Okay... Need... To breathe...

Exhausted, my body collapsed onto the soft patch of grass, taking a long moment to catch my breath after God knows how much training I just did this morning. Must be near the afternoon by now, judging how clear and blue the sky was today. Few clouds in sight. Huh, guess the pegasi must be lazy this morning...

Enjoy the peace while it lasts...

Oh I will. Don't worry.

Grasping the half-empty bottle of soda I used for a pick-me-up, I gulped down the refreshing drink. Ahh. Just what I needed; getting up early and training all by myself in the same morning can take a lot out of ya.

Since Twilight and the others weren't back from their royal trip at the Crystal Empire, something about the Princesses having a meeting with some important figures far from their own kingdoms. I had declined to go, since there was no realy reason for me to join them there. I could've spent all morning in bed.

And yet, I got up, quite early in fact. That new routine Twilight decreed about my sleeping patterns was getting more and more effective. And here I thought I never had to get up early for any reason again.

Heh... That influential mare.

You have no regrets?

Hm? About what?

Sombra clarified, Everything. Your friends, your time in Equestria, your relationship with the Princess?

No, of course not...

It was worth every inch of suffering you also experienced here? From rising from your slumbers earlier towards meeting your end numerous times at the hoofs of enemies who tried to those you cherish harm?

...What are you getting at...?

My mind was suddenly filled with images; memories of times where I almost died for whose I am lucky to call my friends. The Ursaminor, the dragon, the hydra, Queen Bronchitis, King Sombra himself, Sunset Shimmer. All this time I risked my life to protect them, to protect her...

That said, those memories shifted, changing into the more positive aspects I've been through; the times I enjoyed life to the fullest with my friends. Dancing together during Twilight's Birthday, babysitting the Cakes' kids with Pinkie Pie, exploring the sight of Manehattan, Rainbow Dash trying to get me to get into the more extreme parts of life, Rarity and I at Canterlot, myself and Fluttershy helping those frogs find a new home, helping around the farm with Applejack, brotherly time with Spike.

And Twilight...

The image of that mare beaming with the most brightest smile she can manage, purple eyes glittering like stars, incited my own smile to widen, staring into the serene sky while all those memories with her and my friends passed through my mind.

Yes, there was pain, but for my friends, it was worth it every single time.

And if it were to happen again...?

Well, obviously I don't WANT to get hurt. But if it came between me or them, then I think you know my answer.

Sombra remained rather quiet. What, were my internal words too much for him to process?

...We better resume with your training.

...Okay...?

"Stardust, there you are!"

Hm? Oh!

"Spike!" I greeted enthusiastically, pleased to see the dragon again. The lizard was running up the hill. "Welcome back. How was the trip?"

"Oh, it was great. The food there left a taste I can't describe, but that's not important!" Instead of rolling my eyes at Spike's neverending thought process for food - to be fair, humanity can easily share that sentiment - I frowned at the look of urgency and worry on the dragon's features. "Remember what you said about Tirek eventually making his move on Equestria?"

Immediately, my posture straightened, alert. "Yeah...?" Please me tell this dragon was about to say what I hoped he wasn't about to say...!

Gulping, Spike rushed out, "He's made his move."