Pinkie Pie waited as she sat on the cold bench outside of Twilight's room. She didn't know how long she had been sitting out in the hall as nurses and doctors passed by her, but she didn't care. She ran her hoof across the black gem that hung over her neck. She hated it, despised it, loathed it. She stood firm in her belief that this hexed gem caused whatever happened to Twilight, and the pain that she had to watch her endure.

"Hey Pinkie."

Pinkie raised her head as she now looked at a white stallion with his signature uniform that he wore to his wedding.

"Oh, hi!"

Pinkie was trying to hide the sadness and guilt in her. She was Pinkie Pie, the pony that was always happy and bubbly, even in the hell she was going through.

"Can I sit next to you?"

"Yeah silly. Of course you can."

Pinkie Pie scooted her rump over to make room for TWilight's brother as he sat next to her. Shining Armor had heard what transpired with his sister earlier, and of course, as the good big brother he was, he immediatly made his way back to the hospital.

"Thanks. So have you gotten any word from Doctor Scope?"

Pinkie Pie shook her head.

"He said that she is okie dokie, but they have no clue what caused it."

Pinkie knew fully well, or so she believed. Shining Armor nodded, taking in the information. He wasn't there, but based off what he heard when he was sent word of his sister, it was terrifing to say the least. He could only imagine...

"Well how are you doing Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie looked down to the white floor as she saw her own reflection. How was she doing? She had watched her friends die, had to to run away and hide for years, was almost killed by Twilight, fought Luna and now had some other insane side to her, and everything else that she had to endure. No, she was not fine. She didn't even know if she was herself anymore.

"Yep! I'm okie dokie lokie," Pinkie lied as she lifted her head and cracked a fake smile.

Shining Armor saw right through this mask that she had tried to put on. She was faring no better than every pony else that knew what was going on. He put his hoof on her shoulder, to try and comfort her.

"You don't have to lie about it Pinkie. There's nothing wrong with the way you feel."

Pinkie felt the reassurance, but it was of no help. She felt empty and constant fear and sadness ran through her. She was simply...tired. Tired of all the pain, the blood, and death. She wanted her friends back. Fluttershy in all her gentle kindness. She wanted to hear Applejack apple bucking again and laugh in her trademark southern twang. She wanted to go and play pranks on other ponies with her partner in crime, Rainbow Dash. Lastly, one she could always hear in her head at night, Rarity. She didn't know why Rarity stood out, but for some reason it did.

"I'm sorry. I'm just not feeling Pinkie keen right now."

Shining Armor did something that he would only do with his sister, but he knew Pinkie needed it. He needed it. He was a soldier, and his emotions had no place in his line of work, but this was a rare oppurtunity for him. He had been holding onto something in his chest that he didn't want his sister to know, but maybe Pinkie would listen and keep his secret. He scooted over till his flank touched hers and he brought her in against his chest and hugged the pink mare.

Pinkie eyes went large as she felt her face against his warm body. All her thoughts of earlier had completely left her as she felt the stallions arms wrap around her. She felt a heat rush into her face, and she could have sworn that her face was three darkeer shades of pink now.

"No one said you had to," Shining Armor said as he hugged her. He didn't really understand why he was doing all of this, just he felt compelled to.

"Can I tell you something Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie was so entranced his gesture that she barely heard him. She heard her heart pumping in her chest as she felt butterflies in her stomach. She quickly answered him as her mind tried to pull out of the warm haziness that was taking her.

"Yeah, sure," she said as she pulled away. She didn't know what she just felt, but it felt...good. It felt real good, more than it should have.

Shining lowered his heard as he was about to reveal his loss and regret. Fortuanatly for Pinkie, he was completelty oblivious to Pinkie's darker colored face as she seemed to blush.

"I wasn't the only one that came to get you guys. There was another pony with me."

"You weren't? Well, where was the other pony?"

Shining sighed as he remembered Blaze smiling as he closed and locked the door, sealing himself inside with all of Luna's minions.

"He stayed behind. There were some of Luna's guards after us when we were making out way to the gardens, and he stayed behind to stop them."

Pinkie Pie now fully realized what he was saying. This pony that what was with him, had died trying to save her and Twilight, and she knew that he felt responsible for it, as she felt responsible for Rarity when she left her behind that night so long ago.

"I tried to go back for him, but I couldn't get in. I had to leave him, to get you guys.

Pinkie knew exactly where he was coming from.

"And you feel responsible, right?"

Shining Armor looked into Pinkie's blue eyes and knew she understood him. She could see what he was feeling and he now felt a connection now to her, and something else. Something he never noticed before. She had really beautiful large blue eyes...He blinked a couple times to get such a thought out of his mind.

"Yeah, I do."

Pinkie Pie looked back down at the floor as she saw her pink refelction in it once again. She thought about Rarity, and how she screamed for Pinkie to run, and she could hear her screams of torture. She wanted to save her, but Rarity had sacrificed herself to save her.

It was her fault.

"I know how you feel. When Luna was going to," she gulped as she paused to say what it was, "To kill me, Rarity shot her with magic, and I was set free. I tried to help her," she felt tears coming to her eyes, "but she told me to run. I didn't want to, but I still did. I was so scared that I ran from her, and I left her. I left her to die.."

Pinkie couldn't hold it. Tears started rolling down her face as the night replayed in her head.

"I can still hear her screams at night. She calls out to me and I cry in my sleep. Every night since then, I have cried when I heard her, and everyone screams at me, telling me I was a bad pony. I should have died with them."

Pinkie wasn't holding anything back. She didn't know why she was telling of all ponies, Twilight's brother, but she knew that they now had something in common. They both felt responsible for a death they thought they could have prevented.

Shining Armor saw her tears and thay actually hurt him. He didn't understand why. He had seen many tears shed in the years, but he never felt them. It was his job, but seeing this pink mare actually wrenched his heart. He had hated her before, when he was fooled, like others, that Pinkie killed her own friends, but now that Twilight has cleared that up, and seeing how Pinkie was now, how could he have ever thought she was capable of such acts? A better question would be...

Why was he feeling this way towards her?

"It wasn't your fault Pinkie. She gave up her life, so that you could have yours. I'm a soldier of Celestia, and our job is to scarifice for the good of Equestria. Like my friend sacrificed himself, so that I could come get you guys. We know what we sign up for, and the consequences it can have. We sacrifice ourselves, so that every pony else dosen't have to. That's what she did for you. She knew full well her choice, and she did it anyways. I wasn't even there, but that's what I believe."

Pinkie looked at him with her watery eyes as her heart pounded in her. It seemed he wasn't just speaking to her, but straight to her soul. She felt a rush of something that she knew she shouldn't be feeling, but she couldn't help it.

"Um, if it's okay if I ask, but who was your friend, like his name and stuff," Pinkie said nervously.

She didn't want to offend him, but she needed something else to talk about it than how she felt, because what she was feeling was a feeling of desire and want. A want for Twiligt's brother, her marefriend's brother. It was wrong to feel this way.

Shining Armor gave a small smile to her. She was trying hard not to try to upset him, but he wasn't upset. The words he spoke to her earlier weren't just for her, but for him as well. He still felt responsible, but he knew in reality it was Blaze's choice to do what he did, and he was thankful.

"His name was Blaze. He was my general, but he was also one of my best friends. He was a good a pegasus, probably the toughest I seen, but also the most mature of all of us. Heh, there was good reason he was made general," Shining said as he laughed a bit, just now seeing what made him such a great pony in his eyes.

"You lost a friend too?"

Pinkie Pie now had more of a connection with him. She had lost her friends, and he had lost his best friend.

"Yeah, but were here now. If it wasn't for our friends, I wouldn't be here," Shining Armor pointed his hoof to Pinkie's chest, just barely touching her fur, "and you wouldn't be here. Just remember that."

Pinkie's heart raced within in her chest, but she wanted it to stop. She knew what she was feeling and she didn't want to feel it. She only felt that way about Twilight, no pony else. She didn't feel that way towards this white, brilliant stallion, that looked strong and confident in his unform, and his cerulean, blue eyes staring into hers...

"Miss Pie. Captain."

Pinkie Pie and Shining Armor looked up to see Doctor Scope with a gentle smile on his face.

"She's awake. You may go in and have your time with her. I'll be back in an hour or so to check her readings."

They both nodded in unison and stood up to see one's friend, and another's sister. Their flanks rubbed against each other as they stood up and not only Pinkie turned a shade of dark pink, but also a certain married stallion had a flare of crimson over his face.

They both dared not look at each other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight woke up and flew up in her bed and beads of sweat rolled down her face. She looked around the room and she quickly noticed a doctor standing at the end of her bed as he seemed to take notes with his quill.

"Oh good, you're up. That was much faster than I expected."

Twilight shook her head as she felt a slight pain in the back of her head.

"How are you feeling Miss Sparkle?"

Twilight tried to speak but her her mouth was dry, and her throat was scratchy. She forced a request before she would give him an answer.

"Can I get some water please?" she asked with a raspy voice.

"Of course."

The doctor walked to the small sink that was situated across the room for her. She heard the running of water as her thoughts took her elsewhere.

Images.

Pinkie Pie.

Hearing Celestia call out her name.

Blood.

Twilight couldn't make sense of it. Her head began to throb slightly more as bits and shreds of her in pain ran through her head. The pain that she had felt...it was incomprehensible. How could there be pain that existed like that? It was unbearable. She remembered the burning in her body which felt like lava bursting from her veins, and the stabbing pain in her chest. It felt like it was collasping in and suffocating her.

"Here you go Miss Sparkle."

Twilight took the small plastic cup and brought it to her lips. She felt it's cold touch rush in her mouth and wet her tonuge. The liquid ran down her throat and she felt it's refreshing splash in her stomach. She drank the cup of blessed water hastily. Water had never tasted better.

"Now Miss Sparkle, how are you feeling? Do you know where you are?"

Twilight gave the cup back to the doctor that inquired about her health , as was his job.

"I'm fine, and I'm in the hospital.

"The Manehatten Regional Hospital to be exact, but close enough," the brown stallion said as he wrote more notes on his small clipboard.

Twilight looked around for a certain color of pink.

"Where's Pinkie Pie, err," Twilight asked, but was at a loss. She never seen this doctor before, and therefore, knew not what to call him.

"Doctor Scope. Pinkie Pie is outside waiting to see how you're doing. We have sent word to your brother about your recent event, and I'm sure he's out there with her. I had to escort her out after what happened to you so we could sedate you and run tests."

Twilight desperatly wanted Pinkie and her brother in here with her. She wanted to see their faces, so she could get rid of those confusing and horrible images that ran through her head earlier.

"How long have I been out?"

Doctor Scope continued writing in his small clipboard.

"Only for about an hour and a half, which is quite surprising Miss Sparkle. When we took your body's magical readings, they were perfectly normal. I had believed what you suffered was a magical backup due to your injury when you came in, but it seems that wasn't the case."

Twilight noticed the window as it was now boarded up with a giant piece of flat wood.

"What happened to the window?"

Doctor Scope turned his head towards the boarded up window and back to his clipboard.

"Oh that? Well, your outburst of magic had broken it, but don't worry, we will have that replaced by tommorow."

Magic? Twilight didn't use magic, but then again, she didn't even really know. She was consumed in pain and pictures that she wasn't very aware of her surroundings during that point in time.

"So what's wrong with me then?"

The question had to be asked. She sure as Celestia herself didn't know what had caused it, or what it was. This was completely new to her, and it was something she didn't want to experience again. Ever.

Doctor Scope set his clipboard down at the end of her bed as he took his glasses off .

"Well Miss Sparkle, that's a good question. A question we still have yet to answer. I ran all kinds of different tests on you. Disease, mental illness, magical mutations, even your horn. We had received negative on all of them, and to put it quite simply, we don't know. Accordig to paper, you're a perfectly healthy unicorn."

Twilight slammed her hoof down on her leg as she heard this unacceptable answer. How could they not find anything? Did they not see what happened?

"You're joking right? How can I be fine? I was in all sorts of pain, there has to be something wrong."

The doctor picked up his clibaord once again and began to scribble in it as usual.

"Unfortuanatly, no, I'm not. We have no clue what afflicted you to experience so much pain like that. The most I can do is subscribe some pain killers, but other than that, there's nothing more I can give you."

Twilight sighed.

"Well, I would like to see my friend and brother now if that's okay please."

Doctor Scope put his glasses back on and made his way to her bedside.

"Of course Miss Sparkle, but I have one more question before I have them come see you?"

Twilight raised her brow. What other questions did he need answered? They didn't know what was wrong with her so what more could there be?

"During your episode, you called out to two other ponies. I believe it was Sweetie Belle and Spike if I heard correctly. Also, you were screaming about some pony dying. My question is Miss Sparkle, were you seeing things during your episode?"

Twilight remembered it perfectly. Sweetie Belle and Spike were burning in her tree home, and they were screaming and in agony. She could see their flesh starting to fall off them as they slumped to the ground and laid still, while they just burned, and how could she forget about Pinkie. She had her in her arms, covered in blood, and a giant hole or gash that allowed her to see her organs perfectly.

"No...no I don't remember any of that."

She wasn't going to tell him what she saw. She didn't want ponies to think she was insane, because she knew that if they even got a whiff of her being crazy, they would more than likely keeep her forever, and that was something she couldn't afford.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I don't remember any of that. I only remember the pain."

Doctor Scope adjusted his glasses as he seemed to study her and see if she was telling the truth, but she wouldn't let him have the chance.

"IF you don't have anymore questions, I would like to see them now," she said in annoyance.

Doctor Scope nodded and smiled to her.

"Of course Miss Sparkle. I don't have any further questions. I'll be back in an hour to get some more readings, just to be safe. I will get your friend and brother."

"Thank you."

Twilight watched as the doctor left. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with her, but she knew another that may have an idea of what happened. She would have to take these few minutes she had alone to ask it.

Hey, where are you?

I'm right here Twilight, and I already know what you're going to ask. I have a theory but I don't know if it's right.

Twilight would take a theory as long as it sounded plausible. It was better than being told that nothing could be found.

Well, what is it?

Twilight, this theory I have will not be one that you like.

Just tell me.

Very well. You remember when Celestia healed you? I think that whatever she did to you is doing more than what we thought.

Twilight recalled Celestia' avatar when she almost died.

Yeah. I have an idea. When I was dead. or whatever I was, an image of Celestia came to me and stopped me from accepting death and brought me back here. She told me that she had actually put her magic inside me. Do you think it could be that?

I think it's exactly that. Celestia had infused her magic within you and as a unexpected result, you might have developed a connection with her, and if that's the case, I fear that the worst has happened.

Twilight's body went cold. It made complete logical sense. When Celestia had used her magic on her to heal her, it must have developed some type of telepathical connection with her mentor. That means the pain she had felt and the blood she had seen wasn't hers...it was Celestia's, and if it was hers, then that meant one thing.

Celestia could be dead...

Yes. Luna might have killed her.

Twilight shivered as she felt a chill run up her spine. If Celelstia was dead, that means Luna would have control of Equestria, and there would be no doubt she would come looking for them with an army behind her. How would they be able to fight her then if she had the kingdom?

She wouldn't have time to dwell on it as a blur of pink came over her and felt a tight squeezing pressure around her. Too late had she realized that it was Pinkie squeezing her as she embraced her.

"Pinkie! You're choking me!"

Pinkie quickly let go as she heard Twilight begin to gasp for air.

"Oh sorry Twilight. I was just really worried about you. You were hurting sooooo much ealrier."

Thanks for reminding me.

"I'm okay now Pinkie," Twilight said as she forced a small smile across her face.

"You sure about that? First you almost die, and then I'm told that my sister is screaming her head off. what's next? Twilight goes to a night club?"

Pinkie and Twilight quickly looked at each other as a memory came to both of them of a certain night. The night before everything had started, and the best night they ever had. She quickly turned to her brother, trying not to reveal that secret little detail. Her brother didn't need to know her personal life that deeply. Little did he know, she had been to a night club...

"Ha ha, you're histerical Shining."

Twilight knew if any pony was worried, it was him. He was simply trying to downplay the situation was all.

"Sorry to worry you guys. I didn't know what happened earlier, but I'm just happy it's over."

Pinkie gave her a bright smile, though inside she was beating herself down inside. She hadn't forgotten about her conviction of the necklace.

"Well, we're happy too. Hopefully no more surprises from you today. I already have enough on my plate as it is." Shining Armor claimed.

Twlight shot him a look of annoyance. She decided to change the subject. She needed to know about Celestia.

"Have you heard anything from Celestia yet?"

Please say yes.

"No. I haven't gotten any kind of message from her yet."

Pinkie now interjected as she spoke to Twilight's brother, but was careful to not look into his eyes. She still remembered what she had felt earlier when they were alone out in the hall.

"What do you think is taking her so long? Shouldn't she have sent something by now?"

Shining Armor shook his head as he looked at her. He noticed that her blue eyes were trying hard not to make contact to his, and he was grateful. Very grateful.

"I don't know. In all honesty, I would have expected something from her by now."

The two continued their discussion, but Twilight was now lost in her thoughts once again. Celestia hadn't sent any type of word since they had left, and this theory of Celestia being dead was now gathering some credible basis. She felt her heart rushing in her heart, and she was compelled to ask the question she needed to know.

"How would we know if she's dead?"

Both her brother and marefriend looked at her with looks of confusion, disbeleif, and dismay.

"Twilight! Why would you ask that?! Celestia is the most super duper powerful pony ever! How could she die?"

That was the last thing Pinkie wanted. She held such a high hope for the princess that she would beat Luna, and end all of this. They would only have to worry about getting their friends back, and they could begin a new life. She didn't want to get them and then jump right back into hell and fight Luna again. Who would die next?

"Twilight, I would know if the princess had died, "he lowered his voice as he said the word 'died', "and I haven't seen it, so she must still be alive."

Twilight understood why they would think she would be okay, but after what she saw, all belief that Celestia could beat Luna was shaken. Just becasue she had beaten her before didn't meant that she could beat her now. A thousand years is a long time, and many things can change. For example, Luna.

"But what if she did? What would happen to every pony?"

Shining Armor shuddered at the thoght. Equestria would fall into chaos and confusion is what would happen. He feared that if Celestia lost, there could be a possible civil waron top of a war with the Changelings.

"Well, I can't really say Twilight. I rather not even think about it," her brother responded.

"Twilgiht, why are you asking all this stuff?" Pinkie questioned.

Twilight didn't know if she should tell them what she saw, or smiply lie and make up some excuse for all her inquiries about her mentor. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe everything she saw were dillusions, and she was just over thinking everything. It's possible there was no explanation for what happened. She didn't know, and she was lost in what she should believe. One half wanted to believe that she was wrong, and Celestia was fine and well, but another half was saying that she was dead, and Luna had killed her.

"I..I don't know. Just forget that I asked. I guess I'm worrying too much."

They both accepted this lie without question. Maybe they knew she was lying, but rather accept the lie, then what possibly be could a hard truth. They were going to have to face it though, as this lie, would quickly turn into truth.

"Sir! We can't let you in there!

"No! I have to! It's important! Let me through!"

"We're sorry sir, but we can't let you in!"

The trio looked over to the closed door as they heard the yelling outside. Shining Armor knew that voice and quickly made his way to the door to see what all the commotion was. He opened the door to a scene of a nurse blocking his way to Twilight's room. Silver quickly caught his eye.

"Captain! I have to talk to you! It's urgent!"

Shining Armor noticed that it was his lieutenant, Silver. He was sweating and his golden eyes were wide and desperate. Something was definitly not right if he looked like that. Shining Armor turned his head to Twilight and Pinkie as he sighed.

"Give me a moment girls. It seems I have some more business to take care of. I'll be right back."

Shining Armor closed the door behind him and went to calm the distressed Silver.

Twilight and Pinkie were alone once again, and only silence was heard. Twilight decided to break it, seeing that Pinkie seemed to be a bit lost in something.

"What do you think that was all about?"

"I don't know. Who ever it was, they sounded really scared or something."

Twilight looked at Pinkie, but her eyes were fixated on the necklace that hung from Pinkie's neck. She had not forgotten that Pinkie had got it from Luna, somehow, and it was her only relief from everything now. The thought of Celestia being dead was haunting her mind as questions loomed, but at least they had the necklace. It seemed to ease her mind a bit.

"Can I see the necklace Pinkie real quick?"

Twilight wanted to hold it. She wanted to see the black swirling stone, as if she had to make sure that it was still the same.

Pinkie felt her insides turn to mush as she heard Twilight asking for the accursed item over her neck. She didn't want to give it to her. She was afraid it might do what it did to her earlier, and she was not going to let that happen again. She quickly tried to formulate a quick lie to derail Twilight's inquisition.

"Oh, I don't think you want to do that. I dropped it into one of the toilets in the bathroom, so it's probably all icky and gross."

"What? Are you serious? Then why are you wearing it Pinkie?"

Pinkie smiled sheepishly as she quickly thought of how she was going to keep her lie going. It was a ridiculous one, but she had to try and stop Twilight from having it, or watch as her unicorn suffered again. Such a silly belief. Only if she knew...

"Well, um, cause you said for me to hold onto it, and I promised I would, soo that's what I'm doing."

Twilight knew this was all a lie. It was pretty obvious and any pony who couldn't see it had to be severely stupid not to. She didn't know what was going on with Pinkie all of a sudden with it now. She was all happy about it earlier being a surprise, but now she was very held back and hesitant. Was it because of her recent torture? Did it scare Pinkie or-

She thinks the necklace caused it.

She put the pieces together. Pinkie believed that the necklace had caused her all that pian. No wonder she was reserved about letting her have it, and then to lie to keep her from holding it. Pinkie felt that she had caused all that body wracking pain to her when she gave her the necklace.

"Pinkie, do you think that the necklace caused whatever happened to me earlier?"

Twilight knew. Pinkie couldn't hide it anymore. Twilight had seen right through her absurd lie and pieced it all together. She hung her head in defeat as she came clean.

"I'm sorry Twilight. I didn't know it would do that to you. If I would have, I would've never given it to you. It's my fault that you were hurting so much."

"Pinkie, I don't think that was the cause of it, " Twilight said, as she thought about the possible theory of a connection with Celestia, "and it's not your fault. I know you would never try to hurt me on purpose."

Pinkie Pie wasn't so sure. She would never try to hurt Twilight in any way or form, but then there was the moment between her and Twilight's brother. That feeling she had, and the heat that rose into her face when she felt his flank rub against hers when they were going to see Twilight. She would never hurt Twilight, physically, mentally, and emtionally...she at least hoped.

"Besides, if it was the necklace, wouldn't it be doing the same thing to you?"

Twilight was right. Why didn't anything happen to her when she wore it? Maybe she was all wrong. Maybe not, but she took a chance.

"Okay fine, you can have it, but please be careful Twilight."

Pinkie took off the prized item and gave it Twilight. She wrapped it around her hoof and looked at the black gem once again. It's back smoke was still swirling around within it, but she now saw something within it. It was what looked like spectral veins, ones that she had seen earlier in Pinkie and her brother, but these were bundled and spread across the gem. They were blue, orange, yellow, and white colored veins that ran through it and they were all glowing within it. It entranced her, but her trance was soon broken by a very horrid thought.

These were the same color as her deceased friends. Twilight shuddered. Was she seeing her friends in this, but what was she seeing? She didn't understand, but her mind would be taken elsewhere as she heard the door to her room fly open.
Pinkie and Twilight quickly looked over to see Shining Armor running into the room and towards the boarded up window.

"What are you doing?!" Twilight exclaimed, confused to what her brother was doing. Pinkie quickly ran to him to see what was going on.

Pinkie saw beads of sweat going down his white face as his horn lit up and started to pry the wood from the window.

"What are you doing?! What's wrong?!" Twilight cried again.

Pinkie tapped his shoulder and he quickly turned his head to her. She looked into his eyes and saw terror and fear in them.

"What are you doing Shining? What happened?"

He was breathing hard, and he could only give one word.

"Celestia."

Twilight and Pinkie both heard the name, and a terrible fear rose in them. A fear that was coming to fruuition. Shining Armor continued prying the wood from the window. He had to see if it was true, and there was only one way to tell. The wood cracked and warped under his magic, until it completely broke off.

Twilight watched from her bed as her brother ripped the lumber off and saw red rays of light pour in. She figured that the sun was setting, but didn't understand what had her brother so worried.

"Shining! What's going on?!" she cried once more. He was scaring her. She had never seen her brother like this.

Shining looked out to the sky, and his fear's were now reality. The sky was red, but there was no sunset. The sun was set high above the horizon, and it was still in the middle of the afternoon. This was no sun setting, but one that had lost it's bright yellow appearence. It looked like its color was melting off of it, and red began to take it over. It looked as if it was bleeding, and it covered the sky in a blood red atmoshphere. This was the sign. Shining knew know why no message had been sent yet by his princess.

Princess Celestia had fallen.

Pinkie looked out to the window and saw the same visage, and knew something about it wasn't right.

Twilight was left in the dark to what was happening. She had to know and her brother wasn't answering her.

"Pinkie, what's going on? What are you guys looking at?"

Pinkie turned to her with as much confusion as her.

"I don't know. The sky is all red and the sun isn't all yellow and shiny anymore. It's all red too."

"Is the sun setting?"

"No, it's still really high in the air. I think it's only mid afternooon."

They both looked at Shining Armor as his mouth hung open agape and sweat covered the collar of his uniform. He knew they were both looking for an answer from him, but he didn't want to say it. He was still in shock and his mind was blank. He couldn't possibly imagine this, but yet, he was seeing it in front of him.

Twilight had enough. She needed an answer, and she needed it now.

"Shining Armor! Tell me what is going on before I get out of this bed and see myself."

He didn't want to. He couldn't believe it, but it was now reality. He slowly uttered an answer.

"Princess Celesita...is dead."

Pinkie and Twilight both were just hit with a wall.

"W..wait...is that why it looks so weird outside?" Pinkie asked, feeling her legs turn to jelly.

Shining Armor only nodded. All of their fears were true, and all hope that Celestia could beat Luna were completely wiped away.

Celestia is dead?! So that means...

My theroy was right. The pain you felt was Celestia's, and her final moments. Luna has killed her, and now she has Equestria.

Luna won.

Twilight couldn't accept it. How could Luna have won? How did her mentor lose? This was not the way it was supposed to happen. Celestia was supposed to beat her, not die. She had to see. She had to see the sign for herself. Twilight dragged her legs out of the bed and stood on them as she held the necklace in one of her hooves. She staggered over to the window. Her legs felt weak, but her heart felt weaker. It didn't want to believe her brother's words.

Shining Armor conitinued staring out to the blood sky. The sun was a burning red ball of fire now, and it was telling Equestria that their beloved ruler was now gone. Princess Celestia had failed them.

Pinkie's heart came undone. How could Celestia be dead? She was Equestria's ruler for a reason. She was kind and loving, but she was also powerful. She had defeated Luna before, but this time, history wouldn't repeat. She felt tears flll the brim of her eyes. Celestia was gone, and now they were left alone to Luna. What would they do now?

Twilight staggered to the window in her light hospital gown, and no pony stopped her. They were all left within their own thoughts of shock and bafflement. She stood by her brother as he only stared out into the sky. She looked out and saw the sun, now blood red, and it's color shot through the once blue sky. The clouds moved slowly through the sea of red, and something inside screamed at her. It told her that Celestia was dead. There was no doubt in her mind anymore. Her heart knew it. Her beloved mentor and princess was no more.

She's gone...Celestia's gone...

Her heart was breaking. Peice by piece it was falling apart.

I'm sorry Twilight.

Tears started to flow from her eyes as she began to shake. She felt that her heart was being ripped out of her chest and being crushed right in front of her. She had lost something more than simply a teacher and princess. She had lost a mother. She now felt guilt and terrible heart-break fill her. Those ten years she had not spoken to her, and only till this morning did they reconcile, but what did it matter? As soon as they had finally made up, they were flung right into hell with Luna. Memeoris started to flash through her mind.

Celestia covering her white wing over her when she was just a small filly.

The lessons that Celestia gave her, and watched her with such amusment and pride.

The time at the Grand Gallpong Gala.

Celestia's broken body.

The last image struck her like a spear, and she whimpered. She couldn't hold her tears and they dropped to the clean white floor.

"Celestia's gone..." Twilight whimpered.

Shining Armor looked over to his sister in heart wrenching pain. Not only did he hurt that his ruler was gone, but his sister was suffering for it. She was her student, and they had a close bond, one that no pony could break. To lose some pony that close was wrecking his sister, and there was nothing he could do to comfort her.

Pinkie felt tears running down her face as she watched Twilight slouch over the window sill, and tears poured out onto the ground below them. Pinkie was so tired of seeing every pony in pain and sadness, but nothing she could do would bring happiness now.

Twilight felt as if her body was breaking.

It's my fault. If I wouldn't have been so stupid, I could've helped her. She would be alive.

Don't blame yourself Twilight. None of this is your fault. She wanted you to be safe and she did just that. Your lives are more-

No! Don't you dare say it! Are lives were not more important than hers! She needed me, and I get myself almost killed. Becasue of my stupidity, she's dead! She's gone!

Twilight slammed her hoof on the window sill. Both Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie only watched as Twilight had her eyes closed and rivers of tears streamed out. They could see anger and despair in her.

But you and Pinkie are alive. There is still hope to stop Luna.

This isn't about Luna! I lost a mother, a teacher, a friend! Don't you get it?! She's dead! She's left me! Just like before!

Twilight felt anger mixed with her sadness. Celestia had left her alone now, jst as she did for all those years. She was alone, and with no guide.

She slammed her hoof again.

This is what she does! She leaves me and abandons me! I'm glad she's dead! She deserved it!

You know you don't meant that Twilight. You loved her. You ache for her and it's okay. Embrace your anger. Embrace your pain. Let it out.

Twilight couldn't hold it anymore. She slammed her hoof again into the window sill a third time, and cracked it. She felt a small sting in her hoof. She looked at it to see small drops of blood dripping from her hoof from the force of her slamming. She didn't care and begain to wail.

"She's gone! Celestia's gone!"

Pinkie quickly came to her and hugged her as Twilight dug her face in the pink mare's chest. She cried and screamed in it. The images of blood and Celestia calling her name pushed more despair through her.

"Twilight" Shining Armor whispered as he watched her bawl her eyes out in Pinkie's chest. He wanted to cry with her. He wish he could've took her pain for her, but no pony would hurt like she was. Her and Celestia were more than teacher and student. He knew their realtionship, and it was deep. Deeper than anyone could imagine.

"She left me! I should have helped her! I should have stayed!"

Pinkie hugged her tighter. She didn't know what to do. She looked up to Celestia, but she didn't have the bond that Twilight had with her.

"I'm so sorry Twilight."

That's all Pinkie could say. What more was there? There was nothing she could say to quell her sadness for her.

I hate her! I fucking hate her!

No you don't. You love her.

She left me for so long, now she's gone forever!

She never left you, and you know it. Everything she has done was for you. She died for you.

She died for nothing! Luna killed her! What did she die for?! She wasted her life!

Stop! How dare you say she died for nothing! Her life wasn't a waste and because of it, you are still alive! She may be dead, but you're still here! Luna can still be stopped. If you don't then her saving you was a waste! It's time to act!

Twilight's inner eye seemed to wake up. What this voice was saying spoke volumes to her. Here she was sad and angry over Celestia leaving her again, but she didn't take the time to see that without her, they would be both be dead. Celestia had really saved her, and though she may have not been able to defeat Luna, Celestia still had put in a backup, whether she realized it or not. Luna could still be stopped.

She pulled away from Pinkie as tears continued running down her face. There was still sadness and anger in her, but her anger was now channled toward some pony else.

Pinkie and Shining Armor noticed this sudden change in her. She was wailing and crying, but her cries had abrubtly ceased. They saw her tears still running out of her, but she didn't look sad. She looked angry and determined.

You're right...Celestia might have lost, but it's not over. We're still here. I'm still here.

Good. Mourn her death, but put it into action. Bring your friends back...

And kill Luna.

Twilight went back to the window sill and looked out to the blood sky and sun. It was the marking of her death to all of Equestria, and no doubt Luna will take advantage of it.

"Twilightt, are you okay?" Pinkie asked as both Shining Armor and her stood beside Twilight at the window. The red rays of light hit against their faces, as it warmed them, but insided they were all shattered and scared. Twilight now had lost another friend. A mentor, a mother, a ruler.

"I've had enough."

She turned around and staggered to the sink.

"Twilight, you need to get back in-" Shining Armor was cut off.

"No. I've had enough of it all."

Twilight went to the sink and turned it on and splashed cold water over her face to wash the salty tears away. Her heart was broken, her soul was smashed, her head throbbed. It didn't matter though. She knew what had to be done, and she would mourn for her teacher later. Celestia had died to save them, whether she knew it or not. She knew she had tried to beat Luna, but it wasn't enough. The fact stood though. She fought for all of them. She fought for Equestria, and though she failed, there was still hope. Her and Pinkie were still alive, and they would now stop her. They had to.

She turned back around to face the two.

"I've had enough of all this. Celestia may be dead, but we're still here."

They both flinched as they heard her say that Celestia was dead, but also they were suprised at her. To say those words must not be easy, especially for the faithful student, but they both saw something new in her. Determination.

"It's now our turn."

Pinkie stepped up and spoke.

"But Twilight, what are we supposed to do? Luna will be looking for us. All of us. We can't beat her now."

Twilight wiped away fresh tears that were still coming form her eyes. Her pain was great, but they had to act. In Celestia's name.

Shining Armor now took his turn to speak.

"With Celestia gone, the solar guards will be in dissarray. I only have a handful left, not near the force that Luna has. We can't retaliate against her. She now will have control of Equestria, and it will follow her out of fear. She will have ponies look for us and find us. No doubt they will be looking for both of you."

"Then what do you suppose we do then? We can't simply stay here and wait for her. We have to fight back!"

Twilight was ready. She wanted to go after Luna and end her. She had killed another one of her friends, best friend and more, and she was fed up. Luna had to die, and she had to do it.

"We hide. We hide until we can gather a force that could at least stand a chance against her. We can't just go and attack her now. A lot of guards had died today, and we're in no shape to launch an attack on her. Twilight, we have to hide and wait."

Twilight flet anger rise in her. They would have to hide? Like cowards?

"We can't hide! She will start a war, and if we don't stop her from doing it, Equestria will be gone!

"And if we don't hide, we will all be dead and Equestria will still be gone!"

Twilight looked over to Pinkie in shock. Not that she was agreeing with her brother, but her sudden outburst.

"Why are you so eager to go and fight?! Haven't we all lost enough?! I'm so tired of it Twilight! Celestia is dead, and you want to go and cause more?! Listen to your brother please!"

"Pinkie.."

"I'm sorry Twilight, but we can't go back at her. Have you forgotten about our friends? We have the necklace now! Let's get them back first at least!"

Pinkie was right. The unusual moments that she made sense always seemed to be right. They had the necklace now. She lifted her hoof to look at the black stone.

"Your right Pinkie..."

Shining Armor went over to her and met her face to face.

"Twilight, I don't want to hide either. I know how you feel. I wanted to take back the castle when we lost it to Luna, but a friend of mine told me no. Not because he didn't want to, but because it wasn't worth losing more lives over. I didn't understand at first but now I do. The best thing to do is to hide from her, and you get your friends back. Once that happens, that we can go after Luna. A lot more will die if we just try to fight her now. Get your friends back."

"But what about you and the other gurads? What will happen to them?"

"The Solar guard is no more. Celestia has fallen, but we will all hide all over Equestria, and plan. We're not going to give up."

"So does that mean your leaving?"

Twilight didn't want her brother to leave out somewhere where she would have no idea where he was or how he is doing.

"No, I'm staying here with both of you. There's an apartment here that I have Cadence staying in till I got done here. We can all stay there. I don't think Luna will try to coduct a search here. It would raise too many questions to what she is really doing. I expect her to take power under a lie of Celestia trying to start a war without every pony knowing since it was never made public."

Pinkie now went over to the two as she gave a small smile.

"We can use that time to find a way to bring our friends back Twilight."

Twilight knew they were both right. There was no denying it. They would hide from Luna's eyes, and use that time to regain their friends.

"I have to go. I have to do this quick. The Solar guard will be dismantled and I will send the remaining guards back to their families. Everyone is going to need all the protection they can get. I'll be back Twiliight. Pinkie..."

Pinkie looked into his eyes, and that feeling rose up again, even among her sadness.

"Watch my sister for me."

He left and closed the door behind him.

Twilight stood and stared at the necklace as Pinkie tried to get her to bed.

"C'mon Twilight, you need to lay down."

"I'm fine."

Pinkie didn't protest. There was too much in both of them to really argue anymore.

"So, this is it then? Luna finally has what she wants."

Twilight turned to her pink marefriend.

"No, Pinkie. This is not it. We're going to bring our frineds back."

There was nothing more true. They were going to get them back while they dodged Luna. She would pay for everything she had done. Her friends and Celestia would be avenged. She would make sure of it.

"Then were going to kill her. She's going to die for everything she has done to us. For everything she took away from Equestria. Our friends and Celestia. Mark my words Pinkie, she will die."

Pinkie heard the confidence mixed with anger and pain. She believed her. They would get their friends back, and they will beat Luna. She actually smiled.

"I'll be sure to mark them down."

Twilight smiled back at her. She was broken still but determined. Celestia was now gone, and it was up to them.

There was no turning back.

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(A friend of mine put in a request to put music from a gaming soundtrack in this chapter in celebration of Dead Space 3 coming. Credit music if you will. You don't have to play it if you don't want to of course. For youman.

The path of revenge is a long one.

Filled with pain, sorrow, and blood.

Twilight now knew this, and accepted it willingly.

Her friends were dead and now Princess Celestia was dead.

She had Pinkie Pie with her, and only the future knew that she would need her help.

She didn't know what would come next. All she knew was what she had, and what she sought.

Revenge.

The path has been set.

The curtains have been pulled back.

Twilight Sparkle had finally begun.

Her Dark Descent.

To be Continued...