EPILOGUE
 
>Shining sighed, and looked at the broken locket.
>He held it close, and continued his path.
>He hung his head low as he saw the princess.
>”Shining! You’re back!” Cadance trots up immediately.
>She sees the look on his face and stops.
>”Shining, where’s Anon?”
>He does not answer.
>He sighs again, and stops.
>”Shining.” Cadance comes up and stares at him.
>”What.”
>”Happened.”
>”To.”
>”Anon?”
>Shining stares blankly to her.
>He doesn’t need to talk.
 
>She knows.
 
>Cadance slowly backs up, staring blankly to the background.
>Her lip trembles, then she freezes.
>She then starts to shake, and a single tear rolls down.
>Cadance then lets out a hiccup, then another.
>She gasps, and then stops.
 
>On the happy Tuesday morning, the Sparkles received a letter.
>Bearing the Equestrian seal, it came.
>Mother shook and cried on the content.
>Twilight could only try to reason out what was going on.
>”What’s wrong?” She asked.
>Mrs. Sparkle forced a smile and set a hoof on Twilight’s head.
>”Anon is-“
>”Anon! Is he coming back soon? He promised to spend the day with me tomorrow!”
>Mom looks down to her sadly.
>She runs a hoof through Twilight’s mane.
>”Twilight…”
>The little filly looks to her with hope.
>Soon, Twilight’s smile fades.
>”Anon isn’t coming back.”
>Twilight cocks her head to the side, taking the information.
>She smiles.
>”Of course he is! He promised!”
>Mother brings her head low again, searching for words.
>She couldn’t possibly tell Twilight what happened.
>”Anon is… Gone, Twilight, he’s gone away.”
>Twilight pauses, her mouth agape.
>”B-but, he promised!”
>Her mother refuses to speak anymore.
>”No, he PROMISED!” Twilight shrieks, before running up to her room.
 
>He was going to be on time.
>He always was.
>He promised.
>Twilight buries her head in the pillow.
>She can hear her mother sobbing again.
>No, tomorrow will be Wednesday.
>And then, everything will be fine, and Anon will be there.
>He has to.
 
>Celestia looks over the report.
>She passes few glances over to the squad.
>Soarin shuffles in his position nervously.
>Shining is rather quiet, staring onto the floor.
>She sighs.
>Two guardsmen were lost that day.
>Anonymous…
>Cadance- how will she take the news?
>”Shining Armor.” She finally speaks. “Is this true?”
>He nods.
>”Is the threat dealt with?”
>Another nod.
>Celestia sighs and rubs her temples.
>First day, and it all goes to hell.
>”Shining, since you were the second in command, you will assume the role of the captain for now. I need to… look into matters.”
>”HIM?” Soarin shouts.
>”He’s the bucker who got Anon killed in the first place! He messed it all up! He will never be captain!”
>”Are you questioning my choice, Soarin?” Celestia stares at him.
>”You know what?” He takes off his helmet, and throws it to the ground.
>”I fucking quit. I don’t want to take orders from that kind of pony.”
>Soarin quickly walks out.
>He, like his friend before, needed a drink.
 
>”What happened, Soarin?” The mare asked.
>”Shining Armor happened. That idiot mucked it all up.”
>He slammed the glass to the counter.
>Its contents waved about.
>”You know, Soarin, if you’re still looking for a job…”
>”I’ll take it. The Wonderbolts?”
>”Yep.”
>”Anon would have laughed at that.” Soarin sinks into his seat.
>Spitfire raised her own glass.
>”For Anonymous.”
>Soarin smiled weakly, doing the same.
>”For Anonymous.”
>They clinked their glass.
 
>Twilight woke up early that day, facing the sunlight.
>Anon would be here today.
>She quickly packed her things, put on her bag, and set out.
>Anon is here, he would be waiting.
>He would be there on his special spot, waiting for her.
>With a bag full of candy.
>She ran, and ran some more.
>There she saw it, the tree.
>But… No Anon.
>Twilight sat by the tree, resting her head on the empty spot Anon used to sit.
>She sat there silently, as the day rolled on.
>She soon found herself sobbing.
>”No.” Twilight muttered. “He would be here.”
>Then the day went on, and sun set.
>She finally let it all out.
>She cried, sobbing loudly.
>She tore at the books, the ones Anon gave to her.
>And then her mane.
>Its usual bookish looks were messed like a bird’s nest.
>She felt so much anger.
>Why did he have to leave like that? After the promise?
>When he got back, she was going to give him a piece of her mind.
>… If he ever came back.
>That’s what Mom said, right?
>Twilight recalled the insignia.
 
>Higher-up History, Vol. 35.
 
>”After the general’s death, an apologetic letter bearing the seal…”
>No, that can’t be true.
>Twilight smiled madly, and tried laughing.
>HE WAS GOING TO BE ON TIME
>… He will, right?
>He was still her BBBFF.
>Twilight sniffled again, and stared to the orange sky.
>Anon would make her watch the sunset right now, and ruffle her mane.
>She missed that.
>”Twilight?” a familiar worried voice calls from her back.
>Cadance runs up to Twilight, holding her in a hug.
>”I was so worried when I heard-“
>She looked down to the filly, who silently looked up, with glazed eyes.
>She sniffled once, and then frowned.
>She looked down to the ground, defeated.
>Cadance silently sat next to Twilight, gently caressing her and fixing Twilight’s messy mane.
>”Oh Twilight, you sometimes end up really tardy.”
>”Tardy?”
>Cadance combed Twilight’s mane, wearing a small smile on her face.
>Twilight could see the sadness on Cadance too.
>”Cadance, is Anon dead?”
>Her foal-sitter jumps at this.
>”How did you-“
>”I’ve read some history books.”
>”Is he?”
>Cadance hesitated.
>”N-no, he isn’t.”
>Cadance sighed.
>”Anon is out there somewhere, Twilight, he is. And I’m sure one day; he’ll come back to us.”
>Twilight looked to her in wonder.
>”Really?”
>Cadance gave her a sad smile.
>”Yes, one day.”
>Cadance gave Twilight a soft hug, and watched the sunset with her.
 
>It’s what Anon would do.
 
 
>Somewhere in the borders of Equestria, a lone wanderer passes through a road.
>It is difficult to make out any details due to the traveler’s attire, which covered them head to foot.
>A long horn poked out of the hood, betraying the anonymity.
>In a distance, hung a small lamp, shaking in the wind.
>The traveler rushed to the light, running with new-found vigor.
>In the shrubbery and the foliage, several minotaurs lie and wait for their next prey.
>They notice the traveler, and rush out immediately.
>The plan is simple; scare them out of their wits.
>Take their money.
>End of the job.
>But this traveler is a tough one.
>He flares up and goes into a combat stance.
>The long horn glows in a lime green light.
>The minotaurs stop, not because they want to.
>This pony is good.
>’He’ shakes the hood off, revealing the ethereal pastel mane.
>The white head stands firm.
>”You will take me to the Apothecary.” Commands Celestia.
 
>Their camp spawned across the trees, some actually on the trees.
>Many different kinds of creatures lurked the area, often arguing in the market.
>This was a small city, Celestia thought.
>She was led by a single minotaur, who as he passed, often threw obscene insults at the mercs.
>Celestia flinched at the grime and dirt in this area.
>And the hive of villainy, that too.
>Celestia was led into a small house built into a massive tree.
>She should take note of this design.
>Maybe she can try it out later, in case of emergencies.
 
>Celestia heard of whispers, a human, out here, helping the sick and wounded.
>They called him the ‘Apothecary’.
>Celestia just followed the story after the story, leading to this point.
>Some stories had an ounce of truth in them.
>She entered the tree-house, instantly being greeted by the gruesome sight of the wounded.
>She winced at the smell of blood in the air.
>She then turned her attention to the figure by the bloody chair.
>”Well, I never expected a princess to be here.”
>She knows that voice.
>”Anonymous.” She speaks.
>The figure stops.
>”I haven’t heard that name in a while.”
>The figure shifts, and Celestia hears a creak.
>You move to the light, showing yourself.
>You would open your arms wide and give hug or something, but that’s just silly.
>You don’t even own an arm now.
>That’s a sore spot.
>Literally.
 
>Groups of minotaurs converge on the pile of rocks.
>The leader, points to the center, and the minotaurs follow.
>They start struggling with the largest boulder.
>They manage to hold it up, and throw it to the side.
>Bright light floods your vision.
>You try to move, only to be greeted by aching all over.
>You couldn’t feel your legs.
>You raise your bloodied hand to block out the sun.
>You slowly lift your head and look down.
>You find your body covered in a weak blue aura.
>Well, looks like all those classes paid off.
>One minotaur jumps to your side, and examines you.
>He gives you a sad glance.
>”Help me up.” You say, putting up your left arm.
>Instead, you only find a bloody stump where your forearm should be.
>”Shit.” You mutter.
>You try to stand.
>You realize another thing.
>Where the hell is your right leg?
 
>You rest your wooden limb on the wall.
>”And that is how I ended up here.”
>”Why didn’t you come back?”
>You shrug.
>”Everyone assumed I was dead, so better keep it that way.”
>You sigh.
>It has been- what- two years?
>Everyone moved on.
>No need to re-open old wounds.
>”But, Cadance misses you greatly, Twilight too.”
>You raise a brow.
>”I thought they all assumed I was dead?”
>”That doesn’t stop them from missing you.”
>You pause.
>You feel for your left arm, which you often covered.
>”Sure, why not.”
 
>You sit in the royal carriage once again, truly excited once again.
>Back from the dead, that would be a pleasant surprise for everyone.
>Wonder what you missed.
>Celestia tells you of Shining’s promotion, Soarin’s withdrawal, his inclusion to the Wonderbolts and so on.
>Shiny, a captain?
>No wonder Soarin quit.
>You look out the window and see the city in view.
>You take a deep breath.
>You were excited.
>Excited to see Cadance again.
>”Does it hurt?” Celestia asks you, worried expression still on her face.
>”What, the arm?” You say, putting up the nub.
>She nods.
>”Not really, you’ll get used to it.”
>You give a warm smile.
>”It itches sometimes, though.”
>Celestia fakes one back, still staring at your missing arm.
>You ignore the stares and look out again.
>It’s been a while since you have had the warm sunlight in your face.
>It would have cost you an arm or a leg.
>Okay, that was rubbish.
 
>As soon as the carriage lands, you jump out.
>Well, jumping out wasn’t a very good word.
>You had your own wooden leg to support you-
>You were used to it, but it still slowed you down.
>It just doesn’t feel the same.
>You slowly limp into the castle, as Celestia tries to catch up with you.
>She does so with ease, but she doesn’t do anything else.
>At least that’s what you thought, since you were so absorbed in the ‘run’.
>You thought staying dead would be the best for everyone, but Celestia has a way of making it best for you.
>You know the paths; you’ve been here so many times.
>Past the gardens, past the kitchen, past the main hall, past the throne room, and follow the corridors.
>And there she was, always sitting in that position.
>It was your special spot, the balcony that overlooked Canterlot.
>Cadance and you used to spend hours here, just talking.
 
>And maybe more.
 
>And there she was, alone, no soul to comfort her.
>You silently make your way, intending to surprise her.
>Suddenly another pony comes into view.
>In the trademark golden armor- the one you used to wear.
>Not directly, pony-sizes aren’t yours.
>He removes the helmet, revealing the wavy blue mane.
>Shining Armor.
>He goes to sit next to Cadance, on your old seat.
>Then Cadance rests her head on him.
>You stop.
 
>They moved on.
 
>A chill runs through your chest, and you clutch it.
>”At least you’re happy.” You whisper, turning around.
>No need to jump in and ruin everything again.
>You wipe your tears, and leave.
>The dead should stay dead.
 
>You sit in the familiar room, on the familiar bed.
>You carefully run your fingers through the two lockets on the bed stand.
>It was yours and hers.
>You bring them together.
>They stick once again, but Cadance’s stopped glowing.
>You remove the string from your piece, and fuse the locket together.
>You remove all of the enchantments, and take the locket with you.
 
>”Celestia.” You call.
>”I’m sorry Anonymous.”
>”It’s fine.”
>You sit on the grass, enjoying the cool mountain air.
>”You know,” you start. “This was where we had our first kiss.”
>”Oh?” Celestia comes and sits next to you.
>You limp over to the pond.
>You look at your reflection, seeing the shadow of your former self.
>”Something is missing.” You whisper.
>You turn to the rose hedge behind you, and pluck out the reddest rose.
>You return to the pond, and gently place it on the water.
>”There, perfect.” You whisper again, wiping a tear.
>Celestia comes and places a hoof on your shoulder.
>”Celestia, I need to ask you to do something.”
>”Anything, Anon.”
>”But before that, I need to do one more thing.”
>You say, feeling the gift you saved so long.
 
>You stand outside of the school.
>Twilight graduated from the kindergarten, and now, she’s a primary magic student.
>She’s in class 1B, just like you.
>She’s great with telekinesis and teleportation, just like you.
>She comes out kicking the door, just like you.
>You couldn’t be more proud.
>You stand there, arms ‘crossed’, waiting.
>Twilight comes out alone, holding a saddle bag full of books.
>She looks around carefully, before continuing her path.
>She then sees you.
>You smirk, and open your arms wide.
>She pauses, mouth agape.
>”Anon?”
>You nod, still smiling.
>Her eyes wet, and she immediately runs up to you.
>You hold her in your still attached arm.
>She’s still light, just as you remember.
>She sobs into your chest, and hugs you tightly.
>Her small legs can only cover your chest, but still, it’s the thought.
>You also squeeze tight.
>The two of you hold this position for a few minutes.
>”I thought you were dead!” She speaks through her sobs.
>You set her down.
>You ruffle her mane, and see her smile again.
>”I missed you doing that.” She wipes her tears.
>”Bet no other pony can do the same?” You ask.
>”Yep!”
>Twilight goes and goes to punch your leg.
>”Hey! Where’s the-“
>You hold up your large bag.
>”Candy?” You ask.
>The two of you read each other like a book.
 
>You sit in your spot again, lying with Twilight.
>She rests her head on your lap again, just like before.
>She’s also filled on the candy.
>”I always came back to this place, Anon.”
>She rolls her eyes to meet yours.
>”I could never forget you.”
>You smile, and ruffle her mane.
>A single tear converges on the corner of your eyes.
>She couldn’t be any more wrong.
>”Wait!” Twilight shoots up.
>”It’s almost eight! I need to be home by eight! Exactly!”
>”Really? Mom got really tight now?”
>”No! I’ll get tardy! I can’t be late, Anon, bad things happen when you’re late.”
>You feel tears in your corner again.
 
>You were late.
 
>”So, you have to go now?” You ask, feeling for your own bag.
>”Yeah! You have to say hi to mom again!”
>”Sorry Twilight, but Celestia wants my report right away.”
>You take out the aged package.
>”Hey, I was going to give you two years ago.”
>”For me?” Twilight eyes the faded purple of the gift.
>You slowly open it.
>you hand her the doll.
>”It’s the one you wanted last time we met. What was his name…”
>”Mr. Smarty Pants!” Twilight shouts.
>You smile again.
>”And here’s the bonus things that came with it.”
>You hand over the quill and the notebook.
>Twilight immediately pockets them in her bag.
>She comes and gives you another hug.
>”Hey, Twilight.”
>”Yeah?”
>”Can you promise me one thing?”
>”Hm?”
>”Will Mr. Smarty Pants be your best friend if I’m not here?”
>”Always.” She responds, digging in to your chest.
>”Always.” You echo.
>”Well, it’s time to go! See you tomorrow, Anon!”
>Twilight jumps and starts running home.
>”Goodbye, Twilight!” You shout after her.
>She turns one more time, and comes back for another hug.
>You ruffle her mane once more.
>”Goodbye, Anon, I love you.”
>You feel a tear running down your cheeks.
>”I love you too, Twilight.” You whisper.
>You give her a light kiss on the forehead, and let her go.
>She smiles to you, and continues her path.
>”Good bye.”
>You whisper.
 
>”Forever.”
 
>You kiss the locket, and then throw it into the abyss.
>It made its slow descent into the darkness.
>You turn to Celestia.
>”Do it.” You order.
>She nods, and activates her magic.
>A large boom is heard, and a large wave of lime green magic booms from your position to every direction.
>It sweeps through the castle, washing through the guards.
>Washing through Cadance.
>She blinks, and turns to Shining.
>He looks to her, and she stares back.
>Her tears stop, and she smiles to him.
>The only stallion she ever loved…
 
>The boom goes to the airfield.
>Soarin, living up to his name in the air, feels the magic gets past him.
>He pauses for a while, and then continues.
>For a reason, this was the fastest he ever went.
>As if some weight was lifted off him.
 
>Twilight reached her house door, kicking it open.
>”Mom!” She calls.
>The magic sweeps over her, and into the house.
>”Yes?” Her mother pokes her head out.
>Twilight pauses.
>What was she going to say?
>”Hey, where did you get the doll?” Her mother asks.
>Twilight turns to the doll.
>Where did she get it?
>”What’s it for, Twilight?”
>Twilight looks to her mother, and smiles.
>”This? This is Smarty Pants. And he is my best friend! Like a brother!”
 
>You sigh, and look over to the horizon.
>Everyone forgot you ever existed.
>Celestia looks to you sadly.
>”What are you going to do now?” Celestia asks.
>”Me? Just getting rid of the final loose end.” You say, smiling widely again.
>As if all of the weight is lifted off you.
>You slowly back away, and walk.
>Your body slowly glows in a soft hue of white.
>It consumes you.
>You ignore it, still walking.
>The top of your head and your tip of your limb slowly dissipate.
>White particles leave you.
>As you disappear one more time, you smile widely one more.
>Then you are no more.
 
>That day, Canterlot had the most pure snow.
>Cadance gasped, as she saw the snow, something stirred within her.
>Soon, she forgot, as she crossed her neck with Shining’s.
>She had him for comfort and to enjoy the view.
 
>Twilight was reading her new best friend a story, when the snow came.
>She went on to describe the possibilities of the snow happening to her friend.
>And like the good friend he is, he listened.
>Maybe it is better if it was a girl, Twilight thought.
>Twilight always wanted another sister.
 
>You blanket the two most important mares in your life, your love for the two seeping unconsciously.
 
>”I’ll watch over you, forever.” You whisper.
 
 
>The changelings grew tired again.
>The strange substance that coated the lower levels of the mountain finally ran out of its power.
>The queen looked to the locket, hanging in the caves.
>She would feast on the love there, but something protected it.
>She had plans to leave the caverns anyway…
 
>Once reunited with the real Cadance, Twilight desperately searched the way out.
>Then, she saw it.
>A small glimmer of light.
>She followed it, and found the way out.
>Your old locket still hung there, brightly reflecting the dying sunlight.
>It still radiated your care for her.
>Care.
>For a friend…
>No, more than friends.
 
>It was your last act of love.