The train ride back to Ponyville had been fairly quiet, Grievous observing his two new lightsabers which he had somewhat gleefully told them he looked forward to using them in combat someday, the six ponies he had saved mostly slept the whole way there. It was understandable, fighting a small war and getting captured would certainly put a strain on practically anyone, especially creatures as peaceful as the ponies. Celestia, after she'd successfully driven out the last of the Changelings loyal to Craw out and told them that she would be there waiting for them in Ponyville. And she had kept her word.

Waiting for them in the center of the little town itself, as well as the whole of Ponyville cheering and stamping their hooves in celebration in return of the seven heroes.

'Seven,' Grievous was almost amused by that prospect that they considered him a savior of their world when he really the only ones he had fought to save were the six ponies who were currently bowing to Celestia. The battle that had occurred was evident on her, white bandages coiled around her ribcage and other separate one wrapped around the tip of right wing. Various smaller gauze’s dotted her body, particularly her shoulders, but despite that; she looked quite regal and composed and kind. As if the battle had never happened at all. A small gold chest lay at left hoof as flowers rained down on the seven, one landing delicately on Grievous' left shoulder and he gave it a disdainful flick. Celestia held up a a golden shoe covered hoof to silence the crowd.

“Good afternoon,” she announced in a clear voice, “I thank you all for coming here today and welcoming back the seven that saved Equestria from destruction,” a chorus of brief cheers that she had to wait for to die down interrupted her for a minute or so before continuing, “however there is still one more thing to attend to.” Her horn glowed and the chest opened up, revealing the Elements.

“It is time for me to return to where I belong,” Grievous finished for Celestia, peering at the majestic Elements that lay ready in the chest. Small groan of protest emitted from the crowd but what actually caught the cyborg's attention were the gasps of surprise coming from Pinkie Pie. Her pink, cotton candy like mane deflated, literally. Her coat dulled and her mane hung to one side of her face, “You're leaving?”

“I have too,” he gave a nod to Celestia, who easily teleported the eight them to a much more private location.

- - - -

The second they reappeared in a bright orange flash, surrounded by the big apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash flew up into the cyborg's face.

“You can't leave Grievous! You just can't,” she hovered back and forth rubbing the side of her head in disbelief, “you're like the...like the seventh Element of Harmony!”

Grievous chuckled in his deep, mechanically distorted voice.

“I am no Element of Harmony, Rainbow Dash. No good will come of me being on your planet for much longer,” he looked down to see Pinkie hugging one of is thin metal legs.

“But there's still so much to do,” she sniffled.

“Yeah you ain't seen zap apples yet,” Applejack faintly said, hiding her eyes by keeping both her head and her hat at low angle. Fluttershy openly let a single tear run down her yellow cheek while Rarity regained her composure.

“Of all things that could happen...this is the worst possible thing!” She exclaimed, “And I mean it this time!” She choked back a sob, “I really do.”

Grievous watched them for a moment before steadily dropping down to one knee so he could get closer to their level. A sudden urge to...comfort them arose inside of him, he felt as though he just had to tell them, he was not going to leave things like this. “Look at me,” his voice quickly became the only sound other that wind lightly rustling the green leaves of the the huge apple trees.

“There are some things in life that are just not...meant to be. I am not supposed to be a part of your world, but make no mistake...I think fondly of the six of you...no matter how frustrating you may get sometimes,” Pinkie brightened slightly and Twilight gave a small giggle. “But friends do go away. It happens, so do loved ones, I speak from experience. I lost someone I cared for deeply many years ago,” the ponies sat, listening intently. Even Celestia had a sad expression on her face as she listened to the warlord.

“However,” he used a thin finger to lift Fluttershy's chin up from the ground, “just because that someone is no longer with you does not mean they become any less important. You will always have the memories of them.”

The wind had stopped, the birds were silent, and the general stood with his hands clasped behind his back and watched as their spirits lifted. Pinkie's mane restored to its puffy, cotton candy appearance and her pink coat restored to its normal brightness. The Elements glowed as they came to life...magically going to their match. Five had necklaces, Fluttershy's had a butterfly jewel in its center, Kindness. Pinkie Pie, a blue balloon, Laughter. Rarity's a light purple diamond, Generosity. Rainbow Dash, a red lighting bolt, Loyalty. Applejack, an orange apple, Honesty. And Twilight Sparkle's Element was an extravagant crown with a purple star on top, Magic. The six levitated off the grassy ground, Twilight's eyes glowing a pure white.

Grievous did not narrow his eyes in the intense light, he was transfixed by the serene looks on each of their faces, of such peace. A huge rainbow emerged from their bodies, rocketing high into the sky before it gradually descended towards Grievous. And as it struck him, he had the faint sensation that he was floating...fading from their world. Forever.

“Goodbye.”

- - - -

“You all did very well,” Celestia carefully shut the chest over the now inactive Elements and looking up at them, “and please remember Grievous' words.” And with that she too was gone along with the chest in dark yellow flash.

Fluttershy looked up at the steadily darkening sky, and quietly, she whispered. “Goodbye Grievous, I will always keep with me, in my heart.” She looked back when she heard her friends approach her.

“We all will.” Twilight said, sitting alongside the rest of her friends, her chest containing a warm feeling. They'd all learned a valuable lesson on the magic of friendship. The value of memories.

And perhaps, someday, they would see each other again. But if not, that was okay, they would always have those precious memories of him, their most unlikely friend.

General Grievous.

                                   The End