go. Hopefully, with similar ease.

"I didn't hurt you, did I? Cerb asked Rutherford, still embarrassed for his behavior.

Rutherford slowly retreated back to his bed of pillows. Many of which were stained red from his poorly kept bandages.

"No. Me already hurt. You though… You, more than body hurt. Maybe crying ponies right. War over. You fight enough for all kingdoms. Plus—"

Rutherford nodded his head in the direction of the couch behind Cerb. Sprawled out on said couch, Luna laid drooling in her sleep, still passed out next to a bottle of rum she held tightly.

Truly a sad sight for any to see, even for Rutherford, who had to explain.

“Luna mighty like you and me, but she no longer have Kelly for strength. Now she help all with nightmares of battle, even yaks dream together because Luna know we no fear dreams when not alone. Humans though… Luna still not find humans in dreams. Most friends not in dreams. Not even Peter. But you scream loudest. Luna cry, try to calm you. Thunder pony and Dragon Lord also try, but they not help. Now we hold you still when you fight in dream. Devil Dog bleed more when fighting ghosts, so I hold Devil Dog down when he not know he really fighting friends.”

“I know,” Cerb lamented, both the physical and psychological pains digging into him. “Only Fluttershy and Rarity could help me with that, but I can’t just bow out now. This war isn’t over, and you know it.”

As much as Rutherford wanted to lie about it, he lacked the conviction to speak dishonestly to one he admired so greatly. Cerb was both a comrade, far more than only a friend, making Rutherford sigh in agreement, though hesitant to give his full support.

“Gah… Storm King no longer danger for all creatures and Echoes again in hiding, but they not as strong now. They not stand a chance now that we—”

“You don’t know that,” Cerb interjected as he finally started to turn himself over. “The Storm King crushed an entire empire and the griffon army. Now… don’t look at that as he had Harmony’s help.”

Painfully, Cerb pulled himself back up and fell forward into his wheelchair. His pain matched the insult of being stuck in its confines again.

“We killed that owlbear ten times over before a weaker version of Harmony was removed from it so I could finally take it down, and it still nearly killed me and the rest of my squad... What do you think an actual warlord fighting off two kingdoms is really capable of without Harmony holding him back?”

A chill ran down Rutherford’s back, the thought of what that beast had done and what it finally took to die was frightening. Especially after all the injuries dealt with fighting off the weaker Echoes, they didn’t know what the capabilities of the Storm King or any of the next threats could be. Worse, they still didn’t fully understand the extent to which the loss of Harmony would affect their world on a fundamental level.

It was a haunting thought to consider.

“No. Devil Dog paranoid. Fight too much. Not want to accept he safe for now.”

Cerb struggled to push himself up to his feet. With only one suitable working arm and one leg just as beaten up and working double the effort for the other, his efforts were painful to watch.

“I'm not finished,” Cerb grunted out through his strained voice as he brought himself back into his wheelchair. “Discord needs our help, wherever he took himself off too. We find Discord, nurse him back to health. Then, once Ring is in power, we can find both Gruff and Trixie... No one gets left behind.”

Rutherford gave a slight nod. He couldn't verbally agree to what came off as the dissolution ramblings of a madman. Or, perhaps, the fantastical wishes of a man riddled with guilt.

"Evil Tree pony die because Order make her crystal body weak and destroyed evil pony magic. Discord… He only magic. No body to save.”

A few quick taps of a hoof on glass, brought Cerb’s eyes up to see Derpy standing with her saddlebags and postal uniform.

“Good morning. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Waiving his good hand, Cerb encouraged the mare to enter.

“Come on in. You’re fine. My day’s just getting started.”

Eager to do so, Derpy trotted in, opening both satchels with her wings. When the flaps opened up, her feathers went to work strumming through the many articles she had placed inside without her even looking.

“I hope you were able to get some rest. Also… I spoke with Rarity like you asked me yesterday, but she told me to tell you that she hasn’t changed her mind about not letting you fight anymore.”

He expected as much, making him change the subject as if he hadn’t heard Rarity’s response.

“How’s Chris and the foals doing?”

Derpy forced a smile, though the fact she could recognize the not-so-subtle hint to ignore the bad news came with some personal accomplishment she could allow herself to be pleased with.

“The foals were up and moving around much better yesterday. Still, no running, jumping, flying, or magic, but the doctors don’t think there will be any long-term damage. Chris is healing… but he—”

For a moment, Derpy stopped, both to think and to place a few feathers full of letters down for Rutherford, Ember, and Thunder. Each stack of postage fell perfectly in place as she let them fall, almost like she had a bit of magic to help guide them in the order they drop.

“I think he still needs some cheering up. And… he told the foals that he gave it everything he had to save them, but he told us he let us all down because he wasn't fit enough to keep up with everyone else in the fight. Even when Starlight tried to tell him that he defeated more Echoes than any pony was able to, he held up his bandaged hands and told us we deserve better. And he… even cried a little.”

That wasn’t hard to believe, and Cerb quickly thought up the best response.

“Chris wanted to get the kids out as fast as possible, but we had to fight through the Echoes before we could even try to save them. Chris… Chris did give his all, but he wasn’t ready for a fight that went on as long as it did. We were all burnt out from taking out so many of them. I barely had enough to give them a reason to run away. Now?”

Wherever he was taking this was somehow forgotten. All he could think of was where Chris must have ended up.

“Chris took out at least twenty Echoes. Most of them by himself. But when the fight went on, he was the first of us to drop. He broke his fingers, jammed just about all his knuckles, and messed up both his arms from wrist to shoulders, and he didn’t realize it until he was too tired to stand. So he probably doesn’t care about how badass he was. He’s stuck on the fact that he couldn’t finish the fight.

The truth was that Cerb was greatly impressed with how well Chris handled himself in the fight and regretted not praising him more. Not that they had much time for such platitudes, and they both had different responsibilities to attend to. Even still, there were other issues he was still dealing with that he could relate to Chris on.

“But there were so many things that went wrong. Mistakes mostly I made, but a lot we couldn’t plan for. Shit we didn’t know.”

It all sounded well and good, but it didn’t really give Derpy what she needed. That would all come off the cuff with Cerb’s mental rebound.

“Remind him that he wasn’t there to shoulder the fight. We all had a role to play. He was there to do as much damage as physically possible, and he exceeded his limits. Everyone there had to fight to keep each other alive, and that’s what he did. He saved lives, including three beautiful kids that he gets to take care of because of his efforts... We never would have made it without him.”

The sound of a truck pulling up alerted the three that company had arrived, giving Derpy enough time to wrap up the conversation.

After all, she couldn’t have agreed more.

“Thank you, but you shouldn’t blame yourself for anything that happened, either. I still get to have a big happy family because you gave it your all, too. And if you need anything, remember that you have a mail-mare with connections.”

She swung her head and gave a nod to Rutherford, sharing her warming smile with the tired prince.

“You as well, Prince. Yona is lucky to have a yak like you looking out for her, but we’re all glad to have you as a friend after all this.”

It didn't take long for the crew to make it inside, with Lumberman leading in Applejack, Becky, Rainbow, Midnight, and Redheart.

"How's it hanging…" At first glimpse, Lumberman saw the shape Cerb was in. "Damn… You look like hammered dog shit, man."

Having learned some of the more obscure human slang, Rutherford huffed a laugh.

"Ha. Devil Dog not look that bad. Too pale. More important, you bring good news?"

Exhausted, Becky dropped herself into the recliner. The long hours and emotional strain were almost enough to sour her demeanor towards the kind, if bullheaded Prince, but she did have good news.

"Kühn is doing a lot better after the blood transfusions from Vogt, and Vogt himself is stable and recovering, despite the blood loss from the transfusions. As for Yona, she's still in high spirits. Although, I'm sure it's driving her crazy not being able to talk."

Redheart sized up Cerb and instantly decided to leave that mess for Becky to look after. Instead, she turned her attention to Rutherford.

"The dental surgery needed to retract the compacted teeth in her jaw, which will take time to heal, as well as the damage from the dislocation, but she’s handling the all-liquid diet just fine. Now let's get you cleaned up, and I'll see if you need to come back in for more stitches."

Like a spoiled child, Rutherford left his makeshift bed and followed Redheart out the back. Commentary along the way notwithstanding.

"No need for new stitches. Not make same mistake twice. This time let Dragon Lord wrestle arm that can fight back."

With that last bit of discussion, the long night was officially over, and with the privacy needed restored, Becky was ready to indulge her off-duty status.

"Dash, get us three glasses. Midnight, grab the bottle from Luna. I need this, and I'm sure you both do too."

As the two made ready for the early morning shots, Becky went straight to the point.

"Justin, I hate to prescribe you some bad medicine, but unless your two problem girls are going to hop in bed with you… drink yourself to sleep."

"Fuck you," Cerb instantly fired back.

Just as quickly, Becky continued her verbal assault.

"Go fuck yourself… You think smashing up the hospital was a good look for you? For any of us? And that's on top of all that shit in your back."

Midnight took his position at Becky’s side, carefully pouring out the clear rum in each glass Rainbow held. At the same time, he thought it best to try and smooth over the incident at the hospital.

“It was my mistake. I wasn’t expecting you to be able to move so quickly, given your injuries.”

In a fit, Becky snatched her glass from Rainbow and downed it as if it were water. Then, without missing a beat, handed the glass back for a refill and went back into action.

"Half. A fucking. Inch," she accused, ignoring Midnight’s apology. "That's how close you were from being paralyzed from the hips down. Oh, and until we figure out how to remove those crystals, if they get pushed in the wrong direction, then they're going to cut into your spine. That is, only if you don't keep moving around to push them in yourself."

Cerb gripped his hands around the armrest of his chair. The irony of his situation landed rather clearly, given his sobriety and opening his ears as wide as possible.

"So I have to stay in the wheelchair, or else I'll be stuck in the wheelchair? I want a second opinion."

After the days and nights, Becky went through, her bedside manner was nowhere to be found at this in-home visit.

"Deal with it."

Not the best choice of words for Cerb to try and take in, making him tremble as he sat.

"We lost—"

"Justin, stop it," Becky demanded, not even bothering with etiquette.

Still shaking, Cerb continued over the interruption.

"—Gruff."

"Justin."

"And Discord."

"I know."

"And Trixie."

"We know."

"How am I supposed to stand up to the next threat—"

That was the last straw, and Becky went limp in her recliner, letting her words fall where they may. Not with malice or contempt. Simply, she had given up placating his ego.

"You don't… You… are not going to. The war... is over... Gruff is gone, Discord is dead, and Trixie is lost to us. Not because you or anyone else didn't do enough. Not because you weren't strong enough or didn't kill enough of them fast enough. We just…"

Quietly, Midnight presented Becky with her glass. A tall pour, and a defeated look that mirrored her own, finalizing her thoughts.

"Bad shit happens, Jay… They didn't believe us when we told them life can be this way. No offense, Dash. But now they know, and we're going to help them through it."

She eyed the glass and slowly reached for it. Her mind was made up, and her visit was over. Just like the drink she put down her gullet as if it was water before carelessly handing it back.

She was done trying to be gentle with Cerb. Right now, she needed him to do what she couldn’t.

"But Benny is going to need you again. Probably sooner rather than later… He… Justin… I can’t save Ocellus."

Another life on the line gave Cerb pause, and Becky looked him dead in the eyes with the hardship she'd been carrying these last two days.

"I saved a lot of lives after the fight was over… Peter, thank God, is still breathing. Rose knew that Vogt and Kühn had similar blood types. The kids, guards, you? … But Ocellus is half insect. Her organs are like nothing I've ever seen. Fucking part of her biology is magic that not even Zecora could help me out with. And because we can't give her what she needs, this is gonna end the same way for Benny as it did with Lucy. And… I’d pull ‘em apart right now, but he’s the only thing keeping her alive at this point."

Done with the conversation, Becky stood up, hoping she could pull Cerb back with her unspoken ultimatum.

"I've barely slept since we got back. I'm tired of everyone's optimism about bringing back the dead and saying that the worst is over… Because frankly… I don't think they're ready to watch their kids go through what we did."

Seeing how it was time to go, Rainbow and Midnight downed their drinks and set the glasses by the sink as they went for the door, taking the bottle with them. The departure felt forced, as it looked as if Rainbow had something on her mind she wanted to share but lacked the time or words to convey.

That left Lumberman to pick up the pieces as Becky led out her guardians.

"Apples. Could you go grab Redheart? I think Rutherford can finish on his own."

Applejack nodded, knowing full well that Lumberman just wanted a moment alone.

"Sure thing, Woody. We'll meet ya out front."

After Applejack went out the back, Lumberman settled down to console his beaten and demoralized friend.

"Jayman… Everybody be hurting. We got our asses kicked, and even AJ hasn't really processed the news about, what we can only assume were, her parents. Probably why Granny is so pissed off. But for now, we're gonna stand by Ben if everything is going the way we think it is. Kelly has her own shit going on. Even caught her getting love advice from Cadance, but we think she’s gonna pull a Sniff and bailout, but… I mean, her life is all kinds of fucked up right now… Then again, look who I’m talking to."

There wasn't much more to be said, so Lumberman stood up and pulled a letter from his back pocket. Even after sitting on it, the fine writing and expensive perfume said who it came from, and so he kept his words short.

"For better or worse, I’m sorry… She caught us on the way in to see Peter. Asked us to…"

He held the letter in his hand as if it were a bad omen or delinquent bill notice, bobbing it up and down before dropping it on the coffee table.

"It's a fucking letter, man. I dunno why she…"

Conflicted, he just shook his head and leaned in to give Cerb a brotherly hug.

"Your girls are messed up without you, bro."

Cerb hugged Lumberman back, knowing things were worse than what either of them knew. Hurtful words that were spoken while others were busy with their own problems.

"Yeah."

Lumberman pulled away, ready for one last kind gesture.

"We're all getting back together tonight at the castle. King Aspen has something important to share. Some… thank you, or apology, I guess. Sounds like he really wanted you and Chris there from what the guards have said. Regardless, we need you there. Maybe you won't end up sleeping alone tonight."

Cerb nodded and picked up the letter.

There was no further exchange. It was an understood agreement for privacy and time for Cerb to collect himself. Lumberman’s truck taking off gave him peace of mind that he could read the letter with unimposing privacy. Two honks from the truck’s horn only reminded him of where others wanted him and who he would have to face once in their company.

The letter itself, once opened, was sadly discovered to be rather brief, but even the elegance of its few words wasn’t comforting.

My dearest Justin,

My sincerest apologies for remaining so distant. Obviously, Fluttershy has required the majority of my attention, though my position has not changed. The violence, the deaths, and everything this world has done to you. What you have subjected yourself to, more importantly, we can't be a part of it.

Frankly, we can no longer condone your continued fighting in this horrible war on our behalf. But if we can't stop you, then simply, we won't stand by to watch you find out if your third time really is the charm.

If you can agree to put an end to endangering yourself, then please join me for dinner tonight with King Aspen. I’ve been told he has something special planned. I will do my best in the meantime to convince Fluttershy to give us all another chance.

Love,

Rarity Belle~

P.S. Please don’t hold Fluttershy to her words. She’s never had to deal with death before, and having to witness that owlbear’s demise on top of losing Discord, she simply isn’t in the right state of mind.

In time, she will come around to remember what we both came to see in you, just as I hope you still desire from both of us.

Slowly, Cerb crumpled up the letter in his hand. Each finger clung tighter as they gripped down on what he read to be empty promises. Of course, his hurt, anger, and disgust did not go unnoticed by his returning company.

“Bad news?” Thunder asked quietly, already knowing the answer.

A smart-ass comment was on the tip of Cerb’s tongue, but the sentiment softened quickly with the thought of how closely she had stuck to his side. Even after his violent, uncontrolled outburst the first night they returned, she had never shown an inclination of blame or decried his resilience to “answer the call,” as she put it.

Then there was Ember, standing behind Thunder, just as valiant in her position not to back down or relent in supporting him. All the more firmly displayed as she punched her scaly knuckles together.

“By the scent on that paper, it better be good news, or I just might have to break my own Dragon Code if that’s what it’s gonna take to get through to her.”

While misery loves company, Cerb was lucky to find those of more favorable walking through the door.

“She’s a stubborn one,” Cadance humbly declared from the garage door.

Of all the faces to enter, Cadance and Shining were a welcomed sight. Even Shining, out of all ponies, had been kind after the battle, though for one particular reason specifically.

"Look who's up and walking, guys."

Though his chipper nature often left him speaking without thinking. A trait he often noticed too late.

Kinda like now while seeing Cerb all but crippled.

"Oh… Shit."

For a moment, Cerb wondered how they had arrived unnoticed. Then he remembered the two beeps and realized they were greeting the carriage that must have delivered the royal pair instead of bidding farewell.

On any note, luckily for Cerb, he could laugh off Shining’s comment more as a well-placed joke.

"You're a card, Shining. And Cadance, I'm glad to see you up and around again."

Cadance more or less limped her way in. Neither of her rear legs cooperated with her, yet she soldiered on in spite of it.

"You'll have to excuse Shining. He thought some good news would help make for a good entrance."

She made her way over to Cerb at the best pace she could. Updates on everyone's conditions and whereabouts had kept her in the loop. Thus, she had to check up on the one that held her interest the most.

"How are you holding up?"

Falling back on the reality he was stuck in, Cerb tossed the crumpled letter on the coffee table and sulked.

"Everything is fucked… I don't know what I'm doing anymore. And I'm stuck in this fucking chair. How are you?"

Cadance fluttered her eyes and shakily lowered her flanks to the floor. Any attempts at style or femininity were lost in her faltering performance.

“Cracked ribs, multiple herniated discs, chronic pain from swollen nerves in my bruised hips, aaaaaand I’ll be on stool softeners until the swelling of my intestines goes down. Frankly, I’d prefer more bruises to that last one.”

Happy to add more levity to her pains, Shining pipped up from behind her.

“She’s been shitting her brains out.”

Levity execution skill level… Zero.

“Damnit, Shining,” Cadance groaned with a drooping of her ears. “There’s a limit.”

Too much was just enough, and Cerb couldn’t help but crack a grin.

“Thanks. I’d give you both a standing ovation, but…”

Sharing a simple smile, Cerb shrugged, pointing an emphasis on his arm in a sling and immobile leg.

“Ha!” Shining laughed out loud. “I still don't know how you guys do it."

Not exactly the best, let alone the most creative choice of words, but Cerb could see Shining was hiding something. A touch of sadness in his eyes that he wasn’t letting on to. Something he didn't want to say, even when his voice turned more serious.

"So… We got a big day ahead of us. All of us, I mean. Cadance, could you go get a bath ready for Justin?"

Cadance had already forced herself up, even before the request. Almost like it was planned.

"Sure thing. Thunder, Ember. Could you both help me for a bit? I'm still a bit wobbly, and I don't think Luna will be of much help."

It was no secret. The request was for Cerb and Shining to talk alone. Of which, Thunder took it politely as an order.

"Of course, Princess."

Ember followed suit, though it was clear she was uneasy about it, choosing to lead the way back to the bathing tents.

Regardless, Shining had his audience, but his somber tone left much to be desired.

"Justin… I’m sorry to put this on you, but are you still planning on going to the Crystal Empire?”

The question felt loaded, but without an angle, Cerb didn’t know how to answer.

“I… I don’t know. Things are still so messed up over here. The situation between me and Rarity and Flutters is pretty much a train wreck. I’m stuck in this fucking chair indefinitely. And Ben—”

Judging by Shining’s expression, Cerb could tell the question wasn’t just about his indecisiveness.

“Wha… Wha-What are you really asking me?”

Shining sighed and took a seat on the unoccupied loveseat. The air around him felt stuffy, heavy with a burden that he was still uncertain about.

“Cadance and I are… We need a break… Time apart to sort things out.”

So, another casualty from the conflict had emerged. This one not of the flesh, but the emotional toll was just as hard to fathom. As if he didn’t have enough bullshit to drag down his mood.

“We haven’t told the others yet. We’re… not even sure how to. Cadance and I? Our whole lives, our marriage, the isolation from others. Our dedications to Equestria, The Crystal Empire?”

This was too much for Cerb to take in, but he could see how much it hurt Shining to admit it. It was quickly overwhelming him to still be the shoulder everyone was leaning on, yet, he couldn’t turn a blind eye to Shining or Cadance.

“Dude. You can’t let—”

“That’s all Cadance and I have done,” Shining quickly answered. “We didn’t even know Harmony was manipulating us. Not just here. The other worlds, all the other Echoes, too. We were playthings, made to fall in love. Pieces on a playmat to be moved for their Words. A perfect Equestria? …A perfect marriage?”

He swallowed hard, still dwelling on his history. The coincidences. The close calls. Everything that had fallen in place.

“Do you remember telling Cadance that you were afraid your time with Rarity and Fluttershy was a mental illusion? That maybe your thoughts weren’t your own? Some kind of mind control?”

He turned to Cerb, looking him dead in the eye. Deep inside, the feeling of being robbed, stripped naked, humiliated, hurt, lost, begging for his support. Even more so, beyond that, some hope for understanding.

“Justin… That’s what happened to us. And ever since meeting you. The rest of your friends? Whatever spell Harmony cast on us started to come undone. Little by little, we could see that…”

The confession fell quiet. Wants were mixing with regrets. All of his uncertainty blurring with desires. Yet, there was still a fear of letting go.

“We still love each other. That hasn’t changed, and I don’t want her going back to the Crystal Empire alone with just our guards. So, I asked because I don’t want to leave her alone. Unprotected… Even if you’re still recovering, there will be others with you… but I’m staying here for a while. And we both know that even now, if pushed, you could do more than any pony could to keep Cadance safe.”

Now that it was laid out, Cerb couldn’t voice a protest. Not without sounding like a hypocrite to his own fears. Although, the noble request only complicated his own personal matters.

Simply put, Cerb didn’t have an answer.

“Tin?”

Perhaps not the best time to joke around with old nicknames, but Cerb could see it bring a small smile to his troubled friend. Overall, not a bad start.

“I’m all sorts of fucked up right now. Not just the chair or the pieces of Echo stuck in my back, but… I think after tonight, I’ll have a better idea of if and when I’ll be going where.”

Shining nodded. It was an honest answer for what had been a lot to ask for, and he could respect that.

“Take your time, but… Please don’t tell anypony… Anyone, I mean. Especially Twilight.”

So focused on the conversation, neither noticed Cadance standing at the sliding glass door alone, silently, only to speak as if she had heard nothing.

“Justin. I know this would probably be done by Rarity and Fluttershy. If not, Becky or Redheart, but the three of us are willing to help you get cleaned up. There’s supposed to be an important dinner tonight.”

That was time enough alone, and Shining removed himself from the couch. He put on a strong front, but it was all a show for Cadance’s sake. Even the kiss on her cheek looked more like an act of habit and a goodbye than one of true affection.

“Mom should be here in time to take care of Flurry Heart for dinner tonight. I’ll see you then.”

Trixie Rose rolled back and forth in her chair, giggling like crazy as she kissed her bottle of vodka.

"Oh, I missed you so much. Mwah!"

Not so entertained, Twilight added a shot into her Irish coffee. After letting Rose sleep for so long, this was not how she wanted their time spent.

"Can we please get back to business? You said not to wake you without alcohol. So talk, or I'm pouring it out."

Without answering, Rose opened the bottle and took a good three-second chug, causing her to nearly drop the bottle in a sudden coughing fit.

"Oof," she wheezed. "That's so much better than I remember."

Letting that pass, Twilight tried to get back on topic.

"Peter? When will he—"

"Sorry," Rose apologized, staring at the bottle with glowing red cheeks. "When I was just Trixie, some of the best times all of us had was when this stuff was legal. Not the sneaking around for amazing sex."

She eyed the bottle, remembering similar clear spirits but nothing this potent or impactful.

"The part of me that used to be Harmony had to leave constantly to tend to weak spots in the barrier. That meant there were lots of points in time where everyone got to be themselves… and we… I… loved those times… Probably the only times we all got along."

Slowly, she raised the bottle, giving a toast to those far beyond this world.

"To you Kelly… Chris… Twi… Star… Everyone."

She wiped her eyes clear of the growing mist and took one more long slow sip. Each moment in memory of those lost.

"And the last one for you, Ring."

Having lived up her moment, she sat the bottle down, ready for business.

"Sorry… I… Never really had the time to grieve. Spent so much time on the run, never had a moment to myself. But, to answer your question… I don't know. Every world is a little different, but yours is… more complex than most. And even your humans. I didn't think beings made completely out of Order could exist."

To try and explain, Trixie tried to cast a spell but cut it off just as quickly. The magic-suppressing ring on her horn worked promptly as intended. Plus, the rather copious alcohol in her system was seriously hindering her focus.

"Damnit… I hate trying to explain shit without visual references… Okay, think of Order in humans as alcohol in a drink. The humans Ring, and I came to know, had maybe a drop or two of the weak stuff mixed into a bucket of water. So weak that even a construct like Ring could interact with them. My Chris? More like a shot mixed in with a big bottle of soda. Stronger, but not enough to do much outside of maybe a slight tingle."

She picked up the bottle again, looking it over both in awe and temptation.

"But yours? Pure alcohol. No mixer, no chaser… Not until you dilute them."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, insulted.

"I what?"

Clearly, a line had been crossed, and Rose put the bottle down again to clarify.

"Not you, you. You ponies of this world in general. Why fear makes them vulnerable, I haven't a clue. But it is what’s weakening them. And I don't just mean to magic, but the magic they're exposed to. Though, thinking about it, maybe vulnerable isn't the right word. Weak or… I don't know for sure, but it damages them."

"Fear?" Twilight asked, very alarmed that something so basic could pose such a threat.

"No," Rose answered. "Your magic. And maybe, like alcohol, in small doses, it’s fine. However, in my world, the more humans were exposed to it, the more it wore them down. Though, only Justin could find a way to expel his. It was the complete opposite for Justin in Ring's world. Even if he was always with Cadance and Shining, he eventually took in so much that it ended up killing him. Nearly killed Shining in the process."

Rose looked down at her bottle again, ignoring the horrified look on Twilight’s face, wanting to drink it even more just to help numb the memory Ring had shared.

"Looking back, I think that's what led to the final collapse for her world. They all burned out what little Order they had, but we thought it was magic. Probably Order fused with magic."

After that little tangent, Rose drew a blank for a moment.

"If I had to guess, given all you told me, the magic you all possess is overloading their nervous system. That explains the nausea, personality shifts, and unconsciousness. The stronger the magic, the stronger the bonding of their Order to the magic itself… and the longer for Order to reconfigure it."

She looked up at Twilight, still looking for answers.

"It's like I said. It's going to take longer than the others had to deal with. Just like Kelly, Peter was scared of dying, but Harmony is of the strongest magic wielders there was."

Twilight sat at her desk, on the verge of giving up.

"Then what more can you tell me about The Words? What else do I need to protect Peter from?"

To that question, Rose seemed to disengage from Twilight.

"Nothing more than you already know. I won't say more about what is to come. That's not my place, and most of it won't even matter."

In an abrupt outburst, Twilight slammed her hooves on the desk.

"Why not?! A war is coming and we don't know when or where! Lives could be lost!"

Calmly, Rose reopened her bottle and poured herself a glass.

"Twilight… My goal was to set you and this whole world free to figure things out on your own. Telling you what The Words wanted to happen can't be predicted now because the chain of events have been altered, and the only one who could set things back is long gone. The war might not even happen if not all of the ponies needed fall into place or the Storm King doesn't find what he needs."

Twilight could see the uncertain future standing in front of her. Without Harmony pulling the strings, there really was no way of telling what could happen.

"Arg… This would be so much easier if Chris had movies of what would come in the future instead of what already happened."

Rose abruptly stopped short of taking her next sip.

"He has what?"

Part one, done.

Even in victory, there are still losses to consider.

Part two, tomorrow.