The Final Reveal
Flash stepped into the bustling funeral home, his father, Blaze, at his side. It seemed they were the last to arrive.
"Well, who knew a simple lunch break would last longer than we anticipated?" Blaze said with a quiet, uneasy chuckle.
Flash’s ears flattened. "It didn’t help that I got cornered by a group of young fans on a field trip," he muttered, adjusting his collar. He deeply regretted going out to eat before the service; his notoriety was a heavy cloak to wear today, and his lack of punctuality only added to the stress.
They had been at the home earlier that morning, assisting Page’s agent, Paper Trail, with the final arrangements. It was a modest service—nothing too fancy, just as Page had requested.
Flash scanned the room. It was a sea of unfamiliar faces: business ponies who were likely her publishers, and various others who had been drawn into her orbit by her fame. But in the back, the atmosphere shifted. Ponies with cameras and notepads stood poised like vultures. Paper Trail had warned them the press would be there to report on the passing of such a public figure. Despite the warning, Flash felt a knot of unease. A funeral was no place for a scoop.
Brushing the thought aside, he spotted a row of familiar faces: his brother, Ember Skyes; his foalhood friend, Crescent Shadow; and close friend, Aerial Aim. He offered them a tired smile as he headed their way. "Hey guys. Thanks for coming."
"Anything for a brother," Ember said, reaching out a supportive hoof. "We may not have known Mrs. Page well, but we spent enough time with her while she was writing that biography about you."
Flash gave a slight, knowing chuckle. After the revelations of the last two weeks, his mother’s intense interest in his life finally made sense. His friends didn't know the truth yet, but they would soon.
"Flash, are you alright?" Aerial asked softly, her eyes full of concern. "You look like you haven't slept in days."
"It’s been a rough two weeks," Flash admitted, trying to steady his voice. "But I'll be fine. Thanks for coming to translate the eulogy for me, Aerial. I didn’t know anyone else who could keep up with how fast we talk."
Aerial managed a small smile. "No problem," she whispered.
Across the room, Blaze stood apart, watching the crowd. His gaze kept drifting back to Flash, observing the way his son leaned on his friends. He thought of the "adopted brother" Flash had mentioned, and a bittersweet smile formed on his muzzle. "Beloved, look at him," he murmured to the empty air beside him, as if Page were standing right there. "He grew up to be a fine young stallion. He’s in good company."
"So, I take it you’re the father?"
The voice was calm, rugged, and carried a thick Hoofarian accent. Blaze turned to see an elderly unicorn whose features mirrored Page’s.
"Yes, sir," Blaze replied respectfully.
The old unicorn chuckled, looking toward Flash. "Page always spoke of him. Even when she thought he was lost forever, she clung to every memory. You should have seen the letters she sent my wife and me when she discovered he was still alive." He paused, his expression softening. "She spoke a lot about you, too. How she wished she had met you instead of that farmer."
The unicorn extended a hoof. "Name’s Arrow Strike. Page’s father. It’s a privilege to finally meet the stallion my daughter fell for."
Blaze took the hoof firmly. "Likewise, sir. It’s an honor to meet the father of such a strong, lovely mare."
The service began shortly after. It felt like an eternity as pony after pony took the podium to share stories of Page’s life. Flash listened intently, learning fragments of a mare he had only just begun to truly know.
Finally, it was Flash’s turn. With Aerial by his side, he began to speak in Hoofarian. He spoke of Page’s humility, her memories, and how she was a soul always happily lost in her own stories. Then, he reached the final paragraph.
Flash paused, his breath catching as he stared at the words his mother had written for this exact moment. He looked up at the sea of ponies, then back at the paper.
"Sokan közületek azért jöttek, hogy egy sok világ kancájának tisztelegjenek, de szeretnék még egy utolsó dolgot felfedni. Egy életet, amelyet csendben szenvedtem el. Egy terhet, amelyet cipeltem, miközben tovább éltem. Itt az ideje, hogy végre megszabaduljak ettől a súlytól."
(For many of you are here to honor a mare of many worlds, but I wish to reveal one last thing. A life I had suffered in silence. A burden I held while continuing to live. It is time for me to finally lay this weight to rest.)
Flash took a shaky breath.
"A póni, aki ezt olvassa, a fiam." (The pony reading this... is my son.)
The room went deathly silent. Aerial’s head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with shock. She looked at the tears welling in Flash’s eyes and, with a trembling voice, translated the words for the crowd.
The secret was out. The reporters began scribbling furiously; a camera flash flickered in the back of the room. Flash didn't look up. He focused only on the final lines.
"Egyéves korában örökre elveszett tőlem, de a sors végre visszaadta nekem. A napsütésem, a szerelmem. Nyugodtan pihenek, tudván, hogy fényesen fogsz ragyogni, fiam."
(He was lost to me at the age of one, but fate finally returned him. My sunshine, my love. I will rest easy knowing you will shine brightly, my son.)
Flash stepped down and took his seat, his chest aching. Aerial followed, silent and stunned, knowing they would have a very long talk later.
As the service ended, the press moved in like a wave. But before they could reach Flash, Blaze and Arrow Strike stepped forward, flanking him and blocking the path of the reporters.
"Don't worry, son," Blaze said firmly, placing a protective wing over Flash. "We’ll handle this. You take your time."
Flash nodded, feeling the weight of the world lift just a little. "Thank you, Dad."
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And that's Lore Post #4
I'm planning on doing a 5th one, but that'll be a bit, so bear with me. Life is busy.
Feat in drawing and story @aerialaim
Feat in story @askcrescentshadow @theskyesfamily
