Epilogue:
Taro, Rainbow Dash, and the others walked down the open path in a room inside Canterlot Castle. Everypony was there, watching them walk past. Even Jarden and Isron were there. Chalmen and Thatch looked through the window. Taro could've sworn he heard Isron say to his neighbor, "That's my student up there."
"Elements of Harmony," Celestia started, "You have once again rescued Equestria from certain doom. Taro, you have done extremely well. Saving us when all hope was lost and forgotten, earning an element yourself: The Element of Heroism. We all owe you our gratitude. Anything you need, and we shall get it for you."
"Please, Celestia, I didn't get this by accepting gifts. I am happy to aid Equestria in any fight."
"Please accept this, then." Celestia gestured toward a window. A new stained glass window was revealed. The original six Elements of Harmony faced Discord as Taro rained complete hell upon him.
"I'll take it thank you."
Taro, Chalmen, Twilight, and the others gathered in the same clearing as before. "Well, looks like it's that time again," Taro sighed. "I always hoped I wouldn't need to do this again. I don't want to leave you all again. Especially after what just happened."
"Then don't leave. You have Jarden to take over for you, don't you?" Twilight asked.
Taro shook his head. "He's too inexperienced. I have to train him."
"So stay here with him! Isron can take up your duties!" Rainbow Dash said, at the edge of tears.
"I wish it were that simple. I can't do it on my own. Taro and Thatch are stronger than I will ever be," Isron stated.
Rainbow Dash ran up to Taro and hugged him. "Don't leave me again!"
"I wish I didn't have to," he said. He pulled away and kissed her. "But I do." Taro pulled off the sapphire ring and put it back on her cyan wing. "Keep this safe," he said.
She nodded. Tears from saying goodbye had formed at the edge of her eyes. "I will."
Taro stood, holding Kveykva's hilt. "I hate saying goodbye."
"It happens to all of us," Isron said, grabbing Taro's shoulder.
Taro sighed.
Hey, I know how hard this must be. But for some reason, I can't share your feelings. It's as if we became separate just for her. I feel nothing for her, besides friendship.
Yeah, you'd better. Taro walked toward the portal. He turned back to see Twilight comforting Rainbow Dash.
Jarden put his hand on Taro's shoulder. "If you want to stay, I promise I'll do my best to fulfill your duties, Master." Taro looked up. That was the first time Jarden had called him "Master." "I'll train hard every day to be just like you."
As will I, Chalmen said.
I will stay with them to help, Thatch volunteered.
"You'd do that for me?" Taro asked in disbelief.
Anything for the greatest hero who has ever lived, Chalmen replied.
"Well, are we going?" Isron asked.
"Isron, change of plans: I will stay here in Equestria, working as hard as I can to protect it from whatever danger may try to harm this land, while you four stay in our home, doing your best to do the same. Isron, you can continue to train Jarden, Thatch, you can still train Chalmen. When you feel they're ready, come back to me." Taro suggested. "Oh, and one more thing, announce to everyone that I won't be returning for a while, and you and Thatch will take up my position."
Isron smiled. He was no longer considered Taro's mentor. Taro had become a great ruler. "I can ask for no better student. Congratulations Taro, you are now my leader. What ever you need, whatever you want, I will not hesitate to fulfill the task. We will visit often."
Taro smiled back. "Thank you, Isron, for everything." Taro turned around. All of the ponies were grinning at him. "Looks like I'm staying." Twilight and her friends ran toward Taro, hugging him and tackling down to the ground. The hype drained down and Rainbow Dash was sitting there watching, smiling. Taro was on one knee. "Come here," he said with open arms. She ran to him and met him in another kiss.
"Don't you ever scare me like that again."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Taro replied.
Thatch and the others watched them for a minute before leaving and removing the portal to home.
End of 'Legacy of the Rider II'