And now…the Epilogue! - edited this time!
I've got nothing clever to say. Just thanks to frieD195 for all your editing awesomeness!
Dash rested on her cloud. Today was just another day of weather control. But what was bothering her was just that. It was just like any other day! She remembered what day it was too, which is why she was high up in the clouds this time. She expected things to be different in the morning when she awoke Spike to ask Princess Celestia if Darius returned. Spike was getting annoyed at it all. After all, she asked him twice a day for an entire week! Darius had better have a good reason why he didn’t write to her.
She turned her head on her cloud, trying not see what was going on below her, or to hear it. It was Hearts and Hooves day, after all. A day she almost petitioned to have it changed to Single Ponies Awareness Day. She giggled at that thought, it helped her to laugh through each time she had a failed date or early break-up. Still, those were three days she couldn't get back. She had faith Darius won’t miss this day, of course. It was the waiting for him that was a pain! She hoped to spend the whole day with him. Well, so far it was two hours till noon. She should probably search again and suffer the heartbreak of watching everypony else having a wonderful time with their special somepony.
Then she finally caught the look of what looked like a biped. And it was not a minotaur, much to her relief. Yep, it was the big guy alright. She could just pounce him right then and there…naw, that wouldn’t be her. Besides, she should pay him back for not sending any messages. Time for some fun. She immediately flew down to AJ’s farm, to find her bringing back the fruits of her labor (pun intended) from selling treats for H&H Day.
“Howdy RD! You still waitin’ for your special somepony?” She asked.
AJ was never one for tact. That is why RD respected her. Straight-forward and to the point. “Oh he’s here alright. Took him long enough, but…” She grinned. “I have an idea. Can you send Applebloom to tell him to meet me near your barn? Over by the tree and bushes.” She pointed to the place.
“Where you two first met? Awe, how romantic.” The orange ground pony smiled..
“Yeah, we’ll set up the picnic there. But I need you for a sec.” She grinned.
“Uh oh. What are you plannin’?” AJ asked smirking.
Dash whispered in her ear. AJ blushed for a moment and then tried hard to withhold her laughter. “Yeah, I can do that. Just wave to me when you see him coming.” She got the basket filled with goodies prepared by Pinkie, Spike, and AJ herself, while Dash carried the blanket.
Entering town, the Newman couldn’t help but notice he felt more at home here than he did back in Rift. Maybe it was the fact he didn’t have to do so many bloody days of chanting. First to his family, then at the temple, then again to the sages, then more in front of the council, then reintroducing the princesses to everyone, UGH! Then sitting through their chants about Equestria, the clarified history of Rift. He was practically screaming deep in his mind to do something that didn’t involve a long story, which is why he was glad to have returned.
He looked forward to getting back to his workshop in Ponyville and do what he enjoyed most…correction, the second thing he enjoyed most. After all, the favorite thing in his life was being with Dash. Now where was she?
He wanted to show her his new joining, one taught to him by a friend. But before he did anything he stopped at the market. Immediately he was recognized by other ponies with warm regard. It was a nice change to see the other ponies treating him like one of the residents and not a foreigner. After all, news traveled throughout Equestria of how he, the princesses, and the mane six handled a giant, ‘insane dragon’ that invaded Equestria. He deduced that may have influenced their disposition towards him.
Ever sense the Ley Lines were calm, there was rumors from other lands about first-contact with other races, creatures, and magic. As for his people, they were granted a building in Canterlot; what the ponies called an embassy; where selected ambassadors from the council would be staying. Likewise, the ponies did the same in Rift with the Wyrm's old temple now being converted into a new border city.
Rift was certainly different before he left, Darius thought. The ever-present threat that once loomed their world was gone, which made way for a sense of peace. Avatars were now symbols of self-improvement and inspiration as well as protectors. Darius was no exception. He was in the service of the Princesses, and would one day be called to do important deeds. However, it wouldn’t simply involve a fight anymore. It could be a task for any element of harmony.
He stopped by Sugarcube Corner and knocked on the door. “HI!” Burst Pinkie Pie from the front door. “Welcome back Darius! ‘Bout time you showed up! Poor Dash waited for two weeks! I mean I know your people don’t have much of a mail service back home but don’t you think you could have sent something over to say how things were going?” Pinkie poked him in the stomach with a candy cane.
“Good to see you too Pinkie.” He greeted her. “As for messages, the Princesses messaging magic has a limited range, as it turns out. And our couriers were busy running so many messages due to all that has transpired,” He sighed. “I couldn’t send anything to anyone. Oh, speaking of which.” He gave her a few scrolls. “We don’t have many dessert recipes but I think you’ll like these.” He smiled.
“Oh, wow! Exotic desserts from your home! Mr. and Ms. Cake would love to make them! Cool!” She took them into her mouth and put them aside. “Now, what can I get for you?”
“Actually, I need to know what gifts I can give a special somepony for Hearts and Hooves day. You know about pony culture, so I’m seeking the Sage of Happiness for that.” He smiled.
Pinkie giggled. “You sought the right pony, my student.” She said mimicking a wisemare, then giggled again. “For Dash, just be straight forward. Some roses and just spend the day with her doing whatever.” She eyed his pack. “Or did you buy her something already?”
“Maybe.” He made a coy smile. “Thanks Pinkie. Hope you enjoy this holiday.” He bought a bouquet of roses until he felt a tug on the pant leg by a familiar filly.
“Hello Applebloom. How are you?” He knelt down and patted her head.
Applebloom smiled. “Doin’ fine, Mr. Darius. You lookin’ for Rainbow Dash, she said to meet her where ya’ll first met.” She smiled. “Also, thanks fer makin’ us our crusaders pendants.” She proudly displayed hers. “Didn’t know you could make jewelry.”
Darius smiled. “If it’s made of metal, I can make it. Besides, what are cutiemark crusaders without something to show off?” He chuckled. “Thanks. I’ll see you around. Say high to your friends for me.”
The Newman stopped by his place and noticed he already had orders ready for him to do next week. He should thank AJ for keeping him in business for when he got back. He then headed to that spot where he first gazed upon that beautiful pegasus. Walking passed AJ’s barn, he noticed an argyle-patterned blanket on the grass behind some bushes, under the tree, and laying down on it was what looked like a rainbow colored tail peering from behind the bushes. He got closer until he overheard something from behind the bushes.
“Aaah, Dash! Right there!” He heard Applejack moan. “Use your tongue!”
He stood still as stone. Okay, he believed fidelity was part of pony culture, although multiple relationships was not unheard of…I mean, there were men and women back home with more than one spouse, who were others to judge? But at least she should have told him if...! He sighed and walked around the bushes and contained his anxiety. Don’t get mad, just inquire. “Dash?” He saw AJ sitting innocently in front of what looked like a long-haired brush painted to look like Dash’s tail. He blinked.
“Hey there partner!” AJ made a silly-toothy grin.
He sensed mischief. “Okay, what are you up to?” He crossed his arms.
“Nothin’. Just thought you’d be more shocked by it all.” She giggled.
“What do you mea---ack!” He heard a sudden sound of thunder, then a shock on his bum as he jumped in the air. He looked up to see Dash up rolling on the thundercloud laughing, AJ on the blanket laughed hysterically. “One of these days, honey, I’m gonna to prank you good!” He chuckled.
Dash cleared the tears from her eyes. “Figured you deserved a surprise welcome, handsome.” She giggled.
He looked at AJ. “If you’ll excuse us, AJ.”
AJ tipped her hat and headed back to resume work.
Darius looked up at Dash and let his markings show.
“I’m gonna miss the blue and red.” Dash grinned. “But you still look hot.”
Darius leaped up and landed on the cloud, much to Dash’s surprise. “Woah! Hey…you…never told me you could do that.” She said.
Darius grinned. “I wanted to. But we had no couriers available and the princesses had limited range for sending messages. I’m sorry about that.” He felt her brush a hoof softly on his cheek in forgiveness. He took and it and gave it a soft squeeze. “Anyways, I think you'll find this pretty interesting.” He lifted another hand and the thundercloud went up…fast.
Dash looked around. “Oh cool! So this is how your Sages move clouds?” She looked up at Darius impressed, but he still grinned and said nothing. “Um…big guy we’re pretty high up. The picnic is down there, unless you want to have it up in the air.”
Darius began stepping back, not changing his expression, then suddenly fell back and began his descent.
“HUH?!” She jumped off the cloud and immediately dove to catch up to him. “DARIUS! WHAT ARE YOU-“
Suddenly Darius’s markings shone on his back as two luminous shapes of wings formed and caught the air. She maneuvered with him as he steadily pulled up and circled around with her till they both hovered across from each other. Dash looked amazed.
“Show off.” Dash mock scolded him. “And cool wings! Where did you get them?”
Darius hovered with her. “I knew an Avatar nicknamed ‘Old Thunderbird’ back home.” He smiled. “Grandpa invited him when he heard you’re a flyer. So he taught me his joining. How could I refuse? I want to enjoy everything about you, especially what you love doing.”
Dash bit her lower lip and smiled. “Y’know, we can have that picnic at my home instead, right?” She let her blushing indicate what she was offering. "And...um...maybe after..."
Darius stroked her cheek but lead her back to the ground as they descended. Dash observed his maneuverability and speed could probably only be half as good as hers. Not that she minded. The fact he can enjoy the air with her was awesome enough!
“As much as I want to experience that with you, I think it’s moving too fast.” He said as they landed, then pulled her into a tender hug.
Dash smiled and they shared a kiss. “So you want to experience my 'other rainboom' after being together longer?” She asked in a sultry tone.
Darius felt a shiver. Whoa, she was good at that. “Yes.” He managed.
The pegasus landed at the blanket. “Well, if those anatomy charts Twi showed me are accurate, then it’s gonna be worth the wait.” She giggled then saw him blush giving her a raised eyebrow-look. “What? I had to make sure we could, y’know? Besides, Twi told me you looked at ones of mares earlier.” She shot him a foxy grin.
Darius laid down beside her and gave her the roses. “You caught me, love.”
Dash smiled. “For me? Awesome! They look tasty!” She began to carefully eat the petals, avoiding the thorny stems. “Mmm. I’m so saving the rest for breakfast.” She said before she swallowed. They began to eat for a bit before Dash moved onto another topic. “I need to ask this before you and I continue this. Cause…well…a special somepony is a big deal.” She took a deep breath. “Do you want to have kids?”
Darius was afraid to answer this. He only told Dash half the truth about being an Avatar, could she accept the rest of it? “Can I ask you that question first?” He looked into her eyes.
Dash snorted. “Oh come on. It isn’t easy for me either.” She saw the pleading in his eyes. “Okay big guy. I…I don’t see myself becoming a mother in my future.” She waited for it, prayed this wouldn’t end their relationship. To her relief, he seemed relieved as well! Okay that was a good sign. “I mean, I want to be a Wonderbolt, more than anything. But I can’t be that and a mother. Spitfire told me Wonderbolts who became mothers sometimes never come back. Even fathers have a harder time.” She frowned. “It isn’t just a dream, it’s how I see myself years from now.” She sighed. “I mean, pregnancy, birthing, that would set me way back. And besides, I’m not much into taking care of kids beyond the whole big sister thing.” Recently, she was mentoring Scootaloo in flying, but she couldn't imagine being her mother. She didn't know how her mom does it.
Darius stroked the mare's mane down to her neck. She relaxed and let him reply. “Thank you for telling me.” He took a deep breath. “You remember when I said women didn’t give me a chance because I was gonna fight the Wyrm? That was only half the story.” He hesitated. “I can’t have children, Dash.” He frowned. “It’s the price for this gift. Avatars are…sterile.”
Dash looked at him surprise. “So…you can do it, but you can’t make foals?” She looked at him with sympathy. “I guess where you come from, that is hard to deal with.” She moved close and rested on his chest as he laid back against a tree.
“I think you and I are lucky we found each other.” He stroked her ears, making them twitch. “I asked the spirit of my predecessor how she was able to deal with it. She didn't pull any punches. It was a hard life, but rewarding in the sacrifices we make for others, and the honor we gain from it.” He reflected. “It helped me accept this price a long time ago, so I’m not upset about it. But my fear was being alone.” He felt Dash softly nuzzled her cheek affectionately against his chest. “I’m glad that fear didn’t come true.” He smiled lovingly to her. “Especially with one so soft.”
The blue mare giggled and rolled over, feeling his hand trail downward across her stomach. Her tail flicked merrily indicating she was enjoying this experience.
“Heh, your wing muscles and wings are intimate but your…what is that, barrel?” He asked. Dash nodded blissfully. “No problem with that, huh?”
Dash murmured something inaudible, she was enjoying the attention too much.
“I think you’re getting addicted.” He chuckled.
Dash giggled. "Not a bad thing." She purred to his touch.
The Newman chuckled. “So, I think I should give you this then.” He gave her a package bound in cloth and thongs.
Dash let out a disappointed ‘awe’ when stopped, then looked at the present. “Another gift? Cool!” She untied the thongs with her teeth and tore off the wrapping before she gazed at the contents with wide eyes. The pegasus actually let out an audible squeal and proceeded to repeat OMIGOSH about ten times as she lifted the official Wonderbolts flight suit and goggles. But this one was tailored for her; not by Rarity given her styles were more for aesthetics rather than practical use. It was midnight blue and had a rainbow stripe down the backside along with lightning decals. It was…original, like it emphasized her uniqueness and skill, instead of being ‘just another Wonderbolt.’ And the matching goggles were superb. She looked it and hugged it. Then pounced her special somepony and hugged him tightly. “THIS IS SO AWESOME! I CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW IT OFF WHEN I COMPETE NEXT YEAR!” She was so happy she was shedding tears.
Her coltfriend hugged her back. “You know it’s adorable when you get giddy as a filly.”
“Just don’t tell anypony I squealed.” She nuzzled and kissed him on the cheek. “Oh yeah, your turn now!” She went behind another bush and brought him a wrapped-up portrait.
He unraveled it and gazed at something he never had before. “Dash…wow.” He had seen these images on ‘glossy paper’ at other pony's residents, but for one of his entire family and friends back home. “When did you…how? We don’t have the magic to make…what are these called again?”
She giggled. “Photographs.” She gazed at it with him. “I asked the princesses before they visited to get their photographer to commission a picture with your family.”
“So to help me cope with missing them, I’ll always have their image here.” He looked at her and kissed her on the lips. “Thank you, my cherished.”
The two looked into each other’s eyes for a moment and kissed again, which quickly bloomed into a full embrace, holding each other close. Time almost stood still in their passion. For what seemed like forever, they stopped before things got more intimate. But they were breathless to say the least.
“Wow…,” Dash said panting a little. “Gonna be interesting holding ourselves back for a while.” She chuckled.
“I’m game if you are. Bet I could last longer.” He chuckled.
The mare laughed. “You know I'd take that challenge. Even in that.”
He laughed as well. “Knowing how we compete, we may never get there!”
The two shared another round of laughs and jokes before they enjoyed the rest of their picnic together.
***
Back at the Temple of the Friendly Bridge (officially named), Luna and Celestia teleported into the circle, gladdened to have returned home. The sun pony’s little sister was still sobbing tears, caught in between nostalgia and joy.
Celestia smiled and nuzzled her sister to comfort her. “It was wonderful to see how they have grown so much, isn’t it?”
The moon pony sniffed. “Yes sister. But just seeing them welcome us and smiling reminded me of way back when…when…”
“Sis, you had two crying fits during our visit. Do you need some time off?” She asked concerned.
Luna took a deep breath and regained her demeanor. “N-no. I’m okay sis. But those were very wonderful days. I wonder if we made them proud.”
Her big sister smiled. “I know we did, Luna. I know we did.” They trotted to the temple, but were met by several guard ponies escorted by one of the watchpost scientists.
“Professor Studious, how goes studying the new Ley Line?” Celestia asked.
“Oh, very well, your majesties. But…well, one of our scientists just recently found something having manifested itself at the teleportation circle the day before you arrived.” He adjusted his glasses and led them to the laboratory. “We have been keeping it in a magical field, as it seems less dependent on temperature, and more on…well, magic.” He opened the door.
Luna blinked. “I’m sorry professor, but I am not sure what you mean. What did you find?”
“Look for yourself.” He showed them what was being bathed in pure magical energy…a crystalline egg.
The princesses looked at each other, then looked at the egg closer. Inside slept a baby serpent-dragon of rainbow-like scales.
“I didn’t expect it to manifest itself this soon. But…well it would appear it is adjusting well.” Celestia smiled.
“I think it is going to be a he, sis.” Luna smiled. “He’s going to be adorable when he hatches.” She giggled. “But what should we name him? We can’t call him Wyrm, anymore.”
Celestia was thoughtful. “Tranquil is too feminine, Harmony too. He’ll need a stronger sounding name. How about ‘Concord?’ It has the same basic meaning.”
Luna smiled and gazed adoringly at little Concord. “Y'know, we’ve never been parents before.”
“That is a good idea sister. The least we could do is raise little Concord when he hatches.” She turned to Professor Studious. “Professor, make preparations for the egg to be transported to Canterlot castle. We will have a nesting chamber ready for when it arrives.”
The two princesses stayed a little while longer with the reincarnated dragon, both wondering how the days ahead will be with this next new development.
***
Hearts and Hooves night finished with an evening concert of romantic dance music. Neither Dash, nor Darius ever learned to dance, but they tried it anyways despite feeling silly doing it (you only live once). They pretty much did boring circles around but it was okay, they were having fun and that was more important. The night tarried as the two table-hopped socializing with other members of the mane six, or other friends such as Ditzy, Lyra, or Octavia. But the night was concluding as both wanted to sleep. The two flew up to Dash’s home.
Darius was looking forward to waking up to seeing Dash's home in the morning. He wanted to see it up close. He looked at it many times but never could reach it until now. But even at night, it was still fantastic. Just the fact someone can construct something out of cloud was unbelievable. Much to his liking, he was able to walk on the clouds passively without having to invoke anything. He figured it was thanks to Dash’s element he could do this.
“You haven’t lived ‘till you’ve laid down on a cloud bed. I feel sorry for ground ponies and unicorns. Feather mattresses don’t come close to being as comfy.” She grinned and showed him. She removed the covers and patted the bed. “Give it a try.”
Darius smiled and laid down. “Nice, I can (yawn)…see…why…it…zzzzzzzzzzz.” He fell asleep right then and there, unable to resist the supreme softness and comfort of the cloud mattress.
Dash went wide-eyed, then chuckled. Okay, note to self, Dash, Newmen are sleep-prone on cloud beds. She giggled and climbed up. After giving him a kiss on a cheek and whispered ‘good night’ sweetly into his ear, she comfortably snuggled with him, thankful for every moment and thereafter the future will bring both of them.
The End
...
...
Credits
Darius: Huh? Where? Dash?
Pinkie: HI EVERYONE!
DiscordsAdvocate: Yo. Credits Pinkie?
Pinkie: Credits, D-A!
Author: DiscordsAdvocate
DA: One and only.
Pinkie: Why did you name yourself that? Mavis was just fine!
DA: ‘Cause I thought it was clever. Y’know like Devil’s Advocate?
Pinkie: You mean with Keanu Reeves? My cupcakes can act better than him!
Darius: Where the heck am I?
DA + Pinkie: Shhh, your dreaming, just go with it.
Darius:…kay.
Editor: frieD195
DA: Have I praised this guy enough? Seriously, I’m running out of clever editor praise. Thanks again!
Pinkie: This is going to be a very short credit list, you know that?
DA: Hm...
Darius: What are credits? And why is there a black screen? And why are their words floating from the bottom upward into empty space? More importantly...how are we all sitting here it without furniture!?
DA: You ask too many questions. Have a cupcake!
Darius: (eye twitches)
Darius: Based on the main hero from Outland
Darius: Outland? Sounds like a lame chanting title.
DA: Hey! That was a good game! I was on my butt for hours trying to beat it!
Darius: Hours sitting playing a game? Lazy bones.
DA: WHY YOU! (jumps Darius, who easily conks him on the head)
Pinkie: Darius! You dazed the author!
Darius: Not much of an author, he just wrote himself getting pummeled.
Wyrm: Concept based on Werewolf the Apocalypse, by Whitewolf Games
Pinkie: (sings) Aaaoooooo! Werewolves in Equestria!
Darius: Where do you come up with this random stuff?
Pinkie: Ask Lauren Faust, I have no idea, silly.
Darius: Who?
DA: (dizzy on the 'ground') Loooook…stars.
All MLP:FIM characters by Hasbro
Pinkie: We worship you, Hasbro!
Darius: I thought your creators were Celestia and Luna.
Pinkie: Um…
DA: (shakes head and comes to). What did I miss?
Darius: More scrolling words?
Outland by Ubisoft
Darius: Look, can I go back to dreaming about Rainbow Dash?
DA: What exactly were you dreaming about?
Pinkie: (looks from behind the black screen like it was a curtain) Nothing we can mention without the mature rating.
Darius: PINKIE! THAT IS A PRIVATE DREAM!
Pinkie: Oops!
DA: HA!
DiscordsAdvocate created by Mr. and Mrs. DiscordsAdvocate
Pinkie: Okay, now you’re just wasting the readers’ time.
Darius: That’s it, I’m going back to my original dream.
Pinkie: Don’t forget to stroke her-
DA: (puts hand to her mouth) Pinkie! Teen rating!
Pinkie: Oops, right! Oh wait! It’s the end of the credits! Bye everypony!
DA: Thanks for reading!
Special thanks to all my readers, critics, and fans. I had fun making this. And yes, I do intend to do a sequel, but don’t hold your breath. I have ideas for other fun things (MLP:FIM based, of course) I’m tossing around in my head and can’t decide which I want to try next. Also, I'll be taking a break.
So in the meantime if anyone has questions about the fic or inquires about my ideas surrounding this fanfic, feel free to ask in the comments section and I will answer there.