//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: In the Clouds 
// by Thought Prism 
//------------------------------//

	Well, Tamiyo thought. This was it. She was finally about to close this chapter of her life for good. She was going home, anxiously anticipating a proper return to form. She could face her family with a smile. And she owed it all to those standing before her now. Twilight, Spike and the others, even Starlight and the Crusaders had all turned up to wish her well on her journey back. They were here for her then, and they were here for her now.

The experience was moving, to say the least. "It looks like this is goodbye for now," Tamiyo said. 

"Looks like it," said Rainbow Dash. Then, she struck a pose. "A mare's gotta spread her wings, but even Daring Do can't adventure forever, right?"

"Take care of yourself, now," said Applejack, crossing her forelegs.

"We'll miss you," said Sweetie Belle, her adorable puppy-dog eyes on full display.

Tamiyo's breath hitched. Bittersweet emotions began to well up behind her eyes. "I don't know... if I'll be back."

"That's no way to think, darling," said Rarity with an uncharacteristic tension. "This sort of thing is always a matter of when, not if."

"Yeah," said Pinkie, fiddling with her tail. "If you never come back, how will I get to make you smile again?"	

Starlight snorted. "When you put it like that, Pinkie, it sounds like you're in love with her or something."

Tamiyo had to force herself to chuckle with the rest of them, too busy trying to keep her composure.

When the laughter died down, Spike cleared his throat. "Just, keep thinking of us, ok? 'Cause we'll do the same."

Fluttershy nodded in confirmation, resolute.

Taking a deep breath, Tamiyo faced Twilight. Though she hadn't spoken, Tamiyo knew it was because she just didn't have the words. The alicorn's violet eyes shook with emotion.

Without thinking, Tamiyo found herself rushing forward, and wrapped Twilight into a fierce hug.

Multiple gasps sounded from around her, but Tamiyo saw none of their reactions, for her eyes were shut tight.

"T-Tamiyo!" Twilight stammered.

"Thank you," Tamiyo whispered.

Tamiyo released Twilight, and stepped back. Shock and confusion gave way to light and pain as the group's eyes each looked up at hers.

"Thank you all," she said. 

Tamiyo took a deep breath, gathered her mana, and Planeswalked away.


~  Fin ~