24. Time to say goodbye
Then it was time to say goodbye.
The six Young Ones and the other three kids said goodbye to the ponies. Bobby went to Sundance, stroked her and said, "It was nice to meet you. You're really a kind pony. I hope we'll meet again one day." "Thanks, Bobby. You are kind, too. I would be glad to see you here in Ponyland. And when you all come here we'll prepare a welcome party for you! Goodbye, Bobby. Get home well!" And Sundance nuzzled Bobby. "Yeah, we will. Bye!!" On parting he waved his hand to his new friends. Then he went to the other kids which have already said goodbye to the other ponies meanwhile.
Medley, Firefly, Wind Whistler and North Star would take them home over the rainbow. And Paradise, Surprise and Heart Throb would come with them, because Sundance, Twilight, Gusty, Gingerbread and Sweet Stuff couldn't fly. These ones had to stay in Ponyland.
Megan and Molly got on Firefly. Hank followed their example and got on Wind Whistler. Presto got on Medley next to Megan, Molly and Firefly. He smiled at Megan. She smiled back. Danny sat already on North Star and stroked her. Sheila sat on Heart Throb and Diana on Paradise.
And what about Eric? Well, at first he had strictly refused to ride on a pegasus, "Wasn't it enough that I'm already riding like this? Do I have to ride on a flying horse as well?" "Come on, Eric! You won't fall down. Fizzy has taken you here safely as well, hasn't she?" Surprise answered. Eric should fly on her. She looked giggling to Fizzy who couldn't help laughing, too. "Come on, Eric! We'd like to go home." Diana pushed her friend and smiled at him. "Yeah, yeah! Never mind! I'm coming..." Eric murmured and climbed on Surprise.
Only Bobby didn't sit yet. He went to Gusty. Uni stood next to her. She should stay here in Ponyland, because unfortunately she couldn't come along with Bobby in his world. It would be too dangerous for her and certainly she would be unhappy there.
Bobby kneeled next to her with tears in his eyes and whispered, "Well, Uni, now it's time for us to say goodbye, too. I'm sorry that I have to leave you here behind. But please believe me it's really the best thing for you. You'll feel well and safe here. Here you are among other ponies and also other unicorns. Oh, I'll still miss you very much, my little one!" And he embraced her and cried. Uni snuggled up to him and snorted soft as if she would say in her way goodbye to her beloved friend. Bobby understood and nodded. "Yeah! I promise you that I'll return! I come to visit you! Bye! I'll miss you but I'll remember you and I will never forget you! Goodbye, Uni! That's your home..." Uni ran with her tongue over Bobby's face. Bobby giggled and then he rose up, wiped his tears away, stroked Uni once again over her head and turned to Gusty.
"Please, Gusty, take care of her..." "Of course, Bobby. I'll do it. You can trust me!" she answered him and prodded at Bobby with her nose. Bobby smiled and stroked her also over her head and whispered to her, "Thanks".
Then he waved his hand to her, Uni and the other ponies. He turned around and walked to the others which were waiting for him. He got on North Star behind Danny and the pegasi took the kids over the rainbow.