//------------------------------// // Chapter twenty-seven: Epilogue // Story: The Legend of Equestria: Majora's Mask // by xombiekilla //------------------------------// Dawn of a new day: Ending The giants chanted once more to show their appreciation for Hero's triumph. They then departed to their respective temples to rest and await their next call as their bodies vanished into the white fog, which soon cleared up. "We did it! We beat Majora, Hero. You are awesome, man!" Rainbow exclaimed as she hugged Hero. "Not as awesome as Daring Do or myself, but you're pretty high up there." Everyone waved goodbye to the giants as they noticed Majora's Mask lying on the ground, lifeless and dull. This must have been his remains. "Well, let's return this to Flam, and then we can enjoy this festival," Twilight suggested, and the party agreed. "It's time to enjoy our vacation, everypony. It may not be Rainbow Falls, but a festival is also very nice," Celestia says as the mayor of Clock Town was quick to welcome them. "Greetings! I am Mayor Dotour. I humbly welcome you to our Festival of Time. On behalf of our town, I thank you for your service to us. I hope you all enjoy our festival. Thank you for saving our lives and our home." Both Luna and Celestia bowed to him in respect. "Tis looks like fun, Sister," Luna joyfully pranced about. "I must say, you guys really know how to party," remarked Celestia as the group of hippogriffs then gathered, but Silverstream couldn't recognize Hero due to the laws of time. Hero still waved over to her, and she waved back shyly. "Do you know her, Hero?" asked Celestia. Hero explained how he got his Hippogriff mask, and Queen Novo recognized him for some reason. "So, you've completed your quest here, I see. Don't think for a moment that I wouldn't recognize you just because you went back in time. You still have Mikau's mask, right?" Hero nodded in response. "Good. Keep it as a memento for your travels. It seems that both you and Mikau have bonded very well together." Hero nodded and showed his respect by bowing to her. "You have defeated such an immense evil with the help of your friends. That's truly impressive. May peace be with you in your future travels, Hero. If I may ask for one more favor from you," Queen Novo added. "If you could play alongside my dearest Silverstream in the upcoming concert, it would mean a lot to me. Even if it's just for one last time, being with her beloved would make her happy. She might not recognize you, but she'll be happy; trust me." Hero nodded, happy to oblige. "Thank you for your kindness, Hero. I'll be looking forward to a great concert." "I am so excited! Hero will perform for us," exclaimed Celestia as she joined Novo. "I am Celestia. We have met before, but in a different dimension, Novo. It's hard to explain." "Don't worry about it. I can sense that you have immense regal authority, just like me," replied Novo. The concert started in South Clock Town, where everyone had gathered. The three bandmates and their singer, Silverstream, were on stage and ready to perform. The drummer, pianist, and bass guitarist began playing "The Ballad of the Wind Fish" song. As Silverstream began to sing, there was a hint of melancholy in her eyes, which conveyed her raw emotions to the crowd. Suddenly, Hero put on his mask and transformed into his Mikau fusion, causing a flash of bright light to show off to the wall away from the band. He gritted his teeth to stifle the pain of the transformation. Mikau appeared beside Silverstream, playing the seashell guitar to her right. She immediately brightened up and sang with even more enthusiasm, making the concert more lively. The crowd was made up of changelings, yaks, other hippogriffs, ponies of all races, and even some Abyssinians, who had gathered to celebrate the coming of the new year. Silverstream's singing made everyone happier, and her genuinely smiling smile made the crowd cheer for them. Harmony could truly be felt throughout Termina after the musical performance. The crowd erupted in cheers and celebration as Silverstream did something unexpected - she kissed Hero on the cheek. "I know you're not Mikau, but there's something about you that I like," she said. "I don't think we've met before, or if we did, I don't remember. But you did something for me that I know would have made Mikau very happy. He was a good guy, an honorable hippogriff who I admired very much. Thank you for putting my heart at ease," Silverstream continued. Hero nodded and hugged her, knowing that being embraced by someone who reminded her of Mikau was comforting. Silverstream melted in the embrace, feeling his love very strongly. "I know you have to leave, but before you go, can I at least have your name?" Hero nodded and introduced himself. "Hero? That's a nice name. You're a lovely guy, Hero, and I'm so glad we met," Silverstream said with a smile. Hero nodded to Silverstream and felt pleased to have genuinely made her happy. "Promise me that you will return here one day to visit me because you remind me a lot of Mikau. It's as if you both are the same person but not at the same time. It's strange." "But you are also a unique individual, so it would be selfish of me to dictate that, wouldn't it?" Hero gave her one last hug to help her release any sadness she still had deep in her heart. Silverstream then just enjoyed that moment for what it was worth. Hero felt like Mikau in every way, and this felt right to her. She wept for the loss of her beloved, and Hero just took it all in. This was what genuine love felt like: uncompromising, unequivocal, and passionate love—but like all good things, this moment eventually had to end. Hero, with immense regret for Silverstream, had to say goodbye. There were still things to be done before he could leave Termina with his friends, but he planned on fulfilling his promise to return. He could see the sad smile on Silverstream's face at the bittersweet farewell. He nodded to her to let her know he intended to honor his word. She was then satisfied, knowing that Hero would keep his promise to return one day. Hero, their friends, and the two princesses gathered outside Termina Field to meet with Flam, who was holding onto what remained of Majora's mask. "So it seems that all of his power was removed from this mask," Flam said. "The evil spirit within it no longer exists. Thank you, Hero, and everyone who helped him. You have all saved this land from turmoil and maintained its natural order—It certainly made my job easier," Flam added jovially, looking relieved now that Majora's reign of destruction was over. With an enraged and raised eyebrow, Twilight asked, "Your job? Okay, Flam, it's time for you to come clean and tell us exactly who you are. We kept our promise; some transparency isn't too much to ask for now." "Very well, Twilight. I suppose that is only fair," Flam said as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I am an ancient, like the four giants, Sol, and formerly Majora; we have existed since the very beginning. It shouldn't be too surprising that my actual name is not Flam. I am Kronos, the Deity of Time in Termina. My job is to maintain its natural order by being its middleman." "Oh, I see. So, you mention everything about yourself in the past tense because you were there to see it all happen," Twilight said. "Also how you could manipulate the flow of time as you could—those who are not affected by time do not age," she continued, nodding to confirm her statement. "Oh, wow... Oh my god! How does it feel to be completely in control of time?" Starlight was clearly excited. "It can't be an easy job, can it?" "It's actually quite a tedious and thankless position, but someone has to do it, right? Sol and I have known each other for thousands of years, through the best parts of him and his worst." Kronos replied, shame laced in his voice. Luna spoke up, "I can confirm that, Fair Kronos. I have experienced the feeling of holding a tedious and thankless job for over a thousand years." "Interesting. Can you tell me more about Sol?" Celestia asked. "During our battle, we heard Sol mention that Majora was his brother. Is that true?" "Yes, it is," Kronos replied with a sigh of sadness. "There was a time when Majora wasn't evil and only craved love and acceptance. He was a victim of his madness." "I understand. That is truly heartbreaking news. I feel sorry for everyone involved. I never thought I would feel pity for Majora," Celestia said. "So, you are Sol's alternate version? How... interesting. I can see some resemblance between you and him, but you are not as ferocious as he usually is," Kronos chuckled dryly. "I am guessing Sol might have some anger issues, huh?" Celestia winced sheepishly. "You have no idea. So, your name is Celestia, right? It rolls off the tongue. Nice name, by the way." "Thank you, Kronos." "Out of curiosity, what do you look like, Kronos?" Twilight asked. "Ah; Unfortunately, I cannot show you that," Kronos replied. "Why not?" Twilight inquired. "My angelic form would be incomprehensible to the naked eye. It was never intended for mortal eyes to see. I chose this form to be more approachable to others, not to drive them mad," Kronos explained. "I understand. So, like Discord, your original form cannot be comprehended, only accepted?" "Yes, that's correct." He then turned to Hero with a warm and grateful smile, "You have been healing many of the creatures in Termina; the song I taught you is ancient, and it has been around for almost as long as I have been." "It's truly remarkable that you are still composed and sane; emotions are powerful, and they create their own unique kind of magic—they are nothing to trifle with." "You are a brave warrior for enduring the raw trauma and pain of so many unfortunate souls. You knew you were taking a huge risk, didn't you?" Hero nodded, "Yes, I suppose you remember the last thing I told you about that song. Its healing properties ease the soul by invoking emotions to help them transition peacefully into the next life." "However, the more you use this song, the more it tears away at your soul. The more you heal, the more pain you take into yourself. Essentially, you are carrying your own burdens and those of the ones you have healed, incorporeal form or not." Hero then slightly tilted his head, thinking solemnly, "But you're an exceptional lad. I'm beginning to have my doubts as to your demise. It might happen, and it might not." Kronos then bid his farewell to the group, "I do have to get a move on now. Other creatures need to be made happy, after all. The monotonous existence of an immortal can wear on you. So I decided to do this as a hobby, selling masks to others for their joy to be seen." He then began to walk away, turning his head to look at Hero. "Oh, but you have made many ponies and creatures happy, haven't you? That's just great. I'm proud of you. Whenever a meeting occurs, a parting is sure to follow. But how long that parting lasts is entirely up to you. Farewell, Hero." Kronos then walks away into a dense mist and vanishes. "That Kronos is sure an odd but interesting fellow, isn't he?" Hero looked to Celestia and nodded in agreement. Hero then led the group into the forest, cutting through the Southern Swamps of Woodfall. As they arrived, they noticed that the place was no longer chaotic, and the contaminated water had become pure again. As they moved deeper into the woods, they began to find their way back to the Everfree and Equestria. However, on their way out, they came across a sad sight—the petrified remains of Tarsus, who had been calcified due to the chaos caused by Majora. Pharynx, Tarsus's father, was seen kneeling on his haunches and forehooves at the hollow effigy of his son, who was once a changeling noble. Tears stained the memorial as Pharynx wept for the loss of his dear son. Hero noticed his grief and knew what he had to do. There was one last person who needed healing~ Hero put on the Changeling Mask from behind a tree and tried his best to suppress the pain of his transformation so as not to spoil the surprise. He then approached Pharynx, who was looking in admiration at what appeared to be his son. Hero hugged the stunned changeling affectionately, hoping to ease his pain and heal him from his grief. "T-Thank you," Pharynx said as Hero felt the purest form of parental love—the tears of a grieving changeling for someone who was genuinely loved and would be missed. Pharynx embraced Hero, feeling Tarsus's spirit within his body. Hero was glad he could make him feel better, even though he might never see his son again. Once Pharynx's tears had ceased, his soul was at peace. Hero was even more surprised to find the ceremonial mask in his possession. "How did you get that?" Pharynx inquired. "That was the same mask I carved from this swamp's trees. You are a unique case. I may not understand why, but I'm pleased you came. I am eternally grateful for your kindness." At that moment, Hero gave the mask to him, only for him to return it, saying, "No. Keep it as a token of my respect. I blessed that mask to bring good fortune to whoever held onto it—my last gift to this world for my son." "But you have healed this drone's wounded spirit, so I believe you should have it. Thank you for coming to ease my burdens. I don't know how you look like my son, but it's as if the two of you were merged into one person." "So, your name is Hero? That's a lovely name. Thank you, Hero." Hero nodded to Pharynx and left with his companions. "That was a very sweet thing you did for him, poor guy. You are such a kind stallion, Hero. I approve of your kindness," Fluttershy said, hugging him out of sheer joy. They left Termina and returned to Equestria. As they returned, they found themselves back in the Everfree forest. Twilight noticed that the forest was clearer and safer for them to return to Ponyville than to Canterlot. "I suppose this was one heck of a vacation, huh, Celestia?" she said. "Indeed, it was Twilight. I'm glad that Discord turned out to be a good guy, for the most part. He can be a bit of a troublemaker, but things could always be worse," replied Celestia. Twilight agreed with her, saying "Yeah... that's true. He can be a big pain in the butt, but deep down, he's a good guy." Hero nodded to the group and started walking away. "Where are you going, Hero? Aren't you coming back with us?" asked Twilight. Hero shook his head, "You're going on a journey of growth and enlightenment," Twilight asked to confirm his statement. Twilight was concerned and asked, "Are you sure about this, Hero? It's not too late for you to come home with us." Hero nodded as Twilight knew he was serious about this, "Yes, I understand and I respect your decision, Hero." He then hugged Twilight and the rest of his friends one last time. Tears welled up in his eyes as he savored his last moments with the greatest friends he'd ever had before turning around and walking away into the dense fog of the Everfree, disappearing from their sight. Twilight could only hope for the safety of her fearless friend, Hero. This is the tale of a pony who was selected by the Tree of Harmony to be the Element of Courage. He battled against numerous evils and overcame his fears, even defeating death itself. He is a hero who has endured and will continue to face much pain and turmoil in his quest to serve Equestria.