Part 1: Demise

***A Patriot Pony Production***

Twilight woke up with a throbbing pain in her side. It stretched from her lower back to her neck. She opened her mouth, but as she breathed in, her muscles tensed, and the pain escalated.

“Do you sleep still, little princess?”

The sound of the mare’s voice seemed to sooth her. As more of her senses came back to her, Twilight began to notice the peaceful sounds around her. Birds chirped, wind rustled through the trees, and a spring bubbled gently somewhere behind her.

Finally, her eyes opened, and a big, blue sky opened above her. Strangely, there wasn't a single cloud in the sky. Tall trees swayed slowly from side to side, and their leaves shook before fluttering to the ground, one by one. It was beautiful. There was no other word to describe it.

“Ah! So she is awake… Do you always sleep in this late, my dear?”

Twilight bolted upright with her head spinning to find the speaker. Her eyes scanned her immediate surroundings. It was a grove, full of life and buzzing with insects. All around her, tall trees with thick trunks sprouted from the earth, reaching for the sky. To her right, a crystal clear spring bubbled and rippled as fresh water rose from an unseen source at the bottom. Opposite to the spring, a cave appeared through the trees. The rocks looked ancient, covered from top to bottom in moss and strange carvings.

The world she was in was a sort of paradise. It was quiet, peaceful, and tranquil. The only problem was Twilight had no idea of where she was or how she got there. Out of options, the curious mare tried to climb to her hooves in order to investigate the nearby cave, but the moment she tried to put weight on her legs, they buckled, and she collapsed.

“Oh, please do not try to move so quickly…”

Groaning on the ground, Twilight rolled on her back and looked up. She felt a hoof behind her head, and without the strength to protest, she powerless to stop herself from being hoisted slightly upright.

“Drink this, please. It will make you feel much better.”

The purple mare peered inside the goblet. The liquid inside looked like water, but as some of it passed her lips and traveled down her throat, she came to the conclusion that it had to be something else, something magical. Though it looked like water, it had the viscosity of syrup, and it tasted sweet. As she drank more and more of the strange liquid, Twilight began to feel stronger.

With each sip, the sore pains that pulsed throughout her body faded until she could no longer feel them. In a matter of moments, the goblet was empty. Twilight almost felt a longing for the mysterious substance. It gave her a warm feeling inside reminiscent of enjoying hot chocolate on Hearth's Warming Eve.

She was sitting upright now, without the support of whoever offered her the goblet. Twilight knew now that she hadn't been imagining that, so she sought to find whoever it was that had helped her. Her eyes scanned the grove until she saw her, a tall mare standing in the entrance to the cave. Her back was turned, but Twilight could make out a few details.

The mare’s coat was a light grey color, and she had a shimmering, golden mane with a tail to match. Then, there was her cutie mark, or her lack of one. The mare’s flanks were completely bare.

“You’ve been out for quite some time, Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship.”

Twilight cocked her head to the side as she eyed the mare. The mare looked back at her, looking over her shoulder, and smiled before returning to whatever it was that she was doing. At last, Twilight found her voice. “How… How do you know my name? I don't mean to sound rude, but have we met?”

The mare turned around finally, revealing a new goblet, filled with more of the rejuvenating liquid. “I know the names of every inhabitant that calls this world ‘home’. It's one of my duties, after all…”

Then, Twilight saw them, a pair of wings. In addition to the horn sprouting from her forehead, the mare also sported a pair of large, majestic wings tucked against her sides.

She was an Alicorn.

“You may drink this at your leisure.” She offered Twilight the goblet, which she took graciously.

“Thank you, but…” Twilight interrupted herself to take a sip of the liquid. A small sigh of content escaped her lips as the warm feelings of ease and tranquility returned. “… Who are you?”

The mare wore a huge grin and bowed slightly. “I am Demise, the princess of time.” Twilight’s jaw dropped. She had never heard of another Alicorn princess besides Celestia, Luna, and Cadence. “My duty is to govern all of time and space, what has been, what is, and what will be.”

After overcoming her initial shock, Twilight found her voice a second time as she stared in awe at the princess. “You… know what will happen in the future?”

Demise smiled and chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, not exactly. Fate is a fickle thing. Every being has the power to control his or her own destiny, but I have a good idea of where their paths may lead them.”

Twilight absentmindedly rubbed the back of her head as she stood up. It was a lot to take in. The strange drink helped, there was no doubt about that, but her legs wobbled with every step, like she might collapse again at any moment.

Demise had returned to the cave, and she gestured for Twilight to follow. “This way, Twilight Sparkle.”

With the goblet in her magical grasp, she took another sip before walking after her. Every step filled her confidence in her own strength, and by the time she reached the cave, Twilight was walking without the fear of falling on her face. With every turn, the mysterious grove surprised her.

“I apologize for the mess… I'm sure you understand that I do not receive guests very often, usually the occasional visitor such as yourself.”

Twilight didn't know what to expect when she entered the cave, but she certainly didn't expect to find a lavishly furnished and ornately decorated hall. As for the ‘mess’ Demise spoke of, Twilight didn't know what she meant. The place looked spotless, except for the large bed tucked away towards the back of the cave, where the sheets fell together in a clumsy heap.

“I do hope you find my home is able to accommodate your needs.” Demise blushed slightly as she made herself comfortable on one of four long sofas surrounding a crackling fire in the center of the cave. “I realize that this doesn't compare to your palace in Ponyville.”

Twilight, coming back to reality after her initial shock, quickly shook her head as she followed the princess towards the sofa. “No… It’s beautiful…”

That was enough to make Demise beam. “Yes, it truly is…”

The princess wasn’t looking around the cave, however. She was looking at Twilight. Demise quickly cleared her throat and motioned for Twilight to sit down with her.

Twilight obliged and took the sofa opposite to hers. With only the gentle fire between them, the mares stared each other down. After several awkward moments of silence, the princess of time was the first to speak. “You have questions, I can tell.”

The purple mare nodded her head quickly, earning a wide grin from Demise. “I do… There's so many, I don't even know where to begin.” Twilight rubbed her temples, like she was trying to remember something. “I guess I should just start with the obvious ones… Where are we? What is this place?”

Demise pursed her lips as she thought on the question. “I… have often asked myself that very same question. I don't remember anything before this grove. I just… appeared, I suppose. It's a sacred and quiet place.”

Twilight silently appreciated the Alicorn’s efforts, but very little of what she wanted to know actually got answered. “No… Where are we, I mean? Are we near Ponyville or in the Everfree Forest? Spike might be looking for me, and…” Her voice trailed until it fell silent. “… Spike… He must be worried about me. I need to find him and let him know I'm alright.”

Twilight tried to stand up only to fall back towards the sofa. Her muscles felt tense and heavy. Putting any strain on them only made her feel worse. Her frantically shifting gaze fell on Demise.

“This Spike… He is the juvenile dragon, correct?”

Twilight nodded her head slowly as she tried to stretch her legs. “Yeah… How did you-”

“I am familiar with all of this world’s creatures, Twilight Sparkle.” Then, a sly grin formed along her lips. “Also, you talk in your sleep.” Demise rose from the sofa and circled the fire until she stood in front of her. She raised a hoof, bringing it up to Twilight’s face and caressing her cheek. Twilight didn't flinch or back away. She felt eased by the princess’ touch. “You must eat and rest, first.”

Demise spoke so softly. Her words fell out of her mouth like a gentle cascade. “It would be unwise to leave in your current state.”

Twilight frowned at the princess. “My current state? I feel fine.”

Demise smiled coyly at her like a mother might at her disobedient child. “The elixir does not heal. It simply dulls the pain. When its effects dissipate, you will feel pain again, and you will have to take more.”

That didn't make Twilight feel any better. In fact, she realized just how tired she really was. The throbbing pain was returning, just as Demise predicted.

“What, so I'm your prisoner here?” The purple mare realized immediately how rude she sounded, but she couldn't take back what she said.

Demise didn't look hurt by her outburst. “I am not your captor, Twilight Sparkle, nor are you my prisoner.” She turned her back to Twilight, facing the fire. “I am your host, and you, my guest.” With her magic, she lifted up the goblet Twilight had carried inside earlier and offered it to her. “Drink, please.”

Twilight figured there was no arguing with the princess. As the first sip crossed her lips and slid down her throat, the pain in her muscles faded once again. Demise returned from the fire and sat down next to Twilight, watching her intensely as she emptied the goblet. When she was finished, she let out a small ‘burp’, causing her to blush as she set the goblet down. “Mmmm… What is this stuff?”

Demise took the empty goblet and set it aside. “I cannot tell you that either, honestly. It comes from the spring outside. For all of the many eons I have been here, the spring has never stopped filling.”

Twilight's jaw dropped. “H-H-How… old are you?”

The princess laughed out loud.

“Ah… Didn’t your parents teach you not to ask a mare such a question? Age is irrelevant, for me. You see, time passes differently here than it does in your world. As the princess of time, I do not age.” Then, her smile faded. “The other Alicorns… Celestia, Luna, and Cadence, even you, Twilight Sparkle, the times of all of the world’s many Alicorns will come eventually.”

Twilight's ears folded back.

The fire seemed seemed less bright than it was a second ago. “I… I thought the princesses were immortal.”

Demise shook her head somberly. “No… I'm afraid not. Alicorns are not gods, Twilight Sparkle. We live, and we die. It takes many thousands of years, but everyone has a limit to the amount of time they have.” Demise looked over and saw the depressed look on her face. “… but you needn't worry about such things, my little princess.”

Twilight looked up at her, unsure if that was supposed to make her feel better.

“Celestia and Luna are quite young and immature for Alicorns, you know.” Now, that was something she had never heard before. The words ‘Celestia’ and ‘immature’ didn't belong in the same sentence. “And you, Twilight Sparkle, have only just begun your journey as an Alicorn princess. When your time comes, you will be a great and wise ruler, surrounded by your greatest friends and those you love…”

That was enough to turn her thoughts around. She remembered the way Celestia and Luna bickered when Starlight had been sent to Canterlot by the map. Maybe they weren't as all knowing as she once thought. Twilight couldn't stop herself from smiling as she stared into the fire.

“You should get some rest, now.” Demise rose from the sofa and stretched her wings. “You may have my bed, if you'd like.”

The effects of the elixir must have been fading again, because her exhaustion hit her all at once. Twilight tried to object. She didn't want to impose. “No, I'm fine here…”

Her words spilled from her mouth before a lengthy ‘yawn’ forced its way out. Twilight felt her eyes growing more and more heavy. She fell on her side, planting her face against the sofa cushion. Twilight wasn't sure, but she thought she felt a pair of lips brush against her cheek.

Her vision grew darker as she was lifted into the air. As her eyes closed completely, she felt herself being lowered onto something soft. Then, a light quilt draped over her body, and she fell asleep to the sound of the crackling fire.

“Sleep well, my little princess…”

***

The essence of the Everfree Forest was a lack of control. It was a region of Equestria that could not be tamed. Many great cartographers had tried and failed to create a reliable map of the Everfree in order to make it easier to navigate, but the forest changed again and again. Some paths are opened one day and swallowed by the thicket the next.

Intrigued by the Everfree’s magical behavior, as she is by most things magical, Twilight Sparkle sought out one of the the forest’s only friendly inhabitants, Zecora. If anyone had any helpful insight into the forest’s strange behavior, it would be the zebra.

“Come on Spike! Zacora wanted to meet us before dark.”

The dragon hobbled along the best he could, but the Twilight’s stride left him trailing behind. The route to the zebra’s place was tricky to navigate at best, as the forest was constantly changing, but it had to be taken on hoof. Flying overhead wasn't an option. Twilight might miss the zebra’s hut a thousand times before giving up.

As the trees overhead grew taller, their thick branches, heavy with leaves and vines, began to blot out the sun. Visibility declined drastically, but Twilight pressed on, looking carefully at the ground to keep herself from tripping on any roots rising ground the muddy ground. The air felt hot, thick, and moist.

“Twilight…” Spike was gasping for air, drenched in sweat. “Wa… Wait up…”

Twilight followed the sweet scent of blooming plants through the shaded forest until she heard a distant roar of running water. It was soft, but grew in volume with every step she took. When she was close enough to see the waterfall, the roaring sound drowned out the sloppy mud beneath her hooves, but she still could not see the waterfall itself. It should have been right in front of her.

Twilight treaded carefully, placing each hoof forward one after the other. The ground was becoming unpredictable. Massive roots and jagged rocks sprung up all around her. She leaped from rock to rock, opening her wings just long enough to glide to safety. The waterfall was deafeningly loud, now.

“Twilight, I think you should be more careful up there… It doesn't look very safe.” Spike’s warning fell short of her ears.

She should have been able to see something, but there was nothing around but trees and overgrowth. Twilight leaped into the air, her eyes settling on a thick-looking root to land on, but as her hooves made contact, everything went wrong. The slippery surface rejected her immediately, and she fell backwards.

“Twilight!”

The pony had no time to react, no time to cry out, before her back hit the forest floor, but she didn't stop there. She crashed through the brush and the layer of fallen leaves and twigs that littered the floor, and she fell into vast chasm that opened up below her.

“Twiiiiiiiiiiiilight!”

The ground had swallowed her whole. Twilight found her voice and let out a horrified scream as she fell down the subterranean waterfall. The pool of water below rushed upwards to meet her at an alarming speed.

Then, everything went white.

***

Twilight bolted upright, breathing heavily as beads of sweat trailed down her forehead. Her chest ached terribly. Gradually, her breathing slowed, and her eyes began to wander. She was not in a hazardous part of the Everfree Forest. She was in a comfortable bed in a cave lit by a fire, safe, warm, and dry.

Outside the sun had set, and darkness filled the once bright cave. Were it not for the flickering fire, she wouldn't have been able to see a thing. A wave of anxiety washed over her as she came to the realization that she wasn't dreaming. Everything that had happened before, everything she could still remember, was all real. She was stranded in the middle of nowhere with an Alicorn she knew nothing about.

Twilight shivered as she climbed out of the bed she had no recollection of falling asleep in, and she made her way towards the mouth of the cave. Outside, the night sky opened above her, and she let out a sharp gasp. Thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, of twinkling stars dotted the dark, blue sky. She could see dozens nebulas, massive celestial clouds made from the dust of fallen stars.

Twilight’s eyes fell from the heavens until they landed on Demise. Her back was facing as she sat by the spring, staring straight up. She was glowing, literally and figuratively. Her grey fur and golden mane shimmered in the light shining from above. Under the night sky, she looked… beautiful.

There was no other word Twilight could mentally come up with. In the light of the distant stars and the moon as it rose above the trees, Demise looked beautiful. Not in the sense of beauty that Rarity might have, dressed well and caked in makeup. No… To Twilight, she looked pure and natural, ageless and timeless.

“Do you like what you see, my little princess?”

Twilight quickly shook her head as she came back to reality. She realized that she had been staring, and her cheeks flushed red.

Demise looked back at her and grinned, showing off her stunning smile. Then, she turned her head and looked back up at the night sky. “This… is the view I am blessed with every evening. Princess Luna truly is an artist, is she not?”

Twilight began to breathe a little easier. Maybe, she hadn't been caught. “Ye-Yeah… I've never seen the sky so… full, though.”

Demise closed her eyes as a gentle wind brushed against her face. “When the world is quiet and the air is still, you'll find you can see much more than you realize.” She opened her eyes and faced Twilight. “Luna has the moon, and Celestia has the sun.” She pointed towards the sky. “That, Twilight Sparkle, is my realm.”

Twilight tried to follow the Alicorn’s hoof as she pointed vaguely towards the stars. “What, you mean the sky?”

Demise let out a soft chuckle as she lowered her hoof. “No, my dear… My realm lies beyond the sky, beyond the stars. You see, looking up at a night sky is like looking back in time. What we see is a recording of what occurred many millions of years ago, maybe even bIllions.”

She looked towards a large, red nebula overhead. “Those stars died long ago. What we see now is the aftermath of such a cataclysmic event. The night sky is forever changing. You may not notice it, but I have seen the constellations change again and again.”

Silence filled the space between them as they both stared up at the night sky, but Twilight couldn't look up for long, because something far brighter and far more beautiful continued to capture her attention. Once again, she found herself looking not at the stars, but at Demise. Twilight had met the princess of love and beauty.

She knew Cadence very well, actually. She would never admit it outloud, but Demise looked so much… more. She looked natural in every sense of the word, like she didn't have to try to be who she was.

Then, Demise turned on Twilight, boasting a cheeky grin like she had just come up with a brilliant idea. “Come with me, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight hadn't the time to speak before she found herself being pulled by her hoof into the trees. After a few moments, she broke free and galloped after Demise on her own. Together, they left the grove behind.

The purple princess didn't need to ask Demise where they were going. Up ahead, she could see a mountain peak rising above the treetops.

It felt good to run. Twilight had been static for far too long. The ground was mostly flat, save the slight incline in the terrain as they approached the mountain, but there was nothing to fall on. Under the moonlight that came through the trees, the forest floor lit up beautifully.

The only sounds to be heard were the insects buzzing and the hooves of the princesses galloping through the carpet of leaves. Twilight would have liked to stay a little longer, but Demise showed no signs of stopping. They quickly left the forest floor behind and began to climb. A steep path lead them around the towering mountain.

Demise came to a stop, at last, as the path reached its own end. A cliff extended far from the mountainside. Twilight looked above them, noticing that they still had a long way to go before they reached the peak, but they already were higher than the treetops.

The princess of time looked back at her, noticing the look of exhaustion on Twilight’s face, and she smiled. “Don't worry, my dear. This is where we stop.” A sense of relief washed over her as she approached the edge of the cliff with Demise. Together, they looked out over the vast forest. “I like to come here every so often. The cold air and clear sky give me comfort when I feel confined to the grove.”

It really was a sight to behold. The entire sky looked over them, looking mysterious and inviting. From the new vantage point, Twilight came to realize something else, something she couldn't have known from the grove.

“It's… an island.”

In every direction, the woods came to a stop as they reached sandy beaches. An endless ocean stretched as far as the eye could see.

Demise nodded her head slowly. “Yes, Twilight Sparkle… You see, my home is a paradise, quiet and full of beauty, but it is also a prison.” She wore a sad smile as she eyed the grove in the distance. “As the princess of time, I will exist for all time, but that is a responsibility I am destined to endure by myself.”

Twilight stood beside her, looking up at the princess. She couldn't possibly imagine being without someone to talk to forever. She would go mad for sure. “How… do you do it?” Demise looked towards her, cocking her head. “How do you deal with the loneliness, I mean…”

That made the princess chuckle ever so briefly before her sad smile returned. “I am not always alone. Every few millennia, fate sends me someone in need of my help, someone lost or hurt, someone near death…” Twilight bit her lower lip as the memory of her last few steps in the Everfree Forest resurfaced. “They stay for a while, but in the end, they all leave me behind.”

Her ears dropped, and Twilight’s heart hardened. It felt like a rock inside her chest. “Why? Why would anypony want to leave this place? Why would anypony want to leave you?”

Demise carved her hoof through the dirt beneath her as she drew in a deep breath. “They have lives to live, Twilight Sparkle…” She looked Twilight directly in the eyes. “I promised myself that I would hold back this time, that I would refuse to offer it to you…”

There was a bit of an edge to her words, and the air felt that much colder because of it. “Offer ‘what’ to me?”

Demise raised a hoof and stretched it out, gesturing towards the entire island. “For you to stay with me, here, forever. Staying with me would mean leaving everything you once knew behind, forever. Together, we would watch the universe grow and die over the course of many eons, only to be reborn again, and again, and again.”

Twilight closed her eyes as the thought of staying with Demise ran through her mind. She'd be immortal, living forever with a lovely princess on an island of paradise. She'd be able to learn more about magic the universe than ever before. The potential would literally be limitless.

But she'd also lose her friends and family. She'd be confined to the island for all time. She'd lose everything that defined her.

After several long moments, Twilight shook her head. “No… I would miss my home and those I love. I couldn't leave them behind.”

Demise nodded her head like it was the answer she was expecting. She looked older somehow, having heard Twilight’s answer. She took in a deep breath before letting out a long sigh. “Fate is a cruel thing…”

Twilight frowned as she looked up at the princess. “What do you mean?”

Demise shook her head, obviously avoiding Twilight’s gaze. “Whenever I am sent someone in need of my help, they always seem to be… to be someone I cannot help myself from falling in love with…”

Twilight froze as Demise met her eyes at last. Under the stars and the shining moon, they stared into each other, the wind blowing their manes towards the east.

“M-M-Me?”

Demise choked back her tears as she nodded her head. “Of course, you… I've been watching you from the moment you were born. I've seen the great things you've done, and… Oh, Twilight, of course, I love you…” Then, she stopped and raised a hoof to wipe the tears from her eyes. “But like all who came before you, your destiny does not intertwine with my own.”

Twilight placed a gentle hoof on Demise’s shoulder, startling the elder princess. “Demise, I'm grateful for what you did for me, and I would never do anything to hurt you, but…” She swallowed hard. “… I just can't stay.”

The princess nodded her head, like she was trying to assure herself that everything would be fine. “Maybe… I could come visit you?”

Demise managed a weak grin through her sniffles, but she ultimately shook her head. “Oh, Twilight Sparkle… How I wish it were possible… None who leave my island can ever return.”

Twilight's hoof fell, and they both stood in silence. As high as they were, only the winds could be heard between them, blowing their manes as they stared down into the woods below. Her heart ached something awful. She didn't mean to break the princess’ heart. It couldn't have been her fault.

“Perhaps…” Demise broke the silence at last. “… it would be best for you to go. You are well again, and… I cannot bear to hold you any longer.” Her golden mane and tail glowed brilliantly in the moonlight. “Are you ready, Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight wanted to nod her head and say ‘yes', but she hesitated. Scenario after scenario ran through her mind, showing her what might happen if she accepted the princess’ offer instead. She knew she'd be able to find happiness with Demise. Till death do us part? They'd never die. They would live and love each other for all time on a beautiful island. But for all of that, she'd lose everything and everypony she knew and loved back home. She'd also be abandoning her duties as the princess of friendship. Starlight was a good student, but there were some things that Twilight needed see to personally. There was no way she could leave her life behind.

“I'm… ready to go…” Her words came out coarse and dry, like it hurt to speak.

Demise approached the edge of the cliff and spread her majestic wings. “Let us return to the grove, then.” Then, she took off.

Twilight exhaled a long breath before leaping after her. They soared through the night, the trees below them rapidly approaching. The hollow that made up the grove was just up ahead. Twilight could see the flickering light emanating from the mouth of the cave.

With grace, they landed.

Demise quietly walked towards the edge of the grove, towards a small patch of flowers. They had long stems and wide petals surrounding a ruby-colored bud. The petals were a light grey with a bright, golden trim around the edges. The princess picked up a sIngle flower with her magic and returned to the center of the grove, where Twilight stood.

“Here…” Demise offered Twilight the flower, which she took without a second thought. “It… It doesn't need much attention, but it flourishes under light from the night’s stars. I'd like you to plant it in Ponyville, and remember me…”

Twilight nodded her head. “Of course, Demise… I'll never forget you.”

The princess smiled before leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on her lips. “Nor will I forget you, Twilight Sparkle…”

Stunned by the kiss, Twilight could hardly bring herself to move. For a moment, she wasn't sure if she was still holding onto the flower with her magic.

Demise looked towards the spring. “Step into the water, Twilight Sparkle, and think of your home. I’ve arranged for somepony to meet you.”

Her words sounded distant and muffled, but she understood. Twilight shuffled her way towards the spring, and after a brief moment of hesitation, she stepped inside. It was a lot shallower than she had originally thought, but each step forward took her deeper and deeper. After several steps, she could hardly keep her head above the water.

Twilight look back towards the grove, towards Denise, who smiled encouragingly. “Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight managed to smile in return before she head submerged in the water. She closed her eyes tight and thought of Ponyville, of her castle. Then, everything went white.

***Up Next: Cascade***

Part 2: Cascade

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When Twilight finally came to, the sound of rushing water was roaring in her ears. She reached out with her hooves, trying desperately to feel anything, but all she could find were small rocks, worn smooth by spending years in the flowing water. As her eyes fluttered open, she looked up to see daylight overhead. Far above her, a rocky ledge slippery with moss hanged over the pool she was floating in, and even higher still, the light from the sun pierced through the treetops of the Everfree Forest, casting warmth on her face.

Twilight turned her head and began coughing water out of her lungs. The fit was violent, but short-lived, leaving her feeling sore in the chest and worried that she might drown if she didn’t move onto the shore. Hoof by hoof, she crawled through the smooth rocks until she collapsed on dry land, falling flat on her stomach and exhausting a sigh of relief. As her breaths began to slow, Twilight caught something shimmering out of the corner of her gaze.

A small flower flowed as it washed ashore, it’s petals dripping with each ripple of water that crashed over it. Memories of Demise and the island cake flooding back, and tears began to build behind her eyes.

Twilight groaned as she reached out to take the flower, but it was drifting away, being pulled back into the pool where it would surly be lost. She panicked, not wanting to lose the only connection she had with the princess of time. She tried to move, pawing at it with her hoof, but her body was too stiff to react as quickly as her mind.

She could only watch in horror as another wave came, washing over the silver flower and taking it back into the water. “No...” The tears broke through, and she began to sob quietly as a wave of grief came over her. “Demise...”

Twilight cried until she couldn’t produce tears anymore, choosing instead to remain motionless and cook under the sun on the beach. She didn’t know where she was, when she was, or how to get out, and at this point, she didn’t care either. The passing seconds turned into minutes, and Twilight hadn’t moved a muscle.

She wanted to see Demise again, one last time, but part of her knew that was impossible. The pony tried to remember the last thing she said to her before sending her back to Equestria, but at that moment, a shadow came over her. No, it a shadow. It was something softer, like shade, cool and refreshing.

Then, as if from nowhere, something fell from above, landing inches from Twilight’s face. Her eyes darted towards the fallen object and, to her amazement, found the flower.

“Are you lost, little pony?”

Twilight bolted upright, grabbing onto the flower with her magic and holding it tight against her chest. Then, her eyes scanned the area in search of the voice that spoke to her. For a moment, she wondered if she had just imagined the whole thing, but this conspiracy was dissolved when she heard a soft chuckle echoing throughout the hidden pool.

“My... Demise told me you were a quiet one...”

The voice seemed to be all around her, breathing down her neck and tickleing her ears. Then, a pony began to rise from the water. Twilight rubbed her eyes and looked again. It wasn’t a pony at all, but the water itself that was rising.

In the form of a tall pony, complete with wings and a long horn, the water took shape and began to approach her. Each step it took left a wet mark on the beach.

Twilight stared in awe at the water-pony, and the water stared back, faceless and eyeless, cocking its head to the side as if it were observing her. “What ar- Who are you?”

The water seemed to ripple as she laughed. “Forgive me, Princess Twilight. I am Cascade, princess of pure water.” Her voice was gentle, like a trickling creek.

Everything about her astounded Twilight, from her flowing mane to her hooves, everything was crystal clear water. Twilight swallowed hard as she climbed to her hooves, standing before the princess. “You... You mentioned Demise... Do you know her?”

Cascade held a sloshy hoof to her flowing chest. “Well, of course! I see her from time to time when I return to the island.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “You’ve been there?”

The water nodded her head. “The island is the home of all of the original Alicorns, Princess Twilight. Myself, Demise, and all of our brothers and sisters were born there. We govern our own realms, now, but we are allowed to return once every few hundred years.”

The purple pony’s jaw hit the floor. She was unable to believe everything she was hearing. Never before had she imagined the possibility of more Alicorns, and now there were... who knows how many more! “How... How is this possible? How has nopony ever written, or talked about you before?”

The water shifted slightly. “Ah, yes... We are the forgotten ones. As Alicorns, we are only able to interact with you, Twilight, and princesses like you, but there was a time when all ponies worshiped us in one way or another.”

Twilight frowned. “I... I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to suggest-“

Cascade raised a hoof and chuckled sweetly. “You are not at fault, my little princess, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. I still enjoy the company of ponies, any who swim in my rivers, ponds, and lakes. All who pass through the water pass through me, and it makes me happy indeed.”

She looked up. Twilight did the same, trying to see what Cascade was searching for. “Your friend is looking for you.” Then, the water pointed towards the end of the pool, where a stream began and trailed into the distance. “Follow the river, Princess Twilight, and you will find him.”

Clutching onto the flower, Twilight nodded her head before turning back around to face the water princess. “Thank you, prin-“

The water had receded into the pool. Cascade was gone, and she was alone once again.

***Up Next: Everfree***

Part 3: Everfree

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Twilight never left the water’s side. The longer she walked, the wider the stream got until the trickle grew into a flowing river, and before she knew it, Twilight was back in familiar territory. At least, whatever ‘familiar’ meant in the Everfree Forest. The crooked, mossy trees and overgrown brush did remind her of Zecora’s neck of the woods, however, so maybe she was on the right path.

Before she had left, Cascade told Twilight her friend was looking for her. She let out a long breath as she used her magic to grab onto thick locks of her mane and squeeze the water out while she walked. “Hmph... Ah... She must have been talking about Spike.”

Over stumps, rocks, and fallen trunks, Twilight climbed through the thicket. There was no path to be spoken of, and it was becoming harder and harder to keep the river in sight. As long as the water was there, she felt a sense of ease that was not usually present in the Everfree Forest.

Back at the hidden pool, Cascade mentioned she was the princess of pure water. Twilight wondered if there was another Alicorn guardian of water that ruled over the oceans. Anything seemed possible now, and the next time she saw Princess Celestia, she was going to ask her a while book’s worth of questions.

The further she walked, the darker the forest became. The trees above became thicker, blotting out the sun and causing the forest to become more sinister as a result. It wasn’t long before Twilight heard the first scream. The cry for help shattered the once eerily quiet forest, and Twilight’s stomach leaped onto her throat.

It was Spike.

Abandoning the river, Twilight leaped through the brush, chasing desperately after the little dragon’s screams of terror. “Spike! Spike, I’m coming!”

She spread her wings and took flight, dashing in between trees and smashing through branches. There was a dim light up ahead, a clearing in the dark forest. Twilight flapped her wings as quickly as she could manage and broke through the wall of vines and twigs, landing on all four hooves with a ‘thud’. Spike wasn’t there.

Instead, a pack of timberwolves was waiting for her. They turned around in unison, snarling at the pony and flaring through their yellow, glowing eyes.

Twilight stomped he me hoof and flared her nostrils. “Where. Is. My. Dragon.”

There were four of them in total. The pack leader, the largest one, stepped forward and let out a vicious growl at her.

Twilight flipped her mane out of her eyes and narrowed her gaze, fixing her attention on him. “Wrong answer...”

Her horn ignited and let loose a bolt of energy that caught the pack leader in the chest, exploding it into a cloud of wood chippings. The others howled before charging the pony. Twilight dig her hooves into the mud and raised a magical shield that covered her like a bubble.

The first two wolves to reach her leaped into the air but were deflected by the purple barrier. The third circled her while the others got back up. Pouring more energy into the shield, Twilight expanded the bubble until it exploded outward and dissipated, sending all three timberwolves flying towards the edge of the clearing.

With her horn glowing brighter than the sun and spitting sparks and fire, Twilight began unleashing her fury on the monsters, catching on in the tail with a bolt of magic. The clipped timberwolf cried out in pain and whined.

Just as Twilight readied herself to finish it off, a blinding, green light shot through the trees, faster than anything she could ever imagine. The pony had to raise a hoof over her eyes to keep her eyes from being damaged. When the light faded and the smoke cleared, Twilight found herself face to face with another pony.

She was brown from head to hoof with a leafy green mane and tail. Twilight could tell right off the bat that she was yet another Alicorn, complete with wings and a horn. She approached the mysterious princess timidly. “Um... He-Hello?”

The Alicorn paid her no attention, however, instead focusing on the timberwolves. She appeared to be talking to them, moving her lips and smiling kindly at them. The injured one with the tail Twilight had hit with her magic approached the princess and greeted her like a pet would greet his owner, panting happily and leaping up to paw at her legs.

Confused by what she saw, Twilight cleared her throat to speak again. “Hello?”

This time, she got the princess’ attention, and she immediately regretted it. The Alicorn turned on Twilight, showing her a very unhappy look. “What is the meaning of this, outsider? You run through my forest without care or remorse and hurt my children.”

To Twilight’s shock, the timberwolves that had previously been so vicious and bloodthirsty cowered behind the Alicorn for protection from... her. “I... I don’t... Who are you?”

The woodland princess stared blankly at Twilight and swatted at a pair of birds that had tried to land in her mane. “I am Everfree, princess of nature and guardian of this forest. Now, who might you be, one who tramples on my sacred land and attacks those who call it home?”

Twilight quickly shook her head. “Wh-What? No... I’m Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship.”

Everfree raised an eyebrow. “Well, Twilight Sparkle, your actions weren’t very... friendly. I ask again, what’s your business here?”

The pony eyed the timberwolves. “I’m looking for my friend, a little dragon... and they attacked me! I only acted in self defense. I heard he was in trouble and thought they had gotten him.”

Everfree looked down at the timberwolves. “Cedar, is this true?”

The one she spoke to lowered its head and whimpered softly.

Twilight watched as she leaned in close to the beasts and spoke to them. A moment later, Everfree rose back to her full height and faced her. “Cedar tells me they came across your dragon, but he escaped with a zebra. They swear to me that they did not hurt him.”

Twilight let out a sigh of relief. That must have been Zecora who found Spike. “Can you tell me which way they went?”

Everfree looked down at the timberwolves and nodded at them, earning a nod in return. “Cedar will help you track your friend, and after that, they will leave you be, on the condition that you do not return.”

The forest princess’ horn began to glow, surrounding the pile of wood Twilight had reduced the pack leader into. The pieces came back together until the timberwolf stood with his pack again.

Twilight lowered her head. “I... I’m really sorry, Everfree.”

For the first time, the princess cracked a small smile at her. “Respect the forest, and it will respect you in return, Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship. You must hurry, now, before my children are no longer able to follow your friends’ scent.”

Twilight nodded and took off into the woods again, following closely behind the pack of timberwolves.

***Up Next: Demise 2***

Part 4: Demise (Ch. 2)

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Demise stood on the mountain top overlooking the island, her gaze fixed on the moon rising above the horizon. As high up as she was, there was no wind, and she didn’t feel cold. Regardless, her body shivered, and her eyes narrowed at the moon that was now visible and quickly climbing into the sky.

From her perch on the mountain, Demise’s thoughts drifted, and her mind began to wander. She followed the drift and let it carry her through time. Through her mind’s eye, she could see Twilight Sparkle, and a smile crossed her lips.

The pony was running through a forest, and her purple coat was easily distinguishable from her surroundings.

“Twilight...” For a moment, Demise felt as though she was actually there, like she could reach out and touch the pony, and that’s just what she tried to do. “To feel you again, my little princess... just one more time...”

Then, Twilight stopped and turned to look directly at her.

Demise quickly recoiled, drawing her hoof close and stepping back.

Twilight looked confused and looked at something else Demise couldn’t see. ”Yeah, I’m coming. I just... thought I saw something...” Then, she bounded away, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake as she slipped from the time princess’ sight.

Demise shut her eyes as tears began to roll down her cheeks. When she opened her eyes again, the forest was gone, and she was standing in the middle of a vast, calm ocean.

The water was perfectly still, and the stars in the night sky made a mirrored reflection on the surface. Then, she began to walk. Every step took her further into the void. As her hooves met the surface of the water, little ripples expanded outward in every direction. A tear from her cheek fell and slashed in the ocean, followed by another and another after that.

*Twilight Sparkle isn’t yours... She’ll never be yours...*

The voice she heard was her own, but it wasn’t coming from her mouth. Demise shook her head in an attempt to escape from her thoughts and looked up at the moon. “She chose to leave. I couldn’t force her to stay...”

A sinister laught echoed in her mind. *That’s where you’re wrong! You could have made her stay, but you chose to let her leave, just like all the others before her...*

She turned around and stomped her hoof, causing a great ripple in the ocean. “No! Leave me! Leave me alone, and get out of my head!”

Demise stared at her reflection in the water, and the reflection stared back.

*With all your power and your infinite wisdom, you can’t bring yourself to take control of your own fate...*

Her reflection’s look turned sour, and her eyes narrowed. *Some princess you are, always acting in service of others when the universe gives you nothing in return...*

Demise let out a pained cry and stomped on her reflection, causing it to disappear in a sea of agitated ripples. She breathed heavily, teeth bared, and saliva dropped from the corner of her mouth. “This... is my duty... I am the lord of time and space, and it is my duty to protect it, even at the cost of my own freedom...”

A terrible laugh pierced her ears. *So mature! So brave... but I know what you really are... You’re a coward, too afraid to face your feelings for Twilight. You deserve her love and affection! You deserve to be happy!*

Demise let out a scream and collapsed, her legs buckling and bringing her down to the surface of the water. “Twilight’s destiny is her own... She’s not meant to be with me...”

She felt her throat close up, and her chest felt noticeably heavier. Her lips began to move on their own. “With my power, I could change destiny, Twilight’s as well as your own...”

Shakily, Demise climbed back to her hooves and stood tall. “For too long, I have watched the universe grow and tended to its care, but now...” She cackled as she spread out her giant wings. “... now, it is time for me to take what is rightfully mine. Now, the time has come for me to get what I want, what I deserve.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she imagined the face of Twilight Sparkle when she saw her again. She imagined a happy mare full of delight, likely shock and surprise.

Her horn ignited, and she vanished from the ocean, appearing next back at the island. Her grove was quiet and still, nothing stirred in the night. Demise stared at the pool.

The island was her home, and she was bound to it for eternity. Then, a scowl came over her. “Not anymore...” Her eyes narrowed at the pool as she lowered her horn. “I am in control of my own fate, now...”

Her horn ignited, and a brilliant ray of magic fired from the tip, hitting the surface of the pool and penetrating the rock below. Thunder rolled across the sky, and the ground beneath her hooves shook violently. The island was fighting her, trying to keep her from leaving, but Demise’s heart had been set. Darkness came over her, and she bared her teeth as she poured more and more energy into her magic. Her horn began to blacken, and the darkness creeped down until it began to cover her face and the rest of her form.

Demise opened her mouth, and a terrifying scream came out. Her whole body was shaking along with the earth beneath her, and sparks were flying from her horn, lighting up the night sky. The pool of water that had stood for countless eras and never dried up had been vaporized in a matter of minutes, and Demise’s magic continued to cut into the rock.

“Let... Me... Leave!”

Then, she heard it, the loudest noise ever to touch her ears as the island cracked in half. From the scorched scar, a black mist poured. Demise stood tall again, breathing heavily as the light from her horn faded. She looked up one final time, but there was nothing to see.

The moon and stars had gone, and the sky was nothing but an emptie void.

She took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I’m coming, Twilight Sparkle...”

As she took a step towards the black mist, a pony bolted past her. Demise watched with shock on her face as the mare made a break for the mist. “You...”

The mare didn’t stop and leaped through the black cloud, vanishing before her eyes. Demise let out a frustrated roar. “Ahhh! There’s nowhere you can go, nowhere you can run! I will stop you, and I will have Twilight in the end!”

Then, she too ran through the mist, leaving her island behind.

***Up Next: Dulcet***

Part 5: Dulcet

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It took every ounce of strength in Twilight’s legs to keep up with the timberwolves. They were faster than she ever could have imagined and had stamina to boot. The one in the lead, Cedar, must have sensed she was falling behind, because he began to ease up a little. Twilight was thankful, because she was sorely out of breath at this point. “How... How much further?”

Another timberwolf, looked up ahead into the brush and howled.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t know that that means...”

Then, she felt something, a slight tingle on the back of her neck, a feeling like she was being watched. She turned around and looked into the trees, but only a dark forest looked back at her. There was a feeling of warmth on the breath of the wind rustling through the trees. Cedar snarled at her, getting Twilight’s attention.

“Yeah, I’m coming... I just... thought I saw something...”

The timberwolves were already on the move again, so she had to snap into a sprint in order to keep up. Twilight’s thoughts dwelled on the feeling of unease that she had just felt. It was unlike anything she had experienced before.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t afford to focus on it, because the timberwolves were beginning to outdistance her again. It wasn’t long now before they came to a break in the trees. Cedar and the others stopped just before the clearing and waited for Twilight to catch up.

The princess couldn’t believe her eyes. Before her was a familiar landmark at last, Zecora’s hut!

As she stepped out into the clearing, she heard a growl behind her. It sounded different to the ones she heard earlier, less violent and sinister. Twilight found it hard to put into words, but the timberwolves seemed to be communicating with her, or at least trying to.

Cedar bowed his head, and he and the others turned around and raced back into the thicket.

She raised a hoof and waved. “Thank you...” Twilight, for the first time, saw them as more than the monsters she thought them to be, though still dangerous. Everfree was certainly not an Alicorn she wanted to displease. Getting on her bad side could be detrimental to any future journeys into the Everfree Forest.

She approached Zecora’s hut, and knocked on the door. A moment later, it swung open to reveal the zebra and her dragon. Twilight gasped and a wide smile came over her face. “Spike!”

The little dragon hadn’t the time to respond before he was caught in a cloud of purple magic and hoisted into the air before being brought close to Twilight’s chest. “Oh, I was so worried about you!”

After being set back down, he brushed himself off and gave her a cocky look. “I should say the same thing about you, Twilight. After I lost you, I tried to find help but got chased away by some timberwolves. I was lucky to run into Zecora.”

The zebra smiled and waved, offering her a place to relax. “Come, Princess Twilight, sit and rest. Do tell me more about your little quest.”

Twilight sat down and let out a heavy sigh. “I came out here uncover some of the Everfree Forest’s secrets, but I stumbled on something far bigger than I ever could have imagined. Zecora, have you heard of... the lost Alicorns?”

The zebra pursed her lips and eyed her cauldron, watching the goop inside bubble before looking back at Twilight. “That is an ancient secret, one thought lost long ago. Why now do you ask? What is it you know?”

Twilight could hardly contain her excitement. “I’ve found them, Zecora! At least, I’ve found some of them, even the princess of this forest, Everfree herself. I want to search for the rest and find them all and hear everything they have to say.”

Zecora cracked a weak smile. “You are eager. That is good, but the Alicorns of old are often misunderstood. I know of one, hidden in the mountain. He guards the secret flame flickering in the fountain.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. She had never heard of an Alicorn prince. Then again, Cascade has mentioned her sisters, as well as her brothers. She wanted to ask more, but as her mouth opened to speak, a blinding bolt of lightning arched across the sky, and the thunder that followed shook the ground violently.

Jars of potion ingredients toppled, and shelves fell. Twilight stumbled to her hooves, and she and Zecora rushes out side in time to see two fiery objects falling from the sky. One was heading straight for the forest, straight for them.

“Zecora, Spike, get back inside!” Twilight stood her ground and raised her horn.

As the zebra and dragon retreated indoors, she created a magical shield around herself and the hut. The object was getting closer, and beads of sweat rushed down her face.

Then, it hit, and the earth shook again.

Twilight groaned under the impact, and her shield shattered. Her legs felt like jelly, but she managed to stay standing. When she opened her eyes, the clearing had become a crater, rocks and loose dirt thrown in every direction.

Twilight stared in awe at the damage to the forest floor. Everfree wouldn’t be happy, and that blast was certainly felt in Ponyville.

Then, she saw her, a mare at the bottom of the hole. She was covered head to hoof in dirt and coughing furiously, but Twilight could make out bits and pieces of a white coat as bright as freshly fallen snow, complimenting her silver mane.

Twilight wasted no time in dashing into the crater, sliding down on the backs of her hooves until she reached the bottom. “Hey! Are you alright?”

The white mare’s horn began to glow, and a brief, but stunning, wave of energy shook the loose dirt off of her, revealing a pair of wings.

Twilight froze before her. “You’re an Alicorn...”

The mare looked at her and smiled. “Indeed, and you’re Twilight Sparkle. It is... good to see you.”

Twilight cocked her head to the side. “I’m sorry, have we met?”

The white Alicorn shook her head. “No, we have not been introduced, though I know all about you.” She cleared her throat. “My name is Dulcet. We have much to talk about, Twilight Sparkle, and not a lot of time to do it.

***Up Next: Demise (Ch. 3)***

Part 6: Demise (Ch. 3)

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Twilight shook her head and held a hoof up to stop the excited Alicorn. “Whoa, slow down for a second. I’m not going anywhere with you until you explain a little more. For starters, who are you really, and what do you want from me?”

Dulcet heaved a sigh and lowered her gaze. “Princess Sparkle, there isn’t much time. It isn’t safe to be out in the open like this. She will find allies to rally to her and spies to serve her...”

Twilight couldnt believe what she was hearing. Not a single one of her questions had been answered, and more had been added to the list. “Dulcet, please... What are you talking about? Who is after you?”

She shook her head. “It’s not who’s after me, Twilight. It’s who is coming for you that concerns me.”

Above, Spike and Zecora had emerged from the hut and were peering into the crater. “T-T-Twilight? Are you alright?”

The zebra stared at the Alicorn and frowned. “So, It has begun... Soon, the world will be undone.”

Dulcet gestured towards Zecora. “See? This one knows what’s at stake. If we do not find allies to help us defeat her, my... uh... sister will send the universe as we know it onto the path to oblivion.”

Twilight looked thoughtful. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

The Alicorn eyed the silver flower in Twilight’s mane, tucked behind her ear, and frowned. Then she flipped her mane out of her face and exhausted a long sigh. “Yes, Twilight, I am. Now, please come with me.”

Twilight took a step closer to Dulcet and looked up at Spike and Zecora. “Wh-What about my friends?”

Dulcet waved a dismissive hoof. “They won’t be in harms way. It’s you she wants...”

She was in reaching distance of this new Alicorn, now. “You still haven't told me who’s after me.”

Dulcet didn’t say a word as she shifted the wings on her back and readied her horn. To Twilight, it looked like she was ignoring her on purpose and avoiding the question. This frustrated her. “Stand close, I need to move us to a safer location.”

Twilight did as she was told and took her place by Dulcet’s side. The mysterious Alicorn let out a meek gasp at her touch, but didn’t say anything. Then, her horn began to shine. “Hold still...”

In a blinding flash of light, they had vanished from the clearing. Twilight didn’t dare open her eyes until it was over, but when she did, they were standing in a dark place, surrounded by tall, menacing trees. They were still in the Everfree Forest but deep in the dark woods, a place untouched by ponies for thousands of years.

Twilight felt a little dizzy after the rushed jump and let out a cough. “What... What was the point of that? Why did you take me here?”

Dulcet rolled her eyes and flared her nostrils at her. “I’ve told you many times, Princess Sparkle... For. Your. Safety. So far, you don’t sound very grateful.”

Twilight narrowed her gaze at the princess, who was increasingly aggravating her. “Well, Princess Dulcet, maybe I would be grateful if I knew what was actually going on!”

Dulcet snarled and began to storm away. “Ah! You arrogant pony princess! Maybe, I should just leave you for her to find... The world is already coming to an end, so what does it matter?”

Twilight looked flustered, stammering as she walked after her. “What do you think you’re doing? You can’t just teleport me somewhere and leave me! I don’t know where I am!”

Dulcet was already heading into the thick brush. “Goodbye, Princess Twilight, and good riddance!”

Then, she vanished.

Twilight peered through the trees and vines, but the white Alicorn was gone. She spun in circles, taking in her surroundings, but the forest around her looked alien. She couldn’t even see the treetops that blotted out the sun. Twilight was in a place no pony should ever be, lost and alone. “Dulcet! Dulcet, come back!”

No pony came, though.

Twilight began to whimper. She never meant to drive the princess away, she only wanted answers. Teleporting home wasn’t an option either. A unicorn had to know where he or she was in order to get where they needed to go, and Twilight was hopelessly lost in the deepest, darkest depths of the Everfree Forest. “Dulcet... I... I’m sorry...”

She fell on her rear and began to sniffle. Her ears twitched, and she heard some rustling leaves behind her. Twilight turned on the the ground and looked up, only to see nothing but a dark forest looking back. Then, she stood and approached the tree. “Dulcet?”

The air suddenly felt colder, and a shiver ran down her spine.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle...”

The voice came from behind her, and she turned back around to find a tall, black mare standing over her. Her coat was darker than the blackest night, and her steel grey mane gave off a cold and uninviting impression. The expression on her face, however, was one of delight.

Twilight recognized her immediately. “Demise...” She couldn’t believe it. Even though the princess of time was actually standing right before her, she couldn’t believe it. “It... It’s you... It’s really you...”

Demise beamed at her. “Of course it is, my love... Nothing in the universe can keep me from you.”

Twilight flinched as a black hoof touched her cheek, but she quickly fell into her caresses. “Oh, Demise...”

Then, the dark mare began to nuzzle her affectionately. “You still have my gift... I knew you care for me still...”

Twilight nodded, trembling as Demise’s lips brushed against her cheek. “Of course... I never wanted to... to disappoint you...”

When the princess’ lips made contact with her neck, Twilight let out a quiet ‘yelp’ and pushed her away, stunning both her and Demise. “I... I’m sorry...”

Demise raised an eyebrow at her. “Did my actions cause you discomfort, Twilight?”

Twilight turned as red as a tomato and took a few steps back. “No, of course not! Well... Maybe a little... I mean, I don’t think we should do this here. I’m hopelessly lost, and I’d really just like to go home...”

Demise cracked a smile. “Say no more, my love. I will take you home.”

Twilight noticed a change in her tone, and it was now that she saw how different the princess of time looked compared to the last time she saw her. As the Black Alicorn approached her, Twilight took small steps in reverse. “Demise, how did you get here anyway? I thought you were trapped on the island?”

A scowl came over the princess. “That cursed spit of land will never hold me again, Twilight. I am free now to chose whatever path I wish. Now, I want to be with the mare I love so deeply...”

Twilight felt a sense of dread and unease with every step Demise took towards her. “You’ve changed...”

Demise, stopped, and the already cold air dropped drastically to the point where Twilight could see her breath. “I see she got to you first. How disappointing...”

Twilight nearly tripped over a root as she stumbled back. “Demise, I still care for you, I really do! I just want to go home... Please, don’t...”

A blinding light fired through the forest, crashing right in front of Twilight. When the purple princess opened her eyes, Dulcet was standing in between her and the black Alicorn. “Twilight, get behind me.”

Demise sneered at her. “Even you cannot stay away from her! Is this how the world ends, with a battle for Twilight’s heart?”

Dulcet lowered her horn and took a defensive stance over Twilight. “I do not care for that... only that she is safe from you...”

***Up Next: Dulcet (Ch. 2)***

Part 7: Dulcet (Ch. 2)

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It seemed the whole forest was holding its breath in anticipation, wondering who would strike first. Twilight watched with wide eyes as the two Alicorns faced off, Dulcet and Demise. The princess of time was larger in comparison, and she looked like she was sizing Dulcet up, shifting her wings and occasionally flexing them outward to show their size and strength.

Dulcet swallowed nervously but didn’t dare back down. This only strengthened her resolve as she stood in defense of Twilight. Demise expanded the length of her wings in an effort to appear more intimidating. “Well? Are you going to move out of the way, or are you insisting on staying between me and my dearest?”

Dulcet’s eyes narrowed at the dark mare, and a beast-like snarl escaped her lips. “She’s not your dearest, Demise... It’s time you realized that and stopped this madness!”

Then, her horn ignited, and a bolt of concentrated magic fired out, sailing straight at Demise. Twilight wanted to yell for her to move out of the way. She couldn’t bare to see either of them get hurt. Demise, on the other hoof, didn’t look the slightest bit worried as she faced the energy coming straight for her. A sly grin came over her face, and her own horn began to glow.

Twilight wasn’t sure, but it looked like from her position that the bolt of magic was slowing down. That wasn’t all, as she was beginning to feel slow and sluggish herself. When the magic hit its target, a violent, white explosion lit up the trees before fading into nothing.

Demise then appeared to the left of Dulcet, surprising her. “My turn...”

The magic she fired caught the white Alicorn in the side, sending her flying into the trees. She let out a pained cry as she came into contact with a thick trunk, rolling down to the forest floor. “Oh... That’s real fair... Why don’t you just leave time alone and we’ll settle this princess to princess!”

Then, she lunched at Demise with her horn aimed at the black mare’s throat. Twilight caught sight of a floating leaf. No, not floating... It was falling, but very, very slowly.

It the dawned on her that Demise was bending time to her will. “Dulcet, don’t! She’s stopping t-“

The white Alicorn couldn’t answer. She was frozen in mid-air, holding an aggressive pose with the tip of her horn a hair away from Demise’s neck.

“So brave... but so misguided.” Demise’s horn shined brightly, and Dulcet flew off into the woods at the speed of light.

Then, she approached Twilight, who trembled under her gaze. “Now, my love, there is nothing to stop us... That bad influence won’t be bothering us any longer. We can go anywhere we like and do anything we want...” Twilight eyed the hoof before her, extending from Demise. “With my power, the possibilities are limitless!”

She looked up, meeting the dark Alicorn’s grinning face. “Demise...”

“Shhhh... You don’t have to thank me, my love. Just... close your eyes and allow me to take the kiss I’ve desired from you for so long...”

Twilight’s cheeks turned bright red, but her back was to a tree, and there was nowhere else to go. Demise had already began to lean forward with the intent to press her lips into Twilight’s. The purple mare’s eyes began to close against her will, and she felt herself begging drawn closer to meet the taller vixen.

Her heart was pounding in her ears in anticipation of the kiss swooping towards her.

Then, there was silence. The kiss never came, so Twilight’s eyes fluttered open.

Demise, just a breath away from her lips, looked stiff as a board, but her eyes darted around angrily. That’s when Twilight saw Dulcet climbing through the tall brush, her horn glowing and freezing Demise in her tracks. “I told you before... She is not yours...”

The white Alicorn motioned for Twilight to move, which she did promptly, taking her place beside Dulcet.

Demise couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. She could only glare at Dulcet with an unmatched fury.

“Twilight, stay close to me.” Then, her horn shined brightly and the forest around them disappeared from view.

When Twilight opened her eyes again, they were high up. An unbearable wave of cold swept over her, and she spun in a circle to see just exactly where they actually landed. She was standing deep in snow, freezing her rear off on the side of a tall, tall mountain. Twilight couldn’t even see the landscape below as she looked over the edge. Clouds below her carpeted Equestria.

“This way, Twilight!”

The purple mare spun on her hooves and saw Dulcet disappear into a shallow cave. Inside, there was a fire already going, and Dulcet plopped down on her rear. She looked up at her and smiled meekly. “Come, Twilight... sit.”

Unsure of her intentions, Twilight approached her cautiously. Dulcet noticed this, and she let out a sigh. “I’m not your enemy, you know.”

The purple princess frowned. “I’m not so sure... I saw you slow time, and I don’t think there can be two Alicorns with that ability.”

Dulcet pursed her lips and stared into the fire. “I didn’t want to show you that...”

Twilight kept her eyes on her as she sat on the opposite side of the fire. “Please, just tell me what’s going on. Who are you, really?”

The white Alicorn looked up, meeting her eyes, and brushed her mane out of her face. “I’m surprised a smart mare like you hasn’t figured it out by now... Twilight, I am Demise.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Wh-What?”

Dulcet leaned back a little, casting a long shadow across the cave wall behind her. “I guess I should say, I’m what’s left of her... When Demise made the decision to abandon her duty to the universe as princess of time, she had to separate herself from her kindness, grace, selflessness, and noble behaviors. It was the only way she could muster the power she needed to escape the island...”

Twilight peered at her through the crackling flames. “That’s why you’re trying to stop her from reaching me?”

Dulcet forced a grin and nodded. “It’ll take her quite some time to find us here.” Then, her smile faded. “The Demise we encountered isn’t the same mare you met on the island. She’s been consumed by her own selfish desires and dark ambitions. This makes her more dangerous than ever.”

Twilight understood, and she continued to stare at the fire. At last, something in her mind clicked. “Wait... How did this fire get here? I don’t see any trees for wood...”

That’s when she heard the sound of hooves clopping on the stone floor behind her, coming out of the depths of the cave.

“Well... Hello, ladies! Welcome to my summit.”

Dulcet’s eyes shifted, and she smiled. “Hello, Blaze... It’s good to see you, after all these years.”

***Up Next: Blaze***

Part 8: Blaze

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The cave suddenly seemed a thousand times brighter than it was before, hotter too. Dulcet didn’t seem the slightest bit phased by the new Alicorn. “Blaze, I know our arrival was uninvited, but we need to impose on your hospitality.”

Twilight finally got a good look at him, the Alicorn prince. From head to hoof, he appeared to be a walking mass of smoldering coal, but it was his mane and tail that got her attention the fastest. They appeared to be on fire. They were fires, burning brightly and eliminating any shadows throughout the cave.

Then, there were his eyes, which burned like little stars. It was all a little unsettling to look at, but at the same time, Twilight felt safe and comfortable in his presence.

Blaze caught her looking and smiled. “Hmm… Purple coat, star-shaped cutie mark, a bright mind… You must be Princess Twilight Sparkle, guardian of friendship.”

He quickly extended a hoof towards her. Twilight hesitated at the offer, seeing as it looked like it might burst into flames at any moment. Blaze laughed and retracted his hoof. “I’m only teasing you, your highness. I’m not a big ‘hugger’ myself.”

Then, he looked at Dulcet. “As for you… I don’t believe we’ve met, but you look awfully familiar. Did we bump into each other on the island a few thousand years ago and fool around a little?”

Dulcet turned as red as the fire in front of her. “Wha-What? No… No, of course not… You must have me confused with another princess.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at her, but Blaze didn’t seem bothered at all. “Ah, you’re probably right. A guy can forget a name and pretty face after almost four thousand years, but you aren’t here to listen to me ramble on, are you?”

Dulcet chuckled and shook her head. “No indeed… We need a place to stay to hide from Demise, and we could certainly use your help standing against her.”

The prince paused. “Demise? So that’s what all that thunder and crazy stuff was… I thought the ponies were experimenting with new weather patterns, but I can see from the look on your face that you’re serious.” He took a deep breath and sighed, looking towards the snowy mouth of the cave. “Well, I can’t refuse a plea for help, especially not from two mares as lovely as you.” Again, Dulcet turned red. “Why don’t you come inside and tell me what’s going on?”

Twilight looked around the cave. “Inside?”

Blaze fired her a cocky grin as his horn began to glow. Well, it didn’t glow so much as it did burst into flames. A burning hole opened up on the side of one of the cave’s rock walls, and the Alicorn casually stepped through. “Come, laddies! I don’t want to track any snow into my dinning hall!”

Dulcet and Twilight shared a brief glance before following Blaze through the wall. Then, it closed behind them, leaving the cave dark and void of life. Inside, Twilight was immediately met with a blast of warmth and sense of comfort.

Prince Blaze certainly lived a luxurious lifestyle. The entire room was furnished from carpets, to coffee tables and sofas. In the back, a grand dining table stretched from wall to wall, and an ornate chandelier occupied the center of the room. “Welcome, princesses, to my humble home… What’s mine is yours.”

Dulcet leaned close to Twilight so she wouldn’t be overheard by their host. “If this is his idea of ‘humble’, I don’t want to see his ego peaked.”

Her and Twilight shared a snicker as they followed Blaze to the dining table.

“You two must be famished. My servants I’ll be bringing diner out any moment, so why don’t you make yourselves comfortable?”

Twilight looked around. “Servants?”

The prince nodded and clapped his hoof against the surface of the table. On que, a dozen, little ponies emerged from a kitchen door behind the standing grandfather clock. They looked mike miniature versions of adult ponies, but what was most surprising was the fact that they were entirely made of fire, faceless and expressionless as they carried trays of food on their backs. “Oh, my chef is a genius when it comes to meal preparation. The two of you are in for a real treat.”

Twilight looked towards Dulcet for confirmation, and the white Alicorn nodded. Amazingly, everything actually looked good, and Twilight’s stomach growled viciously, reminding her just how hungry she really was.

Everypony sat around the table as Blaze’s servants set the banquet. It consisted of copious amounts of fruit, loaves of buttered bread fresh from the oven, pitcher after pitcher of a dark, sweet-smelling liquid, among other delicious morals. “Don’t worry, none of it’s alcoholic, so don’t worry about who’s flying who home.”

Dulcet cleared her throat after accepting a drink from one of the servants. “Thank you… We should really discuss Demise and how we’re going to stop her.”

Blaze nodded. “Yes, yes… You mentioned as much before, and I’ll gladly help. Without a princess of time to rule over the universe, everything will collapse into chaos. Have you seen my sister, Cascade? I’m sure she would be happy to join us as well.”

Twilight’s jaw fell. “Cascade is your sister?”

Blaze chuckled and shrugged. “Yeah… I know it doesn’t look like we have any kind of family resemblance, but trust me when I tell you it’s there.”

Dulcet shook her head. “No, I havn’t seen her in some time. We should try to find her as soon as this meeting is concluded.” Twilight remembered something Cascade told her, something about being a part of every river and stream in Equestria. “As for the others, we will need the help of every Alicorn we can get in order to send Demise back to the island and keep her there for good.”

Blaze pondered this inbetween bites. “Hmm… I can think of a few possible candidates.”

Twilight thought of Celestia, Luna, and Cadence. “Me too. I need to get to Canterlot to see them.”

Dulcet took a long sip before setting her goblet down. “We must act quickly before we go to war with Demise. She’s out there recruiting other Alicorns to her side as we speak.”

The prince looked a little disheartened, but he put on a brave face. “I suppose this is really going to happen, then?” Dulcet nodded sadly. “Very well…” He stood up from the table. “Eat as much as you wish. Then, my servants will show you to the door. It will take you directly to Canterlot to find the rulers of Equestria.”

Dulcet watched as he left the table and headed towards the kitchen door. “What about you, Prince Blaze?”

The burning Alicorn smiled over his shoulder at her. “I gotta help chef with the dishes. Then, I’ll recruit us some Alicorns.”

He didsapesred into the kitchen, and Dulcet turned to Twilight and sighed. “Are you ready?”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah… Let’s go.”

***Up Next: Celestia***

Part 9: Celestia

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Twilight hadn’t eaten much at Prince Blaze’s place, only enough to hold back the feelings of hunger that had begun to take hold of her during the journey through the Everfree Forest, but teleporting from the tip of the highest peak in Equestria to a courtyard outside the palace in Canterlot left her unwell. A fear came over her that she might lose some of her meal, but Dulcet was there to offer her some sense of reassurance. “Twilight, are you... alright?”

The purple princess nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be fine once I walk it off...” Then, she shot Dulcet a look. “Blaze was quite the host, wasn’t he?”

The white Alicorn nodded and cracked a smile. Twilight thought she could even detect a hint of pink on her cheeks, but she turned her head towards the palace. “Indeed, he is. We should focus on the mission.”

Twilight had more questions still, but it was clear from Dulcet’s behavior that this chapter of the conversation was over. Whatever past dealings Demise had with Blaze, Dulcet didn’t want them resurfacing in a dialogue.

Together, they entered the palace of Celestia and Luna. This late in the day, Twilight knew Luna would be sound asleep, but she was happy to see her friend and mentor sitting on her throne, waiting for her. Unfortunately, the look on Celestia’s face did not resonate the same level of happiness.

“Princess Celestia, hello! You have no idea how happy I am to see you...”

The sun princess raised an eyebrow, but her frown remained. “Twilight, your visits are always welcome and appreciated, but Star Swirl has informed me of some unsettleing events transpiring in the Everfree Forest.”

Then, her gaze shifted to Dulcet. “I do not think we’ve met, Princess-“

“Dulcet.” The white mare finished for Celestia. Twilight new better, that ‘Dulcet’ was just a cover for her true identity, but that seemed to be another secret she wanted concealed from the world, at least for now. “My name is Dulcet, and I’m a friend of Twilight Sparkle. This... Star Swirl is correct, and something terrible is coming. Demise, the princess of time, has broken free from her realm and will destroy this world and all others unless balance is restored to the bonds of space and time.”

Twilight looked back and forth between Dulcet and Celestia. The princess of Canterlot slumped back in her throne a little. “Once again, the fate of the world is at risk and you are involved, Twilight...”

Dulcet stepped forward, placing herself between them. “Twilight has nothing to do with this.”

The purple mare’s ears folded back. She knew that was a total lie. It had everything to do with her. Demise’s obsession over her caused the poor princess to go insane and turn the universe on its side.

“Demise wants a war, and we need the power of every Alicorn we can get in order to lock her away again.”

This time, it was Twilight who pushed past Dulcet to get Celestia’s attention. “You knew about them, didn’t you? There are other Alicorns out there, dozens of them, maybe more, and you never told me.”

Celestia’s eyes fell, and she rose from her throne. “Twilight, everything I do has a reason behind it, and my intention was not to keep you in the dark. I would never hide anything from you that you didn’t need to know, but there is a reason the Alicorns of the world are hidden from the public eye. Demise unbalancing time proves this.”

Dulcet winced slightly at her words but kept quiet.

Then, Celestia let out a long sigh and descended from her throne, meeting Twilight and Dulcet on the floor. “If what you say is true, then you have my full support. Luna will agree too, whenever she awakens, and I will immediately send for Princess Cadence. This isn’t the first foe we have faced together.”

Twilight and the elder princess shared a smile before she ran to embrace her. Dulcet couldn’t help smiling at the reunion between old friends, but her grin dissipated as the temperature of the throne room dropped drastically. The moment was short lived, and a darkness fell over the hall.

A sinister laugh echoed throughout the palace and thundered in Twilight’s ears, causing her to grimace. “Isn’t that sweet... but you really shouldn’t get too familiar with other mares, my darling Twilight...” She turned Just in time to see Demise materialize behind her. “You know just how jealous I can get...”

The magic from her horn sailed straight for Celestia’s head, but the sun princess quickly raised a shield that deflected the bolt of energy towards the ceiling. Celestia returned in kind and fired back, but Demise simply froze the princess and her magic in time, rendering both harmless. “Very quick reaction time, Princess Celestia, but also very predictable.”

Dulcet’s own horn ignited, and Celestia was free once again. The magic too resumed its normal speed and caught Demise in the chest, sending her flying towards the other end of the grand hall. “Ahhh! You whorse... You’ll pay for that...”

All three Alicorns surrounded Demise, horns lowered and trained on her. Twilight kept her eyes on the floor, not daring to look at the dark mare directly.

Dulcet took the lead, and approached the dark princess. “You’re out numbered, Demise! Surrender...”

From the floor, the black Alicorn looked up at them and began to laugh. Twilight, Celestia, and Dulcet each shared awkward glances. “You have a point, Dulcet, that is what you’re calling yourself now? Why don’t we even the playing field...”

Demise’s gaze turned towards a small fountain beside the throne.

It was a bowl of water no bigger than a kickball sitting on a pedestal, but the whole room began to shake as the water rose out of the bowl and began to take shape on the floor in front of the throne. Twilight gasped as a familiar Alicorn stepped forward, leaving a trail of wet carpet with each step she took. Standing before them, faceless and glistening in the sunlight shining through the windows, was Princess Cascade.

“I am here to serve you, Lord Demise...”

***Up Next: Luna***

Part 10: Luna

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Twilight’s happiness to see Cascade again vanished the moment she uttered those words.

“I am here to serve you, Lord Demise...”

Dulcet didn’t have a chance to react before a tentacle of sentient water caught her in the side, twisting around her body and lifting her high into the air. Twilight leaped into action and ignited her horn, letting lose a beam of energy that cut through the water. Dulcet cried out as she fell, only to be stopped just before hitting the ground by Celestia’s cloud of magic.

More water tenticals began springing from Cascade’s body and encircling the princesses.

Twilight swallowed hard as they grew closer, closing in on them at an alarming speed. “How do we fight water?!”

Dulcet, Celestia, and Twilight, with their backs together, charged their horns to face the rising tide surrounding them. Demise observed from the sidelines, thoroughly enjoying the show. “Do whatever you wish with the others, Cascade, but leave my love unharmed.”

The magic they were using on the tightening streams was having little effect, and like giant pythons, they began to coil around the princesses. “Yes, Lord Demise...”

Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing, coming from the princess of water. “Cascade, what are you doing?! Why are you helping her unbalance the world?!”

Having no face, the purple princess couldn’t possible tell what she was thinking, but the shimmering form of the Alicorn stomped a hoof angrily, causing the tenticals of water to tighten further. “It’s time for a shift in the balance, my little naive princess. The ponies used to treat us like gods, but now... now, they don’t even remember us! Demise will make them remember us, and we will be worshiped like gods again.”

She stepped a little closer. Twilight could feel the moisture and humidity radiating from her form. “You might not see it yet, but Demise has big plans for us, you especially... I can’t account for her taste in mares, but you do have a certain appeal about you that I...”

Demise scowled at her. “That’s enough, Cascade. Release Twilight.”

The water princess obeyed without question and allowed Twilight to slip from the tenticals that continued to wrap around Dulcet and Celestia. She fell onto the floor, soaking wet and coughing furiously. A shadow came over her, and she looked up to see Demise who had a look of genuine concern about her. “Come, my dear... Give up this notion of following Dulcet and join me...” She had extended a hoof before Twilight, an offering. “It doesn’t have to be like this forever... Soon, everything will be the way we want it to be, and you, Twilight Sparkle, will be my queen for eternity and beyond.”

Dulcet was struggling to free her face from the binds of the water tenticals that were beginning to cover her face, thrashing her head from left to right. “Mmmph! Twilight, don’t listen to her!” Don’t listen- Mmm!”

Again, Twilight was frozen by fear, too afraid to fight, but also too afraid to take Demise’s hoof. She felt her own hoof rising on its own, seemingly being drawn to meet Demise’s.

“Yes... Join me, my love...”

Completely encircled by water now, her friends watched with horrified expressions as Demise took Twilight’s hoof in her own. At the moment their hooves touched, the light coming through the windows seemed to fade. Twilight looked at Demise, expecting to see a look of satisfaction due to her victory over the princesses, but she instead looked distressed.

The darkness filling the throne room wasn’t caused by her. Somepony else had arrived, and they were making Demise nervous.

“Muahahaha! So you’re the bad princess I’ve heard about...”

The shadows along the walls seemed to move, running from window to window until they reached the throne. Twilight cocked her head to the side. “That voice...”

The shadows collected on the floor before the throne, and a tall figure rose out of the carpet. It was an Alicorn black as the night clad in dark blue armor. She stared down everypony in the room though her serpent-like eyes before letting out a malicious laugh.

It was Nightmare Moon, and Twilight’s own amazement, Demise looked afraid of the villain. Her ears folded back, and she took several steps in reverse. “N-N-Nightmare...”

The armored Alicorn bared her teeth and snarled viciously. “That’s right, you petty upstart... I’m the original bad mare... If anypony’s going to cause my sister and her friends trouble, it’s going to be me!”

She leaped towards Demise, melting into shadows mid-air before coming into contact with the princess of time. At the same time, Twilight turned to Cascade and charged her horn before letting lose a bolt of magic that caught the pony-shaped water in the chest. Cascade let out a pained whail before collapsing into a huge puddle of water.

Celestia and Dulcet, now free from the water’s cold grasp, readied their horns. Above them, Demise and Nightmare Moon we’re battling around the throne room, two shadows trading blows. Upon closer inspection, Twilight saw that Demise was actually trying to escape Nightmare, who gave a relentless chase.

While everypony was occupied watching the two black mares above, the puddle of water receded into nothingness, seeping into cracks in the floor and walls.

Nightmare Moon pulled her two front hooves together around Demise’s tail, causing the time princess to cry out in pain before spinning and throwing her towards the nearest window. Demise hit the glass and crashed through before flailing off of the city and into the distance.

Pleased with herself, Nightmare smirked before descending to the floor. There, she was met with faces of disbelief. At this, she began to laugh. Not like before, this laugh being softer as though she found something hilarious. Then, her horn ignited, and in a flash of light, Nightmare Moon was replaced by Princess Luna. “Gotcha...”

Twilight’s chest exploded with joy and excitement. “Oh, Luna... I’m so happy to see you... How did you- Nightmare Moon, she...”

Her voice fell silent. She simply couldn’t believe everything she just saw.

Luna flexed her wings causally. “I’ve had some practice dressing up for Nightmare Night. It’s not enough to look the part anymore. Now, it’s best to become who you are trying to portray...”

Then, Luna took a bow, like a stage performer.

Celestia stepped forward, embracing her sister. “Thank you, Luna... You did always have a flare for the dramatic.”

Dulcet cleared her throat. “Yes, um... We’re all very impressed, but now we must plan our next move. Demise was defeated here, but she will regain her strength and regroup.”

Twilight was afraid of that. “Regroup where?”

Dulcet approached the shattered window and looked out across Equestria, towards the Everfree Forest. “There...”

***Up Next: Twilight***

Part 11: Twilight

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Cadence had rushed over before the moonrise. Without time for a foalsitter, she thrusted Flurry Heart into Shining’s hooves and asked him to take care of her while she went on a ‘little trip’. This all happened a few short hours before her arrival in Canterlot, where Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and Dulcet were waiting for her. It was a regular royal family reunion, but there wasn’t the time to waste on pleasantries.

Dulcet approached Twilight by the shattered window, and both looked out across Equestria below. “With every minute she spends on this world, Demise grows stronger. If we’re going to have a chance at sending her back to the island, it has to be done now.”

Twilight frowned and turned to look at her. “What then?”

The white princess raised an eyebrow at her: “What do you mean, Twilight?”

She shuffled her hooves against the tiled floor, silently searching for a way to put her thoughts into words. “I mean... What happens after we send her back? How will we know she’ll even resume her duty as the princess of time and fix all this?”

Dulcet’s gaze fell, and she shook her head slowly. “I don’t know... In the end, somepony will have to make things right.”

Twilight wasn’t sure what Dulcet meant by that, but she decided against pressing her. Looking back towards the throne, she could see that the others were ready. Cadence offered her a kind smile, but it vanished when she saw that Twilight was in no mood for idle talk. “I can see you’re upset, and I understand why. Aunt Luna has just told me about everything you’ve been through today.”

Twilight wasn’t prepared for the hug that followed, but she allowed herself to fall into Cadence’s embrace. “Thanks...”

The purple pony managed a weak smile as she pulled away.

Everypony had gathered around Dulcet at the base of the throne. “Demise is still out there, gathering her allies. We cannot wait on Prince Blaze to arrive with ours, so we are going to hit her tonight.” She raised a hoof, pointing towards the shattered window. “Somewhere in the Everfree Forest, she gathering her strength and planning her next move. We’ll catch her off guard and put Demise back in her place before time unravels and the world ceases to exist. Now, everypony stand close.”

They did as instructed and all met around Dulcet, circling around her while incidentally coming into close contact with each other. Five Alicorns locked their horns together. “Brace yourselves...”

Twilight clenched her teeth and closed her eyes as a feeling of unimaginable power pulsed through her with every breath. The light that came after simulated a star sitting in the center of the throne room, even through her shut eyelids.

When they opened again, Twilight stood in the middle of a dark forest. It didn’t smell quite like the ancient Everfree Forest, but it had to be. It certainly looked like it from where she was standing. The place was dark enough as it was, but at night, it was something else.

The thought of being along in the very place that she was terrified Twilight. She was relieved to have company, especially Dulcet. Twilight turned to face the white Alicorn, but she was nowhere in sight.

None of the other princesses were.

“Dulcet?” She turned in a circle. “Celestia? Luna?”

She spun around again and again. “Cadence?! Dulcet?! Celestia?! Luna?! Where are you?!”

Twilight’s heart twisted in her chest. She was lost, horribly lost and without her friends. “Wh-Wha... What could have happened? One minute, we were all together, and the next...”

A twig snapped behind her, and Twilight let out a yelp. Her horn ignited, glowing brightly and illuminating the immediate area. She could make out a sea of thick, moss-covered trees and rocks. “Who... Whose there?”

No response came, and Twilight began to back pedal, keeping her horn level all the while. Not looking where she was actually going, her hoof slipped on a wet rock and she began to tumble downhill. Through leaves, mud, and brandhes, Twilight fell onto the forest floor and rolled several times before coming to a sudden stop on the bank of a quiet stream. She let out a groan and flipped onto her side.

Every part of her body was in pain, and she had landed on one of her wings, bending it in the wrong direction. Twilight saw something glittering in front of her. It was the flower.

She reached for it and pulled it close, figuring it to have fallen from her mane during her misstep at the top of the hill.

Upon closer inspection, Twilight realized she hadn’t been imagining things. The flower really was glittering in the dark, glowing almost, a reaction she hadn’t ever seen since it was given to her. She picked it up and placed it back in her mane, atop her head like a crown.

Twilight then stood shakily and stared into the stream.

Under the cover of absulute darkness, she watched the water flow downward into the abyss. The most logical thing to do was to stay put and wait for her friends to find her.

“Dulcet will be looking for me...” Twilight turned and looked in the opposite direction, up the stream and towards a faint light. “I’ll wait for her there.”

She trotted through the trees, avoiding a gallop due to the pain in her beaten and battered legs. Twilight slashed her hoof through the trees and brush and stumbled into a clearing. The stream ended abruptly in a nearly dried pool at the edge of the clearing.

A violent crack had cut the clearing in two, and a dark red haze obscured her vision. Across the clearing, past the scar, was a cave. That’s where the light was emanating from. Twilight stumbled through the clearing, keeping her head low to avoid the dark mist.

Her eyes shifted back and forth between the cave and broken pool. Something about the place seemed awfully familiar, but she couldn’t put her hoof on it. Carefully, she stepped over the gaping crack in the ground and approached the cave, totally unaware of the eyes following her.

***Up Next: Demise (Ch. 4)***

Part 12: Demise (Ch. 4)

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Twilight passed through the mouth of the cave and walked inside. A layer of dust covered the floor, and little chunks of rock fell from the ceiling, hinting at an imminent collapse, but she needed to see more. Where brightly colored tapestries were once hanged on the cave walls, only tattered pieces of ruined cloth remained. The remnants of ornate furniture and a fire pit occupied the center of the room, and the memories of a particularly enlightening conversation began to resurface in Twilight’s mind.

She had been here, sitting by that very fire that once burned brightly and gave off warmth, now cold and dark. A proud princess once spoke to her about the mystical grove and shared her life-saving medicine, and act that ultimately brought Twilight back from the brink of death. Now, she understood why the flower had begun to glow.

It glowed brightly like it was full of life because it was home. Somehow, she had made it back to the island.

“Twilight Sparkle... You’ve come back for me...”

The purple princess turned on her hooves and faced the mouth of the cave, locking eyes with Demise. The tall, black Alicorn took a step towards her, causing Twilight to step back in reaction.

Demise stopped and frowned at the floor. “You’re disappointed with me...”

Twilight’s chest swelled with frustration and her nostrils flared. “I’m disappointed with what you’ve done. This isn’t you, Demise. The princess I met wouldn’t have acted so selfishly and put the world in danger so she could get what she wanted.” The dark princess winced at every word like it was a blow to the chest. “She would care for those who needed her most, and...” Twilight swallowed hard as she tried to get the words out. “... and her love for the world was unmatched.”

She stepped forward, inching closer to Demise. “She was bright and wise, and her conviction could overcome mountains. When she set her heart to something, nothing could stop her.” All the while she spoke, Twilight’s thoughts turned to Dulcet.

Demise’s eyes began to water, and a tear trickled down her cheek. “I’m broken, Twilight... I’ll never be whole again...”

Twilight raised a hoof, turning the princess of time’s cheek so their eyes connected. “You can still fix this. I know you can, for me...”

That really got her attention.

Demise opened her mouth as though she were about to speak, but an unexpected interruption arose from behind her.

“Step. Away. From. Her.”

Both Twilight and Demise turned to find Dulcet standing under the mouth of the cave, her horn glowing and pointed at Demise. “I’m so sorry I lost you, Twilight. I didn’t think she was capable of something so devious as bringing you here...”

Twilight looked back and forth between the two of them. Seeing them together made it painfully clear how close they were, two sides of the same troubled princess. “Dulcet, wait... I’m not in any danger.” Demise and her locked eyes. “We’ve come to an understanding, and she’s going to do the right thing...”

Dulcet’s scowl narrowed, and she didn’t raise her horn. “If you lay one hoof on her...”

Demise lowered her head. “I would never harm Twilight...”

The white princess rolled her eyes. “That isn’t at all what I meant, you lustful matriarch.”

Demise snorted and rose to her full height. “You don’t know anything about me!”

Dulcet scoffed at her response. “Ha! I know everything about you. I am you!” Twilight watched with a mortified expression as the two princesses fired verbally back and forth at each other like a tennis match. “You can believe all you want that you’re some all-powerful, independent mare, but you’re not. You’re me, and I’m you. You made me, Demise, and now, I’m going to fix the mess you created!”

Demise looked like she was having none of it. “Oh, how noble of you! You claim to be better than me, Dulcet, so selfless, so virtuous, but you’re living a lie. You’re just as in love with Twilight Sparkle as I am. You might be better at surpressing your feelings, but where has that gotten you? You’ve pursued her halfway across Equestria and put yourself between her and danger time and time again, but she’ll never love you. She’ll never love us!”

The white princess’ eyes widened and tears began to form in the corners. She opened her quivering mouth, preparing to retaliate, but something caught her gaze. It came fast, but she was too slow to react. The white mare had no time to brace herself as something reached out of the clearing behind her, grabbed her by the legs, and pulled her to the ground before dragging her out of the cave. Dulcet kicked like a mule and broke free of her attacker.

Demise and Twilight were out of the cave and in the clearing in seconds. “Cascade, stand down!”

The water princess stood by the broken pool, tenticals protruding from her body like before. Under the light of the moon, she seemed to be more wavy than normal, like the tide was having an affect on her. “Do you know what you’re asking, Lord Demise? These traitors are here to stop us, to stop you from achieving your goal. I think it would be best to stop them before they can do the same to us.”

Demise glared at her. “You do not think, Princess Cascade, you obey me. Stand down and leave.”

Cascade looked at the mud beneath her, then her head rose again and she stared at Demise. “My Lord, you have promised us our birthright, to be worshiped by the lesser ponies.”

Demise stepped forward, putting herself between Dulcet and Cascade. Twilight watched in awe at the power and authority her voice wielded. “I made a mistake. Now, do as I tell you and leave this place.”

The princess of water shook her head. “I don’t think so. We are not leaving until we can be assured that no pony stands in our way.”

Dulcet cocked her head to the side. “Our?”

Cascade nodded to the ground, and the earth began to rumble beneath their hooves. Next to her, the ground shifted and churned before rising up, taking the shape of a pony. Made from dirt and rocks, the prince took his place by Cascade’s side.

Then, the wind began to pick up tromendously. Grey clouds rolled in, covering up the night sky and blotting out the moon. Above, the clouds swirled and circled before a bolt of lightning arched from the darkness, hitting the ground and burning it into glass. What remained was another Alicorn, dark grey and with a aura of stormy clouds surounding her. “Loam, the prince of earth... Cyclone, the princess of storms... Both have pledge themselves to your cause but now see that our faith was misplaced.”

Demise’s tail swished back and forth. “Twilight, stay behind us...”

Dulcet stood by Demise and pointed her horn at Cascade.

The water princess chuckled at the sight before her. “Well, who’s first?”

***Up Next: Battle for the Island***

Part 13: Battle for the Island

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Dulcet and Demise exchanged glances and quietly muttered to each other. “I’ll take Loam, you distract Cyclone.”

The entire island seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation as the princesses held a stand-off. In response to Dulcet’s suggestion, Demise shook her head. “Impossible... That leaves Cascade open to attack. We should focus on protecting Twilight.”

Dulcet let out something that sounded like a combination of a sigh and a growl. “I agree, but this isn’t the time for debates. We have to stop them first while keeping Twilight safe.”

Standing a little ways behind them, the purple princess made a look of disgust as they continued to bicker over her. “Hey!”

Both stopped, startled, and looked back at her. Twilight stepped forward and stood inbetween them, earning odd looks from everypony in the grove, including Cascade. “I’ll go for Cascade...” She straightened the silver flower in her mane. “You two just worry about yourselves.”

The confident and boastful smirk on Cascade’s face vanished. “So be it...”

Cyclone vanished in a flash of lightning, and thunder boomed across the island. Demise launched into the air after her, catching the princess of storms above the mountain peak. Lightning crackled all around them as they exchanged blows.

Cyclone let out a vicious cry before throwing a hoof into Demise’s side. It connected, and the dark princess was forced to let go. Using her mighty, black wings, Demise kept herself aloft while Cyclone circled her, creating a funnel cloud in the process.

On the ground, Twilight and Dulcet charged Cascade and Loam respectively. Loam sneered at Dulcet quickly before vanishing back into the ground.

Startled, Dulcet looked all around her at the mud beneath her hooves that on only became visable during the occasional, but frequent, flash of lightning arching across the sky. “Come out, you!”

A muddy torso and pair of hooves sprung out of the ground in front of her, his face grinning wildly as he threw his legs around her neck. “I have a better idea... How about you come in, princess?”

Then, Dulcet let out a muffled scream as she was pulled head first into the mud. Twilight watched in horror as she and Loam disappeared beneath the ground, but she didn’t have time to go after them, because Cascade was on her in seconds.

Tenticals of water sprang onto action, shooting out of the princess in all directions. All at once, they came soaring straight for Twilight, and she instinctively raised a shield with her magic, forming a protective bubble that surrounded her and sunk into the mud. Like heavy arms, the tenticals slapped against the shield, battering the barrier like a drum. With every hit, Twilight groaned under the strain of keeping the shield up. She knew that if she didn’t act soon, the barrier would fall and there would be nothing to stop Cascade from reaching her.

Pointing her horn at the water princess, she waited.

Cascade continued to beat her tenticals against the magical bubble like a drum, probing it for weaknesses. One hit after another, Twilight waited. “Where’s the fight you promised me, Princess Twilight?!”

Drawing her tenticals back, Cascade raised them high above her before bringing them down on top of Twilight. The shield finally cracked under the water’s might, and in that instant, Twilight fired a bolt of magic from her horn. The blinding hot projectile passed through one of the tenticals, slicing it clean off and causing the water to fall in a puddle.

Cascade howled in pain, and the base of the cut tentical writhed before receeding back inside of her. “Twilight...” Her voice sounded lower, more dangerous. “You’ll pay for that... I’ll rip you apart piece by piece...”

Still drained from using so much magic, Twilight could hardly stand straight, let alone fight back. “I... I wasn’t trying to hit that... I was aiming for your head.”

That remark only seemed to enrage Cascade further. Twilight wondered if it was even possible for a mass of water in pony form to boil. Whether or not that could even happen, Cascade was certainly steaming in contrast to the freezing drops of rain that began to fall from the sky.

The princess of water took several steps forward and began circleing to Twilight’s left, and the purple pony’s eyes were locked with the place where the faceless Alicorn’s would have been. Twilight shifted little by little, saving what little remained of her strength but keeping Cascade in front of her. “It’s almost too bad to kill you so soon, Princess Twilight. You won’t live long enough to see the main event...” Keeping her horn level, Twilight forced a weak smile as a taunt to the walking water. “No sly remark this time? Very well...”

Cascade’s horn began to glow a vibrant blue color. “I’ll be sure to give Demise and Dulcet your regards...”

Twilight dig her hooves into the mud and braced herself, hoping to draw just enough energy to deflect the magic coming her way. After that, her future was still a mystery. Cascade let loose her magic and sent a bolt of blue energy sailing towards her. She closed her eyes and concentrated, waiting until she could feel the heat of the magic nearing her face, but the impact ultimately never came.

When she opened her eyes again, an Alicorn stood in front of her with his back turned. His body, smoldering and releasing little crackles of flame, sizzled with each rain drop that fell on him.

Twilight’s jaw dropped. “Blaze...”

The Alicorn prince looked back at her and smiled kindly. “Hello, Twilight...”

Across the hollow, Cascade was recovering from her own speechlessness. “Brother... You traitor!”

This got Blaze’s attention, and he turned back around to face her. “Twilight, get going. Princess Dulcet needs your help.”

She looked back and forth between the Alicorn siblings, fire and water. To say she was worried about him would be an understatement. “What about you?”

Blaze shook his head dismissively. “This is a family matter, Twilight. I need to have a chat with my little sister.”

Twilight could tell from the tone of his voice that he was serious, and she slowly began to back away. Then, she turned and bolted for the edge of the hidden grove as fire and water clashed in the center, great bolts of electricity lighting up the ground as she ran. She was terribly worried about Demise, whom she hadn’t seen in some time, but she needed to find Dulcet first. “Dulcet! Dulcet, where are you?!”

As if on que, the princess of time exploded from the ground, propelled by a force that launched her high into the air before landing back in the mud. The white mare, no longer white and covered head to hoof in mud, coughed and wheezed as she climbed to her hooves. “Twilight, fly!”

She could feel the ground beneath her churning. Twilight spread her wings and took to the air, staying just a little ways beneath the tree tops as Loam rose from the mud where she had just been standing.

Dulcet, still filthy but indistinguishable, joined her in the air. “We can’t fight him on the ground... Wait, is that Blaze?” Twilight grinned at her, answering her question in the affirmative without saying a word. “Well... He certainly is a sight for sore eyes... Twilight, we have to do something about Loam or we’ll never be able to land safely.”

The purple princess’ mind raced for possible solutions, but none stood out above the rest. “Why can’t you use your powers? Can’t you and Demise slow time or something?”

Dulcet shook her head. “Time doesn’t flow here like it does in your world! In a way, time is already stopped! Why else do you think they would challenge us so blatantly...”

She was referring to Cascade and the others. Below, in the grove, a vortex of spiraling fire and water was consuming the surrounding trees. Twilight and Dulcet could see that Blaze’s attention was on Cascade, and his back was to Loam.

“We need to help him.” Before Twilight could object, Dulcet had begun a dive towards the prince of fire.

***

High above the island, Demise was still locked in a fierce battle with Princess Cyclone. With every punch and kick traded between the two mares, brilliant bolts of lightning lit up the raging storm clouds that swirled in the sky. One final push from Demise separated them, giving her a little breathing room.

Then, Cyclone raised her hooves above her head and let out a terrifying scream, summoning a lighting strike that caught Demise in the chest.

She fell.

Half unconscious, Demise plummeted towards the summit of the mountain that peaked over the island. She landed on her back, hard, cutting through rock and earth before coming to a stop near a drop that lead to the forest below. Dazed and jolting slightly from the electricity that pulsed through her, she turned and looked over the edge. Far away, she could see bright flashes coming from the hidden grove.

“Fall...”

Demise bolted upright, certain that she had heard a voice. It sounded distant, but commanding enough to listen to. Above her, she could make out a figure in the clouds. Cyclone was agitating the funnel cloud, upsetting the storm more and a more.

“You must fall...”

It happened again, a voice echoing throughout the mountain top that Demise was certain was not her own. She looked up once again, but this time, Cyclone was coming for her, hooves outstretched and ready. Cyclone was moving incredibly fast, so fast that she had begun to glow as lightning did.

“Fall, now!”

Demise did as instructed this time, and with all the strength she could muster, she threw herself over the edge of the mountain. As quickly as the mountain top shrunk in the distance, the trees on the forest floor rushed up to meet her. The trees seemed to be reaching out for her, their long branches twisting upward. She looked back one last time, and the top of the mountain exploded as Cyclone struck with the force of a bolt of lightning, sending rocks and dust flying in every direction.

Demise prepared herself for a hard impact, but instead crashed through the first layer of leaves and branches with unexpected ease. One by one, thick branches caught and slowed Demise down before dropping her to he next one below until she was placed safely on the forest floor. She observed herself, searching for cuts and bruises that should have certainly been present, but found none. “Wh-Wha... I don’t... What?”

A soft chuckle startled her. “Hmm... You seem surprised, Lord Demise.”

She turned on her hooves to face her savior. “Princess Everfree... It... It’s you!”

The mother of nature offered no smile in return, looking as stern as ever. “Blaze came to me and explained everything. I’m here to help.”

Demise nodded her head and looked up. “That’s wonderful. I could certainly use your help with Cyclone...”

The storm princess stood upon the ruined mountainside, literally sparking with anger as lightning cracked along the sky behind her.

***

Twilight used her wings to shield herself from the waves of fire washing over the ground. Avoiding it was impossible, so she let the flames burn the tips of her feathers and kept running.

Dulcet reached Loam first and caught the prince by surprise, hoisting him up in her hooves and lifting him off of the ground.

“You again?!” He kicked and flailed wildly, finally expanding his wings to startle Dulcet and break free from her grasp.

Loam fell right in front of Twilight, who was quick to lower her horn and unleash several bolts of magic. Wide-eyed, he fell back into the ground and sunk beneath the mud as each magical projectile hit the place he had been sitting just half a moment before.

Twilight let out a frustrated moan and stomped her hoof. “He got away again!”

Dulcet landed next to her. “That’s alright, Twilight. We just need to keep him away from Blaze while he deals with Cascade.”

Both mares turned to watch as the brother and sister fought with the ferocity of a dozen Alicorns.

Cascade’s tendrils of water would try to surround and strike at Blaze, but he would lash out with fire whips, snapping at the water and keeping it at bay. Both seemed evenly matched, but Twilight and Dulcet couldn’t watch for long, because Loam returned, crawling out of the jagged scar that cut through the island. He lunged for Dulcet again, but Twilight stepped in between them and raised a quick shield, causing him to hit it instead and deflect back across the scar.

Loam tumbled and rolled into the trees, but before he could get back up, roots from the trees shot out of the ground and began ensnaring the helpless Alicorn. He screamed in horror as the roots wrapped tighter and tighter around him, eventually gagging his mouth and silencing him, leaving him to wriggle as the trees consumed him.

Cascade saw from across the clearing and began to panic. “Loam!”

One of her tenticals finally hit its mark, and Blaze was hit into the air, crashing hard into the mouth of the cave before falling onto the ground. Dulcet and Twilight were by his side in an instant, helping him back up. “Are you alright, Blaze? Talk to me!”

He nodded, wincing in pain. “Yeah, but that last punch kinda hurt...”

Cascade stood opposite to them on the other side of the scar, staring them down. “Is this all you could muster to stop us, brother?!”

Cocky as ever, Blaze shrugged and cracked a silly grin. “No, the others should be here soon.” Thunder boomed over head, and three bright lights broke through the clouds, descending towards the grove at an incredible speed. “Ah... There they are.”

One by one, the lights impacted the ground, sending dirt and mud in every direction. When the dust settled, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence stood alongside Twilight, Dulcet, and Blaze. Celestia was the first to acknowledge Twilight. “I’m so sorry we lost you... We got here as quickly as we could.”

Luna, on the other hoof, looked more eager to fight. “Did we miss much?”

At this, Twilight and Dulcet shared glances and shrugged. “Yes, actually. We’ve been quite busy.”

Twilight stepped forward, challenging Cascade directly. “It’s over, Cascade. You have to surrender.”

If the princess of water had a face, Twilight was certain she would be frightened, but that wasn’t the case. Cascade began to laugh. It began quietly but quickly grew louder as the moments passed. At the same time, the ground began to quake. Not naturally, but sudden and periodically, like gradual booms growing more and more noticeable and ominous.

“Do you really believe this is over? The battle has only begun, my little princess... Daddy is here, and you all are in a lot of trouble, now.” Cascade roared with laughter as she spread her wings, launching herself high into the air and taking off towards the sea.

Twilight expected Dulcet to give chase, but the white princess was frozen in place. “Dulcet, are we going to let her get away? What was she talking about?”

Every boom was deafening now and sounded like crashing water. “Our father, Oceanos... The king of all Alicorns and lord of the sea...”

Blaze cocked his head. “I thought we all kinda just... appeared.”

Dulcet looked up and shook her head. “No, everything comes from somewhere, and we came from him.” She pointed with her hoof, but nopony needed her help to see what she was talking about.

A colossal Alicorn towered over the island, and each step it took brought it another quarter-mile closer to shore. Like Cascade, it had no expression and consisted entirely of circulating water, only this Alicorn was darker and filled with marine life. His horn cut through the churching storm clouds, and bolts of lightning struck him, arching throughout his body but causing no visable damage.

Everypony was dead silent as they watched the gargantuan Alicorn draw closer, every step causing another quake. Twilight looked over at Dulcet and approached her meekly. “What do we do?”

Dulcet swallowed hard. “We have to stop him. If he reaches Equestria, there’ll be no end to the floods and destruction. He has to be stopped here.”

***

“Did you get him?”

Everfree nodded and puffed her chest out proudly. “Yes, Demise. Loam won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”

The two mares look a moment to catch their breath under the cover of the forest while Cyclone flew back and forth overhead, summoning lightning to strike the ground wherever she could in order to flush them out.

Demise looked to be in incredible distress as she watched her whole world literally crumble around her. “My poor island... What was I thinking?”

Everfree looked over at her and offered the princess of time a hoof on her shoulder in consultation. “Selfish desire can make a mare perform unthinkable acts, even one as powerful as you.”

A bolt of lightning hit a nearby tree, exploding it into a shower of splinters and flaming wood chips.

Everfree bared her teeth angrily. Every bit of nature contained a piece of her, and destruction on that level caused her physical and emotional pain. “That tears it... I’m going to put that petty princess in her place!”

She raised her horn high, pointing it towards the treetops. The tip began to glow before discharging a bright green bolt of energy that fired through the branches and leaves, catching Cyclone on the wing and knocking her out of the sky. “Ha!”

Demise raised an eyebrow at her. “We’ve been hiding for several minutes now, and you didn’t bother doing that before?”

Everfree didn’t respond, only showing a sly grin before spreading her wings and taking off towards the tops of the trees. Demise followed quickly, and both broke through in time to watch Cyclone fall in the distance as a trail of smoke.

It was then that the realized why all of the excitement at the hidden grove had died down. No longer were flashes of light and fire rising above the trees. Instead, they saw what was approaching the island.

Demise gulped nervously, almost forgetting to keep flapping her wings to stay aloft. “It... It can’t be...”

Without saying another word, she and Everfree raced towards the grove to regroup with their friends.

***

Through the raging storm clouds, Oceanos’ horn began to glow, lighting up the entire sea and island as though the sun were right over it.

That’s when everypony scattered in order to avoid the magic that came sailing towards them like a meteor from the sky. In an instant, the cave and the entire grove were completely destroyed.

Only a gaping hole remained after the dust settled. In the heat of the moment, Dulcet had thrown herself on top of Twilight to shield her from raining debris, and the two locked eyes. “Twilight, I... I only...”

The purple pony smiled, despite the terrible situation they were in. After all they had been through in the short time they were together, something had happened between them. Twilight couldn’t quite put it into words, but there was an aching feeling inside of her that she needed to share with the princess on top of her. “Dulcet, if we make it out of this, there’s something I really want to tell you...”

Dulcet looked very interested and focused, like Twilight was the only thing in the world that mattered. “Yeah?”

Another bolt of magic from Oceanos sailed overhead and impacted the island, causing the ground the shake something fierce. Together, they climbed to their hooves and made a dash for the beach.

Oceanos was still a ways off shore, but distance meant nothing to the lord of all Alicorns.

They stared in awe at his size. “That’s your dad, huh?”

Dulcet nodded slowly. “Yes, and he has always despised ponykind, believing pure-blood Alicorns to be superior. If only Azure were here... She was his wife, the Alicorn queen of the sky, and the only one who could ease his temper. It was Azure who sealed him away so long ago to bring peace to Equestria.”

Twilight’s eyes fell on Dulcet, scanning her for any signs of hesitation. “What happened to her?”

To her surprise, Dulcet merely shrugged. “Not even I know that. Mother dissapeared millions of years ago after locking Oceanos away. Some legends say she became the very air we breath to stop the rising seas from consuming everything.”

Twilight let out a long sigh. “I guess everypony has family trouble from time to time...”

Then, she stepped closer to Dulcet, nearing her to the point where their flanks grazed. This surprised her and she turned to face Twilight. “Whatever happens, I’m with you.”

A weak smile came over Dulcet, and she leaned into Twilight’s neck, nuzzling her affectionately. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle...”

Another quake as a result from Oceanos’ magic separated them and caused Twilight to stumble and fall into the sand. Dulcet was quick to help her up, offering her hoof. “I... I have a plan, I think, but we need the others to make it work.”

Demise and Everfree flew out of the trees and landed next to them on the beach. They were then joined by Blaze, Celestia, and Luna followed closely by Cadence who stared in awe at the massive Alicorn. “Whoa... Shining is never going to believe this...”

Oceanos let out a low, rumbling sound and reared up on his hind legs before coming back down and stomping his front hooves into the sea.

In addition to the ground-shattering force, a massive wave formed and began rushing towards the beach, growing taller and taller as the distance closed.

Dulcet turned around, putting her back to the wave and facing the Alicorns behind her. “Everypony, listen up! I know I’m about to ask for a lot, but I can’t do this without you. I need everypony to act as a distraction and keep Oceanos occupied, keep him away from the island. That’s the key to his escape.” She looked at her darker counterpart. “Demise, I know that you know what I’m thinking...”

She nodded. “Of course... I’m you, remember?”

Dulcet smiled and nodded her head in return. “Follow close behind me, then. This is where we stop Oceanos for good.”

Together, she and Demise fires off into the sky.

Twilight and the rest were quick to follow them, climbing higher into the air and flapping their wings as hard and fast as they could manage in order to reach the crest of the tsunami. The wave crashed on the island and broke against what little remained of the mountainside, washing everything away.

Only now, this close to the Alicorn king, did Twilight get an accurate sense of how big he really was, flying alongside his horn and majestic mane.

He turned his head from side to side and waved his horn as though he were trying to swat away flies. Bolt after bolt of magic peppered his gigantic form, but they seemed to be little more annoying rather than having any meaningful impact. Luna pulled up along side her and shouted over the wind and rain. “We should be safe from his horn here! Stay close to the back!”

With that being said, the lunar princess banked in the opposite direction and used the magic from her horn to capture Oceanos’ attention as she raced past him. He made a beast-like roar and swatted at her with his hoof, barely missing and only seeming to enrage him.

While she’d been watching Luna’s fancy flying, Twilight flew right into Cascade. The water princess’ tentical caught Twilight in the face, knocking her out of the air and sending her spiraling out of control. She didn’t fall far, instead landing on top of Oceanos on his back.

Twilight gasped and sputtered as she tried to stand upright. Though the Alicorn king was made of water, she didn’t sink like she normally would. She didn’t have time to question it, because several more tenticals came flying at her from out of nowhere.

Twilight blocked the first two with her horn, raising shield to deflect them, but a third pinched her in the chest and sent her down. Her vision was fuzzy, but she could make out a tall figure waltzing towards her.

“Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship... You know, we really must stop meeting like this. Otherwise, ponies will start to talk.”

Another tentical shot out from behind her, aiming straight for Twilight’s face. The purple princess bared her teeth and charged her horn, unleashing a blast of energy that broke the tentical, cutting it in half, but another came right after it. It was all she could do to avoid being hit, staying on the defensive. Twilight knew something needed to change, she needed to get in closer.

Tentical after tentical came her way, sweeping under her hooves and over her head, but she jumped and ducked, dodging and weaving to avoid them. “Ahhh! Why won’t you just stand still and die already?!”

Twilight’s horn was smoking from the tip, but she didn’t dare stop using it. She bolted towards Cascade, leaping over tenticals and diving under whips of water. Letting out a courageous cry, Twilight bounded into Cascade with her hooves outstretched. The two princesses connected and went flying towards Oceanos’ rear, rolling and tumbling towards the edge.

Cascade ended up on top, pinning Twilight down with her tenticals while her hoof cut into her jaw. “That was brave of you... Stupid, but brave...” The water princess hit her again. “It’s a shame, Twilight, it truly is. If it weren’t for all of this, I think we could have been really good friends...”

Her tenticals began to slowly wrap around Twilight, squeezing her tighter and tighter. “A-A-At least I... I have friends...”

Cascade laughed maliciously as she squeezed the life out of her. “Yes, I’ve seen them, and to be honest, I’m not impressed. Daddy will reach Equestria, and nopony will stop us this time.”

Twilight squeeked meekly as the water tenticals squeezed around her throat.

Her horn lit up and discharged a bolt of magic. The energy projectile sailed right past Cascade, missing her entirely.

“Is that all? Tell me, Princess Twilight, just what exactly was you plan?”

Twilight spurred water and gurgled something inaudible, so Cascade loosened her grip a little and allowed her to breath.

“What is it? Speak!”

Twilight coughed up water and shook her head. “I... I never needed to beat you... I just needed to distract you so Demise and Dulcet could... could defeat Oceanos...”

Cascade’s eyes widened, and she looked up. “No...”

Twilight saw them, two fuzzy dots, black and white, with the storm against their backs. Spiraling together, they fired town towards Oceanos’ head. With their horns glowing, they each impacted the giant Alicorn, Dulcet passing through his face and Demise cut through the neck, both coming out the other side.

The Alicorn king let out a pained bellow and began to stumble. Cascade spread her wings and cried out. “Noooooooooo!”

Then, she turned on Twilight, her once crystal clear form turning blood red. “You...”

Twilight felt a heavy wind pulling her closer to the edge.

Oceanos was falling, and so was she. “You’re dead!”

Cascade made a desperate dive for Twilight, but the purple mare rolled to her side at the last moment, and both mares went flying off of Oceanos in opposite directions. All the while she fell, Twilight heard a mare’s voice calling her name as the sea came closer and closer. Then, everything went dark.

***Up Next: Azure***

Part 14: Azure

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“Twilight Sparkle, it’s time for you to awaken.”

A cool breeze blanketed the purple mare as her eyes fluttered open. She could hardly move, feeling stiff as a board and sore to boot. A gentle groan escaped her lips as she tried to sit up. Something about her situation felt eerily familiar.

Taking in her surroundings, Twilight saw that there were in fact no surroundings. She was on a cloud, white and soft, and all around her were the night sky and stars.

“You really are everything this world needs, aren’t you?”

Twilight spun around and saw a mare looking back at her. Of course she was an Alicorn, tall and beautiful, sporting giant wings and long horn. Her coat was as white as the cloud they were standing on, and she had a sky-blue mane and tail to match. To put it simply, she looked stunningly beautiful.

The princess of friendship swallowed and addressed the mare. “Thank you... I don’t believe I caught your name.”

The mare smiled kindly and stepped closer. “Your politeness is appreciated, but I didn’t throw it. You may call me Azure.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “You... You’re Demise’s mother?”

Azure smiled again and nodded her head. “Not only mother to Demise, but you are correct. I am the mother of all Alicorns, even you, my little princess.”

Twilight’s cheeks felt hot. “I... I’m... How is that possible? I wasn’t born an Alicorn. I was made a princess by proving myself, like Celestia, Luna, and Cadence.”

The Alicorn queen chuckled sweetly. “All Alicorns, regardless of how they came to be, contain the seeds of my essence. The gift of wings doesn’t make you a princess, Twilight Sparkle. It’s your heart and courage, and I am proud to call you my daughter.”

Again, Twilight’s cheeks burned, and she bowed her head before Azure. “Th-Thank you, your majesty...”

Azure’s hoof caressed her chin, lifting it up so their eyes could meet. “It is I who should be thanking you, Twilight. Your actions have saved this world and ponykind from destruction at the hooves of my husband. He will think twice before attempting such a fool hearty task as challenging the brave ponies of Equestria again.”

The memories came flooding back into her mind. “What happened to the others?”

She needed to see her friends, to know that they were safe. She needed to see Dulcet. There was so much to tell her.

“The water’s have receded, and the sea is calm again. Demise and your friends are waiting for you on the island. As for Cascade, I can assure you that her actions will not go unpunished. Loam and Cyclone too...”

Twilight managed a smile, and she took a deep breath. After all that, it was over, and the bad Alicorns would be receiving some much needed discipline from their mother.

The thought was enough to satisfy her, but she still thought she might never swim again. It just wouldn’t be the same knowing the princess of water hated her guts.

“You should go, Twilight. The others are expecting you, and there is much to be done.” Azure embraced her. Twilight sighed into her neck as feelings of warmth and comfort overwhelmed her and returned the hug. When they pulled away, Azure beamed at her. “I can see why Demise fancies you...” Then, her smile faded. “... but you know what has to be done, don’t you?”

Twilight knew. There had to be a princess of time to govern the universe, and that meant leaving somepony behind. She nodded her head, and Azure leaned forward, planting a kiss below her horn.

Twilight closed her eyes and allowed the queen’s lips to press against her. “Go, my daughter, and know that wherever the wind blows, I will be there, watching you grow...”

***

When her eyes opened again, Twilight was standing just outside of the hidden grove. She let out a sigh before stepping through the trees and entering the clearing. Everypony was there. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were talking amungst themselves, Blaze and Everfree were in the middle of a heated discussion about forest fires and ‘who’s fault the were’, and Dulcet stood quietly with Demise.

When Dulcet saw her coming, her eyes lit up. “Twilight!”

The white princess ran to meet her, leaping into her hooves at the last second, and the two mares went to the ground. They rolled in the dirt until Dulcet ended up on top, staring deeply into her eyes as her mane fell around them. For a few moments, neither of them said anything, but Demise cleared her throat, prompting Dulcet to get off of her. Twilight rose to her hooves as Dulcet did, and they joined everypony else in the center of the grove.

The talking quieted down as Demise stepped forward. “I... I would like to begin by thanking you all. My selfish actions would have meant the end of Equestria and more, and I and glad you were here to help me right my wrongs.” Then, Demise’s gaze fell directly on her. “Twilight Sparkle, your heart is kind and pure, but I understand now that it was never meant for me to have. There is another who is far more deserving of your love than I.”

The black mare’s eyes moved to Dulcet, and Twilight’s heart pounded in her chest. “Dulcet...” Her breath grew short. “... What is she talking about?”

With her back against the perverbial wall and her face flustered, Dulcet swallowed hard and looked Twilight directly in the eyes. “Well, Twilight... I... I love you.” Feeling emboldened by speaking her mind, Dulcet took a step closer towards her. “I really love you, and... and I want to go with you, to Equestria, I mean. Time isn’t endless, so I want to spend all I can with you, every moment of every day and night...”

Everypony in the grove held their breath, waiting for a response from Twilight. After a few moments of deafening silence looking into Dulcet’s pleading eyes, Twilight nodded her head.

“Yes...”

Overjoyed, the white princess threw her hooves around Twilight and pulled her close, earning cheers and laughter from their friends. A gentle gust of wind blew threw the grove, brushing past her mane. Somehow, Twilight knew that was Azure giving them her approval.

Dulcet pulled away, not having noticed her mother’s presence. “Well, Twilight? What’s our next move?”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at her. “Our?”

Dulcet beamed at her, grinning wildly. “Of course... Whatever you do, I’ll be with you.”

Twilight managed a soft chuckle and drew her mane to the side. “You know, I think I’ve had enough adventuring for a while. I’d like to go home.”

The time princess’ smile vanished, and her gaze fell. “Oh, I see...”

Twilight noticed this sudden shift in tone and put a firm hoof on her shoulder. “That means you’re coming with me. We’re going home, Dulcet.”

The other Alicorns had already gathered around the broken pool. Blaze waved a cautious hoof through the mist. “So, how does this thing work? We just walk through to go back to Equestria?”

Demise nodded. “That’s right.”

He let out an excited ‘whoop’ and made a dash for the mist. “See ya’, Demise! Everypony’s welcome at my place for dinner!”

In a flash of light, he was gone. Everfree was next, offering everypony a kind smile. “If his feasts are as flavorful as his personality, I’ll be there.”

Then, she too dissapeared. One by one, all of the Alicorns left the island until only Twilight, Dulcet, and Demise remained.

Dulcet approached the mist before looking back at her. Twilight nodded silently, prompting her to go. “I’ll be waiting for you, princess...”

Then, she vanished into the mist. All alone now, Twilight and Demise stood in silence, in the very place where everything began. They locked eyes. “This is the last time I’m going to see you, isn’t it?”

Demise shrugged and smiled meekly. “Not necessarily. As long as you’re with Dulcet, you’re with me. Apparently I didn’t lose all of my senses when we broke apart, nor did Dulcet lose her attraction to you.”

Twilight’s cheeks burned bright red. “I guess that makes two of us... I’ll miss you, Demise.”

The two mares shared a strong embrace. “We’ll see each other again. Time flows and is always changing.”

They pulled away and shared a brief moment of silence. “You should go, Twilight. She’s looking for you now.”

Then, she raised a hoof to caress the purple mare’s cheek and straighten the flower in her mane. “Besides, there’s something else you have to do, a promise to fulfill.”

Twilight understood, amazed that the gift Demise gave her so long ago had survived, persevering through everything they encountered.

“Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight turned her back to Demise and walked towards the mist.

“Goodbye, Demise...”

***

She didn’t know what to expect when passing through the mist. A tingling sensation came over her, and Twilight suddenly felt as though she were walking on nothing, floating in a black void. Then, her hooves hit the hard ground, and she was running through trees and brush along the forest floor.

There was a bright light ahead, and Twilight continued to run towards it. At long last, she broke free from the Everfree Forest and ran out onto the rolling hills that buffered between it and Ponyville.

Standing at the top of the hill was Dulcet with her back to Twilight. “It’s beautiful...”

The purple mare grinned and approached her from behind. “Huh? What is?”

Dulcet didn’t look away from the town in the distance. “All of it... Only until now have I been allowed mere glimpses of Equestria.”

Twilight stood next to her and bumped her flank against Dulcet’s, getting her attention at last. “Hey, home is this way.”

She took off towards the crystal palace that towered over Ponyville. Dulcet sighed and smiled. “Home...”

Then, she too took off running. With the wind at their backs and and a blue sky lit by a bright sun, neither mare looked back once.

***The End***

There are more Amazing Alicorns to find, some kind and benevolent, others with malicious intentions.

If y’all liked this story and want to see it continue, show some support and leave comments/messages saying so!

Amazing Alicorns

by Cardinal Dan Productions

Amazing Alicorns Found

Part 1: Demise

Part 2: Cascade

Part 3: Everfree

Part 4: Demise (Ch. 2)

Part 5: Dulcet

Part 6: Demise (Ch. 3)

Part 7: Dulcet (Ch. 2)

Part 8: Blaze

Part 9: Celestia

Part 10: Luna

Part 11: Twilight

Part 12: Demise (Ch. 4)

Part 13: Battle for the Island

Part 14: Azure