//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Statues // by TypewriterError //------------------------------// The new statue, representing Bravery, was put out in the Statue Garden the morning of Nightmare Night. It was beautiful in its execution. The majestic marble stance of the female pony, her shield proudly on her back and her right hoof on the hilt of a tall claymore, was awe-inspiring. She looked down towards the ground grimly, as if certain of her task ahead and determined to follow it. True bravery. Not letting uncertainty or fear stop you. How many time have you done this? Majesty had asked Celestia. Dozens of times now... she had said, approaching the mare who posed on a pedestal. The stars and moon her only witnesses. Is it getting easier for you? to do this? Celestia had hesitated. Finally, she had looked up to meet her grim gaze. It was... 'Was?' Majesty asked. Celestia gave a deep sigh and examined the pedestal. Yes...I hope it never will again... Majesty? she said, looking up, her voice shaking. Yes? Majesty asked, swallowing hard. Celestia stopped again for awhile. Opening her mouth to speak but closing it almost every time. Majesty knew she wanted to say something. Perhaps an apology? A word of encouragement? An explanation? Celestia sighed. Thank you...for coming back... she said and touched her horn to the center of Astrophel’s shield. Celestia's eyes clenched as if she felt the pain which was only conveyed by Majesty's silent screaming in her head. A couple, one of many, walked by the statue. But, the mare, her tan belly beginning to grow with her second foal, stopped and looked up at the statue’s mane, which resembled a lion’s. Her dark brown eyes stared at the face looking down towards her. Her husband doubled back and looked up. “It...it can’t be...” the mare said. The stallion was silent. They knew... it was. Majesty was surprised by the silence of the other statues. She waited for the barrage of insults and screams that she had heard before. Nopony had said anything to her yet. She wondered if they knew...and if they were watching her. These are my parents. she ventured. Silence lasted until long after the couple walked away. Finally another voice spoke. Why? Why would you choose to leave them? Because I believed it was right. she answered. But...they'll forget you. They'll die and you'll never see them again. They won't forget me. They'll still die without you. I know. I chose to make that sacrifice. None of us did! one shouted and a few others made noises of agreement. I know... and Celestia knows it too. I don't know if I'll ever understand why she kept doing it when none of you were willing to fight. All I know is that...we're the last hope Equestria will have in the future. What if there is never an attack? Do you really think Equestria is going to last forever? Silence was the only answer. Even if I am never needed before Equestria ends I will know I was at least ready to fight. But your family? Didn't you think of them? Of course I did. Didn't you? If I could be off this pedestal and with my parents I would be. Except...I want to make sure that other ponies can have what I no longer can. So, you want to be a hero? a different voice jeered. I just want to be myself... Majesty said softly. No, you just want to no longer have to choose what you want to do with your life. You want to be lazy and just mindlessly follow orders instead of thinking for yourself— Would anything you say change the fact I am here now? Even if it was true? True, I still haven't worked out exactly why I chose to be here but I can choose to stay and wait to defend the world I love, or stay and feel sorry for myself for who knows how long! her outburst provoked an onslaught of angry retorts. Finally she spoke up again when the voices were not all shouting at the same time, Look, I can talk to you all I want, and try to defend why I am here, and debate on what is right and wrong about this situation, but honestly... in the end, if Equestria does come to war and we are released to fight for it. Would you really not defend it simply because you've not forgiven Celestia? The minds of the statues were silent. Sounds murmured in the crisp air from fillies and colts who played and gathered candy in the Statue Garden. Dedicated to both of my parents and my family who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams even if they didn't always understand them. Also to those who have sacrificed to serve in the military past, present, and who will sacrifice in the future. Thank you.