Stardust Balance

Gah!

Whoa Jesus! Almost collapsed then, and judging from the hard terrain beneath my shoes that was probably inadvisable. I still didn't comprehend how it was, that magic couldn't touch me, but I was still to pass through golden dimensional portals created from magic.

With far more borrowed power of the upper realm than is advised. Give yourself a moment of composure, we wouldn't desire any side-effects to hinder your progress.

Taking deep breaths, I took Starswirl's recommendation, he was the boss after all, and gave myself the opportunity to examine my newfound surroundings. Strong winds brushing back untamed brown hair and gently assaulting my squinted face, thankful yet again for glasses.

Ah, I knew my ears weren't deceiving me. Below my position, fierce water waves crashed against hard rock, finding myself in the center of formations that resembled that of an obstacle course. Towers of stone rose up from the waters and point to the sky, some thin and many more wide. The sky a smoky orange, signalling morning or evening, either all.

Looks like the kind of place Maud would love to explore. I'm guessing you brought me here because Zagreus is close by, Starswirl?

There is an imbalance a short distance from your position. My teacher responded, sounding a bit strained than usual. Although we should likely be patient for a few moments as balance recovers from the excessive force of magic which was utilized to bring you here.

Fair enough. In the meantime...

Ignoring the tears which were prompted from the wind touching my face, I pulled out the gifted device from my black pocket to appreciate the thing yet again. A present from Starswirl upon handing Flash my lightsaber. Something far less deadly; used for bypassing locks than burning an opponent down. Custom designed in sleep metallic blue, purple and gold, emitting a strong cobalt light from the tip.

Not a Keyblade, though I imagine it'd be impossible for me to use one without Discord's help. My heart likely wasn't strong enough to earn its respect. No, something more lighter and useful in this situation, 'cause I imagined Keyblades would be pretty heavy to wield, and I already lacked the upper body strength.

A screwdriver.

Sonic screwdriver, to be far more specific.

And according to Starswirl, back in the human world I had just left, it's functioned with the 'scientific' capabilities of closing wormholes for a brief moment while my mentor completes the rest. In addition, handy for self-defense by shattering the eardrums and disorienting the senses of all opponents, by adjusting the frequencies like any tech expert would... I mean... I knew how to use computers right, if that counted.

Twisting the device my fingers with an appreciative smile, I mentally inquired yet again to my working teacher. Alright Starswirl, were we dealing with a wormhole here, or something else?

Hmm... All evidence points towards something else than the regular unstable magic.

So another foe then, got it. I just hoped it wasn't the corrupted Twilight again-

Though the winds were strong, my ears picked up on flapping wings, snapping his gaze upwards to the trip landing atop the towering rocks. Three certain individuals that incited my surprised glare. "Look what we got here!" The ringleader sneered with utter delight. "A lonely little man all by himself, with no friends to save him from getting his just desserts this time!"

Great, even this clown was belittling my height. My lips curled. "You're one to comment on height, Garble. Those wings compensating for something?"

Yellow eyes blinked. "What...?"

Ah, cartoon innocence. "Never mind. You lack the maturity to appreciate my sense of humour."

That immediately set the overgrown lizard off, his two minions Thinny and Fatty mirroring the imposing gesture with spread wings. The red dragon growled. "You ain't gettin' away this time, Stardust! Nobody's coming to save your sorry butt this time around. Any last words before me and my pals make mincemeat out of ya?"

...You know what? No. No, I refused to be intimidated from the likes of him. Some ill-mannered ruffian teenager who forgets his place and assumes that just because I was seemingly alone, it made me entirely defenseless. I didn't need Balance to take these brainless buffoons on. Let my fists do the talking.

My posture lowered readily. "Even as I am now, you couldn't life a finger on me you sorry excuse for a dragon. It's now wonder your own kind banished you."

Breaking the camel's back.

Their roars of battle followed with his two minions clutching their ears mid-descent from the sonicfied soundwaves penetrating their senses, keeping them at bay long enough. Garble, however, charged downwards with reaching claws and open sharp teeth, narrowly missing me by my one step backwards. Rising, the lean red reptile snarled and made a few swipes, which I, somehow perfectly, managed to block by interlocking my fingers with his in opposition.

Though that wouldn't last forever, the dragon, as I hated to admit it, had the superior strength for the moment in brute force. But I had the brains to win. Managing to free one hand, it made a fist and hurled forward, landing on hard dragon skin.

"Agh...!"

And that distracted Garble long enough for him to smirk gleefully, turning from the next punch wrecking his more vulnerable face, freeing my other hand from his grip and stumbling backwards from the onslaught of punches and kicks aimed directly for his weaker spots; face, wings and lower areas.

And with every hit, I felt more and more empowered. Invigorated. This just felt so good even when it shouldn't.

Yet even Garble managed to recover long enough to swipe with his tail, knocking one arm and prompting my wince, the same arm which held my wounded wrist. Typical. "Tch. No wonder he said not to underestimate you." The dragon sneered, making a jabbing attempt next with his fifth limb.

My body swerved, grabbing the struggling scaly tail and gripping it beneath my shoulder, growling at the resistance. "Zagreus should've known better than to send some delinquent teenagers to do his job." And offered a punch, which Garble blocked.

Inciting a quick stare-down, those beady yellow eye glinting as if the dragon knew something I didn't, a sly grin emerging from unclean teeth. "You've got more enemies than just Zagreus, you know."

What?

Above you!

Starswirl's warning came just in time, forcing me to leap back and release my hold on Garble, dodging the fiery combination of his friend's breaths and prompting the two to land between him, all glaring at me with smug ill-intent. They weren't done; rearing their head back to inhale very, very deeply...

My body rolled to the left, black coat barely being crisped by the edge from the combined flames of my opponents, but they persisted still, forcing me to think fact and leap off the edge of the round rock, gripping unstable stone and barely keeping a grip on, dirt digging into finger and unwashed nail, feeling a near-stabbing sensation with my toes as my boots grinded deep into firm material. Couldn't las long on this, so I didn't.

I jumped.

And jumped again.

Assassin's Creed, don't fail me now! Ignoring the flinches of pain from my body roughly hitting the pointy walls over and over, my face and body was already sweating by the heat those three reptiles were producing in attempt to burn me asunder. Give it some more time, they'll give up in a moment.

A prediction which came quickly, the fat dragon roaring and opting to charge himself at the hapless human clutching on for dear life. Timing and... Now! His head slamming into the wall sounded nothing but painful, but all sympathy was thrown out in placement for self-preservation, running over the dragon's back and jumping off the end, landing rather uncomfortably on cracked ground yet again. Garble and his mohawk friend sneered, choosing next to attack my recovering state in hopes of ending quickly. Oh how mistaken they were.

My hand grabbed the purple dragon's orange hair. "I-" Kneeing his chin harshly. "[BEEP]ing-" Side-stepping Garble's extended claw and uppercutting his own stupid red face. "Hate-" With all the strength I could muster, both dragons found themselves being slammed by the other and sent skidding across the ground in true cartoon-ish fashion, rolling into a heap by the edge of the tiny arena. "Teenagers." Finished with dusting my hands off and picking up the nearby discarded screwdriver.

Starswirl, please tell me this thing was waterproof.

It is. You have a plan of escape?

I do, at the likely cost of killing myself, but rather that than falling at their claws. I couldn't keep up this fight, already feeling the first waves of exhaustion. As if that battle earlier against Nightmare Rarity and the Mane-iac weren't daunting enough, not to mention those basic guitar lessons with Flash. In any case, I needed this thing set up to the frequency of breaking down rocky structures.

...Done. Whatever it is you intend, just be careful.

Pft! You know me by now, teach!

As we conversed briefly, the three idiotic lizards managed to recover and resume their stances around the small area, surrounding me with contemptible identical grins. "Not bad." Garble admitted. "Gotta be honest, Stardust, if you weren't putting up a fight, then this wouldn't be anymore fun. Such a shame I gotta finish this quick; I have a wing massage waiting for me paid by my employer."

...More on that later. "And it's a shame, Garble, you won't be getting any reward of the sort... Save for failing to capture a low human." And my screwdriver pointed to the first rock formation, putting on my own sinister grin.

"Pfft! What are ya gonna do, throw that thing at me?"

I smirked. Hakuna Matata. "That's the problem with teenagers like you, Garble; there's no appreciation for creativity."

The screwdriver hummed.

"No need to look wary." Twilight raised a bemused eyebrow. "You should really smile more often. It suits you. But we're getting off track here; my deal is this: while you're here in Ponyville, living under our roof, we both discover the magic of friendship together, never leaving the other out on what we've learnt from it. That way when you return back to where you're from, you can then make more friends back home and learn to put more trust in others."

The sinking feeling goes deeper. "Twilight... I don't know if-"

"Let me finish." She requested softly, taking notice of my growing agitated state. "It's not as difficult as it sounds, trust me. Think about it; wouldn't life be much more easier if you have more friends by your side? All you have to do is just open up more; consult and care in others, and be sure to lend a hand when available."

"Precisely, I can't do any of these things." I mumbled sourly, glancing at the side to see the glitter of stars appearing as the last layers of the sun were vanishing.

"You won't know unless you try. Having friends by your side to help you is more rewarding than being alone." Twilight spoke in clear determination, standing up beside me, providing some space before extending a hoof, a clear warm smile on her features. "What do you say, Stardust? Ready to start really making friends and learning the power that comes from it?"

...Gah!

"Whoa, hey! Easy there!"

The sound of an object being dropped, feet rushing over and the sensation of two hands firmly keeping my disoriented state still. Vision was too dazed, pain shot up in my right wrist and side of my body, clenching my teeth shut with a sharp hiss. Ow, okay, maybe I shouldn't have moved up so quick and moved around-

Wait... Hands.

Those were hands on my shoulders, not hoofs. I could feel the difference. Blinking quickly, I squinted without glasses at the upper limbs of the person keeping me from hurting myself any further. Black jacket, white shirt, dark blue-

"You?!"

The human counterpart of Flash Sentry smiled sheepishly in response, in VERY uncomfortable distance to my personal space. The natural instinct was to push the boy away from me, but one movement of my right arm incited a wince of hurt. Flash didn't seem entirely fazed by my pure shock, but obviously sensed my distraught and removed his offensive hands off me, rising to full cartoon teenage height and making me look like an ant by comparison, stepping back with a placating gesture.

"I'll take that as a good sign you're feeling alright, at least." And noted my expression and threw his hands in surrender. "Try not to move too much, okay? You were hurt pretty badly."

My first retort would be him not telling me what to do... But something stopped me. Probably the fact that half my brain was clouded in pain, and how ridiculously confused I was at the moment. What happened to me...?

...Oh!

Right, I was running, from a Mother of all Timberwolves. The mother[BEEP]er chased me throughout the forest, my teacher ordered me to jump over a ledge, a bright light encompassed me... So likely I wounded up in this world-

Flash cut me off. "I found you outside, lying in the middle of the street." He grinned friendly to my furrowed brow, motioning to one side of the room. "Your friend here was quick to find some help, he brought me to you." And there was Nightshade, perched with closed eyes atop a wardrobe. He was safe, at least, and that brought some comfort. "I took you home, a doctor came and bandaged your wounds. Heh, scared to think what would've caused them; your wrist looked pretty bad."

Flash's attempt of morbid humour paled to the morbid reality over where I was exactly was. Generic-looking bedroom with a blue bed, rock star posters hung everywhere on the walls, a lava lamp by the side, portraits of friends, a few instruments resting on the side...

...You did this on purpose, didn't you?

We were fortunate that it was Mr. Sentry here whom tended to your state.

That's not what I- Oh, whatever. Was too tired to even begin a rant at this moment.

"How are you feeling?" The bland teenager inquired once he seemed comfortable enough to ask.

It was a fair question, done out of genuine concern. "...I've been better." Was my low confession, thankful at least that my clothes were still on, despite the wraps around my right wrist and hips. Yep, gonna be feeling those for a while. My left hand was well enough to rub my own face in weariness.

"That's good." Huh? A familiar pair of glasses were presented for me. Ah, cheers boy. Now my vision was much better, as Flash then commented in good humour. "You always seem to be a magnet for trouble, huh?"

"Well I-" ...Wait. My eyes snapped to the boy. "You recognize me then?"

"Well the voice is a giveaway." Flash rubbed the back of his head with a knowing smile. "Not to mention everyone in Canterlot High bore witness to your little raving against Sunset and the others a while back."

"...Ah." Really, what else could I say? ...Wait, I knew exactly what to say. "Do they know I'm here...?" God forbid they do... I wasn't in need of any further complications, and if the girls weren't informed already of my departure from home...

Thankfully, Flash shook his head. "I tried calling them, but no answer. I suppose they're busy at that movie studios they've been invited to after saving Camp Everfree. I heard they get to witness the set of the upcoming Daring Do movie in production... Are you alright? Heh, you look like you've swallowed a lemon."

"I'll be fine..." I muttered through grounded teeth, forcing myself not to dwell on any of what Flash just said but the last part. "There's a Daring Do movie coming up?" Daring Do exists here? At the blink and nod, I chuckled humourlessly. "Can't wait to see that bomb. If it's not Harry Potter, an adaptation of a book is doomed to fail... Well, maybe that applies moreso to game movies..." Liked Hunger Games, while thinking about it, though only saw the first movie.

Flash pointed out then with good humour. "Maybe they'll show up in the movie after its release."

"God I hope not." I rolled my eyes. So many privileges those girls could have. "Unless they show up as extras or in the background, you're just asking for a movie to fail if you're hiring people with no real acting experience."

A long, drawing pause. "Well." Flash cleared his throat with an awkward smile. "Glad to see you're feeling well enough to use that snark again." Heh. I allowed him a smirk. "Oh, hope my practicing didn't wake you up earlier. But if you're hungry, I could get you something, if you want that is."

"I'm good thanks." Look at me, having a normal conversation with Flash Sentry, of all people. Under any other circumstances, I would've slapped myself silly... And then slapped him. Slowly rising to stand, I took vague note of the teen's hesitant motion to stop me. "I can't stick around, Flash. I have to keep moving." Wounds be damned.

Despite which, the guitar enthusiast took obvious notice of my flinch from the dull pain to his hip and daring to gently grabbed my lowered shoulders, even when I stood. "You're still recovering. It's a bad idea to move about-"

"It's a bad idea for me to stick around." Was my snappish reply, the boy faltering a little and taking one step back, dark blue shining in uncertain worry. What? Concerned for moi? I shook my head, gritting my teeth whilst attempting to adjust myself, fighting back the waves of pain begging me to sit down. "I can't dwell here, Sen- Flash... I have to continue on my way."

Otherwise this boy will be dragged down with me. And I'm not sure Twilight, Sunset or the others would appreciate that. "Even so." The boy persisted, "You shouldn't push yourself this way. Whatever it is can wait, can't it?"

Wait for these injuries to fully heal? Hell no. If I was in the human world, though, there might be a remedy for dulling the pain. "Got any painkillers?"

Flash paused, eventually lowering his hand and, clearly seeing I was taking no other answer, reluctantly nodded and stated without demanding, "Wait here." And promptly left the open room, leaving me to stand here with terribly ill patience for the moment.

I couldn't stay long. I should leave immediately, while Sentry was distracted... But I couldn't. Any methods to temporarily ridding myself of this pain would serve me with enough time to keep on moving and catch up with Zagreus. I needed the advantage... Maybe I should request a whole bottle of painkillers to take back with me to Equestria.

Only problem was the portal as the only means of returning...

Not necessarily.

Starswirl?

I can bring you back to Equestria with the same means I utilized to bring you here for safety. My teacher responded casually. It would require a strong influence of magic from my realm to even affect you and allow you transportation. The sole price for this borrowed method of power would be-

More imbalance.

...Zagreus must be stopped, Jack, at all costs. With a note of solemn finality. And if you are still willing to see this war end by your hand alone, then the portal outside of Canterlot High must not be your only solution home.

I sighed, faintly grasping my bandaged side. Another reason for the world to be in peril by yours truly, once more... But either that, or endanger my friends personally by having Twilight potentially confine me to my room and never allow me to leave while stuck as this human form... Heh, imagine her reaction to my present state; wounded, unkempt hair, exhausted eyes. Trying to get myself killed in the name of a self-righteous crusade to keep my loved ones safe and protected.

A part of me was screaming, yearning to take advantage of my renewed closeness to the portal and back into Twilight's comforting grasp. See those breathtaking sparkling eyes and protective smile. Anything to be back, safe and sound, with the mare I... Cared for more than life itself.

I needed to leave, and quick-

"Here." Ah, he returns. With some pills in one hand and glass of water in the other. "Try not to swallow them too quickly- Never mind." Look pal, I was in a rush. Flash deadpanned at my immediate actions with the pills and water, for the first time not smiling like a stereotypical gary-stu. "I still think you should lie down and keep resting for a while yet."

"Flash, if I kept doing what other people suggested, I'd get nowhere." Was my oh-so callous retort, setting the half-empty glass down and granting him at least appreciation. "Thanks." Oh, I'm expressing gratitude for Flash Sentry. The world truly has gone to [BEEP], hasn't it?

"No prob." Even Flash must have noticed that, chuckling rather coyly. "At least you're not looking like you're gonna yell at me any second." Oh yeah, keep bringing that up, [BEEP]hole. Oblivious to my scowl - or likely pretending to be - the boy much taller than my current state inquired with a warm grin. "So now what? You gonna go back home?"

"Not likely..."

"Oh... Are you in trouble?"

"In a sense..."

"...You and Twilight fighting?"

"Not quite..." Why was I even indulging this boy to begin with? Just because he saved my life doesn't give him privy access to my lifestory?

But Flash didn't seem smart enough to know when to back off. "Well, something obviously happened. You and Sunset didn't exactly say goodbye on good terms." My expression flinched, and Flash finally noticed my discomfort, raising his hands in a placating nature. "And to find you out on the street, badly injured like that... Well, a guy can't help but worry about his friends, y'know? Even if you don't consider us friends, Stardust-"

"Don't... Call me..."

Just tell him off, Jack. Just tell this [BEEP]tard to leave you alone and allow you to leave. You have no reason to satisfy his curiosity or clear concern. None of this involves him in the least; and as much as I despised this boy for even existing to begin with, there's no reason to endanger his life too. [BEEP], I wouldn't even involve Timber Spruce about this. No one should have to suffer through this situation like I. And to indulge this kid, allow him to get potentially involved with the problem, even if he was simple-mindedly worried out of true perfection to his character?

And Goddammit boy, stop staring at me with those curious wide eyes simply looking out for my wellbeing!

The fact that I couldn't even bring myself to express indignation made it all the more worse, prompting my sigh and turn to the open window, taking note of a few kids playing by a fire hydrant outside the house. I was too tired to even be angry anymore.

"I'm not the same man I was before..." Was all I could muster, hands folded behind me with a solemn gaze to the beautiful day. A day that would be inevitably ruined. "I'm so tired now."

A gentle hand on my shoulder. "You've obviously been through some ordeal." Flash commented quietly, sounding deeply concerned. "Has something happened back in your world?"

"...Too many things." I shrugged, refusing to meet his expression. I didn't have that right. "I've been running for a long time now... Tch, sometimes I wonder if it's even worth the effort."

Why I was even confessing all this to him was a great mystery in itself. But, for some reason or another, a small voice in the back of my head, sounding suspiciously like a certain Princess, answered that I needed this.

"...Running from what?" Flash asked severely. "What could be so dangerous that it would make you flee from the sanctuary of your friends?"

Huh... You were there, Flash, even if you weren't properly acquainted with the [BEEP]tard. "It doesn't matter." I sighed again, barely taking note of my expression in the reflective window. "Nothing else matters anymore..."

The sound of shuffling feet, feeling Sentry's presence right beside me. "What do you mean?" He asked, sounding positively aghast. "What's happened to you?"

And I was THIS close to opening my mouth, and confessing to Flash Sentry, of all people, my troubles and worries and fears-

If it wasn't for the violent shaking beneath him, almost knocking us both over. And the sudden sounds of chorused screaming outside leaking through glass. My body almost hunched over and gasped at the pain the vibrations were directing to my hip.

The shaking stopped, but my legs did not, vaguely hearing Sentry's surprised call after upon my hasty retreat from the room. No, not here Zagreus!

This ends now!

"Rainbow Dash finally learned the history of the Wonderbolts. But she's not the only pony that needed a lesson. I needed to learn something just as important. One way of learning isn't better than another. After all, every pony is unique and individual."

Hah... This was actually helping quite a lot.

That is, rereading all these jotted-down lessons in Twilight's voice or the voices of my friends varying on what the handwriting suggested. Starswirl's recommendation was a good approach, keeping my mind open and fresh without the hammering reminder how utterly alone and without protection I truly was for the time being.

Sitting on a lovely small park bench, my posture was that of a regular human being happily reading a book. A book which became the result of everyone's wonderful contributions. Twilight was right, each lesson was equally as important as the last, and none should be disregarded just because it didn't stick home with you. It was rather fun reciting all these read statements in my head in the tones and images of those six mares and one dragon.

...I missed them.

Like, terribly so...

I missed Pinkie's cheerful offer of cupcakes.

I missed Rarity's criticism of my choice of fashion and hairstyle.

I missed Applejack's dedication to effort and reward.

I missed, dare I say it, Rainbow's prideful showing off.

I missed Fluttershy's kindness and willing to hear my worries.

I missed Spike's heartwarming presence and childish enthusiasm.

I missed flying kites with Starlight.

Most of all...

I missed everything about... Her.

"For as long as I wear this ring, I vow as the Twilight Warrior not to engage in anymore danger headfirst without help from my friends. My family." Twilight gasped, and I grinned rather cheekily. "My love for them and the amazing Princess of Friendship is too much for me to let them suffer because of my own mistakes. This ring is a symbol of my promise to obey the wishes of my flawless Princess, and for as long as I stay human, it will never come off."

Eyes strayed from the book to the ring firmly wrapped around my fourth finger, having never been removed even taking that bath earlier... Yeah, once a hypocrite. Always a hypocrite. Never understood how Twilight ever tolerated my bull[BEEP].

Then again, I suppose she never had either-

"Why is Rarity even there to begin with?!" What now? My head snapped in the direction of my friend's name, brief panic settling before cooling at no sight of the unicorn fashioner. Instead, two unicorns, bright yellow and steel grey, from a nearby bench were conversing amongst themselves with their own copies of the journal in hoof. One sounded dreadfully snobbish. "How can those ponies deal with such a snobbish brat like her?"

...What...?

"I know dear!" Another replied with just as much disdain, rolling her eyes. "It's painfully clear how much she prefers to look out for herself and has no place among their circle of friends. It's absurd how much they tolerate her; those ponies are far too lenient for their own good!"

What the [BEEP]...?!

"And don't get me started on that tedious Fluttershy!" Okay, what was this?! Was this real life?! Was this just fantasy?! "How many times has it taken for her to finally grow a backbone and stand up for herself? The way she just lets ponies walk all over her and having to rely so much on her friends almost makes her completely useless, wouldn't you say?"

Useless? My jaw fell slightly agape, unable to comprehend these ridiculous equines spouting [BEEP]. Fluttershy was never unreliable, the [BEEP] were they talking about? What you expect one pony to completely change their personality in one day? The shyness and hesitation was part of her charm, for Christ's sake!

And what's this nonsense about Rarity? That mare was arguably the most generous and hard-working of the lot, right next to Applejack. She's never been snobbish or a brat. Sure her posture could indicate as such, but Rarity has an elegant form of speaking and taking action. That doesn't make her self-entitled.

But the two nearby ponies kept talking as if they knew everything about my closest friends. "How about that Pinkie Pie character, then?" Oh boy, this should be good. "Poor pony, they clearly just keep her around for comic relief."

Comic reli- Okay, Pinkie was eccentric and rather the clown of the group at times, but there's far more to her character than just being there for [BEEP]s and giggles!

"Even her own lessons have a touch of humour to them. Perhaps they're trying too hard and working that Earth Pony to death with all the fun they can squeeze out of her!"

Oh come on! Pinkie's lessons weren't any less valid-!

"Hmm? Don't let me begin on these lessons written from the Princess's assistant." My blood froze, eye twitching at the very insinuation they were about to make. "Spike, was his name? What a waste of space that one is, he never does anything and just sticks around to keep everyone from appreciating the more important ponies!"

"Oh, I agree! What does he ever do? That dragon causes more harm than good, and the lessons written here by that atrocious hoofwriting were bred from his selfish gestures. Don't allow me to start on that creepy little infatuation he has to an adult mare way out of his league."

"Well, considering how useless Miss Rarity can be at times, one might say they're already the perfect couple. But regardless, it is rather appalling how often that mare leads the dragon on to suit her own selfish agendas-"

Right, that does it!

You can take pity on Pinkie!

You can grossly exaggerate Rarity's character!

You can criticize Fluttershy's approach to things!

You could call Applejack a background character, Starlight a waste of space, Rainbow egotistical or even that Twilight was better as a unicorn!

But I will not stand here and listen to these ungrateful arses talk [BEEP] about my son. Slamming my book shut, I didn't even care that I was stomping away with the walking posture of a standing human being. Nightshade, on my shoulder, equally held my incredulous disdain to these ponies. Who were they to judge Spike?

He's a kid for God's sake!

Sadly the criticism hardly stops there.

I dreaded to imagine how...

This beginning was perhaps the very most epic, heart-pounding, intense, grueling call of battle I have ever participated in my entire life.

And by that, I mean of course the two girls firing magic and swiping claws, and myself batting away their assaults and relying on sheer luck to see me through. Luckily Nightshade managed to escape before he could get endangered by any of them. Zagreus had decided to just up and leave, allowing Sunset and Twilight to do as they please and deeming them more than enough to deal with me.

I'll pursue him after I'm done with the two myself.

My legs kept leaping backwards, side-stepping and dancing with no grace at all from the repeated assaults and both gleeful and frustrated demons. Sunset looked all too happy, baring those razor transformed teeth with a malicious smile, whereas Twilight was... Expressionless, and I had to wonder if it was the same Twilight I encountered back at the Tower.

It is indeed the very same one. But right now, focus on delaying their assaults until we can find advantageous ground.

Right. I was far from confident about my victory today, being forced back across the empty valley where water would typically be between two forests. My humming lightsaber - designed for burning rather than cutting - whirlied around with all the skill of araving lunatic, just barely managing to block any attacks the two made-

I flinched, hissing back from the intense pink light bouncing off my vertical blade protecting both face and chest, followed with the azure weapon being grasped by the blade from Sunset's claws. Said transformed teen barely seemed bothered by the face her palms and fingers were smoking from the touch, simply growling into my face with hungry cerulean orbs. In retaliation, I pushed back and swung, the teen immediately leaping back and letting Twilight make the next move.

I should be fighting back, attacking instead of constantly defending myself and thinking up ways of defeating them both... But I couldn't.

I just can't... And Zagreus obviously was aware of this fatal flaw. Sick twisted [BEEP]tard was making me fight two alternate of very special girls to me, probably believing there was some irony should I fall by their hands.

There was a tactic with how these were combatting against me, I noticed. Twilight was going for attacking from a distance with magic, whereas Sunset was all too happy taking things up close with glowing red claws, giving each other time to attack while the other recovers. A part of me suggested redirecting Twilight's next attack into Sunset, but either because that idea was so reluctant to my emotions or I just suck at using a lightsaber, the blade bounced off the magical beam elsewhere instead, creating another dent in the valley wall.

Stalling for time won't provide any favours for us, Jack. Zagreus is counting on your hesitation for his victory.

Hey if you've got any ideas which don't involve laying a single hand on these two and ease my conscience, I'm all ears-

Agh!

My breathing inhaled through gritted teeth, the lightsaber brushing against my robed arm carelessly, another self-sustained injury added to the chalk board. The two demons reacted by my own error, Sunset grinning wickedly with dark amusement, whereas Twilight - whom I refused to call Midnight - furrowed her brow. Quickly regaining myself, I raised my blade for the next defense against whatever they had planned next-

And the lightsaber bounced swiftly off my hand, the deactivated hilt rolling across the ground feet away from Twilight's precise attack... Huh. My eyes whirled to and from the hilt to the girls, immediately calculating the distance and how quickly I might be able to retain the weapon. But Sunset landing on the ground before me imposingly, her fist glowing red dangerously and wicked teeth informed my body to take a few steps back in retreat instead, slowly obliging my apprehensive mind.

Was I scared? Oh very.

Did I see anyway out of this? Unless I can reach my weapon in time, not likely-

Huh...?

My back hit something pointy from behind, a small shadow above covering up to the toes in my black boots. A split-second of looking upwards informed of what was blocking any presentable exit. A dam. A Goddamn dam. [BEEP]ing fantastic. I was going to die in front of a dam. I could already hear Rainbow Dash laughing her arse off.

The demonic Sunset raised one fist, opening it to a palm and beginning to muster up the magical energy for an orange and red fireball aimed in my general direction. My own hands clenched shut, mind going into panic mode as I searched for any means of escape. I don't think climbing up the dam made of sticks will save me from this in time.

You're forgetting one advantage, my student.

Yeah? Remind me, my mind's all over the place at the moment sorry...

But Twilight answered my invisible teacher for me. "Wait! Magic can't touch him, remember?"

...Oh yeah!

Sunset scoffed, her eyes rolling to the side where the purple demon hovered. "And what exactly were you trying to do just now?" She asked with ill-disguised scorn as the magic died out in obligation. "You used nothing but magic at him!"

"I was attempting to disarm. And it worked at least!"

"Tch, yeah, after five hundred attempts. Tell you what, you sit back and let me deal with your alternative boyfriend over here, since you can't seem to bring yourself to hurt the little man even at that tower."

Okay, their convenient squabbling was giving me more than enough time to quickly deduce something. My eyes darted around the area, making note of the fact I wouldn't be able to scale up the wooden sticks behind or dirt slope grounds to my sides. I was trapped down here, and my ears could pick up on the sound of water carefully balanced on the other side of these sticks...

...Oh!

That might work... Though at the cost of A. Drowning. And B. My ruptered ear getting a million times worse because of it. It was a known fact I couldn't swim, but which seemed preferable right now?

Dying at their hand and making them regret it for the rest of their lives, or potentially - perhaps certainly - drowning from a rush of water going down this valley to God knows where...? Should I flip a coin?

"At least I was successful in taking away his toy. You've just been swiping claws at him like a babaric animal. If you're going to finish him off, make the attempt of acting professional about it Sunset."

The red demon with flaming hair hissed contemptably towards the other. "If you're so impatient why don't you finish him off?" Silence, and Sunset rolled her round cerulean eyes. "That's what I thought. Now be quiet, and let me do what that pony demanded of me." And turned her attention towards me with a sickening smile. "Any last requests, little man, before I finish what was started back at that lake?"

...Hakuna Matata.

"And here I thought you had pride, Sunset." I forced myself to sound casual, leaning back rather comfortably despite the uncomfortable sticks prodding into my back, head and legs. "Isn't that why you ran away from Celestia to begin with?"

"You're one to talk." The demonic version of my friend snapped. "You're running away from everyone who cares about you under the fall guise of keeping them safe. Once I'm through with you, they'll all be next... Starting with your special Princess."

I shrugged as opposed to retaliating heatedly. "Fair enough. Tell me, do you think Celestia remembers?"

"Remembers what?"

"How much of a failure you are."

A dead silence. You could hear Twilight's small gasp from the very big risk I just made commenting that. Even my hands and neck produced goosebumps from the terribly claimed move made just then against this growling demonic pony. One thing about knowing a good friend was knowing what right, or wrong buttons to press.

And judging by her expression, I pressed the right one... For me, anyway. Twilight's warning of "Wait, don't!" Came far too late.

Duck!

Starswirl made the right call, inciting my body to follow through with that command after the reddened first sailing right towards my face, hitting exactly where it was intended. And with all the magical force placed into that fiery clenched hand, it should be more than enough to begin Operation Escape The Demons. The wall of logs and sticks began to crack from the pressure and sheer bruth strength, Sunset's widened eyes shifting from outrage to dawning comprehension, meeting my wry grin and mirthful eyes.

See you in Hell, my dear.

My vision was encompessed then in complete water, oxygen and clear sight cut from the sheer force and magnitude threatening to collaspe my body under the pressure. My back flung forward, spinning around and around as though being hit by a mini-tidal wave. My arms waved frantically, reaching for any signs of surface.

And promptly pulling me up.

Bleh!

My mouth coughed loudly, forcing out the water which managed to gain access to my mouth. But even so, my body was being pushed back from the growing currents proceeding down the newly-made stream. Poor beavers, I'll apologize to them if I ever got the chance. My breathing became much more shallow, struggling slightly to compose myself in light of the present circumstance.

And from above, I noticed Twilight's backside searching around for any signs of, presumably, myself or Sunset. Speaking of whom, no sight of her either. I'll be concerned by that after I've found something to hold onto before the waters carry me all the way to the ocean... Or much worse.

Regretfully, you may be facing the latter.

Oh don't tell me, giant waterfall up ahead?

Indeed.

Pointy rocks at the bottom?

Much likely.

...Bring it [BEEP].

"COWERBUNGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...!"

Alright... This seems like a good spot.

Another chill passed through me as my body rested beneath the tree with rapidly falling leaves, the marks of Winter spreading through this area. Red leaves scattered, but enough shade above to provide some shelter as I took a long breather from a daunting walk. Morning was already shining above the horizon, and my eyes itched from exhaustion.

Couldn't sleep yet though... Not until I was certain I was far enough...

Setting my duffel bag beside me but at close proximity, my mouth sighed deeply, fingers feeling somewhat stiff and further wrapping the gown around myself, the chilly frost beneath my shoes and bosom doing little to assist. A short break, that's what I'll take. It's been quite a long walk since my departure from home... What time was it anyway...?

Eight fifteen in the morning, Jack.

So I've walked for around eight hours since leaving huh? Impressive, even for me... And my growling stomach only affirmed this point, yearning for good food. My body shuddered again, and not simply from the cold.

I could do with some breakfast right now.

And just like that, a white wrapped paper appeared in my lap, the contents within radiating enough heat to keep my front body warm and toasty, grease touching my investigative hands. My suspicions were confirmed upon opening the paper, revealing some well-known delicious food made from experts. Chinese experts, in fact.

Mmm, it's been too long...

Thanks Starswirl.

Simply looking out for my student. And the ancient unicorn added from there while I chowed down on chippie for breakfast. Although I'm certain the Princess of Friendship would hardly tolerate such consumable as a suitable beginning meal.

Yeah, well, you're talking to the guy who drink coke at six in the morning as a substitute for coffee. Couldn't stand coffee, so sue me if I had to make do. Twilight can complain among countless other things after I return, except not for a very long time.

A very, very long time...

...How far are we from home, Starswirl?

Hmm... Roughly a safe distance from your friends locating us right off the bat. Came a moment's answer. In the direction we're taking, it would take them quite some time in following our trail. As of now, we're nearing the mountain from the opposite side of the Crystal Empire, towards a small isolated village.

Meaning, best stick to this path before Shining orders his own guards to join in the inevitable search for me. I'm not sure the stallion would be too happy about what I've now done to his sister after making a valuable promise-

What the-?!

My eye caught the movement from the corner, the medium-sized bag suddenly shifting as though something was squirming in it. Immediately, I placed the bag of warm chips down and set to open the travelling storage item, letting whatever snuck inside to get some air. And quickly leaning back in stunned disbelief by the body immediately poking out with tiny eyes and an expectant disposition.

"Hoo!"

...How did I not notice him for eight hours? "Nightshade?" Outwardly expressing my earnest incredulity, and who could possibly blame me? I don't recall the own ever sneaking into my bag when I was so careful in packing last night. The nocturnal bird simply blinked in return. "What are you even doing here? Why were you in my bag?"

"Hoo!" The young owl made a gesture as though it was obvious, hopping himself out of the bag and onto my thigh, continuing to gaze up with a meaningful look.

I frowned. Well, whatever he was going to try, I wasn't to be dissuaded. "Go home, Nightshade." Because the last thing I needed was the owl, too, becoming an easy target of my ultimate foe. "You're much safer there." He blinked in false innocence, prompting my eye roll. Like he wasn't inteilligent enough to understand me. "I mean it Nightshade, this isn't a road you can accompany me with."

Another long stare, before Nightshade seemed to make a decision, forcing my head to lean away somewhat by his newfound position on my shoulder, brushing up features to my left cheek as though reassuring me. "Hoo."

It appears our young friend has picked up his owner's stubborn tendencies, and refuses to allow you to confront this danger alone.

My first response was a huff, shaking my head in disbelief. Great, now the owl's picking up on the worst traits of Twilight and I. My gaze lingered on the blinking night bird for a long moment, conflicted about this. Indulge him, and endanger his life in my crusade to stopping Zagreus forever? Or scare him off into returning home, where it's much safer? And yet, the second option incited a pit of despair in my stomach, the idea of scaring away an old friend far less than appealing.

Or maybe I simply didn't want to be too alone...

My lips thinned, exhaling slow air before picking up the greasy bag again, not wanting the chips to get cold before I'm finished. Nightshade eagerly accepted the offered meal, nibbling the chip sticking into his beak and prompting my fond smirk at the cute sight. "You have absolutely no intention on leaving, do you?"

"Hoo!"

"Well, that figures." I suppose someone aside from Starswirl had to keep me company, in case any danger was around to my ignorance. Of course, I was in danger right now the further I strayed away from home, into the open and easy pickings for the mad pony bent on universal extermination. But young Nightshade here could come in handy for keeping watch while I slept at night.

Regarding the opened other bag, I sighed again and reached out, not wanting anything in to spill from the contents within before something stuck out, a corner of a small photograph demanding to be pulled. My hand froze, carefully grasping the tender item and pulling the small photo towards me, the sight upon it causing my breathing to slow somewhat, wondering why I even did that to myself.

Are you sure you've made the right decision?

...I don't think it's a matter of 'right' anymore, Starswirl. Moreso of necessity and for the sake of keeping these people in the photo safe. I knew for a fact that they weren't Zagreus' current target; that honour belonged to me. And so long as I stayed there, I was only endangering them with providing little assistance and no longer having the magical means of stopping that monster in his tracks.

No Balance.

No physical strength.

No brains or cunning.

Just wits and a lightsaber.

...Which only burns people.

I'll just have to make do.

...No teacher, it wasn't the 'right' choice to make, but it was the needed one. I know those girls; they'll do everything in their power to keep a dear friend safe at the cost of their own. And my life was far from worth that. Zagreus was, is and always will be my opponent. My responsibility. My mess to clean up. They stood no chance, and I wasn't allowing them to be dragged down with me. The Elements nor magic of friendship could save them from my own folly.

If I died before confronting him, then all was lost.

...What do you intend to do then? He sounded neither judgemental nor resigned, thankfully, but accepting and patient. Sitting up, careful not to scare the owl off my shoulder, I gave Nightshade another chip before mentally answering.

For now, walk, walk and keep on walking, eventually wait for Zagreus to come find me. I was a walking magnet of imbalance myself; my own being here an instability against the reality of this universe. He'd be drawn to me, especially without the presence of my best friends around to defend me. Inevitably, a showdown between us will finally occur, and I'll have to prepare myself for anything he tries.

Especially when two demon versions of my best friends are beside that walking abomination.

In the meantime, just continue going down the path I was currently taking, leading me to some palce of refuge for a short rest and to catch up on much-required sleep. Haven't napped at all since my last goodbye to Starlight. Speaking of which, the more I dwelled on it, the more it stunned me that Starlight never really made any attempt on preventing my leaving last night. It wasn't like her to do this...

She sensed your conviction. Your desire to keep your friends safe and happy at all costs, and knew persuading you last night was non-existent. Personally, I had believed Miss Glimmer would have insisted first on accompanying you down this daunting journey.

Tch, nah! Nightshade was more than enough when it comes to putting my friends at risk. Starlight had the responsibility of keeping Twilight from doing anything reckless because of my sudden departure.

The image of Twilight predictably panicking and flailing around all over the castle prompted my small smile and misted eyes, heaving another sigh while gently placing the photo of myself and my friends back into bag... Although taking another long look at it first.A recent one, consisting of my pony self, Twilight, Spike, the mares and a nervously grinning Starlight being pulled into a group embrace between Twilight and I.

All happy.

All acting as though nothing was ever wrong.

All peaceful.

All... Deserving of a happy ending.

...Thus strengthening my resolve to end this matter quickly.

With the white paper of chips finished, Nightshade evidently picked up on my feelings and comfortably placed himself back in the bag, only his head popping up and obviously wanting to keep himself warm from the blasted weather. I slid the bag around my right shoulder and nodded, looking back to the direction I was first heading towards.

Alright... Next stop, wherever the road takes me. And hopefully, to Zagreus.

And as I walked, I tried to ignore every step sending wave after wave over pangs of regret and the yearning to see my family again.

And of course, considering the spirit of today with everyone just straight up enjoying themselves, and the atmosphere of the universe around us, certain things couldn't simply be done without the use of a song number. And I may regret later teaching Pinkie these exact lyrics... And everyone else soon joining in.

"I'll pile on the candy,

It's such a pretty sight.

It makes the food taste dandy,

But my tummy hurts all night!"

Following Pinkie's verse with the pink pony in question mixing up some batter, Spike decided to pitch in, that more childish side to him being brought out to the fullest today. The dragon in question was helping the mare with adding the eggs.

"I'll put in some ingredients.

But keep the rest for me.

I'm not just disobedient,

I'm careful, can't you see?"

Twilight and Rarity took the next verse, the two currently inspecting the first layer of the cake in the oven. Apparently some magic in the world lets you automatically learn the lyrics of a song before ever hearing them. But what can ya do? Both their voices sounded lovely and elegant together.

"It's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake, if the way is hazy!

You gotta do the cooking by the book. You know you can't be lazy!

Never use a messy recipe, the cake will end up crazy!

If you do the cooking by the book, then you'll have a cake!"

Starlight and Fluttershy, carefully weighing the next batch of flour together, dropped in the next lines with flawless timing. I was really impressed by the coordination in baking and spirit together.

"We gotta have it made!

You know that I love cake!

Finally it's time to make a cake!"

The kitchen was overflown with food appliances, discarded and laid-out ingredients, everyone working together in unity to design the perfect friendship cake. Earlier when that very proposal emerged from my mouth, Pinkie didn't waste a second in dragging me down to the kitchen with everyone else, the thought of us all baking some massive expression of our bonds tickling her excited side... Although to be fair, anything would tickle that side of hers.

Speaking of Pinkie, she happily accepted the next verse.

"Making food is just like science,

With tools that blend and baste!

And every fun appliance,

Gives the food a different taste!"

Finally, Applejack and Rainbow had their turn, the farmer and Wonderbolt currently mashing together their own layer for the cake without much care. Of course, Applejack was doing the effort of being precise, whereas Rainbow was adopting her typical approach of 'mash everything at once and see what pops up.' I had to grin and shake my head at their antics.

"It's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake, if the way is hazy!

You gotta do the cooking by the book, you know you can't be lazy!

Never use a messy recipe, the cake will end up crazy!

If you do the cooking by the book, then you'll have a cake!"

If someone told me, a very long time ago, I would be joining with seven magical ponies and a talking dragon in a musical cover of a song from Lazytown, I would probably slap you. I was tempted to just 'Robbie Rotten' it and sit back, enjoying the show. But alas, the pleasant atmosphere and... Well, fun of it all incited me to add in the next lyrics alongside Pinkie.

"We gotta have it made!

You know that I love cake!

Finally it's time to make a cake!"

What was I doing from all this, you ask? Why, tending to the marzipan, of course! Love me some marzipan, this will be the greatest cake ever, to Pinkie's inevitable quoting.

Now, everyone joined in the final verse.

"We gotta have it made!

You know that I love cake!

Finally it's time to make a-!"

And Pinkie.

"You gotta do the cooking by the book."

And everyone again.

"Cake!"

"Woohoo! This will be the greatest cake EVER!"

What'd I tell you-?

And not two seconds did Pinkie proclaim this, that the whole room suddenly exploded in batter. My body immediately shuddered at the cold yellow substance suddenly sticking to my hands, finger and face, never mind my own hair. And a sheepish Rainbow Dash proceeded to call out one singular summary.

"Oops."

...And the next explosion within the room was laughter. I mean, come on, like anything else was expected to happen.