Epilogue: Home

It's been two years since my weekend with Shadow and Jet. With the full knowledge of my popularity in Equestria, I was actually able to become the strongest voice H.E.R.A. had at its disposal. Basically I became their go-to girl for publicly advancing their causes on the Equestrian side. My word suddenly carried weight.

I was even able to pull some strings and convinced Princess Cadence to open a second magical portal from Paris to the Crystal Empire, effectively doubling traffic between our two worlds via its mere existence.

The 'Imperial Fast Lane,' as that route came to be known, allowed for easier and longer visa applications for both humans and ponies. I was one of the first to take full advantage of that, taking extended trips to the Crystal Empire and going on to Canterlot by train for shorter visits, where I would shoot more movies.

Adult movies on Earth basically have a laughable budget, when compared to big Hollywood productions. But there were no such preconceived notions in Equestria. I.E. (Imagine Equestria), owned by none other than Fancy Pants, has become the major studio in Canterlot, after signing me on as an actress.

As a result, rather than cooling off after the initial burn, my star was actually still rising, and I've made quite a lot of money from it. Basically I'm set for life. I'm still doing some on-screen work, but currently I'm looking into becoming a director.

Of course Cadence didn't just create the Imperial Fast Lane to make my work commute easier. She's a smart mare. Having direct trade access to Earth, has given the Crystal Empire a major economic boost to the point where their income even started to rival that of Equestria itself, even though they only have about a sixth of their population.

That put some pressure on Equestria. Even though Celestia and the U.N. still favored a more long-term approach for a while, the dams were already breaking. Unrestricted travel between the two worlds was only a matter of time now, a fact that Luna realized very early on. I think it's mostly thanks to her that Equestria passed the Human Residency Act.

Today being the fourth anniversary of First Contact Day, I can see banners and decorations in the streets everywhere for the upcoming celebrations as my train pulls into Canterlot station. It also marks a new chapter in my life. For today is the day that I've officially become the first human to hold an Equestrian citizenship, and the day I take up permanent residency in Canterlot.

When I step off the train, there's actually a red carpet rolled out for me, flanked by Royal Guards on either side, who are here to hold back the cheering crowds that go wild as they see me. There's posters with my name on it everywhere.

“Geez, you guys,” I tell the pegasus and unicorn standing in front of me. “I told you, I didn't want a big welcome. I just wanted to get to my new place and start unpacking my stuff.”

“Well, it wouldn't have come to this, if your manager hadn't run his mouth … again,” Shadow Spell tells me while glancing at his friend.

“Oh, come on,” Jetstream defends himself. “It was an open secret. The crowds would have shown up one way or the other. Might as well do it properly, and get some free publicity out of it.”

Shadow simply shakes his head at that. Then he turns back to me. “More importantly, welcome back, Julie.”

“Thanks,” I reply with a bright smile. “There's no place like home.”

Author's Note

Phew. It's done.

Again, sorry that the final chapter and epilogue got a little delayed, Tatsurou. Happy Birthday.