Sunny felt drawn to the source of this insanity. Not that it was too hard to guess. She'd traveled to Tirek's old warehouse, out in the middle of nowhere, or more accurately the torched ruins, which had been built upon a gate he'd opened to Hell. Warped ethereal energies funneled up into the torn sky, the wounds in heaven and earth he'd opened now connected.

All those twisted by this tear in reality had battle for supremacy, and now that a seeming champion had emerged, it summoned her to claim its power. Of course, she figured it was more down to dumb luck, if anything. She'd decided early on that those not fated to be something great, like her blessed counterpart, simply had to struggle hard and hope things somehow worked out.

Not that she resented her. Seeing Sunset Shimmer live the life denied her had made her happy...for a time. But now emptiness remained. Should she bring this terrible world to its knees? Or destroy it? The she-demon wavered between the two on a whim.

She flew up before a swirling mass, almost like a black hole stained crimson, eyes closed and arms spread while she arced out her breast. The otherworldly essence flowed into her, filled her with warmth, and she grinned with a cackle.

“There is a problem,” noted Twilight who adjusted her glasses. Most of the others were seated in a circle with her in the middle of the dimly-lit museum. “Even if Aria and Adagio make the sacrifice, there's no guarantee the geode powers will pass back to Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Still, after a number of calculations I've made my decision. They should do it.”

“We feel the same way,” said Aria who looked at the soul jars laid out with Adagio. The Dazzlings continued to hold hands.

“Not me! There has to be another way,” said Sonata whose free hand desperately toyed with her ponytail.

Applejack grunted. “Let 'em do it. Not happy about it, mind ya'll, but I can't stand to see our friends like this anymore!” Her eyes hovered over the doll-like forms which stood like statues a short distance away. They had no choice but to feed, bathe, and even wipe them, having lost count of the times they'd messed themselves if not routinely ordered to look after themselves.

“I say let them go for it! It's what I'd do in their shoes,” admitted Pinkie.

Sunset huffed and avoided everyone's eyes. “I'm against it. Think whatever you want.”

Tree Hugger pursed her lips. “Call me a coward, but I abstain. Don't feel it's my place to make this call, you know?”

“Um, I'm with her. It's a little too close to, well, murder for my tastes.” Fluttershy hid halfway behind her hair.

Flash drummed his pant leg. “I say don't. We could still use them. And as said, there could be an alternative.”

“I'd do it,” admitted Luna. “So I suppose that's my vote.”

Celestia shook her head. “I don't feel this is right. I can't in good conscience ask them to do this.”

With a half-hearted shrug Trixie said, “Doesn't matter to me either way. I suppose Trixie abstains, too!”

“Guess that's everyone,” said Tree Hugger who mentally tallied the votes. “Six-to-four.” Maybe she should've voted after all, but felt it would be unfair to change her mind now, especially since she knew Shy would blindly follow her lead.

“W-wait,” whispered Cadance weakly when she wandered over. “I don't think they should, either.” She'd listened in for some time, and carefully thought it over, not that anything would have been likely to alter her rather soft heart.

“Thank goodness,” murmured Luna. “Still, this doesn't change the results. If maybe Wallflower were here...”

Soft footsteps sounded when Inky Rose entered. “She's not coming back. Sombra murdered her.” Her heart raced. He'd ordered her to come and distract them while he slipped into the museum, warning that if she disobeyed, he'd make certain Pacific Glow was never revived. Not that she trusted him even a little, but at the moment she felt like her hands were tied.

“What? No!” Sunset was on her feet, hardly able to believe it. “Wallflower...”

“Maybe I deserved it, but she did try and kill me,” reminded Aria.

For once Applejack was in full agreement. “Ya have a lot of nerve to show up here, missy! We can't trust ya! You've messed up too many times! Heck, for all we know you're plottin' with Sombra at this very moment!”

“I can test her,” offered Sunset who stepped forward.

“Spike, er, sphinx?” Twilight planted hand son her knees when she bent over to meet them. “Scope the museum bounds, will you? If there's even a chance Sombra's nearby I don't want to take any risks.” The beasts ran off to obey her.

Inky flinched at Shimmer's touch. Within mere seconds her secrets were laid bare. “Stop,” she wheezed squeezing out tears.

“Sombra's nearby,” warned Sunset. “He could be inside already! We should fan out in groups to hunt him down!” The goth woman burst into tears, certain Pacific was now doomed, and Sunset pulled her close. “I'll do what I can to take away the pain.” She reached back into her spirit, hoping that she wouldn't fight her darker nature too hard lest it destroy her.

Around them everyone slapped on collars to keep in communication and hurried off.

“It...it hurts,” whimpered Inky as her vengeful, hateful impulses were stripped away. Around them a number of sizable parties fanned out to hunt down her master. “I-I don't think I can live without Pacific Glow...”

“Yes, you can. You're stronger than you think. Sunny still needs you, doesn't she?” She stroked one of Rose's braids. “I love you, too. I've lost too much already.” The losses of Pacific Glow and Wallflower would weigh heavily on her, like all the others.

Inky nodded once. Much like the sirens she felt reborn. “You saved me. You have my thanks. But...the others may not be so understanding.” She'd misplaced her faith in Sombra and lost everything.

“I think you've suffered enough. I'm not interested in revenge,” said Sunset who'd come to realize vendettas were ultimately self-destructive. Hadn't so many of the villains they'd encountered proven that? “I want to put this right.”

“And I want to help however I can. But what about my sister? She's-”

“I'm sorry. She's dead. We should let her rest.” Sunset continued to embrace her while she softly cried. She'd been in a dark place like her once. She'd almost been tempted into becoming the fourth Dazzling, unable to deny their allure, especially Adagio's who'd wrapped her around her finger. Thankfully Sunny's intervention had helped save her soul.

And now that their positions were reversed? It was up to her to somehow rescue Sunny. She was a reflection of what she could have been, after all. To her they bore the same sins, no matter how irrational she knew that was.

Bitter curses escaped Sombra when he heard footfalls echo in the distance. He'd hoped to drain his enemies, pick them off one-by-one and perhaps take some of their geode powers for his own, but his favored whore had either betrayed or failed him. Through a combination of threats to Pacific's body which he'd stuffed in the battered car, and attempts to hypnotize her he'd tried to force Inky back to his side, but she'd proven even more strong-willed than he'd expected.

He was about to take off towards the nearest exit, his loose black robes rustling while he moved, when a mummified head left upon a glass display case caught his eye. A grimace crossed his lips. “What have we here?”

“Help...me,” gurgled Tirek. The warlock couldn't help but laugh when he approached now that the tables had turned. He hadn't forgotten the way this devil had tortured him when his body had been charred into a ruinous state.

Sombra picked up the head in one hand and met its cool stare. “And why should I do that?”

“I can...help...you become...even stronger...” He debated this potential alliance for a moment, then with a shrug carried Tirek out an emergency exit, deciding he was little threat in this state. He could always ditch him later if necessary.

When he entered the alleyway it started to drizzle blood. A fresh storm was brewing as Sunny communicated with the forces of darkness. Thunder flashed and a crackle of neon lightning threatened to split the rust-colored sky. He took a moment to shield his eyes, awestruck, while Tirek weakly opened his dried lips and sipped at the fresh nectar that funneled down...

Despite their best efforts, no matter how often they scoured the historical preserve, no tangible trace of the intruder could be found. At best Spike and the sphinx paused in a room where an unfamiliar scent lingered. They sniffed and pawed at the dusty area, joined by Fluttershy and Tree Hugger who helped them comb the perimeter. “Good boy and girl!” She patted their heads.

“No dice, huh? Bummer. Hey, like, is it me or is something now missing from here?” The hippie closed her eyes and sensed vibes in the air so malevolent she felt her stomach turn with nausea. “Yeah, he's been here alright.” She leaned on her girlfriend for support and an acidic taste filled her throat. “Worse still, I think he's taken Tirek with him for some reason?”

“Oh no. Who knows what those two might do! We'd better warn the others!” She tapped her choker. “Everybody, Sombra was in the east wing! Looks like he fled out the side sometime recently!” They made for the main entrance, pausing when they noticed blood splats spreading with thuds over the windows. “Gross! Looks like another storm is brewing!”

Tree Hugger held her hand, feeling equally faint at the morbid sight. “I sure hope no one else is converted into monsters...”

Due to the damage all over the hearse-like vehicle, some of the red rain couldn't help but leak in, trailing over Pacific Glow who was draped under a seatbelt in the passenger seat. Some dripped into her mouth, and she started to stir, wiggling loose and looking about like a lost, scared animal. She choked out unintelligible words, trapped between life-and-death.

Wild-eyed and darting her head about, Glow snapped the belt and smashed open the window, which shattered under her elbow. Inky threw open the doors and desperately ran out into the crimson drizzle. “Sister, wait! It's been booby-trap-”

But the former raver couldn't understand her anymore. All she knew was that she needed to escape and soak up the sustenance all around her, reduced to little more than baser instincts. Rigged to explode if tampered with by Sombra, who'd wrapped some of his dark energy around the engine, a shuddering boom sounded when the car erupted into a ball of fire.

Inky sunk to her knees when her sister was consumed in a blaze. Smoke poured from the wreckage and embers danced. A charred leg landed before her. She'd tried to accept Glow as she knew her wasn't coming back. Now there could be no doubts.

Immediately Sunset was at her side, sheltering them with an umbrella she'd found. “I'm sorry.” She led her back inside, past the others, her drenched black dress clinging to her wet skin. “Come on, you could use a bath.”

Knowing most of the others wouldn't accept her back into the fold so soon, if ever, she led her to a restroom. Stripping her down, she wet down and towel in the sink before a mirror, toweling the grief-stricken goth girl off. “Why are you always so nice to me? Ever since I've come into your life, I've caused you nothing but trouble. You should despise me.”

“I could never do that. We all make mistakes. Besides, you and Pacific are like sisters to me.” Sunset let her friend's braids down, a pained smile on her while she smoothed out her bloodied strands. “We're both outsiders now.”

She vanished for a moment, letting Inky finish up, while she fetched Rarity's old costumes. “Here, pick something.” As expected Inky picked out a slinky black number, and dried herself off before slipping into it and a pair of lacy panties and bra.

“A bit plainer than I usually like, but I can't complain.” She allowed Sunset to brush her hair, then retied her braids. “Not that it will matter soon, anyhow. I'm partially at fault for what happened to Moondancer. I want to take responsibility for that.”

Sunset let the words sink in. “What...? No! That wasn't your fault! If anything, I should-”

“You have an important destiny. We both know that.” She took her hands. “You're probably the only one who can put an end to all this. Adagio, Aria, you saved all of us. We'd all give our lives, no, our souls for you.” Tears wetted her cheeks. “Time to face my fate,” she said as she marched out to rejoin the others, who after locking down the museum now met back in the center.

“Glad you could join us,” said Applejack with a sneer.

“Now, now, let's give her a chance!” Pinkie forced an uncomfortable smile onto her face.

“No, I have wronged all of you. Sombra and Pacific Glow were my family.” Inky crossed her arms and stared upwards. “These are soul jars, aren't they? I used to study them with Sombra, but didn't think they actually worked.” She studied the doll-like figures that waited nearby. “Please, allow me to free Moondancer. It's the sole way I can make amends.”

“But-” Sunset's interruption was waved away by Rose.

Aria cast them a sad smile. “It's time, sisters. Sonata, you'll have to carry on for us.” She kissed her cheek.

“You'll be fine.” Adagio couldn't help but laugh in a warm manner when she embraced them both. “You're one of the Dazzlings, remember? We used to have everyone wrapped around our finger.” She played with their little sister's ponytail.

“Please. Reconsider!” Sonata cupped her hands in prayer, choking up. But the sirens simply held one-another for a time, before the trio parted, and the elder sisters placed their palms upon their respective jars. “G-goodbye, sisters...” She sniffled and forced herself to watch as they closed their eyes. The markings on their bodies lit up and started to float off their bodies.

“It's so cold,” murmured Aria who knelt before her jar. “Like I'm back in the morgue.”

“More like the deepest parts of the ocean. Under different circumstances, it would almost be pleasant.” Adagio was likewise denuded of the writings from the geodes, which wrapped back around their original owners as the life-force of the sirens started to fade. Slumping over more by the moment, their essence funneled from their lips, while the trapped souls were plucked free.

“Good times. Sort of.” By this point Aria missed even the worst parts of her life. All she wanted was to be with her sisters. But she knew this was right. They'd probably killed thousands in Equestria. They'd gotten off easy when Starswirl banished them powerless here. She died happy nonetheless, knowing that their baby sister would carry on their legacy.

“Yes, they were nice. We all stood united, like now.” Adagio smirked when she too slumped over, all thoughts of vengeance or conquest having been long burned away, and now the sisters found a moment of peace. Of course it would be short-lived as they'd spend what could be an eternity trapped with a frigid purgatory with no known hope of escape.

In moments of indecision she'd been tempted to fall back into old habits. It would certainly be easier. But when she realized the weight of all the pain she'd caused her sisters, she'd found she couldn't. No, this was the best thing she'd ever done.

Rainbow suddenly coughed. “Wha-what happened?” Her head darted about. “You guys? Everyone okay?”

“I'm...still alive?” Rarity stared down at herself in disbelief. “I wouldn't have thought it possible. But...” She studied the mannequin-like joints somewhat visible on her shape. “It seems there have been a few permanent...alterations. Ah well, a small price to pay, I suppose.” She hugged Dash and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for saving me, darling!”

“But I didn't! I failed!” Rainbow stared at the Dazzlings. “How? And why are they here?!”

“I'll explain later,” said Sunset who comforted the youngest siren the best she could. “What matters is that you're back.”

“Reunions will have to wait.” Inky took her own place. “My turn.” Thanks to the healing elixirs in Somnambula's sarcophagus, Moondancer's body had healed. “Sunset, thank you for this second chance. Look after Sunny, will you?”

“There's still time to turn back,” reminded Sunset.

“No, there really isn't. I've come too far now.” Inky remembered the sister she'd taken in and promised to look after. She'd failed her. She hoped Pacific had finally found some peace. “I love you, Sunset. I always will.”

She collapsed when her spirit leaked out from her lips. Chokes sounded from Moondancer who blinked back to awareness. She screamed, remembering her last moments, when Twilight dashed to her side. “It's okay, it's okay! We're all here for you. The nightmare's over.” She hugged her, turning between her and the empty shells of those who'd sacrificed themselves.

“I don't understand any of this,” admitted Moondancer who adjusted her glasses, her hair still unkempt as always.

A forlorn expression crossed Sunset when she studied the now empty shells of her companions. “They made the ultimate sacrifice.” And now that they were all reunited? It was time to locate the source of this insanity and do what she'd put off all this time. Would it actually work? She'd certainly become stronger with each person she purified, but would it prove sufficient?

Around her everyone celebrated the return of their friends. She feared she'd be left alone once more, but Flash, Sonata, and Trixie were at her side, doing their best to remind her she was loved. She'd have to bury the corpses of Adagio, Aria, and Inky before they headed out. She owed them that much, at least. They were constant reminders of a path not taken.

Until then they were free to rest and recuperate. The recently revived would need time to readjust, after all.