what happened to Keter? (5)

There are four ponies in the orchard.

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One of them goes deeper into the forest, walking amongst the dead trees. It reminds him of summertime at home, except there is no noise. He is alone here. Alone as always.

You follow him. He doesn’t know it yet. But he will. They all will. Six of them went to Canterlot. You’ll deal with them later.

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When he hears the music it’s too late. He looks around, confused. His ear twitches as you walk up behind him. His eyes go wide. He tries to scream. You raise a hoof to his neck and it passes through. 

He falls to the ground and doesn’t move. You smile as you feel the energy running through your hooves. It makes you happy. You look to the right and you can almost see her. It’s faint, because his energy isn’t enough. But it gives you hope.

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There are three ponies in the orchard. One is by the barn, running a hoof along a plow. She senses that something is wrong. Looking up, she sees you. The music drowns out her screams. Your forehooves pass through her eyes. 

On your right, she grows stronger. You can see her mane now. It’s the same as when you buried her. Just like it always is. You can almost picture that dress you gave her for her fourth birthday. And the smile on her face.

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There are two ponies in the orchard. One’s looking for the others. She calls out their names, panic crawling into her voice. It’s almost enough to make you pity her. But you don’t. 

Your blood can save the world. But it won’t bring her back. So you don’t. She sees you. She screams and runs. You close your eyes and hear the music. You glide along, nodding to its beats and rhythms. You’re on top of her in seconds. Your hooves float through her back and her body falls to the ground, carried by momentum if nothing else.

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There is one pony in the orchard. He hears the screaming. Now he’s hiding in the farmhouse. He’s clutching his little black box now, screaming into it. Nobody hears him. Nobody answers.

You climb the steps and pass through the door. He tries to fight you. He fails. You want to have fun with this one. You have a cord of rope from the barn. One end goes on the rafters. One end goes around his neck.

He writhes and screams, clawing at the rope. With every scream she grows stronger. You can see her outline now, standing next to you. Whispering in your ear. Saying that she loves you.

After a while he stops moving.

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Because she isn’t gone. She’s just a phantom.

And phantoms are forever.