Author's Note

I know it has been so long since I actually wrote the previous chapter. I thought it was about time I write a new one.

Reunited

I can't believe it.

I stand right outside the front door of the house Mayor Mare showed me to. My whole body trembles with excitement at the thought of seeing a certain filly waiting for me on the other side. I don't even notice when my hoof makes contact with the door. I wait impatiently until the door opens.

"Hello? Oh!" A dark-blue-coated mare with a black mane and a white sweater examines me from head to toe. Yeah, I have been too busy on my search to even notice how dirty and messy my mane and coat was. In fact, I didn't even care. I hadn't showered once since I started my search.

"Are you alright, sir? You look exhausted."

But I feel almost dead.

"I am looking for my daughter. I was told you have her."

Her eyes widen with surprise. "Oh. So you... you're the father of... uh..." Her face changes to an apologetic expression, "...Derpy, is it?

I feel slightly angered hearing that name again. But I know it's not her fault. My daughter had gotten used to that name, considering I was never around that often because of work. But I am still not okay with that. I calmly reply, "Her name is Ditzy Doo."

She looks down. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's fine. I know you didn't. But I really would like to see her right now, if you would please take me to her."

"Oh, yes. Come inside." She stepped aside, allowing me to enter before she closed the door. I took a look around. It has been years since I had been in a cloud home.

"I'm Starlight," the mare says as she leads me through the house. "What's your name?"

Still checking out the house, I answered, "Lightning Flash."

"Cool name," she said quietly. "I found your daughter walking out of the Everfree Forest without so much as a scratch. I don't know how she could have survived, but I assume she had been trying to find her way out all night." She stops in front of a flight of stairs leading to the second floor. "However, considering her mental state, which is something I have never seen in foals her age, I am concerned if she would have been able to recognize any dangers."

"If she is scared of something, she will try to avoid it," I reply. "Let's hope that's what kept her safe."

I can hear faint sounds of giggling. I recognize the voice. I just want to rush up the stairs and give my girl a really big hug. But my legs ache and can barely hold me up. A large grin spreads across my face as we head up the stairs. "I hope she didn't give you too much trouble."

The mare smiles back. "Oh, no, not at all. I loved every minute of it. I made some toys myself for her to play with."

"Well, thank you very much for bringing her into your home and taking care of her."

She turns towards me at the top of the stairs. "Oh, I would do that for anypony without a second thought."

I follow her to an open door, and there, rolling around on a large bed and laugh to herself, is Ditzy Doo. While she still doesn't notice me, I sneak towards her and pull her into a surprise hug. She gives me a startled look before fully realizing who is holding her.

"Daddy!"

I cannot explain how it felt to see her throw her hooves around me. As I rock her back and forth, I can feel a lump forming in my throat, and tears begging to be released. So I let out all my emotions. I let her know just how much I love her and missed her. I will never let that happen again.

I did it. I have finally completed my one and only task. I found what I set out for. A whole week with no sleep, little food, and barely any strength left have led me to this moment. I am back with my daughter again.

And I will not lose her again.