Chapter 16
Confronting the End
"Well, yes, but it doesn't explain why it won't die."
"You misunderstand me Luna." Celestia sighed, looking away. "It died and fell to the ground, the morning I decided to come here."
"Died?" Luna asked, a surprised look on her face. "The Raven died? But what could that mean? Do you think it's words are finally coming true?"
"I fear so sister."
"If so, then we have every reason to be wary of things, do we not sister?" Luna said, looking around the town as they all went about their daily lives. "Has it really been a year?"
"Hm?"
"It's been only a year since I..." Luna sighed, looking away. "Rebelled, once again."
"Yes, that is so." Celestia chuckled, a soft smile on her face, as she patted Luna's back. "But this time, I didn't have to lose you." She sighed as Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Shinze approached them. "So, you come to greet me? Or do you plan on kicking me out once more Rainbow Dash?"
"No, not this time around." Rainbow sighed, looking at each of them. "For where were going, we're going to need as much help as we can muster."
Shinze chuckled, as the group sighed. "It seems like you all have prepared for the worst." He said, patting Rainbow Dash on the back. "Do not fret, though the one we march against could very well be a god, we will crawl from the dirt and grime of death. And march on home."
"You never seem to make any sense in these moments Shinze..." Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head. "Listen, if all things go south, I need you on damage control." She said, sliding over to him. "As in, keep the ponies here and distracted."
"Oh, don't worry." Shinze chuckled, turning to leave the group. "I've already got that stuff covered." He smiled, as he turned into a youthful looking unicorn stallion. "Things will be just peachy."
"Right..." Celestia sighed, shaking her head. "I don't think I'll ever get used to the Changelings..."
"Nor will many of the ponies." Luna agreed, chuckling softly.
"I don't like lying to ponies..." Rainbow Dash said, as she watched the strange creature that sat before her play the piano. "You should know where my loyalties lie Teacher." She continued, as she sat watching it's reptilian hands pass over the piano as if in a trance. "How do you know this will even work? What if they don't come?"
"They will." The Teacher said, nodding as he played the piano. "It has been my plan for this to happen for centuries. Ever since I saw those two young fillies enter my sight, I knew the time would come."
"What time?"
"Death will soon descend upon the world," The teach continued, standing up rom his piano. "Unavoidable death, that comes with the changing of the guard."
Rainbow Dash sighed as she took a deep breath, watching the small group of ponies before her. They each trusted her, and not telling them everything left a sour taste in her mouth. One that she hoped to forget with time. I can't die... She thought to herself, looking out of the boat, that was bringing them to The Teacher's hide out hidden from sight. Celestia, Luna, even Discord will die before me... She sighed again, as Applejack and Twilight approached her. "Is everything alright?" Twilight asked, a soft smile upon her face.
"Were in this together remember." Applejack added, nodding.
"Please tell us," Twilight continued, patting Rainbow's shoulder. "You can trust us remember?"
"I know." Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head. "It's just..."
"Bring them to me... I need them..."
"It just seems so..."
"Strange?"
"Well yeah," Rainbow dash chuckled, shaking her head again. "Little over ten years ago we barely knew each other. Now here you guys are, coming with me on a trip that we might not come back from."
"It's because we trust you Rainbow." Applejack said, smiling as her and Twilight hugged her. "We trust you, not only in what you say, but that you'll be able to get all of us back to the Lunar Republic." She chuckled, nodding.
"They speak the truth Rainbow Dash." Luna said, as she walked over to them, leaving Celestia and Discord to fight over the last piece of cake. "Though the events of the past have lead us to this very moment, we would gladly risk our lives for you. And each other."
"I know..." Rainbow sighed, looking away. "Things just seem to be confusing me as of late."
"Power... I need power... More power... Bring them to me..."
"They confuse all of us." Luna nodded, a soft smile on her face as Twilight and Applejack left, heading towards the food table. "When did the voice start?"
"Huh?" Rainbow said, blinking in confusion. "I... I don't know what your talking about."
"Do not take me for a fool Rainbow Dash." Luna said, shaking her head. "I once was host to the same markings in my youth, in case you forget."
"So... I'm not going crazy?"