I like quiet days. The Library is closed. Spike is gone. And I have a good book in front of me. To my side, a steaming cup of cocoa.
On a quiet day, a human isn't randomly summoned. His sister doesn't follow him with a plan to kill us all. The human doesn't go on an adventure across the country to end up saving it. And I don't suddenly ascend.
I wonder what he is up to? I'm talking about Paradox. Once a human, who did all those things I said. Now he is an Alicorn. Like me.
Another thing that doesn't happen on quiet days is the same guy showing up from 3000 years in the past to save us yet again. Along with him is an ancient race that he killed and brought back.
After all that, a quiet day is all I want.
After a few minutes of reading I found myself bored. A bit unlike me. Maybe Rarity can help?
Getting off my chair I head for Rarity's.
Walking through town I waved to a few of the Ponyvillians. Derpy, Vinyl, Octavia, and Bon-Bon are a few of my more favorite ponies.
I noticed the CMC training a few colts who joined not too long ago. Mrs. Cake just put up a sign for a new cake.
Finally, I found myself at the door of the Carousel Boutique.
Knocking on the door I yelled, "Rarity? You home?"
"Just a second!" Came her reply. Not a few moments later, Rarity opened her door, "Oh! Twilight! Do come in!"
"How have you been dear?" Rarity asked me as I followed her in.
"Just fine, a bit bored though." I replied as we sat in her kitchen.
"I was thinking the same thing darling, before you showed up. I was planning on visiting Fluttershy, see how she is holding up." Rarity chatted idly as she put on a pot of tea.
"That's a great idea!' I agreed happily, "And perhaps we could find the others too!"
"Yes, it's a-" Rarity was cut off as the sound of some pony knocking came into the kitchen.
"Be right there!" Rarity sang, rushing out of the kitchen. She came back a few seconds later holding a muffin and a letter. "Oh my." Rarity whispered as she read the letter.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Sapphire Shores is ordering a new line, and she will be here in two days!" Rarity gasped, "I'm sorry Twilight, but I'll have to cut this short and get to work."
"Okay, I'll just head to Sugarcube Corner for a treat." I sighed to myself as I left Rarity to her work.
Quietly, I walked through Ponyville again. As I reached the front doors to Sugarcube Corner, a bright pink filled my vision.
"Hi Twilight! What brings you here?" Pinkie chirped, a smile on her face as always.
"I don't really know, I guess I got to used to having these Creators running amok that I just got bored." I answered as we walked in.
"Okay Twilight: One: You are a Creator. And Two: why have I never heard of the word Amok? It sounds fun! Amokamokamok!" Pinkie explained to me as Mrs. Cake waited for our order.
"Just a Vanilla milkshake." I asked before heading to a table.
"So, Pinkie," I asked, "Are you free to come to Sweet Apple Acres with me?"
Pinkie frowned and looked up, "I dunno. Author, am I free?"
I stared blankly as Pinkie continued to look up. "But, I wanna go with Twilight!" Again I stared blankly.
"Fine," Pinkie sighed, "The Author says I have to stay here and work. Sorry Twi."
"Alright, bye Pinkie." I picked up my shake and left for AJ's.
As I walked, I thought of what Pinkie said. The Author? Who in the hoof is that?!
As I chalked it to Pinkie being Pinkie, I found the smell of apples in my nose. I was in Sweet Apple Acres.
"No, you cheated an' you know it!" I heard a country voice say.
"Says you!" A brash tomboyish voice argued.
I rounded the tree to find Applejack and Rainbow Dash arguing. "What's going on here?" I asked.
"Well, me an' Dash were havin' another Iron Pony competition, until she cheated!" AJ explained, Dash scoffing.
"And neither of you thought to hire somepony to, I don't know, judge this thing?" I asked with a smirk.
Dash blushed a little as she admitted, "Yeah, that would make it fair."
As I stifled a giggle, a small orange blur shot right up to us.
"Twilight!" A small orange Pegasus gasped, "Fluttershy needs you right away!"
"Thank you Scootaloo." I said, taking off towards Fluttershy's cottage.
"Twilight, thank goodness you're here!" Fluttershy exclaimed, opening the door to her cottage. "It's awful, just awful!"
"I came as fast as I heard," I replied, running through her cottage, "What happened?"
"I found her in the Everfree, she was mumbling things." Fluttershy answered as we reached the bedroom door, "I brought her here as fast as I could."
We opened the door to find a blue unicorn with a white mane staring at the ceiling as she mumbled to herself. I stepped closer to listen in, only to recognize the unicorn.
It was Trixie.
Hesitantly, I leaned in towards her, and flinched at her words.
"He is coming. The one who craves revenge! A message! One for the king! He shall stand at deaths gate! He shall decide the owner of the last breath! A war! One that will break reality! He must choose!"
"Trixie, who would choose?" I asked her quietly.
"The one who's life is an endless circle! The man turned Alicorn! The one who governs life!" She practically yelled.
"WHO?!" I yelled back, causing Fluttershy to jump back.
"You know him Twilight! Trixie knows you know. You call him friend. Let's see if he's that at the End!" Trixie answered, now sitting up and staring at me.
"I won't ask again, who is it?!" I growled.
With a smirk, Trixie answered, "Paradox shall choose who will live when Life will die."
Prometheus's POV
3,000 years I've waited. 3,000 years since Paradox defeated me.
But he made a grave mistake. For the place he sent me, I found an ally who told me how to seize my revenge.
Fluttershy and I left Trixie in the guest room as we went to the living room.
Nothing was said for a full hour. In that time, Rainbow, AJ, and Pinkie showed up.
I explained what Trixie had told me. And again, we fell silent.
Finally, Rainbow spoke, "Then let's find Paradox and figure out what Trixie meant."
I shook my head, "It's not that easy Rainbow, Paradox hasn't spoke to us in months. We haven't had any contact. Not to mention the fact he is rebuilding the Creator's home world." I explained.
"Then what do we do?" Fluttershy asked quietly.
I looked at each of my friends in thought. "Well, seeing as Luna and Celestia used to live there, maybe we could ask them to teleport us there?"
"Well," AJ sighed, "It's worth a shot."
Paradox's POV
Life in Utopia was different.
As an Immortal, I hardly needed to eat anymore. I also found it hard to sleep.
So most of my time was spent rebuilding El Dorado. The capital city.
Only one hundred Creators survived the void, so to say that the city was quiet was an understatement. It was closer to a ghost town.
And it sort of was.
Now, I found myself standing where Prometheus stood on the day he tried to banish me.
"First order of business," I spoke loudly, "The reconstruction of El Dorado is estimated to be complete next week."
Looking at the list in front of me, I continued, "Second order; With Prometheus gone, another must take his place as the Grand Adviser."
It is sad to say no one wanted to take this job. So I was surprised to hear a familiar voice speak up.
"I would gladly like to take the job." Rose, granddaughter of Odin, said.
I felt the corners of my mouth raise slightly as I moved on to the last order of business.
"Lastly, in honor of Odin's wish. I Paradox take the throne as the King of the Creators. Is there any objections?" I asked. Surprisingly, it was quiet.
"Then I declare this meeting over." I finished, stepping away from the podium and began walking towards the throne room.
As I walked, Suavis Taberna, an old friend and owner of a sweet shop, joined me.
"I still can't believe that Luna and Tia are rulers of their parent's creation." Suavis said in delight.
"They were still young when I casted that spell," I sighed, "They would have died before their parents."
We continued to walk in silence. The hall echoing our footsteps.
As soon as we entered the throne room, the doors slammed shut.
"So, has your visions changed?" Suavis asked quietly, for fear of being caught.
"Yes," I answered, "but, if it's fine by you, I don't wish to speak of the new one."
"It's fine," Suavis answered, "I just wanted to make sure that you are fine."
"Thanks." I said, "I'll retire now."
Twilight's POV
"And that's why we need to talk to him." I finished explaining to the Princesses.
Celestia looked at Luna before speaking. "I'm sorry Twilight, but Paradox sealed the Creator's realm off, we can't." She said remorsefully.
"Perhaps we could contact that one stallion in the box." Luna suggested.
"But how?" I asked, "He could be anywhere in time and space."
"Good thing I landed here," Said a new voice. We turned to see a brown stallion with black hair and a fez step from the shadows, next to him was Derpy and a smaller filly.
"But, you were red haired last time!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, and a shame too." the Doctor sighed, "I wound up fighting for 400 years on Trotzelore, then my brave Dinky here convinced the Time Lords to give me a new cycle."
"Why are you here Doctor?" Luna asked, wanting to get to the point.
"Yes, that," The Doctor exclaimed, "I came from the future, I was hoping you guys knew how to fix it. So, I am to assume you want me to retrieve Paradox?"
"If you could, yes." Celestia answered.
The Doctor nodded, "We'll be back."
Then they walked back into the shadows, a wheezing groaning sounding out shortly after before fading away.
Paradox's POV
The Dreamworld was quiet, as it always is when I have control over it. But the wind started, and the vision began.
I found myself in an endless black, but it wasn't the void. This place was between life and death.
In front of me was a simple gate, behind which ghosts walked back and forth.
In front of the gate was. . . something. It had no body, but wore a tattered black cloak with a large hood.
I saw myself standing in front of him, wings extended.
"You won't win." My voice cut through the silence.
"I am Death. I know every secret. Every weakness." The things voice rasped. "Meet yours." He snapped his fingers, and Jane stepped out from behind him.
I tried to yell, to warn her to run away. But she drew her sword, Clarent, and swung.
In a flash of movement, the other me turned into a human. He drew his sword and deflected Jane's blow. before running it through her heart.
I yelled again as Jane fell through the gate, lost forever.
"I always win." Death whispered before disappearing. Leaving me and the future me alone.
Then the vision finally faded.
"No!" I yelled, sitting straight up.
"Glad to see you're awake." A voice said. I looked around to find myself in some sort of control room. A wheezing groaning came from. . . somewhere.
"Where am I?" I asked the voice, standing and walking up the stairs.
"Welcome Paradox, to the TARDIS!" A brown pony wearing a fez answered.
I recognized him immediately, "Doctor?!" I asked I surprise.
"Yep. That's me." He chuckled.
"Dare I ask about the fez?" I ask.
"He won't take it off, no matter how much I ask." Derpy replied, walking from the back.
"Where are we going?" I ask the Doctor as his hooves fly across the control panel.
"Look outside," Came his reply as the TARDIS suddenly went quiet. "We're there."
I looked out the door to find myself at the Canterlot throne room.
Twilight and Luna were talking about something happening at a hospital.
"Hey Twilight." I called out, stepping out of the TARDIS.
"Paradox, thank goodness you're here!" Twilight exclaimed, hugging me tightly.
"There is something you must see." Luna said, walking to the throne room doors. "Come with us to the hospital."
Paradox's POV
We were in a coma patient ward. It was eerily quiet.
"So, why are we in a coma ward?" I asked to break the silence.
"It's what they were saying before." Twilight answered.
"Which was what?" I asked.
As if they heard me, the coma patients suddenly sat up and chanted as one: "Paradox shall stand at the End, and choose who will live when Life will die."
"So that's what it's called. . ." I murmured to myself.
"What is what called?" Twilight asked.
Turning to her I said, "Lately I've been having visions of a place between life and death. The End."
"Could you explain what you saw? It might tell us how to reverse this curse." Celestia asked quickly.
I shook my head, "The vision has nothing to do with it." I explained, "Someone is broadcasting it to your ponies. Perhaps even to the humans or creators."
"Why?" AJ asked from the opposite side of the room, next to a mare who was from the apple family.
"Perhaps something was kind enough to let them know that they are going to die." I theorized, "Maybe the broadcaster is trying to save them. Who knows why."
I turned and ran through the hospital, turning left and right until I finally made my way outside. From there I hollered, "Discord! I need to talk to you!"
I heard a familiar chuckle and then saw two red and yellow eyes appear. "And to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Discord, tell me what you know of Prometheus." I simply instructed. Only for Discord to fall over and laugh.
"Puh-lease tell me you aren't serious?" He asked. When I didn't reply, he continued, "If you want information, then I want information."
"What kind of information?" I calmly reply.
"Why, I want to know why the tree of harmony exists!" Discord explained. Shocking me, and Celestia, who just caught up to me.
After a few minutes of shock, I finally say, "What makes you think I know about it?"
Discord pondered that a moment before abruptly snapping his fingers, "I remember now! The other day when I was hanging about the tree I realized that it felt familiar."
I raised an eyebrow at the abrupt ending, "What did it feel like?"
"Why, you of course!" Discord replied, "So, seeing as a spark of curiosity has ignited in you, here's my deal: Pinkie Promise me that you will look into the tree, and I will tell you all I know about Prometheus."
I pondered it for a few moments. . . if the tree had my magical signature, why? But I need to know if Prometheus was still about. . . .
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I pinkie promised, "I will try to find out what the tree's history is. In exchange for your knowledge."
"Excellent!" Discord cheered, "Let's shake on it!" He said, holding out his claw.
I held out my hoof and we shook on it.
"Now Prometheus, last I heard, had landed in a place that was sealed off long ago." Discord explained, "and yet he had escaped."
"What was he planning? What is he going to do?" I ask impatiently.
"Why? It's not like he found a planet of destroyers and is planning to take revenge on Earth!" Discord awkwardly chuckled.
Then I introduced his face to my fist before I teleported to Earth.
Twilight's POV
After Paradox disappeared, everything went quiet.
Discord held his face with his paw and claw. Celestia glared at him.
"Where and when did you learn this?" She asked gravely.
"I don't remember the where part, but it was only a few days ago when a young human lady told me this as well as asked me to keep some sort of message for Paradox." Discord explained.
"What was the message? Quickly!" I shouted.
"All right geez," Discord sighed, "She said: "'We'll meet at the end.'" If you ask me she was a little vague. I mean, what is she talking about?!"
After no pony answered him, Discord left.
"Celestia," I said, "What will happen when Paradox realizes his sister is gone?"
"I don't know Twilight." Celestia sighed, "But I fear this won't end well."
Paradox's POV
My home was in ruins. Fires could be seen across Earth.
I ran through the streets of Portland until I found my old house.
Stepping out of the burning building was an older version of myself.
"Don't go in." He whispered before disappearing.
I wanted to listen to him, but I wanted to know.
So I walked up the cracked sidewalk, up the charred stairs and into my old home.
Everything was black inside, the fire spread to fast to be natural.
"Mom? Dad?" I called out.
No answer.
I continued to walk through my home. I turned to my left and entered the living room.
I wanted to run when I saw them.
Sitting on two chairs side-by-side, I saw my parents.
At first I thought the fire killed them, until I looked closer.
Both of their throats were cut, and burned into their clothes was a repeated message: "The End is Near."
I slowly backed up, and turned to the stairs.
I began to walk up the stairs, until I heard a voice I haven't heard in a long time.
"She isn't here. You know that." It whispered.
I slowly turned to face my mothers ghost. "Why did this happen."
My mother looked to the burnt television, "When the attack happened, it was televised immediately. Every channel said the same thing. "'Destroyers are coming."' Jane collapsed from the return of her memories. Then-"
"She woke and killed you." I whispered, finishing her sentence.
My mother nodded, "Then he showed up. The bastard. Boasting about his masters plan."
"Plan?" I ask.
"He says that his Master will bring death for all. Then he left for Equestria."
I take in all the things she said before I realize that something is wrong.
"How am I able to see and talk to you?" I ask her, dreading the answer.
My mother gave a sad smile before answering, "It is said that when someone's time is running out, they can see the dead."
"I'm, going to die?" I can't resist asking.
"Yes," My mother whispers, "But it is necessary."
"But, I don't wanna go." I whispered in disbelief.
I'm not sure how it was possible, but I felt my mother hug me. "Don't be scared my son. It must happen, but know this: I love you, and I'm proud of you."
After talking to Discord, Celestia decided to investigate the Tree of Harmony. I gathered my friends and started a search for the Doctor. I believe he could help us find Paradox.
After a few hours, we decided to call it quits. The Doctor was gone. Celestia had returned by then and called some guards to fetch us.
"I wonder what Princess Celestia could have found." Fluttershy said in her normally quiet voice.
"Who cares? If Discord told the truth, it means that Paradox knows something." Rainbow Dash scoffed, "Maybe, he's a spy!" AJ responded by slapping the back of Dash's head.
"Ya'll darn well know that he was a normal hooman three years ago!" Applejack scolded.
"But Rainbow makes a very good point," Rarity interjected, "If Paradox's presence really is coming from the tree, then why?"
By then we reached the throne room doors, which swung open for us.
We stepped in to see Celestia with a troubled look on her face. "Twilight, we have a major problem." She whispered as if she was in disbelief.
"What is it?" I asked, quickly rushing to her side.
"I was investigating the tree when, when I saw a man fading away. He stood behind the tree." Celestia answered.
"Did you see who he was?" I asked.
"I didn't." Celestia whispered as she looked at the floor.
"Now what do we do?" Rarity whined, "We have no clue where Paradox is, some strange man appeared at the tree-"
"And the Destroyers are on their way." Said a new voice, cutting Rarity off.
We all looked to the front door to find a white Alicorn stallion enter the room. "Paradox?!" Everypony yelled.
"Yes, now duck!" Paradox yelled back, dropping to the floor. We al obeyed right before the entire roof was ripped off.
"WHERE IS PARADOX?!" A loud deep voice yelled.
"Riiiight Here!" Paradox yelled, running into the open, "And I have a bone to pick with you, so come oooooooooooooooon then! Show yourself!"
Descending from the clouds was a man robed in black.
"Sporting your masters colors now, are we?" Paradox chided the figure as it came to land.
"He opened my eyes. What happens next is his will." Prometheus replied blankly.
"Oh goody. A drone." Paradox chuckled, "You're just a drone now. No emotion. No personality. No life."
Paradox walked right up to Prometheus. "So tell me, how does it feel? Serving yet another king?"
Without words, Prometheus drew his sword. Paradox responded by summoning the Allsword.
"Right then," Paradox sighed, "Let's Tango!"
And so the swords clashed.
Looking back at us, Paradox yelled, "Run! Go to the tree! Run!"
And so we ran.
Celestia's POV
We were approaching the tree with greater speed than I would've wanted.
But I knew that the time for the truth was upon us. I just wished it wouldn't end with death
"Here we are," Twilight announced, "The Tree is just inside."
As we approached the cave entrance, I noticed voices coming from deeper inside.
"But why? That doesn't make sense!" A familiar male vice exclaimed.
"But this is where the spell took me!" A feminine voice replied, "I don't even know what this tree is!"
"Perhaps my sister will know more." Said a third voice, one I knew too well.
"Perhaps you should turn around." I called out to the three voices as I rounded the last corner.
There, standing at the tree, was Rose and Suavis, Luna stood off to the side.
"When did you two get here?" Twilight asked from beside me.
"About an hour ago." Rose replied.
"Why here though?" Rarity wondered.
"I cast a spell to take us to Paradox, but it brought us here instead!" Rose exclaimed.
"Do any of you know?" Suavis asked, finally speaking again.
"Celestia said she saw a man here earlier, but she couldn't see who he was." Twilight explained.
"I didn't need too." I spoke up.
"Why?" Twilight asked me.
"Because I knew it the moment he faded, it was Paradox." I explained.
"But that is impossible!' Both Rose and Twilight shouted.
"My guess is I saw a glimpse of the future, and that something happens here that we have little knowledge over." I pondered.
"Then this must be the cue I told myself about." A new male voice said, "Time Travel, gives you a good migraine."
We turned around to see Paradox. "I know what you're thinking but I'm from the past-ish." Paradox sighed, "I come from the time between my going to earth, and facing off against Prometheus."
"But why are you doing this?" Rose asked him.
"Because, I was told I would fade soon, but I'm making sure everything is in order." Paradox explained.
"So I guess you are taking us somewhere else but won't stay?" I asked, feeling a bit of curiosity rise up.
Paradox shook his head, "No, I won't be able to stay. I have too many plans." With that, he snapped his fingers, and we found ourselves in a library.
"Why are we here?" Rose asked Paradox.
"Simple, you're all curious about the tree, and the answer lies in this private library of the king, and seeing as I am the king, you have permission to use it." Paradox explained, "Well, the next time I'll see you guys is at Canterlot, I have a battle there after all."
"What about the next time we meet you?" Twilight asked.
"It will be our last." Paradox said as he disappeared.
A few seconds later, Twilight realized were weren't just in a library, but the history section.
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Twilight exclaimed, "Look at all these books!"
"Well let's get searching." Applejack sighed, "Seein' as we have nothing better to do."
We had been in that library for hours and still had no idea what the tree meant, and how it fit with all of it.
"This is a waste of time!" Rainbow groaned.
"Cheer up Dashie! The Author wouldn't have sent us here if he didn't have anything for us to read!" Pinkie Pie chirped, bouncing around, as she does.
Ignoring Pinkie's words, I found a peculiar book on the shelf next to me. How to Break the Fourth Wall for Dummies. Feeling my need to organize kick in, I pulled it of the shelf. Only for said shelf to disappear.
"Whoa! Why didn't we find this earlier!" Rainbow exclaimed. Pinkie bounced up to look at the book Twilight had.
"Really Author?" Pinkie asked looking up at the air.
When nothing answered her, she groaned.
"Well hurry up! The suspense is killing me!" Pinkie replied to nothing.
I watched her curiously for a few moments before walking into this new room. Though it was old, I could tell it had been used. The old chair in the corner was well worn. Candle wax ran down the side of a side table. And on a shelf nearby was four books. I don't know why, but I was drawn to them.
The first book had a picture of a man on the front. All around him were plants and animals. One hand was outstretched, reaching to a tree, which seemed in mid blossom. The title of the book read: Life, the first being.
Opening it, I found that it was written in a language I couldn't decipher. Every page was the same as I turned them, until they stopped turning, against my will.
Then I noticed that the page the book landed on was readable. "Guys!" I called to Pinkie and Dash, "Come listen to this!"
Then I read the first book in a series of books that would change everything.
It was titled: Life
Once, there was nothing.
The universe was endless nothing. Black and Lifeless.
Then, a god was born.
Life, the first being in the universe.
Saddened by the void, Life created planets and suns, galaxies and universes. Endless and full of life.
Peace fell on all, but there was one who would put a stop to it.
"And then all the words become unintelligible." I say as a release a breath.
"But who stopped the peace? Who changed everything?" Rainbow asked as I picked up the second book.
Reading the cover, I said the only thing I could, "Death"
And so I opened the second book: Death
Death was Life's brother.
Together, the two created a cycle, one that would be everlasting.
But, Death would eventually want more. He saw into the future, and saw how there was chaos and war.
He wanted to put a stop to it, before it began.
"What happens next?" Rainbow asked.
"I don't know, but I think we need to read the third one." I answered, picking up the third book.
The First War.
Death had created a group of beings, ones that could defeat the Creators.
They were called the first Destroyers.
A war, far greater then anything Death had seen had begun, and life started to fail.
Life, in an attempt to stop the war, traveled to the end, to confront his brother.
But, upon arriving at the end, Life changed his plan. He sealed the end with six keys, and thrust his sword into Death.
But it was Life who fell. Death lost his body, but kept his immortality. Life became mortal, and hid.
No one knows where he went, only that a star went into supernova ten years later, and destroyed his temple.
"So, Life did something wrong, and lost his mortality. And Death lost his body. What does it mean?" I asked nopony in particular.
"Is there more?" Pinkie asked, bouncing around the room.
"Just the last tome I guess." I answered her, picking up the last book.
The Creators
Now, in the days that followed, the line of kings are as follows:
Vita, the first king.
Ra, the son of the first.
And Odin, the king of ages, spanning ten thousand years.
And thus does this account of the beginning end.
Always, the one who fell,
Vita.
"But, I don't understand," I sighed, closing the last tome, "What was the seal? Where was it? And what does that last line mean?"
"I don't know for sure Twilight, but now we have a better idea of things." Celestia answered me, causing me to look up and see that everypony had gathered.
"So, how do we proceed?" Luna asked, looking around the room.
"Perhaps I should start," Suavis said, "Vita is the human word for Life. So I guess Life wrote these."
"But, he said he fell, how?" Applejack asked.
Suavis sighed, "No one knows, if Life had said, it's been forgotten."
Rose then spoke up, "But if Life fell when he tried to kill Death, and Paradox is now Life, then we have to stop him from killing Prometheus!"
"Then it seems that we have a plan, stop Paradox from killing Prometheus." Celestia agreed.
"But the End, where do we find that?" Rarity asked, cringing at the dusty room.
"Six keys," I whispered, "Six. . . . Oh no."
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked.
"I think I know where the seal is." I said aloud, "Celestia, tell us what you felt at the tree of harmony!"
"I said I felt. . . oh my," Celestia gasped in realization.
"Life created the Tree to stop Death, the elements are the keys." I said realizing that my heart was beating faster, "It explains why Paradox's presence can be felt there."
"But, why does that matter?" Rainbow asked.
"Because," Suavis sighed, "If Paradox kills Prometheus, the Tree will shatter, and Death will be free."
"Then let's not waste another minute." Celestia said.
"Alright then, how do we leave?" Luna asked.
"Author? May I?" Pinkie asked no pony in particular, all while looking at the ceiling.
"Thank you author!" Pinkie squeed, "Alright guys, hang on!"
Then Pinkie did something that I can't really explain, and we found ourselves outside of the throne room of the Canterlot Palace.
Hello. I see that you guys finally made it full circle. Yes, I know you are there.
I am a creator after all.
Our swords crashed. over and over again. Each time I sprinted forward, Prometheus blocked it.
"How does it feel Paradox?" Prometheus asked.
"How does what feel?" I responded, right before swinging at his shoulder.
"How does it feel to know your time is coming to a close?" Prometheus chuckled.
I smiled, "Fulfilling," I said, circling around Prometheus, "I feel like everything that I've done now relies on this battle."
"Then you are a fool, for the creators have prophesized your fall. I tried to avoid this, but you were too stubborn." Prometheus explained.
"Liar!" I roared, jumping into the air, and throwing a barrage of force magic at him. Landing behind him, I thrust my sword through his back.
Prometheus chuckled, "It is done."
Suddenly, Twilight barged in, "Paradox! Don't-" Then she gasped.
Prometheus laughed louder, "The treeeeee!"
And we were suddenly in front of the Tree. Which promptly shattered.
"No!" Twilight yelled, falling to the ground. "No." Her coat turned grey, her cutie mark faded, and her mumbles turned into whinnies and snorts.
She was a normal pony, her wings and horn vanished.
"NO!" I screamed, turning to the hole the tree left.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the hole, and for the first time in 20,000 years, A living being set foot into the End.
The End was dark and quiet.
There was no life here, only two figures. One taller than the other.
"Death," I whispered, "We meet at last."
Death chuckled, "It seems history repeats itself," He pointed at the smaller figure, "You kill her, and she becomes like me, immortal."
I grit my teeth, "You think I was clueless?"
Death said nothing.
"I knew that Life had fell," I explained, "But what I didn't know was how."
Death chuckled, "Clueless, just like Life. Just like your people, and the beings of the multiverse."
"You know?" I whispered.
"Indeed," Death answered while nodding, "But perhaps, she should tell you instead."
At that moment, Jane removed her hood, "Brother." She spit.
I stood there, expressionless as ever.
"It seems that you knew who she was," Death said with interest, "Jane, kill him."
Jane sprinted forward, but I didn't even think when my sword flew up words, into her chest.
Coughing and gasping, Jane fell to the ground. As she fell, I heard five more pieces of crystal shatter.
I felt my powers lessen, I felt my body age. I had fallen.
"Now you see how pointless this was, you will die here," Death chuckled, "And your powers will be mine."
I looked to the ground, right as Jane looked up, "Where am I?" She whispered.
Falling to my knees, I picked her up, "In The End," I told her, "I-I stabbed you."
She looked at me, "I remember," She whispered.
Tears streaking down my face, I began to cry, "I'm sorry, but there was nothing else I could do!"
Then I heard the words that would change my perspective.
"And all because no one knew the last element!" Death cheered.
My mind began to turn, and my powers returned.
In an instant, I traveled the galaxy, aged another 2000 years, took the girls to the library of the ancients, saw numerous futures, and returned to the End.
As I came back to the present, I heard Jane whisper, "I forgive you."
Standing to my feet, I began to laugh, "And I forgive you Prometheus, I forgive you Twilight, and Death?"
Death growled, "You think that will be enough? Forgiving others?'
I shook my head, and heard the song begin.
Wake up, my warrior.
Death could hear it as well, "What? What is this?"
"So," I said at last, "This was your plan, to bring me here to kill my sister and free you?"
Death said nothing.
"But, I know how to end this," I continued, "I will tell you a story."
"Life, it's meaning has been lost for awhile, but I know what it is." I told Death.
"Impossible! Your people have searched for 20000 years for that, and still haven't found it." Death objected.
"And where is the best hiding place Death?" I retorted, "In plain sight."
Death only growled.
"My people have been over thinking it! It isn't our possessions. Not our advances in science." I explained, "It's 20000 years older then that."
"Then do tell." Death said with a sneer.
"It's seven special things that hold family and friendship together." I whispered, "Seven elements that, when used, can overcome anything."
Death roared, "You have nothing!" He lunged, only to be blasted back.
"It's the power to tell the truth, to show we are worthy to be trusted." I stated, an orange glow appearing behind me.
I smiled as I felt my powers return.
"It's our loyalty, to always be there no matter what, to prove our commitments." I explained.
A red glow appeared next to the orange one. "Aw yeah!" I heard Rainbow shout.
"It's the kindness we show to others, the willingness to help everyone, good or bad." I said with confidence.
A Pink glow then accompanied the orange and red.
"It's our willingness to share and give all we have, no matter the cost," I told Death, smiling as I did, "Our generosity to others in need, with no thought of reward."
A deep Purple glow then joined the three before it.
"it's our desire to spread cheer, to make everyone happy," I looked to my dying sister, "To spread pure joy to those who have none."
A blue light flashed to life as a cannon fired off and Pinkie yelled, "Nailed it!"
"It's the ability to spread friendship, to create everlasting bonds between others." I whispered.
A Magenta light then joined the rest, creating a near rainbow effect.
"But you still have yet to say the last element!" Death retorted.
I shook my head, "I was getting to that."
Death fell silent as I nearly shouted, "All of this would have died eons ago if it weren't for the seventh element."
"And what is it?" Jane managed to ask.
"The ability to forgive those who really search for, and deserve forgiveness." I finished, turning to the tree in time to see another branch form and a green gem appear on the end.
Turning back to Death I said, "Life fell because he did not ask you or listened to you. You wanted to help, and he betrayed you."
Death began to visibly shake. "And though I can't apologize for his actions, I can say this: I forgive you."
As I said this the music swelled, "And it's because of this element I spent 2000 years, traveling to every multiverse and asked the people in each one to show forgiveness and stop their pointless wars."
Death was stunned into disbelief.
I turned to the tree with a tsk, "Now all the tree needs is experience, and I have it."
I then told my life story, "I traveled from one edge of the multiverse to the other. I watched Life create the universe, and I watched when time ran out. Moment by moment until nothing remained. I marked the fall of Life, and walked away from the last great Creator war. I've seen universe freeze and creations burned. I united all life in perfect harmony! I have seen things you will never believe, I have lost things you will never understand!" As I spoke, golden light traveled to the tree, taking all my magic, and my life.
Turning to Death, I said, "And I know things. Secrets that must never be told, knowledge that must never be spoken. Things, that would make even Death die!"
I turned back to the tree, "So you take it! Take it all, baby! You have it all!"
And then the lights died, and I looked up at the tree. I saw my reflection, a greying man stared back at me. A long silvery beard fell to the floor.
Slowly turning to Death, I smiled, "And now, you are trapped for eternity."
To my surprise, Death laughed. "No, you are."
Suddenly Death disappeared. And I was alone.
With a sigh I turned to the tree.
"Paradox!" Jane shouted, "He lost a lot of power. We won!"
I shook my head, "Without my powers, he will kill the universe, the Tree will shatter once more."
Rose paused for a moment, "W-what are you saying?"
I placed a hand on the Tree, "I an trapped here, the only escape is death."
Tears started to stream down Rose's cheeks. "B-but, you can't! I don't want to lose you!"
Tears streamed down my face as I answered "No, in nine months, you will have a piece of me."
Rose had a baffled look on her face as her hand fell to her stomach, "I'm. .. . .?"
I nodded, "Yes, you are."
Rose smiled, "I promise that I'll take care of him."
"Him?" I laughed, "She, will be a great daughter."
Rose looked at me in surprise, "You looked ahead?"
I nodded, "I wanted to see my only child once. She has her mother's beauty."
Rose started sobbing as I told her, "Tell my Daughter, that I love her no matter what. And that I will miss you both dearly."
With that I turned to my still dying sister.
"I'm sorry." Jane whispered.
As I placed my hands on her head, I whispered, "Don't be."
Then everything turned white.
Jane's POV
I gasped as I woke from my nightmare. To find myself in a hospital room.
"You will make a full recovery." A nurse told me while reading a clipboard.
"What happened?" I asked him while looking around the room.
You were hit by a car and landed on a spike. You're lucky to be alive." The Nurse replied.
"What's your name?" I asked him.
"Mark." He calmly answered as he started to leave the room. "Uh," He paused, "After you're out, do you want to get a bite to eat?"
I looked at him baffled only to see his chiseled face, light brown hair, and sparkling blue eyes. I felt my cheeks start to burn. "Sure." I told him after a minute of awkward silence.
He visibly relaxed before he left the room. I looked out the window in thought. What's the worst that could happen?
I walked down the aisle in my long white dress as thoughts of the past year clouded my head. One moment, my family is well. The next moment al three of them are dead and I'm getting hit on by a nurse.
But then the best year I ever had followed. I fell in love with Mark, and today we would marry.
"But Mom!" My youngest son Jason complained.
"No buts, you have to go to school just like your older brother and sister." I told him.
"But Ardeilia doesn't have to!" Jason rebutted.
"Ardeilia is a baby, she needs her mother." I explained.
With a pout, Jason followed his siblings to the bus stop, I watched with a smile on my face.
I wasn't as fast as I used to be. Jason had volunteered to visit Mark and I. And I loved those visits. For he would bring his six children with him. My Grandchildren.
My hair was greying, my life becoming slow. But I was content.
There comes a time when everything must end. My husband had died 2 years ago, and I knew I would pass soon. So I called my family.
Four children, Twelve grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.
All of my descendants stood around my bed as I told them a story.
"Once, there was a man, a man who had powers beyond belief." My old voice rasped out, "He traveled the universe, and taught the magic of friendship to all life forms. He fought the monstrous Destroyers, faced down Death, and gave his life to save a world not his own."
"Who was it Grandmama?" My great-granddaughter Louise asked.
With a smile, I said with one last breath, "My Brother."
I opened my eyes to find myself in the end, With a smile, I said, "Thank you."
Jason smiled back at me, "All I did was show you your life if it were to progress normally."
I smiled, "Then I know that they were real." But my smile faded, "Sad they won't exist."
But Jason chuckled, "Don't hold your breath, for all we know, you saw the after life." Scooping me up into his arms, Jason walked to the gate of death.
"One last adventure." We said together as we left this life once and for all.
Rose's POV
We watched in awe as Jason and Jane left this plane of existence.
A few minutes after we left the tree, we realized the song had stopped. They knew he was gone.
Our group then went separate ways. I went back to the Creator's home world to take my place as Queen.
And so I was for nine months, when I gave birth to Paradox's daughter. Leatitia, Joy in the English tongue.
Life was perfect. And though I missed him, I knew it had to happen.
