On Light Hooves I Tread 2: Homeward Bound
A Fanfiction by Adam Nelon
Epilogue: The Time After
Following the farewell of Jade, life for me resumed as normal. Though my eye never recovered, through what I can only assume as an odd bit of serendipity, it turned out that Derpy Hooves actually knew a very adept optometrist, and after a week or so of surgery, I was able to see again like new. As payment, I decided to foalsit for Dinky when she needed it. For the daughter of a ditzy, but otherwise well-meaning Pegasus, Dinky was perhaps one of the sweetest fillies I'd ever taken care of. It hearkened back to my younger years, when I had to entertain much younger children than myself. It wasn't the best job in the world, or one that I got paid for, but it was a good job.
Speaking of children, not long after my little stunt and the surgery to repair my wounded eye, something peculiar began to happen. You know how when you watch My Little Pony or any other cartoon, and sometimes, the character might directly see you? I think I've come to understand why exactly that is. For the past few days, I'd begun to see strange little windows in the world. A strange sort of window that, on the other end, is host to people native of my world. They view me behind computer screens, in front of televisions, on mobile devices, and see me in photography. At the same time, I can see them, looking with interest at the strangely-attired pony on screen who has just come to notice them.
While at first, I dismissed such phenomena as a trick of the eye, upon consulting other famous viewers of "The Wall", as it was called, it turned out it was actually an ever-growing trait among ponies. A lot of us were beginning to take notice that we were gaining an audience from a whole other world, and they were all but happy to mug the camera, myself included. Okay, not really me, but I grew ever more accepting and proud of it as time went on.
Then, one day, something amazing happened. In one of the windows, I saw none other than Angela and Cathrine, watching the show together! They could see me, and I could see them! I saw them pointing, noticing me in the crowd, and I waved to them, hoping to help confirm their sight! For that brief instant, we shared our time, and afterward, I lost sight of them, the window closing upon me. That fleeting moment ended, and it left me feeling a little empty.
In the intervening days, I learned that Discord was being considered for rehabilitation. While I do question the logic behind this, I decide to keep out of the affair due to the fact that roughly a week ago, I put the guy back in stone. In addition, for whatever reason compels her, Lyra continually seems interested with me, to the point of offering me lodging, much at the disapproval of Bon-Bon. Remind me to consider a restraining order at some point, assuming those exist.
Speaking of unicorns, I'm still continuing my studies, although minus one Jade. I've met a new student, however, who seems to be quite fond of lunar magic, much as I am solar. Something about his timely appearance strikes me as odd. He exhumes a strangle aura that seemed to mimic mine. It was as if he were like a shadow of myself. When the final period came, Astur put me up against him, which only made me more sure of his being alike me. The Cutie Mark was similar as well, only instead of a sun, it was a moon that adorned his flank. Strangely, I only saw him for roughly a week or so before he mysteriously disappeared. Perhaps I might question Luna about this at some point.
Not long after, I received a rather strange letter in my dorm room. It had no return address, but it was addressed to me nonetheless. With little provocation, I opened it, to found it a rather elaborate letter written in black ink with a rather carefully crafted calligraphy to it. it read simply,
"Dear Adam,
I am glad to see you are doing well in Equestria. I admit, when I saw your letter, I was in shock. Disbelief, even. With little more than a letter, you announced you left for a world that I originally thought didn't exist... Then I saw the chest. I saw the books, the pictures, the letters, and the rest. I never would have guessed you had a legitimate connection to such people. When I saw the pictures especially, it only served to prove you were telling the truth. While I'm upset you couldn't talk with us about the issue, Cathrine and I both understand your reason to leave. Cathrine misses you more than I do, I think. She even started watching the show a lot more closely just to see if you were in the background. When she and I found you that day, we knew for sure you missed us, too. I'm glad to know you haven't forgotten us...
Which leads me to why I sent you this letter. I'm attempting to find a way to make my own form of spell to come see you. That way, we might be reunited some day. If this letter made it to you, than that means we've made progress. You might see us in the future. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, just in case. If we don't make it to you by the year's end, you're free to find a companion to stand by you until that day. Just remember who you're married to!
I might never know what made you choose to go to that little Sugar Bowl of yours, but I'll move Heaven and Earth to make sure I can share it with you.
With Love,
Angela"
My heart skipped a beat. Angela, the woman I left behind to make a new life in this world, was going to whatever lengths that she could to see me again! For a moment, I was reminded of the note I wrote to her so long ago.
I had challenged her to see if she would not only be brave enough to consider following me, but to actually go through with it. And by her estimation, she was succeeding.
With haste, I left the campus and took vigil in Ponyville. I don't know what possessed me to keep watch for her and my daughter. Fatherly obligation? Husbandry matters? The lust to see my beloveds again? It perplexed me, and yet I felt I couldn't pass the opportunity up. Minutes, hours, and days passed. I took all the time I could, staying as vigilant as I could, my eyes scanning the roads and crowds as my ears tried their hardest to find their sweet voices. Eventually, one evening, I couldn't stay up, and eventually gave way on the road, letting sleep take me.
When I awoke, a pair of gilded eyes met my gaze, as I saw a pegasus of flaming mane greeted me. Next to her was a ginger filly who was eager to pounce me into a hug and never let go.
"Glad to know I didn't have to go searching," hummed Angela's seraphic voice as she helped me up, nuzzling me as her wings embraced me.
I said nothing at that moment. I could only chuckle... chuckle and cry. Not because I was sad, but because I was too happy. Rarely did such jubilation hit me that I was forced only to cry, but just as Angela would move Heaven and Earth to reunite with me, the heavens ordained that I cry tears of joy. Such happiness was something that I rarely indulged in. There was simply nothing that could compare to this moment.
Finally, I spoke.
"I'm glad to know you'd never leave me alone."
My tears stained her new, golden coat, but I didn't care. I finally had the one thing that made this exodus complete. The love of my life who was brave enough to follow me down the rabbit hole, and the little bundle of joy we had made together. As cliche a trope as it is, I guess it isn't too bad to be together with your lover in the end.
After all, who doesn't love a happily ever after?