//------------------------------// // The End // Story: Equestrian Ending // by StapleCactus //------------------------------// [3 months later] “C’mon, Dex, only a few trees left to buck!” Applejack shouted towards me as she slammed her rear hooves into another tree. I stood nearby, shaking and panting from exertion after clearing nearly four acres of trees, unable to keep up with her stamina. Looking over the last bit of field to go, I saw just how right she was. Only three trees stood with their delicious apples hanging from branches. I had completed my therapy a few weeks ago and was finally up to helping everypony that had helped me. Regular visits to Ponyville allowed me to work on my magic with Twilight and pay off the self-proclaimed debts I promised myself to clear. As soon as I was able, I stopped by Rarity’s boutique, and ended up modeling for her new line of stallion clothing as payment. Just last week, I had helped Pinkie in Sugarcube Corner, both to learn how to bake with my new form and to pay her back for all her teaching. The last apple fell from the last apple tree as I struggled to throw my weight into the buck. As soon as the tree was cleared, I dropped to the ground and lay there. I heard hooves trot over to me and I raised my head to look at Applejack grinning down at me. “Well, ya did it! Ah’m mighty proud of ya, Dex,” she said. “I don’t think my legs are too proud right now,” I responded as the aforementioned appendages twitched in the beginnings of relaxing. “If yer too tired ta stand, I guess you won’t be needin’ any lunch!” she added playfully. At the sounds of food, my stomach voiced its opinion and I forced myself up. My legs complained, but I remembered that walking off after exercising is important. We came up to the farmhouse slowly and I was met with a wonderful sight. On the front porch, Granny Smith was sitting in her chair, rocking away, while Riches lay at her feet and listened intently to a story. Panacea was setting drinks and food down on a table nearby as Big Mac strolled over from the barn. Apple Bloom, though, had to go to school. “Hey, Pan,” I said as I got close. She glanced over at me and set a pie down. Once she was free, I walked in close and nuzzled her. “How was your morning?” After a week, Panacea started to believe the story Riches and I had told her. Then, about a month later, and after a lot of time spent with us, she agreed that it was true, something I think Celestia had a part in as well. Since then, Pan and I grew closer until we started officially dating. Yesterday, Riches, Pan, and I all decided to take a day off and visit our friends. The Apple family, being as courteous as farm folk are, agreed to put us up for the night. So, in return, we all did our own small part to help. “It was fine, until you came along and covered me in sweat,” Pan said with a smile as I pulled away from our embrace. “Fine, fine. I’ll go wash up first.” Everything was wonderful. [2 years later] “Dad!” “Yes, Riches?” “Where’s the sieve?” “You mean the colander? I’m using it.” “For what? “...For pasta?” “I need it for my science project!” “...” Good thing I washed it first, who knows what that filly uses the kitchen utensils for. “Also, Dale needs a change!” “You’ve done it before, Riches.” “But I don’t want to!” “Please? I’ve got my hands full in the kitchen.” “Hooves!” “Whatever!” Time goes by so quickly. One minute, you’re enjoying some time with friends, and the next, you have a wife and kid. A few years after I became a pony, I managed to snag Panacea as my wife. It was the greatest day of my life, far better than what I ever thought possible. Stone was my best man, or stallion, as I’m being corrected. The ceremony was wonderful, but nothing compares to the life I’ve lived since that day. Riches, through some strange series of events, most likely due to her own influence, became our daughter. She’s grown up to be a fine young mare. Her talent in psychology shouldn’t have surprised me as much as it did when she came home after school and ran around the house, trying to show off her cutie mark to anyone who would look. Then, we had a foal, a little blue pegasus we named Dale Wind. And no, I have no idea how that happened. Hush. He is a wonderful addition to the family and his wild nature is sure to get on everyone’s nerves when he grows up. [8 years later] There’s not much to say, only that I’m filled with pride in these moments. Riches graduated university classes in psychology. Dale learned to fly and got high marks on his tests. Stone found himself a wife. Panacea and I went on an airship cruise for our anniversary, after I got a patent accepted for improvements to Equestria’s electrical design and Pan accepted a full doctorship at Canterlot Medical. Life is wonderful. Friends are always nearby during the hard times and good times. I’ve never been happier. And that’s how my story ends. I had a wonderful life and I’ll never forget all the friends I made in the end. Harmony called me occasionally through the years. It felt like she didn’t get too many ponies to talk to and just wanted someone as a friend. One of the Titans is my friend; now that was something I never thought would turn out to be the case. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy have always been my friends through everything, and I love them all the more for it. I’ll never forget you all, even now. So, here I am, old and tired, and I felt like writing down my story. Panacea is a wonderful wife and I hope she can live long enough to see our great-grandkids be born, since I don’t feel that much life left in me. All in all, I think I made the right choice. Thanks, Discord. --Sir Dex the Shield, Senior Knight of the Solar Guard, age 86