Star swung the front door open, “CADENCE! LUNA!” He yelled into the house.

“What’s wrong?” Cadence questioned as she looked up.

“Thank god!” J said as he rushed over and hugged Cadence.

“What’s going on…” Cadence said slightly scared.

“Is something the matter J?” Luna asked walking into the room.

J glance back at Star before shaking his head, “No…” He said, “Not as long as I’m still breathing.”

“Cadence… Luna… Get everyone and start barricading the doors and windows.” Star said.

“Star you stay down here. I’ll get the guns.” J said as he rushed upstairs to his room.

“Guns?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “Why do we need guns?”

“Star… why do we need to board up the house? What aren’t you two telling us?” Cadence questioned quickly.

“Don’t fucking question it… Just… Just do it!” Star said angrily. Cadence and the other’s notice that Star had been crying recently by the stains around his eyes.

“Star… what happened?” Rarity questioned.

“Twilight is dead… That’s what happened.” Star said.

“What?” Rarity said, “You… can’t be serious…”

“He is.” J said as he walked out of his room two large gym bags across his body. He was decked out in fully body bullet proof armor. He ran down the steps and dropped both bags to the floor, “My best advice when we see this mother fucker. Aim with the hand, shoot with the mind, and kill with a heart like arctic ice.” He unzipped both bags revealing an assortment of guns and ammo.

“Luna… About… About your sister.” Star said weakly.

“What about Aunt Celestia?” Cadence asked looking at Star, she looked like she was already close to crying.

Star just stared at Cadence, tears starting to stream down his face as he shook his head.

“We… we think she’s dead too.” J said quietly. “And… from that… we… know… that it’s connected… and… our best bet… is to protect all of you.”

“I… Sister…” Luna said trying to hold back tears.

J dropped what he was doing and walked over to Luna and hugged her.

“Pinkamena.” Star said. He looked over at her and saw she had tears running down her face. “Get Sarah and Serena and meet me in the basement… We have some work to do.”

“Bring me up some supplies…” J said, “I’ll begin my work up here.”

“S… someone… has… killed Celestia… and killed Twilight…” Chrysalis said she clenched her fists. “I’ll… rally the troops…”

Star’s eyes widened, “Where’s Ethan and Emile?” He asked.

J looked around. He moved to the gun bag, “I’ll find them…” J said as he pulled out a shotgun. “Anyone that tries to stop me… Hell will sort them out.”

“J… We can’t be too quick to judge. Do you know for certain that… They are dead?” Luna asked.

“We tried to send a letter to Celestia… it came back as soon as it disappeared.” J said.

“W…” Luna mumbled, her eyes darting back and forth as she seemed lost in thought.

“I was scared that maybe you two had died too…” J said quietly as he looked at Cadence and Luna, “Since you ar-” He was interrupted as Luna bolted out the door and flew away.

“FUCK!” J shouted, “I’M NOT LETTING ANYONE ELSE DIE!” He bolted out the door after her.

“J WAIT!” Star said running after him.

J stopped and collapsed to the ground in a mixture of exhaustion and anger.

Star knelt down next to him, “J… Come back to the house… We can’t catch her.” He said.

J looked up at Star tears in his eyes.

“J… We just ne-” Star was interrupted as a large gust of wind nearly blew past them, followed by a rainbow colored trail, sailing off in the direction Luna went.

“N… no…” J said as he watched Dash chase after Luna. “No… no…” He kept repeating.

“They’ll be fine… Just come back to the h-” Star was cut off as he clenched his head in pain, blood starting to run from his nose.

“Goddman it not you too.” J said as he hauled Star up.

“I’m… I’m fine just… Just a headache.” Star said.

J carried Star back into the house and set him down on the couch. He silently walked into the kitchen.

“Hrmph… What’s all the noise about?” Sombra asked walking down the stairs.

“Twilight is dead. And Princess Celestia is most likely dead too.” J said from the kitchen, his voice sounding a little cold.

“Dead?” Sombra said curiously, not seeming to care much, “How’d that happen?”

There was a loud crash in the kitchen followed by the sound of water spraying into the wall.

“J?” Star called out.

“I’m fine.” J said, “The first one is almost done.”

“H… Oh.” Sombra said staring over at Fluttershy, who seemed… Strangely calm.

“Fluttershy… Are you… Okay?” Star questioned.

“You… You don’t seem… Phased.” Star said a little confused.

“Why would I?” Fluttershy questioned.

“It’s done.” J said as he walked out of the kitchen a large balloon filled with a mixture of liquids in hand.

“What’s that?” Sombra asked.

“Homemade napalm.” J said staring up at Sombra.

“Ah… Good fun.” Sombra nodded.

J looked over at Star.

“You… You seem awfully calm.” Star said staring at Sombra.

“And there’s a reason for that.” Sombra said.

“The only reason he’s still alive is if I killed him then I’d kill you Star.” J said coldly.

“Yes yes… Very intimidating.” Sombra said, “Now Star… Anything seem strange to you?”

“What are you talking about?” Star said.

Sombra smirked and shook his head.

“What the fuck are you hiding?” Star said.

“Waterboarding is really effective at gaining information.” J said.

“Here’s a hint. Try checking the house. The person you’re looking for might be closer than you think.” Sombra said.

“Oh god… PINKAMENA!” Star yelled running into the basement.

J walked upstairs into his room.

Fluttershy started crying.

“Hey… It’s going to be okay…” Rarity said sitting next to her and hugging her.

Star walked out of the basement and just stood there.

J walked back out of his room carrying a large amount of cans, “Something wrong?” He asked looking down at Star.

“Pinkamena… Sarah… Serena… They’re gone.” Star said quietly.

J dropped the cans and he slid to his knees, “That…” He said, “That means… we…” He fell to his side and started crying.

Sombra walked over to the couch and started watching TV.

Star walked over and grabbed Sombra, “What the fuck is your problem? How about helping us you asshole…” He said angrily.

“Well I would but… My favorite show just came on.” Sombra laughed.

J pushed himself back up and stumbled down the stairs. “Leave him… he can’t help us anyway. He’s to much of a fucking pansy,” He said, “It’s down to us.”

Sombra smirked, grabbing Star and yanking his arm off him. He leaned in and whispered something into Star’s ear. Star’s eyes went wide as he stared at Sombra.

J glared up at Sombra and Star. He slowly walked over to them. He reached a hand out to touch Star.

Star spun around and hit J’s hand away, backing away as he stared at J in horror.

“What?” J questioned.

“You… Stay the fuck away from me.” Star said glancing between J and everyone else.

“What the hell did Sombra say?” J questioned.

Star’s horn lit up and everyone in the room except for Sombra was lifted into the air, their arms and legs stretching out as he lined everyone up.

“S… Star…” Cadence said weakly, “Wh… what are you doing?”

“No one… Is leaving this house.” Star said angrily forcing everyone to their knees.

“What the fuck… is wrong with you?” J questioned.

“Which one… Are you… You son of a bitch.” Star said as a circle of fire surrounded everyone.

“Star… just let them go…” J said.

“Yeah… That sounds just like you. I bet you’d say anything to make yourself sound righteous… To make you seem innocent…” Star said angrily.

“Go ahead and kill me then. Hell’s been waiting for me for a long time.” J said, “And when I get there… I’ll be fucking waiting for you Sombra.”

“I just told him the truth.” Sombra laughed. “How he chose to react is his choice.”

“And what the fuck did you tell him?” J barked.

“That one of you… Isn’t who they appear to be.” Sombra said.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” J questioned.

“I’m going to get something to drink. Any of you want something? No? Okay.” Sombra smiled, standing up and heading into the kitchen.

J growled a little.

Star’s eyes darted between everyone, his hands starting to shake.

“Star… why would you believe Sombra after what he did to us? After what he attempted to do to your daughters?” J questioned. “Did you stop to think maybe he’s lying to save his own ass?”

“No no… Ever since we… We became connected… I can tell if he’s lying… Someone here is a fake… And I’m not letting anyone out of my sight.” Star said.

“You do remember we have a fucking changeling hive at our command right?” J questioned. “What if Chrysalis replace one of the girls with a fake to save her? Or to draw out whoever the fuck is trying to kill them?”

“I… I…” Star stammered.

“And if there was a fake while we were gone whoever it was could have easily done a lot of damage.” J said his eyes darting to the two open bags of guns on the coffee table. “But I don’t see any bullet holes and I didn’t hear any gunshots.”

“I…” Star paused, “I don’t feel very good…” Star said as his nose started to bleed. He fell to the ground and passed out, releasing everyone.

J rushed over and slowly picked Star up. “Goddamn it…” He muttered.

Sombra walked out of the kitchen with a soda in his hand and took a sip, “Oh… Thought that would have lasted longer.” He said scratching his chin as he gazed to Star’s body, looking between him and J calmly.

“You’re not even worth my fucking time anymore.” J growled as he put Star on the couch.

“Well… Have fun then.” Sombra said sitting next to Star’s unconscious body and started watching TV again.

J flipped back a chair and pushed it against the front door. He got down and sat against it watching everyone else.

“What’s wrong?” Cadence asked quickly.

“J?” Rarity said.

“Yeah?” J questioned looking up at Rarity.

“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked.

“A lot of things are wrong.” J said.

“W… Um… J?” Fluttershy said worried.

“What?” J asked sounding a little annoyed.

“Where’s Star?” Fluttershy asked. His body was gone, and so was Sombra.

J simply stared at where they were. “I guess… I’ll find out who it is soon enough…” He muttered.

There was a noise in the kitchen, the sound of pots clanking together.

“Heh.” J mumbled as he aimed his gun at the kitchen door.

The kitchen door opened and Star walked out with a plate of food, he stared at J in surprise, dropping the plate to the ground and backing up. “Whoa whoa… J… What the fuck?” Star said quickly.

J pointed the gun away but watched Star out of the corner of his eye, “There’s the answer to where he went. Now there’s just another player in this game.” He said.

“Well this is fun now isn’t it?” Star’s voice changed slightly.

J aimed his gun back at Star, not even looking away from the girls, “Take another step and I’ll fill you with lead.” He said calmly.

“Very intimidating.” Star said starting to cackle.

“Fuck off Discord. Enough shit has happened today. I don’t have the patience to deal with you.” J said.

“Wrong.” Star said, a purple mist flowing around his eyes.

“Oh goodie.” J said sarcastically. Reaiming his gun towards the girls, his eyes darting between Cadence and Fluttershy.

“This is just exciting now isn’t it?” Sombra said walking over to Cadence and grabbing hold of her chin, “Who could it be? The Princess of Love? It couldn’t be right?”

“Wha… why are you accusing me of being the imposter?” Cadence asked sounding really scared.

“I have one good way of finding out who it is.” J said quietly as he removed the helmet he had been wearing.

“Or maybe it’s her?” Sombra said, grabbing Fluttershy gently, “The shy… Kind… Caring pegasus. Oh… But that would be too obvious.”

“We’ll see.” J said as he shot a round into the floorboards, “Good. They aren’t blanks.”

Sombra faded into the shadows, reappearing next to J and putting an arm around him, “You seem to be forgetting someone…” He whispered.

J started laughing. “You don’t seem to understand Sombra…” He said.

“And what is that?” Sombra asked.

“I like to keep tabs on a few people.” J said pulling out his phone.

Sombra smiled and leaned back against the wall.

“Ah… yes… in the badlands. Packing up the hive for the big move.” J said as he loaded another round into the chamber.

Chrysalis walked out of the basement, “We’re ready.” She said.

J watched Chrysalis for a few seconds, “Damn it… that leaves… No… no it couldn’t be… damn it…” He said his head hitting the chair. He looked up and saw Applejack, still tied up in webbing and hanging from the ceiling. “Goddamn it… whoever it is…” He looked at Chrysalis, “Chrysie who all is here?” J questioned.

“Well… everyone who is in the house is in this room…” Chrysalis responded.

J’s lip twitched. He looked back up at Cadence and then over to Fluttershy, who was staring up at Applejack weirdly.

“Fluttershy what’s wrong?” J questioned.

“T… The patterns on the webbing… Aren’t mine.” Fluttershy said.

J stood up, “That means… FUCK!” J shouted as he aimed up at Applejack, “I may not have you surrounded but no one can fucking outrun a bullet.”

The webbing snapped and Applejack fell to the ground, landing on her hands and knees. She stood up and stared at J. “Very clever.” She said.

J kept his aim trained on the fake. “Whoever the hell you are it doesn’t matter… dead is dead.” He said his finger about ready to squeeze the trigger.

Applejack started walking towards J.

J pulled the trigger the bullet lodged inside the chamber.

“J… Don’t you love me?” Applejack asked.

J chucked the gun down and pulled out his sidearm, “I love Applejack… not you.” He said pulling the trigger and firing a few rounds at the fake. The bullets did nothing to her.

Applejack looked down at the bulletholes in her and glanced up at J, “That wasn’t very nice…” She said. “What if you hurt me?”

“Too bad after everything I’ve done I won’t be seeing her again.” J said quietly to himself as he pulled the trigger a few more times.

“You’re really taking the fun out of killing me if you can’t kill me…” Applejack pouted.

J pulled the trigger twice more.

“Wait I think I’m in pain… Maybe the last one will work.” Applejack said.

J simply grinned as he pulled the trigger once more. His hand moving mechanically to change the clip.

“Yes quick… The second clip it’s our only hope.” Sombra said cackling loudly.

J turned the gun to his own head.

“J!” Cadence said in fear.

Rarity just laid back on the couch.

“Whoa now… Hold on.” Applejack said quickly.

“One more step and I’ll paint the wall.” J said.

Applejack looked at Fluttershy, then back to J before letting out a sigh, “Fine. You win.” She said.

J aimed at the floor and pulled the trigger, the gun made a flash but no bullet came out.

“Game’s over. Just show yourself.” Sombra said.

“Whatever…” Applejack said snapping her fingers. There was a bright flash before Discord appeared in her place.

“This day… just keeps getting better and better.” J said sarcastically.

“Mmm… You could say that.” Discord snickered.

Fluttershy started crying again.

“Fluttershy… It was just a joke… No one’s hurt… See?” Discord snapped his fingers and Pinkamena, Sarah and Serena appeared next to him.

“W...Where was I just now?” Serena asked.

She continued to cry uncontrollably.

Discord rushed over to her, “Please stop crying… It was… A joke! I’m sorry…” He said quickly.

“That’s… That’s not why I’m crying…” She sniffled.

“Then what’s wrong?” He asked.

“It’s… Twilight’s gone… Forever…” Fluttershy said before beginning to sob again.

“Wait… Sh-” Discord was interrupted by a knock at the door.

J got up and pushed the chair away from the door.

“Who is it?” J questioned.

“Who do you think? Why is the door locked?” Dash called.

J opened up the door, “I barricaded it. And thank god you two are alright!” He said.

“Yes… We’re better than fine actually.” Luna smiled.

“I could say the same.” Celestia said walking into view with a smile on her face.

J blinked a few times before collapsing to the ground.

“Gnngh…” Sombra grunted before being forced out of Star.

“J?!” Star shouted rushing over.

J mumbled unintelligibly.

Star sighed, “He’s fine… Just help me get him onto the couch.” He said putting an arm around J and dragging him to the couch.

Celestia walked in and glanced at everyone. “Hello.” She said.

“Auntie! We thought you were dead!” Cadence said as she jumped up from the couch and rushed over to hug Celestia.

Celestia giggled slightly as she hugged her, “I’m fine… In fact I have a big announcement for everyone.” She said.

“That’s great!” Rarity said.

“What… What about Twilight?” Fluttershy said.

“I assure you she’s just fine.” Celestia said.

“W… Huh?” Star stammered.

J smiled weakly, “T… thank god…” He said quietly.

“In fact… That’s why I’m here. You can come in now Twilight.” Celestia called out.

Twilight slowly walked into the room, smiling as she gazed around at everyone. Immediately there was a feature revealed that surprised everyone. She extended her newfound wings outward, displaying them to everyone.

“Everyone… I’d like to introduce… Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said proudly.

J’s head fell back to the couch. “Good for you Twilight.” He said quietly.

Fluttershy jumped off the couch and hugged Twilight.

“You seem happy…” Twilight laughed.

“I’m just happy you’re okay…” Fluttershy sobbed.

Star glanced over to J and noticed tears streaming down his face, “J? Are you okay?” He asked.

J smiled weakly, “Y… yeah…” He said.

Star sat down and hugged J, “They’re fine Joel. Everything’s fine.” Star laughed.

“I know… that’s w… why I’m crying…” J said as his smile widened and he hugged Star back. “Once is enough… once is enough…” J whimpered quietly.

“How very sweet…” Discord chuckled.

“I see some people had fun… More than others…” Celestia said in an irritated voice as she glared at Discord and Sombra.

“Oh come now… No one got hurt.” Discord said.

Pinkamena gasped, “Are we all getting wings now?!” She said excitedly.

“Sorry… No.” Celestia laughed.

“Oh… Okay.” Pinkamena sighed.

“Anyways… How are you guys? I hope I didn’t scare you too bad… “ Twilight asked, her view shifting between Star and J.

J weakly pointed at the two open gym bags.

“Paranoia at it’s finest.” Sombra snickered.

“G… go ahead and make fun of me…” J said, “I don’t… care anymore…”

“J… Star?” Celestia said.

J looked up at Celestia.

Celestia motioned towards Twilight, who seemed to be waiting for something.

Star smiled, jumping up and hugging her.

J smiled a little bit more and wrapped them both in a hug.

“You… Seem a bit taller too.” Star said noticing her extra height.

“Shut it and be happy nothing bad happened to either of them.” J said.

“Just pointing it out… It’s interesting. You know for science.” Star said.

J looked up at Twilight, “Oh… guess it broke.” He mumbled.

“Yes it did. And I remember everything that happened in the basement too.” Twilight said raising an eyebrow and staring at Star and J.

J stepped back defensively, “Hey! I joined in after it started!” He said.

“Hey… He aggravated the situation!” Star said pointing at J.

“I didn’t tell you to do all of that stuff down there so don’t blame me!” J said.

“I didn’t spike the drink with that insanity juice!” Star said.

“I didn’t force you to drink it! You did it out of your own free will!” J said.

“You can’t blame me for this! I thought it was just a drink… I didn’t know what it was…” Star said quietly.

“Stop.” Twilight said loudly, “I don’t care.” She laughed.

J breathed a sigh of relief, “I actually regret everything I did down the-” He was inturrupted.

“Shh… Shut up.” Twilight whispered putting a finger to J’s lips, “Just hug.” She laughed pulling the two of them into another hug.

“Hey… What did you mean earlier by ‘Once is enough.’?” Applejack asked.

Star and everyone jumped back. “When the hell did you get here?” He asked.

Applejack shrugged.

“You’re welcome.” Discord waved.

J looked down at the ground quietly.

“Hey… If he doesn’t want to talk about it he doesn’t have to.” Star said.

“The hospital… the night that…” J started, “The night my past caught up with me…”

“I’d say I remembered it but… I don’t.” Star chuckled.

“It… was after Star was thrown out the window… My… my dad… saved my life…” J said.

“Really?” Star said surprised.

“We’d be happy to meet him!” Fluttershy smiled.

“That would be delightful.” Rarity said.

“You did… well Fluttershy and Star did…” J said.

“What do you mean?” Star asked.

“The man who gave you the potion? That was my dad…” J said.

“Oh… Good man!” Star smiled.

“Yeah… he was…” J said quietly.

“Was?” Fluttershy questioned.

“Don’t tell me he’s a dick… I wouldn’t believe it.” Star said.

“The rest of you girls saw him… or… at least what happened to him…” J said.

“We did?” Dash questioned.

“The body… on the hospital room floor… that was him…” J stammered, “He was a great man…”

“W… We’re so sorry…” Rarity said.

“Don’t be… you sent the thing that killed him straight back to hell.” J said, “Where I couldn’t avenge him… you girls did…”

“Glad I could help.” Star said sarcastically.

Twilight hit Star upside the head.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean any offense…” Star said.

“I know.” J said, “I… I have to go do something… I’ll be back… when… I get back…” He ran out the door.

“Someone should go with him…” Star said.

“I will.” Luna said. “And it’s good to see you’re okay sister.” She hugged Celestia.

“I’ll be right here… Go make sure he’s alright.” Celestia said. Luna ran out of the house shortly after.

--------------------------------

J kneeled down at his father’s grave and set a large bundle of flowers against the gravestone. Tears streamed down his face as he sat down in front of the grave.

There was a tap on J’s shoulder as Luna stood behind him.

“Oh… hi Luna…” J said quietly, looking up at her.

Luna knelt down next to J and stared at him silently.

J closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her. He started crying into her shoulder.

Luna rubbed her hand through his hair as her grip around him tightened.

“I… I don’t want to lose you… Or anyone… I’m scared of dying alone…” J said weakly.

“We all pass on eventually J… But you never do it alone.” Luna said pulling his head up and smiling, “And I’m telling you right now… It’s not happening anytime soon.”

J weakly smiled, “How… how do you know?” He asked quietly.

“Because no matter what happens… Your friends will always be with you. Even if not physically… It’s not their presence that defines if you are alone… It’s the experiences you went through with them. And those will never die.” Luna said.

“D… did Star… or Cadence tell you… about my mom?” J asked weakly.

Luna smiled, waiting patiently.

“She… got so sick… and… one night… my dad woke me up… and said we n… needed to leave…” J started quietly. “I… it was s… so bright outside…”

Luna grabbed his hand.

J started sobbing and he shut his eyes tightly.

Luna wrapped her arms around him again and pulled his head to her shoulder, “I’m here… I’m not going anywhere.” She said softly.

“I… I watched her burn… I… I felt… so alone… s… soon after… I… w… woke up… a… and my dad wasn’t there…” J sobbed. “I… I realized… I…was meant… to be alone… a… and I was… for… the longest… time...”

“Well… It’s no wonder you and Star found each other.” Luna said.

J nodded weakly, “I… don’t… ever… want to b… be alone… again… it’s… so… cold…” He said quietly.

“Hey.” Luna said sternly, “I know I’m a princess… And I’m supposed to be formal… But if you keep talking like that I’m going to hit you.” She smiled.

“L… let me finish… before you do…” J said looking up at her with a little smile, “I know… that will never happen again now…” He hugged her a little more tightly, “A… and I’m… happy… that I’m… where I am… as much crap as I’ve been put through… in all my life… I wouldn’t… change a single thing…”

“That sounds like the J I know and love…” Luna smiled wider.

J smiled a little more, “I’m… done here for now…” He said, “Well… at least I’m done with the graveyard…”

Luna pulled back slightly and kissed him.

J pulled back and stood up, he extended his hand down to help Luna up.

The two of them started walking back to the house. “Hey… I am a tad curious about something.” She said.

“Shoot.” J said.

“What DID happen with you, Star, and Twilight in the basement?” She asked.

“Let’s just say… like Vegas what happens down in the basement stays down in the basement.” J said.

“Mmm… Fair enough. I suppose it would make sense knocking it out of Twilight. I’m sure she will tell me her side of the story.” Luna said glancing away from J.

“I’m… really not to keen on what happened down there… I regret doing what I did down there. Just like I regret the fact that I branded Applejack.” J said.

“A… You… Branded… Kinky.” Luna shrugged.

“Yep… I didn’t even have to force her to stick her ass in the air to get the brand… she did it on h-” J was cut off by Luna placing a finger to his mouth.

“If you’re trying to turn me on it’s working. Let’s just focus on getting home.” Luna grinned.

J smiled back, “As you wish Princess.” He said.