The sun. That damnable glowing orb in the sky, bearing down on the world like a heat lamp. I used to look to that sun and smile, as it’s warmth filled me, and it’s gentle light made Equestria glow like a beautiful gem. Now though, that same sun brought nothing but pain, as it hangs there, reminding us that our princess is gone. There was a time, after the Changeling War, that I thought it meant Celestia was still alive...still raising it proudly...her message of hope. Sadly that wasn’t the case at all, our princess would never let the rays of her gift to ponykind scorch, and decimate the earth as it does now.

That same sun now assaulted my back, with rays that tinged the skin beneath my ragged coat, and my aching wings. Every breath I took was dry as the earth I walked on, as my throat begged for water, and my weary soul begged for rest. How long had I been walking, how long had it been since I left Ponyville a bloodied mess that offered a fine meal to the scavengers of this uncaring world? Had it been days, weeks, months...where was I even going?

Ponyville. It haunted my every thought, my every dream. The sight of seeing so many dead, so many ponies I’d known for most of my life, to know they would never return. I couldn’t shake the vision of so much death, pain, and indescribable torment. The emotions I had felt when I was there were so overwhelming they scared me. I couldn’t fathom carrying so much hate, the burden of so many souls, but they were now my burden.

I thought about many different things, as I walked the land that bordered the great expanse of the San Palomino Desert. The sea of sand that stretched out as far as I could see radiated and reflected the heat of the sun. My body ached and burned, as my muscles contracted with every step. I would need to find water soon, it would surely mean death if I were to go without much longer, and I couldn’t allow myself the sweet reprise of its embrace.

Not yet.

My body grew heavier with each step, the heat of the world beating me down. I stumbled and feel to the ground, not knowing what tripped me. I struggled, my brain screaming for my body to move, while my muscles refused and savored the stillness.

Wait, what was that? Diamond Dogs? I could hear shuffling behind me, feel the eyes of some unseen assailant watching, as it drew closer. How could I have been so stupid not to notice? Had I been too wrapped in thought, too focused on what has already been, that I couldn’t see what was?

Wait it’s not Diamond dogs, those are hooves!

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Whispers. I can hear whispers, but where am I? I opened my eyes to darkness, the feel of cold stone under me, and suddenly silence. “Hello, is anypony there?” I called through my dried mouth, my voice straining and cracking as I struggled to speak. No reply, not even a sound...what was this?

I had to find a way out, of wherever this place even was, I had to return to the light. Within this darkness, within this silence, I could feel myself slipping further and further from reach. The pitch black void of my surroundings provided the perfect backdrop that my thoughts played across, as I found myself reliving them in detail.

I rose to stand, and as I tried to move, I felt the pull of cold metal around my fetlocks. Why am I shackled? What....what the hell have I gotten into...where’s my sword? I searched frantically through the darkness, trying to find my weapon, my only means of escape. I was alone, weaponless, and chained within the darkness...was I going to die?

I was overtaken with dizziness suddenly, as I feel back to my haunch, a small trickle of blood trailing from my forehead. How hadn’t I noticed it, how could I not know I was injured? Could my fear have been that great? “Where the hell am I!” I screamed, slamming my forehooves on the stone floor I sat on.

Movement. I heard something move from across the room, the rustling of chains. My mind raced, my heart pumped, as I tried to calm myself. “Who’s there?” I asked, shuffling back slowly, until I felt myself press against an unseen wall.

“Rainbow Dash? Rainbow is that you?”

That voice, that weak voice that called to me, I knew the voice...it was a voice I hadn’t heard in years. “Braeburn?” I replied.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re alive.” He called out through the dark, his voice weak, his breaths labored. “Chrysalis told us all the Elements were dead, but I knew it couldn’t be true...so where are the others...are they in here too?”

I swallowed hard, trying to spread what little moisture I could gather from my own saliva down my throat, as I hung my head. “No...they aren’t here, the others are...the others are gone, it’s just me now.” I thought I’d come to terms, I thought I’d moved past this, but still I could feel tears trickle down my face as I spoke. I couldn’t see his face, I couldn’t see the sheer loss of hope in his eyes, but I could feel his spirit break as I spoke.

“So you’re telling me...you’re telling me that even Applejack-” His voice was shaking as he spoke, and I could tell he was to the point of tears. How long had he been in here, how long had he held onto the false hope that...that we would come...that Applejack would save the day.

“I’m sorry Braeburn...I’m so sorry.” Of course I was, I was the sorriest pony to ever live...because I was the one who lived. Applejack, could you have done better had you survived, could you have rallied the cries of countless ponies...could you have been the one to save those who died as I sat by and watched?

I could hear Braeburn prepare to speak, when suddenly a loud clang echoed throughout the room, and light flooded in. I was blinded by the sudden brightness, my eyes clenched shut as tightly as I could stand, as I heard voices call out.

“Well, I see you’ve woken up Rainbow Dash, and I see that our little hold out has been running his mouth again.” I was still trying to adjust to the light, when I heard Braeburn’s cries of pain, and the deadening thud of the strikes that rained down on him.

“Rainbow! Don’t believe them, even though you’re the only one left...you gotta understand!”

“I said shut up worm! Sheriff Silverstar, take Rainbow Dash to my office, I’ll deal with him.”

“Rainbow, you’re the only thing we got left to have faith in!”

My eyes shot open, and I saw Braeburn’s emaciated form hanging from the shackles that held him to the wall of the grey room, and...the wounds that covered his body. His once vibrant green eyes were now white as snow, blinded by the darkness he’d been locked away in for so long. That's also when I saw him, that worthless excuse of a pony, the vile creature that assaulted Braeburn and spread Chrysalis's influence through Appleloosa...Prince Blueblood. “Braeburn!” I shouted, when suddenly...everything went black.

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“Well don’t just stand there you buffoon. Wake her, Silverstar.”

That voice, the unsettling disregard for anypony but himself, the sickening air of wasted nobility. “I’m awake, you ass.” I said with a smile, as my eyes slowly opened. “Now where in the name of Celestia have you brought me, and where is Braeburn?”

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner, peasant!” Blueblood shouted, as I felt the back of his hoof strike me across the jaw, turning my head.

“Well, what do you know, ole prissy pants here has a decent right hook.” Sarcasm dripped from my words, as I stared at him, his face showing more and more anger with each passing moment.

“Hold your tongue, before I have it cut from that rainbow maned skull of yours!” He shouted once more, striking the other side of my jaw even harder, causing me to nearly tip over in the chair I was tied to.

“Whoa there big boy, keep this up and I might get a little excited, and you wouldn’t want that.” I smiled, a small trickle of blood streaming from the corner of my lips, as I spoke. I took a moment before he could reply to shift my gaze about, taking in the surroundings I found myself in.

“You trash, you disgust me. To even think that I’d touch you in such a way!” He was furious, his eyes narrowed, as he pulled back for another strike.

“I wouldn’t...” He hit me, square in the mouth, knocking the chair and myself back onto the floor. “You see, I was just going to kill you.” I said, spitting out a dislodged tooth from the back of my jaw, as I spoke. “But after that little stunt, I’m not only going to kill you...I’m gonna make you suffer.”

“Well then, I suppose I’ll just have to kill you first...then again...why dirty my own hooves?” He smiled, as he turned from me, and walked to a large desk. I returned to my inspection of my surroundings, large desk, fancy paintings...expensive looking timber used for the floor and walls...this had to be the mayor’s office. “You see, Ms. Dash, as the acting mayor of Appleloosa, and personal representative of Queen Chrysalis, I can just order somepony to kill you.”

I took a moment to smile, and think about how I’d totally called being in the mayors office, before returning my attention back to Blueblood. “You mean someponies, because it’ll take more than one. I’d start out with at least twenty if I were you.”

“I should have expected such gloating from the ‘great’ Rainbow Dash. You’d think after your friends died because of it, you’d learn a little humility.”

“I will make you beg for death!”

“I’m sure you will. Now Silverstar, remove Ms. Dash from my presence, I grow tired of her. Oh! Also let it be known that I am not to be disturbed, I have an execution to arrange.”

“An execution, sir?” Silverstar asked, as I mulled over in my silent rage, thinking of ways to torture that pompous Unicorn...perhaps impale him with his own horn?

“Yes, that one deplorable earth pony called Braeburn, I think it’s time we finished him off.”

“You just keep giving me ammo don’t you Bluebitch?” I was furious.

“Oh how amazingly creative of you, perhaps I can return the favor...and think of an interesting punishment for your outburst? Silverstar, take her out somewhere and finish her off, I’m sure our queen would love to know we killed the last of the Elements.”

“Yes sir.” Silverstar replied obediently, as he took a lasso from his saddle bag, and lassoed the chair I was still held firm to.

I was dragged out of Blueblood’s office, watching his self centered smile baring down at me, until the door finally was shut. I wouldn’t be stopped, I would make him pay...just like those Diamond Dogs. I wouldn’t rest until I cut that smile off of his royal face, and made him kiss his own ass, although he might like that, the prick. Silverstar did as he was ordered, dragging me through the halls of town hall, and out into the dusty streets of Appleloosa.

I was shocked as I took it all in, not one thing had changed, not one thing looked different. Ponies walked the streets, carried on their lives...it was like war had never touched it’s borders. I couldn’t believe it, I was at a loss, and I think Silverstar noticed.

“You see Ms. Dash, this is what happens when you don’t resist, when you give into change...things end up even better than before.” He said with a smile, a genuine smile that confused me.

“Yeah I’m sure, now can we get this over with, I have an appointment with Blueblood and I don’t wanna be late.”

Silverstar sighed, and shook his head as we came to a stop in a small graveyard, just outside of town. “Well, any last words?” He asked me dropping the rope he’d used to pull me, before turning to dig through his saddlebag and pull out a large hunting knife.

“Actually, I have one final request. Could you set me up? I know you won’t untie me...so if I can’t die standing, I’d at least like to die sitting upright.”

He rolled his eyes, as he held the knife tightly in his jaw, and sat the chair back up. “Anything else?” He asked, foregoing any attempt to hide the mixture of irritation, and sarcasm in his voice.

“Yeah...one last thing...you see, I never got to kiss anypony...and well...I don’t wanna die not ever knowing the feeling.” I tried my best to play the shy, sweet girl, as I looked away in faux embarrassment. Silverstar’s face became flush with blush as I spoke, and I watched in amusement as he dropped the knife to the ground, his mouth agape. I even felt kinda sorry for him as he leaned in towards me, his eyes closing slightly as he prepared for a tender kiss, from a girl standing on deaths door.

“You know what, on second thought...you’re not my type!” I shouted, flinging my head forward, headbutting him in the nose. He let out a gasping breathe for air, as his eyes watered, and he shouted in pain. I quickly tipped the chair over, as I grabbed the knife he’d so carelessly dropped, and cut away at the rope.

“You bitch, I’ll kill you!” He shouted after a few moments. His eyes went wide with fear, as he finally opened them, and I stood there before him free of my bindings.

“Yeah well...I don’t think it would’ve worked between us. I mean you want me dead, and you’re about to be dead...you see what I’m saying?” I didn’t waste anymore time with words, I rushed him, an drove the knife deep into his chest. He looked at me, eyes still wide with fear, as I twisted the blade lodged in his body. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to send Blueblood your way, so you won’t be lonely.” I watched the life slowly drain from Silverstars’ eyes, all the while smiling, as I felt his heart beat through the knife.

I threw his body to the ground, removing the knife from his chest, as blood leaked out and pooled beneath him. I wasn’t finished, no not yet. I still had that idiot Blueblood to go after...and I had to save Braeburn. I wasn’t going to let another friend die, not when I could save them, not when I knew they needed me. I took off running, knife clamped tightly between my teeth, as I opened my wings and soared into the sky.

Within moments I soared over Appleloosa, and saw the crowd of ponies that gathered around a platform in town square, a platform that held Blueblood.

“My dear ponies of Appleloosa, I stand before you today not as your mayor, but as a fellow citizen of our fair town. It is today that we will put an end to one who seeks to destroy our way of life, one who seeks to besmirch the name of our wise, and gracious Queen Chrysalis. I speak of the traitor Braeburn, who sought to usurp not only her rule as Queen, but my own office of mayor...and send us into war.” Roars of disdain, and hate, echoed from the crowd as Blueblood spoke.

I was sickened by their blind loyalty, their willingness to believe Chrysalis was anything other than a tyrant, and their trust in Blueblood. I felt my heart sink as I saw two large stallions dressed in cloaks bring Braeburn to the platform, throwing him down at Blueboods’ hooves, kicking him as he tried to stand.

“My fellow citizens, here he is, the traitor that wishes to spread chaos!”

I watched from the air as Braeburn raised his head, and spit on Blueblood, inciting a series of gasps from the crowd...and a look of disgust on Bluebloods face.

“You trash!” Blueblood shouted, as he kicked Braeburn, sending his frail form skidding back. “Men, prepare him.” He said, before returning to the crowd. “As your mayor, I see it only fit that this miscreant be punished for such crimes, therefore he will be hanged until death.”

I watched as the two cloaked stallions grabbed Braeburn, and tied a noose around his neck, as they positioned him over a panel in the center of the stage. I watched as Blueblood walked to the lever that sealed Braeburns fate, and that's when I decided I would watch no longer.

I folded my wings against my back, knife still held firm, as I dove down towards the stage. Memories flooded my mind, how I had dove at Chrysalis, but given away my position before I’d struck. I wouldn’t make the same mistake twice, I wouldn’t allow anypony else to die because of my own foolishness. This time however, I didn’t have to, as I was struck from the side as I closed in on the platform. “What the hell!?” I shouted, as I regained control of myself, and steadied out just feet above the crowd of ponies.

I saw who had hit me, a brown Pegasus with a crazed look in his eye, who only stared as we seemed to hang in the air. The gathered ponies gasped, as they turned their attention to the sky, and saw me. That's when I shot a look to Blueblood, who stood there smiling like he’d won, as he pulled the lever. “No!” I shouted as I sped off towards Braeburn, hearing the gears beneath him turn slowly, only to have that Pegasus stop me once more. I watched in horror as Braeburn feel, the rope around his neck tightening, then suddenly cringing at the loud crack that echoed out.

“Braeburn...no...I’m...I’m so sorry.” I could feel my tears swelling inside me, and I could feel the insatiable hatred I’d felt in Ponyville, begin to build once more. “I will end you!” I screamed as I flung the knife at Blueblood, and it embedded itself in the platform, only inches from him. I rushed the brown Pegasus that had caused me to fail in saving Braeburn; I tackled him midair, and slammed down on top of him as we hit the ground. “I’ll kill every last one of you!” I shouted as I struck the Pegasus several times, before reaching down in my frenzied state, snapping one of his wings at the shoulder.

He screamed, as panic spread through the crowd, some ponies ran, while others weren’t so lucky. I could feel the hooves of those who’d stayed grabbing at me, trying to pull me from the screaming Pegasus, which only pissed me off more. I saw that coward Blueblood run into town hall. “I’m coming for you Blueblood!” I cried out, as my wings lashed out, knocking back those who surrounded me. “Stop screaming!” I roared down at the Pegasus I still straddled, as I stomped a forehoof down on his throat, silencing him. I stood slowly, staring at the pony’s who gawked at me wide eyed, and frightened. “You should have run.”

My rage knew no bounds at that moment, as it swelled within me, bursting forth like a torrential cascade. I turned, swiftly kicking an approaching Unicorn across his jaw, as a sickening snap echoed out. I swung at him again, grabbing his horn, snapping it off. He quickly let out a shrill scream of pain, as I spun around, and impaled the horn into the base of his skull...effectively ending his life. “Who’s next?”

Those poor fools, rushing me, trying to stop me...they never had a chance. Another Pegasus, I saw him leap into the air, and quickly dive at me. I turned, and lined up my shot, when he’d drew in close enough I unleashed a kick that even AJ would be jealous of. His neck snapped from the force of his speeding body slamming into my back hooves, and his body feel to the ground limp as it twitched violently. How many more would come to meet their death at my hooves? I could see the fear of death slowly overtaking them, when I was tackled from behind by an Earth Pony mare.

“You stupid bitch!” I bucked, knocking her off of my body, before turning and grabbing her. I headbutted her, once...twice...three times, my face becoming more and more covered by her blood. “Just bucking die!” I shouted, as I wrapped my fore-hooves around her head, and twisted violently....decimating the vertebra. I turned, hearing another approach, and swung with everything I had as I connected with a powerful strike. Teeth flew from the skull of the idiotic stallion, as he began to fall back, I lunged. I grabbed him, wrapping my fore-hooves tightly around his waist, as I took to the air, climbing to heights well above the buildings of the town. In an instant my wings folded against my back, as I dove nose first, the stallion still locked in my grip. Thirty...twenty...ten. I’d never dove so close to the ground before. I’d always been cautious, but caution had not part in the twisted plan I’d devised, as I pulled up at the last possible moment, slamming the stallion down into two others.

I heard a symphony of broken bones, and screams, as he slammed down into the others. I landed with a resounding thud, dust encasing me, as I ran towards the pile of mangled ponies. I could hear the pained cries of one mare who’d been unfortunate enough to have tried to fight, as she writhed in agony at the bottom of the pile, tears pouring down her face. “I pity you, I pity you for the corruption that has taken hold of you, but I will show you no mercy.” I whispered down to her, before bringing my hoof down swiftly on her skull, with a gut wrenching crunch. Blood splattered onto my face and body, it’s scent so different from that of a Diamond Dogs, but the satisfaction of the kill all the same.

“End it, you bitch!”

I turned my head to see another of my stallion bomb’s victims, his hind legs broken, the bones breaking the skin. He left a trail of blood in the sun drenched dirt of Appleloosa, as he crawled away, trying to cling to his life...but it was now forfeit...forfeit to the victims that had come before him. I walked to him, and I could see the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the sweat that covered his brow...the scent of fear. I pressed my hoof down on one of his legs, inciting a primal scream of ever enduring pain.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like to be free of the burdens of life, to know the sweet embrace of death.” I turned my head and scoffed, thinking about those that had fallen, and those that would fall. “You won’t know the release of death, at least not by my hoof. Take your own life if you want, but you’re not worth my vengeance.” I twisted my hoof on his leg, as another scream escaped him, and I left him there.

My full attention was now on the one pony I would never forgive, the one pony that I would follow to Hell itself, if only to end his life.

I could only think of the ways I would make him suffer, condemning ponies to a life under Chrysalis’ corruption, and he would pay for each one. He was a coward, total scum, and I would never forget what he did to Braeburn. I could see the ponies who’d fled earlier poking their heads out, trying to see the result of the chaos they’d escaped, and smiled as I’d see them duck back in as I passed. Why did I smile? Was I enjoying this madness? Braeburn’s death...could it have been the final straw? Did my inability to save him, my failed attempt, push me to no longer care about the depravity that I killed with?

I sighed deeply as I stood at the door of town hall, only this simple wooden door, the only thing separating me from him. “Blueblood!” I shouted, as I turned and bucked the door open. “Where are you hiding, coward?”

“Coward? I assure you I am no coward.” He smiled, standing there in all his arrogance, a fencing saber clenched in his jaws. “I simply wish for some privacy while I kill you, a chance to enjoy watching your very life drain from you, as you die by my blade.”

“I will destroy you.” My ears were pinned back, my muscles tightened, and I darted forward. I was hoping to take him by surprise, to use my overwhelming speed against him, but I was the one surprised. He moved so effortlessly, as he turned, grazing my cheek with the tip of his saber...cutting a small gash across my face. I skidded to a stop, and turned to stare at him with an odd mixture of anger, and disbelief. He just stood there, tossing his mane back as he laughed, and stared at me with that condescending gaze of his.

“Ms. Dash, you simply must do better than that. But then again, I wonder if you can...I mean, I am royalty after all. I’m far above those common class ruffians you slew outside, and I’ve only gotten stronger with the Queen’s influence. Why, I don’t even think you can touch me.”

“Yeah, I seriously doubt you’re as good as you think.” I said with a wicked smile, as he stared at me with a puzzled gaze, when he noticed the cut that bleed on his shoulder. His eyes went wide, as I just stood there, my eyes locked on him.

“But...but how, you couldn’t have gotten that close to me, I...I mean I cut you?”

“Yeah you did, but I got you as well Bluebitch, and without you even being able to see it.” I paused and lifted my wing, catching the knife that fell with my hoof, with a smile. “You really should take the time to consider if your enemy has a weapon. I mean, you should always assume they do, even if you don’t see it.” I rushed him, he reacted, we clashed. I held the knife tightly in my jaws, as I pushed against the force of his weight, and tried to push him back. He didn’t give up though, as he bared down on me, trying with all he had to kill me.

I brought my hoof up swiftly, landing a harsh strike against his ribs, buckling his legs as I threw him off balance. I leaned back, making several swift precision cuts across his body, as blood trickled down each of his legs. He fell to the wooden floor with a resounding thud, as he stared at me in wide eyed disbelief, all while I smiled.

“How dare you tou...” I stepped forward, kicking him in the jaw, causing a chunk of his tongue to be severed between his teeth. He screamed incoherent words, blood pooling in his mouth, as he spoke. He coughed and gagged, spurting the blood out between quickened breathes, stray droplets staining my face.

“You don’t get to speak, in fact, you don’t even get to walk.” I gestured to his legs, as his eyes trailed down each of them, finally noticing the deep gashes across his fetlocks. “You can’t run, you can’t speak...you can’t have any hope left.” I walked past him, grabbing a tuft of his hair in my jaws, as I dragged him towards the door...blood marking the path he drug. I pulled him out into the street, hearing faint sobs, or at least I think they were sobs...it was hard to tell with all the gurgling. I pulled him up onto the platform, that Braeburn still hung from, and released him from my grasp. I pulled the knife I’d thrown earlier from the platform, as I moved to cut the rope that held Braeburn, lowering him to the ground gently. “I’m sorry Braeburn, I tried...I really, really tried.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Blueblood’s eyes slowly start to close, and turned from Braeburn.

“Oh no, you aren’t getting off that easy. You’re gonna suffer.” I kicked him in the ribs, causing him to cough violently, sending out another mist of blood. I took what rope was left, and tied it around Blueblood’s hind legs, before pulling him into the air. “You’re gonna die slowly, Blueblood. You’re gonna have time to feel every ounce of pain I inflict on you, every second of which will be your repentance for those you corrupted.”

He stared at me, and even as death surrounded him, he still carried that condescending look. No matter what I would have done to him, I still feel as if it wouldn’t have been enough, no matter what sick things I could have done...he would not change. “You sicken me.” I started, as I tied the rope off, and let him hang freely in the air. “I can’t believe you were considered family of Celestia, I can’t believe you would betray her.”

I sighed as I walked back to Braeburn, and knelt down, closing his eyes. “Tell AJ and the others I said hi, and I’m sorry, but I can’t see them...not just yet.” I picked the knife up, that I’d laid at his side, and turned back to Blueblood. “Can you feel your very life bleed from you?” I asked, as I cut a gash in his side, causing him to shout. I didn’t stop, I cut another, then another, walking around him...cutting him at random. I stopped when I saw tears streaming down his blood soaked face, his chest heaving in a mix of pain, fear, and hopelessness.

“How much of a coward can you be, sire? At least die like a man!” I was angry, no I was pissed, how could he so confidently end lives, yet weep like a child as he saw the end of his draw near? I couldn’t take it, my mind became crowded with whispers, voices of my past calling to me. I could see them all, as I held my head between my forelegs, and screamed. The fury was overwhelming, and suddenly without warning, I found myself embedding the knife I held deeply into Bluebloods chest. I could hear his lungs rattle, as the last few breathes he would ever breathe escaped him, and death finally took him.

I turned from the blood drenched corpse that hung there, and went back to Braeburn’s side, lifting his frail body onto my back. I carried him through the deserted streets of Appleloosa, and out to the graveyard, where I’d left Silverstar’s body. I could smell the disgusting scent of his body as I approached, cringing as I watched the buzzards picking away flesh, from the swollen body of Appleloosa’s deceased sheriff.

I buried Braeburn out there, I didn’t have any kind of marker, so I hung his hat from the stick I’d dug into the ground. I wish that I could have done more, but I still had work to do. I still had evil to destroy. Appleloosa was the first place to truly open my eyes to the dangers of Chrysalis' corruption, the first place where I killed a fellow pony, the first place I found myself able to make a difference. With Blueblood gone, perhaps the pony’s of Appleloosa would be free of the corruption, or maybe not, I only knew if I stayed...many, many more would die.

I stayed long enough to fill a few canteens with water, and find a cloak, to shroud myself from the sun’s rays. I did also manage to find a proper weapon, a short sword with a scabbard, that I tied under my wing to conceal. Once I was set, I waited until the sun began to set, following it’s path to the West. I didn’t know where I was going, I’ve heard Los Pegasus was nice, and I’m sure there were others there in need of somepony like me. Somepony who wasn’t beyond taking life, who didn’t mind standing among death, somepony who was the embodiment of death itself.

I glanced back over my shoulder one final time, staring at Braeburn’s grave, as the sun cast a golden light upon it. Call me crazy, but as I stared, I could almost see the light gold Earth Pony smiling...and waving goodbye. I smiled, as a tear rolled down my cheek, and I turned from Appleloosa. I knew one day I would return, but not until I could kill Chrysalis, and free the ponies that called this place home. “See you later, cowpony...I guess I’m gonna carry this burden.” I whispered, as I walked off into the setting sun, and towards a new day of death.