CHAPTER 10: MELANCHOLY
As Eve stood atop the floating disk shaped platform, looking at this doppelganger of her's introduce itself, she couldn't help but cock a brow due to the name. "E-Eris?...."
The second draconequus known only known as Eris smirked, circling Eve with interest as she moved around the platform. "Yes; Eris. Don't spend your time dwelling on it, my name isn't important. What I'd like to talk about is you. Your understanding of all this, how is it little one? This very world you're standing in, your strange magic, do you comprehend any of it?"
Eve looked up at Eris with a pondering expression, before looking back towards the ground nervously. "W-Well I...I don't really understand it in detail, I don't see how I can.....I just wanted to use it to be with momma.."
Eris smirked as she moved behind Eve. "Ah yes, momma, the mare. You truly care for her don't you? Even though you've recently met her, you've found your connection to her far more valuable than anything else you've ever come across. Losing her is no different from losing your world. I for one find this interesting. It's been quite a long time since I've seen such influence amongst the draconequus youth, millennia even, but where did this influence originate I wonder." Eris then snapped her claws as she made her way to Eve's side. As she did this, she touched upon the ground then placing her paw on her hip still with that interested smile.
Then emerging from the shadows were two figures Eve recognized all too well.
As Eve looked at them, her eyes widened. She was at a loss for words as she slowly began walking towards them, unsure what to think as she did so. She couldn't really manage to say anything, and soon she stopped herself. She looked at the figures with obvious craving, but still; she'd stopped approaching them.
These two figures were none other than Eve's real parents. Of course they were simply shades, imitations of the real thing, but not the real thing itself.
As Eve looked at them wide-eyed, Eris couldn't help but notice the baby draconequus didn't seem too eager to go and see them.
This caused Eris to cock a brow with interest. "Hmhm; interesting. Although you crave that parental affection, you still choose the mare over them. They may give you acceptance, but they have left you alone to fend for yourself, this ‘momma’ of yours is different, at least that's how you seem to portray it. It's touching really; but it doesn't change the fact that your desires have obviously been met with resistance." Eris chuckled in amusement as she levitated some and then summoned a throne to her liking. She sat on it then rested her head on her paw smirking. "I can't blame them though, my influence stretches far and wide, and is far more interesting than ponies linear magic. They are simply afraid, afraid of what you may become, and they should be." Eris giggled looking to the lower left, lowering her voice some as if reflecting on some things herself. "Although I must say, the one known as Twilight; her paranoia is quite intriguing; if not a little dangerous as well."
Eris then snapped her claw once more and the shades of Eve's parents disappeared.
Eve looked at them go with a saddened expression, and only by Eris's actions did she realize herself how much they meant to her now, and it wasn't much. She looked up at Eris on her throne with a puzzled expression, something the fellow draconequus had said caught her attention. "Y-Your influence?"
Eris looked down at Eve, giving her a look of adoration. "Yes little Eve; my influence. Chaos is everywhere, it is a part of this world one cannot deny, and as much as they hate to admit it, the world cannot progress without it. Chaos brings forth order, and order in itself is well; progress towards the things these ponies seem to value. Even now, the chaos of one who has dwelt here before lingers. It is a very large influence on this very world of the dream." Eris looked around with interest. "But it seems this realm of the dream is more focused on the aspect of nightmares. Scary."
Eve blinked a bit, still peering up at Eris curiously. "But why did you bring me here?"
Eris looked back down towards Eve with a blank expression. "Ah yes....that...." She then looked up, as if lost in her own thoughts before exclaiming. "Because I like you. It's as simple as that."
Eve continued looking up at her as Eris glanced back down at Eve with a cold look.
When she did this it was as if the mood had suddenly shifted for the worse, and the fellow draconequus was no longer attempting to be humorous in her approach.
Eris spoke simply. "I am unable to intervene much; for reasons I will not delve into. I am only here to give you fair warning little Eve; and a chance. Many would find it surprising but, I to care about those that struggle with my gifts. I am not heartless. I have watched you for some time, and even now you're one who seems to possess traits I have not seen for quite some time in young draconequus. I would be quite sad to see you go."
There was a looming silence.
Eve simply continued to look up at Eris with her full attention.
Eris stated in a cold tone. "You will die, Eve."
Eve's pupils dilated as she felt a shiver run down her spine.
Eris continued. "Unless you accept my gifts in full."
She paused for a moment, before cocking her head to the left with a sigh. "You can no longer be afraid of using your powers, or worry about what others think of you. You must realize that in order for you to get what you want, you must kill to survive. Your innocence is something that I value, but I would much rather see you accept reality rather than perish here. Your adoptive mother, however, is a complication, and I fear that your attachment to her will cost you everything. But the trials ahead matter little unless you deal with the ones set before you now. This world holds many secrets Eve, secrets younglings such as yourself couldn't grasp in a thousand years. The rulers of this world and the secrets they hide are beyond comprehension. And as you are now, you're not ready to face such a world, and the ones who inhabit it."
Eris's expression worsened. "My time here is short; but I have allowed you this small window of opportunity. In this world there are six others that have caused you much pain, I'm sure you're aware of who they are." Eris then snapped her claw as a portal then appeared in the middle of the circular platform. "This portal will lead you back to the real world; outside the influence of this nightmare. It is all I can provide for you in here." She glared at Eve. "But I must know that you're able to accept the idea of allowing these six to perish, that you're able to accept the idea of saving yourself. You may decide to guide them out of the nightmare, but I pray that you make the right decision. I warn you again Eve; you must learn to take things for what they are, your childish innocence is certainly something I find treasurable, but it is also a hindrance to your well-being. I cannot stress this enough: trusting them will only lead to your demise."
Eris crossed her arms; then closed her eyes. "You must decide for yourself whether you're willing to do what's necessary; for once you leave, there is no coming back, and there is no escape for those who remain. Whoever the basis is for such a place possessed magic darker than even that of pure chaos, to remain here, is to never awake from the dream. I have granted you this chance in the hopes of eliminating your enemies for you; a free pass if you will. And ensuring that you'll be ready for the future ahead. It is not often I intervene in the lives of other creatures."
All this information was a little too much for the baby draconequus to take in; but she understood the basic concepts. She simply continued to listen, a little overwhelmed as she stared at Eris above.
Eris sighed. "I would much rather tell you to just leave; but, I know then you'd only remain the same. This is a change you must go through yourself. So please tell me, you shall decide to leave while knowing this information?"
Eve didn't know what to say, this talk of rulers, secrets, realm of the nightmare, everything seemed so confusing to her. But she understood one thing: whoever this Eris was had granted her a chance, a chance to escape, a chance to be with Cheerilee. All she'd have to do is sacrifice one thing, her morality. Her compassion held her back, and Eris could see that. Her young innocence would cost her everything if she didn't dispose of it. She had to delve into the darkness of her heart in order to get what she wanted, she had to accept that chaos was the only way. Sacrificing the mane six would simply be the first step on a much darker path for the baby draconequus. But still; she'd be able to be with Cheerilee, and perhaps figure out a solution to all of this. Princess Celestia and Luna didn't know the whole situation, perhaps Discord would catch on but if Eve left she'd be more careful, ensure she wouldn't get caught, or at least increase her chances. All she had to do was step through that portal, and leave the six here to dwell in the nightmare. Either way, a free pass was a free pass, and it'd be quite foolish to pass up.
But then she thought of Cheerilee. Cheerilee; the caring affectionate mare who took her in for this short period of time and gave her love and affection, a home, and a name.
That wasn't chaos, that was tranquility.
As Eve thought about Cheerilee, tears filled her eyes as she looked at the portal leaving this twisted realm, and she felt ashamed she'd even considered it. No; she didn't want to be a monster, no matter what it ensured. She didn't want to make anymore mistakes, and she knew that Cheerilee would never approve of such a decision. Cheerilee showed her compassion, and that's what mattered, that's what you needed to show others. Her adoptive mother set the example.
Cheerilee was what she wanted to be like as well.
So Eve stated simply. "I...I'm going to stay Eris...I don't want to leave them here..."
At this, Eris's expression saddened dramatically.
She simply looked down at Eve for a moment, as if relishing in her presence one last time. "I see....I'm sorry to hear that..." Eris then closed her eyes, further explaining the situation. "Well, if you want to help them, you must gaze down into the labyrinth below. Each are separated into six of their own individual sectors, they themselves must defeat their own nightmares, as I've learned from this strange realm. If they do they should be able to attempt to figure a way out. But this platform is my only form of control within this realm, it shall allow you to control how the labyrinth works, so I suggest you don't fall." Eris looked at Eve with sigh. "Your time is limited, so I'd suggest if they don't show soon, you simply leave. As said my influence in this realm is based solely on the actual bearers previous essence, but ultimately, it is still not my own. Eventually this place will be consumed and lost to the influence of the nightmare once more." She paused "I do hope you reconsider, little Eve..."
Eve shook her head with a slight smile. "These ponies are only doing what they think is best...so I will too..."
Eris smiled softly at the baby draconequus, almost as if inspired by her, giving her caring affectionate eyes. Eris chuckled. "Hehe; that mare really did instill something into you hm?...Or perhaps such compassion has always been there..."
Eris then slowly began to disperse and disappear, but she didn't take her eyes off Eve as she did so. "And as said, it seems now, I also must depart...... Goodbye little Eve, I'm very glad I got this chance to meet you."
Eve smiled at Eris. "I'm happy I got to meet you too."
Eris cocked her head to the right with a giggle and cheesy smile, and soon after, she was gone.
Eve just continued to stare at the spot where Eris had just been with a look of awe for a moment.
But the mysterious draconequus was gone now, and she knew she wasn't coming back. But the moment Eris left, Eve felt a sudden shift in the balance of this realm, and it was accompanied by a sound. It sounded like a bellowing roar, as Eve looked off into the distance and noticed the labyrinth below was slowly being consumed by the darkness that surrounded it at the distant edges.
So it seemed their time already was running out.
Eve looked back at the portal once more before looking back down into the labyrinth with a worried expression. It seemed that she couldn't even use her magic here, she felt it within her, it was as if she were a mere shell of her former self. All she could do was use this platform to hopefully guide the mane six to this destination when they appeared, she only hoped they'd all hurry before it was too late.
As Twilight stood in her room with her supposed doppelganger, she couldn't help but continuously glare at it with a look of discontent.
Her doppelganger smirked. "You're only going to end up disappointing everypony you know."
Twilight cocked a brow. "Is that so?"
Her doppelganger nodded. "Mhm, you don't got the stones to figure out something like this Twilight, and that's why I'll always be better than you. In the end it's going to be your own lack of perception and better judgement that fails you. You're going to fail Spike, your friends, Princess Celestia, and most importantly, yourself."
Twilight glared at the doppelganger, gritting her teeth some before looking towards the ground. "Tch, this is a waste of time."
Her doppleganger chuckled. "And why's that?"
Twilight then smirked, looking her doppelganger in the eyes. "Because, I've already dealt with you before. You don't scare me, and I know you're only here to fill me with doubt, but it won't work. I know I've got what it takes to succeed, perhaps if you tried this awhile back I might've been fooled, but your mind games are just comedic now. You're just a pitiful shade, and my willpower, and the knowledge my friends have instilled in me are more than enough to deal with you."
“Friendship, what a pathetic illusion. Mark my words Twilight; you are going to ignore the promises of Friendship before the end.” A pathway of light through the darkness opened up behind Twilight. “I gave you a chance to admit your faults and surrender. Don’t look back, you no longer have a choice.” The doppelganger vanished as the closing darkness swallowed her up, leaving Twilight with one final message. "You're in way over your head Twilight Sparkle. I only hope it's all worth it in the end."
Twilight's vast room then suddenly lit up as towards the back, a passageway had opened up. She took a few steps back before galloping down the only way out, and she couldn't hide a slightly nervous look placating her features, her doppelganger's words, echoing in her mind as she did so.
The hooves that pulled her up were cold, lifeless. It only made Fluttershy want to cry more, a copy of herself with such a barren nature scared her down to her feathers. And the voice especially, hearing her own voice used in such a cruel manner... “Let’s face it! This world is falling away as we speak... No, as I stand here and shout at you for being such a stupid klutz, that you’ve got no hope of getting out before everything crumbles!” Fluttershy dropped onto her hooves again, stumbling further down to her knees. It was so mean of her to make herself feel bad, especially when there could very well be an actual threat lurking out there.
“What did I expect? You’re just going to sit there and cry, aren’t you? Well tough luck Fluttershy! Your friends aren’t here to give you a kick in the flank to get moving, so grow a pair of wings and do something yourself for once!” A pathway of light opened in front of the sobbing mare, who took one look at it and resumed crying. This caused the upright Fluttershy to shake her head in severe disappointment. “Too bad, I’m done here. You’ve got about thirty or so seconds to make up your mind.” The second Fluttershy backed into the darkness once more.
It took ten seconds at least for Fluttershy to realize that she was now completely alone. Even though her other self was mean, it was far better than being alone altogether. Panic overwhelmed her quickly! “Wait! I’m sorry! I’ll... I’ll try to do better!” With one hoof, she wiped away most of the tears that had coated her face. A lot of mental determination went into placing that hoof onto the pathway before her. When it met a solid surface, she breathed in heavily to regain her composure. “I can do this; my friends are counting on me.” Despite the self-reassurance, she whimpered through the entire gallop down to safety.
Pinkie could only stare back at the copy of herself. It brought back very bad memories, not just of the Mirror Pool either. “But... but...” It wasn’t a matter of lacking the words to speak; she had plenty of questions and theories to voice. Ironically, it was her voice itself that refused to work. And the darker copy of herself continued to stare through into her very being. The extreme opposite, dangerous in every way conceivable. And Pinkie Pie was the most vulnerable pony to her ways in all of existence.
“Don’t apologize; I’m not really here, am I? I’m just that shell you choose to hide behind when all the air in your head gets let out.” Pinkie’s eyes sank downward to the surface below. It was all true, she just chose to ignore it and move on with her life. But here, there was nothing to move onto; she had to face what was put in front of her. Was it some sort of twisted fate? Had she done something bad enough that deserved forcing her to face her flaws?
Her doppelganger simply looked at her with a tired expression. "You don't need to say anything. It looks like we both already know there's no point in discussing what we already realize. How long have you kept me in the dark Pinkie, and how long are you planning to keep running from your desires? Masking them beneath some goofy persona, is that what truly makes you happy? ...I suggest you think about it."
Pinkie simply kept silent as her expression worsened and she lowered her head.
Her doppelganger gave her a soft smile. "I don't want to live your life; and I don't want to be here either. I find it funny that I've been called out in such a place, but I am happy I got to see you."
Pinkie glanced up at her doppelganger in a reflective manner, but still kept her head lowered.
Pinkie's doppelganger didn't seem to put up much resistance. It simply started to back away slowly, further into the shadows. "I'll be around when you need me, and you know where to find me. Now hurry along, your time is running out."
And then she was gone.
Pinkie raised a hoof at her disappearing doppelganger in a pleading manner. "W-Wait!"
But there was no reply, and Pinkie's room soon opened up to reveal a passage.
Pinkie sat there in silence for a moment, glancing to the lower left. Soon she eventually went back to all fours and trotted slowly out of the room, making her way into the labyrinth.
It felt almost like one of Daring Do’s adventures, although she didn’t have an alter ego that liked to dress in Nightmare Night costumes. Had she decided to wear her Wonderbolts outfit, the scene would be perfect for a movie poster all the same. Staring back into the glowing eyes of a Shadowbolt version of herself, it was too cool to be real. “Stop gawking Dash! If you want to marry an evil version of yourself, leave me out of it!” Shadow Dash stood firmly on the edge of the light circle, well away from Rainbow Dash while she continued to stare.
She finally registered what her counterpart had implied. “What? Hey, how can you blame me for liking a pony who is as awesome and spectacular as anypony can get?” Shadow Dash nodded in a sort of agreement with her point. “But seriously now, what’s with the get up? Not that being a Shadowbolt is uncool or anything, but we are standing in the middle of nothing. I figured I’d at least get to do a little bit of fighting.”
Shadow Dash shrugged, kicking the ground beside her to bring up a way out. “Sorry, but I’m only here to tell you that you shouldn’t bother trying to make a difference in the times to come. Just get on with your life, and don’t take the Elements of Harmony seriously. Less heartache that way.” Rainbow Dash sneered as the Shadowbolt vanished into the darkness again. Don’t take the Elements of Harmony seriously, I’ll show me. She shook her head at the absolute absurdity of what she was thinking before bolting off.
Rainbow grinned as she then attempted to fly, flapping her wings. But as she did so, she found she couldn't get off the ground. She blinked a bit, puzzled and somewhat panicked. She realized though this was a strange place so in a way it did make sense even though it didn't. Rainbow sighed as she just started trotting hurriedly down the path and into the labyrinth.
Rarity flicked her mane in an attempt to keep her composure. A copy of herself wanted to have a little chitchat, in the middle of a horrible emptiness. “You do realize darling that this is absolutely absurd. What are we supposed to talk about, when there is quite literally nothing here?” The other Rarity looked back at her with an expression of agreement.
“Actually dear, this void is slowly collapsing in on itself, and you need to make your escape. But first, be ready for some rather unpleasant times ahead. Twilight isn’t going to be herself, and you’re going to have to make the best of things. That’s all.” Rarity blinked at her duplicate. That wasn’t much of a talk at all, more like a brief lecture about independence. “I would say more, but time and space here is quickly ceasing to exist here. You do understand, right?”
There wasn’t time for Rarity to formulate a response before her counterpart simply vanished. “Well, I can’t really blame her for leaving when I’m apparently in danger of universal collapse, whatever that means.” In the far distance, a set of walls seemed to appear. A path to those walls conveniently appeared. “Well, it just goes to show what you can achieve by taking a moment to observe your surroundings.” With that, she began on a leisurely trot towards the only viable destination she could see. It was nice to talk with somepony as sophisticated and reasonable as herself.
Applejack had to do a drowsy triple take before finally looking back at herself. “Oh for pony’s sake, I swear I wasn’t drinkin’ cider before I fell asleep. Especially ‘cause Applebloom’s in the house.” The other Applejack looked at her in total confusion before dropping her down again. There was a long pause before she worked out just how to respond to her.
“AJ, you’re not drunk or anything. You’re going to have to pucker up and get movin’, because otherwise you’re going to have one very long nap. Oh, and when you do wake up... Expect to see a lot of lyin’ going on.” Applejack took her time to get up again. She had forgotten Applebloom when she first arrived, seeing herself had somehow reminded her of that. And yet, she lacked the motivation to get going and save her.
While she peered across the empty void, a faint structure in the distance appeared. “Well, looks like I’m up for one hike in the dark, unless...” For a moment, she expected some sort of pathway to appear for her to follow. No such event occurred. “Fine, what was I thinking anyway? I just hope the others can stand walking through darkness like this.” Her hoof met a solid surface outside of the circle of light. It was encouragement enough for her to begin the gallop to safety.
It was at times like this the mane six realized that their friendship for each other, their memories of their experiences, and the idea of sticking together were their greatest strengths. Although their individual personalities shined for them as well, they wouldn't be consumed by some simple night terrors, not after everything they'd dealt with.
They were the Elements of Harmony, and nightmares, were outdated. Or so they thought.
But even as powerful as they were, they wouldn't be able to best this realm without some help.
And that help came in the most unlikely of forms.
Eve peered down at the labyrinth, squinting some with a paranoid expression. Where were they? The labyrinth itself seemed like an entire city of its own. Of course, to her, the wait for them to defeat their six doppelgangers, shadows, or nightmares or whatever they were seemed to drag on for an eternity. This realm itself wasn't going to wait for them either, already the world had begun to combust and be consumed by the evil essence that infested it. To think that Eris was able to accomplish sending them here was amazing in itself, did chaos truly have such broad possibilities that it could even manage to mix with other's magical essence? Did that mean all creatures that could use magic possessed some world of their own? Some intimate connection to their spells giving it its own personal identity in some form? Magic was a very mysterious thing and worked in very unpredictable ways, which of course Eve had learned that by this point. She couldn't help but wonder which pony or creature this world was based on. And she also pondered the idea if some creature possessed this subconscious world at some point, then did Eris have her own realm as well? Is that where she dwelled? Of course Eris could have just sent the mane six here and let the baby draconequus go but, then she wouldn't have been able to get her point across. Eve could still leave, she could still choose to save herself over the others, but, that's not what Cheerilee would've approved of, and that's not what she wanted either. The mane six weren't bad ponies, and nopony deserved to be stuck in an endless nightmare, with no clear signs of escape besides Eris's portal.
No; they'd make it out of here together.
Eve wasn't thinking about it of course but, perhaps this could win her some acceptance amongst the mane six if she even properly explained the situation to them. Even though she said she'd do anything to be with Cheerilee; and in some way basically got them in this scenario, she still wasn't exactly involved with the entire process of sending them here. Maybe they'd understand, well, not likely but hey, it was worth a shot. The thought caused Eve to chuckle.
BOOM!
Eve's eyes snapped wide as she immediately looked in the direction of what sounded like a cataclysmic explosion. And indeed it was, at the far edges of this nightmarish world; in the looming darkness. The explosion however seem more like an astral one, exploding into a stream of stars and cosmic dust clouds. They were mesmerizing and beautiful, but Eve didn't really want to consider what'd happen once those explosions arrived at this very spot. She then peered back down at the area below, trying to catch sight of the mane six, any of them at least. They needed to hurry.
Eve began doing a nervous dance, and in some form it was comedic as she whimpered to herself, seeing the edges of this world be consumed by weird explosions and darkness itself. "Come ooooon- hurry hurry...."
She realized though that the mane six also didn't have the same information she did. To them, they probably thought they had all the time in the world.
But even in the midst of her worries, Eve finally saw what she'd been looking for, she caught sight of them, or at least two of them!
Eve's expression brightened up as she then smiled raising her paw and claw, and as she did so, the runic markings on the strange circular platform began to glow bright red. Eve's eyes widened as she felt the power of chaos surge through her, and then with a swing of her arm, she actually shifted the labyrinth. She cocked a brow, raising her claw and found she could even create stone pillars in the labyrinth made of the very same material... interesting. This was so cool! She giggled, that childlike side of her being revealed even under these trying circumstances. She bounced as she couldn't help but feel a little anxious about all this, but she had to concentrate, she had to get them out of here.
And with that, Eve put on a determined yet playful expression, raising her paw. "Okay!"
And she started shifting the labyrinth into a certain pathway, one that'd lead the ponies right into each other.
As Fluttershy was making her way through the labyrinth, she, like the others, heard the strange sounds and explosions going off in the dreaded place. This caused her to tremble with fear as she tried to navigate her way through. She muttered to herself in her soft tone, "T-This isn't good..."
"FLUTTERSHY!"
Fluttershy's eyes snapped wide as she then glanced back towards the origin of the voice, which she'd recognized was Rainbow Dash. Seems the two ponies had found each other.
Rainbow made her way over to Fluttershy as the two mares embraced in a hug before regarding each other; both with worried expressions.
Both of them heard the strange sounds and explosions, and felt the tremors beneath their hooves. Whatever this was, the situation certainly was far from good.
Suddenly beneath their hooves the ground started to tremble, and almost a split second later rose up, carrying them towards the infinite black sky. Rainbow and Fluttershy then burst into unified screams as they embraced each other again, absolutely puzzled to what the heck was going on. But as they were stuck atop this giant pillar against their own will, the pillar soon divided into blocks, forcing them along towards the center of the labyrinth.
Fluttershy cried out. "I don't like this!"
Rainbow yelled back at her. "Neither do I!"
But their troubles would soon come to an end as the two mares were led to the circular platform Eve was on.
As they landed atop the platform, Rainbow and Fluttershy regarded the busy draconequus with differing expressions. Of course first they had to regain their composure, wheezing and taking in deep breaths and recovering from their what felt like a near death experience. But as they did so, they looked to Eve both with thoughts of their own.
Rainbow's nose wrinkled in annoyance with the draconequus; she was the one who did this, she brought them here, and now the rainbow maned mare was going to put a beating on her.
Fluttershy simply looked to Eve with a hint of caution, but wasn't flat out angry with her, but wasn't happy with her either.
Eve looked at them with a saddened expression before lowering her head. "T-That portal will take you back home. I suggest that you hurry and use it....i-if you want to leave that is..."
Rainbow snapped at her. "Where are our friends!?"
Eve flinched before looking to Rainbow with a worried look. "I..I don't know but I'll do my best to get them out of here.."
Rainbow cocked a brow. "What?" But wasn't this draconequus the one who brought them here?
Eve motioned over to the portal that lead out of the nightmare realm. "Please hurry; I don't have time to explain right now."
Fluttershy unexpectedly remained silent as she felt she wanted to say something, but also felt this wasn't the time. In a way she felt like a fool, was this what they were capable of? These draconequis? This was beyond words.
Rainbow scowled at Eve. "Tch! We're not leaving! Not until we know our friends are okay!"
Eve wanted to persist, and for a moment it looked like she was going to attempt to convince them, but no words came. She thought about it, how could she possibly explain right now what'd really occurred? She couldn't waste time attempting to convince these two who now supposedly considered her an enemy. She simply looked to her far right with a submissive look followed by a nod. "O-Okay..."
And so the two mares stayed, Eve turned away from them, looking back down into the labyrinth. As she raised her paw and claw once more, causing the runic markings to glow once again, Rainbow and Fluttershy both looked quite confused, and simply observed the unfamiliar process.
Eve took in a deep breath, smiling softly to herself. I can do this....
As Twilight made her way through the vast labyrinth, she wasn't panicking but she couldn't help but feel a little paranoid about this entire mess. No matter where she trotted or where she went, she couldn't seem to find a way out, was there even a way out? Or was she simply wasting her time? There had to be a way out, didn't there? What happens if there wasn't? As Twilight was making her way through this labyrinth, thoughts of paranoia and dread leaked into her mind. Was her doppelganger right? Would she fail her friends, Spike, the Princess......herself? No; she always managed to figure out a way, she could always manage to find the answer when the stakes were so high! There was no way she could fail. As she thought about her friends well-being, she couldn't help but get infuriated at the thought of Eve, even when beaten that little draconequus still caused her trouble, and she knew the risks they could pose to society but this was on an entirely different level. They were capable of something like this? Not even Twilight understood this, and that simple fact frightened her. Twilight was simply clueless to the situation, but she craved answers, and so she filled those questions with the most logical answers she could come up with. She knew not of Eris like the others, so there was only one with the ability to use chaotic magic, and that was Eve. Eve must have triggered something not even Twilight could comprehend, and it scared Twilight.
She craved another chance to set things right, and if she got it, she wouldn't let it cost them again.
And little did she know; she'd soon get that chance.
Beneath Twilight’s hooves the ground began shaking tremendously, and like when Fluttershy and Rainbow got lifted into the air, she did as well. The ground shifted, and a stone pillar emerged, raising her straight up into the infinite black sky. Twilight was overwhelmed with confusion as she creeped into the center of the pillar of course, paranoid about falling. Like Rainbow and Fluttershy she'd found this realm was quite different from their previous world. Their magic was useless here, and it seemed they were in somepony else's domain, of course Twilight didn't come up with those answers but she knew her magic was useless for some reason. She cringed at the thought of falling, a look of fear washing over her as she fell to her side.
"T-Twilight!"
Twilight's eyes widened as she looked to her far left, on another separate pillar was Rarity. "What's going on, where are we!?"
Twilight was extremely glad to see Rarity was alright. But her answer wasn't so pleasing. "I'm not sure!"
"Rarity! Twilight!"
Rarity and Twilight then looked behind them, Pinkie! Pinkie was fine as well, and she was with Applejack, both on the same pillar like Fluttershy and Rainbow were.
Applejack was trembling, holding onto Pinkie. "I-I got a pretty big fear of heights ya'll! Mind telling us what the hay we're doing in this weird place!?"
Pinkie giggled as she bounced some. "This is fun! Hehe!"
Twilight wanted to answer all of them desperately with something besides 'I don't know' but she truly didn't know.
Holding a look of pure concentration, Eve kept her focus on the three pillars: Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie. Alright, that means all six were there and okay, and not a moment too soon. The radius of the labyrinth had decreased dramatically by this point, and their time was running out fast. All around them the sounds of recurring explosions were going off and the darkness was closing in. This was it, it was now or never, this world itself was breaking apart and soon it'd be consumed by whatever dominant presence previous held it. Eve couldn't help but question still who this world was based off of. Who possessed such dark magic to create such a creepy place? Although of course the world itself was based off this mysterious pony or creatures magic essence, she still couldn't help but wonder who. That pony or creature must've been on the level of a god. Either way it didn't matter, the whole cast was present, all that was left was getting them here to the circular platform, entering Eris's portal, and getting out and back to the normal world. Eve couldn't help but give herself an amused smile, hah, she'd be returning to the real world with the six who were going to punish her. Well, it's better than having the guilt of just leaving. Eris was most likely disappointed she decided to do this, but Eve was proud of herself, she'd set the example for draconequis, once they understood the situation maybe they'd see she wasn't just some mindless chaotic beast who had abnormal personality disorders. That perhaps she really was a different case; maybe special.
A soft smile creeped onto her face. Momma would be proud, wouldn't she? Perhaps if Eve ended up in a similar situation before meeting Cheerilee, she'd have chosen the easy way out. But now things were different, now she had somepony she felt couldn't ever be replaced, a role model, and one she wanted to make happy and stay with, with all her heart.
She'd made her decision, and good decision or bad, she was proud she made it. Sure she'd have to deal with the consequences like with every choice; but she felt she could worry about that, after they'd escaped.
For now, it was time to hurry and get those four ponies over here and bring an end to this nightmare
Eris's offer was generous, but Eve wasn't willing to succumb to her terms. Eris saw chaos as the only way, that selflessness wasn't a possible path to take. But at this point, it looked as if there was another way, that the good path could get her the life she wanted, that acceptance she craved with all ponies, and that life with Cheerilee.
It'd all be alight.
Rainbow raised a hoof to the air in a cheer. "Haha! Awesome! They're all okay!"
Fluttershy sighed with relief. "Thank goodness...."
"Now isn't this a surprise...."
Everypony's eyes widened.
Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack. All of them, recognized that horrid voice.
But, it wasn't possible, was it?
Fluttershy and Rainbow simply stared off into the distance in complete shock, as they both found themselves trembling. They must've been seeing things, there was no way she could be here.
Of course, the four ponies on the pillars turned around, to face the bearer of that frighteningly familiar voice.
Twilight's pupils dilated, as she felt a shiver run down her spine.
There, as if a grim representation of who this realm belonged to, was a pony whose appearance masked the very sky, as if a god overlooking her own personal world.
It was none other than Nightmare Moon.
But that was impossible! She was destroyed by the elements of harmony! And wasn't Princess Luna Nightmare Moon? Wasn't all the influence Nightmare Moon had vanquished the moment Princess Luna returned to her former self? None of this made any sense, she shouldn't even exist anymore! But there she was, looking down upon them with interest, and an amused smile. And she recognized them all; she never forgot who they were.
"I knew I felt something odd was happening within my domain, but this, this is much better than I expected. The six little ponies that ruined all my plans, and the ones responsible for me being trapped here. I never imagined I'd see anypony else again, let alone you meddlesome six. We; have a lot of catching up to do hmhmhmhm..."
Well, this was bad, no, a thousand times worse than that.
Rarity certainly understood. "Of all the worst things that can happen, this is the worst, POSSIBLE, THING!"
Applejack, Twilight, and Pinkie snapped at Rarity. "Not now Rarity!"
Twilight looked at Nightmare Moon in fear. What were they all to do? They were powerless here, and their elements were only useful in the real world, not in the very world of nightmares as far as they knew. This was Nightmare Moon's domain, and that in itself was something Twilight knew was beyond them. This whole situation was beyond them. How could they possibly overcome this?
But that was the thing, they couldn't, and she knew it. There was no winning here, the only option was to escape.
But how could they accomplish that either?
A tragic realization hit her, it was over, they were finished.
But then it happened, and their pillars all shifted dividing into stone blocks hastily, leading them to a circular platform in the center of this area of the realm.
Eve didn't know who this Nightmare Moon was, but it didn't stop her from realizing just how dangerous she was. Fear overwhelmed Eve as she moved as quickly as she could, there was no more time for thinking, this Nightmare Moon was here and closing in on them, they were out of time.
The next moment was defining. Though it was a very quick, blink-and-you’d-miss-it moment, it was, perhaps, the most important of all.
Eve got the rest of the six onto the platform.
Everything was perfect, now all they had to do was leave.
Eve fell to her knees, catching her breath as the manipulation of the labyrinth seemed to take its toll on her. She smiled however, finally they were all here though, it was a close call, a little too close for comfort. But she did it.
As Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack landed on the platform, they were all happy to see Rainbow and Fluttershy were okay, they all made it, for reasons they were unsure of.
The mane six then immediately turned towards the portal as Rainbow pointed to it.
Rainbow then yelled. "Sorry to break up our sweet reunion guys but we've gotta go! That's our ticket out of here!"
Rarity didn't hesitate to trot straight to the portal with a sigh of relief. "You said it darling!"
There was no time to dwell here and make idle conversation.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy made their way up to the portal first, as Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack followed, Twilight was close behind her friends.
As Eve then stood, there was a moment she caught the glance of Nightmare Moon.
The dark mare simply smiled at her. "So you're the one who invaded my private sanctum..."
Of course it wasn't Eve, it was Eris who'd done so, but either way those words sent a shiver down Eve's spine. She didn't want to stay here any longer, and she preferred not to find out what Nightmare Moon had planned if she did so.
So Eve then turned to the portal with the mane six before gulping. "I-I think we should-..."
But she was stopped by a hoof.
"You know full well,.....I can't let you come with us..." Twilight stated simply.
Eve's eyes widened.
Twilight then bucked Eve back, causing the baby draconequus to toss and tumble and skid across the platform, then actually get flung off, but not before catching the edge with her claw.
"A-Ah!" Eve let off as she held onto the edge of the platform. She felt shocked, dumbfounded, overwhelmed with confusion. She attempted to climb back up, but found her skinny frail arms didn't house enough strength.
This couldn't really be happening to her right?
The moment felt so fast, yet pivotal to everything.
Eve couldn't grasp what to think, and she couldn't wrap her mind around the situation.
Even the rest of the mane six weren't certain what'd just occurred, seeing as they were all looking to the portal as Twilight did what she did.
Some of them turned; a little puzzled by what the commotion was about.
Twilight made her way over to the edge of the circular platform, placing a hoof on Eve's claw with a judgmental glance. "I'm not sure how you managed this! But it's obvious to me not even you were prepared for the consequences of doing such an irresponsible thing! You’re immature, brash, and constantly putting everypony in danger with your actions! You don't have the potential to be just as bad as Discord, you could be even worse! And I see that now.....I see what I must do." Twilight closed her eyes as she sighed heavily with a saddened expression. "You're a danger to all of Equestria, and you've meddled in things beyond you, your lack of understanding will cost everypony if I don't deal with it now. Do you realize how catastrophic this could of ended up!? To be involved with Nightmare Moon!? You invaded Ponyville; attacking a class of fillies and colts! You used Cheerilee! Attacked Spike, my Spike! And now you're messing around with something like this!"
Eve looked at Twilight wide eyed, at a loss for words.
Of course Twilight had to raise her voice, all around them strange explosions were setting off, as well as the noise of the crumbling shifting labyrinth below. Eve's snow white mane bristled with the steady wind that accompanied the numerous explosions to this deteriorating realm of nightmares. She didn't know how to reply to Twilight, there was so much she had to explain to the mare, so much she needed to say, but, she didn't have enough time, she couldn't think straight in this sort of atmosphere. She used to panic when Cheerilee left for school, how was she supposed to deal with this?! She managed to shake her head at Twilight but it wasn't enough of course.
Twilight lowered her frame in front of Eve, while keeping a hoof on her claw.
She stared the draconequus in her eyes. "In life, there are times when one must decide, whether it's all worth it. Even if it makes you feel horrible on the inside, even if it doesn't feel like the merciful solution, you have to ask yourself whether or not you're willing to accept it for the greater good of your family, your friends, and everypony as a whole. You've shown me that I am willing, that this is worth it. Princess Celestia asked me to take care of you, and, that's exactly what I'll do. You don't deserve mercy after all this. I've learned that painful lesson today, and in order to ensure that harmony is everlasting in Equestria, I will do my part. Me and my friends, the ponies of Equestria, we are the greater good, and as long as we're around we'll be there to defend it. Your plots, tricks, and schemes are at an end draconequus! You wear the face of a child but hide the heart of a monstrous threat! And I see through it, perhaps you were planning this from the beginning, bringing us here. I can't be certain, but either way-" Twilight glared. "Goodbye."
And with that the mare pushed back on Eve's claw, sending the draconequus off, and plummeting into the darkness below.
The violet mare wasn't certain what would become of the draconequus, but based on Eve's reaction she could assume that much like that, she couldn't use her magic. Yes, it'd end the way she wanted to.
The moment, seemed so fast, so fleeting, and so unexpected.
Twilight, had made her views clear, that even now, she was willing to do anything to protect those she cared about. That she was willing to show that she understood what needed to be done in her eyes, and how draconequus worked, according to her perception of the situation, and her philosophy. And she made her decision, and that's all there was to it.
Nightmare Moon burst into laughter at the scene. "AHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!"
Fluttershy's eyes widened as she saw Twilight basically dispose of the baby draconequus. A look of disbelief and tragedy overcame her as she screamed. "T-TWILIGHT!! WHAT'D YOU JUST DO!? N-NO!"
Applejack and Rainbow to were in a bit of shock from what just occurred but, they held Fluttershy back, staying at the portal.
Applejack called out to Twilight. "T-Twi! We have to go now!" Applejack herself couldn't really believe Twilight did what she just did. Not because she sided with Eve, but more so because, this seemed like crossing into a whole different level.
Fluttershy trembled as her lower lip quivered. She couldn't believe it, but, it'd happened, and now it was too late to do anything. There was nothing more she could attempt to do at this point. And it filled her with regret, if she paid more attention, if she only considered Twilight might still be a little antic about the draconequus. Fluttershy didn't know Eve personally, but, did she truly deserve such a fate? For Fluttershy, there were still too many unanswered questions.
Questions that were quite pointless now.
Twilight of course heard her friends as she replied back to them. "I..I'm ready; come on guys, let's get out of here."
Pinkie and Rarity simply held in their shock and thoughts on the matter, they, they didn't have time to discuss this now. They had to go, so go they did. They made their way through the portal, disappearing from sight afterwards.
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were next. Although they practically forced Fluttershy through as they exited this nightmarish realm with haste.
Twilight took one last look back towards the edge of the circular platform, before lowering her head with a saddened expression and making her way through the portal herself.
And with that the mane six were gone.
As Eve fell, so many thoughts streamed through her head. Particularly moments from her short time with Cheerilee.
She reflected on those memories, and felt this would be the last time she could do so.
Eve bounced off her feet, levitating in the air as she got in Cheerilee's face. "Hiya!"
Cheerilee screamed as she stumbled backwards out of her chair and onto the floor.
~
Eve cringed at those words. Her eyes widened as she looked frightened, desperate. She shook her head "I'll make you more sweets! A-And I can listen really good, I'm a really good listener! I promise I'll be good from now on, t-then we can talk right? We can talk like in the pony classroom?"
~
Cheerilee spoke in a reassuring tone. "You have nothing to worry about sweetie; everything is going to be alright from now on. Can you tell me your name?"
Eve muttered in a slightly embarrassed tone. "N-Name?"
~
Sitting atop her belly and watching over her in her sleep was Eve with a smile. "Hiya!.."
Cheerilee smiled softly at her, then leaned up a little before rubbing the top of her head affectionately. "Hi sweetie; goodmorning. Did you get any sleep last night?"
Eve nodded to the mare happily. "Mhm!"
~
Cheerilee closed her eyes, smiling softly to herself as she held Eve close. "See, I told you I'd be back. And don't think I've forgotten about what I said. We'll get started with it soon."
Eve simply continued to nuzzle into Cheerilee's cheek as she giggled, muttering on impulse. "Okay, momma."
~
Eve looked up at the mare with a smile and closed eyes. "I think it's the best."
Cheerilee blinked a bit, and what she said next surprised even her. "R-Really?"
Eve nodded happily. "Mhm!"
Cheerilee sighed with relief before returning the hug. "Well I'm glad that you like it sweetie."
~
Eve smiled, looking up at the stars with wide fascinated eyes. "This is my favorite time!"
Cheerilee's eyes widened as she looked down at her. "Night time?" Or the evening per say.
Eve smiled. "Mhm! I always liked the small shining things, they always made me feel happy."
Cheerilee chuckled as she rubbed the top of her baby draconequus' head. "Those are stars sweetie, they are quite fascinating."
Eve simply continued to gaze up at the sky. "I love the stars, and the night time!"
~
Cheerilee nodded with a soft smile, lowering her frame and looking her baby draconequus in the eyes. "Yes sweetie, Eve, I think it's perfect for you. Do you like it? It relates to life, and even to the night in some ways. I wanted to give you the sweetest name, and I believe Eve describes you perfectly."
Eve simply looked into Cheerilee's eyes as her cheeks turned crimson. She didn't have a problem with the name, she was just surprised she'd actually be called something like ponies from now on. It made her happy, well everything Cheerilee did usually made her happy. She nodded hurriedly biting on her lower lip a bit, "Mhm! I really really like it."
Cheerilee's expression brightened as she hugged Eve happily. "Eve it is then sweetie..."
The baby draconequus, or now known as Eve, returned Cheerilee's hug, nuzzling into her. "Hehe.."
~
Eve said one more thing, although at the time, she didn't know, how important these words would be. "I'll miss you."
As Eve slammed against the walls and then skidded across the stone floor of the labyrinth, she laid there for a moment.
She eventually moved, struggling to her feet.
She found it funny, even though this was a dream of sorts, that drop still hurt quite a bit.
Eve looked up at the platform overhead, her only exit, it was so close, yet so far away.
As she looked up into the distant black sky, seeing her only form of escape so far overhead. She looked down at her paw and claw; there was no more magic to aid her. She was stuck down here, and even she knew even if there was another way out, she couldn't find it in what little time she had left. Everything seemed to be going just perfect in what felt like a moment ago, and now here she was, at the end of her rope, this was really it. She'd arrived at the end.
And she just had to remain there for some time, taking it all in.
So many reacted in such different ways when they felt death was on their doorstep. Some would react by screaming, begging some higher power to help them. Some would weep and sob, reflecting on their past decisions and stating their regrets, unable to cope with or bear such news. Some faced death with bravery, even welcoming it at times. And like Eve, some just didn't know how to react when they felt they were at their end.
It was as if clarity hit her, and she felt she knew what she wanted, even if it came so fast, in this moment; she had to consider her final wishes, and she knew what it was.
She had to move soon.
There was no point in panicking anymore, she knew full well that nothing would get her out of this one.
And Nightmare Moon looked down at her from the vast black sky. "How funny! It seems your friends have left you here with me! Not exactly what I would've preferred but, one plaything is better than none."
Eve looked up at Nightmare Moon with a look of melancholy. Surprisingly, even to herself, she wasn't scared anymore. She was only disappointed, disappointed that this is how it would all end. These consequences were a lot worse than she expected, and the baby draconequus hated the idea but, she found it funny. She took her chances, and this is where she ended up, this was due to her own decision, and perhaps she should've expected Twilight to act the way she did,...and maybe that was her fault, too, she guessed. But in the end, she still didn't regret her decision, she wanted the mane six to escape. They deserved to. They didn't deserve to be brought into this place, they were only rescuing the ones she took. Cheerilee would be happy she made the right decision...wouldn't she?
Eve smiled; Cheerilee didn't know her for long. And in some way, Eve was glad she didn't, she doubted the mare would ever find out what'd transpired here, based on the personalities of the mane six. Hopefully, Cheerilee would just forget about her, and move on with her life, Eve didn't feel she made a large impact on Cheerilee herself. But still she loved her, and she hoped that in the end, Cheerilee's happiness wouldn't be affected by her sudden disappearance.
No; Cheerilee had her students, and her friends, Cheerilee would be alright, she'd be just fine.
Eve only wished she could see her one last time.
But maybe she could.
Her eyes widened as she regarded Nightmare Moon with a simple glance, before turning to run further into the labyrinth.
Nightmare Moon found this amusing. "Hmhmhmhm; oh, now isn't this cute?"
Eve wasn't trying to escape however.
She was just attempting to buy herself some time.
As she made it to a more open space, she found the world itself had reached its limit, and Eve could feel the very ground beneath her crumbling as the explosions only continued to get louder and draw closer. She had to do this fast. She could even see the walls around her begin to crumble.
But there was still a small moment to spare.
Eve fell to her knees, and then slid off her black hoodie, perhaps her most cherished possession. And even if it wasn't the real thing, just the sight of it filled her with joy and happiness.
She hugged the hoody affectionately, nuzzling into the fabric which even here, felt so real. As she did so, small tears slid down her cheeks as she sniffled, hugging the hoodie as if it were Cheerilee herself. Eve bit on her lower lip, crying softly as she then laid out the hoody in front of her, regarding it with a warm smile.
There was no time to cry, and if she wanted to accomplish this last feat of hers, she had to concentrate.
Eris was able to create shades of Eve's real parents, and even though she claimed that her influence in this place was small, Eve wished, and hoped, that perhaps she could maybe do the same with Cheerilee.
Perhaps with enough heart, she could manifest a shade of Cheerilee, just to see her one more time.
She stared at the hoody as the world around her fell apart, at this point, even the labyrinth wasn't looking like a labyrinth anymore. Eve squinted at her cherished gift, concentrating as hard as she could, and little did she know, now she was simply kneeling on a large piece of stone, the walls had all crumbled, falling into a pool of infinite black, and it looked like the very galaxy itself surrounded her. But next would be the floor that was to fall, and the explosions were now dreadfully close, turning anything in their perimeter to cosmic ash.
The more she focused, the more a faint image of the mare zoned in and out of sight.
As Eve continued to glare at the hoody, she started losing hope, but she still didn't stop.
Maybe...just maybe.....
And soon; her wishes were thankfully realized as she'd managed to actually do it.
She managed to accomplish a feat she previously thought impossible.
And it only caused her to react with disbelief and silence for a moment.
"........................."
She'd actually done it.
Standing not too far away from her was the caring mare, of course the mare wasn't real and didn't speak, nor did it possess the liveliness of Cheerilee, but it looked like her in every shape and form. As Eve looked at it, her expression brightened as she ran her paw over her eyes in happiness, wiping away her tears as she did so, and she couldn't stop herself from breaking down.
She did it, she really did it. Even with such little time. Perhaps she was simply seeing things out of desperation, perhaps it wasn't even a real shade she'd accomplished through magic. But none of it mattered to her, she could see her adoptive mother a final time before this place was nothing more than a faint memory. As well as she herself.
And as she cried, she felt her body tremble as she approached the shade of the mare, she stumbled every few steps, like a newborn baby taking its first walk, and as the very world around her shattered and fell apart, she never lost sight of her objective and destination, that final goal she wanted to accomplish even in this realm of the nightmare. She wanted to be able to imagine what it'd be like one last time, to sit on that couch, nuzzled into her adoptive mother as they lived together in that peaceful home, away from the danger, in their own little world.
As Eve arrived at the shade of Cheerilee, Cheerilee's shape smiled at her softly, then held open a leg as if waiting for the little draconequus to embrace her in a hug.
And Eve joined her, wrapping her arms around the mare with a smile and nuzzling against her with her eyes closed. She knew she wasn't the real thing, that she wasn't truly there, but in the end, just the thought of this moment, filled her with peace. "Momma....." She was ready now, and she wasn't afraid of what'd come next. She'd remain here until that final moment, like this, together in eternity.
And not soon after, the ground beneath them crumbled as the two remained in the vast empty space for a moment never leaving that close embrace. Before the world around them ignited, alighting with cosmic explosions and streams of stars as if caught in a supernova.
Consuming both Eve and the shade of Cheerilee, and the realm of the dream itself, turning everything in it to ash.
And the realm of the nightmare, was reduced to its original form and consumed, once more.
As Fluttershy laid on the ground in the ruins of Everfree, she slowly batted her eyelids, steadily waking up once again.
As did the others.
Rainbow stretched out her forehooves as she yawned. "W-Wha...what?"
Applejack yawned as well, rubbing the back of her head. "Ugh, shucks ya'll...talk about weird..."
Pinkie couldn't help but notice that the sun had also come up, and the light from outside shined into the ruins.
The night had felt like it lasted forever. But, either way, it was finally over.
All of the mane six seemed to be fine, as they had successfully awoke from the dream.
And Twilight Sparkle, was the last to awake.
As she slowly rose from her slumber, she blinked a bit before regarding all her friends with a somewhat baffled expression, before smiling with a relieved smile. "Y-You're all okay...I'm..I'm so glad.."
And they all smiled back at her, although somewhat reluctant to state their thoughts on what'd occurred. They couldn't deny they were all happy that such a nightmarish scenario ended without any of them in particular getting hurt.
But Fluttershy was silent, and was turned away from the others as she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. There was one who didn't awake from the nightmare, supposedly trapped in a comatose state, forever sleeping. Fluttershy held that one in her arms, uncertain of what the future would bring.
But it seemed this one was gone, forever dreaming, and forever stuck in the realm of of dreams.