//------------------------------// // Epilogue: Family // Story: War of the Fallen Race // by PegasusKlondike //------------------------------// He was home. Home in Ponyville with everypony that he loved and held dear. The War of the Fallen Race was now just a story to be told by historians, both human and pony. Though tensions were high after the Peace of Terra, they settled as the humans displayed their peaceful intentions, and now out of work ponies flocked to the Human Republic of Terra seeking opportunity. Humans found the borders of Terra a bit too constricting, so with the permission of the Princess herself, began to settle parts of Equestria. The humans struggled, but with the aid of their new allies and the strength of friendship they began to rebuild their society. Human influence began to show itself in pony society, goods from the advanced Terrans began to show up in the Canterlot markets. But Aaron didn't care, his race walked the earth and he was home with his friends. "Okay Applebloom, you ready for this one?" he said to the little red maned filly that rode on his shoulders. "No! This one is way too far! We'll never make it!" "We'll have to try!" He gave a small jump and landed safely on the other side of the ominous puddle that stood in their way. "Yay! We made it!" Both laughed at their little adventure. They arrived at the schoolhouse where Aaron was taking her. He set her on the ground and took a seat by the door. "Sorry we're late Miss Cheerilee!" The mare looked confused at one of the strange new creatures that now roamed around peacefully. "Applebloom, where is your family member? It's your turn to bring one in for Family Appreciation Day." "That's him there by the door!" She took her seat with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, who had already been introduced to Applebloom's "cousin". "But, that's a hoomeen." Aaron stood to introduce himself. "The word is "human", I'm Aaron Patterson, Applebloom's removed cousin." he said cheerily. "Um, I'm Cheerilee. And welcome to our classroom today sir." she extended a hoof. He gently took it and shook her hoof. "A pleasure to meet such a lovely mare." Cheerilee blushed. "Well, what do I talk about?" "Well sir, what do you do for a living?" He sat on a small stool at the front. "Well I haven't held down a job in centuries, so I guess you could call me an adventurer." A little filly with a silver spoon on her flank raised a hoof. "What kind of adventures, salt binges?" she and her friend snickered. "Not at all, I've been a soldier, an inventor, a prisoner, a champion, a savior. I've seen the ultimate darkness, and been there to usher in the light. I am a giver of life and a curer of ails. I wield science and magic together for Harmony. Many times before have I held the fate of my kind and yours in my hands and I made the souls of my kind pure." The utter attention of every filly and colt was his. "Now, who wants to hear about the first time I met Princess Celestia?" "You know Princess Celestia?" some of the foals said with awe. "On a first name basis! I'm the human ambassador in her court! I'm even close friends with Princess Luna." he began to regale the young minds with his adventures, standing to imitate the actions he described and using character voices to make it more dramatic. Of course he left out a lot of parts, young impressionable minds and all. At one point he used his magic to imitate Legion talking through him. Though normally only supposed to last an hour, his presentation took up the entire afternoon. "And that is how the nations of Equestria and Terra were born, and how our races came to know one another as friends." several pairs of little hooves clipped and clapped as they applauded this most amazing family appreciation presentation. Several more came from the doorway where their parents stood to take their foals home. Among them were his friends, large smiles on their faces. ******************************************************************** Dear Princess Celestia, As ambassador of the Republic of Terra, I gratefully accept your invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala. As per our agreement, I have selected nine additional human beings to act as dignitaries for your event. Hopefully we may discuss our little issue regarding settlers in the Everfree Forest and the problem of the dragon migratory path over Terra. On a personal note, I am happy here in Ponyville. Happier than I have ever been. As I write this letter down I am surrounded by my friends who love me like a brother. I can never thank you enough for making peace with us, and I hope this letter reaches my dear friend Luna too. It is odd, is it not? For two millenia we hated each other, the hatred poisoning our lives and affecting everyone else around us. But now we are the greatest and most trusting of friends. What you say is true, friendship really is the most powerful magic in the world. There are rumors Celestia, rumors coming from Terra that there may be other human vaults across the world. I don't know what to feel about these rumors, but if they are hostile, you will have the full strength and influence of Terra behind you. I look forward to seeing you again Tia, and if I am not mistaken, we still have a little game of chess to finish. Your eternal friend, Aaron Patterson Aaron finished penning his letter to the Princess. The light of day grew through his window, the perfect sunrise gracing the horizon. Celestia's gift to him, a beautiful sight. He rolled the scroll up and placed it in his pocket. Standing from his desk he walked out of the library to Ponyville. Ponies waved to him and he waved back. They tolerated him, no, they loved him. Walking to Sugarcube Corner he ordered the first batch of cupcakes for the day from his favorite party mare. "Whats the news Pinkie?" "Nothing much, you humans have such odd cookbooks." As a gift by the freed humans, the six mares could have whatever they wanted from the Lazarus archives. Pinkie had taken some pastry cookbooks. "OOOHHH!!! Who are they?" she pointed out the window to a wagon being pulled by hired ponies. Inside were familiar faces. "I'll handle the introductions on this one Pinkie." He opened the door to Sugarcube Corner, he ran to the wagon to greet the new human immigrants. A small family, with a bouncing, healthy baby girl. The man of the family left the wagon to be met by Aaron. Recognizing an old friend, they embraced. He whispered to his friend. "Welcome home." ************************************************************************** I've dreaded this day for so long now, I've finished the story that took up so much of my life. But it does not have to end here, a story like this can never really end. Have faith in Harmony and you shall be rewarded. Love and tolerate bronies.