Rarity’s Signer Mark stopped glowing. She closed her eyes and placed a hoof over her heart, as she let out a sigh of relief. “Applejack… You did it.”

Her eyes shot open as she felt the train slow to a halt. She looked out the window and saw Fillydelphia Station was right outside. “Sweetie Belle…”

“We’re here,” said Spike, opening the door from the engine car.

“Thank you for the ride, Spike,” Rarity said, a forced smile on her face. “You’re quite talented with machines, it seems.”

“Oh, I’d do anything for you, Rarity,” Spike blushed.

“Yes, well,” said Rarity, “I need you to head back to Manehatten and Appleloosa to pick up Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and bring them back to Ponyville.”

“You do?” asked Spike.

“Yes,” said Rarity. “We’ll all be meeting up there before going on to Tartarus, and they need a lift.”

“What about you?” asked Spike. “You’ll be left here without a way back, wouldn’t you?”

“…I’ll be fine, Spike,” said Rarity, opening the door and trotting out onto platform. “Goodbye.”

“G-Goodbye, Rarity,” Spike replied, blinking in surprise, before shutting the door, and returning to the engine car.

Rarity turned to watch the train pull out of the station, before silently trotting out to the empty streets of Fillydelphia. Off in the distance, she spotted a set of steps leading up to the Fillydelphia Museum of Art. Standing at the top of the stairs was Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle trotted down the steps, and the two stared at each other in silence. Sweetie Belle’s Dark Signer Mark glowed, and purple flames erupted from the ground, weaving around the two of them.

Rarity’s Signer Mark began burning in response, as did all the Signer Marks, as the flames finished surrounding them. Reflecting on the clouds above was a large geoglyph in the shape of a lizard.

Luna landed at the edge of Canterlot, letting Twilight off so she could catch her breath.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“I’m alright,” said Luna. She glanced at Twilight’s Signer Mark. “How about you? Are you worried for your friend?”

Twilight looked out over Equestria, her eyes fixed on the lizard geoglyph reflecting in the distant sky. “More so than before. I was nervous for all of them, especially when Rainbow needed to call all of our Marks together, but…”

“Is something different now?” Luna asked.

“Rarity loves Sweetie Belle more than anything,” said Twilight. “I saw her anger over her death when she dueled Gilda yesterday. But even with that determination, she still lost. She would have died if the duel wasn’t cancelled.” Twilight felt her eyes tearing up. “I-I feel awful for doubting her, and I’m trying to remain confident, but…”

“You fear that she won’t be motivated to fight her sister?” Luna finished.

Twilight nodded, wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry, you must think that’s stupid of me.”

“I don’t think that’s stupid,” said Luna, looking up in thought. “I’ve seen what you described before. A pony, fueled by anger at the loss of a loved one faced her enemy. She nearly lost from the mistakes her anger caused.” Luna shivered slightly. “And then… When she learned her true enemy was that very pony she was fighting for…” Luna stopped, as she felt her eyes beginning to water.

“Princess?” Twilight asked. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” said Luna, looking away from Twilight, and out towards the lizard geoglyph. Keep it together, Luna! This isn’t time to be crying over the past!

“Should we get moving?” asked Twilight. “Or do you need more time to rest?”

“I’ve rested enough,” said Luna. “Rarity said she and Sweetie Belle would be in Fillydelphia, correct?”

“Yes,” said Twilight, slowly. “Why?”

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna, “I’m of no use to you anymore. I’m going to lend aid to Rarity.”

“What!?” Twilight gasped. “But, you can’t go!”

“Why not?” asked Luna.

“The geoglyph is burning already!” said Twilight. “Celestia died when the Earthbound God was summoned because she was there in the geoglyph trying to help!”

“And what will happen if I stay here, Twilight?” Luna asked. “What happens when the geoglyph lights up and the Dark Signer summons the Earthbound God here? Would the same thing not happen? Wouldn’t I still die?”

“I…” Twilight began. “I just… I don’t want to lose you, too.”

“Twilight Sparkle,” said Luna. “This is something I need to do. Sister won’t be able to rest peacefully if I refrain from lending aid just because I may die a few minutes earlier.”

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight. “I’m being selfish, aren’t I?”

“Trust me, Twilight,” said Luna. “I’ve acted far worse before. There’s no need to apologize. Besides, if I stay out of the geoglyph, I won’t be killed by the Earthbound God, correct?”

“I guess you wouldn’t,” said Twilight. “Thank you, Princess Luna. For flying me here.”

“I was happy to assist, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied. “Good luck.” She spread her wings, and took off. Being unburdened, Luna was able to fly at a much faster speed, soaring as fast as she could to Fillydelphia.

“Good luck, Princess,” Twilight responded, returning her gaze towards Fillydelphia.

“I’m impressed you managed to find me,” said Sweetie Belle. “I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned Fillydelphia to you.”

“You didn’t,” said Rarity.

“How did you figure it out?”

“I figured,” said Rarity, “you’d come to the city of sisterly love. Considering how much you used to love me.”

“Used to?” Sweetie Belle asked. “What makes you think I no longer love you?”

Rarity blinked in surprise, before looking around the geoglyph. “I thought it was obvious. You became a Dark Signer and you’re attempting to destroy the world. And me, for that matter.”

Sweetie Belle giggled. “Yes, I guess you’d get the wrong impression from that. But I still love you, Rarity.”

“Then why do this?” asked Rarity. “Did I not spend enough time with you? Are you upset you never earned your Cutie Mark?”

“No,” said Sweetie Belle, “nothing silly like that. It’s so we’ll be able to keep spending time together.”

“…I’m sorry?” said Rarity. “What do you mean?”

“I died, Rarity,” said Sweetie Belle. “I died and I never got to say goodbye. I knew that would hurt you. And then the Earthbound God gave me a chance to come back. So we could be together whenever we wanted!”

“I don’t think you realize exactly what’s happening, Sweetie Belle,” mumbled Rarity. “By midnight tonight, unless all Dark Signers are defeated, the world will be destroyed. We won’t exactly be able to be together when I’m dead.”

“Oh, no, I know about that,” said Sweetie Belle.

“You do?” Rarity asked. “How, then, can you think-”

“I’m dead, aren’t I?” said Sweetie Belle. “I died, but we’re still together.”

“Yes, but you’re a…” Rarity’s eyes widened. “Oh. Y-you want to… kill me, and…”

“Then you’ll be able to come back as a Dark Signer!” finished Sweetie Belle with a big smile. “And we can hang out forever!”

“Y-you can’t be serious!” Rarity gasped. “You’ll be killing hundred, no, thousands, millions, how big is the planet’s population? Because the planet is what you’ll be killing! Everything will die!”

“Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport,” said Sweetie Belle. She widened her eyes, and stared at Rarity in an attempt at her usual cute manner. “Please, consider it?”

Rarity stared at Sweetie Belle’s eyes. Like all Dark Signers, her sclera were completely black. “I… I can’t, Sweetie Belle… You aren’t the same… You used to be cute, kind, and the best sister ever, but now…”

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. “Figures you’d be stubborn about this. Fine, a duel of darkness it is. To the death!”

“S-Sweetie Belle,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes tearing up.

“Duel!”

Rarity: LP 4000. Sweetie Belle: LP 4000.

“I’ll go first,” said Rarity, listlessly. “Draw. I activate the Field Spell Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins.” The art museum, as well as the rest of the city was obstructed from view by the ruined coliseum of Rarity’ Field Spell. The sky, however, remained unchanged, the dark clouds and reflected flames of the geoglyph obstructing any rainbow that might have appeared.

“You know,” said Sweetie Belle, “a Field Spell helps me. I need one active to play my Earthbound God.”

“Is that right,” mumbled Rarity. “I summon Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger.” A white saber-toothed tiger with black stripes and a blade-like horn on its head leapt out in front of Rarity. On its neck was a chunk of topaz. [ATK1600. LV4] “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I summon Reptilianne Gorgon!” A strange creature that seemed to be the top half of a biped attacked to the bottom half of a snake slithered forward. Her skin was sickly green, and she had wild purple hair. Her yellow eyes seemed to have a soft glow to them. [ATK1400. LV3] “Then, I activate the Equip Spell Molting Escape!”

“What does that do?” Rarity asked.

“I’ll show you,” said Sweetie Belle. “Battle! Reptilianne Gorgon attacks Topaz Tiger!”

“What are you doing!?” Rarity gasped. Topaz Tiger slashed his claws across Reptilianne Gorgon’s chest, slicing through to hit Sweetie Belle.

“Gah!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [Sweetie Belle: LP 4000 –> 3800] “Molting Escape’s effect! Once per turn, the Equipped Monster isn’t destroyed by battle! Every time this effect is used, the Equipped Monster gains 300 ATK!” [ATK1700]

“Why couldn’t you just tell me?” asked Rarity. “Why would you hurt yourself?”

“Reptilianne Gorgon’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “When this card declares an attack, after the battle ends, the Monster it battled with has its ATK reduced to 0 and it can’t change its battle position!” Gorgon’s eyes glowed brightly, and Topaz Tiger became encased in stone. [ATK0]

“W-what?” Rarity stuttered.

“I set a card,” said Sweetie Belle. “Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Rarity. “Draw. I… I summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus.” The large, white pegasus, with the sapphire blue horn on its head flew out, stretching its pale golden feathered wings as it landed in front of Rarity. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Continuous-Trap, activate!” said Sweetie Belle. “Summon Tax! Whenever a player Normal or Special Summons a Monster, that player takes damage equal to half the summoned Monster’s ATK! You summoned a Monster with 1800 ATK, so you take 900 points of damage!”

“Agh!” gasped Rarity. [Rarity: LP 4000 –> 3100] “When Sapphire Pegasus is summoned, I place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle.” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn glowed, and a chunk of ruby appeared in front of Rarity. “Turn end.”

“Not attacking me?” Sweetie Belle questioned. “Is this part of a strategy or do you just not want to damage me?”

Rarity said nothing, choosing to stare at the ground in front of her instead.

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I summon Reptilianne Scylla!” Another odd creature appeared on Sweetie Belle’s field. This one appeared to be the upper half of a bipedal creature pasted onto a scaled, white, eyeless dog. A large mouth was on the dog-like creature’s front, while four smaller mouths lined its sides; two mouths on each side. The mouth of the female sticking out of the top was canine in shape. Her red hair stuck up wildly, and her eyes were wide and glowing. [ATK1800. LV4]

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped. “Your Summon Tax card will hurt you, won’t it?”

“Agh!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [Sweetie Belle: LP 3800 –> 2900] “It’s worth it to win… Battle! Reptilianne Gorgon, attack Sapphire Pegasus!” Sapphire Pegasus’ horn lit up, and blasted a shot through Gorgon and into Sweetie Belle. “Ah!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 2900 –> 2800]

“The same combo as last time…” Rarity mumbled.

“That’s right,” said Sweetie Belle. “Reptilianne Gorgon reduces your Monster’s ATK to 0 and locks it in attack position.” Gorgon’s eyes glowed, and Sapphire Pegasus became encased in stone. [ATK0] “And Molting Escape increases her ATK by 300 as it negated her destruction again!” [ATK2000]

“I’m basically wide open,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes wide. “Both my monsters have 0 ATK.”

“Reptilianne Scylla,” said Sweetie Belle, “attack Sapphire Pegasus!” Scylla leapt forward, the mouth on its front grinding through the stone, before biting down on Rarity herself.

“Agh!” Rarity screamed, as she was tossed like a rag doll to the ground. [Rarity: LP 3100 –> 1300] “Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus is placed in the Spell and Trap Zone instead of the Graveyard…” A chunk of sapphire appeared in front of Rarity.

“I set a card,” said Sweetie Belle. “Turn end.”

Rarity trembled as she forced herself to stand, blood trickling down from her back, and dripping from her chest. “My turn… Draw. I… Set a Monster, and a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! Ordinarily, Summon Tax's effect causes it to destroy itself during my second Standby Phase after activating it. But, I activate the Continuous-Trap, Imperial Custom! As long as this card is on the field, my other Continuous-Traps can’t be destroyed! This prevents Summon Tax from destroying itself this turn!”

“So I’ll still be damaged should I try to summon something, huh,” Rarity mumbled.

“Not that you’ll last that long,” said Sweetie Belle. “Prepare to join me in the underworld, Rarity! Battle! Reptilianne Scylla, attack Topaz Tiger!”

“Quick-Play Spell, Crystal Flash.” Rarity countered. “I place a Crystal Beast from my hoof to my Spell and Trap Zone, to target a Crystal Beast I control. This turn, that Monster can’t be destroyed by battle and I take no battle damage. I place Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle to prevent battle damage from battles with Topaz Tiger.” A chunk of cobalt appeared in front of Rarity, and glowed brightly, causing Scylla to stop her attack.

“Fine,” said Sweetie Belle. “Reptilianne Gorgon, attack Rarity’s set Monster!” The emerald encrusted shell of Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise appeared, and deflected Gorgon’s attack. [DEF2000. LV3] “Though nothing happens from the battle itself, Gorgon lowers Emerald Tortoise’s ATK to 0 and locks it in defense.” Gorgon’s eyes flashed, and Emerald Tortoise became encased in stone. [ATK0] “I set a card. Turn end.”

“My turn,” mumbled Rarity. “Draw. I activate the Equip Spell, Crystal Release, and Equip it to Topaz Tiger. This card increases his ATK by 800.” Topaz Tiger burst out of the stone encasing him. [ATK800] “Battle. Topaz Tiger, attack Reptilianne Scylla. When Topaz Tiger attacks, he gains 400 ATK.” [ATK1200]

“Not enough,” said Sweetie Belle. Scylla’s mouth ripped into Topaz Tiger, tearing him to shreds, before biting into Rarity again.

“Gah!” Rarity gasped, as the teeth pierced into her. “Rainbow Ruins’ effect! Since I have at least 2 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, once per turn I can halve the battle damage! Agh!” Rarity was tossed to the ground again, more wounds having been sliced into her. [Rarity: LP 1300 –> 1000] “Topaz Tiger is placed in my Spell and Trap Zone instead of the Graveyard…” A chunk of topaz appeared in front of Rarity. “Crystal Release’s effect. Since it was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can place a Crystal Beast from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone. I place Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth.” A chunk of amber appeared in front of Rarity.

“What are you doing, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Why would you hurt your own Life Points?”

“Why would you hurt yours?” Rarity asked.

“I…” said Sweetie Belle. “It’s part of my deck’s strategy.”

“Is that the only reason?” Rarity asked. “I could use the strategy excuse too, but I don’t want to lie to you. I… Sweetie Belle, despite what you’re doing, I can’t bring myself to hurt you. I don’t want to kill you. And I think that, deep down under that dark exterior you’ve put on, you can’t bring yourself to kill me.”

“B-but,” Sweetie Belle stuttered. “If I don’t, we can’t be together anymore. Do you want me to die again?”

“Of course I don’t,” said Rarity. “But I don’t want you to kill your friends. Isn’t that why you died? Trying to stop the Dark Signers for us?”

“I…” Sweetie Belle mumbled.

“You’ve been focused only on us, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “Not once did I hear you acknowledge that if the Dark Signers win, Applejack, Fluttershy, and everypony else will die. I know you don’t want to kill either of them.”

“I don’t want to kill anypony,” said Sweetie Belle, her sclera returning to their normal white. “But what can I do? I don’t want you to be left alone.”

“I can’t answer that,” Rarity mumbled. “I don’t know what I can do to save you. I can’t let my friends down, though.” She turned to the side to show Sweetie Belle her Signer Mark. “I’ve felt their feelings through this Mark, Sweetie Belle. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were torn apart having to defeat Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. But they did it for the sake of the world. Do you want them to have suffered for nothing?”

“But, my other friends are gone, too,” Sweetie Belle mumbled. “How can I let them down?”

“You said you don’t want to serve the Dark Signers,” said Rarity. “Do you think Apple Bloom or Scootaloo would?”

“…No,” said Sweetie Belle. “They wouldn’t want to destroy the world. And I don’t, either.” Sweetie Belle gave a small smile, her eyes tearing up. “I’m sorry, Rarity…”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity mumbled, her eyes tearing up as well.

Sweetie Belle was suddenly overcome by a dark aura. She let out a scream as her eyes turning black again, giving off a purple glow. “R-Rarity!”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped.

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. “You were close, Signer, but I won’t have you sway the desires of my host.”

“W-what?” Rarity stuttered.

“I am a Dark Signer,” said Sweetie Belle. “And if this filly won’t kill you on her own, I will gladly step in for her.”

“N-no…” Rarity stuttered.

“Rarity!” a booming voice echoed.

Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle turned, and saw Luna fly over to them. Just outside the geoglyph, she stopped, flapping her wings to stay airborne as she overlooked the duel field.

“Princess Luna?” Rarity questioned. “W-what are you doing here? I thought you were bringing Twilight to Canterlot?”

“Twilight Sparkle is already there,” said Luna, looking up and tearing off a piece of the cloud cover to sit and catch her breath on. “I flew here as quickly as I could to lend you aid.”

“But how?” asked Rarity. “How can you help me?”

Luna looked over towards Sweetie Belle. “Young filly… Are you still this unicorn’s sister? Are you still a pony.”

Sweetie Belle glared up at Luna. “I am a Dark Signer. Nothing more.”

“Rarity,” said Luna. “Why haven’t you finished her off yet?”

“What kind of question is that!?” Rarity gasped. “I… I can’t kill Sweetie Belle!”

“Rarity,” sighed Luna. “That this task fell to you pains me. But you yourself know if you don’t, the world will perish. All those innocent lives. All of your friends. You, yourself. Can you stand by and let one pony survive knowing you can prevent those deaths by taking action?”

“I can’t,” said Rarity. “I… I can’t do either. I talked her down earlier! I… I can talk her down again! I can-”

“Rarity,” Luna interrupted. “She’s too far gone for you to help her with just words now. I know this is difficult, believe me, but you must end her here and now.”

“No!” snapped Rarity. “Ancient City – Rainbow Ruins’ effect! As I have 5 Crystal Beasts in my Spell and Trap Zone, I can Special Summon one of them! I Special Summon Ruby Carbuncle!” A small, furred, four-eared quadruped with ruby red eyes, a small ruby in its forehead, and a sphere of ruby on its tail burst out of the chunk of ruby in front of Rarity, curling up fearfully in front of her. [DEF300. LV3]

“Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “You Special Summoned a Monster with 300 ATK, so you take 150 points of damage!”

“Ah!” gasped Rarity. [Rarity: LP 1000 –> 850]

“You aren’t seriously going to kill yourself!?” Luna gasped.

“N-no,” Rarity stuttered. “I won’t… I set a card, and end my turn. Luna, I’ll show you that she’s still in there. Sweetie Belle, please!”

“My turn,” said Sweetie Belle. “Draw! I drew it."

“N-no,” said Rarity. “Sweetie Belle, please, don't! Please, end this!”

“I will,” said Sweetie Belle. “I release my two Monsters, and the souls of Fillydelphia!” A stone heart appeared above the geoglyph, pulsing and absorbing the black fog that hung over the city. “Descend, Earthbound God Ccarayhua!” It blasted down a shot of light, causing the ground to tremble and the flames to dance wildly. A large, black lizard rose up from the ground, standing up straight on its back feet. Green markings ran over its body, and its large, green eyes rolled around until they fixed on Rarity. It opened its mouth to reveal a row of green teeth as it let out a roar. [ATK2800. LV10]

Luna felt her pulse quicken. “This is it, isn’t it… One of the servants of the King of the Underworld. One of the creatures that took my sister from me…”

“The Earthbound God…” Rarity mumbled, her eyes widening in shock.

“Thanks to Summon Tax, I take 1400 points of damage,” said Sweetie Belle. “Agh!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 2800 –> 1400]

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped.

"I activate the Continuous-Trap, Brilliant Shrine Art! All attacks will be redirected to an Earthbound God! Do you plan to use your Field Spell’s effect to negate it?”

"No," Rarity mumbled. "S-Sweetie Belle, please. I don't want to fight you!"

“Then perish, Signer!” said Sweetie Belle. “Ccarayhua, direct attack!”

Tears began falling down Rarity’s face. “T-Trap activate! Iron Resolve! I halve my Life Points to make all battle damage I take zero!” A shield appeared around Rarity, blocking Ccarayhua’s fist from crushing her. [Rarity: LP 850 –> 425]

“Rarity,” said Luna, trying her hardest not to look at Ccarayhua. “I’m sure you remember the mistakes I’ve made in the past. How I fell to the lies of the nightmares and became Nightmare Moon.”

“I remember,” Rarity mumbled. “Of course I remember… When we saved you with the Elements of Harmony.”

“Before that day, though,” said Luna, “before I returned, I was imprisoned in the moon, was I not?”

“Y-yes,” Rarity stuttered. “You were…”

“Who do you think put me there?” Luna asked. “For the good of the world, despite the pain it caused, who sealed me away?”

“Princess Celestia,” said Rarity. “Your sister.”

Luna nodded. “She still cries, sometimes. I’ve seen her dreams since I’ve returned. And they cause her to cry over what she did. But, you know what? I comfort her for her decision. I was out of control as Nightmare Moon, and what she did was right. Rarity. I tell you this, because right now you need to be the stronger sister. You need to do to your sister what Celestia did to me. Defeat her, Rarity.”

“P-Princess Luna,” Rarity stuttered.

“I’m here for you, Rarity,” Luna said. “Your friends are all waiting. I won’t let you suffer as much as Celestia did. But I need you to win, first.”

Rarity wiped the tears from her eyes. “I… I’ll do it… It… It’s my turn. Draw! I summon Reese the Ice Mistress!” A red robed female biped, with a white and blue jumpsuit appeared. [ATK800. LV2]

“Take 400 damage from Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Agh!” Rarity gasped. [Rarity: LP 425 –> 25] “I… I tune my level 2 Reese the Ice Mistress to my level 3 Emerald Tortoise and my level 3 Ruby Carbuncle!” Reese burst into two green Tuning Rings, and channeled the level stars of Emerald Tortoise and Ruby Carbuncle through them. “Darkened gales, become the wings that soar from resolved hope! Synchro Summon! Soar, Black Feather Dragon!” A beam of light shot down, and the legless dragon soared out, its large wings stretching dramatically, as its feathered tail and mane fluttered in the breeze behind it. [ATK2800. LV8]

“Summon Tax’s effect!” said Sweetie Belle. “You take 1400 points of damage!”

“Black Feather Dragon’s effect!” countered Rarity. “I negate the damage by placing a Black Feather Counter on him!” Black Feather Dragon roared as some of his white feathers turned black and red. [Black Feather Counter: 1] “For every Black Feather Counter on him, Black Feather Dragon loses 700 ATK!” [Black Feather Counter: 1] [ATK2100]

Rarity hesitated, glancing up at Luna for a second. Luna closed her eyes, and nodded. Rarity took a deep breath, and turned back towards Sweetie Belle.

“I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity. “Black Feather Dragon’s effect! I remove all Black Feather Counters to lower the ATK of an opponent’s Monster by 700 for each Counter removed! My opponent then takes damage equal to the ATK lost! Black Burst!” Black Feather Dragon’s feathers turned white again, and he sent out an orb of black energy, which struck through Ccarayhua and hit Sweetie Belle. [Black Feather Counter: 0] [ATK2800]

“Gah!” Sweetie Belle gasped. [ATK2100] [Sweetie Belle: LP 1400 –> 700]

“Finish this, Black Feather Dragon!” Rarity cried. “Attack Earthbound God Ccarayhua! Noble Stream!”

Black Feather Dragon flew up and shot out a blast of red and black energy down, incinerating Ccarayhua and knocking Sweetie Belle backwards onto the steps of the Fillydelphia Museum of Art.

“Agh!” [Sweetie Belle: LP 700 –> 0]

As soon as her Signer Mark stopped burning, and the flames of the geoglyph died down, Rarity galloped over to Sweetie Belle, pulling her up into a hug.

Luna gently flew down from the cloud, landing a few feet behind Rarity, as the two sisters spoke.

“Sweetie Belle, are you alright?” Rarity asked. “Are you back to normal?”

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, the whites of her sclera reflecting Rarity’s face. “Rarity… I’m sorry… To leave you…”

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity sobbed. “Sweetie Belle, it’s not your fault! I… I forgive you…”

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes, nuzzling against Rarity before dissolving into dust. Rarity blinked in surprise, before collapsing on the steps and sobbing. Luna trotted up, and sat down beside her, gently massaging her back with her wing.

“There, there,” said Luna. “Let it all out.”

Rarity picked herself up, and hugged Luna tightly, sobbing against the princess’ chest. Luna returned the hug, and looked up at the sky, her own eyes tearing up.

Sister… Did I say the right things to her? Am I doing what you would have done? Can you forgive me for putting you through the same?

After a few minutes, Rarity stopped crying. She wiped her eyes and nose, as she and Luna separated. “I’m sorry for crying like that.”

“No need to apologize,” Luna said softly. “After what you’ve been through in that duel… I am more than willing to be somepony to cry on.”

Rarity gave a small smile, before looking up at the wrecked museum with a frown. Leaning on Luna for support, the two ponies trotted up the steps, and up to the rune circle.

Rarity help up Black Feather Dragon, and the circle glowed crimson before shattering. “It’s done…”

Luna gave her a small, encouraging smile, before they trotted back outside. Their eyes widened in surprise as orbs of light fell from the sky, turning into the citizens of Fillydelphia upon reaching the ground.

“W-what’s going on?” Rarity stuttered. “I thought everypony had died.”

“It seems,” said Luna, “that upon defeating the Earthbound God, those who were sacrificed for it have been freed. They’ve been brought back to life.”

Rarity’s eyes widened. “Then, that means…”

“My sister…” Luna mumbled, as the two looked out at the sky in the direction of Ponyville.

“Fluttershy still hasn’t dueled,” Rarity mumbled. “Fluttershy, darling, please… Please be okay. For Luna, Sweetie Belle, and I… Defeat Gilda.”