Love's Lost Decade

Bk15/Ch2
The Final Change Pt2
(Year 11, Month 0, Day 01)

(A few hours later)

In a large Ballroom building in the center of the Isle of Home, all guest enjoyed the wedding reception as Zeil stood with his wife greeting everypony present. As they stood, it wasn’t long before a royal couple approached as the queen spoke, “Sir Zeil, That was a lovely service. I and my king are grateful you invited us to such a beautiful wedding.”
Zeil looked to Queen Blossom as he nodded, “The honor is mine your majesty.
The Queen looked to Zecora as she continued, “It’s also an honor to meet you Miss Zecora, may I say you look beautiful in your cultural gown. A design of your native land no doubt.”
King Rainer smiled, “Forgive my wife, she spent a lot of time studying culture of foreign lands so she tends to get excited over the subject.”
Zecora smiled, “Not at all, it’s an honor to say. To be congratulated by royals on such a special day.”

The two monarchs smiled at Zecora’s praise as Zeil spoke, “How is Spring Haven? I'm sure tis changed a lot since I left.”
King Rainer smiled, “It has been doing well. Since you gave my queen her confidence back, she had been stern in establishing trade and alliance with many neighboring kingdoms. Most of which are in this very room.”
Zeil smiled, “I heard, you’re calling it the Mage Alliance right? Don’t you think there are better names out there?”

Reiner smiled, “There are, but none of which describe the very reason we united like we did. It’s all thanks to you. Every tribe, kingdom, clan, and nation you impacted joined us and already more are considering since they know that we support the Mage of Zebrica.”
Zeil shook his head, “Well, the once captain of the guard seems to have become quite the king didn’t he?”
Reiner smiled as he took his wife’s hoof, “With a Queen as wonderful as mine, even a farmer from the cherry groves can be a great king. I do wish I was the one that knighted you for your help dispelling Blossom’s curse though.”
Queen Blossom smiled as she spoke, “When you dispelled my curse, I wanted nothing more then to repay you for all you did and when Reiner and I discovered you were knighted by the ancient King of Lilith, we were disappointed that we didn’t think of it first. This only proved that you truly are a hero to be recognized by a king as ancient as Matthias of Lilith.”
Zeil Nodded, “A king but more a friend, as you both are.” He bowed his head slightly, “Your majesties.”

The two royals smiled but before they could reply, Princess Celestia approached as she spoke, “There you are Queen Blossom. I was wondering if you could join us for a small discussion on our continued alliance. The rest of the nation leaders are gathering and I think it would be good to have all who side with the mage alliance to speak on their behalf.”
Queen Blossom sighed as she replied, “Though it disappoints me to discuss business on a celebratory day, I suppose it can't be helped.” She looked to Zeil, “If you will excuse us Sir Zeil.”
Zeil smiled, “Of course, I understand the duties of royalty cannot be ignored.”
Smiling, both Queen Blossom and King Reiner left to join the gathering leaders as a group of Ibex monks approached with one speaking, “Master Zeil… that was a beautiful ceremony.”

As Zeil looked to the unexpected face, he smiled “Fuji? I thought I recognized you when I saw you earlier… and part of the Ibex Temple now, I'm glad. After the incident with Angel, I was worried sh-“
Fuji raised his hoof and interrupted, “There is no need to worry, Angel did no harm to me at all that day. The night before we were set to climb Angela’s Peak, she went to my room and place a sort of hex on me. The next morning I was ill with a fever and cough the likes of which made it impossible for me to leave. As bad as it was, it was a few days later before I had the strength to move. By then, my memories of Angel’s identity returned and… I could only assume the worst of my friends. A few weeks later I set off through the pass and arrived at the tavern on the opposite side of the mountain. When I saw the plaque bearing your names, my fears were confirmed.”
Zeil felt guilty, “I'm sorry, I tried to save them, but…”
Fuji nodded as he replied, “Hotham, Everest, Pike, Kilimanjaro, they were my dear friends and when they passed, I fell into a deep despair. I didn’t blame you though Master Zeil, in fact I was grateful you were able to make it and carry their names with you. But after they fell, I became lost. I abandoned my goal to reach the peak and set out to return home. In my travel though, I accidently crossed into the Ibex temple’s valley.”

Fuji gestured to another familiar monk as he continued, “There, I came across Shangre-La who with his wisdom, was able to calm my guilt. Taking the offer to stay at the temple for a few days, I was able to find myself and in time regain the courage to complete what I set out to accomplish. I returned to Angela’s peak and this time. Conquered it, just as Angel foresaw.”
Zeil was confused, “Foresaw?”
He smiled, “She knew I would eventually reach the peak and return unscathed. But on the day that you joined us she knew that if I had witnessed my friends falling one at a time, then I would lose confidence and fall beside them. That’s why she stopped me from accompanying you.”
Zeil shook his head, “Even then… I doubt I can forgive her for what she did. Hotham, Everest, Kiloman, and Pike were good ponies who didn’t deserve what happened to them.”
Fuji nodded, “Yes, but who are we to challenge fate. Fate led me to the Ibex temple, and after joining that community, it allowed me to find myself.”

Serenity stepped forward, “Yes, and Fuji has become a well-respected teacher of patients and self-confidents in our temple.”
Zeil looked to her and smiled, “Well if the temple sensei says so, then I can only be happy that my friend found a home amongst those I trust.”
Shangri La spoke next, “And it is also a relief to see a great master complete his long journey of enlightenment, I was shocked when I heard word that you were now the Mage of Zebrica. We’ve heard stories of the mage but I never thought I would meet him face to face, and even more so befriend him.”
Zeil nodded, “It is odd to be a keeper of darkness. But… I suppose it’s thanks to your teachings that the darkness can be kept at bay so easily. Balance was amongst the many lessons you taught me, despite the fact that I’ve had that lesson before.”
Zeil Looked to Zecora beside him as Serenity smiled and nodded, “Of course, we cannot overlook Zeil’s most respected teacher and inspiration. If not for her, Master Zeil wouldn’t have survived such a peerless journey of enlightenment.” She bowed slightly, “As sensei of the Ibex Temple, I thank you for sharing your wisdom.”
Zecora smiled as she replied, “I only taught his earliest of course, but combined with your teachings, I can only indorse.”

As the group continued catching up on the passed time, Daring Do and Silver sat at a table in the middle of the reception as Silver saw daring staring in Zeil’s direction as she sighed, “Dazzy, are you going to sulk all day? I know you liked him but he’s a married stallion now and therefor off the market.”
Daring sighed as she replied, “I know, but I'm still disappointed… not to mention a little jealous.”
Silver smiled, “And you should be, now that I get a good look at her, that Zecora mare is cute in an exotic sort of way. I wonder how well sh-“
At that moment, a faded tan mare with a purple and pink mane wearing a dark cloak approached as she whispered into Silver’s ear as silver sighed, “Really? This again Bon Bon? I told you the bumblebee bear isn’t a real concern. You really have a bit of a problem with this matter don’t you?”
Annoyed Silver stood up and she spoke, “Fine, let’s go talk to the Storm king if it will make you feel better.” She looked at Daring, “Excuse me Dazzy, I have a Cutter matter to deal with.”
As Silver trotted away, daring watched her leave as she mumbled in confusion, “Bumblebee Bear?”
“Excuse me, but are you Miss Yearling?”

Daring looked to the direction of the voice as she saw Queen Mira standing in front of her as she nodded, “Oh, yes that me. You’re… Queen Mira of the Black Sand Hive right?”
Queen Mira sat down at the table as she nodded, “Yes, I am quite the fan of your Books. I’m particularly a fond of the ones with Sir Zeil’s presents.”
Daring smiled, “Thank you… if I'm not mistaken, Mage Zeil told me about you when he first began his journey.”
Queen Mira smiled in embarrassment, “Yes… not particular my fondest memory. I understand I made quite the fool of myself back then. And even now I still regret my actions.”
Daring waved her hoof, “No need, if I know Mage Zeil enough, he probably forgave you for most of it years ago.”
Mira nodded, “He has… but I have not. Anyways… may I ask… your character Daring Do. You and she… are one and the same… correct?”
Trying not to sound boastful, Daring nodded, “I am.”
Queen Mira continued, “And that part where… you had feeling for him… and he turned you down… this is also true?”

Though she didn’t want to admit it, Daring nodded as she sighed, “He did.”
Queen Mira nodded, “I see…”
Daring looked to the now silent queen out the corner of her eye as she replied, “He turned you down too… didn’t he?”
Queen Mira nodded, “Yes… he did.”
The two sighed in hopelessness as Daring spoke, “I guess, it’s hard to deny. He is quite the stallion.”
“Good Evening.”
Both mares were caught off Guard as Zecora approached the two as Queen Mira spoke, “Oh, Good evening to you too Lady Zecora.”
Smiling Daring spoke next, “Congratulations on your wedding Miss Zecora, I'm happy to see that you and Mage Zeil can now live happily together.”

Zecora smiled pleasantly as she replied, “Thanks to you both, but the thanks is also owed. For helping my husband through the danger that was showed.”
Daring replied with confusion, “You are thanking us? But… why?”
Zecora smiled as she sat down and looked towards her husband as she replied, “He told me himself, of the help from then to the present. He explained your assistance… even… if unpleasant.”
Feeling that that part was directed to her, Queen Mira replied, “I… I'm sorry. I didn’t me-“
Zecora raised her hoof to silence her a she replied, “No need to apologize, for your actions were in just. And since he says so now, you have my trust. Zeil doesn’t hold grudges, no not even the slightest, and to hold a grudge this long it wouldn’t be the brightest. What’s done is done, and he overlooks it now. So I will to, without question of how. Daring, Queen Mira. I'm happy you’re here and as the invitation I send, it mentioned what you both are. To us… a treasured friend.”

With that said, Zecora leaned closer and hugged them both as she whispered silently, “Thank you both… for helping to bring my husband home to me.”
With both mare’s heads over Zecora’s shoulders, the two looked at each other for a brief moment as they decided to disregard her unrhymed thanks then hugged her back as Daring replied, “It was an honor to see Mage Zeil home.”
Queen Mira added, “And if you ever need anything of us, know that the mage and his bride have the support of the Black Sand Hive on his side.”
Zecora Stopped hugging the two as she nodded, “Thanks I'll keep th-“
“Zee Zee?”

Zecora turned to her approaching father, as Chief Basarum spoke, “Sorry to interrupt, but... um… some guest wish to have photos of us made. You know, father and daughter. So if you wouldn’t mind.”
Seeing through Basarum's attempt at getting personal photos made for himself and no one else Zecora smiled, “of course father let us go see.” She looked to the mares, “If you will excuse me.”
The two nodded in agreement as Zecora and her father went towards the photographer who was taking pictures of the ceremony. As Zecora left the two, they could only watch her leave as Daring smiled pleasantly before speaking, “We didn’t stand a chance… did we?”
Still holding her smile, Queen Mira replied, “Nope… not even the slightest.”

Elsewhere Zeil was trotting to see more guests as another familiar voice spoke, “Mage Zeil?”
Zeil turned around but was surprised when he saw Tempest and King Savean standing there as he braced his stance with the king speaking, “Now, now, we come in peace. Please just hear me out.”
Sensing his truthful words, Zeil stopped bracing himself as Tempest spoke, “The King and I, wish… to apologize. We know, we didn’t receive any such invitation to this wedding but…”
King Savean continued, “We couldn’t leave things as they were, and when Princess Twilight spoke of your wedding, I felt I needed to come in person to apologize to you directly.”
With an unamused expression, Zeil replied, “That so… and what exactly are you apologizing for?”
King Savean nodded, “First… the false imprisoning. I wanted to say that since then, we removed the law forbidding Changeling in the Storm Kingdom. As well as the law that ignored foreign nation pardoning, trade with other nations, and the bear ban.”
“Bear ban?”
King Savean nodded, “Yea… weirdly enough the former king had a strange fear of bears, that and bumble bees for some reason… don’t ask. But I also want to apologize about what happened to Captain Sail. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve announced that the Storm Kingdom has no claim nor credit for his death and that he died at sea, a free and wanted pirate. I'm sure, he wouldn’t have liked it any other way.”
Zeil smiled as he nodded, “I'm sure.”

King Savean nodded as he bowed his head, “In that case, I hope you will accept my apology and grant your blessing in joining the Mage Alliance.”
Zeil was confused, “My blessing… I don’t think you need such a thing from me since Spring Haven established it in the first place.”
Tempest sighed in hopelessness, “Your majesty, I told you that the alliance was formed under the guidance of Queen Blossom and King Rainer. It was only formed under the Mage’s name.”
King Savean thought to himself, “Did you? I thought he was the one that allowed them to be establish it.”
Zeil shook his head, “Not at all, it was established while I was trapped in Lilith. So I had nothing to do with its official start.”
Another voice spoke from behind as a stallion approached that was both familiar and unfamiliar to Zeil as the maroon unicorn spoke, “On the contrary Sir Zeil… it has more to do with you then anything.”
The stallion sat beside Zeil as he brought attention to their surroundings, “Just look at what you did Sir Zeil… everywhere you look is a creatures of a different titan, nation, culture, and upbringing as your own. You did, what the Titan Lucifer failed at more than three millennia ago… You united the world.”

At first Zeil wanted to ask who the stranger was, but before he did, he took the time to look over the room. As the unicorn said, everywhere were creatures of all kinds present and conversing equally amongst each other. Cunningham a shire horse of the Highland Clans, hippogriff from Home and Mount Eris, Ponies from every walk of life, Monks from the Ibex temple, Changeling from multiple swarms and so on. It was as the stranger said, it was as if the world had come together to unite in harmony. After acknowledging this, Zeil looked to the stranger as he spoke, “I'm sorry, but… have we met before?”
The stallion smiled as he replied, “My apologies, my name is Edelweiss.”
Zeil was surprised, “What?”
The stallion shook his head, “I know what you’re thinking but, no I'm not that Edelweiss. We personally haven’t met but I believe you know my grandfather, Professor Rose, or Captain Rose as you’ve called him.

Zeil smiled as he nodded, “ah I see, your Compass Rose’s grandson. Is he here? I didn’t see him during the ceremony.”
The stallion’s expression became saddened, “I'm sorry to say, he passed away late last year.”
Zeil replied with sympathy, “Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.”
Edelweiss shook his head, “Don’t be, never a day went by that he wouldn’t talk about the knight who saved his life. When we got the letter saying you arrived in Equestria, he was thrilled. Although, even after you returned marking the last of Lilith’s trapped. He refused to leave the city. But now, he can finally rest knowing the knight who saved his life can live out his happy ending.”
Zeil smiled, “as I hope he lived out his. Compass was a good friend. I'm sorry to hear about his passing.”
The young Stallion nodded as his expression changed, “There… is one more thing. Something my grandfather found shortly after you returned. But…” he looked at King Savean and Tempest as he replied, “Could we speak… privately?”
Seeing it was serious, Zeil looked to the king as he spoke, “Your actions are forgiven and forgotten. Just be opened minded from now one… if you will excuse me.”

With that said, Edelweiss and Zeil left the king as they moved closer to the door to the ballroom as Edelweiss spoke, “Not long after you returned, my grandfather decided to look further into the events that unfolded in Lilith. So much that he devised a theory about the events and decided to investigate a specific area.”
Zeil nodded, “Really? What exactly did he try to investigate?”
Edelweiss handed Zeil a cloth wrapped parcel as he spoke, “He didn’t say… but he found this, and said that if anyone should hold onto this… it’s you. This… is a kept secret that only he and I knew about. And he instructed that I give it to you and no one else.”

Zeil took the parcel then unwrapped the cloth package to reveal a small black shard of what looked to be obsidian or another onyx colored stone. But as Zeil laid eyes on the familiar artifact he immediately covered it back as he spoke with almost a full whisper, “Where… did he find this?”
Edelweiss replied, “In Lilith, near the street you and he awoke from. Why? What is it?”
Zeil put it away as he spoke, “Keep this secret from everyone here. Nopony should know of its existence. It’s best that you forget you’ve seen it also. For your protection never speak of this.”
Worried by the mage’s concern, Edelweiss replied, “Of course, but… wha-“
“A piece… of what entrapped Lilith. I thought it was all destroyed but… it seems it still exists somehow. Just keep this between us. Trust me, it will be better this way.”
Before Edelweiss could reply, Queen Novo approached as she spoke, “Mage Zeil…”
Realizing the Queen of the Hippogriffs approached, Edelweiss bowed in respect as Zeil turned to her, “Yes Queen novo?”
She replied, “Its time.”

Acting nonchalant Zeil looked to a nearby window at the darkness outside as he replied, “Is it?... So it is.”
She nodded, “If you will retrieve your catalysts, we can be on our way. The best place for the Lunar Eclipse to be seen would be the Temple on the far end of town.”
Zeil nodded, “Of course, though we don’t need to see the eclipse, we just need to finish before it ends.” He looked to Edelweiss, "Sorry but I have a matter to attend to. Remember, no one knows… for your sake and everypony else’s.”
Edelweiss nodded, as Zeil trotted away and through the party until he approached twilight and Shining Armor as the two sat at the table talking with Thorax as he approached Twilight smiled, “Mage Zeil, how is the party, Pinkie put in the extra hours for this one.”
She gestured to a pink pony in the back of the room who was currently and subtly pouring a ridiculously large bag of sugar into the punch as Zeil disregarded the spiking and nodded, “I'm sure she did. May I ask that you help me with something princess? I promise it’s a small favor.”
Princess Twilight smiled, “Really? What is it you need help with?”

Zeil spoke quietly, “If Zecora askes, could you make something up to keep her here for the next hour or so? I have a matter to attend to and I don’t want her involved.”
Shining Armor looked at Zeil and spoke, “Is it time?”
Zeil nodded, “It is, you and Thorax get Chief Basarum and meet me outside. Keep it subtle though.”
Shinning Armor and Thorax stood up as Thorax nodded, “Right, see you outside.”
As the two left, Princess Twilight was confused as Zeil continued, “Well, can you do that for me?”
Hearing the seriousness in his voice, Twilight nodded, “Sure… but… wher-“
“Mage Business… and I will say no more.”
She nodded with worry, “Right… well, then I'll do what I can to keep her here.”
Zeil smiled, “Thanks, I knew I could count on you.”
With no further explanation Zeil made his way towards the exit.

Later Zeil, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Thorax, Shining Armor, and Chief Basarum were trotting towards the edge of the city as Princess Skystar spoke, “Mom? Why am I helping with this again? Wouldn’t it be better that very few know about this spell since, Mage Zeil says it’s forbidden.”
The Queen Replied, “Mage Zeil says it’s forbidden, however as the future Queen and guardian of the pearl, you need to understand its true power… even if the power is unsuggested to be used like this.”
Ignoring the obvious criticism, Zeil and the group pressed on as Zeil looked forwards and paused, “If you’re going to follow me… you might as well trot beside us.”
Confused the party stopped as Zeil turned to a nearby alley as Silver and two other cloaked figures stepped out of the alley as Silver spoke, “one of my informants tells me that you intend of using forbidden magic tonight… and that’s not a euphemism.”

Zeil looked to the shorter Cloaked figure as he nodded, “Is that so… Hey Allen, How’s your wife?”
The addressed cloaked stallion put down his hood as he smiled, “Derpy’s fine thanks, she wanted to be here but she had work as per the norm.”
Zeil nodded, “I guess packages can't deliver themselves. Either way be sure to tell her and Dinky I said hi.” He looked to the taller figure, “And you… Khan Artist… I didn’t know you were a member of the Cutters. So in the Storm Kingdom, did you get captured on purpose help free Captain Sail? Or was that just a strange coincident?”
The cloaked griffin put down his hood as he smiled, “Well, when word of Captain Sail’s capture spread, Silver assigned me to help get him out. But it would seems we underestimated Captain Sail’s ability to plan ahead. I still escaped the night you did though, only I went inland long after you left.”

Trying to get to the point, Silver interrupted, “Now… about this spell…”
Zeil nodded, “You cannot see it… but… I will inform you that it won't bring any harm to anypony else. And it will not endanger the current order or balance that the world is currently experiencing. Trust me… nothing will change that involves you.”
Silver was skeptic, “Yea, but it’s still a forbidden spell.”
Zeil nodded, “As the mage, I am allow to use forbidden magic in order to maintain balance in this world. And… if I recall, none of you have any reason not to trust me… do you?”

The three looked at each other in confusion as Silver sighed, “Fine… but still answer this… you said no one else would be hurt… meaning someone will be. Right?”
Zeil nodded, “Yes… I will, a lot. More reason you shouldn’t be present… we will need full focus for this to go successfully.”
Silver took a few second to think to herself as Allen spoke up, “I trust him if that makes any difference.”
Kahn Artist nodded, “Agreed, like he said before, he hadn’t given us any reason not to trust him.”
Despite the truth, Silver was still skeptic as she looked to Queen Novo, “Your majesty… Surely you were skeptic of this as well right? Allow me to join whatever security you have ready.”
Zeil replied, “You still don’t trust me?”
She shook her head, “Actually I trust you with my very life… however, the other side of you has already destroyed one civilization in my lifetime, so I would prefer to be nearby should such a situation arise a second time.”

Feeling this was all he could get, Zeil sighed, “Fair enough… You can be nearby at the ready… but know that no matter what you hear, you will keep your distance unless Queen Novo orders It.” he looked to the queen, “Is that acceptable?”
Queen Novo nodded as Silver replied, “Alright fine, my orders will come from her majesty and no one else. Happy?”
Zeil replied with a disapproving tone as he looked to the rising moon, then turned away, “Not really, but we don’t have time to argue, let’s go.”
With nothing more to say, Zeil continued in their path as he and the rest of the party trotted back towards the same temple that his wedding took place in mere hours ago. As the group entered the chapel, Everypony looked towards the alter as The priestess and a few royal hippogriff guards waited next to a chest as The priestess spoke, “Your majesty… the pearl is safe and we are ready to begin.” She looked to the guards, “Come, due to the secrecy of this spell we must wait outside.”

Nodding to the order, the royal guards in the room followed closely as Priestess Melody left the room as Silver and the two cutters also followed as per their agreement. As soon as the door was shut, Zeil looked to the remaining party as he spoke, “Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, since you two are the gardians of the titan relic, I will alow you to witness the following spell, provided that you remain uninvolved… for your own protection of course.”
Queen Novo gave him a skeptic look as Princess Skystar spoke, “Don’t worry Mage Zeil, I trust you enough to let you do what you intend to do. Unless you need us to help you in any way?”
Zeil replied, “Actually… since it may become… difficult. I would sugest not getting involved even if I requested it. That is, until the spell is finished. When the lunar eclipse comes to a complete end.”

With no explanation, Zeil approached the chest in front of the alter as he opened the latch and allowed the chest to open automatically as a pinkish pearl pushed open the chest and began hovering over the ground as Queen novo spoke, “This is odd… its reacting as if it knows why you’re here.”
Zeil nodded, “It does… only it doesn’t know what I have planned for it. The relics existed as long as the titans themselves, but even they didn’t know the magic or mystery behind each one. The alicorn amulet, the Leviathan’s pearl, even the relic of Lilith were all beyond comprehention. Which is why the titans disapproved of using them for spells. Which… is what I intend to do.”
Zeil stepped around the pearl as he looked over it towards Shinning Armor, “Armor… did you bring it?”
Shinning Armor pulled a book from his saddlebag as he held it out, “I did… but you never mentioned why you needed this.”
Thorax approached, “What is it? A spell book? It looks very old.”
Zeil nodded, “It is… written by Starswerle the Bearded… or at least translated by him. The original author is named Mithias.”

Queen Novo gave him a confused look, “Mathias… that wouldn’t happen to be King Mathias of Lilith, would it?”
Zeil nodded, “The very same. He originally created the spell that Twilight Sparkle used to change herself into an alicorn. But since the original used power from the Titan Relic, It was omitted from the original spell book since the relics are too unpredictable. Starswirle hoped to find a safer replacement, but vanished before he was able to complete it. It was Twilight Sparkle, who found a safer alternative to using a titan relic.”
Chief Basarum replied, “Then why not use the safer version?”
Zeil shook his head, “For two reasons… one, I need to better understand Titan relics through first hoof experience. And two… there is only one pony in this world capable of using the safer version… and I still don’t trust her to know of this type of magic.”

Shining Armor was surprised, “Twily? Why wouldn’t you trust her with this?”
Zeil replied, “Because she is a princess of friendship and magic. A lighter side of magic. The less she knows of forbidden magic the better. Let’s not forget, the road to disaster is paved with good intention. I’ve seen when enchanters attempt to use dark magic for good… with disastrous results. If I can help it… I will ensure there is never a second Lilith. Anyways… onto our roles and why I called the three of you here.” Zeil gave his brother a serious look, “Thorax, you are the catalyst of the Changeling race. I will need you to close your eyes and envision what species you are… visualize everything that make us Changelings… then once you have it, you will need to grant full consent to the spell that will take place, then place your hoof on Shinning Armor’s shoulder and maintain that thought.” Thorax nodded as Zeil looked to Chief Basarum, “Chief, you will need to do the same. Envision everything about the Zebra race, grant consent, then place your hoof on Shinning Armor’s other shoulder.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Understood.”
Zeil then looked to Shining Armor, “Armor, you will be the conduit, open the book and read off the first few pages. They should tell you how to channel the magic. Once both make contact with you, you will need to place your hoof upon the pearl and request with your thoughts to change yourself, into a unicorn.”

Shining Armor gave Zeil a confused look, “But… I am a unicorn.”
Zeil nodded, “Exactly, the relic will be in a state of confusion, while it’s in this state, you can momentarily channel its magic for your own bidding, then as the eclipse begins, you can use the spell in the book to direct the pearl’s magic and fire at me in the form of a beam. Once the beam hits me I will attempt to steal the pearl’s magic and use it to change me into anything I desire… permanently. However… I will warn you. A titan relic won't take kindly to having it magic tampered with. It will retaliate with a surging pain that may tempt you to stop. But no matter what you do, don’t. Just know that the pain you feel will be nothing compared to the pain I will go through. But, no matter what I say, you must keep fireing the beam at me until the moon is completely concealed by the eclipse.”
As Zeil changed into his changeling form, Shining Armor nodded, “Got it…”

Readying themselves for the spell, Shinning Armor carefully read the first few pages of the book then stood before the titan pearl as Chief Basarum and Thorax stood on each side of him. On the opposite side of the pearl, Zeil stood ready as he looked towards a large stain glass window at a small transparent portion of the glass as he could see the moon outside. As Zeil looked to the moon, he then turned back to Shining Armor as he called, “Ready? Place your hoof on the pear and wait for my mark.”
As that was said, both Chief Basarum and Thorax took a brief moment to focus before placing their hoof on Shinning Armor’s shoulder as Shining Armor nodded in response before placing his hoof against the pearl and beginning to focus on what he was told. Though this sent a weird numbing feeling up his arm, Shinning Armor was able to ignore it as he looked to Zeil who was watching the moon’s phase very closely. Then just as a sliver of the moon’s edge turned black, Zeil called, “NOW!”

With that command, Shinning Armor fired a beam of magic from his horn and narrowed onto Zeil before hitting the changeling as he fell to a knee screaming in pain. As Zeil felt the increasing pain, Shinning Armor also started to feel an intense pain as he cringed in agony while Zeil’s echoed scream filled the room. Worried Princess Skystar stepped forward, “Mage Zeil! Mother we-“
“Stay back… we cannot get involved.”
Objecting the young princess responded to her mother’s order, “But Mage Zeil… it’s hurting him. We need to st-“
“N-NO!!!”
Worried the young mare looked back to Zeil as he was able to silence his screams long enough to speak through his pain, “N-No!... Stay back! I must bear this till the eclipse ends! The light… of the moon is a timer… when it ends… so will the spell.”

He looked to the changing moon just as the third quarter of its surface became dark as he continued to speak through his pain, “We are almost there… Just a little lon-“
At that moment, just as the final slit of the moon became new, the intense pain that Zeil and Shining Armor felt stopped as the group felt odd at the momentary silence that filled the room. However the silence was short lived as the pearl emitted a powerful shockwave that tossed everyone away from it. Shinning Armor, Chief Basarum, Thorax, and Zeil were all thrown away from the relic as the shockwave also pushed away all the pews, candelabras, and the two royal hippogriff as they and all the debris picked up from the shockwave slammed against the wall shattering all the pews as the shockwave also shattered the stained glass windows outward.

Responding to the destruction, the chapel doors opened with Silver, the royal guards, and Priestess Melody entering as the clergy mare spoke, “I told you all that we must stay out of it. Not until the ce… My chapel!”
With worry, the priestess rushed to a pile of debris that used to be a pew as she lifted the damaged seat, “These pews are a thousand years old… now look at them… this is terrible.”
With her guards assisting, Queen Novo picked herself up as she replied, “Relax… I will pay for all damages… besides, I witnessed these pews and the rest of the chapel’s destruction almost thirty years ago during the incident with Iron Hoof. Those pews are barley that old at best.”
the priestess gave her an annoyed look as she replied, “Shush, let me be mad about something for a little whi-“
At that moment, the rest of the pile started moving as the priestess silenced herself before backing away from the unexpected action in surprise.

Confused the two watched as Zeil in his zebra form picked himself up from under the rubble as he rubbed his head and spoke, “ouch… I don’t know what hurt more, the pearl’s retaliation or the slam against the wall… actually… the pearl… definitely the pearl most.”
Annoyed, Priestess Melody spoke, “Mage Zeil! Explain yourself! When I said you could use the Chapel I didn’t think you would destroy it!”
Rubbing his head, Zeil started to reply, “I apologize Priestess, I didn’t expect the pearl t-“
All of a sudden, Zeil realized something as he looked closely at the hippogriff in front of him as he spoke, “Priestess melody?”
Confused by his change of tone she replied, “Yes?...”

Slowly, Zeil’s eyes went from the priestess in front of him, before panning down to his hooves, then finally moving towards the shattered stain glass window as he could see the blood red moon outside, which followed the Lunar Eclipse. Confused by his silence, Priestess Melody spoke, “Mage Zeil?”
Zeil hesitated for a moment before replying, “I can't sense you.”
“Wh-what?”
Zeil smiled as he looked back down to his hooves, “Your aura… your emotions… I can't sense them.” He looked around the room at everyone present as he could see Shining Armor and Chief Basarum emerging from the debris as they began helping Thorax back onto his hooves. Seeing them, he continued, “None of you… I can't sense a single one in this room. It’s like… an empty haze… I can't sense anyone’s presence or emotions.”
As the three catalyst started to approach, Shining Armor spoke, “Mage Zeil… are you alright? I… wait… what’s wrong?”

Confused, the three looked at Zeil’s expression as Thorax spoke, “Br-brother… your aura… its… it’s changed. Your… you’re not a changeling anymore. You’re a zebra.”
Zeil looked at his hoof and smiled for a brief moment until the smile faded, “I did it… that means that that zebra I met all those years ago… was truly me… but that also means.” His smile faded, “There is one last leg of my journey to make.”
Silver approached as she spoke, “Mage Zeil… what happened here? What did you do to cause this?”
Zeil shook his head, “Sorry, but that concern is mine and my catalyst to know. For now we need to make our way back to the reception. Zecora is waiting with my friends as a distraction and now that I think about it… that’s probably a bad thing.”

Priestess Melody stepped forward, “Oh no you don’t! You break my chapel, you fix it. I'm not letting you get away with th-“
“We got this.”
All eyes went to Silver as she looked to one of her cloaked ponies, “Kahn? I'm sure you will make the arrangements?”
The griffin smiled as he replied, “Sure boss, I'll have the cleanup crew in here within the hour. It will be easier since… there is no body to dispose of.”
Silver smiled, “Good, just make sure everypony pulls their weight.” She looked back to Zeil, “I don’t know what you did, but… I guess since aside from property damage, no one got hurt…so I'll ignore this… for now.”
Glancing over Kahn’s comment, Zeil smiled, “Thanks Silver, I appreciate it. I can fill you in on small details later, but for now… my wife is waiting for me.”
That said, Zeil with his new permanent form left the chapel to return to where his wedding reception was being held.”

Later back at the reception, Zeil, Chief Basarum, and Thorax entered the ballroom to see a number of guests gathered together with Cunningham standing at the center of the group as he laughed and spoke with Zecora, “And that, dear lass, is why potions reach further than any other form of magic. Which, now that I think about it. Means that I would be Zeil’s favorite teacher, now wouldn’t it?”
The large Shire horse threw his head back in a gloating laugh as the rest of the group consisting of Serenity, Zecora, Queen Mira, Shangri-La, Lady Zera, Princess Twilight, and Princess Cadence could only give the boastful shire a dull look. That is, except for Zecora who could only give him a pleasant smile as she replied, “I see, his favorite teacher? What an honor it must be… however if I'm not mistaken. Mage Zeil, is now married to me.”
Taking a moment to give her a confused look, Cunningham paused before laughing out loud as he replied, “Aye that’s right… I guess I can't argue with that fact now can I? But s’pose, the wee laddie will agree that I'm a close second if I must say.” He laughed a little more before adding, “You’re quick with the response Mrs. Mage of Zebrica. Reminds me of my own wife. I can see why the wee laddie married ya. He’s got good taste if I should say the least.”

Zeil approached as he stepped to his wife’s side and replied, “I see your trying to one up everypony here aren’t you Cunningham. As per usual.”
Cunningham smile, “Can ya blame me lad? It aint often I can boast about being a teacher to the Mage of Zebrica, even if it’s amongst your other teachers. Though I think even after my claim. It’s hard to hold a candle to a group like this. You keep quite the company about ya don’t you, wee laddie?”
Zeil smiled as he spoke, “Speaking of teaching… there is something that bothered me shortly after I left the Highlands… before I left, you mentioned that you didn’t know the spirit inhabiting my body but mentioned that it was something truly powerful right?”
Cunningham smiled, “S'pose I did.”
Zeil replied, “Honestly… I think you knew from the very start that it was Lucifer… didn’t you?”
Cunningham laughed before replying, “Guilty as charged. But I felt it’d be a better lesson learned on your own. Think of it as… a better obstacle to conquer on the fly.”
Zeil smiled, “oh?... okay that makes sense. That will make it easier for me to teach you the same then.”

Zeil looked to Queen Mira as he spoke, “Your majesty? Remember when I told you about my journey to the Highlands? I mentioned the shire clan that exterminated the changeling hive there?”
It didn’t take Zeil’s old changeling abilities to know that Cunningham was starting to feel nervous as the queen thought to herself, “Why… yes Sir Zeil. I believe I recall you telling me that story. About the druid who led the charge.”
Zeil nodded, “yes… well I want to tell you that Cunningham here. Is that very druid. You know, the one who laid ruin to the Highland Hive.”
At that moment, Cunningham as well as most of the ponies in the group felt uneasy as Queen Mira gave him a stern look, “Is that so?...”
Zeil gave a cheeky smile, as Cunningham felt speechless as he tried to reply, “I… well… that is a…”
It felt like an eternity passed before Queen Mira’s expression changed as she bowed her head and spoke with sympathy, “I offer my most humble of apologies. I doubt there is anything I can say in response to the injustice you went through. But it would further insult our race for me to ignore the crime committed upon you and your clan.”

Most of the ponies in the group felt shocked as Cunningham was dumbfounded, “Say what now?”
Queen Mira kept her bowed as she replied, “Though I have not been reformed as long as Thorax, I as well as most reformed changeling know the value of love, why it was wrong for us to steal it, and the feeling of having love in our hearts for another. But to claim the life of your true love for something as petty as anger, it’s truly unforgivable. Though I only felt it briefly, I know what’s it’s like to be in love… and I cannot imagine the pain watching him die before me.”
As that was said, Zecora reached over and took Zeil’s hoof as he and the rest of the group could only smile at the heartfelt apology as Cunningham replied, “I um… I think it better I owe you the apology. As Mage Zeil said… I killed the entire Hive. And… it’s a horrid sin I cannot take back.”
Queen Mira rose from her bow, “Casualties of war sadly… In the past, it seems we changelings did nothing more but fought a senseless war against others. Sir Zeil, Sir Apex, Sir Thorax, even Mr. Shangri La all know the risk and sacrifice that life held for ones such as us. And though it seems extreme, war was a proper response, and I will not fault you for that. Especially since Mage Zeil has told me that, you felt guilty afterword’s. I believe my kind drove you to that action and guilt. And for that I humbly request your forgiveness for my brethren’s crime.”

As the group smiled at the peace between the changeling and the shire horses, Zecora looked to Zeil with a smile before pausing for a brief moment, “Z-Zeil?”
Zeil looked to his wife, “Yes?”
She tried to speak, “Something seems, off. In fact it’s quite strange. But you don’t seem the same. It appears, you’ve changed.”
Hearing his words, Queen Mira and Shangri-La gave him a confused look as Shangri-La spoke, “She’s right… but… how? This is strange?”
Queen Mira nodded, “You’re not… but… is this even possible?”
Zeil Looked at Zecora as he spoke, “Let’s say I did, and… I'm now different then before… is… different okay?”
Zecora gave Zeil a stern look into his eyes as if she were reading his very soul. As she did a moment of silence passed that caused Zeil to feel somewhat nervous to her stern gaze. Then as he started to worry, Zecora broke his worry as she reached up and tapped the end of his muzzle, “Boop.”
Flinching to the sudden playful action, Zeil rubbed his nose as Zecora giggled playfully, “As I said before, and don’t think any mistake. I love you for you, no matter the form you take.”
Zeil smiled back, as he place his hoof against hers and replied, “Good, because no matter what, I can only be balance by your side. You are my light and my love, till death… and beyond.”

Epilogue
The Cycle Continues
(Year 30, month 06, day 15)
29 years later

An elderly Zeil wearing a pitch black cloak stood on the cliff’s edge as he looked down to a blue poison joke that grew at his hooves. Knowing that this same plant glowed a golden hue mere days ago only added to the pain as tears fell from his face as he plucked the plant from the ground and held it over the cliff’s edge before mumbling to himself, “Till death… and beyond.”
With that, the Stallion released the plant and allowed it to fall into the forest below as he looked far into the distance as a voice spoke up behind him, “Father?”
At the edge of the forest behind him, stood a young zebra who waited patiently as her father spoke without turning to the voice, “Zera… How was the service?”

Zera nodded, “It was beautiful, but… everypony was worried when they didn’t see you there. Princess Twilight even asked about you. She said that if you need any help, she was willing to lend a hoof.”
He sighed, “I couldn’t see her like that. Zecora… my love, my life, my light… I want to remember her for who she was. Her smile, her kindness, I want to remember her as the mare I loved… not some body in a box.”
Zera nodded as she replied, “I… I understand, that said, I was able to get what you requested. Though, twilight walked in as I was collecting it.”
The young mare pulled a vail out and sat it on the ground as a number of vined grew across the ground transporting the vail to Zeil as he picked it up and looked at the red contents. Knowing it was blood, Zeil replied, “I see… and what did she say when she saw what you were doing?”
Zera replied, “She demanded that I tell her why I was collecting it.”
Zeil smiled, “Did she? And your response?”
She replied with a serious tone, “I told her that one needn’t concern themselves with matters to the Mage of Zebrica.”
Zeil nodded with his smiled, “Good girl… I taught you well.”
As Zeil put the vail into his cloak Zera spoke, “Father… your leaving… aren’t you?”

Zeil looked back over the forest as he replied, “Did you look into my future to see that?”
She shook her head, “You know that the oracle cannot see into the mage’s Future. Grandmother couldn’t, and neither can I. But… I looked into my own… and… failed to see you in it.”
Zeil nodded, “Did you look further than that?... into the next decade perhaps?”
Zera hesitated before nodding in response, “I… I did.”
Zeil nodded, “and?”
Zera replied with a stern ton as she recited her prophecy, “A dark entity will rise wielding the power of the pegasi… I only saw shadows, but I know for a fact that those shadows belong to Princess Umbra of Equestria.”
Zeil nodded, “Princess Luna’s daughter, the flower filly at our wedding, and one of my and Zecora’s best students. Seems Nightmare Moon’s blood and anger has been passed to the next generation. And when it takes her heart, she will become something else… she will become Thundaga.”
Zera spoke, “Thundaga… Father, we must do something to stop this.”
“We cannot.”
“There must be something… perhaps Princess Luna can say something.”
“It won't help.”
“If we gather all the princesses together then surl-“
“Zera enough.”

Pausing with concern, Zera stood silent as Zeil sighed, “You saw this vision… remember what your grandmother taught you. All visions seen by the oracle come to pass. They cannot be changed, even if I hold the power to do so… I cannot.”
Zera was confused, “Why? Isn’t it the Mage’s task to stop darkness from spreading?”
Zeil sighed, “Zera, the task of the mage it so maintain balance of light and dark… nothing more.”
“But Thundaga will tip that balance… won't she?”
Zeil didn’t answer, instead he only held his silence as Zera’s eyes widened, “She is the balance… isn’t she?”
Zeil nodded, “Once I'm gone, then there will be more light then darkness. She will balance that when the darkness takes her heart.”
Zera shook her head, “But… she is going to put the kingdom in a state of forced peace. She will sacrifice all freedom for this cause. It’s basically imprisonment for all residents of this kingdom. Then… she will spread her hoof across the world. And all who stand in her way will be crushed for this peace. She will bring the world to its own imprisonment. As you’ve said many times, the road to destruction is paved with the best of intentions. If we don’t do something she will lead Equestria to this destruction.”
Zeil nodded, “She will… but it will still balance everything. In time… her darkness will fade and by then the next mage will emerge to regain balance and to help return the kingdom to what it is now.”
“When? When will the next mage be chosen?”
Zeil’s expression became uneasy as he replied, “Best… you don’t know.”

Understanding, Zera sat down in sadness as she replied, “I see… then… it’s after my lifetime.”
Zeil nodded, “It is…”
Tears built up in her eyes, “I… I don’t know what to do.”
Zeil turned to her, “Zera.”
She spoke in a combination of anger and sadness, “What do I do now?” she looked down in sadness, “Mother is gone, you are leaving, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Uncle Thorax. Even Princess Twilight’s health is fading! It won't be long before I'm left alone.”
“Zera…”
She stepped closer and yelled in anger, “Tell me! What am I supposed to do knowing I have to burden this dark future alone!?!”
After that outburst, Zera sat back down as tears fell from her face, “Please… please don’t go… I… I don’t want to be alone.”

Seeing his daughter cry before him, Zeil Sighed as he trotted to his daughter then hugged her as he spoke softly, “Zera… I know it’s hard to see the world change around you. But… the world is ever changing. With the departure of the last generation, we must look towards the next… The elements of harmony and its magic may very well fade someday, but with the stories they held, our future isn’t lost. Not if… you guide them with motivation.”
She stopped hugging her father as Zera replied, “Motivation?”
Zeil smiled, “You are the Oracle of Zebrica, Your very words can inspire everypony from near and far. And, that’s what you should do. Make a list of predictions, starting with the death of Twilight Sparkle. Then continued with the fall of Equestria, the rise of Thundaga, her spread across the world, etcetera, etcetera. Then look extra far into the future, look to a time when the world starts to balance further. Seek out… the next commander.”
She gave him a confused look, “Commander? You mean like Commander Bolt, the Pegasus who stopped the dark alicorn?”

Zeil shook his head, “Never mind, just give them something to have hope in. write all these predictions down and leave them with someone we trust who will live much longer then us… maybe… the dragon Spike?”
“Spike?”
He nodded, “yes, then with that in his possession… leave Equestria.”
Zera was shocked, “Leave?... but… where should I go?”
Zeil shrugged his shoulders, “Doesn’t matter… anywhere… There is a great big world out there, and in my lifetime I only managed to see half of it. Why not take the time to see the rest.”
Zera felt uneasy as she replied, “But… I don’t…”
“Zera… you said yourself that you don’t want to be alone. But this is a chance to never be alone again. See the world, make new friends, or find some old ones. Zebrica is only across the sea, the highlands are just north east of that. Knowing you, you will find a new home that will fit you better then what Equestria will soon become.”

Zera gave her father a concerned look, “But… what about you?”
Zeil hugged his daughter as he replied, “Zera… your mother, my light… is gone. And the world cannot survive with an imbalanced mage. There is one more thing I must do, but then… I too will be gone. But you will live on, Daughter to the Enchantress of the Everfree, and the Mage of Zebrica. A zebra enchantress, and the changeling with powers of a titan. Through you, the world will still have hope. And… we will be with you… as we’ve always been.”
She hugged him back as she asked, “But… where will you be? Where are you going for your last task?”
He smiled, “I have to seek out a young indecisive fool who has no idea what he’s about to get into. But even after I'm gone, just know. You are the greatest magic that I or your mother could have ever created. And I love you with all that I have left. Because without you… I have nothing.”
She replied, “And I love you Father… whatever balance you must create, I will be here supporting you.”
With their last hug, Zeil turned away from his daughter and left the area as he put the hood up on his cloak, and left the area for one last journey.

Months later as winter for the region came to its end, Zeil was traveling down a familiar road wearing his pitch black cloak and a saddlebag with a dagger on his side. As he approached the top of a hill, Zeil looked out into the distance as he saw a vast field of snow and dead crops before remembering the beauty that was once on these very grounds. Panning his eyes over the horizon, Zeil eventually saw the massive canopied forest in the distance, then as his eyes panned towards closer visuals, they rested on a small cracked statue that looked to be a fat griffin that sat barely a foot tall, but was completely split down the middle with age. As he looked to the small familiar statue he nodded, “Well, this is as good a place as any.” That said, Zeil drew the dagger on his side as he held it up to his mane and mumbled, “Now to offer a catalyst… it isn’t much but it will give it form, and somewhat disguise me from my past self.”
With that said, Zeil grabbed a portion of his mane and ran the blade along it, giving it a crude but effective haircut.

After that was done, Zeil sheathed the dagger as he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a small cloth wrapped item as he unwrapped it to reveal a shard of what was once a black pearl. The same pearl that caused the eternal war in Lilith. As he held out the relic he spoke, “Here goes… hope my studying of this magic is accurate.”
With the relic in one hoof and portion of his mane in the other, Zeil used the shard to draw a diamond shaped marking in the ground, then placed the hairs of his main in its center before placing the shard of the relic on top. Then with the enchantment mark ready, he pulled Tome of the mage from his saddlebag as he looked through the pages before stopping on a recent entry at the back of the tome. Looking at the symbols which rearranged themselves to become legible to him, Zeil spoke, “Relic of old, hear these words and use my form. Reveal yourself to me so we may speak.”
As that was said, the hairs under the relic shard singed away as the smoke it left circled above the relic shard before taking the same form Zeil held as it spoke, “To meet one with such knowledge of my form… I can only be impressed. I like the rest of the relics hold great power foreign to all even the very titans themselves. But since you have summoned me to speak, you may do so.”

Zeil gave the form an unimpressed look as he spoke, “First let me ask out of my own curiosity… do you know me? Or have we met in any way prior to now?”
The form shook his head, “No… I do not recall speaking with any prior to now. If this seems false to you, then perhaps what you spoke to was a remnant of myself that no longer is. If this is true… I hold somewhat concern for my own future.”
Zeil put away the tome as he replied, “As you should… I would like to ask that you do two things for me… first. I want you to take me back to the past. To the last time I stood upon this very ground, I would like to do so, in hopes of never returning to this time.”
The figure nodded, “I see, one way travel. And your second request?”
Zeil nodded as he spoke with a serious tone, “After you take me to the past, I want you to transport yourself into the future.”
The Form nodded, I see… to what time may I ask?”
Zeil shook his head, “I did not say to any time… I just said into the future. I want you to transport yourself into the future indefinitely… until you reach the very end of time itself.”
The form was unsure, “And if time is infinite?”
Zeil replied with a stern look, “Then so too will be your travel.”

The figure sighed in disappointment, “So… you simply wish to remove me from existence itself don’t you?”
Zeil nodded, “to insure you never risk any in this world again… yes.”
He nodded, “You are a cruel wielder… but a wielder nonetheless… As a relic I must obey any who rightfully wields me. Very well. Upon my transporting you to the past, I will transport myself into the infinity, ensuring that I will no longer exist in this, or any timeline. Are you ready for me to fulfill these requests?”
Zeil Nodded as he adjusted the hood on his cloak to ensure that it was partially covering his face, “Yes… I am.”
The figure nodded, “Very well, then I bid you farewell now… and eternally.”
As that was said, the smoke made apparition dispersed as the small black shard glowed brightly, then cracked completely before dissolving into tiny fragments that disappeared into the very air around him. Then like the relic before, cracks started appearing on Zeil’s hoof as Zeil looked to them as they slowly started spreading up his arm and across his body as Zeil recognized this familiar feeling before standing still and closing his eyes in preparation of what would come next.

As the cracks made their way across his body, Zeil felt them spread up his neck and across his face until the feeling faded as it was replaced with different feelings entirely. The cold brisk air around him immediately changed to a warmer but soothing breeze. With this feeling, the sounds of cracking that was his body mere moments ago was replaced with a rustling sounds of vast windy grasslands as Zeil knew what was happening as he opened his eyes to a brand new sight. As soon as his eyes were open, he immediately saw a younger version of his zebra self as the surprised younger stallion took a step back in worry as he stared at his older self in fear. Ignoring the obvious fear in his younger self, Zeil paned his eyes around as he looked at the landscape. The frozen grounds around him were now filled with waving fields of golden wheat as the surroundings gave off a feel of peace in the air. Then as he looked around, Zeil’s eyes stopped at the small chubby statue that sat on the side of the road. Unlike the statue he had seen moments ago, this little griffin was brand new, clean, and whole. With his cloak hiding most of his face from his younger self, Zeil smiled slightly as he mumbled too quietly to be noticed, “I'm back…”
Removing the smile from his face, the elder Zeil looked back to his younger self with an uninterested look as he spoke, “And so… the cycle continues.”