//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: Ten Years Later 
// Story: The Last Healing Dragon 
// by Gearsmash King 
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In the years that followed after the battle for Canterlot and the death of Lazarus, Equestria experience many changes. Ponies went about their daily lives as usual. But, once in a while, they would be accompanied by a dragon that was often many times bigger than a pony. Or, by a colourful Changeling. Both were thanks to Dragon Lord Ember and King Thorax. 

Ponyville and the Everfree Forest, in particular, had the most changes. The Diamond Dog mine had been opened again, but it was now owned by the ponies. However, Korg's chamber had been deemed a memorial and historical site. So, it was off limits to miners. But, ponies were welcome to explore the home of the Shadowpede that helped in the evacuation of Canterlot. As long as they didn't touch anything.

In town square, a flag waved in the wind. However, instead of a traditional Equestrian flag that displayed the princesses circling a half-sun and half moon. The flag showed a large red dragon and a spiked centipede circling a group of ponies, while on the outside of the circle, destruction and danger surrounded them. To many, it was a reminder that not all monsters are bad. But, to some, it was a reminder of those who weren't in the safety of the circle. And they became known as; The lost and remembered souls.

Throughout the Everfree, animals survived and thrived as if nothing had changed. Once in a while, ponies would venture into the forest, but they never dared to disturb the wildlife or plants that resided in it. However, that didn't stop anyone from trying to find the Cradle of the Everfree or look for Lazarus' cave to watch the memory gems. Everyone knew they existed, but only a few knew where they were. Only a few times, a pony was unfortunate enough to find the Boneyard. However, anyone who did, managed to escape with little to no injuries. The forest was still an unpredictable place, but ponies became less frightened of it in recent years.

As for the ones who knew Lazarus best, their lives changed over the years as well. 

Fluttershy became a mother to a pegasus filly that was very similar to her mother in appearance. However, the filly was far braver and more social than Fluttershy was when she was a young filly. It made her so proud to watch her daughter play with Pyro, the now fully grown phoenix. Sometimes, she would watch as the two of them race around the cottage. But, every time she looked at Pyro, she'd remember when she found him as an abandoned egg. But, it hurt even more when she remembered that she was with Lazarus when they found the egg. And, even though she knew that Lazarus was always in her heart, she still felt a small emptiness in the deepest part of her soul. However, she always managed to push that feeling away whenever she saw her daughter smiling with pride.

Starlight was a godmother to Dream Chaser's third foal, who was a bat-pony colt. Starlight was very happy to find out that the foal wasn't a hybrid between a Changeling and a pony. But, in recent years, she watched as the two older foals turned into adults. Dark Chaser, the oldest, began his training as a Lunar Guard, just like his father before him. Star Chaser, the middle, spent most of her time as the royal librarian's assistant. And, since Starlight was friends with Twilight, it was easy to make Star's wish come true. As for the youngest, he earned the name; Shadow "Shade" Chaser Jr.. He never met his father, but Starlight knew that somewhere, Shadow Chaser Sr. was watching over them all. And every time she thought about him, Crawl, or Lazarus, she would shed a tear for each of them.   

But, the one who hurt the most, since the battle, was Luna. After Lazarus died, Luna never changed her behavior. However, she wasn't as cheery as she used to be. Even on Nightmare Night, she didn't smile as often as she did. But, since Lazarus had taught her so much in the past, Luna was able to still feel some happiness and joy. It just hurt her to know that it took over six thousand years for him to earn his reward, even though he earned it multiple times. And, there were some moments when Luna would leave without telling anyone and without an escort. But, it wasn't very difficult to figure out where she went.

At the edge of Canterlot, there was a large pool of water that was shaped like a dragon. A quiet and peaceful place that allowed ponies to think clearly. Or, just enjoy each other's company. However, everyone knew what it actually was. And, on one side of the pool, a statue of a wingless dragon with a crested head and thick whip-like tail stood proudly on a stone base. A plaque had been placed on the base with a inscription that read;


In loving memory of 
Lazarus 
The last Healing Dragon
Father to Royalty
Hero and friend to Equestria
King of true courage