Epilogue: A Leader Found
They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. But really, what step you choose to take can change your path forever, in ways unimaginable. Oswald, well, he knows this first hand.
After hugging Ortensia, Tails called out to Oswald to look. He turned his head, and saw the world of Wasteland appear. But with it, it brought a cloud of rain. This was no ordinary, however, and the lucky rabbit knew this well. It had the power to restore, and restore it did.
All the parts of Wasteland that were once separated by air were now closer together, but still hovering in the sky. The mountains grew taller, stretching higher up into the clouds. The desert too grew wider, with a larger race-track made from dust forming. The buildings in the Internet part of the land also changed, with an arcade forming, and lots of buildings with it.
And the central part of it… Right where the old statue of Walt and Oswald was in Wasteland, and where Walt and Mickey were in ToonTown… now they were both by his side, looking forwards.
As Mickey's house started taking shape, the characters of these lands finally started appearing, and one by one, the residents of each of the respective worlds started cheering. Why was unknown, but to be honest, after having defeated the two biggest threats to the universe, and fixing all of space and time, this was the least they deserved.
All of Sonic's friends appeared, asking multiple questions, stunning the three of them momentarily, before bursting into laughter.
The Angry Birds also appeared, and joined them, praising their efforts profusely.
Vanellope and Ralph appeared, quite confused, before their memories of the past returned. Then came Elsa and her friends and family, alongside Lightning McQueen andhisfriends and family. All of them regained the long lost treasures of time in their minds and hearts.
The world from long ago was better than ever, and the Spark knew it. It was his time to leave, and leave her would have, were he not not stopped by the team.
"Wait! You haven't answered all our questions yet!" shouted the rabbit.
"Yeah, like how the Time Eater came back!" said Sonic.
"Or where the other White Emerald went," added Shadow.
"Or–" Tails started, but was abruptly interrupted by the Spark.
"Some mysteries cannot be solved at once. As time passes, you will learn more, and this riddle will fix itself. Stay safe, and aware. I guarantee you, this is not our final parting. Look after the world you have been gifted, and treat it with caution and care. Now go! You have people to attend to." With those final words, the Spark flew off, vanishing in the sky.
The world this group had formed had no lack of magic, and no need for any, as the mouse and rabbit had developed a magic of its own. One born out of courage, wise choice… and of course, the luck of a certain cartoon rabbit.
As Yen Sid wisely said, which I shall reiterate word for word, the funny thing about mirrors: our reflections prompt us to… reflect. On the struggles we have faced or avoided; how well we manage time; enemies defeated or redeemed; the ways in which we treat others. And perhaps most important, the friendships we have nurtured or neglected.
Oswald and Mickey are, in some ways, each a mirror for the other. Brave, resourceful and good of heart.
They have faced the impossible, I might add, and have travelled through struggles of understanding. I must also say that they were not fully bonded yet, but were willing to give each other the one thing they each needed most; a second chance.
You may wonder why I repeat this so many times. And it's true. Always, a second chance is mentioned wherever possible. But it's powerful. I can safely say that when given, and with the right love and care, it can change a person so drastically, that it feels like the start of a new life. The world doesn't have enough people who are willing to see the good in others, but when you try, it shows, no doubt.
Yen Sid and I hope they become friends and perhaps more. Perhaps… even brothers.