Chapter 20: "Epilogue."
"......Hmm? Oh! Sorry. No Goddess quote today, I'm afraid. But thank you for reading them!"
- The Goddess
The Next Morning, Gold Digger's Suite, 8:13 am
My head pounded like I could still hear those drums rattling my skull. I was laying down in a soft bed, I heard soft voices all around me.
"Is she waking up?"
"Course! Just give her a minute."
"Will you two back up! Give the mare some space. She's been through a lot."
I opened my eyes gingerly, as their blurred faces came into focus. Goldbloom, Gold Digger, Pensipony, Karosta, Miss Fortune, Nair and...!
I sat up bolt upright in the bed."Heartland?"
The yellow Pegasus had tears in her eyes as she swooped in and wrapped me in a tight hug "Morning! Thank Celestia you're all right!" she sobbed. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? When you didn't call, or come home or....or"
I hugged her back, and she went silent. "Sorry to have worried you." I said. We were suddenly joined by Gold Digger who wrapped her hooves around me as well, then Goldbloom and Karosta. Even Pensipony was dragged over by Karosta and awkwardly brought her hoof up around me. Miss Fortune was last, and Nair stood by and smiled warmly at me.
"What happened? Did Carlsen...
Nair took a step froward. "Carlsen Magnus has been claimed by The Loa. The voodoo cartel is no more, and Nawlans is finally free from decades of terror and manipulation." she said kindly. "Thanks to you."
I smiled back, as my friends finally let go of me. "So...what now?"
Karosta laughed. "What do you mean, what now?? The whole city knows what you did, Meir! You're a hero! Were all going to go celebrate!" she cheered.
I blinked. "So...I'm even more famous now?" I asked nervously.
Gold Digger laughed. "Of course, silly!"
I let my body fall back into the bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Great. More publicity." I said flatly.
I brought my hoof up to massage my temple, when It occurred to me that my horn was gone.
Later
There was a loud knocking at my front door. "Coming!" I heard Heartland call, from the entry way.
I was now safely back home in Ponyville, and had taken refuge in my home, to escape the massive crowds of cheering ponies and reporters who had seemed to come out of the woodwork the entire trip home.
I was very happy to just be able to sit in my kitchen and enjoy my lunch, while reading a good book. I heard Heartland from the front door, as she opened it. "Hello, what can I do for.....I-I, oh? Yes, of course, right away, ma'am!" My ear perked up a bit as I took a bite of my sandwich. What's going on? Why does Heartland sound so flustered? "Morning!" I heard her call. "Um...can you come here for a second? Somepony wants to talk to you!"
I shrugged and got up from my seat, and made my way to the front door. "What is it Heartland? Is everything....all....right..."
Words suddenly failed me as I saw who had come to my front door.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna bowed respectfully to me. "We are so sorry for the intrusion, Miss Meir" Celestia said apologetically. Her soft voice quickly reminded me of the Goddess (Which made sense, considering.) "But I'm afraid we need to speak with you! It's urgent!"
"Urgent?" I repeated, finding my voice again. "What's happened?"
The two sisters looked at one another, worry and sadness on their faces. Celestia looked away as Luna answered "We're sorry to have to tell you this, Morning....but-
She paused a moment before finally telling me. "You're parents have gone missing."