//------------------------------//
// Epilogue, Part 8 of 8 
// Story: The Last Cutie Mark Crusader 
// by Jatheus 
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The dull familiar aches greeted the stallion as his dreams left him, becoming more acute as he awakened. He always looked forward to sleep, for it was the one respite where he didn’t hurt and the only place that he could still fly.

Cloud Blazer opened his eyes, his gaze happening to fall toward the window. Darkness covered the land, but for the pale light from the sliver of the moon that heralded the coming day. It provided just enough silver light for the stallion to be able to see. He gently shifted his weight, turning to face the mare that lay next to him.

Pixy slept soundly, her face uncovered by bandages or the mirrored glasses she had taken to wearing. Scars from the injury that blinded her had left a rough texture on her eyelids and the surrounding area on her face. It marred what would typically be considered any semblance of beauty, but the stallion found his mate attractive nonetheless.

It had been nearly a year since he and Pixy had decided to get married, more out of a deep friendship than a romantic bond. The time they spent together every day for so long made it seem the logical step to take. Certainly, their unique situation made it difficult for either of them to even consider allowing a romance that would drag them away from each other. It also delighted a dark corner of Cloud Blazer’s soul for the way it had infuriated Pixy’s father.

His mind wandered across their adventures. The inseparable pair had forged their bond in the midst of a mighty upheaval. Since then, they had helped rebuild New Cloudsdale, where they had lived since. As they were able, they traveled to many cities across Equestria. They had been at Baltimare’s dedication when the rebuilding had begun, as well as the Canterlot gardens when they bloomed for the first time after the war.

Cloud Blazer’s nose began itching, which drew him from his reverie as he scrunched his muzzle before alleviating the situation. The mare still slept soundly, but he had no more time to stay. Cautiously working his way out from under the covers, the stallion slunk out of bed, careful to not make a sudden move that would disturb the slumbering pegasus.

The dull aches from old injuries reminded him to step lightly, but he no longer had trouble moving about freely. Quietly accomplishing his morning grooming rituals, he left the bedroom, silently shutting the door and creeping down to the lower level of the house.

The light in the kitchen caught the stallion’s attention, and he paused for a moment, noticing Duster staring in his direction. The other stallion looked to be half-asleep, so Cloud Blazer decided to not say anything, waving only. The gesture was not returned; he continued outside.

The morning air was crisp and cool. Orange light on the horizon was following the crescent of the moon to herald the breaking of day. Most mornings, Pixy would fly with him, but having just flown all the way to Ponyville the day before, he knew she wanted to sleep in and had decided to settle for a morning walk instead.

Without a real destination, the stallion set forth into the orchard, walking at a brisk pace. He thought back on the events that had led him here, reflecting on his own choices and the way random chance intervened for good and ill.

He still longed to fly again, under his own power. He knew that this would never happen and did his best to accept this. Even so, he wasn’t sure he’d have ever even met Pixy if he had not lost his wings. The fall that crippled him had completely altered any possible outcome his life might have taken.

If he had not fallen into Ghastly Gorge that day, perhaps he’d have been by Sparklefly’s side through the siege. Maybe he’d have been in a position to help them during Mane Crusher’s rebellion. Possibly he could have been valuable to the Taskforce and the hunt for Queen Chrysalis. If he made it through all of that, would he have been in the battle to the south? Could he have survived that nightmare?

And what of the princesses? Might they have found somepony else to contact that would have been able to gather Twilight Sparkle’s friends and unlock the pocket dimension?

These thoughts rattled around in Cloud Blazer’s mind as he welcomed the golden light of dawn as it cascaded through the trees and slipped over the rolling hills of Sweet Apple Acres. Birds sang cheerful melodies as the stallion found himself leaving the orchard and heading into town, the sun climbing higher all the time.

Cloud Blazer was glad that there was not an option to go back. He might be tempted to restore himself, but there would be no telling what consequences could have emerged from such a scenario. Losing Pixy was not acceptable. All things considered, he was pleased with his own accounting of himself, mostly.

He was not proud of the one friendship that he had helped to destroy in the middle of everything that had happened. Of the losses the stallion had suffered, such a needless one somehow seemed more tragic than most. Nothing had been gained by the falling out. It had kept him isolated from his other friends and set him on course for New Cloudsdale.

Not that all of his experiences building a new weather factory had been bad. The work itself had been rewarding. However, two ponies living on the salary of one had made any luxury a rare thing. Sure, they’d had disagreements and the occasional fight, but he couldn’t help but smile at how understanding Pixy had been through it all.

Pixyglitter… Cloud Blazer felt a shiver run up his spine as he suddenly needed to know the time. No clocks were available, and so looking at the position of the sun would have to do. By guesswork, he approximated the time to be around ten in the morning. He was probably late.

Turning about and getting his bearings, the stallion made his course straight for Sugar Cube Corner. It happened that he was in the general area, so it was a short canter to arrive. The bell rang as he entered. Pixy sat on a stool near the counter and turned as the door shut.

He stood silently a moment before she sniffed the air.

“Hey Brownie,” she said with agrin.

The stallion couldn’t help but gasp. Mrs. cake entered the room as he composed himself and closed the distance.

“How did you know?” his curiosity had the better of him.

“You didn’t shower after your morning walk. I could smell you.”

His jaw dropped for a moment.

“You silly dear,” Mrs. Cake interjected, “now I heard you say, ‘Hey Brownie,’ to the last three patrons that came by.”

Pixy’s face flushed, and Cloud Blazer erupted into laughter. In the last three years, she’d always had a knack for knowing when he arrived. It had never occurred to him that she might have often been just greeting him by name when anypony approached. Pixy had turned back toward Mrs. Cake with a raised eyebrow. The elder mare grinned back unapologetically.

Pixy turned back just as the stallion recovered from his fit of giggling. She had gained an enigmatic smile that made it seem as though she had a secret.

“What is it?” he asked.

She faced him, saying nothing for a long moment as the smile faded somewhat.

“Tell me!” he insisted.

“So, I didn’t get the job.”

He felt saddened by the statement, and made to move closer, but she held a hoof up, stopping him in his tracks.

“They did offer me an internship. He liked my typing speed and said that a hoof in the door was the best he could do right now. He also strongly implied that there will be a position opening up at some point, but he doesn’t know when just yet.”

He couldn’t help the feeling that there was more, and he voiced as much, “But…”

She sighed, “But, it is an unpaid position.”

Cloud Blazer’s feelings were mixed, especially at the notion of being unpaid for her work.

“Which, if you help out selling apples like you’d said,” she quickly added “maybe we can get by until you can find something better, or if this newspaper job does work out…”

The stallion felt himself smile. He didn’t feel like it was the appropriate place to have an in-depth discussion, but he definitely wanted to be supportive. Pixy needed this job. He could tell. It wasn’t that she wanted to leave him behind, but being completely dependent on him didn’t sit well with her. It never had.

“Well, I think we definitely should talk about all the details…”

Pixy’s brow furrowed in anticipation.

“But I say we go for it.”

The mare grinned.

“I mean, we’ve made it this far on a single salary, what’s a bit longer?”

She leapt from the stool, grabbing the stallion around his neck in a hug. He pulled her into his embrace, feeling the warmth spread through his body as she kissed him on the cheek.

“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest couple?” Mrs. Cake practically squealed with delight.

Pixy grimaced at the remark as the young mates separated. She was careful to not let the elder mare see her expression.

“I’m afraid we have to be going,” Cloud Blazer addressed her.

“Stop by anytime!”

The stallion led the way, and the young mare followed him. They silently ambled through town, leisurely walking toward their destination. As they continued, side by side, Pixy moved closer, bumping Cloud Blazer with her shoulder to push him off balance. He felt himself grin as he returned the assault. She giggled, and the pair continued in silence.

It wasn’t long before they had arrived at Java’s. He and Pixy had not come to the last two of these gatherings, but he felt it was long past time that they did. He took a breath and worked the latch, gently pressing against the entryway. As the door swung open, the rich scent of coffee grounds flooded his olfactory senses, and many familiar faces came into view.

In the corner to the right, sat a lone dark figure who noticed the new arrivals. Cloud Blazer couldn’t help but frown out of instinct. He’d never become quite accustomed to the changelings being around so commonly. Ash Eater looked away timidly, not holding the gaze.

On the other side, were several tables that had been pushed together at which a group was seated. There were LD and his twin, Seven. Cloud Blazer and Pixy had been to visit them once during their many travels, but the things they’d heard more recently about them had been unsettling. It was nice to see smiles on their faces.

Lighthoof was beside them. He seemed happier than the last time Cloud Blazer had visited. Also in attendance were Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and even Princess Twilight Sparkle with her friends. It seemed that all of these in attendance had gained a new appreciation for each other, and the friendships had grown only stronger over the years.

Pixy nudged Cloud Blazer from behind. He looked back at her, meeting the concerned look on her face. He turned to her, playfully nuzzling her neck. She pushed him away in response, rejecting the affection. Clearly, she wanted him to continue forward.

He turned again to the group inside, and that’s when he spotted the other one, Scootaloo. Something in the air tickled the stallion’s nose and he sneezed, still standing in the doorway. The talking died down, and all eyes were on him for a moment. Scootaloo rose from her seat, looking a bit uncertain.

Pixy whispered, “You’ve got this.”

Cloud Blazer met her gaze, and Scootaloo’s lavender eyes were filled equally with hope and fear. Even after all the time that had passed, he still bore deep scars from the way she had treated him, perhaps deeper than those that snaked their way across his body.

The stallion took another deep breath, and gave her a disarming smile. As he did, the fear began to evaporate from her expression. Cloud Blazer entered the coffee house, flanked by Pixy. He was going to talk to Scootaloo. She may have treated him badly, but that didn’t excuse his behavior, and it was no reason to live in the past. Those days were long over. It was time to rebuild.

Scootaloo hesitantly stepped forward, and Cloud Blazer met her in the middle of the coffee house. The conversation they were about to have was long overdue…

...

The End