Five days have passed since the fall of the Crystal Empire. Sunset and Starlight, with Flurry Heart in tow, have moved around the desolate ruins of Equestria. They kept themselves hidden, fearing that the creatures will find and kill them. But even if they have been careful, it still didn’t change the fact that everything they worked so hard for is now gone. And all they can do is run.

“Are we almost there?” Starlight asked while keeping a lookout for any creatures.

“Zecora is the most cautious zebra we know. I doubt that the monsters have gotten to her.” Sunset said as she looked ahead.

“Even so, do you still think she hasn’t changed by now? For all we know, she could be a changeling.” Starlight questioned while carrying Flurry Heart.

“No, she’s not. She has kept herself hidden ever since the Anomaly started. She would never let herself fall victim to the ooze or these monsters in Equestria. We need her to keep Flurry Heart safe while we save our friends. Equestria’s too dangerous for her now. And what choice do we have?” Sunset countered.

Starlight said nothing and just kept going. There was nothing but dust and storm clouds as they kept moving. Traversing through every rock and ooze-filled water stream, the trio kept straight on the path as they moved into the Everfree Forest.

“This place is even creepier than the last time I’ve been here. Are you sure Zecora’s in here?” Starlight asked, feeling paranoid over the atmosphere.

“Stay calm, Starlight. We’re almost near Zecora’s hut.” Sunset said while getting through the vines.

“If I had to ask, why aren’t you glowing your horn?” Sunset said, looking at Sunset’s horn.

“It’s a long story. Come on. I can see Zecora’s hut now.” Sunset said as she spotted the hut.

The two quit talking and approached Zecora’s hut. Being courteous, Sunset knocked on Zecora’s door. No answer. Sunset knocked on the door once again and still received no response. Sunset pressed her ear against the door to hear if she was inside. Upon pressing her ear against the door, she heard Zecora’s voice.

“Is she inside…?” Starlight whispered.

“I hear her. But something’s wrong…” Sunset said as she pressed her hoof against the door.

Slowly opening the door, Sunset crept her head inside to see what was going on. Looking around, she sees the zebra in a meditative position. Sunset slowly entered the hut and Starlight followed suit.

“Zecora…?” Sunset said, trying to get the zebra’s attention.

“I don’t think she heard us…” Starlight whispered, feeling slightly afraid.

The duo closed the door and slowly crept up towards Zecora.

As they kept moving closer, they heard her chanting in her meditative state. She was muttering lots of words, but the two couldn’t make out what she was saying. Regardless, they had to shake her out of her trance.

“Zecora! You need to wake up!” Sunset said, shaking Zecora out of her trance.

Feeling their touch sent the zebra panicking and crawling away from the duo out of fear. Starlight and Sunset ran over to calm Zecora down.

“Take it easy, Zecora. There are no monsters.” Sunset assured, trying to ease her state of mind.

“It is not the creatures I fear, Sunset Shimmer. But the Crystal Empire’s doom has already appeared.” Zecora said as her face was covered in sweat.

“We know, Zecora. I have already seen its destruction…” Starlight forlornly said.

“Then the worse has come to pass. Just how long will our existence last?” Zecora solemnly said while searching for tea rations in her hut.

“Zecora, we understand that everything is now lost. But we have a favor to ask of you.” Sunset said while keeping her still.

“And what plea do you bear, Sunset Shimmer? Hope has all but become despair.” Zecora lamented.

"We need you to watch Flurry Heart. Twilight and her friends are still out there and Equestria's no longer safe for her." Starlight urged.

"The both of you are in a delusion. Equestria is lost and all we can do is face our inevitable conclusion." Zecora argued.

"We don't have time to argue, Zecora. We are the only ones who can save the others now. And we need somepony to keep Flurry Heart safe." Sunset said in a firm tone.

"And even if our inevitable conclusion comes, we need to take a stand. Flurry Heart could be our only princess now. I made a promise that no harm would come to her and I'm keeping my end of the bargain!" Starlight snapped.

Zecora was very much opposed to the idea. She felt within her heart that all hope is lost and that there's nothing they can do to save Equestria. But knowing full well that she owed Sunset her life, she conceded to their demand and said,

"Very well, you two."

Zecora took Flurry Heart and placed her near one of her masks. But before Starlight and Sunset could leave, Zecora said,

"But know this, you two. Equestria has ceased to exist and you are now on that monster's list. You stand no chance against the ooze that now plagues Equestria. It even killed Princess Celestia." Zecora warned.

"Maybe, but what is the point of dying if we have nothing left to fight for? The ooze may find us, but it won't find Flurry Heart." Sunset said as she got some supplies ready.

"And even if it ends up being all for nothing, it's certainly a lot better than waiting to expire." Starlight said as she gave Zecora a disappointed look.

"Your bravery is commendable, but you two must leave. Before the ooze picks up any trail that it will receive." Zecora urged.

"We will come back for Flurry Heart. So keep yourselves as hidden as you possibly can." Sunset said after getting everything ready.

Zecora remained silent as she watched Starlight and Sunset leave her hut. The two were at a loss for words with her attitude, but they could not argue the fact that Equestria is now in ruins and there's nothing can do to restore their once former home to its former self. But regardless, the duo now held a responsibility of finding Twilight's friends and freeing them. And they would see it through to the end, for better or worse.

Author's Notes:

I'm back, ladies and gentlemen. Back for the final arc of Revenge of the Shadow Pony. It's been awhile since I've published on here, but it's in full swing and it's gonna be the full 180. But keep in mind that every chapter that I post here will be every other week. Since this is the final arc for the story, I'm gonna go all the way and I'm gonna go higher. It will be uncut, more graphic, and more tragic than you will ever know. But with all that said, I have more chapters to write. If I make it all the way, I will write an update. But for the time being, enjoy.

This is Ghoul. I'll see you on the other side.