On Light Hooves I Tread
a Fanfic by Adam J Nelon
Epilogue: No Place Like Home
My eyes shot to life with a gasp. As I began to look about and feel about, I noticed almost immediately my returned humanity. As my eyes dared a glance at the nearest timepiece (in this case, the red-lit alarm clock perched atop my television), the time had only barely changed from when I assumed I was asleep. It was Midnight. Roughly only two hours had even passed. Either I was very lucky, or Princess Celestia's magic was simply that potent. Nevertheless, a sigh of relief passed through me as I turned myself to sleep again, only to find I couldn't get into a comfortable posture.
Something was up with my bed. And not simply the fact I slept on the infamous box-spring mattress. Something big was underneath my bed, and it was causing a portion of the bed to poke out jarring to the rest of the bed. Unless I examined the problem, I'd never get to bed either way. Thus, I forced myself out from my bed, my bare as a winter tree form moving toward the light switch. I shut my eyes for a moment as I flicked the light on.
Immediately, I noticed, hanging from a stand was a full suit of armor, chain mail and all, in glorious gilded steel, bearing a star near the top of the chest plate. Was this that same armor I had been wearing just before I left Equestria? Then I checked my flank, which, as if by some sorcery, retained my cutie mark, style and all. Something strange was going on here...I decided to turn my attention to what lurked deep beneath my bed. I began to lie prone, crawling across the floor to peer at what was beneath.
A Large Chest sat beneath my bed. Upon further examination, this chest bore a coat of arms with a golden unicorn with a small bit of emerald for the eye as it's opening latch. Part of me could see where this was going. I slowly popped the latch and carefully lifted open the wood and metal chest. I was awestruck at the contents of the chest.
Inside was a scroll of paper, a rather large leather-bound tome, a quill and ink pot, and, oddly enough, a skeleton key. Curiosity getting the better of me, partly because perhaps it would explain the reason behind these odd items in more detail. As I unfurled it, I read it quietly to myself:
"Dear Adam,
If you are reading this scroll, then you have doubtless become aware that many of your belongings that you have collected in Equestria have been carried over to your world. Consider it a token of my friendship. I know you'd want to have some form of memento from your times here, so what better gift than keeping the treasures you acquired? As an added bonus, try getting your hands on a mirror. If you have already done so, then you will note that all of the items that I have allowed you to keep have been enchanted by an illusion spell. The magic I placed on them will make objects like your armor look like a standard uniform, and will hide any major aesthetic changes that have occurred to your body (namely, your cutie mark) from view. Only those who are willing to believe in the tales you tell and suspend their disbelief will see them for themselves.
As for the tome and the writing set, consider that a gift from me. I saw that look in your eyes just as you left. You bore a look of longing. You were going to miss them. Being so far from your friends can be a horrid thing. My Dear Sister, Luna, can certainly attest to that. Thus, in keeping with the spirit of friendship, I have left you this tome and writing set. This way, you can contact your friends, no matter where you are. The way it works is as follows:
First, write your message on any given page of this boom. Then, either close the book, or rip and fold the page when you are done, and hide the book or note someplace secret. If done correctly, than through my enchantments, the letter should go to whosoever you designated it to. I hope to see this tome be put to good use. Friendship is something that should never have to go away due to distances. Besides, you were quite an interesting human to meet. I'd like to keep in touch, myself!
Now, as for that key you found? Another gift from me. This key should work in any door you put it inside. When used, it should activate some powerful magic I have placed upon it to open a portal to Equestria, where you may return to see us all again at your leisure. However, be forewarned, however, that due to the complexity that comes with spellcraft, it may not be entirely stable. In fact, I am fairly certain the magic has made the key quite fragile. So, I'd advise that you only use this key if you are fairly certain you're ready to return. Also, be ready for anything when you emerge from the other side. I cannot guarantee where, when, or as what you will return here as...although, considering how you did as a Pegasus, being a Unicorn would fit you much more snugly.
I hope that you make the most of what I have given you. After all, isn't friendship a wonderful, magical thing?
Best Wishes,
Princess Celestia~"
I smiled as I read the note, surveying the items in question. The book had a similar motif to the chest it had been placed in. It was a hardback leather book, with support by gilded steel binds and a large latch to keep it shut. On the front was the same icon that was on the chest: A golden unicorn with the same emerald eye in stunning relief on the cover. As I opened the book, pages of sepia color unfurled between my eyes as I carefully unscrewed the cap on the inkwell, dipping the new quill into it. Though I was tired, I simply had to reply...
"Dear Princess Celestia,
Thank you. These gifts are some of the best I could have gotten. I'm surprised that of all things I could have kept, you allowed my armor to be a part of that! I've yet to see what it looks like in the mirror, but I hope that whatever form it takes here fits the style. I've been looking for some good protective gear for a while.
As for this journal, I give thanks for that, as well. I was afraid all I'd have after this were memories of my time. At least now, I have some form of communication for a good bit.
And as for the Key...While it was certainly not a necessity, it is still a gracious gesture which I admire greatly. If I ever am able to return, I will put this key to good use...
I think I already told you this before but...thank you. Thank you for giving me such wonderful experiences in your world. For long, I had dreamed of coming there, to meet all the nice ponies, and see all those amazing sights which had been crafted before their eyes. I made friends which will forever stay close to me. I had adventures that my lame body would never enable me to do here...But most importantly, I gained treasures not just of material worth, but of spiritual worth. I gained fond memories of my times in Equestria. Plus, who else in the world could say they turned themselves to stone to knock out a dragon?!
Should ever again our paths cross, I will make it so that I will be there for a much more...extended visit. When I have accomplished all I feel I need to in my world, I will return to yours.
Until then, may this notebook keep the ties between myself and the ponies of Equestria as strong as diamond.
Best Regards,
Adam the Astute~"
With this, I shut my new journal, placing it back where it was in the chest, the key laying atop it daintily as I moved it to a more discreet location. Content beyond belief, it took a lot for me to get to bed.
And so, since that day, I wrote religiously once a day, if not once a week or once a month. I continually received feedback letters from everypony whom I knew. With that, I was told about the wonders of the many holidays in Equestria. Nightmare Night, Hearth's Warming Eve, Hearts and Hooves Day, and much more.
As for the armor, I wore it with pride. In the mirror, it resembled a school outfit ripped out of an Anime: A golden overcoat with tastefully semi-detached sleeves, a cropped jacket with black fastening bands, a nice cloak, a cream colored waistcoat, a white colored shirt, a black neck tie, a pair of dress pants, a good pair of black dress socks, a pair of black closed-toe dress shoes, and a black leather belt. On the overcoat's right side was a the Equestrian coat of arms, shining gracefully. "Classy" was more than a fitting word for it.
Life had pretty much returned to its normal grind for me: Wake up, Get dressed, Get groomed, Mess about on my computer, Put the dog out, Prepare a snack, Go to school, Come home, Mess about further on my computer, Have dinner, Get a bath/shower, and Go to sleep. However, since that night which I returned, I made it a habit to write at some point during the day to stay in touch as the chatty friend I tend to fancy myself as.
However, as time drug on, the rate at which I was getting feedback trickled. First gradually, then exponentially, and then, eventually, I stopped getting any at all.
As any person would be from a sudden loss of contact from their beloveds, I was worried. Had something happened to separate them? Was tension so great that a schism occurred between those six friends to make them go their separate ways? Had they just been traumatized and disillusioned to their friendship? Worse off, had they died? I let these thoughts roll about in my head whilst I kept vainly sending letters.
But, alas; no matter how many (or in some cases, how few) letters I sent, no response came. When the year had passed, I was ready to just shut the book and let it sit in that chest indefinitely...
However, just as I was ready to stop, when I went to place that infinite tome and ink in that which would become its final resting place, something caught my eye beneath the bed. Perpendicular to that chest was a large pink present wrapped in ribbons. Upon checking the tag on the present said it was addressed to me, so like some madman with a chainsaw, I ripped, teared, and wrought asunder the present.
I gasped when I saw what lurked inside. Actually, at first, I couldn't see a thing due to a large note, which I took the time to read.
"Dear Adam,
We are terribly sorry for not responding to the letters you've been writing. It's just that in being so busy as we are, we've not always had time. We were actually preparing to send you this as a token of our friendship. Sure, a letter every now and again is nice, but getting something special from somepony should be considered, as well. Which is why, though my work, I have compiled some of our keepsakes to you.
From me, I've given you a book of stories I read in my filly-hood, including Star Swirl the Bearded and Nyx, and The Explorer's Encyclopedia to Everything Explored in Equestria. If you need a reference point on Equestrian wildlife, locations, or anything, have a peek through that. Who knows? You may need it!
Spike was glad to help with Rarity's contribution: A Cloak made of pure Dragon Scales. She claims it is fashionable and flame retardant, but I wouldn't test it. You did enough dragon-slaying to know you don't have to do it again.
AJ decided that, since she was growing out of it, to give you her old hat. She said it might look good on you, considering you and her practically come from the same background.
Pinkie Pie made this very special cupcake for you. She said you ought to eat it when you get really hungry.
The necklace is a gift from Fluttershy. She said that in keeping it close to your heart, we'll be by your side, no matter what. I hear it's made from a fire ruby!
Rainbow Dash wanted to get you something extra special since you were practically a friendly rival to her. So, she got you some goggles vintage from the Wonderbolts, and a nice t-shirt.
Consider these gifts from all of us. With them, we hope that we carry on in your memory until you come back.
Until then, we'll always be here.
Your Friends,
Twilight Sparkle and Co."
I almost teared up as I began to wear this equipment on my person. These were phenomenal gifts to have recieved, and now, I had a splendid reminder that my friends would stay by my side, if only just in spirit.
But then again, in reality, is that not what marks a good friendship? Even when the ties that bind are strewn across such infinite distances, you still feel them with you every day you live? That was the feeling I got then, and this is the feeling I retain even now.
My name has been Adam, and this has been my tale. I hope you enjoyed it.
~Fin