//------------------------------//
// Epilogue Part Four 
// Story: War in Equestria: The Tale of Bright Blade 
// by Michael_Ravencroft 
//------------------------------//


The Magic of restored Hope


Twilight sighed as she rolled out of bed and sat on the edge, staring out the window. It was almost the anniversary of the War of Darkness, one year since the war ended. One year full of woe, fear, and death, but in the end Twilight and her friends prevailed and brought peace back to the world. Twilight finally got on all fours and made her way to her vanity mirror, she let out a small chuckle at seeing the mess her mane had become in her sleep. After brushing her mane back to normal Twilight began to make her way downstairs.

Along the way she decided to check in on Spike. Although the library didn't look so big on the outside the inside was actually more spacious. The previous owner of the library must've been a unicorn well versed in dimensional magic to create it. Luckily for Twilight the previous owner left room for additions, allowing her to create a room for Spike. Since the purple dragon had outgrown his sleeping basket. When she got to the bottom of the stairs Twilight gently opened the door, inside was a bed upon which Spike was sprawled out on. There wasn't much in his room, but that was fine with him. Although he wouldn't admit it, Spike was still afraid of relapsing into his greed phase.

Twilight smiled a bit at seeing him sleeping, snoring loudly. As Twilight closed the door she was starting to wonder how she ever slept soundly at night with Spike's snoring. Twilight then trotted to the front door, on the ground was a newspaper; she quickly brought it in, holding it firmly in her telekinetic grip. The lavender mare made her way into the kitchen and started to brew some tea, and made herself some breakfast. When Twilight approached the table she saw a letter on the table, she sat on her haunches as Twilight began eating. As she ate Twilight opened the paper and read the front page headline:


Mysterious Mare Saves Many


According to the article, a masked super-heroine has been seen in different areas, ranging from Fillydelphia, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, and many small towns. Twilight let a smile creep across her face, thinking that she knew exactly who this "Mysterious Mare" actually was, and was happy for her. When she was done with the paper Twilight picked up the letter, and a tea cup, in her telekinetic grip. Twilight then walked to her balcony and began to read the letter while sipping on her Earl-Gray tea.


Dear Twilight

I've noticed that you've been down a bit lately. I know that coming home after such an arduous war can't be easy, especially given all we've been through. Twilight, my faithful student, I have a proposition for you, but take your time in answering. The repercussions of the war are great and require the full attention of Luna and myself, this has made it hard for me to attend and manage the school for Gifted Unicorns. So I was wondering if you would like to take over in my absence, more than that, I would like for you to be the Head Mistress of the school. It would be great for you Twilight, as much as you enjoy learning, I can tell that the prospect of teaching has excited you for a while now. 

This is by no means an order or a favor; I am simply offering you a chance to teach at the school you once attended. I was hoping that teaching young foals would lift your spirits a little, but that would probably be wishful thinking. In any case Twilight, take your time in responding to this letter, I don't want you to feel that you are obligated to do this. 

Your Teacher 

And Friend

Princess Celestia


Twilight sighed; she received that letter almost ten days ago, and has read it countless times over during that period. It seemed that there was good news going around all over. Rainbow Dash and Applejack deciding to raise a foal together, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh dating, Rarity's fashion career was now about to take off with Spike at her side, and Pinkie Pie taking over ownership of Sugar Cube Corner along with raising both Pumpkin and Pound Cake.

Even with all this happening around her there was still something wrong. Twilight was genuinely happy, but there was a part of her heart that still felt sad, as if there was a hole in it that no good news could fill it. It bothered Twilight that she couldn't figure out why, she knew it was something related to the war, but it always seemed to slip away from her at the last minute, no matter how hard she tried to hang onto it.

Suddenly Twilight heard a stirring ruckus inside the house; she immediately went inside to investigate. Spike had apparently woken up, bolted out his room, and tumbled about, landing on his back. Twilight giggled as she made her way toward her number one assistant.

"Spike, what are you doing," asked Twilight.

"Sorry Twilight, I must've overslept! What time is it by the way!?"

Twilight looked to her clock, "It's about nine-thirty."

"NINE-THIRTY!? Oh great I'm going to be late for my date with Rarity – wait a minute today was re-shelving day wasn't it!?" Spike was in a bit of a panic, apparently having forgotten that his scheduled date with Rarity had fallen on the same day with Twilight's re-shelving day activity and was now at war with himself over helping his caretaker and longtime friend, and going to meet his girlfriend.

With a chuckle Twilight used her telekinesis to pick up the squirming dragon and set him upright. "Spike it's okay, go and have your date with Rarity."

"What, no, but, Twilight I made a promise to you, I can't just –!"

"Spike, you and I both know that Rarity isn't the kind of mare you want to keep waiting. Besides, I can move the re-shelving day to the day after tomorrow. Now I want you to stop worrying, turn around, head out that door and have a great time with Rarity, alright!?"

Spike blushed a bit as Twilight showed her sisterly/motherly side. The purple dragon was at the edge of the stairwell; Spike then looked back wondering if it was really okay for him to leave. He had noticed that Twilight was in a down mood lately, even though she tried to hide it, Spike could easily tell.

"You know I could tell Rarity, she'd understand Twilight," offered Spike.

"Ugh, how many times do I have to say it!?" Twilight made her way to the young drake and gave him a slight push with her forehoof. "Go. And. Have. A. Good. Time," said Twilight, putting emphasis on each word.

Reluctantly Spike took a step forward while still looking back at Twilight. Unfortunately, he missed the first step and started to roll down the stairwell. Twilight gasped and quickly galloped after him, she then heard crashing sounds down below, which only served to worry her even more. Once she was at the public area of the library Twilight quickly looked around. Books had been scattered about, the table in the center of the room that had the wood carved horse head had fallen over. Spike was on the floor close to the front door, his eyes were swirling about, having this disoriented look on his face.

"Spike are you alright!?" Twilight asked, concerned.

Spike woozily, and slowly, rose to all fours. "IIIIIIIIIIII'm arlight Twilight…Sorry about the mess, the three of you can handle it right?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion, the poor thing was seeing double. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Perfectly A OK!" Spike then opened the door, gave a salute and began to stagger his way out the door.

Twilight face-hoofed herself and began shaking her head back and forth, questioning whether Spike was really going to be okay walking to Rarity's. Anyway, let's see about cleaning up this mess. Twilight turned her attention to the scattered books, putting them back in their designated spots on the shelves. After she was done with the books Twilight then used her telekinesis to bring the table up. Alright, now it's your turn. Twilight then wrapped the horse head in her telekinetic aura, levitating it up off the floor. Once she had gotten it up a few feet in the air something fell out of the bottom.

"What the?"

Twilight placed the horse head statue back on the table and quickly returned her gaze to the object that fell out. She eyed the object, it was a book, and leather bound with no title, the book seemed worn as if it had been handled roughly or in a hurry. The book had a metal clasp on it, keeping it sealed.

"That's weird, why would there be a book in the statue head? More than that, why doesn't it have a title? Huh, what's this?" Twilight looked closer at the metal clasp, on it was, what appeared to be, a magic circle etched into the metal. "A magic seal…I wonder if this was left behind by the previous caretaker of the library? From the looks of it the seal seems to be tailor made to open only to the owner. I guess I'll have to take a trip to Mayor Mare later, but for now I'd better put this away for safe keeping."

Twilight used her telekinesis to lift the book up, but as she did something happened. The magic circle around the clasp shined then let out a click sound. The metal clasp then unlocked itself, releasing the book and allowing its pages to be turned freely, Twilight was startled by the reaction and let the book fall to the floor, taking a few steps back just in case. The lavender mare approached the book carefully and cautiously, she then used her hoof to open the book's cover, and was shocked at what she found.

There's nothing written in here!?

Indeed there wasn't, she continued to turn one page after another, and with every turn still finding nothing even after turning two to three pages at a time. It was becoming clear to Twilight that this wasn't a normal book, each page had segmented lines ready to receive the words of a writer, she was able to deduce that it was in fact a diary of some sorts. Twilight was becoming increasingly perturbed of having gone through thirty plus pages and still having found nothing.

C'mon, what's the point in keeping a seal on it if there's nothing even written in here –!

Twilight stopped turning the pages, having finally come upon a page that had writing on it. She was surprised by what she saw, the writing itself looked familiar to Twilight.


New Day 1: This is Twilight Sparkle, on August 25th Ponyville was attacked by creatures known as Daemoni. The young earth pony colt named Bright Blade was transformed into an alicorn, and with his strange powers was able to save Ponyville. I write this entry as "New Day" for the fact is I have lost all memory of ever knowing or taking care of the colt known as Bright Blade and I seem to be the only one affected. I don't know how or why I lost my memories, a part of me doubts they were even real, but at the same time I feel as if I should trust him...Until I can figure this out I'll continue to pretend like I know him.


"Bright…Blade…? The date is the same as the first Siege of Ponyville, but who is this Bright Blade!?" Twilight continued to read on, each page describing her thoughts and emotions about a pony named Bright Blade. He seemed to live with her, and for some reason she was apparently trying to determine whether or not he was a threat. Twilight turned to the next few pages and stopped on another entry.


I have followed Bright Blade into the Apple Family orchard where the Crusaders clubhouse was. I originally thought he was going to play with the Crusaders, but now! The whole place looks like a makeshift Royal Guard training ground! How did those three little fillies make something like this!?


"Training…The Cutie Mark Crusaders…?" Twilight suddenly started to feel that this entry had painful memories attached to it, physically anyway. Again, Twilight flipped through some more pages of the diary she didn't know she had been keeping. With each entry she read Twilight felt something happening to her, the empty feeling in her heart was suddenly filling, slowly, but surely. Knowing this she continued on, thinking that this diary held the answer she was seeking.


Of course Spike and Bright Blade aren't too different from each other. I just…When we're on the battlefield we're completely in sync with each other, fighting to a rhythmic beat that only we can hear and feel. The way he looks at me with those emerald green eyes, along with his smile, it makes me feel safe…hopeful…like he wants me to know that everything will be alright.


At that moment Twilight's mind was hit with a deluge of memories! Her memories of the war all became less clouded as a veil was lifted from them, a figure she couldn't quite remember, a pony she knew was always at their side, the pony who was the seventh Element of Harmony, the one she loved and loved her back!

"Bright Blade! His name was BRIGHT BLADE!!! I remember, I remember!! Oh my Celestia, the others!" Twilight then let her horn shine as she was enveloped in a magical energy field, teleporting herself out of the library.





Spike was leisurely walking down the street alongside Rarity, they suddenly gasped in surprise as a purple flash of light appeared in front of them. To their great confusion, it was Twilight.

"Twilight, what's going on!?"

"Are you alright dear?" Rarity asked.

"I'm better than just alright!!! I remember him, I REMEMBER HIM!!!" Twilight shouted.

The other Ponyville citizens were now staring at the group of three wondering why the resident librarian was shouting so much. This didn't go unnoticed by many, Pinkie Pie, along with Rainbow Dash and Applejack, were taking their little foals on a stroll around town in their baby carriages when they heard the commotion. Across the way Fluttershy and Big Macintosh, who were taking the former Crusaders to see a movie were now being drawn to them. In no time at all the group had been gathered, all circled around Twilight.

"Twilight, what in tarnation are ya doin'," asked Applejack.

"Yeah seriously, they could probably hear you all the way in Cloudsdale," commented Rainbow Dash.

"I'm sorry for all the yelling, but I had to tell Spike – actually I have to tell all of you!"

"Twilight, um, what exactly do you have to tell us," asked Fluttershy.

"That I remember him, Bright Blade, our friend!" All of Twilight's friends looked at her confused, wondering what she was talking about. "Please everypony you have to think hard, search your memories and your hearts, think back to the day of the last battle, Calamity's Fall!" The others were trying to think back, but it didn't seem to be working.

"Sorry Twilight, I don't remember a 'Bright Blade,' and I remember everypony who's our friend," said Pinkie Pie.

Twilight was trying, desperately, there had to be something she could do to kick start their memories like the journal did hers. That's when her eyes fell upon the flanks of the former Crusaders, their cutie marks! "GIRLS!" Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all looked at the lavender mare in slight fear, wondering if she was about to enter that scary deranged state from a long time ago. "You were there; all three of you were at the final battle!"

"Twilight, c'mon, there's no way they could've been there. They were at Zecora's the whole time we were fighting," said Spike.

"No they weren't, they were there! Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, you said it was because you never lost hope, that your marks were gifts from Bright Blade! You called yourselves the Valkyries and helped bring him back, please girls remember," said Twilight almost desperately.

"Twilight, we weren't – wait what did you say we were called?" Scootaloo asked.

"Valkyries!"

"Valkyries…Valkyries…" Apple Bloom had a serious expression on her face, as if thinking hard upon Twilight's words. "That does sound familiar…"

"Actually, we never did figure out how we got them," said Sweetie Belle looking to her flank. "We were just so happy to have finally got them that we really didn't think about it."

"Wait a minute…The Unknown Alicorn statue…" The flood gates of Apple Bloom's, Scootaloo's, and Sweetie Belle's memories started to open. Their minds flashed back to that day, in the Everfree Forest, where the shining orbs of light descended down to them. Granting them their cutie marks and the power to help their friends and family in the final battle. But most importantly they remembered him.

"BRIGHT BLADE!" They said in unison. "WE REMEMBER TOO!"

The name spread through the rest, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Big Mac, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, all of them felt it their hearts. It grew inside them until it finally hit them.

"He did exist, Bright Blade and I, were like brothers! He was the one I made that promise too!"

"The same with me," said Rainbow Dash.

"I promised myself that I'd be stronger, because of him," said Fluttershy.

"I promised him I'd look after Pound and Pumpkin!"

"The seventh symbol from my clothing designs! The sword and halo was Bright Blade's cutie mark! The Element of Hope," said Rarity.

It was a joyous moment all around, even Clay, Pumpkin and Pound Cake, were giggling from the happy vibes of the older ponies around them. But just as quickly as their happiness for regained memories came, so too did the sadness of what happened during the final battle.

"But…he's gone," said Sweetie Belle forlornly.

Rarity went over to comfort her little sister, Spike noticed that Twilight was almost on the verge of tears and walked over to her side. Even Big Mac was saddened; Fluttershy had tears coming from her eyes, but still managed to keep a calm appearance.



"Well done my little ponies..." 



A mysterious voice echoed around them, making the group turn their heads in different directions. There were many ponies around them, but they seemed just as confused as they were. A bright magic circle appeared below the gathered thirteen ponies. The other Ponyville citizens all backed up quickly as the circle enlarged itself. It shined with a powerful white light, ancient rune markings were written within the inner perimeter, with a symbol in the center that none of them recognized. Rainbow Dash and Applejack quickly took Clay out of the carriage and held him close between the two of them for protection. Pinkie Pie did the same with Pumpkin and Pound Cake; all three mares' motherly instincts were on overdrive.

"Twilight, what's goin' on here!?" Applejack shouted.

"Where'd this freaky circle come from!?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I-I-I don't know, I honestly don't know what this is!?"

Before any of them could try and escape the unknown circle, the light being emitted from it began to shine brighter and brighter, gusting winds blew around them, and in the next moment all thirteen of the ponies vanished from sight. The ponies who were watching this were filled with panic, wondering what could've happened to them.






***Unknown Location – Outside of the Physical Plain***


"Twilight you gotta see this," said Spike.

Twilight had shut her eyes due to the blinding flash of light. Judging from Spike's voice, which seemed to be filled with wonder instead of fright, Twilight decided to slowly open her eyes and see what the young dragon was seeing.

"This…this is amazing!"

The circle they were inside of acted as a platform, while all around them they saw paths of glorious multicolored lights, each one going in a different direction. Some were yellow; some were blue, red, green, and other such colors. Twilight could feel the energy around her; it was beautiful, as if witnessing a mini galaxy swirling before them.

"Twilight…what is this beautiful place," asked Rarity.

"I think I know what it is, but it's impossible for us to be here…"

"Well don't keep us in suspense, where are we," asked Big Mac.

"The Mana Network…" said Twilight in awe.

It took a moment for that notion to sink in. Twilight had told them about the Mana Network when she used her Element of Magic's power. About the vast network of mana energy that flowed through and around everything in their world. Twilight could glimpse some of the network, but what was before her, before them all, was the true Mana Network. Knowing this, Twilight tried to feel out what was happening to them, the flow of mana they were on seemed different from the others. It was ancient, pure, almost divine, but her analysis didn't last long, as the stream they were on was moving faster, beyond what even Rainbow Dash felt during a Sonic Rainboom. Up above them a portal opened, and the group was hit with another blinding flash of light.

Oh Celestia what now!?





Twilight wanted to make sure she was the first one to see what was happening, but what she saw confused her. "Now where are we?"

"We're in Canterlot," said the former Crusaders.

The others looked around. To their left was the Memorial Wall and to their right was the statue of The Unknown Alicorn. But the most surprising sight was a few feet in front of them. Coming down from the upper level stairwell was Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, both royal sisters left a gap between them as if something or somepony was supposed to be there. On cue, a silver stream of light began to form a figure; it grew wings, a horn, a mane and tail that were like a window into the universe.

"Nice to see you all again, it's been awhile."

"ARION!!?" The group shouted at once.

"Okay what is going on here," asked Rainbow Dash.

"Calm yourself Rainbow Dash, although for your explanation we'll let our mother tell you," said Princess Luna.

Before them the same magic circle that brought the group to Canterlot reappeared. A shining white light filled the area as a new figure joined them. She had a slender, elegant form, with a pure white coat. Her mane and tale was gold colored, almost as if it were made of mana. But the most dazzling part of her was her eyes; they changed colors seamlessly like an aurora. Upon her flank was a combination of old sigil markings that formed a four pointed star, with a fifth sigil mark in the center. This alicorn mare, who radiated divine power, was the legendary creator of the equines and the world they live in, Goddess of Light, Epona.

"Greetings to you all, I'm so happy to finally meet you," said Epona.

The ponies were all struck speechless. In front of them was the creator of the Elements of Harmony and the mother of the Princesses. They all bowed in respect to the goddess, thinking themselves unworthy of looking at the divine mare. What they didn't realize was that the foals had gotten away from them. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were trying to get their kids back from crawling to Epona.

Epona looked down and saw the cute babies crawl towards her. Clay, Pumpkin and Pound Cake, all raised their hooves towards the goddess, giggling happily. Epona lowered her head and nuzzled each of them in turn. She then returned her attention to the group. "Please, all of you rise. Do not be afraid to look upon me."

They did as she said, although still a bit scared at seeing the creator in the flesh. Actually, now that they looked at her closely, she was somewhat transparent, just like Arion. It soon became clear to them that Epona, like her son, was a spirit.

"Begging your pardon your grace, but for what reason have we been summoned here," asked Twilight politely.

Epona began to gently lift the three foals into the air with her telekinesis, the babies giggled and laughed as they swirled around the goddess in an orbit. She soon levitated them back to their respective parents. The Cake twins were sat in front of Pinkie Pie, while Clay was put down before Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Having done that Epona responded.

"As you well know, all traces of the Element of Hope were wiped clean from this world. But I saw, I witnessed how much you cared for the one known as Bright Blade, even though he was a Construct, he never left your hearts," said Epona.

"Wait…does that mean…" asked Apple Bloom, hesitantly.

Epona's horn lit up with divine magical energy. The group jumped back as a vortex of pure white mana appeared in front of the statue of The Unknown Alicorn. The ponies walked back a few more feet, wondering what exactly the ancient goddess was doing. Soon strands of golden energy started to pour out from the vortex; they soon took notice that the strands were taking shape. They formed wings, a horn, then legs, a body, and finally a head.

"It-It can't be," said Fluttershy.

"Is this really happening," asked Scootaloo.

With one final flash of power from Epona's horn, the area was bathed in white light, creating a thundering boom that echoed across Canterlot and beyond the mountains to the valley below. When the group reopened their eyes their jaws hung open, eyes as wide as saucers. Lying in a heap in front of the statue, where the vortex once was, was a golden, young alicorn stallion. Epona then cantered over to the body, and then nuzzled the side of his head.

"Wake up young one, it's time to rise and see your friends," said Epona, in a motherly tone.

The young stallion stirred, he then raised his head and looked out towards the group. He blinked his eyes a few times, his vision a bit blurry. After a few seconds everything came into focus and he was able to clearly make out who they all were.

Twilight was the first to step forward, slowly and cautiously approaching the young stallion. She wanted to say his name, the name that had for so long been a memory to them all, but was scared to do so. Fearing that this was a dream and that saying that name would snap her back to reality. Twilight glanced over to the royal siblings, who gave her a nod of the head; she then looked to Epona who was nodding sagely to her. With an audible gulp, she made her way towards him.

"Bright…Blade," she dared to ask.

"Twilight…is this a dream," he asked.

Twilight's eyes let loose another deluge of tears as she quickly galloped towards Bright Blade. She skidded to a stop and quickly brought the young alicorn into a tight hug. "No, this isn't a dream, this is real!"

Epona walked away, joining her children as the rest of the group gathered around Twilight and Bright Blade. Hugging, noogying, crying, and even more hugging, everypony there was happy to see Bright Blade returned, even the golden alicorn allowed himself to shed tears of joy as the happiness of being reunited with his friends overwhelmed him.

"Alright y'all, let's give Bright some room to stand," said Applejack.

With a few giggles, they allowed Bright Blade to rise. When he stood to his full height Bright Blade gasped, he was taller then he remembered, and a lot leaner as well. It was at this point that Epona had a noticeable blush on her countenance.

"What the hay, you were never this tall Bright," said Scootaloo.

"If anything he looks a bit older than before," said Big Macintosh.

Bright Blade inspected his body, flaring his wings and checking the length of his hind and forelegs. "But how, I mean, how old am I," he asked.

"Well judging from your body type, the head to body and leg to wing ratio, I'd put you at around fifteen years old, at best," said Rarity. The others looked at her astonished, she could ascertain his age just by looking at him. "I do make clothes for a living darlings, I've seen every body measurement, and age group from mare to stallion, and from filly to colt."

"Sorry, that would be my fault." Confused looks were all pointed in the direction of the goddess; even her children were raising an eyebrow at their mother. "I might have poured a little too much power into creating your body, it's been a while since I've had to create life and I'm still not used to being a spirit yet."

"Oh mother," sighed Celestia.

"You turned a thirteen year old into a fifteen year old, wow," giggled Luna.

"Well, nopony's perfect, not even a goddess, eh mother," said Arion, poking Epona in the side.

"Excuse me, your grace?" Epona turned to Fluttershy. "I was wondering, not that we're complaining mind you, but why has Bright Blade been brought back, I thought all traces of the Element of Hope were taken away."

The Goddess of Light smiled at the shy pegasus, now they were getting to the root of the matter. "You see, after the war had ended, my son Arion found me on the other side. Needless to say I was happy to see him again. But he asked me if there was any way I could bring back the Element of Hope, more specifically, the Construct known as Bright Blade."

"I told mother about how all of you had grown attached to Bright Blade, even stuck by him when you realized your memories of him were false," said Arion.

"It was then that Arion and mother appeared before us one night. She proposed a deal between Luna, myself, and Arion. If just one of you could fully remember Bright Blade, within your hearts, then mother would agree to bring him back," said Celestia.

"Of course she only gave you a year to do so, the deadline being the anniversary of the War of Darkness. And believe us, it was infuriating not being able to say anything to any of you," said Luna.

It was at that point that Twilight's mind flashed back to when she found the diary, the pages of fake memory were gone, but the pages that held her unaltered written words were still there, since they weren't created by the Element of Hope. "So when I started to remember him, it spread like wildfire to the others!?"

"Exactly Twilight Sparkle, now Bright Blade, Arion and I have gifts to impart upon you," said Epona.

Bright Blade, worriedly stepped forward, Twilight and the others were also worried. Even though she said "gifts," there was something about the way she said it, the authority in her voice was strong yet gentle. Epona and Arion trotted over to meet Bright Blade in the middle.

"Your first gift Bright Blade will be from me." Epona's horn once again glowed with divine power, before them a necklace made of navy blue metal appeared, in the middle was a yellow crystal carved in the shape of Bright Blade's cutie mark. "Bright Blade, before you now floats the Element of Hope, the seventh Element of Harmony."

"Wait a minute, that's the Element! But then how am I –!?"

"That is my second gift to you Bright Blade, your body is flesh and blood now, you are every bit as real as your friends are," said Epona.

Everypony grew wide eyed; they couldn't believe what they had heard! Bright Blade's body was real, not a Construct made of the Element of Hope, but a true physical body. "Your Eminence I-I don't know what to say! Thank you, Thank you so much!" Bright Blade then bowed slightly to the goddess, and then quickly rose up.

Epona giggled a bit as she levitated the Element of Hope necklace over to Bright Blade, clasping the lost Element around his neck. Arion stepped forward as Epona stepped back, his turn apparently had come.

"With strength unmatched I sing this song, that might and magic be as one! Shine your light upon the land! Let evils wrath be undone, mystic sword Excellion!" A bolt of white lightning descended from the sky up above, landing in front of Arion. The lightning bolt then took the form of a sword as the electrical energy dispersed and revealed the ancient sword, whole once again.

"Excellion, but the blade was broken during the final battle!" Bright Blade exclaimed.

"I re-forged Excellion, in preparation for this day. I knew your friends wouldn't let you fade into memory. So now Bright Blade, bearer of the Element of Hope, take unto you this magical sword and with it all the knowledge and skill that it possesses," said Arion.

Arion then used his telekinesis to levitate Excellion to Bright Blade. The young alicorn's horn flared with his golden magical aura, wrapping the sword in his telekinetic glow. Almost immediately all the power and knowledge that was held within the ancient weapon flowed into his mind, the connection between wielder and weapon being established on both a mental and spiritual level.

"Thank you Arion, Epona, thank you both!" Bright Blade flapped his wings to fly around in joy, but the moment he got a few feet in the air Bright fell back to the ground like a lead weight.

Twilight quickly ran to Bright Blade's side and helped him back up to his hooves. "Bright Blade are you alright!?"

"I-I don't understand, it's like I forgot how to fly? Hold on a minute, let me try something!" Bright Blade looked around. Over to his right, beyond the statue, was a ledge that overlooked the valley below. He then pointed his horn towards the open space and concentrated his magical energy, the power built up more and more till it was a sphere of golden energy on the tip of his horn. Suddenly the ball of mana backfired and sent Bright Blade flying backwards, sailing through the air till he hit the Memorial Wall with a hard thud.

"What in the hay," exclaimed Scootaloo.

The former Crusaders quickly galloped to their friend. Bright Blade was staggering to his hooves, his head spinning from the impact. "That hurt…"

"That was a mana backblast! It only happens when a unicorn tries to use a spell without really knowing how to cast it," explained Sweetie Belle.

"Wow, those magic lessons are really payin' off." Sweetie Belle beamed with pride at Apple Bloom's compliment. "Wait ah second, why did that happen to Bright Blade!? You used all kinds of powerful magic when you were fightin' –!" Apple Bloom looked back to Arion. "Uh, You-Know-Who!"

"I don't get it, it's like I've forgotten how to fly, and how to use magic! The only thing I can do is levitate!"

"I'm sorry to say Bright Blade, all your skill, both in flight and magic, was due to your being a Construct. The Element of Hope provided you with many advanced skills, but now that you have a flesh and blood body you must learn these skills, as all newborn ponies do," said Epona.

Bright Blade, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle rejoined the others. Bright Blade was looking a little disappointed. "So I have to relearn all my old magic and flying skills, that'll take forever!"

"Don't sweat it!" Rainbow Dash quickly rushed to Bright's side and gave him a poke in the ribs. "I'll teach you everything I know Bright Blade! We'll have you back to flying like a daredevil in no time!"

"As long as you don't start hauling me up into the air, and then dropping me from a hundred feet up," said Bright Blade.

Rainbow Dash laughed and blushed, apparently she had hoped that Bright had forgotten about those little "training sessions" they did back in Ponyville. Twilight was the next to trot forward, having a very happy look on her face.

"And since Rainbow is teaching you how to fly, I guess that means I'll take the position of being your magic tutor! Just so you know, I'm not going to go easy on you," said Twilight with a slightly evil grin.

"Well Bright Blade, it seems as though you're in capable hooves here. Mother, I think it's time we took our leave," said Arion.

"Hmm-hmm, indeed it is. Celestia, Luna, we'll be watching over you," Epona then turned to the group of ponies. "All of you."

With that said Epona and Arion transformed into two spheres of white and silver light, the two orbs ascended into the air, taking off at great speed. A loud sonic boom thundered through the sky as the divine spirits left this world and returned to the spirit realm.

"Now my little ponies…" All eyes turned to Celestia. "There's one last piece of business that needs to be addressed."

They all looked to each other, surprised and confused. What "business" could the Princess be talking about. Well it didn't matter, because whatever it was it couldn't dwarf the feeling of happiness they all felt here today. Bright Blade was back, the Element of Hope was now a permanent fixture in their world, and all was right with the world.


Never lose hope…