“Alright everypony. Hurry up, get a bathroom break, grab water, whatever.” I sighed.

This story was taking a lot longer than I had initially imagined it would. There was so much to tell in such a short time, I didn’t know if I’d be able to finish it before graduation day.

“Make SURE you get your bladders emptied!” I called out as all my recruits stood and headed wherever they intended to go during that small break, “We’re not stopping again. I WILL finish this story before the end of the night!”

With everypony running about and getting ready for a long sit-down… Well, longer than any sit-down so far, I was left with time to contemplate Fray’s disappearance. The little guy had been a part of my life so long… and then he had been snatched from me without any warning at all. He’d decided to save our lives in a split-second, and sacrificed himself to do it. But then… he’d left an echo of himself. One that gave me most of the abilities that Fray had granted me before… but it did not have his personality, or the ability to actually… well… exist, for lack of better terms.

I knew he was out there. Somewhere. He had to be. Kane said so, though I hadn’t seen him in a long time. I hoped he’d forgive me for having to wait so long to look for him. He was my son… More than anypony had been, he was my son, and I was being forced to set him aside while the world prepared itself for war. If only Aurora were here… I could send her to try to look. Or at least help me gather clues.

The thoughts depressed me, and I fluttered my wings a bit with slight aggravation. I was fortunate, then, that everypony was eager to hear the end of my tale, and had gathered back around without much fuss.

“We’re not stopping again until this story’s over. I hope you grabbed something to drink.”