The world is mean and bleak. All that remains is acres upon acres of scorched earth with unimaginable levels of insanity strewn across it. The world is dead, deader than dead. What was harmony is now disharmony, nothing but a pure void of living Tartarus.

A soul that reflects on what the Equestrian nation used to be has one last and final thought of the downfall of civilised society. Where he stood when there was no disaster looming over the governmental powers of Equestria.

Rating:Teen (for themes)

There is some blood in this, but only used lightly, so if you are uncomfortable with visualising blood, reader discretion is advised!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This story isn't intended to be a Fallout: Equestria-related piece of fanfiction, but quite the opposite. It is a piece of work I wanted to try out as a test of how I build a gloomy, sympathetic and empathetic atmosphere in the setting of an apocalypse. Nothing more, nothing less.

For many long years, Twilight Sparkle worked to try to reform Cozy Glow. She'd be released from her stone prison periodically for a new reformation attempt, and she'd inevitably end up trying to conquer Equestria again. Being turned into a statue became a regular habit for her over the years. There were always more chances to conquer Equestria, always another attempt to reform her, and she wasn't aware of the passage of time each period she was committed to her prison.

Until one day, she was released again—only to find no one was there.

Cover Art by Shaslan

Twilight feels compelled to use to reflection pool to duplicate herself, what could go wrong?

Pinkie Pie knows that life isn't just one big party. Sometimes bad things happen, and ponies can get hurt, sick, or even die. But one thing she knows for sure is that the day will never come in which a young filly's birthday goes uncelebrated. In fact, the very notion is so far beyond her comprehension she cannot even begin to entertain it.

That is, until it does...

What's it like, knowing one of your best friends tried to kill almost everypony in the world who looked like you?

Sometimes Pinkie Pie would wake up from a nightmare, and remember.

Soon she started hoarding cans of paint...for her own protection, she said. But that was only the beginning.