The Price of Freedom

Weeks had passed after the day that Equestria regained its freedom. The settlements of the kholanari were torn down and peace had once again been reestablished. Miraculously enough, while dozens of gallons of blood were spilled over the land of Equestria during the kholanari invasion, not a single pony had fallen victim to their cruel ways...and it was all thanks to one man.

The monument built in Hellbridge's honor had just been finished, and princess Celestia was about to hold a speech for the ponies that had gathered around it.

"Citizens of Equestria!" she addressed her subjects. "Just weeks ago, your freedom, as well as your very lives were at the brink of extinction. Many of you dared to stand up to the threat, because you were brave, but it was the one who dared to stand up to his own people that we owe our freedom to. For among the ranks of the vicious invaders, there was a man that everyone called Hellbridge. He was someone who was widely known and feared because he had killed more than any other man in their entire tribe!"

"While it may be true, many innocent souls have been taken by his hands, but at the same time, only the heavens alone know how many souls he ended up saving through his selfless actions! For if the kholanari were not stopped here, they would have continued to run rampart across the entire universe, consuming everything in their way. And so, we have gathered here today to honor his name, and to forever remember the lesson that he taught us all."

Celestia quoted the words written on the statue.

"When it is your very freedom that is at stake...there is no price that is too high to pay."

After the speech was done and the crowd had dispersed, only a small pack of six ponies remained near the statue. They stared at it for some time as the sorrow in their eyes stayed with them for the duration.

"You told us those words before, but we didn't even get a chance to return the favor," Twilight whispered. "Wherever you are, Hellbridge, if you can hear us..."

All six of the ponies placed their hooves on the statue and said in unison:

"Thank you...for everything."