Sometime before the partying from the previous chapter...
The air was silent as the allies all gathered together to honor those who had fallen in the war that had occurred in all their worlds. Upon TD's salvation, the chaotic entity had quickly turned his former allies' tides of war against them. Sensing that they no longer had any chance of victory and hearing that he never truly had been the one recruiting them, the villains had retreated back to their previous abodes, never to regain the courage to try again. Some of them, like Tirek and Dr. Facilier, were recaptured and taken away to be placed in special prisons designed for them specifically. Now, with peace finally settling upon their universes, they had all gathered on the plains where their universes were joined together to pay their respects and honor the brave sacrifices of those who had died. TD had managed to help out here too by bringing back the remains of those that normally couldn't be recovered.
Cobra removed his helmet, holding it under one of his arms as he payed his respects. The SandWing knew that his experiences during this war had changed how he viewed life, and he knew he would carry what he had learned here for the rest of his life.
Crystal bowed her head, remembering her fallen teammate Kurai, as well as all the others who had lost their lives. The unicorn looked at T-bone, also remembering the good that had come from all their worlds being united.
The Clone bowed his head in sadness too, thinking back on those who had paid with their lives to save his own, both in this war and others.
As they all grieved in their own fashions, the Supreme Leaders came forward, presumably to give some kind of speech. The had agreed that some of each world's fighting forces would be buried in the soil of the other's world, to signify the unity and friendship they had shared in this war. TD had helped them to find the spot, and also explained that once he separated their worlds again, the cemetery would simply look "incomplete" in some places and that no harm would come to the bodies they buried.
"Today, we build this cemetery and the memorials with it in honor of the brave men and women, mares and stallions, and all creatures great and small, who fought and died for their worlds," Princess Bubblegum announced. "As we recover and rebuild, let this area in whatever corner of our worlds remain barren and untouched by the process of rebuilding, in memory of the brave souls who fought beside us. The ones we called allies, friends, even family. You will all be missed. Now, a moment's silence for these brave souls..."
The Candy Ruler bowed her head along with the others in respect of the dead. Cobra allowed one of his wings to go around Lanatana, the RainWing also bearinga sad expression as she honored those who had fallen. The SandWing let himself relax, glad all the fighting was over. Not many of Cobra's kind had died, due to both being latecomers in the war and also because of how hard it was in general to kill one of his kind, but a good score had died nonetheless and their bodies had to be buried down deeper than the others for convenience.
After the silence was over, Admiral Terrence Hood gave a signal and one of each universe's available soldiers came forward. It was a firing squad of some kind with one Mobian, one Equestrian unicorn, a Banana Guard, a Clone, a Marine, an Elite, a Skylander named Trigger Happy (who was uncharacteristically solemn for this moment), a Huntsman, a Firebender who had learned to bend green flames (blame TD), and the Ninja known as Zane. They all aimed their weapons or equivalent of one into the air and let off three shots in a harmonious sequence. The display could be heard for miles upon end. Crystal took a deep breath, glad that the war was over now but slightly sad by the fact that it meant she would have to say goodbye to her new friends. The silence was soon interrupted by Red.
"Well, let's not spend the rest of our time in sadness, because I know they wouldn't want us to stay that way," he said. "TD, how's the party preparations looking?"
"Well, with Pinkie's help, it should be ready by tonight," TD answered.
"Excellent! A whole week of partying, then the goodbyes," the hedgehog sighed. "I'm not gonna be the only one who'll wish it never ends."
"That's an understatement if I ever heard one," Crystal said to T-bone, smiling at the Clone.
After the partying...
The end of the partying signaled the goodbyes, and it was quite an emotional time for everyone involved. TD was generous enough to keep the portals to each world and the connection as well open as long as possible for them, but it was still sad to learn that it would all end soon. As they all gave their goodbyes on the field outside the Castle of Friendship in Equestria, extended by TD and Discord so there'd be enough room, the scene was filled with many a tearful goodbye and then some.
Cobra walked up to Red, a large sack sling over his back.
"I had to call in a few favors, but here," The SandWing said, putting the sack down and opening it to reveal about two dozen Dragonflame cacti. "I remember you said you wanted some."
Crystal hugged T-bone, tears in the unicorns eyes.
"I don't want to have to say goodbye," She whispered. "I can't imagine my life knowing that I'll never see you again... so I was thinking..." She trailed off, uncertain whether or not to continue her thought. T-bone hugged her back, expressing his own grief, then stood to his feet and looked over in the direction of Celestia.
"Princess, I'd like to ask a favor," he said to her. The alicorn smiled.
"And what would you asked," she inquired.
"I was thinking... I've had enough of war... and I was thinking I should retire here, if you catch my meaning," he answered. Crystal's eyes widened, before a look of pure happiness crossed her face and she looked at Celestia, barely containing in her excitement as she waited for the alicorns answer.
Cobra and Lantana could be seen nearby, the two dragons heads together as they talked quietly into other one another. Celestia took only a second to give her answer.
"Very well, T-bone. You may stay here in Equestria," she said. "Although, I feel it's only fair to warn you... you may end up becoming one of us in a literal sense." She then added with a wink, "You also might want to consider changing your name."
T-bone smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Please, just call me Tia," the alicorn replied. Crystal let out a squeal of happiness, tackling T-bone in her excitement. Cobra and Lanatana came up to Celestia, the SandWing not wearing his helmet, since it was in the sack at his side, although his axe was still on his back.
"We'd like to ask for a favor as well Princess," He said slowly, wrapping a wing around Lantana as she did the same to him. Celestia gave them a knowing smile.
"Lemme guess, same thing?" she asked playfully. The SandWing smiled wryly.
"Yes. The two of us have been talking, and in Pyrrhia we've seen and experienced almost everything," the SandWing replied, before Lantana took over speaking.
"We want to start a new life in a new world, one where things will almost always surprise us and where we know that we'll always be able to make some friends," the RainWing added, and Cobra nodded.
"I already informed Queen Thorn of what my decision was, and she said that she is fine with me staying," Cobra explained. "So we just need your answer."
Celestia nodded.
"Alright, you may stay too," she said. "But, I'm afraid that I won't be able to turn you into our own kind like T-bone. However, I can suggest where you can go." She pointed towards the mountains where Ember would be located. "You can try Queen Ember's region or some other unpopulated area nearby to become your home. I wish only the best for you both."
Cobra smiled.
"I think we'll try Queen Ember's region," He said, spreading his wings at the same time as Lantana. "Maybe one day we'll see each other again Princess Celestia."
And with that, the two dragons lifted off, flying away.
Crystal hopped up and down beside T-bone, excited. "I can't wait to show you the Crystal Empire!" She squealed, unable to contain her excitement.
"I can't wait to see the place," he replied, chuckling at her excitement. Just then, they noticed a few approaching figures; Red, Bill, Flurry, and Cadence.
"Well, this little one wants to say goodbye to everyone before she heads home," the fox giggled. He looked to T-bone, who hadn't changed forms yet due to TD keeping the connections together.
"So, you're staying here then?" Red asked.
"I don't have much of a life back home," the Clone answered. "I figured, I'd start anew and see what's in store for me."
Red smiled. "Well, if you ever pass on by in Mobius, you're more than welcome at our doorstep."
Crystal raised an eyebrow. "And what about me?" The unicorn asked in a teasing tone of voice.
"I meant you as in y'all. Plural tense," Red answered.
"Oh," Crystal said, embarrassed.
"Last call on portal closings!" they heard TD call out, his voice heard from wherever they stood. Red got a cheeky look when he heard that.
"Watch this..." he said, then rushed out into the midst of them all and shouted, "Group picture!" while waving a camera. TD glared at him, then sighed.
"Alright. One group picture for old times sake," he replied. Crystal laughed, before smiling. Everyone gathered for the group picture made by a camera TD had summoned.
"Everyone say, 'Best day ever!'" he shouted.
"Best day ever!" everyone shouted as the camera went off. TD then rushed over and pulled out the picture, snapped his fingers, and created many copies of them, one for each group in the area. Everyone started admiring the pics before TD called out again.
"Look at them when you get home. Hurry! These portals are on a time limit, ya know!" he shouted. Crystal smiled as she trotted back over to T-bone, looking at the Clone with interest.
"So, what are you planning on changing your name to?" She asked, curious.
"Hmm... I'm not too sure," he admitted. "I've never had to give someone a name before."
Crystal laughed. "Well, maybe you should start thinking of one," She said lightly. The Clone nodded, then they turned to watch their other friends rushing through the portals back to their worlds. Bill and Flurry took the longest in their final goodbye, the filly hugging the Mobian fox with tears in her eyes. When he finally managed to pry her loose from himself, Bill rushed into the portal, stopping at the entrance long enough to shout out Cadence's little rhyme to the Princess of Love and her daughter. When the portals closed, T-bone suddenly found himself enveloped in a flash of light.
"Wh-what's happening?" he asked. TD laughed.
"Don't worry, that's just the transformation," he explained. "You'll be fine."
Crystal took a step away, smiling as she watched. The light became too bright to look at him directly, so they looked away. When it cleared, they all saw what looked like an earth pony in Clone armor built specifically for a pony, the helmet held in his foreleg. He was a baby-blue color with a black mane and brown eyes, the only trait about him from his original form. On top of that, on his flank painted onto the armor was what appeared to be his Cutie Mark; a set of engineer's tools.
He started to try and move forward, but as he wasn't used to moving on four legs he started to fall over. Crystal shot forwards, grabbing him and helping him stand.
"I think it's going to take some time for you to get used to this," She said, giggling. T-bone laughed with her, then managed to stand to his feet more confidently this time.
"I... think I might need those exercises after all," he managed between his laughs. Crystal smiled warmly at him.
"Well, just so you know, you look amazing." The unicorn said.
"Thanks," the Clone-turned pony replied with a smile. Crystal smiled even wider at him, before nuzzling him.
"I love you T-bone," she said, finally openly confessing it. The former Clone's eyes lit up with joyful surprise, then he grinned at her.
"I love you too, Crystal Shard," T-bone answered.
"Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!" Pinkie started shouting, which made everyone look at her weirdly. "What? I'm a Changeling. I naturally get excited over things like this."
Crystal looked up at T-bone, giggling.
"Well, are you going to kiss me or not?" she asked warmly. He looked about at those watching expectantly, then shrugged.
"Well, might as well," he replied, then pulled her into the expected kiss. Crystal sighed, returning it lovingly as she felt her heart beat happily.
"Wahoo!" Pinkie cheered in the background.
"Ya know, as bad as it was, Ah'm actually kinda glad ya brought their worlds together," Applejack said to TD.
"Eh, I try," TD replied, then looked on as the couple continued kissing. "Hey! Get a room, ya lovebirds!"
"Shh! I'm trying to watch..." Rainbow Dash shushed him, tearing up a bit at the beautiful sight and for once not caring that anyone noticed her crying. Crystal and T-bone were oblivious to it all, just enjoying the moment.
"Alright seriously, I'm just about to teleport them to the Crystal Empire and save them the trouble," TD muttered to Twilight.
"Fine by me, but do you really want to disturb them that badly?" she asked. TD took a count of five, then chuckled.
"No... no I do not," he agreed.
Eventually, probably for need of air, the couple pulled apart just enough to end the kiss, both breathing heavily. Crystal smiled up at T-bone, before looking at TD.
"You know, thank you TD. Without all of what happened, I never would have met T-bone," The unicorn said, her eyes shining brightly.
"Well, I mean I could have made it happen without all the extra stuff like the war..." TD started to ramble, but then stopped himself and chuckled. "You're welcome, Crystal Shard." He noticed something on a watch he was wearing and chuckled again. "It seems you missed your train, so I'll do you guys a favor. I can send you guys to the Crystal Empire in a snap, literally in my case. All I ask is that you live a long and happy life."
Crystal smiled up at T-bone, before she looked back at TD.
"I think we can do that," She said with a nod. "Maybe someday we'll come back to Ponyville for a visit."
"Alright then!" TD exclaimed as he brought his hands up for a snap. "Take care you two!"
"Goodbye!" the gang about him called out. Crystal waved at them as she smiled.
"Bye all of you!" She called. "I'll always be honored to call you my friends."
"It was an honor fighting with you, and being your friend!" T-bone added.
TD smiled, then with a snap of his fingers and a flash of light, they were gone. Only TD and his friends remained.
"Now that was an experience I'll never forget," Twilight remarked.
"Same here," TD agreed, but inwardly he still felt bad for what had happened. So he made a decision to speak to Twilight about it that night.
After all, he still had some amends to make to her.
Stay tuned! An epilogue or two is on the way, as well as a trailer to the next story!
