In the darkness of my mind I could hear the terrified screams of ponies everywhere around me. My body was growing cold and I was quickly losing consciousness right up until I heard something step closer to me. In mere fractions of a second my very being recoiled at whatever this horrid presence was. With what little feeling I had left I felt my body violently shiver as I heard the hoof steps come closer still. Then without so much as a warning a multi-toned voice boomed in my head, "Wake up little soul. She does not have much time left." right before I felt as if my entire body was thrown into a frigid lake.

"AAAAAAAAHHHH" I screamed as my eyes snapped open. Confused and frightened my ears swiveled in all directions as my eyes darted around. As my vision cleared I realized that whatever had spoken to me was now gone. The area around me was devoid of movement of any type. All that seemed to be was the occasional gust of wind accompanied by an eerie silence.

This unnerving silence however lasted only until I heard somepony cough in front of me. I shook my head a few times and noticed that Night Star was laying partially limp in my lap. She fixed me with a weak smile before coughing a few more times. The act of her doing so seemed to cause some part of me to grow weak and distant. I shook my head several more times in an attempt to shake the weakness that seemed to be growing. However I had to end up pushing that feeling aside as I could not afford to concern myself with it at the moment. The evident fact that Night Star needed my aid was a more pressing matter.

I squinted as I scanned over her broken form. Even after a small amount of time it was clear she was in awful shape. The front of her armor had been blasted away along with most of her helm. The areas that were not covered were riddled with shrapnel and burns. The only thing that was even remotely undamaged was the white mask that covered most of her face.

After I gathered what little strength I had I lifted her into a more stable position on my lap. I then said "Do not worry...Night Star...I can..." before she gently put a hoof over my mouth.

"Shhhhh...unfortunately it is too late for that...Blood Moon. He...he stated I do not...have much time," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

I was taken back for a moment when she stated my name. In all our years together she had never once called me anything other than "Captain". I had scolded her many times in the past, but she just remained doing so...until now. However, even that small shock was overridden by her other comment. "Night Star...who are you speaking off?" I said in both fear and confusion.

She just shook her head in response and said "That....is not important right now." She then scrunched her lips and added "Please...can you do something for me?"

"What is it?" I inquired, still confused.

"Please...help me take my mask off," she said struggling to lift her forelegs.

It was an odd request, but I complied with little hesitation. Then as her mask slipped off I could see the true face of Night Star. As I had suspected before the flesh on the right half of her face and neck was heavily scarred. Her right eye was sealed shut and her horn was shattered and cracked in several places. But, that was not the greatest shock. No, that came from the other eye that gazed at me with mix of sorrow and happiness. Its iris was the same shade of crimson red as mine were.

My mind went blank at the sight. I did not know what to say as words could not express what I had felt. Even after several moments I still remained silent. As the apparent response of such she was the first to speak. She placed a forehoof on the side of my face and said, "My...my little colt. I...I wanted to tell you for so many years but...but there was never the right time." She sniffed a few times before continuing, "It...it happened so many moons ago. I was still recovering from giving birth to you when we came under siege. They...they killed or took everypony, but I would not let them take you. You...you were so young. Not even a month old." She was interrupted when she started to violently cough a few more times. The result again sent a frigid weakening chill through my body.

After a few moments she regained herself to speak again. "I...I tried to protect you, but I overtaxed my magic. My horn shattered and somehow most of my magic transferred to you. The resulting magical backlash scorched half my face before they dragged me away from you," She said and paused for a moment to look at me as red tears dripped out of her left eye. "They...they turned me against my will right before I managed to escape. I had wandered in despair for so many moons before I saw you. I...I had thought you had perished but there you were. So with what little rekindled hope I had possessed I joined the Night Guard to get closer to you. I even took on the little name your father gave me 'Night Star' to hide my true self," She added still looking at me.

Red tears flowed forth from my eyes in steady streams. There was so much I wanted to say, but the only thing that came out was, "Your name is not 'Night Star'?" before my words became incomprehensible.

She gave a weak smile and shook her head. "No, I think my real name...was 'Life Mender'. Your father called me 'Night Star' because he said that I was like a bright night star on his midnight patrols. You...you look so much like him. I...I am so sorry Blood Moon. I wanted to tell you, but...but" she said before she started coughing up blood.

"No please! I can help you! Please...do not go! Please!" I pleaded as I furiously searched for my scythe.

Her forehoof slid off my face as she said, "I am so...sorry...I love you...my little...colt."

Her body went limp shortly afterwards as flaring pain surged through my body. It felt as if I was tearing in half but I did not care. I forced through the agony as I located my scythe not far from me. I then pulled it to me with all my remaining might before I tipped my head back and drove my fangs into her neck.

Her blood spilled into my mouth as I tried to raise my power, but only my blood magic responded. Red tears flowed down my face as I tried and tried and tried, but there was nothing else there. I began to beg and plead with even fate itself for aid but still nothing happened. I did not care if it would have killed me I still strained with everything I had, but again, it was no use. It was evident that the life force magic I had used for so long had been snuffed out when its true wielder had perished.

I pulled my fangs out of my mother's neck as I squeezed her tight. A deep sorrowful wail poured from me as I begged for anypony or anything for help. But, the only reply that came was the chill wind that swept over us.

And so I remained for a countless amount of time. The cold wind had picked up and even snow had begun to fall from the sky. After a few minutes my fur formed a small amount of frost on it, but I cared little. Even as my body shivered as I grew numb, I just did not seem to care anymore. Then as my eyes closed from the pain and the cold I heard a distant whisper "Do not...give up".

In response my ears and eyes snapped to attention. "Who is there!?" I stated.

Again I heard a distant "Do not...give up," in response.

This time I lifted my scythe and gently lowered my mother's body to the ground. I then stood up and walked with my scythe held and at guard. When no other voices came after several minutes so I yelled, "Who is there?!" But this time the response was much different. Instead of hearing a voice I soon felt an overwhelming sense of dread wash over me. I gritted my teeth in anger as I turned my head back and forth. "It is you! You are the one that said she did not have much time IS IT NOT!?" I yelled into the area around me.

In reply the feeling of cold dread grew greater still, but I remained resolute. I just curled my lips back and snarled out "I CARE NOT FOR YOUR TRICKERY FOUL DEMON! I COMMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF AND FACE ME!"

With all my anger and sorrow I was ready to fight to the last. I needed something, anything as an outlet for my grief. But then it happened. The shadowy cloaked tall skeletal pony from before slipped into this world as if some infected wound in reality itself. If skeletons could smile it surely was as it stated in that same multi-toned voice "That is a statement you are going to regret making".

I did not wait for it make the first move against me so I charged yelling at the top of my lungs. However my seemingly pitiful display merely amused the creature as it laughed at me. Then in a simple fluid movement it slapped my scythe out of my hooves and back hoofed me.

I stumbled backwards as my head rang from the impact that seemed to not truly touch my body. It was as if it hit something inside of me that began to reel from the chilling touch. However, the creature did not give me the chance to recover. Right as I hit the ground some shadowy tentacles wrapped around all four of my legs, my midsection, and my neck. They then, with a violent jerk, lifted me into the air.

My body squirmed and my skin crawled from the sickening touch of the creature that held me aloft. My protests seemed to amuse them more as I struggled against it. It remained chuckling at my efforts as it lifted my body into an "X" shape in front of it. Then in an almost bored tone it stated "Will you please stop struggling. I wish to speak with you."

"Speak with you? What could you possibly desire?! Have you not taken enough from me?!" I snarled back.

The creature stomped in front of me and glared with its blackened eye sockets. "Taken from you? Taken from you?! HA! By all accounts you should be dead by now from your previous actions but I spared your life. I even allowed your mother to remain in this world for a few moments more so she could speak with you! And yet you have the gall to say that I have taken from you!? it bellowed and shook me a few times

I stuttered for a response before I stated in confusion, "What do you want?"

The skeletal creature calmed down a bit and made the act of taking a deep breath before stating "Truth be told dear mortal that goes by the name 'Blood Moon'. I need your help."

Now I was truly confused. A creature so powerful it defeated me with little effort and it was now asking for my help? I was reasonably skeptical as it very well could have been a trick. But, until I could figure a way out of this apparent mess it was best to keep this creature talking. So I raised an eyebrow and stated "You require my help? For what purpose and why?"

"If you have not already deduced I am something of this world and yet I am not. I am 'Death' in the simplest of terms. It is my duty to help maintain the balance between Life and Death. However...due to obvious reasons I am forbidden from acting on my own accord in certain matters. My very presence here is detrimental the balance I help maintain. But, I am allowed to do so in specific situations as this," Death replied.

"Not to be rude eeerm...Death...but just so I have this crystal clear. You require my help in being your..." I said but drew a blank at end.

Death chuckled and said "Advocate".

I cleared my throat in response. "Thank you. You require my help with me being your advocate. Now not to be rude again, but why would I do such a thing?" I inquired now genuinely curious.

"In return for your aid you can first and foremost keep on living here...in a matter of speaking. And two you can get to see your dead lieutenants and mother one last time," he replied.

My heart skipped a beat when I said the second sentence. I swallowed hard and said "H-how?"

Death tilted his head and stated, "As I have been busy speaking with you I have not sent them on their way yet. I will allow you to speak with them one last time before they truly exit this world." Then it seemed he acted as if rolling his non-existent eyes before adding, "In fact your mother has been pleading with me this entire time to put you down. The other two named 'Gray Mane' and 'Shadow Dancer' however cannot seem to stop laughing at your current situation it seems. The last one named 'Tactics' has not stopped staring at me. It is becoming a bit unnerving I admit."

Red tears began to flow down my eyes. I did not know if it was a trick or not, but decided to throw caution into the wind and I accepted Death's offer. He seemed to smile I suppose at my response and said "Oh goody! Perhaps you shall last longer than your predecessors!".

"Wait WHAT?!" I yelped before Death placed a skeletal hoof on my chest. The hoof seem to sink unhindered through my armor and my body convulsed. A sicking chill sweep over my body and my breath was stuck in my chest. My mouth was locked in a silent scream as my very being became revolted at what was happening. My vision soon blurred and the corners of my sight darkened until they became pitch black. My heart beat slowed and slowed until it seemed time had stopped for me.

The chill I had been feeling seemed to blanket me. In an odd manner it was no longer unpleasant. It seem comforting somehow. It was as if it felt like being able to finally take a rest after a difficult day. I welcomed it as the peaceful darkness overtook me. But as I slipped further I heard a voice that sounded like my mother next to me, "No Blood Moon stop! You must not go further!"

My mind jumped awake as my eyes snap opened. Although my vision was blurred I could feel myself being lowered to the ground. The cold stone of the city did not seem to bother me as laid there. In fact it was a strange comfort. After a moment I blinked a few times and my vision cleared to the point that it was almost dreamlike clarity.

Gone was my fatigue and I felt renewed somehow. I breathed in the cold air and stood up with little effort. It was then I saw her and my lieutenants. Their physical bodies were gone to be replaced by a translucent white mist with their hazy images and outlines.

Tears flowed down my face as my mother wrapped her misty forelegs around me. And although I knew they were not material I could still partially feel them. I wiped the tears from my eyes and said "How can this be?"

I heard Death chuckle behind me. "A small perk for being my advocate. Although...they cannot remain her...what?"" Death stated but sound confused.

A swirling white portal appeared not but a few meters from me. Another hazy white figure stepped from it. The figure wore an old style royal guard armor and was carrying a scythe that looked eerie similar to my own. It was definitely a stallion given their form and they wore a sly grin that I often possessed.

Before I could state anything I heard Death say in a disapproving tone, "You are not suppose to be here. I sent you on your way ages ago. How did you even get back here anyway?"

The new figure grinned wider and said "I asked politely heh heh."

Death gave him stern look and said "She does not have domain here I do."

The figure rolled his eyes and tapped his scythe on his back. "Oh do not worry I have just come here to collect my little night star. And perhaps talk to my youngest son for but a moment..."

"Alright, but make it quick. I would rather not have others go circumventing the rules," Death huffed but remained seated. Then I heard a growl as he added "I said I did not want any others circumventing the rules!"

Right after Death said that comment two more smaller figures ran from the swirling portal and darted directly at my mother. They both squealed with joy as they said "MOMMY!" My mother seemed to have tears flowing down her eyes in response as she squeezed the young colt and filly close.

I could not believe what I was seeing. It was so much to take in at one moment. Even after a minute I just sat there dumbfounded with a shocked expression on my face. And I remained so until my father walked up to me and tapped me on the nose. "Silver Scythe to Blood Moon. Come in Blood Moon," he said in an amused tone.

The only reply I gave was to hug him for all it was worth. He just chuckled in reply and squeezed me back before pulling away when Death began to tap his hoof on the ground. My father then sighed and said "Alright alright I know we need to leave soon," before looking at me and stating, "You have truly gotten so big. I really wish I was here to help you grow. But, all I could do was merely watch. I am proud of you son...well minus that awful temper you seemed to have inherited from me heh heh heh."

I wiped the tears from my eyes and snarked back "Ah so you are to blame for that hmm?"

"Ahh that and much more heh heh. However, me and the rest cannot remain here for much longer. So I will unfortunately make this brief," my father said before sighing and looking pained. "The order between Life and Death is strained. It is the reason Death asked for your aid in the first place. Many have perished when they should have not. And many still remain living when they should have perished moons ago. This war between the kingdom and the rogue factions needs to end or more shall suffer."

My father then glanced over at Death who nodded to him. The pained expression on my father's face deepened. "It is time to go. I am sorry for everything that happened to you Blood Moon. Me, your mother, and your brother and sister will watch over you until it is your time. I am sorry we cannot do much else," he said in a sorrowful tone. We then gathered in one big family hug before they turned to walk into the swirling white portal.

Tactics was the first to walk by after my family. He said " Thank you for everything you have done for me. I probably did not deserve your kindness for all I have done to you in the past, but thank you," before walking into the portal himself.

Shadow Dancer was next and he shouldered me a bit on the way as he passed me. "Don't go bawling on my account. I reckon I would've died a loooong time ago if it wasn't fer you. Thanks for everything and take care of yerself," he said before walking into the portal.

The last one was Gray Mane. He just snorted and said "Well I guess this is it. I better get going. Just one last thing," he turned and smirked at me "Beat those shitbags for everything they've done. Trust me they don't deserve your pity," he then walked through the portal before it closed.

I just sat there where the portal once was as I buried my face in my forehooves and I cried like a little foal. They were all gone. The extra time was sweet and yet all the more painful. Death said nothing as he walked by. He just patted me on the shoulder before walking through a black portal and disappeared.

A few minutes afterwards I picked myself up and located the bodies of my mother and lieutenants. While I knew they were truly gone, I just could not leave their bodies to be picked at. So with a tear soaked face I found a small pull cart and loaded them into it before I made my mournful dirge out of the city.

This was probably one of the saddest scenes I ever had to envision. I will wholeheartedly admit I had to stop for a few seconds every so often as my eyes were actually tearing up for real. The mournful music I had to put on to properly write this possibly had a hand in that too. Either way I hope you all enjoy it.