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// A Certain Magical Sunset - Act 1 - 07 - Interlude 1 - Dust in Elysium 
// Story: A Certain Magical Sunset 
// by Babroniedad 
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Interlude 1 - Dust in Elysium



Lightning Dust was at peace.  She had never known such joy and contentment.  Everything was perfect. No predators to attack them. Countless miles of open fields full of delicious grains and fruits. Pure clean water and friends to travel with, her herd mates, as they ran through the open fields of Elysium.  Every waking moment she was filled with joy, happiness, and great gratitude.  With Love, she thought of Sunset, the woman she tried to kill who had unexpectedly not only forgiven her but had prayed fervently for her redemption and her eternal happiness.  Because of that, here she was, joyfully bounding through the fertile fields of Elysium forever with her new friends. She wanted for nothing and knew nothing but joy.  She would do anything for Sunset and her great grandmother Faust, her heart bursting with joyful gratitude for the wonderful gift of redemption she had been given.

Her one regret was that she couldn't share her joy with her best friend Gilda.  She loved Gilda so much before her own passing. She fervently wished she could offer Gilda the same grace that had been shown to her.  If she could do anything to help her soul sister Gilda embrace forgiveness, to turn from the hate and anger that consumed her, embracing harmony, love, and compassion, she would do it in a heartbeat.

As Dust was ruminating on these thoughts, Faust flew in and joined the herd.  She trotted over to Dust and nuzzled her gently.

“Dear Dust, how are you doing?” she asked with a smile.  “I sense great peace in your soul, though you are troubled by something.  Share with me what troubles you, my dear gentle soul.”

Dust smiled up at Faust and nuzzled her back.  “Thank you dear Faust for claiming me and bringing me into this paradise, instead of turning me out to the darkness I so richly deserved.”

“Dear Dust, grace claimed you as her own and you embraced her.  Sunset and I are overjoyed that you are here and at peace.  Know that you belong here by grace, and no one will ever be able to gainsay that.  You are mine for the rest of eternity, and through me, you are our Maker's child.  Never again will anyone be able to wrest that from you.”

“And for that, I am and will be forever grateful.  The only darkness in my happiness, the last wish I have from my life before, is that my best friend, my soul sister Gilda, could know the peace and happiness I’ve found. I’d do anything to make that happen, whatever it takes, to share with her the joy I’ve been given for eternity,” sighed Dust.

“You have a kind and generous heart.  The Maker is overjoyed by the compassion you express for your friend as well as the fact that you are willing to endure anything for her sake, so she may join you through eternity.  That is precious to Her.  Know that She has heard your heartfelt prayers and intercessions, and Wills also what you desire.  If you are willing, I can offer you a path to share redemption with your friend.  It will be hard and requires much work and sacrifice, but if you are willing, you can give her the same opportunity that was given to you,” smiled Faust.

“I would do anything.  Yes, I accept.  Whatever is needed I will do!” affirmed Dust.

“So be it.  It will be as you say.  The road will be long and difficult, but in the end, your friend will share your joy if you can endure it,” promised Faust.

“Be it done unto me according to Her Will,” Dust accepted.