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- EPILOGUE
- >Shining sighed, and looked at the broken locket.
- >He held it close, and continued his path.
- >He hung his head low as he saw the princess.
- >”Shining! You’re back!” Cadance trots up immediately.
- >She sees the look on his face and stops.
- >”Shining, where’s Anon?”
- >He does not answer.
- >He sighs again, and stops.
- >”Shining.” Cadance comes up and stares at him.
- >”What.”
- >”Happened.”
- >”To.”
- >”Anon?”
- >Shining stares blankly to her.
- >He doesn’t need to talk.
- >She knows.
- >Cadance slowly backs up, staring blankly to the background.
- >Her lip trembles, then she freezes.
- >She then starts to shake, and a single tear rolls down.
- >Cadance then lets out a hiccup, then another.
- >She gasps, and then stops.
- >On the happy Tuesday morning, the Sparkles received a letter.
- >Bearing the Equestrian seal, it came.
- >Mother shook and cried on the content.
- >Twilight could only try to reason out what was going on.
- >”What’s wrong?” She asked.
- >Mrs. Sparkle forced a smile and set a hoof on Twilight’s head.
- >”Anon is-“
- >”Anon! Is he coming back soon? He promised to spend the day with me tomorrow!”
- >Mom looks down to her sadly.
- >She runs a hoof through Twilight’s mane.
- >”Twilight…”
- >The little filly looks to her with hope.
- >Soon, Twilight’s smile fades.
- >”Anon isn’t coming back.”
- >Twilight cocks her head to the side, taking the information.
- >She smiles.
- >”Of course he is! He promised!”
- >Mother brings her head low again, searching for words.
- >She couldn’t possibly tell Twilight what happened.
- >”Anon is… Gone, Twilight, he’s gone away.”
- >Twilight pauses, her mouth agape.
- >”B-but, he promised!”
- >Her mother refuses to speak anymore.
- >”No, he PROMISED!” Twilight shrieks, before running up to her room.
- >He was going to be on time.
- >He always was.
- >He promised.
- >Twilight buries her head in the pillow.
- >She can hear her mother sobbing again.
- >No, tomorrow will be Wednesday.
- >And then, everything will be fine, and Anon will be there.
- >He has to.
- >Celestia looks over the report.
- >She passes few glances over to the squad.
- >Soarin shuffles in his position nervously.
- >Shining is rather quiet, staring onto the floor.
- >She sighs.
- >Two guardsmen were lost that day.
- >Anonymous…
- >Cadance- how will she take the news?
- >”Shining Armor.” She finally speaks. “Is this true?”
- >He nods.
- >”Is the threat dealt with?”
- >Another nod.
- >Celestia sighs and rubs her temples.
- >First day, and it all goes to hell.
- >”Shining, since you were the second in command, you will assume the role of the captain for now. I need to… look into matters.”
- >”HIM?” Soarin shouts.
- >”He’s the bucker who got Anon killed in the first place! He messed it all up! He will never be captain!”
- >”Are you questioning my choice, Soarin?” Celestia stares at him.
- >”You know what?” He takes off his helmet, and throws it to the ground.
- >”I fucking quit. I don’t want to take orders from that kind of pony.”
- >Soarin quickly walks out.
- >He, like his friend before, needed a drink.
- >”What happened, Soarin?” The mare asked.
- >”Shining Armor happened. That idiot mucked it all up.”
- >He slammed the glass to the counter.
- >Its contents waved about.
- >”You know, Soarin, if you’re still looking for a job…”
- >”I’ll take it. The Wonderbolts?”
- >”Yep.”
- >”Anon would have laughed at that.” Soarin sinks into his seat.
- >Spitfire raised her own glass.
- >”For Anonymous.”
- >Soarin smiled weakly, doing the same.
- >”For Anonymous.”
- >They clinked their glass.
- >Twilight woke up early that day, facing the sunlight.
- >Anon would be here today.
- >She quickly packed her things, put on her bag, and set out.
- >Anon is here, he would be waiting.
- >He would be there on his special spot, waiting for her.
- >With a bag full of candy.
- >She ran, and ran some more.
- >There she saw it, the tree.
- >But… No Anon.
- >Twilight sat by the tree, resting her head on the empty spot Anon used to sit.
- >She sat there silently, as the day rolled on.
- >She soon found herself sobbing.
- >”No.” Twilight muttered. “He would be here.”
- >Then the day went on, and sun set.
- >She finally let it all out.
- >She cried, sobbing loudly.
- >She tore at the books, the ones Anon gave to her.
- >And then her mane.
- >Its usual bookish looks were messed like a bird’s nest.
- >She felt so much anger.
- >Why did he have to leave like that? After the promise?
- >When he got back, she was going to give him a piece of her mind.
- >… If he ever came back.
- >That’s what Mom said, right?
- >Twilight recalled the insignia.
- >Higher-up History, Vol. 35.
- >”After the general’s death, an apologetic letter bearing the seal…”
- >No, that can’t be true.
- >Twilight smiled madly, and tried laughing.
- >HE WAS GOING TO BE ON TIME
- >… He will, right?
- >He was still her BBBFF.
- >Twilight sniffled again, and stared to the orange sky.
- >Anon would make her watch the sunset right now, and ruffle her mane.
- >She missed that.
- >”Twilight?” a familiar worried voice calls from her back.
- >Cadance runs up to Twilight, holding her in a hug.
- >”I was so worried when I heard-“
- >She looked down to the filly, who silently looked up, with glazed eyes.
- >She sniffled once, and then frowned.
- >She looked down to the ground, defeated.
- >Cadance silently sat next to Twilight, gently caressing her and fixing Twilight’s messy mane.
- >”Oh Twilight, you sometimes end up really tardy.”
- >”Tardy?”
- >Cadance combed Twilight’s mane, wearing a small smile on her face.
- >Twilight could see the sadness on Cadance too.
- >”Cadance, is Anon dead?”
- >Her foal-sitter jumps at this.
- >”How did you-“
- >”I’ve read some history books.”
- >”Is he?”
- >Cadance hesitated.
- >”N-no, he isn’t.”
- >Cadance sighed.
- >”Anon is out there somewhere, Twilight, he is. And I’m sure one day; he’ll come back to us.”
- >Twilight looked to her in wonder.
- >”Really?”
- >Cadance gave her a sad smile.
- >”Yes, one day.”
- >Cadance gave Twilight a soft hug, and watched the sunset with her.
- >It’s what Anon would do.
- >Somewhere in the borders of Equestria, a lone wanderer passes through a road.
- >It is difficult to make out any details due to the traveler’s attire, which covered them head to foot.
- >A long horn poked out of the hood, betraying the anonymity.
- >In a distance, hung a small lamp, shaking in the wind.
- >The traveler rushed to the light, running with new-found vigor.
- >In the shrubbery and the foliage, several minotaurs lie and wait for their next prey.
- >They notice the traveler, and rush out immediately.
- >The plan is simple; scare them out of their wits.
- >Take their money.
- >End of the job.
- >But this traveler is a tough one.
- >He flares up and goes into a combat stance.
- >The long horn glows in a lime green light.
- >The minotaurs stop, not because they want to.
- >This pony is good.
- >’He’ shakes the hood off, revealing the ethereal pastel mane.
- >The white head stands firm.
- >”You will take me to the Apothecary.” Commands Celestia.
- >Their camp spawned across the trees, some actually on the trees.
- >Many different kinds of creatures lurked the area, often arguing in the market.
- >This was a small city, Celestia thought.
- >She was led by a single minotaur, who as he passed, often threw obscene insults at the mercs.
- >Celestia flinched at the grime and dirt in this area.
- >And the hive of villainy, that too.
- >Celestia was led into a small house built into a massive tree.
- >She should take note of this design.
- >Maybe she can try it out later, in case of emergencies.
- >Celestia heard of whispers, a human, out here, helping the sick and wounded.
- >They called him the ‘Apothecary’.
- >Celestia just followed the story after the story, leading to this point.
- >Some stories had an ounce of truth in them.
- >She entered the tree-house, instantly being greeted by the gruesome sight of the wounded.
- >She winced at the smell of blood in the air.
- >She then turned her attention to the figure by the bloody chair.
- >”Well, I never expected a princess to be here.”
- >She knows that voice.
- >”Anonymous.” She speaks.
- >The figure stops.
- >”I haven’t heard that name in a while.”
- >The figure shifts, and Celestia hears a creak.
- >You move to the light, showing yourself.
- >You would open your arms wide and give hug or something, but that’s just silly.
- >You don’t even own an arm now.
- >That’s a sore spot.
- >Literally.
- >Groups of minotaurs converge on the pile of rocks.
- >The leader, points to the center, and the minotaurs follow.
- >They start struggling with the largest boulder.
- >They manage to hold it up, and throw it to the side.
- >Bright light floods your vision.
- >You try to move, only to be greeted by aching all over.
- >You couldn’t feel your legs.
- >You raise your bloodied hand to block out the sun.
- >You slowly lift your head and look down.
- >You find your body covered in a weak blue aura.
- >Well, looks like all those classes paid off.
- >One minotaur jumps to your side, and examines you.
- >He gives you a sad glance.
- >”Help me up.” You say, putting up your left arm.
- >Instead, you only find a bloody stump where your forearm should be.
- >”Shit.” You mutter.
- >You try to stand.
- >You realize another thing.
- >Where the hell is your right leg?
- >You rest your wooden limb on the wall.
- >”And that is how I ended up here.”
- >”Why didn’t you come back?”
- >You shrug.
- >”Everyone assumed I was dead, so better keep it that way.”
- >You sigh.
- >It has been- what- two years?
- >Everyone moved on.
- >No need to re-open old wounds.
- >”But, Cadance misses you greatly, Twilight too.”
- >You raise a brow.
- >”I thought they all assumed I was dead?”
- >”That doesn’t stop them from missing you.”
- >You pause.
- >You feel for your left arm, which you often covered.
- >”Sure, why not.”
- >You sit in the royal carriage once again, truly excited once again.
- >Back from the dead, that would be a pleasant surprise for everyone.
- >Wonder what you missed.
- >Celestia tells you of Shining’s promotion, Soarin’s withdrawal, his inclusion to the Wonderbolts and so on.
- >Shiny, a captain?
- >No wonder Soarin quit.
- >You look out the window and see the city in view.
- >You take a deep breath.
- >You were excited.
- >Excited to see Cadance again.
- >”Does it hurt?” Celestia asks you, worried expression still on her face.
- >”What, the arm?” You say, putting up the nub.
- >She nods.
- >”Not really, you’ll get used to it.”
- >You give a warm smile.
- >”It itches sometimes, though.”
- >Celestia fakes one back, still staring at your missing arm.
- >You ignore the stares and look out again.
- >It’s been a while since you have had the warm sunlight in your face.
- >It would have cost you an arm or a leg.
- >Okay, that was rubbish.
- >As soon as the carriage lands, you jump out.
- >Well, jumping out wasn’t a very good word.
- >You had your own wooden leg to support you-
- >You were used to it, but it still slowed you down.
- >It just doesn’t feel the same.
- >You slowly limp into the castle, as Celestia tries to catch up with you.
- >She does so with ease, but she doesn’t do anything else.
- >At least that’s what you thought, since you were so absorbed in the ‘run’.
- >You thought staying dead would be the best for everyone, but Celestia has a way of making it best for you.
- >You know the paths; you’ve been here so many times.
- >Past the gardens, past the kitchen, past the main hall, past the throne room, and follow the corridors.
- >And there she was, always sitting in that position.
- >It was your special spot, the balcony that overlooked Canterlot.
- >Cadance and you used to spend hours here, just talking.
- >And maybe more.
- >And there she was, alone, no soul to comfort her.
- >You silently make your way, intending to surprise her.
- >Suddenly another pony comes into view.
- >In the trademark golden armor- the one you used to wear.
- >Not directly, pony-sizes aren’t yours.
- >He removes the helmet, revealing the wavy blue mane.
- >Shining Armor.
- >He goes to sit next to Cadance, on your old seat.
- >Then Cadance rests her head on him.
- >You stop.
- >They moved on.
- >A chill runs through your chest, and you clutch it.
- >”At least you’re happy.” You whisper, turning around.
- >No need to jump in and ruin everything again.
- >You wipe your tears, and leave.
- >The dead should stay dead.
- >You sit in the familiar room, on the familiar bed.
- >You carefully run your fingers through the two lockets on the bed stand.
- >It was yours and hers.
- >You bring them together.
- >They stick once again, but Cadance’s stopped glowing.
- >You remove the string from your piece, and fuse the locket together.
- >You remove all of the enchantments, and take the locket with you.
- >”Celestia.” You call.
- >”I’m sorry Anonymous.”
- >”It’s fine.”
- >You sit on the grass, enjoying the cool mountain air.
- >”You know,” you start. “This was where we had our first kiss.”
- >”Oh?” Celestia comes and sits next to you.
- >You limp over to the pond.
- >You look at your reflection, seeing the shadow of your former self.
- >”Something is missing.” You whisper.
- >You turn to the rose hedge behind you, and pluck out the reddest rose.
- >You return to the pond, and gently place it on the water.
- >”There, perfect.” You whisper again, wiping a tear.
- >Celestia comes and places a hoof on your shoulder.
- >”Celestia, I need to ask you to do something.”
- >”Anything, Anon.”
- >”But before that, I need to do one more thing.”
- >You say, feeling the gift you saved so long.
- >You stand outside of the school.
- >Twilight graduated from the kindergarten, and now, she’s a primary magic student.
- >She’s in class 1B, just like you.
- >She’s great with telekinesis and teleportation, just like you.
- >She comes out kicking the door, just like you.
- >You couldn’t be more proud.
- >You stand there, arms ‘crossed’, waiting.
- >Twilight comes out alone, holding a saddle bag full of books.
- >She looks around carefully, before continuing her path.
- >She then sees you.
- >You smirk, and open your arms wide.
- >She pauses, mouth agape.
- >”Anon?”
- >You nod, still smiling.
- >Her eyes wet, and she immediately runs up to you.
- >You hold her in your still attached arm.
- >She’s still light, just as you remember.
- >She sobs into your chest, and hugs you tightly.
- >Her small legs can only cover your chest, but still, it’s the thought.
- >You also squeeze tight.
- >The two of you hold this position for a few minutes.
- >”I thought you were dead!” She speaks through her sobs.
- >You set her down.
- >You ruffle her mane, and see her smile again.
- >”I missed you doing that.” She wipes her tears.
- >”Bet no other pony can do the same?” You ask.
- >”Yep!”
- >Twilight goes and goes to punch your leg.
- >”Hey! Where’s the-“
- >You hold up your large bag.
- >”Candy?” You ask.
- >The two of you read each other like a book.
- >You sit in your spot again, lying with Twilight.
- >She rests her head on your lap again, just like before.
- >She’s also filled on the candy.
- >”I always came back to this place, Anon.”
- >She rolls her eyes to meet yours.
- >”I could never forget you.”
- >You smile, and ruffle her mane.
- >A single tear converges on the corner of your eyes.
- >She couldn’t be any more wrong.
- >”Wait!” Twilight shoots up.
- >”It’s almost eight! I need to be home by eight! Exactly!”
- >”Really? Mom got really tight now?”
- >”No! I’ll get tardy! I can’t be late, Anon, bad things happen when you’re late.”
- >You feel tears in your corner again.
- >You were late.
- >”So, you have to go now?” You ask, feeling for your own bag.
- >”Yeah! You have to say hi to mom again!”
- >”Sorry Twilight, but Celestia wants my report right away.”
- >You take out the aged package.
- >”Hey, I was going to give you two years ago.”
- >”For me?” Twilight eyes the faded purple of the gift.
- >You slowly open it.
- >you hand her the doll.
- >”It’s the one you wanted last time we met. What was his name…”
- >”Mr. Smarty Pants!” Twilight shouts.
- >You smile again.
- >”And here’s the bonus things that came with it.”
- >You hand over the quill and the notebook.
- >Twilight immediately pockets them in her bag.
- >She comes and gives you another hug.
- >”Hey, Twilight.”
- >”Yeah?”
- >”Can you promise me one thing?”
- >”Hm?”
- >”Will Mr. Smarty Pants be your best friend if I’m not here?”
- >”Always.” She responds, digging in to your chest.
- >”Always.” You echo.
- >”Well, it’s time to go! See you tomorrow, Anon!”
- >Twilight jumps and starts running home.
- >”Goodbye, Twilight!” You shout after her.
- >She turns one more time, and comes back for another hug.
- >You ruffle her mane once more.
- >”Goodbye, Anon, I love you.”
- >You feel a tear running down your cheeks.
- >”I love you too, Twilight.” You whisper.
- >You give her a light kiss on the forehead, and let her go.
- >She smiles to you, and continues her path.
- >”Good bye.”
- >You whisper.
- >”Forever.”
- >You kiss the locket, and then throw it into the abyss.
- >It made its slow descent into the darkness.
- >You turn to Celestia.
- >”Do it.” You order.
- >She nods, and activates her magic.
- >A large boom is heard, and a large wave of lime green magic booms from your position to every direction.
- >It sweeps through the castle, washing through the guards.
- >Washing through Cadance.
- >She blinks, and turns to Shining.
- >He looks to her, and she stares back.
- >Her tears stop, and she smiles to him.
- >The only stallion she ever loved…
- >The boom goes to the airfield.
- >Soarin, living up to his name in the air, feels the magic gets past him.
- >He pauses for a while, and then continues.
- >For a reason, this was the fastest he ever went.
- >As if some weight was lifted off him.
- >Twilight reached her house door, kicking it open.
- >”Mom!” She calls.
- >The magic sweeps over her, and into the house.
- >”Yes?” Her mother pokes her head out.
- >Twilight pauses.
- >What was she going to say?
- >”Hey, where did you get the doll?” Her mother asks.
- >Twilight turns to the doll.
- >Where did she get it?
- >”What’s it for, Twilight?”
- >Twilight looks to her mother, and smiles.
- >”This? This is Smarty Pants. And he is my best friend! Like a brother!”
- >You sigh, and look over to the horizon.
- >Everyone forgot you ever existed.
- >Celestia looks to you sadly.
- >”What are you going to do now?” Celestia asks.
- >”Me? Just getting rid of the final loose end.” You say, smiling widely again.
- >As if all of the weight is lifted off you.
- >You slowly back away, and walk.
- >Your body slowly glows in a soft hue of white.
- >It consumes you.
- >You ignore it, still walking.
- >The top of your head and your tip of your limb slowly dissipate.
- >White particles leave you.
- >As you disappear one more time, you smile widely one more.
- >Then you are no more.
- >That day, Canterlot had the most pure snow.
- >Cadance gasped, as she saw the snow, something stirred within her.
- >Soon, she forgot, as she crossed her neck with Shining’s.
- >She had him for comfort and to enjoy the view.
- >Twilight was reading her new best friend a story, when the snow came.
- >She went on to describe the possibilities of the snow happening to her friend.
- >And like the good friend he is, he listened.
- >Maybe it is better if it was a girl, Twilight thought.
- >Twilight always wanted another sister.
- >You blanket the two most important mares in your life, your love for the two seeping unconsciously.
- >”I’ll watch over you, forever.” You whisper.
- >The changelings grew tired again.
- >The strange substance that coated the lower levels of the mountain finally ran out of its power.
- >The queen looked to the locket, hanging in the caves.
- >She would feast on the love there, but something protected it.
- >She had plans to leave the caverns anyway…
- >Once reunited with the real Cadance, Twilight desperately searched the way out.
- >Then, she saw it.
- >A small glimmer of light.
- >She followed it, and found the way out.
- >Your old locket still hung there, brightly reflecting the dying sunlight.
- >It still radiated your care for her.
- >Care.
- >For a friend…
- >No, more than friends.
- >It was your last act of love.
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