After returning to Haven, the wounded soldiers were sent to the infirmary and a meeting of the high officers immediately took place. Twilight had vomited upon her return when the adrenaline wore off and the realization of what she had just done fully sunk in. During Trixie’s betrayal, two other Generals were killed and several officers were then newly promoted. At the meeting, Lyra was now present with the ranking of Colonel. Despite his injuries, Shining was still present as well.
“Let’s not beat around the bush here; we were tricked. We brought out our full force against the Fleet and although we appeared to be gaining an advantage, Trixie’s betrayal and the appearance of the Brigade has forced us to withdraw. Because of Trixie betrayal, it is also now obvious that the enemy knows exactly where we are hidden. This is a very grave situation we find ourselves in.” The officers just looked around without anything to say. Twilight, who was present again, was the first to voice her opinions.
“Judging by the attack, I think it is reasonable to conclude that there is a good deal of disorganization between the, uh, Fleet and Brigade, right? Are there any other units the enemy has?”
“Yes, a very large ground army called the Legion,” Shining answered.
“Well, none of them seem to be very well coordinated.”
“Why do you say that?” a griffon asked.
“Well, I think that because of what Trixie said. She said that if we just waited out here, the full force of the enemy would come and destroy us. But, the enemy knew exactly where we were for so long and still didn’t make an attack. It is also quite clear that they really do want to eliminate us so there must be some sort of reason why the three forces don’t work together.”
“That may be true, but what is the significance of that?”
“At the very least, it means there is time on our side. Any single force coming to attack Haven would have a great deal of difficulty, especially since we know they know our location now.”
“And what can we do with that time besides making fortifications?”
“Time is the best thing we have on our side right now,” Derpy spoke up. One of the griffons sighed.
“Are you still talking about Captain Cloud Kicker and her mission to find reinforcements?”
“She’ll be back soon, I know it!”
“It’s been nearly a year now, Derpy; she’s probably already been caught by the enemy!” The griffon banged his hand on the table. The two stared at each other, well, Derpy did so with some difficulty. Twilight turned to look at Gilda.
“Gilda, do you still have my bag?”
“What?”
“The bag I had on me when you captured me.”
“That? Yeah, it’s being stored somewhere.”
“Well, bring me that bag right now.”
“Why?”
“You seem to think that I caused all of this, and even though I don’t believe you; there might be some kind of connection. In my bag there was an old journal that might give us some kind of clue to the evil. And hopefully, a way to stop it.”
“Captain, why was I not informed of this bag?” Shining asked, his voice a bit raised. Gilda didn’t have a good answer. “Quickly, bring the bag!” Gilda got up to leave the meeting room and returned with the bag about ten minutes later. She gave Twilight her bag and she took out the old journal. She flipped it open and started to read the pages.
The journal seemed to be documenting an expedition that was ordered by a Prince. When they reached the ruins, they explored it and found a chamber. They discovered that the chamber reacted to magic but they did not have enough magic to open it. So, created a magical map instead and teleported one of the explorers back to the palace. There, he informed the Prince of their discovery and the Prince used the magical map to teleport to the ruins to open the chamber with his magic. However, even the Prince’s magic was not enough to open the chamber so he made two more copies of the map and went to bring along his younger brother and sister to open the chamber together. The day the three were brought together was the last entry made in the journal. After that, there was a worn and torn sheet of paper that may have been one of the maps. As Twilight contemplated the contents of the journal, Rarity spoke up.
“I do remember that eight years ago, a series of artifacts was brought in to the Canterlot Library.”
“Yeah, I remember that; that was the night of the fireworks festival,” Applejack said. The two then looked at Twilight, wondering if she remembered. She shook her head at them but went on with her conclusions.
“I think this journal documents the evil. I think that the evil was originally housed in the chamber mentioned in this journal. If we find the artifacts, we may find a clue on how to defeat it.”
“You mean, go to the Canterlot Library?”
“Yes.” Several of the officers began to shake their heads.
“Canterlot fell to the enemy long ago. Even though it isn’t heavily occupied by them, it is still in their territory and Canterlot itself is like a fortress.”
“We can’t get in with an army, but it is possible to infiltrate with a small group.”
“And who would be in this group? Only pegasi and unicorns would be suited for this kind of mission and we don’t have any we can spare.”
“I’ll infiltrate it myself,” Twilight announced. Gilda scoffed at her.
“You think we’re just gonna release you from your magic restriction and go right into enemy territory?”
“I am not an enemy! I want to help all of us and I will risk my life for this!”
“I say let her do it,” Lyra said. “I’ve fought alongside her on the battlefield already so I know she has a strong and determined heart.”
“Colonel Lyra, a single instance of support is insufficient. Have we not seen this from Trixie’s betrayal?” one of the griffons spoke.
“I’ve never fought by Trixie’s side so I can’t say I agree,” she casually snapped back.
“Are you saying it’s the generals fault for not noticing her deceit?!”
“The truth in one’s heart can also be revealed in the heat of battle!”
“Both of you, enough!” Shining shouted. “As it stands, the only thing we have on our side is a bit of extra time. Whether or not it will help us is based on our own faith, now. Twilight Sparkle, you will go and infiltrate the Canterlot Library and retrieve whatever artifact we need. For this mission, your magic restriction will be partially lifted. The new restriction will prevent you from using any offensive spells, but you will be able to use any type of defensive magic. Does this seem like a fair proposal, everyone?”
“I think that her teleportation magic should also be restricted.”
“But teleportation magic would make the mission much easier,” Rarity tried to argue.
“But if we let her use teleportation magic, then she could run off at any moment. World ender or not, she might take the easy way out if her life is in danger.” The other griffons, with the exception of Gilda, nodded in agreement.
“But still…” Shining began to chime in.
“I’ll do it without it then,” Twilight declared. Shining stared at her for a bit before sighing.
“Good, we will go ahead with this then. Now, Rarity, how long will it take to complete a ring with these kinds of restrictions?”
“Well, I think we can modify a spare ring in a few hours.”
“Good, inform the forgers. As for you, Twilight Sparkle, do whatever you need to do to prepare yourself. Now, meeting adjourned!”
**
At Cloudsdale, Shadowbolt and the purple dragon went to give their report. Afterwards, the two flew around for a bit.
“I still don’t think withdrawing so soon was necessary.”
“Well, perhaps you have no idea what I mean when I say this, but my commanding officer was killed in that battle.”
“I don’t think you even liked that guy.”
“What would give you that idea? Isn’t it important for all of us to get along well?”
“Tch, whatever. Anyways, why do you want to go to Canterlot?”
“You were there when I told the Princess my reason after I gave my report. Don’t tell me you weren’t paying attention.”
“Ah, you just go on and on, though! I mean, what’s wrong with just saying we fought and killed a bunch of them?”
“Concision is nice, but a full report should always be preferred.”
“You are such an egghead.”
“Well, what do you think of the Princess, then; she is also very educated.”
“But she’s the Princess so she has to be cool!”
“That is such flawed reasoning.”
“Blah blah blah!”
“I can see you have not become any better as a conversation partner.”
“Whatever, I’m gonna go hang with Spitfire and Soarin’. Later!” Shadowbolt flew off and left the dragon by himself. After she left, the dragon started to make his way to the end of Cloudsdale and a phoenix flew onto his shoulder.
“Oh, Peewee, you’re back.” The phoenix crooned. “I’ve finally been allowed to go to Canterlot.” The phoenix crooned again. “Well, how about we go to the Canterlot Library; I think we might find some very interesting things there.”
**
After the meeting ended, Twilight went to thank Lyra for supporting her.
“It’s no problem; I trust you.”
“Thanks again, but don’t you find it weird how you can trust me so easily? Uh, not that I’m trying to make you doubt yourself; I really am being honest.”
“I stand by what I said about learning about somepony just by being on the battlefield with them. Besides, if what you say is true, then we may finally be able to bring an end to this war.”
“Uh, about that; there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I’m going to the Canterlot Library to find out more about the evil, but could you tell me what you already know about it? Like, how is it taking control of everypony?” Lyra took one long breath.
“I don’t fully understand it myself, but I think it has something to do with putting them to sleep.”
“What do you mean?”
“The first phase of being taken over is falling into a very deep sleep, a coma even. Then, they wake up and over time, they start to change. After a while, they start to forget about things and after that the change is complete. It’s like they’ve become a completely different pony.”
“But why are only some ponies affected by it?”
“I’m not sure. And also, the transformation isn’t the same for all of them. They all develop different personalities, but some of them also have the body change too.”
“You mean like how Trixie gained all of that powerful magic?”
“Yeah, like that. Well, I still don’t really understand any more than that, though.”
“It’s okay, that’s enough.”
“Good luck on your mission.”
“Thank you.” Lyra left and Twilight also prepared to leave city hall when Applejack came up to her.
“Twilight.”
“Yes, Applejack?” she said very casually. Applejack stood rooted in silence for a moment before suddenly giving her a hug. “Yeah, I missed you too, Applejack.”
“So, what do you plan to do until you have to go?”
“I don’t know really.”
“Well, I could show you around Haven to pass the time.”
“Sure, that sounds good.” The two walked out of city hall together. They walked the streets and even though Applejack told her not to mind the stares, it was impossible not to. After a while, they moved in the area of the barracks to avoid the civilians. Then, Applejack heard Twilight’s stomach rumble.
“Hungry?” Twilight nodded. “Let’s get you some apples.” Twilight had hardly ever been happier to hear her say that. They walked to another area that had several large greenhouses. They went inside one of them and Twilight marveled at the ingenuity. The inside was lighted with magic and the dozens of apple trees inside were growing in fresh soil that was either artificially made or brought in years ago. Several earth ponies were inside tending to the trees and making sure the lights were properly functioning. Applejack went to a tree and got up a step ladder to pick a few of the apples.
“You don’t buck them anymore?” Twilight asked as Applejack handed her over the apples.
“Well, not a whole lot of sense to doin’ that anymore. ‘Sides, I feel like I only really did that way ‘cause it was fun.”
“I guess you’ve matured a bit.”
“And ya’ll look the same.” Applejack put on a puzzled expression. “Any reason why that is?”
“I honestly don’t know. Maybe I’ll find something out after I get the artifact, whatever it is.”
“I just hope that thing’s still there.” As Twilight ate the apples, Applebloom walked in the greenhouse.
“Oh, hey big sis!”
“Applebloom! Oh, is already your shift to look after the apples?”
“Yup.” One of the earth ponies left when Applebloom came in and they greeted each other on the way.
“Applebloom, you’ve gotten so big…” Applebloom looked at Twilight quizzically.
“Uh, okay?”
“I guess I’m the only pony who hasn’t gotten any older. Wait, does that mean even Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are just as big as you, too, now?” Applebloom looked over to the side.
“No.”
“Uh, Applebloom, you should go over and check up on the trees over there, ‘kay?” Applejack said. Applebloom nodded and sort of waddled away. Applejack sighed to herself.
“Wait, don’t tell me that…” Twilight began, her entire body started to quiver.
“Scootaloo…”
“I see. Sweetie Belle, too?”
“Well, Sweetie Belle’s still here with us, but…”
“But what?”
“Well, she got into a terrible accident during the fall of Manehatten. Her whole body got messed up. She was still breathin’ but it was real serious.”
“But she’s still with us?”
“Well, a bunch of smart unicorns and earth ponies managed to figure somethin’ out. Put in some parts and got her moving again. Had to give her a voice box, though, since her neck got torn up.”
“That’s awful!”
“Yeah, maybe, but, as far as Rarity’s concerned, it was basically a miracle that they could keep her alive. Plenty of other ponies never even got a chance.” Twilight looked down a bit before facing Applejack again.
“Applejack, how bad is it?”
“What?”
“The world right now; how bad is it?” Applejack took some time before answering.
“It’s just awful right now.” Applejack did not want to elaborate and Twilight respected her decision. They spent another few hours just walking about and talking about other things and then it was time to get the new ring. Applejack led the way to the forgers and Rarity and Gilda was waiting inside. Gilda took off Twilight’s current ring and she instantly felt magic start to surge in her body. Gilda then put on the new ring, but there was no shock. Twilight could feel that the ring really was only made with offensive restrictions in mind.
“Well, I and a few other griffons are going to escort you to the cliffs of Canterlot. After that, it’ll be completely up to you to get into the Library and back out.”
“Got it.”
“Let’s go.” Gilda and Twilight went back up to the surface with some griffon escorts and they flew her to her destination.
**
The purple dragon arrived at the Canterlot Library, but he was not alone. With him were several unicorns. He was granted permission to go to Canterlot, but there were still escorts there as well for his protection. The purple dragon figured he’d still be under surveillance so he tried not to pay any attention to them. He went into the Library and began looking for a specific wing. Inside the library, he saw a unicorn reading some books.
“Trixie?” Trixie looked up from her books very briefly.
“Oh, if it isn’t the Brigade dragon. What brings you here?”
“Just here to read up on magic.”
“A dragon reading up on magic? How amusing.” Her voice was dripping with condescension.
“Well, I do find it quite interesting.”
“Hmmm, whatever,” Trixie said, clearly bored of the conversation already. The dragon let her be and continued his search. After a short while, he found it. After entering the wing, he told Peewee to help him search for the books he was looking for.
**
Twilight was dropped off at the cliffs and she made her way into Canterlot. There weren’t any pegasi watching the cliffs so this part was easy enough. Inside Canterlot there were patrols of unicorns, but from the way they walked around, it was quite obvious that they did not expect any intruders to come at any point in time. Twilight stealthily made her way past all of them and finally reached the Canterlot Library. There were a couple of unicorns guarding the front entrance so she went to the side. There, she found an open window and climbed through it. She began walking around the perimeter of the great library when she realized that she did not know the exact wing the artifact would be located. One at a time, she looked at the name of the wings, trying to see if any of them seemed familiar to her. As she did, she heard a clopping sound coming from her rear. As she tried to get ahead of it, she reached the entrance of a wing that was lighted up. It was the Ancient Civilizations Wing. A clopping sound could be heard again, but this time it was coming in front of her. She tried to retreat but heard the sounds from behind her return.
Twilight felt her heart begin to race and she tried to concentrate with all of her might. She had never done it successfully before, but she tried to turn herself invisible. Her horn glowed and the sounds of the advancing ponies grew louder. Her horn flashed and she quickly made her way inside the Ancient Civilizations Wing. She hid in the corner of the wing and waited for the sounds to go away. Surprisingly, the sounds were coming in closer. She took a look around the room and had to stop herself from gasping when she saw a dragon no more than ten feet away. He was purple and had green spikes. He was about three times Twilight’s size and his folded wings protruded out from his uniform. He was standing by a table with a phoenix on its shoulder. Briefly, he turned to Twilight's direction and it almost seemed as if he was staring at her. That moment quickly passed and the dragon went over to the entrance, his body fully blocking it.
“Good evening Major, have you found what you’ve been looking for?”
“Hmmm, I’m getting there, but I think my search might be more productive if your patrols didn’t keep coming by here every fifteen minutes.”
“Just making sure everything is fine.”
“Well, there’s nothing going on in this room so you can just keep on going.” The clopping sounds started up again, but this time they were retreating in both directions. The dragon sighed and returned to his table. He looked through his large pile of books and scrolls and then nodded to himself. He then picked a single book and scroll out and set them aside from the rest. He opened up the scroll, but then he looked up and put on an expression as if he had just remembered something. He left the room with the phoenix.
A minute after he left, Twilight deactivated her spell and went to the pile of books and scrolls on the table. Twilight knew the dragon looked familiar to her but she had no time to dwell on those kinds of thoughts. She rummaged through the massive pile for a little while before turning her attention to the book and scroll that was separated from the rest. She remembered that the dragon mentioned a patrol coming every fifteen minutes so there should be enough time to briefly look over their contents.
She first took a look at the scroll that the dragon had left open and skimmed through it. It appeared to be a story about a god that was once worshipped by the inhabitants of an ancient city by the name of Matias. The god himself was nameless. The scroll said that the inhabitants worshipped the god because it could fulfill their desires. In exchange, the inhabitants dedicated various works and temples in his honour. Through their recognition of him, the god became more powerful. The god was able to take a physical form and could communicate directly with all of the worshippers. The god became ruler of the city and all of the inhabitants became his servants. However, the god’s increased power caused a corruption of some of the desires he fulfilled. Many of the inhabitants became twisted because of it and the god’s power transformed into more of a curse than a gift. All of his servants turned wicked and together they spread their darkness throughout the land.
Amidst the darkness, there was another being that came to challenge the god. They engaged in a battle that lasted days, but the god finally fell. His evil servants also reverted but the dark powers that were released created a powerful curse over the forest they lived in. The god had fallen, but only into a deep slumber. The triumphant being had to seal the god away into an underground chamber so that none could ever disturb his sleep again.
It had taken Twilight longer than expected to read over the scroll because it was written in an ancient language. However, she had not realized that was the reason for her slow reading until about halfway through. Although it took a while, she felt as if she could parse through the information with full understanding. She put the scroll and the other book into her bag and quickly left the room and headed for where she entered. When she was almost at the window again, she could hear clopping sounds again. She reached the window and a patrolling unicorn spotted her. Twilight ran at the unicorn right as it was about to sound off an alarm and she kicked him in the head. The unicorn went down to the ground, unconscious. She dragged the unicorn over to the window and threw him out of it. She exited the window after him.
**
The purple dragon was perched on the roof of the library, musing to himself. Then, he heard something quickly approaching him and Shadowbolt landed powerfully next to him. This startled Peewee a little bit.
“Shadowbolt, what are you doing here?” he asked in surprise.
“I was bored so I just felt like flying around. Ended up near Canterlot after a while so I thought I’d just take a break here. You know, maybe get some food from the garrisons here.”
“I see. Well, nothing exciting happening here so just go and get your food and be on your way.” There was a flash of light on the roof and Trixie suddenly appeared.
“Oh, so it was you who made that terrible racket that disturbed the great and powerful Trixie’s reading!”
“Reading is such a waste of time; you’re better off practicing your fighting.”
“Well, when one’s power comes from the mind, like the great and powerful Trixie, reading is practicing one’s fighting. But, I suppose a muscle-brained pegasus wouldn’t even know what that means.”
“What was that?!” Shadowbolt’s wings flared out and she slowly advanced upon her.
“Oh, you are trying to intimidate the great and powerful Trixie?” Trixie’s horn started to glow.
“You think you can just use your fancy magic on me? From this distance I can take you out in a tenth of a second. Flat.”
“Why don’t you show me, then?” Shadowbolt’s wings started to flap a bit in response.
“Both of you, stop; I don’t want you wreck the library,” the dragon calmly spoke. Shadowbolt continued to growl but Trixie’s horn stopped glowing.
“Hmph! Crushing you with my magic would be hardly satisfactory if this entire library goes down with you.”
“Tch, whatever!” Suddenly, a flare was shot up into the sky. “What? An intruder?!” The dragon unfolded his wings and took flight. “Oh no, if anyone’s gonna catch the intruder first, it’s gonna be me!” Shadowbolt also took to the air.
“No, it’ll be the great and powerful Trixie who catches him!” she ranted even as the two were out of earshot. Trixie’s horn glowed and she teleported to where the flare was shot off. She found herself in the garden outside the library. Next to her was a unicorn with one eye closed. “Where is the intruder?!” The unicorn rubbed his eye a bit before answering.
“She went over to the cliffs right after kicking me in the face.” Trixie’s eyes tried to focus on the cliffs but it was too dark to make anything out. She conjured up a ball of light and shot it at the cliffs. It briefly lit up the area and she was a few griffons flying away, one of them carrying something. She also saw Shadowbolt flying towards them. Trixie quickly tried to teleport over to the cliffs.
Shadowbolt charged at the griffons and tackled one of them. The griffon was knocked out of the air and one of the other griffons flew down to catch him. There were now only two other griffons, one of them carrying Twilight. Gilda readied her spear and told the griffon carrying Twilight to get back to Haven no matter what.
“So, Dash, I didn’t think I’d be seeing you again so soon.”
“You again?! I said my name is Shadowbolt!”
“How’s your wing feeling?” Shadowbolt took that mockingly and charged straight at her in a rage. Gilda dodged the charge and thrust out her spear, but the counter was too slow. Shadowbolt circled back around to make another charge on Gilda. Gilda remained ready as the attack came and dodged again. This time, her spear almost grazed Shadowbolt. Shadowbolt flew back a bit and started to accelerate, a streak of darkness now trailing her. She rushed at her and this time Gilda just barely had enough time to react. Using her spear, Gilda blocked Shadowbolt’s attack and diverted Shadowbolt’s path. However, Shadowbolt did not slow and she came in for another attack even faster. Once again, Gilda parried the attack but this time, a crack appeared along the shaft of her spear. But, when Shadowbolt came in for the next attack, a blast of magic suddenly shot out from the cliffs and exploded right next to the both of them right before the Shadowbolt collided into Gilda. The attack damaged the both of them and they lost control of their flight. They began hurdling towards the ground.
As the griffon carrying Twilight was getting away, another precise blast of magic came in and knocked him out of the air. Twilight and the griffon began falling through the air and Twilight desperately tried to muster up enough magic to break their fall. Only a few seconds from impact, her horn released a brilliant flash of purple light and both of them safely descended to the ground. The two other griffons from before, one carrying the injured one, then came up to the two of them. Shortly after them, Gilda also came flying in.
“Is everyone okay?” she quickly asked. The two injured griffons tried flapping their wings to make sure and the one that was carrying Twilight was unable to.
“Sorry, my wing’s busted.”
“It’s fine, I’ll carry you. Razziel, you carry the unicorn.” They picked them up and took flight again. As they started flying away, there was a flash of light below them and Trixie appeared. The conjured up multiple magic balls and launched all of her attacks at once. The griffons tried to dodge the attacks, but a few of them seemed imminent for the griffon carrying Twilight. Twilight casted a barrier around them, but the final attack broke through the barrier and the griffon lost hold of Twilight. The griffon went to go and pick her up, but Shadowbolt suddenly came charging in and knocked the griffon out of the way. In the last second, Twilight used her magic to cushion her fall. Shadowbolt was about to come crashing down on her when a magical blast was fired, but not from Trixie.
Twilight looked back and saw Rarity’s tank coming in from a distance. The griffon tried to come back down to pick up Twilight again but a magical blast from Trixie forced her to back off again. Seeing how difficult it would be for her to be retrieved, Twilight began using her remaining magic to let her run away as fast as she could. The griffons understood what was going on and flew past the tank. The tank fired a shot at Trixie and she was forced to cast a barrier to protect herself. Then, Shadowbolt came flying in again. This time, though, she wasn’t just leaving behind a trail of darkness; her entire body was shrouded in a black aura. Twilight had a good head start and was almost at the tank but Shadowbolt was gaining on her and her magic was now almost entirely depleted. The tank fired a shot at Shadowbolt but she dodged it.
“No!” Twilight heard this robotic scream just as a shadow was being cast over her. Twilight looked above her and saw that Shadowbolt flying right towards her. Twilight turned to look ahead again and saw a white blur race by her. Rarity threw up her barrier and got in front of Twilight. Shadowbolt collided with the barrier that Rarity had created using all of her magic. The black aura around Shadowbolt instantly wrapped itself around the barrier and then there was an explosion. Thick, black clouds came pouring out from the explosion and the force of the gusts knocked Twilight’s body right into the side of the tank. As she hit the tank, Sweetie Belle jumped out of the tank and began running into the dispersing darkness. Quite a distance away, Shadowbolt was lying on the ground, having rebounded from the barrier.
Using her modified eyes, Sweetie Belle scanned through the darkness and found her sister. She went up to her and felt for her pulse. Not only did she find it, but she could also hear her breathing.
“Rarity, you’re alright! Come on, let’s get back to the tank and get out of here!” Sweetie Belle started to drag her sister but she felt Rarity’s hoof touch her head.
“No, just get out of here…”
“Oh, you can even talk, too! Come on, we’ll get you back to Haven and they’ll heal you up in no time!” Sweetie Belle continued to drag her sister but Rarity suddenly pulled her face towards her sister's. Rarity’s eyes had gone dark and a black smoke was emanating from her body.
“Sweetie, just run. We can’t waste any more time…”
“What are you talking about? It’ll only take me a minute to get you back in the tank!” Rarity coughed and blood came out. “Oh, just a bit of blood. Don’t worry, the doctors will fix you up!” Sweetie Belle continued to drag Rarity and the black clouds were now mostly dispersed. In the distance, Trixie was preparing to use the last of her magic for one more blast.
“Sweetie, I won’t make it. You’ve spent enough time on me, already.”
“Don’t talk like that; I’m bringing you back.”
“Don’t…” Sweetie suddenly stopped dragging Rarity.
“Why not? Why not?! When I was caught in an explosion, I was burned all over, my legs were broken, and I could barely breathe or see! I was just lying there in pain forever, wanting to hurry up and die! But then, you found me and carried me for miles until I could get help. But the whole time, I still wanted to die! Even when you told me it’d be alright, I didn’t believe you. But you said we needed to stick together until the end because we were sisters! I know what you’re feeling, but you can’t give up like how I wanted to! It’s just pain, sister. There’s a lot of it, but we can get through it. So, come on, let’s go back together.” Sweetie Belle prepared to drag Rarity again but this time, she slapped her in the face.
“Sweetie, do not be an idiot! I am going to die here, and that’s that! Now, get back in the tank right now and never look back!” Rarity suddenly shouted.
“What are you saying, Rarity! You’re not making any sense!” The clouds had now almost fully dispersed and Trixie was almost able to make the two ponies out.
“Everything I said was because I am nothing more than a selfish pony! I let you go through all of that pain because I didn’t want to be alone! You were suffering while on the battlefield, while I carried you, while you recovered, and even when you went through that operation! All of that pain you went through was just for myself! Now, get out of here!” Rarity started coughing up more blood. Sweetie Belle stared at her sister for a few seconds.
“Well, maybe that’s how I am, too. Maybe I also only want you around just so I’m not alone? Don’t I deserve it, then? You kept me around because you were selfish; why can’t I do the same? I am not taking any excuses! You are going to come back with me and we are going to stay together, and we will continue to love each other as sisters! Do you hear me?! Sweetie Belle suddenly grabbed Rarity again and began racing towards the tank, the abrasive dirt and gravel scraping against Rarity’s body.
“Let me go, Sweetie!” Rarity shouted after coughing up more blood. When they were only ten yards away from the tank, the purple dragon suddenly came from the sky and landed right in front of them. At this time, Twilight could finally get back up and looked upon the scene with a mix of fear and confusion as she climbed the tank. Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes at the dragon, but kept dragging her sister. Above them, Peewee suddenly unleashed a blinding flare of light that only those immediately beneath it could see through. The dragon threw Sweetie Belle inside the tank before kneeling over Rarity.
Rarity had already gone blind from the effects of Shadowbolt’s explosion and her whole body was writhing with pain. It took all of her willpower to stop from screaming. The black smoke that was emanating from her body was decaying all of her organs. From the scrapes on her body from being dragged, one could also see that her blood had turned murky and was becoming poisonous even for her own body.
“Do you have anything you have left to say?” Rarity recognized the voice and also realized that Sweetie was no longer by her side. Tears began to stream down her eyes as she coughed up blood one last time.
“Tell Sweetie that her sister will always love her…”
Without another word, the dragon sunk his claws into her heart and killed her. The blinding light had now died down and the frustrated Trixie launched her final blast and it struck close to the tank. Inside, Applebloom immediately began to drive away while the Flim Flam brothers used their magic seal the hatch to prevent Sweetie from trying to escape. Both sides ended their engagement with the belief that the other was fully capable of continuing the fight. Trixie came over to the dragon and complained to him.
“Why did you get in the great and powerful Trixie’s way?!”
“What are you talking about? I was just dealing with the enemy.” The dragon spoke very evenly, his face completely emotionless.
“What was with that blinding light?!”
“I just wanted to make sure they couldn’t target me with their tank.” Trixie was about to go on when she realized that Rarity’s body was right there. “I managed to finish off one of them, but the other managed to escape.”
“I see.” Trixie calmed down a little bit. The wounded Shadowbolt got back up and clumsily made her way over to them.
“What did I miss?”
“I finished off the unicorn you collided with,” the dragon stated.
“What? Hey, what do you mean, ‘finish’?! That was my kill!”
“Well, if you want to deliver a fully-detailed report about everything that just happened, then by all means, go ahead and claim it as such.” Shadowbolt groaned.
“Fine, but you had better mention me in it!”
“The great and powerful Trixie should also be given an honourable mention!”
“Yeah, I’ll make sure to properly include the both of you.” As they talked, the black smoke had finished eating away at Rarity’s insides and the body collapsed on itself. All that remained were her bones and skin, and the skin was quickly melting away. “I may choose to exclude some of the finer details, though…”