Epilogue

The six regained consciousness in a single moment, forcibly getting back to awareness. The lucid dreaming had no effect what so ever, resulting in a sudden jolt of awakening from the hours of slumber. Traveler, having his companions Summoned out from his runes, he didn't see the swirling Energy, reconstructing the evolved animals to the far side of the cave.

Pyromancer was greeted with the same rounded thing before him. ''Hmm, yehheass- WHOAAA!'' And to his bad luck, he got interrupted by a magical force, sending him flying away from that ass...

''Luna, are you alright? We have been searching for you two quite some time now.'' The Night Princess shook out the dizziness from her head, the blurry dots blocking her view getting washed away. Looking down at the ever so slowly relaxing Traveler, she sighed in relief, before turning around to the sweet sound source.

Before her, The Sun Princess stood, a touch of worry slowly shifting into a relived smile, upon spotting her sister's reassuring expression. Behind the snow-white Alicorn, The Elements of Harmony waited by the entrance, their expressions changing to one of delight to see everyone else in good shape. Traveler Spike was leaning against the cave walls, keeping an outlook to the wild life in the forest, as the night rustled up the animals' from their sleep.

Luna felt touched, as she looked over the supporting ponies before her. Nodding in delight, she answered. ''I am fine, sister and I know for a fact that Traveler too. And he realized the issue with himself on his own. Further explanations will be not needed, I can assure you.'' Taking a quick and sneaky glance at the slowly standing up Horseman, she whispered to her sister. ''I've garnered information about his past. I can take care of him alone, I just needs some more time with him.''

Celestia's smile expanded, however, she made sure to not raise suspicious. ''I'm proud of you, Luna. I shall not interfere with your methods, if you do not require help.''

Luna forced down a giggle. ''Trust me, Tia... he needs support, not me.''

''I'm glad to hear that.'' Nodded in joy the older sister, before dismissing her sudden fanatical expression and changing back to her trademark motherly-smile. Clearing her throat, she resumed speaking in normal voice. ''Traveling Horseman, we would like you to accompany us in Canterlot. We have much to discuss and we believe you will find our conversation most helpful.''

Traveler, baffled by the hospitality and the lack of rush in the real world, he hesitantly nodded. ''O-of course.''

Celestia pressed on. ''Is everything truly alright?''

Traveler rubbed his eyes and shook his head a few times, getting rid of the previous panic from seconds ago. ''Yes, yes... only a little shaken up.'' He inhaled slowly and in relaxation, he let it all out. ''Other than this little adventure...'' He opened his eyes, smiling a little. ''... yes, everything is alright and will be.''

''Uh, I don't think so, look!'' Rainbow Dash spoke up, pointing a hoof towards the Summoned companions of Traveler.

Every present soul turned their attention towards the trio of evolved animals, noting the highly visible changes in complete astonishment...

The first thing they noticed, was the familiarly looking griffon, standing respectfully in the middle and up front. His head reminded the others about a certain eagle, whose upper-beak was black and the lower-beak remained the same grey colored. Black feathers covered the whole head and chest; on the top of the head, they were standing upwards, like he was constantly flying against the winds and the velocity was forcing the feathers backwards. At certain points on a few of his feathers on the head, crimson flake feathers picking up the attention.
On the front of his chest, the mark from his belonging rune - the frame of an eagle's head with the wings on the side - , was presented as a crimson war-paint, just like every other griffon's specific symbol.
From his eyelids, crawling all the way to the side of his beak, dark-purple line adored his features. The same purple color surrounded his crimson irises, acting as a rim on the outer layer of his eyes.
Like roughly shaped goggles, his eyes were surrounded with grey fur, drawing the attention to his face, which appeared to be like a mask, with that 'window' for his sight.

No matter how threateningly his gaze appeared to be, the blank expression gave the impression of a loyal and honorable griffon, who carried nothing, but respect in his heart and with lacking satisfaction in hurting others. An intelligent stare, directed towards the Horseman.

Grey fur covered his well-toned body and the muscles talked about the great strength of his, added to his excellent knowledge. Just like his whole body, his tail remained firmly in one place, the tip of it having his dark-purple color from his higher areas.
Given the vanilla dark of his natural colors and the dominated purple color, his claws had a shade of really dark-blue, standing alone in his overall frame.

Sprint took one last glance over to the six element, before extending his wings for presentation. He too received the same reaction, like Map did a second ago.

''Hoh, boy.'' Applejack let out, suddenly feeling uncomfortable from the much more appealing look on Sprint.

''Agreed.'' Gasped Rarity, putting a hoof before her agape mouth.

Hunter decided to stand up as well, which resulted in making the ponies and one Spirit's eyes to go wider than ever. He brushed off any probable dust from the trousers, before straightening his back completely, showing the impossible change of his skeletal structure.

''Oh... my...'' Fluttershy said silently, not believing in her own eyes. The once animal, who she took care about was now something completely else, suddenly.

''That is...'' Rainbow had the word on the very end of her tongue, but couldn't say it. She too was speechless...

The two stepped beside their griffon teammate, Hunter on the right and Sprint on the left, looking much more intelligent than a simple animal, like they used to be. The three stood strong as one effective team, clearly showing how different species could be in one alliance.

''Well, this is...'' Luna had the same issues like Rainbow Dash, having trouble at expressing herself at that current moment.

''Unexpected.'' Celestia finished for her sister, staring at the three with wildly racing thoughts.

Twilight blinked a few times, readjusted her composure and started. ''Are they...?''

''Evolved.'' Traveler finished her sentence, confirming her prediction at the same time.

Then the night's most incredible moment arrived...

''Hello Master.''

The End?

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The Traveling Horseman

Written by Dhuradhan

Aka: Adam Klapper
~ The Balance