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// Light Epilogue 
// Story: Sombra's Revenge 
// by Golden Skies 
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	The doctor closed his notebook as his session with Spike came to a close.When the young dragon had first come to him several months ago, he worried that the child might never come close to recovery. Aside from the night terrors, the poor dragon had suffered from depression, anxiety, and a host of other major issues. However, with the assistance of a very close group of supporting friends, a truly miraculous recovery had taken place. Progress had been slow at first as Spike was always very silent, and he had to take extra care in order to coax him into speaking. Now, as the psychologist stared back at his image, he could hardly see any of the outside traces of the terrible ordeal which had left the dragon resembling more of a shell of a living creature than anything else.

A knock came from the door as the drake’s friend entered the room. She, of course, had been the true force behind the dragon’s incredible recovery. The bond which they shared was closer than almost anything the doctor had seen before. The timid lavender mare smiled and inquired upon the status of her friend, a glimmer in her eyes.

“Well, Miss Sparkle. I am pleased to inform you that I believe we will be able to finally release your friend here from the hospital here,” the doctor paused for a moment as an excited squeal escaped from the young mare, followed by a blush and a nod for him to continue, “I of course want to still see him at least four times a week, as there is still a lot of work which needs to be done, and I would hate for there to be any relapse. Now then, in regards to his treatment…”

He listed off a long list of medications which he was to take, accommodations to be made, and precautions to be taken. The stallion was about to move on to his next section when he saw the curious and impatient look of the young mare looking at him.

“Yes, Miss Sparkle? Did you have a question?”

“Well, yes. While I’m sure that you still can’t tell yet, because science is a fickle thing sometimes, and while I’m sure you’re you don’t want to make any presumptions, I,” the unicorn paused as she realized she was rambling, “what I mean to ask is, do you think Spike may ever fully recover?”

The psychologist watched the two hopeful faces stare back at him with wide, expectant eyes. While normally, he wouldn't make such a presumption without further details, he couldn’t deny that there was something more here. A beautiful, joyous song of life present within both their souls.

“Yes, I believe that, with time, the wounds from this traumatic ordeal may finally fade away.”

The lavender mare embraced her friend and squeezed him tightly. As she felt the final weight of guilt lift itself from her shoulders so to did she feel the shame rise from his. With the burdens off of both of their chests, the rest of the meeting quickly passed by. As the pair exited the hospital into the glorious light of the morning, they saw their small band of friends wave to them. Each, in turn, embraced him and shared news and praise to the teary eyed dragon before, together, the seven members of the group made their way back to the sounds of the joyful town below and embraced the newborn light of the day.