//------------------------------// // - Epilogue - // Story: Solem Perditum // by PropMaster //------------------------------// - Epilogue - Light Stride’s eyes slowly opened, his head swimming slightly as the ache of a failed release of arcane energy throbbed through his horn. He took a few deep breaths as the ache subsided, his vision focusing to reveal his surroundings. Before him stood a massive a massive slab of grey rock, a monolith of stone, carved with runes that Light Stride could not read. Four lines of a sharp runic script, followed by flowing, modern lettering; another four lines. Light Stride sat up slowly, rubbing at his head and sighing. He looked at the slab, reading the four lines of modern script. From This Place Nightmare’s End Was Seen Peace Fills Equestria The Sisters Are Reunited Light Stride smiled, lifting a hoof to touch the words written there. “The sisters are reunited...” He sighed, his horn lit up, and he began to carve below the eight lines, adding his own words. After a few minutes he was done, and he sat before the slab of rock, staring at it quietly. A hoof gently touched his shoulder, but he didn’t move, still staring at the rock. He frowned slightly. “You’re not supposed to be here.” “I am stubborn,” Celestia replied, sitting down next to Light Stride, looking at the slab of rock with him. “You shouldn’t have come back,” he said softly, turning to look at her. Celestia smiled down at him. “I believe you know me better than that.” “I hoped that you’d stay away and leave me here.” Celestia laughed. “And let you have all the fun? Uncover all the mystery? Perhaps there is still much you have to learn about me.” They sat silently for a moment, before Light Stride gestured to the stone. “You wrote the second part, didn’t you?” “Yes. I assume, then, that the third section is yours?” Celestia said softly. “Yeah,” Light Stride replied. Below Celestia’s writing, his own words seemed crude in comparison to the neat script of her words. My Duty Is Done My Princess Is Saved - Light Stride Celestia giggled. “I’m your Princess?” “A figure of speech. I am your guard, so you are my Princess,” Light Stride replied quickly. Celestia smiled softly. “Are you sure that is all you meant?” Light Stride blushed slightly. “Y-yes.” “Good,” Celestia said, standing up and stretching. “It’d be highly inappropriate if you meant anything else. After all, we have to stay professional, don’t we?” Light Stride chuckled. “You were the one who insisted I treat you like a pony.” Celestia leaned down, staring him in the eye, a mischievous glint twinkling there. “Ah, I was, wasn’t I? So... why don’t you treat me like a pony?” “I... what do you expect me to do?” Light Stride stammered. Celestia laughed, leaning away from him. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. We’ve got time, after all... and this is your illusion now.” “My illusion?” “Yes. I am no longer the focus of the trap. You are. I suspect that this lunar landscape will not stay as it is. I’ll bet... that we’re about to start a new adventure somewhere else. You simply need to close your eyes, Light Stride, and focus on what you think is most real.” “The only real thing here is you,” Light Stride replied. “That’s part of the beauty of this, though. The illusion adapts to its target, but it can’t affect me as strongly. So... I get to stay with you. And this time, it will be me helping you to overcome your fears, learning your dreams, getting to know your innermost thoughts,” Celestia explained. “Oh,” Light Stride replied, looking embarrassed. “It will be a difficult journey, Light Stride... but I have no doubt that together, we can overcome it,” Celestia said with conviction. Light Stride laughed. “Of course.” “And if we can’t... well, Twilight and Cadance and Luna are with us now, in the real world. They’ll figure something out,” Celestia said with a wink. “Well, that’s reassuring.” Light Stride smiled. “So... I just have to close my eyes?” “Yes.” Light Stride stood up, and Celestia joined him at his side, her presence comforting. “Stay close... my Princess.” “Always,” Celestia replied softly. Light Stride closed his eyes.