//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Bailing out Demons // Story: Equestria in Ruins // by Eclipse Shine //------------------------------// Celestia let out a hysterical laugh that resonated through the room; sending shivers down my spine. “Remember everypony, this isn’t her true nature, she is still corrupted by the dark forces. It’s necessary that you have faith in your abilities.” Shining Armor reassured us, trotting away from his friend and rival. “How are we to save her?” Unity brushed her hoof through her mane in uncertainty. “Eclipse Shine’s element holds the power to separate her from the darkness and curse that took her over decades ago.” Shining Armor replied. “How do we activate that piece of rock anyways?” Starshard trotted up to my side, brushing against me in anxiousness. “Through the magic of friendship. You all need to have faith in Eclipse in order for her to be able to activate her element.” Shining Armor trotted towards my side as well. “When you’re ready, I will cast a spell to open Celestia’s cell. Only my magic would have an effect on it since I sealed her away in the first place.” I felt a bit uneasy as Starshard and Unity glanced at me expectantly. Wiping my eyes from the tears I shed earlier, I walked up to Shining Armor. “Now.” Shining Armor simply nodded as he lit up his horn; the light was much stronger than the first time, almost blinding me as I tried to focus on the cage which seemed to disappear before my eyes. There she stood, stretching her limbs as she trotted up to us. “You really shouldn’t have done that.” Her voice resonated throughout the room as it changed from maniacal to cold. “I had no choice, even Eclipse Shine’s element can’t pierce through that barrier; you know that Celestia.” “You’re foolish in thinking it would be that easy!” She giggled in delight. “Eclipse, do it!” Shining Armor shot these last words at me as I focused on my element that began to shine slightly in the shadows of the room. “Concentrate on everything we’ve done together to get this far. Through the best of times and through the worst of times, our friendship strived in the abyss; leading us towards a promise of hope…” Shining Armor’s words were cut short as the room lit completely once more; this time it was much stronger than anything I have ever witnessed. Like the eclipse that bonded us together, it shone from the heavens; casting its light upon the demons that guarded this chamber. I found myself hovering in the air, almost as if I was in one of my dreams; immune to the world around me. My eyes were completely blind so I didn’t foresee the imminent danger that shot me as the element performed its magic. Both rays hit their target simultaneously, sending me and Celestia flying across the room into separate extremities. “Eclipse!” Starshard and Unity screeched in unison as I crashed to the ground like a swan singing its last song. My element shattered like fine glass upon the concrete ground. Ceasing to glow it laid there, stone cold. The pain was like nothing I’ve ever felt, almost as if toxic venom was coursing within my veins, leaving me to struggle as I attempted to make the slightest movement. “Don’t move Eclipse, it’ll only bring you more pain!” Shining Armor shouted at my attempts of regaining my stability. “What was that?!” Starshard screeched, tears flooding her eyes and dampening my coat as she collapsed beside me. “A very powerful spell, Celestia’s magic combined with the very dark forces that corrupter her. I’m sorry…” “Do something!” Starshard was now sobbing at my side, clenching my coat. “I’m okay…” I lied to reassure my friends as I attempted to get up once again but it only brought me more pain. “Wha…What happened?” A voice in the distance uttered, clearly oblivious to the damage she has done. “What did you do to her?!” Starshard bolted towards Celestia, nearly colliding with the Princess but Shining Armor stopped her dead in her tracks, preventing further catastrophe. “It wasn’t her fault Starshard! It was the darkness’ last attempt at fighting off the light.” Shining Armor trotted up to Celestia. “We must leave now; Eclipse must be brought back to Ponyville immediately.” “I…I will get you there.” Celestia poke with weakness and grief as she staggered up on her four hooves. The Princess was weakened by the blow the celestial element casted on her but she managed to bring me temporary relief by casting a spell of her own. Shining Armor carried me out, every step he took; I felt agony as my body continued its spasms. Nightfall awaited us. Luna was putting a spotlight upon the devastated ruins of Equestria as Celestia observed her fallen world in dismay. “How did it get this bad?” Her eyes filled with tears of her own but she brushed them away immediately. ~ We managed to avoid running into Spike once again by taking another roué out of the castle; leaving Scootaloo behind as the dragon’s wake forewarned further catastrophe. What will I tell Apple Bloom? The yellow mare would be devastated upon hearing the news of her fallen friend. She already lost Sweetie Belle; it was impossible to foresee her reaction at the loss of Scootaloo. What will she say when she sees the state I’m in? With no element, I felt powerless against the reaper that was getting closer and closer to my crippled body. ~ Celestia had lost most of her power due to exhaustion but managed to teleport us to Ponyville. It took several attempts to finally reach our destination since she couldn’t make a full trip without recharging. Shining Armor carried me the entire way without complaining once. Even though it was hard to see given the circumstances, today was a victory for Equestria. A victory that will change the world along with the direction it was heading in; avoiding further destruction. There were still a lot of things left to do before celebrating but I know that they can go on without me. I have faith in them. Apple Bloom answered the door as Starshard pounded on the wooden structure. As she opened the gateway to her home, she smiled in relief that we had made it back. But upon further examination, that happiness was drained and replaced by panic. Scootaloo hadn’t made it back and I was barely hanging on to my own life. Apple Bloom and Babs Seed rushed me to my room as I grew weaker and weaker with every moment that passed.