//------------------------------// // The Price Repaid // Story: The Price of Flight // by Bro-Nii-San //------------------------------// Scootaloo and her friends had moved out of the rain, seeking the comfort and warmth of Twilight’s Castle. At the head of the table sat Twilight. She was scanning over the faces of all those present. All of her close friends sat in their respective positions, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna on the opposite side of the table as Twilight, while Zecora stood next to Fluttershy. Zecora was still looking around with an air of wonder when Celestia cleared her throat, drawing all attention to her. “Now, Scootaloo, I understand you have had a rough time recently, but I am going to have to ask for your help to free Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle,” she said, looking to Scootaloo who was sitting in the chair with Rainbow Dash. The two of them had become all but inseparable since they had hugged in the rain. Scootaloo nodded at Celestia. Already each and every pony in the room knew that she was willing to do almost anything that was needed to help her friends and sister. “Now that we have that out of the way, I think it is finally time you all knew our enemy. With the help of my sister, as well as Discord, we have discovered the identity of the Shadow.” With her words, everypony sat on the edge of their seat, looking to both Celestia and Luna expectantly, prepared for almost anything. Or so they thought. “We strongly believe the ‘Shadow’ to be the ancient spirit of a draconequus that lived long ago who was known as ‘Malevolence,’” Luna said, her words ushering a cold silence over the entire castle. Twilight was the first to find her voice again. “A draconequus? You mean one as powerful as Discord?” she asked, unsure of if she wanted an answer. Luna just shook her head as Celestia spoke. “According to Discord, even more powerful than he is. We don’t know the specifics, but somehow Malevolence was trapped in the dream realm.” Everypony in the room looked to one another as silence fell once again. Somehow, most all of the eyes ended up on Princess Luna. “How do we fight a draconequus without the Elements? And more importantly, why would a draconequus sneak around in the shadows and attack Scootaloo?” Twilight asked, trying desperately to make sense of the situation. “Malevolence’s character was true to his name. It seems he attempted to throw the world into violent chaos. We even think he was the one that released the sirens that divided the pony races in ancient lore, nearly freezing all of the land. We think he is vengeful towards everything, having been trapped in the Dream Realm,” Celestia explained. “As for how we defeat him, the Element merely drew out the power that was already inside each and every one of you. The power of Friendship. I am certain that if we face Malevolence as one, we can win over him, and break this curse of his,” she continued, looking to each and every face present, her gaze settling on Scootaloo. “We will need Scootaloo to help draw Malevolence out, which is dangerous in its own right. I also fear we may be playing into his claws. His end goal is the very destruction of Equestria, so he is likely preparing for all of us, even now. You will all have to trust in the pony standing beside you, for if you do I am certain we will win,” Celestia said, attempting to raise their spirits. Still, the fact remained that they would be facing a draconequus even more dangerous and ill-willed than Discord. At first, there were a few shared looks of concern. Soon after, however, a sly smile for Pinkie Pie spread like a virus to each other pony present, even the Princesses. All that was, except for Scootaloo. She had been tricked by a draconequus who was trapped in the Dream Realm? She could guess why Malevolence would try to bend Luna to his will, seeing as she could likely help him escape from the Dream Realm, but why… “Why would such a strong being take notice of me?” Scootaloo asked, the smiles from most everypony dropping instantly. Scootaloo looked up, her eyes betraying her confusion and frustration. “Why would I be so important to him?” “Look around Scoots. And take a good long look. Even if my wings were not messed up, no one here would have chosen not to come if you were in trouble,” Rainbow said, taking Scootaloo a bit closer to her as she did, motioning with her free hoof. “What Rainbow Dash says is true. You were targeted because of how close you are to the bearers of the Elements. We do not believe that Malevolence knows the Elements are gone, or if he does, then we are all walking into a trap he has prepared. Without Twilight, or my sister even, then Equestria would fall into chaos. I personally believe Malevolence passed on some time ago, and that he trapped himself in the Dream Realm. Or at least that he trapped his will and power there. Perhaps even Malevolence himself was merely a tool for the same nightmare we will face. Whatever the reason though, it does not change the fact that your friends are here for you,” Luna explained. If anyone present was going to know anything about the Dream Realm, it was likely to be Luna. But still, a lot of the information was over Scootaloo’s head. Or Pinkie’s for that matter, judging from the strange look she was giving Luna. Scootaloo had to stop and take account of the information she had just received. So, the Shadow that had tricked her was out to destroy Equestria, and was also an angry draconequus that was either tricked into being trapped in the Dream Realm, or was dying and chose to “save” himself by making his mind and power all but immortal, at the cost of a physical body. “But, if Malevolence knows of my relationship with Rainbow Dash and everypony, and that you all were the Elements of Harmony, wouldn’t he also know they are gone? If so, he wants all of you to enter the Dream Realm so he can trap you all there?” Scootaloo questioned. Twilight and Celestia exchanged looks. Had they really over-looked such obvious facts? They were likely stressed after all though… “That is true. I hadn’t thought about all that,” Twilight said, looking to Luna. “We know he can look into dreams, but is it possible for him to delve deeper into a pony’s mind? Perhaps, to look at memories?” Her question was directed at Luna, who seemed indecisive. “I do not know if such is possible, but if any were able to accomplish such a feat, it would be Malevolence,” Luna responded uncertainly. The atmosphere in the room had changed. Now they all knew they would be walking into a planned trap. Malevolence likely knew everything that Scootaloo knew, which included the reformation of Discord. Was Malevolence so strong, or cunning that he had the ability and confidence to face not only three Alicorn princesses, but also to handle Discord all at the same time? There was a deep unease in the pit of Scootaloo’s stomach that was reflected on the faces of those around her. Only Luna and Celestia remained unaffected by the turn in events. Then again, they had already faced a draconequus once before. A few hours had passed since the conversation had ended abruptly. Luna needed time to prepare to carry so many minds to the Dream Realm, and so they had cut the meeting short. The uneasiness was still apparent on everyone’s face. However, no one voiced any concerns. They trusted the Princesses, Twilight especially. Besides, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were still in danger, and no one was going to let any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders down. Everyone was preparing for the coming storm in their own way. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash spent the time together, having a deep heart to heart about all that had transpired. Rarity and Applejack spent their time in their sisters’ rooms in the castle, where they had been moved in light of recent events. Pinkie Pie spent her time with Twilight who was attempting to calm Fluttershy. And Celestia spent the last few minutes with a surprise guest… Discord. It appeared that he was to be part of the “expedition” into the Dream Realm. While he was almost certainly mostly reformed, he still unsettled Scootaloo on an instinctual level. He simply seemed… Unnatural. Scootaloo was apologizing to Rainbow Dash for what must have been the 20th time when Twilight appeared at the entrance to the room they were occupying. It was time. They were really about to make a foray into the Dream Realm to combat what was likely one of the most power beings that ever existed. The room that Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash followed Twilight into was littered with a dozen beds. One for each of the Mane 6, one more for Celestia, one for Scootaloo, two that were occupied already by the remaining Cutie Mark Crusaders, one for Zecora, and one more for Discord. Luna, who was in the center of the room, did not need a bed, and so occupied the little remaining space. Everyone quickly settled into a bed, though the last thing on their minds was sleep. Well, except for Discord, who appeared to be in a deep slumber already. Luna looked to each pony present. The expression she wore was not one of concern, or anxiety, but determination. “You need not worry about slumbering, I will be carrying you all to the Dream Realm with me. Please, make your minds open, and we shall be on our way,” Luna said, her horn starting to glow slightly. Scootaloo and the rest complied, both emptying their minds, as well as giving way to the gentle pull that tugged at their consciousness. Scootaloo briefly found the sensation familiar, but was dragged away before she could give any thought to the feeling. A moment, later, the black world gave way to a misty grey. The fog swirled here and there as the mist seemed to move towards Scootaloo. Looking around, she realized she could not see anyone else. Scootaloo’s eyes widened in alarm as she made to call for her friends. A gentle hoof on her back made her turn, however, what she thought was a hoof was actually a clawed hand, talons wrapped inward to make a fist which in turn felt like a hoof. Scootaloo’s mouth dropped open as she scrambled a short distance from the pitch-black figure that was Malevolence. “You have done well, young Scootaloo. Soon, the rest of your friends will be attempting to knock down my front door, and that is all thanks to you. You truly have my gratitude for that. You managed not to only lure in one Princess, but three! Soon, both Twilight and Celestia will be out of my way, forever! Again, that is all thanks to you, Scootaloo. As my way of saying ‘thanks’, I will be releasing you and your precious Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom,” Malevolence said. His voice was just as rich as the first time Scootaloo had heard it whisper to her. It was the sort of voice that Scootaloo almost found comfort in, despite the circumstances. “You cannot win, Malevolence! Soon Twilight and the others will be here to stop you. Even Discord will be here to stop you!” Scootaloo shouted in defiance. Her words simply made the shadowy form of the draconequus laugh. “You really are so adorable! I have had thousands of years to devise a plan, to build my strength. And it has all come down to this moment. No matter the plans you have made, for they will be for naught. Also, Discord did not join your little adventure. Draconequus never turn on each other. I have only met him through the Dream Realm, but he has agreed to not interfere with my plans,” Malevolence retorted. They had been right. Malevolence could access memories! The plans they had made were already known to the nightmare… A sudden flash of bright white light broke the mist, striking at the figure before Scootaloo. The orb of light, which should have connected squarely upon Malevolence’s chest, sunk into the shadows, deforming them for a brief moment before they surged forward, reassembling the figure of the draconequus as the orb continued to fly strait into the distance. “Ah, looks like the rest of the party has arrived. I shall be with you in a moment, Scootaloo. I would prefer if you were not to make a racket. I would hate to hurt somepony who has helped me so much.” As Malevolence spoke, he rose a clawed hand, palm facing Princess Celestia, who was standing with a scary look upon her face. A line of shadow extended from the palm of his hand, aimed at Celestia’s chest. Scootaloo had no chance to think as a bolt of thunder descended from the sky, striking once more at the draconequus. The flash blinded Scootaloo for a moment, and when next she looked Celestia was standing mere inches from Malevolence, a sword of solar energy swinging at the writhing shadows. For a moment, Scootaloo was reminded of the stories of King Sombra. Suddenly, the words spoken to Scootaloo before made sense. Malevolence was involved in the fall of the Crystal Empire as well! Scootaloo thought for a moment as Princess Luna descended upon Malevolence wielding her magic. Hadn’t Nightmare Moon turned into a sort of shadow as well? A revelation suddenly hit Scootaloo. “Luna, get away from him!” Scootaloo shouted in a panic, however, it was too late. Before Scootaloo’s eyes, the shadows pierced Luna, her eyes going wide as the shadows caused ripples through her form. Before all eyes, a familiar darkness began to overtake the normal midnight blue of Luna’s coat. Princess Luna was once again becoming Nightmare Moon! With each passing second, more of Luna’s coat was changing to black. A sudden flash of light elicited a scream from both Luna and Malevolence as the two were forced apart, the area where they had previously been now occupied by a familiar figure. “Oh, I do hope I am not late to the party!” Discord said gleefully, as if he were truly arriving to a party for a dear friend. The shadows that made up Malevolence shifted, retaking their original form. “Discord?! How dare you interrupt my plans! You would dare turn your magic against a fellow draconequus?!” Malevolence shouted angrily. It was obvious that Discord’s interruption was far from planned, as if it were something that was nigh impossible. Discord just shot him an amused look. “You? A draconequus?” Discord paused here to chuckle. “Why, if you are a draconequus, then I must be a poodle, and Scootaloo a chicken!” Scootaloo stopped to think for a moment. Discord a poodle? Where did that even come from? Wait, had Discord called Scootaloo-… Scootaloo was unable to finish the thought as Malevolence let out an enraged howl, launching at Discord who, with a wave of his clawed hand, summoned what appeared to be a mirror, which reflected Malevolence with a bright flash of light. Malevolence recoiled a bit, then froze as he looked into the mirror Discord had conjured. His eyes were wide, as if he had seen something magnificent and terrifying at the same time. Scootaloo moved a bit to try and look in the mirror, but another flash of light caused Malevolence to recoil once more, part of the shadows that made his body separating from his body shortly before dissolving in the air, like mist. Celestia leveled her spear of light to make another attack, but Malevolence moved away, his eyes still showing his shock. The shock, however, soon turned to a burning hatred. “What are you playing at, Discord?” Malevolence growled, nursing the wound it had just received. “Why, what do you mean? The mirror only shows what you want it to,” Discord said mockingly. Scootaloo had the idea that Discord was actually telling the truth. Scootaloo still found herself oddly drawn to the mirror. Even as she once again moved to look into the mirror, Malevolence let out a long breath just before standing once more in his normal composed stance, though a bit shorter as the shadowy smoke that comprised him reformed to reconstruct his shape on a smaller scale. Luna stood behind him, Celestia to his right, with Discord to his front. To the left, Scootaloo could faintly hear Twilight talking to her friends about something, no doubt their final plan. Malevolence wasted no time however. He quickly launched not at Luna or Celestia, not even at Discord. Instead, he target Twilight! Scootaloo lost track of Malevolence in the mist that still swirled stagnantly. Celestia, Luna and Discord quickly followed after Malevolence as a bright purple light pulsed, followed by the sounds of spells colliding and ricocheting. Rather than follow Discord and the others, Scootaloo turned to where Discord had been. The mirror was still standing on its own, despite the lack of any sort of support structure. Scootaloo walked to the back of the mirror, looking for any markings, though found only a cryptic S.H. carved into the oak wood. Walking around to the other side of the mirror, Scootaloo froze for a second, then smiled. The reflection in the mirror showed her and Rainbow Dash standing side by side, both wearing smiles. Rainbow Dash had her magnificent wings spread, which Scootaloo was content with her own flightless wings… Her rightful wings. It was then that Scootaloo could understand the mirror. The whole time Scootaloo had been distracted by the mirror (which was a great deal longer than she had realized) Malevolence had taken the upper hand in the fight, which had migrated back towards Scootaloo. Scootaloo took a moment to survey the fight. Applejack was limping slightly, but still standing while Fluttershy was curled up behind her, a wing in her hooves obviously injured. Rainbow Dash was taking wild leaps at Malevolence where she could, using her now shriveled wings to the best of her power to propel herself forward during her jumps, though Scootaloo knew from experience the results were less than noticeable. Twilight, Luna and Discord all had magical shields up, only dropping them to launch the occasional spell at Malevolence. Celestia was laying dazed a ways further, having just been struck by some sort of sneak attack. Scootaloo looked back to the mirror, now focusing on Malevolence. The imaged started to blur painfully slowly, during which time Scootaloo could hear a pained scream from Twilight, and a concerned yell from Luna. Still, Scootaloo only focused more of her energy on the mirror. Slowly, a new image began to fade into the view on the mirror. Suddenly, the view snapped onto the image, crystal clear. Scootaloo gasped at what she saw, a tear finding its way into her eye, clouding her vision slightly. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Pinkie Pie asked, popping out from behind the mirror. Wait, Scootaloo had come from that side of the mirror, and Pinkie Pie was nowhere in the area. Even as hard as Scootaloo had been focusing on the mirror, she would have noticed the splash of pink in the abysmal grey landscape, right? Scootaloo shook the thought off quickly as the tear rolled down her cheek. “Pinkie Pie, I need your help,” Scootaloo told her, looking her in the eye. Obviously, the gravity of the situation was not lost on even Pinkie Pie. “Okey-dokey-Loki,” Pinkie Pie said, only a fraction of her usual glee in her voice. A few moments later, Pinkie Pie just nodded, a smile on her face. “Oh, parties are my specialty!” she said excited. “So, you can do it?” Scootaloo asked tentatively. It seemed too good to be true, even for Pinkie Pie. “Of course! I always carry emergency party supplies!!” Pinkie said as she pulled a case out of her mane. Scootaloo blinked at the impossible feat, and when she next opened her eyes, Pinkie was gone, skipping away towards Malevolence happily. Scootaloo sighed and rubbed her head. Obviously it was because they were in the Dream Realm… Right? By this point, Discord was the only one left standing to oppose Malevolence. The look of seriousness on Discord’s normally grinning face showed the grim reality of the situation. Slowly, for what must have been the fifth time, Princess Luna stood up shakily on her hooves, somehow managing to levitate her crescent blade in a battle position. Malevolence snarled as the duo as they slowly began to pace around him. Suddenly… There was confetti falling around Malevolence, as well as streamers, balloons, and all manner of party items. Pinkie Pie had even attempted to place a party hat upon Malevolence, though it just phased through his smoky shadow form. Everyone, including Malevolence froze at the sudden appearance of Pinkie Pie. “Well, what do you think?! It may not be much, but it was about the best I could do on such short notice. This took me a record 15 seconds to prepare for!” Pinkie Pie chimed happily as if she were speaking to a long-time friend. Even as Malevolence was still frozen in place, Discord managed to chuckle. “Well, it appears I was not late for the party after all!” Discord then proceeded to teleport next to Malevolence, and arm around his shoulder. (Of course Discord had only been messing around this whole time!) “What’s the occasion? Birthday? Wedding? Finally get that collage degree after all the centuries?” Discord asked mockingly. Pinkie Pie just giggled as Malevolence finally regained enough sense to move away from her and Discord. “No silly! This is party for…” Pinkie Pie thought for a moment before turning to Scootaloo. “What is this party for again?” Pinkie Pie asked. About this time, Twilight, Celestia and the others were finally starting to gather around, finally finding the strength to stand again with the lull in the battle. Scootaloo walked up to, and past, the confused looking Pinkie Pie. Scootaloo continued to walk until she was halfway between Malevolence and her friends. “This party is for Malevolence. It is not a special occasion or anything in particular, but rather a party to cheer him up,” Scootaloo explained. Neither side moved as Scootaloo began to address Malevolence alone. “I saw the reflection in the mirror,” Scootaloo stated plainly. Malevolence just snorted. “You saw yourself then? Then you must realize I gave you what you wanted most,” he said, a colder edge than usual in his voice. Scootaloo shook her head. “No, I realized it was not a physical mirror, but a mirror that reflected your heart, and what it desires. But it is more than that as well. That mirror showed me what I lost. And what I will regain,” Scootaloo stated firmly. Behind her, the rest of the party was tense, all on edge should Malevolence make a move to hurt Scootaloo. Malevolence, for his own part, sat in silence. Scootaloo was unable to read any sort of expression or emotion from him, so she decided to continue. “I also saw what was in your heart, Malevolence. What was in the mirror was-…” Scootaloo was cut off by a sharp shout from Malevolence. “Enough!” The yell was enough to put everyone on edge again, but Discord motioned for everyone to back down. “You never could quite handle the truth,” Discord mused. It was obvious he was attempting to infuriate Malevolence, though it also sounded like they had a past. “Enough, Discord,” Scootaloo said, shooting him a cross look, to which Discord fled, attempting to hide his large form behind the still shuddering Fluttershy. “Malevolence, I truly did see what was in the mirror. Why do you seek to plunge this world into disaster and misery?” Scootaloo asked, not attempting mentioning what was in the mirror this time. Malevolence gave Scootaloo a long look. “What does the reason matter? Is it not enough that I seek to destroy your world? What good would knowing the reasoning do you?” Malevolence asked. It seemed as though he was genuinely interested in the answer the filly would have. “The reason DOES matter. I saw someone, a mare, standing next to you in the mirror,” Malevolence flinched at the mere mention of the mare, obviously hitting somewhere close to home for him. But Scootaloo did not relent. “And I saw you, not as a draconequus, but as a pony,” Scootaloo stated firmly. “Surely your heart still desires that, so why destroy that which you desire?” Scootaloo questioned. For a while, Malevolence stood in silence. “Shadow Heart,” Malevolence said. “If you must know my reasons for destroying your world, you must first know a bit of my past. And hers. Obviously, I was not always trapped in the Dream Realm. Once, I was a draconequus with powers even greater than Discord, who was a mere child at the time,” Malevolence said, his sudden change in hostility shocking all but Scootaloo and Discord. “At that time, I had no dislike for equines. In fact, although I hate to admit it, I was jealous of your races. There were many of your own kind, each willing to help the other, while my own race was on the verge of extinction, our own infighting and distrust of each other having dwindled our numbers,” Malevolence paused here, as if he were second guessing his decision to tell them his story. A moment later, he continued. “It was long, long ago that I was once a friend to equinity. It was long before the founding of modern Equestria, and in a time when Alicorns were still a common sight. Years of endless peace began to give way to the darker side of your species, however. Once a certain standard of living was obtained, ponies began to turn their attention to more trivial matters, and pursue them with great intensity. One such movement was that certain races were inferior to others. Zebras, earth ponies, and bat ponies in particular were singled out by pegasi and unicorns. Shadow Heart was the female bat pony you saw in the mirror, and one whom I was… Close with,” Scootaloo had not noticed it at the time, somehow, but now that she thought about it, the mare did indeed have the featherless wings characteristic of bat ponies, though she was vibrantly colored, which was unusual for their race. At least, as far as Scootaloo knew. She then realized that she knew next to nothing about the cryptic species of equine… “Politics at the time, despite my attempts to persuade them otherwise, took a turn for the worse. Limited resources lead to a new system of governance. Races were given priority based on how ‘useful’ they were. Unicorns were coveted for their magic, while pegasi controlled the weather. After failed attempts to harvest crops by both races, the earth ponies’ usefulness was established. Meanwhile, however, the zebras, which were great herbalist by practice and ritual, and the bat ponies, which were fearsome guardians of the night, where both left with no place in the new society. Medical advances in magic and technology meant that the old ways of treating ailments with herbal remedies were dying, and no other races were thought to exist at the time, meaning there was no need for an army, or guards that could not wield magic to detain citizens. Eventually, both zebras and bat ponies lost their citizenship, and all the rights that come with it,” Malevolence all but spat out the last sentence, as if the mere thought of it was making him physically ill. Scootaloo, however, could comprehend the emotion. For so long, she herself had been one with no real place in society. Most pegasi were weather ponies, but for Scootaloo, who could not fly, she may well have been a two-legged earth pony. “I think I can guess what happens next,” Scootaloo said sadly. Malevolence just stared at her. He must have known the look in her eye. “Shadow Heart lost her place, her role, her very life as it were,” Scootaloo concluded. “Close,” Malevolence said dourly. “Actually, she was murdered by those she once served. She was caught stealing food for starving bat pony foals. Seeing as none of them were any longer considered citizens, they were basically trash for most of the population of the kingdom. As a warning, Shadow Heart was publicly executed without trial. As such, I learned too late of the matter. In my sorrow, I attempted something drastic. I had been studying the magic of soul binding, so that I might one day acquire an equine form myself. Despite the research being incomplete, I attempted to bind Shadow Heart’s soul to my own body. The result is as you see here. My essence was trapped within the Shadow Realm. However, it was not without its perks. My revenge upon the broken society that took her life has been constant, and unstoppable. And soon, I will be free of this prison, free to reform your society into a proper one!” Malevolence finally concluded. He was so very passionate about his words, he was practically panting by the end of the tale, having been so involved in it. “I can understand that you probably hate equines. And after hearing such a sad tale, I cannot help but empathize with you, but do you still believe that after all these years that our kind, not just pegasi, but all quines, are still those that imposed such a wrongful society? You have been able to witness the changes we have made, the success we have had… And the setbacks we have suffered,” Scootaloo spoke, doing her best to speak to whatever reason might remain in Malevolence. In the end, he was a monster of quine creation. There was not a doubt in Scootaloo’s mind that his words had been true, and as such, she felt it their responsibility to finally sooth the raging beast. “You understand nothing! Once again, your race is on the path to repeat its past mistakes! A single zebra was enough to turn an entire village into a ghost town!” Malevolence said accusingly. “Was. Now that same zebra is a part of our society,” Scootaloo said, motioning to Zecora who was crutched next to Applejack, looking at her rear left leg, which appeared injured. Malevolence scoffed. “And what of the bat ponies?” Malevolence asked now. His tone showed he was confident in his accusation this time around. “What about them? I cannot claim to know much about them, but as you said, they are fearsome guardians of the night, and as such I have seen them escorting Princess Luna many times,” Scootaloo responded coolly. “Very well, what of Nightmare Moon? The very Princess you just used as an example would rise in violence against her own sister, and the subjects she was sworn to protect!” With his words, Luna’s eyes glazed over slightly, but before anyone else could raise their voice, Scootaloo responded in the same calm and cool tone. “An act that was fueled by a third party. Perhaps she was ever so slightly at fault, but in the end, the actions were not hers, but yours! It was your influence that finally pushed her over that edge. You would have turned a peaceful kingdom into a ragged and scarred land. And, if you had succeeded, you would have been no better than those that you resent,” Scootaloo stated firmly, looking Malevolence right where his eyes would have been. For a moment, he was quiet. Then, he hung his head low. “You… You are so much like her. Very well, I cannot argue the fact that I may not be in the right anymore, but if left alone, you will surely fall prey to the same devices that your ancestors have. I have seen it time and time again. It was that same loop that I finally wished to obliterate,” Malevolence said, his voice betraying a bit of uncertainty at first, though his resolve hardened as she spoke. “I cannot blame you for trying, but your way would only breed more hatred in the hearts of ponies,” Luna spoke this time, stepping forward. “I will never forget the time I spent as Nightmare Moon. And while I never wish to relive the experience, I reflect upon it. I learn from my mistake, and I help others do the same. As you said, our kind is one that helps one another. There may be times when we forget that, but in the end, it is still a part of who we are. All we need is that small reminder now and again. For me, becoming Nightmare Moon was not just a mistake, but an awakening. I learned of my weakness. Not that I was alone, but that I pushed others away,” Luna said solemnly. She managed to look directly at Malevolence, even through the tears in her eyes. Scootaloo took a step toward Malevolence. “We are not a perfect species. We make mistakes. We hurt each other sometimes. But in the end, we are all the same. We understand the mistakes that others make, because we ourselves have made them before. And if we can overcome the uncertainty we have in ourselves, we can teach the lessons we learn in life to others.” Malevolence stood for a moment, processing all that he had just heard. “Indeed, you are not perfect. But neither am I. I made many mistakes in my life, and even more after,” Malevolence admitted. “And I may also have misjudged you ponies. I had thought you weak, on the same track to despair I have seen so many others take. But you are all strong. Far stronger than one such as I. I was unable to realize my mistakes, unable to accept that I had made them, and as such, I was unable to teach others to avoid them.” Malevolence looked at those in front of him, his will to fight gone. In the end, Twilight was the one to ask the hard question. “What will you do now?” Malevolence didn’t seem to have an answer at first, but he finally sighed. “I have lived far past my time, even as a draconequus. These times are now obviously different than the ones I am accustomed to. For so long, I have kept my soul, and my magic, anchored to the Dream Realm, but even my spells will not last forever. I had finally decided to take this time to possess a suitable body because the anchor that holds me here is weakening. I think it time I finally release the chains that bind me, as well as my past,” Malevolence said, looking to Scootaloo. “I am sorry to have tricked you. I had only thought of you as the same ponies that took the one closest to me, and that had turned the world into a living nightmare for others, but I can see now that I was as wrong as I could be. To think, you of all ponies would be the one to make me see my faults… I am honored to have known you. I will right the wrongs I have committed against you, but… I am sorry, Scootaloo. Even my powers cannot help your wings before their time,” Malevolence apologized. Scootaloo knew full well what his words meant, but still she smiled from the bottom of her heart. “I am not ready for my wings yet, I think I should give them, and maybe even my cutie mark, a bit more time,” Scootaloo admitted, truly feeling the weight of the words, though not regretting a single one. Malevolence just seemed to smile. Much like Discord, the rose his one of his clawed hands, the middle digit resting against his thumb. “Then, this is goodbye. I entrust my vengeance to you all. Do not let this world fall into ruin once more, and my ‘revenge’ will be complete.” Everyone just smiled and nodded. Scootaloo’s heart ached slightly. Malevolence… Had he really been that bad? Scootaloo just had one question she HAD to ask. “What is your real name?” Malevolence just laughed a bit before he snapped his fingers, a bright flash of light carrying a weight off of Scootaloo’s back as his shadowy form began to dissolve from the bottom up. Even as he disappeared, Scootaloo could swear she heard him whisper to her once more. ‘You really are just like her.’ Scootaloo’s eyelids felt as though they were made of lead. One would think sleeping for so long would leave one feeling refreshed, but a whole new wave of fatigue washed over Scootaloo as she rose from the bed. Her energy was renewed, however, when she heard a familiar voice nearby. “Huh? Where are we? What going on Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle asked as Scootaloo galloped to her bed, visibly crying happily as Applejack moved next to Apple Bloom. As Rarity and Applejack lorded over their sisters, Twilight explained in detail what had happened. Scootaloo smiled and was about to take the opportunity to leave when Discord suddenly walked up next to her. “Now, I do not know of an exact name,” Discord whispered to her. “but I do know that Malevolence was once known by a different title by ponies.” “What was it?” Scootaloo asked, curious. Discord just smiled. “Benevolence,” was all he said before teleporting next to Twilight, arm wrapped around her neck as she was about to get to the part of the story where Discord appeared. “And suddenly, there I was! Standing, like a Knight in sparkling silver armor! Twilight, calling for my help even as I descended upon Malevolence with a sword of pure gold!” he exclaimed wildly. Twilight have him a very serious look. “You did nothing of the sort!” Twilight argued. She really took her story telling seriously... Once again, everyone was distracted and laughing, however. Scootaloo smiled as she turned to talk out of the room. The atmosphere was happy, but she couldn’t bring herself to join in any of the merriment, she just had too much on her mind. Malevo- No, Benevolence, the past, the future… She also couldn’t help but look back. It came as no shock that her wings had returned to their flightless state. She was melancholy about the loss of her wings, but it was secondary to her thoughts of Benevolence. “You okay Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked, startling Scootaloo as she looked out upon Equestria from one of the many balconies in Twilight’s castle. “I will be, I just have a lot on my mind. And, I am so sorry Rainbow Dash, I never intended for things to get that bad…” Scootaloo responded, turning her eyes away from Rainbow Dash to look at the ground at her feet. A cyan blue hoof gently lifted her chin, her eyes meeting with the rosy colored irises of Rainbow Dash. “Don’t you dare apologize. Everypony makes mistakes, what really matters is how they deal with those mistakes. And kiddo, you made me very proud to be your sister today,” Rainbow Dash said, embracing Scootaloo, who embraced her back, beginning to cry once more. It was just too much for her to handle. She had too many emotions flying about in her mind and heart, and what ended up coming out were tears. Truly, it was a turning point in not only the lives of those involved, but also for the whole of Equestria. The interaction between two individuals would have an impact on an entire kingdom for generations to come. It was on the thoughts of Scootaloo and her friends even before they had time to process the whole situation. After all, they had made a promise to a friend.