Mare Do Well Meets Her Match Finale

Mare Do Well Meets Her Match

An MLP: Friendship is Magic Fan-Fiction

Finale: A New Hope Arises

A few hours later…

The sounds of celebration are heard all over the ruins of Distopia. Troops were running about, happy that it’s finally over. It isn’t just Distopia that’s showing signs of celebration. All over Equestria, reports come in that ponies all over are celebrating. The skies are blue once more, life slowly returns to the planet and many far and wide are cheering in victory that Discord has been defeated. Hearing the armies cheer and celebrate causes Rob to awaken. He shakes his head before looking around. He sees the others nearby, exhausted due to their efforts in purging their world of chaos.

“How long were we out?” He asks himself.

Someone nearby replies, “You’ve been asleep for quite some time. Hours, in fact.”

Rob turns around to see Princesses Celestia and Luna, restored once more. He’s shocked to see them again but his feelings change immediately to concern.

Celestia catches onto this and says, “Is something wrong? You seem troubled.”

“Yeah, there is. Are you angry over what all of us have done?” Rob replies, nodding before speaking.

“I have thought about this. Although your friends have done wrong, I can’t count your out of it. You also must take responsibility for what happened,” explains Celestia.

“I know. We made some really bad choices,” Rob replies.

“But after seeing how the seven of you defeated Discord and saved Equestria, I feel that there is hope for you, especially them,” She says, looking toward the Mane six who are still resting.

“Sister and I are proud of you Rob. Proud that you all saved Equestria and defeated Discord,” Luna praises.

Rob blushes for a bit and responds, “Thanks. I mean that, but I feel that words aren’t enough here.”

Before he says anything, Twilight and the others awaken. They see Rob already awake but also notice the Princesses nearby. Worried of what they’ll do, the six veer away a bit. Twilight becomes afraid due to having suffered the humiliation of being expelled as Celestia’s student. This is what worries Rob greatly.

“Twilight Sparkle,” says Celestia, “I know that you are upset but I did what I had to do.”

“Yes,” Twilight replies, “I know Princess. I… no, we want to say sorry for what we’ve done. Not just to Rainbow Dash, not just to Rob but also everyone.”

“I admit my folly on it too. I only did the Nova stunt to teach you six a lesson in humility,” Rob confesses, “But I had no idea my actions ended up hurting all of you.”

The others agree as well. Even Rainbow Dash confesses to her faults in all of this. It’s what Princess Celestia has known all along. All seven have contributed to Equestria’s descent into chaos along with their shattered friendship. Each of them suffered in different ways. Rob Stallion with his death, Twilight expelled by Celestia herself, her friends banished from entering Canterlot and their friendship coming to an end. But six months passed. Rob returned from beyond the grave, reunited his family and together, they defeated Discord and saved Equestria.

“I am proud that all of you are admitting your faults, Twilight and Rob especially,” approves Celestia, “You all have learned an important lesson not only on humility but also on how actions lead to consequences.”

“Yeah,” Rob agrees.

“Looks like this is our friendship report for ya right princess?” asks Applejack.

“Not exactly,” She replies, “You all still have to write a friendship report telling me what you’ve learned from all of this. Do I make myself clear?”

Everyone looks at the Princess and say, “Yes Princess Celestia.”

“Very good. Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia says, looking at Twilight.

“Um… yes,” Twilight asks, acting nervously.

“I have listened to your apology and I feel that I… should apologize for my actions. I felt that expelling you has been the worst decision I’ve ever made. It has eaten away at me because I hurt you in the worst way possible,” She explains, trying to be composed.

Twilight says nothing and nods at her. She still has the memory fresh in her mind.

“I don’t know if you want to do this but Twilight… I want you to become my student again,” Celestia offers.

Twilight looks at her and replies, “Really?”

Celestia nods and clarifies, “I feel that you have learned a great deal. This shows that you have continued to learn the true value of friendship even when the whole world is against you.”

“I know,” She agrees, “It’s what you always taught me Princess. I never forget all your lessons.”

She smiles seeing Twilight’s positivity. It’s enough to make her shed a tear. The others stand by her friend as Celestia makes her announcement clear.

“Then it’s official. Twilight Sparkle, I hereby welcome you to be my student once more. Your expulsion is now null and void. As for your friends, the ban I’ve placed upon them has been lifted,” Celestia announces.

Rob sees Twilight and her friends happy once again. All the pain and suffering they went through is now a distant memory. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem happy. Something has been gnawing inside him but he doesn’t want to tell his friends. Luna notices Rob walk away but doesn’t say anything. She turns to see Twilight and the others happy that things are back the way should be. But then all of them see the Elements of Harmony, now stripped of their color and power.

“We really gave it our all didn’t we?” Twilight asks her friends.

“Uh huh. Their color’s gone,” Applejack replies.

“It’s no big deal everypony. The elements will be back to normal right?” Rarity inquiries, but she sees everyone silent.

“Rarity, not to offend but it’s not that simple,” Celestia explains, “You all used the Elements of Harmony to purge the chaos from Equestria. As a result, they no longer have their shine.”

“So how long until the Elements of Harmony are back to normal,” Rainbow Dash asks.

Celestia takes a deep breath before answering, “About a couple hundred years.”

Everyone was speechless after hearing the princess. Before anyone says anything else, Pinkie notices something’s off. Someone is missing.

“Um guys? Where’s Robbie?” Pinkie asks. Everyone looks around to find out that he’s gone.

But the sound of someone heading off catches all of them off guard. They look to see Rob (who has gone Nova) flying into the sky. Seeing him leave has the six worried. The princesses look in concern but Celestia notices something next to the other Elements. She gets a look to see that Rob’s Element of Harmony shattered into two halves.

“I see,” Celestia whispers, “That’s why.”

“Something wrong Princess?” Twilight asks her.

Celestia explains, “I want all of you to look at this.”

The Mane 6 gets a look to see Rob’s Element of Harmony split into two. No one knows how it came about. All they know is that Rob has the answers but he flew off for parts unknown. Pinkie becomes distraught by this and runs off to find him.

“Pinkie,” pleads Twilight, “Where are you going?”

Princess Luna replies, “Let her go Twilight.”

“Why? What’s going on?” Twilight asks.

Twilight sees the two princesses not saying anything else. Her friends are the same, being silent. All of this causes her to shake her head and figure out what’s going on.

Celestia looks at her and says, “Do not worry about it Twilight. For now, we should focus on rebuilding Equestria.”

“Don’t worry about a thing Twilight. Let’s meet up with ya brother and celebrate,” Applejack suggests.

“You’re right,” Twilight says, agreeing, “We’re heading off Princess. It’s time for all of us to celebrate.”

The five then bid their farewells to the princesses before heading on their way. Outside the castle, every pony continues celebrating. Shining Armor simply sits on the ground and watches. He’s happy that all of this is finally over. But then he notices something coming this way. It’s Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Smiling, he heads to where they are and he hugs his sister. The two are reunited again, only this time it’s on better terms.

“I’m proud of you Twliight. I really am,” says Shining Armor, “You guys did it. You all defeated Discord.”

“Yeah but we couldn’t do it without… him,” Twilight replies, feeling down.

“What’s wrong?” He replies, but notices two ponies missing, “Oh, I see.”

“Robbie flew off to who knows where and Pinkie went off to find him. Ah only hope they’ll be here for the big party,” Applejack explains.

“I wouldn’t be worried. We have plenty of time to party right?” Rainbow Dash responds. Everyone looks at her with mixed looks.

“Rainbow Dash, I appreciate your enthusiasm,” Rarity says, “But we have no time for that. We need to rebuild Equestria.”

“Rarity’s right guys. All of us here have a job to do. Let’s find everypony and get to work,” Shining Armor suggests. His sister and friends agree with nods.

Shining Armor gets to work gathering anyone he can find. Twilight and the others also assist but notice some of the generals like Big Mac and Trixie also joining in. After a while, they amass a huge group.  Twilight and the others smile seeing this.

Shining Armor approaches and then says, “Alright everyone, listen up. We are victorious in our fight against Discord and his army but now, a new fight begins.”

“Big brother,” Twilight wonders, “What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry Twiley, I got this,” He reassures her, “When I mean by fight, I mean… to restore. Our job today is rather simple. Grab whatever tools you can find and get to work. Time we make Ponyville bigger and better than before. So let’s do this!”

Everyone cheers in response. Upon seeing her brother succeed, Twilight goes to him and says, “What do you want us to do? Can we help?”

“Of course,” He replies, “This is a team effort. I can’t leave you guys out of this. You guys saved the world!”

“Ah’m bringing my family to help out too,” Applejack assures.

“Yeah! Let’s do it!” Rainbow Dash shouts. She then flies off to assist with the rebuilding.

Shining Armor then follows, “Okay then. Applejack, I know you have your whole family to help so I’ll leave you with that. We also have to make sure the animals are returned to their homes… or if we can’t, we’ll build them new ones.”

“Um…” whispers Fluttershy, “I can handle that if you want.”

He hears her and replies, “Alright Fluttershy. You have good experience with animals so I know you can do it.”

Before they head off, Shining Armor notices something off. He says, “Where’s Rob and Pinkie? Aren’t they with you guys?”

Twilight looks at him nervously and responds, “They’ll join us later. I think they need to take care of something important.”

He nods and then all of them meet with the rest of the group. Their trek wasn’t long but as they arrive, everyone sees their town looking like a complete and utter mess.  They see it all: Houses have fallen apart, the ground around them shaken up and trees torn down, it’s entirely a mess. Shining Armor gets to work organizing ponies into teams. They get to work repairing the town. Twilight and the others help in ridding damaged trees. Fluttershy meanwhile, handles relocating animals to hopefully their new homes. Everyone pitches in and before long all their efforts help get the town going.

But far away from it all, one stallion hopes to find some answers. Once he sees Celestia and Luna again, he knew his job was done. So he flew off to be away from his family for a while. As explained before from Worldmind, Rob carries a burden that continues to eat away inside him. He reaches Ponyville Cemetery to pay respects but they aren’t any ordinary respects. These respects are his, or in a sense, were. Rob sees the gravestone in front of him, still decorated, as it should be when he first passed on. He lets off a sigh. He didn’t like the memories of him dying only for him to come back. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Guess this place is still about even after the world tore asunder. Rob keeps himself composed.

He sheds a tear wondering if there’s anything he can do to offer it. Looking around, he finds out there is. Noticing his ponytail, he grabs something sharp and begins cutting it off. It takes him a while but he succeeds in cutting his ponytail from his hair. Rob then places his long ponytail alongside many other memorabilia. With a smile on his face, the deed is done.

“I knew I’d find you Robbie,” That is, until he hears a familiar voice.

“Why are you here?” Rob replies, “Shouldn’t you be with your friends right now?”

“No,” She insists, “Not without you. Why do you have to leave like that?!”

“Maybe because I didn’t want to be around you guys. Don’t you know that all of this was my fault?”

“It isn’t just your fault Robbie. Princess Celestia knows that all of us are to blame, even Dashie. So why do you have to go off like this? Why are you trying to hurt me? Don’t you remember the promise you made?” Pinkie keeps asking him, over and over again.

“I remember the promise. Why do you think I’m still alive huh?” Rob replies.

“Not what I meant,” Pinkie states, becoming more out of character as she explains, “Why did you leave us? Is something bothering you because if it is, you better tell me right now!”

“Why should I? I don’t get the point of all this. Do you really worry for me that much?” Rob questions, “Tell me because you guys have no idea what I’m going through right now.”

“I know. That floaty ball that sounds like some old pony told us,” Pinkie replies, describing Worldmind in her own way.

Worldmind? Figures. He thinks.

“Come on Robbie, please. I don’t want you to see me with this frown,” She requests.

Rob gets a look at that face and it makes him want to surrender almost immediately. He can’t say no to something like that. Letting off a sigh, he gives in and explains everything. This makes Pinkie smile yet she’s cautious.

“I’m just going to sum this up in three sentences. I right now carry this burden that’s eating away inside me. Even when I exposed you for what you guys did, it still was there. I thought it would be better if I never came back. So when I made the announcement on that day, I meant what I said. I’m quitting. I just want to leave so that way I don’t hurt you guys anymore.”

“Robbie…” She whispers.

“But I didn’t expect the hydra to show up. I did what I had to do but my death was something I didn’t foresee,” Rob says, realizing his folly, “Nobody did and in my stupor, I end up doing something that cost me my life.”

“You were careless. That’s what,” Some voice speaks.

“Yeah, I was,” But then he turns to Pinkie and asks her, “Did you just say that?”

Pinkie retorts, “No. It wasn’t me.”

“Strange,” Rob wonders, “Either way, when I died, I end up bringing you all so much pain.”

“Blaming yourself aren’t you? You should know that it wasn’t just you who caused all of this.” It speaks again, “All of you should accept responsibility.”

Now Rob gets annoyed and shouts, “Okay now you are really becoming bothersome. Where are you?”

“Just as careless as ever. It’s no wonder you seem so tense,” The voice argues.

“Tense? I can’t say the same for you,” Rob responds.

“What’s going on?” Pinkie wonders.

“Well, look who decides to show up. Don’t you think you should be with your friends right now?” It asks Pinkie.

“That’s what I said,” He states, “You know what? Enough is enough. I don’t know who you are or why you’re here, but you’re really getting on my nerves.”

“Alright. Guess I’m left with no choice huh?” Rob and Pinkie look to find out who’s been talking.

They see a nearby bush rustle a bit. Before long, it reveals someone who’s been watching the two talk. To their shock and surprise, they discover that it’s Rob. But something about this is very off. His look is similar to what he used to be before his death. This makes Rob more curious.

“So it’s you. You’re the one who’s been telling us this,” Rob theorizes.

“Pretty much,” Old Rob says. He then has his eyes on Pinkie, “Well if it isn’t little miss party animal. Planning to attack me with your party cannon again?”

Pinkie becomes scared of Rob-2’s negative tone. This makes the present Rob a bit angry. So he decides to confront this other stallion.

“That’s enough. Who are you?” Rob asks him.

“Pretty simple. I’m you,” Rob-2 states, “Or in a sense, a part of you.”

“A part of me?” He wonders, “What do you mean?”

“It’s simple. Remember when you had to deal with the Hydra?” Rob-2 now asks him.

“I remember. Where are you getting at with this?” Rob questions.

“Let’s see,” He explains, “You went Harmonia on that thing. Sure, you beat the heck out of him but when you unleashed the Super Nova, something happened.”

Rob and Pinkie stay silent. Rob-2 continues explaining, “Yeah, when you used the Super Nova, you ended up separating a part of yourself.”

“A part of yourself,” Pinkie wonders.

“That’s right. He split us into two. I guess this explains why your Element of Harmony shattered right?” Rob-2 states.

“I noticed. Before I passed out, I saw it break apart,” He says.

“That’s why you left,” Pinkie theorizes, “You didn’t want to tell everypony that you no longer have it right?”

Rob nods at her. Rob-2 looks at the two and interrupts, “You do know there’s a way we can undo the damage.”

The two turns to Rob-2 and say, “There is?”

Nodding, he replies, “But in order for us to do that, me and him have to become whole again.”

“Whole? I don’t think that’s possible,” Rob dissuades.

“So you want to continue being all guilty for what you did to your friends? Or would you rather instead just move on and accept it? What’s done is done. The only reason you have this burden is that you brought it to yourself. Why did you even become Nova to begin with huh? Tell me,” Rob-2 spats, showing anger toward his other self.

“I became Nova for the sake of teaching Twilight and her friends a lesson on how a hero should act. They pulled that stupid Mare-Do-Well stunt all for the sake of showing Rainbow Dash how a hero should act. I didn’t like what they were doing so I thought I would show them. It went well for a while but the more I did it, the more it ate away inside me. I end up carrying all this guilt and even now, it hurts me inside. I thought that me dying would ensure that they would continue protecting the world,” Rob turns to see the grave behind Rob-2, “Guess I was wrong.”

“I disagree,” Rob-2 responds, “You seem to have made one pony keep your promise. Rainbow Dash.”

“But the others haven’t. My death destroyed their friendship and I can never forgive myself for that,” He counters, becoming filled with more guilt.

“Again with this? Can you just let it go?” Rob-2 rants.

“He can’t!” Pinkie responds, “We now know how Robbie feels. I know he hurt us but I’ve since forgiven him.”

Rob then bombasts, “Really? Then how come you threatened to hurt him? Was it part of your lame way to teach him a lesson?”

“Enough!” Rob shouts, “I get it!” He lets out a sigh after hearing his other self rant on.

“Now then, you say that there’s a way we can restore my Element of Harmony back the way it should be right?” He asks his other self.

“There is but I need both halves in order to do this,” Rob-2 explains, “Do you have them Pinkie?”

“Um, no,” Pinkie replies in disappointment.

“Don’t worry. I have them right here,” He shows Rob and Pinkie the two halves, “After your friends went off to help rebuild Ponyville, I went to the Element Chamber and took the two halves. It wasn’t a pretty sight seeing all of them without their colors.”

Rob sums this up by saying, “I guess this is what happens when you had to kick it into overdrive against an embodiment of pure chaos huh?”

“Guess you really are crazy,” Rob-2 says the obvious, “But anyway, in order for us to set things right, we must become one.”

Rob then asks, “How do we do that?”

“Just trust me. I don’t have much time,” Rob-2 replies.

Pinkie watches Rob-2 get things ready alongside his other self. He places the two Element of Harmony halves on the ground. Once he gets Rob ready, Rob-2 does the same.

“Um, what are you two doing?” wonders Pinkie.

“Long story short, me and your boyfriend have been separated and now, we need to be one. It’s the only way for our Element of Harmony to return to normal.” Rob-2 explains.

“Don’t worry Pinkie. I’ll be fine. Besides, I am keeping my promise,” Rob assures her.

“Excuse me but don’t you mean we?” Rob-2 corrects,” Anyway let’s do this.”

Rob nods and agrees, “Right.”

Rob-2 lifts up his front arm for a brohoof. Rob does the same and the two share one. But then something happens. The Element of Will begins to move slightly, responding to the two’s actions. A tornado of light starts engulfing the two. Rob becomes nervous but looking at his other tells that he shouldn’t worry. It gets brighter and suddenly, Rob begins feeling strange. His other self shuts his eyes turning into pure energy.

“What the heck?” Rob wonders.

“Like I said, I am a part of you. It’s time for the two of us… to be one again,” Rob-2 smiles as his aura suddenly enters inside Rob.

The two halves of Rob’s element start coming together. A light starts undoing some of the cracks that split it. Pinkie looks on hoping that everything goes well. She notices the light intensifying getting stronger than before. But then it gets too bright and the tornado disappears. She covers her eyes to avoid the overflowing light. But by then, the tornado has faded completely.

“Is it over?” she whispers.

Pinkie gets a look and see. She sees Rob but wonders if it’s the same one. He begins getting himself adjusted. A look on the ground notices that his Element of Harmony is now whole again. The unity was a success but the question now is if Rob is as he should be.

Pinkie finds out and says, “Robbie? Are you really you?”

He takes one look at her and doesn’t say a word. Everything becomes silent for simply a few seconds. Pinkie starts to worry but Rob pats on her shoulder gently. She gets a look at him and notices that he has a smile. Even she starts smiling.

“It’s me alright,” He looks at her with a smile and says, “Pinkie… I’m back. I’m whole again.”

Before long, Pinkie immediately hugs him tightly. Her eyes begin watering and her emotions are kicking into overdrive. Rob heads closer planting a kiss on Pinkie’s lips. A warm sensation was felt between the two of them. Pinkie encircles her arms around Rob who does the same. Their kiss ends and the two look at each other sharing fierce gazes. Both of them were ready to kiss once more but the two notice some ponies watching.

“So are you two finished yet?” says Applejack, catching the two’s eyes immediately.

“Applejack,” Rob wonders, “Never thought you were a sight for sore eyes.”

“Come on already. Everypony’s looking for ya both,” Applejack tells the two.

He nods at Pinkie and the three head to town. Rob was reunited with his friends once more but he feels that something needs to be done. But for the time being, he gets to work helping his friends restore Ponyville. Some of the buildings such as Rarity’s boutique didn’t take long but others take longer due to their design. Hours have passed and the town slowly and surely returned to the way it was. Many were still working but Rob and his friends are exhausted. He sees the princess’s chariot arrive at town to check the repairs. Everything stops almost immediately. All their eyes are on Princess Celestia and her sister.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, what brings you to Ponyville?” asks Shining Armor.

“I’m only here to check on the restoration. You all are doing rather well,” praises Celestia. Luna nods in agreement.

“Thanks for the compliment Princess but this is going to take us weeks,” Rob replies, stating the obvious.

“I don’t think you should worry,” speaks Celestia.

“Princess Celestia, I think Rob speaks the truth. Unless we get a lot of help, everypony’s going to be really hard at work,” Twilight suggests.

“Ah agree Princess. Mah family can only do what they can,” replies Applejack.

“I still have to take care of things myself. We all do,” Rarity follows.

Once she hears everyone’s thoughts on this, Celestia answers, “I understand that all of you need more assistance but you have all the time in the world to do so.”

Rob then asks, “So this means that we can take a break afterwards?” Celestia nods at them.

Everyone cheers at her response. Pinkie then adds, “Oh-oh-oh, I know what’s perfect for this day? A party!”

Pinkie in her usual manner throws a party but she pulls out all the stops. Taking place at Canterlot the next day, she invites everyone all over Equestria. Guests from Manehattan, Appleloosa, Dodge Junction, Coltifornia were coming in ready to celebrate and have fun. The party didn’t begin right away. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna gathered everyone together for something special. The doors then open and the seven start moving forward. Twilight and the others remember this but Rob doesn’t. They hear cheering all over along with words of encouragement. Celestia sees the seven heading closer. She turns to her sister and the two nod. Everything becomes silent once the music dies down.

“Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to honor these seven brave ponies. Although their infighting and disharmony nearly brought the world to destruction, their friendship helped free the world from Discord and an evil that no longer resides. You seven have done so much and for this,” Celestia then uses her magic to reveal what’s behind her.

Everyone looks in shock as a stained glass mural is shown. There are also other glass murals that show their previous exploits ranging from their victory against Nightmare Moon to Discord’s first defeat. Now a new mural appears alongside the others. It showcases a large circle resembling a planet and seven ponies inside. They’re using their Elements of Harmony to defeat not just Discord but also purging out a large menacing creature on the bottom. On the top, a being of light is seen looking like an alicorn. The sight of this mural has everyone cheering for Rob and the Mane 6. But Rob has something to say.

“As much as we appreciate this, I have something to say,” He speaks, silencing everyone, “You see, all of this began because some ponies wanted to teach their friend a lesson in humility. But it ended up nearly destroying not only their friendship but also the world. If anything, I don’t deserve this.”

“What are you saying?” Celestia wonders.

“It’s simple. All of this is my fault,” He confesses, “And I know my friends are also to blame but I feel that it would have been better if I never got involved. That’s why I’m making this decision.”

Rob takes a gulp before he speaks. Though he’s complete, the burden still lingers within him. He looks at his friends who are worried then he looks at the princesses and finally the crowd.

“I’ve decided that I’m quitting. I’m leaving Ponyville. I’m nothing but a burden to everyone here,” He announces, shocking everyone.

“Robbie, no. Please don’t leave,” pleads Pinkie, “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah. Haven’t we all moved on from this?” Twilight asks him.

“You said it yourself that you wouldn’t quit. This isn’t like you at all,” shouts Rainbow Dash.

Rob explains, “We have but everyone should know that if it wasn’t for me, none of this would have happened and you guys would have had a proper resolution. My involvement only made the situation worse and I ended up having the whole town hate you. Even you yourself Rainbow Dash has to admit responsibility.”

“I know that,” She admits.

“But we all went past that. Please Robbie, don’t go,” Applejack begs.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself. We all had a part in this,” says Rarity.

“Yeah. Even when I boasted, I felt like I contributed to it,” admits Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy tries saying something but can’t.

“I am happy that all of you have accepted responsibility but what Rob does here is his own,” says Celestia.

Despite his friends’ pleas, Rob is still determined to make good on his words. But he then hears many of Equestria telling Rob these three words, “Please don’t go.” Something inside Rob was nagging him like a large string pulling him in one direction. Hearing everyone starts to make Rob rethink her decision. He never had a real family. The friends he knew over the past year made it feel like he has one, but now it expands to everyone. He didn’t want to hurt them anymore.

“So Rob,” The princess asks him, “Have you made your decision?”

He nods and says, “I have.”

“You guys mean so much to me. I really don’t know what to say,” He explains, trying not to let his emotions go.

“Just say you won’t leave,” requests Twilight. Her friends nod as well.

He doesn’t say anything else. Rob just simply lets his emotions go and hugs all six of his friends. Everyone cheers loudly seeing Rob making his choice. Princesses Celestia and Luna smile seeing them. They’re happy that Rob has decided not to leave but they notice something strange inside him. Rob hugs his friends tightly. He then looks up noticing two figures watching.

Could it be? He gets a good look and finds out that these two watching him aren’t ponies. They’re human.

One looked like some kind of super fighting robot with a very interesting design. The other wears gear similar to Rob when he’s in his Nova uniform. They smile at Rob but say nothing. Rob sees them vanish off, a sign that they now leave this world in good hands. After their embrace, the seven let out a chuckle. They’re happy that everything is back to normal.

“Your decision is something I’m pleased with. The hope you have ensures it,” says Celestia, pleased with Rob’s choice.

Baffled by her words, he replies, “Hope? What do you mean?”

“You no longer carry will inside you. It now exists alongside everypony in Equestria and they have you to thank. However, I noticed you carry something else,” She explains.

“What is it?” Rob asks once again.

“It’s simple…. Hope. You brought hope back to Equestria when our world was ensnared by Discord,” Celestia explains.

“Yeah! You basically brought light in Equestria’s darkest hour!” Rainbow Dash responds.

But Rob notices something shining. He takes out his Element of Harmony, which starts glowing with a white light. Everyone sees it regain its color and they react in amazement.

Twilight then theorizes, “Princess, I think I know what Rob’s real element represents. It’s hope.”

Celestia responds, “It is. That is the Element’s true nature.”

“Indeed. You have learned much since we last met, Rob Stallion,” praises a kind voice.

“Huh? Who said that?” Rob asks.

Everyone looks to find a tall green pony appear in front of them. He has black clean-cut hair, lime green eyes and hooves that were yellow-green. He has pegasus wings along with a sharp horn and his cutie mark was of a white gem, the very same gem that embodies the lost Element of Harmony. Rob and Celestia know him all too well but for completely different reasons. Rob always knew him as a wise yet strict pony. He learned everything from him and it’s because of this that he inherited his “mentor’s” strengths. Celestia, however is one of love and tragedy. He was taken from her before they would even wed, going down in what many would say an honorable yet meaningless death. Twilight and the others wonder what’s happening and why Rob and Celestia look the way they are.

“Arvas Wilstrom,” says Rob, “You’re right. It has been a while.”

“Indeed it has. You’ve grown so much since we last met. I am amazed at you,” He replies.

Celestia looks at Arvas but doesn’t say anything. Her emotions begin taking over remembering the moments when he was alive. He looks at her back but is sad seeing the princess shed tears. The others turn and see Celestia about to break down.

“Do not cry Celestia. I know you are hurt over my passing but you know that it can’t be changed,” speaks Arvas.

In either shock or surprise, the princess spats, “But there’s so much I wanted to tell you! We never even shared our vows!”

“A shame it is so and for that, I’m sorry,” He then turns to Rob and explains, “You notice that your element has regained it’s color yes?”

Rob nods, not saying a word. The others look at Arvas as he continues on.

“It’s because you have discovered the true meaning behind it. It goes a little something like this,” He says, before clearing his throat.

“Rob Stallion, when you united your friends one-by-one, fought against impossible odds and made the choice to put your life in place of millions of others has granted you... the Element of Hope!” Arvas shouts.

The magic from Rob’s element brightens unleashing a beam of light. Rob sees the other six Elements restored of their power and color. Twilight and the others look on in amazement. All seven Elements of Harmony are united once more.

But Rob is curious and so he asks his mentor, “I’m happy that this has restored the Elements but I must ask you this. Will this new power be like my old element being all powerful and such?”

“It won’t. Hope exists alongside the others for without it, miracles can never come to pass,” Arvas explains, but he starts to fade.

“Arvas? Are you going again?” Rob asks, worrying.

“Do not fret… all of you,” He replies, “I will be watching and seeing how you all will continue to help one another.”

“Arvas please,” pleads Celestia, “Don’t leave. I beg of you!”

“I can not. I don’t belong in this world now. My time has come and gone. Please understand, my darling Celly,” He replies.

Everyone sees Arvas disappear, returning to the afterlife from whence he came. The princess couldn’t help but cry. She didn’t want him to go away, again, but she has to face the facts. Twilight and the others comfort the Princess. Even Luna did as well feeling a shred of guilt inside. As Rob sees Arvas disappear, he can feel that his mentor told him to take care of this world. But then, the seven notice someone stepping forward.

“Is there something you like to tell us?” asks Celestia.

“Yes. In fact, it’s for Twilight and her friends,” says a Pegasus pony named Crescent.

Twilight looks at him and asks, “Okay, what is it?”

“You see, everyone in Ponyville never forgot what we did to you guys. We all felt guilty. I thought you guys really deserved all that you got. That’s why on behalf of everyone in Ponyville, we apologize,” Crescent explains.

Rob along with his friends see the other townsfolk apologizing as well. Watching this makes him realize that hope does exist. He sees Twilight nod and say that she has forgiven them. Then he notices Applejack and the others doing the same providing apologies as well. A fountain of emotion overflows as everyone was apologizing and forgiving. He smiles looking at it but suddenly, he remembers something.

“Oh yeah, I forgot! There is something else that I wanted to say,” Rob speaks, getting everyone’s attention.

Celestia wonders, “What is it?”

He sighs and then says, “It’s actually for her.”

Everyone looks at Pinkie who is surprised by this. Rob gulps but knows what he has to do now. This has eaten away inside ever since his “passing” a few months ago. But he feels that if he can’t do it, he’ll end up regretting it.

“Is… there something you want to tell me?” Pinkie asks him.

He nods and replies, “I do. Pinkie, ever since I met you, you have given me nothing but happiness. Everything about you is something that I can’t really explain. The words I look for probably would say well… it’d be random.”

“Of course I’m random silly. Why do you think I always love to make everypony happy?” Pinkie replies, chuckling, “Even you.”

But Rob gets to the nitty-gritty of all this, “And that’s what I like about you. Even when I hurt you and your friends, you were all I ever thought about.  I felt like a thousand porcupines stabbed me all over my body. To think that I would do something as humiliate you really really made me want to puke.”

“We all know that Rob. All has been forgiven and we learned a huge lesson from it too,” reminds Twilight.

“I know that,” He complains “Why do you think when I was halfway across the universe, you were the only pony that I ever thought about? Everywhere I went, you were all I thought about! From the first day we met to the moment I broke your heart. I felt like you were nagging me inside my mind and I realized what you meant.”

“Then just say it,” She exclaims, “What do you want to tell me Robbie?”

He thinks and says to her, “It’s simple.”

Rob then takes something he has for quite some time. It was a small blue box. He opens it revealing to be a diamond ring. Everyone was in complete silence as Rob presents Pinkie this gift. But in his mind, it’s not an ordinary gift. It’s something much more.

“You mean so much to me. I should have done this the moment we shared that kiss more than a year ago. I’m such a fool but I’ll get to the words you should be hearing,” He gulps before he says, “Pinkamena Diane Pie… will you marry me? Will you be my special somepony now and forevermore?”

Rob’s emotions kick in as he starts crying. Pinkie meanwhile, is shocked by this sudden surprise. She looks at him weeping and letting his emotions take over. All of them wonder if his one chance happens or not. She heads closer to Rob who still cries and comforts him. He stops crying and notices her warm embrace.

“Pinkie…” He says.

She doesn’t say anything. He looks at her to find that even she’s crying. Wondering if it’s due to the shock, Rob wipes away her tears. The two look at one another with strong gazes.

“So, does this mean you?” Rob wonders but Pinkie shuts him up.

She nods and answers, “Yes.”

Pinkie keeps saying “yes” over and over again until she yells it and hugs Rob tightly. Rob feels her tight hug but due to the weight, he lands on the floor. His face then gets showered with kisses. Everyone in the festivity begins cheering. After getting kissed by her future wife-to-be, Rob gets ready to put the ring on Pinkie’s finger.

But then he notices something wrong and says, “I forgot! Ponies don’t have fingers!”

Pinkie responds, “It’s okay.”

She giggles noticing his mistake. But the two see Twilight use her magic to take the ring. With the help of some string, she makes it into a necklace. Since the two don’t have horns, Rob realized his mistake. He puts the necklace around Pinkie’s neck and the two share a kiss. More cheering is heard after they kiss.

“Well, guess there’s only one thing left to do,” She exclaims.

He nods and the two say, “Let’s Party!!!”

With that, the celebrations immediately begin. Though this was a victory celebration, the seven basically had fun with all their friends. Many of the guests congratulate them while others join in on the fun. Rob and Pinkie share a dance that’s getting everyone excited. His dance moves has them amazed. She blushes the instant he grabs for a little stare. With a rose in his mouth, he mesmerizes her.

“Since when did you know how to dance?” She asks him.

“I’m a natural. Besides, you really know how to make everyone smile,” Rob compliments.

She giggles and responds, “Of course I do. If my name’s not Pinkie Pie silly, I don’t know what is.”

He takes the rose out of his mouth and places it on her hair. The two kiss and continue to dance. Twilight along with Rarity and Rainbow Dash watch them dance. Even they are amazed by his skills.

“Wow. Rob really knows how to woo Pinkie,” says Twilight.

Rarity agrees and responds, “Yes, he’s so suave. I never knew he was such a gentleman.”

“Um Rarity,” She corrects, “He is a gentleman.”

“I’m not worried about that at all. I hear that Rob has one more surprise up his sleeve,” says Rainbow Dash.

“Really? Another surprise?” wonders Twilight.

“That’s what Ah’ve heard. Ah heard that Robbie here has something up his sleeve,” follows Applejack.

“I hope it’s good because having him back is better than nothing,” assures Twilight.

“Oh don’t worry, it is going to be good,” follows Spike.

“Spike! I haven’t seen you in a while. Where were ya?” wonders Twilight.

“I had to help Shining Armor and everyone repair Ponyville though I mostly helped Cadance out getting the foals back home,” He explains.

“That was a really awesome thing to do Spike. We’re all proud of you,” Twilight compliments, giving him a hug.

Rarity gives him a kiss on the cheek making him blush. Everyone has a bit of laughs as they continue watching Rob and Pinkie dance. Before long, he invites his friends to join in on the dance. Suddenly, the music starts changing almost immediately and everyone gets into the groove. It becomes a party that lasts all throughout the day. A few hours have passed since the party began and Celestia’s sun made way for Luna’s moon. Celestia has gathered everyone for this. Twilight and her friends join with the audience. Things quiet down as the princess steps forward to speak.

“I am happy that everyone is enjoying this celebration. However, I have received word that one of our own has something special for us,” says Celestia. She looks at Rob who nods.

Rob enters the stage, taking a deep breath before speaking. He looks at the princess first and gives a nod. Afterwards, his sight then focuses on the watching crowd. All the pieces are in place. Everyone in Equestria is in for quite a show.

“Thank you everyone. You see, I have one more surprise in store. But the words I have for this, I really can’t describe it,” says Rob.

“In order for me to do this, I need some assistance,” He turns to Twilight and her friends and requests, “I need my family for this.”

Rob makes a gesture allowing his friends to enter the stage as well. If that isn’t enough, he allows the princesses as well to join in.

“Uh Rob,” Twilight wonders, “What are you doing? Why are you bringing the Princesses into this?”

He looks at Twilight and says, “You’ll see. All of you form a circle around me.”

“Uh okay, I guess,” Spike insists.

All his friends give him some space forming a circle. With Rob in the middle, he shows off his little surprise by taking out his Nova helmet. He puts it on transforming into Nova. Twilight tries to say something but a look from Celestia tells her not to intervene. He starts floating high in the air engulfing him in a gold circulated orb. Everyone sees him expand the orb. As it gets bigger each of them becomes imbued by Nova’s golden light.

I have a promise to keep and I must see it through to the end. Now… it begins, Nova’s orb expands just enough to encircle all of them.

“Are you certain you wish to do this?” speaks Worldmind, within Rob’s mind.

Yes, of course. I have a promise to keep… a promise that I made to him. He replies.

Worldmind then assures him, “Just know that I shall assist your world if needed. They seem to approve of my presence and of my knowledge.”

Thank you. That’s all I need to hear. Rob then opens his eyes and with his power, he dissipates the orb completely revealing Rob’s big surprise.

Twilight and the others look around to find that they’re wearing uniforms, but they aren’t ordinary uniforms. She notices Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash having gold helmets with 8-pointed starbursts. All their uniforms are black with gold shoulder pads. Three gold circles connected by two lines are shown signifying their rank as Centurion. There are also red starbursts on their hooves. Celestia contains gold royal hooves and on her front knees were red starbursts. Rarity has hers suitable for someone who’s well known in dress design with ribbons and streaks seen on her uniform. Spike’s outfit is the same as the others and even his helmet is adjusted to include the spikes on his head. The crowd is amazed by Rob’s surprise. His friends are as well but something bothers them.

“Rob… what did you do to us?” Twilight asks him, wondering.

“Yeah,” responds Pinkie, “Why are we wearing this?”

Everyone asks the same thing, even the Princesses. Rob calms them down, having a smile on his face. He takes off his helmet seeing his friends in their new gear. Even he’s surprised seeing the Princesses in the Nova Corps gear.

“It’s simple. This is my gift… to all of you,” Rob explains, “I can’t do this hero thing by myself. When we saved Equestria, it felt like we became true heroes.”

“Rob, we are heroes,” assures Rainbow Dash, “But why all this?”

“Simple. I need your help to protect not just Equestria but also beyond Luna’s moon. So now I ask, do you have what it takes to be part of the Nova Corps?” Rob asks them.

Each of his friends thinks about Rob’s offer but it didn’t take long for them to make a decision. All of them nod at him. Rainbow Dash is more excited because of in her mind, how awesome this is to be part of something bigger.

In her excitement, she says, “How can I say no to this? Of course I want to be part of the Nova Corps! Come on guys, let’s do it!”

“If I can make uniforms like this here look fabulous, I wouldn’t mind being part of this,” assures Rarity.

“Me too,” follows Applejack.

“Me three,” Spike says as well.

The others agree, also wanting a part of this. Even the Princesses Celestia and Luna join in. Rob lets out a smile after seeing his friends accepting.

“Alright then I only have one thing to say,” says Rob as he walks a bit putting on his helmet, “Try and keep up… if you can.”

He runs for a bit and then goes airborne reaching the night sky. The others wonder what he meant but it takes the Princesses to get the idea.

“You heard him everyone, let’s move!” orders Celestia, already on the move alongside Luna.

Before long, the Mane six follow suit, taking flight courtesy of the Nova Force. Everyone cheers as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Twilight Sparkle and her friends fly to catch up. They do so and together all of them head for outer space. Each of them try getting used to their newfound powers. Spike gets into it almost immediately. Pinkie catches up to Rob who looks at him smiling. The two share a kiss but then everyone sees the beauty that is space.

“The time has come… we’re off to new adventure. So all I have to say is this… let’s fly!” He shouts. Everyone cheers and the ten fly through the cosmos. But as they do so, Rob in his mind preps something that Twilight and her friends always do.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I have learned not only an important lesson on friendship but also on the idea of heroism. I know that being a hero means that you should use your strengths to help others but after everything that happened over the past few months made me rethink this. I… no, we learned that heroics should never intervene with the things that matter like friendship. My actions in teaching my friends on humility and their actions in teaching Rainbow Dash a lesson nearly destroyed not only our friendship but also the world. You see, the point is exactly that we all realized our folly understanding the difference between being a hero and being a jerk. Always make sure to think before you act because if not, you can end up hurting those that care for you like your friends. I vow to teach others this lesson and making sure that something like what happened to us will never happen again. My family means so much to me and I don’t want to lose them… again.

Your faithful hero,

Robert L. Stallion

One other thing though, I came up with a name for this group. I figure it would help because all of us here are going to be doing this for quite some time. So I figured why not. I christen this the…

My Little Nova Corps.

The End.