~ Story of the Blanks - Lost Memories ~

by TheRainbowBlitz

First published 21st of February, 2018

Three memories shall be yours Applebloom... that's all I can do for you...

Apple bloom... can you hear me?
It's me... Ruby.

Before they fell victim to the blanks, I've managed to save them. They're here with me... two ponies you know and love. They talked to me, granted me their last memories... so I can give them to you.
Don't worry Apple bloom, there IS hope out there...

Between Darkness and Friendship

Applebloom...

... can you hear me?

It's me... Ruby.

I'm so glad to see you again, even though you can't see me. I'm right here, standing next to your bed as we speak. Please don't wake up, not yet. I came here to talk to you, I hope that's okay.

Oh Applebloom, I can't say how sorry I am for what happened to you during the last few month!

I know that you hate me, no, loathe me. It was all my fault after all... everything that happened was because of my curiosity and foolishness. If I could, I would change everything, I would give my life to bring your family and friends back... but there's no life left that I could give you.

Dying isn't bad Applebloom... there's no pain, no sorrow, no hatred and no fear.

It's like a wonderful dream that will never end. Everything in here is so peaceful... but it's

not real... I can feel that there's something outside that keeps me from resting. It's my guilt, my

promise I made to you, remember? I wanted to get you out of this nightmare... but I didn't, I wasn't able to save you.

Everything around me keeps fading day by day, my mind and memories won't stay long... sooner or later I'll forget who you are and who I am. But before that happens, I want to help you as best as I can. Though I'm not longer able to help you in your world anymore, neither can I aid you in your sorrow and grief...

... but I can give you knowledge.

Many hearts and lives were broken that day when Ponyville and Canterlot fell apart.

Equestria is now without leadership and without hope... soon the blanks will spread over the whole world, driven by their own fate.

But don't worry Applebloom, there IS hope out there...

Before they fell victim to the blanks, I've managed to save them. They're here with me... two ponies you know and love. They talked to me, granted me their last memories... so I can give them to you.

Three memories shall be yours, but I can only give you one at a time...

I can't stay for too long... I'll give you the first memory the next time you close your eyes and drift into my world again.

Until then, dearest Applebloom... wake up.

Through your eyes - The memory of a former friend

Hi there Apple bloom, it's me again.

Remember what I told you last night? Well then... I am ready to grand you the first memory.

Are you ready?

I could hear the singing birds outside the window, their harmonic chirping that echoed through the forest along the fine noises of rustling grass and blown away leafs. The tender warm morning sun shining through the glass and onto my face, finally ripping me out of my sleep in the early morning.
With my mane hanging in my face and a few remains of dried drool on my lips, I slowly sat up and took a moment to fully regain my senses. I was up very late the last night, a dumb thing I used to do quiet frequent to be honest, eventhough mommy would get mad when I fell asleep during classes. Luckily for me it was vacation time and the only kind of work I had to do was bringing out the trash. But I liked school, believe it or not, especially since I was close to all of my friends. Just when I thought of it I heard a slight knocking on my door.
“Sweety, are you up yet?” It was my mommy who was slightly peaking into my room with a soft smile.
“Your friend is here to play” She continued. A part of me was a little more sleep would have been great, not to mention the state my mane or face was in which was mor ethan a little embarrassing, yet I had a feeling that my friend looked worse.
“MUD MONSTER ATTAAAAACK!”
“NUUUUU!” As expected she burst through the door packed with mus and leafs all over her face and fur, jumping onto me and only making my bad mane day worse, but hey who didnt like egtting dirty now and then? We giggled and laughed, rolling over the bed and onto the floor*
“You will never get me you monster!” I heroically raised my magical sword, which in this case was a make shift tree branch sword, and poked my friend the mud monster in the chest.
“NUUU! I WAS SLAIN! BLARGH!” In a very dramatic fashion the monster fell to the ground and died, just to get up a few seconds later giggling.
“Hehehe nice try, but you can never stop the chosen one~!” I said playfully with my tongue sticking out.
“Oh yeah? Well next time I AM going to be the chosen one and YOU will be the monster and I shall save the land from your monster...y!” She replied cockily and with a wide grin.

“Aww but you are such a better monster than me... and I haz the sword of thousand magics!” I know the name was not very intimidating, but its power was incredible. Besides it was true that my friend was a way better monster than anyone I ever met, eventhough that sounded sort of mean.
“Heh well... maybe I am a monster deep inside.” Her smile faded a bit and I could feel how the mood was dropping, maybe she took it too personal. In order to make up for it I gave her a super big hug and added: “Well even if you are, you are my bestest monster buddy in the world!”
It took a little but she finally hugged me back with a little giggle.
“Fine! You wanted a real at heart monster, you will get one! Hehe I dont want to hear any complaint if I slay the mighty knight Sir Ruby one day!”
“Pfsh, that wont happen! Instead thy will all hear the story of me, slaying the deadly Three Leaf!”

A few hours passed and we began to make our way outside the house and into the small village we were living in. It really wasnt all that big of a village either, mainly a few houses, a warehouse near the rim of it and a town hall sort of thingy. We used to be a way bigger community, but one day all the elders left with their children... which is why I only had grown ups as friends, including my best friend Leafs. I never complained about it though, because I rather have one very good friend than many fake ones... or at least that is what I told myself. The ponies were all very nice to me and we tried making the best out of the situation. My daddy, the greatest party planner in all of Equestria, so he said, always made everypony smile and get along with each other, sometimes performing some stand up comedy. I never really understood some of his jokes, but the faces he made were already funny enough as they were.
“... say... do you still have to wear this contraption on your hip?” Three leafs asked.
“Huh? Oh... you mean my saddle attachment?” Its true that I had to wear this special typ of medical clothing for my leg which is connected to my saddle. My parents made it for me for spread the weight of my body over my back then my hind legs, as result, it would cover my hind legs aswell as my flanks. One might mistake it was some weird looking sort of sock. I dont remember what mommy called it, all I know was that I need it and I should never ever take it off. After all... I had troubles walking. I sighed and nodded silently as my eyes pointed further towards the ground.
“I see, you know... I think you are a very brave little filly” She smiled sweetly at me. I tried to fake my own smile but it wore off in a few seconds. Gladly the situation was quickly interrupted by a familiar happy voice.
“Oh, hi you two...” Roneo, a very kind and shy colt living in the village greeted us with a soft smile.
“Are you enjoying this wonderful weather aswell?”
“Yes mister Roneo.” Three Leaf replied happily. Roneo was usually responsible for the garden and the flowers blooming around the village. Some ponies even said he had a crush on the village's most beautiful mare miss Starlet. Giving his shy nature, I would have called that a hopeless dream.
“Have you asked her out yet?” Three Leaf suddenly asked with a big smile. Roneos cheeks flushed pink by the thought of it as his gaze nervously switched over to Starlet standing at the well.
“I... n-no.. but maybe during the next harvest celebration! Y-yes... I will do it then... t-this time for sure!” He said with a glimpse of confidence in his voice.
“But you will need something very pretty for miss Starlet in order to win her attention, maybe even her heart~”
“I... I know I know Leafs.” He smiled and placed his hoof at his saddlebag.
“That is why I ordered a special something from the rock farm vendor.”
“You mean that grumpy looking colt that could easily be Gray Hooves gramps?” The colt in question they were talking about was a old earth pony with gray fur. Every time he came through the forest he was wearing the same old timey clothes, sometimes he even had a few fillies with him. None of them looked very happy... I was assuming that a life on a farm with nothing but rocks around you all day would be pretty tiring at some point, which is why I wanted to ask them to play last time they came by, but I wasnt allowed to sadly. That was a few months ago and I havent seen them since.
“He seemed very very nice to me, so I asked him for a special kind of gem, and he gave me the most beautiful one he had.” His eyes lid up in excitement, but in the blink of an eye turned into terror.
“W-wait... w-where is it?!” In blind panic he nearly ripped the bag off his saddle and stuffed his muzzle all the way into it, his eyes filling with tears of desperation.
“ITS GONE!”
“Calm down there Roneo, I am sure it hasnt left this village. Hehe nothing ever does, right?” Leafs said surprisingly calm. To be honest, when was the last time any of us was allowed to leave this village? We barely get any visitors and after the last settlers left, there is only us left...
“You okay Ruby? You did not say a word since we came here.”
“Huh? O-oh I am okay Leafs, Im sorry I was just lost in thoughts a bit.” I smiled back, trying to hid ethe fact that I was more that curious of what was going on in this village. She would have just called me silly anyways, just as usual.
“Say... how about my and my little assistant detective Ruby here will help you find your precious gem hm? She is a real talent if it comes to finding things it seems. Hehe last time I lost my favourite doll and she found it in near seconds!” Finding her doll really wasnt all that difficult, which was mostly because it just fell under her bed, but I was still proud of it... I guess.
“Could you... really find it, Ruby?” He asked with tear filled eyes.
“Well do not fear! Detective Ruby is on the case!” I spouted out in joy. Finding things, especially during eastern, was always my favourite hobby you could say. Finding a giant red gem should have been a piece of cake. Or at least so I thought... hours have passed and me and Leafs tried our best to find the lost gem without any luck. Maybe it was not meant to be found? Or maybe I didnt have a special talent? From what I heard ponies say, is that if a pony finds a special talent they were really really good at, they would obtain a so called cutie mark on their flank, pretty much showing your talent to everypony else. Funny thing about all that is the fact nopony in this village ever had one... well except for me. The only few of us who got them left the village in the middle of the night. Maybe that was what it all was about? Once you gained your cutie mark you can leave and enter the big wide world? That would have been amazing! I always wanted to see all the big cities, Canterlot castle, see the princesses... but mommy and daddy wanted me to keep it a secret for some reason... I was not even allowed to tell my best friend Leafs, which is the reason I had to wear this uncomfortable flank-leg... whatever its called. A hip band maybe? I would have to stay here and play search the rock until I am allowed to be proud of what Im best at and stop pretending to be ill.
“Ah!” While I was in thoughts two hooves were covering my eyes from behind.
“Knock knock~” Of course I recognized the voice of my mysterious attacker.
“Hehe, who is there?”
“Tickle~”
“Tickle who?”
“YOU!” My daddy laughed and immediately started to tickle me. I couldnt withstand as usual and flopped onto my tummy, laughing and begging for him to stop*
“NUUUU! NOT FAAAIR!”
“There is no, not fair!” He replied with a wide smile as the tickle war continued.
“So this is where you were hiding.” With another female voice joining I looked up and saw my mommy standing in front of us with a big smile.
“Mommy! Heeeeeelp! Ahahaha!” I squeaked and laughed as tears formed in my eyes, my mom was joining in with her own little giggle.
“Dont break her hunny, or we have to go get a new one.”
“Aw but I like this one, its unique! The ultimate squeaky toy!” That meanie smiled but at least stopped to tickle me. The fact he mentioned my squeaking when I get tickled made me blush a little. Its just embarrassing when that happens and even though I know he only said that to tease me and joke around, it still made him a meanie.
“I think she hates you now hunny.” Mommy said.
“And its your own fault because you just wont stop messing with her.” Daddy puffed up his cheeks and kicked a tiny rock away as he played mister flankhurt.
“I just wanted to have some fun...”
“Aw hunny I know, but you should also try and save up your strength a little okay?” Suddenly mommys smile faded a bit as she looked at the bandage around daddys flank. Nopony ever really told me what happened to daddy, all I knew was that he got very sick one day. I knew that he will be okay, but as one of the very few strong colts in this town, not counting sensitive Roneo, he had to help with the crop harvest and maybe even repairs. Usually our muscle pony Gladstone could do all that by himself, but even he seemed to have caught himself a bad cold.
“I am alright Mitta dear... its just... Its just a rash and a little cold okay?” Daddy said comfortingly, yet I could see in my daddys eyes that he was worried too.
“... hmpf! Dont worry! I will find daddy a cure! I can find everything!” Both remained silent for a little while, their smiles almost gone as their eyes rest on me.
“..... heh, of course you will, my little cupcake... one day you might cure us all.”

And so the days passed, one after another... and daddy got worse... even aggressive sometimes.

Last time I saw him he was about to hurt himself with a knife, but gladly mommy was able to stop him. I have never seen him again since that night in the kitchen. I cried a lot that night. For hours and hours I was laying in my bed, hugging my magnifying glass that I got for my birthday not too long ago, unwilling to move till I would know for sure my daddy would come back and get better. After a little while I was able to hear somepony talk downstairs. Curious how I was I slowly sneaked through the door and looked down into the living room. I couldnt see the face of the pony mommy was talking to, but whoever it was, I was only able make out one sentence in the first place: “Your husband is secured in the warehouse.” Was that pony talking about daddy? After that I was able to see my mommy closing the door and walk into the kitchen.
“..... mommy?” I made my way downstairs and saw her sitting at the dining table, her face covered in her hooves.
“Mommy...? Are you okay?”
“Huh?! Ruby!” She tried her best to wipe away her tears, but she could not hide her red eyes from crying. I knew it was because of my daddy, I was still trying my very best to smile and be comforting but, who was I kidding, I was crying just as much not too long ago.
“Mommy its okay... I am sad too, but... it will be okay, right?” I asked hesitantly, but without any response.
“Mommy...? Where is daddy? … is he okay?” I continued slowly. She remained silent for a little while longer, but after a few minutes she finally smiled a little and looked back at me.

“He is alright honey, don't worry.”

“... you are lying... arent you?” And with that her smile faded away.

“I.... He is alright sweetie, really! He will be back soon. Very soon...” Maybe what everypony was talking about was true in the end... this weird infections the ponies were talking about. I was still a foal when I first heard all that, a terrible disease roaming out little village, causing trouble and... hurting others. I wanted to forget about it but... what if it was all true in the end?

“... he is infected, isnt he?” Her face turned into a surprised gaze. She probably thought I wouldnt know, but I heard the grown ups talking a bunch of times and she knows I am not dumb either.

“... listen, dear-”

“He will die... right? Just like the others, just because of this... curse!”

“Honey, there are things in the world we can't explain. Things that just happen without warning

or specific reason.” She tried to explain, but her voice was shaky. Was she afraid to talk about it?

“What do you mean mommy?”

“... one day you'll understand. Death is not the end, it's a new beginning.” Her voice turned gloomy, almost as if she drifted away with her thoughts. What did she mean by that? I felt my heart race and fear spread inside my body.

“Will... will you die, too?” Her gaze returned back to me, followed by a warm smile, her red eyes starting to tear up a little.

“No honey, I will stay with you as long as you need me.”

“I WILL, I WILL! Please don’t leave me like daddy!”

“Don't worry honey, I'll never leave you!” Never leave me...

“... what about me?”

“Huh?” For a second or two, silence claimed the room, but I had to know since I was one of the ponies carrying the dreaded cutie mark after all. Would that mean that I was bound to die too?

“Will I... die, too?” I asked hesitantly. Without any more time passing, I got greeted with a tight warm hug from mommy.

“No, no you won't! Not as long as I’m here to protect you!” By then... I believed her. I thought to myself that she would never ever leave me, but... I was wrong. At the same night, roughly past midnight, I heard the door in the living room shut close and complete silence filling the house.

“Mommy...?” Hesitantly I made my way out into the dark hallway and into her bedroom, but it was empty. Fear once again crept in and my body started to shake.
“Mommy... where are you?” My search lead me through the entire house but I couldnt find her anywhere. She was probably just getting a few things, or getting firewood, anything really is what I told myself. I was too afraid to go out into the cold dark night all alone so I decided to go back to bed. There I was, laying covered up to my nose in bed, the silent moon light illuminating my room, the wind howling outside and the tree branches scratching at the windows. Everything will be okay I said again and again, mixed in with silent sobbing of my own. And then... I eventually fell asleep.

Days have passed yet again, then a week, then two... but my mother never returned. Not only that, but whatever was left of the village was starting to become restless, almost nervous in their actions. Roneo became even more silent as usual, Starlet seemed so stressed, even upset very quick. Even calm mister Gladstone said he could not sleep anymore which his dark eye rings only made more clearer. One night I decided to do it, I would go to the old warehouse near the village's entrance and look after my daddy. I know I was not allowed to but... I had to know what was going on!
And so, in the shadows of the next night I made my way over to the old building. The front doors were tightly chained shut, maybe to protect us from being infected. But being a clever path finding little filly that I was, I had no problems finding a spot at the side I could at least peek my head into.

Inside the warehouse was nothing worse bragging about, except for old dusty crates and-
“ D-daddy...?!” What I saw would forever be burned into my eyes. There he was, my once so energetic and happy father, tied to a dirty bed. Covered with blankets and wires, parts of his flank missing and covered in what could only be described as dirt dried blood. His fur was changing, his eyes aimed at the ceiling, filled with madness and despair. I could feel my heart stopping and my eye tearing up. Was what I saw really the truth?
“Hey, is somepony over there? Ruby is that you? Mitta?” My terror got interrupted by the voice of Three Leaf who was patrolling the area . I couldnt let her spot me so I grabbed every last bit of strength I had to run away, back home and into my room. I was shaking, my heart racing as wild as a fire, spreading pain through my chest and heat in my lungs with every breath I took. Sharp bursts of cries struck my throat as I bit into my pillow, trying so badly to make myself believe it was just a dream and to wake up, but it never happened. My whole life turned into one living nightmare right in front of my eyes... Mommy and daddy left me... I was all alone... all alone...
“Ruby...?” Three Leafs asked silently as she stood by the door, but I could not bring myself to answer her.
“... so it was you afterall... oh Ruby dear.” The sound of her hoofsteps moved closer to me until she reached my bed. The soft mattress giving in to her weight and made it sink in a tiny bit but I did not move, even as her soft hoof was gently running through my sweaty mane.
“I know this is not easy for you to understand Ruby... but your dad is... he is not himself anymore.
It is okay if you hate me for that, but its for your own good.” For my own good she said... how could whatever I have seen down there be good in any way?
“There... is nothing about being good about this.... nothing.”
“Ruby-”
“NOTHING!” I screamed.
“... Ruby your daddy is-”
“Infected?! With what? He was just sick! A cold! Nothing more! How... how could you do this to him... his... his flank... why?” My sobbing grew harder and my body shook more, twitching with every touch my Leafs hoof.
“Its the only thing we could have done, we need to make sure his disease, this curse, will not spread!”
“Curse...”
“Yes... the cutie marks.” She continued.
“.... cutie marks...” I frowned deeply, wa sthat really it? Just because my daddy got a cutie mark? Because he was good at something and just so happen to become sick?
“Believe me Ruby, I know what Im talking about. Every pony with that plague will turn into a monster...” A monster she said... calling my dad a monster? At this point I did not care about hiding, I did not care of what would happen, so I ripped the piece of cloth off my saddle and revealed my cutie mark to Leafs. Her eyes grew bigger and she immediately jumped off the bed.
“Ruby... y-you...”
“Yes! I have a cutie mark Three Leafs! I had it for a long time! … I got it when Ive found my mommys pendant... its my special talent, my gift. And? Am I a monster in your eyes?” I frowned at her, but I did not receive an answer. All she did was stare at me in terror, looking down at her own hooves.
“I... have touched you...” She stuttered.
“... how dare you lie to me... to us? Do you know what you have done to our community Ruby?”
“WHAT HAVE I DONE! YOU TOOK MY PARENTS AWAY!” Suddenly Three Leafs grew quiet.
“... Mitta really left... didnt she? She left the village. I see...” And with that she finally turned around and walke dout the door, not giving me another gaze or word.
“T-three Leafs...? …. THREE LEAFS! C-come back please! Im sorry I didnt mean to get loud I-” But the sound of her hooves already ended with the loud slamming of the door.
“... I just... want my parents back... my friends... Three Leafs... come back.”

Everything else that happened after that night... was a story on its own.

A chase, A prayer, the flames and tears... and lastly darkness.

This was my last memory as a pony. All I can remember from the time when I was still alive.

There's nothing else left... I'm losing myself, I can feel it deep inside of me...

Apple bloom listen.... No... no, it's okay...
I will tell you the rest some other day...

... promised.

When the sun goes down - The memory of a faithful student

Hello Apple bloom, it's me again. Can you hear me?

I'm sorry, but this is the only way I can talk to you.

I know that many cruel things happened the last few month and I also know, that I will never ever

be able to make it up to you again. But... I will stay by your side, give you strength and courage

as best as I can.

Besides that... a have a new memory for you.

... it's from your unicorn friend... Twilight.

The story of a faithful student and a shattered princess.

Time was running out and my concerns kept growing. I ran as fast as I could, even though my lungs were already starting to burn for exhaustion. My magic was weakened, it felt suppressed ever since I left Ponyville, which was really weird. Teleporting was nearly impossible and since there was no train anywhere, there was no other way than running. While passing many dead trees, old and abandoned train stations on the way up the tracks, I kept thinking of what happened in Ponyville a couple of minutes ago. I still couldn't believe my friends betrayed me like that. They just threw me away like garbage after all we've learned about friendship and after everything we've been through.

Something was wrong with them, I just knew it. It had to be the fault of our new 'guests'... or more intruders. Three Leafs... how could you do that? I thought we were friends, thought she was like me, but in the end, she was nothing but an evil traitor. Maybe I deserved that. I ignored Applejack and the others, thought they were overreacting and made fun of it... the feel of guilt was heavy. While passing the last train station in front of Canterlot, I remembered the word of Celestia.

“I'm not longer your mentor. Leave Ponyville and head to Manehatten.” She seemed to know something. She wanted me to leave Ponyville for no specific reason, or maybe she just wanted to shield me? And that question of hers...

“How far would you go in order to save your friends and your family?” Thinking of all that made me feel even more concerned and kind of anxious. When I arrived at the gates of Canterlot, I was hoping to find some royal guards or any other kind of help, but Canterlot looked like a ghost town...

There was not a single pony around, neither guards nor inhabitants whatsoever. The sun was gone and Lunas moon was throwing its shadows through town. Old pieces of paper, empty cans and several other objects were scattered on the ground, along with some pieces of golden metal and other things. The weirdest thing though, was the fact that there wasn't any kind of hoofprints. The cold empty town gave me the creeps, a slight feel of sickness that grew bigger with every second I remained there.

“HEELLOOOO? ANYPONY? I NEED HELP! HEEEEY?” I turned around a couple of times, trying to find at least some pony, but the whole city seemed to be empty! It was dark, cold and barely illuminated by the moon. Icy wind was blowing through the empty streets of Canterlot. Windows and doors were broken, their pieces scattered in front of them.

“What happened here?” I continued to run down the 'mane street', came across some barricaded shops, houses... and the hospital.

“Great Celestia...” I slowed down for a brief moment, looking at the scenery, trying to understand what I actually saw. There was blood everywhere... on the ground, walls, windows... and-

“T- that's-” My throat got constricted, muting the words coming out of my opened mouth. Next to the the pools of blood and fur there was something else lying on the ground. Flesh. Red, sinewy pieces of flesh, everywhere!

“These are cutie marks... cutie marks? Wait, 'the mark'... no!” Suddenly everything started to make sense! The hints I've found in the ruins of Sunny Town, that strange letter, the book that was stolen from my library!

“It's not a legend, it really happened! PRINCESS CELESTIA!” I felt my heart bumping inside of my chest, it made me dash ahead with double the speed than before. I still couldn't teleport myself for whatever reason, so I just hoped that every pony was still alive and safe inside of the Canterlot Castle. My heart kept beating like a bull that went berserk, sweat was running down my face, my hooves and lung burned like fire. I tried to concentrate onto one single thought- finding the princesses! Finally, after ten minutes of running through the dark streets of Canterlot, I managed to reach the giant stairs which lead into the castle.

“Okay, looks good so far. No blood or wounded ponies around. I'm really glad I was mista-”

Suddenly a slight shock shook my body, making me fall backwards onto my flank.

“This can't be...” The giant doors of the castle were broken, parts of the royal armors were lying all around me, covered in blood, fur and more flesh... but that wasn't the very reason for my reaction.

There was something familiar laying right in front of the gates, in front of my hooves.

“... that's...” I could feel a tear running down my sweaty cheek, my body started to shake and the feel of sickness grew even bigger. I knew what I was looking at, but my mind refused to believe it.

“Shining Armors helmet...” It was the purple helmet of my big brother, the captain of the royal guards. It was broken and covered in blood and some blue strains. Right next to it were parts of his violet armor, along with more of his blood. Everything around me muted, the wind stopped blowing while my heart gave up beating. Was I really looking onto the same armor he was wearing? It's been a while since I met him, in fact, I always thought he was on a mission in another kingdom or something like that. I tried to calm myself with these thoughts, but something inside of me kept repeating the words 'he's dead Twilight'.

“No...” My words were shaky, tears were rolling down like a waterfall and I began to bite on my teeth as hard as possible. I couldn't believe it... that wasn't true! I stomped on the ground with my last strength, furiously shaking my head.

“Shining....” I stood up again and took a last sight of my brothers remains, it broke my heart, but I had to find the princesses, to end this nightmare once and for all! I would pay my last respect to him once this chaos's over.

“Farewell... big brother.” I slowly turned away and entered the castle.

“P-princess Celestia? Princess Luna? Anypony?” My words were echoing through the dark corridors of the Canterlot Castle, cutting through the silence like a knife. Icy wind was howling through the castle, letting my wet eyes feel like ice itself while my sweat started to feel like a cold shower. My heartbeat lowered, but breathing got painful with every breath I took. My mind was still hanging on my big brother, attacked, alone and maybe even.... I tried to deny this thought, but there was no other possibility left, was it? Minutes were passing by, nopony anywhere... my hope started to fade slowly while I slowly sank to the ground and closed my burning cold eyes. I felt so weak, my magic wasn't even able to create the smallest light sphere anymore. Besides all of that, the cold and lonely atmoshpere that filled the castle made my heart feel even heavier.

“Princess...” I silently mumbled. It was all my fault... it always was, since the day I lost Applebloom inside of the Everfree Forest. I was useless right from the beginning! I-

“Twilight?” Suddenly a familiar voice echoed through the dark empty corridor.

“P-princess?” I hesitantly answered while looking around frantically.

“Twilight!” She answered again.

“Princess!” I shouted. Could it be? Was it really princess Celestia? Was she still alive? My heart made a huge jump while my hooves made me dash down the corridor.

“Twilight, I'm here in the throne room!” The echo repeated.

“I'm coming princess!” My legs were still shaky, but Celestias voice gave me new strength, strength to move on. I limped as fast as possible into the direction were the echo came from, still answering to the princess's calls.

“Twilight!”

“Princeeeeess! I'm here!”

“Twilight!” Her voice felt so good, it calmed down my fears and my sorrows like a warm blanked for my soul. I ran, limped, began to ran again and so on. My legs hurt pretty much, making me fall to the ground several times, but I kept moving into the direction of the echo. Finally I've found the gigantic door to the throne room. I used my last strength to smash the door open and to jump inside with a big smile.

“Princess! I'm so glad to see you again! I-” But my breath stopped as soon as my eyes and mind understood what I was seeing that moment. The throne room was nothing more but a ruin.

Banners were laying all over the floor, soaked in an ocean of blood, covered with armor parts, flesh, white fur... and white feathers. The colorful windows were smashed, some were poorly barricaded. Small beams of moonlight were illuminating the whole scenery in all of it's disturbing sadness,

horror and tragedy. The throne itself was covered in darkness, shadows that took every sight.

It had to be a nightmare! There was no other explanation! But one thing was strange... where did the guards go? I mean, there was not a single body around. Besides that, the white feathers on the ground drew my attention again. I walked up to them into the middle of the huge room.

“These are Celestias...”

“Are you lonely Twi?” A sharp voice whispered from behind.

“Leaf!” It was her! No doubt about it!

“I hope you're not mad at me, you know, after all that happened in Ponyville a few hours ago.

Hm? Twily?” She continued with her sneering voice. She wasn't scared at all nor was she horrified or something. She remained behind my back, I couldn't hear her move, not even breathing. Everything I could feel was a cold shiver that ran down my back.

“It's really tragic, isn't it? All these poor souls, old and young ponies, suffering and crying.

It stabbed my heart watching this happen, but it wasn't all that bad. Do you know why?”

She whispered into my ear with her fake compassionate voice.

“You... did all of this?” I answered with all of the hatred stacked up inside of my heart.

“Me? Hahahaha, no I was way to busy with your... 'friends'.” What?! Within a split second I turned around and used my last resort of magic to shoot an purple impulse spell at her, making her smash onto the ground. She gasped, but was still smiling like the maniac she was.

“What have you done to them? ANSWER ME!” I shouted in blind rage, trying to gather up more magic for a second attack.

“Come on, what are you waiting for? Don't hide behind your magic you coward!” She countered with a scornful voice.

“Oh I don't need to hide behind magic.” If she wanted to feel my hooves so badly, I could grant her that wish. I walked next to her and was about to kick her as fast as I was able to, when suddenly something inside of my head told me to stop. I looked down at her and calmed down a bit. It wasn't my nature to be that violent or resentful, though she really deserved it. There was something wrong with that mare, but who was I judging over somepony I barely knew? I took a few steps backwards and shook my head.

“No, I'm not like you, Leaf. I'm not kicking ponies that are already laying on the ground, especially after I called them a friend.” Leaf seemed surprised. Her stare remained on me while her smile slowly began to fade.

“You're weak... nothing but weak, Twilight.”

“I'm not weak, Leaf. I'm just not a monster like you.” When I turned around, facing the center of the room again, I could hear Leaf crunch with her teeth. It seemed like I hit one of Leafs weak points, which was kind of satisfying to know.

“Don't... call me a MONSTER!” She shouted. While her echo was still rushing through the room,

I suddenly felt something hard hitting the back of my head. A dull pain was spreading from my neck, over the temples and directly into the forehead, letting my muscles paralyze and making me fall to the hard marble ground.

“Argh!” My head was ringing and my sight turned slightly blurry. Through her echo, I could barely hear her voice slipping into my ears.

“I'm not a monster! YOU are the monster! You abandoned your friends in their times of need, you took a little filly into a dangerous forest and... you brought us here.” That little-

“Hahahaha, oh Twily... you should have done your homeworks. By the time you erased Appleblooms mind, that was the time when we awoke from our slumber.” She continued. It was too difficult to concentrate, let alone to move. Leaf walked in front of me and used an metallic object to turn me on my back. Now I saw the weapon she used to knock me down. It was a golden spear from one of the royal guards, or at least a part of it since the sharp tip was missing. Lucky me...

“Apple bloom? What are- AH!” She threw the heavy broken spear onto my chest, making a slight sound appear, which was similar to the sound of breaking branches. My chest started to stitch, followed by a burning pain.

“You are a monster Twilight. You risked the live of a little filly by taking her into the most dangerous place in Equestria. Good thing me and my friends found her and took care of her. We wanted to make her a part of us, a part of our family. We wanted to protect her from the rest of the world and this horrible disease... but then this witch, her useless daughter and YOU... you all took her away from us.” She said with a rather sad voice. Everything she said seemed so familiar.

It sounded like the story Apple bloom told me over and over again. So this was one of the evil ponies she talked about all the time? Great Celestia... why didn't I listen?

“She left us, but with her this little rats Mitta and Ruby. Without them, the curse began to get 'brittle' and we were able to escape this town after all these years. Unfortunately we forgot the way out of the hidden passage, but thanks to you Twilight, we were able to find a new home and new friends.”

“B- because of me?” I tried to answer through the coughs and heaving breathing.

“Tell me Twilight... how often did you brought your friends into danger since you arrived here?

Pretty often, right? How often did you risked their lives, just to cover your own disability? How often did you acted recklessly with your magic? And the worst of all you little fraud... how often did you talked about this 'magic of friendship' after barely evading the worst?”

“I-”

“You're pathetic!” She continued with a sharp hiss.

“You don't know anything about friendship Twilight...” The words got stuck inside of my dry throat and though she was probably right with that, I still knew that I always regretted it if something went wrong. I tried to learn out of my mistakes and most important... I tried to stay loyal to my friends.

“Maybe I am... maybe I am a bad friend from time to time and Ponyville would be a better place without me around sometimes, but you know what Leaf?” I slowly turned to the side and got up onto my shaky legs. She dull pain in my head and chest was striving through my body. I looked into her eyes and whispered.

“It doesn't matter if it's my fault or not, I would always risk my own life to save my friends. That's what you call a good friend. A friend is always by your side, able to forgive you if you make mistakes and also loyal till the end. If there's one fake friend in this room... then it's you, Leaf!”

I frowned at her with a teasing grin. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened without saying a single word.

“How... dare you...” She stumbled.

“I'm a good friend... a good friend...” Then she closed her eyes and started to snarl.

“I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!” She shouted out of pure rage and depression. Afterwards we began to lower her head and to rush at me. Though almost every part of my body hurt and my stamina and magic was very low, I would have fought her with great pleasure.

“ENOUGH!” An ear numbing voice shrilled through the throne room. It sounded like the royal Canterlot voice! Was it possible?

“Oh, our princess awakened.” Leaf grinned and stopped. What did she mean? 'Our' princess? Wait...

“P- princess Celestia?” The words left my mouth, but I wasn't sure what exactly I was saying. If it really was the princess, how come she was here all alone?

“Twilight... Sparkle...” She whispered. A strange mixture of happiness and insecurity was fighting in my stomach. That moment, I was just glad to know that princess Celestia was still alive.

With a wide smile I slowly walked closer into the centre of the throne room.

“Princess Celestia! I'm so glad you're okay!” After a few steps I noticed a strange kind of magic filling the air. I stopped and narrowed my eyes, trying to see through the darkness that was surrounding the throne at the very end of the room.

“Celestia?”

“Why are you here?” She asked with an emotionless voice.

“W- wha-”

“Tell me!” She continued. Not knowing what to answer, I remained quiet.

“... I'm disappointed in you Twilight Sparkle... so disappointed.”

“Why? I mean... yes, I'm sorry that I let my studies slip by and that I-”

“No, that's not what I mean.” She cut me short.

“You disobeyed an order. I should arrest you for this.” What did she say?

“Wha-? P- please princess! I – I didn't mean to-”

“But... maybe there's another way to excuse your disobedience.” Suddenly a silent echo kept repeating through the room. The sound of metal mixed with hoofsteps and silent breathing.

“Princess?” When I saw a golden reflection appear in the beam of moonlight, I noticed the royal symbol on it. It was a part of the golden royal armor, the vambrace to be certain. Carved into it's centre, right above the hoof, was a very fine sun. Soon the other hoof appeared in the beam, along with the golden poitrel and another sun insignia in it's centre, surrounded by even more very fine carvings and symbols. Why was Celestia wearing her precious armor?

“Become one of us...” The moment her words arrived my ears, was the moment I actually saw her face inside of the moonlight. My throat felt like it got filled with razors, same goes for my heart.

Without noticing it, I fell backwards with my eyes and mouth wide opened. Was I really looking at the princess of the sun? One of the rulers of Equestria? No, it couldn't be... it had to be a nightmare!

“No... princess, you're-”

“She's one of us now. She's part of our great family.” Leaf laughed from behind. I didn't payed to much attention to her though since my eyes were still sticking at the princess. Her beautiful white fur was pitch black, most of her armor was broken, torn apart like paper. Her left leg seemed to be broken, madly deformed and bleeding. At the side of her chest was a huge hole in her armor, blood and pieces of flesh were dripping out of it with every step she took. Her wonderful mane and tail lost their colors and faded to dark grey instead while her-

“Oh my...” I felt sickness rising inside of my somach when I finally looked at her right wing... or at least the place where it should have been. According to the kind of way the feathers, flesh and bone was bent, it probably got ripped off with insane strength. I tried to keep my lunch inside of my belly while sweat and tears started to roll over my face. Her red glowing eyes were staring at me from above, piercing my soul like a sharp needle.

“That's the price of betrayal dear Twilight.” Leaf continued. Laughter and creepy sighs were filling the room, getting louder and louder. I looked around and saw many red dots appearing in the shadows around me.

“They're all here Twilight... all of our friends. You can easily join us, what do you say?” I slowly turned around and looked at Leaf who was sitting right next to me.

“... the curse. You're-” Three Leafs looked like she came right out of an nightmare. More than eighty percent of her body was rotten and black, the rest were bones and maggots. The smell, sight and my current vital state almost made me hurl.

“Oh, poor Twilight... don't worry, the princess will ease your suffer any second now.” She grinned.

I was surrounded by these so called 'blanks', my friends were gone and the princess was... one of them. I just hoped I could wake up any second, but this wasn't a dream, it was reality!

“Decide Twilight... join us or pay for your disobedience!” The princess said, again with no kind of expression or emotion in her voice. She was just blindly staring at me with her lifeless red eyes.

Leaf walked backwards and joined the others at the side of the giant room. Walls of red dots were stabbing me from every side while Celestias presence made me feel sad and helpless. Oh princess... you knew what was suppose to happen, right? You knew you had no chance of winning this fight... you wanted to protect me from the very beginning.... That's why you asked me about sacrificing myself. Princess...

“Decide!” She repeated. I couldn't give up, not as long as Applejack and Applebloom were still out there and alive. I already let them hanging too many times, I couldn't let that happen again!

“No... I have to save my friends!” I hesitantly answered with a shaky voice. I gulped, silence took it's place and cold wind filled the room ever so slowly. Nothing happened for a few seconds, but then the princess lowered her head and closed her eyes.

“... very well then.” Her horn started to glow in a red light. Before I could even tell what exactly was going to happen, I got thrown to the other end of the room by an enormous wave of energy.

I got smashed against the cold adamant wall. The impact was that intense that I could feel and hear the marble getting cracked by my body. First I was stuck in the wall, but gravity soon dragged me back down to the ground. I landed on my already badly shaped chest, making an undescribable pain rush through my entire body. Breathing was nearly impossible due to the pain, but I still tried to stand back up again.

“P- princess... please... sto-” Before I could finish my sentence, another red bolt of energy made me fly across the room. This time I got smashed against one of the huge windows at its side. The sound of breaking glass and the taste of blood was the only thing I was noticing that moment. Shortly after I got thrown at the other side of the room, at the wall again. My body was numb and pain was pulsing into my head. My consciousness was fading more and more, but something kept me awake.

Celestia remained silent, let me hover right in front of her face and opened her mouth.

“Please Twilight... join us... and I will stop.” She whispered. This time she looked sad, regretful.

But I couldn't... I'd rather die than betraying my friends once again. I had to get free... had to warn Applejack. I opened my eyes and smiled at the princess... then I canalised all of my remaining strength into my horn and shoot one of my strongest beams directly into her face... leaving nothing but a giant hole there, were once her left eye was placed. Smoke, fire and pieces of burned flesh was flying through the air, it nearly covered it like a fog. The princess didn't react, almost like she wasn't feeling any pain whatsoever.

“That was a bad idea.” She sighed and closed her remaining eye. Then she lowered her head torwards me, her horn once again glowing and I prepared myself for yet another one of her attacks, but it never came. Instead, her horn started to glow brighter, more intense than before.

“AAAAARGH!” What was that? My head... it felt like it got torn apart by a jackhammer. Suddenly I noticed what was happening. I saw a slight fountain of blood spit out from the top of my head.

“M- my horAAAAAGH!” The pain was mind numbingly intense, my whole body was shaking until a loud crack started to echo through the room. I saw purple pieces and burned hair flying through the air in front of me... pieces which once belonged to my horn...

“... I didn't wanted to do this Twilight...” The princess whispered silently. Everything was quiet, even the wind stopped blowing. My whole body wasn't reacting anymore and I could feel a cold shiver running down my neck.

“... why...” She continued. Small orbs were falling down her cheeks, sparkling in the small beams of moonlight. She was crying. Maybe she was still in there somewhere. I looked down at her, still hovering in mid air, barely one inch away from her face.

“Why did you come back?” She whimpered silently.

“I- I just-”.

“I TOLD YOU! ... I told you to leave... didn't I?” Her voice started to shake.

"Princess..."

“... I'm so sorry Twilight...” Then her horn started to glow brighter and brighter yet again, lifting me up higher, aiming directly onto my chest.

“N- no... please! P- princess!” I hysterically begged, but the princess wasn't listening. She just stood

there and kept charging her spell.

“Farewell... my friend.” She whispered.

“N- NO! PRINCESS! PLEASE! PRINCESS! PRINCESS CELESTIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAA!” But the only thing I heard was my own echo. A burning pain pierced right through me... my body started to shake uncontrollably in the air and then... coldness. Everything I saw darkened and the pain disappeared forever...

Twilight... Twilight Sparkle...

Follow me... please... don't go to the light... don't leave...

... she still needs you...

This was her story, her last thoughts until she... I'm sorry Apple bloom.

Now, there's only one memory left... one piece of this puzzle, that will be revealed the next time you drift into my world again.

But for now, it's time for you to wake up.

Until next time....