10 years ago on this day, the first chapter of The Lost Element was completed and uploaded to my DeviantART account. At the suggestion of my Patron DalKathos, I wrote this chapter as a milestone event to celebrate a full decade of a story that holds a lot of meaning to me. For those who have been following since the beginning, I hope I have made your dedication worthwhile. And for those who hopped on the bandwagon years later, I hope you too have enjoyed the ride.

But for everyone here, the ride is not over. Thank you for seeing my endeavors through for this long. I hope I can make the rest of the journey a meaningful one for all of you.

I had fallen asleep like so many times before. And like every time before, I dreamed. Or at least I was supposed to dream. I could not determine when I passed from being awake to drifting into dreaming slumber, but I found myself in a place I did not normally visit on my own. Nor could I recall when my dreaming mind last visited it without outside aid.

It took me a moment to get my bearings as I came to recognize where I was. Under a beautiful clear night sky, the aurora borealis wavering gently above. And covering the ground for miles around me was a thick layer of shimmering fog that almost came up to my knees. I knew this place. The nexus of the dream realm that the Princess of the Night and the Princess of Dreams reigned over. But if I was here... Surely I was not alone?

Through the fog, I heard the tapping of hooves approaching at a modest gait. With a turn of my body, I saw her. Princess Luna. I immediately smiled upon seeing my dear friend and turned to face her. "Evening, Luna. I guess now's a good time to get in a little session while things are quiet?"

"No, not tonight, my friend. I did not call you here to do battle in the depths of your dreams." Luna replied as she bowed her head in greeting. She smiled gently, a thoughtful gaze in those beautiful eyes. "Today feels...different, for a reason I cannot put my hoof on. And with all the turmoil that is happening during this war, who can say when we may get a chance to savor some peacetime?"

"What are you suggesting? Just a night of relaxation?" I asked in return while not really sure of where she was going with this. It would not be the first time I have shared a dream with the royal sisters for the sake of relaxation, although it was usually to unwind after a battle against a fictional foe.

"Yes, exactly that. Although...with certain people." Luna replied before her horn flared up with her blue magic aura. "One moment. I believe my sisters will want to be present for this."

Just behind me, a pair of portals opened. And when I turned to look, Celestia and Nightmare Moon stepped through before the portals to their own dreams closed behind them. Nightmare Moon spoke first as she asked, "Yes? You wish to see us?"

Luna then explained, "It did not feel right to continue without all of you. Tonight feels special. And given the circumstances in the waking world, we may not get an opportunity like this for a while. I suggest a night of relaxation with our friend here. And with his friends as well."

"Oooooh, I see where you're going with this. Yes, that sounds lovely!" Celestia exclaimed while liking the idea. Although she then asked, "Wait... Um... What do you suggest? A trip to the beach?"

Nightmare Moon then cast us all a knowing smirk. "If you are suggesting a party of sorts, I do believe we all know a certain friend of James who can help us with that."

I too suddenly smirked at the notion. There really was one person nearby who was definitely dreaming along with us. One who knew all the ends and outs of festive event planning. "Yeah... Let's give Pinkie Pie a call."

"Consider it done. Now, where is that party animal..." Luna muttered as she once again began to focus her magic. "There is a Maud Pie... And a Limestone Pie... No, not a Marble Pie... Ah, there she is."

Instead of opening beside us in a vertical position like those Celestia and Nightmare Moon entered through, a portal suddenly opened above us like a hole in a ceiling. And with an excited shriek, Pinkie Pie suddenly came falling right through at terminal velocity and did a swan dive right into the unseen floor beneath the fog. She disappeared from view even though we all heard her go splat. At first, I thought that she had basically killed herself and woken up. But instead, she then called out, "Oops! Forgot to deploy my parachute!"

With a yank from a cord, a bunch of giant rubber ducks suddenly popped up out of the fog while attached to thick strings. They then drifted down like balloons that made me think they were meant to be a flotation device instead of a proper parachute. As we all looked down at where she had fallen in utter confusion, Pinkie Pie suddenly lifted her head from the fog while her eyes were covered by a pair of goggles. "Huh? Oh, hi! You're all skydiving too?"

"Heh, I'd expect no less from you, Pinkie. Anyway, we were hoping that you could help us." I replied now that the hilarity of this situation had worn off. Nightmare Moon even dismissed Pinkie's skydiving gear in a flash of magic light to get it all out of the way. "Luna, if you would?"

"Yes, quite. The truth is that we were hoping to set up a certain...celebration of sorts. A party, if you will. However... I think you know why we've turned to you for advice." Luna explained while almost looking embarrassed that she needed outside input on how to fulfill her duty as the Princess of the Night just this once.

"Oooooooh, you need an expert party planner, right? Sure! You asked the best mare in Ponyville for the job!" Pinkie Pie retorted while looking more than up for the task. She then trotted over to Luna while the rest of us watched patiently. She then leaned forward and began to whisper into Luna's ear. "OK, first you take a..."

From there on out, I could not make out what Pinkie Pie was saying. But Luna frequently nodded in understanding. "Yes... Yes... Oooh, sounds splendid... Oh my, how did I not think of that? Yes... Yes, I see... Right, don't forget the sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla..."

"What do you suppose she is suggesting...?" Nightmare Moon asked quietly while we were out of earshot for the moment.

"I don't know, but all that talk of sweet stuff is getting me hungry." Celestia said while starting to smile in a very hungry fashion. If there was to be cake, there would be no stopping her. At least she would not have to worry about packing on the pounds in the realm of dreams.

"Yes, I can do that! Now then, everypony stand back." Luna spoke up as Pinkie Pie hopped backwards. Luna then boldly lifted the horn on her head while her magic aura surged fiercely around it. And in a flash of light, the nexus was gone. Walls, a floor, and a ceiling formed around us. And it...felt familiar.

"Isn't this...Ponyville's library?" I asked upon finding our surroundings to be that of a hollowed tree. Book shelves carved out of the walls, windows near where there should have been a door leading outside. And a flight of stairs leading up into the loft. Only I did not recall that first floor room being so...spacious. But I could understand why Pinkie Pie would suggest it. The library has been frequently used for all manner of friendly gatherings for my friends and I. Especially since it would not clash with Pinkie Pie's usual workplace. And with it being so intimately familiar to me... It really felt like I was back home somewhere that I had not seen in too long. And I inhaled deeply to savor that wonderful scent of wood that filled the air. So painfully nostalgic. "You picked a good place for this, Pinkie..."

"Feels good to be back home, right?" She asked more softly than she usually does. She too breathed deeply through her nose to enjoy that homely aroma of fresh hardwood. "Wow, it really takes me back... Has it really only been a few weeks? I miss Ponyville already..."

"Then allow me to bring you a little closer to home. This is not only for you." Luna said as she conjured up five other portals around us. And one by one, five familiar faces cautiously yet curiously stepped through. "Welcome, all of you. I hope we are not interrupting you at a bad time."

"Nah, ain't no harm done, yer highness. But what's the occasion? And... Wait a second, ain't this the library?" Applejack asked while adjusting her hat, her eyes glancing around to scan these familiar surroundings.

"No, it is! I recognize this place any day! But I don't remember the first floor being so...big?" Twilight Sparkle added while being much more familiar with her own home than the rest of us.

"Yeah, this place is so big I could fly laps around the place easy! Did you upsize it for something special?" Rainbow Dash asked as she scanned the sheer size of this first room. Definitely bigger than before. Perfect for a party.

"Why, I do say it's just perfect for a little soiree. And... Oh my." Rarity spoke before her eyes fell upon the fifth portal as it closed. "Oh my goodness, it's been weeks! How are you, dear?!"

I felt my heart lodge in my throat as I saw who else stood among my friends. Our eyes met, but no words came at first. For the first time in weeks, I saw her in the flesh. Of sorts. My dear wife. Fluttershy. She did not even say a word as she suddenly leapt at me with wings carrying her through the air. I responded in kind by holding my arms out to her, catching my beloved in an embrace as she clung to me. "It's been too long already..."

"It really has... Thank you for sending that photo. It's made things a little easier for me..." I whispered into her ear as I held my wife in my arms. "Missed you, dear..."

"I've missed you so much... It's not the same when you're not there at the end of the day... The only thing that makes it easier is I know where you are..." Fluttershy whispered back to me while sounding like she was struggling to hold back tears.

I knew it was not the first time I left home unannounced. Though admittedly only the second time on my own volition. And so I whispered to her, "I'll come home as soon as this whole mess is over. We all will. Just...take care of Gladesong and Scoot until then, all right? I'll be back."

"It feels...so much better to be hearing that from you instead of just reading it in a letter... Thank you, James. I'll try to be patient." Fluttershy said with a sigh. Although she only then looked left and right at everyone while they surrounded us. "Oh dear... I... I hope I'm not being a problem here... I haven't seen my husband in weeks and..."

"There's no need to apologize, Fluttershy. I still remember how dearly you wanted to come along so you can be with him. But please believe me that the odds are in our favor out here. Everything is going to be all right." Celestia said softly while showing nothing but absolute patience with this reunion. I can only imagine what happened when she and Luna broke the news to all of them.

Nightmare Moon then spoke up, "You will have plenty of time tonight to enjoy his company. This is a celebration of sorts, is it not?"

"It is?" Fluttershy asked in confusion before she looked up at me. "What day is it? I don't remember seeing anything odd on the calendar..."

"I...uh... Come to think of it, what are we all doing here again, Luna?" I asked while still not grasping everything she had in mind with this gathering of familiar faces.

The Princess of the Night then explained, "Oh, it's not any specific holiday of any sort. It's just... It seemed like now would be a good time to bring you all together for a night of gallivanting and socializing with each other and just having a merry time while the situation permits it. We are at war right now and who can say when we may get another chance at something like this?"

"So...just a party? As friends? Sounds...lovely!" Fluttershy exclaimed with a pleasant gleam of joy in her eyes. I gently lowered her to the floor while wondering exactly what Pinkie Pie had suggested to Luna aside from the location to hold this get-together in. "But...um...what's going to happen?"

"Ah, yes. No more delays. Just let me get this set up." Luna replied while we all started to back up against the walls to give her space to work her magic. "Now then, what was it again? Sugar canes... Ice... Hmmm... Yes, I think I've got it. Stand clear, please."

Over and over, flashes of light burst all over the room as many party staples and decor was summoned up from nothing. A table lined with all manner of treats including a towering cake lined with colors that I often see on my friends, balloons and banners mounted around the room, a jukebox in the corner for the sake of musical ambience, a delicious chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruit, a pile of beanbag chairs to lounge around on, and most impressively... Arranged in a circle in the middle of the room were ice sculptures with each carved in the forms of the Elements of Harmony and even the Element of Humanity. Our cutie marks, in a sense. It really looked like a party tailored specifically for us. Luna then looked over at us and asked, "I do believe this is to your specifications?"

"Uh huh! Just like the picture in my head! Oh, wait..." Pinkie Pie replied before reaching...into her ear and pulling out...a photo that showed the very scene set out in front of us. She looked back and forth between the photo and the room before us before saying, "Yep! Just like the picture in my head!"

"Well, it's a good thing we're all in a dream right now or I reckon I'd have some questions for ya!" Applejack retorted while we all stared at Pinkie Pie once more defying the laws of...everything, really. At least it made more sense than usual in the dream realm.

Fluttershy then said with an unexpected display of wit, "I don't think any of us are in the mood for seizures tonight..."

In a flash of magic light, Nightmare Moon used a teleportation spell to transport herself over to the jukebox in the corner. With a grand smile on her face, she reached for the button on it to play a song. "No need for that. This is your night. Eat, drink, and be merry. Cheers!"

With a tap of her hoof, a jaunty and happy tune began to play throughout the room. With delighted smiles, my friends began to disperse to partake in the festivities. My first call was to walk over to the window next to where the front door would have been just to see what was out there. Where was the door anyway?

There was a good reason why there was not an easy way to leave the library. When I looked out the window, only the vast expanse of space could be seen. Or maybe it was just the emptiness of the dream realm. It was like we were inside a drifting spaceship. A little spooky, but it only made the place even cozier. Now that my curiosity had been sated, I made my way to the buffet line to sample the goods.

Celestia was the first one there and it was unsurprising to see her help herself to a heaping slice of cake. I decided to go ahead and gorge myself on all the treats available since it world not translate to any real caloric intake with my body in the real world. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were doing a little dance near the jukebox for the moment and the song was admittedly very bouncy and made you want to skip along to it. Fluttershy and Rarity started off small with a friendly chat over glasses of punch. They must have missed each other so much with the two of them being such good friends and Rarity was especially curious over how her goddaughter had been doing in her absence.

I have never been much of a social butterfly at these friendly gatherings and I was quick to remember that as I filled up a plate with tasty goodies. I did not have much to say, but I dearly appreciated listening to everything that was going on around me. In spite of the lingering uncertainty of the war at hand, the atmosphere was pleasant and the topics I overheard being discussed very rarely drifted into current events. It truly felt like I was back home and everything was back to normal.

I sat myself down on the beanbag chairs and got comfortable while sampling the many sweet treats on my plate. While I would normally expect to overdo it on that stuff in the real world, I knew I would not suffer any ill effects tonight. It was all delicious and I enjoyed the sights and sounds around me. But I did not go undisturbed for long. Fluttershy soon trotted my way and got comfortable next to me while we both shared a smile. "I missed you..."

"Missed you too, dear." I whispered back to her as our appetites took a backseat to the distraction we were to each other. My wife and I began to snuggle as we leaned back in the beanbag pile. Now that circumstances had allowed us to spend an evening together, it felt so.....nostalgic to be back in her embrace. No matter what my feelings may be towards others or how many more women find a place in my heart, I will never be able to let go of the mare I married. She was and always will be the first. But as my thoughts drifted over past events involving her, my thoughts dug up a little face I had not seen in a while. "How's Gladesong been?"

"She really misses her daddy. She likes taking naps on our bed instead of in her crib. I think...it's because she can smell you a bit and it helps her think about you." Fluttershy whispered to me while those beautiful timid eyes gazed at me. "Are you taking good care of that photo I sent? I really appreciated the reply you sent, but...it can't compare to being with you like this."

"Yeah, I got it. I've got it set up in my bathroom so I see it every morning and night after a shower. It's a very nice photo too. Really made my day." I whispered back to her before placing a kiss on her nose and prompting a precious little smile from her. But when I thought about that photo... There had been someone else in the scene being displayed. One who was not an immediate member of our family. "Say... Did you know Smolder left to find me?"

Fluttershy's smile became a little cheekier. Like she was aware of something I would not expect. "She's really not very good at hiding how she feels about you. I knew I couldn't stop her. And I'm sure she gave you that kiss for me."

"You know, don't you?" I asked while Fluttershy nodded in quiet confirmation. "And you're...OK with that? Even though she's only fourteen right now?"

"I know that's what she says, but it really doesn't feel like that... Are you sure she's not at least seventeen and is just very petite? She's just...so sincere about most things..." Fluttershy muttered while also looking just as confused over what a paradox Smolder can be. She then looked me in the eye and said, "I know you won't take advantage of her, but... Just be careful. I don't want you to get in trouble."

"Yeah, we're both being cautious. I think everything will work out just fine in the end." I said while Fluttershy shifted in the beanbags a bit to get more comfortable and draped a wing over me to hold me even closer to her. I thought back to Smolder. And felt so grateful that our feelings for each other was mutual. But those memories of the orange and purple dragoness also reminded me of an equally orange and purple pegasus filly. "Oh, wait. What about Scoot? Has she been OK?"

"I don't think she really understands what's happening, but she's trying to be patient. Although...she has been spending a lot of extra time with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders lately. At least I think she has. I never see her without that cape anymore." Fluttershy replied while a look of confused thought filled her face. "Even Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are always wearing those capes whenever I see them."

"Capes.....? Wait... Oh, right. Those capes. I haven't worn mine in a long time too, now that I think about it... They just wearing them to show some kind of wartime solidarity or something?" I asked while it took me a moment to remember that the Cutie Mark Crusaders all have their own complimentary red capes. Almost like a membership badge for a club.

Fluttershy's eyes wandered as she muttered, "I don't know... I don't think they're doing it just for fun right now. I haven't seen Scootaloo without it for days. Whenever she's out of her room, it's draped over her. And when I asked them about it, they said they...have a surprise to show all of you when you get back."

I raised an eyebrow over this revelation. "You mean to tell me they gift wrapped themselves in their capes? I know the holidays are coming up, but that's still some months away from now..."

Fluttershy cracked a crooked smile while she rolled her eyes. "I know, right? Kids... At least they're having fun. It has gotten pretty quiet in Ponyville though... I'm not seeing as many familiar faces in town anymore... I never thought I would miss the usual bustle in town that used to make me so uneasy."

"I know what that's like... Stay away from a place that's quiet while not too quiet in exchange for a place that's extra quiet and you'll be surprised how much you miss that lifestyle. I know I'm gonna be so happy to be back home when this is all over and done with." I retorted while being familiar with that sensation from very shortly before I came to Equestria in the first place.

After a moment of savoring our treats without actually sitting up, even taking turns in feeding each other, Fluttershy asked quietly, "How are things out there lately anyway? As anypony gotten hurt? Have you...gotten hurt?"

"No, not at all. I'm amazed with how well prepared everyone is. We haven't seen much action yet, but the outcome is looking brighter every day. At this rate, we'll probably be done in a matter of weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if we come out of this with hardly any major injuries." I replied while still surprised with just how well our allies had prepared themselves for the road ahead. Equestria's magical resources really was turning the tide in our favor.

Fluttershy did not seem too sure at first. Maybe she was concerned I was only telling her what she wanted to here. But after giving me a more analytical gaze to check if I was being completely serious, she smiled quite calmly. "It sounds like it... I was worried at first, but it sounds like you know what you're talking about. I'd love to hear about it all when you get back."

"I've been writing plenty of journals during the trip. You're more than welcome to read through them when we... Eh?" I started to say before I heard and saw Pinkie Pie calling from the stairs leading up into the loft. "Um... What's happening?"

"Come on up, everypony! I've got a little something to play for us!" Pinkie Pie said before trotting up the stairs. Rainbow Dash even turned off the jukebox to listen more clearly.

"Is it movie night?" Celestia asked while we all started to stand up and make our way towards the stairs. None of us objected, but it sounded like Pinkie Pie had put something special together for this night. Although when we got up there, I found that the loft Twilight uses as her own private housing looked largely unchanged from how it usually looked. Although there was a pile of beanbag chairs nearby with a projector and a white screen set up. For a slideshow of sorts? Celestia asked again, "Oh, so it is movie night?"

"Ummmm... Kind of?" Pinkie Pie said while dimming the lights. As we all got comfortable, she got the place quite dark. "I think you're right when you said tonight is a special occasion, so I went digging through the old archives at the Hub... Wait, are they even called that anymore? Anyway, I put something together for a little walk down memory lane tonight. That's OK with all of you, right?"

"I reckon we can all use a lil' look back on better times right 'bout now, Pinkie. Go ahead. I'm up for it." Applejack replied as we slouched in that pile of beanbags. The projector began to whir, but there was not much in the way of audio. And what followed were...images of a time I had not been present for. "Oh, hey! I remember that! That was the big Apple family reunion right when Twi showed up in town for the first time!"

It certainly looked the part. A huge gathering of ponies at Sweet Apple Acres could be seen stacking up piles of apple pastries and other treats for a bewildered Twilight Sparkle to try with Spike at her side. Twilight herself grinned sheepishly while she glanced at all of us. And I soon found out why. The scene that followed showed Spike walking through Ponyville with a scroll and quill in hand...only to pan over to Twilight who had an amusingly bloated belly from likely sampling every single scrap of food she had been offered. She then chuckle nervously, "Eheheheh... I could barely eat another bite all day after that."

"But ya sure made my kin happy by bein' a good sport, Twi. Much obliged." Applejack replied while reaching over and patting our friend on her back. So many other scenes played out afterward. Rainbow Dash giving Twilight a ridiculous hairdo with an impromptu hair drying technique, Rarity proceeding to fix said hairdo, Fluttershy conducting a songbird orchestra, and Pinkie Pie throwing a welcome party in the very room downstairs. It then displayed snippets of scenes around Applejack corralling a herd of stampeding cattle, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash partaking in a wide manner of pranks, Rarity putting together those six wonderful dresses my friends pride themselves on wearing to the Grand Galloping Gala with each visit, Applejack and Rainbow Dash taking part in the Running of the Leaves event, Twilight having a sleepover with Applejack and Rarity during a massive rainstorm, Fluttershy keeping an eye on the Cutie Mark Crusaders for one night, the six of them arranged in a conga line with Pinkie Pie at the front for a party in Applejack's barn...

There were so many scenes playing out on the screen that I did not recognize at all, but they all held a special place in the hearts of all my friends as they all commented on the scenes that were playing out before them. And there was a certain charm and type of amusement to be had in seeing how things were with my closest circle of friends before I showed up. I am not sure I could even list them all. But as the projector show went on, Pinkie Pie began to speak up. "Good times, right? It was like we were all pieces of a puzzle and we all came together to make one great complete picture. See?"

The slideshow stopped on a photo. A photo I had seen every once in a while. I think it is one all six of my friends have framed somewhere in their homes. It displayed all six of them together. Rarity and Pinkie Pie on the left, Rainbow Dash and Applejack on the right, Fluttershy resting on the ground at the front, and Twilight Sparkle nestled between them all. It was a very happy yet simple photo of them together, but it felt like it held some sort of powerful significance for all of them. Pinkie Pie then added, "All of us coming together was just about the best thing that ever happened, right? Each piece fit into the frame just perfectly and we couldn't do without each other. I mean I know I was happier than ever when you girls came into my life."

"Yep! Wouldn't have it any other way! You girls are the best. And I'm glad you're all my friends." Rainbow Dash replied while giving us all a big smile.

"Oh, absolutely! Looking back, I can only wonder where I would be without all of you. It was a blessing we all came together when we did." Rarity added while all of my friends just burst into joyous banter thanking and praising each other for how happy their lives had been because of the fact that they all came into each others' lives when they did. All the while, the three royal sisters watched and listened with patient silence. And it showed. For as long as I have known them, those six wonderful mares really were like pieces to a puzzle. And that photo that was still on the projector screen was the end result. And all I could do was smile.

"Mmhm! Each piece of that puzzle made such a beautiful picture. And each piece was happy! Everything was just right. But then..." Pinkie Pie began to say rather serenely before the show continued. And what followed next was... "But then one day... Another puzzle piece showed up."

I cringed as I saw what showed up next on the screen. It was me. Flat on the ground with Rainbow Dash having just crashed right down into me. I had all but forgotten about that clumsy first encounter and spoke loudly, "Oh, come on! Did you really have to show that?!"

Rainbow Dash looked equally embarrassed over being reminded of just how our first encounter went. She gritted her teeth while visibly sweating as Luna asked, "Oh my...! Don't tell me this was the first thing that happened to you after you got there?!"

"Rainbow was...literally the second person I actually met after I wandered into town. Right after Twilight Sparkle. Yes, that happened..." I grumbled while cringing at just how painful that looked. I mean yes, it did knock me to the ground pretty good, but Rainbow Dash is a lot lighter than she looks. It could have been a lot worse.

"Sorry, sorry, I really am! I mean we're all good now, right?" Rainbow Dash replied desperately while we all reassured her that such a clumsy meeting was all water under the bridge by then. She then asked, "Anyway... Where are you going with this, Pinkie?"

"Oh, I'm just getting really sentimental right now. Bet you never thought I'd go there, did you?" Pinkie Pie replied while giving us a playful wink. It certainly was a surprise to see her of all people taking this route. She then allowed the projector to continue playing as I saw the events of my first day in Ponyville play out piece by piece. "As I was saying... Another little piece of a puzzle showed up. And it met this puzzle that was already complete. It being happy and content with no way to improve itself. But it didn't shun the new lonely piece. It was happy to have it around."

After another series of familiar scenes played out on the screen that really tugged at my emotions in a way I did not expect, some of which elicited laughs and chuckles like the time I tried to shoulder barge an apple tree to see if I could get the same results as Applejack, the projector displayed something that was entirely metaphorical. That same photo of my friends from before, but very easily turned into a jigsaw puzzle made up of six large pieces. And another large puzzle piece slid into view. And I was displayed upon it. "This new puzzle piece didn't really belong there. It wasn't a part of the puzzle that was already complete, but it wanted to be part of it. It felt like it needed to be there. And it started to find a space to fit in while the complete puzzle made room for this new piece."

The photo puzzle began to twist and morph as the puzzle piece that displayed me on it pushed into it. The liquefied mass of color soon settled to reveal a new photo. Yet another photo that had been at the back of my mind. It showed all seven of us. A photo we had all gotten taken at some point. Because of my size, I had been positioned in the middle so my friends could pose themselves around me. Everyone smiled and talked quietly amongst themselves as they saw the importance of this photo. I truly could not imagine being without them by this point. Even if I was not native to their world, I was eternally grateful that they had welcomed me as openly as they did. Pinkie Pie continued to speak with an almost uncharacteristic softness to her voice I almost never get to hear. "That new puzzle piece found a place in the old puzzle. And every piece was happy. It might not have been a piece of the original set, but it still found a way to belong. But then..."

Much like doing a type of magic trick where the lights are turned off for a second, the projector screen went black before showing the puzzle again. But this time, I was gone. There was a gaping puzzle piece-shaped hole in the middle. And everyone there let out an audible gasp. There was something...uncomfortable about the implications of what I was seeing. And then it hit me. My heart jumped into my throat as I realized what time this represented. When I was sent back. Away from this world to where I was born and raised. When I even began to question if what I had experienced in Equestria was all an illusion. "That new piece of the puzzle disappeared. And the rest of the puzzle pieces noticed. They felt it. They were still the same number of pieces from before the new piece showed up, but now things were different. There was something missing. The puzzle wasn't finished anymore. And they needed to find the missing piece and fill the hole it left behind. But they didn't. It was gone without a trace. Like it had never been there at all. And it was hard for the other pieces. They missed their new friend."

I looked over my shoulder at the three royal sisters. Nightmare Moon looked only mildly confused, no doubt from simply being out of the loop during that time. But Celestia and Luna looked visibly uncomfortable. They knew what they did. Only they had the means to send me back to Earth. While their reasoning for doing so was understandable, it still proved to be unnecessary. I knew where I wanted to be. What world I wanted to call my home. But when I turned my gaze back to the screen, there it was. The piece of the puzzle that displayed me wiggled into view from off the side of the screen. Pinkie Pie continued to narrate as she spoke, "But after a few days, the piece came back. It found its way home. And THIS piece right here...!"

"Yep, she did that!" I called out as the piece of the puzzle that showed mostly Pinkie Pie popped free from the rest of the puzzle and tackled my puzzle piece like it was trying to give it a hug. I still remember that day and that moment. The joyous shriek Pinkie Pie let out before I could even see her right before she tackled me to the ground for a tight squeeze. And it was funny. Everyone laughed or at least chuckled as the Pinkie Pie puzzle piece wiggled against my puzzle piece. "Yeah, that was a nice hug. Rough landing though."

"Uh huh! But anyway... The puzzle was complete again. Everything was just the way it should be." Pinkie Pie said before the puzzle pieces came together again to form the full picture of all seven of us. Pinkie Pie then looked my way while such a somber and sincere smile formed on her face. With easily the most sentimental gaze in those glistening blue eyes I had ever seen, Pinkie Pie spoke softly to me. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...we're really happy to have you here, James. These past couple of years have felt like a little eternity. Almost like these two years have been a full decade or something. But all that time has just been...wow... Just so great. We love you, all right?"

"Yeah... There's nowhere else I'd rather be... I love you girls too." I replied with an equally soft tone before all six of them basically piled onto me with coos and giggles for one big group hug. As I tried to get my arms around all six of those wonderful mares, I spoke again, "Thank you for having me here... I don't know where I'd be without you."

"You're not the only ones who are grateful." Luna said as she and her sisters stepped towards us. They too were displaying soft thoughtful smiles on their faces. She then added, "Bringing you to this world carried all manner of risk. Out of billions of possible choices to choose from, we chose you. And it was a most unexpectedly wise decision. You have become not only a friend to us, but to Equestria as a whole."

For them to reveal that information so freely in front of my closest circle of friends... I was initially quite alarmed. That was a national secret. Even moreso than the existence of the human empire eons ago. But when I glanced at my six companions, all they did was smile understandingly. Applejack reached out and placed a hoof on my shoulder as she said, "It's all right, pardner. We know. We know why yer here. We know how ya got here. And we don't care."

"Mmhm!" The other five mares mumbled in loud unison to get their point across. They really did know everything by then. They had been told everything... And it did not create even the slightest hint of friction between us or the royal family. I was touched. The insignificance of that information soothed my heart. It just did not matter anymore.

Celestia spoke next with such a tender tone to her voice. "Your arrival in this world has been a blessing for many. I doubt there would have been many humans on Earth who would have taken to our world's way of life so readily. And most importantly... We did not foresee you finding a place in our hearts. You are truly a good man, James. And we value you."

Nightmare Moon then reached out with a hoof for me to grasp. She smiled sweetly at me as she asked, "May you have many more years ahead of you in our world, my friend. We would hate to lose you."

I wasted no time in taking hold of Nightmare Moon's hoof and pulling myself up. One by one, I stepped to the royal sisters and put my arms around them for a loving embrace. I would not even be here in Equestria had they not intervened in my life. And I was eternally grateful for them.

Although Rainbow Dash then decided to throw some levity into the moment as she poked Pinkie Pie in the shoulder. "Say, what's the deal with you getting all fancy with those new words? Shun? What's up with you tonight?"

"I think you're right... Pinkie Pie never talks like that." Fluttershy added while we all turned our gazes to focus on the wild party mare who was now looking rather nervous. I too have to admit that is very rare for her to get so...sincere.

"Huh?! Wow, I guess I was... Maybe you've rubbed off on me after all this time, Twilight! Maybe when I turn the fun off, I get smart like you!" Pinkie Pie retorted while starting to slip back into the perky pony we all recognized her as.

Twilight Sparkle just rolled her eyes at this assumption. "I've only rubbed off on you as much as you've rubbed off on me. I'm a lot more adventurous myself these days!"

"Ya mean durin' yer adventures when yer nose is buried in a book?" Applejack asked while everyone just laughed or chuckled at her observations. Some things never change. Not that I would want them to change.

After some more reminiscing with that slideshow displaying some pretty memorable events from my life in Equestria with my friends, we eventually went back downstairs to party some more with food, drink, and music. I loaded up a tray with fruits and other treats covered in fresh molten chocolate from that chocolate fountain. Now that was some fantastic snacking, especially with the strawberries and banana slices. I sat myself back down at the beanbag chair pile and just looked around at my friends having a good time and enjoying some tunes from the jukebox.

I eventually turned my gaze to the ice sculptures before me. Beautifully carved to represent our cutie marks more than the Elements that bore their likeness. I could swear that they had not even melted in the slightest. But I was not the only one to come over and admire them. Twilight Sparkle rested in the pile beside me with a plate of her own lined with cupcakes. "Having a good time?"

"Yep. No complaints. It's nice to be having fun with friends away from all that battlefield junk happening right now." I replied while giving Twilight a smile. I stuffed my mouth with another chocolate-coated strawberry before saying, "It's good to be home. Even if just for a night."

"It really is. I missed the smell of wood in the library." Twilight said while she took a few bites of her treats, her bright purple eyes beholding the ice carvings before us. After a moment, I noticed her look at me before she said, "You know, it's strange... I think Pinkie Pie has a point. It's only been two years, but...it feels like we've known each other much longer than that... I guess time just flies that fast when you're with good friends?"

"Maybe... I'm kinda getting that feeling too... Maybe when you understand people well enough, it feels like you've known them longer than you actually have." I retorted while pondering those words myself. Although I still looked at my friend with a smile and said, "Not that I have a problem with that."

"Me neither. It feels great to have friends I really get. And I don't think I get anyone better than you." Twilight whispered before placing a kiss upon my cheek. "You really are one of the best friends I've ever had, James. I feel like no one understands me the way you do."

"Same here, Twi... I hope you'll always be you." I said without putting much thought into my words. I adored her. The first person I ever really met in Equestria and easily one of the most important to me. It was hard to imagine things being different between us.

"And I hope we have lots of time to be with each other. Don't ever leave, James... We would miss you." Twilight said softly while we enjoyed what was left of our snacks piece by piece.

It is difficult to say how much time passed from that point. I did have a good time and tried to get the most out of what was happening around me. But just after I eventually returned to the beanbag chair pile, I felt the world ripple faintly. Was it almost time?

"Last call, everypony! Morning is here and it's time to wake up!" Celestia spoke out over the cacophony of the party. Everything went silent as the party just stopped. We all looked at each other and not one of us was smiling. It was the first time in weeks we had all had the chance to be together again like this. When would be the next time?

The world rippled again. And we all noticed this time. Pinkie Pie let out a loud sigh as she groaned, "Noooo, already?! I know parties gotta end and everypony has to go home eventually, but can't we have a few more hours?"

"I suppose we could prolong it by force... However, that would not be very responsible of us. We all have duties to fulfill right now." Nightmare Moon said before turning her gaze to Fluttershy. "You are in a different time zone... Shall I send you back to your dream to insure you remain asleep for an adequate amount of time?"

"Yes, I would like that... I want to get a full night's sleep, if that's OK..." Fluttershy said softly before looking at all of us. She looked very reluctant to leave as she said, "It was...wonderful getting to see you all again. Please be careful out there. I really miss you all..."

"Oh, darling... Don't fret. We'll be home before you know it. Just be good to little Gladesong. And give the little dear a kiss for her Auntie Rarity, please?" Rarity replied as we all stepped forward and held my precious wife in a group hug. She really was the guest of honor that night. It was so good to have her there.

"Tell Gladesong her daddy misses her, all right?" I whispered to Fluttershy as she quickly dried a budding tear in her eye. The two of us shared a brief kiss before I whispered, "Love you, baby... Be safe, all right?"

"You too, James... Be careful out there, my love..." Fluttershy whispered to me before looking at the rest of her friends. "And all of you... Please be careful out there. I don't want to find out even one of you won't be coming home again..."

"That ain't gonna happen and you know it, girl. We're in this together and we're gonna come home together. Right, girls?" Applejack replied while the rest of our friends let out a cheer of confirmation. She then tipped her hat and spoke with a confident smile, "And tell the youngin's we're doin' fine, all right? We need them to know everythin's goin' smoothly out here."

"I... I will! I'll let the fillies know right away when I can!" Fluttershy exclaimed as she tried to stay optimistic. I mean Applejack was not fibbing. Things really are looking promising at this moment. Fluttershy then turned to the royal sisters as the world quivered around us again. "Um... I'm ready."

Luna nodded as she summoned a portal nearby for Fluttershy to step through. A vast meadow with bounding bunnies could be seen on the other side. Looks like she was having a pleasant romp through the meadow at the time she got called over for the party. As Fluttershy stepped through, Luna said, "Have faith in us, Fluttershy. Nopony will be coming home in a body bag if we have anything to say about it."

"Thank you..." My wife whispered in thanks once on the other side. Even if our shared dream were to end, she would still remain asleep in her own dream so long as she was on the other side of the portal. She waved uneasily while trying to smile. "Goodbye for now... Be safe!"

We all waved goodbye and said our farewells as light began to shine through the window nearby. That light engulfed the entire room and... I found myself looking up at the ceiling of my private quarters. It was an average morning out there on the Empty Plains. I looked to my right. Soft morning light was shining through the curtains. And beside me was dear Smolder, the little dragoness soundly sleeping with her wing holding me under the covers. And upon turning to gaze at my left, I found a little Changeling mare holding my arm in her sleep. And this time, Ocellus did not bother with a disguise.

I felt compelled like never before to document that experience. I somehow managed to slip out of Smolder's winged embrace and even crawled over Ocellus without waking them and sat myself down at my typewriter. And so far, the clicking of the keys has not disturbed them.

That night was special... I just know it. It was a very distinct occasion, even if what it was is beyond my grasp. It really does feel like I have been in Equestria longer than I actually have and it is a feeling I cannot explain away. But I am not complaining.

Coming to Equestria has been the best thing to ever happen to me and I would not trade it for the world. And while I am trying to keep Equestria safe at this moment, I feel like I have been reminded of why I love this world so much. There is no other world like it. The closest thing to a genuine paradise one can possibly conceive. It could have been someone else who was called to this world, but it was me who was chosen. I hope I never end up disappointing the ones who decided I was worthy to be here.

Whatever the occasion last night was, I will not forget it. Especially now that I have it documented on paper. Two years... Just two years... And yet it feels like it has been so much longer than that. And I cannot complain at all. And today is the first day of another two years. But enough of that. Time to get up and get ready for the day. We will be heading out today again and I want to be rested when we do.