Cadence gazed at a now imprisoned Sombra and shook her head in pity and trotted from the dungeon toward the throne room. Waiting within were the COH along with Martin, Alan, and the six, all were conversing and catching up on lost time. After a while they all bid the Crystal Empire farewell and departed for Ponyville.
*
About halfway back to Ponyville Mary noticed a familiar cart on a slope and waved it over, “HEY!!!”
*
Soon Trixie’s cart crested the hill to Ponyville and all were welcomed back with cheers and a standing ovation, or more specifically a trotting ovation. All aboard the wagon wore smiles as they rolled through town and were greeted by many ponies. Upon disembarking The COH came face to face with a rather stern looking Celestia.
Dominic approached her, “Princess, I apologise for my brash behavior in defying your orders. I will accept any punishment you give.”
Celestia’s expression softened, “No need to apologise Dominic, I always had a feeling you wouldn't listen to me.”
Dominic looked up in surprise, “But-“
Celestia gestured with her head to the departing group, “Go be with your family and friends, I think you’ve all earned a bit of relaxation.”
Mary and the rest of the group came to a hill at Sweet Apple Acres that had a great view of the surrounding orchard. The COH and the six noticed Mary and her parents standing in front of each other and went off to the side.
Mary looked at her father and mother who hugged her with smiles. When they pulled away, Martin and Applejack looked at their daughter with pride and respect.
Mary lifted her hand and opened it as a small blue and white flame ignited on her palm, “Aunt Lupe says hi.”
Martin took on a shocked expression but nodded all the same, “Your mother and I are so proud of you. You have grown so much and we couldn’t be happier.”
Mary smiled, “Thanks Dad.”
Dominic walked to her side as did the rest of their group; they all were smiling at the six along with Martin and Alan, but they all looked surprised at The COH. All of the old heroes stared at the younger heroes and saw themselves in their younger years standing alongside each corresponding one.
Dominic pumped his fist as he pointed into town, “Come on gang. Let’s all party!”
As they all left, Mary stopped at the bottom of the hill and looked back at her parents and their friends. She tilted her head slightly as she swore she began to see them and a white cloaked individual along with Aunt Lupe except…they all looked younger. Martin grinned at his daughter as he seemed to grow back to his present age.
Applebloom and Dominic walked to Mary who looked at the approaching friends/ family.
Dominic looked confused, “you coming?”
Mary looked back at her father who nodded with a smile and gestured for her to go.
Mary smiled, “Always.”
As the new generation walked away to have their celebration the older generation looked on with renewed happiness and purpose. They knew there would be tough times, dark times. But they all knew if they stuck together and helped the new generation to overcome it, there would always be hope.
Alan looked at Martin with a content smile, “So what now?”
Martin looked after his daughter one last time then noticed an apparition of Sortitus and Lupe standing on the trail smiling at him as they both waved goodbye and walked down it until they slowly vanished which brought a smile to the humans face accompanied by a tear.
Martin nodded with a hopeful smile, “We look to the future. And let our legacy live on.”
All the ponies and Alan nodded at the wise words as they all sat on the grass as the sounds of cheering were heard in the distance which brought happy tears to their eyes.
THE END