The sand pony stared out over the rioting city, Rainbow Dash staring with him. "Amazing isn't it. How the greed of one can spark such adversity."

"Huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, cocking her head. "This, this is amazing to you!?"

The sand pony let out a short breath. "Oh my love, how I wish you could see this from my view." The sand pony turned to Rainbow Dash with a frown. "But...not even I see all the pieces, I'm doubtful you could even begin to understand."

Rainbow Dash took a deeply shaken breath. "What are you!? Why do you keep saying you love me?! What do you have to do with any of this!?"

The sand pony took a deep breath. "I am sand and dust given life, name of Pulvis, and that is all I can say. I...how do I say this, I am the watcher, waiting to act. And...I call you my love because you are. In this grand chess game, I can see three pieces. One, of bronze, dark, greedy, a hungry creature, only concerned with feeding itself while letting this world burn. Another of white, scared, fearful, always planning, always plotting, he is scared, hiding behind walls and trying to figure out his next step. He has no idea where to go, how to end this, nor does he even begin to understand the consequences his actions will have on this land."

Pulvis turned to Rainbow Dash with a smile. "But then there's you. A bright vibrant creature amidst a tempest, always constant, always strong. A beacon of hope in this horrid haze, you, my love, are the one piece I can truly understand. I have faith you are the one who will end this, and for that, my shining beacon, my light, my hope, you are my love."

Rainbow Dash frowned hard. "So what, you think I'll magically fix this!? I- I know this will end, but- how am I supposed to change it! It won't be me, it will be everyone!"

Pulvis shook his head. "Your bright, in mind and body, and underestimating your part will do nothing." Pulvis felt his frown grow deeper and deeper. "This town will burn, your life will change forever. But you alone...you, my love, my light in the darkness, will survive, and more importantly, you will thrive."

"You're a freak!"

"I know my love. I have seen bits of what is to come, moves to be made, pawns to be played. How I wish I could show you...but I fear showing you what is to come may alter the course of events." Pulvis turned back to the burning town below. "It's a fragile thing Rainbow Dash. Peace, civility, mind and body. The most simple of actions can have far reaching consequences, and those unprepared for the repercussions will fall." Pulvis let out a dry cough. "And I fear knowing the truth of your future might give you some false idea of perpetration. Best to let you play your part, and leave the madness of this travesty to those who have no real say. For I can only watch, and shape your course from afar."

Rainbow Dash felt her lip quiver. "So that's it? I'm just supposed to go along with this? Just roll with the punches until the world ends?"

Pulvis rubbed his chest. "My love, I wish I could give you more. For all the hope you have given me, for your service, you have earned my love, but even then, to upset your path...I cannot." Pulvis started to fade into dust. "I'm sorry...but even if you don't like my reasons, I ask you to understand them."

Rainbow Dash was left alone as the last of Pulvis drifted away. She was faced with her home ablaze, her world being toyed with by some supernatural creature and the greed of ponies. And all she could do was play her part. Next Chapter: Rain Estimated time remaining: 22 Minutes