The sun slowly rose over the horizon. The rays of sunlight reflecting off the crystal castle. The castle was a surprise to everyone when it showed up twenty years ago, but they have grown accustomed to its appearance. One thing stood out from the castle that always drew the eyes of the town’s residents. On top of the crystal castle of friendship, ruled by the kindhearted Princess Twilight Sparkle, stood a statue of a familiar creature. The creature stood with his arms to his side as his caring gaze watched over the city.

In front of the statue stood fifty-five ponies, one dragon, one changeling, and two draconequus’ that had known the creature for the longest time. They all kept their silence as the newly crowned Princess of Friendship closed her book. Tears filled all their eyes as they let everything they were told sink in. A few minutes of silence passed before Twilight looked up at everyone with a beaming smile. Her smile helped put everyone at ease as they stared at the statue with pride. They heard a cough and looked over at Dazzling Blaze as she walked towards the lavender alicorn.

“Is all of that true?” The mare asked as she grasped her mother’s hand.

“Every word of it, sweetie,” Twilight answered as she ran her hand over her daughter’s.

“Is this why whenever we asked about our father you would answer ‘in due time?’” Star Jumper asked.

“All of you were still so young when it happened. Even after twenty years we still can’t believe it,” Spitfire said as she gave a soft kiss to Twilight’s cheek.

“Did you cry after his passing?” Tempest asked.

“We would have, but we didn’t,” Rainbow answered.

“How come?” Eris asked.

“He never wanted to see us cry. We were by his bed for his final minutes and he told us not to cry for him as he passed,” Rarity said.

“Why didn’t he want you to cry for him?” Cherry Pie asked.

“It’s because he would never be truly gone from this world. He made an impression on everypony that he met and left them with a fond memory. He wanted us to remember him for everything he did and not what was happening,” Octavia said as she grasped her necklace.

“Do you still miss him?” Glimmer asked.

“Very much, but we have continued on like he wanted us to,” Lightning Dust answered.

“How come neither of you ever went back to dating?” Moon Flower asked.

“Simple reasons really. There would never be a stallion that could fill our hearts with the same passion your father gave. We also had everything we ever wanted. We had each other, our friends, and our own children to help keep his memory living on,” Fluttershy said.

“Do you think he’s still watching us?” Harmony Harp asked.

“I believe he will always be watching over us,” Vinyl said.

All the ponies nodded their heads as they stared back at the statue. Memories of everything they’ve been through flashed before them and only brightened their smiles. Many believed they should be feeling sadness for his departure, but it was instead filled with joy and serenity. The children’s father may have passed before they were old enough to know him, but thanks to all his loving mares they were able to create a book about everything he shared with them. The ponies watched as Show Stopper walked over to Spitfire and tapped her shoulder. The orange mare turned around as she smiled at her son.

“You mentioned before we started this story that there was a moral,” Show Stopper said.

“I did and did either of you figure out what it was?” Spitfire asked as she looked at all their children.

“The moral was finding a place you belong. Father first arrived here believing he didn’t belong, but thanks to everyone who is present, he found his place in life,” Cloud Jumper said.

“You’re correct, son.” Lyra said.

“Your father was a very stubborn man and believed he could take everything on himself. Even with all that he still confided to us and let us help him when he needed it,” Lily said.

“So what do you say to your father?” Celestia asked.

“Thank you for everything, father. Even though you may not be able to hear us, we love you very much and we will be the best we can be,” The children all said in unison before being ushered out by the princesses.

Once every one was gone, only nineteen mares remained on the roof. They each held the other’s hand as they stared up at the statue. Their heads were bowed, eyes closed as they gave a little prayer of their own. A gentle breeze gained their attention as they swore they felt something touch their shoulders. Each mare placed a hand on their shoulder as they gave a small smile to who was probably touching them from far away. The mares each placed a different colored rose at the base of the statue before turning around and following the others. They reached the door, but stopped as they turned around and gave a final saying.

“James Redfield, first and only human of Equestria, and proud father and husband, thank you for everything and we love you,” The mares said as they gave a slight bow and left through the door.
Somewhere Far Away

“I love you all, too,” James said as his ghostly form disappeared.

James didn’t know where he was, but he didn’t care. As long as he had his view of Equestria and all of his mares, then he would be fine. His door opened to show five familiar faces. He gave each of them a warm smile as they joined him at the table he was sitting at. They stared out the window he was looking through and offered smiles of their own. James stared out the window for a few more seconds before turning to his old friends.

“Looks like I’m here to stay,” James said.

“It seems you are. We’re sorry that it had to be your time though,” Demarco said.

“It is sad, but they are safe and that’s all that matters,” James said.

“You know, since we were never there, mind telling us how it all went?” Jacob asked.

“Seeing I have all the time in the world, I think I can share the story with you,” James said as he turned around and gestured for all his friends to take a seat.

“Just know you don’t need to start from the moment you were born,” Blake joked.

“I know,” James said.

“Take your time though because we and they aren’t going anywhere,” David said as Connor got everyone a drink.

“It all started during October when I was going to pay my respects…” James started.

Author's Notes:

Here's the ending to the story.