//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Spyra 
// by angelofrombelow 
//------------------------------//

Two weeks had passed since the near-cataclysmic battle on the grounds of Canterlot castle and the scars still ran deep.

The area beside the courtyard was scorched and infertile, and it would be some time before the lush grass that once grew there could be planted again.

Not much had changed in the courtyard itself – the statues remained, the princesses undecided about what to do with their frozen enemies. And if Discord had been able to break free, there was a chance they could as well.

Celestia could not bring herself to impose a sentence of execution upon them, yet in her current state she would not be able to effectively protect Equestria if the worst happened. Potential disaster lay right outside Canterlot's back door.

But other matters were taking precedence tonight.

A ceremony was being held to recognise the efforts of everypony who had averted disaster. To thank everypony who had helped to stop the creature who once stood in the garden, whose empty plinth had since been removed.

The atmosphere was one of understated celebration – victory had come at a price this time and the effects of it were still being felt strongly.

Lyra walked through the pony-filled grand hall at a casual pace, feeling slightly lightheaded but otherwise recovered from her resurrection. The metal gloves on her hooves clanked as she moved forward.

Twilight and her friends had used the Elements of Harmony on her, as per Whooves' instructions, to finish the job that he had started. She had been incredibly ill upon coming back, a result of her soul not being properly connected with her body. Her mind had wandered somewhere between life and death until she was fully cured.

Much of the past two weeks had been spent in hospital, recovering. But the experience had strengthened her.

Death was no longer something to be afraid of, a reason to avoid making emotional links with others because of the fear they would be taken away.

It was a reason to better appreciate life, and the challenges and joys it could bring. Lyra had been holding back for too long, missed out on too much. She was determined to correct that.

She smiled and greeted other ponies as she passed them, new friends she had made in Ponyville. A short way off, Applejack and Rainbow Dash called out and raised a hoof in greeting.

She waved back – they had apologised for their behaviour in the aftermath of what happened to Twilight. Likewise, she had reconciled with the other residents of the town for lying to them about her true purpose for being there.

She heard another voice and looked left to see a purple unicorn trotting over to her.

Twilight had visited the former spy in hospital several times while she recuperated. Their friendship had been rekindled, any grievances over Lyra spying on her forgiven and forgotten.

"It's good to see you on your hooves again," Twilight said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better. I'm almost back to my normal self. Doctors say I've made a full recovery, aside from, aside from the obvious," she said, indicating her horn.

Twilight nodded, then her expression changed, taking on a sadder edge. "And how are you holding up otherwise?"

Lyra didn't respond for a moment. "It's still pretty raw," she said, not looking the other pony in the eye. "I know you can never forgive him for what he did, but he was my closest friend. I only knew him for a short time really, but I confided in him so much and he was able to lift me up whenever I was down.

"I keep remembering little things he said, stuff we did together. There's not really a single spot in Ponyville that doesn't remind me of him in some way. I keep thinking of how kind and caring he was, and then I think of what he did and I get so mad that I…"

She broke off, stopping herself before she started crying again. She had been doing that a lot recently.

She sighed. "I keep wishing I could go back in time, you know? Back to a time when I only knew him as my friend Whooves, and not part of that… that monster. Somehow convince him not to trust Discord and find another way to stop him."

"If there was a way to do that, I would," said Twilight. She had also suffered because of Whooves – her ability to trust in others had been damaged because of him. The last time she had seen him, he had made her worst nightmare of being turned to stone with nopony to save her come true. He was the first pony she had ever seriously been attracted to and he had betrayed her in the worst possible way.

She continued: "I've researched time travel and although it is possible, it never has the desired effect. You can only go back for such a limited time that the thing you were trying to prevent is likely to end up happening anyway. Even if you manage to change the past, it simply creates a new timeline and your own future stays unchanged."

She realised Lyra was staring at her and decided now wasn't the best time to go off on a tangent into the theory of alternate universes. "I guess what I'm trying to say is… um… whatever will be, will be. The past is gone but should never be forgotten."

"He won't be forgotten," said Lyra. Once today's ceremony was over and she was back at full strength, she intended to hold a memorial service for him. She didn't know how many would show up but, to her, it didn't matter. No matter what sins he had committed, he had died a hero.

Perhaps the service would enable her to start to come to terms with her grief. Something that made the process even harder for her was the fact she had lost her magic – she was unable to play her lyre, which she had used to soothe herself in the past, and had to rely on the metal gloves Noteworthy had created to retain the tactility her telekinesis had given her.

But she had found a new source of comfort.

She noticed Berry Punch and the other spies standing together near the back of the room and decided to go over.

She looked at Twilight and nodded her head towards them. "Do you want to come join us?" she asked.

"Actually, I think I'm going to go find my brother," she replied, "I haven't seen him since he left Ponyville."

Lyra scratched her chin. "I saw him a minute ago with Valiant Shield. They're discussing how to beef up security while Celestia's out of commission."

Twilight tensed up involuntarily at the sound of the princess's name, then said goodbye and went to seek out Shining Armour.

The Canterlot government and royal guard were going through an incredibly busy time – Equestria was experiencing a change of leadership.

This wasn't because Celestia was no longer trusted, far from it – it was because she needed time to adjust to what had happened to her.

She had learned to control the abilities she had received from Whooves to the point where she could safely touch other ponies without any fear of Discording them. However, she was no longer capable of keeping the planet turning and the natural order running as it should. That task had now fallen to Luna.

It had taken a few days to return Luna from her banishment. Celestia's powers had been altered beyond her recognition and she had to re-learn even the most basic spells.

She had summoned outside help to restore her sister. An alicorn named Cadence heeded her call and, together with Shining Armour, cast the spell to bring Luna back home.

The princess of the Moon returned to find herself thrust into new responsibility. With Celestia unable to fully devote herself to ruling Equestria until her own problems were resolved, Luna was put in charge.

The dark-coated alicorn was slowly adjusting to her new position but was loving every moment of it. Until now, she had been treated with due reverence but had been living in Celestia's shadow.

Now she was more than just Celestia's sister. Now, she was being treated with proper respect. The ignominy of her time as Nightmare Moon was being washed away.

Berry Punch's eyes lit up as she saw Lyra approaching, and the two nuzzled against each other in an affectionate greeting.

Once the adrenalin rush of the fight to save Equestria had worn off, Lyra had asked for a little space so she could properly assess her feelings for the earth pony. She didn't want to rush into anything based on what might have just been the heat of the moment and, after all, if anything did happen between them then it would be her first relationship.

The days passed, with Berry visiting her in hospital but being very patient, avoiding any attempt to push her into making a decision. Eventually, Lyra couldn't fight it any longer.

They had started out as enemies, then become friends, and now they had truly fallen for each other.

With every day that went by, Lyra was becoming more comfortable with the idea of being part of a couple.

But they were not the only former spies who had paired up as a result of their last mission.

"I'm glad you're here," said Berry, "These two aren't providing much in the way of conversation."

Carrot Top, who was resting her head contently against Noteworthy's neck, opened her eyes. "I can't help it, Miss Punch. I'm sleepy. I've spent the last two weeks in hospital, much like your Lyra."

"Snrrk." Berry smirked. "I suppose the wine you've had tonight has nothing to do with it."

"Of course not. I am a lady," she replied, though her lopsided grin told a different story.

The yellow-coated mare looked at Lyra and Berry, snuggled close together, and smiled happily.

"We'll leave you two alone for a moment," she said, pulling herself up straight. She turned to Noteworthy – the stallion's back legs were still broken but he was no longer confined to a wheelchair.

With his cousin Blueblood's help, he had designed a device that covered his back half and his legs. It provided enough support to hold him upright and was capable of walking for him. It gave him a freedom that he feared he would never have again.

Of course, he was hoping this would only be a temporary measure. He believed that Celestia would regain mastery over her powers once again and be able to use her healing powers to restore him back to peak physical condition.

Lyra also hoped that one day the princess would be able to restore her magic.

Carrot Top gave Noteworthy a nudge. "Come along, darling," she said, and he followed obediently.

"She's got him whipped already," Berry said, once they were out of earshot.

"As far as I can tell, he's never been happier," replied Lyra, before reaching out and picking up a glass of champagne from a nearby table. It had taken her some practice to get used to the strength of the gloves she was wearing but she was now capable of handling delicate objects without any risk of breaking them.

Noteworthy had been a great help in teaching her, which was remarkable considering the strife he had been through. He and Carrot Top had earned their happy ending but for the longest while it seemed like it would be anything but.

When Valiant Shield found her body that day, he had told everypony that it was clear she hadn't suffered. In an effort to ease Noteworthy's pain, he told him she would have died quickly.

This was a lie.

After Whooves restored her body, using her genetic material to re-grow the parts of her that had been removed, she awoke – in the same half-alive haze that Lyra had been – in the midst of fluids and entrails that had once been inside her.

She began screaming and did not stop until Nurse Redheart was able to sedate her.

Her mind had been broken by the horrors Screwball inflicted on her and no amount of therapy would be able to fix her. She was put in a straitjacket to prevent her from harming herself and kept in a drugged state while the doctors debated what they should do.

It was Twilight who came to the rescue – during her research into ways to end her recurrent nightmares she had discovered a spell that could remove or restore memories.

After some careful practice, she applied the spell to Carrot Top. To the relief of everypony, it was a success.

Carrot Top now had a blank space in her mind that was forever locked away to her – her last memory before waking up after the casting was of saying goodbye to Noteworthy on that fateful day.

There were some side effects as a result of her trauma. For a couple of days afterwards she would have sudden attacks of grief – she would break down into tears and have no idea why – and would become panicked if anypony put their hoof close to her eyes. It was best that she did not understand the reason why.

Valiant Shield and some of the hardier guards took the time to clean her home but it was a wasted effort. Carrot Top was unable to step hoof inside.

A rising tide of anxiety would build within her as she came closer to the front door until it became akin to an almost primal fear. She could not live there any more.

The house was demolished after her belongings were removed, which seemed to bring an end to her episodes of distress, but this left her and Noteworthy without a proper home. His house lay in ruins, having been burnt down by Screwball.

Instead, they chose to stay in the worker's hut that he used down at Sweet Apple Acres. It was more than a little cosy and, with Noi living with them, did not afford the new couple much privacy – but they were happy.

They would be happier once a new home was built for them in Ponyville, one that had locks on the bedroom doors.

Noi was particularly overjoyed to be back with her sister – the danger had passed and, with Carrot Top leaving her role as a spy, she wouldn't have to worry about her going out on missions any more.

Another filly had returned with her to Ponyville, somepony who had become a firm friend.

Ruby Pinch was also at the Canterlot gathering and had been playing with other young guests. Berry was interrupted from her conversation with Lyra when the little filly tapped her on the side, with an upset expression on her face.

"Mom," she said, "Diamond Tiara's being mean to me. She's telling everypony that Lyra is a zombie."

The purple earth pony was about to answer but hesitated when she realised that it was technically true.

Lyra stepped forward and leaned down to Ruby Pinch. "That's only because she's a bully. You need to stand up to her," she said, "Here's something you can do: tell her that during my time as a spy, I discovered her most embarrassing secret."

"You did? What is it?" asked the filly.

Lyra smiled. "I don't really know if she has any secrets, but if you want to get your own back on her then you can pretend that you do. If you're clever about it, you may even get her to accidentally blurt something out."

Ruby Pinch put a hoof to her mouth, thinking it over, then let out a naughty giggle and bounded over to the other fillies.

Berry frowned at Lyra, amused but disapproving. "You're going to get in a hell of a lot of trouble for that one."

"Ah, I reckon it was worth it. After all I've been through, annoying the richest family in Ponyville will be like water off a duck's back," she said, "And I almost feel an obligation to teach my skills to the next generation."

Berry didn't respond – her attention had been caught by the arrival of another pony. The room fell quiet as Celestia entered without any ceremony.

Her coat was still grey in colour and her mane was a sparkling white, an after-effect of her severe Discordation.

"Please, continue as you were," she said to the crowd. "The presentation of medals will not be taking place for a few minutes yet."

As the ponies slowly resumed their respective conversations and the general hubbub returned, the princess looked at her former student and beckoned for her to come over to an unoccupied corner of the hall. "Twilight Sparkle, I want to speak with you."

The purple unicorn glanced at her brother nervously before walking up to the alicorn who had been her mentor. She was surprised when the princess kneeled on the ground before her, bowing her head.

"Twilight, I have only had time to communicate with you by letter since the… unpleasantness that occurred. I apologise for that," she said, "I also want to apologise for my behaviour and humbly beg for your forgiveness."

"Princess!" Twilight spluttered, totally taken aback. "You don't need to apologise. It was Discord's fault that you…"

"Regardless of that, it was I that caused you suffering. I should have noticed the change in me sooner but I was blinded by my own self-belief. I have ruled Equestria for many centuries, Twilight, and I have learned to trust in my own judgement. Perhaps too much.

"That is why my sister has taken the reins – I feel it is right for me to take a step back for a time, before joining her so we can rule together. Until then, there is something you need to know.

"Lyra told you that I was afraid of you, afraid of your power. To a certain extent, this was true."

Twilight gasped in shock but Celestia continued on swiftly, determined to make her point.

"You are an incredibly powerful unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, and you hold the potential to be as great as the magic users of old. As strong as Starswirl the Bearded. As strong, even, as the ones who created myself and Luna. I know your brother is more powerful than you at the moment but you have barely begun your studies, barely begun to understand what you are capable of.

"I saw this potential in you early on and that is why I wanted to keep a close eye on you. There has not been one like you for many centuries. But I think there is more to our relationship than mentor and pupil, Twilight.

"I want you to know that I count you as a friend. And despite the rare times you have made mistakes, as well as the times when you have doubted yourself, I want you to know that I have always – always – been proud of you."

The young unicorn rubbed at her eyes to hold back the tears that threatened to spill forth, overwhelmed by happiness and Celestia's forthrightness. She felt a sudden urge to hug the alicorn, though she knew it was not her place to do so.

"Does this… does this mean you want me to be your student again?" she asked.

Celestia paused. "There is something else I would like to ask of you," she said, piquing Twilight's curiosity.

"I have been greatly changed by my encounter with Discord and there is much about my new abilities that I do not understand. It is going to take some time for me to fully come to terms with them and learn how to use them, and I will require some assistance with my research. Twilight – would you be willing to help me?"

"I… I would be honoured to," she said, barely able to take in the full implications of this new mission. A thought suddenly hit her. "What about my friends? Will I, will I have to leave them?"

Celestia shook her head. "I know you have close ties to Ponyville and I am not asking you to abandon them. We will have to work something out. In the meantime…"

She stopped talking as a hush suddenly fell upon the room. Princess Luna descended the stairs with a couple of guards behind her, both holding a presentation case containing medals of honour for those who had saved Equestria from doom.

Celestia nudged Twilight. "We'll talk later. I have duties to attend to and you need to get a place in the front row."

The princess went to her sister's side as Twilight headed back into the crowd. The six who had been present at the final conflict between Whooves and Discord – Lyra, Berry, Noteworthy, Valiant Shield and the two guards – took a position in front of the assembled ponies, just off to the left of Luna.

Lyra looked out upon the smiling faces and felt a surge of pride, tempered by sadness that her friend was not here to see it. Secretly, she would be accepting this award in his name.

Tonight would help to give a sense of closure to the whole, sorry affair. After that, she would have her whole life ahead of her. Whatever it might bring.