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My mind was clouded by a haze of distortion the moment the world went black and silent. I was home. I defied the odds and made it back into the arms of the people of Equestria. I heard them cheering. I saw some even in tears. It was then that I knew everything would be all right. Everything would be as it should.

No more fitting a place than Ponyville awaited me when my fevered mind drifted into unconsciousness. I doubt it was exactly sleep that took me once I fell from the sky. The illusion of Ponyville laying out ahead of me was no longer an illusion. I was standing in the streets, my body all but bare with nothing between my feet and the road beneath. But for once, I really did not mind. I appreciated the sun and the wind upon my bare flesh. And I saw the locals walking by like any other lazy summer afternoon. The sky was clear. The wind was gentle. And I was home.

For a moment, I merely stood there as I basked in my surroundings that felt so wonderfully familiar yet also alien after being away from home for so long. I began to stroll through town without a word. The homes with thatched roofs instilled a wonderful sense of almost fantastical wonder as if I was seeing the place for the first time all over again. I recognized the form of Sugarcube Corner on the horizon. And I finally came to one of the town's most defining locations. The humble Golden Oaks Library and home of Twilight Sparkle. Easily one of my favorite locations in Ponyville.

As if on instinct, I took a step back from the door. I had too many close calls with that thing already. And sure enough, it swung open suddenly and forcefully to reveal little Spike walking backwards with a tall stack of books and tomes in his hands. And once he stepped past me enough to notice me, we both shared a brief gaze with each other. We both knew what had almost happened to each other and smirked back and forth while suddenly pointing at each other to convey that we were both in on the joke. I then allowed him to continue on his way before stepping inside the place.

It was pleasantly quiet as always. The wonderful scent of wood filled my nostrils that filled me with a powerful sense of nostalgia. There was no sign of anyone around, prompting me to head upstairs. Even up there, Twilight Sparkle was nowhere to be seen. I suspected she must have popped over to visit one of our closest friends. Maybe Rarity was fixing up a dress for her? Perhaps visiting Pinkie Pie for some fresh muffins? Or maybe even having taken her pet owl to Fluttershy for a quick examination? Whatever the case, I was alone. But I did not mind. I was perfectly fine with taking in the sights and sounds of my home on my own terms.

There was one spot in the library that I really wanted to check out. A spot I had not visited in some time. After a trip up a ladder at the highest part of the loft, I found myself outdoors again. Up upon the library's observation platform, complete with its telescope. It was just as grand a view as I remembered as I stood above even most of the thatched rooftops around me. I looked about and savored the view. Ponyville was just as I remembered it.

The little spots of color peppered through the streets made me smile. So many different ponies going about their day as I tried to recall exactly which color scheme belonged to which resident. I recognized the vibrant red and bold orange of Big Macintosh. I saw the minty green hues of Lyra Heartstrings. And the bubblegum hues of blue and pinks on Mrs. Cake. I turned it into a game of sorts as I played a game of guessing the names via the colors. I turned in place atop that platform as I forewent the telescope to rely on just my own eyes.

I saw Button Mash trotting through the streets, those shades of humble brown topped off with his favorite beanie atop his head. I saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking beside each other while probably discussing some local gossip. And then I saw her. Twilight Sparkle was approaching the library at a leisurely walk. She would surely be inside in a matter of minutes. But when I turned my gaze back in the direction of Button Mash... Where did he go? He was there one moment and then gone the next.

This meant nothing to me at first. Maybe he broke into a full gallop during the brief moment I looked away with his little legs carrying him just out of sight. But when I looked back towards Twilight, who I had last seen only ten seconds earlier, I noticed she too had vanished. She was moving much too slow for her to have reached a location I could not see that quickly. But then I noticed Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara had also vanished. And they were far too focused on leisurely strolling and conversation to suddenly have picked up speed.

A new curiosity filled me as I decided to keep a close eye on the next person who would enter my field of vision. And the next person I saw was Pinkie Pie. She was clearly in a good mood as she hopped along with her iconic springy jumps. It had been so long since I last saw her bounce around like that. I could swear she did not do that once during the war. Seeing her springing about was another reminder that things were finally back to how they should be. At least until she hopped high into the air and came back down...only to suddenly phase through the floor like a ghost.

I stared in bewilderment at the spot in the road where Pinkie Pie had disappeared into. But then I began to scowl in dry bemusement. I had picked the wrong person to observe since weird unexplainable feats like that had always been par for the course with Pinkie Pie. I needed to find someone else to watch. And I did. From atop the library's observation platform, I saw another familiar face. Applejack came into view while leisurely pulling along a cart of apples fresh for the market. I felt such a jolt of nostalgia when I saw her once again wearing her favorite hat. Even that red neckerchief I got her was tied around her neck to compliment her natural organic coat.

I kept a very close eye on Applejack as she walked along. I even tried my best to blink as infrequently as possible. And then... I saw it. She as becoming...translucent. And after a moment longer...she was gone. The instant Applejack faded from sight, her cart toppled forward now that there was no one holding it up at the front. Several apples spilled along the ground, the cart now left still and abandoned as its driver ceased to exist.

Confusion and dread filled me. Why...? What was my dreaming mind trying to tell me at the time? My mind was not lucid. I was entirely alone and dreaming without any outside influence. And as I scanned my surroundings, I saw it. The spots of color filling the streets and even the skyline began to fade away to nothing. In a matter of minutes, Ponyville's entire population had been raptured. Gone... For just a precious while, I felt like I was finally back home in a wonderful setting I had come to adore. But now I had never been more alone. And I could no longer find enjoyment in where I was.

Just when I began to fear that something was amiss, I felt a twinge of disorientation in my head again. I staggered in place before my senses cleared. Even in my dreams, I was not spared from the symptoms of a concussion. And then... The world of vibrant color around me... The colors...began to fade. And my senses began to dull with them.

I felt so awake and aware at the time I first arrived there. Now I felt so...tired. The world around me began to dull as the colors of Ponyville became so dim that they looked like they were the hues of charcoals. And even those pale colors faded in time too until only a consistent shade of gray filled the space between every line. The houses were gray. The sky was gray. The world...felt dead. As I would soon be.

Just like that, it felt like nothing really mattered anymore. I could not feel... I could barely even think. I felt myself slump to the floor until I was on my knees. I made it back to my friends and allies... I succeeded in my mission... Equestria had been saved...but there was no saving me...

My mind was fading... The world around me began to fade as even what remained of the world's structure and shapes too started to be consumed by that gray void. I did not know it at the time, but...I was most certainly dying. My fevered brain was finally...shutting down. There was no saving me from my wounds.

The shapes around me disappeared. All that remained was that gray void. And even that began to fade as well. The gray started to turn black. And I felt what little awareness that remained in my thoughts began to go blank. I felt no sorrow. No fear. Just...resignation for whatever would come next. The gray became a sea of black. My head bowed as I felt my eyes close. It was time.

"No. Not yet, child."

A voice reached me. A woman's voice. A voice I did not even remotely recognize. But I barely even felt a reaction to it. My mind was all but gone. There was no bringing me back from the brink.

"It's much too soon for you to go. Not after all you have strived for. Stay with me, child. Be still. There are those struggling to rescue you even as I speak. Just a little longer..."

And the voice spoke the truth. I felt my senses starting to come back to me. I started to feel aware... Too aware. I was not simply beginning to dream clearly again. I was becoming aware. Lucid. Just like that, I awoke. But I remained asleep. I was no longer alone. Someone had joined me in my dream.

"There. Are your thoughts clear? Do you feel aware now? Can you think? Can you speak?" I heard the kindly voice of a woman speak. Not exactly young, but not the voice of an older sage. And yet, there was a certain almost motherly wisdom to that tone. Even once I was back on my feet, that void of black was still all around me. I should have been terrified, but knowing I was not alone or in danger comforted me. "You appear confused. I suppose you should be. I have not spoken directly to my children in...so very long. But I have been watching. As I always have."

"Your children...?" I muttered before I began to glance around, trying to find the source of the voice. "Where are you? And...where am I? Can I wake up now?"

"No, I can't say you can awaken just yet. Because you are not exactly dreaming anymore." The voice replied before she even began to sound amused by my bewilderment. The voice then spoke, "Calm yourself, you are not in danger. Here, you should not be kept in the dark like this. Over here. I'm right here."

Light began to shine before me. And from that growing beacon of light, I saw a form beginning to take shape. A form that was very familiar. The same equine kind of form I had seen so many times across Equestria. But taller. The unmistakable tall and elegant shape of one from the Equestrian royal family. But when the glow faded... What was I looking at?

A mare stood before me, her form giving off just the faintest pale glow to illuminate the area. Her proportions were virtually identical to those of Celestia. Long legs, a longer torso to fit them, impressive wings to carry her through the sky and long alicorn horn reaching through her mane. And yet... This clearly royal mare was missing some key attributes that all the members of the royal family share. She did not possess the almost ethereal elements that they have in their manes and tails. She looked...mortal. Her creamy white coat was complimented by her blue eyes and long flowing red mane and tail. And the cutie mark upon her flank... A quill over an inkwell. This beautiful alicorn mare before me... Royal, yet mortal. Or...neither?

I could not find the will to speak. I was just too perplexed to say anything. But she smiled at me and tilted her head just slightly to one side. "You are surprised? You've seen much during your time in Equestria, but I'm the one who leaves you speechless?"

There were questions in my head and I started by speaking the most basic of them all. "Who...are you? What are you? You look like you're from the Equestrian royal family, but...also not quite. You look...mortal. But...I don't think you are..."

The mare before me giggled in amusement before she then spoke to me. "No, I am not. At least not directly. But I know of the ones you speak of for they are mine. Some of my eldest and wisest children. But as for who I am... Names are not important in my case. It has been too long since I was last addressed in such a manner... But...if you must call me something..."

The mare bowed her head with eyes closing momentarily. And when she opened them, her wings also spread wide to display an impressive visage before me. But for as subtly dynamic that posture was, her words were soft and gentle. "I am the All-Mother. Weaver of this world and chronicler of its long and storied history. The world you know as Equestria is my world. And its people are my children. And you...have done a wonderful service for them, child. That is why I am here. I needed to speak to you. Now and not any other time."

The All-Mother... Even after two years in a world as fantastical as Equestria, I was still taken aback by the implications of this mare's words. Or was she even a mare at all? I was still inherently skeptical of what I was hearing, but I could not deny the implications of her words. This mare... She was not royalty. No, she was something far beyond even that. Not simply royal. Not even merely immortal. I knew then...that I was standing before a divine entity. "You're...a goddess... A deity of creation? But... But..."

She was quick to catch why I was so jarred by this realization. And her words were quite wise on the matter. "Are you one who believes in there being only one god? How many can truly say if they've even seen such a being? Is there truly one god over all? Are there perhaps lesser deities serving under one such all-powerful being? Or perhaps every world that supports life like yours and mine are presided over by an individual entity? Who can say?"

I quickly understood where she was coming from by throwing all of these hypotheses my way. So many unknowns with no possible means of confirming anything. And I appreciated this. "I...guess I am overthinking this. Maybe it's not so important at this moment..."

"Yes, though what I say is true. To the world of Equestria below, I am what one would call the divine. For it is by the stroke of my quill that the tale of Equestria began and continues to this day." The All-Mother said as she smiled. But the horn atop her head was then coated by a billowing aura of purest white. "But enough talk in the shadows. Come with me, child."

The darkness around us gave way to a truly beautiful sight. Celestial lights and auroras wavering in the sky, a path of stardust beneath our feet and hooves. As I gazed about at this new realm, the All-Mother spoke to me. "Welcome to my archives. Where all that has been and will eventually come to be are chronicled."

Archives? An actual place? Was I even dreaming anymore? I then asked, "Are we even still in my own head right now? This...is a dream, right?"

"It was at first. But not anymore." She replied with a whimsical smile on her lips. "This is not a dream. This is a vision. Your soul now stands in the halls of my creation. For this...is an occasion that demands we speak to each other."

"Is it...about the war?" I asked while feeling a surge of relief as I was reminded that we narrowly achieved victory. All would be well soon.

"That is partly the reason. The war, which I do believe will be remembered in my archives as the 'War of Preservation', was a righteous agenda that needed to be fulfilled. But no, that is not the entire reason why you stand before me now." She explained while I stood captivated before her. The smile she had always been wearing faded as she then said, "This war was not like most conflicts. Equestria has had its own share of crises. Societies crumbled. Lives lost. But at the end of the day, my world lived on and stayed true to its way of life. No matter what dark times Equestria has faced, it always stayed the course. It always held true to what makes Equestria what it is."

Her words were filled with a certain adoration. A love for the world she had created. And I was compelled to remain silent. And she continued to speak. "But this... This turn of events would have resulted in far-reaching consequences unlike anything before it had you and your allies failed. The world you hailed from...is not at all a world like the one I have been watching over for so long. They are not meant to meet. They are not meant to mingle. They cannot interact without one losing something. Had the emperor's ambitions succeeded, I would have been forced to watch as my world...my masterpiece...was twisted into becoming a mirror of a world I wish I could forget even existed. Not even a direct intervention would have been able to undo the influence of your world over mine. The influence would have been irreversible..."

"I know... I'm not even some sort of deity and I still understood what that would've meant... I couldn't let Equestria lose everything that really mattered to the evils of my world." I replied with my gaze lowered. At least I could take comfort in knowing that would never happen now. Equestria had been saved.

"I suppose you would know exactly what sort of influence your world would have on mine. You lived there for some time." The All-Mother spoke with her tone still rather grim. She then added, "In due time...I would have had no choice but to wipe the slate clean and start over. And I dearly wanted to avoid that. Not after how far Equestria has come... All it has achieved and will continue to achieve. My children deserve all that they have... I do not wish to see all of their values stolen by a world that would not cherish what my world has to offer. Especially when there are so many in your world that would even take pleasure in destroying the innocence of my people."

That thought disturbed me on an unexpectedly visceral level. I had only thought of the concept in a big picture sort of way. The intrinsic gradual influence of Earth's cultures seeping into those of Equestria over time. But I had not taken into account what the people of my world might do to those I Equestria on an individual level. And not simply acts of misgivings towards them. "Maybe I'm holding on to just a little too much idealism to really imagine someone from my world actually doing something like that intentionally, but...you really think they would?"

"I wish I was wrong, but I know for a fact. There are those out there in your world who would take a perverted glee in simply unraveling what my world stands for." The All-Mother spoke with a tone of great discomfort. Her gaze wandered as she said, "There is a not insubstantial number of those from your world that would...openly seek to corrupt my world and its people. To actively destroy the delicate innocence it possesses. And for what? Morbid curiosity? Sincere resentment towards my people's way of life? Or simply...because they can?"

I said nothing. It was such a...disturbing and upsetting concept to contemplate. With a sigh, the All-Mother gazed upon me and spoke wistfully. "The will ruining... The raping of innocence... Too many of your people just want to watch the world burn."

That was the last straw. I stepped forward and put my arms around the All-Mother for a gentle embrace. With one hand resting against her flowing red mane, I whispered to her. "That's true... But that won't ever be happening to your world now. It's safe... And thank you... Thank you for creating this paradise and allowing me to experience it for myself... I love the world you've created..."

There was a moment of palpable silence between us with only the soothing ethereal ambience of our surroundings reaching my ears. And it was then I realized what I was doing and froze in shock. I had laid my hands, my mortal hands, upon a divine entity. She felt no different from any other mare I had held, but still... "Uh... I... I'm sorry... I know mortals shouldn't get free reign up here to..."

Her response was entirely unexpected. The All-Mother draped a wing over me as she giggled in delight while she leaned gently against me. "Oh, no no no, don't apologize, child. Your words and actions are very appreciated. This... This is what I was hoping for when I brought humanity into my world."

"I'm...honored to hear that... I get that there was a lot riding on my presence in Equestria. Bringing someone to Equestria from a world like mine? That's...unbelievably risky. I hope I'll never let them down." I replied in relief. I almost felt unclean after hearing how she described those from my world and those who would actively seek to corrupt the world of Equestria and its way of life. It deeply disheartening thought... It is a state of mind I do not want to be able to comprehend. I feel like I would become less human if I ever came to understand such desires.

"And you have, child. You've been embracing all Equestria has to offer instead of rejecting it. I can see how much you love my world and you are most welcome there." She replied before we finally began to release each other from our embrace. She then explained with a noticeably happier tone, "Bringing humanity into the my world at the start was quite the gamble, I must admit. Your kind is practically the embodiment of chaos theory. Even moreso than my wild child. Thank you for what you did for him, by the way. Fate...was not kind to him."

"You...mean Discord?" I asked while she could only nod. Now that I knew the full series of consequences that resulted from his actions, I was uncertain of what to even think of him anymore. I asked quietly, "Does he know what happened down there lately?"

She nodded again and with such a gaze of grief in her eyes. "He knows. I can't bring you to him, but he knows... And...he has a lot to carry upon his eternal soul. He was watching from afar as that mess played itself out. Please... Do not hate him, if you can help it. He cannot apologize enough for the consequences of his despair."

"I'm too tired to really hate anyone anymore... The emperor should've known better anyway... Should've been better. I won't ask his name... He didn't want it to be remembered anyway." I replied while not sure what to think of those who brought about that schism with humanity. I could not hate Discord. And I could not hate the emperor. They were just...a pathetic pair of tragic souls who died heavy with regrets.

"May they find peace... And may they find forgiveness beyond this realm." The All-Mother whispered before stepping forward and surprising me with a kiss upon my forehead. "And thank you, child... Thank you for setting them free before their mistakes could irreversibly consume them."

I only nodded while letting my eyes wandered. I so dearly wanted to change the subject. I looked around at the celestial hall around us. So many memories were likely there. And so I asked, "Um... If you don't mind me chasing the subject... What did you say about wiping the slate clean? You can do that?"

"I can. And I have. But only once." The All-Mother replied before she began to lead me down the hall. "Although to be fair... It was not originally my world I wiped clean. My predecessor taught me much. And she set such a lovely masterpiece in motion so long ago. I loved it... Adored it and came to appreciate it like no other. But a time came when she felt it was time to...pass the torch. Perhaps she had done all she thought she could do. Maybe her creative energies had finally been spent. But she left the beautiful world she created to me and I strove to do her legacy proud."

I was very curious as to who exactly the prior All-Mother was, but I decided to not inquire. These divine affairs was possibly beyond the understanding of mere mortals like me. So I asked, "And...what was the world like when she was at the helm?"

"See for yourself." The All-Mother replied as she came to a stop and looked to her left. I had failed to notice on our approach, but a new hall branched off to the left. It was fairly wide and upon the walls of auroras were...pictures. Like windows into a different time and place with events playing out live. I stepped that way, utterly spellbound by these windows into a time long before Equestria was even Equestria. The All-Mother followed me as I heard her speak joyously. "This was where it all began. And it holds a special place in my heart. Of all places I looked to for inspiration when I rewove the world, this is where I looked to the most."

There were indeed ponies beyond the window. And while they generally looked like the ponies of Equestria, their proportions were very visibly different. I assumed that they were literally a more primitive race of ponies that predated those of Equestria on an evolutionary manner. Much like how the Neanderthals of Earth predate the modern human. I saw earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns...and even a certain kind of pegasus race of ponies that appeared to possess fairy wings. It was here I saw this enchanted race of ponies drive back what appeared to be some twisted flood of liquid purple. Even back then, that world had its dangers. But as I went from window to window, I felt an unmistakable and almost nostalgic sense of adoration flood my senses. Despite the world of that time appearing somewhat simple and perhaps even campy, it oozed with a certain charm and depth I probably would not have come to notice had I not spent so much time in Equestria first. I heard the All-Mother ask, "Do you see why I adore that era so much?"

"I think I do... And I feel like I would've dismissed it as silly if I had not seen Equestria first. It's beautiful... It really was." I replied before I looked around a little longer. The ponies were not the only creatures in that era of Equestria's world. There were a number of other creatures that would not have looked out of place in a bedtime storybook from back in the 80s. While these strange and silly creatures did have their own charm, they would never fly in Equestria. They were fragments of a bygone era that would not belong in Equestria today.

I did not want to overstay my welcome in that hall and followed the All-Mother down to the next hall. And she spoke with a chuckle of amusement once we peered into it. "I feel like I didn't understand the value of this particular era when it first came about. Of all the eras that predate my world as it is now, I think this one has aged unexpectedly well."

"It was ahead of its time, huh?" I asked once I stepped along to view the windows that displayed events of a world that no longer existed. Instead of the more fantastical settings I had seen in the previous era, this one appeared to be more...modern. The settings I saw looked like suburban settings from the nostalgic and nearly timeless era of the 80s and early 90s. The ponies, while still true equines, lived much more like the human population of my world than those in Equestria. They even operated automobiles somehow, but still had that magical charm to them even if the literal magical elements of their world had faded away. I am not certain if I even saw any unicorns or pegasi, let alone the stranger creatures of the previous era. The world had become more complex in some ways, but simpler in others. This was an era I wanted to examine more, but knew I did not have the time to loiter for too long. How much longer would that vision even last?

I turned to the All-Mother and saw that she almost looked a little giddy from watching me observe an era that she had grown to appreciate more over time. I looked back at the nearest window beside me and asked, "It's like taking a friend to your favorite art gallery, right?"

"You can say that!" She laughed with her wings spreading wide for a moment. She was enjoying herself. It must have been a very long time since she last had a guest. With that stop done, we carried on. But once we reached the next hall leading off to the side, I saw the All-Mother's smile starting to fade. "And here...is where the fall began."

I quickly saw what she meant when I entered the hall. The visuals presented before me displayed colorful vistas and architectures that probably would not have been too out of place in Equestria. But where the first era displayed a fantastical setting that leaned more towards a more traditional fantasy setting, this setting looked more like how a young child might imagine a fantasy realm to be. Colorful and vibrant, but...lacking a certain depth that the previous two eras had. And the ponies there... The earth ponies had been rejoined by pegasi and unicorns, but their outward appearance had changed to reflect the march of a vast amount of time. If the ponies I saw before were the equivalent of Neanderthals, then these were probably the Cro-Magnons. But the faces... The way their heads were structured... "Why do I feel like I've seen these faces before... Did Pinkie Pie pull a face like... Wait! That thing!"

I saw them. Among those three pony races were a fourth. Tiny fairy ponies with little fluttering butterfly wings and matching antennae. And I was quick to recognize one little fairy mare that consisted of shades of yellow or orange. "That one! I've seen this one! She's stuck inside Pinkie Pie's head or...something."

The All-Mother snickered under her breath in response to me remembering something I saw that I probably was not meant to see. I still remember the day Maud Pie came to Ponyville to visit for the first time. "Yes, she's an odd one. And...you might notice her there as well."

"She...was there...?" I asked before stepping from window to window to watch different events play out. And my eyes went wide as I started to notice that some of these mares bore some very familiar color schemes and even some familiar cutie marks at times. "Oh my god, that's... That's Pinkie Pie. That's gotta be her, I'm sure of it. And I see...Rainbow Dash, but without wings? And...is that Scootaloo? And...Sweetie Belle?"

I could barely believe what I was seeing. It was unmistakable. I was actually recognizing very dear friends and loved ones, but in a distant era of a world that had long since ceased to exist. And all of them, even Pinkie Pie, were displaying a certain...lack of intelligence. An excess of shallow saccharine sweetness. Except for one. I recall seeing one mare who appeared to live on the outskirts of a town and she appeared very chill and even wise by their standards. I did not watch her for long, but I found myself liking her just by observing her. I then turned to the All-Mother as she displayed a crooked grimace on her face. She then explained, "I assure you that the mares you see before you are not the ones you know now. Think of this as...another life for them."

"Huh... I think I see. Although I'm also noticing a distinct lack of stallions here..." I replied before observing a few more of those windows into the past before turning back and approaching the All-Mother. "I think I see what you mean. There's a noticeable lack of...depth. A lack of intelligence among them. Like there really wasn't that much to that era. Peaceful and happy, but not much more than that."

"There wasn't, really. It was at this point that I began to fear for the future of the world. A certain...stagnation was starting to set in. And then..." She explained while leading me along the central hallway. But the next hall... It came up sooner than expected. And as the All-Mother stood before it, she looked at me with no joy in her eyes. "Enter if you dare."

The sights that played out before me in that hall... The scenes I was seeing were at least peaceful, yet... The world before me looked so soulless. Bright and colorful, but with no meaning or depth. A hollow shallowness. And the ponies there... Especially the children... They almost appeared mutated, their eyes displaying either a complete lack of intelligence or true emptiness. I did not even stay in there a full minute. I stepped out as quickly as I had come and spoke to the All-Mother. "There was...nothing salvageable in there..."

She nodded solemnly before speaking to me. "The world had stagnated to the point where it could not recover. No depth or meaning, no purpose or intelligence. The world had become...unsustainable. And thus...I made a difficult decision and wiped the slate clean. Nothing of value was lost. Because all value had faded long before that point."

I then asked an obvious question. "And...that was when Equestria came to be?"

"The world that came next did not have a name at the time. Equestria is simply the name my children chose for their world long after it began. But yes." My divine host replied before she started to lead me towards a heavenly veil that hung in the corridor ahead. Possibly as a means to separate the eras of two entirely different worlds. "I examined the eras that came before. Tried to understand what did work and what did not. I brainstormed and pondered. And finally...I set the wheels of time in motion once again."

That veil felt like a warm curtain as we pushed past it. And the first hall that came up on my left... This was not like the others. It became pitch black just past the entrance. Filled with nothing but shadows to the point that I had to wonder if I would even see anything upon the walls. But when I started to step towards it, the All-Mother extended a wing before me to stop me. "I wouldn't. My attempts at bringing depth to my new world resulted in a...rocky start. A time best left forgotten. The world of Equestria began in darkness. Trust me when I say it's best that you don't see what came first."

This awoke a number of memories deep within me that I had nearly forgotten. The handful of times I had spoken to the royal sisters and inquired about times...from long ago. Topics they always tried to avoid discussing. Was this hall...an archive of that lost era? Whatever the case, I decided to not disregard the words of a divine observer. I turned away from the hall and followed my host to the next. And then I saw them. "Sunflare and Orbash...?"

I saw the king and queen of Equestria presiding over what was surely the very first sunrise Equestria had ever seen. The world looked so uncomfortably cool with how the sun was casting its rays over the vast landscape before them. Even the grasses looked an unusually pale shade of green. It was...comforting. This was where it all started.

The further we walked down this hallway of memories, the less I looked into the corridors branching off to the sides. I have spent a fair amount of time enlightening myself to Equestria's history in the books and even the museums in Canterlot. I spoke to my host, "You've created a world with so many good memories... Thank you."

"Your words are appreciated, child. I try to keep my influence to a minimum. I have faith in my people. Just...not so much those who may try to take the reigns away from me." The All-Mother replied to me with her tone turning somewhat sour towards the end. I think she knew that I noticed and continued to speak of it as we strolled along that ethereal hall. "There are...powers that be that would seek to take away my influence and exert theirs over my world. An influence much more encroaching than mine. And I dread what would become of my world and it people if I were to lose my grasp upon it."

The words she spoke... It was like the words of a parent who was in danger of losing custody over their child to someone with...less than ideal intentions for the child. She spoke wistfully, "I wonder... Would some misguided fool have tried to show mercy and give the benefit of the doubt to the deranged one my youngest royal child put to death? Or would my child of the dawn have forced her star pupil down an unending road that would have doomed Equestria in the long run? There are so many unknowns... So many bleak outcomes were I to lose what little control I have over Equestria... I love my world... My children... I only guide them when I must..."

She appeared distraught. As if there really was a higher power beyond her that could and would wrest control of Equestria away from her if it was given the opportunity. The Equestria I know... It is the result of this wonderful All-Mother's very subtle guidance. She created a paradise that I had fallen deeply in love with. I hastened my pace to bring myself up beside her and spoke softly. "Please don't ever give this world up to anyone... You made Equestria the world I love... Please don't ever let it go."

"I won't, child. I promise you that. I love this world too much to pass it onto those who don't understand its value. It is my child... And its people are my children. I love this world too much to trust it to those who would not respect it." She replied happily, yet firmly. Although she then smiled at me and said, "Although I must say... Your presence in this world has changed the fate of some I expected to have very different outcomes for. I never expected the Princess of Dreams to be spared, let alone be saved and become a hero of Equestria. She is quite the marvel, isn't she?"

Nightmare Moon? I found myself smiling as I thought about my dear beloved angel of the night. "Yeah, she really is... Hardly at all like Luna. She really isn't afraid of doing what needs to be done for the greater good. I admire her..."

The All-Mother displayed a proud smile upon her lips as she spoke. "I should have you know... She was not meant to become her own person. She was meant to fade from this world. But you... You gave her the opportunity to become more than a demon. And I have watched her... And I have grown to love her. Thank you for giving me the shadow daughter I never I had. Her survival has proven to be a blessing for my children of the world."

"She really has... I'm happy for her. I would be worse off without her." I retorted sincerely as we strolled by more and more corridors displaying Equestria's long history. Although an observation then dawned on me once we finally passed the corridors that chronicled the more modern times. "I think that was the last one... What now?"

"As the eons go by, new eras will come and go. With each era, a new hall will be crafted to display the many memories of that time. But this era has not yet ended." The All-Mother explained as I noticed that the hall of stars we were walking along was nearing its end. A floor of stardust began to spread out ahead of us. "And here we are. My observatory."

Down below was... Was that the world of Equestria? Floating in the star-studded void of space? A beautiful orb of greens, blues, and stony grays. Patches of desert... It looked so much like the world of Earth, yet the layout of the oceans and continents did not match it. And seeing it like that... Ad entire planet spread out before me... It really illustrated just how little of Equestria I had seen. There was still so much to learn. So much to see. And I would live to add these discoveries to my knowledge. "It's...beautiful up here..."

"You are the first mortal in far too long to see foot here, child. Savor it like I have." My divine host replied as she sighed in deep relief. "I dread to imagine where this world would be in a thousand years had you all failed in your endeavors in recent weeks... I can't thank you enough."

"I couldn't let that happen... Equestria deserves to live as it always has without outside influences. It's a shame, but this world can't be allowed to be touched by other worlds." I muttered in somber understanding. It was a shame that Equestria is most likely the only world of its kind. If only more out there were like it...

The All-Mother turned to me as I saw that warm motherly smile spread across her lips. It was such a paradox to see someone I knew was a divine entity come off as feeling surprisingly mortal and relatable. "And that is why you are here, child. I needed to speak to you after this. I wanted you to know...how dearly I appreciated your efforts and what failure would have meant for my world...and for me."

I nodded humbly as I was left at a loss for words. Although I then wondered... She could wipe the slate clean. Reset the entire world. The power to do that... I needed to ask. "But...you could have stopped this at any time, right? Why didn't you step in?"

She shook her head with her smile flattening. "You must understand. I cannot intervene in mortal affairs. The entirety of Equestria does not even know of my existence. If they were to learn of me, I fear they would become too dependant on me. My children who bear my likeness are the closest that can be permitted to come to serving as an embodiment of divine intervention."

I knew she was speaking of the Equestrian royal family. Especially Sunflare and Orbash. Ponies so powerful and ancient that they had long resigned themselves to only revealing themselves during the most dire crises imaginable. I nodded in understanding, but the All-Mother then took a step towards me with her wings spreading wide. She smiled more proudly as she then declared, "But rest assured... Should a day come where Equestria is in the gravest of peril... When it's at the point of no return if salvation does not arrive at once... If that day comes and I am convinced that there are no other alternatives to rescue my world from a fate it will never recover from, then... Only then will I descend upon my world and right these wrongs. But that day has not come yet."

Inspiring words, to say the least. In the darkest hour possible, the All-Mother would consider a direct intervention. But if even the risk of Equestria being permanently linked to Earth was not enough to spark her arrival, then what would? I could not comprehend it. And perhaps...I did not want to. But I still nodded and said, "I hope that day never comes... I can't imagine what kind of horror would require you to intervene."

"Neither can I. That decision must not be made lightly. But I have faith in my children. And in you. I know that my services will not be needed so long as you all stay the course." She said with a smile. The All-Mother then turned her gaze to the horizon, watching the world below us. "It is such a delicate balance... The more fragile and easily stained a world is, the more care that is needed to preserve it. I did not think it possible that a human...let alone one from a world as tainted as yours...could adore a world like mine so wholeheartedly."

"I... I really can't explain it myself." I replied while also beholding the beautiful world below us. I sighed as I thought back on the past two years that feel like a small eternity by this point. "I was so profoundly uncomfortable at first. It looked shallow and silly from a glance. But the world I came to know... There's such a beautiful depth to it. I wish I could put it into words better, but... I've grown to love your world because of...what it is not. And it's...not like my world. I didn't know or appreciate the beauty of a world like Equestria until I saw it for the first time. Your world...is one of a kind. And it needs to stay that way."

The All-Mother turned to me while I turned to her. She said nothing, but that smile... She adored what I had to say about it. And so I then added, "Thank you... Thank you for creating this paradise. And for allowing me to experience it for myself."

She stepped forward without a word. And in seconds, the All-Mother placed a kiss upon my forehead before smiling most thankfully at me. "And thank you for appreciating and cherishing all my world stands for. So very few would in due time."

"Not everyone really appreciates something as precious as the innocence your world embodies. I'm sure some would think they understand and respect your vision, but their actions would say otherwise. But not me. I'll always love Equestria for what it is." I replied before putting my arms around the All-Mother once again. That much I knew for certain. Equestria is a treasure like no other. And it must be preserved.

"I know you will, child. I know. And thank you." She replied softly before taking a step back and casting me a more somber smile. "Now then... I do believe it is time that you be on your way. I have said all I needed to. And now you know more than anyone else alive does. Hold this knowledge dear to yourself."

It was time to depart already? How much time had even passed in the mortal realm anyway? Was it morning? Was it still in the middle of the night? But while I cast my gaze down upon the beautiful world of Equestria one more time to savor the view a little longer, the All-Mother then spoke to me again. And with a tone of some urgency. "But when you awaken... I beg of you. Do not speak of me to those you meet. It would be for the best if my children would live on without knowledge of my existence. Can I ask this of you?"

I understood the logic behind her request and nodded in agreement. "I will. And I'll keep any mention of you in my writings hidden. Maybe when I get home, I'll even burn the pages that mention you."

"Thank you, child. I know it seems harsh, but it's for the best. But know this. I will always be watching. And should the darkest of hours dawn on my world, I will be there. And I will set things right." The All-Mother said softly before placing another kiss upon my brow. Her eyes met mine as an ethereal wind caused her brilliant red mane to waver in the breeze. "Now then... Close your eyes. It is time for you to return home. And thank you, champion of humanity. You will always be welcome in my world."

With some reluctance, I complied. My eyes closed. But I still heard the All-Mother speak to me. "Before you depart, know this. There is someone who has been wanting to speak to you for a long time. Tomorrow night when you sleep, they will appear before you. And don't be worried. They are a wonderful soul and are very excited to meet you. Take care, child. I pray your future in my world will be a wondrous experience for you."

And with that, I felt...things I did not before. I opened my eyes as a familiar weakness filled my body. I was alive. And I was back in my dorm inside the command center. I really did make it back alive and intact. And beyond the window... The faintest morning light. A sight I am always never awake in time to see. Dawn was approaching. And resting beside me was...

Celestia. She had remained by my side through the night. To see the beautiful Princess of the Dawn... A mare who bore an uncanny resemblance to a goddess I never even knew existed until that night... I now knew so much more than I did when I first closed my eyes upon being lowered into the encampment. I knew things now that mortals were not meant to know. But they were...good things to know. Knowledge I knew I would have to keep to myself.

In the faint morning light, I found the strength to move. Celestia had her wing draped over me like a blanket. And I gently rubbed my fingers over her wrist. "Celestia... Is everything...all right? Did we win?"

With enough rubbing, my beautiful beloved slowly opened her eyes. But that groggy gaze widened instantly when her gaze met mine. For just a moment, there were no words. I eventually asked, "Did we win?"

Swiftly, yet gently, Celestia pulled me close and pressed her lips into mine. And I did not resist. I savored that wonderful confirmation of good news. All was well now. And she whispered for confirmation of my health. "My sunshine... Are you well? Are you in pain? Is there anything I can do? Anything?"

"Hey, hey, I don't feel any different than before I first left my room last time. I'm stable. Tired, but stable." I replied softly while keeping my fingers upon her wrist. And I knew what she was thinking. She must have been so tempted to rush out of the room and spread the word that I was awake. And I had to put a stop to that. "Just...don't tell anyone I'm awake right now though... I want to go back to sleep for a while."

"Yes... Yes, I'm not surprised. You're never up at this hour, are you?" Celestia whispered to me as she looked like she was on the verge of tears. She giggled uneasily, probably overwhelmed with relief. Was she afraid that I would not survive the night? Was that why she stayed by my side? The Princess of the Dawn then whispered, "In that case, I'll stay right here. I won't leave this bed until you're ready to face the day. And it's going to be a very good day."

She looked so beautiful what little light was peeking through the curtains. And I appreciated my royal beloved honoring my choice to be undisturbed for a little longer. And she was in such high spirits too. I needed to know. "Did we win? Is it over?"

"We did. Whatever you did out there, it stopped everything..." Celestia whispered while she pulled me into a winged embrace. She whispered into my ear, "The Heaven's Pillar has collapsed. It's pieces are scattered for miles across the Empty Plains. And we sent out our scouts to observe the portal while it was closing. We got a confirmed visual of the moment it disappeared entirely. It's gone, my sunshine. Equestria has been spared from the evils of your world. Because of you. Thank you... Thank you, my love..."

A long and harsh sigh escaped my lungs. It truly was over... Thank the All-Mother. But still... I needed to provide a debriefing over what happened during the climax of that fateful encounter atop the Heaven's Pillar. "Celestia... I saw it... I saw the day when it happened... And I saw her..."

My words confused her. There was no way she could have known about what the Element of Humanity itself did that day. And what it allowed me to see. "Saw who, my love? Did someone show up to help? Someone we don't know about?"

"No, not that... I saw...the day it all happened. The Element of Humanity...showed us both." I explained with such an exhausted whisper. That memory haunted me. "I saw you... I saw your family... And I saw her and her men. Megan... I saw and heard everything... I saw the moment when...the plains went empty."

Her eyes opened wide upon hearing that name. A name of a wonderful human woman Celestia must have been very close to. "You... My goodness, you really did...You saw and heard everything that happened then?"

"Yeah... It was beautiful...but horrifying..." I replied as the memories of that rising shower of souls shot into the sky. Such an uncomfortable thought... "Was there anyone who was left behind? Anyone at all?"

"We did send out search parties to scour every single village and town out there once the deed was done. Just to be certain if there was anyone left who remained true to Equestria's ideals. And...there were none. Every last one of them... Too tainted to escape the judgement of the Elements. It was...such a dark day..." Celestia whispered with nothing but a sorrowful longing in her eyes. No one wanted what happened that day...

It was then that I knew she needed to know. "Celestia... I... I didn't actually slay the emperor. I couldn't. His defenses were too strong. I didn't make the portal close... He did. Seeing everything that happened that day from a new perspective... It broke him. I think...he always knew it was a mistake. I think he really wanted us to stop him. He set the portal to close on his own power. And...he severed his connection to me to allow himself...to die. He...dissolved in my arms..."

She was left silent in shock. To hear such kind words about the emperor who caused the eventual extinction of humanity in Equestria... She must have been resigned to only remember him with nothing but bitter disappointment. Celestia closed her eyes, muttering softly to herself. "You were still in there all along, old friend...?"

"I'm not saying you should forgive him. Even he knew what he did was not forgivable... I'm just letting you know that he remembered...his humanity, weirdly enough. He allowed Equestria to live on untainted by Earth. And..." I explained before I started to recall a certain revelation I was given that day. Something horrifying. Something that needed to be said, but not just to her. "There's one more thing, but...I think I should say it with your entire family hear. They need to hear it too."

"I see... Then I shall call them in when you're ready. But first..." Celestia whispered as she draped her wing over me once again. "A few more hours of rest, my sunshine?"

"Yeah... Another four or five hours, please..." I muttered while letting out a very strong yawn. I was not ready for the sun yet. Certainly not after all that happened in less than a week. "But please... Stay with me, dear. I really...don't want to be alone right now."

"There's nowhere I'd rather be, my love." Celestia whispered while she adjusted herself to get a little more comfortable on my bed. The gentle hums and beeps of the medical equipment beside my bed added to the calming atmosphere to the point where I was left wondering if they were designed to do that. She then smiled gratefully at me and said, "I'll be right here."

"Thank you... I love you." I whispered back to her, so glad that this ordeal was finally over. The two of us shared a kiss before we closed our eyes. Before sleep could take me, I whispered to her one last time. "And thank you...for letting me be a part of your world."

"No... Thank you, my sunshine. Thank you...for being worthy of our world." The Princess of the Dawn whispered into my ear. And then she placed a kiss upon it for good measure.

I was not ready to wake. Not ready to see the many faces who would want to check on me now that I could awaken. I still needed more rest first. But I was...so very happy. Happy that the nightmare was over and we could all wake up.

But more than anything, I was grateful for the one who made it all possible in the first place. The one who allowed Equestria to even exist. There were no words in my heart that could convey the gratitude I held for the All-Mother who would always remain outside the awareness of the very world she watched over.

I knew we would never meet again, but the time we shared together was...a meaningful experience. A beautiful mind with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world she had created. And...such an understanding of what came before. The history of this world and the world that came before it is...strange. Strange, but endearing. And I am glad to be a part of it.

The All-Mother had crafted a paradise like no other. One I would always be grateful for. And as sleep took me, I hoped...that would never change. May her vision continue to guide this wonderful world down the delicate path of innocence. A path I am more than happy to walk.