Two Sides of a Coin (Chapter 7 Finale + Epilogue)

 “Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”
― Charles H. Spurgeon


>Fate has a funny way of working things out.
>The predator you and Hope deserted in the middle of the jungle continued to struggle for hours.
>More and more it becomes entwined until it’s completely immobilized.
>But her snarls attract the attention of her young cub which slowly makes its way from the undergrowth.
>Seeing the mother in distress, the young cub decides to head south to find someone that can help.
>Even in the vast forests and jungles of Equestria, word can spread fast.
>Animals would talk of a sentient creature that understands them implicitly.
>A pony type creature that lives far away.
>With little time to lose, the young cub runs through the forest to find this pony.

>You are now Fluttershy.
>As you tend to your animal friends, the thought of Anon and Hope lingers on your mind.
>Twilight requested that you and Rainbow Dash go and start searching for them in a couple of days if she doesn’t receive a letter from them.
>As you grab a hefty bag of bird seed and begin to hoist it into the air, your eye catches something darting from the undergrowth near your house.
>It startles you at first, but you quickly recognize that it wasn’t dangerous.
>Rather the opposite.
>You identify its unmistakable deep green fur and elongated tail.
“What’s an emerald panther cub doing all the way out here?”
>The tiny predator slows down as it approaches you, its tiny body heaving from trying to catch its breath.
>You gently pick it up and begin to stroke its head.
“Awww, poor little thing. What are you doing so far away from home?”
>Through its meowing and sounds of urgency, it seems as though it’s in great distress.
>Its mother was stuck.
>She will die if she’s not freed.
“That sounds horrible! How far away is she?”
>With its tiny paw it points off to the north.
>If you fly fast enough, you should be able to find it by later afternoon.
>With no time to waste, you take up to the sky with the cub in your hooves.
>The further you venture up north, the more you wonder if anything bad has happened to Anon.
>Hope seems more than capable of watching out for him.
>But this whole Lyra business seems pretty daunting.
>The cub falls asleep in your forelegs and purrs softly.
>Just as well, it’ll be a while before you get past the mountain range to the north.
>The flight itself was rather uneventful. You keep an eye out to see if there was any sign of Anon or Hope.
>As you fly pass the mountain range, the cub stirs out of its sleep and playfully paws at your lock of hair.
“I think we’re almost there. Maybe we should go lower to get a better look.”
>As you decrease your altitude, the thick canopy of the jungle makes it hard to find a good opening.
>Your eyes catch something up ahead.
>A wide clearing with a single large tree is just up ahead.
>You land on the forest floor and put the young cub down.
“Okay, do you remember where mommy is?”
>It stands still for a moment, its ears perked up and twitching.
>Circling around, it takes off towards the thick undergrowth. You gallop close behind.
“Oh, please slow down. I can’t see very well in here...”
>Doing your best to keep up, you find yourself going down a ravine.
>The thickest of roots and vines hang around your head and in the distance you hear the sound of growling.
>The cub takes off quicker and beckons you to follow.
>Sure enough, at the end of the ravine you see a large emerald panther caught up in the vines.
“Oh you poor thing. Just hold still and I’ll help you get out.”
>You grab a vine with your mouth and pull as hard as you can, but the tough fibrous plant barely gives.
>The cub meows away as you try to pull harder.
>Finally the mother panther wakes up and growls at you.
“Now now, I’m here to help. Your little one came all the way to Ponyville to find me.”
>You give up on trying to pull her loose.
>Something catches your attention. Down on the forest floor nearby you see a stone, but not any kind of natural stone.
>This one looks chiseled and fairly sharp.
>This might do the trick.
>Holding it carefully between your hooves, you bring it against a vine and begin to slice away.
>It does the job very well and soon you’re cutting through the plant material as quickly as you can.
>The mother struggles and with a final snap, she collapses to the forest floor with a thud. The cub instantly goes to her side.
>She must be very weak from exhausting herself like that.
“Stay here, I’ll get you some water.”
>Flying to the tree top, you grab a large leaf and head to a nearby stream and collect some water in it.
>Bringing it back to the panther, she quickly laps up the fluid and breathes heavily.
>The young cub cuddles up to the mother all the while.
“Do you mind telling me what happened?”
>Mustering her strength, she sits upright and through a series of low growls, she tells you how this prey managed to escape her.
“And that’s when you fell down this ravine?”
>She nods. But she goes on to describe this prey to you.
>Both of them walked on two legs.
>One had a tail and the other did not.
>Your eyes open wide at the sudden revelation.
“Oh no... Please tell me you didn’t...”
>She growls in contempt. Apparently they both escaped before she managed to get either of them.
“Oh no, I hope they’re alright. Please, you have to help me find them. They could still be lost or worse.”
>You plead with the giant predator.
>As if putting great thought into it, she reluctantly accepts.
>Despite her being somewhat weak, she is grateful that you saved her life and brought no harm upon her cub.
“Oh thank you. Please, we must hurry.”
>The emerald panther gestures for you to follow and she slinks off into the undergrowth.
>You follow close behind as you make your way.
>Using her excellent sense of smell, she helps track down their scent.
>Every once in a while, she would come across a small bit of blood in the dirt. Your heart sinks at the notion.
>You couldn’t be angry at her, she was just doing what came natural.
>Further north you travel until you come across a large tree that was hollow underneath.
>A small extinguished fireplace is all that is left.
“They must’ve stopped here.”
>The panther smells around the campsite and picks up their scent again.
>The trail is weak, but they couldn’t have gone much further.
>After some time, the panther slows down.
“What’s wrong?”
>She growls in her throat. There was something up ahead that didn’t feel right.
“What do you mean? Is it Anon?”
>She couldn’t explain it, but there was something not right with what she felt.
>You take the lead, feeling that Anon and Hope could be just up ahead.
>Past the thickest of trees you come across something you wish you hadn’t.
>Before you, a large pile of rubble and rocks sits in the silence of the jungle.
>Oh no...
“Anon!”
>You rush towards the ruins calling out for him. Panic sets in as you pace back and forth.
>Then without hesitation, you plant your hooves on a large boulder and begin to push with your strength.
>This was way tougher than it seemed, and you just can’t muster the strength.
>The panther hangs her head low from the edge of the clearing.
“Please help! They might be in there!”
>You hear a sound coming from within the rubble.
>. . .
>It was him.
“Anon! Don’t worry, I’ll get help. Just hold on.”
>You turn to the panther and make one last plea.
“Please, can you try to dig them out while I go get help?”
>She gives an indignant snarl.
“They won’t make it if you don’t help!”
>She turns her head the other way but stops to look down to see her young cub pawing at her.
>It was as if he was telling his mother to help. You did save her life after all.
>Rolling her ruby red eyes, she makes her way to the pile and starts to dig with her powerful paws.
>With a flap of your wings, you take off to the sky and head back to Ponyville as quick as you can.
>Anon and Hope’s life depend on it.

>You are now Anon.
>A groan escapes your lips as you open your eyes to the gloomy dark around you.
>The air was stuffy and tasted of dust.
>How long were you out for?
>Your body aches all over, but you slowly lift an arm and feel through the darkness for Hope.
“Hope?”
>There’s no response.
>Your hand falls onto a part of her. It feels like her head.
“Wake up.”
>Gently you pat her cheek, but she doesn’t answer back.
>You shift around, trying to get a better grip, but as you do so you feel something around your waist.
>Slowly you feel around and on each side you touch a furry leg.
>You couldn’t believe this.
>While you were out, Hope must’ve put her legs up to help support the weight from crushing you.
>With awkward movement in the tight space, you push her legs down.
“Don’t do this to me....”
>As soon as you move her back, you feel a shift in the pile of rocks as it pushes back down on you.
>You grunt in pain and quickly set yourself back down on all four.
>You can barely make out the faint image of Hope as she lies underneath you.
“Hope... Annette... please talk to me....”
>Your eyes burn with tears, fearing the worse.
>Carefully, you place your hand on her face and slide it down to her throat.
>There you place your hand and hold still.
>Then you feel it.
>A pulse, but very faint.
>You sigh with relief.
>She must be unconscious.
>Again you pat her on the cheek and speak louder.
“Wake up, I’m here for you. You need to open your eyes.”
>She continues to lay in silence, as if oblivious to the danger she was in.
>If you’re both still here, then Lyra must’ve not carried out her plan yet.
>There’s still hope.
>Planting your hands and knees firmly, you exert all your strength to push up.
>Something has to shift.
>It has to.
>You strain with all your might until you feel sweat form on your brow, again you push even harder.
>Nothing gives.
>You almost collapse back onto Hope, but you hold your stance firmly.
>If clawing at the rock and dirt until your fingers bleed is the solution, then you’ll do it.
>Your hand fishes through the dark, tugging at any loose stone or rock.
>You should be able to find a weak point somewhere.
>Although the fear of being crushed is on your mind, saving Hope was the only thing you cared about.
>After what feels like an eternity searching, you can’t find any place to start digging.
>Would you even survive long enough before Twilight and the others realize you’re not coming back?
>What if Lyra uses the orb before then? Then it’s all over.
>You hang your head in defeat.
>If these moments were going to be your last, you want Hope to be with you.
>Then again, being oblivious to the end of the world might be a more soothing remedy than waiting.
>You wait in silence until you hear something.
>It was muffled but you hear someone calling your name from outside.
>You raise your head and listen closely.
>Someone was out there.
“HEY! HELP!”
>You yell as hard as your dry throat would allow, you hear a faint voice answer back.
>It sounded like Fluttershy.
>Oh thank God.
>Through the rocks you can barely make out her voice.
>From what you gather, she said something about getting help.
>But Hope needs it now.
“Fluttershy! Come back!”
>But there was no response, she must’ve taken off.
>You slam your fist in frustration.
>Why did she have to leave now?
>What if something happens while she’s gone?
>Your mind becomes clouded with anger as you feel your arms grow weaker.
>This can’t go on for much longer.
>Slowly and carefully, you try to lower your body. The rocks above you shift and press into your flesh.
>You manage to find a spot somewhat lower where you didn’t have to be on all fours, but your body wouldn’t lie on top of Hope.
>So tired...
>As you start to fade in and out of consciousness, you swear you hear an odd sound.
>Something was shifting outside.
>But you’re more concerned with keeping Hope alive.
>Just need to hold on... a little bit longer...
>. . .
>As your visions fades in and out, you recollect seeing light.
>A large maw drags Hope out first.
>You hear voices.
>”I found him! Help me out!”
>Fresh air fills your lungs. You weakly look up to see an orange-red sky and ponies looking down at you. “Anon! Please wake up.”
>”We have to get them to Ponyville!”
>Next thing you remember was the wind in your hair.
>Then the pain slowly fades out of your body.
>But you had to warn them.
>They need to know.
>Although your mind refuses, you force yourself to wake up.
>You hear the gentle beep of a heart monitor as your vision adjusts to the dim lighting in the room.
>It looks like any ordinary hospital.
>Glancing at the window, it was somewhat dark outside. Probably close to morning.
>You pause to take in the awkward silence.
>Lyra had escaped, and yet everything was calm.
>Did she fail or is this merely a delay in the inevitable?
>At the end of your bed was Twilight and the others, fast asleep.
>You softly nudge her on the shoulder and whisper.
“Twilight.... Hey...”
>She snorts out of her sleep and looks up to you as if she hasn’t seen you in years.
>”Anon!” She instantly latches her arms around your neck and sends you falling back into bed.
>Her shout wakes up the others and they all shout in unison, “You’re OK!”
>Soon you had a dog- pony pile on you.
>They fawn and cheer as they laugh to see that you’re awake so soon.
>If the situation wasn’t so dire, you would’ve let this continue.
“Twilight, where’s Hope?”
>She looks up to you, her expression grim.
>Twilight leads you to the next room where Hope is being cared for. “She hasn’t woken up yet but the doctors say she’ll be fine.”
>You breathe a sigh of relief.
>But the danger hasn’t passed. It was still something Twilight needs to be aware of.
>You stand next to Hope as she lies in bed and grip the bed sheets in your hands.
>”I guess you didn’t find the orb?” She interjects.
>You look down at the lavender pony in defeat.
“No, so what now?”
>”I realized it pretty quickly after we rescued you two. I sent a letter to warn Celestia.”
“Did she respond yet?”
>Twilight shakes her head. “I imagine she’s going to take the necessary steps to see this through.”
>You stare down at Hope. You’re happy she’s alive, but seeing her in this state makes you feel miserable.
>”Anon, what happened out there?”
>You take in a deep breath and gently stroke the side of Hope’s face.
“It went down like this...”
>You recap, starting from when you were attacked by that predator in the jungle.
>Fluttershy interpolates on that note. “I’m sure she’s very sorry. I did convince her to help start digging you out of the rubble.”
>You raise an eyebrow and scoff.
“I feel lucky she didn’t want to finish us off right then and there.”
>The ears on Fluttershy flatten down onto her head.
“But it’s a good thing you came along when you did.”
>You continue to explain how Hope ‘betrayed’ you at first only to gain Lyra’s trust and find the orb.
>When the time came for the two of you to get the orb and escape, you were accosted by Lyra. You’re convinced she has the orb with her still.
>Twilight looked more worried than ever. “How does she plan on controlling it?”
>This would probably sound weird to her, but you had to say it.
“She took a part of my humanity.”
>”Your what?!” She exclaims.
“That orb and humans have some weird connection, but with my humanity she hopes to use it to create a link between our worlds. Lyra says it’s a way for both our species to ascend.”
>Twilight begins to pace around the room while the others look unsure of what to make of all this.
>”Anon, what else do you know? It’s very important you tell us everything.”
“She claims that her visions showed her a world of us becoming one, but all I saw was...”
>You glance down at Hope once more.
“Destruction.”
>The silence in the room almost became a living entity.
“The portal she’ll create will cause our planets to crash into one another. Nothing is going to survive.”
>The ponies start to clamour among themselves. “But why would she do such a thing?” Rarity asks.
“She’s insane. Lyra truly believes in her heart that this will work. Whether her vision or mine is right, it doesn’t matter. She can’t do this. It’s not her decision to make. But now we need to find a way to stop her or we can just sit here and wait to die.”
>Twilight and the others start to chatter among themselves. Suggestions ranging from organizing a search party to telling Celestia of the impending danger are thrown back and forth.
>But you heard something else.
>A sound that sends a shiver down your spine.
>It’s a low rumble kind of resonance that fills the air.
>On a stand nearby, you look at a glass of water as the liquid inside starts to quiver ever so.
>You turn towards the window and out into the gloom of the early morning.
>The rumbling intensifies as the ponies notice and quiet down instantly.
>Out beyond to the north of Ponyville, something was happening.
>And you had good reason to suspect it was only one thing.
>Lyra...
>The hospital begins to shake as the rumbling grows louder.
>It was almost like an earthquake that threatened to level everything.
>Just as you think it’s about to get worse, everything stops.
>Silence.
>You feel your skin crawl as you gaze outside to see a column of light shoot up from the ground to the sky.
>Just like in your dreams...
>As bright as daylight, the pillar of light pulses with radiance and, with it, a destructive wave of energy and sound.
“GET DOWN!”
>Everyone ducks to the floor as you throw yourself overtop of Hope to shield her.
>The window is blown in as the glass shatters all over the room. A loud horn-like sound resonates through the air.

http://youtu.be/jzY099ihULs

>The building shakes violently as the bright light fills the room.
>It’s happening.
>Lyra finally started it...
>You look up to see that the others were okay and so was Hope.
>Going back to the window, you watch in awe as a huge portion of the sky above the mast of light was now nothing but a black hole.
>Large chunks of earth slowly rip from the ground and ascend towards the stratosphere high above.
>The hole was growing bigger, like a mouth that is about to consume the world.
>You run to the corner of the room and grab your clothes.
“Twilight, get Hope and evacuate this place. Get everyone as far away as you can.”
>You hop around trying to get your pants on as quickly as possible.
>Twilight looks to you with a panicked look. “What are going to do?”
“Finish what I started. If I can distract her, that might buy you guys some time.”
>You reach for the door handle but you feel yourself being pulled away. “Are you crazy? I won’t let you get yourself killed.”
>Turning around, you see Twilight’s horn glowing as your arm is held fast by her magic.
“Twilight, if we don’t act then everyone will die. You have to let go.”
>You didn’t start to pull hard immediately, but you stood your ground.
>”Stay with us until we get everyone to safety. I’m sure that-“
“That what? Lyra will wait for you guys to show up and stop her? Twilight, let me go. You have to trust me!”
>You both look each other in the eye for a few tense moments.
>As her eyes well up with tears, her magic slowly fades.
“I promise nothing will happen. But please watch out for Hope and everyone else.”
>You turn back to the door but Rainbow Dash is there hovering in front of you. “Anon, you gotta stay with us. What makes you think anything you can do will make a difference?”
>You look to her and the others. With a small grin, you chuckle.
“I don’t. All I have is hope now.”
>Quickly you make your way out the door, down the hall and into the streets of Ponyville.
>The low sound bellowing off in the distance was almost like an angry deity waking up. Ponies run around in a state of confusion and panic.
>As you run towards the light, you instruct all the ponies you run past to help those in need and to head south of Ponyville and as far as they can travel.
>Twilight and the others should be able to help sort things out.
>As you run away from the small village, you head towards Lyra. The ground shakes violently every so often as the wind continues to whip and crash violently.
>As you approach closer, the hole in the sky continues to grow larger as more pieces of earth fly up into it.
>The edge of this portal glowed an eerie, almost neon green and within the black hole you saw a familiar sight.
>There you could see a blue orb floating within the darkness.
>Earth.
>You become fixated on getting to Lyra and stopping her at all costs.
>As you run through a clearing, your eye catches something flying high above.
>A familiar white and dark blue pony no less.
>It was Celestia and Luna as they approach the column of light.
>Holy crap, they’re actually gonna do something about this.
>You stop and watch in anticipation to see how they would handle this.
>They stop some ways away and hover in place for a moment.
>Like a spark, magic erupts from them and shoots a powerful beam towards Lyra.
>Both the white and black magic of Luna swirl and combine into one powerful attack.
>Come on... come on....
>As the magic bolt makes contact with the pillar of light, there’s a brief pause.
>The alicorns magic waivers under the power of something else and dispels with incredible force that sends Luna and Celestia plummeting backwards.
>Just like pissing in a hurricane...
>The two hover for a moment before flying off to Canterlot.
>Just as well, they’re needed to guide their subjects in this time of danger.
>But with no sixth Element of Harmony, what chance do they really have?
>Your body aches as you have not yet fully healed from your injuries, but it matters little.
>All that did matter was protecting Hope, the others and your world.
>You’ll be damned if some minty pony thinks she can take all that away from you.
>You approach closer to the pillar of light as the shaking continues violently.
>As you run past a small grove of trees, you’re greeted by the sight of a huge crater in the earth and almost stumble over the edge.
>It has to be at least a kilometer across.
>You gaze upward to see that all you had to do was get up there.
>But how?
>The ground beneath you quakes as the rock and dirt is being pulled upward.
>A huge platform of earth floats higher into the air with you on it.
“That works.”
>As you ascend faster, other chunks of rock and debris fly all around.
>You struggle to keep your balance as you brace onto a tree.
>A large boulder strikes the side of your platform, sending you into a spin.
>You hear the rock start to crumble. You had to get off.
>Without hesitation, you run towards the edge and jump.
>Another large platform of earth is right beneath your feet as you land and it continues to take you higher.
>You kneel down to keep yourself from tumbling off to your death.
>Even though you’re high above the ground, it didn’t bother you at all.
>Hope was the only thing on your mind.
>This was taking too long.
>You peer over the edge to see another large chunk of earth heading up much faster.
>Here we go...
>You time it so you can land properly, but the speed it was coming up was much faster than you thought.
>Your body slams down against the grass and dirt with a heavy thud.
>It feels as though it’s accelerating faster upward.
>High above, you can see a platform in the middle of the light.
>That must be her trying to stay out of harm’s way while she tries to complete her task.
>As you get closer, you get ready to make the final jump.
>Just as you sail past Lyra, you jump and tuck into a roll onto the rocky platform.
>There she was standing in the middle, her eye bursting with white light as her mane flows around her as if she was underwater.
>Without any time to lose, you make a mad dash to catch her off guard.
>She turns her icy cold stare to you, and like a sudden gust of wind, an invisible force pushes you back violently.
>Even though you try to brace yourself, it’s too strong for you to withstand.
>You’re sent tumbling back.
>In the last second, you manage to grab onto the ledge.
>You glance down and realize just how high up you are. You’re literally at the top of the world at this point.
>Your mind races between survival and duty as you hold on for dear life.
>The hole in the sky widens even further.
>”I’m sorry Anon.” Lyra speaks out to you. “But if you wish to stop me, then you cannot be a part of this new world.”
“Lyra!”
>The ledge begins to crumble as you scramble to hold on, but the pain in your body makes it difficult.
>Your heart begins to race as you realize that this was it.
>The morning sun begins to creep up from behind the horizon.
>Lyra looks back up to the sky, completely ignoring you.
“LYRA!”
>The rocky edge crumbles and gives out.
>Your hand slips and you begin to fall.

>You are now Hope.
>Your eyes shoot wide open and you sit straight up.
“Anon!”
>You look around and see that you’re outside being carted away with other ponies.
>It was like some sort of exodus as you see ponies all around with their bags and boxes of valuables.
>A pony in a white suit is at your side. “Please stay still, we’re trying to get away and you need to rest.”
“Get away from what?”
>You turn around and see a bright pillar of light beyond Ponyville.
>You throw off the bed sheet and get up to your hooves.
>”Wait!” He calls out, but you’re already gone and heading back to Ponyville.
>You jump into the trees and jump from branch to branch to avoid running through the crowd.
>In the streets of Ponyville you see Twilight and the others helping ponies get away from the impending danger.
“Twilight. Where’s Anon?”
>She turns to look at you and rushes towards you. “Hope, you need to leave. Lyra has activated the portal.”
“Where’s Anon? What happened to him?”
>”He’s fine. But he ran off to try and distract Lyra. You need to get away while we use the Elements of Harmony to stop her.”
“He what?!”
>This is bad.
>You take off towards the pillar of light. Twilight yells out. “Hope, wait!”
>But you didn’t listen. Anon was in danger and you have to be there for him.
>You look behind to see Twilight and the others close behind you.
>There was no time to lose.
>Soon you come into a clearing to see the devastation of the environment in the wake of the portal being opened.
>The sky above was nearly pitch black as the hole grows ever bigger.
>Rainbow Dash looks up at the pillar of light and squints. “Anon’s up there. He’s gonna fall!”
>The others gasp while you can only stand there powerless to do anything.
>Applejack stamps her hoof in the ground. “Well we gotta try something.”
>”How? We don’t have the sixth Element with us.” Twilight snaps back.
>The world goes silent around you.
>You hear the faint beating of your own heart as you look upwards at the pillar of light.
>Thump.
>You recall everything you’ve been through.
>Thump.
>What Anon has done for you.
>Thump.
>Your dreams about your father.
>The relationships you’ve made.
>Then you watch in horror as Anon falls off the edge and starts to plummet to the ground.
>As if your heart and soul have been set ablaze, you feel something inside you.
>Light bursts from your chest as a necklace manifests around your neck. A stunning gold chain adorned with blue and pink jewelry.
>The others watch on in awe as their own necklaces form around their necks.
>Twilight gazes at you in shock. “Hope... you’re the...”
>Your vision fills with light as the others are surrounded by an aura of light and many colours.
>It all makes sense.
>This is who you are.
>You are the missing Element.
>And you will save this world.

>You are now Anon.
>Falling to your death is probably the most surreal experience you’ve ever felt.
>Was this real?
>Maybe just like a bad dream, when you hit the ground you’ll wake up.
>The wind rushes through your hair as you look down to the oblivion below.
>All this for nothing.
>But just as you feel you’re about to faint, something catches your eye from below.
>Another source of light burns brightly from below.
>The air around you even begins to shake violently, as if another cataclysmic event has begun.
>It rushes towards the column of light and begins to ascend with blistering speed.
>You make out six figures bursting with light and shimmering with many colours as they surround you.
>Your descent to the ground slows down and you’re now floating in the air.
>You look around to see it was Twilight and the others.
>Seeing Hope among them sent a shiver down your spine. Their eyes illuminated with such brilliance, as if they’ve been taken over by an unseen force.
>With you in tow, they start to ascend towards Lyra.
>You feel a surge of hope and relief. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.
>Lyra is now in view and you’re set down on the platform.
>Twilight and the others ascend higher above and form a circle.
>Facing outwards, a beam of colourful light bursts out from each of them until it makes contact with the edge of the gaping hole.
>A new iridescent band of light envelopes the edge of the portal and stops it from opening up any further.
>From the portal, a powerful curtain of light descends to the ground as if to contain the disaster from spreading.
>But something was wrong.
>The portal wasn’t shrinking. You could see the struggle on their faces as they strain.
>In your mind you hear Twilight and the others speaking to you in one voice. “Anon, whatever magic she’s using is too powerful. You must stop her now!”
>You look to the minty pony who stands there looking exhausted, the glow in her eye is gone.
“Lyra, you have to stop this.”
>As you begin her approach, she shakes her head. “Why do you keep resisting? How can you turn my own daughter against me?”
“That was your own doing. Hope is here to save the world, not destroy it.”
>”I know what I saw, and nothing will stop it. Not even their Elements can hold out forever.”
>You rush towards Lyra.
>This was for your sister and for everyone else she has ever harmed!
>You jump to tackle her, but in a bright flash she teleports away.
>As soon as you turn around, your face is greeted with a swift kick to the face.
>You shake your head and get right back up.
>There is no way in hell you’re going to let her get the best of you.
>Scrambling to your feet, you rush at her again.
>Just like before, she disappears and you feel a strong hit in your stomach.
>The pain from your previous injuries makes it harder to fight through.
>You begin to taste that familiar coppery flavour in your mouth.
>Spitting out a gob of spit and blood, you wipe the warm blood that trickles from your nostril and lurch towards her.
“Give me the orb Lyra... and we can work things out.”
>Before you can react, she teleports behind you and delivers another blow to the back of your head.

(Recommended listening: http://youtu.be/0HotjzABI0w?t=3m )

>You fall flat on your back.
>You can hear the others shouting out your name inside your mind.
> Lyra screams at you. ”I will never stop, Anon. Not when I’m so close! I will make things right and everything will be perfect!”
>The spinning sensation in your head almost makes you faint, but you had to stay awake.
>The urge to stop and stay down was strong.
>Everything goes fuzzy as the sound around you goes quiet.
>You look up to see Hope and the others hold out the best they can.
>They haven’t given up yet...
>You had to keep going.
>Just as you’ve told others, you finish what you start.
>You didn’t quit because your father abused you and your sister.
>Maybe you can’t hit hard, but you had to get up and keep going forward.
>That’s the only way.
>Lyra stands over top of you with her front hoof poised over your face.
>”I’m sorry Anon, but this has gone far enough.”
>With a sudden burst of anger, you strike her square in the chin and get up.
>Even before she hits the ground, she’s already teleported.
>Behind you!
>You turn and bring up your arm to block her strike.
>No doubt she will keep trying to attack your blind spot.
>Again you turn to intercept her flurry of kicks.
>She stares at you with that one lone eye, shocked that you’re able to fight back.
>As if this was a side of humans she had never seen before.
>Again she vanishes.
>This has to stop now.
>How the hell do you even stop unicorn magic?
>Think Anon, think.
>. . .
>That’s it!
>Your mind goes back to when Sweetie Belle flicked Rarity’s horn in that episode.
>Guessing she will try one more time to get at you from behind, you swing your fist around as hard as you can and feel it make contact with her horn.
>Her eyes shoot open in pain as she goes crashing to the ground.
>Your legs tremble but you can’t stop now.
>Lurching forward, you sit on top of Lyra and grab onto her horn tightly with one hand to keep her from teleporting. Her horn begins to glow, you only tighten your grip to stop her.
“Where is it?”
>She merely grins at you. “Just accept what I’ve started, Anon. It’s for the best.”
>You squeeze her horn tighter and she winces in pain.
“I swear, if you don’t tell me, I-“
>You pause for a moment.
>As you look to the eyepatch you recall what Lyra said to you earlier.
>She said, “The orb has done more for me than just open portals. It’s allowed me to see things; how I can change the world.”
>... To see things...
>And then it dawns on you.
>You grab her eye patch and rip it from her head.
>Sure enough, there it was.
>Sitting perfectly in her eye socket was the metallic orb with glowing runes.
>Lyra begins to struggle harder.
>There’s only one way you’re getting this out.
>With your free hand, you plunge your fingers around the orb.
>Lyra screams in agony as you wretch the orb from her head. Her screams alone could drown out everything else that was going on.
>You know this wasn’t pretty, but it was the only way.
>Twisting the orb, you hear a sickening sucking sound and blood pours out from around the orb.
>With a wet plop, the orb is in your grasp and you fall backwards.
>A tingling sensation resonates within your body.
>A flash of colour shimmers over your skin.
>Holding the orb, you look at Lyra.
>She looks up to you with her single eye in fear. “Please don’t kill me...” She whimpers.
>In your mind you thought of a portal.
>The orb sparks as electricity jumps from it and into the air next to you.
>The air swirls as a dark hole opens up beside you.
“After what you’ve done to my sister? What about all those humans you’ve killed indiscriminately?”
>You grab her by the mane and hold her up.
“Death is too good for you. I want you to know what it feels like to have the things you love and cherish taken away.”
>She looks fearfully into the dark portal. Not even you know where it goes.
>”Anon, I didn’t mean...”
“Goodbye, Lyra.”
>As her crimson-soaked face looks back to you, you see a small smile creep over her face.
>”... But for how long?”
>The world goes silent as you let go of her mane.
>Her face contorts with dread as she is slowly pulled into the portal. Her single amber eye is the last thing you see before the darkness within completely consumes her.
>Holding the orb up, a beam of light jumps onto the portal and closes it.
>The world comes crashing back around you.
>The hole in the sky was still there, you can hear Hope and the others straining to hold on.
>”Hurry Anon....” They urge you.
>With the orb held firmly in your hand, you hoist it up high above your head towards the portal.
>A small beam of blue light emanates from it as your body tingles with that strange sensation.
>All you thought about was closing the portal.
>The beam of light flies into the darkness of the gateway.
>Silence.
>But that peace is followed with a loud bang as it closes shut, your body is thrown violently into the ground.
>The floating platform beneath you starts to fall as you feel yourself grow faint.
>High above, you can see Twilight and the others as the magic from the Elements cascades through the air and lands below in a multitude of colour.
>Things start to slow down all around.
>Without the portal pulling things up into the sky, you begin to fall again.

http://youtu.be/7uTAIpU0sa0

>But that didn’t matter.
>Hope still lives.
>Both worlds are safe.
>As you continue to fall, you look to the rising sun through the dust and clouds.
>So this is what Anon must have felt before he went.
>You hear voices echoing in your mind as you close your eyes and lose consciousness.
>. . .
>”Anon....”
>You feel something patting you on the cheek. “Anon, wake up....”
>. . .
>You muster the strength to open your eyes.
>It’s hard to see, but your blurry vision subsides.
>Hope kneels by your side as you sit up against the trunk of a tree.
>Looking around, you can see the destruction and devastation of what Lyra’s portal did to this part of the land.
>As the rays of sunlight filter through the dust, you see several figures approaching.
>It was Twilight and the others.
>You cough, but the pain in your chest makes your body seize rigidly.
>Licking your dry lips, you grin at them.
“You did it...”
>At the sight of your state, Twilight’s eyes glisten with tears. “Anon! Just hold on, we’ll get you some help. I ca-“
>You raise your bloody hand up.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m just glad that... everyone else is okay.”
>Glancing over at Hope, you look into her amber eyes and feel the tears building up in your eyes as well.
>To think that not only is a part of your sister still alive, but she is now the living embodiment of Laughter.
>You softly chuckle.
“Hope, it’s seems that... you’re the new Element now...”
>Gently, you drag your fingertips down the side of her neck to her new accessory.
>She looks down and even she’s surprised to see it there.
“You’ve brought peace to this world... and to myself... “
>Twilight shakes her head in denial. “Please don’t do this... Not like this.”
>Bringing your hands up, you clasp them over your midsection and take in a deep breath.
“It’ll be okay, Twilight...”
>You look to the others who stand there and watch you with a despairing look in their eyes.
>Closing your eyes, you smile serenely.
>There was a brief pause before you hear the others cry and Hope starts tugging you on the shoulder. “Anon?  No, no, no! Don’t die, Anon, please...”
>They all begin to sniffle and cry while quietly pleading that you live.
>Oh for the love of...
>You snap your eyes open and look at them.
“I’m not.”
>They stand there in stunned silence.
“I’m just... resting.”
>A nervous laughter escapes Twilight’s mouth as you close your eyes again.
>Despite the disaster that you and the others have prevented, they begin to laugh and cry tears of joy.
“I think I might’ve dislocated something...”

Several Days Later...

>With your body wrapped partially in bandages, you stand in front of a mirror and adjust your new suit made by Rarity.
>Hope walks up behind you and fixes your sash. “How does it feel being a hero, Anon?”
“Like I was thrown into a drying machine and set on high.”
>”What’s that?” She looks at you curiously.
“I’ll explain later. But yeah, it feels... exciting. I could ask you the same thing, now that you’re an Element and all.”
>A rosy tint lights up her cheeks. “Like I said when I saw you in danger and everything else that has happened, something just... clicked.”
>You turn to see Hope in a beautiful dress that was custom-made for her as well.
>A door nearby opens up and a head pops in. It’s Twilight. She whispers harshly at the both of you. “Hey, are you two ready? Princess Celestia and Luna are about to call you!”
>She quickly disappears from sight. You feel a hand grab yours.
>Looking up at you, she smiles warmly. “Try not to ham it up too much.” She begins to giggle.
“You’re the one to talk, ya show off!”
>You both laugh as you head towards the door.
>As soon as your names are uttered, you break through the threshold.
>The bright sunlight and the roar of a cheering crowd greet you as the two of you stand on a balcony in Canterlot.
>There stood the two Princesses along with Twilight and the others.
>They all look at you with adoration. Celestia addresses the crowd once more. “It was the actions of this brave human, Anon, alongside Twilight and her friends that stopped the imminent destruction of our world. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Anon.”
>The cheering mass holler and stomp, you give a quick wave and smile.
>”I’d also like to extend thanks to Hope, who not only helped to save our world, but is now the newest bearer of the Elements of Laughter.”
>A cheer rises from them as you look to Hope. She glances down reluctantly at her necklace for a moment before waving to the crowd.
>You see an uneasy smile on her face.
>After the initial celebration was done, you and Hope go to change into something more casual.
“You seem unsure about something. Is something wrong?”
>She pauses for a moment before resuming to take off her shirt. “No, it’s nothing...”
“If it’s about your mother-“
>”No! It’s okay. I’m just...” She holds her necklace in her hand as she rubs the jewels between her fingers. “This is all so sudden.”
>You had a good idea what she meant.
“I understand it can be a big responsibility. Maybe we can talk to Twilight and Celestia about it tomorrow. For now, I think we should just enjoy ourselves.”
>The worrisome look still lingers on her face.
>Getting up from your seat, you walk over to her and help to put on her dress.
>She lifts her arms up as you pull it down over her head.
“I heard Applejack will be bringing a cart of her famous apple desserts.”
>Her eyes light up instantly. “Really?!”
>You can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. It reminded you so much of your sister.
“Tonight is about having fun. That’s what Pinkie was about, but you go and have fun in your own way.”
>You pull some of her messy hair out of her face. She looks at the mirror in front of her and directly at you.
>”Will you be having fun as well?” She asks curiously.
“I gotta go stand with Celestia for a bit and shake hands with some stiffs. Afterwards, we’ll hang out.”
>A smile lights up across her face.
“So in the meantime, eat, greet and enjoy yourself.”
>Later that afternoon, a celebration is taking place.
>A lavish dinner party is organized that is sure to be the talk of Canterlot for a short while.
>As you and Hope make your way to the Grand Hallway, you’re greeted by Twilight and her friends.
>”Lookin’ snazzy there, sugarcube.” Applejack winks at you.
>Rarity holds her head up high as usual. “I knew the clothing I’d made for you two would be most befitting for this occasion.”
>Soon enough, the dinner party begins as the guests arrive by the dozens.
>As Celestia suggests, you stand with her and you shake the hooves of some important ponies as they come through the front door.
>Your feet begin to ache as time goes on.
>Every once in a while, you spot Hope off in the crowd.
>She was chatting it up with many of the other ponies, obviously curious as to what she is.
>At one point you see her holding a whole baked pie as she carries it off, no doubt to devour the poor thing.
>Should you excuse yourself? You hope it wouldn’t be rude, but you are getting hungry.
>You lean in over to Celestia and whisper in her ear.
“Hey, mind if I get something to eat quickly?”
>You expect her to insist you stay, but instead she smiles warmly. “Oh, don’t worry about a thing. Please, go and enjoy yourself. You and Hope are our honored guests.”
>With a nod, you head off to get some food.
>The hors d'oeuvres were pretty fantastic. Probably the best stuff you’ve had since you arrived here in Equestria.
>Hope is nowhere in sight.
>Just as well.
>She needs to start interacting with other ponies and become comfortable with them.
>As the evening goes on, you grab yourself a cup of hard cider and head to the west wing of the Canterlot castle.
>The cool night air feels fantastic on your skin.
>It was nice to get away from all the sound and just stare out into the distance.
>You’ll finally be going home tomorrow.
>No sooner did you find peace and quiet than it becomes interrupted.
>You hear the sound of hooves approaching you from behind. Turning around, you see, surprisingly, it’s Rainbow Dash.
>”Hey Anon, uh, what’s up?”
“Nothing, just getting some fresh air.”
>You lean onto the railing with your drink in hand.
>Rainbow Dash walks up to your side and stands up, placing her front hooves onto the barrier as well.
>”Yeah, fresh air is good.” She chuckles nervously.
>As you continue to look out into the distance, RD fidgets like she has a bug in her pants.
>”So uh, Hope is pretty special, huh?” She finally pipes up.
“Yeah, like a sister to me.”
>It was no secret what Hope was to you.
>If anything, Twilight was excited when you told her.
>It finally made sense as to why her DNA test results came up all wonky.
>”It’d be cool to have a satyr that can fly, ya know?”
>You look down at the blue pegasi, she smiles sheepishly at you.
>Is she really going to go there?
>”Are you um, seeing anypony?” She scratches the back of her head as her cheeks burn red.
>There was one.
>A special pony you thought would be here to see you again, especially after the shit you’ve been through.
>Perhaps Trixie didn’t care.
>But you still do.
>You take another swig from your cup and sigh deeply.
“Sorry RD, now’s not a good time.”
>She begins to laugh it off, as if trying to not offend you any further. “I know you’re tired and all. But uh, you let me know if you’re still interested in this...” She briefly flexes for you, as if that would sway your mind.
>You chuckle at her gusto.
>Just then, you hear someone call out for her. “Rainbow Dash, y’all are gonna miss meeting the WonderBolts.”
>You both turn to see Applejack standing in the doorway signalling RD.
>”Oh my gosh!” Rainbow exclaims and takes off quicker than you thought was physically possible.
>Damn pony almost knocks your drink over.
>AJ giggles and walks back to the party.
>Past her walks out Fluttershy.
>The meek pegasi approaches you and perches herself on the railing.
“Enjoying yourself?”
>”Yes, very much so.”
>You look down into your cup and realize you’re almost done.
>Fluttershy finally breaks the silence. ”Anon, can I ask you something?”
“What’s on your mind?”
>It better not be related to what Rainbow Dash was asking you a minute ago.
>”Well, first I just want to say thank you for all you’ve done.”
>You shrug your shoulders casually.
“Not a problem.”
>”But I was wondering, why don’t you stay here in Equestria?”
>You take in a deep breath.
“I would, but I can’t. It wretches my heart to leave Hope, but I have to. If I am to truly live, I need to move on.”
>You grip your cup tightly, Fluttershy simply nods.
>”I understand, but it must be hard.” She adds.
“Yeah, I should spend this time with her. Tomorrow I’m gone for good.”
>You feel tears welling up, but you quickly turn away.
>A hoof rubs you gently on your back.
>Fluttershy smiles sweetly at you. “Can I ask you for a favour?”
“Depends.”
>A slight tinge of pink accents her cheeks. “Can I kiss you...? On the cheek that is.”
>You stare at her blankly for a moment, but the request sounds harmless enough.
>”Only if you add a hug to that order.”
“Deal!” She giggles.
>She leaps into your arms as you embrace her, she instantly pecks you on the cheek and sighs happily.
>You hold onto each other for those few moments of silence.
“You’re a good kid, just don’t forget who you are.”
>You place her back on the balcony floor gently and grab your empty cup.
“Time to grab some more food, shall we?”
>You gesture for her to go first.
>She smiles in turn and you both head back to the party.
>For the rest of the evening, you and Hope finally spend some time together.
>From her antics of balancing on top of the statues to the both of you play wrestling; you know this will be the best night of her life.
>But everything comes to an end.
>An end you wish would not happen.
>As the early morning sun shines through the bedroom window, you toss and turn in defiance.
>But it was inevitable.
>You carefully get out of bed, still aching slightly from your little boxing match with Lyra.
>Hope is nowhere to been seen. Last night she crashed with you in bed.
>She must’ve gone to eat breakfast or something.
>The bedroom window was open slightly. You head over and peer outside to see a figure standing down in the Canterlot gardens below.
>You can’t mistake that minty coloured pair of legs and tail. It’s Hope wandering about down there.
>Putting on some clothes, you walk down along the silent corridors of the castle until you make it to the doors leading outside.
>Once you’re out on the garden grounds, you walk down the main path until you reach Anon’s gravestone.
>Sure enough, there was Hope kneeling in front of it.
>Her head turns to look at you, neither of you say anything.
>Folding her hands onto her lap, she looks back to the grave.
>”I’ve been doing some thinking, Anon.”
>You stand there as a gentle breeze stirs.
>”I know who I am now, but what I want to do is visit my father.”
“Which is what you’re doing right now?”
>She shakes her head. “No, I want to take a trip back to the place where he died a hero. I want to share our story as well.”
>You can’t help but smile at her sincerity.
>”Whatever I am to you, even if a part of me wasn’t your sister, I’m glad that I’ve met you. That is why I fully understand and accept your reason for wanting to go home.”
>Walking up to her, you crouch down next to her and rub her on the back.
“I’m glad to have met you as well.”
>She gazes up to the statue of her father. “Do you think it would’ve been a boy or girl?”
>No doubt she was referring to Pinkie’s unborn child.
“I don’t know, but you would be a great sister.”
>Hope smiles warmly. “At least I have you for a brother.” She wraps her arms around your neck and pulls you in for a hug.
>After you had your affairs sorted out, the two Princesses, along with Twilight and the others, join you out at the largest balcony in the castle.
>Celestia has kept the orb in safe keeping until your departure.
>The regal alicorn levitates it in front of you to take. “Anon, you and I both realize the terrible power that this object is capable of.”
>You nod your head in agreement.
>”I have no qualms if you intend to hold onto it, but I guarantee you that will remain locked up and never found again should you decide to leave it here.”
>As you take the orb into your hands, you feel that weird surge of power flow through you. Celestia seems to notice this.
>”I would love to know more about this object myself.” She adds.
>You feel your skin crawl at the weird sensation in your body.
>Celestia seems to have her heart in the right place, but if you have to be honest, she’s not very helpful in the direst situations.
>She might lose it or something
>You clench onto the orb slightly harder.
>There is one way to make sure this never happens again.
“I thank you for the offer, your Highness. But I’ll make sure that this problem will never happen again.”
>You turn to face away from them and hold the orb out in front of you.
>The colours within the runes glow and shift as you think about returning home.
>It crackles with electricity and magic as a spark flies off the sphere and an oval-shaped portal opens instantly in front of you and the others.
>The swirling colours and lights within seem peaceful and serene.
>It was done at last, you can finally go home.
>You look to the others who are visibly upset at your going away, especially Hope.
>Twilight steps forward. “You know, it’s never too late to change your mind.”
>Looking at Hope, you can feel your heart wretch within your body.
>Here you have someone that is probably the only family you got, and you’re about to walk out of her life.
>But if you’re to truly move on, you need to let go.
>You’re not meant for this world any more than she is meant for yours.
>Stepping forward to them, you kneel down and wrap your arms around Hope.
>She instantly breaks into a quiet sob.
>Even the others begin to sniffle at this departure.
“Stay strong, kiddo. Even though we’re apart, you'll always be here in my heart.”
>Hope tightens her grip on you, as if to try and stall this moment.
>This is the hardest decision you have ever made.
>As the embrace loses its power, she reaches around her neck and pulls off the necklace that belonged to your sister.
>She places the pendant in your hand and curls your fingers around it.
>You do the same.
>Grabbing your own necklace from your pocket, you give it to her as well.
>”Now a piece of me is with you, and you with me.” She struggles at first to tie her necklace on, but you quickly offer a hand in doing so.
>You sigh with a small smile on your face and hug her once more.
“Just know that I‘ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my sister you’ll be.”
>You wipe a tear from her cheek and pat her on the head.
>One last string to tie up now.
>You look straight at Fluttershy and motion her to come closer.
>She comes to your side, grabbing one of her front forehooves, you place the orb in it while looking her straight in the eyes.
>Fluttershy’s eyes widen, even the others look on in astonishment at this.
“There’s one else I can trust more than to give me one last act of kindness.”
>You hold the orb firmly in her hoof and stare her down. Her large blue eyes are fearful at first, but you could see she knew what you’re talking about.
>Getting up to your feet, it was time to go.
>You approach the portal and look into it.
>Time to go back and live your life.
>Looking back at the others, you watch Twilight and the others comfort Hope as you say your last goodbye.
>”We’ll never forget you!” Twilight calls out.
>With a smile and a nod, you hold your arms out and fall backwards into the portal.
>In those last few moments, as you feel yourself drifting away, you can see Fluttershy smashing the orb into the ground, shattering it into a million pieces.
“Thank you...”
>Everything goes dark as you feel yourself being flung violently.
>Time stops for what feels like an eternity.
>The wind is knocked out of you as you hit the floor.
>Gasping loudly, you open your eyes as you take in your surroundings.
>Your hands instinctively reach for your face and body parts.
>Looking up, you see that familiar white ceiling of your apartment.
>Taking a breath, you slowly sit up and look around the dim room.
>You’re in the living area of your abode.
>No more ponies.
>No more risking life and death.
>. . .
>No more Hope...
>You reach into your pocket and produce a necklace. It was your sister’s necklace.
>Almost like waking from a dream, you have trouble remembering what happened.
>You squeeze your eyes shut and you can see her face again.
>But now she was gone.
>And you’re back in your gray, washed-out world.
>Everything looks to be the same as when you left.
>How long were you gone for?
>Slowly rising to your feet, you pull back the curtain and could see the sun has barely risen.
>Down in the streets, you see an abnormal amount of people walking about, looking up to the sky.
>The early morning sky was a fiery red with hues of orange and pink.
>Nothing out of the ordinary as far as you could tell.
>You quickly walk over to your desk and find your cell phone sitting there.
>Pressing the power button, you almost drop it when it reveals the date to you.
>It was impossible, and yet, it made sense.
>Last night you came home drunk around one o’clock in the morning.
>Now it’s just after seven on the same day.
>All that time in Equestria was but a few hours here in your time.
>And that would mean...
>Walking over to the kitchen you see that same goldfish swimming about in his bowl.
“Glad you didn’t starve to death, Doubloon.”
>The tiny fish stares at you like it usually does.
>You sprinkle a generous amount of food into his tank which he happily begins to pick at.
>There’s a loud knock at the door. “Anon! Quite yer thrashin’ and thumpin’.”
>And that would be your landlord.
>You quickly walk over and open the door.
>He wasn’t an exceptionally tall man, just a scrawny fellow with a few thin, wispy strands of hair and a crazed look in his dull eyes.
>The landlord grumbles at you. “First the tenants panic about the sky and then you make a loud bang in your drunken state.” He begins to hobble away in his typical fashion. You must’ve hit the floor harder than you thought to get him going like that.
>The first human you’ve seen in what felt like weeks.
“It’s good to see you again, sir.”
>He pauses and looks back at you with a genuine look of curiosity in his eyes.
>With a nod and a smile, you close the door. You head back to the living room, switch on the TV and tune to the news channel.
>”For those of you tuning in now, we’re receiving reports from all over the world what some witnesses have described as a ‘hole in the sky’. Although the appearance was brief, lasting for only a few seconds, it has many people wondering what is going on.”
>The camera switches to a group of people standing in the streets and one lady in hysterics. “I saw dis huge dark hole rip across da sky and thought it was da end of de world!”
>It goes to another witness. “There was this sound, and like, a dark circle devours the entire sky above, man. And in it was a bright star or something, I don’t know man...”
>In the corner of the screen you see a crude recording of exactly what they described. An old man has his face right up to the camera. “I saw it with me own eyes. I looked through dat there tele-o-scope and saw something through that hole. Dem aliens have found a way to our world I tells ya!”
>Incredible.
>You open the curtain again and peer outside.
>The sky was clear, but your actions in Equestria were seen here on Earth.
>Little did they realize it would’ve been the end for everyone.
>”Scientists and government officials are calling this an unusual phenomenon. We will keep you updated as this story develops further...”

A week later.

>News of the hole in the sky begins to quiet down finally.
>Although leaving Hope behind was the hardest thing you’ve done, it was for the best.
>Now that you’ve started to drink less, things have been turning out for the better.
>People at work notice how much you’ve changed.
>Those who knew you once are now a part of your life again.
>You really cleaned up your act.
>But did you tell anyone what happened?
>Of course not.
>As you kneel in front of a small headstone you bought in your sister’s name, you read the inscription that a co-worker suggested.
>You are gone, I remain. Until the day we meet again. Her life a beautiful memory. Her absence a silent grief.
>You placed a small add in the obituary for anyone that cared to know that your little sister was gone forever.
>Only you know what happened to your sister, and you’ll have to live with it forever.
>At least Lyra cannot hurt anyone else, wherever she is.
>Brushing yourself off, you leave the cemetery through the main front gate.
>Just when you’re half a block away, you see a familiar looking man stumble into the graveyard.
>You pause to get a better look, but there was no mistaking it.
>It was your father.
>Turning quickly, you didn’t want him to see you. But what was he doing here?
>Slowly you avert your gaze back to the cemetery and catch a glimpse of him walking further into it.
>With some reluctance, you walk back a few paces to see what he’s up to.
>From the iron bar fence, you watch the old man as he finally stops in front of the grave of your sister.
>He must’ve seen the obituaries.
>Falling to his knees, you can make out his cries of grief.
>For the longest time you stare and listen carefully.
>This man who you once called father now sits at the grave of your dead sister, wailing in anguish and uttering incomprehensible gibberish.
>You think back to Equestria and everything you’ve done to help Fluttershy.
>Forgiveness was what saved their world.
>You preached for amnesty despite the horrible crime she committed.
>And yet, as you look back to him, you sigh heavily and begin to walk away from the graveyard.
>No.
>Not today.
>You stop to take one last look at the man as he cries out in pain.
>But... maybe someday.

The End
_______



Credit Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vouAtmE13vs

>[0:00 – 2:55] As rain falls over the land of Equestria, a ray of sun shines through the dark clouds. Over a ledge, Hope races past. The scenery continually changes as she runs through many of the diverse terrains of her new home.
>[2:56 – 3:58] As the dark blue night sky hangs over her head, Hope sits on the edge of a high cliff, watching a single shooting star race across the heavens.
>[3:59 – 5:00] The sun rises as Hope runs across the dry arid land. She can see the crumbled ruins of Devil’s Spike in the far off distance.
>[5:00 – 5:35] But in the end, she is kneeling in front of a gravestone in a small remote desert town.
>The place where her father died a hero.
>And the start of her own legacy.

_______



Epilogue

7 months later in Equestria.

>In the late hazy evening, Manehattan continues to bustle with life as crowds of ponies go about their daily lives.
>In a small diner at the west end part of town, a blue unicorn enters the premises.
>She brings herself to a small booth where a more weighty earth pony waitress comes along with a notepad.
>”What can I get for ya, hun?” Her accent is quite noticeable.
>The blue unicorn takes off her rather usual headpiece and places it down on the table.
>The waitress notices the large girth that this unicorn is carrying with her.
>”Congratulations, ma’am. Is it a boy or a girl?”
>The unicorn looks up to her with a small smile as she rubs her swollen belly with one hoof. “A girl.”
>The waitress smiles back.
>Trixie looks back down to her tummy. ”And she will be great and powerful one day, just like her father.”

End Credit Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpEh0S4E88Q