//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Home is Where the Hearth Is // by TheCrimsonDM //------------------------------// Home is Where the Hearth Is ch 10 Epilogue Written by TheCrimsonDM A week later I found myself standing in an empty field with Pinkie on one side and Twilight on the other. It was beautiful here, green rolling hills of grass, flowers blooming everywhere the eye could see and a dirt road leading all the way back to town nearby. “So,” I began, “Why did you two drag me out here?” Pinkie scratched at the back of her head. “With all the craziness going on I kinda forgot one of the important things about PSSSD.” Twilight added in. “Pinkie had a fantastic idea but needed some… financial assistance. So I helped her out on the one requirement that I get to be there when she gives it to you.” “Yeppers!” I looked between the two of them. “You two are both nuts, but okay. What did you forget?” Pinkie led us up a big hill as she explained. “Well on the Pie Sister Surprise Swap Day you’re supposed to give things out. You gave me a date, and I’m giving you something just as wonderful.” Trixie rolled her eyes. “I don’t think that having breakfast and then sleeping in your embrace all day counts as a date, I still plan to give you a proper one. Once I’m used to all the magical rehabilitation I’m going through. Honestly, Twilight is putting me through my paces.” Twilight laughed. “Me and Luna told you that rehabilitation wasn’t going to be easy but you’re doing amazing. I think this gift is only going to help make it better.” This hill was much larger than the others. I could already feel my muscles telling me to stop walking and turn around. Why were we going up such a large hill, what was there a picnic at the top? Actually knowing Pinkie Pie, there probably was. Pinkie Pie spoke, her tone changed to be a bit uncertain. “I really hope you like it…” I shook my head. “Anything you give me will be wonderful.” We finally reached the top of the hill and once there I saw something I almost couldn’t believe. There, hiding behind the hill just sitting in the middle of some open space with a small dirt road going off to the side was my old wagon. It wasn’t just some random wagon, it was my wagon. Every shape, every color, every heart carved into the windows. How in earth did it get hear? For a long moment I stood there, stunned into silence. Pinkie’s voice was the only thing to break my trance. “Um, d-do you like it?” “Pinkie, I think I love you.” Without warning Pinkie jumped into me and we rolled down the grassy hill together. Once we stopped she was on top of me and staring into my eyes. “YES! I succeeded in making you love me!” I smiled up at her. “You’re always a bit reckless aren’t you?” A hoof touched my chin and she nearly whispered. “I could be more reckless, if you wanted me to.” I could feel my face growing warm. “Oh hey, let’s uh, let’s go check out my wagon.” Pinkie winked. “I never thought you’d ask.” “No, not like that.” I shook my head. “I meant, I’m really excited to see it… and also, thank you, Pinkie. It’s wonderful.” Pinkie let me up and as I stood up I could hear a few hushed voices from behind the wagon. I walked over it to see who it might be and snuck my head around the corner to see who was talking. I saw Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, as well as the missing element of harmony Fluttershy. I also saw my sisters Nixie and Pixie as well as a third one I wasn’t familiar with but considering she looked just like me, and my sisters only purple, I figured my father had sired another pony he’d abandoned. Too bad for him, good news for me. I listened in for a moment as the group was chattering. Rarity was speaking to Fluttershy. “I understand why the rest of us are here, but why are you here darling?” Fluttershy was beaming. “I love magic shows!” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you go to Trixie’s original show in Ponyville then?” Fluttershy looked at the ground. “I did, but then you guys started to make a scene so… I left.” Rarity looked away. “I’m sorry, it would seem my actions hurt another pony without my realizing.” Fluttershy shook her head. “It’s okay, I was just absolutely terrified to tell you I liked magic shows for years is all. It’s fine.” Wow, that seemed a little cruel. Completely and utterly honest, but cruel. Then again, maybe it would serve to remind Rarity that just because she doesn’t like something doesn’t mean others don’t. Still why were they all there? Pinkie tapped my shoulder and I almost jumped out of my skin. I spun around, “Pinkie!” She smiled. “We’re all here to see your first show in years.” I blinked. “My first… show?” I swallowed. I was not prepared, especially with all those bullies, ex bullies, watching. They would hate everything I’d do. Twilight seemed to catch onto my stress and spoke gently. “They all promised to watch your show with an open mind and heart. No judgment or heckling this time. Or else I’m going to zap them.” I looked down at the ground. “Well… with Twilight’s help I’ve been getting better at magic, maybe… maybe just a short one. I could do that.” Pinkie smiled and opened a side compartment on the wagon. Inside were my hat and cloak. Seems she was already prepared for everything. I glanced at her. “Okay, Pinkie, if I’m going to do this proper I’ll need an assistant. Do you happen to know of any sexy pink ponies about?” Pinkie looked around. “Hmm, I might know one. I also know she’d love to join you on stage.” I looked back at the wagon. “Okay then, let’s do this. The Great and Powerful Trixie will shock and aw the audience into a state of wonder, amusement and glee. And she’ll do it all with her beautiful assistant Pinkie Pie.” And like that, I was able to run the best show of my entire life. The End