I was discharged from the hospital the following afternoon. Zecora had come to see me leave and her eyes widened when she saw my wings. I'd never seen her move so fast to hug me, but it was welcomed as she nuzzled my face and repeated over and over how glad she was that I was alright.

Upon my exiting the hospital, I was greeted by the Elements of Harmony. Rarity was the first to come to me. She had taken the liberty of creating some new shirts for me, each with small sleeves through them to allow for my new wings to poke through without obstruction. She also offered to convert my other clothes in the same manner, and wouldn't hear anything else about it when I tried to decline. I promised to send her my Earth clothes in batches so she could work on them. The six of us spent the day at my house playing card games and Earth board games.

As she normally did whenever she was overly worried, Zecora spent the night at my house, and I'd learned better than to argue with her. In the middle of the night, when she was fast asleep, I opened up Netflix again. I'd remembered the title of an episode called Sonic Rainboom. To my shock, I discovered it was nearly identical to the events that took place the day prior, with one exception. Rarity hadn't been injured at all. I fell asleep with doubts in my mind about my decision to avoid the show altogether.

The next morning, Spike arrived at my house with a letter from Canterlot. Only this one was signed by all three Princesses. Zecora and I met the other six and Spike at the train station. I was still a bit tired and clumsily trying not to accidentally spread my wings (which were larger even than Celestia's). Zecora hardly left my side. And, to my surprise, neither did Rainbow Dash. She sat on one side of me, while Zecora sat on the other side.

And boy, could that Pegasus talk. She talked about the Wonderbolts and how cool they were, for the most part. I listened politely, and actually learned a good deal about them, such as their ranking system and how they accepted new recruits. I tried stopping her a few times, but then I noticed something in Rainbow's eyes. A slight hint of worry. I figured her constant rambling was something she was doing to distract herself.

The train car we were in looked normal enough, but instead of seats we had beds to sit on instead. I'd moved one bed closer to the wall to sit against. The only other Ponies in the car were the other Elements of Harmony, each sitting on a bed trying not to be bothered by Rainbow's incessant talking. Spike was there as well at my insistence, and was trying to cover his ears as well. Rainbow Dash was almost as bad as Pinkie Pie, who covered her head with a pillow the whole time there.

Eventually, just when I saw the others were getting ready to tell Rainbow Dash off, I put an arm around the tomboy and pulled her closer. Her eyes widened at that. "Jethro…?" she said softly.

"I'm fine, RD," I said softly as I ran my hand through her mane. "I feel better now, I don't have many injuries, and I'm pretty sure my heart is just fine. I can tell you're worried, and I appreciate it, honest."

She nodded silently and nuzzled into my hand. "Thank you," she said softly.

"We were all worried," Applejack said. "Ya might be a dern fool for what ya did, but yer an honest one," she added.

"More the fool," I replied.

"Perish the thought!" Rarity said, looking at me sternly. "You tried to save me, and when you were falling, you held me close, correct? Why?"

"Well…" I thought back to that moment. The answer hit me quicker than I expected. "I wasn't thinking about much in that moment, but my only thought was keeping you as safe as possible. So I was…gonna hit the ground first."

Rarity's eyes widened, and tears began forming. She galloped over and threw her front hooves around me, startling me, Rainbow Dash and Zecora. "Thank you…" was all she said. She held onto me like that for a while, and I held her back, smiling down at her reassuringly.

I looked up at all of them, my smile slowly vanishing. "Listen, can I ask all of you for your advice on something that's been bothering me since I woke back up?"

Twilight looked at me curiously, but with concern on her face. "Sure," she said. "We'll listen, right girls?"

With nods of assent from each Pony, they all gathered around me. I looked down at Rarity's sprained ankle. Reaching down, I took it in my hand gently. "First off, I want to say that this is completely my fault. Before you go denying it, let me explain. What happened in Cloudsdale was an actual episode on the show that I showed you all." After I told them the plot of Sonic Rainboom, I lowered my head. "If I hadn't been the idiot I was and jumped in, Rarity would not only have been saved, but she wouldn't even had been injured." I looked deep into her eyes. "Please forgive me."

"Darling, there's nothing to forgive," she replied. "You didn't know."

"Exactly. I didn't know," I replied. "I've been avoiding knowing for too long. Part of me is screaming not to look, but another part is telling me that I can help you avoid some dangers if I just watched the show."

Fluttershy stepped forward and put a hoof on my knee. "This is really eating you up inside, isn't it?" she asked kindly.

When I nodded, Twilight came up. "Listen, I've studied the theories of parallel timelines and alternate dimensions before. We're not the same Ponies as the ones in your show. I know you want to keep things the same, but they already aren't. Your presence would have changed things regardless."

"Ah can't claim to know all that fancy stuff like Twilight here," Applejack said, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof, "but ah do know that the future ain't somethin' we can know. Tellyvishion show or no."

"She's right about that," Rarity said. "Darling, you've been working yourself up over this when you really don't need to. What happened up in Cloudsdale happened, and there's nothing we can do to change it now."

"Come on, Jethro! I'd do anything to know the future!" Rainbow Dash said in her own attempt to cheer me up. "You've gotta lighten up a bit."

"I wouldn't know much about this kind of thing," Fluttershy added, "but I can see you're upset. No matter what you choose, nopony would think less of you."

"Besides," Pinkie Pie said with a wide smile, "the moment you were teleported into our version of Equestria, the events of that cool show became only a possible timeline instead of our actual timeline! We're the alternate universe, so who cares what you do?"

Everyone looked at Pinkie Pie in astonishment. My jaw was certainly dropped. "That…wow…" was all I could say.

Zecora was the last to speak. "My friend, listen to me," she said, "I know you're confused and trying to make the right decision, but just know that none here will not think less of you for that."

I looked at all of them, some of my fears beginning to abate. I still hadn't made a decision, but I felt that a conversation with one more specific individual would help me make my final decision. "Thank you, everyone," I said gratefully. "Your words have been pretty helpful."

Just then, the train's intercom announced our arrival at Canterlot Station. I stood and stretched, Zecora and Rainbow Dash standing as well. The cyan Pegasus spread her wings and flew beside me. When we exited our private car, I saw about ten guards standing at attention. One of them, apparently the leader, stepped forward. "You're Jethro Bethridge, correct?" he asked. He was a unicorn with a white coat of fur and dark blue mane and tail. His armor was more ornate than the others, being purple and gold. On his chest, I saw a pink star.

I heard Twilight gasp when she saw the stallion, but before she could say anything, I nodded. "Yes, sir. That's me." My wings involuntarily bristled.

"Captain Shining Armor," he replied, staring warily at the wings. "I've been ordered by Princess Celestia herself to escort you and your party to the palace."

So…this is Twilight's older brother, huh? I can see why Cadance likes him so much. I nodded politely as I forced my new wings back to a resting position. "Thank you, Captain. The escort is much appreciated."

"Shining?!" Twilight apparently couldn't hold herself back anymore.

Shining Armor turned, and a wide smile appeared on his face. "Twily!" He removed his helmet and walked over to his younger sister's side.

I held back my snickering as the two siblings reunited, but Zecora noticed. "Is something funny, my friend?"

"Oh, it's nothing important. I just found some more material with which to tease Twilight later," I replied with a grin.

Zecora snorted, clear amusement in her own eyes. "Don't be too hard on her," she said.

"I won't, I promise," I said, grinning down at my first friend in Equestria.

"Well, as much as I'd love to catch up, little sis," Shining Armor said, "I'm on a bit of a tight schedule. But maybe we can meet up together someplace later this evening? Donut Joe's, perhaps?"

"Wait, Equestria has donuts? Oh, hell yes!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist up in the air. My wings spread excitedly, nearly hitting a couple nearby guards. Seeing this, I looked at them chagrined. "Ah, sorry," I said sheepishly as I put my wings back.

"Please follow me," Shining Armor said, turning and heading into the city. I nodded and did so, flanked on two sides by Zecora and Rainbow Dash once more. Twilight walked next to her brother, the two of them talking animatedly.

I'd already explored Canterlot in my astral form plenty of times, but it felt much different being here in person and not flying around. I could practically feel the opulence of the capital city all around me. Despite me being taller than most Ponies, I felt really small. It didn't help that I received more stares of disapproval, disgust, and fear. I sighed. "Why do I have the feeling Ponyville is more of the exception to the rule than the rule itself," I muttered as we went along.

"Mr. Bethridge?" Shining Armor was turned back and looking at me.

"Yes, Captain?" I straightened on impulse.

"It's my understanding that you were the one who advised Princess Cadenza on a matter of importance to me," he replied, giving me a subtle wink. "Might we talk more about that at a later time?"

"Of course, Captain," I replied.

He chuckled. "I look forward to it," he replied.

Aside from that brief pleasant interlude, I could practically feel the stares of fear and disgust everywhere. But I didn't react, only continued walking. Aside from myself and Fluttershy, who was next to Rainbow Dash, everyone else was "Oooh-ing" and "Aaah-ing" at the sights around Canterlot. I nearly snickered when we passed by the street that led to Canterlot's Red Light District, but held it in.

In no time flat, or so it seemed to me since I was too busy taking in the sights and smells of the capital city, we were passing through a set of doors into the Palace. We were led down the halls where guards would pause and salute Shining Armor as we passed. I received even more stares from some noble looking Ponies, and I even heard some whispers from them. However, I ignored this as we approached a massive set of doors. Two guards stood at attention, but with one nod from Shining Armor, both Unicorns used their magic to open the door.

Walking down the massive room towards the raised dais, I saw three familiar looking Alicorns seated. In the center on a massive throne sat Celestia, looking at us with an unusually serious expression. To her right stood Luna, also with a serious expression on her face. To the left Cadance stood. I'd never seen her with an expression as serious as the one she had.

"Announcing the arrival of the Elements of Harmony, along with Spike the Dragon, Zecora the Zebra, and Jethro Bethridge the Human," someone nearby announced. Shining Armor turned and stepped aside.

We all moved forward, the only sounds being made being the hoofsteps and footsteps we were all making. When we reached a certain point, we stopped. When the rest of the group bowed, I took a knee and lowered my head, my wings automatically spreading behind me.

"Raise your heads," Celestia said, and I flinched. This was her official royal voice, and it terrified me. However, I stood along with the rest, forcing my wings behind me into a neutral state. Zecora stood closer to me and gently put her hoof on my foot, which helped me calm down. I faced the triarchs with as much courage as I could muster. Celestia looked over the others before her eyes rested on me. I was severely tempted to look away, but I held my gaze. After a while, she stood. The other monarchs stood straighter as well. "Jethro Bethridge," she began, "I assume you know the reason you and your companions have been summoned."

"Yes, your Highness," I replied.

"Good. Guards, leave us," she ordered.

Shining Armor, who had since made his way nearer to the front of the room, gasped a bit. Other guards looked stunned as well. "Your Highness, I must protest," he said. "It is my duty as Captain of your Guard to point out that this human is a clear threat to the three of you. We all can see his new wings. They're clearly Alicorn wings. Who knows what else he's hiding?"

"Shiny!" Twilight almost hissed at her brother in surprise and anger.

"I'm sorry, Twilight, but this is my job," he said apologetically.

"Relax, Twilight," I added, "I'd do the same in his position."

Twilight looked between the two of us and sighed. "We'll discuss this later," she said to Shining.

"Captain Shining Armor, I thank you for your concern," Celestia said. "But what Jethro has to say to us is sensitive information. My sister, niece and I are more than capable of handling ourselves, is that clear?" Her eyebrows were furled at Shining.

"But, your Highness-" Shining began.

"Are? We? Clear?" Celestia enunciated her words for emphasis.

Shining frowned, then bowed. "It shall be as you say, your Highness." He turned and glared at his guards. "Vacate the premises," he ordered as he headed to the doors. The rest of us watched them go. I saw Shining give me a warning glare before the mighty doors slammed.

The moment the echoes died down, the three princesses exhaled, especially Celestia. She smiled down at us. "I'm sorry about that," she said as she walked down the dais towards us. "I had to put on that performance."

"I understand, your Highness," I replied, bowing again.

She chuckled. "Call me Celestia, please. Come with us. We'll speak better in a private area." Turning, she led the rest of us towards a side door. It opened at her approach and we entered what looked like some kind of meeting room. The round table I saw was made of pure marble inlaid with gold and silver. In one corner of the room, a massive fire roared. Everyone began taking seats except for me, since there was no chair big enough. When Celestia sat in a chair bigger than most, she saw me still standing. "Jethro? Won't you take a seat?"

"I would…if there was a chair big enough to hold me," I replied sheepishly. "Plus, I proooobably should still stand. My legs are quaking enough as it is. If I sit, well…"

Celestia looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about the chair sizes. But if you're alright with it…then so am I."

I smiled, then walked to the front of the room. Standing in front of the fire, I looked into it and sighed. Inhaling, I turned to face them all. "Remember when I told you about my mysterious benefactor Athena? I told you she wished to remain anonymous for certain reasons, and that was the truth. But…due to some recent turn of events, I need to identify her." I swallowed nervously. "It's not easy to admit this, since she's expressed worries about me hating her, but she's too scared to tell me everything herself. So, I need to hear it from you." I inhaled deeply, then faced Celestia. "Does the name Obsidian Star mean anything to you?"

Celestia's eyes went completely wide, as did Luna's. The others just looked confused. "The Wise Warrior," Celestia gasped.

"Thou mean to tell us she wast thy benefactor?!" Luna bellowed.

I winced and my wings spread around me defensively. Forcing them back, I lowered my head and held out my wrists. "If you're gonna lock me up, I wouldn't resist," I said.

"Raise your head," Celestia ordered. I did so, and saw her gazing at me thoughtfully. Finally, she put a hoof on Luna's shoulders. "Please tell us everything once again, with nothing hidden."

And so I did. I left nothing out this time around. The princesses of sun and moon listened intently, especially to anything involving Athena. When I was finished, the look on their faces left me feeling weak and scared again. Cadance was immediately by my side, as was Zecora.

After a while, Celestia stood and approached me, an unreadable expression on her face. Cadance moved away, but Zecora only moved closer, putting a protective hoof over my back. She looked me directly in the eyes. "Jethro Bethridge," she began, "while I am severely displeased that you hid such an important detail from us, I can't be upset with you at your reasons. Had you told us in the beginning, my sister and I would have most likely taken you into custody and placed you under house arrest in the palace until we learned more. However, from what Twilight has told me about your actions in Ponyville, especially the incident with the Ursa Major and Minor, I can see now that you aren't a threat as far as I'm concerned." Luna took a breath, and Celestia turned to her sister. "Luna, I know what I'm doing." Luna closed her mouth.

"Princess, who is Obsidian Star?" Twilight asked.

Celestia turned and sighed. "This happened over a thousand years ago," she explained. "And it all happened because of a certain being: Discord."

There's that name again, who the hell is this Discord chick? I wanted to ask, but I continued listening. Celestia continued. "Discord, or Eris as she preferred to be called, is a powerful being called a Dragonequus. She is the encapsulation of chaos and disharmony. Once, long before I banished my sister to the moon, she ruled over Equestria and caused great sadness and unrest among all three Pony tribes. However, my sister and I finally defeated her, but not before Discord corrupted a large number of Alicorns. One of them being Obsidian Star. After my sister and I used the Elements of Harmony to encase Discord in stone, we tried to help the other Alicorns return to their normal states, but Discord's curse was too powerful. We had no choice but to banish them from the world. It would seem we banished them to Earth, and you just heard the rest of her story from Jethro."

I couldn't hold back. "Your Highness, I don't want to ask this, but I have to know. What did my…my teacher do? Her and her companions?"

Celestia closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She didn't look too happy to be revealing whatever had happened. "Their leader, Stormy Sky, was a power-hungry tyrant who used his control over lightning to rule over a large portion of Equestria. His methods were barbaric, to put it completely mildly. I don't want to go into details about his crimes against Ponykind, but he and the other corrupted Alicorns had to be removed from Equestria altogether. And since we have no death penalty, it fell upon my sister and I to send them away to a place where no magic existed. But it appears they landed in this…Greece," she finished. She turned to me and to my surprise I found her eyes to be truly apologetic. "On behalf of myself and my sister, I can't apologize enough for what those Alicorns must have done."

"After hearing that story, I can't judge," I said honestly. "I do, however, really want to know what Stormy Skies and his companions did. I can take it."

Celestia's ears flattened as she approached. Lowering her voice so only I could hear, she whispered, "Foal sacrifices, for one. Self-mutilation as a form of worship as well. Rape of innocent mares and impregnating them. Fights to the death for their amusement, and much…much…"

Something wet hit my shirt. I turned and saw a single tear falling from her eyes. Instinctively, I reached up and put a hand in her mane. Closing my eyes, I moved my wings and wrapped them close around her. "Your Highness…I…"

"Please, call me Celestia," she whispered, sitting down in front of me and shedding more tears. "Obsidian Star, Luna and I were all the closest of friends before her corruption," Celestia said softly. "It broke our hearts to have to banish her with the rest. But…I'm glad that she managed to break out of her curse. Thank you…"

I practically threw my arms around her then, holding her close in my best attempt to comfort her. Luna was by her sister's side fast and put her own wings around the silently weeping monarch. She gave me a glare, but then her eyes softened. "Forgive us for yelling at thee," she said.

"From what your sister just told me, I don't blame you," I replied, extending one hand to her. She put her hoof in it and I squeezed.

After a while, Celestia stood. I removed the wings on my back, which went straight back where they belonged, leaving me a normal human again. "I don't like remembering that piece of history," she said somberly. "It was one of the darkest times in all of Equestria."

"Ah wouldn't blame ya," Applejack said. "Seems this Eris gal was quite the troublemaker."

"Quite the ruffian indeed," Rarity added.

I looked at Celestia and gave a small smile. Her face slowly brightened, and she turned to the rest. "What you have heard today can never leave this room. If anypony asks where Jethro received his wings, tell them that it was given to him by…his teacher, the Alicorn Athena." She turned and smiled warmly at me.

"Ah don't particularly like that," Applejack replied hesitantly, "but ah'll do as you say, Princess."

"It's not quite a lie," I said. "Athena is her name. As far as I'm concerned, the moment she broke free of her curse, she ceased to be Obsidian Star and became Athena. Goddess of Wisdom."

The rest of them agreed wholeheartedly. As they were doing so, however, I could feel my anger start to rise. I wasn't angry at Athena; I had made a promise after all. No, I was furious at Eris. Furious at her for putting my teacher and benefactor through so much heartache and misery. I felt the temperature around me rise as my anger did as well. My fists clenched and I stared into the fire. The flames leaped up as if in response to my fury. Eris, you're lucky you're encased in stone. If you weren't…I would kill you!

The flames burst up in response to my thoughts and flung me back slightly. Startled out of my rage, I looked at the fire, which looked like it was encased in white magic. Celestia and Luna were both looking at me in awe. I straightened up and frowned in confusion. "Um…did I do something wrong?"

Celestia didn't say anything, but instead pointed to a nearby mirror. Hesitantly, I walked over and gaped. Sticking out of my forehead, I saw a half transparent horn, much like that of an Alicorn. And it was glowing the same color as the magic I'd just seen. Hesitantly, I reached up with both hands and grasped it. The moment I did, the glowing horn vanished, and I felt a tingling in my hands instead, which spread down my arms and through my body. I guess that answers the question of whether I have magic or not, I thought.

A voice spoke, and everyone jumped, leaping up from their chairs and looking around in various states of cautiousness and fear. "I, Obsidian Star, entrust my faithful student Jethro Bethridge into the care of the Ponies in this room," Athena's voice echoed throughout the chamber. "I have given him all that I can. And now it is time for me to finally pass on."

A faded form began appearing on the table, solidifying into Athena. Her wings were spread majestically, and she was looking down at me. There was slight strain on her face as she smiled compassionately at me. She then turned and bowed to the princesses. "Celestia, Luna, I'm glad to see you again, for the last time."

"Obsidian," Celestia gasped. "So it's true…you have returned…"

"I've returned, yes. But it was all leading up to this moment," she replied.

The way she was speaking caused me to tense up in worry. "Athena…? What are you talking about?"

She turned to me, but her smile was one of sorrow. She gently flew over to me and put a hoof on my cheek. "My faithful student, I have not been forthcoming with you. I once said that I wasn't powerful enough to see you in person. What I didn't tell you was that I would never be able to take a physical form ever again."

"What do you mean…?" I asked, afraid to know the answer.

Her smile faded. "Jethro…after I defeated my fellow Alicorns, I…well, holding that much power within me was too much for any Alicorn. My body was unable to keep the strain of all that magic. Jethro…I'm sorry…but…"

I shook my head. "No…you're not…you're here now! You can start again! You can redeem yourself!" Tears threatened to burst forth from my eyes.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I'm already dead. I have been for thousands of years. I've been living within your body ever since I arrived. I'm using up the last of my magic to say goodbye."

I grabbed her into a fierce hug. "No! I won't let you go! I can't lose anyone ever again!"

A warmth wrapped itself around me. Someone was nuzzling my face affectionately. "Jethro, you have everypony in this room, and then some. And I did say you have the blessing of Obsidian Star, the real one, not my corrupted form. I've given you everything I can give you, but now it's time for me to face judgement in the next world."

My arms went through her as she began to slowly vanish. I looked up in anguish as she floated up, waving at me. "ATHENA!" I cried out, reaching up.

"Please look after him, Tia, Lulu," Athena implored. "He has far to go, and is a broken man."

Celestia walked over to me and put a gentle hoof on my hand, all the while looking up at Athena. "Dia…I promise we'll look after him. Please…be at peace."

"We shall help him too," Luna said in a surprisingly subdued voice as she watched Athena floating up.

"Don't go! Please!" I begged.

"Jethro…" she said sadly, "I wish things were different. I wish I could be with you always, but that can never be. My final advice to you…never lose hope. You have friends who love you too much to see you in pain." Her horn glowed and a ball of rainbow colors formed at the tip. It floated down to me and touched my face. Slowly it shrank until it vanished. "My final gift to you, dearest Jethro. Farewell…"

"Athena! NOOO!" I reached out, but she was gone, leaving me alone in the room with the others. In that moment, I could feel something inside me. Or rather, a lack of something. "Athena…" I looked down at the floor. My grief and sorrow grew and grew.

Then my senses exploded around me, and I knew no more.