CHAPTER 9: DRACONEQUUS - PART 2

As Discord stood there before the two, he still wore a welcoming smile. "Ah, that's too bad...."

Eris smirked, as she nodded. "Yes it is too bad," the draconequus then squinted a bit at Discord before her smirk widened and then it turned into a grin. "It seems that the ponies are dabbling with things beyond them yet again, you see we can't have that Discord. Nightmare Moon and I have quite a busy schedule we need to attend to, and Eve the Insane is a promised reward." Eris then snapped her claw as she suddenly manifested a golden pocket watch, popping it open before looking at the time with a bored expression. "Sadly, I will not be able to handle this all myself, so I'll leave it to my assistant to retrieve Eve."

This caused Discord's eyes to widen a bit as he cocked a brow.

Nightmare Moon also raised a brow as she glanced at Eris. "Assistant? I never met any assistant of yours...."

Eris chuckled a bit, "Dear, there are a lot of things you don't know and never will." She then clapped her claw and paw together before levitating in the air and beckoning, "Scaaaarlet! Dearest Scarlet! We're ready!" Eris manifested a whistle, before blowing into it hard creating a screeching deafening noise.

Then immediately appearing in a cloud of pink smoke would be a tiny baby draconequus. Her eyes were blood red as her hair was a fiery pink shade. She bore two distinct yellow wings as she also had two yellow pony hooves as her legs. She chuckled a bit as she immediately saluted Eris with a smile. "Reporting for duty M'lady Eris! How may I assist you today!?" The baby draconequus was adorned in a multitude of many different decorations as she wore a large golden crown, accompanied with a necklace which bore a pink butterfly pendant. The baby draconequus then disappeared in a flash, before reappearing in front of Nightmare Moon, "OOOOOOH? Whose this m'lady!?" She then repeated the process, reappearing beside Discord, "Hm?.....And this one?"

Discord gazed upon this new draconequus ultimately in wonderment, puzzlement. Something was absolutely off about her as were the small decorations adorning her body. He felt a bit stunned by her presence, and a little lost in her appearance.

Eris glanced to her right in amusement, "Hah...."

The baby draconequus known as Scarlet just blinked at the older male, as her paw and claw were laced behind her back as she puckered her lower lip and cocked a brow. "M'lady! What time period are we in exactly? What world is this?"

Eris just shrugged before shaking her head, "Nothing that concerns you my dear Scarlet." She then placed her paw on her hip, before snickering a little, "What I need for you to busy yourself with is in Canterlot, please, go retrieve Eve the Insane for me, you two will be like sisters from now on you see. Entertain the others for the time being." Eris paused, "I'll signal you when ready, and please do not repeat what you did on your own home world. This one is special."

The baby draconequus nodded hurriedly, "Yes M'lady! I'll get to it right away!" She then bowed, before saluting Nightmare Moon and regarding Discord with a departing wave. "See you later you all, it was nice to meet you both!" She then huffed before doing a circular motion with her arms, "Scarlet off off and awaaaaay!!!!" The baby draconequus then immediately disappeared in a ball of pink smoke as she'd raised both her paw and claw to the air in a flat palmed manner. "Shazam shazam shazam!"

At this point Discord was annoyed, "I tend to enjoy surprises, but this is getting a little out of hoof, wouldn't you agree Eris? Who was that might I ask?" Discord kept calm however, still knowing that despite wanting to, making any move against these two would probably not be best. In all honesty, Discord at this point was contemplating whether he would even be able to accomplish anything at any time. He was  a talented draconequus, but he was still at a major disadvantage, at this point he was more worried about Fluttershy.

Eris chuckled heartily, before cocking her head back with a playful smile. "Oh Discord don't you know? Well,....of course you wouldn't know at this point in time." Eris tilted her head to the left, "You see Scarlet, she is the future ruler of Equestria."

Nightmare Moon's eyes widened, as did Discord's, both wearing ultimately shocked expressions.

Eris blinked a bit, somewhat confused by their stunned reactions as she did a shooing motion before snickering. "Oh do calm yourselves you two! This is nothing simple to grasp. Perhaps I should've worded that differently. Scarlet you see, is the result of a world where ponies did not learn from their mistakes. She is the result of the choices of pony-kind, of ponies such as Princess Celestia who believed it would be wise to constantly try to dabble in powers best left alone, to control a race such as the draconequus whom are far superior to mere ponies. She is a child draconequus in its full glory. She has already achieved much in her own world, you see when I found her she was miserable, alone, left without guidance; an ignorant slave to a weak and pathetic society. She was much like Eve the Insane, but I changed that. Now as you can see she is a bundle of joy, is she not!?"

Eris hopped up and down happily, clapping her paw and claw as she did so. "Oh I was so ecstatic when I found her! Ultimately it didn't take much convincing on her end." Eris closed her eyes and exhaled. "But I'm sure you're wondering why I'm telling you all this. It's as I told you Nightmare Moon, we draconequus are the greatest beings ever to come into existence. We are a limitless race which cannot simply be turned to stone or exiled. We are a mighty race, we are our own masters. WE, will transcend worlds." Eris then glared at Discord momentarily, "I have only temporarily borrowed Scarlet, and then she will return to her own world yet again to go about ruling it. As mentioned she is my assistant. As Eve to will soon join us whether she likes it or not."

This caused Nightmare Moon to wince a bit, "So if you had that little runt hidden under your sleeve, why do you need me? Or Eve for that matter. Just what are you up to exactly Eris? What are you scheming?"

Eris blinked a bit before tapping her lower lip with her claw. "That,.....is NOT important hmhm! As I said Nightmare Moon I need you because in this particular world you are special. Eve is special. The universe is a vast realm, consisting of many different worlds and timelines, it is in its natural and purest form, chaotic! It's beautiful isn't it!? I am me, you are you, and Discord is Discord. We live in a realm of unpredictable patterns, and we originate from our own specified times you see! I have seen you in many different worlds, some you are small and harmless, some you are prosperous and almighty, and some you are like this. You were helpless, and had established connections with some of my race, you are perfect, and now you are now one of us."

Eris then manifested two apples, "For example, you take two apples, one is unique to the other yet they appear entirely the same." She burst out into hearty chuckles, "Uhuhuhuhuhu! BUT, this is my original home. This to is where I have originated. I need you and Eve because it is here where the playing field has become equal. The one who strikes first is the victor. It is here we bring an end to this little draconequus tale. It is this world that has decided to make a fool of my race, so it is here I shall find what I need most for my journey of conquest. It is here I will bring an end to the tragedy my race has become, and move onto a more glorious prosperous future." She wore a soft smile at that point, as if lost in the past for a few lingering seconds.

Eris then looked back to Discord with a confident smile, "Which is why you give us what we want Discord, and we'll be out of your hair in no time. Resist, and well.....You'll have to suffer the consequences of those choices." She paused, "For now just sit back, watch, and enjoy yourself. It'll be a field of chaos no doubt, something we both can appeal to." Eris manifested her throne before sitting in it, "There are many things that remain unanswered Discord, even for you. That's one of the many things that makes the world such an interesting place, the mystery enveloped within it. This little tale of ours has reached the boiling point and I believe it's time to bring it to a close as I've stated numerous times. So watch, as everything falls into place. Welcome yourself, to my endgame." Eris leaned back, before just glancing up at the ceiling. "For so long, I've sought to build my perfect family.....To see the draconequus at their rightful place atop the universe, upon the astral throne of everything in-between. I will see that reality."

Discord frowned heavily as he now was just silent, glaring at the female draconequus.

Nightmare Moon had her arms crossed as she still seemed a bit confused. "Will we be leaving after this?"

Eris smiled while looking at Nightmare Moon with wide beaming eyes, "Mhm! In due time love, in due time."

Rift made her way onto the throne room balcony, looking over Canterlot with tired eyes. Suddenly accompanying her in a flash of orange and yellow smoke would be Havoc, as he seemed a bit more distracted by something else. Rift however had her mind preoccupied with Eve, as she thought back to the choices she'd made regarding the draconequus's well-being. She then thought back to the scroll Princess Celestia had, which caused Rift to then scowl in irritation as she was obviously still upset over the whole matter. Rift placed a paw on her forehead as she muttered, "Do you think the ends justify the means Havoc? Even when it comes to our orders? For a long time now, I've struggled between the two."

Havoc leaned over the railing, observing some ponies trailing down below in the plaza district of Canterlot, before answering her without really paying attention to her, with yet another question. "What're you talking about Rift?" He sighed heavily, "See, that was always your problem. You've always put too much thought into everything. We've come here to provide aid to Princess Celestia, Luna, and Twilight, nothing more. Technically our mission is already over, so don't go butting your head in where it's not wanted, you'll only end up getting hurt. Or worse..." He frowned heavily then at the fellow draconequus.

Rift's expression darkened, as usual, she kept her personal thoughts to herself.

Havoc's frown twisted into a light scowl, "This is why you should've followed after your sister. Why did you even join the council? It was established so we could bring some sense of order into our chaos filled world. We've managed to divide and control many individual aspects of chaos, your powers aren't required anymore Rift. You've grown into a fine young draconequus yet you still linger handling problems where you're not wanted." He paused, calming himself a little bit before he'd continued in a more relaxed demeanor. "When we get back I want you to leave the council and join your sister. Form a family, settle down, and stop focusing on things that don't matter any more." Havoc manifested an apple then, tossing it up into the air before catching it with his claw and staring at it for some time. "We've succeeded in proving that we've changed since then, and even now, we've succeeded in defending our race from more bigotry and further persecution from the outside world. We did what we came here to do, and further strengthened our relationship with Equestria. That's all that really matters, wouldn't you agree?"

Rift spoke briefly, silently before raising her hood, looking a bit lost in her thoughts. "But that child, Eve,....Don't you worry about what she'll become if she isn't dealt with properly? We may have proven ourselves and shown our loyalty to Princess Luna and Celestia, but if we don't ensure their safety by severing all possible loose ends, then won't it come back to bite us? I..I don't know how to put it into words, but answers are all we need from that monstrous child, yet here they are repeating the same mistakes which brought us here in the first place. They're focusing on things that don't matter!" Rift's mood immediately worsened then, as she spoke with an intense anger in her voice. "Can't you see what they're doing Havoc!? They're risking themselves and their subjects for something so petty and meaningless! Don't you care!?"

Havoc winced before glancing towards her in frustration. "No, why should I care? What's your deal anyhow? Do you have some personal stake in this which keeps you attached to that girl or something? No? I thought so. Now stay out of it Rift, let Princess Celestia and Luna do what they want with the girl. As long as they don't order us to do anything, or neither does Princess Twilight then all is fine with us. It has nothing to do with us, just like Discord no longer has anything to do with us. Eve the Insane is Equestria born, she is a draconequus born and raised in a different land, even her name is foreign."

Rift snapped, before turning away swiftly from her fellow draconequus, "If you don't want to help then fine! If you truly believe allowing Princess Celestia to do this is right, then I'll go get help from someone that DOES care! I've followed my orders to the letter, but I didn't agree to endanger everything we've worked to establish for one stupid petty little brat! All of you are absolutely insane, allowing something such as this to happen. I should've just kept my mouth shut! I should've let Princess Twilight do what she had to, she had sense, she knew what needed to be done in order to protect all the races of Equestria, despite ORDERS." Rift then began to walk off, before snapping her claw and opening a portal, about to walk into it before she was grabbed firmly by her shoulder, forced in place as she just gritted her teeth, "Claws.....off!"

Havoc now had a look of suspicion yet annoyance. "What's your deal? Ever since this mission started, you've been eager to jump on the bandwagon for this little girl. You've been far more opinionated than usual, and the way you're acting now reminds me no different of the way you acted when you first joined the council, spouting all this nonsense about doing anything to preserve our race, to prevent anything bad from happening to us. Forgive me, but when did you become the leader of the draconequus? When did this all suddenly get so personal for you? You were fine with capturing the girl, you were fine with assisting in that capture, yet now here you are getting upset over the fact Princess Celestia and Luna are doing something such as this? What matters if they still find some use for her? It has nothing to do with us! She is an equestrian draconequus! She is not one of us at this point! Let them do what they want, and allow them to deal with the consequences, we've provided the assistance we were sent here to do."

Rift glared back at him, "That girl is far too dangerous to mature. I won't let my remaining family or my race become endangered by the ponies irresponsible decisions. I know what to expect, even if you're too ignorant to realize it, I won't blindly rush into suicide."

Havoc replied curtly, "It appears that's what you're doing right now. You're disobeying orders Rift, this is unlike you, calm down and just ignore this one little thing." He turned back towards the balcony railing, before leaning over it, "If you truly choose to pursue this in your own way, then I can't protect you Rift. Please don't force me into that situation, don't force me to confront your sister should anything happen." He just sighed heavily, before looking up towards the sunlit sky. "I'm a purebred draconequus, I'll always have the heart for chaos, but I'm so tired of seeing our race dismantle like this. Must we really find drama in every little thing we do? I'm starting to see why Discord decided to stay behind with the ponies." He slouched, just closing his eyes with a tired expression.

Rift stood there for some time, before just silently commenting, "Goodbye Havoc...." She then stomped promptly into her portal, disappearing along with it. There was a looming silence for some time afterwords.

Havoc opened his eyes before just looking back down towards the city of Canterlot. "Later kiddo, be safe.." But as Havoc looked upon the city, there was something further off in the distance which caught his eye. Down past the mountainside, further into the open plains of Equestria, Havoc squinted as he focused particularly on a forest region. There he could feel something was off, something from within distracted him, and he couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was. He was too distracted by Rift to have noticed it earlier, and it upset him to the core of his being. He raised a brow, "What's going on over there?" He then turned, "R-Rift! You need to make another portal, I need to-...." but as he looked behind him to see that the draconequus had already departed, he frowned heavily. "Ugh..."

Eve stood in a room, similar to the one she'd been trapped in before. Yet something felt different here, especially regarding both Princess Luna and Celestia's demeanor's. It was as if they'd all come to an understanding, especially Eve. She no longer cared to try, to resist, or spout any of her nonsense that she'd convinced herself of over the course of time. She was done making excuses for the inevitable, and her eyes were pure representation of that fact. They were like windows, allowing one to easily read into her current mood and personality; she lacked any emotion whatsoever. She simply sat, glancing down at the transparent floor.

Princess Celestia unbound the scroll she'd been keeping close, smiling in regards to Eve. "Let's not waste any time then. Eve, to call you a child would be an understatement to say the least. You're a monster, one capable of many horrible things, let's not deny that any longer. You've realized what you are and you've been through endless discipline and failure, and you know there will always be consequences for your actions. The way you are now, you've had years worth of experience, and learned things I don't expect most to learn in a lifetime. You've matured." Princess Celestia paused, "Which is why I'm willing to give you freedom, for a price."

Eve glanced up at Princess Celestia momentarily, before smirking a little. "Oh?...And what's that?"

Princess Celestia smiled back herself, "Your youth, and your loyalty."

Eve blinked a bit, just looking at Princess Celestia in confusion for some time. "Huh?"

Princess Celestia circled around Eve, before stopping behind her and lowering her head next to her's. "Eve, you're perfect. There is no connection I have to any other draconequus such as you besides Discord. You see what we have is....prior history." Princess Celestia lowered her hind legs, before glancing down at the baby draconequus affectionately. "I know you care deeply for Equestria, for my subjects and I, for everypony's well-being despite what you claim and how you act. I will always know this, for you were kind enough to not take advantage of the situation back then. Instead you showed me a world you feared, one you struggled to understand and accept, and that in itself was your reason for rejecting my offer was it not? You have guarded my secrets with your life, such loyalty is unheard of in any other draconequus, even Discord. And even now, you would rather remain in banishment than risk Equestria's well-being." She placed a hoof atop Eve's head, "For such reasons, I will save you now. I will protect you from Twilight's judgement. I want Equestria to always be safe, and I cannot protect it as I am, solely from the shadows, and nor can Twilight seeing as the further she descends into such a darker world, the more she risks her power and role as the Princess of Friendship. Yes Eve, along with Discord, Luna, and I, I will ensure you have a place in Equestria, I will set you free."

Eve's eyes went wide as she felt frozen, unsure of how to react to Princess Celestia's words.

Princess Celestia immediately stood, before giving Princess Luna an intense glare. "Now, we're short on time Luna."

Princess Luna nodded, before glancing down at Eve, raising her hoof, and swiping it. And with her sudden swipe, Eve then once again, had lost consciousness before just plummeting to her side motionless, lost in a deep temporary sleep. Princess Luna raised a brow at the draconequus due to how easy it was to sap her consciousness. "Hm, I'll never understand how this girl works, nonetheless, it is done sister. We're now prepared to begin." She frowned, "How many years will we be taking."

Princess Celestia sighed at Luna, "Don't word it in such a way Luna. We're doing this to help her, not the opposite." She then glanced down at the open scroll which laid upon the transparent invisible floor beneath them, "Time is but another plaything for a draconequus, the fragility of youth truly doesn't hold much meaning in their seemingly infinite lifespan. We don't have time to wait for Eve for go through the natural course of her lifespan for a multitude of reasons. We must move with haste Luna, Twilight will want to get Eve's situation over with as soon as possible, for now she is still recovering. There will be no turning back after this..." She frowned heavily, before looking at Luna intently, as if apologetic. "Sister, you don't have to follow me in this decision. You can choose to trot away if you wish. I only want your support if it's what you truly want to do, I don't want to force you into this. If there is a time to back out, now would be it Luna. In all honesty, I can't be sure what'll emerge from this chamber once we're finished."

Princess Luna shook her head, before a soft smile made its way onto her own face. "No Celestia, I would never let you go through this alone, despite what my personal beliefs are. When it comes to the draconequus race, I believe you and I both have many things we need to make up for in the past, this girl is Equestria born, we are giving her a chance no other draconequus has ever received. She should be grateful for this blessing, and whatever emerges from this room, I'm sure it will understand that. Now shall we stop stalling and finish this?" Princess Luna squinted a bit at Celestia with a playful smirk, before her horn started glowing a bit.

Princess Celestia smiled back, obviously relieved by Luna's words. "Of course Luna..." as her own horn started to flicker and spark with a colored light which matched her own magical essence. Princess Celestia made her way beside Luna as they both wore serious expressions, practically staring down the open scroll which now laid next to Eve. And as they stared, the more their individual horns began to gather in magical focus and stimulate with power, as the light at the tips only became more intense. Soon with their motions, the very scroll which laid next to Eve began to levitate, simply being elevated through the pure power of their magic. Princess Luna and Celestia waited for a certain point in this process, and they stayed focused, their eyes practically locked on the scroll waiting for it, and keeping up with spell was obviously straining on them as well. Princess Celestia mused with a somewhat tired snicker, as it sounded as if it took away her breath simply to speak, "To think after all this time, his spells are still this complicated for us Luna, that unicorn was certainly a genius...." And as she'd said those words, the air around Eve started to become violent, as gusts of wind began to circle around the baby draconequus and both alicorns noticed a rise in Eve's mane flowing steadily, almost as if she were beginning to get caught up in a rising hurricane. This only sparked them to continue further in the process.

Princess Luna had noticed something, and it caused her eyes to widen. What she saw was Eve's mane beginning to grow longer, inch by inch on the short ends, she'd seen how it was beginning to extend, to naturally regrow once again. "CELESTIA!"

Princess Celestia replied almost instantly, "I see it Luna!" Before the scroll that'd once levitated in front of them, turned into astral dust before their eyes, the remnants of it scattering into the air and around the draconequus. At this point the very room which once felt more still and lifeless than the void, was now recurring with heavy winds, as the effects only intensified like a violet storm. Princess Luna and Celestia at this point themselves appeared a little shocked, surprised, as it was as if not even they had actually taken the time to perform such a feat before. Princess Celestia looked up towards the seemingly infinite starry sky of the room as she'd frowned in contempt, "We die with our secrets, isn't that true sister?" She turned immediately, looking towards the large stone door which'd kept them in this room privately. She then started trotting towards it, "Let's hurry on out of here Luna."

Princess Luna watched as the effects of violet weather only intensified in her dream room. She then commented in regards to Celestia's words, before turning with her and making her way down towards the exit of the room herself, "It is those secrets that have kept Equestria safe for so many years Celestia, never regret them. Such as with Chrysalis, with Sombra, even with me, what they don't know won't hurt them, and when the time comes, should our choices ever come back to haunt us, we will always deal with it and make the best out of such things. Our world, this world we've crafted out of love and friendship, it cannot handle such dark matters openly, the only way to preserve its sanctity is to lock away the horrors ourselves to keep them at bay." She then glanced back towards Eve, who became lost as she remained stationary on the ground, before wincing at her, "And we've just found our lock and key, one who will do what's necessary to help us do what we ourselves could never do alone."

With Princess Luna's wince, Eve slowly rose as she appeared confused with half closed eyes. At this point in time the draconequus's hair was already much longer than before, having returned to its original length and more. It didn't take her long for her to realize something strange was going on, as she glanced around with wide eyes, still a little too petrified to make any movements. But the longer Eve sat there, growing increasingly aware with the rising situation, to Princess Luna's surprise and nearly to her horror, she saw something she didn't expect. There in the whirlwind, the thick cloud of astral dust, she saw a smirk creep onto Eve's face. It was almost as if Eve actually understood what was going on, or had even expected it. Yet Princess Luna couldn't read into her expression any longer, no longer did she meet with those hollow lifeless eyes. There she saw one whom was sinister, one who wore a conniving smirk. It'd actually frightened Luna somewhat, and caused her heart to race for that split second. As Eve's image slowly faded in the cloud of astral dust surrounding her, Luna was unsure what to think. And as she saw that smirking conniving image of the draconequus fade, she also believed she'd heard the words, Thank You, echo faintly in her mind. There was a hint of regret which coursed through the night princess at that moment, as she muttered, "Such....is the definition of sacrifice?...Is it not, sister?" Before the chamber room door opened.

Rift strode sternly down through the tiled path which lead to the more open areas of the Canterlot castle gardens. Suddenly blocking her path would be two unicorn guards, wearing glistening purple armor.

One of the guards pointed his lance at Rift with an irritated look, "Stop! Princess Twilight is enjoying a picnic with her friends!"

Rift glared down at the guard in irritation, not caring for the lance blade at her throat. "Haven't you idiots left yet? What are you still even doing here?...." Rift then looked past the guard without a care for him, further in the distance, where she caught sight of Princess Twilight and her friends. Rift then looked back down at the guard, "I seek an audience with the princess."

The guard shook his head, "No! We won't let you disturb her. She is as said, enjoying a peaceful picnic with her frie-"

Suddenly speaking up however would be Twilight herself, "Guards!"

The guards immediately sheathed their lances as they turned towards Princess Twilight bowing their heads. They then spoke in unison, "Princess!"

Princess Twilight regarded them with displeasure. "Please, raise your heads, there's no need for any of that." She then looked at Rift with at first a questionable glance, before a welcoming smile. "Lady Rift it is good to see you. Please come join my friends and I, we're just enjoying ourselves for a bit before the banishing ceremony begins. I'm a little nervous since it's my first time."

This caused Rift to squint a bit in discomfort, as she immediately closed her eyes and bowed to Twilight. "Of course Princess Twilight....I do wish my coming was simply for idle chatter, but I'm afraid this is in relation to a far more dire situation. One where I require your heartfelt approval and assistance. I would be very pleased if you would hear me out."

Twilight was silent for a bit, just blinking in regards to Rift before frowning softly, "I'm not sure if I want to....but I will..."

Pinkie Pie then immediately appeared besides Twilight, "Huh huh huh!? What's going on!? We playing truth or dare!?"

As Twilight, Rift, and Pinkie made their way to the rest of the mane six, they all stood there together for a bit in silence. Rift appeared reluctant to speak, as she just kept her eyes focused on the ground. The surrounding scenery didn't depict the tension of the situation at all, seeing as they were all standing in the beautiful Canterlot gardens, shaded by the leaves of a massive tree. It was as if Rift was struggling, waiting for some sort of signal or right moment to speak. She curled in both her paw and claw in irritation, as she'd gritted her teeth looking towards the grass, unable to say anything. She then drew back on what Havoc said.

You're disobeying orders Rift, this is unlike you, calm down and just ignore this one little thing.

Twilight just looked upon the draconequus nervously.

Applejack then made her way next to Twilight, before muttering, "H-Hey Twi....Is she gonna be okay?"

Rarity to butt in at that time, cringing a bit, "Erhm yes...I must say she looks quite upset...."

Applejack looked to Rarity with a nervous chuckle, "Eheh, g-guess it's safe ta assume it's bad news..."

Fluttershy just remained silent in the background, before nervously gulping.

But as a group of birds suddenly flocked from the branches of the tree they stood beneath, the draconequus spoke, breaking the silence. Her expression was blank and her eyes were wide, and her words were straightforward. "Princess Twilight, I've come to inform you that-.....Princess Celestia and Luna are in the process of subjugating Eve to an overwhelmingly powerful magic ritual."

This immediately caused the rest of the mane six to regard the draconequus with wide eyes and stunned expressions.

Twilight in particular appeared suspended in disbelief as she looked upon Rift, unable to say anything.

Rift continued however, "This spell will cause Eve to become even more powerful than before. In other words, she will be beyond your reach, and she would become unrecognizable due to the after-effects of such a spell. She will be beyond banishment."

Twilight's eyes widened exponentially, as she'd let off a fierce yell in her Canterlot voice.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?"

As Spike and Rainbow Dash emerged from the apparent catacombs of Canterlot castle, the two appeared exhausted and disappointed to say the least. Rainbow Dash of course was seething with frustration, as she stood there in annoyance, simply trotting down the hall which they'd made their way down in the first place. They were now once again on the upper more public level of the castle, which had maids and guards trotting about all directions. Rainbow Dash shook her head before glancing back at Spike, "Spike, you sure you don't know where this dream room thing is? Even though you've been here for so long?"

Spike shook his head as he frowned heavily, "N-No, sorry Rainbow Dash. Princess Celestia had an old one, but she hasn't used it since whatever happened here in Canterlot some time ago with Eve. Heck, she never even allowed me or Twilight to ever see it, always used to say it was absolutely off limits to us, especially when Twilight was younger. Now wherever she is, she's using Princess Luna's, and I've never been to Princess Luna's dream room. She had it constructed some time after she came back from the moon according to Twilight. I didn't even know Princess Luna had a need for one, I know Princess Celestia's was to help her figure out things she couldn't possibly do on her own during Luna's absence, or well, banishment. The only way to do that was to construct her own makeshift dream room thing, it allowed her to do what Luna does to a lesser extent should she ever need to."

As they trotted down the hall, Rainbow Dash raised a brow at Spike, a bit surprised. "Jeez Spike, you connected all those pieces on your own? I don't give you enough credit then." She then looked ahead, surprised with Spike but still frustrated.

Spike shrugged before closing his eyes with an amused smile. "Huh? Oh, naaaw! I just remember Twilight talking about it on one of her more talkative nights. She was apparently trying to make sense of it to. Actually, if I remember correctly she said something about that room not making sense." Spike then placed his claw on his chin, glancing up curiously. "I think she said something about how the room had to serve some other purpose besides dreams, one she couldn't figure out." Spike paused before shaking his head, shrugging yet again. "Who knows, maybe in time we'll figure it out." Spike then stopped in his tracks, before his eyes widened. "W-Wait! Rainbow Dash, haven't you been there before!? Don't you know where it is!?"

Rainbow Dash glanced back at the dragon for a moment with a squint and confused look, "What're you talking about Spike?"

Spike continued, raising his claws in a suggestive manner, "I remember Twilight telling me you guys were allowed inside it once, a long time ago when Eve took Apple Bloom and me? Do you remember ever using something like that?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes immediately widened, as she fluttered her wings, flying a bit and placing both hooves on her head. "HUH!? OH YEA YOU'RE RIGHT! GAH!" She gave herself a face hoof, "Of course! Now I remember! So that's where they went!" Rainbow Dash immediately prepared to burst off in a particular direction, as she glanced down at Spike, "Come on Spike let's hurry!" But Rainbow Dash paused in that next moment, still a bit confused. "But we never had to go through some secret halls or something to get there last time?....If Princess Luna and Celestia went there wouldn't they have had to gone back in the direction we were heading with Eve? How come we didn't see them? Was there some other way to get there in the lower levels?"

Spike shook his head, "I don't know, maybe Princess Luna has some thing for secret passageways? Who knows?"

Rainbow Dash just touched upon the ground in frustration, "Now that's just weird Spike! Why would she have that?!"

Spike shrugged, "I don't know Rainbow Dash, I'm just taking guesses here!"

Rainbow sighed with a facehoof, "I'm being serious here Spike, we need serious suggestions, not jokes. Now let's OOF-" Rainbow Dash was then immediately shoved to the side for a moment, as she fell to the marble floor and then touched her head. "OW!"

Suddenly a guard glanced down at her, as he was now present with fellow guards who were all beginning to rush in a particular direction. In actuality, Rainbow Dash recognized him to be the captain of Twilight's temporary guard, but she couldn't recall his name. He seemed frantic, rushed, as he bowed his head in regards to the mare. "Forgive me Lady Dash, but it seems something has come up and I was a bit lost too lost in my thoughts to be paying close attention, my apologies!"

Rainbow winced at him angrily, "And what's so important that you can't watch where you're going!?"

The captain saluted Rainbow Dash respectively, before answering. "It's Princess Twilight! Lady Rift has informed her of some dire news regarding Eve the Insane! Apparently to our horror, Princess Celestia and Luna are planning to do something with her. Once Princess Twilight was informed of this, her and Lady Rift, of course accompanied by the rest of your friends, made their way down to where Princess Luna and Celestia is now. Of course," the captain sighed with a heavy frown, "Princess Twilight isn't happy about this, not one bit. I worry if these draconequus issues will branch off to neighboring countries such as my own."

Rainbow Dash immediately rose to all fours, shocked. "W-What!?" This news caused Rainbow Dash's expression to sink, as she was appallingly worried by the looks of it. "S-She's heading to Eve!? When did this even happen? We just saw that purple haired draconequus a few minutes ago! She was nowhere near Twilight's room or anything!? How'd she inform her of this? Why did she do it? It's just Princess Luna and Celestia? What does that have to do with her and Eve?"

The captain of the guard simply sighed, closing his eyes. "Apparently, everything."

A shiver ran down Rainbow's spine as she gritted her teeth, "Ugh!" She then glared at the captain as if demanding answers from him. "Why? Why is all of this even happening!? Why can't we all just find a peaceful way to resolve this!?"

This offended the captain a bit as he glared down at the mare. "Huh?...Well judging by what's happened, I believe we've been as peaceful as we can be. Sorry to say Lady Dash, but you should be grateful that Equestria is the only place involved in this matter, seeing as these draconequus creatures have the power to affect the entire world." He squinted a bit, obviously irritated as he spoke bluntly and in a straightforward tone. "As for the logic regarding this whole thing, I believe it's easy enough to understand." He paused, "Chaos must be controlled, be it through the hooves of a child, adult, or whatever it may be, this is obvious enough."

Rainbow Dash winced angrily at the captain, before scowling a bit, "SHE'S A KID!!! AND AN INNOCENT ONE AT THAT!!!"

The captain simply frowned, before opening his mouth, about to say something,

Princess Luna and Celestia exited the room, but as they did so, to their surprise, something immediately made its way inside.

Like a flash, making its way between them, would be a swift figure, rushing into the room immediately.

Princess Celestia and Luna's eyes widened, as they immediately glanced back towards the open doorway.

Now standing in the room wielding her scythe would be Rift the draconequus, as she'd winced at both princesses, before curling in her paw and forcibly shutting the massive stone door behind her, locking herself in the room along with her supposed target.

Princess Celestia immediately turned towards the door with a horrified expression "R-Rift!? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE-"

Before she'd been interrupted by a familiar voice. "Princess Celestia?.....Why?"

Princess Celestia then immediately looked ahead once again to find Twilight standing there, accompanied by members of her personal guard and her friends, who were deathly silent. "T-Twilight?...What is the meaning of this!?"

Twilight shook her head, obviously hurt by Princess Celestia's words. "That's what I should be asking you! What is this Princess Celestia? Princess Luna? Why're you trying to help Eve!? Why're you trying to take away Equestria's justice!?"

Princess Celestia stomped a hoof in desperation, "WHAT YOU'RE PLANNING ISN'T JUSTICE DEAREST TWILIGHT!!!"

And Twilight snapped back angrily, "And what you're doing is!? What're you trying to accomplish Princess Celestia!?" But Twilight paused, as she glanced to the lower right, "No...you know what, I don't even want to know. I know if you felt the need to do this, then you must've had good reason, despite your judgement. But as a princess, I'm not going to let that decision bring any more harm to our subjects! I don't care what your reasons are, if you won't let me punish Eve, then I'll have somepony else do it!"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened as her breath fell short, "T-Twilight?....What've you done?"

Twilight cocked her head back with a sneer, "Established control Princess Celestia. Rift will solve this issue for us now then..."

Princess Celestia's eyes snapped wide as she'd immediately turned back towards the door, "RIFT!!! STOP THIS!!!!"

Innocent or not, she won't be a child forever, that much is obvious. When will the situation escalate beyond our control? Have you ever asked yourself that question, Lady Dash?

As Rift stood in this room of infinite stars, she simply glanced down at her purple scythe, gripping the handle tightly. In the middle of this room, a whirlwind of astral dust still gathered around the center, as if creating a violent barrier and attempting to prevent anything else from entering into it. Rift muttered something to herself, "You know, there's this saying I've heard, that we must take our secrets to our grave. But I don't think that's true. I think it all depends on who we share those secrets with that matter, but no secret can stay buried forever. I questioned it many times, your existence, whether you deserved the right to live, whether I should keep a neutral perspective about everything, whether I should follow my orders, but in the end I could never get over the fact that it's me whose responsible for you." Rift winced in irritation, "It was as if I finally managed to achieve the best of both worlds you know. You got to live despite my mistakes, Princess Twilight would've found justice for those that you killed, and Princess Celestia and Luna would've eventually had been satisfied with the results. And I, I would've still obeyed my orders to the letter." Rift then glared ahead once again, straight towards the violent whirlwind. "Then this had to happen, now I have to put you down myself Eve."

Rift touched upon her purple mane with her claw, noticing the length of it was steadily becoming longer. She squinted a bit in reaction to her changing locks, but ultimately didn't appear too surprised by the occurrence. And soon appearing around the draconequus would be faint images surrounding her, scenes from the vaults of time, ancient memories reawakened in this starlit atmosphere, this twisted tornado of the past, future, and present. The image to her right portrayed something Rift refused to acknowledge herself, and standing there on her left side would be a child version of herself, a baby draconequus not much different from Eve, as that baby draconequus stood before a bearded stallion, one whom appeared old and wise beyond the ages. "I was indeed the first Eve, our worlds had to inevitably collide at some point, and at some point it would have to be me who made such a decision. I assume it was just the work of some twisted entity that you'd end up being a part of my own family." Tears swelled in the draconequus's eyes as she walked slowly, forward and ahead, taking her time, still wanting to speak, to let all these things out, things she'd managed to keep hidden for majority of her life. "Forgive me, I am the source of the draconequus protocol." At that point, Rift picked up her pace as she immediately charged the center, leaping into the whirlwind and doing a spinning motion with her scythe. There she saw a faint figure, her target of course, as she'd attempted to strike it down.

But immediately blocking the incoming blade would be another, a refined candy cane blade.

Rift's eyes immediately widened as she looked struck with confusion, "W-What!?"

Then immediately emerging from the center and pushing the older draconequus back, would be another draconequus. One who was significantly taller than before, a young teenage draconequus who was now capably aware of making sense of the situation. One who was now far more aware of many things. "I know,....Auntie!" Before that draconequus did a swift reactive kick to Rift's abdominal region, having fortified her leg with a rocky outer layer, sending the scythe wielding draconequus skidding and tumbling across the transparent floor, before even slamming into an invisible wall at the far end of the room. "I see it now, all of it."

Rift coughed, gasping for air as she'd wobbled to her feet, looking upon this new draconequus with horrified eyes. "No...."

There stood Eve,now far more older than before. Her hair was of course beyond measure in length, reaching partly across all areas of the room, and she wore a face which as usual lacked emotion, and was deathly cold. "I've seen what you've been through." Eve then glanced down at her claw, "This spell is amazing. Princess Celestia, she protected me despite everything that I've done. She trusted me. I can't disappoint her now, not now, not ever." Eve regarded Rift with a curious look, "Wouldn't you agree Auntie?"

Rift shook her head, as she immediately became fueled with a fiery rage of desperation, chanting her words. "No, no no no no!!!!" She leaped into the air, before giving her wings a mighty flap and striking down once again towards the teenage draconequus. "NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!! I couldn't have been too late! It's too early!" And with each of her strikes, she failed to make contact, failed to do any damage to the draconequus who stood before her, her heart ached in despair. "NO!"

Eve parried each of her blows with ease, before frowning somewhat. "Draconequus like us are meant to shrivel away and disappear with our names, our legacies are stains upon the pages of history. I know this all Auntie, and thanks to Princess Celestia, I can make sense of it now. I can make sense of the images we see here, I can make sense of the logic behind her thinking, and I can understand why you feel responsible for what's happened. You were the first, the first child draconequus to show just what we're capable of turning into and becoming. Starswirl the Bearded saw this, he saw the monstrosities we were, the magical capabilities of a childish imagination. He was horrified by it, by your cause and mastery over fear itself. He saw no hope in the chaos." Eve paused before leaping back some, expecting to be pursued by Rift, which she was. "You attacked him didn't you? After Grandma and Grandpa's deaths during our escape in the battle which determined our exile? You were responsible for everything. It broke your heart. It's all so clear to me now Auntie, everything is clear to me now." Eve's nose wrinkled a bit. "You're the one who ruined my life. You're the one who turned me into what I am. You're the reason I can't enter my beloved world peacefully."

Yes surrounding the two draconequus would be such images, yet they were flashing simultaneously, back and forth about the room, it was practically impossible to keep track of them or make sense of them. They were after-images, effects due to the time scroll used to birth this madness. But how, how was Eve able to make sense of it all in a matter of seconds? To read into her like an open storybook, was there now such a vast difference between them? Rift's expression sunk as she pursued Eve, as she looked into those cold dead eyes of the forcibly aged draconequus. This was their only chance to stop it, to stop Princess Celestia's madness, to stop the creation of a monster, not a goddess. She knew only something horrible would come of this, Eve's development was unlike other draconequus, she'd been through too much, seen too much, for her to mature would only spell catastrophe. Rift saw it now, and the effect of the draconequus before her caused her to feel something she hadn't experienced since she to was a little girl. She experienced the feeling of despair. For her whole life she kept her heart closed off, kept such things hidden from everypony, and had even kept her identity hidden from Princess Celestia and Luna. Her origins were no more than mirages of her past, locked away in her mind, only to ever emerge here. Rift couldn't let her past mistakes be the cause and birth of one such as this! She had to be the one to put a stop to it! She put on a pained expression as she pulled her scythe back, and as Eve touched down upon the ground in front of her, Rift swung while letting off a fierce yell.

Eve just sneered as her eyes were covered by her bangs, and she gritted her teeth before lunging forward at Rift, "Eheh!"

Their swift motions were followed by the sound of piercing flesh in that next instant, and then followed by a longing silence.

Memories of a distant past, were apparent in Rift's mind, even during these moments of confrontation with Eve. Actually, Eve started to remind her of such things she'd forgotten over time. A particular moment that shaped who she was.

The skies of Equestria were a blood red shade mixed with orange, as if the realms of flame had merged with the heavens. Of course all at this time was silent, as sitting in a cave by her lonesome would be a small draconequus. She had purple hair, and her arms were wrapped around her knees. She appeared hollow as she looked upon two lifeless bodies of fellow, larger, draconequus. The baby draconequus just sat there silently, staring at them, unable to expression anything anymore. She spoke in a tired manner, "Mommy?....Daddy?....." Of course there was no answer from them. There'd been numerous gashes and scrapes covering their fur coats, wounds that hadn't healed. Then in the middle of their chests were two gaping holes. "Will you wake up?....I'm not afraid anymore. I'm sorry I wasn't brave enough to help you back then, but,....I beat them now, each and every one of them."

Then it was revealed outside the cave where the baby draconequus sat, would be a multitude of pony corpses, scattered across barren desolate plains. Judging by the rocky scenery, it wasn't hard to establish the area was likely somewhere in the badlands.

Standing on a peak of a cliff would be a cloaked bearded pony with a wizard's hat. He had a straight expression, looking upon the field of corpses with a seemingly petrified, yet calmed and composed demeanor all at the same time. He simply gulped as he stood, lowering his head and gritting his teeth. He watched, and he waited, silently, keeping his eyes focused on the cave entrance. His eyes widened as from the left of the cave, emerging from some opposite peaks in the distance, would be a larger draconequus accompanied by a few others. This immediately caused the bearded pony to lower his frame, as if to conceal himself as he breathed heavily, hidden behind a couple of smaller rocks. He then pulled out a journal, "Such complex creatures..."

The baby draconequus in the cave remained situated and still, as she just continued to look down at the bodies of her parents.

Then suddenly speaking with a saddened yet calmed expression would be another larger draconequus behind the smaller one. "Come Rift, it's time to go. We've secured ourselves a safe exit further south of the Badlands." She paused, before glancing back with somewhat worried eyes. "Was that you, who did all that outside? Mom and Dad would disapprove....You know this..."

The baby draconequus immediately clenched tight onto her legs, tightening her grip on herself as she'd gritted her teeth. "But they're the ones who hurt them! I hurt the ones who did this! How can you sit there and not care sister!?"

The larger female draconequus simply sighed before closing her eyes halfway. "I do care little sis, I care a lot more than you do." She frowned in contempt, "But I also know that you're too young to make sense of these things. Why, why would you resort to such methods?" She winced, "I hate this land more than anything, I just want to leave it behind us. Even more so, I hate uncertainties. You know how much I hate not knowing what to expect, so just be careful next time." She made her way over to the smaller draconequus before embracing her in a hug, "You know how I'd hate to lose you." She rubbed her cheek against her sibling's affectionately, smiling and closing her eyes as she did so. "You're just too passionate sometimes, you got that from dad."

The other draconequus accompanying the eldest sister were simply silent in the background with their arms crossed.

The eldest sister glanced down at the corpses of her parents with a disappointed expression. "I'm sorry we didn't make it here sooner, we came across Princess Luna, luckily for us we managed to escape. It seems Discord is planning to stay behind, so he's going to give us the opening we need to make our escape with the others. We're going to start somewhere new, somewhere fresh, away from this broken world and forge our own paradise. We'll disappear with the ages sister, we'll be able to live happily again." She tightened her clench around her sibling, her voice trembling somewhat as she attempted to speak clearly and distinctly, but there was an obvious hesitation in her words. "I want you to forget what's happened here. What happened to mom and dad isn't your fault. Forget about Equestria, forget about everything you've seen in the recent months and grow up peacefully." She glanced down to her little sister with a hopeful smile, "Forget about killing, forget about the ponies, forget everything. We'll build a perfect society, one that'll be able to defend itself as well as raise children who don't have to be exposed to this. There will be no room for failure sister, we don't need the ponies. There's no more reason to be afraid."

The purple haired draconequus gripped onto her sister's arm, before her eyes saddened. "I'm not afraid sister...."

The eldest sibling's eyes widened, as she seemed a little confused.

The baby draconequus stood to her hoof and claw, just glaring down at her parents at this point. "I never will be again. I won't lose you, and I'll protect you no matter what. I will never be afraid again." She turned with a swift stride, baring cold eyes as she made her way for the exit of the cave, and past the other older draconequus, muttering something as she'd left, "No more mistakes."

The eldest sibling sensed something new in her sister, something distasteful. Yet it was something she should've expected seeing as her sister had just resorted to murdering a group of ponies in order to make up for her parent's deaths.

Suddenly approaching the older sibling would be a larger male draconequus. "Rave...."

The older female draconequus revealed as one known as Rave lowered her head, her eyes covered in shadow and somewhat concealed by her white bangs. "What is it Ravage? As you can tell, I've just watched my family break apart. My little sister is emotionally scarred. So as you can imagine, I'm not in the mood for any more bad news."

The male draconequus frowned, before crossing his arms and glaring towards the corpses of Rave's parents. "Your little sister managed to take out practically two battalions of Celestial and Lunar guards, highly trained. This is something not even two elites such as your parents could accomplish. I think it's safe to assume we've got to keep her under control in future scenarios, despite your wishes, she could be a great help to the defense of our race from possible future incursions." He then placed his claw beneath his chin, rubbing it inquisitively in thought. "Perhaps, some children hold greater potential than even some of us adults."

Rave winced, as she practically glared at the fellow male draconequus in annoyance. "What're you thinking?...."

The male's eyes widened as he gave her a crooked smile, shooing her away somewhat. "O-Oh, nothing...Nothing Rave. Just taking things into consideration, but for now, let's escape this twisted land. The others are waiting for us, so we need to hurry."

Rift waited outside the cave, still sitting as dust clouds made their way past her. She looked up towards the crimson sky with a frown, and then back down at the result of her massacre, somewhat suspended in disbelief she'd caused this. "There is nothing to fear, nothing at all." The little draconequus then immediately reached into a tiny portal, a makeshift void she'd created, as she pulled out what appeared to be a small bloody curved dagger. She looked at this bloody dagger affectionately, smiling at it. "Do you enjoy the taste of it? Perhaps you will grow with me over time hm?...Hehe, yes, we'll be together, until the end, you and I."

And observing the draconequus from afar, would be the bearded pony, now accompanied by another. He was with an armored mare, an alicorn with a vibrant pink mane and a blood stained white coat. Her golden armor was blotched with differing shades of deepened red, dried scarlet. She wore a sickened expression, a tired one, as if she were simply tired of all the fighting, all the horrors she'd been witnessing in recent times. She had deep bags underlining her eyes. "What is this Starswirl?" She'd asked simply.

The bearded pony revealed as Starswirl the Bearded just glanced to his upper left at the alicorn. "A threat Celestia....won't you take care of it?"

The alicorn revealed as Celestia didn't react for some time, that tired expression never left her. She simply looked upon the field of carnage, at her fallen soldiers with saddened eyes. She then glanced in the direction of the baby draconequus sitting outside the cave, before glancing down at Starswirl once again. "That little draconequus did this?...." She'd asked tiredly.

Starswirl the Bearded just nodded silently as he kept his eyes focused on the little draconequus in the distance.

Princess Celestia followed his glance, back towards the baby draconequus, as she felt both her and that baby draconequus had made eye contact in that moment. It was as if they understood one another through some sort of silent message, that no matter how this went down, there would be more blood had the princess chosen to pursue them. There was this form of silent exhaustion between them, especially in Princess Celestia, who appeared as if her tears had all but dried up completely. She seemed withered,  too demotivated to go on, too affected by everything she'd seen. But as Princess Celestia stood there, in that next moment she then glanced behind her, to which it was revealed there was yet another battalion of her guards standing further off in the distance behind her. They wore fearful yet loyal expressions, as some were also withered and tired, appearing as if unable to go on. At that moment Princess Celestia looked up towards her flaming red sky with wide petrified eyes. Before replying to Starswirl the Bearded in a light tone, "Leave them,.....Let us go regroup with Luna."

Starswirl the Bearded blinked a bit, as if surprised, "Of course Celestia, if that is your truest desire."

Princess Celestia spoke faintly, "We've earned our victory, let them go continue with their retreat. Both ends have lost a great deal." She then looked up towards the sky, as Princess Celestia shed tears and frowned heavily. "T-This, this isn't the sky I wanted to see. I grow tired of the smell of burnt flesh Starswirl, it's an overwhelming stench. Yet now, I feel I can't escape it." She paused, "It's become natural. I can't live in a world of chaos any longer." She lowered her head promptly, in the form of a sulk as she trotted slowly. "Let us go regroup with Luna and share the good news. That we of Equestria, can now forge a new destiny. I will never let my subjects be subjugated to such things ever again. I will never let my family be harmed by races that deem themselves above us to the point they can control us. Let us hope the draconequus are aware of this."

Starswirl the Bearded then immediately turned towards Celestia, preparing to follow her before commenting on something else himself, "Yes Celestia I understand this, but there is still one who refuses to let go. The youngling, Discord. What of him?"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened as she glanced back, "Discord?...."

Starswirl the Bearded nodded, "Yes, the child of Eris. Ignoring him would not be wise."

Princess Celestia glared ahead again, before groaning lightly, "We will find a way to deal with it, with time, I assure you."

Starswirl the Bearded bowed his head, as he followed after Celestia at that moment. "Of course Princess, with time."

The baby draconequus situated outside the cave, kept her eyes focused on the cliff's edge in the distance, as the two figures which stood there before now disappeared from sight. This brought a sense of relief to her for some strange reason, for some reason she felt that those two were particularly more dangerous than the rest. She closed her eyes, before lowering her head.

"Is something wrong Rift?"

Rift's eyes widened as she glanced back, to find her eldest sister looming over her shoulder with a curious look.

Rift then shook her head, before baring a soft affectionate smile. "No sister, everything is absolutely fine."

Rift in present time then fell to her knees, as she heard the sound of her scythe clanking to the floor.

She wore that tired expression again, much like when she was a child, as her eyes were locked onto the fact there was now a sharpened candy cane pierced straight through her chest. She spoke faintly, "So you learned even that to?"

Eve stood behind the draconequus, with a cold piercing stare, before muttering, "Yes. To think that in truth, we're much more fragile than we seem. Decimate the heart and the draconequus will go with it, it is something Princess Celestia knew this entire time. Yet she never revealed this information to Twilight Sparkle, she protected me. But why Auntie? Why did you hide this information? It doesn't matter, you won't die. I have only stilled your beating heart for the time being, thanks to the altered flow of time within the room, this process is much easier." Eve looked at her claw with wide eyes, "Time magic is fascinating. So are these powers."

Rift didn't say anything, as she kept her eyes on the ground.

At that point, Eve to got a hopeful look, as she gulped and muttered, "I wonder Auntie, could it be that....that you-"

Rift interrupted her, with a weak snicker. "Hah, don't get ahead of yourself. I was only following orders. My only spark of guilt, came from the fact that you'd grown into such a dangerous creature because of protocols that were established due to my existence. They were haunting, maddening for me. But you personally, had nothing to do with them." Rift raised her paw, as she slowly saw it chipping away and turning to dust before her. "So, how's it feel? To know you're despised by all of your family?"

Eve appeared reluctant to answer, but she didn't falter nor did she shed any tears. "I've.....grown used to losing family...."

Rift smiled, as she closed her eyes, "That's the spirit. You'll need it." She looked up towards the starry ceiling of this strange room with a cocky smirk. "You know, I guess it makes sense." She glanced back at Eve with half closed eyes, "It makes sense that you've lasted this long. But still, I interrupted Princess Celestia and Luna's spell before it could finish, now you're stuck like this, your progression finally ends here." She then looked back towards the ground, at the candy cane which pierced her chest. "But to think you'd learn so much simply from this, you truly would've grown into a monster. Nonetheless I consider this a victory, despite how it ended. Princess Twilight understands my perspective, she'll never let you get away, especially as you are now." Rift paused yet again, before coughing up a large amount of blood, and smiling. "You're done, Eve the Insane, the game is done."

Eve smirked a bit herself, almost making a humored look. "But things have a tendency to change Auntie, as you've probably noticed. Chaos is unpredictable, isn't it?" Eve paused, before baring a soft broken smile, "I want to protect Equestria. Anything else doesn't matter at this point. Their world is more precious than anything else. And if that means I must live alone, absent of any individuality, absent of choice, absent of family, absent of love.....then so be it." She chuckled a bit.

Rift chuckled again, slouching down. "Hah, to think you've become so delusional over something so idiotic. You're no more than a celestial puppet." As she said those words, the draconequus fell face first to the floor, simply coughing before curling in a bit.

That cold look returned to Eve, as she just muttered, "See you, Auntie." Eve's candy cane soon also dissipated.

In the land of the draconequus, in one particular home, an older female draconequus stood over the sink with a distracted look, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. She didn't say a word, as behind her, there was an older male draconequus sitting in the living room, enjoying himself as he spent time with three younger draconequus whom were sleeping on the carpet. It was hinted that they lived on an upper story of some sort of apartment complex, or tower which consisted of many homes for the draconequus race. Their balcony door was open, seeing as off in the distance of the cloud filled sky, one could see the setting sun, giving the room an orange glow to it. The female draconequus's expression sunk, as she spoke in regards to the male draconequus, "Do you ever regret it? Do you ever wonder what happened to her? What she's going through?"

The male draconequus's eyes widened as he put on a prideful sneer, leaning back and placing both his paw and claw behind his head. "Tch, why would I? The girl couldn't even grasp the basic concepts of magic. She was a failure from the start."

The female's paw and claw started to tremble, as she was using her magic in order to clean the dishes without even touching them. But her firm hold on the edges of the sink began to leave imprints, as her eyes were now wide and her pupils dilated as she stood there, simply looming over the sink. And as she cleaned the dishes, many of them back to crack, as she replied to the male draconequus. "Do such things, even matter at this point? Don't you ever wonder what it could've been had we simply committed more time to her? Don't you ever wonder, if she missed us? If she cried for us? If she was confused, or scared, or ever learned to adapt?" The draconequus's trembling started to worsen, "Does it matter if she were a failure, or a prodigy, or an average child? Isn't all that matters, is that she was our child? I've been thinking recently. I've been thinking how much time has passed since that moment. How peaceful our life is, how everything has seemingly fallen into place. All except for one of us...."

The male draconequus now wore an annoyed look. "That's just your motherly instincts speaking, you don't truly believe any of that nonsense. What point is there in raising a clueless daughter that can't contribute to herself or anybody around her?" He just closed his eyes, before frowning. "Nonetheless, there's no point in putting any more thought into it. I doubt she even still lives, Rift and Havoc have been gone for some time, I'm sure we'll more than likely never see that child again anyhow."

The female draconequus glanced up towards the ceiling, just silent. She couldn't wrap her mind around her own feelings of discomfort, these feelings of angst and worry. "Little sister.....have you learned anything since that time?" She paused, as unaware, tears streamed down her cheeks, and she whispered silently to herself, "Eve, what a lovely name....."

And sitting alone on her couch in Ponyville, would be Cheerilee, as her body was wrapped up in a blanket. She had her television on as she simply remained in that sitting position stationary, with torn pages of a particular book scattered about her home. She was also looking over a tiny crystal star in an affectionate matter. Cheerilee's face expressed one of pained nostalgia, but also slight gratitude. She then rubbed the star against her cheek, before shedding silent tears, her body trembling as she did so. The mare reluctantly got up from the couch, before going about her living room, then picking up the pieces of torn paper, gathering them all up in one pile.

There on the TV, giving a news report would be the same mare from the Crystal Empire not too long ago. She mare was ecstatic in her news delivery, as she stood before a grand stage. "And in a few minutes! The Great and Powerful Trixie will make her debut!"

Cheerilee then slowly made her way way outside her home, with the papers and crystal star in hoof. She paused however, as she was caught entranced by the distant sunset. She was lost in the color, in the sense of heartache it brought upon her. She only stood there in silence for some time, before simply dropping the papers and the crystal star in front of her home, but as she was doing that, she'd suddenly been interrupted by a greeting.

"Ms.Cheerilee!"

Cheerilee then glanced to her right, noticing standing there would be Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They waved at the mare with cheerful looks, before Apple Bloom questioned worriedly, "Where have ya been!? We've been worried sick!"

This brought an affectionate smile to Cheerilee's face with half-closed eyes. "Hey girls...I've been,....well, busy....thinking."

As the papers soon scattered, fluttering about the area, soon many of them were carried off with the winds.

As the crystal star which remained on the ground, soon cracked, before breaking down into tiny pieces, and fading to dust itself.

Eve then picked up Rift's scythe, staring down at it momentarily, before using it to cut her hair in one swift slice, reducing the length greatly. She then snapped her claw, placing the scythe back into a black void, before using her own magic to dissipate the portal to that void entirely. The draconequus then made her way towards the dream room's entrance, before forcing the door open herself. There she saw standing, was Princess Celestia still with a horribly worried expression. As the princess caught sight of Eve, her expression eased into one of relief. As Princess Luna only looked upon the draconequus, suspended in disbelief with wide eyes, unable to say anything. As Twilight looked upon Eve with a petrified look herself for some time. Eve looked upon all of them, she still wore that cold expression, before she to put on a sinister yet softer smile, pleased with the situation. "Hiya all..."

Twilight couldn't believe what she was seeing, as she just trembled before falling to the ground with wide eyes.

Princess Celestia frowned heavily, "Where is Rift, Eve?"

Eve glanced over at Princess Celestia before nodding her head, "Incapacitated for the moment Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia sighed heavily, "That, is unfortunate. We will have to relay this information of her betrayal, and her departure." Princess Celestia then glared down at her student. "And you Twilight, have you seen what your pursuit has costed you? As you have Spike, I Princess Celestia, shall have Eve carry out certain tasks. This, Twilight, is the fruit of my labor, what you see before you, is a draconequus I believe isn't beyond salvation for her crimes against Equestria! This is the truth you wanted, here she stands, ready to defend Equestria from any future threats. She is no longer the draconequus you sought to capture." Princess Celestia stomped a hoof stating, "She is willing to sacrifice everything to protect you and your friends!"

Twilight's voice trembled, as her horn started to spark and shimmer, "Have you lost your mind Princess Celestia? Protect?....Defend?.....W-What're you even saying?......ARE YOU CRAZY!? SHE'S A MURDERER!!!!"

Fluttershy flinched as she began to tear up. "T-Twilight please....please will you just stop this?! Can't we all just stop fighting!?"

Applejack though stood beside Twilight, pointing a hoof at Princess Celestia. "N-No offense Princess Celestia but Twi is right! Why would you side with her, she's a criminal! She's done many horrible things to all of you, you can't possibly ignore all that!"

Eve didn't react to this however, she simply stood at parade rest, with her claw and paw clenched behind her back. "Princess?"

Princess Celestia stated simply with a frown and sigh, "Defend yourself, but don't attack."

Eve reacted in suit, "Understood....."

Before Twilight let off a screeching yell, "SHE'S A MURDERER!!!!!" Before lunging herself towards the draconequus with a powerful flap of her wings. Twilight wore an enraged look, as she charged Eve, manifesting a transparent purple sword.

"SHAZAM!!!!!"

And ceasing all the activity in the area, would be a bright pink light.

Pinkie Pie immediately clapped her hooves, "Oooooooh so pretty!!!"

Twilight just stopped in place, stunned as she tried to get a good look at the source of the interruption.

Eve could see it clearly, as could Princess Celestia and Luna, but they still didn't know what to make of it. They each shaded their eyes, both princesses with their hooves, while Eve shaded herself with her paw.

There standing in-between all of them in this hall, would be a baby draconequus as she held what appeared to be a giant lamp post. The light at the top was in the shape of a star, flashing a bright and constant blinding pink glow. Her lower lip was puckered, and she also wore strange adorations and a golden crown in the shape of a tiara. "HALT! I Princess Scarlet Shy, have come to deliver M'lady's blessing! Any who get in my way shall be punished with kindness! Kapow Kapow Kapow!"

Twilight Sparkle squinted in irritation, as she was still furious at Eve, let alone another irritating draconequus having entered the scene. She didn't halt in her actions, retracting her floating transparent blade but simply lunging forward yet again.

The little draconequus glanced back in puzzlement. "Princess Twilight Sparkle? It has been long! How have you been!? You look mad!" The baby draconequus then immediately turned towards Princess Twilight before raising her butterfly pendant necklace and giving it a kiss, "Let me show you this kindness! If you're still around Twilight Sparkle it means this Eve the Insane is too soft. A world of softies! This isn't the world draconequus deserve!" She stomped before showing Twilight her open palm. "WHAM!!!"

Twilight snapped angrily, "OUT OF MY WAY LITTLE GIRL!!!! I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU!!!"

Princess Celestia then snapped at Twilight herself from afar, "Wait Twilight! STOP!!! Leave her alone!"

But before Twilight could even say anything back, she found herself struck in a moment of bewilderment as her head was forcibly turned to the left somewhat, and there was a horrible aching feeling in her right cheek. It felt like only a second, before the mare found that she was slapped with an incredible force of air. Of course Twilight shot back immediately like a torpedo, skidding and tumbling across the hard marble floor as she slammed and crashed into a wall at the far end.

And at the far end of the hall, about to make a sudden turn would be Rainbow Dash and Spike, accompanied by the Captain of the Twilight Guard, as they'd flinched in reaction to seeing the mare suddenly crash into the wall, getting lost in a pile of dust and debris. Rainbow looked at the motionless Twilight for a second before crying out to her, "T-Twilight!?"

Spike of course, reacted in suit as he made his way through the rubble to Twilight. "Twilight!? Twilight are you okay!?"

Princess Celestia cried out desperately, "TWILIGHT!!"

Rarity and Applejack glanced back in Twilight's direction hurriedly.

Applejack of course rushed to provide aid to her friend in suit, "T-TWI!?! HANG ON SUGARCUBE, I'M COMIN!!!"

Rarity trembled before falling to her side as her mouth was covered with a hoof.

But Fluttershy's focus was on the baby draconequus in the middle of the hall, she wore a curious expression for some reason. A curiously horrified expression as she trembled while covering her head with her hooves.

As Pinkie Pie just hopped up and down before chuckling a bit, "Oooooh what an intense game of tag!"

Scarlet Shy just stood there nonchalantly with a bored look. "Mmmmmmm..."

Twilight's guards of course immediately tried to strike her down, as they were frozen in place entirely by the pink light. They stood there in place, stunned, powerless to resist this draconequus's will. Of course, this angered each of them greatly.

Princess Luna then attempted to cast a spell on the draconequus as the draconequus shielded herself with a pink barrier.

Scarlet commented, "I've seen all these spells before you know. They won't work a second time Princess Luna,....Celestia..."

Princess Celestia frowned heavily, in confusion, bewilderment, "W-Who are you? Where did you even come from little one?"

Scarlet Shy glanced back at Princess Celestia wide eyed. "Hm?....I'm from Equestria." She then turned to face Princess Celestia with a smile, "Don't you recognize the crown Princess Celestia? I'm sure you do." She pointed her claw at it.

Princess Celestia's eyes widened at the sight of it.

Scarlet Shy continued, "But I don't have much time here, I just came to fulfill m'lady's orders."

Eve glared at the little draconequus before her angrily, silently, preparing to strike.

Scarlet Shy then pointed a claw at Eve, "This is Lady Eris's endgame."

Eve blinked, now suddenly confused as she muttered, "E-Eris?....Ms.Eris?"

Scarlet Shy nodded with a smile, "Yes, Lady Eris has returned to Equestria. And I have come to deliver her endgame to the ponies." The baby draconequus then raised her lamp post, as she chanted, "SHAZAM!!!!" Causing the scenery around them to change drastically. The surrounding group of ponies soon found themselves in a world of candy coated features, while the castle had dissipated entirely, they all stood in a world of sugary sweets and pink clouds, of course.

Eve looked about, seemingly amazed by it all. She looked to the fellow draconequus, "Endgame?"

Scarlet spread her paw and claw with a pleased smile. "To bring a change to this world! This is a draconequus's world!"

Twilight remained still on the ground, as her friends looked over her.

And yet somehow, Havoc had not arrived with the rest of them.

While Rift laid on a bed of chocolate icecream, wheezing heavily as she only observed from the background.

Princess Celestia spread her two front hooves as her horn started to glow, "Over my dead body child...."

Princess Luna who was now able to move freely again, glanced over to Celestia worriedly, "S-Sister...."

Scarlet pointed her lamp post at Celestia with a sinister smile herself, "I will carry out m'lady's orders without error! Yep Yep!"

Eris smiled from her current position, obviously satisfied. "Only by looking past their own paranoia and self-induced hatred can those ponies hope to accomplish anything with that particular girl around. But what're the chances of that? Seeing as we've arrived at this point already." Eris then looked to Nightmare Moon, "Nightmare Moon, do please change it to night time, I'm sure you won't have any resistance for the time being. But move quickly, time is short I'm assuming."

Discord burst into hearty chuckles, "Bahahaha! Not to burst your bubble, but if she does that, Luna would notice immediately!"

Eris cocked her head back, "Don't be so snide Discord, of course I anticipated something so obvious." She then nodded to Nightmare Moon assuredly. "Go on Nightmare Moon, please, if you will."

Nightmare Moon raised a brow, before raising her paw to the air and curling it in.

And soon, just as the draconequus had predicted, the skies of Equestria turned dark, as the full moon overlooked the sky.

Nightmare Moon smirked, "Hah, well....That was easy enough..."

Discord blinked, before immediately poofing outside to see for himself. "Are you kidding!? Just how many tricks do you have!?" Discord began rubbing his chin nervously as he frowned, "Mmmmmm, well I can't deny I'm impressed."

Eris joined him outside merrily, "Oh thank you Discord, your praise pleases me."

As Nightmare Moon soon followed, except emerging from a cloud of shadow instead of a ball of pink smoke like most.

Eris continued, "Now is the time that we move in to take care of something that's been long coming."

The ponies of Equestria all looked to the skies in confusion, as did Cheerilee and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. As did Trixie, as did Zecora, and as did Chrysalis and her band of changelings. As all looked to the sky, unsure what to think or make of it.

Eris manifested a portal, as past it, one could see that it lead to the land of draconequus. "Let us not waste any time then." Next Chapter: Chapter 10: Draconequus - Part 3 Estimated time remaining: 30 Minutes