(Based off the events in the Season 5 finale The Cutie Re-Mark - this story contains spoilers for that episode, as well as events leading up to the end of Season 7.)

The ashen wasteland Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and Spike discovered at the end of their time travelling must have been caused by someone.... But who could possibly possess the power to cause the destruction of all life in Equestria?

In an alternate timeline where Twilight Sparkle and her friends never gained their cutie marks, it's just another long chain of tragic events in the life of the lone ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia.

All throughout her life, the sun princess had a voice in the back of her mind attempting to convince her to stop caring about what happens to the world or her subjects. The voice is cruel, condescending and cold....

But Celestia can't help but listen... after all....

The voice is a reflection of her own suppressed feelings.