A scientist does some field research just outside Ponyville. She brings an idea with her that is new to the Mane 6.

The last moments are the hardest. What does the life-long apple orchard keeper and adventurer Applejack - Element of Honesty - think about as she experiences them?

For ponies, life can be a game that's exciting and wondrous.
For the eternal goddesses, death is sometimes a game, stressful and frightening.

Equestria has driven off several horrors to keep the beautiful pony way of life alive. The agent of chaos known as Discord, the demon that infected a Princess' heart known as Night Mare Moon, other and sundry lesser threats.

The Princess-goddesses Luna and Celestia have long been loving protectors of the ponies and the land, both directly and through the careful choosing of those among the ponies who are just a bit special. Those ponies who felt the True Courage.

Now Equestria faces something new. Something not even Night Mare Moon could be called. Something truly evil, and so powerful that there is doubt that even the Elements of Harmony will be of any use in defending ponykind.

(Cover image by =thecruelone, on DeviantART http://thecruelone.deviantart.com/ - used without permission)