8.1
“Sister, I suggest you should go to bed now, it’s rather late” Luna said watching out at the dark sky beneath her glistening Moon. Celestia still standing there after so many requests to go. “But I’m concerned about what happened to you last night. I only want you to feel safe tonight” Celestia said from behind. Luna looked back. Her older sister had not left her spot at all. Standing tall in the middle of the doorway. Only the light of the candles showed her face. Concerned so much for me. I appreciate it. Such compassion for me. Even so, I can’t have her staying up all night over something that neither of us know how to respond to.

Truth be told, even Celestia knew little about it.

I don’t even know. All the books we scoured through and spells that were cast. Nothing. It still concerns me that she had more books than just that. Celestia had been looking up psychosis. As long as she knows, those feelings I felt were not my own. Those feelings. I’ve never felt them before. Like something gripped me. Something unnatural. And I feel…

Luna looked back out to the moon-shrouded land beyond. Whatever it was… was not right.

It took my Moon from me. I saw the entire world covered in blood. A dread that the world should never see. A true nightmare. Such loneliness and loss. A despair that I never want to feel again. It almost reminded me… of the past.

8.2
“There’s nothing more we can do on this. I’m happy you are concerned but I don’t wish you to push yourself too much. You should get some sleep” Luna said glancing back from her position on the balcony overlooking Canterlot. Celestia sighed. “Would you like me to get something for you first? A glass of water perhaps or a snack?” A very kind gesture indeed. I need nothing for tonight. Just time alone to watch and see. “No, thank you.” Luna turned around to face her with a smile. “Good night, dear sister.” Celestia finally took the hint, shaking her head.

She may be displeased. I am too. Neither of us found anything. Learned nothing. I wish to go back to it tomorrow. Celestia turned to leave the room, but she stopped just to look back. For them to lock eyes. “Don’t hesitate to wake me if you need something. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Sleep well.” Luna watched her older sister slowly walk out from the door until her gently flowing tail moved out of sight and until the light taps of those hooves no longer graced her ears. Morning. One of the few times I get to actually talk with my sister. It’s so hard to rule this land together. Something Celestia had to do all on her own not long ago. I’m happy to help her now, but it’s frightening to think about what happened last night. That I wasn’t able to perform my duties. I don’t want to look weak. Still, I just don’t know.

Another boring night tonight. Listening and watching. I hope all the others can sleep peacefully tonight. Not worry about the fear of the nights that I now know. Though I want to figure it all out. A trip to the library could do some good. Maybe find something we missed. All the millions of texts in there. Countless books, scrolls, and writs.

How can it be possible there was nothing on ponies… losing the heavens? Taken from my grasps. Something must say. From ancient spells long forgotten by the masses of the common wizards, recorded dialogue between emissaries from across the land, and historical accounts of Equestria.

Luna’s ear flinched. Feeling a gentle breeze go over her. So sorrowfully. What is this night? Such fear on my mind. I used to go to the library to have fun. Learn everything I missed out on. So much has happened and it’s all fascinating. Not searching for answers that keep me up during the day. Literally. Luna let out a long yawn.

Would it be nice to just sit down and read for fun tonight? Such stories. Like the one where something bad happened in Cloudsdale. A certain incident years ago. To think something like that happened while I was away. It’s fascinating. Although… Celestia… she never wanted to talk to me about it. The pain I saw on her face. I can tell… it’s a soft spot. Things like that, they are better to think over than the dread that lingers on my mind.

No matter the anguish, I’d like this to be a peaceful night.

8.3
Luna stepped further out onto her balcony first, her eyes going over the vases of gorgeous flowers she had settled under the railing and then back up to the dark blue sky as beautiful as she could hope to make the night. All is calm out here. Just like the world was like yesterday night before… it happened. How I’d like to know why. I have a long night of reading ahead. For right now, I want a minute with this. This night out here.

Stand out here and watch out over this gorgeous land of mine. All the ponies down below and across the land who peacefully slept beneath the calm and loving glow of her grace in the sky. Luna crossed her forelegs up on the railing of her balcony giving her a comfortable place to set her head down for her to continue her gaze at the lovely land of Equestria. The chirping of crickets and the silent streets beneath. The glow of candles in the windows of the homes that made up this great city. Light up this land, like my Moon does. Softly ease all my beloved ponies to sleep. It was all so beautiful.

Yet, something out there is sad.

So sad. To break me. To lose my sense of self. Can something so strong… really be so sad?

Something is out there. Out in this beautiful world; I’m not sure if I should feel angry or sad for it. How bothersome. Maybe I kind of did want my sister with me tonight. It would have been nice having her company through this ordeal if only for just a little bit. In the morning. During the brief time we would have to talk. I hope to at least get a hug. If she’s not too rushed. She happily sighed at this thought. I love to have somepony there for me in these hard times. Anything to keep away the sadness.

Luna stood there, her eyes set to stare out at the dark land beyond while she humbly listened to the soft breathing of every pony sleeping under her watch. Such a soothing and lovely world.

8.4
How long has it been since Dashie passed out? Laying there in Soul’s warm embrace. It felt like forever… a time she never wanted to end. To always be so close to her, even when she knew it couldn’t last. Not for tonight. Yet this was a feeling that was hard to fight. Being so close to a pony you love, when you know you have to get up and go. So hard to let go. So hard to get it all out of my mind. All that we did together. Things I never thought I’d do with another pony. Let alone… her.

I couldn’t even fall asleep after that. I don’t know how she did.

I always want to remember this. Never forget a second of this moment on top of Rainbow’s blanekts. How happy I made her, and how happy I was. Such beauty all the way to the end when Dash finally drifted to sleep inside of Soul’s wings. Just like a kitten sleeping so softly, little murmurs that sounded so happy escaping her every now and then. She must be dreaming. Dreaming with a big smile on her face. I can tell she loved it very much. Everything I did to her.

Soul hugged her closer. Smelling that scent of fresh rain water coming off that rainbow mane. Running her hooves gently over the slumbering pony’s stomach. So warm inside the magenta feathers. This is all that I would do for only my marefriend. My marefriend.

I can’t believe she’s mine!

I never believed it could lead to this. To think, years ago, all I thought about was the pain and loneliness. Like I would never know happiness again. So much… I wanted to die. I never would’ve been able to experience this. So much that could have stopped this. Yet it happened. Rainbow sighed so lovingly down there. Startling Soul when she moved. The Pegasus only fell back a little more, deeper into Soul’s fur. Fast asleep. Never would’ve seen this. Soul smiled.

I have so many ponies to thank for this. This life that is mine. It’s like all that pain is gone. All that worry. It was pointless. And she is the one who helped get rid of all of it. Rainbow Dash. Soul set her muzzle deep into the rainbow hairs. Smiling into it. Closing her eyes. Not wanting this to end. Never.

8.5
My best friend… and my lover. It feels like this was always meant to happen. There was something special about you. You were the pony who broke me out of my shell. The one who gave me her hoof for the first time and showed me a better path to a life I wanted. Even if we fought. Even if we parted. We never left one another. And… we always came back. Stronger and happier than before. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. To say this to a pony, say it like this.

“I love you so much” Soul whispered into her ear.

True love, like it always was. You’re the pony I wanted to fly with all the time. Become Wonderbolts with. Grow up with. Discover all of life together. And if we were apart for twelve years, we can still do it all. The day I’ve always wanted… is almost here.

“Just think, Dashie” she spoke softly. “We can both go to Cloudsdale together again. I can see your lovely parents. I’ll join you in the skies of the Wonderbolts show… and I’ll be the best flyer possible. With you. We can live together and see the world.” I know one thing I’m itching to do is to do a true race with her. I don’t even care who wins. As long as I get a kiss. Always be by my side. The future we have. I can see it.

And there’s just one thing left in the way.

Rainbow Dash. She is like a real pony to do anything for. That type of pony you wanted to go above and beyond for. To prove you will do any challenge and become so strong for. Soul glanced out to the window. Out there, in the night sky that shrouded the land in the glow of the Moon, somewhere out there… is the end of this all, and Soul was about to finally reach for it. This moment I’ve known would come. I’ll be the strong pony and give us a world we want.

The desire to keep laying here and hold this pony, it couldn’t last forever.

8.6
“My sweet Dashie” she whispered. “I’ll do anything for you. And that’s why I’m doing this.” I’ll deliver the world to us. With my own wings and my own voice. I’ll face fear and terror for you.

“So I’ll take the gamble. Whatever happens. The start of our life together, or the end.” And I’m the only one who can do it.

I think I’m ready, Blight.

You sure you don’t want to take a little more time with her? Perhaps another go?

Soul shook her head. Not even blushing. The black Pegasus knew what they did. It doesn’t matter. Blight had to see… this was going to come eventually. Just like this moment, and I can’t delay it any longer. Rainbow has done enough. The others can’t do this. I am the one who needs to save my world. Rainbow will understand.

Soul gave the Pegasus one last kiss on her cheek. The last thing to do before she unraveled her wings and let the pony go. Moving so slowly until she was well away and able to fly off over the sleeping Rainbow. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I want to leave you with something. And I promise, I’ll do anything to return to you.” She was greeted back with a small smile from the blue Pegasus. Sleeping gently while Soul covered her up in the blankets.

Soul pulled open the drawer to the night stand. There was paper in there. Just like there was a pen laying on top the stand. Good. Just like I thought. A little something for you, in case you wake up. Sorry if my writing is a bit sloppy. She hovered over the stand, pen in mouth, writing down what needed to be said. I know if you see this, you’ll understand why it is I’m doing this. It’s not easy for me. I’m terrified. I can feel my heart beating so hard doing this. There’s nothing more I want to do than just fall back in bed with you and sleep.

In time.

For now, I need to finish this. All of this.

Soul set the paper down right next to where Dash slept on her pillow. Backing away from the pony. Soul couldn’t stop smiling even if she was afraid. Things never were easy for me. Don’t expect it now.

Once we get to the fields, there will be no turning back. Are you actually ready?

Soul giggled. “Here goes something.”

8.7
Where had that peaceful sky gone? Soul flew through it. So much on her mind, yet to look out upon this land she flew over. Cast in the night sky. So dark… where even the Moon itself had been shrouded. Lost in the clouds that littered this sky. Even so, ponies slept all across the land under this. Though Soul stared with weary eyes. Feeling a chill run along her when the breeze struck her once more. Stronger this time.

She glanced down. All the trees danced in the wind. Like a mass performance under this heavy sky where not one star shone. It’s like the world is scared. This dreary feeling up here in these clouds. Across a land where not one light stood out. It’s strange, the sky was so lovely earlier.

Now… look at this.

So dark she could barely make out the fluttering treetops of the Everfree forest down below. I can see it. Because I know what it feels like. The land is scared. The sky is. I’m flying through a world so dense and dark. Yet I can’t turn back now. No. Not when I’m so close to finally achieveing what I want. And I feel sorry for this world since I know the feeling. I’m scared too. None of it stopped her. Her huge wings kicking hard and she shot across this sky that felt so unknown.

It’s like the world knows what I’m about to do.

“What do you think, Blight? Something is up with the wind.”

Everything is fine. Best for us to hurry. Your new life awaits you.

Soul frowned. Okay. She sounds kind of frustrated. That made Soul flap harder. Onwards towards the rolling hills she finally picked out just beyond the forest. Right where Ponyville lay beyond. Good, I need to get out of this wind. Soul dashed in at it.

She took a few flaps to hang over the dirt and grass along the hill she hovered over. Watching it all whish about. From her wings or the wind, no way to tell. It coursed through her long hairs. Sending her mane flying. Howling across the sky like some horrible monster all around her. With the sound of countless leaves ruffling, it was terrifying. She could hear wind chimes ringing in the distance. Sweet Celestia. This is all so worrying.

“Hey Blight, are you okay? You sound a bit upset over something. And… I’ve noticed you’ve been really quiet.” Soul landed down upon the grass. Flipping her mane back forward. Having to hold it with her hoof. If something is wrong, I want to know now. I want her happy because we are about to do something amazing.

8.8
Concerned about me? I don’t know why. Seriously, I’m pretty happy that this is finally happening. You’ve waited twelve years for this moment. Now here we are. Quite a long tale, am I right?

“Well you seem hurried. Is something bothering you?” I’m also excited to do this, but Blight has been acting strange for a long time lately. I don’t know if she’s just worried or nervous about being in a new world. And this is a world I want us to share together. “You hear that? Don’t think badly. When this is all over, we’ll both be happy. You know that, right?”

Well, duh. Why do you think I’m so wanting to do this now? The sooner, the better. And after, I might be convinced to show myself to your friends.

I want nothing more. Blight has been my guardian for so long now. Such a good pony, and I appreciate her helping me with this. Soul closed her eyes tightly when such a powerful breeze came over her and the entire hillside. Hopefully, I won’t need her help with this. Soul looked back out at the entire world before her. The Moon was still hidden. The clouds broke and twirled. As if it was all flying around her. It was fascinating. This feeling. This sight. All this, while I do what I have feared for years.

Confront my past.

8.9
I’m not the pony I was back then. I’ve been through so much. Seen too much. Things nopony should ever see. It made me dream and wish for something better. Made me want to fight so hard for it. Never be that trembling filly again who would take her own life over fighting for what she wanted. Who sat like a stump in front of ponies who were just so ignorant. I could never do this back then. To sit in front of the one who did this to me and want… to talk to her. It will not be a repeat of that horrible day. It won’t. Even as the world changed and shifted in the wind. Where the light of the Moon began to cast through the holes in the sky. Such brilliant rays of blue over the land. The only light to break the darkness. A darkness that feels… soothing.

That is what made her feel chills.

Something is different. Something is wrong. And I don’t know what it is. That’s why I need to ask… “Blight, remember I want to talk to her. But… if I fail, please help me convince her.”

I want to do this on my own. I really do. I’d even face a demon if I have to. I don’t want to chance being alone again. Only time will tell.

You absolutely sure? I promise to do what I can. I do. However, I should warn you of something.

“What is it?”

If she tries to get rid of you, I will not hesitate to fight back.

That froze Soul’s heart. The words were like ice, chilling and horrid. Like she could see them as well as hear them. Fight back. All I can see… is that terrifying look on Blight’s face. She gets that way over me? That laugh and that scary magic. I forget just how powerful she is. What she can do. I don’t want her to do that.

I’ll say this now, nothing will stop me from protecting you. If she does not want to reason… then I will be forced to. I’m sorry.

She’s serious. I can hear it. The sting in her voice like when she was angry back in the snow. If Celestia doesn’t want to hear me out, there’s nothing I can do. Would she get rid of me… or worse? I’m a killer in her eyes. All I can hope is for me to do it. Still… “And I suppose I can’t convince you not to.”

I’ve let you do this all on your own. You’re an adult pony now and can look after herself, yet that doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect you. I will do my part perfectly to help you talk to her. And I will also confront her if she wants to harm you.

Soul’s lips felt dry. Funny, the wind stopped. I don’t think there’s anything I can do to stop her if it comes down to it. That’s why I hope I can do it. The visions, though. All that happened back in the snow. I can’t help but remember it all. I knew when I came here, it would not be easy. Nothing ever is. I can only think of one thing. “Fine. Only if I fail. But I need you to promise me something.”

Tell me.

“Do not kill her. Do not kill anypony.” Blight was silent. Probably didn’t expect me to say that. Well I mean it. “I don’t want anypony to die over me. Blight, I care a lot for you. You’re my best friend and the pony I want by my side. Despite that, if you kill somepony over me, I will not forgive you.”

…I understand. I promise not to. If it comes down to it, I’ll do what I can. Nopony will die.

That’s all I can ask for. As terrible as it is. My hoof is forced. I need to warn you, though. I don’t know if I can stop her if she tries to get rid of you. What?! Then why even tell me about…

No need to worry. I can still do something… with your help. Let’s hope it all works out. It’s the best idea I have now if all else fails.

Her and I together to do this. That sounds exactly like what I want. I’ve trusted Blight for so long. I trust her to do the right thing tonight. And when the Sun rises, it will be a new day. One I can share in with all these ponies in my life. When they see how much I’m willing to do just to be with them. There’s only one pony I feel safe with at my side to confront this, and she will be there in my life forever. As my best friend. As… my family. “I’m ready to do anything for Dashie and for you. All I need is to talk to the princess. Nopony will need to fight. All I ask is to help bring her to me.”

That… can be done.

Soul closed her eyes. Looking up into the sky. Feeling the fresh wind coming upon her. So strong that her wings buckled. That her tail flapped. To hear the clouds rushing overhead. Up there, in the sky she looked towards under closed lids. In that darkness… where blood flowed.

8.10
Soul opened her eyes. …Impossible. The entire world stood still.

Blight?

The Moon blazed above. Ripping the clouds… and the world in the shade… of blood.

8.11
What is this?

The covers flew off and Twilight stared out. Out upon the glistening shine of the castle walls. How they would light up the room in such a gorgeous night sky, like Luna herself graced it. Not anymore. Not when the tears fell from her eyes as she looked out upon this nightmare.

This red and dreary world she found herself in. “What is going on?”

She stepped out of bed… only to fall to the floor. Oh… it hurts. Everything hurts. She winced and the tears did not stop. I don’t know why I feel this way. What even was this feeling? Like something impossible. That she could barely even move her own wings let alone step forward. So hard just to get up. Someth… something bad is happening. I can feel it. I got to see… what this is. First last night, now this. I knew I felt something. But I never thought it would be this.

Just gotta… get the strength to… Twilight felt her entire self break down. Terrified when she heard herself begin to cry.

This… this has never happened before. This isn’t right. Why am I sad? She squeezed her eyes tight, yet she could still see the blinding red piercing through the darkness. What is going on? Where are my friends… I need them. Please. I… I need to stop this. Because it hurts so much. Like something is tearing me apart inside. Like it’s…

Sompony else’s sadness.

Twilight opened her eyes. Looking up to the world beyond. Outside of her window, the Moon sat high. Bleeding bright in the color of blood.

“Luna.”

8.12
Luna wiped the tears from her eyes. “No! Not this time!” She shook her head. I will not fall for this again. I’m not going to be that sniveling child that I was last night. This time, I’m going to figure this out. Even if it is hard to. It feels just like last night. Exactly as I remember. I’m more than convinced, this is not right. None of this is, these feelings that don’t belong to me. As if the entire world was shaped by it. Turned around by it.

Luna let her wings out. Sending the dust flying all around her. I can’t allow this to happen! Not my land.

She was no longer alone. Not this time. The entire city of Canterlot gripped under this horrible world that she now knew well. Under the blazing red Moon. Wrapped in the dark clouds churning the skies above. It’s all so different from yesterday. The way the Moon shone through those hauntingly dark clouds to cover the land in this blood hue. It was near maddening to see, and nopony has any idea of what it is. Not even I do.

All those ponies had joined her out here.

Not like last night, no. It was terrifying to see so many ponies out on the streets down below. Staring up upon this nightmare. Pegasi flying over the rooftops with their wings draped red in bloody light. So many countless ponies. All of them get to see my Moon like this. Even if Luna felt that gripping sadness, she could feel her own deep inside. This is not my Moon. It’s not mine anymore. I can’t even control it. Please nopony blame me for this. I promise to figure out what is happening.

What is happening? Not one pony down there… was crying. Am I the only one? How pathetic… and I feel so powerless against this. Whatever it is.

8.13
Luna took flight. Leaving her balcony behind. Joining into the sky with that bloody Moon. High above the city where she could look down and see just how many ponies were about. As if they had all been drawn out to see this horror. Trust me, my ponies. I will find a way to stop it this time. I’m more prepared to meet it.

“Luna!”

Luna came to a halt. Hanging high above the castle, yet she could hear the voice calling out to her from behind. A familiar voice… wrapped in grief. Sister.

Luna turned, finding Celestia was the one who stood out on the balcony she had just left. Wings out. Her eyes running through the sky to meet Luna’s, eyes that made Luna gasp. My big sister is… crying. Impossible. Is she…

“Luna, don’t you leave without me.” The white alicorn burst her wings forth and she came out into the sky. Her stride and her gaze. It left Luna stunned. To see her sister like this. Something was wrong. I’ve not seen her cry tears like that since… I returned. The stunning shock of seeing such a strong pony wrapped in this pain. Luna held still, not moving even her wings when Celestia’s hooves grabbed hold of her. Holding her close. That was when Luna could hear the horrible cries her big sister made. “Sister, are you okay?” Luna asked. Bringing her own hooves up to grab hold of Celestia. Looking up into her dreary, red eyes which let out so many tears. She is… just like how I was. No…

“Sister, tell me… what’s wrong? Why are you awake? What is making you cry?” Luna demanded. I must know. This can’t be real.

“Luna, I don’t know… it’s like… is this how you felt last night?! Is this it? Because I can’t stop crying. It all hurts so much. It’s like… I thought I lost you. That I was all alone. Like everything is gone. And I don’t know why. Why is it like this!?”

Sister. No. That’s exactly what I feel. That terrible pain in me. You feel it too? Luna stared out to the lands beyond. Out to the reddened hills and vast forests of Equestria beyond the city. Something out there is doing this. First me, now her. And they dare to steal my Moon from me twice! What horrible power is this? Such unearthly power. To think it’s so cruel to do this to us. Not this time. “This is exactly what I felt last night, but this time… I will find out what it is.” They don’t have me wallowing in the corner. This feeling, it’s so intense.

I can sense it.

Haha if somepony wants my attention, then they got it! Luna bared her teeth under her tears. “Then you feel it too. You can feel it out there?” Celestia nodded to her. “It’s no coincidence then. Something is out there… and I don’t think it’s good. Anypony who wants to take my night has to answer to me.” I think I can do this. Just need to focus on it, even if the pain hurts. But there is something. Something is hitting me. Not like last night, no. This is something more. It wants my attention. “And I will find it.”

“Sister” Celestia whispered. “Let me do it.”

8.14
She tried to let go, but Luna stopped her. She held her dark hooves around her white fur. Not letting her go. Go and do something so ridiculous. When I am to be the one who will find it, Celestia doesn’t need to subject herself to this. Unless… “Do you have any idea what that can do?” Because I’m starting to get a feeling I know what it will do. All this horrible pain and sadness, what will it be like… to give in to it? What can happen if I try to find where it is? Luna already felt chills going along her. “I’m well aware” Celestia said.

Luna looked to her, the mare already staring past Luna. So set in the sight of this terrible, bloody sky. As set as her steely gaze. “I saw how you were last night. I can only imagine it, even if it already hurts. And that’s why I’ll do it. You don’t need to this time.”

Insanity! “This is my sky! I will be the one to solve this” Luna shouted. She acts like I’m not used to being sad. Luna felt her own tears falling in a stream. Soaking all her fur. I’m used to this. “You wanted my help with this” Celestia muttered. Her legs kicked. Freeing her from Luna’s grasp. Where both alicorns had to use their own wings to fly now. “I will not…”

Celestia waved a hoof, stopping her. “Please stop. Let me do something for you this time.” Even for such a mighty alicorn, Celestia still cried deeply. Looking like it took a lot just to look like she meant it all without breaking down. Never wanting to give in. That has always been something about her. It’s annoying. Ever since I returned, she always wants to do these things for me. It’s hard to feel so powerless. Against her, and against whatever this horrific feeling is. “Let me try, please” Celestia softly spoke. She looked off towards the distance. Staring so far away. Luna followed her gaze, off to the great forests and the hills beyond. “Something tells me… this is something I should do.”

Luna managed a small smile. Thinks she’s so strong. Sometimes… she can be. I can’t stop her. “Fine… but I won’t leave your side and you won’t stop me from helping with whatever it is” Luna said and her sister nodded. We don’t often get to do things together. This should be interesting, and it can’t end sooner. We are the princesses. We rule this entire land and control the skies. Something like this… should not turn us into such whining babies. I hate feeling like this, and I hate seeing my sister like this. I never want to see her cry. It was hard for Luna to see her sister start to shed so many tears. So many…

As she stared, entranced, taken by something beyond.

Tears and pain. Celestia winced, her wings failed and flapped again. But nothing rid her of the glow that came out. Shining bright in the red light, a solitary glow of gold atop her horn. Like light that drove away the darkness, save for the black fur of Luna that set itself against Celestia’ side. She would not let go. Wrapping her hoof around her sister’s body and holding her close… while listening to those whimpers of true agony. I know, sister. That’s exactly how it was for me. And whatever it is… will not get away with doing this to us. Because nopony should be made to feel this way. Not even my sister.

Luna gasped. A flash of light. Arcing the sky and she heard everypony down below so startled to see it. Cutting through the red, lightning struck far away. “My word…” Luna shivered. Her wings paused and… something made her fur stand up. I could feel that. She even forgot to blink. The roil of crackling energy coursing the skies and then… a blast of thunder all across the world before another bolt of reddened lightning shook the sky.

Luna felt her ear flick. Listening to the sounds of all this. This entire sky was turned red raw. To terrify the ponies below. Tearing the world in the sound of rippling thunder. This… is different. This is not like last night. “Luna…”

She turned towards Celestia. Finding the pony already staring down at her, her eyes blistering red! Her tears glowing bright in a flash of lightning. If only to show… the terror in her eyes. That is not pain, that is fear. “Luna… something is out there. I don’t know what it is. But it’s… horrifying. I’ve never felt anything like this.” Even the glow atop her horn began to fade and flicker. Both their wings sent fluttering in a sharp breeze that rushed across them. That was what made Luna’s heart freeze. Fear.

“What… is this?” Luna’s mouth quivered. Shaking entirely. This is different! “This is not what I felt last night. Not at all! I… we may need help for this.” To think… I need to beg for help now. This isn’t right? There’s something that is doing this to me. It’ll only be a matter of time before the entire land experiences this. “We might need Twilight and the others. Let’s head for Ponyville.”

“Sister” Celestia whispered. “Whatever it is… it’s already gotten to Ponyville.”

8.15
Rainbow Dash screamed, flipping the blankets off her. Such a terrifyingly loud sound. She looked all over. Blinking. Twice. W-what… the…?

Thunder and… what is all of this? She stared, wide-eyed all across the room. Her room cast deep in blistering red light. So bright she had to rub her eyes. As if all this red ran deep through her walls and the clouds above, where rays of light were up there shining through it. Everything flashed. She turned back towards the window. Lightning?

Dash got up on all fours atop her bed. Already feeling her wings shiver at her sides. No… not again.

Soulblight. This has to be her. What the hell does she think she’s doing?! Bright red flashed through the room with a crackle the singed the air she breathed. Like she could smell smoke. The entire air felt so heavy. So dreary in here. This is not like last night. Blight… what have you done?

“Soul!” She turned back, looking out upon the bed. The empty bed. Soul?

No she didn’t. Dash turned back to the window. She can’t! Blight took her! That little bitch. Dash felt her teeth gnarl along her lips. Already bringing her wings out. This is all her. How can she take Soul from me again? I made everything right, she can’t do this again. Dash took a step… and she felt something tap her hoof. Gently sweeping along her. It felt… different, something that made her look down to see the paper at her hoof. Nearly crumpled under her and laying on the sheets. Somepony wrote on it. Was it…

My beloved, Dashie…

That made her stop. There’s only one pony who could have wrote this. Something that made her heart sink when the room lit up again for a brief moment. Roaring thunder all across the air. But everything held still. None of it took her from looking down on the words. Soul wrote this for me.

My beloved, Dashie
Don’t be mad. You know how I can get. It’s pretty bad now, but I gotta do this. After everything you’ve done for me. When we were kids, when I was gone, and now. You were always the one pony in the world that kept me going. You never left my mind. And I understand why, I truly love you. You are the kindest, strongest, and most beautiful pony I know. So I think it’s time I return the favor, don’t you think? I’m gonna end all of this and take back the life I lost with you. My reward for you. Soon, we’ll be Wonderbolts in the sky together. Nothing will stop us.
I do all of this for you, my sweet Dashie. No matter what happens, I will always be your special somepony. Thank you.
Forever yours, Soul

Rainbow looked out the window again, her eyes glistening. I understand. I understand why you want to do this. It’s not Blight. It’s you. This is what you wanted. You’ve always been that pony who wanted me happy. And I know you’d do anything for it. I’ve seen it. But there’s one problem, Soul.

“You forgot that I love you. And I’d do anything for you too.”

8.16
Such horror that Soul found herself looking out upon. This entire world covered in blood. Shining bright in the red that bled from bleak darkness all across the sky. Only that one glow of the red Moon could burn through it all above her. Before the lightning that made her shudder. I’ve never seen anything like this. This sky made her stomach churn. Such a horrid sight. And she’s the one doing it…

“Blight! What have you done? Now I know something’s wrong. No more hiding from me. I want to know what is wrong. Why have you done this?!”

“I’m only doing what you wanted.” Soul’s ears flicked up. Turning to face where the voice had come from. From right next to her, where the darkness moved past her. Barely different from everything else, where the red gleamed off her black body… and the shine of silver laced in a misty tail. That was what made Soul’s heart stop. When she saw her in the darkness. This pony she knew. Because Blight was not the same. It wasn’t a trick. When I saw her before like this. Something is wrong! The darkness shedding off this pony’s body, seeping the ground beneath her hooves and coiling about her. Like wind circled only her. Silver bursting through it… just like the blinding red in her eyes. Red. She’s just like before. Long ago… when she was so angry.

Soulblight’s eyes burned brighter than the sky itself, looking at Soul. A deep stare.

Blight, you idiot! You’ve been hiding this from me all along. This is how you were before. “Tell me what is wrong! I’ve never seen anything like this all from you… and I know you are upset over something. So tell me.” How powerful really is she? She’s doing all this… and I don’t know how. Like that blank darkness around her was draining deep into the sky above. Not able to shroud her reddened eyes… and her terrifyingly big smile.

“What you asked. You want the princess here so you can talk with her. How better to make her come? Once she senses my power… nothing can stop her from coming. Isn’t it great!? When this is done… you’ll be happy, right? You’ll have your life back nothing left to fear. The entire past will be gone. I know you want a life with Dashie again. You’re so close.”

Lightning flashed through the sky behind the black pony. A horrifying red glow casted over her. Soul couldn’t take her eyes off her. She couldn’t stop shaking her head. “But what happened to you? This isn’t right. Something isn’t right and I want you to tell me. Did I do something wrong? This is exactly how you were when you were angry before. I made you angry, right? Please… tell me. I don’t know what’s wrong.” With Blight… it’s impossible to know. She is always like this. How hard it was to help her before. She’s my best friend, and I’m scared right now. Scared of her needle thin pupils that had a cold stare. Her grin that grew wider… to show such sharp-looking fangs. This is more.

Something bad happened with her.

Blight giggled. Just turning away to look to the sky. Smiling upon it. “what’s wrong is that this has gone on long enough. It’s time to change it all. I entrust you to do it… because here they come.”

8.17
Rainbow’s feathers stood up when another flash of lightning skewered the sky around her. Already terrifying to fly through all this, but that bolt was close that time. Whatever it was, it made something tingle through her bones. Such power in it. This is all Blight. I can’t believe anypony could do something like this. And she put Soul in danger. Stupid ponies.

We were supposed to all do this together, Soul. Rainbow shot past the rooftops of Ponyville. High over where she caught a glimpse of so many other ponies down there who got to see this all too. Yet none flew in it. She was the only Pegasus who dared to. It may be scary, but I’ll also do anything for her.

Soul, you’re gonna get yourself hurt. I can’t stand the idea of you being banished again. You can’t stop the princess. And I have no idea what Blight is planning to do. We were all going to do this. All of us, we could find a way to convince Celestia. But you didn’t give me a chance. I can’t blame you. Not at all.

“You’re just like me. No wonder we fit so well together.” That’s why we will stand together for this. You’ll risk yourself for me again, I’ll do the same for you. As fast as I can.

Rainbow’s wings beat the air faster and she could feel this dreary sky warp around her. A crack of thunder sounding out behind her. Like all of Ponyville was flashing by. On her towards one place that stood out. Soul wouldn’t do this in the town. It makes sense she would be way out there. Out there. Where the sky split from red rays in the horizon. Above the rolling hills. The grass we fell in yesterday. Lightning streaked down upon the ground behind it. Where the winds swept and circled around those hills. She could already see the countless leaves flowing through it… and another burst of lightning… then another. Except something was different about them. Something that made her fear.

Two streaks of light. Burning brighter than any lightning could. So bright from the blue and white starlight they shed upon the world. Shooting across the sky ahead, through the clouds and on towards the hills beyond them.

“No! You aren’t taking her from me!” I won’t forgive myself.

This time will be different. Soul won’t need to handle this alone.

8.18
“Wait, Blight! You never…” Soul turned to find that she was all alone. Gone in the wind. Leaving only her to stand there in that deep shade of red along the grass. “Answered me.”

I won’t get my answer, will I? Soul gulped. The sky cracked above her. Already feeling the feathers in her wings ruffle. I know I won’t because I can feel it. Something made her turn back at that moment. That trickle of fear in her spine. It made her legs shake. Like something familiar. To feel something from so long ago. That same light from before that now burned bright through the red around her. Soul couldn’t even move. Couldn’t back away when it struck down before her. A blast of lightning. Brilliant white. Before a strike of blue. So close to her that she felt the ground shake under her hooves. Just like she did when that light faded.

This is it. Soul forgot to even breathe. Everything that is happening. Everything I’ve done till now. This terrible sight that is all around me. As painful as so many other things I’ve seen. It was all for this moment. It’s like I’m a filly again. Back in this same situation. Repeated.

Just me… with the princess.

No crowd of ponies around us. No cries and anger towards me from so many. No terrifying walls caging me in; no binds to hold me. She’s here with me. That pony who stepped forth. Her gentle stride along the same grass Soul stood on made it awash in sunlight that seemed to burn from her very fur. As white as it always had been. Like I’ve remembered. When I stood in front of this same pony. Who was nice to me.

And hurt me.

“Princess Celestia” Soul whispered. Here with her. Together once again. Face to face, they stared.

8.19
The leaves fluttered past Soul’s nose. Looking down upon the pony who looked up to her. Atop this hill, at the bottom of it. Neither pony moved. As if time stood still. This world has stopped. I’m here with the pony who did this to me. The pony I vowed to confront all this time. Now it’s here, and there’s no running for me. No way.

The princess already made a step. Coming up the hill with a small stride. Such a breeze flowing through both ponies. Soul’s silver mane swayed at her side. An aurora mane bled into the sky from the princess. Leaves fell upon the pony’s white fur. Glistening in red. They flew off. Yet Soul never stopped staring down towards her eyes. I really am here with her. Soul finally moved when lightning struck the land.

This is the moment. “Blight… “ This is your chance. She has come. Now let her see the truth.

She says that like nothing is wrong. I’m so afraid. Alone to deal with this in a world of red. Blight acts like nothing is off. But I know something bad is happening. And there’s nothing I can do.

Soul gasped in panic. Panic from seeing what she now could find behind the pony down there. She wasn’t alone. I didn’t even feel it. I can’t feel any of this. And now I am terrified. There was another pony. Stepping out from behind the princess. To join her in walking up the hill. Side by side. So much smaller than Celestia, that meant nothing. I recognize her.

The books always told of this pony whose mane glowed as brilliant as the winter solstice sky. Who wore that mark Soul could see upon her flanks. As black as night around the shine of the crescent moon. Looking at the Moon itself, her glorious blue sheen along her fur and the glow of stars upon her eyes. As beautiful as I always knew she would be. But so powerful. That horn upon her head and the vast wings of hundreds of feathers at her sides.

This is her. After all this time. This is how I meet her.

Princess Luna.

Blight, you did something to the Moon. Did you know Luna would come as well? No answer. Soul shivered. I always thought my first meeting with her would be to show her my own aerial performace. Not this. Life has always been so hard for me. This is no different. I have to deal with both sisters. And now Blight is so silent. Where is that confidence? Where is mine? When I told myself I would do this. I would do this for Rainbow Dash.

For my life.

8.20
“Sister, did we get it wrong?” Luna stopped down there with Celestia. They were so much closer. Soul could see the gleam of night in Luna’s eyes looking up at her. Such a short gallop away. So short away from the one pony Soul turned to, her burning, fiery eyes cutting the air. This is Celestia. This is the same feeling. The way the princess stared. Something was in her eyes. I can see it.

Pain.

That’s the same look I remember. Scorched into me. From so long ago. The princess never turned those eyes away. Didn’t even answer her sister. No, Soul was the only one who stood before her. And her voice…

“Excuse me, may I ask who you are?”

Celestia was the one who spoke. No doubt. That’s her voice. It rang in Soul’s ears. The same pony.

I never wanted it to be like this between us. I wanted to be that amazing flyer who would perform for both of you. I wanted to hear both of you praise me and see you both smile. So long ago. A filly’s dream. A filly who didn’t know how cruel the world can be. We all stand here now, and I know things won’t be happy. You don’t even know who I am. How quickly… you can forget what you did to me.

Are you gonna say anything?

Soul waited. Blight said nothing. No. I told her I wanted to do this on my own. This is my chance to change things. All those years ago I didn’t have a chance to change anything. I was a scared filly with nothing to live for anymore. Now look at me, I’m a scared mare who will do anything for the last chance at life. I’m still just a Pegasus standing against an alicorn. One of the most powerful ponies in the world. And I need to convince her.

“I always was like this” Soul whispered to herself. Trying to do the impossible for the ponies I love. I got myself into all this twelve years ago just to save my best friend. The best friend who would become my love. Yeah, a ton has changed. But that one fact hasn’t. That I’d do anything for Dashie. Even face down this pony. This pony that I need to convince. Because if I fail, I have no idea what will happen. And now I see that Celestia doesn’t even remember me.

Does she even remember what she did to me? Or does she even give a shit?

“My sister and I both felt something out here and want to know if you’ve seen anything, my little pony” Celestia spoke again.

My little pony? Haha, you would never call me that, if you knew who I was. Soul actually smiled, having to giggle to herself a little. What have I gotten myself into? It’s all up to me now. I’ve been wanting this for so many years. I’m not that scared filly anymore. And besides…

I have to do this, or else.

8.21
“No… I haven’t seen anything” Soul finally said. Her first words to the princess in many years, and they were a lie. She doesn’t need to know. She won’t need to. Because I can do this. “But I’m glad I got to finally meet you. It really… has been a long time. A lot has changed. I guess that’s why you don’t recognize me.” “Meet me? Strange” Celestia spoke. “Most ponies bow to me or try to avoid me, but you wanted to see me?”

“Should I bow?” Soul asked. I never thought to do that. It’s like she ceased being my princess after all this time. “Oh, no need to. But I’m wondering something.” Soul watched the princess look around herself. Even catching the smallest glimpse of Luna glancing up to her before the princess looked away. Turning to look eye to eye with her sister. They both looked so lost. Until Celestia said “I take it… you’re not a pony who is just glad to finally meet us. We felt something and it brought us here. Here to you. Who are you? Are you sure you don’t know what’s happening?”

I don’t even know. This entire sky around us. The lightning that echoed far off in the distance. Roiling the skies even far over the mountains. Like it all circled the deathly sphere of the Moon. There’s no telling what Blight has done and she won’t tell me. Just what I want. “I’m not sure if I’m glad to see you or not” Soul whispered. “It’s been many years since I’ve even gotten a glimpse at you and now that it’s happening… it’s like I’m reliving those days again. I can’t tell you why it is that you were brought here… but I can say that I’m glad it happened. Because I’ve been wanting to have a chance to talk to you after all this time.” Soul looked back up from the grass. Able to smile down at both princesses.

“I get to finally speak to you, Princess Celestia. And I get to see you in person, Princess Luna. It’s good to meet you… if only it would be better circumstances.”

“Um…” Luna’s soft voice echoed across the wind. The first taste of that strong yet sensual voice to ever grace Soul’s ears. She’s as lovely as I imagined. “Good to meet you too” Luna said. “I’d come down and shake your hoof… I don’t know” Soul said. “But I don’t think it’d be right for me to do that. Not now. Maybe after I prove myself to both of you.”

8.22
“You see, I’ve always wanted to do great things for you both. I used to look up to you as the rulers of this land that I love… and there was always something about you, Luna. Something made me really like you. Reading about what you went through and how much you wanted to prove yourself to the world. I felt so inspired to do something for you. I wanted to find a chance to prove myself to you. That a filly like me, who had such a terribly hard life, could one day do amazing things. I wanted to show you that you can do the same too.”

Luna’s eyes were wide… but she made such a small smile down there. “I’ve never heard such words before. A pony wants to show me what they can do? Why… what is it you can do?” Soul noticed… Celestia cocked her brow. Her mouth held open.

“I’ve trained all my life to become something that my mother never thought I could be. So few ponies know about it, but I can tell you both. My parents abandoned me when I was a baby. I couldn’t be the pony they wanted me to be. So I decided to change that. Many, many years of training… in Cloudsdale. With my best friend and my teachers. By myself for many years. I never gave up on being what my mom thought I couldn’t be. I became something. And now, ponies call me one of the greatest flyers… in the world.” Soul extended her massive wings. Held high at her sides where she felt the wind go through those feathers. Seeing the princesses in shock at seeing such a thing. Except for Celestia. Her eyes… shimmered.

“After all that time, I finally felt I had a chance to show the world what I can do. For my best friend, for the ponies I’ve lost, for the life I once had… that was taken from me. I returned to do it. Because I learned to not give up. So many painful lessons I needed to learn, so many times that I almost failed everything. But I did it. I’m here now because of it. I was once a sad and broken filly who lost it all. Now… I’m returning to you, Celestia, as a mare who wants to prove herself to you.” Soul closed her eyes. The breeze sent her mane flowing along her. Her magenta fur rustled, and she stepped up. Presenting herself to both princesses. Where her cutie mark, that blank darkness at her flanks could shine in the red light. Her beautiful wings held over her head to cover the sky. “I want you to see what I will do to come back to you all. To be that pony I’ve always wanted to be.”

It was silent. Just the cold chill of night. The echo of the wind. But the thunder had stopped. Soul could even hear the princess breathe down there. The trickle… of a tear. Not from Soul. She heard it… from below. “May you please open your eyes?” Soul did as she asked. Open to see the princess down there. Stepping forth from her sister… small tears in her eyes. Those eyes that stared into Soul.

“I know you. Everything you said. You’re just like her. Please, who are you?”

That’s right. You know who I am. I’m the filly whose life you took.

8.23
“My name is Soul Serenity.”

I have the same fur you remember. The same eyes and wings. But I’m not a kid anymore. I’m stronger and experienced so much. I’ve found love and I know what it is that I want. I know why it is that I do all this. I had lost the world long ago. Enough to be just a frightened kid in front of you who couldn’t stop crying. Who had nothing to say. Who just accepted what was going to happen. I was fine with losing everything back then because I had nothing.

“I had nothing back then. But now… I have so much to love” Soul whispered.

“Impossible.”

Soul’s ears lifted. You sent me away long ago. She never thought I’d return. For us both to stand together again. Not in a crowded throne room. Just here, on a silent hill.

“I spent twelve years… in that icy prison you sent me to. I was only nine years old, nothing left for me anymore. I lost my family, my friends, my home, my dreams. They were all taken from me.” Soul took a step forward. Stopping right there. Watching the princess shake her head. Such disbelief in her face. Even Luna stood by her side, looking to her sister. Neither of them could understand. How could they? They thought I was gone.

“I was left with nothing. You sent me to a world with not even food. No warm place to live. Just an endless blizzard. I almost froze so many times. Sound familiar? You sent me there… and it’s like you wanted me to die.”

“Soul!” Celestia finally spoke out. “Soul, no… I never wanted you to die. I only wanted to save you.” So you believe it’s me now. The pain in Celestia’s voice. It struck Soul’s heart. “By Equestria, I never thought I’d see you again. I sent you there to keep you safe. I knew a pony like you would find a way to live. To make the most of herself. Because I couldn’t have you here anymore. Not after what you did. But I could never bring myself to doing to you what everypony else wanted me to. They wanted you to be an example. I couldn’t allow it. Never! Not to one of my own ponies. Not to a child. Just to protect you. …You… you shouldn’t be back.”

Princess. Soul flinched. Startled when she saw Luna was the one who stepped up. “Soul Serenity. You are that Soul Serenity? Do not think my sister wished you harm. She would never want anypony to die. She just… had no other choice.” Luna looked to her sister. Her crying sister. The tears I’ve never thought I’d see from the princess. But Soul couldn’t cry. She felt nothing. Just the drive to fight. To know why.

“I’m back. I came back because I wanted to have my life back. I wanted to have a chance to meet you again, princess. I want to prove myself. That I deserve to live here like every other pony.” Soul flapped her wings. Making both princesses look to her in shock when the Pegasus took to the air and landed right in front of them both at the bottom of the hill. Kicking up a hail of dirt from her powerful wings. The wings she kept aloft, even in front of them. “Look at me, I became this pony in front of you.” Soul bared the muscles she knew she had along her wings. Her long legs and even that mark on her flank. She could see both princesses noticed she had gotten her cutie mark. All this that I’ve done. “I did this all just to come back and show you that I am not the pony you thought I was. So I’m glad you’re here. Because this is my chance to prove it all. The chance I didn’t have when I was a kid. I’m ready to talk now. I’m ready to be strong. Like… Rainbow Dash would want of me.”

“Rainbow Dash?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, I got to meet her again. After all this time. My best friend in the world. How I missed her and she missed me. I failed to live up to what she wanted back when we were kids, but not this time.” Celestia was so close now. Soul stared up to the tall alicorn. Face to face. At last. The closest we’ve been in years. So different now. I’m not the one who’s crying this time. I’m not the one with all the pain. “I’m doing this, not just for me, but for her. This is the moment I’ve wanted. To finally confront you and ask you… do you hate me enough to keep me gone?”

I want to know. Are you still that scary pony who I felt didn’t care for me?

“I could never hate you” Celestia said. “Soul, banishing you… was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I couldn’t sleep for weeks after it. Like I was reliving my greatest nightmare all over again. You were a filly who had nothing left. Something inside me told me that it was wrong to do anything to you. I wanted to let you go. But… it was so hard. I didn’t know what to do. I’ve only been put into that position one time before… and I hated it. Was it right? Am I a bad pony for doing it? I asked myself those questions over and over. I saw… my sister in you. A pony that nopony else understood. And I had no answer on how to help you. There was nothing I could do to convince the others that you may have been just an innocent pony. Everything pointed to you. I only did what I did to save your life. I understand why you’d be upset. I wronged you… but it’s too late now. It’s been twelve years and there’s nothing that can change what has been decided. You were banished to save you from what fate had in store for you.”

8.24
I still see it all. All those ponies who hated me. And Celestia was right in the middle of it. They all believed I was the one who did that horrible thing. None of them knew what I had to go through. None of them cared. They didn’t even care that I was a kid. No. I don’t believe her. She got rid of me because she really thought I would be a pony who would kill. I’d never do that to ponies I care for. To anypony.

“You banished me because you were afraid” Soul said. Making Celestia gasp. “You really did think I was a murderer. What proof did you have that I did it? Just because I was there? Is that all it takes? If ponies really did see what happened… then they would have known it wasn’t me.” “Everypony said it was you” Celestia now was the one who yelled. Almost made Soul back away from her because the princess took a step closer. So close to her. Her shadow over Soul. “There was nothing to prove it wasn’t you. If you did not do it then why did you not say anything when I begged you to convince all the other ponies?”

“Because I was a kid!”

Lightning shocked the clouds beyond. Lighting up the ponies in its red glow. As red as the blood from that horrible day. It was all still there. Right in front of Soul. That day never left, and a tear fell from her. Like the tears from that day.

“I lost the ponies that I cared for. My best friend abandoned me because I made a mistake. And I saw something I never wanted to see. How can you expect me to do anything? Princess…” Soul looked up to her. “I was terrified. I didn’t know how to deal with it all until I grew up. And I’m dealing with it now! Because I want my life back! I want the thing that was taken from me for twelve years! I have my best friend back, I have my world back. All I want is to live in it without being afraid of ponies hating me for some stupid bullshit I never even did. How dare you blame me just because I was silent back then, well I’m not silent now.”

“I didn’t kill Nimbus or Starry! Why would I ever kill the ponies that I loved?!”

8.25
“I had my own proof. They were killed by somepony else. I was just too afraid to say anything” Soul whispered. “But please, be the ruler that I always saw you as, see that I’m not that monster you thought I was. I’m just a mare who wants her life back. I just want you to end my suffering. End that chapter of my life. I told you all I could, it’s all in your hooves.”

She watched Luna look up to her sister. As if she needed an answer, only seeing that Celestia was in stunned silence. So different from twelve years ago. Back when she looked so powerful and so convinced. Now she looked no different than a helpless mare. She had nothing to say. Soul saw Luna was looking at her now. That stern look to her gorgeous eyes. But her voice was sweet. “I was not there to see what happened, Soul Serenity. But I can assure you that my sister did not do it because she hated you. She isn’t like that. I know… she had another reason for it.” Luna stared down to the ground. Glowing bright in red like the Moon that shimmered deep above her. Like the entire sky slowly became awash in such deep red and the strong breeze flowing over them.

“I did have my reason for it” Celestia spoke out. “I never truly believed you could be a pony who would murder others. You never gave me that feeling. And I tried to convince others you weren’t. But… you missed the point of what I told you. I banished you to save your life. If I had not done that then you would have been executed!”

So that’s how much ponies hated me?

“There was nothing to prove you didn’t do it. You were the one who was seen doing it. Even if you didn’t, no other pony believed you. I had to make the decision because the day I watch any pony in my land be executed is the day I darken the Sun forever. I want you to live. If I just let you go right now, you’d not survive in this land. I can’t allow it, Soul.”

“You really do hate me.” I can’t believe this. Soul backed away from her. Already feeling her wings begin to shudder, wanting to take flight. I just told her what I should have told her long ago. She still doesn’t believe me. “You aren’t the princess I looked up to. The one I wanted to perform for. That princess would never try to ruin an innocent pony. I did nothing wrong. You still see me as that stupid filly from before.”

“Soul Serenity!” Soul jumped at that frighteningly powerful voice. One that was almost unknown but it came from the alicorn that stepped in front of Celestia. Luna stared down at her. Like her dark fur burned even blacker in the red glow of the night. A flaming, piercing gaze of anger. But… there was something else, even as she spoke. “My big sister would not try to harm you. She did it as a kindness for you. I know her too well. Anything to save your life. This is how you repay her? By insulting her? I love my sister… and I feel so insulted that you see her kindness towards you as a mistake.”

Soul took steps back. Keeping her distance from the darkn alicorn. “I’m not insulting her. I just want her to see.” Wait! Blight!

Soul glanced back and then to the princesses once more. Blight, I need your help for this. I need you to show them what I’m saying. You are the one who proved it to Dashie, please, help me with the princesses. All they need now is to see it.

“I can promise you this, Soul” Luna said. Soul looked to her and then to the crying Celestia behind her. “If you are allowed to be out in this land again, you will be killed. You were the first pony in centuries to murder. Ponies won’t forget that. It is only right for you to be kept safe. My sister loves you just like she loves every other pony. She loves you enough to protect you.”

She is not going to protect me. Soul’s eyes widened.

Blue light washed across the grass. Shimmering in her eyes. Like it lit up the world around where the three ponies stood. Glowing bright, coiling in white shadows that danced around the solitary blue flame… atop Luna’s horn. A spell.

I can show them but… one problem.

Blight! Finally. Tell me what it is. I’ll make it right, just show them. Whatever is bothering you, I’ll help. You just need to tell me. Soul…

“I didn’t do anything!” Soul cried out to the princesses. “Just please give me a moment to explain.” Give me time. Whatever is needed to help you, I’ll do it Blight. Soul could feel the air sizzle around her. Looking and spotting the magic coursing along the air. Crackling and popping. The air trickling in an icy chill. All from that light that got so bright from Luna. I know what that spell is. Just like Celestia. She can’t! They didn’t give me a chance back then and now they aren’t doing it again. I have to make this work. All I need is Blight. My best friend. Then we can have our lives back. I can live with Rainbow Dash.

Please.

I’ve come too far.

Soul… I’m not strong enough to do that to them.

What!? Soul shot a look back at the princesses. Blight… what do you mean? No.

I didn’t know you would need me for that. I don’t have the power to do that to the princesses. Alicorns are different from a Pegasus like Dash!

You can’t do it to them. Then that means… no. I can’t let it happen. I wanted to do this. I didn’t want anything bad to happen here. The princesses have to believe me. Please. “Just give me a chance! Please! I have to be the one to prove it to you! I would never kill ponies I love. I just want to be home.”

Luna blinked. Looking down from Soul across this expanse of grass that divided them. “She would never harm you. And I want no harm to you either. We do love you, Soul Serenity. Just like any other pony.”

Maybe I shouldn’t have tried this on my own. Maybe I should’ve waited. After all this time, I still can’t do anything on my own. I never could. I can’t even save myself. Soul let her tears fall. There was no fear. None for the icy cold. Even when she saw… that terrible sight. A blinding blue light that lit the world… and came at her. What that will do to me. I know.

No fear. No reason to be. Just pain…

I’m a failure.

8.26
Soul felt the air split around her. So deep and dense. She couldn’t even see it. Couldn’t even feel the air around her anymore. It was gone. Even if the wind struck her so hard to send her mane flying. Like nothing was there for her to see something so dark rush right into the blue light. Then it split.

Luna and Soul watched. Watched that beam of blue light fall to pieces between them. In an instant. Disappearing into the air as fast as it happened. The air that grew darker, and Soul felt it… so heavy against her back. Where she could only see Luna over there, her eyes wide open, watching what was left of that spell turn to cinders between the two ponies. This entire world around them that felt so cold.

I didn’t want it to come to this.

“So, looks like they don’t want to listen after all.”

Soul glanced over to the voice that spoke. From the pony who silently walked past her. Her walk was so chilling. Soul shivered. Shuddering until she fell to the ground. Sitting there, not able to stop this pony from stepping in front of her. What can I say? I failed. I really can’t do anything on my own. I always need ponies to save me and I can never be strong enough. I don’t want anypony fighting over me. Please don’t do this, Blight. I beg you.

“Looks like it’s time for me to step in” Blight said. Looking back to Soul with those deathly yellow eyes burning in the red of the sky. “Who knows” she said to Soul. “Maybe I can do something to make them see you’re right.” I don’t know anymore. All I wanted to do was prove it to them. Soul looked past Blight, just as Blight also looked to the ponies that Soul looked at. Where both princesses stood, their eyes wide open. Cast in the shadow of the dark light burning across the sky. Blight’s body shimmered, bleeding of black when she took a step closer to them. Letting her wings out. Held far at her sides and her hooves stamped the ground. No. She was serious.

Soul gasped. “Princesses! Please, listen to me. I didn’t do anything! Please just let me prove it!”

“I will not allow you to cause any harm to Soul!” Blight shouted out. Shocking Soul with how she sounded. Her voice echoed in the light of the Moon. The trees danced to her words. The wind swirled through the air. “If you fools will not believe her, then I’ll force you to. Just know that I will never let you take her life from her. Not again.” “No, Blight. Let me handle it. Please don’t yell at them” Soul begged. Already seeing Luna didn’t look happy. I can’t let her.

Soul got on her hooves. I’ll stop her. I have to. Already about to leap forward. Fall onto Blight and just stop her. Not when she’s like this. I can’t let her. Soul yelped. Something crackled so loudly in her ears. Before she even saw it. The black light that flashed around Blight’s legs. Bursting down in an instant and disappearing into the grass she stood on. Was that… lightning. Soul looked up to the pony in front of her. That terrible glare she had on her face. Not looking away from the princesses. Blight bared those terrible fangs to them. Her eyes lighting up with another bone-chilling shock of lightning. It arced around her. Flashing away before they were all lit in the blast of a red thunderbolt far off.

Blight, …what has happened to you?

8.27
“How dare you insult us!” Luna yelled. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you have no right to intervene. We are here to protect Soul and won’t let somepony as rude as you stop us.” Soul’s eyes watered. Please don’t. She couldn’t stop the light from burning atop Luna’s horn. Another spell churning the air around her. Making Blight plant her hoof even deeper into the grass. This small, black pony standing before the princesses. I can’t let them fight. I don’t want anypony to get hurt. No! I have to tell them.

“Princesses, please don’t do this. Blight, stop it!” Luna’s eyes met Soul’s; Blight turned to face her. Gone with that burning anger in her vicious eyes. If just for a moment. “I have to protect you, Soul” she said. “No! I don’t want you all to fight” Soul yelled. “I wanted to solve this without anypony getting hurt. Blight, I know you mean well but I also know something isn’t right with you and you won’t tell me why. So I can’t let you fight. Please. Princesses, don’t fight Soulblight!”

“Soulblight?” she heard Luna whisper. “Why be concerned? We only want to save your life. Nopony needs to get hurt, not even you. I only need that pony to step out of the way.”

Soulblight made Soul’s ears rise. Made them all silent with such a terrible laugh. Sending the dirt flying with a kick of her hoof and a flash of her huge wings. Laughing to the red sky. She didn’t even open her eyes. “Nothing is wrong with me. I only want to protect you, like I’ve always done. Do not worry, Soul…” she opened her eyes, looking to Soul. Such burning light in those narrow pupils of hers. “Nopony will get hurt. I did promise after all.” Soul felt so defeated. Not able to bring herself to words, not when Blight turned away from her. Back to the princesses. “And I hear they still intend to get rid of you. You will not send Soul away. Nopony will take her from me!”

“Get out of my way, simpleton!” Luna yelled.

No, please don’t fight. Soul let her tears go when the world lit up, roaring from thunder with a crack of Luna’s horn and the blast of blue light. Another spell sent free, coming right at them. She could see it over Blight’s black feathers. Her wings rising and Blight just laughed. Screaming out and making Soul cry. “I will not let you!”

The wind struck Soul. Frozen in silence. Seeing what it was, this sight she had never seen before. The blue light that burned away and set flames to the grass. She watched the cinders fall to the ground. Landing and fading into the wind. Cast away in the glow of darkness that was ever brighter than any light from that spell. The spell was gone. Soulblight stood there, letting out a deep sigh. Giggling over what had just happened. Soul saw it. The darkness before them. Shimmering in the light like a wall. The wall had stopped it and Soul could see the princesses through the wall. Both of them taken back by this. This shield that disappeared. Blight? She stopped that entire spell. Amazing.

8.28
Blight’s tail whipped the ground. She let out such a deep breath. Soul saw her legs tremble a little. Yet Blight never let her wings fall. She never gave up where she stood. A pony between Soul and the princesses. But Soul felt it. She heard it in the air. Blight made a little whimper in her breath. “Like I said, you won’t take her from me.”

“Who are you?” Celestia called out. The older sister finally took a step forward. Joining her sister side by side. “Why are you doing this? If Soul stays here, she won’t be safe. She would be better outside of Equestria.”

“You really are idiots” Blight hissed. “You have no idea how much she suffered in that hell you sent her to. Princess Celestia…” Such a terrible chill. The entire air went still. To see Blight glaring at the princess. I’ve never seen her like this. That… that is hate in her eyes. What happened to make you like this? “I will never forgive you for doing that to her” Blight whispered. “As long as I stand, she will not be harmed. She will live her life in the land she loves. Nopony will take it from her. As her best friend, I won’t let it!”

She really does care for me that much. Just like back in the snow. She would fight the princesses. But I don’t want her to. She doesn’t need to get hurt.

“Hey Soul.” Soul looked to the black pony. Blight glanced back to her, such a small smile on her face and she let out another deep breath. “I’m gonna need your help. Remember I said I would need you if it cames down to this? Well… that last spell was a bit much. Can I ask you for something?”

I knew it. That spell. Blight looked exhausted. She really isn’t strong enough. And I thought she was powerful. But… the princesses? Can she even stop them? Soul wanted to shake her head. No I shouldn’t want her to stop them. I still think I can do this. Soul didn’t even answer her. She just blinked. I can still convince them. She looked to Soulblight. Then to the princesses and back.

I don’t know why this is happening.

8.29
“I need you to think” Blight said. That was when Soul completely stopped. She had to listen. For how serious Blight sounded and the depth in her eyes. For that moment, the world fell silent. “Think about the one that you love. How much you want to spend your life with her. The things you want to do with her. The life you want to live with her. Show me how much you love Rainbow Dash. More than anything else.”

What was it about what she said that makes my skin crawl? Soul shivered. The words she had said. The way she said them. There was something terrifying about it. It was chilling. Like the lightning that singed the clouds above. Such horrible darkness inside the eyes of that pony who begged of her. Begged… for me to tell her about Dash? But she knows how much I love Dashie. Why is she wanting me to do this? Why does she have that look? Soul was lost in the searing gaze of that black pony. Where her eyes shone brighter than any star. Shimmering. Water in her eyes. I’ve seen this look before. Way back… in the snow.

She was afraid I’d leave her…

Soul’s heart skipped a beat. Blight is sad… I know that look. That’s why she isn’t telling me anything. Why I don’t know what’s wrong. Blight, you’ve always hid your feelings from me before. I thought we were friends enough to not do that anymore. But your eyes. I see pain. That was what made Soul shake her head.

I don’t know why she needs me to do that, but I won’t do it.

Soul took a step forward. If she doesn’t want to tell me, that’s fine. Later. Right now, I have something I need to do. Didn’t even look at Blight, she couldn’t. No. Now is not the time to deal with this. I’ll make sure we have a life after this, then… I’ll hold you, Blight. And you can tell me everything. There will be nothing more to be afraid of.

I thought we put this all to rest back in the snow. I guess we didn’t.

Soul didn’t even care that another star of burning blue lit the sky, ripping the air along Luna’s horn. She didn’t care at all. Just stepping forward. She was the one who was angry now, and she saw Blight was silent now. Even if the black Pegasus tried to put a hoof out to stop her. Soul just pushed it away. Sidestepping her entirely. She was surprised that Blight didn’t try to stop her again. What was holding her back? Letting Soul stand beween her and the princesses. I’m glad she isn’t because I will stop this before anything bad happens. If Blight is like this… then I know I can’t let her go any further. Soul stared into the blinding light from Luna’s spell and then to the white alicorn who stood at Luna’s side. “Princess…”

“I will not go back to that prison. I will prove to you that I will do anything to be a pony who can call this land her home again. I have too many dreams I want, there’s no way I’ll give up.” “Soul, they won’t listen to you…” Blight whispered behind her. Soul shook her head.

“Blight, …let me do this. I’ll fix this and then… I want you to talk to me” Soul looked back to the princesses. I understand why they don’t want me here. I remember it all clearly. So many ponies would want me gone if they knew who I was, but there are others who still want me here. Who still love me. I can’t let them down.

“I am sorry for what has happened. I know it’s been so painful you, Princess Celestia. I’ll be honest, you are still my princess in my eyes and I will do anything to be a part of your land again. I want to be your pony again. I’ll do anything. Even if I have to convince every single pony in Equestria. As long as I can get one day to truly have my life back. …I love this land. I love my home. I never want to leave it again. I never want to leave the ones I love behind again, just like Nimbus and Starry. I loved them. I really did! I’m just so sad that I couldn’t get the chance to have the happy life I wanted with them. Please, just give me a chance to have a happy life again.”

8.30
Soul held her wings close to her. It was getting colder. The thousands of leaves rustling so violently in the wind, beckoning the trees, and the grass waved in an endless dance along the reddened hills. Glowing pure red as Luna’s spell… faded. “Sister?” the young alicorn spoke to Celestia. Soul didn’t back away. I mean it all. I will do anything. I’ve waited too long for this moment. All I need is for her to listen to me. For her to reach out to me.

Soul extended her hoof out.

Come to me. Take my hoof. I’m still a pony who wants to be yours. Soul locked eyes with the princess. The light of the Moon gleaming so bright. She could see it in Celestia’s eyes… and she could see her own eyes shining in them. Things haven’t worked out in the past for both of us, but they can work out now. If she just gives me a chance, I’ll be a pony she can love again. I can truly love this land again. Just take my hoof. Don’t be afraid.

Celestia’s hoof stepped forward. One step. Nothing got rid of that pained look in her face. Like the entire grief of the world was burning inside her. No way to tell how much it hurt. I’ll never know how sad she truly was. She doesn’t need to be anymore. She may have banished me to save me, but I don’t need her saving anymore. I’ll do this all myself. That one step that Celestia took… I want us to hold hooves. Do all this for everything I love.

And for Dashie.

What is enough to make your heart burn of pain? Everything that had been seen? Soul thought she knew. But for the world to fade away and all she could see was that one little light. It gleamed. Shining bright as it fell to the earth. Seeing all the ice and snow that glazed the land in that horribly blue chill, seeing it here… falling to the ground of a reddened Equestria.

One little tear.

Celestia cried.

8.31
“Nopony… will ever accept you here.”

Soul let her hoof down. No more words to say. Only the fear. The pain. For a princess to say that to anypony. It broke her heart. She will never love me. Never again. It can’t end like this. Please… somepony stop this.

I can’t do this anymore.

“Nopony will accept… me.” Soul turned, hearing Soulblight’s words. That black Pegasus… she let her tears go. Blight? The pony lit up in the shine of the stars. The entire hill lit up. Blistering white light burning across the sky and it all came from behind. Soul could only see that light blast out from Celestia’s horn. Not even her feathers could twitch in response. Frozen like a stump.

Darkness.

Soulblight shot in front of her. In an instant. Soul couldn’t even take a breath in time. Not before that black light rushed out once more. A wall of darkness before her and, on the other side: the Sun itself. All that was left was the ear-splitting roar. It felt like her ears would bleed. The entire world shrieked and Soulblight screamed.

That massive spell sent flames all across the hill. Soul stood in stunned silence, her eyes could not leave the sight. All the cinders flying and dancing in the wind. The wisps of black air and shimmering light flickering and disappearing in the night sky. As fast as it happened, it was over. Both spells shattered to pieces, leaving Soul to watch Blight be flung to the side. The black Pegasus flew past her so quickly. How powerful was that spell? Soul was terrified. Her legs shaking. Seeing Blight get blasted away like that. She spun about. “Blight!”

There the black Pegasus lay, sprawled out in the grass behind her. Her eyes closed. All those wisps of darkness fading from her and her wings laid still. Only her feathers fluttered so gently in the breeze. Oh, no. Blight… please don’t be hurt.

“Celestia, why?”

Soul felt the chills. The entire world cast in that white light again. She just hurt Blight and now… Soul looked to the princess. With her horn again lit in the light of the stars. So many tears falling from her eyes. This can’t be happening. I’m all alone against this, and I failed. She’s gonna get rid of me. Will… will I be alone? I’ll never see Dash again. I’ll never see those lovely colors that light up my world.

Blight is gone. And now Dashie will be too. I just wanted to be with her. I wanted us all to be together.

I can’t have it. I will always be a failure.

8.32
“Leave her alone!”

The air rushed in. Echoing with that voice. Hearing it one last time, Soul was so happy to. Even more to see it. Those colors rushing in once more. It wasn’t Blight this time. Rainbow Dash sent the dirt flying, blades of grass torn off from the force of her wings. Such a strong gust as she set down right next to Soul.

“Rainbow Dash?” Celestia cried.

Rainbow? I didn’t think you’d come. Can I be seeing things? The cyan Pegasus stepped up next to her. Looking to her so shortly with those burning red eyes lit so bright in the violent lightning across the clouds. She did not look happy. “You idiot…” she whispered to Soul. Soul didn’t care. Didn’t even back down from her. I know. I failed so badly. Just know I did it all for you. This was all just too much for me, maybe I did need more ponies to help me after all. I just thought I could do something good for once. I tried my best. It was like Dash knew all of that. The pony was not angry for long. She shook her head but still smiled for a moment. Gone when she walked past, finding her place… in front of Soul.

Between Soul and the princesses. That was when… the light faded. Celestia’s horn dimmed until nothing but red was left across the sky.

“Princess Celestia” Dash cried out. “I’m not gonna make the same mistake I made years ago. I didn’t stand with my best friend back then. I didn’t stick up for her and help prove she was did nothing wrong. Well not again! I’m here now and I won’t go anywhere. Soul is the most important pony in my life, I’ll defend her myself! You’d do the same for the ponies you love.”

“Rainbow…” Celestia whispered. Dashie, I can’t believe you’re doing this. Soul watched the little Pegasus stare off with the alicorn. Holding her wings out, she really was here to protect Soul. Soul blinked. Seeing for just a moment. Rainbow was a filly again. Just like when she stood up for me long ago. It’s like we’re back in flight camp. I never thought she would do something like this. Standing up for me against the princess of Equestria. Dashie…

“Rainbow Dash, you don’t know what you’re doing” Celestia said. “Please. I’m doing this for Soul’s own good. I do know… you both have history, but that should not blind you from what would be best for her. If she stays here, she won’t survive.”

“How do you know? My friends and I have already accepted her. We don’t care what happened. …And you should know by now, I’m loyal to the end.” Soul saw that beloved pony run her hoof across her face. Seeing she was crying. Never letting go of that determination on her. She means it. “I’ll be here for Soul no matter what. I’ve learned the truth and want her back into my life. Nothing you do will take her from me. Nothing will get rid of me. Because she is my best friend and…”

Dash sniffled but she made such a small smile. Those words she spoke, they all hit a chord so gently. Such true words to be spoken. They made Soul’s heart skip a beat.

“I’m in love with her.”

Soul did nothing when Dash’s wing came over her, pulling her close into Dash’s grasp. The pony clung to Soul. Her hooves holding her tight. “If you get rid of her… you can send me with her too!”

No more spells burned. Even the lightning stopped. Silent in this moment where Soul looked to the pony who held her. The truth that she spoke.

Rainbow… I can’t believe what you’’re saying. You’d… go with me? Rainbow didn’t let go. She never let up with her grip and that look she gave the princesses, she means it.

You keep reminding me of times we had together. How you stood up for me and helped me gain the confidence I needed to do the impossible. You pushed me to become a pony that I shouldn’t have been. After all the pain and heartache, you somehow brought me back. Just like you do now. It was all true. I am the most important pony to you. You would do this for me. Even if I am banished, you’d come with me. You really do love me. You really are the pony that I remember from long ago.

Nothing has changed.

8.33
“Rainbow…” Soul didn’t wait for her to answer. She set her hoof on Dash’s cheek, pulling her to face her. Eye to eye, so close together. To look into the teary eyes of this beautiful and sweet pony, I couldn’t have it any other way. If I’m banished, I’d rather see this every day. I’d rather do this for her every day.

I don’t care anymore.

Soul set her lips to Dash’s.

Even if we are in front of the princesses. Even if the entire world now sees us, so what? Let them all know I am in love with Rainbow Dash. The kindest and sweetest pony I can ask for. Both of them lost in the kiss they shared. She watched Dash close her eyes and then she did the same. Never letting go of one another. This is what we will have for the rest of our lives. My best friend. My marefriend. The only pony I can see myself with forever. Just like I’ve always wanted. I love her so much.

I’ll always love her more than anything.

8.34

Soul opened her eyes, letting her lips free from Dash’s. Both of them able to look each other in the eyes one last time. No matter what would happen, at least this moment could come. I get to kiss her again and we will never be apart. I’m glad I got to look into her eyes again. Dash’s magenta eyes… flashing bright with red.

Lightning raced across the sky. All the silence died. The rippling thunder and terrible flashes of red, the sky churned. Something about it, as Soul looked up to it with Dash at her side, it felt so wrong. Not even the Moon could shine through anymore. Like all the red upon this world came from the lightning that flashed through the sky. Tearing holes in it for rays of red to pierce through. Thunder and lightning burning through the sky. Soul felt a pit in her stomach. Looking at it, why… why am I crying?

Soul saw it too… Rainbow shed a tear looking at it. Before their tears flew in the gust of wind. The roar of the leaves all across the treelines lit red in the lightning flashing over them. Far and beyond. To the mountains in the distance, an endless storm. A beautiful sight yet so dreary. Such pain. I can feel it.

Her fur stood up.

Something… I can feel something. “Dash?” She met her eyes. Rainbow could only shake her head, shedding so many tears. Soul could see it. The fur on Dash’s back also reached for the sky. What is… Soul gasped.

Behind me.

The trickle of shock along her spine. Like that made her feathers twitch and her fur shiver. I’ve never felt something like this. Such horrible fear, echoing and ringing all throughout her. The silence of the air, yet it chilled her ears in the howl of the wind as the sky darkened.

It made her turn her head, both of them turn their heads.

A dance of grass, blades swirled and floated through the air with the leaves that blew by them. Only to be brought back and dance with the grass beneath the red sky. As if the air split right there; that was it. Her wings shook. The shudder in the air, it all rushed pass. Curcling all around like some cyclone. Rising and falling. One leaf fell to the ground. Falling before the split, yellow eyes that stared at Soul. One little tear fell from those eyes. Dripping along her black fur and fled from her smile.

Why do I feel the need… to run? Like all the world demanded her to gallop away. I shouldn’t be afraid. I’ve seen this so much. I’ve accepted her as my best friend. But this is not the pony I knew. This feeling. This fear. I’m afraid of this pony. The pony standing before Soul and Dash, her long, black mane flowing in the course of the shimmering darkness around her. The air was so much darker around her. Could it be dying from her? How can air die? But it feels like it is. Even if the air flowed through their manes. Just like how a pony could look so happy, yet cry such painful tears. I’ve never seen her like this. I never wanted to.

Soulblight’s smile grew wider. She lowered her head. Nopony could even see her eyes under her mane, yet the tears fell from her. Falling to the grass. Burning away. Cast aside in the darkness. Vapor or steam, it seeped from the soil. Billowing around this pony. One of Blight’s legs shook. It almost looked like she came close to falling, and she whimpered under her breath.

Why am I afraid? Why am I so sad? Not from seeing her like this. It’s not me…

Her only answer was the lightning that tore the sky behind Blight. Lighting her black body in the glow of red. A burning, fading shimmer of such brilliant magenta around her outstretched wings where that darkness coiled through her feathers. Reaching for the sky around her, fading into the wind. What is she doing?

“Blight…?”

“That is all I needed to hear…” she heard the black pony mutter under her bangs. One last thing to be spoken and then Soul’s own feathers trembled. I can feel it.

“Soul! We need to get out of here!” Dash wailed. No… did I fail? Soul could do nothing, just accept that Dash grabbed hold of her with her wings. Taking her with her. Soul’s legs moved on their own. Running from the pony who was… her best friend. She is my best friend. I should not be scared of her. Blight only giggled. This isn’t her. This is not the Blight I know. The feeling, I don’t feel safe around her.

This is what I wanted to stop. Now, I can’t do anything.

Soul’s legs gave. No… Dash tripped. Soul couldn’t stop it. Taken down with the Pegasus to the dirt where they skidded to a halt. Soul put her hooves to Dash. Holding her tight, no way to stop the tears. The tears in Dash’s eyes too. What has happened to us? This horrible, horrible thing. Please… Soul looked to the sky. Once, it always felt so inviting and loving. It was only desolate and terrifying. Lashed in the bolts running along it. I’ve never seen anything like this. What is this magic? Is there anything I can do? No. Princess Celestia stood over her. She just realized it. Both of them laying so close to the princesses. These ponies who wanted to get rid of me, they’re not doing anything.

Celestia and Luna stared over to where Soul did not want to look, tears in their eyes.

I never wanted anything to happen to you two. I just wanted you to forgive me. I failed. “Princess…”

Celestia looked to her. “Please forgive me.”

8.35
Is it the Sun rising? A star bursting to the sky, lightning the world in its golden light? Rushing through the clouds. An echo across the skies. There was no way to know what it was, but a light brighter than any other and a roar that could split any ear. The Pegasus could not even hear herself scream. Could not even feel her pain anymore. There was no way to. Not anymore. To watch the sky split apart and the clouds be burned away in a blast of light. The treetops glimmered in gold.

It truly was a star.

A pillar of light streaming to the sky… and Soulblight was gone.

“Blight!” Soul screamed out. Couldn’t even hear herself. She felt so stupid for trying to get up. Trying to run for that light that burned away the hilltop. Blight once stood there, now she was gone. Gone… like Nimbus and Starry atop the same hill. Soul blinked. She wasn’t there anymore. Just the pulsing ray of light. A mountainous thing rising to the heavens. Farther than Soul could see. Taking away my best friend.

Soul pushed herself. Tried so hard to get up, Dash didn’t let go. “Get off me! I need to save her. Please. Blight!” Can anypony even hear me? Do any care? No, not when we are seeing this. I’m the only one who can’t stand this. She’s being taken away from me. That pony wasn’t my Soulblight. Something happened to her. It wasn’t real. None of this is possible. The trees all broke and shattered around them. Leaves hailing from the sky. All of them glimmering in a sea of gold that floated across the sky wherever those blankets of leaves would fly. Like little stars twinkling in an ever-fading red night. Gold… fading to red. Just like the entire sky. Leaving just a rush of golden light to fade into the distance. Forever cast away into the clouds and beyond the mountains.

Blight… is gone.

Soul stared to the hill. She had stood there moments ago. Nothing was left. What did she do? And why… why am I not sad anymore?

It was all gone. Just like that golden light. Just like… the red in the sky. “What is going on?” Dash whispered next to her.

What is this color? Something new that bled across the world. The clouds all turned with it. Like the rays of the Moon were forever lost in it. Blending in as the entire world changed. Swirling around the solitary storm of black flames atop the hill.

Soul looked down at her fur. Watching the air change around her. The grass changed. Like the entire world lost its colors. Soul managed to escape from Dash’s grip. Standing over her, Dash didn’t even care. The Pegasus stared at the flames standing tall over them all. Soul just shook her head. Rainbow’s tail, her mane, it wasn’t right anymore. She sat there lit up in the color that the world changed to. What have you done, Blight? Soul stared at her own fur. Seeing it right there. Before her eyes. She just couldn’t believe it.

No more red skies. It all faded away. The world turned to magenta. Such a soft touch along her fur. Such a calm color upon the earth. Soul blinked. Seeing it flow around her hoof. Such beautiful and glittering light fading and shining once more. Millions of them all running through the air. Setting down on her fur and disappearing forever. All around. Falling from the sky. Gentle and lovely.

Blight… you’re still here.

8.36
Soul stared ath the flames burning atop the hill. So many cinders of silver falling from it, flickering and turning to magenta. Red lightning struck down far away through the magenta skies. The little trickle of wind that ran across those flames, it made them so lively. Reaching for the skies and giving up so quick.

Yet it was gorgeous.

Black fire rippling in the glow of silver cinders to burn in its embrace. Circling the hilltop in such a terrible inferno. Yet… it wasn’t hot. Even looking into the flames, how large they burned. How it scorched away the grass, Soul couldn’t even feel any heat. Just a chill coming over her. Icy cold winds flowing all through the air. Making the flames sway and beckon. Ripped away from one another and burning away into the air. Lost forever and Soul could still hear it like cries in the wind. A distant howl of pain. That was all the flames were.

Pain.

Soul stepped forward. She could feel the other ponies watch her. She didn’t even bother to see. Nothing could keep her from stepping closer to those flames which grew smaller and smaller. Something like them being so gentle and so agonizing to see. No way to take your eyes off it. I don’t want to. It makes me want to get closer. It’s weird. I don’t feel like… she’s gone. I don’t feel sad. Just the chills. The temptation. Watching fire burning so tall above her, standing at the foot of the hill. Even so close, she felt nothing. Just icy cold.

I feel like… I know this. Some gentle thing that is there for me even when it’s so cold. Looking at this fire, I know it. Even if I’ve never seen it before, it’s like it was always here for me. Always there to protect me. I was so scared of it earlier. This feeling. But now… I want to reach out to it and hold it. It’s a part of me. A part of my life. Because she always was.

“Blight.”

The fires faded. Dying away into the ground. Into the sky. Falling away from something that made Soul never take her eyes off it. The thing within the flames. Where the black fire could not even hide the dark shape inside it. A pony.

It stood slowly within those flames. A dark silhouette. Lit up in the red lightning. Atop its four legs. Standing so tall over Soul. Just a shadow of something… and it made Soul’s heart feel so warm even if her skin froze. A chill all along her when something rose over the pony within the flames. Like four long spines rising over it. As black as the pony was. They all flapped atop it.

Wings…?

“Blight… please come out. I’m here for you.” I’m here for her, and now… it’s like my heart can’t stop pounding anymore. This is the pony I’ve always known. She is the one who got me through everything and became the friend I needed. I know her. Even if it doesn’t look like her, this is her. Whatever is inside that fire. The fire that died away.

“You should’ve left. This is not the place for you” such a haunting voice spoke out from the fire. Deep in such terrible pain. It made Soul’s ears fall. That voice. It echoed of pure terror inside her. Such a gentle and calm… but dead voice. Wrapped in the sound of such a familiar Pegasus. “I’m going to make this all right. I swear, I will fix everything and then I want you to talk with me” Soul said. “Please. Let’s just sit together like we used to and I swear I’ll be there for you. I always will be.”

Yellow eyes looked out from within the flames. Glowing so bright in red. A deathly gaze. Like no other. That’s not the same look she had before. They stood tall with those wings. Coming forth within the fire. Black flames that dimmed and fell apart at the sight of this figure that came forth. Something that didn’t look real even if it felt just like somepony so familiar.

“Nothing will be the same again” that pony said.

A magenta hoof stepped out from the fires. Stamping down upon the cinders of the ashen grass. Crushing the flames beneath it. Fires smoldering along her long and luscious magenta fur only to do nothing to it but die away against the skin.

“Never again will harm come to the pony I love. Never again will she be made to suffer. I will get rid of her past. That is my vow.”

Soul’s eyes widened. Like looking… into a mirror. A pony stepped out from the flames. Tall over them all from her perch. Locked in an endlessly beautiful coat of magenta fur flowing gently in the breeze. This pony… she has my fur. She has… Soul shivered. Silver hairs.

She has my mane.

“I am the one who will get rid of her suffering and she will know happiness again.”

She has my mane. Long and flowing locks of silver hair draping down her face and all down her neck. Set down along her chest, glimmering so bright in the red light, piercing starlight all along her violet-laced hairs. A night sky in her hair. Coming all down her neck, falling along her back. No ragged hairs, the most beautiful mane she had ever seen, pulled into a long ponytail along the back of her neck. No more darkness to cover her up. Nothing to hide this pony. Soul put a hoof to her own long mane. Feeling the silver hair she had. How it all ran down her neck. Falling in front of her eyes. Looking at the same mane split where those dragon eyes stared down at Soul.

She looks just like me… Soul took a step back. To look up at this pony standing on all fours like a tower above them all. Looking down at them all with flaming eyes. That terrifying look from before. Blight… what happened to you? “How did you…” Soul whispered.

“I will always love Soul Serenity. That is why I will do this.”

All the flames were cast aside. A single pony left to stand on top of the hill. Wind breezing past her, making her mane flow with the leaves around her. Wind caught in those massive wings she held up to rise to the sky. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. I always thought her wings were beautiful. The most lovely black wings I’ve ever seen. Something I knew other pegasi would be jealous of. What am I seeing now? A pony with…

Four wings.

A wing atop the other. Spans of magenta… shedded of their beautiful black feathers. What even is a Pegasus without her feathers? What did you do to your wings, Blight? Soul shook her head. Horrified. Just four huge wings set in flesh. Draped over her spans. No. Your wings were so beautiful. I loved them. What happened!?

W-what… are you?

Blight lowered those huge wings over her head. High in the air to split the sky. Atop something that rose even higher. What are you? You aren’t a Pegasus anymore. I don’t even know what you are anymore, not when I see this. It made Soul feel cold to the bone. To see Blight have this. A thing that split her mane in two atop her head.

Soulblight giggled. Looking out to the world. She rose her head tall, such power in her stare upon the skies. Almost skewering the sky as she let out that terrible laugh. Her wings rose. Such vast spans to cast their shadows upon Soul. The terrified mare. My best friend. This isn’t you. I feel it’s you… but that’s not the Soulblight I love. This is not a pony I should be backing away from. Such a mighty and powerful pony. I see now why you were always so powerful. You never were a Pegasus.

I don’t know what you are.

No more. When there was a horn glowing bright atop Soulblight’s head. Between her wings, raised to the sky and glimmering in the lightning. Coiled so long like it was some sort of blade on her head. She looks just like the princesses… but… are you even a pony anymore? You’re not a Pegasus. Soul locked eyes with her again. Blight looked down to her with that grin she wore. That power in her eyes. The air rippled around her. Churning around her horn. Bleeding of black light flowing from the tip. That look you have. I can even feel it. I can feel it in the air. In my wings. Such frightening magic. I’ve never felt this. You’re not even an alicorn… are you?

I don’t know if she is a pony. But I see it in her eyes. I can still see it. You’re still my Soulblight.

“Nopony will take Soul’s life from her again…” Blight’s voice chilled the world.

8.37
“Blight!” Soul yelled out. “You don’t need to do this! Please… be the pony I always knew you to be!”

I get it now. You’re afraid. You’re afraid I may be gotten rid of again. You’ve always been the pony to protect me and, of course, you wouldn’t stop now. You became this pony. You did this… because you still want to protect me. Enough to do this to yourself. I should have seen it. You think… I will be taken away. You think I will be gone. I know…

I was so bad back in that snow. So many times, I almost died. And you had to watch me so sad and miserable all the time. It tore us apart. And now that it’s over… you never want to go through it again. You never want to see me sad again. I know… because you felt it was your fault. You told me it was your fault. So this is what it does to you? “This is what all that pain did to you?” It turned you into this? This is how much you care for me? You never want to see me in pain again. You never want to feel at fault. So much that you stuck by me until it almost destroyed you. Your pain was that much?

And you lied to me… by making me think you were okay.

I see. This is what I did to you. You were never okay. And I ignored you. I never even tried to help you. You are still afraid of failing again. You really were serious about protecting me. You were serious about doing anything for me. So much that you destroy yourself just to keep me happy. “Why did you never tell me?! You know I am here for you. I am your best friend. All you need to do is talk to me and I’ll listen… but I guess I was stupid for thinking you were okay after all we went through. I never even tried to look out for you. I just focused on myself and got what I wanted without ever learning why you were so sad. What it is that you’re afraid of.”

“I am no longer afraid” Blight said. “There’s no more need for fear or pain. Not when I have all the power in the world to end it all. I get to see you happy once again and the mistakes I’ve made will finally be erased. Even if I want to be happy, I’d rather see you get it first. That was always my goal. You will have your life back.”

“What’s the point if you’re not happy?” Soul whispered. “When I know it’s all my fault for treating you like a monster and never treating you like you deserved. I should have seen you as my world. You were the one who saved me and saved Rainbow Dash. You were the one who looked out for me. Kept me warm and safe. Rescued me and saved my wing. You aren’t the one who should be afraid of failing. I should be. I need to be the one to be there for you. And I need to start by stopping you.”

Soul looked up to that pony. No matter how dark she looked, Soul could not stop from smiling. “Please come to me. I’ll show you that I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be in your life and I’ll be the one to repay you for all that you did. Nopony will take me. We can live our lives together here.” Soul heard the hoofsteps to her side. Turning to find that Rainbow actually came up to stand next to her. She looked afraid. Standing before what Blight had become. Seeing what I did to another pony. But she’s here, looking up to Blight. She knows… we can all be together. Blight doesn’t need to be afraid.

“All of us can” Soul smiled to Blight.

8.38
Blight chuckled under her mane. “I’ll make sure you get what you want. Forget about me.” Her horn glowing in black.

Soul almost saw the gust of wind rush her. She could spot it… she couldn’t even blink. Not before that horrible scream pierced her ears. A scream from Rainbow Dash.

It all happened so quick. The grass swayed violently. Not even Soul’s wings could move in the wind. That cold gust of chilling wind running along her side. So quick. Such a surprise. To not even feel it coming in the air. That was not even scary. Soul just turned her head and Dash wasn’t there anymore. A small glimpse of rainbow hairs. Looking to find her. The Pegasus was already gone and Soul just let herself go limp in fear when she heard the crunching sound and a pained cry.

Rainbow landed hard to the ground. Soul caught it just in time. To see the Pegasus fall limp in the grass. Far away to land right next to where the horrified princesses witnessed her body slam to the ground. Rolling in it once like some sort of doll. She didn’t even move. Laying still before princess Luna. Like when I crashed as a kid. Soul’s eyes twitched. So this is what it was like to see me crash. This shiver in her stomach. Like her mind went blank. Rainbow Dash laying there on her back, her wings didn’t move. All Soul could see… was blood running between her closed eyes. I couldn’t even do anything. She couldn’t. I just watched my Dashie… get hurt right in front of me. This can’t be happening. Hurt?

Dash… made not a single move.

Soulblight… Soul shook her head, she couldn’t even cry. As if her tears had not caught up. She couldn’t feel it. Only that emptiness of seeing this.

Why would she do this? This isn’t her. My Soulblight would never do this. I want to take Dash away. Keep her safe… what can I do? My best friend… did this. Like all of it didn’t even have time to surface. Soul was left there with that broken cyan body burned into her eyes.

“Blight… how could…”

Soul turned. Looking into those burning yellow eyes right in front of her. A nose length away. Where Soulblight stood before her. “…You?”

Soul’s ear shuddered. I didn’t even know she was here. How did she… why did she do this? All of it like a nightmare. To see this pony so close. This pony I thought I knew. And I see her like this. Still so much shorter than Soul stood. Still with those lovely, yellow eyes. That warm smile. Yet the most cold and heartless stare she could have. Nothing was in those eyes. Soul looked deep into a black void splitting her eyes. No light shone in them. Not even a single trace of life. Even as she began to spoke, it felt like death in her cool breath against Soul’s chest.

“She’s only knocked out. I don’t want anypony in my way while I do what needs to be done. Trust me, she will be fine. I made sure of it. However… there is still one pony left I need to keep out of my way.” Blight blinked at her.

“Nopony is in your way” Soul whispered. She is not getting rid of me. I came here to make things right. I won’t let her do this. I never knew what she would do but this isn’t the right thing. “This is not what you should do. Please let me help you. The Blight I know would never do any of this.”

Soul looked along those four giant wings rising high over Blight. Their flesh swaying so gently in the breeze along the spans. Not a single gorgeous feather. Even the light shimmered off the spans. These were not even pony wings anymore. These are not the beautiful wings of such a kind and loving pony. I want the Pegasus I grew to love. Not this pony with such horrible hate in her eyes. Where Soul could feel the air freeze just being this close to her. Staring into that terrible smile lit red in the rush of lightning through the clouds. Even if I look into this pony… I can still tell…

This is Soulblight. She is still here with me. Whatever pain she is in, I can help her. “Just let me help you. I care for you.” Go back to that warm pony I want to hold under the blankets. Don’t be afraid of me. Don’t let the past hurt you. I am still your Soul Serenity. Please…

“Be my Soulblight.”

A tear soaked the magenta fur. But Soul did not cry. She saw this pony in front of her cry. Blight cried. Even if she smiled. Glowing tears of twinkling light flowing from those dead eyes. Those are her tears. I can feel it. I’ve known you too long now, and I see that it is you who is in pain. Soul opened her wings up to her. Come to me. Let me hold you.

“I am your Soulblight…” Blight whispered. Sniffling in her tears. That smile never left. “It’s just a shame the day had to come when you would see what I truly am. And now that you know, now that the world knows the pain I am and how terrible a pony I am, your Soulblight… can’t be a part of it anymore. She was never meant to be.”

“Blight…?”

What are you saying?

“But I can still give you the life you deserve.”

The world vanished.

8.39
I’m so sorry, Soul. This needs to be done. I just regret I couldn’t apologize to you in person. Now that Soul was gone. Vanished before Blight. It’s too late to bring her back. Too late to say anything to her. The power is too great and the stakes are too high. I can’t have you here. You’ll be safe. Such a shame you had to see what I am. I was never a pony that can be loved. Even I can feel my own deathly stare. This horrid body. Blight looked down to her hooves. Burning so bright in that magenta fur scarred in coursing lightning. Rippling and crackling along the ground and the dying grass she stood around before shooting up her legs only to vanish.

I knew the day would come when I’d see myself again. If only under better circumstances. I’m just glad it worked. That’s all I can be thankful for. Seeing you so happy may have been painful but it was worth it.

Blight sighed. She held a hoof up to her face. Looking down upon the blackened nail running along the base and covered in so much fur. How that fur stood up and swayed under the streaming black mist churning through the air. As if the air burned. I don’t know how long it’s been but I forgot just how powerful I can be. Looking at this, nothing can stop me from saving her. Is this even my talent? What am I?

Blight took a look back under her wings. Raising these wings up. Only to see more and more of the pony she was. Reminded of it all. Such beautiful fur. This lovely tail of mine. So long and dancing in the wind with its silver sheen. Burning in starlight. Like her body glowed. A star in itself. I have all this. This beautiful body. These wings of mine that can take me to the heavens. This frightening power. It still scares me, sends tremors all over my body. Yet… I still am nothing. Not when her flank stayed blank.

No, all I am… is Soul’s protector. Nothing more. There is nothing else I’d rather be anymore. Not like a pony like me can live in this world. Not when they see… what I can do. I only hope to make it quick.

She turned to face those two princesses. The last things in my way. I will make even those blinded by grief be able to see.

They don’t even know what true suffering is.

Hehehe! And I won’t allow anypony to make me suffer again.

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