Hello Old Friend


                                            >Be Twilight Sparkle.

                                            >And you are awoken by yet another nightmare, already in the middle of a wailing scream as visions of memories you have long tried to wish away give way to a new day that has barely begun to dawn.

                                            >The suns first rays are just starting to rise over the horizon, giving it a soft golden edge, signaling its approaching arrival.

                                            >Your mane is sticking to the sweat soaked fur along your neck and back, your hooves pulling the covers of your bed tightly against your chest in a desperate grip. You have sprung up into a sitting position before you've even fully awaken, wings splayed out rigidly to either side of you.

                                            >The scream dies in your mouth - being replaced with quick, shuddering breaths - as you come down from your panic, eyes darting around the crystal walls of your bedroom for a moment before coming to rest on your bed.

                                            >Trying your best to push the lingering images from the nightmare away from your mind, you ask yourself how many times you had this nightmare, or similar ones.

                                            >Far too many to count, especially lately. The nightmares have not been this frequent for many years... Not since...

                                            >A few tears have already started to form in the corners of your eyes when you are suddenly shaken from your thoughts by the door to your bedroom being opened.

                                            >"Twilight? Are you okay?"

                                            >Though his voice has grown deeper with the years, you still find great comfort in hearing it, bringing more happy, innocent memories to the forefront of your mind.

                                            >Rubbing away the tears with a hoof and sniffling loudly, you force a small smile on your lips as you turn your head towards the door, looking at your number one assistant.

                                            "Yes, Spike, I'm fine. It was just a nightmare."

                                            >You croak out the words, your throat sore and exhausted. The dragon standing in the doorway gives you a worried frown.


                                            >He has grown significantly taller over the years, now having to hunch down slightly to get through some of the doors, though considering the long age of dragons, he is still young, just a teenager in their years - his tiny wings had just started growing out, far from being usable - so it would still be quite a few years before his size became any kind of problem indoors.

                                            >Not that you would love him any lesser for it, he might look a little different, not only taller but also more lanky, besides the small chub clinging to his gut - the prize of too many late night snacks and too little exercise - the longer spines along his head and back, and the slightly longer claws, he is still the same sweet dragon inside.

                                            >You did miss his chubby, squeezable cheeks though. But he was still your special little guy, the one you nurtured and cared for since he was a child.

                                            >If only you could have shown the same care and kindness to... your son...

                                            >The thought immediately makes the smile you've forced on your lips to melt away and you divert your eyes down slightly as a familiar sense of guilt settles into your chest.

                                            >"Another one?"

                                            >He gives a concerned sigh and starts to enter your room before the sound of a pair of armored hooves can be heard running down the corridor.

                                            >"Is the Princess alright?"

                                            >The voice belongs to one of the guards. Celestia and Luna had convinced you to finally allow Royal Guards into your castle some years ago, though you mostly just had about three of them patrolling at a time, since the castle wasn't that big.

                                            >You turn you head to look down at the sheets of your bed again as Spike walks out to calm the guard. You can hear their voices but your thoughts are elsewhere.

                                            >You didn't mind the guards, they made the castle feel less empty, and the Princesses had insisted it was only proper for a princess.

                                            >But you couldn't help but wonder if the guards were also there to make sure that you didn't make anymore mistakes.


                                            >The thought makes you swallow, trying to force down the imagined lump in your throat, as you feel a fresh tear travel down your face. The memory of Celestia's face, the disappointment in her eyes, you had never felt so small and despicable before.

                                            >The feeling of the bed shifting as something settles on it pulls you out of your self-pity and you slowly lift your eyes to see Spike now sitting on the edge of your bed, giving you a soft, comforting smile.

                                            >He lifts one of his claws and gently wipes the tears away from your face, then watches you silently for a moment, thinking about what to say.

                                            >"Was it... one of "those" nightmares again?"

                                            >He asks, awkwardly. You weakly nod you head.

                                            "Spike... I just can't stop thinking about it... About Hornet... What he has been through... The things I did-"

                                            >The words are choked out before you can continue by a sob. Spike lowers his eyes, a look of shame forming on his features. He rests his claw on your shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

                                            >"Hey... Don't pile all the blame on yourself, I'm just as responsible for what happened."

                                            >He tries to sound reassuring, but the guilt and self-loathing is clear on his face and in his voice.

                                            >"And some of the girls as well... The point is that while we all wish it could have gone differently, we all have been trying to give him a good life. And despite everything, he really seems to be happy now... Well, except for..."

                                            >His eyes drift towards the letter lying on the table next to your bed as he trails off, lingering dejectedly on the parchment for a moment before looking at you again.

                                            >"We just have to do all we can to be there for him now. Okay?"

                                            >An encouraging - if a bit forced - smile spreads across his lips. You let a tired sigh escape your lips as you eye the letter wearily, it's contents sending another wave of sorrow through your body.


                                            "I don't know, Spike... I don't think I can ever forgive myself for what I've done. I just hope I won't fail him again. If I can help him now... Maybe I can at least find some redemption..."

                                            >You feel soft scales brush against your coat as Spike pulls you in for a hug, your reciprocate it, hiding your face in his chest while trying to calm the tide of negative emotions threatening to drown you. He gently rocks you lightly back and forth, like you used to do to whenever you had to comfort your little dragon friend, quietly shushing you.

                                            >"Shh shh... You won't fail him. We'll fix this, I promise."

                                            >You know he can't really promise that, but you still nod your head. Moping about things and feeling sorry for yourself won't help anypony. What was important right now was helping Hornet. It was all that mattered right now.

                                            >"So... They'll be coming tomorrow then? All of them?"

                                            "Yeah. Hornet, Dinky and the twins. They'll arrive from Canterlot around noon."

                                            >A faint smile creeps up on you finally when you think about the little ones, you hadn't seen them since their last birthday.

                                            >"It will be nice to see them again. At least the castle won't be so quiet for once."

                                            >He chuckles and you feel yourself unable to not do so as well. You couldn't ask for better grandchildren.

                                            >Wow, thinking that makes you suddenly feel old. You had started to notice some signs of your age, though thank Celestia they were still minor. You hoped you wouldn't have to worry about any wrinkles or grey hairs for several years.

                                            >"Why don't you rest for a while longer? I'll start on breakfast in an hour, okay?"

                                            "Thank you, Spike."

                                            >You give him another quick hug before he leaves, giving you one last smile before closing the door behind him. Leaving you alone with nothing but your thoughts.


                                            >Throughout the entire day, you are preoccupied with your thoughts.

                                            >And your thoughts are in the past.

                                            >The choices you've made, your actions, and worse... their consequences.

                                            >All this, with Green Hornet in the center. You find it hard to pinpoint where it all started going wrong. You do remember when it finally reached the boiling point much more easily, as well as the following fallout.

                                            >It makes your stomach churn to even think about what you had allowed yourself to become. It had strained your friendships, cost you the respect of your peers, and almost cost the life of somepony who you should have cared for and protected.

                                            >You had so much anger in you back then, it frightened you. You think you will live with the regrets till the end of your life.

                                            >'Hornet... I'm so sorry...'

                                            >You still don't dare think of using his real name, even in your own mind. It just makes the memories even more painful.

                                            >But you had resolved to change, to make up for the pain and agony he had been put through. You knew nothing you did would ever erase your sins, but you swore to do anything to try and make him happy. You would never hurt him again.

                                            >You remember how proud you felt when he got his cutie mark, something you hadn't even been sure if it would, or even could ever happen. After spending hours over the course of several days pouring over tomes of knowledge in the library and attempts at replicating the scientific experiments therein - under your watchful supervision of course - it had appeared on his flank.

                                            >How he jumped and hollered in glee, it reminded you of yourself the day you received yours. He had told you how his kind had always been inquisitive by nature, constantly searching for answers to things, new heights to reach. You suppose it makes sense that his talent would somehow relate to this.

                                            >Even if seeing that question mark on his flank brings a sense of melancholy every time you see it.


                                            >You can still recall the mix of joy and dread you felt when he introduced you to his marefriend. You had been awkward at first, but it quickly became obvious how much they loved each other, and the filly quickly became like a part of the family.

                                            >Her name was Dinky Hooves, the unicorn daughter of Derpy Hooves, the mailmare.

                                            >Thinking back, it's not surprising how perfectly they matched each other. Only a few knew the details of what Hornet had been through, but even after years of trying to help him heal, there was always something off about him that made it hard for him to connect easily with others. Some scars just cut too deep.

                                            >But Dinky was no stranger to helping with the problems of those she cares about, her own mother having felt the social stigma towards her own handicap from time to time over the years. She knew exactly how to be there for somepony when they needed her, and the way she seemingly lifted the worries and anxieties from Hornet seemed to just come naturally for her. No wonder the colt fell so head over hoofs for her.

                                            >It was she who had finally convinced him to reveal their relationship to you.

                                            >The both of them eventually went to Canterlot to study 'Advanced Magical Theory' and 'Applied Magical Science' at the Canterlot Institute of Magic. You had given the both of them personal letters of recommendations for the school, while your parents provided them with a place to live until they were old enough to find their own place.

                                            >Some were surprised to see an earth pony studying magic, but nothing could stop Hornet. Tenacity and ambition were two other words he would often use to describe his kind before... the changes...


                                            >His inquisitive nature and ambition helped him think of new innovative ways to apply magic, improving theories on the natural currents of magic that permeates throughout the world, how to easily harness it with less strain on a unicorns own magic. There seemed to no end to his imagination and ideas.

                                            >He would formulate new theories, while Dinky would find a way make them work in practice. Together, they seemed unstoppable.

                                            >When they graduated, they were both offered jobs at the institute. Hornet joined the research teams, but would occasionally work in the institute's library if research was slow.

                                            >You give a wistful sigh as you remember how he would sometimes send a few books for you to borrow from time to time, so you would always have something new to read.

                                            >Dinky became a teacher for advanced magic and is highly respected by the school board and loved by the students. She still regularly helps Hornet with his research, as both a partner and a muse.

                                            >The day you received the letter saying that Dinky was pregnant, you almost fainted.

                                            >A few days later, Hornet proposed to her. He had told you that her answer had been "what took you so long?"

                                            >The wedding had been kept relatively simple - despite the groom being the son of a princess and several members of royalty had been guests of honor - but appropriately romantic.

                                            >It was the first time in years you had stood among your friends and family without feeling ashamed of yourself.

                                            >The only thing coming remotely close to the joy of that day, was when the twins were finally born.


                                            >What had worried you the most when the news of Dinky's pregnancy had arrived, was how they were still so young when it happened, barely a year after their graduation.

                                            >Most ponies would wait a few more years before starting a family.

                                            >Than again, you hadn't been much older when Hornet came into your... care...

                                            >You had prayed day and night that your horrible actions towards Hornet wouldn't influence how he would act as a father.

                                            >But then the day had come. You, Spike and Derpy had traveled together to Canterlot ahead of the rest of your friends, to see the newborns.

                                            >Two unicorn fillies. Muffins (Derpy's suggestion) and Honeybee

                                            >Hornet was just cradling them in his hooves, like they were the most precious, fragile glass figurines in the world. He was so tender, and he couldn't keep his eyes off them. Smiling and crying.

                                            >Seeing him then, you knew you had nothing to fear. He would love those girls more than life itself.

                                            >The realization that you were now a grandmother finally hit you at the same time, you had just been so worried and nervous before that it hadn't fully sunk in yet until that moment.

                                            >You had failed Hornet as a child, but you would never let anything happen to these two foals, or anyone else in your family.

                                            >Family...

                                            >You felt like you were the black sheep in this one, the dark stain that ruined this otherwise perfect picture.

                                            >But you would keep your promise, not just for Hornet but the rest of this family as well. You would do anything to them, to be there for them no matter what. It was your penance and your duty.

                                            >That brings your thoughts to last week...


                                            >Just thinking about the news from Dinky makes a tight knot form in your chest.

                                            >Green Hornet had had some sort of attack at work, then lost consciousness. He had been rushed to the hospital, where he had then woken up barely two hours later, completely fine aside from a small headache.

                                            >The next day, there hadn't seemed to have been anything wrong with him and the doctors couldn't find anything either. Everyone thought that maybe there might have been something in the research labs he had reacted to.

                                            >But then his condition started to worsen. He started getting recurring migraines, his body grew weaker every day and his nights were disrupted by confusing dreams.

                                            >Dreams of being somepony... or rather SOMEONE else...

                                            >You and Dinky started sending letters to each other every day, thanks to Spike's magical flame, keeping you updated on Hornet's condition.

                                            >The doctors still couldn't figure out exactly what was happening to him... Except that it was magical in nature...

                                            >And it seemed to not be attacking any specific part of him, but his entire being...

                                            >It was then you started to suspect what was happening to him...

                                            >That this might be all your fault...


                                            >Why now? Why, after 18 years, does this happen now?

                                            >You had long feared that your spell would have consequences you couldn't foresee. Emotions and concentration was important when casting spells, especially such complex ones. A calm, focused mind was paramount.

                                            >Your mind had been anything but calm that day. You had been filled with so much anger and frustration, you had almost felt like you were tearing apart. And all of it had been directed at him... You had not tried to be gentle, nor had you wanted to at the time.

                                            >You found later that you couldn't reverse the spell, not even Celestia dared to. The magic used had been so chaotic, there were just too many unknowns, too many variables... The dangers towards him if something went wrong were just too great to risk it.

                                            >And after what you had done to his mind... It felt almost too cruel to do it as well, it might have been the last straw that would have finally broken him completely.

                                            >After all these years though... It seemed like your fears about the spell had been for naught... Until now...


                                            >At the end of the day, you are standing in your bedroom, staring at your reflection in the mirror. Tears once again running down the sides of your face.

                                            "Oh, Hornet... I'm so... so sorry..."

                                            >That name... It was just another thing you forced upon him... Not only did you take away his face, but also his name, his identity.

                                            >Spike said that despite everything, he seemed to be happy now. But despite how his life has turned out so much better than you could have ever dreamed, you feel that deep inside, it is not the life he was meant to have.

                                            >You don't know what kind of life he would have had instead if you hadn't done what you did, but it would have been a life he chose, not one you forced him into.


                                            >Even so... Even if it is not the life he might have lived, it is still a life. He has a career, a wife and two beautiful daughters.

                                            >The thought that he might be... That they might lose him... It's...

                                            >No. You would fix this. This is you fault, and you'll be damned to Tartarus if you won't do everything to help them.

                                            >And so, you had sent them a letter yesterday asking them to come to Ponyville, telling them that you might have a way to save poor Hornet.

                                            >You hope you're not just giving them false hope, that you really can help him...

                                            >Walking over to your bed, you grip the letter laying on the table next to it in your magical grip and levitate it up to your face, reading it for probably the 20th time since it had arrived yesterday night.


                                            >"Dear Twilight"


                                            >"I am so relieved to hear that you might have a way to help Hornet."

                                            >"I've tried to keep up a brave face around him and the girls, so they won't worry."

                                            >"But seeing my husband like this..."

                                            >"It's eating me up inside, Twilight. I don't know what to do anymore."

                                            >"Knowing that you'll take care of him, it is such a relief."

                                            >"We'll arrive in Ponyville by train the day after tomorrow."

                                            >"I wish we could come sooner, but Hornet is so weak now and I want to make sure we have everything we need."

                                            >"The kids will love to see their grandmothers and uncle Spike though."

                                            >"Hopefully it will help them keep their minds off of their father's condition."

                                            >"We will see you when we arrive."

                                            >"And Twilight... Thank you."


                                            >"Your Daughter-in-Law,"

                                            >"Dinky Hooves."


                                            >A yawn escapes you as you place the letter back down. You didn't get much sleep last night. Your thoughts were too occupied with what would happen tomorrow.

                                            >'Please... Please, let this work... Let him survive...

                                            >You offer a small plea for whatever powers that be as you crawl into bed. You will need your strength for tomorrow.

                                            >As you lay there on your back, you stare teary-eyed at the ceiling, the dread inside you only tempered by the exhaustion overpowering you.

                                            >This has to work.

                                            >Maybe you will earn back some modicum of self-respect then, and some redemption.

                                            >It's not important, what's important is Hornet's life.

                                            >But it might at the least chase away some of your nightmares.

                                            >Even if a part of you feel like you deserve them.


                                            >The day was here.

                                            >Today, Hornet and his family would arrive in Ponyville.

                                            >Today, you would save him from your mistake.

                                            >Today... You would find redemption...

                                            >You hope...

                                            >You had once more been visited by nightmares last night, but had managed to get a decent amount of sleep regardless, if from exhaustion more than anything else.

                                            >Having awoken at the break of dawn, you had started the day with a big breakfast - waffles, several pieces of toast and more coffee than you'd like to admit - all in order to build up the strength you would need today.

                                            >Now, you were just trying to keep yourself occupied while you were waiting. It would be hours until they arrived and you needed to do something to both make the time fly by faster and to distract yourself from your anxieties and dread.

                                            >So, at the moment, you find yourself tinkering.

                                            >Your eyes trail along the object lying on the great table as you sit upon your throne in the map room. Tools and other implements levitate around you as you work. Arcane runes and and jewels are prodded and fiddled with.

                                            >Your mind scans over the magical ley lines weaved into the segmented metal surface, trying to pinpoint the errors in it's complex design, to find the reason for its failure. As always, the answer alludes you.

                                            >Normally, these problems with your long time pet project would cause you no end of frustration.

                                            >Now though, you're grateful for the distraction.

                                            >Still annoys you though...

                                            >You lean back and take a long look at the contraption. On the outside, it look like a very extravagant collar, with the various gems embedded into it. But it's appearance belies its purpose, a prototype for a device that could help deal with future threats... If you could ever get it to work.

                                            >Your... failed invention.

                                            >A magic inhibitor collar.


                                            >Your eyes narrow at your creation. The science behind it was sound, built upon the designs of the suppression rings used on incarcerated unicorns.

                                            >But those rings had limitations, stronger magic-wielders could overpower those.

                                            >And that's were the idea of the collar was born. With the elements returned to the Tree of Harmony, and with how strained some of the bonds with your friends have become, you can't place all your faith in the six of you always being there to save the day.

                                            >This collar would nullify any magic, no matter how strong, and even make the wearer weaker physically.

                                            >On that point, it actually delivers. The problems are a few kinks causing some unwanted side-effects that makes it far too dangerous to use.

                                            >At least you've managed to get the remote charm to work, you think to yourself as you levitate a oblong crystal up. Right now it was softly glowing in a light shade of blue, indicating that the collar was inactive.

                                            >A frustrated sigh escapes your lips as you place the crystal back down next to the collar, doing the same with your tools, releasing them from your grip to let your magic rest for a moment.

                                            >Your eyebrows furrow in thought.

                                            >'Containing all that magic from a powerful wearer makes it too volatile... Lowering the strength of the arcane wards would minimize the dangers, but would defeat the purpose of the collar, since it would become too weak to do what it is meant for... Perhaps applying Starswirl's "Arcane sponge"-spell combined with-'

                                            >Your thoughts are broken by the sound of clawed feet running down the corridor outside before the doors to the map-room are thrown open.

                                            >Spike is standing there, a mix of excitement and trepidation on his face as he stares at you with a smile.

                                            >"Twilight! They're here!"


                                            >Your eyes widen.

                                            "They're here!? But- We were supposed to meet them at the station!"

                                            >Oh, how could you lose track of time over work during such an important day!? And why didn't Spike warn you about it? Everything's going wrong alre-

                                            >You stop once you look at the clock, panic switching over to confusion. They were supposed to arrive at noon, but it was only 10 o'clock.

                                            "Wha- They're two hours early?"

                                            >"They must have caught an earlier train, I guess... I saw them through the window, they're almost right outside."

                                            >As soon as he finished talking, the magic builds up in your horn and with a familiar "pop" you are in the hallway behind him, racing down the corridor, past a guard - who stands at attention, while giving you a curious look - and down the stairs.

                                            >You can hear Spike trying to keep up with you far behind as you dash towards the doors.

                                            >They slowly swing inwards, pushed open by the unicorn guard posted outside as he walks in and stands to the side, ushering in your expected guests.

                                            >You quickly slow down you pace, before the sight of Hornet makes you freeze in your tracks.

                                            >His deep green coat has grown so pale and lifeless, and even from here you can see it slightly damp with sweat. His black mane and tail has started to go white at the tips, with a few graying stands here and there. His dark green eyes, sunken in his face and sporting bags under them, had a glazed and tired look in them.

                                            >His body moved stiffly, every step seemingly exhausting to him.

                                            >When your eyes meet, he stops and lifts his head to better face you, the small motion making him visibly struggle, and he gives you a tired smile.

                                            >'My poor boy... What have I done to you?'


                                            >Dinky is standing next to him, pushing up against his body to support him.

                                            >She levitates a few pieces of luggage down to the ground as she gives you a smile as well, relief and hope written all over her face. She is as pretty as you remember her from last time you met, but the stress of this past week is beginning to show, her eyes starting to sport some small bags too.

                                            >Before you can say anything, a pair of familiar, high-pitched voices call out.

                                            >"Grandma!!!"

                                            >Your heart flutters in your chest as your grandchildren pop out from behind their parents and charge towards you, their little hooves making soft tipper-taps against the carpet.

                                            >They both had mint green coats, but while Muffins had her fathers black hair and her mothers yellow eyes, Honeybee was the opposite, sporting dark green eyes and a butter-yellow mane and tail.

                                            >Their horns were a little short, even for their age, but you didn't really think about that.

                                            >You sit down on the carpet and extend your fore legs towards them in anticipation before they throw themselves into your waiting hooves, wrapping their little legs around you on either side of your neck and nuzzle into you.

                                            >You laugh and return their affection, wrapping your hooves around their tiny bodies in a tight hug, eliciting happy giggles from the girls.

                                            "Hello my little ponies. I'm so happy to see you."

                                            >You coo at them before giving them each a small peck on the cheek, earning you another round of giggles.

                                            >A quiet chuckle from behind draws everyone's attention. Spike has finally caught up and is standing a few feet away, grinning at you and the girls.

                                            >"Well well well, if it isn't the terrible twosome. Come here you two!"

                                            >He crouches down and throws his arms out to the side with a ridiculously huge grin on his face.

                                            >With a bemused chuckle, you let go of the girls, who then immediately make a bee line straight towards Spike.


                                            >"Uncle Spwike!"

                                            >Honeybee still can't quite pronounce his name right, but it just sounds so adorable.

                                            >"Uncle! Uncle!"

                                            >Muffins is right by her sister's side as the distance between them and Spike is rapidly closing.

                                            >All of you know they can't hurt him, with his thick scales, but that doesn't stop him from still very clearly bracing himself for impact, making a knowing smirk spread across your lips.

                                            >As one, they leap through the air and barrel into his chest.

                                            >Spike pretends to get knocked over by the force, tilting backwards and landing on his back with an "oof", cradling the girls in his arms as they lay on top of him. They don't miss a beat as they instantly start wrestling with him to pin him down, all three of them laughing merrily.

                                            >You can't stop grinning like a fool at the sight, but eventually you remember what this visit is all about.

                                            >Standing up from the floor, you turn back towards Hornet and Dinky again, seeing them also smiling at the spectacle before them before they meet your eyes.

                                            >You can't stop the concern rising inside you, but do your best to give a comforting smile to the two as you approach.

                                            >They move forward to meet you halfway.

                                            "Hornet, Dinky. I'm so glad you're here."

                                            >You wrap your hooves carefully around Hornet's neck and pull him into a hug. His skin... It's burning up.

                                            >A hoof meekly drapes itself over your back as Hornet returns the hug.

                                            >"Hi mom. It's good to see you."

                                            >His voice is strained and tired, you just want to hold on to him forever, for fear he would fall over should you stop.

                                            >Letting one of your hooves go of him, you gesture for Dinky to join in, which she does without hesitation, sandwiching your head between them as you embrace each other.

                                            "I wasn't expecting you for another two hours. We were going to meet you at the station."


                                            >"I know, I should have sent a letter, but we couldn't wait any longer so we took an earlier train."

                                            >The three of you break up your hug, but you still leave one hoof lightly draped around Hornet while Dinky talks.

                                            >"I'm sorry, I just didn't want to delay this any more..."

                                            >You extend a wing to stroke against Dinky's cheek as you gently shush her.

                                            "It's alright, I understand. I hope you didn't have any trouble walking here."

                                            >Dinky gives you a grateful smile. In Hornet's condition, the walk would probably be exhausting. You really wish that you could have been there to help, but you understand her impatience.

                                            >"Oh, we actually ran into Big Mac not far from the station. He had just made a delivery of Zap Apple Jam over to Rich's store and he was kind enough to give Hornet and the kids a ride in his cart over here."

                                            >That gladdens you a bit to hear. Big Mac is the kind of pony to always lend a hoof, even though escorting them here would be a detour for him.

                                            >You notice, though, that Hornet's face has gone sullen as he eyes the floor.

                                            "Hornet? Is something the matter?"

                                            >The twins have finally jumped off of Spike and are now chasing each other down the corridor, disappearing around the corner just as Spike calls to them to be careful and not to bother the guards.

                                            >"I could've walked here on my own..."

                                            >You're a little taken aback by the venom in his voice as he mutters the words. You can understand being frustrated with feeling helpless, but it just seemed so unlike him.

                                            >Dinky reaches out with a hoof to brush against his mane, but he pulls away slightly, grumbling in irritation.

                                            >"I'm fine."

                                            >She looks at him dejectedly, but retracts her hoof. You let your hoof stroke gently across his neck, as soothing as you can.

                                            "Hornet, it's okay, we'll take care of you. Don't worr-"

                                            >"I said I'm FINE!"

                                            >He smacks your hoof off of him while giving you a glare. You pull away with a start. His eyes dart between you and Dinky before he walks past you.


                                            >"I'm not your little colt, so give me some FUCKING space! Alright!?"

                                            >Dinky and you both stare wide-eyed at him as he walks away from you, struggling to move as naturally as possible while keeping his eyes locked on his path.

                                            >It wasn't the first time he's ever raised his voice at you, but you've -never- heard him swear before.

                                            >At least... Not since...

                                            >Your train of thought is broken when you notice Dinky walking up close to you and whisper.

                                            >"I don't know what's happening to him. Lately, he's become so irritable, his temper flaring wildly, and it's been getting worse daily."

                                            >Her sad eyes follow her husband as she lets out a weary sigh.

                                            >"Do you think it's the illness that's effecting him?"

                                            "Maybe..."

                                            >You mumble thoughtfully.

                                            >Spike, who just caught a bit of Hornet's outburst, gives the stallion a cautious glance as he walks nearer.

                                            >"Hey Hornet. Long time no see. How are you feeling?"

                                            >Hornet's head whips around to glare at Spike, making the taller dragon recoil and lift his hands defensively in a pacifying gesture.

                                            >"For the love of...! Would all of you just leave me alone!?"

                                            >Spike takes a step back at his words.

                                            >"Whoa, okay..."

                                            >Hornet snorts air out of his nostrils before turning his gaze forward again.

                                            >He takes a few steps before he just freezes up.

                                            >Nopony says anything as he stands there in silence. You're almost afraid of accidentally breaking the quiet moment.

                                            >He looks around the floor, almost as if in confusion, before turning to look at Spike again. His eyes are wide with regret and... what almost looks like fear.

                                            >"S- Spike? I'm... I'm sorry! I don't know what came over me."

                                            >Spike stares at him for a moment, unsure of how to react to this complete 180 in personality. Eventually though, he smiles softly at the stallion, walks up to him and places a comforting claw on his back.

                                            >"It's okay, Hornet. Don't give it a second thought. We're here to help you through this. I promise."


                                            >Hornet looks up at Spike tentatively, his sad eyes scanning the friendly smile on the dragon's face.

                                            >There is a moment of silence before Hornet lets out a relieved breath of air and returns his smile.

                                            >"Thanks Scales, it's good to know you've got my back as always."

                                            >The is a brief look of surprise on Spike's face, but he quickly covers it up with another smile while patting Hornet's back with his claw. You share his surprise.

                                            >'Scales'... Neither of you have heard that nickname in... 18 years...

                                            >Loud giggling and tiny hooves signals the return of the little fillies long before the appear around the corner. Hornet turns his attention towards the girls as they run up to him and start talking over each other non-stop.

                                            >Hornet chuckles to himself before leaning down and give them a playful nuzzle, the both of them calming down instantly with a quiet giggle by their father's touch.

                                            >"Alright, Dumplings, settle down. Now, what did you want to say?"

                                            >You've always wondered about that nickname for the girls. 'Dumplings'. But when you had asked Hornet about it, he didn't seem to know where he got it from either, he just liked the sound of it.

                                            >Watching him with his girls always makes your heart soar. Those two would hang on his every word. You've never seen him ever have to yell or punish them for anything.

                                            >It does make you more worried about his sudden outburst. You lean over towards Dinky to whisper to her.

                                            "Has he ever... reacted like that towards the girls?"

                                            >She gives a firm shake of her head, a wistful smile on her lips as she looks at her husband and daughter's little conversation.

                                            >"Never. Not even so much as raised his voice at them even once."

                                            >You feel an enormous sense of relief at that, but then get a cold lump in the pit of your stomach as you notice Dinky's lower lip start to tremble, the smile vanishing from her face as she cast her eyes down to the floor.


                                            >"Twilight... I can't lose him... I can't have my children growing up without... without their..."

                                            >Her voice quivers before giving out. She purses her lips shut as her eyes become misty, a tear already making it's way down her cheek.

                                            >Once more, you quietly shush her, lifting a hoof to wipe the tear away and cup her cheek.

                                            "I won't let that happen, Dinky. I swear that I will do everything I can to make sure that by the end of the day.."

                                            >You pause to give her your warmest smile, moving your hoof to gently place it under her chin, lifting her head to meet your eyes.

                                            "You will have your husband back, good as new. So let me see a smile now."

                                            >She sniffles softly, her eyes still wet, but a smile slowly creeps its way back to her lips.

                                            "There. That's better."

                                            >A quiet, but relieved chuckle escapes her, her worries placated for now, as she rubs the tears out of her eyes.

                                            >"Thank you."

                                            >"Hey, Twilight!"

                                            >Spike calls out, louder than necessary, grabbing both of your attentions.

                                            >"The girls are hungry after the trip. I thought maybe we could have an early lunch?"

                                            >You give him a nod.

                                            "That sounds like a good idea, Spike. I'll take Hornet to the dining room, will you be alright with preparing the food?"

                                            >"Sure thing, Twi. Unless..."

                                            >He smirks and give the girl a knowing glance.

                                            >"Unless you two would like to help me in the kitchen?"

                                            >Muffin and Honeybee start jumping and cheering. All of you laugh at the sight of their excitement.

                                            >You turn back to Dinky.

                                            "Why don't you go with them? Make yourself some tea. And to keep the three of them out of trouble."

                                            >"Hey!"

                                            >You giggle as Spike gives you a playful frown, pretending to be upset, Dinky joining you as she fails to stifle a giggle of her own, before meeting your eyes again.

                                            >"You sure?"

                                            >You nod.

                                            "Yeah. I'll take care of Hornet in the meantime. Now go on."


                                            >Using your wing, you gently nudge her to walk over to Spike and the twins.

                                            >She gives you a grateful smile, mouthing a last "thank you", before coming to a stop in front of her husband.

                                            >Hornet lowers his head slightly, looking up at her with eyes full of shame.

                                            >He quietly utters two words you can just barely make out to be "I'm sorry."

                                            >Dinky just smiles at him, gently running a hoof down the side of his face and along his muzzle, before leaning in and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

                                            >He smiles sheepishly at her, the children giggling to themselves as they closely watch their parents.

                                            >As Spike, Dinky and the girls walk away down the hallway in the direction of the kitchen, you make your way over to Hornet.

                                            >When you approach him, he casts his gaze down to the floor, his ears flopping down dejectedly as a sad frown adorns his face.

                                            >"Mom... About what I said... I- I didn't mean-"

                                            >You quickly place a hoof around the back of his neck and pull him into another hug, cutting him off as he goes quiet and stiffens in surprise.

                                            >After a few seconds, his body relaxes and he leans into your embrace.

                                            "I know, honey. I know."

                                            >You just can't get over how distressingly warm his skin is, his breathing is strained and ragged, and you can sometimes feel him shiver. The thought of the pain he must be in makes you want to cry.

                                            >But you have to be strong for him. For all of them.

                                            "Now, let's go to the dining room. We can talk while we wait for the others."

                                            >Not breaking the embrace, you feel his head shift as he slowly nods.

                                            >"Okay, mom."

                                            >He sounds so tired.

                                            >You hug him a little tighter, and not wanting to waste the second longer, your horn starts to glow and hum as you prepare to cast the spell you're so familiar with.

                                            >You want to spare him the exhaustion of walking the distance to the dining room, so with the final mental incantation, you both leave the hallway in a bright flash to teleport to your destination.


                                            >You and Hornet have been sitting in the dining room for about 20 minutes now. Sitting next to each other, you've passed the time talking.

                                            >At first it had things like Hornet's job, how his family had been doing, how the girls had been excited about starting school later that year.

                                            >The thought about him not being there to see his children's first day of school does cross your mind, but you quickly banish it.

                                            >You had also told him about what had been going on lately in Ponyville, the news that Cheerilee and Big Mac had a child on the way, after many years of trying, did make him perk up. When you told him about how you and Spike had been, you withheld the parts about how the both of you had been worried about him, not wanting to bring down his mood.

                                            >Eventually, though, the conversation found itself to the inevitable subject of his health, bringing a damper to the whole thing anyway.

                                            >"The weirdest part are the dreams... They are so strange and vivid... and almost... familiar. But when I wake up, I can barely remember them. I just get this feeling of... loss... and... other emotions..."

                                            >His words turns more and more into mumbling as he trails off. He keeps his eyes glued in place, staring through the table, gazing at something only he can see.

                                            >It's unnerving, but you press on.

                                            "Other emotions?"

                                            >He slowly nods his head, almost like in a trance... Celestia... He's hardly even blinking anymore! And his words... They are so... Lifeless.

                                            >"Like... Fear... Sadness... Most often it's... anger..."

                                            >You hear him loudly gulp, breaking him out of his own trance. A pained expression adorns his weary features.

                                            >"Some nights... I'm almost afraid to go to sleep..."

                                            >You stretch out a comforting wing to drape over his back, the touch of your feathers seems to help him snap out of his thoughts as he turns his head to look at you again.

                                            >There is fear and hopelessness in his sickly eyes.

                                            >"Mom? What is happening to me?"


                                            >You consider your answer carefully. While you were certain you knew what was causing this, you wanted to be absolutely sure you were right first. You also couldn't even begin to imagine how you would explain to him how it had happened.

                                            >You couldn't tell him how he came to be, no matter how much it pained you to see him like this.

                                            >Placing your hoof gently on top of his, you do your best to put on a face both comforting and confident.

                                            "Whatever it is, Hornet, we will make it through this. I promise."

                                            >Again, you make a promise that you have no way of knowing if you can keep, you just pray you will.

                                            >He is smiling again though, even if it as small one, some of the worry still visible in his eyes, so you tell yourself that that will have to be enough for now. Whatever it takes to help keep his spirits up.

                                            >You can worry enough for the both of you, Celestia knows you're more than qualified for that with the amount of time you have spent worrying in your life.

                                            >One day, you'll wake up and find your face covered in wrinkles, you're sure of it.

                                            >The sound of the double doors opening grabs your attention.

                                            >Spike and Dinky are carrying a silver tray each, both with several plates and a bowl, and a pitcher and six glasses are also being levitated by Dinky. Muffins and Honeybee are walking along between them.

                                            >"Ladies and gentlecolt, lunch is served!"

                                            >Spike announces with a dramatic flair in his voice, bringing a much needed lifting of humors to the room.

                                            >He rounds the table, placing two plates down next to each other, one seat away to the left of Hornet, the fillies hopping up into the chairs in front of the served food.

                                            >"Two daffodil and daisy sandwiches and hay bacon, extra crispy ones for Honeybee."

                                            >Spike speaks in a exaggerated upper Canterlot accent, playing the waiter.

                                            >The girls clap their hooves together and beam at him, then their food.


                                            >Spike smiles back at them with a wink, then proceeds to walk down the table.

                                            >Dinky, meanwhile, has levitated eating utensils and the glasses to the table, filling the latter with orange juice from the pitcher. She walks over to the empty seat between Hornet and the girls and sits down, placing a plate of salad, mixed with a few roasted peanuts, down in front of her.

                                            >A bowl of vegetable soup is carefully served in front of Hornet. He eyes it a little with a tired look, making you recall how Dinky had told you, in one of her letters, how that had been the only kind of food he could eat without trouble anymore. You can imagine how tired he must be of it by now.

                                            >Still, he looks over at his wife with a smile when she gives him an apologetic frown.

                                            >"Don't worry, as soon as you start feeling better, I'll make you the biggest dinner you can imagine."

                                            >She leans forward and gives him another peck on the cheek before returning his smile.

                                            >"It's okay, Dinky, I don't mind. Mom taught me better than gripe about my food."

                                            >You should feel proud of him, but it's overridden by the sense of guilt you feel over just how you taught him that lesson originally, even though he can't remember. You snap out of it though when you hear Spike suddenly speak up.

                                            >"And for Twilight..."

                                            >He gives you a smirk you don't really much care for. It means he's about to pull something.

                                            >"Four hayburgers, fries, and a carrot."

                                            >He places the meal in front of you, looking like a tiny feast for several ponies. You shoot him a surprised look, then turn to see Hornet looking at your food, then you with a teasing grin on his lips.

                                            "I... I'm trying to cut back!"

                                            >You sheepishly blurt out.

                                            >"Yeah, she used to eat five burgers, but swapped one out for the carrot-"

                                            >A swift jab with your elbow to Spike's stomach makes him shut up with an "oof".

                                            >All of them laugh as you feel your cheeks heat up, but eventually find yourself joining in, glad for the joyful moment. Even if it was at your expense.


                                            >Spike finally seats himself down at your right, presenting his own meal.

                                            >"And for me! Waffles with raspberry jam, whipped cream and rubies.

                                            >He eagerly rubs the palms of his claws together, eyeing his food and licking his lips, before turning to look at all of you with a huge smile.

                                            >"Let's dig in, everypony!"

                                            >No more encouragement was needed, as you all began enjoying your meals.

                                            >Lunch is spent in leisurely conversation between you all, as you take your time to enjoy the food and the company.

                                            >The girls are really excited about starting school.

                                            >If it hadn't been for Hornet's condition, this would have been just another enjoyable moment together with your family.

                                            >Your thought are for the most part elsewhere though.

                                            >While you make sure to keep up appearance and remember to eat, so as not to raise any suspicions or sour the mood, your mind is racing.

                                            >Seeing Hornet meekly trying to keep the spoon in his trembling hoof while he eats his soup is heartbreaking.

                                            >Dinky has to periodically outright feed him, levitating the spoon with her magic, to help him eat.

                                            >All you can think about is how you have to help him. You've made up your mind that right after lunch, you could wait no longer.

                                            >You have to save him.

                                            >So now you wait, watching this family you love, with all your heart, bask in this small moment, filled with an eagerness to do what must be done.

                                            >And dread, over what could go wrong.


                                            >Lunch is over.

                                            >The dishes taken care of.

                                            >The luggage has been moved to the guest rooms.

                                            >Muffin and Honeybee have run off to play by themselves.

                                            >This is it.

                                            >You don't want to postpone this any longer.

                                            >You, Hornet, Dinky and Spike are walking down the crystal hallway of your castle, keeping a slow pace so as not to exhaust poor Hornet, who is slightly leaning against his wife for support, his breathing tired and ragged.

                                            >You wish you could just teleport all you, but you know you needed to conserve your magic; you were going to need everything you could muster.

                                            >Thankfully, the walk is not long, though for you, it felt like an eternity, every step adding to the crushing weight of dread bearing down on you as you make your way towards the map room.

                                            >Every scenario that can go wrong, every guilt-ridden memory, every possible miscalculation and possible horrible outcome bombards your mind, despite your best efforts to block them in order to focus on what is important and what is at stake.

                                            >When you see the doors leading to your destination, you spot a familiar guard about to pass the room.

                                            >He stops when he notices you approaching and you see him about to stand at attention, when he suddenly pauses. His brown eyes lighting up in recognition as they take in the sight of Hornet and Dinky, his expression changing first to surprise, then worry as his eyes linger on Hornet before settling on a comfortable smile as moves to meet you.

                                            >"Hornet? Dinky! Blimey, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

                                            >That Trottingham accent would still creep through from time to time, even after living in Ponyville for so many years.

                                            >The both of them look at him quizzically for a moment before their faces light up as well. Dinky makes sure that Hornet is standing well enough before trotting over to give her old friend a hug.

                                            >"Pip! It sure has! It's so good to see you again."


                                            >Pipsqueak, a name that no longer fits him as well as it used to now that he has grown to almost rival Big Mac in size, chuckles and pats Dinky on her back.

                                            >"Yeah, it's good to see the both of you as well."

                                            >She lets go of him, both turning to look at Hornet as he staggers his way over to them with a smile on his tired face.

                                            >"Hey there, Pip. Wow, royal guard now, huh? You look great."

                                            >His enthusiasm at meeting his friend is severely hampered by a sudden coughing fit, leaning his head down and covering his mouth with a hoof. Dinky quickly takes her place at his side again, rubbing a comforting hoof along his back.

                                            >Pip looks him over with a worried frown.

                                            >"And you look horrible."

                                            >Hornet gives a surprised snort and starts chuckling, but the coughing quickly joins in again.

                                            >"Haha -cough- Ow... Don't make me laugh! Heh heh -cough-"

                                            >He hacks and clears his throat a few times before the coughing finally dies down, still weakly chuckling as he shares a grin with Pip and Dinky.

                                            >As much as you worry over seeming him like this, it's always nice to see old friends reconnecting, and you're glad that Pip's presence is helping in keeping their spirits up.

                                            >Pip had joined the guard not long ago. You thought he would be trying to join Luna's Night Guard, but he had wanted to still live in Ponyville.

                                            >Though he would probably not outright admit it, you knew it was because he had recently started a relationship with Apple Bloom, and she wasn't about to just leave the farm any time soon.

                                            >You clear your throat to grab everypony's attention.

                                            "Alright everypony, let's continue on so we can get started."

                                            >You look over at the young guard with a smile.

                                            "You're welcome to join us, Pip. I'm sure Hornet and Dinky would love your company."

                                            >He grins and stands at attention.

                                            >"Thank you, your highness, I would love to."


                                            >You give a hearty chuckle and give him a knowing smirk.

                                            "Just Twilight, Pip. I've known you since you were a little colt who used to dress up like a pirate. No need to be so formal when it is just us family and friends."

                                            >He blushes a little and clears his throat with a sheepish smile on his face, trying hard not to meet anyone's eyes. The rest give a little muffled laugh as well.

                                            >With that you walk over to the doors, open them with a tiny wisp of magic before leading everypony into the map room.

                                            >You always found it easy to collect your thoughts and think in this room. The thrones surrounding the table reminded you of your friends, the giant map of Equestria brought you back to the many adventures you've had with them.

                                            >But mostly, it was because of the chandelier, made from the roots of your old home, that had the biggest effect on you. It reminded you of where you came from, just like the brightly colored jewels containing the happy memories you have made since first moving to this town.

                                            >You can't help but smile brightly whenever you see them all hanging from the roof.

                                            >Turning to the others, your face falls when you see Hornet staring at the chandelier with haunted, unblinking eyes, his body frozen in place. His wife looks over his face with rising concern, trying to snap him out of his chilling stupor.

                                            >"Hornet?"

                                            >Pip and Spike also notice the strange look in his eyes, their worry clearly etched on their features.

                                            >You quickly trot over to him, cupping one of his cheeks in your hoof, trying to get him to look at you.

                                            "Hornet? Hornet, what's wrong?"

                                            >You voice quivers and you move your hoof to his shoulder, giving him a firm shake.

                                            >To your relief, he blinks a few times, then shakes his head with a start, rubbing it with a hoof before looking around the room at everypony, stopping on you.

                                            >"Mom? Wha-"

                                            >His slow voice trails off before he can finish, Spike speaking up for him.

                                            >"You kinda spaced out there while looking at the chandelier. You okay?"


                                            >Hornet looks at Spike in confusion.

                                            >"I... I did?"

                                            >He turns to look up at the glimmering jewels and roots in the ceiling, his eyes blinking as and brow furrowing in thought, as if he was trying to recall something.

                                            >"Huh... Guess I just still can't get over how impressive it is. I'm fine, don't worry."

                                            >He flashes each of you a reassuring grin, playing the whole thing off.

                                            >You suppose that in his condition, it shouldn't surprise you if his mind is easily distracted... But still...

                                            >You knit your brow in contemplation as you turn towards the chandelier again, being reminded for the first time in a long time that not all memories connected to it are good ones...

                                            >Hornet's eyes find their way to rest on the map table and his ears perk up and a big smile grows on his lips as he walks over towards it, strangely energized by whatever caught his interest.

                                            >Following his gaze, you notice you prototype collar still laying were you left it on the table.

                                            >"Wow, your magic inhibitor collar! You still working on it? Have you gotten it to work yet?"

                                            >You can't help but smile warmly at the enthusiasm in his voice, so happy to hear some energy back in it. Had your eyes been closed, you could've sworn that it was the old Hornet who was talking with you, the one full of passion at the prospect of learning something new.

                                            >You leave Dinky and the boys, who start talking among themselves, sometimes lowering their voices as they throw worried glances at Hornet and you catch Spike and Pip whispering words of encouragement to Dinky.

                                            >Walking up to Hornet, who is poking and prodding at the collar while scanning every inch of it with his eyes in fascination, you come to a stop next to him, looking over his shoulder in amusement at seeing some of his old self again.


                                            "Sadly, no. Trying to seal away so much magic still overloads the seals, even tampering too much with it without first properly deactivating it, which will cause a magical backlash making it go..."

                                            >You pause, trying to find the right word. He looks up at you with a tiny smirk.

                                            >"Boom?"

                                            >You blink then giggle at little.

                                            "Yes, precisely. Boom. Big time."

                                            >Focusing you magic through you horn, you grab hold of the crystal next to the collar and levitate it up between you. His eyes focus on the blue shimmering trinket.

                                            "I did manage to get the control charm to work!"

                                            >Some pride makes its way into your voice, you take your victories were you can get them. He mouths an "oh" and stares at it intently.

                                            "Now, it will at least be safe to remove the collar without incident so long as you first deactivate it with this."

                                            >"How does it work?"

                                            >Your smile grows a little.

                                            "It uses a basic lock charm as a base, which activates or deactivates a linked lock just by thinking about it as long as you hold the charm, but I added Clover the Clever's 'sealing word' spell, to add a password of the wielder's choosing that must then be spoken in order to deactivate the collar."

                                            >Pausing, you float the crystal closer to you, gazing deep into its soft glow.

                                            "So, in short, whisper a password into this, then activate the collar using the charm, and when you want to deactivate it, just speak the password while holding the crystal. Simple!"

                                            >You beam, but then quickly frown down at the charm in your grasp.

                                            "Or, it would be simple if I hadn't have had to boost the arcane polarities in the charm in order to successfully link it up to the collar... It caused a small hitch that made it so the corresponding charm on the collar will periodically discharge some of the pent up magic, which will hurt the one wearing it.. A lot... And if somepony attempts to deactivate it using the charm without the password then... Well, uh... Boom..."


                                            >He is still completely enraptured by the charm levitating in front of you.

                                            >"That's really amazing!"

                                            >You can feel your cheeks getting a little warmer as you smile bashfully. Even after years of being a princess, you were still bad at responding to compliments.

                                            "W- well, hopefully it will be one day, once I've managed to fix all the problems with the design."

                                            >He gives you a small, supportive smile, finally tearing his eyes from the charm.

                                            >"Maybe once I'm better, we can work on it together to try and fix it?"

                                            >You feel your heart soar and bleed at the same time, as you are reminded of the long hours you would spend with him researching when he was younger, how proud you would feel over his intellect and eagerness.

                                            >But it also brought the severity of the situation back to the forefront of your mind.

                                            >Your boy... Your little baby boy is sick, and you realize more than ever that it wasn't just the thought of Dinky and their daughters losing him that terrified you so.

                                            >YOU couldn't lose him. He was not just your responsibility, he was your son, your family!

                                            >You lower the crystal charm back onto the table, then pull Hornet into your fore legs, hugging him closely against your neck so he won't see the tears in your eyes.

                                            "I would like that, Hornet. I would like that very much."

                                            >One of his legs makes its way up your back and he meekly squeezes you back as best he can.

                                            >A renewed sense of determination has settled in your chest, and you draw upon on it for strength, finding yourself smiling despite your fears, as you use one of your hooves to wipe away the tears.

                                            >Slowly breaking the hug, he looks into your eyes with a calm certainty in his haggard face. He doesn't say anything, he just smiles that little smile and nods before turning back to inspect the collar.

                                            >You notice Dinky looking over at you, smiling warmly at you two, but her eyes sad and filled with concern, not just for Hornet, but for you as well, probably knowing the pressure you must be under.


                                            >You let your eyes travel over to one of the walls of the room, seeing the spot where you have spent several restless nights this past week. Blackboards, covered with diagrams and equations and noticeboards with papers, pinned onto every inch of surface, depicting even more of the same, and books upon books piled up on the floor like paper pillars.

                                            >Taking a deep, steadying breath, you leave Hornet to tinker with the collar - you trust him to know what he is doing and won't damage it in any way - and make your way over to your 'work space'.

                                            >You let your mind be purged from anything but the task at hoof, arming yourself with calculus and logic as the same numbers you've doggedly recited for days pass through your thoughts once more, relentlessly searching for any possible mistakes.

                                            >These were the magical formulas and theories you have poured everything into for a way to undo your sin.

                                            >These would save Hornet. There could be no mistakes.

                                            >Your eyes scan over the diagram of a pony's body, detailing the vortex of undisciplined use of magic that was now ravaging its natural connection to the arcane fields of the world, practically its soul.

                                            >His soul. Hornet's soul.

                                            >The thought of reducing his very being into math does not sit right with you, pulling you out of your state of cold facts long enough for emotions to flood into you anew. You can't distance yourself from this, no matter how hard you try it just comes back sooner or later. All these numbers and calculations... The more you looked at them, the more they became what they truly were...

                                            >A confession, and a condemnation, of your crime.

                                            >Movement out of the corner of your eye catches your attention. Turning towards it, you see Dinky peering over the same diagram you had been looking at.

                                            >Your breath hitches and your ears press back against your head as you see the look of bewilderment on her face as her eyes dart back and forth across the figures on the chalkboard, before turning to face you.


                                            >"Twilight? What is this? Is this what is happening to Hornet?"

                                            >Your eyes drift to the floor as you slowly nod your head.

                                            "I'm certain of it."

                                            >Dinky turns back to the figures adorning the black tablet, her concern growing as she takes in the information as best as she can. The magic was advanced, even for her knowledge, but the seriousness of it came easy for her.

                                            >"Oh Celestia... I- I don't think I was willing to realize just how bad it would look... This chaos, it's tearing his very core apart... But... These calculations..."

                                            >Fear is gripping her voice, making her words quiver.

                                            >"W- We thought it was maybe some outside force that was affecting him... All the magic energies he would surround himself with daily as he worked... B- But, if these are correct... It's something inside of him that's doing this?"

                                            >She turns towards you again. You try to keep your eyes pinned down, but when she stays quiet you relent and lift your head. Tears are brimming in her eyes, as she stares at you, the desperate fear on her face pleadingly searching for some understanding.

                                            >"Twilight? How do you know this? What is happening to my husband?"

                                            >She's been trying to keep her voice down so as not to alert Hornet or the others, but it was clearly becoming difficult for her as she almost begs you for answers.

                                            >A trembling sigh escapes you, a wave of shame overcoming you... If anyone deserves the truth, it's her... But you can't bring yourself to give it to her... Not completely, not yet.

                                            "When Hornet first... came into my care, he had been exposed to enormous amounts of arcane energy, right into his very being. The magic had been too... unstable and dangerous to tamper with, but there had been no signs of any side-effects for so long... I thought it might have dissipated on its own over time..."

                                            >You give a glance at Hornet before turning to look at the grim reminder that was your diagram.


                                            "But it appears that it has been spreading throughout his body, whether it happened suddenly or if it’s been slowly growing over time, I don't know... I- I don't know..."

                                            >You try to stifle the sob crawling down your throat, but you only manage to make it quieter. Your head falls to hang limply from your shoulders as tears drip from your face to stain the floor between you hooves.

                                            "H- how could I not have known? I should have noticed something... Should have been more thorough... I failed him... This is..."

                                            >'... all my fault...' You finish in your head when you stop the words from leaving your mouth, clenching your jaw shut and fighting a losing battle against the tears. Dinky is quickly at your side, wrapping a hoof around you to pull into an embrace.

                                            >"Ssh... You're doing everything you can, and you have been a wonderful mother for Hornet. You know he loves you."

                                            >She was clearly crying as well, you could hear it in her whispers, but like you, she fought against the sobs, trying to keep quiet for the others.

                                            >Her words may have good intentions behind them, but they are like knives digging into your heart. It's a lie... As a mother and a guardian, you had failed, and it would be a stain on your soul for as long as you lived.

                                            >"Wha- What was it that happened to him? How was he exposed to so much magic?"

                                            >A lump settles in your throat, and you seriously consider just telling her... But you can't. As much as it shames you and how you damn yourself, you just can't tell her yet... Maybe after you fix this, after you save Hornet, it will be easier to tell... And they would be more willing to forgive you...

                                            >You sniffle, then wipe your tears away before straightening yourself up, a focused expression etched into your features.

                                            "Some other time. Now..."

                                            >She seems a bit taken aback by the curtness of your tone, but doesn't say anything after seeing the look on your face, sensing the seriousness of the moment.


                                            >Turning around, you pull yourself from her embrace to look over at Hornet, still tinkering with the inhibitor collar. You furrow your brow and hold your head high, you had waited long enough.

                                            “Hornet.”

                                            >You voice is clear and authoritative, instantly grabbing the attention of everypony in the room, Hornet’s head whipping up to look at you, a surprised and anxious look on his face.

                                            >Calmly meeting his eyes, you put on your best mask of confidence before you continue.

                                            “It is time.”


                                            >You are now standing in the middle of the room. Hornet is standing right in front of you, looking worse than ever, his breathing weak and labored, his legs wobbly but still holding him up, and feverish sweat pouring down his body.

                                            >You hope you haven't waited too long.

                                            >Everything has been prepared as best as it could. You have asked everypony to keep their distance from the both of you. Dinky was looking worryingly at her husband, clearly wishing to be at his side for this, but has complied with your request, standing off to the side together with Spike, who is doing his best to be a source of comfort for her. Pip is standing next to the door, to ensure nopony interrupts you.

                                            >Your focus had to be absolute, with no distractions.

                                            >Hornet looks at you, and you meet his eyes, an unspoken conversation between you for a moment, before he gives you a resolute nod, one you answer with your own.

                                            >The energy builds inside of you. You do it slowly, delicately, diving into your own mind as you go through every incantation for every part of the complex spell.

                                            >The air gets thick with the smell of ozone as your horn begins to glow, becoming brighter by the second, accompanied by a slowly rising crescendo of the distinct melodious hum of magic.

                                            >The first part begins, as you close your eyes and reach out with your magic, peering deeply at Hornet through the ether, to pinpoint the disruption that was harming him.

                                            >You did not have to look for long.

                                            >There, in the arcane realm of the magical strands the connects all life, you come face to face with your sin. A mass of energy in the shape of Hornet, but unlike the energy signature of any other pony, his was a writhing and pulsing mass of chaos.


                                            >And the energy seemed to be broken! Cracks spread all across the mass, like looking at a intricate stained glass window, with new cracks periodically forming. And in the center of his being, a large jagged rupture, the energy around it swirling and thrashing as if in pain.

                                            >A horrible howling, like a distant, angry roar is rushing out of the rupture, further agitating the magical force that is slowly tearing Hornet apart.

                                            >You had never seen anything more terrifying.

                                            >Panic is starting to rise within you. This is worse than you even imagined! You had never seen or read about anything like this before!

                                            >You quickly do your best to quash the emotion and steel yourself. You still had to save him!

                                            >You can feel the sweat forming across your physical body as you begin to focus on the next part, to heal this damage.

                                            >Pulling from every ounce of your magical reserves, you start to weave together the cracks in his essence, tether the lashing energies and find a way to carefully dissipate them so you could mend his magical spirit.

                                            >But for every crack healed, two would take its place and the more you tried to control the chaotic energy, there more it seemed to fight against you.

                                            >Like it was reacting to you. Interacting with it, you swore you could sense something...

                                            >Pain... And rage.

                                            >You couldn't back down though, Hornet's life was at stake.

                                            >'Celestia, give me strength.'

                                            >Digging deep into your very essence and heart of your alicorn powers, you give it all you've got, trying to overwhelm the crazed magic.

                                            >It starts to reel under your assault, the cracks reforging and the pulsating energies contract and grow more still.

                                            >As a sense of elation comes over you, driving you to push harder as you prepare to seal the rupture, you feel something lash unto your magic, pulling and tugging.

                                            >In panic, you try to break off the connection, but you can't!


                                            >You are overcome by pain as you feel Hornet's essence violently pulling at your magic, tearing into you like a crazed animal.

                                            >Suddenly, you hear a loud scream, pulling you back to the physical world.

                                            >When you open your eyes, you are met with chaos. Your horn is glowing in a blinding light, tinting the entire room purple. Lightning is crackling around you, as powerful arcane winds whip around the room.

                                            >Hornet is levitating in front of you, screaming endlessly in pain. There are cracks forming across his body, a white light pouring out of the cracks and his solid white eyes. You can only stare in slack-jawed horror at the sight.

                                            "... no..."

                                            >"Twilight!"

                                            "Spike!?"

                                            >Fighting against the pain, you turn your head and see Spike and Pip struggling against the storm, Spike clawing into the wall, and Pip holding onto the doors. Dinky has her hooves around Spike's neck, holding on for dear life while staring at her husband in terror, tears streaming from her eyes.

                                            >"Twilight! What is happening!"

                                            "I don't know! I- I can't stop it!"

                                            >Hornet's scream grows in pitch as his cracked body starts to lose all of its color. You try desperately to sever the connection, even gripping onto your horn with your hooves, but he won't let you.

                                            >"Hornet!!!"

                                            >Dinky shrieks through the winds. Your eyes burn with tears as you look on your son.

                                            >This wasn't supposed to happen! You were supposed to save him!

                                            "... Hornet..."

                                            >You whisper in shock. Through your connection, you can feel his essence shattering, and with one final earsplitting scream, energy erupts from Hornet like a white explosion.

                                            >You feel yourself being flung through the air, then everything turns black.


                                            >Everything is dark.

                                            >Everything hurts.

                                            >You don't know where you are.

                                            >There is a ringing in your ears, but you can make out some sounds, though they are muffled.

                                            >Your eyes open slightly, your vision is blurry. You think you are in the map room.

                                            >W- What are you doing here? You try to piece your memory together. Something important was happening.

                                            >You can make out the shape of some the thrones toppled over, some broken. Banners and debris from the walls are scattered around the floor and the air is heavy with a thick layer of dust, obscuring your vision further.

                                            >What happened?

                                            >Hornet.

                                            >Some of the pieces are falling back into place, and you feel your eyes tearing up again.

                                            >You try to speak, but it hurts too much.

                                            >More sounds... Sounds like... something hitting against something else... Some grunts of pain and the sound of something metal landing on the floor.

                                            >You are too disoriented to figure out what it could mean.

                                            >Struggling, you slowly manage to prop yourself up on your fore legs, your head spinning.

                                            >Suddenly, something grabs around your horn, forcing a small cry of pain from you as it squeezes around it in an iron grip and yanks your head up.

                                            >"Twilight..."

                                            >Your body freezes up, as a cold shiver runs down your spine.

                                            >That voice... You slowly lift your eyes. Through the dust, a figure emerges, tall, bipedal and naked, looming over you.

                                            >You eyes bulge out and your heart stops as you see his face, for the first time in 18 years.

                                            >He looks just like you remember him, except for the dead, crazed look in his eyes. His knuckles are bruised and you can make out Pip's prone body behind him, helmet gone and his face covered in bruises.

                                            "A... A- Aa-"

                                            >You stutter in complete shock.

                                            >"It's been a long time."

                                            >A cruel smile spread across his thin lips.

                                            "Anon?"

                                            >You finally manage to whisper in disbelief.

                                            >"Hello, old friend. Did you miss me?"

                                            >You manage to catch a glimpse of his hand pulling back before everything goes dark again.


                                            >Everything hurts again.

                                            >You feel like you’re floating down a river, the world around you swaying back and forth, rocking you in its waves as shadows block your vision.

                                            >Trying to move, your limbs feel like they are made out of lead, weighing you down.

                                            >Your thoughts are fragmented, like pieces of a puzzle that should fit together, yet you find yourself unable to make out the picture they form.

                                            >Everything is quiet, except for the sound of soft footsteps against the floor, moving away from you.

                                            >Why are you on the floor?

                                            >The shadows give way to a blurry mist, the small amount of light hurts your aching eyes, piercing through your head like a burning spike. You can make out a tall figure, walking slowly across the room.

                                            >Your eyes starts going in and out of focus, your heartbeat thumping in your own head, until the shape becomes more recognizable.

                                            >Anon?

                                            >He is leaning down over a large shape on the floor… No… Two shapes, bodies…

                                            >Spike is curled up on his side, eyes closed and body unmoving , and in his arms, like a protective blanket, lies the still body of Dinky.

                                            >A sliver of fear courses through you, but your mind and body are too disconnected from you to do anything but blankly observe through the mist and blur. You feel you can almost understand the puzzle of your memories, only for the pieces to drift further apart once more.

                                            >You can’t see Anon’s face as he looks over their bodies. He stands still for a moment, then squats down closer to Dinky.

                                            >As he slowly reaches his hand over to her face, your vision fails you as the shadows return you to drift in darkness.

                                            >You see Hornet... He is being torn apart... The light, the explosion... Anon... How is he back? How is this possible?


                                            >Something coils around your body and you feel yourself being lifted off the floor. It almost feels like you're you’re gliding in the air. Whatever it is that's holding you, its grip is not gentle, crushing down around your body while your head dangles awkwardly, further infuriating the throbbing pain inside your skull.

                                            >You feel yourself being lowered down and placed down against a flat surface, forced into a sitting position as your back presses against something cool and hard. Again, something coils around your body, something soft, constricting around you to keep your limp body upright.

                                            >The pressure against your chest makes it a little hard to breathe.

                                            >A cool sensation brushes around your neck, and it suddenly feels a lot heavier.

                                            >You think you hear a low voice say something, but it's impossible to make out the words.

                                            >The next thing you feel is your body going numb, what little energy you had being instantly drained from you as a strange feeling, like static, pricks along you insides.

                                            >You think you let out a groan, before the darkness becomes even more pervasive.

                                            >It's so cold all of a sudden, drops of icy sweat starting to dot your coat.

                                            >Your throat is dry.

                                            >More voices, more than one... Louder... Still can't make out what they're saying.

                                            >The world suddenly floods back all at once, as lightning shoots out through your body. A weak cry forces its way out your sore throat as the pain overwhelms you.

                                            >As suddenly as it appeared, it goes away, leaving your body to slump forwards, sweat dripping from you as you gasp for ragged breaths of air into your burning lungs.

                                            >You vision slowly clears. The first thing you notice is that you are sitting in what looks to be your throne. You also notice that you are bound against it, pieces of banner cloth tied tightly around you and the back of your seat, preventing almost all movement.

                                            >Everything starts going blurry once more, your consciousness slipping away again.


                                            >Two tiny slaps against the side of your face brings you back to the world. They were not hard, but against your tender, beat up skin, it still stung something fierce. You cough, trying to alleviate some of the pain in your lungs and throat.

                                            >"Wakey wakey, Princess~"

                                            >You freeze up when you hear that voice again. Despite the protests of both your body and your mind, one from pain, the other from fear, you slowly start to raise your head.

                                            >He is standing in front of you once more, you know it should be impossible, but you can't deny what your eyes are seeing. After 18 years... His body is covered by bits of tapestry, the pieces of cloth torn up and draped over him as an improvised tunic or toga, to cover up his lanky body.

                                            >As your eyes are about to reach his face, you pause, cold shivers running up your spine. You try to dig deep, swallowing nervously, to find what courage you can muster, before lifting your eyes the final stretch, to stare into the face of the man you had destroyed, coming face to face with your own sins.

                                            >Anon.

                                            >"Good to see you awake."

                                            >Despite the mirth in his voice, his face is a mask of cold, tranquil fury. His thins lips drawn into a scowl, brows knitted tightly. But the worst part was still his eyes...

                                            >They were so cold and dark. They reminded you of a sharks, eyeing its prey before the kill.

                                            >Wilting under his hard gaze, you turn your eyes away, taking in the destruction of the room. The magical explosion had torn down most of the thrones, a large chunk of the map table had broken off, the doors completely blown out and there were large cracks along the crystal walls.

                                            >Pip is gone, but another guard is standing in the doorway, staring daggers into Anon's back, but not moving from his spot, despite how he is almost trembling with anger at the human.


                                            >You eyes eventually fall on your old dragon friend. He is awake, his scales and spines a little scuffed and bruised, but otherwise he seems okay, sitting on the floor, his face overcome with worry as he looks at you, then down at his arms, Dinky's motionless body still in his embrace.

                                            >Your eyes widen as you notice the gash along the side of her forehead, a trickle of blood going down her face.

                                            "Dinky!"

                                            >You cry out and prepare to teleport yourself out of your bonds as you start to charge up your horn.

                                            >Immediately, you body goes cold and numb again as you feel like the breath was knocked completely out of you, making you gasp and shudder. The cold sweat grips you once more, and you hear Anon tutting you in disapproval.

                                            >"Now now, Twilight. You're not going anywhere."

                                            >Still panting, you look back up at Anon. His cold eyes meet yours, that cruel smile back on his lips, mockingly waving his finger at you, as if scolding you.

                                            >"And no magic. Not that you could do that anyway."

                                            >His smirk grows, showing you his teeth.

                                            "W- What did you...?"

                                            >The words die in your throat as he lifts his other hand, showing the crystal playfully twirling around between his fingers. It is glowing red.

                                            >Your heart feels like it just jumped into your throat, and you gulp in reflex. Your eyes fall to look down at yourself.

                                            >Hanging around your neck is the magic inhibitor collar.

                                            >"Just some insurance. Wouldn't want to have this wonderful reunion be interrupted now, would we? So just sit there and behave, or..."

                                            >His hands slam down against the armrests of your thrones, making you flinch and stare into his eyes with a start as he leans in close to your face, his furious glare drilling into you.

                                            >"I will blow your fucking head off with a thought."


                                            >Through the dripping contempt in his voice, you knew he would not even hesitate for a moment to go through with his threat. Your breath is stuck in your throat as you try to shrink into your throne, trying to fruitlessly move away from his glare.

                                            >You feel yourself tearing up slightly from the fear gripping your body, and you numbly nod your head at him, your voice failing you.

                                            >The corners of his lips curve upwards into that smirk again, but his eyes never leave you.

                                            >A quiet groan grabs everypony's attention as Dinky stirs, her eyes slowly opening to look up at the dragon cradling her.

                                            >"S-Spike? What... What happened to..."

                                            >Her eyes widen, the recent events flooding back to her, as she bolts up into a sitting position. The sudden movement causes her to sway a little, Spike grabbing her shoulders to steady her as she lifts a hoof to her head, flinching when she brushes against the cut on her forehead.

                                            >She eyes the blood on her hoof with concern before looking around the room again in a panic, her eyes falling on you.

                                            >"Twilight!?"

                                            >Her eyes narrow on Anon, glaring at him as he moves to stand next to you, resting his hand on your head, letting his fingers lazily run through you mane.

                                            >"You. I recognize you. You're the alien who used to live here many years ago. Why are you here? What are you doing with Twilight!? And where is my husband!?"

                                            >For a fleeting moment, the smirk on Anon's face falters before he gives a low chuckle, flashing a toothy grin at her.

                                            >"Why, Dinky... He's right here! Don't tell me you don't recognize your husband?"

                                            >He throws his arms out dramatically, presenting himself to her. She eyes him curiously for a moment, her face going from confused, to worried, to horrified, and finally distraught; her ears droop down and her eyes grow wide in disbelief as she moves to stand and take a step closer, but Spike's grip on her shoulders keep her still.

                                            >"Hornet?"


                                            >His face forms into a scowl, a fire lighting up in those dead eyes for a few seconds as he pierces her with his glare.

                                            >”Don’t,” he roars out before his voice lowers to a dark growl, “call me that. My name is Anon.”

                                            >Dinky stares in silent shock at the creature she has known as her husband for years, her mind frantically trying to make sense of this revelation and its implications.

                                            >”H- how…?”

                                            >The words splutter out of her before failing her altogether. Anon’s face returns to that cold, unfeeling smile once more.

                                            >”This is going to be a day full of surprises; all sorts of secrets revealed,” he turns his head to look down at you, “Won’t it, Twilight?”

                                            >”T-Twilight?”

                                            >You flinch at Dinky’s trembling voice, and seeing the tears slowly starting to build in her eyes, realizing how her life is about to turned upside down by the secrets and lies you’ve guarded all these years, you lower your head, the crushing weight of your shame bearing down on you.

                                            >Anon’s hand comes to rest on your head again, stroking roughly across your mane, almost pulling at the hairs; you shudder and flinch at the touch, but keep your head and eyes aimed downwards.

                                            >”Oh, we're going to air a lot of dirty laundry, once the rest of our guests arrive."

                                            >Other guests? What does he mean-

                                            >Almost as if on cue, you can hear the faint sounds of multiple hooves clopping against the crystal floor echo down the hallway, coming closer towards the room. You raise your head to look at the doorway, a sudden, sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.

                                            >"Ah, that must be them now. Seems like the show is about to start."

                                            >Walking past the guard in the doorway, Pip enter the room. His helmet is gone from his head and purple bruises dot the side of his face, a nasty-looking swelling adorning his left eye as well. He scowls at Anon before turning to usher in a group of ponies.


                                            >Your eyes widen in surprise as you see your friends enter to stand next to Pip.

                                            >Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Even the former cutie mark crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, now grown mares of their own, are standing with their sisters. Lastly, Derpy enters to gaze at the chaos.

                                            >As their eyes take in the destruction throughout the room, only to freeze up on Anon, they stare in a mix of shock and horror, seeing the human for the first time in 18 years as he stands next to you, still roughly stroking your mane and staring back at them with that hateful glare.

                                            >“Hello everypony. So good to see you all again, after all these years.”

                                            >He speaks in a dangerously low voice, the words like gravel in his throat. Nopony says or does anything, except for Derpy, who, as soon as her eyes fall on her daughter’s bleeding face, immediately runs over to take her trembling body in her embrace.

                                            >She tries to ask her if she was alright, but Dinky just keeps staring at Anon, not answering as her mother nuzzles her and tries to wipe the blood from her face with her hoof.

                                            >”What? You have nothing to say? Not a single 'welcome back'? How rude.”

                                            >His voice is dripping with venom, his dark eyes trailing across their faces.

                                            >"You all look well..." He spits the words out. As his eyes fall on Sweetie Belle, he lets it linger there and the scowl on his face softens somewhat. "How about you, Sweetie? Still going out with Button Mash?"

                                            >She blinks with a start, her surprise turning to confusion.

                                            >"N-no... We've taken a break from each other... How did you-?"

                                            >"Ah... A shame... Always thought you were cute together..."

                                            >The tone of his voice was a lot softer now, and he had an almost wistful look on his face for a moment. You're a little caught off guard by the sudden change in his demeanor, but are brought back to the now when Apple Bloom speaks up.

                                            >"Anon? Where have ya been? And how did you know about Button and Sweetie?"