//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Unity 
// by Kieva Lynn 
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Unity
Epilogue


Unity. With the cold of winter still in full force, people of all species were decked out in heavy coats and scarves as they braved the snow-covered streets, which were now made festive by Christmas and Hearth's Warming lights and decorations in windows and doorways. 

A green and red scarf wrapped around her neck, Scootaloo trotted down main street, enjoying the yuletide sights. She had finally finished Super Mario Brothers, and was looking forward to trying her hoof at other games now that the arcade was fully powered. Though of course, the biggest concern on the filly's mind was hopes for the return of her hero; Hearth's Warming was in just two days, after all, and nothing would make a better present than the triumphant return of Rainbow Dash.

And so it was that Scootaloo, mind busy with such thoughts, was about to go in Bon-bon's shop to buy candy canes for her friends, when a man came running down the street shouting "They're back! They're back!" Curious, Scootaloo followed. She was soon joined by a large crowd, which ended up in front of Town Hall. Looking up, she saw a speck in the distance, growing larger, closer. A speck that soon resolved itself into the Harmony.

The crowds danced and cheered as Harmony descended, landing perfectly placed at the dock built for it. They fell silent and listened as Twilight Sparkle stood atop the boarding ramp and gave a condensed version of what they had found on their journey. Emotions were a volatile mix; Fear, in knowing there were indeed very dangerous beings out there. Happiness at the hope of new friends. Sadness that there was indeed no way home; joy, at being able to make contact. 

The presence of Belle, and the news of new towns less than ten miles distant, brought perhaps the biggest cheers; The storm that transferred Sylph Hollow and the Yilane and Lyrick towns had been seen, of course, but prudence had kept anyone from investigating.

As Twilight finished speaking, a light on the beacon she still wore turned from yellow to green. To either side of the mare, appeared individuals very recognizable to the peoples of Earth and Eqqus: The American President, and Princess Celestia. When the cheers had finally died down, both leaders expressed their commitment to continuing to search for a way to return people home. "However," Celestia said, "It seems likely that this will be the work of several years. And, even when we succeed, we do not wish to simply bring everyone home and cut ties. No, we should remain in contact, as allies and trading partners."

The President said "Therefore, we have decided that while anyone who wishes to return to their own world once such is possible will of course be allowed to do so, Unity itself should remain either way. People of all species should be welcome there. What you have built and continue to build will endure, as a testament to what different peoples can do, when they cooperate."

The crowds cheered again, and Scootaloo joined in. Life in Unity was a mixed blessing; Fraught with the perils of a new and unknown world yet also blessed with the promise of new friends, new discoveries, and new adventures. But those are stories for another day...