//------------------------------// // Issue 9 - There Was An Idea… (Epilogue) // Story: Ant-Mare and the Wasp // by IndigoMoon //------------------------------// Fizzy felt a hoof touch her shoulder as her tears slowed. She turned to see the Princess standing behind her, with the rest of her friends, as well as Zecora, Tempest, and Spector. “Where’s Shrinky?” asked Twilight. Fizzy couldn’t answer. She broke down sobbing again. As Dane looked up at Twilight, she shook her head. Twilight got the message, her own eyes watering. She spread her wings and wrapped the two in an embrace. Dane closed her eyes as she began to cry. She felt as more ponies joined the embrace, until everyone was consoling each other, not with words, but with a silent embrace. A few months later… Fizzy stood in front of the statue of Shrinky that Princess Twilight had commissioned. It now stood proudly in the Canterlot Sculpture Garden. Fizzy looked down to read the inscription. It read: Shrinky’s Sacrifice She gave her own life to save for the greater good To help others when they need it most Fizzy wiped her eyes. Dane stepped up behind her, kissing her on the cheek. “The Princess is waiting,” she said. “Alright,” said Fizzy. The two of them walked inside the Castle. As they made their way to the throne room, Fizzy was silent. Dane coughed. “So, what do you think the Princess wants us for?” Dane asked. Fizzy shrugged. When they reached the throne room, the guards flanking the door opened it with their magic, admitting the couple entrance. Princess Twilight sat on her throne, Spike by her side. At the base of the elevated area the throne sat on, were Zecora, Tempest, and Spector. “Ah, I’m glad you two could make it,” said the Princess, smiling. “Whatcha need us for, Princess?” asked Dane. “For some news, and a request,” said the Princess. “First, we finally apprehended the last of the changelings, as well as Prince Blueblood. We found them hiding out in Las Pegasus, but upon finding out who he was, Flim and Flam alerted me. After losing his magic due to the Bewitching Bell’s shockwave, he’s no longer a threat. We have him locked away in Tartarus, along with the other Masters of Evil. With the help of King Thorax, we were able to study the magic-negating effects of Chrysalis’ throne, and create inhibitors, prevent the changelings from shapeshifting. Now, before you get nervous, we only made enough for the cells the changelings are in, and they too are locked in Tartarus.” Fizzy nodded. “And what was the request, your majesty?” Twilight stood up, and began walking down towards them, Spike flying along behind her. “After the shockwave blew over all of Equestria and beyond, we’ve been receiving reports of different anomalies. A Kirin who can transform into a Nirik, even without being angry. A pony in Manehatten who is fighting crime, despite the fact that he is blind, if the rumors are true,” she said, reaching the bottom step. “We’ve also received reports of an Abyssinian with strength and agility of Earth ponies and pegasi respectively, as well as a pegasus who can control the four alchemic elements, you know, earth, air, fire, and water. And those aren’t even a quarter of the stories and reports we’ve gotten!” “Where are you going with this,” asked Fizzy. The Princess walked over to her. “Those creatures I just mentioned are some of the ones doing good. But I didn’t mention the stories of powered creatures hurting others. So my request is this: As you know, there will always be threats to the peace, much like the one you dealt with a few months ago. But my friends and I won’t always be able to drop what we’re doing and save the day. So I want you five to go and find these powered individuals. I want you to form a coalition with the good ones, and stop the bad ones. And Fizzy, I want you to be the leader.” Fizzy stepped back in shock. “You want me to lead a team of superheroes? ME?” Twilight nodded. “I can almost guarantee it’s what Shrinky would have wanted. If you want to, of course. I won’t force you to do it, not after everything you’ve been through.” Fizzy thought for a moment. “No. I’ll do it. For Shrinky. To honor her memory. Her sacrifice won’t be in vain.” Dane leaned against her. “So, sweetie. Have you thought of a team name?” “Really? I just got the job,” Fizzy said, cracking a smile. “But,” she continued, surveying her friends. “We all lost Shrinky that day. So, we’ll honor her legacy. We’ll avenge her.” “Oh, I like where this is going,” said Tempest. Fizzy smiled. “I think I’m going to call us: The Avengers. For Shrinky.”