Note: So... many... awesome... reviews! Yes! Anyway, I was seriously considering putting some form of an April's Fools joke somewhere in this chapter, but then I opted not to, because it was not really worth it. So you guys will not have to worry about it! Here is part one of the new set of "Recollections" chapters that will observe the events unfolding in Ponyville after the death of Miranda. Enjoy!

Dimension: My Little Pony

Planet: Equestria Earth

Specific Location: Ponyville Hospital

Time: A couple of days after the death of Miranda

Twilight opened her eyes groggily. She was in a hospital. Her room was cozy and small, with a picture frame of a mountain range to her left, a window to her right, and the door to her front. Just beside her was a heart monitor that gave off a fait "beeping" noise. Next to her head, fast asleep, was a disheveled and absolutely exhausted Flaming Star. She smiled a little, still a tad bit detached from reality, as she patted his head absent-mindedly. Suddenly the door to her room creaked open, and Rainbow Dash peeked her head in. She noticed that Twilight was awake, and was about to exclaim something when she also noticed the unconscious form of Flaming Star. She bit her lip for a moment, stifling her acclamations of joy. Then she trotted in, motioning to some ponies behind her to follow. It was her, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy. The Mane 6 were reunited. Twilight smile grew a little bit larger at the sight of her best friends, and she motioned with her head for them to come closer.

"How are you?" whispered Rarity, "You were really hurt. Is it true? Were you actually cut open?"

Twilight shivered a little bit as she nodded her head wordlessly.

"If I find the one who is responsible for that… he's in for some rump-kicking!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash in not-so-hushed tones.

"Woah there. Rainbow Dash," whispered Applejack, "Let's not go a-gettin' ourselves all riled up now."

Pinkie Pie bounced up and lightly poked the sleeping form of Flaming Star. "Ooooooh… he's sleeping like a baby. Should we wake him up!?"

For the first time that day, Twilight spoke. "I don't think we should, Pinkie. He spent every bit of energy healing my wounds."

"So it was HIM. He was the one who fixed you all up and the likes!" said Applejack.

"He was always a chill guy," chuckled Rainbow Dash.

"We owe him a bigger debt than we can ever repay," breathed Fluttershy.

"Something tells me that we won't ever need to worry 'bout that," said Applejack.

Twilight sighed dreamily and stared off into the distance. Rainbow Dash lifted into the air and floated upside-down in front of her line of vision. "Um… Twilight? Are you okay?"

Twilight continued to stare off into the distance. "Huh? Oh… yes. I am…"

"Don't look like that Twi, are you sure?" said Applejack, concern in her voice.

Twilight closed her eyes and said, "Flaming Star asked if I would marry him. I said yes."

"He said WHAT?" burst out Rainbow Dash. She fell from the sky and landed on top of the bed with a crash. Flaming Star's eyes snapped open and he fell over backwards.

"What? Who? Where?" He exclaimed as he scramble up.

"You're getting married Twilight? What happened to letting your best friends know? I mean, this is literally the worst possible time to get married!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash, leaping from the bed.

"I don't know… I think this is wonderful," murmured Fluttershy, smiling shyly.

"Of course it is, darling!" said Rarity, "It's just that Equestria and all the surrounding countries are in absolute chaos!"

Flaming Star rubbed his eyes. "So… I don't have your guys' blessings?"

Applejack trotted over and put a hoof on his shoulder and said, "Of course you do, sugar cube. We couldn't be happier. I guess we're just shocked and all."

"I'll begin working on the wedding schematics," said Rarity, rather gleefully.

Rainbow Dash scuffed a hoof on the ground, and then smiled. "I'm sorry. I was just surprised. You two would be awesome together."

Pinkie nodded her head. "Oh yes indeedie! I LOVE wedding parties!"

There was a pause, then Rainbow Dash said, "We will give you two space."

With that, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie left. Fluttershy stayed for a moment longer. She gave Twilight and Flaming Star smile. "I'm so happy for you two!" She then left with the rest.

Flaming Star hopped onto the bed next to Twilight and said, "How are you doing today?"

Twilight sighed as she settled back in her bed and said, "My stomach is really sore."

Flaming Star grimaced as his mind flash backed to the time when he had to seal up her belly. "You were pretty much dissected. I swear… I will find the one who did this to you and make him pay."

Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder and said, "Something tells he already paid for a little bit."

Flaming Star glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"The being that had me tortured, he was attacked by someone. They strolled straight up to him and punched him so hard in the face that the walls cracked and crumbled."

Flaming Star massaged his temples for a moment. "Wait… are you telling me that you were rescued?"

Twilight nodded. Then she gave him a bright smile.

Flaming Star momentarily forgot his questions and worries and grinned back. "Twilight… your smile is absolutely amazing. It brightens my whole day."

Twilight reached up and lightly touched Flaming Star's cheek. Flaming Star brushed back a stray strand of mane from her face and said, "It is time that I go, dear."

He got up, but just before he left, Twilight grabbed a hoof. She pulled him close and kissed him.

They held the kiss for a moment, before Flaming Star eased away, blushing profusely. "I've never done that before…" he muttered.

Twilight giggled a little. "Neither have I…"

Flaming Star scratched the back of his head nervously, then said, "I… I… I guess I should be going. You need to rest. I love you."

Twilight smiled dreamily as she closed her eyes. "I love you too."

Flaming Star closed the door and pressed his back against it. He slowly slid down to the floor, where he sat on his haunches. He sat there for a moment as he thought over what had just transpired. Was he even ready for such a commitment? What did marriage even mean? Could he even trust himself? He immediately marked the last question as a negative. For all his life, all he had ever thought about was himself. Naturally he had been a good teammate, but that was because he only wanted to be seen as the greatest that ever was, the leader of the whole show. Whenever a teammate got in the way of his title of "greatest traveler ever," he didn't hesitate to leave them behind. Now… now he was in Equestria, betrothed to a sweet mare who had unconditionally loved and comforted him from the beginning. And for the last year they had dated and spent time together, trying to get to know one another. He knew Twilight pretty well now, of course. He knew her favorite color, her favorite food, and her favorite book (actually, it was favorite books). He knew how messy an eater she was when it came to fast food, and how thunderstorms during the night made her subconsciously drool into her pillow. And he knew how much she loved him. Of course, she knew a lot about him as well. She knew his favorite color, his favorite food, and his favorite book. She knew how he ate, and how he slept. And she knew how much he loved her… or did she?

Flaming Star groaned, almost audibly. Could he trust himself to love her unconditionally like she unconditionally loved him? If he didn't, then that poor mare would suffer pains in her heart far beyond the pain of the torture she had endured, and he would never be able to live with himself afterwards. The risks were so great… but so were the rewards. However, just because one pony truly loves another does not mean that they are meant for one another. This last thought caused Flaming Star to bite his lip until it bled. After a moment more of frantic thought, he got up shakily and galloped off to Sunset's house. He would know what to do.

Dimension: My Little Pony

Planet: Equestria Earth

Specific Location: Everfree Forest

Time: A couple of days after the death of Miranda

Franklin sat on a tree stump overlooking the cave where the tree of Harmony stood. From where he sat, he could see Celestia, Luna, and Sunset Shadow looking over the tree, their horns glowing with magic as they ran diagnostics on it. Franklin shook his head as Celestia turned to Sunset and shook her own head. Sunset looked at his hoofs for a moment, and then turned away. He trotted away from the cave and made his way up to where Franklin sat.

"No luck?" muttered Franklin as he looked away.

Sunset shook his head. "No luck. Whatever that tree was made of, it does not match anything. Magic has no effect on it, and no components match the database. It literally is not of this universe… or this multiverse. The materials are completely unknown to us."

Franklin ground his teeth. "And my sister gave up her life to keep the Paradox from touching that useless piece of junk."

Sunset put a hoof on Franklin's shoulder, but he shook it off viciously. "No, Franklin," said Sunset, "She gave up her life for me. She sacrificed all that she had to protect me… and I don't understand why."

Sunsets voice broke then, and he, too, looked away. He was overcome by emotions. Why had Miranda sacrificed her life for him? She barely even knew him, and all the memories that she did have of him were when he was the "madman of the multiverse." Usually, Sunset rather prided himself on his ability to help others come to terms with their issues and losses, an ability that Fluttershy had taught him over the years they had lived together… but now he too was at a loss.

"I've… I've got to go," mumbled Sunset, feeling like a failure. He got up and just left Franklin, just sitting there.

Head down, Sunset slowly trotted to his house. Fortunately, he met Fluttershy on the way there.

He smiled a little at the sight of her wonderful face. "Hello dear," he mumbled, "How are you? Where is Starlight?"

Fluttershy lightly nuzzled his cheek. "I'm fine, thank you. Starlight is with Mrs. Cake. She agreed to watch her while I visited Twilight."

"Twilight! That's right! How is she?"

"She's doing well. Did you know that she agreed to marry Flaming Star?"

"She did? That's wonderful! How are the rest taking it?"

"They're a little surprised, I suppose, but I guess it is because of all the trouble that has been happening in Equestria. But, if two ponies love each other, and they understand what love means, then they belong with one another."

"And that is why I consider you the wisest being in the multiverse, dear. Speaking of wisdom… I was wondering if you could help me with something."

"Yes?"

"Well… We've been married for three years, and in those three years, you have taught me more about empathy, compassion, love, and kindness than I think I have learned in all my life. I consider you my role model, basically. Whenever some pony comes to me for advice about an issue, I think to myself, 'what would Fluttershy say'?"

Fluttershy blushed and looked down at her hoofs, hiding her face within her long, flowing, pink mane.

"I need your help, Fluttershy," continued Sunset, "I don't know what to do. Both Franklin and I are deeply hurt and confused by Miranda's death. I mean… why did she sacrifice her life… for me?"

Once again, Sunset's voice caught in his throat, and he took a deep, shaking, breath. Fluttershy looked up at Sunset and gazed into his eyes. They held the stare for a moment, and then she said, "That is simple: she did it because of us."

Sunset blinked.

Fluttershy continued. "Remember how she was so insistent with placing herself in danger in order to protect you? This was because of me, and Starlight Amber. She knew that we were a family, and that we would be a broken one if you died. She valued our wellbeing, and our happiness far above her own life."

Sunset shook his head, unable to speak. Tears began to well up in his eyes as his throat became raw with emotion.

Tears, too, began to flow down Fluttershy's cheeks as she continued to talk. "She never asked for anything in return. All she wanted was for us to be happy. She loved other ponies so much that she didn't care if she died… as long as the people she cared about could be together."

Sunset finally found his voice. "That is what makes a true hero. If there ever was one, it would be Miranda. That is why the Paradox will never prevail."

Sunset bowed his head. "She deserved that speech when she was buried."

Then he straightened up and gave Fluttershy a hug. "I'm going to talk to Franklin now," he said, "I think I know what to say."

He then trotted back into the Everfree forest. He found Franklin still sitting on the tree stump where he had been since the break of dawn. Sunset sat next to Franklin wordlessly. There was a pause, then Sunset started speaking.

"Franklin… what do you think Miranda's last thoughts were?" asked Sunset slowly.

Franklin shrugged derisively. "I don't know. Probably how cold she felt, and how much the hole in her side hurt."

Sunset shook his head. "I may not be Miranda's brother, Franklin, but I am pretty sure she died thinking of all of us."

Franklin glanced at him for a moment. Then he looked away. Sunset continued, "She was one of the kindest beings I have ever met. She was selfless, loving, and kind. She sacrificed herself for me because she didn't want Fluttershy to be widowed. She willingly gave up her life so that I could live on in happiness. She wouldn't want us mourning, she would want us to celebrate the life that she gave through her death."

Franklin shook his head. "I lost my sister. My only living relative. I lost my last connection to my past… and my future," he said belligerently.

"No," said Sunset, "You haven't. As long as you remember Miranda for who she was, she will be with you. What was the last thing she ever said directly to you?"

Franklin closed his eyes. "She said that she loved me, and that we would never be truly separate."

Sunset nodded his head. "Remember that. Remember those words. Honor her and move on. She is not really gone."

Franklin nodded. Sunset smiled and patted him on the back. He then got up and left, feeling a whole lot more at peace with himself than before. As he trotted through the quiet Everfree forest, he wondered what the future held in store for them. The Paradox seemed quite bent on destroying everything, and he possessed the firepower to do it. Without any effort, he could strip them of their powers, and leave them defenseless. They would need great amounts of help if they could even hope to take him down. Sunset was slowly beginning to brood over their dire predicament when Flaming Star joined him.

"There you are, Torrus," said Flaming Star briskly, "I really need to talk to you."

Sunset shook his head. "I really should be with my lovely wife right now, firstborn."

Flaming Star pulled ahead and turned around, blocking Sunset's path. "I really, really, really, really, really need to talk to you."

Sunset cocked his head to one side. Then he sat down on the road and motioned Flaming Star to do the same. "I suppose here is as good a place to have such a discussion as any."

Flaming Star sat down next to Sunset and said, "I need help. It's about me and Twilight."

Sunset grinned. "That's right! I heard you finally pulled yourself together enough to ask your fillyfriend to marry you!"

Flaming Star grimaced. "I did. And now I am beginning to think it was a mistake."

Sunset glanced at Flaming Star with raised eyebrows. "You think? What seems to be the problem?"

"I don't trust myself, Sunset!" burst out Flaming Star, "I've spent about eight thousand years of my life thinking only of myself, and only a year and a half thinking about others. The difference is too great, can I really make myself believe I can put other beings' needs before mine? Even if those needs are from a sweet, loving, beautiful, kind, wonderful mare like Twilight…"

Sunset smiled. "Look at what we have here. Here am I, a twenty-two-year-old who has a wife and a filly, and I am giving love advice to an eight-thousand-year-old who is terrified of females."

Flaming Star glared at Sunset. "This isn't funny. I really am having a crisis here."

Grinning, Sunset nodded his head. "Of course you are. Do you know what love is?"

Flaming Star opened his mouth, then closed it. Not in all his life had he been asked such a question, nor had he ever had time to pursue such answers.

Sunset smiled sagely. "Love is what you said: putting someone other's needs before your own willingly. True love is when you can do that over and over again for eternity. Love has no record system, no past can effect it. You are who you are today, not what the past made you originally out to be. It doesn't matter if you were a selfish, moronic, idiot in the days of the past, what matters is the Flaming Star of today. So I will ask you right now, are you willing to love Twilight with all your heart?"

Flaming Star thought about it for a moment. "I am. But what if I falter?"

"It's only natural that you will falter, it is part of our nature. But your love for Twilight will let you overcome those issues time and time again in perfect harmony. If you truly love Twilight, as you claim, then you will not fear the past, but will look to the future with hope of many years together with your beloved. I can tell you from experience, if you love somepony, and they love you back, nothing will ever be able to separate you two."

Flaming Star stared quietly at the ground, processing everything that Sunset had just said. After five minutes had passed and still he had said nothing, Sunset just smiled and got up.

"I cannot think of a better husband for Twilight in any timeline, alternate or otherwise, than you, Abimael 'James' Sethson."

Sunset then left, as Flaming Star's eyes filled with determination. He loved Twilight, and he was not going to let his doubts get in the way of what he knew he could do.

Note: That is it for part 1! Now on to part 2! Well, by now you guys know the regular routine... give me feedback! Oh, I would like to comment on how AWESOME all you guys are. I don't think this story would be what it is now without all the encouragement, corrections (100% of them being of the relevant type), and OC travelers you guys have given me! Thank you sooooo much! Okay, we are moving on now...