//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Changing Lanes // by AutoPony //------------------------------// It's been about a week since everything has (relatively) returned to normal. As it turns out, Discord should have asked for directions for reinstalling Twilight's mind to her body. It ended up taking another day before Celestia triumphantly presented her to you and Luna. It was... a little awkward. Twilight was more than happy to see Luna, but it seemed like she was a bit nervous being around you. Nonetheless, she gave you a hug, though you sense it was more for your sake than hers. She wouldn't divulge what happened in her home that fateful night, and her memory was apparently blank after the scuffle you had with her and Chrysalis. It was a bit disappointing, but understandable for her to feel out of sorts. She assured you in private before she left that you were still friends, she just needed some time to get herself back to a normal frame of mind. Reading between the lines, you believed her, but also knew in the back of your mind your relationship would not go back to how it was, in the sense of beyond "good friends." But it was somewhat of a blessing in disguise, even if it felt wrong to say such a thing. With what you had gone through with Luna, you were set on her - a one-mare man. Recalling the reasoning for Twilight to explore a relationship with you, it brought a concern to you on how to lightly put her down. That wasn't necessary now. In addition, Canterlot's castle was beginning to feel more and more like home. Ponyville was great, and it seemed most of the threat of changelings plotting against you were past. But you could tell Luna really wanted you to stay with her, and you felt the same way. In time, you planned on getting your old home cleaned up and using it for extended visits with your friends. But home is where the heart is - and your heart belonged to a navy blue alicorn. Nightmare Moon is finally appearing to you again. You've sensed her presence since coming back from the dead, but she has been elusive. Evidently, she wasn't just miffed at you; rebirth took a lot of juice out of her, inhibiting her ability to manifest. But she was pretty pissed off about it; after all, she did tell you to not get the two of you killed. She was also kind enough to replay the memory of what happened, since she did remember the whole day. You understand why it upset her so greatly to have experienced that, and it confirmed your theory about your experience in the hospital. The memory brought an indescribable agony with it as it played out - not only the pain of the fight, but the sensation of every nerve in your body being burned at once. You definitely don't want to experience that again - you're going to do your best to stay away from life-threatening situations. But now, with things calmed down, you can return to another important part of your life - the Superbird. You were granted space in the garage where the royal chariots and carriages were kept to work on it and store it. And boy, it needed a lot of work. Besides the destroyed nose and beat up hood and fenders, there was a radiator to replace, and an oil cooler that wasn't doing a very good job of cooling oil - or keeping it contained, for that matter. It was only by a miracle you didn't starve the car of oil and ruin the engine on your way to Canterlot. Though with everything going on at that point in time, the car was the least of your concerns. Speaking of which, as you finish removing the last bolt from the bracket, the oil cooler comes off in your hand, allowing you a better look at it. Definitely needs replaced, as the whole core of it is slightly warped, even ignoring two telltale trails of oil. But the sound of hooves pulls you away from the setback, as you lift your head slightly from the floor you lie upon. You can't help but smile as you find Luna casually plodding toward you, sans regalia. "Hi Luna, how was work?" Your light-hearted sarcasm gets a weary chuckle from her as you sit up, greeting her properly with a quick peck on the lips. "I suppose it was a fairly good day. Only minor squabbles from court that were easily dealt with. Nothing major as far as issues needing my advice or oversight. Though I will be overjoyed when I finally get a day of relaxation again." "To be fair, your sister said you didn't have to do your two-week straight stint ruling the kingdom right away," you remind her. "Yes, but I would prefer to get it out of the way as soon as possible," she replies. "Besides my own desires, my sister needs her rest, she's been through a lot." "No kidding. I don't know how anyone can get enough rest with her snoring." The comment gets another giggle from Luna. "You get used to it after a while. But you seem to have had a productive day," she says, Her eyes scan the pile of parts and tools gathered on the floor around you. "Sort of, I guess," you sigh with defeat. "There's a lot of work to be done to get it back into shape. The nose is a mess, I tweaked the radiator support a bit, and a lot of odds and ends that need to be looked at. I have some spare parts at home, but other things I'm going to have to try to fix or somehow have manufactured, I'm afraid." "You know I am more than willing to help in the ensuing days and weeks to come, Anon. I am sure we can bring this back to top form," she reassures you, flashing you an encouraging smile. "I certainly don't have to worry about a time limit, huh?" you suggest. "I feel there is some additional connotations to that comment. I assume you have been dwelling on the idea of immortality the past few days," she says, cocking her head. "A little bit. It's hard to wrap my head around, but I've been trying," you admit. Luna takes a seat upon the floor in front of you. "I understand it has been a long time since I have made my peace with the idea of a neverending existence, but it will become trivial to your mind one day. You will only be reminded of it when you lose a dear friend," she replies, sounding slightly troubled with the last sentence. "So how do you not just full recluse and not get attached to people, knowing full well you're going to outlive them?" "A wise pony told me that with each connection we make, we learn and grow. There is much we can learn from those in our lives, whether it be a five minute conversation, or a friendship that lasts years. You keep those lessons close to your heart, and those you care for remain with you forever." "I'm going to go out on a limb and say you heard that quite recently from your big sis." "Correct on both accounts, but nevertheless, advice that may very well help you. Live for the moment, Anon, do not concern your mind with the future. It will drive you mad." She does make a very good point, you have to admit. "Another oddity came to my attention today," Luna says, changing the subject as her smile returns. "Apparently, rumors are circulating that Canterlot's castle has had to deal with an issue regarding changelings. Can you believe that?" "No, not at all," you jab back playfully. "Don't ponies have more important things to worry about that gossip?" "I suppose if that is the main concern, things are going well for now," she replies with a chuckle. "You aren't worried about them at all? Even the queen?" Luna shakes her head. "I'm sure word will quickly get around that you are alive and well - to those that believe you are dead. But I doubt it changes any of the dynamics. Until next time, we shall let resting dogs lie where they are." "Gotcha," you say, looking behind Luna. "Uh, you know you sat in a puddle of oil, right?" "What? I did not feel anything," she says, standing up quickly and turning to view her resting place. Just as planned, as you reach out and goose the black splotches on her flank. "Right here!" Luna squeals as she turns around, pushing you down onto the floor as she tackles you. "You're terrible!" she shouts, all the while smirking. "I can't help you fell for it," you tease her. You reach up and stroke her mane, the sensation of a cool summer's evening breeze washing over you. "Luna, I hate to interrupt but it's time to- Oh for Equestria's sake, you could at least close the garage door!" Luna turns her head while you crank you neck to get a look, finding Celestia covering her eyes with a wing before turning tail and trotting off. "We weren't doing anything, sister!" Luna calls out after her with a bout of laughter. She turns back to you. "I suppose we should go after her and find out what she wanted." "Okay. You think we traumatized her?" you joke. Luna shakes her head. "No, she'll be fine, she likes to overreact from time to time." Luna backs off of you, helping you to your feet with her hoof. Both of you head out into the evening air, as you stop to close the garage door behind you. With that done, the castle dining room is the likely next stop. "Oh, I bet that is why she decided to pop in. My mistake," Luna says, her gaze directed upward to the sky. The sun is almost completely below the horizon now, the slightest light from it dying the indigo sky with a splash of pink and orange fade. Luna's horn glows as her eyes close in concentration, the pale white moon easing up into the sky with silent grace, lending it's own light to the landscape as the sun finally rests. "Beautiful as always, Moonbutt," you say, your eyes breaking from the sights in the sky to her bright teal eyes. "The night sky, or me?" she teases, batting her eyelashes at you. You can't help but grin as you lean over and give her a quick peck on the snout. "Yes."