I'd like to express my gratitude to Nazidash for his work in editing. Thanks!

I couldn't let go of her corpse. I simply refused to face the fact that she had been taken away from me. I was a fool. A goddamn fool! I shouldn't have taunted him! I could've resolved this with diplomacy like usual, but instead my confidence got the better of me and I let it screw everything up. But it wasn't only my fault. It was mostly Daring Do's fault. Her own fucking greediness killed her.

Dashie had her mouth opened a bit but her eyes closed. I held her still warm corpse against my chest and cried for gods know how long time. Daring Do just stood there the whole time with her bag of gold. I told her to leave me alone for good and never to show herself to me again, but she ignored it. She offered her service in return for the misfortune. I was on the edge on taking her down and kill her right there. I could feel my blood boiling and my hooves itching and crying to kill her. Burn her with my Shout and send her straight to hell. But I wouldn't. For Rainbow's sake.

I pressed my head against hers as I continued my crying and sorrow. I still couldn't believe she was gone. I just simply refused to believe it. I already felt the depression taking over again. And the bitter blood taste mixed with the sweet skittle taste in my mouth just made everything worse.

I carefully placed her on the ground and managed to stand up. Then I slowly fixed my teary eyes full of fury and rage into Daring's eyes. I gnawed my teeth and felt the same feeling that drove me forward to torture the boss on Cloudsdale.

She noticed it, but she didn't retreat. I guess she felt bad enough for being the cause of Dashie's death. Without a warning I launched myself harshly at Daring Do, took her to the ground and slammed her against the mud.

“The fuck is wrong with you?!” I shouted at her face. “You killed her!” I growled and punched the ground next to her head as hard as I could. Her skull would completely crush if she'd be in the way. I seriously considered whether I should let her live or not. But I made up my mind that I'd leave her to see another day.

I let her go and let myself collapse on the ground next to her. I held my hooves firmly against my eyes and started sobbing yet again. This was too much for me to cope with.

“This isn't fair!” I shouted to myself. “She didn't deserve this!”

“Drake, I'm so, so sorry.” she whispered and started to tear up herself in sympathies mixed with startle. I noticed her looking at the bag full of valuables with guilt. The longer she stared at her bag, the worse she felt. That's why she tossed it away from her as far as she could.

“That changes nothing!”  I snapped and shot my sharp eyes into hers.

“Maybe not. But I want to let you know that-“ she sighed before continuing. “Never mind. Nothing I say can ever justify Rainbow's fate.” She then gazed down into the ground and lowered her head.

“And please, take your bag with you. So she didn't die in vain.”

Daring Do nodded slowly, but hesitantly, and walked towards her bag of gold.

Meanwhile, I crawled up to Dashie's body and cuddled next to it, even though there was a big pool of her blood around her; so red and liquidity, I simply didn't give a fuck about getting covered in it.

I just had to feel for her warmth again before she would cool down. But it was just so painful looking up to her fainted body. Her once colorful cyan colored and energetic body, as well as her rainbow colored mane, was now grayish, colorless and lifeless.

I rested my head on her chest and gnawed my teeth even harder when I didn't hear her heartbeats like I was used to.

“I'm taking her back with me to Ponyville.” I exclaimed after a while and harshly wiped the tears off my eyes. “I'm...I'm getting her out of Sovngarde, and nothing is going to stop me!” I vowed, still gnawing my teeth in rage like never before, and pulled Rainbow's body onto my back before I stood up. “I don't give a fuck whether you follow me around or not. But I'd rather want to see you gone for good. It could end very badly for you if you decide to stick with me.” I warned without looking at her.

“Drake! I'm sorry, alright?!” she shouted again as she approached me, but without anger or fear; rather in guilt and sorrow. “I'm so gods damn sorry! I didn't think he'd actually do it! I-I know it's my fault--”

“Then stop trying to justify yourself!” I cried back as I turned around, gazing hatefully at her with my red furious eyes.

“Drake...” she mumbled and sighed. “Look. I'll help you on your new quest. Even though the chances of success are slim to none.”

“Chances don't mean a damn thing to me.” I spat out still pissed off and sighed. “But if you really want to come, you could start off by strapping her to my back so she won't fall off while we're flying.”

“You can't fly with her on your back. It'll be too heavy for you.” she objected.

“Are you going to tie her on my back or not?” I asked again whilst raising my voice at her.

“Certainly.” she said a bit startled and slowly walked to her bag of supplies to fetch the rope.

I looked into the blue sky and quietly in my mind prayed to the gods why they allowed such a thing to happen. I know they weren't my servants, nor did they have to do my will. But if they wanted me to keep focused on the goal, that is to kill Alduin, they'd at least support me in every possible way they could. Besides, they were gods! They could do everything they wished; even without an effort!

But now that a great deal of my determination died with Rainbow, I therefore lost my will to do anything else, and it only weakened my strengths I desperately needed to finish what I was appointed to do. And I, who had been starting to get so confident and very determined to slay them all. Before Rainbow's death, I actually lusted for Alduin's blood. It wasn't something I had to do anymore, it was something I wanted to do.

But now, I suddenly felt for carelessness. A part of me didn't care anymore whether the dragons would rise or not. I knew it was wrong of me to think like that, but I couldn't help it.

Rainbow Dash would surely not appreciate my disloyal thoughts since she was the loyalest of them all. But in order for me to regain my strengths again, I had to bring her back. No exceptions.

I just had to find a way to cheat on death again. I had to find a way to bring her from the land of the dead. But I had no clue where to start or how to do it.

I couldn't seek Ghost's assistance, since I'd rather avoid telling him about the death of his daughter. And besides, the blood ritual of his was rare and could only be done once anyway.

My best bet was to seek the help of the princesses or Twilight Sparkle. Yes... I decided to go to Twilight with her body to start with. Maybe she had something useful for me.

I sighed and closed my eyes as I fought to maintain calm. I fought the urge to kill something. I actually wanted to slay something. I hoped a dragon would land near me so I could mercilessly attack it and kill it in a brutal way before he could even react.

“There. She shouldn't fall off your back. I'm an expert in making knots.”

“And carry our bows. Mine and Dashie's.” I ordered her and pointed at them at the ground beside me with my head. She didn't dare denying me and immediately wrapped the bows around her.

I had given her a choice to leave me alone, hell, I even kind of ordered her to go away, but she wouldn't. No matter how cruel I'd been and would be to her, she seemed to want to stick with me. I had to admit that I felt a bit appreciated by that. It meant that she really was sorry for what she did, and that she wanted to make it up to me. But no matter how much she would do, even though we'd somehow manage to resurrect Dashie, I'd never be able to fully forgive her. Ever. Her greed led Dashie to her certainly not deserved death, and she'd have to live with that forever.

“We'll head to Ponyville. There will be no stops, not even at Canterlot. We will fly until we get there. Got it?”

“Yes, Drake. Wherever you go, or whatever you do; I'm with you.”

I fought the urge to break down again when I felt bit of Dashie's blood leaking on my body. I felt the red liquid slowly running down the sides of my back and it made me even more angry and sadder than ever.

“Just...” I said but my voice failed me. “...let's go. I'm sick of this place to last a lifetime.” I whispered.

Daring Do nodded slowly. “Drake. I know this isn't easy for you. But you need to rest a bit. We'll get her body to Twilight, and she can put a spell on her or something so she won't decompose. But please, go to your apartment and take a nap. You look exhausted. You can't win this war unless you're in perfect condition.”

I really wanted to object to that, but she was right. I was exhausted and weak. I didn't even know how I could manage to fly with Dashie on my back all the way to Ponyville, which was 4 hours away from us. I sighed and accepted her suggestion. I needed to replenish my energy, and I needed to be alone. I was in no mood for a company. I just wanted to isolate myself from everyone for a very long time.

“Yeah... I guess you're right.” I said with my powerless voice. All the sorrow and pain totally drained everything that kept me forward. I didn't even know how I still managed to keep my hooves on the ground.

“Let's get you home. We'll continue tomorrow, and I vow to you that I won't leave you until the dragon threat has been dealt with. Free of charge.”

“Yeah...” I whispered and slowly sighed. “Yeah.” I repeated and closed my eyes.

Daring Do was right again. I couldn't fly with Dashie on my back because I lacked the energy. However, I could run with her. It was also exhausting, but I tried my best to ignore it. My eagerness to revive Rainbow Dash was too strong. I strongly believed I could bring her back. I had to believe; there wasn't any other option. Equestria depended on it. Any chance of her breathing the air again dies, and I might as well count everything else dead, too. I hated to admit it, but I shouldn't have started a relationship with her at all. I should have remained strong when my feelings started to kick in. I should have stayed determined and just reject her when I had the chance. But, of course, I couldn't reject someone I fell in love with, and the person that affected my life so greatly. That's why a big part of me didn't regret anything, despite her death.

But none of this would've happened and she'd still be alive if I hadn't started a relationship with her. She would probably be safe in Ponyville with her friends, and Daring Do and I would probably manage to take Ahuizotl down. Hell, I wouldn't even have met her if not for Rainbow Dash.

It would be a win-win situation for everyone if none of this would've happened. Now I had to walk into Twilight's apartment and tell her that her best friend had died, and it was all my fault.

If I had the choice of preventing everything from happening, even me being drafted into this world, I'd do it without a second thought.

But at last we arrived to Ponyville. It was rainy, windy and dark outside. We were soaking wet due to the thunderstorms and the gray clouds but I didn't care by a bit. The sudden weather suited my mood perfectly. I felt like the winds were blowing the colors away from this world; like the gray clouds were closing in on me. But like I said; it suited me.

Daring Do, however, eagerly wanted to get to Twilight's place as soon as possible. But I didn't see why she was in such a hurry. The rain wasn't cold. It actually felt kind of warm; refreshing. Maybe it was because I had been running for hours with Rainbow Dash on my back.

I looked up into the gray sky again and let the rain hit my face. I took my sweet time enjoying the heavy rain before Daring Do shouted at me that we were almost there.

I knocked on Twilight's door heavily and got myself prepared to tell Twilight and Spike all about what happened. It wouldn't be easy, but it had to be done. I squinted lifelessly into the ground yet again and fought the urge to stay calm as I waited for the sounds of locks being unlocked. I completely closed my eyes when someone finally managed to open the door.

“Oh, hey Dra--” Spike said but was cut short when he noticed Rainbow Dash on my back. That made me open my eyes. I simply stared into his eyes and sent him a message with them that what he saw was true; Rainbow Dash was no more. He noticed the sorrow reflecting from my eyes immediately. “R-Rainbow?” he stuttered and walked slowly at her unconscious body. “N-No... NO!” he shouted and stirred all up. “Twilight!” he then shouted into the apartment and ran off to get her as fast as possible. That baby dragon sure could run...

I stood there stiffed and didn't dare to move. I also felt my salty tears blending with my already soaked face. But my helmet prevented the rain from wetting my mane.

“What's this hurry, Spike?” I heard Twilight's voice coming from inside her house. It hurt me to be the bearer of such bad news.

“T-T-Twilight...R-R-Rainbow...!” he said very quickly as he tried to gasp for air. He then put his right hand at his left side of his chest as to feel for his heart pumping and tried his best to calm himself down so he wouldn't get a heart attack.

“Drake, what's going--” she said before she came across Rainbow Dash. Her reaction was unexpected at first. She simply stared at her and didn't show any kind of emotion for some time before she finally showed that she was still alive by screaming in disbelief.

She pulled me inside the house and didn't bother closing the door. Then she used her magic to cut her loose from my back and that made Rainbow's body collapse to the ground. After that she fell to her knees beside her and started crying.

“No, no, no!” she shouted through her tears. “You can't be dead! You're... you're Rainbow Dash! You're my friend! You wouldn't leave so suddenly! You wouldn't just die like this! We...we need you!” she shouted again loudly and hit the floor as hard as she could like I did earlier. She even broke the tiles on her floor. “What happened?!” she added with her eyes full of tears and mental pain.

Her reaction broke me down again and I let myself fall to my knees next to Twilight and Rainbow. “She was taken away from us.” I managed to say and tried my best to comfort Twilight by hugging her. But I wasn't doing a very good job because I was also mentally wounded.

I still managed to hug her, and I tried absolutely everything in my power to minimize the sorrow and pain. But like I said, without any kind of success.

“This isn't fair!” she shouted and squeezed me as she sobbed. “She's my... my friend! She's your wife! She wouldn't just suddenly die like this. She wouldn't... it's just not possible!” she said and swallowed to get rid of the big lump that had formed in her throat. “I-I'm so sorry for your loss.” she then said and wiped her tears off with my shoulder. That made me touch the marking on my ear. It triggered a memory of all the great times we shared together, and it made me even more miserable, yet increased my determination to bring her back. To resurrect her and to get her the hell out of Sovngarde.

But I was convinced that I'd be able to pull it through. I knew I could to it. I'd done it before, and when I would bring her back, I'd protect her with everything in my power so she wouldn't die again, even though she didn't need any protection. It was a clumsy move by me that killed her; as well as Daring Do's greed. It was a mistake that wouldn't repeat itself.

But this also got me thinking about Rainbow's dad. He went through this horrible stage that no one should be going through. But his situation was far more brutal, to be honest. Now I truly knew how he felt. That desire to bring his wife back kept him forward and still sane despite the treatment he received from the criminal gang. He used all of his free time learning about death and a treatment to it. Years of research clearly paid off. I just hoped I wouldn't have to wait for so long to get my Dashie back.

Spike just lay there on the ground and rolled around. He was wetting the floor with his tears and made unpleasant noises as well as loud sobs.

All of a sudden Twilight got filled with rage. She gnawed her teeth in rage before she suddenly and without a warning shoved me out of her way. It wasn't intended, but the rage made her completely lose it. She roared as her horn started to glow like never before. She sent the books in her library and living room flying all over the place. She started destroying her own possessions, due to her blind rage. Statues, pictures, notes, books... you name it. She sent all kinds of objects flying around the place in rage.

I should've stopped her, right there. But I let her continue because she reflected my feelings. I wanted to smash and brawl everything in my way, too. Why would I stop her from doing something I greatly desired as well? But unlike her, I actually maintained to keep calm.

Spike slowly and terrifyingly backed away from Twilight and made his way up to me for protection. He hugged my front left leg and stared, while shuddering, at Twilight who seemed to be completely destroying everything, not only in her living room, but also in the other rooms.

“I'll kill them all!” she shouted and growled before she eventually fell to her knees due to fatigue. Everything in her house was totally in a mess but she didn't seem to care. I slowly approached her and gave her a small tap on the back.

“Twilight... we'll bring her back to life.” I said and waited for her response. I expected her to object and to lecture me about how it wasn't possible, but to my surprise, she agreed with me. She just nodded slowly a couple of times but didn't look at me. “Can you cast some kind of a spell on her so she won't....decompose?” I pushed out the last word. The thought of her dissolving was just too disturbing and heavy.

“Y-Yeah.” she said and nodded again quickly. “Yes. I can do that.” she added before she stood up and walked over to Rainbow's corpse. A small spark, and a moment later a fainted bluish light of some kind overcame her body. “There.”

Daring Do had been standing there by the door all along and didn't utter a word. She just simply gazed at the ground with light tears of her own while she pressed her hat against her heart. All the sorrow and pain around her was too much for her. Spike stood there by Daring Do and seemed lost in his own thoughts. His agonized facial expression also showed how miserable he felt. He really cared for Rainbow Dash. Hell, everyone in Ponyville and Cloudsdale cared for her. She had many friends that loved her. No one wanted her any harm; even though she could be arrogant from time to time.

“Twilight, is it alright for you to keep her here while I go home and get some sleep? I'm really exhausted and want to be left alone for a while. I'll stop by tomorrow and we can talk then.” I kind of whispered, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Sure.” she responded with a dead tone in her voice. “Daring Do can also stay here, if she pleases.” she added and sighed.

“I would be grateful.” Daring Do finally muttered in a regretful voice and immediately walked into the guest room without further goodbyes or gratitude. I couldn't blame her. She had to live with the guilt of being responsible for all the sorrow and the death around her, as well of the death of the Dragonborn's partner. It couldn't have been easy for her. Despite the regrets, I still was extremely mad at her.

But it was even harder for me and Twilight. We knew her better than anyone else. Well... maybe I knew her a bit more than Twilight did. But they'd been friends for longer than I've been with Rainbow, so it was as difficult for her as it was for me.

“Come by tomorrow. We'll figure something out.” Twilight said and tried to be as hopeful as she could, but easily failed. I saw right through her. I didn't even think she actually believed we could bring her back. Even I got my doubts. But I couldn't afford it to keep me down.

“Hey. We will bring her back. I promise.” I said as we entered another hug. This time it lasted for some time. “I just hope that if... and that's a big if, we wouldn't be able to bring her back, I'd be able to do my part. That is, to guard Equestria from the Dragons. I- I don't know if I could, even though I desire to protect you all from them. I really want to. But I don't know if I--”

“I know how you feel. But you must stay strong. For Equestria's and Rainbow's sake. She'd want you to keep on fighting. She wouldn't want you to give up.”

I didn't respond but exhaled the air and started sobbing yet again. It was now her turn to attempt to comfort me. She shushed at me and gave me light taps on my back.

After a while I finally let go of her and bid my farewells. But before I left her apartment, I reached into the pocket of Rainbow's torn Wonderbolt costume and carefully pulled out two photos. Those two photos of us together. One picture was of us sleeping in each other's arms in the hospital bed the same night we expressed our feelings to one another, while the other was taken when we officially kissed in front of our friends for the first time the next day. I would never forget those moments. I took a look at those pictures again but immediately looked away. Those pictures made me feel even worse. But I still wanted to keep those pictures with me forever. Wherever I'd go, she'd always be there with me, dead or alive. I hoped for the latter though.

I suddenly opened the door and vanished into the storm...

I stayed in the rain for a while and walked slowly through the lifeless town with my eyes half closed. Nopony was outside due to the bad weather. But I didn't care. It wasn't as bad as it looked like anyways. But I decided to stop by in The Prancing Pony for a drink as I was getting extremely thirsty. But I didn't plan on getting drunk. I simply wanted a cranberry juice.

Once inside the Inn, I took a seat by the bar and ordered a big mug of that special cranberry juice that was not like the ones back on Earth. The barkeeper nodded and made the drink ready for me. But while waiting for it, I noticed that I was the only one in the inn, except a mare sitting in the corner in the other side of the saloon. She was cloaked in a gray robe and apparently was there to entertain guests, but there were none at that moment except me. She was a singer and played on a flute and a...guitar? I didn't even know they had guitars. It was interesting because I knew how to play myself. Well, when I was a human anyways. But I wasn't sure if I could play on the Equestrian guitar.

She didn't play those instruments at the same time, of course, but she sometimes switched them in between songs. It really just depended on the song and what instrument fitted better.

I listened to her beautiful voice singing a song in my honor and about me, while playing on the guitar:

Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior’s heart

I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes

With a Voice wielding power of the ancient Nord art

Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes

It’s an end to the evil, of all Equestria's foes

Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes

For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows

You’ll know, You’ll know the Dragonborn’s come.

I clopped my hooves at the end of the song and that got her attention. It also got her a bit startled knowing that she was singing about me and she didn't even notice that the Dragonborn himself was listening to her. She must have realized that I was the Dragonborn by descriptions of my body or perhaps because of my helmet. I was Ponyville's top subject, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone was spying on me to gather some information what I did in real life, or to get a better look on how I really looked like under that helmet.

“E-Excuse me, Dragonborn. I-I didn't know--” she said and fell to her knees, still at the other side of the room. I told her to stand up and that's exactly what she did.

“You have a beautiful voice. Thank you for honoring me with your singing.” I simply said and gave her a small smile.

“A-A pleasure. I was just... training for tomorrow's performance.” she stuttered and bowed her head. “It's an honor to meet you, sir.” she said again and tried her best to look lesser than me. It was considered to be respectful.

I gave her an honored nod before I turned away from her and fixed my attention to the red juice in front of me. I really wanted some alcohol, but decided not to drink any. I wanted to stay sober and have a clear mind for tomorrow. Because tomorrow would be the day I'd cheat on death yet again. I was certain and determined that I'd succeed. Anything was possible in Equestria...

I carefully opened the door to the room 303, but had to use some of my force because the door was stiff as usual. I turned on the lights. Everything was just as we left it as I entered the apartment. I quickly gazed around the apartment and the first thing I noticed was my iPod on a table next to the big bed, and my headset besides it. I slowly entered the apartment with a sigh. I'd never felt more alone in my life.

I had been living there with Dashie for a week now, but I still got the urge to take a look at the pictures again. I examined them; hanging on the wall, but the picture that got my most attention was the family photo. It was the most heart-warming of them all. I didn't even dare imagining her parent's reaction to the unfortunate news about her daughter's fall. That's why I decided to keep her death a secret from everyone; even the rest of the mane 6. They had every right to know, but I planned on bringing Rainbow Dash back before anyone would notice she was even gone. It was a stupid and surreal hope, but still a hope I was ready to count on.

Another photo I hadn't noticed before got my attention. I found a picture in one of our drawers. It was actually a picture of... me. My cyan colored body and face was turned in the direction of the camera, but I didn't seem to notice that I was being shot. It was surprisingly a very good photo of me; it was a close up picture of me. I was standing there like I was about to launch myself at someone with my helmet and my red, determined and fearless eyes. But I also had a small grin on my face. I guess Twilight took that picture when I was unaware of it, and gave it to Rainbow Dash who had been keeping it a secret from me for some strange reason I couldn't come up with. I stared at the picture for minutes before eventually putting it on top of the drawer and gently put the other two photos of me and Dashie on top of it.

After having examining everything closely again, I let myself collapse on the bed. But it wasn't the same as before. I wasn't used to being alone in the bed and that increased my anger and bitterness even further.

I decided to listen to some songs in the purpose of making my pain go away, even though I doubted it would actually do anything other than making the time quicker to pass.

I wanted to listen to something that fitted in with this depressing situation I was in. Rainbow and I had a mutual favorite band; Wintersun. That's why I decided to listen to some of their songs in her “honor”. But before I turned on my iPod, I took my helmet off and put it in the same rounded table next to the bed. I lay on the soft bed and listened to the whole Wintersun's first album to start with. Afterwards I switched over to their second album called "Time I".

I started sobbing lightly yet again as soon as Time started playing. The lyrics reminded me of my situation too. But it wasn't solely because of the song that I got sad again but rather because it reminded me that it was her favorite song by that band. Well... her favorite part of the album, since their second album was like a one big song. Technically, there weren't any individual songs. It was kind of like a movie in music form. What impressed her the most about Wintersun and their songs were the lyrics and the complex, but beautiful orchestral tones. She was especially fond of "Time I", their second album, which was filled with both. And I completely agreed with her.

It triggered memories from when I explained the iPod device to her. I still remember her facial expression; she was so amazed and so astonished; checking out every inch of that strange technology so unknown to everyone in her world. I couldn't help but to chuckle as I thought about her facial expression when I told her what it was for.

I turned off my iPod as soon as the short but epic album ended and decided to get some sleep to wake up “fresh” in tomorrow morning. I was absolutely determined to bring her back. She just had to come back. I'd experienced being without her for three months, and it was harder than it seemed. I didn't want it to repeat itself. And that was only for three months...

I got under the warm blanket and covered my whole body. But there was one thing missing and I knew exactly what it was. I sighed, rolled my eyes and just hoped I'd be able to get some sleep.

But before I let myself fall into the dream world, I started thinking about what Rainbow might be doing in Sovngarde. But then it hit me. An hour or so in the land of the dead equals to 28 days in Equestria. So she must be still unconscious or slowly waking up in the home of the dead Nords. At least I could find comfort in that she was safe now...

I knocked heavily on Twilight's door in the morning's mist. It was still extremely early in the morning and nopony had even woken up yet. I was just so desperate to get to work that I got up earlier than planned, despite the restless night. It was perhaps the worst sleep I'd ever had. My eyelids didn't get heavier with time, nor would my mind obey to go to sleep. No matter how hard I tried to fall asleep, I just couldn't get any at all for a very long time. I did fall asleep in the end, but it took me hours.

Twilight Sparkle was the one to open the door for me this time. But she was a sore sight. Her mane was a mess, she had her eyes wide open and she looked extremely tired; like she hadn't slept in days, and I could see on her that she had been weeping all night, too.

“Twilight. You're a mess! What happened?”

“I've been awake all night; looking into resurrections and revivals. I've found nothing so far.” she stated and stared into my eyes. “Come, help me.” she then said straight out and pulled me into her tree house. The living room was still a mess since yesterday's evening. I guess she didn't bother cleaning up, even with her magic.

She pushed me into the library and simply said: “Search.” and resumed her reading. There were a big piles of books surrounded around us. They were all books Twilight had been skimming through. “Start with the book over there.” she said and didn't take her eyes off the book she was reading.

“Twilight. We won't find the answer in a book. Do you really think there would be a book with the recipe of resurrection? There is only one book in existence with that kind of information and it can't be used anymore. We need to find a way of our own.” I said in a negative tone but not harshly.

Twilight sighed when she realized that I was right. We wouldn't find the answer in a book, but I was confident that Twilight would suggest an idea crazy enough to be worth a shot. I was willing to do anything.

“Just... just let me take a look at her again.” I said to Twilight and gazed into the floor so I wouldn't tear up again by her reaction.

“S-Sure. She's in bed.”

“In...bed?” I asked with a big question mark on my face.

“Well, not exactly in a bed. But I made a bed, or a “tomb” out of books for her. She lies on top of it. We don't want to keep her body on the dirty floor, now would we?” Twilight said as she led me to a room I've never heard of before. It was some kind of a secret chamber of some sort that was located beneath the library. No one knew about this chamber but Twilight and Spike, and they did a good job in making it a secret. I didn't know what it was for, but I didn't really care either. The walls in the room were made of stone. I noticed Rainbow Dash lying on a pile of book in the other end of the secret chamber, and a chest next to that pile that was filled with magical food that wouldn't rot. Yet another reason why being a Unicorn would be so handy. She could practically do everything she wanted. I'm pretty sure she could even defeat me, if she really wanted to.

But what was interesting about this place was that it was underground. So, if she would have to hide herself for some reason, she could always flee to this chamber until the danger had passed. She would have plenty of food and water for both her and Spike to last months.

The walls were decorated with torches like the ones at the Greybeards; Torches that lit up with a flame that wouldn't go out, and wouldn't harm anyone.

Twilight Sparkle led me across the room and up to Rainbow Dash who peacefully lay there on the books like she was asleep. I noticed that her wounds from the blade had been cleansed and that her torn Wonderbolt's suit had been removed. I appreciated that. It meant that Twilight “respected” the dead. She wanted everything to be proper for her, and that was the least she deserved.

Seeing her so gray and lifeless was just too painful. But it also brought a passion and determination to bring her back. Seeing her in this stance brought sorrow, but also fury.

She didn't deserve her sudden death. Of course, she'd die in the end, but dying like that was just not acceptable. A sacrifice would suite her better, seeing as she was more loyal than anypony. That kind of death would only be her true death. But what she got was a disgrace to her and her friends.

“Twilight, can't the Princesses help her? They brought me back to life once before. They could do it again.” I said but didn't allow myself to get my hopes up.

“I really, really doubt that. Remember how exhausted they got when they brought you back? I doubt they'd be able to do it again.” Twilight said with regret in her voice.

“But, what if you'd help them? Maybe... maybe the three of you could bring her back!” I said and grabbed her both shoulders. “Think about it! It may be tiring, but you gotta try at least! Isn't it worth a shot to bring a soul back?”

Twilight turned around from me and thought about it. She took her sweet time before sighing in defeat and said: “I'm sorry. But I don't think that would work. You see, when the princesses brought you back to life, they kind of sacrificed some of their own life force into you to bring you back from the dead. Their lifespan was greatly reduced by bringing you back. But there wasn't any other option, and that's why they did what they had to do, for Equestria's sake. And I doubt they'd want to do it again, simply because it could kill them.” Twilight said and sighed again. She really wanted Rainbow back, but understood that this wasn't the way to do it.

“But... but... they just gotta try!”

“Why would they? I feel guilty for saying this, but she isn't as important as you are. We need you more than we need her.” she said and closed her eyes because she knew I was going to react to that response.

“Then I threaten them! If they don't revive her, I don't guard Equestria. Simple as that.” I half whispered to her and crossed my arms.

That brought anger within Twilight. She frowned and stared into my soul with her sharp eyes. “Are you listening to yourself? You can't just threaten the princesses!”

“And why the hell not?! What do I get from killing Alduin and the dragons? Nothing!” I snapped at her. “I lost everything and you ponies just expect me to do all the hard work for your beneficial? Hell no! I refuse to be a part in any of this if I can't even live my life properly! Is that too much to ask? So... if she doesn't get revived, I'm out. You'll take care of yourselves.”

Twilight gasped and couldn't believe her ears. That I actually said those things. “And you may lose even more if you think that way! You know, you're not the pony I used to know. Where is the Drake that eagerly hungered for the dragons' blood, and the Drake that vowed to protect us with everything he had? Where is the pony I used to know? Where is my friend?” she said before she started tearing up lightly. “Just think for a second! What would Rainbow think of this? Would she approve that you would so suddenly bail on us on times like this, especially now that the dragons are on our doorsteps?! She was my friend, too, you know! I know exactly what you're going through, because I'm also fighting those feelings you're letting out. So just listen to yourself and stop acting selfishly!”

I backed against the wall behind me as she said that and thought about the promise I made to Rainbow before she died: I had to stay strong. Not only for me, but for everyone else. And everything I just said was completely against everything I promised her. It was selfish and disloyal of me to think this way. I loved everyone, and I deeply wanted everyone to be safe from any kind of threats. But the sorrow and anger in my heart completely clouded that view.

“I'm so sorry, Twilight. I-I really am. I didn't mean those things.” I said and hid my face in my hooves. My humbleness and apologies calmed down Twilight and brought a very small relieved smirk on her face. She sat down next to me by the wall and put her left hoof around me. “I just... I just miss her so much!” I continued and rested my head on her shoulder as I started sobbing lightly again.

Twilight brushed over my mane and quietly shushed at me to calm me down. “Hey...” she said calmly and looked passionately into my eyes. “We'll bring her back. I promise.” she said to cheer me up. I still didn't know if she actually believed we could pull it off, but it sure made me feel better. I nodded quickly a couple of times and swallowed.

“Can't we at least talk to the princesses?” I asked barely audibly and with my eyes closed. “Maybe they know of other ways.”

“Sure.” Twilight responded and hugged me again. “Sure. Let's do that.”

I let out a relieved sigh and stood up, a bit hopeful. I knew convincing the princesses wouldn't be easy. But if they really wanted the dragon threat dealt with, they'd at least try to support me and my quest in any way possible.

“We should go now. But we can't travel with the Friendship Express train.”

“Then what? Are we just going to run off like that?”

“Yeah. We can ask Daring Do to tie Rainbow on my back again. I can run with her.” I said and walked up to the lifeless Dashie. I scanned her face again before I lightly kissed the marking I gave her. “I'll get you out of there.” I then whispered to her.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Twilight asked but hesitated when she noticed that my attention was fixed upon Dashie. I lightly brushed her mane again before I sighed and turned around to face Twilight.

“Go fetch Daring Do.”

“I'm truly sorry for your loss. She was a great pony who didn't deserve what she got. We'll make sure a statue will be raised in her memory. But we simply cannot revive her. It's not an option.” said Celestia with her voice full of sympathies, yet also with determination.

“But...you've shown that you possess the power of bringing someone back from the dead! Please, if you want me to do a good job against the dragons, you'd at least consider it.” I begged on my knees before the two Princesses on their iron thrones.

Luna wasn't as heartless than I originally thought. I noticed how teary her eyes was and how her heart was full of sympathies, too. Maybe it was because she was so amazed on my marking earlier because it hadn't happened in centuries. But whatever the reason, she proved right there that she had a good and a pure heart.

Celestia was sad, too. But she didn't show it nearly as much as Luna did. Which was kind of strange, considering Luna once being evil that wanted Equestria to be graced in eternal darkness.

“You have to do something. Anything!”

“We're sorry, but we can't be of assistance. There's nothing we can do.”

“But, Princess. Isn't there anything you could do? The tiniest bit on information can make a difference.” said Twilight who kneeled before them next to me. Dashie was on the floor in front of us. She was so well protected with Twilight's spell that she seemed only to be sleeping. Luna couldn't seem to get her eyes off her. She just simply stared thoughtfully at the body on the floor with her teary eyes.

“I wish I could do something about this. But unfortunately, we're too weak for an attempt of another revival. It's just not possible.” Celestia continued patiently.

“I'll ask you again.” I said impatiently. “Is there anything at all you can do to help us? Maybe you know of a...a ritual or something. Like Twilight here said; every minor details matter.”

“I'm sorry...” she said and didn't dare look into our eyes. “I'm very sorry for your loss. I truly am. She'd saved Equestria twice. She will be in our memories forever.”

I noticed the shame that formed in Luna's face when her sister mentioned Rainbow saving Equestria twice; knowing she was the reason for the first time. But she wasn't evil anymore, thanks to the mane 6.

“I see that this is getting me nowhere.” I said, full of disappointment. “I'll seek help elsewhere then.” I added and quickly stood up. “Common, Twilight. Let's get out of here.”

“Wait...” interfered Luna. “Follow me into the next room. There's something I need to tell you in privacy.”

“You want to speak to me?” I asked hopeful and prayed in my head that she'd have some information for me that I needed.

“Yes. And only you. Twilight Sparkle will have to wait outside.”

I looked at Twilight who nodded at me and pointed at the next room with her head.

“I'll wait for you here.” she said and shot a smile at me.

I nodded back to her with a small smile and quietly followed Luna into the next room which seemed nervous. I didn't know what this was all about. Whether she wanted me to know a secret about the dragons, or if she had some information for me about how I could revive Rainbow Dash. I hoped for the latter.

Once inside the room, she shut the door closed and looked into my eyes.

“Now, Dragonborn. I know that you were close to Rainbow Dash. I know how you feel--”

“No you don't. You haven't lost anyone you cared about.” I interfered, but with respect.

“You're lonely. Believe me... I know exactly how you feel. I'd been dealing with that terrible feeling for the last thousand years. I was banished to the moon, if you didn't already know. My sister... she did the right thing. She banished me to the moon because I was starting to get jealous. And I was starting to become a threat to the civilians. Those thousand years were pure hell. I'd never felt more alone.”

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked with sympathies. No one should be going through being alone for thousand years, evil or not.

“Because I want to help you get her back. Since you are doing us all such a big favor by guarding something you aren't even originally from. You were suddenly told that you had to protect us all from the dragon threat and you didn't even object to it. You chose peace and order instead of power for you own beneficial. You'd been doing everypony favors, and you've never hurt us in any way. You're simply... pure. Always positive, always helpful.

But then you lost the person most important in your life in return. I don't know about you, but I don't think that's fair. I don't want you to live a lonely life. I don't want to see you miserable. So hear me out. I really shouldn't say this, but there is still hope for Rainbow Dash.”

My heart stopped beating for a second when she said that. Hearing her saying that not all hopes were lost for her kindled a fire within me. “Wow... thank you. Thank you for supporting me, and thank you for letting me know that she can still be saved!” I said loudly and almost threw myself into her arms for a hug, but then I remembered that she's a princess. I had to keep it civil. “But why do you say that?”

“She died an unnatural death. The only death that cannot be cheated on is time. That's the real death. And since her “time” was cut short, she can be brought back because she still has her lifespan left. That being said, you'll have to search for a way to bring her back from Sovngarde if you want her back. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about that matter. But... there is one person who might be able to provide you some answers.”

“And that is?” I asked excited and couldn't keep still. I paced around the room with a big smile on my face. Just the fact that she could be brought back was extremely relieving for me.

“Have you ever heard of the name; Paarthurnax?”

“Yeah... he's the Greybeard's master!”

“Yes. Go to him. He might have more information for you. So far as I know, if he does have something for you, you'll get your wife back.” she said and gave me a small smile.

I couldn't help myself anymore and I launched myself at her and gave her a big hug. She had given me some hope, and I was going to do whatever was required to get her back.

Luna returned that hug and laughed softly. “You're welcome.” she said and gave me a pat on my back.

“Thank you so much! Now I have a start. I will go on from here. Don't tell Celestia, but you're the best Princess ever!” I said and chuckled with her. “But why did you want to hide this from her?”

We let go of each other and looked into each other’s eyes. “Because, if Paarthurnax has something for you, do you honestly believe it'll be easy? It could, and most likely will, be life threatening. Celestia doesn't want you to risk your own life because we need you now, more than ever.”

“But how about you? Why don't you feel the same way?”

Luna sighed and turned around, turning her back to me. “You've lost your old home and you've lost the person in your life that made you happy. Believe it or not, but that person means a lot to me, too. She was one of the brave ponies that saved me and brought me back into the light. What was once Nightmare Moon, is now only Luna. Thanks to her and her friends. But enough about that.

Like I said, you remind me too much of myself when I was on the moon and I don't want anypony to feel like that. The least you deserve is to be happy since you're doing us all the biggest favor in Equestrian history. But please, don't get your hopes up.” she said and turned around with a warm smirk on her face. I'd never seen her smile like that before, and I gotta say that I didn't get how she possibly could have been evil once. Her heart was made of gold!

“Words cannot express how grateful I am.” I said and found myself smiling clumsily again. I knew that she didn't give me the information I needed, but she told me of a person who might. She gave me hope. And that was enough for me to cheer me up.

“That's alright, my dear Dragonborn. Just remember: Don't get your hopes up, and do not mention this to my sister. I've no intentions in getting banished again.” she joked and chuckled softly. But I wasn't quite sure if she really meant it or not.

“Not a word.” I said and moved my right hoof up to my mouth to ‘zip’ it. “But there's another matter... you said that I had to speak to Paarthurnax, yes? Estimated time to the Throat of the World is around 3 days in Pegasus flight. But since I have to carry Rainbow Dash on my back, I won't be able to fly. I'll have to run. And that will make a three day trip into a perhaps one week trip.”

“Yes. It will take time. And if you want to revive her, I suggest you get into it right away. You cannot delay. The dragons are coming.” The Alicorn then suddenly turned around and opened the door for me.

“I... I will.” I said and kneeled before her. “Thank you for everything, my Princess.”

Luna slowly shook her head in disappointment. “Do not be all formal on me. You know for yourself how it feels like.” she said before she left me alone in the room and headed to her iron throne in the middle of that vast, columned and empty room. I simply gazed after her and nodded in approval.

Twilight seemed to be having a chat with Celestia while I was speaking to Luna. It didn't seem like a casual conversation; more like she was begging and pleading for something. Probably regarding Rainbow Dash.

But now that I knew what must be done, I had to act like I had given up so I wouldn't evoke suspicion within Celestia.

“Twilight.” I said and sighed “Let's get out of here. We're not getting any help here.” I said with a depressing tone in my voice.

“D-Drake?” she asked me surprised. But she knew I wouldn't so easily give up, and that's why she got the hint. It was perhaps a little too obvious, but Celestia didn't know me personally. That's why she'd take the bait. I gave Twilight a small subtle wink. She looked at me and told me with her eyes that she got the hint. “Alright, Drake. Whatever you say.” she said and gazed into the ground yet again.

“Thank you for your time.” I said and managed to wet my eyes by forcing myself to think of Dashie's death. “It was worth a try.” I added and swallowed.

“Hey, come here.” Celestia said and looked at me with her own teary eyes. She was hurt by seeing me in the position I was in. I could just see the sympathies in her facial expression.

As I approached her, she gave me a big hug. She firmly pressed my body against her and rested like that for some time. I returned it, because there was something about her that made her so... huggable. “You have my deepest sympathies. You know, I knew her personally. She saved Equestria twice. She'll forever be in our memory, like I previously stated. She'll live on. But inside our hearts. Believe me, if we could, we'd without a doubt help you. But we simply can't.”

“I-I understand.” I said and bowed my head for her. “It's just...”

“Yes?”

“Never mind.” I added and closed my eyes. “Thanks for your time.” I then forced out and slowly turned away and walked slowly and miserably towards Dashie who lay there on the ground.

Daring Do, who had been silent all along, came up to me and tied Rainbow Dash on my back. She was a master survivalist, thus, knew how to make proper knots. She nodded to me as soon as she was done. Now we could finally get the hell out of there and begin the quest to Rainbow Dash's revival. I've revived someone before... I could do it again. In fact, I meant to. Failure wasn't an option.

“Do you have a plan?” Twilight asked excited and hopeful as soon as we got out of that big castle. She was somehow convinced that Luna had told me something she wasn't supposed to tell me about.

I put on a small determined smirk on my face. “I do. We're going up the Throat of the World.”

So, on we went with our Quest. We had to climb the biggest mountain in Equestria to meet this Paarthurnax who seemed to be living at the very top of it. I didn't understand how he managed to live up there; if he was perhaps living in a small comfortable house made of strong materials or something else. I wondered about it for a while before I decided to drop it. I didn't want to waste my time wondering about something I'd see for myself later that day anyway. I'd rather want to keep focused on our goal.

Before we left off, I asked Twilight to write a letter to the rest of our friends to tell them about our sudden disappearance. We lied by telling them in the letter that something came up and we were sent to investigate and therefore wouldn't return for at least two weeks. I felt bad for lying to our friends, but it had to be done. I couldn't tell them about Dashie's death because I didn't want to be the bringer of sorrow and pain. Instead, I planned on bringing her back to life. We'd act like nothing had happened, and we'd continue with life.

On earth, that wouldn't be an option. If someone died, it was the end for that individual. No exceptions. But almost everything was possible in Equestria.

We had been running almost constantly for a week. It was tiring, very tiring, but I managed to keep my focus sharp and my legs moving, despite the weight of Rainbow Dash's body on my back which seemed to be getting heavier and heavier with every minute that passed. What made the journey tougher was that the weather used to change very subtly from time to time. It would go from being sunny in one moment into a blizzard the next. Sometimes it was windy, sometimes it rained heavily. But despite everything that tried to slow us down, we didn't stop.

I ordered Daring Do to carry everything we needed. Our supplies, weapons, med kits; everything. Daring Do seemed to be having trouble carrying all that weight, but she didn't complain. She understood that I disliked her and that I would be anything but fair to her. But she still wouldn't leave me. I even bet she'd come back to me if I'd Shout her away from me.

I was somewhat sure I'd get some answers from this Paarthurnax. He knew everything about me. And judging by the environment he lives in, the praise he'd been getting from The Greybeards and Luna's recommendation to meet him; he just had to have something for me.

But I couldn't reach him yet. I'd yet to learn the Shout that calms the sharp blizzards; control over weather. I couldn't help but to smile when I thought about possessing that power. But what I wanted more than being able to calm the winds was to be able to bring blizzards, inferno, thunders or something else to my aid against powerful foes. That would be so effective. But perhaps it would be dangerous, too. Not to me, but to my friends.

As we were approaching the Throat of the World, a loud and a sudden roar could be heard from above us. We stopped when we heard that and got ourselves ready for a fight. We knew a dragon was nearby.

The dragon just flew around us in the air. He wasn't black, like the ones I'd met, but blood red. He was terrifying and threatening. I'd never seen a dragon as powerful as this one. At least judging by his appearance, it looked like that dragon was stronger than the rest of them, excluding Alduin. But he didn't take any action towards us. He just flew around us and roared loudly.

“Eh... there's a dragon flying above us.” said Daring Do and just stared at him flying around us.

“No shit.” I responded without looking at her.

Twilight seemed to be quite fascinated by the creature. She sat down and just watched him flying in circles with a big smile on her face. That got my attention.

“Twilight. You seem to be quite fond of him.”

Twilight looked at me, but before she could answer me, the dragon landed on the ground in front of us. Now that I got a close look at him, he seemed much scarier than before. He wasn't like the dragons in the show, nor was the rest of them. He was brutal looking, and smelled of death and blood. But his red color really fitted to him. It made him much cooler.

The dragon took a step towards us. Twilight and Daring Do backed away, but I didn't. I stood my ground.

“What do you want?” I asked the dragon who seemed to be staring at Rainbow Dash. He didn't reply, nor did he act like he was about to attack me. “What the hell do you want?!” I yelled at him angrily and took a step towards him. I frowned and gave him a message that he didn't scare me.

“Dovahkiin.” he finally replied. “Honored to meet you in person. Truly, I am.” he said with his deep voice.

“Aren't you going to attack me?” I asked him a bit surprised and very curious. Was he perhaps a friendly dragon?

“No.” he answered and waited for my next question.

“Why?”

“Because I have no intentions in harming you. Do you want me to?”

“No, of course not. I'm just... surprised. I thought I was the main target among the dragons.”

“We are individuals with different opinions, just like your people. Remember that.” he answered kind of offended.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” I asked fascinated. I was really interested in getting to know him better. Maybe he had a message for me? Maybe he wanted to help me rebel against the dragons? Maybe... maybe he wanted to offer his allegiance? Probably not, but I could always hope.

“My name is Odahviing. I am...was... the right-hand of my “master”, Alduin.”

“Was? Why aren't you his right hand anymore?”

“Because I'm not like other dragons. I don't want to be a part of all the murders, all the death we've been causing. I tried to reason with Alduin to abandon our objective. He didn't take it very lightly. Normally, I'd be killed. But since I am... was... a good friend of Alduin, he showed me mercy by banning me away from our home instead. That's why I have to find a cave or something in Equestria instead of sleeping safely on the ground somewhere in Sovngarde...”

“Sovngarde?” I interrupted and got now more interested in his story. “You live in Sovngarde?”

“Of course, my fellow Dovahkiin. As long as we're alive, we can Shout our way from Sovngarde and into Equestria. As soon as we die, we'll get stuck in a place far worse than Sovngarde. That's why we've been behaving, But... time has made my kin far more greedy than we already are. Sovngarde ain't enough anymore; we want Equestria, too.”

“But, there is this palace of some kind in Sovngarde..”

“The Hall of Valor.” he interrupted. “Please note that Sovngarde isn't small. We live somewhere far away from Hall of Valor. We've made an agreement not to interrupt that palace, since the god of Death himself lives in there. He could banish us from Sovngarde, and send us to a much worse place. That's why we made a deal that he allowed us to live in his land if we didn't come a thousand miles near it. But Alduin is getting ridiculously self confident. He believes he can overthrow Sithis, the god of death, from his throne. His plans are to attack the Hall of Valor after he'd taken over Equestria.”

“I see... but that's not going to happen. But can you teach me that Shout? To get into Sovngarde?”

“I personally cannot. But there is one Dragon I knew who could. He's the world oldest rebel. He sided with the ponies in the old war. He still lives, but his whereabouts is unknown. There is another dragon who knows about the ways of revivals, too. But I recommend you seek the other one instead. I'm talking about none other than Alduin. And I'm pretty sure he's not interested in helping you out.”

“I see..” I muttered in disappointment. If that dragon he spoke of could teach me that Shout, I'd use it to get into Sovngarde and make a deal with the god of death to get Dashie out of there. It was the perfect plan. But I guess I had go with my hope with this Paarthurnax having information about the ways of resurrection, for now.

“I see why you want to learn it... you want to get in there to save Rainbow Dash. Am I correct?”

Hearing him saying her name was like a slap to the face. How did he possibly know her name?

“How do you--”

“Know Rainbow Dash? Please, don't even get me started. Let me tell you a little secret. There are two ponies Alduin fears. The one he fears the most is you, of course. But he always speaks about this other pony that was supposed to be the Dovahkiin's mate; called Rainbow Dash. He fears her, too. I personally don't know why. He didn't tell me the reason, nor did he tell anyone else. I just found out about it by accident one day. I overheard him.”

“Wow.” I said as I thought about it. Did the master; the god of all dragons really fears us? That was good news. It meant that we were a threat.

“But I just wanted to let you know, Dovahkiin, that I will support you if you'll get in trouble.” he stated and nodded. “They made me an outlaw. I don't have any choice now but to help you kill my brother, Alduin, so I can return to my kin and inherit the throne for myself.”

“Your... brother?” I asked surprisingly. “And won't killing him be treason?”

“Yes, he's my brother. And no. I won't be a traitor as long as you make the killing blow. There are different laws among the Dragons, you know. But enough about that. If you'll ever get in trouble, just shout my name. I'll hear it, and I'll be there to help you.”

“Thank you for you sudden offer in your allegiance... I think we're going to be a great team.” I said and lowered my head in respect. “But I mustn't delay. I must go meet this guy; Paarthurnax.”

“Did you say Paarthurnax?” Odahviing asked and gasped. “He's the one I talked about earlier; the dragon who sided with the ponies in the old war.”

“He's a dragon?” I shouted surprised, but as I thought about it, it only made sense. Given by the fact that he lived at the peak of the Throat of the World; the largest mountain in Equestria.

“Oh yes, he's a dragon and a good friend of mine. Where's he at?”

“He's at the peak of the Throat of the World.”

“Of course! Why didn't I think about it before?” he asked to himself. “Anyways, I must take my leave. It's getting dark and I'm going to have to search for a place to sleep. Farewell, Dovahkiin.” he said before he took off. He didn't even give me a chance to bid my goodbyes. He just flapped those big wings of his and vanished away from our sight.

I turned around to Twilight who seemed to be drooling a bit in excitement. She was using her magic to write down our entire conversation. “More information about the Dragons!” she then shouted triumphantly and with a big grin on her face.

Daring Do came up to me with a small smile and started asking me questions about what I felt about all this. She even asked me what I would do after we'd revived Rainbow Dash, and offered to buy me and her a beer in celebrations.

I guess she just wanted to gain my friendship back and to make me forget about her past actions. I was slowly letting it go, but I was still mad at Daring Do. I was not ready in a friendship yet.

But on we went with our Journey. Walking with Rainbow on my back up the 7000 steps was hard. Very hard. But Twilight aided me by using her magic to give me a small boost. If she hadn't, I probably would have collapsed on the way and fall down the stairs which would be very...painful.

It took some time, and it was getting pretty dark, but we managed to make it through the steps.

Arngeir and his friends welcomed us to High Hrothgar appropriately. They didn't cheer at my arrival, nor did they show any signs that they were happy to see me again. They just greeted us with a traditional hoofshake with sympathies in their eyes. They knew what had happened to Dashie, and they knew what I went through. But we didn't take time to talk. We got right to business; to learn that Shout so I would be able to reach Paarthurnax without difficulties. Arngeir said that using this Shout would disperse clouds and clear away fog and poor weather. It also dispels any poison gas traps. It was one of the non-combat Shouts, or one of the tactical ones. I seriously needed more of those.

One hour later, and I had mastered the Shout; “Clear Skies”, or “Lok Vah Koor” in the Dragon language.

I followed Arngeir into the backyard and up to a large bridge. From there I could continue my journey to Paarthurnax. We were almost at the top of the mountain anyway, so the walk would probably take around 5-10 minutes.

Twilight Sparkle and Daring Do stood next to me as I gazed into the strong blizzard in front of us. We'd easily die without the Shout I learned. Good thing I knew a Shout to help us with that.

I took a deep breath before Shouting: “LOK...VAH KOOR!” in its direction. A sound of thunder followed, and after that the blizzard quickly vanished away. The passage was clear now. We could continue to walk along the path up to Paarthurnax, but we had to be quick. The blizzard would return after a specific amount of time had passed. That's why I had to stay on guard, and as soon as it would kick back in, I'd just shout again.

After ten minutes of walk, we encountered some enemies. But they weren't ponies. They were some kind of ice wraiths. They were transparent and thin in appearance, and often came in groups. While they weren't very powerful, their swiftness fixed their disadvantage. They could slow down their prey and feast on them alive as a group. They weren't as strong as individuals.

Three or four wraiths attacked us, but we easily managed to kill them all before the blizzard kicked in yet again. I could've used my fire breath to take them all out, but I didn't want to take the chance of draining all my energy for the Clear Skies Shout.

At last we reached the top of the mountain, and Paarthurnax. He was sitting on a big “Word Wall” like he was guarding it. I gasped when I saw him. He was greenish in appearance and seemed a bit older than the rest of the dragons I'd encountered. The youngest one I've met so far must've been Odahviing, judging by their physical appearance. But Paarthurnax was just as terrifying as the rest of them, if not scarier. But I knew he was on my side, so I had no reason to panic or to stay on guard. Twilight and Daring Do, however, didn't quite trust him. I even noticed a small growl Daring automatically made.

“Drem Yol Lok. Greetings, wunduniik. I am Paarthurnax. Who are you? What brings you to my strunmah ... my mountain?” he spoke first, sitting there comfortably on the wall. He stretched his neck towards me and that made our faces only inches away from each other.

“I-I'm Dragonborn. Also known as Drake.”

“Dovahkiin, you say? Hmm. If you truly are Dovahkiin, show me what you can do. Greet me not as mortal, but as dovah! Use your firebreath on me. Let me feel your power!" I bet he already knew about me being the Dragonborn, but maybe he wanted to see the power I possessed for himself.

I hesitantly positioned myself without asking him why and Shouted with all my might at him: "Yol, Toor!" I didn't dare use three levels on him, because that might hurt him. But as soon as the fire hit his face, he nodded a bit in approval.

"The dragonblood runs strong in you!"

“I seek your help. I've been told that you could help me with one thing.” I said to get straight to the point. I didn't want any delays.

“Ah, yes. You want to learn the ways of revival. Ain't that correct? I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't have that knowledge.”

Now that was a punch to the face. I simply stared at the dragon lifelessly. My lips started shivering in disappointment and my eyes started twitching in both sadness and frustration. Luna warned me not to get my hopes up, but that's exactly what I did. My disappointment was bursting out of me. I didn't even try to hide it.

“What do you mean you don't have that knowledge?!” I yelled at him furiously. “I need to know! I need to get her back!”

“I'm sorry... Dovahkiin. But the only one who possesses the ability to resurrect is Alduin and the rest of the gods. I'm just an old outlaw. Nothing more, nothing less.”

I thought about it for a while. But then it hit me. Of course! Odahviing said that Paarthurnax had the ability to create a bridge between Sovngarde and Equestria.

“But can you get me into Sovngarde?” I asked excited, but I watched out not to get my hopes up like Luna advised me.

“Hmm...” he muttered thoughtfully. “I cannot send you to the land of the dead. But... I could teach you the ways to get in there.”

I couldn't believe my ears. He actually offered to teach me a Shout to get into Sovngarde? I couldn't help but to grin widely.

“Yes, please! I would be grateful!”

“Then let us begin...”

It took some time, but I finally learned the new Shout. A Shout that enabled me to visit Sovngarde. But he told me I could only use it once per month. A dragon could use it whenever they wished, but I couldn't, as I wasn't a complete dragon.

He said that I had only one hour in Sovngarde before I'd automatically teleport back to Equestria. He also notified me that my body would remain in Equestria, but my spirit would leave my body and travel into Sovngarde.

“Hun, Kaal, Zoor” is what the Shout was called in the dragon language or “Call of Valor” in pony language.

I found myself whispering to myself; “Yes...” over and over again with a creepy smile like a madman.

“I'm one step closer in succeeding, thanks to you.” I then said when I snapped out of it.

I noticed Twilight exploding in excitement. She was writing a lot into her little diary or whatever it was while Daring Do carefully and awkwardly examined the area. There was nothing up here but snow, cold winds and that Word Wall, so I didn't really get what she was searching for.

“Dovahkiin. Use the Shout wisely. Sovngarde may be the land of the dead, but you can still die in there. So, if you die in Sovngarde, you die in Equestria. This is not a dream. This is reality. And one other thing. Watch out what you say to the god of death. He may not be pleased of your whereabouts.”

“Noted.” I said. I trusted that dragon in front of me. He was wise, old, and knew almost everything about me. I could trust his warnings. But his warnings didn't intimidate me. I was still as determined as before in getting Dashie back. Even if it would cost me my life. Others might not agree with me, since I'm so important for them, but I personally didn't care about their opinions. My priority was to see her alive again. Watching her flying in the skies, performing Sonic Rainbooms, feeling her hugs again and everything else she liked doing. I could turn my full focus on the dragons after that.

“Twilight.” I finally said and turned around to face her. She looked up to me and hummed. “An hour in Sovngarde is something about 28 days in Equestria, yes? Do you think I'll have the time before the dragons attack everyone on sight?”

“No, no, no, no. You misunderstood us. What we meant is that you were out in 28 days after we revived you. In this situation, you're not physically dead. That's why you'll have plenty of time in Sovngarde without having to worry about us. However, time in Sovngarde is still slower to pass than here in Equestria. I'm not quite sure, but I guess an hour in Sovngarde equals to a full day here. Something like that.”

Wow... that was good to hear. Now I had no worries, and was even more ready than before to visit Sovngarde. I was absolutely hundred percent sure I would bring her back that day.

“Before you leave, Dovahkiin. I want to bless you with another Shout. Go up to the Wall, and learn its secrets.”

“I-I don't know what to say.” I uttered and smiled in appreciation. “Thank you, kindly.” The dragon didn't respond to me but instead gave me a small nod.

Before I went for the Wall, I asked Daring Do to cut the rope and to place Rainbow Dash comfortably on the ground next to me. After that had been done, I slowly walked up to the Wall to learn the new ability.

The procedure was same as before. As I walked closer to the wall, I started hearing those Nordic chants again like last time. Everything around me started to fade in black and only left the words visible. They were lit up by bright blue light. It was a good thing that everything faded to black. That way, I could turn my full attention to those words without an interruption.

A little while, I felt that sharp sting in my brain that imprinted my understanding of the new Shout.

I gasped in surprise when I found out what I had unlocked. I only unlocked one level of that Shout, but as I understood it, it was a Shout that allowed me to summon thunders straight from the heavens. “Thunder Call” or “Stuun” in the dragon language. The first level of the Shout only summoned a single one, though.

I got dizzy as the darkness left me and the brightness of the snow suddenly blinded my eyes. But I quickly managed to adjust my sight. I slowly walked up to Dashie and kneeled next to her. I came to realize that it was time for me to pay a little visit to Sovngarde.

I slowly bent over and kissed on her right eye very gently and put both of her front hooves up to her heart.

I slowly turned my head in Twilight and Daring's direction and gave them both a small warm smile before I turned my head to look at Dashie again. I inhaled and exhaled the air a couple of times in nervousness before I eventually breathed in until my lungs couldn't take more in and shouted “Hun...Kaal Zoor!”

“How in Sithis' name could he wake up in the Hall of Valor? Everypony are supposed to wake up in front of it!” questioned a deep Nordic voice from an unknown pony.

I kept my eyes closed for a while and just enjoyed lying there on the warm floor. I felt a numerous ponies gathered around me; all staring at me and whispering to one another how this could be. Why I appeared inside the Hall of Valor instead in front of it.

“Wha- What's going on?” I suddenly said and tried to sit up with my eyes still closed. My limbs felt weak; like I'd been working out for hours without stopping.

“Get out of the way!” another female voice said. I recognized that voice, but I didn't quite remember who it belonged to. I waited for a bit for the person to approach me. Finally after what seemed like five minutes, she came up to me. “Dragonborn? Did you die again?” she added in disappointment.

I opened my eyes to be greeted by Gormlaith Golden-Hilt and the rest of her friends: Felldir the Old and Hakon One-Eye.

“Well, that explains why he woke up in the Hall. He had proven himself worthy enough last time he visited us by completing Tsun's trial.” said Felldir the Old.

“Dashie? Where is Rainbow Dash?” I shouted at them and looked at everybody around me. She was the only one on my mind at that moment.

“What brings you here, Dragonborn?” Hakon asked and ignored my question. “Please don't tell us you died aga--.”

“Where is she?” I asked again in annoyance. I wouldn't respond their questions until they'd answered mine.

I looked around the hall to notice some ponies sitting by the big table and feasting like they hadn't eaten for centuries. Nothing stole their attention from the food.

But most of the ponies were either gathered around me, or looking through the windows; looking at something.

“Rainbow Dash you say? Hmm.... ah yes! We'd been expecting her. You're talking about the mare with the cyan colored body and the multicolored mane?” asked Gormlaith with a small smile on her face.

“Yes, exactly!” I shouted in joy. The fact that she knew about her must have meant that she was nearby.

“She hasn't proven herself worthy to enter the Hall just yet. She's undergoing Tsun's trial as we speak.”

I ignored her, jumped on my feet and made a run to a big window in that spacious room.

“Move!” I shouted and everybody obeyed me without protesting.

My eyes almost popped out of my skull when I noticed Rainbow Dash outside fighting that big monstrous pony with the two hooved battleax. They had been brawling for some time, judging by the blood on them.

Pretty much everybody had been watching the fight from the Hall before I interrupted their little fun.

Rainbow Dash had a determined look on her face; absolutely eager to defeat Tsun and to gain access to her new home. She did an impressive job evading his attacks, as well as landing her blows on him at the appropriate times when he was unable to defend himself. She used her wings to her advantage.

The fight went on for a long time, but I was too busy admiring Rainbow to notice the time flying by.

At last, Tsun was downed to the ground in his own blood. But he didn't yield yet. Dashie used that opportunity to fly up as high as she could into the air. Her next move was stunning and very eye appealing. She actually landed a Sonic Rainboom into his face!

Everybody gasped and cheered, but I simply stared with my eyes wide open and my jaw almost falling off.

“Now, that's a true warrior of the North!” shouted a random pony behind me in approval.

From all the smoke and mist formed by that colorful boom, stumbled Rainbow Dash towards the bridge. I couldn't see her face clearly because I was still pretty far away from her, but I could easily notice that she wasn't smiling, nor showing any kind of pride. I guess she fought like a true warrior. She showed much greater strength than me, when I fought him. I just evaded him like a coward and used luck for my advantage. She, however, fought bravely and truly earned her place among the ponies in the Hall of Valor.

“Everypony! Be ready to greet our newest arrival!” shouted Ysgramor; the same pony that greeted me when I arrived for the first time.

I eagerly and impatiently waited for Rainbow Dash to walk through that door. I would finally meet her again! Those last days without talking to her had been tough. But now I could finally hear her voice again.

At last she knocked on the big door. Ysgramor cleared his throat before opening the door for her. I didn't see her yet, but I could hear their conversation. I felt my blood pumping in my veins as I heard her voice. It was only a matter of time before I'd meet her in person again.

“...to Hall of Valor!”

Everyone were having a feast like last time and cheered for her arrival. Did they always do that?

“Eh... thanks. I guess.” she muttered, without any kind of appreciation. She slowly entered the room and walked past the ponies that wanted to talk to her about the boom. But Rainbow didn't show any kind of interest. She just quietly and steadily walked past everyone with her head lowered.

She was in pain, I could see it on how she walked and by the fact that she was sighing quite often. She wasn't in a physical pain, but I bet it had something to do with me. Maybe she was sad by the thought that she had to leave me, or that I'd feel depressed about her death. Maybe because she missed me, or maybe because she lost her life and wouldn't see her friends for a very long time.

The moment couldn't be described when our eyes met again from across the room. There were a lot of ponies around us, so it was hard maintaining that eye contact. But I noticed how her eyes widened and how fear overcame her in disbelief. Her legs started shuddering. She very slowly, and hesitantly, walked towards me with her eyes still wide open and her mouth opened a bit. I saw it in her facial expression that she didn't believe it was actually me. She thought she was starting seeing things. I was just as surprised in seeing her, despite the fact that I knew I'd meet her again. My heart was beating in an abnormal speed. I started breathing faster and I felt like I was about to get a seizure.

As soon as she came near me she asked: “Drake?” barely audibly.

I very slowly nodded without breaking our eye contact. “Dashie?”

We stared at each other for quite a while. The immense noise around us was blocked out of our minds. The only thing our focus was fixed upon was each other.

“Drake!” she finally shouted and ran up to me and into my arms for a big hug. I welcomed her into my arms and squeezed her as hard as I could; without hurting her, of course.

We both started shedding light tears.

“I'm here.” I said and laughed in happiness. “I'm here!”

We both rested in each other’s arms for what seemed to be a long time. I carefully stroked her mane and touched her ear to feel for her mark. It was surprising, but she still had it. Which was weird, considering that she wasn't in her body. We were only spirits who could bleed, judging by Tsun.

It sounded silly, but maybe I marked her soul, too.

After some time, we finally examined each other with big happy smiles on our faces. “What are you doing here? Did you die?” she asked very fearfully. She didn't want to believe that I had died. Because if I had, I wouldn't be able to stop Alduin and his plans and everyone would be good as dead. Our friends, and everyone we cared about would either be slaves to the dragons, or die and be sent here for eternity.

“No, I didn't.” I said and couldn't help but to laugh again. “I found a way into Sovngarde. I'm here to bring you back.” Rainbow smiled with that and hugged me again, even harder than before. “Oh gods... I've missed you so much!” I added in a whisper and started tearing up again. “You have no idea how hard it has been without you.”

“It's over, now. I'm here. Look, I'd really like to return back with you to Equestria. I can't stand being here. But I don't know how you can bring me back.”

“Don't worry, I'll find a way.” I said seriously. “But listen. I don't have much time left. I got maybe 10 minutes before I get teleported back to Equestria. I met this friendly dragon that told me that the god of death lived here. Where is—”

Suddenly a dead silence overcame the vast room. It stole both our attentions. Everypony kneeled as a strange, big and cloaked.... thing.... entered the hall. His appearance wasn't visible. I wasn't even sure he had a physical form at all. It was just pure darkness. That thing also leaved a small shadow traces as he moved.

A slow and a whispery; yet very mysterious and a creepy voice said: “I smell a living soul among us.”

Nopony said anything. Everyone just lay on the ground and didn't dare look at him. Dashie and I just stood there in the other side of the room by a corner and stared at that void moving across the room.

“Would anyone like to tell me who's here without my permission?” it asked again, but again, no response. “No?”

“I am.” I suddenly said and that made everyone gasp, but they fought to keep their curiosity down.

The mysterious pony, void or whatever it was slowly turned around to face me and smoothly made his way up to me.

“You...” it whispered sharply. “You're not supposed to be here.”

“I know, and I apologize. But I'm here to fetch someone that shouldn't be here, either. And with all due of respect my lord Sithis, and with your permission--”

“Who do you think you are?!” it answered sharply. “That soul is mine! What rights have you to ask me of anything?”

“By right of birth. I am Dragonborn.” I answered loudly for everyone to hear. Everyone gasped again, but tried hard to keep still.

“Are you mocking me?” the voice hissed very displeased.

“I'm not. I have an offer for you. She returns with me to Equestria, and in return I'll kill all the dragons and get them rid of Sovngarde once and for all.”

“The dragons haven't been a threat to me. They've kept their word.”

“That's not all. I've talked to the right-hand of Alduin himself. He told me that Alduin was planning an attack on the Hall of Valor after he had taken over Equestria. So, if you want me to get rid of the dragons for you, which I would, I suggest we co-operate.” I explained without being threatened by him.

The cloaked being turned around quickly and thought about it. That made my hopes go high.

But he turned around to face me again and harshly pinned me up to the wall behind me. The shadow like skeleton hoof pushed me harder against the wall and didn't let me go. “I don't take orders from a mortal.”

“This... isn't... an order!” I pushed out to gasp for air. Normally I wouldn't need air since I was supposed to be dead. But I wasn't dead, and that's why I could still die, even in Sovngarde. And if I'd die in Sovngarde, I'd be stuck there forever. I didn't mind it though. At least I wouldn't be alone.

“I don't believe you. We've made an allegiance! He'd never betray me!”

“Odahviing told me! I swear!”

That released his grip on me. He just stood there in front of me without saying anything for a little while. But he eventually spoke. “Did you say Odahviing?”

“Yes, sir! He told me about it... and, and Paarthurnax, too!”

“Odahviing and Paarthurnax? They're your friends?”

“Yes, they are. And I vow to you, that I will send all the dragons to hell for their treachery!”

He turned around again and seriously started thinking about it again.

But while he was making a decision about it, I started to feel like my time in Sovngarde was ticking away from me. My right front hoof slowly began to fade away.

“What say you?!” I shouted at him in a hurry.

Dashie noticed that. She gasped in fear and hugged me again. “Don't leave me again!” she shouted.

“What say you?!” I repeated with Dashie still in my arms. My eyes was starting to see a white light and my hearing started to get deaf. But Sithis just stood there and did nothing. My body was starting to fade away completely.

“WHAT SAY Y--”

Before I finished that sentence, I suddenly woke up in a bed in a familiar place. I was back to Equestria in High Hrothgar. I guess Twilight and Daring Do returned me and Dashie's body while we were out, and into High Hrothgar while Paarthurnax cleared the weather for a safe passage.

Dashie's body was in another bed next to mine.

“You...” I finished off the sentence. The disappointment that followed didn't hide itself. I was so close! I almost convinced him to return Dashie to me.

I moaned in disappointment and gnawed my teeth in anger. But all of a sudden I thought I saw a small movement in Dashie's bed. Maybe I was imagining things, but that greatly increased my hopes and my curiosity. I slowly got out of bed and walked up to her, lying there in the big bed like she was asleep.

I sat down on the bed and put my ear next to her chest but, to my disappointment again, didn't feel for a heartbeat. I refused to let it go, though. I kept my head on her chest and prayed yet again for the last time to the gods to do me this one last favor.

But out of the blue, I felt a single beat from her heart, then nothing. I was sure of it. Her heart did beat once! I excitedly tried to listen to another one and pleaded inside my head that Sithis took the offer. Surprisingly, I felt a second heartbeat!

“Oh my gods!” I shouted and started tearing up. I had a shocked grin on my face. A second heartbeat confirmed that I wasn't imagining it. Or maybe I was. Maybe I was just going insane. But I seriously doubted that.

I hugged her and hoped with everything I got that this was a sign that she had returned.

But by a miracle she took her first breath, too! I also noticed that her heart was starting to beat again regularly!

I laughed through my tears as I waited for another sign of life.

After a while, she started to breathe normally, too! By now I knew that Sithis took my proposition. But that wasn't enough for me. I still had to know if he returned her consciousness as well. It'd be a sick, cruel joke if he'd return her back as a vegetable.

I slowly approached her face until I was inches away from hers. “Dashie?” I whispered. But nothing happened. “Darling?” I asked, but yet again, nothing happened. It was too soon to tell, but I was starting to fear that he did indeed betray me by sending only a part of her back. That way, he'd benefit from it by keeping a part of her, and I'd be forced to do my part of the bargain. It would be a win-win situation for him. The more I thought about it, the more I started to lose hope.

I lowered my head, closed my eyes and started sobbing. It went for some time before the impossible happened. I felt something touching my teary face. It was Rainbow's hoof.

“Drake?” she asked me with her crispy and weak voice, but with a small and loving smile on her face. Next Chapter: Chapter 10: The First Confrontation Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 57 Minutes