//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Stranded 
// by OConnerGT-R 
//------------------------------//


Epilogue


Canterlot was beautiful, then again, I’d probably say that about any place that was outside of that Celestia-awful island and the eyesore that still was the Badlands. Even in the midday sun it was like the city had a stunning glow to it that breathed a different type of picture than the places I had been to.

Before arriving at the castle, my sister and I had the opportunity to stop by The Tasty Treat, which we both agreed had been a fantastic detour. Even though the food was a bit different than what we were used to, we both agreed it tasted great.

Once she was sure I was okay, Brave Day dropped me off at the castle and left me to my business to pursue wherever her desires took her, which I had hoped would lead to employment somewhere nearby so I could visit. 

Each step echoed inside of the castle as I followed the directions the secretary had given me, but I felt about as sure of my location as I would be in the Canterlot hedge maze. Admittedly, I had found this an odd place to be as the police department, but the directions had redirected me here for my interview, so who was I to question the logic.  

As I searched for the right room, my gaze fell upon expertly woven tapestry that I felt I couldn’t truly appreciate due to having little to no knowledge on how to make them. I did, however, appreciate the cost of each one, but I had to tell the former criminal in me to shut up.

I looked at the map floating next to me, which indicated my interview was in the room right ahead of me, but to my confusion there wasn’t anypony around. “This is it...right?” I questioned out loud to no pony with my voice echoing slightly. I figured there would be more cops around. Shrugging, I went ahead and slowly poked my head through the door. Inside, sitting behind a desk with a glowing mane that seemed to defy the laws of physics, was a mare typing at her computer. She never once looked up at me. “Hello, I’m looking for the police chief,” I asked unsure if I was even in the right room. 

The mare looked up at me, motioning for me to sit. As I did, she stopped typing then put a stack of paperwork inside her desk, which I noted had mine and my sister’s names and images plastered on it. “Greetings, Miss Starry Night, it is a pleasure to meet with you. I am Police Chief Luna, but please, just call me Luna,” she said softly.

It took me a minute to recognize who was sitting in front of me. When it registered I was awestruck. My jaw wanted to drop, but I wouldn’t let it. “Princess...it...it’s an honor,” was the only sensible words I could mutter. 

“Please, calm yourself. I’ve already made up my mind as to whether or not I will hire you...it seems we are missing your sister.” she said changing subjects, without even giving away any hint of her decision. I shrugged my shoulders. “I see. Well, everypony must make their own decisions. Such as you have. So—tell me about yourself.”  

Somehow, the softness of her voice put my nerves at ease, at least as calm as they could be when one was sitting directly across from the Princess of the Night. I cleared my throat. “All of it?” I questioned slowly. Princess Luna simple nodded, seemingly happy to listen. “Where do I even begin?” 

There was a smile tugging at the end of Luna’s otherwise calm expression. “Where does any story start? At the beginning.” That made use both laugh. “If your are worried about not having enough time, I cleared my other obligations for today just to hear this. Now, go right ahead and tell me your full story,”

I traced back everything that had happened prior to meeting Luna. The Cannibal. The island. The plane crash. Chrysalis. “It all started in the Badlands, where me and my sister heard that there was a series of races to look for the fastest ponies our side of the country.” As I said this, I smiled. That was where it began and at this point in time, sitting in front of Luna, that is where this chapter of my life ended.