After entering the portal, they were back at the top of the castle. They looked to see the weather returned to normal as the sun shined brightly at them, the flames from the attacks were extinguished, and number of dead bodies were piled up in the center of the ruined village.
The journey was over, all of their pain together were worth it as their job was successful. With all in the end, they would finally relax and continue their unending lives as parents. A new family that they would be, promising themselves to be the best that they could ever be for their foals.
"At last, everything is now over," Shard declared.
"Totally, we deserve a break," Venang nodded.
"The pain and the suffering were no longer a part of me," Shard announced.
"All in the past now," Venang smiled.
"I ended these negatives."
"Yeah!"
"At a cost..."
"Y-wait what?" Venang asked.
"The cost of whom I used to consider as family," Shard sighed.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Venang frowned.
"It's alright," Shard smiled weakly, "I didn't have a choice anyway. It was for the best."
"But, you now have this new pain in your heart," Venang frowned.
"I may just bear with it like I used to with my previous ones," Shard sighed.
"You do not have to, cousin."
Hearing that familiar voice, they turned around to see what they could not believe being real. It was Phan Tom, but he was no longer the demon that he used to be. His wings became like a normal pegasus', his horn was no more, his coat was color light gray, the colors of his mane and tail were black and blue, and his were blue, especially now like a normal pony's. He was now like a regular pony. He smiled at them, especially to Shard. Beside him was Lucra who had some scars from her hooves, but she didn't mind as she was happy that her son had done it.
"Phan Tom?" Shard gaped.
"You succeeded in being the one," Phan Tom smiled.
"How did you survive?" Shard asked.
"I did not," Phan Tom declared, "But, I was given an opportunity by the council..."
"They did?" Venang gaped.
"Yes, they were supposed to declare me as pure traitor and banish me to the void," Phan Tom explained, "However, they noticed that you," he pointed to Shard, "Still showed care for me and had wished for me to join with you, so they gave me the last chance to live for eternity in this mortal world in exchange I would serve you as the new Master."
The duo were suprised by what he said. They thought it was unbelievable
"Wow, I'll never understand those strangers," Venang grumbled.
"I hear ya," Shard nodded.
"Well, now that is being said done, how about we begin the crowning of our new leader?" Phan Tom asked.
Shard stood there for a moment to think. He looked at Venang to see her smiling at him, hoping that he make a better decision. Once, he wanted to be the leader to give them a better understanding in life. But, from all the things that he had experience, he decided to be with his new wife and for their foals. Breathing deeply, he was prepared to give out his answer with the strength from his heart.
"Phan Tom, I really appreciate for that, but I decline," Shard declared.
"What?" Venang gaped.
"WHAAAAAT?!" Lucra yelled.
"Really?" Phan Tom smirked.
"Yeah," Shard nodded, "I have a new life, with my own family."
"You have such a heart, cousin," Phan Tom remarked as he noticed Venang's eyes grew wide.
"I know," Shard nodded, "I had a good run as a hero for the tribe, now it's time for me to have a good run as a father."
"I see," Phan Tom smiled, "Well, who will take then the leadership?"
"It will be you, cousin," Shard declared.
"Are you sure that this is what you heart desires?" Phan Tom asked.
The colt nodded proudly.
"Very well, I will lead our kin to a new future," Phan Tom announced, "For you, the new Master."
"Thanks," Shard chuckled.
Lucra then approached him with an approving look on her face. She understood very well of what he wanted as it would make him happy.
"Congratulations, baby," Lucra said happily.
"Thanks, mama," Shard replied.
"Always remember that I'm always to support you and your partner," Lucra declared.
At that, he went to Venang was completely suprised by his decision. He wiped some of the tears that were formed her face as he embraced him tightly in his hooves. The filly embraced back with happiness as she nuzzled him.
"I don't care if this will be a challenge for me, I'll always be here for you no matter what," Shard smiled.
"Thank you," Venang beamed.
"For ourselves," Shard declared.
"And for our foals," Venang added.
"Shall we go home, my love?" Shard asked.
"Yeah, let's go home," Venang smiled.
As they ended the hug, they flew up ( Shard's new appearance was permanent, but he was able to make his wings appear or not ) into the sky. As they reached high of it, they flew straight to the direction back to Equestria. They didn't bother to bring along the ship as they only needed themselves to get back home together. They were willing to make their new lives worth to live as they were determined to do it as solo and duo. Someday, their kids would be their successors in facing new challenges to bring honor to the family.
( Stories of Venang's pregnancy and some of bonus chapters of 'The Endless' will be put seperately soon )
TWELVE YEARS LATER
The family enjoyed a bonding time together in swimming in the pool at their new home in Canterlot. Princess Celestia had given them the privilege to have a house in the city for them to live for free as they earned it truly for their nobility. They were enjoying the cooling water as the sun was shining hot. Shard and Venang were happy in enjoying the moment, along with their foals, Blizz and Flake.
"I have to say, living here is quite okay for me since we have a pool and all," Shard admitted.
"It's just the pool that we love," Venang laughed.
They noticed their kids looking them with curiosity in their faces.
"Oh, don't mind about that, kids, we were just saying random bit and all."
"Okay, mommy," Flake smiled as she swam to her, embracing her tightly.
"To be honest, this makes me horny," Shard chuckled, "The cold water and all."
Blizz giggled as she swam beside him, nuzzling his side. He wrapped a wing around her and stroke her wet mane softly while feeling her softness. The filly kissed him on the cheek as she leaned on him.
This was a new happiness for him. He promised himself to maintain it and help his foals to rise up to the next chapter. He had a good time in being the powerful savior to his loved ones, now it's time for him to be the model for his little prodigies. No matter what new challenges would be coming soon, he would always be there to face it, this time along with his new family. This was his story. this was the first tale of Shard Vine.
THE END