> Pumpkin's Struggle (Part 4): The Darkest Hour
>  by AngelShy24
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: Nightmare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Starts off pretty dark; prepare yourselves!


A dream… could this be a dream? For one young pony it sure felt like it. However… at the same time, something about it seemed like it could possibly be… reality; like a sight into the future.
“What the… what’s going on? Where am I?!”
But if it was, it’s a reality the young pony does not wish to come true.
Young unicorn filly, Pumpkin Cake, found herself walking through nothing but pure darkness; almost like she was walking blind. She wondered if she was even anywhere. But just then… in an instant she suddenly saw herself surrounded… by a terrorizing sight.
“No… no, no, no; this can’t be real!”
It was her hometown, Ponyville, but it wasn’t the same. In was in a completely ruined state; damaged buildings, destroyed roads, and fire flares everywhere she looked. But the most frightening thing she could see had her frozen in fear. Everywhere she looked, she saw many of the residents on the ground… motionless.
Pumpkin was shaking in her hooves vigorously with terrorized eyes; it was obvious that they were all dead seeing that they were all covered in bruises and surrounded by puddles of blood, but Pumpkin didn’t want this to real; she refused it to be.
“P-P-Puuum… pkin…”	
Pumpkin suddenly gasped as she heard a nearby weak voice speak to her from behind. She turned around to see a random mare resident dragging herself across the ground with a bunch of scrapes and bruises… and a bit of blood was staining her fur.
She was reaching out to Pumpkin, “I ask you… pl-please… sp-pare me. I beg of your mer…”
But the mare couldn’t finish her words as she was suddenly dragged backwards by magic, “No… no, please!”  And then she was fatally impaled onto a spear-like object.
Pumpkin watched in horror as she saw the speared object pierce right through the mare with blood rapidly pouring out of her front; and her body then ceased to move anymore as her body fell on the ground motionless with the rest.
Pumpkin could suddenly see a sinister shadow from where the mare was impaled; but it wasn’t a spear, it was a horn of a unicorn. The shadow was grinning and was slowly approaching Pumpkin… and the frightened filly was cowardly backing away. But she soon started to realize who this creature was; and she was proven right as the sinister creature got closer and nudged her hoof against its fresh kill. It looked just like her… but it was more deranged and twisted looking; and its menacing appearance proved to be familiar as Pumpkin wore an expression of both anger and fear; she knew who it was.
“Lovely atmosphere, don’t you think?” said the creature with a grim smile.
“Y-you; you’re the soulless monster that’s killed everypony!”
“Correction, you’re the one that’s killed them all.”
Pumpkin was appalled by what the creature said to her; like she would cause all of this, “You’re… you’re lying; I-I-I just saw you kill that pony right there!”
The creature flashed a smirk and chuckled menacingly, “Oh, did I…”
Suddenly, Pumpkin was thrown in a state of confusion as the same pony was in front of her suddenly, and she gasped when she saw blood staining onto her hooves and her horn; supposedly where the pony was killed with. Her eyes went wide and her whole body was having a huge shaking fit and her voice was trembling.
“No… n-n-no, that’s impossible. I didn’t do this! This isn’t my fault!”
She hurried up to trot past that area and get away from the very thing that caused her so many burdens. With tears trailing behind her and gaining good distance, she could still hear the creature calling out to her.
“You can’t run from the inevitable, Pumpkin; it’s impossible to escape.”
Pumpkin felt like she was running for miles, but she soon ended up into another familiar place… Sugar Cube Corner, her home; although it all looked worn down; completely damaged from the outside. As she cautiously walked in, the whole place was completely dark and foreboding; she couldn’t see anything inside… yet.
“H-h-hello; is anypony in here?! Oh man… its t-t-too dark.” 
Luckily, she was able to spark a light from her horn to illuminate her surroundings. However, what she did see horrified her and was what she feared most. She was trembling again as she looked inside the destroyed family room and witnessed both of her parents and her brother, Pound, all down on the ground; motionless just like everyone else lying in their own warm blood.
“Oh God! Mom, Dad, Pound; no!”
They were all dead; never to live in this life again. The tears in Pumpkin’s eyes seemed endless as she tried her best to get them all up, but she knew that there was nothing she could do. But just then, she heard some light moans nearby. Lying up against the wall, she saw her special coltfriend, Acer, heavily wheezing and holding his hoof over a deep wound on his chest, and his blood was slowly running down his body.
“Acer, not you too!”
She quickly rushed over to him sobbing her heart out and she held him up against her hooves and trying to comfort him. She tried her best to do a healing spell on him, but for some weird reason, it proved to be useless.
Acer slowly open his eyes and looked up at Pumpkin with tears in his eyes feeling his life slipping away, “Why… d-did you do it, P-Pumpkin? We did…*cough* all we could… t-t-to keep you happy; t-to keep you at p-peace… *cough* Heh, but I guess th-this was the i-inevitable anyway…”
Pumpkin was holding him tighter trying to encourage him to stay with her, “Acer, please… don’t go; you… you can’t die!”
But then, she suddenly felt Acer’s body go limp on her arms; he stopped moving and Pumpkin could no longer feel him breathing. Acer had died in her arms.
She held onto him again releasing more tears of sorrow for her coltfriend; as well as for her family. They were all dead, but this wasn’t her fault… was it? Suddenly, her body became tense again as she heard the same bone-chilling voice as before nearby.
“My, my, what a mess you made in here; such a wonderful, glorious mess indeed.”
Pumpkin slowly laid Acer’s body on the floor still sobbing tears, and she turned around wearing an angered glare as she saw the evil creature that took her form grinning and chuckling at her like all of this was some sort of joke.
“How could you… you… you killed them!”
“We killed them, you mean,” the creature said with a grin.
Pumpkin stomped her hoof towards the evil creature giving it fearful glare; but it remained unfazed.
“SHUT UP!!! There’s no way I would ever have done all of this; I’m… I’m innocent! It’s not me doing this, it’s you!”
She fired an aura beam at the taunting creature, and it exploded on contact. But when the smoke cleared, it was not there; but then she suddenly heard from behind her.
“Say all you want, sweetie, but it doesn’t matter in the end. You’re the monster Pumpkin; my curse has taken over you… and there’s no escape.”
Pumpkin quickly turned around to see the creature chuckled; she was literally mocking her and was trying to bring her down… or so she thought.
“No, y-you’re lying… you’re lying!”
Just then…
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
Pumpkin heard a horrifying scream nearby that made her turn away from the creature… and the voice to her sounded… familiar; too familiar.
“P-P-P-P… Pinkie Pie?!”
She quickly rushed into the main room where she something that was completely déjà-vu. Her eyes widen and then sprouted more tears as she saw the horrifying sight of Pinkie being hung onto the wall by knives that were impaled into all four of her hooves. Blood was running all down her body and her head was hung down and so was her mane that was covering her face.
Pumpkin also noticed a huge gash in her chest that was constantly leaking out blood and she wasn’t moving.
“No way…” she said in a terrified tone.
Below on the ground slowly pulling a knife out of the lifeless body, Pumpkin saw… herself… as a toddler giggling and admiring the bloody blade. She couldn’t believe it; this was exactly what happened with her that very day when she tried to kill Pinkie; only here… she had succeeded. Pumpkin was too stiff to move at all upon seeing this sight, and she slowly started to break down emotionally.
Suddenly, her toddler self noticed her and showed a menacing smile as she slowly started to crawl towards the frighten pony. Pumpkin was shaking constantly as she was backing away from her toddler self feeling a great sense of fear and she felt like her world was burning down… except it was. Suddenly, she backed into a wall and found herself not being able to move anymore and her toddler self was creeping closer and closer towards her.
“Just face it; dear;” the evil creature said while being behind the toddler Pumpkin, “you can’t escape. You’re stuck with this curse; stuck with me… forever…”
Pumpkin was terrified for her life as she saw her toddler self caught up to her and held up the knife suspended in the air with magic over her giggling in a dark, creepy tone.”
‘Hee, hee, hee, hee…’
“… until the day you die!”
Pumpkin saw and felt the knife suddenly plunge into her, and her eyes saw nothing but black and crimson red.

-----

Pumpkin gasped and soon found herself waking up in her bed; and from where she was everything seemed to be intact and back to normal. It seems that everything that she saw and experienced was all just a nightmare; but was it really a nightmare… or was it simply a terrorizing vision of what’s to come?
It didn’t seem to matter to Pumpkin though; she has been having some slight little nightmares before, but none as bad as the one she just woke up from. She just sat there in her bed with her hooves over her sobbing eyes and was letting her sorrows out from the horrifying images in her head.
Just then, she heard the door to her room creak open, and her head perked up to see who it was.
“Pumpkin, everything okay? I sensed something was wrong *yawn* and I came over here to see if you were alright.”
It was her brother, Pound Cake, and it seems that he was checking on his sister to see if things were going well. For Pumpkin, her brother walking through that door was the greatest sight to her at that time; seeing him alive and well and not lying in his blood dead. She quickly jumped out of her bed and ran over to Pound held him ever so tightly while now shedding tears of joyful sadness.
“Oh thank goodness; you’re not dead, you’re still alive.”
“Well of course I’m alive;” Pound responded, “the last time I checked I was at least. Wait… did you… have another one of those nightmares; what in Equestria happened in it?”
Pumpkin took her time and told her brother everything that she had witnessed in her dream; every single aspect of it. Pound was suddenly speechless and couldn’t believe what he heard from his sister; she must’ve been scarred for life or something.
“I don’t believe it,” said Pound while holding the top of his head with his hoof, “You seem to be having all of these nightmares for a few weeks lately, and they’re getting worse every time; this is very serious.”
“I’m scared, Pound,” said Pumpkin while trembling and hanging onto her bother again, “I still remember what Ruby’s mother said about the curse inside me. What if my dream becomes reality… and I end up murdering everypony?”
“Wh-what, don’t even say that, Sis!” Pound exclaimed, “You’re going to get through this; I promise.”
“I just don’t know if I can,” said Pumpkin feeling bitterly angst, “You, Mom, Dad and Pinkie all know about the hallucinations I’ve been having lately in my head; they keep causing me emotion pain and they won’t stop haunting me. If we don’t do something about this soon, I’m… I-I’m g-gonna lose it.”
Pound could sense the trembling in his sister’s voice and how it didn’t sound very normal; this curse must’ve been trying so hard to break her now that its presence was fully known.
“No, you’re not going to lose it,” said Pound solemnly as he continued to comfort her, “not if I have anything to say about it. There is a way to beat this curse; I’m sure of it.”
Pumpkin really wanted to believe her brother, her parents, and anyone else who thought the same thing, but she just couldn’t see it; that outcome seemed to be way out of reach to her. The burden she bares makes her feel like there was no hope for anypony; that all of Equestria could indeed fall from her curse.
“What am I going to do,” she asked while she was looking at her brother with troublesome eyes, “I feel that being this close to you now I’m putting you in danger… like I’ll lash out at you at any moment.”
“Well… are you?” Pound responded.
Pumpkin did feel that the curse was taking a backseat at the present moment, but she didn’t know when it might try to attack her again, and that’s what frightens her the most.	
“Look,” said Pound as he placed his hoof on Pumpkin’s shoulder, “Mom, Dad and Pinkie are still surprisingly asleep, and I know that we both don’t want to wake them since they had a very busy day today. So, do you want to sleep with me?”
“W-w-won’t that seem… a bit… awkward to you?” Pumpkin asked.
Pound just chuckled and smiled while ruffling her sister’s mane, “Only if it you think it that way.”
Pumpkin knew that she need some comfort at the moment, and going back to bed that night might lead back to that horrible nightmare. She wiped away some of her tears and a slight smile came onto her face.
“Okay, I’ll come; thank you brother.”
“Hey, anything for my curse ridden sis.”
Pound guided his sister towards his room where she could rest easily knowing that someone was there to comfort her. But after knowing of the nightmare that Pumpkin had, something told Pound that Pumpkin might be right; they would need to find out how to deal with this curse of hers… and they would need to find out soon. 

-----

‘Poor little Pumpkin, suffering so; her life filled with grief and so much woe.
In deep fear feeling that she’s about to burst; now that she knows that she houses a curse.
Her family and friends thinks that there is a way; but I’m afraid that I am here to stay.
Her mind is slipping, I can almost feel it; soon it’ll be gone and she’ll begin to lose it.
Then… she’ll make a mistake that she’ll soon regret; her world will become ruined… covered in death.
She’ll be all alone with no hope of escaping; all hail me… the magnificent being.’

> Visiting Mother
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nothing violent going on here




About a year ago, Pumpkin Cake, her family and many other Ponyville residents learned the secret shocking truth about Pumpkin’s bi-polar condition; but the fact is she wasn’t bi-polar, her body housed an ancient curse, one that feeds on her anger and causes her to lose her mind and go on rampages that endangered everyone around her. Thanks to Ruby Rose’s mother, Envy Rose, they now know exactly what they’re dealing with; but it’s not like it made their situation any better. Based on Envy’s information, it doesn’t matter whether or not Pumpkin stays happy and calm or gets angry, she’ll become dangerous either way. If she stays happy and calm, the inner anger will just build up and will eventually burst out and Pumpkin would no longer be in control of her actions. Pumpkin’s family and friends have made a promise to Pumpkin that they would stop at nothing to find a way to end this curse without allowing tragic events of the past from repeating itself; but that’s easier said than done.

-----

So again… almost a whole year has passed since Envy’s selfish actions were discovered and Pumpkin’s curse was fully realized. Things have been seldom for quite some time, and Pumpkin and her brother had already graduated from the Ponyville schoolhouse, as well as some of their other friends like Minty, Ruby and Acer. Pumpkin and Pound were able to spend more time at their home to help out with the family business, but eventually found some new side things to do as well. Pound and Acer became partner buddies at flight camp in Cloudsdale, Minty Swirl was working hard at becoming an athlete, and Pumpkin… aside from continuing to deal with her curse with her family and friends’ support, was taking more private magic lessons from Twilight Sparkle apart from her regular class that she teaches. Doing this was suggested by Pumpkin herself for she didn’t want to risk hurting anyone with her curse ridden magic besides Twilight who was the teacher.
As for Ruby Rose, she has been attending Twilight’s regular classes as well to brush up on her basics and more. However, she also continues to practice her tea making skills that she was learning from her mother while she stayed at Minty’s house, and a few times every week she goes to the Ponyville prison center where her mother was kept at for the time being and spend time with her. It took Ruby a while to get use to this; due to the semi-dark surroundings, and some certain creepy prisoners who were looking at her intensely every time she was escorted by their cells observing her young filly body, but she soon got over the creepy atmosphere and eventually was able to go there under police supervision with no problem at all. Today was one of those days and Ruby was already on her way to spend time with her mother wearing a big smile on her face; she had a special surprise for her mother today.
“Oh, hello Ruby,” said the officer as the young filly came trotting towards the front desk, “Here to spend some time with your mother today?”
“I sure am,” Ruby responded with a bright smile, “I have something that I can’t wait to show her; it’ll totally surprise her!”
“Well… follow me.”
The prison house in Ponyville was not one of those dark, grim, dirty prisons that one would truly hate, it was actually quite clean and each cell room was a bit roomy. Sure, the prisoners there were there to still be punished, but being punished didn’t always mean being constantly tortured and abused. Envy Rose was presently inside her cell fast asleep trying to pass the time, but then she suddenly started to wake up when she heard cell door being unlocked. She looked up as the door opened and saw a police pony standing there with her daughter. 
“Hello Miss Rose, your daughter is here.”
Ruby ran over to her mother and held her tight with all of her might, “Good morning, Mother!”
Envy just smiled while hugging her daughter back, “Hello there, Ruby; glad to see that you’re doing well; none of the other prisoners weren’t staring at your little healthy flank again, were they?”
“They still did,” Ruby responded, “but I put on a mean face and shot little fire sparks at them and it totally shuts them up!”
“Glad to see that my only child can still take care of herself,” Envy said with an amused smile.

Ruby suddenly jumped down and opened a bag that she had on her side and was preparing to pull something out, “Hey mom, wait until you see what I have for you!”
She pulled out a single cup that was covered securely so that none of its contents would spill out and handed it to her mother. Envy just looked at the tea inside and was wondering how well it would taste.
“Come on, try it!” Ruby said encouragingly.
Envy sipped the tea to sample it, but when she did, her eyes grew wide not from discomfort but from shock and she took another sip; she couldn’t believe it.
“Is this… Genseng tea?”
Ruby just wondered her eyes around while grinning sheepishly, “If by Ginseng tea you mean the tea that I kept failing at to make properly every time you tried to teach me… then yes, its Genseng tea.” 
Tasting the special tea that Ruby made brought a tear to her eye; she then placed the cup down and gave her daughter another hug. The officer pony at the door almost felt like crying seeing this wonderful mother-daughter bonding moment.
“You’ve really out done yourself this time Ruby; I’m very proud of you.”
“Well… I was only able to do it because I have learned from the best herbal tea maker in all of Equestria!”
Her mother was laughing a bit while showing a little red on her cheeks, “Well I don’t know about the best; but I guess I am one of the best.”
Envy jumped back on her little bunk and then signaled Ruby to climb upon it in front of her; there was something special she wanted to tell her.
“By the way Ruby, I do have good news for you.”
“Ooh, what is it?” Ruby questioned.
“The Princess might decide to let me out of her a little earlier than 3 years for good behavior.”
Ruby suddenly jumped up on the bunk on all four of her hooves while smiling brightly and wagging her tail, “Wow, really; she said that!”
“Mm – hmm, that’s right.”
Ruby was really happy to hear this; she would be able to have her mother back all the time without having to come to the semi-dark prison with creepy inmates a few times every week. But that’s not to say that she would totally mind if her mother was to still serve her whole 3 years sentence.
“Well… it wouldn’t matter anyway, as long as I would still be able to spend time with you; that’s all that matters, right?”
“Indeed, my dear Ruby,” Envy responded as she kissed her daughter on the forehead.
Ruby suddenly got up and hopped down on the ground and started wiggling with excitement, “So, what do you want to do with our time today, Mother; I can think of a few things!”
Envy smiled as she got down and placed her hoof on top of Ruby’s mane and was rubbing it a bit gently, “Why don’t we just… enjoy a nice little stroll through the park.”
Ruby did seem fine with that decision, “Sure, okay!”

-----

Before long, Ruby and her mother, Envy, were out walking around the Ponyville Park with a police pony escort walking and watching them nearby. Envy thought that this was the perfect moment to ask her daughter some questions.
“So… Ruby, are you keeping up with your studies in Miss Sparkle’s class?”
Ruby smiled and nodded, “Yeah, I am; Miss Sparkle is really nice but she can be a bit optimistic sometimes. Nonetheless, she’s really yearning to get us learning. Th-that’s what she told us anyway.”
“And Minty’s family is continuing to treat you well?” Envy added.
“Like I’m one of their own; no need to worry about that, Mom.”	
“And you and Acer are getting along much better now, am I right?” Envy asked.
Ruby blushed a little, “Y-yeah, we seem to be able to hang out with just the two of us now; I guess he has completely forgiven me for what I did to him and Pumpkin last year. I know that we’re only going to be friends and that he doesn’t feel the same way to me as he does to Pumpkin, but… I’m just glad that he’s finally leaving the past and focusing on the present and future.”
Envy was glad to hear that; little by little Ruby and Acer’s friendship bond had been building back up, and now that bond was back and fully restored. But there was something else she wanted to know too.
“And… what’s the latest going on with… the Cakes?”
Suddenly, Ruby ceased walking and was just standing there finding herself to be almost speechless. 
“W-w-well, um…”
Envy could tell that Ruby knew something was wrong but was afraid to say it; she could tell just by the troubled look on her face.
“Is something serious going on?” Envy asked.
“E-e-everything thing is okay for now,” said Ruby as she turned back around towards her mother, “but… I have been visiting Pumpkin and her family for quite some time now; you know… to build up my trust with them. But lately… she has been under a lot of stress; a lot more than usual. And I heard from her brother that she has been having some terrible nightmares that to her seem so… real.”
“Nightmares; of what kind?” asked Envy being curious.
“I don’t know,” Ruby lamented, “I didn’t dare to ask; but I’m sure that they’re not good. But not only that, she sometimes has these hallucinations that make her sometimes see things that aren’t really happening; she literally makes others uneasy when this happens.”
Hearing this made Envy feel a little uneasy herself; those were sure signs of the same thing that happened all those years ago to happen again.
“It’s quite obvious to why she must be having these nasty dreams and gaining such hallucinations; but the question is… why now? The evil entity inside that child is up to something.”
“Mother,” said Ruby in a sadden worry tone, “do you think anypony will ever be able to find a way to get rid of this curse inside Pumpkin without sacrificing her?”
“It’s… hard to say,” Envy responded, “but I fear that the inevitable will happen nonetheless.”
Ruby turned her head away and lowered it down towards the ground feeling a sense of fear and worry; if they had to end up taking Pumpkin out permanently, she along with others would probably not be able to forgive themselves.
“However,” Envy continued, and her daughter perked her head back up and looked at her mother again, “after witnessing the relationship between Pumpkin and her family, I do have faith in them. Their bond as a family is stronger than anything I’ve ever seen before. If there is a way and if there is anypony who can figure out a way to beat this curse, they will.”
“Well, don’t forget Acer; he’ll be there for her… and… and so will I.”
Suddenly, Ruby went up to her mother and gave her a very tight hug, “But you know, if it ever came down to it and the curse within Pumpkin came after you, I would protect you with my life.”
Envy was suddenly startled by her daughter’s comment and was thinking that she was joking, “What; don’t be silly, Ruby. It quite obvious that this demonic curse is way too powerful for you to take on now; and besides, that role should be the other way around.”
“I don’t care!” Ruby shouted with a slight tear in her eye, “I would do it because… you’re my Mom, and I d-don’t want you to leave me… like Dad did.”
“And if you got killed, how do you think that would make me feel?” Envy took a deep breath and pulled Ruby off of her and placed her in front of her view, “But you know what, let’s just hope that it never comes to that. After all, if Pumpkin lost complete control over her curse, there’s would be no telling of who would survive.”
Ruby smiled and nodded and hugged her mother again and Envy hugged her back to calm her nerves down; and again, the guard who was escorting them looked like he was about to cry from the sweetness.
All of a sudden… 
“Ruby!” 
… Ruby heard someone call out to her. She looked behind her and saw her former classmate Minty Swirl running over to her… and she seemed pretty troubled.
“There you are Ruby, I was wondering where you were! Oh, and good morning, Miss Rose.”
“Minty, are you okay?” asked Ruby in a worried tone, “What’s going on?”
While she was catching her breath, Minty responded, “It’s… Pumpkin; I… just heard from her brother that she had another one of those… nightmares… and it’s the worse of them all!”
“Oh no,” said Ruby while shaking, “that doesn’t sound good.”
This suddenly peaked Envy’s interests as she looked down at Minty intensely, “Please, tell me… do you know of what the dream was?”
Minty nodded, “Yeah, I-I do; but I’m afraid that you may not like it.”
Envy bent down as Minty whispered everything that she knew about Pumpkin’s recent gruesome dream. Suddenly, Envy’s eyes became filled with fear and deep worry; like all hope had went away from her body.
“Mom, you look pale,” said Ruby as she noticed her mother’s frighten expression, “I don’t like it.”
Envy held her head and was trying to calm down and keep herself together, “This is exactly what I feared might happen. I’m afraid that… we may not have much time left after all.”

> Foreseeing Disaster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The recent days of Pumpkin’s life were starting to get darker and darker as time went on. The curse inside was planning something that even Pumpkin doesn’t know about; but all that she does know is the fact that this curse was driving her to the edge of her sanity and she didn’t know how much more of it she could take.
That early morning, after Pumpkin told her parents and Pinkie about her recent dream, they became overly devastated. It seemed to them that something serious was going to happen soon; but they didn’t give it a second thought. Pretty soon after getting everything ready and in place for opening later, they set out with Pumpkin to the Ponyville Health and care center to have a new emergency appointment with Dr. Star, their family doctor.
Once Dr. Star went through with the whole procedure, the results were quite surprising to him.
“Hmm, this is… most bizarre; there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with her at this point. Her magic energy readings show that her emotional levels are normal.”
Once Pumpkin’s family received the details, they all had different, mixed thoughts of what Dr. Star told them.
“What,” questioned Pinkie, “Are you sure that your computer reading thingy isn’t broken?”
Pumpkin was just sitting there on the examiner’s table calmly with her head down and her legs slowly moving back and forth; but there was still a trouble look on her face.
“There has to be a mistake, Dr. Star,” Pound protested, “Pumpkin told me last of exactly what she dreamed about! There is no way my sister’s emotional levels are normal after dreaming that!”
Pumpkin suddenly groaned a bit slightly and held her hoof up to her head while using the other to keep her balance on the table. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, quickly came over to her to see if she was alright.
“Pumpkin, sweetie,” said Mrs. Cake out of concern, “h-how are you feeling right now?”
“I… d-d-don’t know,” Pumpkin responded weakly, “Everything seems all hazy right now; I can’t even think st-t-traight.”
Seeing his sister’s response, Pound pleaded to Dr. Star, “You have to try the procedure again, please; do it for me!”
Diamond Star just sighed out deep guilt, “Listen Pound, I’ve tried everything; really I have. Unfortunately, I just don’t  know if I have the power to help you guys out anymore.”
“What?” Pound gasped
Diamond Star went over to Pumpkin who still had her head down and her eyes closed; and as Mr. and Mrs. Cake stepped out of the way, he tapped on Pumpkin’s shoulder to gain her attention.
“Pumpkin… can you look at me for a second?”
Pumpkin slowly rose her head up in Dr. Star’s view; but when she opened her eyes, Dr. Star suddenly gasped and stepped back slightly as he saw the crimson red eyes staring back at him. 
“Sweet mother Luna.”	
Although, Pumpkin’s expression still appeared to be calm.
“D-Dr. Star, what’s… wrong; is there s-something wrong with me?” 
"Her eyes," Dr. Star thought to himself, "they've turned to that crimson red color and she doesn't even know it; not a good sign."
He then turned to the others and notified them, "This curse... this... demonic power; I'm no expert on these kind of things, but... it's obvious to me that the curse's hold on her has been getting worse overtime. But now... I'm afraid that there's nothing we can do anymore; she's far out of our help's reach now."
This did not bode to the Cakes very well; this was exactly what they feared might happen one day. But suddenly, Pumpkin was groaning from dizziness again; and then before they knew it, they heard Pumpkin fall off the side of the table and collapsed on the floor. 
“PUMPKIN!!!” shouted Pinkie.
They all gasped and quickly rushed over to her; mainly her mother who stood over her feeling worried.
“Pumpkin, are you alright?! What happened; say something!”
Mrs. Cake heard her daughter respond, but her voice sounded a bit… demented.
“N-n-no, g-g-get away from me… or I’ll kill you.”
“What?”
Pumpkin suddenly tilted her head in her mother’s direction showing her eyes completely filled with glowing red.
“Oh snap!” Pinkie exclaimed.
Mr. Cake noticed Pumpkin’s horn was starting to glow and quickly warned his wife, “H-h-h-honey, get away from her quick!”
Mrs. Cake happened to dodged just in time as Pumpkin shot a single aura beam at her and it went just past her snout as she stumbled on the floor trying to get back up. They all panicked but stood their ground as the possessed filly got up and growled at them; threatening to shed their blood.
“Oh no you don’t!”
Dr. Star suddenly got a hold of her with the usual soothing spell that suddenly calmed her down and lowered her magic energy. Her red eyes went away as she slumped back down on her underside; groaning and rubbing her head. As she looked around, she noticed that her family seemed a bit tense.
“Wha… what happened; did I do something wrong?”
Dr. Star sighed and shook his head realizing what was happening, “I fear that we won’t have long before this curse takes her over; I would guess less than a week.”
“A week?!” shouted Pumpkin’s parents.
“No way, my sister is stronger than that,” Pound protested, “She won’t let it!”
Pumpkin lightly shook her head, “P-P-Pound, it’s okay; w-we all knew that it w-would be pointless in the end anyway.”
“Don’t even say that!” Pound responded, “We haven’t given up hope yet!”
“So… what do you suggest we do, Dr. Star?” asked Mr. Cake.
“Take her home, let her rest, and hope that the worst outcome doesn’t happen.”
Pumpkin was thinking over what her brother said to her and realized that she was giving up too easy and she chose to continue to have faith in herself and her family.
“P-P-Pound is right; I won’t… let this curse… take me… o-over.”
Her father came over to her and picked her up by her neck laid her on top of her mother’s back to relax and rest.
“By the way though,” said Dr. Star nervously, “w-we do have an alternative plan to offer you.”
They all looked at him curiously and were wondering what he was talking about.
“An alternative plan,” questioned Mrs. Cake, “Will it harm her?”
“Far from it,” Dr. Star responded, “You see… over time for the past year studying this curse that lays within your daughter, we had… prepared a… certain special… containment room t-that could possibly hold her power if it ever unleashes.”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake froze for a bit and looked at each other with a worried look. Pound however, didn’t look too happy; he felt rather angered at what Dr. Star offered as he glared at him.
“What; are you saying that you want to cage up my sister against her will again; is that what you’re saying?!”
“P-P-Pound, calm down,” said Pinkie holding Pound back, “Let’s not be so hostile, okay?”
Pound pulled away from Pinkie and sighed, “Look, I’m sorry, but…I just don’t want to see her locked up like some kind of wild animal again; it’s… i-i-it’s too much to bear for me.” 
“I completely understand, Pound,” Dr. Star replied, “but it might be the only way to solve this problem.”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were talking things over with each other trying to land on a single decision. Then they both faced towards the doctor as Mr. Cake gave him their answer.
“I’m afraid that… we’re going to have to come back to you on that.”
“We really don’t wish to resort to doing that,” Mrs. Cake added.
“I understand,” Dr. Star responded, “just be aware of what might happen. We don’t wish to do this either, but if things get out of hand… this may be our only choice. But even though you don’t want this, would you rather do this… or watch your daughter mercilessly murder everypony… just like in her dream?”
Not even the Cakes could protest to that; this was going to be a hard decision for all of them.

-----

After a while, Dr. Star was escorting the Cakes as they were making their way out of the Health and Care center. But once they got to the exit and came out of the building, they were met by a few familiar ponies.
“Hello again, guys.”
“Oh, hey Minty,” Pound responded.
“Hey, lookie who else is here,” said Pinkie, “it’s Ruby and… Envy.”
“H-hi guys,” Ruby responded.
Envy Rose looked over at Mrs. Cake and noticed Pumpkin Cake was out cold on her mother’s back; sound asleep. However, she knew that something felt wrong.
“Can you… allow me to look at your child… for a second?” Envy requested.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were a bit unsure of letting Envy check out their daughter; especially of what happened about a year ago. But they decided to let bygones be bygones and Mrs. Cake came over to Envy for her to look at Pumpkin.
Envy was careful to not provoke anything from inside Pumpkin as she emitted her horn over her to sense the magical energy. But a few seconds after she did… she suddenly gasped and backed away while holding onto her head as she placed away her magic. To the Cakes, they seemed troubled by her reaction.
“Her energy essence reeks of the curse’s evil aura; yet her body seems… so calm at the moment.”
“Mrs. Rose,” said Mrs. Cake as she faced her, “I know… we don’t see each other eye-to-eye 100% at this moment, but are you sure that there was no possible way to stop the curse all those years ago?”
“No, I’m afraid that there isn’t,” Envy responded, “Even now after almost a whole year, even the Princess of Equestria couldn’t figure out a way; this curse is one the deadliest known to ponykind. I fear for your child getting out of control, because if that happens…”
Envy couldn’t even finish the sentence, but she didn’t need to; they all knew what could possibly happen if the curse took over Pumpkin’s body completely.
“In any case, I just thought I could come by to wish you all good luck after Minty here told my daughter and me everything.”
“Well, um… thanks,” said Mrs. Cake; and Envy just nodded a smirked a little.
“Come along, Ruby,” said Envy as she walked away, “I’m afraid that our time together for today is narrowing down.”
“Oh, of course,” Ruby responded, and then she took her leave of the Cakes, “Um… see you guys later?”
“Well I’ll leave you guys to get to your house safely,” said Dr. Star, “Please be careful.”
“Thanks a lot,” said Mr. Cake, “we’ll inform you of our decision later.”
With that, Diamond Star made his way back into building.
Pound was shyly approaching Minty who was still there with them as he was aiming to thank her, “Hey, um… th-thanks again for your support, Minty; we need all of the good help that we can get right now.”
“Aw, it’s nothing,” Minty responded as she gave Pound a little kiss on the cheek, “I’m very glad to help.”
Pound smiled a bit goofily and blushed feeling the warmth of Minty’s kiss.
Suddenly, they heard little tired moans as Pumpkin slowly woke up and was looking around… only to see her earth pony friend.
“M-M-Minty?”
With her there, she looked around to see if possibly her coltfriend was there too.
“A-Acer… where’s Acer?”
“Sorry girl;” Minty responded, “I did my best to reach him, but I think he’s tending to some business right now.”
“Oh, o-o-okay,” Pumpkin responded softly.
“But if you want, yer ol’ gal Minty can come with you for a little while.”
Pumpkin smiled while still feeling exhausted, “Okay… th-thanks.”
“No problem.”
Pumpkin’s parents were relieved that she was calm and collective at the moment and Pinkie was just smiling while bouncing in place.
“Well,” stated Pound, “we better get Pumpkin home before something happens.”
Pinkie jumped ahead of all of them and was pointing her body straight ahead while shouting, “Onward, Ponies!” which frighten them half to death.

-----

As The Cakes, Pinkie and Minty were making their way towards Sugar Cube Corner, things seemed to be going along smoothly. Many different residents went out of their way to make sure that they had a clear path forward; and many of them were looking at the Cake’s daughter with such remorse. Some knew about the curse and some didn’t, but either way it didn’t change any residents’ thoughts or feelings towards her.
Suddenly, Pumpkin picked her head up again and was slowly looking around her again; but something didn’t feel right to her.
“Wha… what’s going on?”
Pound looked up at his sister and was wondering what was up, “What are you talking about sis?”
“L-look at them… all of them; they’re all… laughing… at me.”
Pound was confused, “Huh, n-no they’re not, Pumpkin; they’re all just looking at you, but they’re looking at you feeling concerned.”
“No…” Pumpkin continued as her voice suddenly altered a bit sounding a bit cynical, “look, they’re… laughing at my pain. How dare they… Do They Dare Mock Me?!”
They started to get worried; it looked like the curse was trying to get through Pumpkin’s sub-conscious again and was making her see things that weren’t real.
“Oh dear,” said Mrs. Cake feeling startled, “Sweetie, calm down; we’re almost there, okay?”
Minty and Pound were on their guard along with Pinkie in case Pumpkin tried anything. Her eyes were still crimson red as she was huffing and puffing, and then she turned her gaze at a random group of ponies putting fear into their eyes.
“What Are You Laughing At?!!!”	
“Sweet mother of Celestia,” shouted Mr. Cake in panic, “everypony make way!”
They all started to make run for it before the curse made Pumpkin do something destructive; but it was too late as Pumpkin quickly leaps off of her mother’s back. Pound and Minty both tried to catch her, but she weighted them down on the ground with her magic.
Minty looked up and saw Pumpkin taking aim at the group of ponies she was aiming at and quickly got up on her feet, “Oh no girl, you’re not going psycho on my watch!”
She charged at her at full speed, and when she just got to Pumpkin, the cursed filly sensed her coming and took a swing at her with her horn. Minty got startled and quickly ducked and then out of self-reflex, she bucked Pumpkin with her hind hooves… knocking her out cold.
Pound quickly came over to see if his sister was alright, “Minty, why did you do that?!”
“Well sorry if I had to act quickly so me and nopony else was killed,” Minty scoffed, “B-besides… I didn’t mean to knock her out.” 
Pound placed his head on his sister and realized that she was alright, just knocked out. He just looked over at Minty and smirked.
“Well, you definitely have a strong hind buck, that’s for sure.”
“Oh… well thanks for noticing,” said Minty while blushing.
Mr. Cake awkwardly came over to his knocked out daughter and picked her up and placed her back on his wife’s back. He look at the surrounding ponies and stated, “Um… sorry if our daughter gave you all a scare, everypony; everything is okay now, heh.”
And then he went on ahead with his wife. Pinkie was waving her arms around to notify everyone.
“Alright everypony, back to your daily doing things; nothing to see here, everything is under control!”
The poor random group of ponies was still standing there in the same position shaking and they couldn’t move; their lives flashed before their eyes.

-----

Once inside Sugar Cube Corner, Mrs. Cake brought Pumpkin over the couch in the family room and laid her down on it.
“Here, put this blanket over her quick,” said Mr. Cake as he brought over a blanket to place on their daughter. 
After doing so, Mrs. Cake place her hoof on Pumpkin’s forehead, “Her fever is okay,” and then laid her head against Pumpkin’s body and sighed with relief, “and her breathing is still good as well.”
“Whew, thank goodness,” sighed Mr. Cake out of exhaustion.
As they went out of the room, Mrs. Cake looked down at her son, “Pound, do you think you and your friend Minty can look over your sister for a little bit?”
“Of course Mom,” Pound responded, “I’ll do it.”
“You can count on us, Mrs. Cake,” added Minty.
“In the meantime,” said Pinkie, “I think I’m gonna go and make some of my special strawberry ‘Pinkie’ cakes; they’re guaranteed to lift everypony’s spirit!” And then she happily skipped off to the kitchen. 
As Mr. and Mrs. Cake were getting things situated in the main room, Mrs. Cake pulled out a single tissue and started to wipe away some tears that were leaking from her eyes.
“Oh what are we going to do now, Carrot? Our daughter is really suffering so much. I know that this particular moment was to be expected at sometime, but… I really didn’t want it to happen. I feel like somepony who is afraid to of putting their rabid dog down.”
Mr. Cake came over to his wife held her close to him feeling her sadness and trying to comfort her, “Let’s… try to not think about that, okay CupCake? Our little girl will be fine for now after a little rest.”
“I know,” said Mrs. Cake while calming down a bit, “but it’s the ‘for now’ that worries me.

-----

“You know, Minty,” said Pound as he and Minty were sitting in the family room keeping an eye on his sister who was still out of it, “it’s times like this that sometimes I wish that… i-i-it was me suffering from this curse instead of her.
“Well obviously this curse was more interested in a unicorn over a Pegasus,” Minty responded, “Can’t blame it though, with the power unicorns possess.”
Pound just continued to look at his sister; just lying there on the couch, moving around and mumbling in her sub-conscious. He couldn’t help but shed a couple of tears while feeling a bit of guilt like he thought that there was something that he could’ve done to prevent this. But since they were only toddlers at the time it happened, how could he have stopped it?
“You’d think that I would be used to this now, that I wouldn’t be bothered by it; but it just… it tears me up to see Pumpkin like this,” he said with sadness in his tone, “And being her twin, I can feel how troubled she is and how scared she is. Even as she is sleeping right now I can feel her emotional stress building.” 
He suddenly just kicked down a chair that was behind him and was huffing out of frustration, “Ugh, what has she done to deserve this?!”
Feeling Pound’s remorse for his sister, Minty came over to him and wrapped her hooves around him and gave him a kiss on his cheek, which did calm him down a little.
“It’s going to be okay Pound; as long as she has you guys and friends like me and Acer, Pumpkin will resist this. You do believe in her, right?”
“More than anything,” said Pound looking at Minty with a determined face, “I don’t want to lose her; none of us wants to lose her… and we won’t.”

-----

Over at the Town Hall, Mayor Mare had fallen asleep at her desk while some of her assistants were doing some tasks for her. It was obvious that she was tired and exhausted from a lot of work she’s done. But during her little nap, she had an interesting dream; one that showed her and answered a huge question that has been going on in her head for the past year.
She suddenly gasped as she shot her head up from her desk and realized what it was that she had dreamed about.
“Heavens to Celestia, Envy… was right. I have to find Cheerliee, quick!”
> Mysterious Stranger
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Later that mid-afternoon, Envy Rose was back already at the Ponyville Prison center where she was back in her cell relaxing and sipping some more of her daughter’s tea that she kept warm. Being able to spend time with her daughter every other few days definitely took off some stress and allowed her to cooperate with her emotions for her daughter’s sake.
At one moment though as she was on her bed resting, she suddenly came to when she heard her cell door open and saw a police guard walk in.
“Miss Rose, you have a couple of visitors here who wish to speak with you.”
Envy just rolled her eyes as she stretched and yawned from being woken so suddenly, “Hmph, what pony in this town would possibly take the time out of their day to visit me?”
The guard just cleared his throat and answered awkwardly, “Um… the Mayor… and a Cheerliee… mam.”
Envy’s eyes lowered and made a huge sigh feeling a bit of unpleasantness drop upon her body.
“Just perfect.”

-----

The guard led Envy down the corridor and eventually brought her into large meeting room where prisoners could talk to any friends or family that visited them under surveillance. However, the only ones present inside at this point were the two ponies that were waiting for her; the Mayor and Cheerliee. They both seemed to be a little tense as they saw Envy enter the room and walking towards them. Envy took a seat at the table they were at and were waiting for one of them to start a conversation.
“G-good afternoon, Miss Rose;” said the Mayor hesitantly, “I hope y-you’re doing well.”
“Not as much as I should be,” Envy responded smartly.
Suddenly, Cheerliee sat down a little basket filled with blueberry cookies on the table while smiling nervously; Envy knew something was up.
“H-here, I just thought that you might get a little hungry while we were here.”
“Gee, how nice of you,” said Envy solemnly as she calmly took one and took a bite out of it. But after she swallowed, she stared back at the two mares with much suspicion, “However, something tells me that you two aren’t here to just share blueberry cookies. So tell me, what brings you two here exactly?”
“Well… Miss Rose,” started the Mayor, “about an hour ago I… had what one would call a remembrance dream.”
“Really?” said Envy.
“Yes, and… it kinda… proves what you told… us about a year ago about giving me the message to deliver to the Cakes.” The Mayor was sweating a bit knowing how Envy might react to her comment, because she knew that it wouldn’t be wrong, “It seems that… you were… right about that after all.”
Envy just calmly grabbed another cookie out of the basket; but instead of eating it right away, she just held it up in her hoof and was fumbling with it while not looking directly at the two nervous mares.
“Ah, so let me get this straight. You’re saying that before you had this remembrance dream, all this time you still thought that my claim was still a lie;” Just then, she took the cookie she had and suddenly threw it against the wall so hard that it shattered on impact to many pieces, “Is that it?!”
Envy was glaring intensely at the two mares that were both sweating rapidly, and the some of the guards were on their guard just in case something came out of this.
“N-no, that’s not true;” said Cheerliee suddenly, “well… i-i-it was more like we didn’t fully believe it but was curious on the concept.”
Envy just calmed down as she laid back in her seat and scoffed, “And how is that supposed to be any different?”  
“Look, we’re sorry that we doubted you for that, okay? We just came over to sort things out with you.”
The Mayor looked at Envy suddenly wearing a serious face, “But don’t think this changes the whole situation overall.”
“Like I would have a choice,” said smartly, “So what exactly happened in your dream?”
“Well… I do remember you walking up to me at my desk telling me your message; but then seconds later after you literally disappeared from in front of me, a second figure came up to me, but it was all shadowy.”
This conversation was suddenly beginning to grab Envy’s attention; it was definitely a bit bizarre yet so suspicious at the same time.
“A second figure; could you make out any features of it?”
“I’m not quite sure,” stated the Mayor, “it was hard to make out. However, the figure did appear to be pretty tall and it sounded a lot like a stallion. He also seemed to be wearing a cloak of some kind that covered most of its body.”	
“Did he… say anything?” asked Envy curiously.
“Yes, I asked the figure who it was and what he wanted; but he responded to me by saying…”
‘My identity is of no concern to you; although in a few seconds, you’ll forget about this moment anyway.’
“I then remembered his eyes glowing at me and then everything blacked out… and that’s when I awoke from my slumber. Having that dream made me realized that it actually happened and it wasn’t just a dream… and that I… was wrong.”
Envy was suddenly pondering on this whole ordeal. Who was this mysterious figure and if the dream sequence was true, what were its intentions?
“Can you make anything out of this, Miss Rose?” asked Cheerliee.
Soon, Envy came up with a possible solution, “Perhaps whoever this was did some kind of memory erase spell to make you forget about what I told you; and if so, for what reason?”
They all suddenly started to think real hard of many possible reasons of why this could’ve possibly occurred. But just then, Cheerliee gasped out loud; it seemed that she came up with something.
“What is it, Miss Cheerliee?” questioned the Mayor sounding troubled.
“Maybe whoever did this wants the curse to take over Pumpkin; whoever it was probably wanted this curse to abrupt earlier than it should so it could cause devastation!”
It did seem a bit weird to imagine someone who would actually try to release the curse on purpose, but to the Mayor and Envy… it did seem possible.
“So, somepony actually wants the young filly to lose it completely,” stated Envy, “Why am I not surprised?”
“If that was the case almost a year ago, do you think the one responsible could be still here somewhere near Ponyville?” asked the Mayor in a worried tone.
Envy decided to forget about the whole not believing her story situation; this situation to her was more important than her anger and she needed to make a decision.
“That is hard to say, Mayor, but now that we know of this, you two must warn the Cakes. Right now it is possibly no longer safe for that filly to be out anywhere alone; somepony has to be with her at all costs!”

-----

Sometime earlier back at Sugar Cube corner, Pumpkin Cake was lightly moaning on the couch as she was finally waking up from being knocked after going on a mild ragging rampant. Her brother Pound and her friend Minty were still there with her and were relieved to see her wake without any signs of the curse in her eyes.
“Alright, looks who’s finally awake,” said Minty in a cheery tone.
Pumpkin had her eyes all the way open and looked around and realized that she was back at her house; she wondered what happened in between being outside and being in her house on the family couch.
“Are you feeling okay now, Pumpkin?” asked Pound with a sense of worry.
“Y-y-y-yeah, I’m alright,” Pumpkin responded, but winced a bit holding her hoof to her head, “However… m-my head feels a b-bit sore.”
“Sorry, that was me,” said Minty nervously, “I accidentally knocked you out so you wouldn’t have hurt me.”
That didn’t bode very well with Pumpkin; there was only one explanation for that, “So I did lose control again!” She suddenly buried her head into one of the couch’s pillows, “I just don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
Minty went over to her and laid her hoof on her and said, “Not to worry, we’re all here for you, girl.”
Pound went over to his sister and picked up the pillow that was over her head. When he looked at her, surprisingly she wasn’t crying but rather she was just sulking a bit trying to get rid of any sorrow she had in her mind.
“Are you still worried about the whole… you know, the thing?” said Pound hesitantly.
“Maybe… a little,” said Pumpkin as she slowly sat back up and gain her composure, “but don’t worry, I’m not planning on letting my nightmare come true; not if I can help it.”
“That’s right Pumpkin,” shouted Minty, “show that curse who’s boss!”
Pound was overjoyed to see that his sister was back in her right mind again… for now; but just like Pumpkin was never gonna give up on herself, Pound wasn’t gonna give up on her.
“How’s your mind,” he asked, “is it perfectly clear right now?”
“Not 100%,” Pumpkin said with a smile, “but its fine for now. But no matter how bad it gets, I’m determined to show everypony that I can control this curse whenever I want to.”
But suddenly, she noticed that someone was not present, “Wait; where’s Mom and Dad?”
“They’re just doing the usual working around the shop;” Pound responded, “They asked Minty and I if we could stay here and watch over you, and we didn’t mind one bit.”
“I just hope they’re not worrying too much about me;” said Pumpkin feeling worried “it might affect how they work.”
“Don’t worry about them,” said Minty, “you just focus on keeping that curse at bay, okay?”
“Okay, I will.”
All seemed to stay calm for Pumpkin at that moment, but then suddenly Pinkie Pie jumped into the room without any of them noticing and shouting happily out loud.
“Who’s up for some PINKIE CAKES?!!!”
She gave all of them quite a scare…
“AHHHHHHHHH!”
… but unfortunately, being scared so suddenly like that caused something to trigger in Pumpkin’s emotions and her eyes glowed red as she suddenly fired a huge aura beam that went right at Pinkie. But luckily she gasped and dodged just in time and the beam swept over the platter of Pinkie’s little cakes instead; now they were nothing but a pile of ashes.
“Wow, now that was a doozy,” said Pinkie shaking slightly, “And look at my Pinkie cakes, they’re all soot now.”
Pinkie had a disappointed look on her face she dumped the ashes on the floor.
“Maybe suddenly surprising the confetti out of somepony with a curse inside them is not a bright idea,” said Minty after catching her breath.
“Hmm, perhaps you’re right.”
After Pumpkin came too, she realized what she almost did to Pinkie; the proof for her was the ashes on the floor. She was literally sweating and became dreadfully worried.
“I’m so sorry Aunt Pinkie, it… i-i-it was just so sudden!”
“Not to worry,” said Pinkie with a bright smile, “I can just make more!”
“That’s not what I meant; what if I hit you instead of those cakes?!”
Pinkie knew what she was talking about, but she was still trying to humor the situation, “Well… I guess then you would have to start calling me… Holey Pie!”
Pound just facehoofed himself and shook his head.
“Holey Pie;” said Minty, “is she for real?”
Pumpkin was glaring intensely at Pinkie with tears in her eyes; it’s like she was treating her situation like a complete joke, “IT’S NOT FUNNY!!!”
She suddenly held her head down and groaned immensely as she felt a sudden twinge of pain, “Ugh, dang it; I felt so calm and un-agitated, and yet… it just happened without warning.”
“Come on Pumpkin,” said Pound nervously, “you were doing fine until that one moment. Just take a deep breath, relax and it’ll be fine. It’s not that big a deal, okay?”
Pumpkin suddenly glared at her brother with red slightly fading in and out. She went over to him and stared him straight in the face and stated, “Says the one who’s not suffering and feeling guilty about it.”
She then walked away from him and was heading out of the family room.
“Smooth move, Pound,” said Minty sarcastically.
Pound went after his sister and Pinkie and Minty were right behind him. They suddenly saw Pumpkin slowly opening the door and was about to step outside.
“Wait, Pumpkin,” shouted Pound, “I’m sorry that I said that; but in any case, where are you going?”	
“The Everfree Forest;” she responded with her voice trembling slightly, “There I can clear my head out more without endangering anypony; and it if any of you knows what’s good for you, you will not follow me.”
She suddenly left them slamming the door behind her.
“Heh, heh… don’t worry,” said Pinkie laughing nervously, “that was just the evil, murderous curse inside her talking.”
“Are you sure none of us should follow her?” asked Minty.
“Don’t worry,” said Pound, “she has gone there to release some stress before; she’ll be back.”
Pinkie suddenly perked up her attitude with a big smile and started bouncing up and down, “And in the meantime, I’ll make some more Pinkie cakes!”
As Pinkie bounced off towards the kitchen, Mr. and Mrs. Cake suddenly rushed into the main room and noticed their surroundings; mainly the gaping hole in the ceiling.
“Pound,” said Mrs. Cake sounding very worryingly, “any reason why there is a giant burnt hole in our ceiling? And wait… where’s Pumpkin!?”
“Sh-sh-she’s fine Mom, she just went out to that forest to… release some sudden stress, that’s all.”
Pound was trying to sound fine like his feelings were left unhindered, but his parents weren’t fooled; they knew that in a way, he was suffering himself.
Mrs. Cake held on to her husband and softly said to him, “Still think that we shouldn’t worry?”

-----

When Pumpkin Cake came towards the forest, she kept in her magic as she went as deep into it as she wanted to; she figured the further she was away from the town, the better.
“Damn, I hate coming in here, but… at least there’s no ponies around here to endanger. Oh man, why is it that I’m suddenly having less control over this curse; I can’t allow it… to consume… me.”
Pumpkin suddenly stopped where she was and fell to the ground feeling a major strain in her head. She was struggling all she could to keep herself controlled, but she knew that it wasn’t going to let her win so easily.
‘What does all of your resistance supposed to do for you, in the end you’re only prolonging the inevitable.’
“Be quiet…” Pumpkin responded in a pissed manner as she slowly rose to her hooves, “I’m… getting sick and tired… o-of you; always… messing with my mind, controlling m-my actions. If you’re planning to make me do the same thing that you made my Great Uncle do all those years ago… y-y-you can… f-forget it!”
The demon was once again enjoying the young filly’s constant determination to fight back, but lately it knew that Pumpkin’s hold on it was gradually weakening. Her inner mind was filled with doubt and fear and that allowed it to torture Pumpkin easily.
‘You’re right Pumpkin, I’m not; what I have in store for your precious town is far crueler than what I did all those years ago.’ 
“What do you m-mean,” shouted Pumpkin boastfully, “What are you plotting?!”
‘I’m afraid that I can’t reveal that to you yet; it’s all part of the fun.’
The demonic curse was taunting her, teasing her, and smiling amusingly at her. Pumpkin was feeling really frustrated and demanded to know more of what it had planned.
“TELL ME!!!”
Suddenly, Pumpkin heard some rustling sounds nearby and was on her guard. She then heard low growling sounds as well as saw a little pack of wolf-like creature coming out of hiding from the front staring at her with glowing eyes and sharp teeth with drool constantly coming from them.
She stood there with wide eyes shaking in fear, “T-t-t-t-t-tImberwolves?!”
She started to slowly back away; not daring to try and make a run for it. But then she stopped when she heard the same sound behind her. More Timberwolves were coming from that side as well. Pretty soon she was completely surrounded; it was pretty clear that she was about to become a fresh tasty meal.
They all started to close in on her baring their fangs and their claws out, and Pumpkin was in the middle of that area cowering and looking all around her.
“S-s-s-stay back; I said stay back! Leave me alone!”
The wolves could sense her fear and then they all took a leap at her ready to tear her open and dine on her body; but then her eyes suddenly fully turned crimson red and her horn started to glow. The Timberwolves then found themselves hovering in the air by Pumpkin’s magic, and they all started to whimper in fear as the young filly stared at them with a murderous gaze in her glowing eyes.
“I warned you,” she said in a demented, crazed tone, “I warned you all.” Then she mashed up all of the wolves together in a tight sphere and then showed off a psychotic smile, “So now… you will all die!”
The sphere started to compress inward and it was getting smaller and smaller until the wolves’s bodies couldn’t take the pressure anymore. A huge painful howl was heard throughout the forest and then the sphere shattered their bodies into many wooden pieces.
Afterwards, Pumpkin came too and was catching her breath; and then she noticed all of the broken pieces of wood all around her. It was clear to her what happened and she was happy to still be alive; but she still couldn’t help with what she had done and the fact of how she did it.
‘Excellent, very excellent;’ The curse was very pleased seeing Pumpkin using her power to  make mincemeat out of those Timberwolves, ‘Just imagine if you were  inside your town… bloody bodies everywhere.’
The images of her horrendous nightmare were coming back into Pumpkin’s mind and she just broke down on the ground sobbing and screaming at the top of her lungs.
“Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up!” 
Just then as she was having her seizure fit, she heard a voice nearby…
“Having a troubled time, little filly?”
It was deep, intimidating and a bit ominous; she perked her head up hearing it so close to her. She looked all around her wondering who was nearby.
“Who… wh-wh-who’s… there?”
The voice spoke again, “It must be quite a heavy burden carrying a curse such as yours.”
At this moment, Pumpkin’s patience was wearing thin and this time, she spoke out sounding more intimidating herself, “I said who’s there; show yourself… NOW!” 
Right at that moment, a tall, shadowy figure showed up behind Pumpkin and she quickly sensed it and turned around ready to defend herself if needed. However, the figure did not seem to pose a threat.
“Now, now, no need to threaten; I’m not here to hurt you. In fact, I’m here to do the exact opposite.”
After coming closer to the filly, Pumpkin confirmed the figure as a pony; a really large-sized stallion pony who was also a unicorn; sporting a dark purple coat and black mane. Although she couldn't make out the rest of his body or even see what his possible cutiemark was because it was all mostly covered by a black cloak that he was wearing.
His very presence made her feel a bit uncomfortable; but she became a bit curious about his knowledge of her problem.
“Wh-who are you, and what d-do you know about my curse?” she asked in a shaky tone.
“The name is Shadow Star,” he answered, “and I have been watching you and observing you for a while now.”
Pumpkin suddenly became weary of what the stallion just said; he has been watching her for who knows how long without her even knowing. Knowing this now made her feel violated.
“You’ve been… watching me?!” she strongly questioned, “What are you, a stalker?!”
“Well aren’t you being cute;” said Shadow Star, “but no I’m not stalking you; it’s more like… keeping an eye on you at a safe distance.”
Pumpkin wasn’t deeming this stallion to be very trustworthy based on what she already knows about him now. Her eyes faintly glowed red and her horn was steadily glowing as she staring him down… not that she could literally stare him down.
“What business do you have with me?”
Staying aware of what state Pumpkin was in at the time, Shadow Star gave his explanation, “I was just waiting for the right moment when no pony was around and that my presence was not at risk to be seen; because about your curse… I have the power to take it out of you.”
Suddenly, Pumpkin’s body became still and her eyes became clear; her magic went away and she became totally lost for words. She stared at the dark-purple stallion with wide eyes and stated…
“Wait, d-d-d-did you just say… you can take this curse out of me?!”
“That is correct young filly,” Shadow said with a smirk, “I’ve been aware of this curse for a while now and I was hoping to figure out a way to finally rid this world of it one day. I’m sure you would be awfully happy to finally be rid of that curse once and for all, right?” 
Pumpkin suddenly felt very lucky; a stranger pony comes out of nowhere and he claims to have the power to all of her suffering.
“My curse… finally… gone?” she said with a light smile, “No more worrying over my friends and family; that would be… greatest moment of my life.”
“Indeed it would; indeed it would,” Shadow Star responded.
But suddenly, reality started to hit Pumpkin in the head as she thought of something, “Wait, wait; why on Equestria would something like this just show up out of the blue? This all seems too good to be true.”
“What are you saying, child?” said Shadow Star with a questionable look.
“I’m saying that all hope seemed lost for me, that I was doomed to kill, murder and destroy everypony that I know and love. Now all of a sudden a dark, mysterious character like you shows up and expects me to believe that he can destroy a powerful curse that not even the ruler of Equestria could defeat!”
Pumpkin’s horn started to glow again as she slowly crept towards the dark pony, “So tell me; why should I even trust you to begin with?”
Shadow just just made a small chuckle to himself and said, “”I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with Blackberry the 2nd?”
Pumpkin gasped and magic disappeared yet again as she stared at the stallion blatantly, “Huh, you know about him?”
“Know him,” Shadow said with a smirk, “I’ve met him… at least for a few minutes.”

-----
(Flashback)

‘Just like you are right now, the curse was at the peak of its abruption. The young colt was suffering quite greatly and he was about to give up hope. However, when I ran into him, I gave him my same offer as I am giving you; but… he refused and said that he couldn’t trust me. He also said that he could handle things himself; yet look where that got him. And the worst part was even though he wasted his own life, but doing that didn’t even destroy the curse; so his sacrifice was all for naught.’

-----

“So tell me… do you really want things to come to that… just because you can’t trust me?”
After hearing everything Shadow Star explained, Pumpkin became semi-confused of what to do. This stallion knew Blackberry the 2nd and just thinking of the possible outcome that could happen just brought more shivers down her spine. But if she did believe him and went with his request, what if it was a trap; a trick to somehow take advantage of her? But then again, why would someone trap her with the cursed power she possesses?
“I… I don’t…” Pumpkin began saying, “I mean… what I’m saying is… I’m just not so sure; I need more time to think about this. Please, just give me a few days to think about it.”
Shadow Star still couldn’t believe why she wanted to think on it rather than just accepting his offer and rid her of the curse forever? But sill, it was a much better outcome than what he had with Blackberry.
“Very well young foal,” he responded, “I’ll give you time to think about it. Just be aware that you may not have too much time left before its too late. If you agree, you know where to find me.”   
“Of course, thank you,” said Pumpkin with a little bow, “B-b-but don’t think I don’t believe you or anything; I should actually be thankful, and… you have somehow… made me feel better; like you’ve given me hope for my life.”
Shadow Star solemnly smiled at the young filly saying, “I’m glad to hear you say that.”
Pumpkin really did feel a little better and the curse did felt like it had settled down some, but she knew that didn’t mean much of anything.
“Well, I better get back home,” said Pumpkin with a little smile, “my family is probably worried about me and I really shouldn’t leave them hanging.”
“Just remember young filly,” Shadow Star suddenly said, “you can’t tell anypony that you saw me. If they knew about me about me and what I was capable of, they would hunt me down in an instant and your possible chances of hope will be gone.”
Pumpkin had to think about it for a second, but she understood and nodded in agreement, “Of course; I completely understand. See you later mister Shadow Star.”
Shadow Star just sat there as he watched the yellow filly run off towards the edge of the forest near Ponyville. Seeing what he accomplished, a small, mischievous smile came upon his face as the dark magic inside him was just itching to reveal itself.
“Heh, heh, foolish little filly; foals these days will believe anything you say.

> A Dark Day is Coming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“What was up with that creepy pony? Was he really… telling me the truth; can he really be able to get this curse inside of me? Can I really trust him?”
All of these thoughts were going through Pumpkin’s mind as she was headed back to her home; she was contemplating over everything that the weird stallion she came across said to her, but she couldn’t make up her mind.
“This may be the only hope I have to end this whole ordeal forever; but… something about that pony just doesn’t feel right.”
She wanted her torment to end, but she didn’t want something that might be even worse than her predicament to happen; but could anything be anymore worse than that?
“I just don’t know; maybe I’m just better off dealing with this myself.”
Once she got back to Sugar Cube Corner, her mind felt weak trying to make this huge decision. All she wanted to do now was rest; but once she went inside, that would be a problem.
“Pumpkin!”
“Mi… M-Miss Cheerliee?!” Pumpkin gasped freezing in her tracks.
Pumpkin’s old teacher happened to be right at the other side of the door when Pumpkin walked in and she seemed relieved.
“She’s come back, Miss Mayor!”
Inside the place Pumpkin’s whole family was present, as well as Pinkie Pie, Cheerliee and the Mayor as she could clearly see. She suddenly felt confused as she looked all around her.
“W-w-what’s going on? Did something happen?”
Suddenly, she heard another voice that was music to her ears.
“Pumpkin, there you are!”
Up ahead approaching her, Pumpkin could see the colt that she was waiting to see all day. She came over in mid-run with tears in her eyes and tackled him in a big hug.
“Acer!” she cried, “Boy, am I glad to see you!”
“Sorry, I would have been here earlier,” said Acer, “but… things to do, you know.”
Pumpkin just shook her head, “No need to apologize, you can’t help it.”
As the family was watching the adorable sight, Cheerilee felt very sorry for herself to having to ruin it as she came up to Pumpkin.
“Pumpkin, you must listen to us. I hate to tear you down, but I’m afraid you’re in grave danger… well, more grave danger I suppose.”
Pumpkin couldn’t believe it; she just got out of one bad situation and now there was more. 
“D-d-d-danger;” she said with her voice slightly trembling, “how could I be in more danger than I am now?!” 
“We believe that… you’re being watched.”
“W-w-w-w-what…”
The Mayor approached Pumpkin to make sure she understood what they were about to say to her, “There’s somepony out there who wants that curse inside you to be unleashed upon us… or quite possibly all of Equestria.”
“What?!”
“The Mayor and I were a little worried that you weren’t present when we got here;” Cheerilee explained, “But we have to let you know that it’s not safe for you  to be out there alone anymore.”
“How do you know of all this?” asked Pumpkin.
“It was a dream I had…” the Mayor responded.
“… and it sounded nasty!” shouted Pinkie from the background.
“Yes, thank you Pinkie,” said the Mayor while rolling her eyes, “Anyway, we had a talk with Envy Rose about it and this was the hypothesis that we came up with in the end.” 
Cheerilee looked at Pumpkin straight in the eyes looking totally serious, “Tell us Pumpkin, did you run into any suspicious pony while you were out just now?”
Pumpkin’s whole body was beginning to shake and some sweat came down her face. She knew that there was no doubt that they were talking about the mysterious pony that she ran into earlier, but she still didn’t make up her mind about that yet… and telling them about it might ruin any chance to get rid of her curse. She… she had to lie. 
“No… n-no I did not.”
“Are you absolutely sure about that, girl?” questioned Minty.
“Yes,” she said raising her tone a little, “I-I promise you that I didn’t.” 
Pumpkin’s brother, Pound knew something was up; he wasn’t about to let her lie about something again to not let anypony worry about her.
“Come on sis, we need to know;” he protests as he got into Pumpkin’s face keeping eye contact, “it’s really important that you tell us if you saw anything at all. Don’t hide anything from us.”
Suddenly out of frustration, Pumpkin pounced on top of her brother forcing him down on his back. His eyes were shaking a bit as Pumpkin was glaring at him intensely with her eyes faintly glowing red.
“Didn’t you hear me; I already told you that I didn’t!”
Everyone there jumped out of shock and Acer quickly came over to Pumpkin and pulled her off of Pound before something bad happened.
“It’s okay Pumpkin, we believe you; no need to get upset.”
Pumpkin was continuing to stare at her brother while panting heavily; and then she calmed down after a few seconds. Pound calmly got up and didn’t say a word; he wanted to believe her sister, but he knew that there was something that she was hiding from them.
After calming down, the Mayor continued, “Anyway Pumpkin, you can’t go out on your own anymore; it’s too risky. You must have somepony with you at all times; do you understand?”
Pumpkin lightly nodded her head, “Y-yes Miss Mayor, I understand.”
“You promise?” asked Acer.
“I… I promise.”
“Well, I do believe that our work here is done,” said Cheerilee, “But please Pumpkin, you must heed to our word; we must keep this curse at bay for as long as we can. 
The Mayor and Cheerilee waved at everyone there as they walked out the door, “Thanks for your cooperation, cake family; we’ll leave you to the rest of your day.”
After they left, Pinkie had a huge grin on her face she got in front of Pumpkin whose head was slightly drooping down, “So… want a Pinkie cake?”
“No thanks,” Pumpkin responded sadly, “I’m not hungry.”
Pinkie suddenly gasped out of shock, “Not hungry for Pinkie cakes?!”
“Relax Pinkie, you can’t force her,” said Pound.
Pumpkin’s friend, Minty noticed what time it was and then took her leave of them as well, “Whoops, I gotta bounce; family duty calls. See ya tomorrow, Pumpkin.”
“See ya, Minty.”
Acer just sat there looking at Pumpkin just to give her a little space. Seeing how she was still feeling a bit down he asked her, “Are you feeling okay, Pumpkin?”
“Of course I’m fine;” she said while wiping her eyes of tears, “never felt better.”
“Your brother told me all about your nightmare from last night.”
Pumpkin suddenly picked her head up and awkwardly looked at Acer who was looking at her with a straight serious face. 
“So let me tell you this… that is never going to happen.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” said Pumpkin putting her head down again.
“And I really mean it! Curse or not, I know that you don’t have the will to do something like that.”
After everything that she experienced, Pumpkin she knew that one day she would have to straightforwardly face with her curse; or she could trust that mysterious pony to get rid of it himself. She still didn’t decide yet, but she was planning to use that tactic for a last resort. 
Pumpkin looked at Acer showing a slight smile and softly saying, “Well… d-don’t worry; you’re right. It’s never going to happen; that I can assure you.”
“That’s the spirit,” said Acer giving her a light noogie on her head, “keep on thinking positive.”
“Hey Pinkie,” Pumpkin called out suddenly, “on second thought I’ll have one of your cakes.”
Pinkie got all happy again and grabbed Pumpkin up in a tight hug, “Yes, I knew you couldn’t resist!”
Once again Pound was just sitting there staring at his sister who enjoying a Pinkie cake with Pinkie; contemplating over strange behavior. Acer saw him deep into his own world and called out to him.
“Aren’t you going to have one too?” asked Acer.
Pound snapped out of his deep thoughts and looked over at Acer, “Huh, oh yeah; what about you?”
“I’m good; I ate before I got here.”
Pound went over and grabbed a Pinkie cake, and then went back over to where he was last sitting continuing to stare at Pumpkin. Acer walked up to him feeling a sense of concern.
“Hey, something bothering you man? Seeing that you’re Pumpkin’s twin and all, you still sense something suspicious within her, right?”
“I don’t know, Acer;” Pound sighed, “I trust my sister but sometimes I can’t help but think that she’s trying  to hide something from us. If she is, she’s only hurting herself.”
Acer understood how Pound felt because he felt that he had some kind of bond with pumpkin too. However, he knew that constantly worrying about her would do them any good.
“All we can do right now is continue to be there for her and stop worrying about this too much; it’s basically the only thing we can do for her now.”
Pound could see his sister smiling again and talking with Pinkie, but he could still sense some kind of discontent in her soul… and it really bothered him. 
“Let’s just hope that whenever it finally emerges, if we even let it… we’ll be able to save her.”

-----

A few days has passed from that day and things have been going fairly well with Pumpkin so far. Her curse seemed to hold back recently, but her… that was usually too good to be true. Pumpkin kept doing her usual routine while spending time with her friends, her coltfriend and her family. She even found some time to try and practice some magic with Twilight; she figured better safe than sorry.
But despite trying her best to look on the positive side of things, Pumpkin knew that one day the inevitable might happen and she would use all of her strength and will power to keep it from happening. If something did happen that was unavoidable, she could always resort to trusting that stallion that she met inside of the Everfree Forest. Although she still didn’t know if that was a good idea since he might be the one that the Mayor and Cheerilee warned her about; but then again she also knew that it might be her only chance to save herself and everypony else.
As for Pound, he continued to be very curious and suspicious of his sister’s weird behavior at times. He trusts his sister completely, but he knew that she always had a case of keeping secrets from everyone… even him. He felt a little guilty doubting his sister, but he was going to keep a close eye on her for as long as he could.

-----

Unfortunately to Pumpkin… a dark day would soon be upon all of them one day thank to a certain Alicorn stallion. He could tell that this exact day was the day that he would finally gain what he always wanted, and he was going to do it all thanks to Pumpkin.
However, there was another individual in the Everfree Forest who was very aware of this stallion recently and had overheard the conversation he had with Pumpkin. It was the native zebra inhabitant, Zecora. She knew who he was and she knew what he was up to and was planning to prevent his plan from succeeding.
On this very day, the dark stallion, Shadow Star had suddenly found himself tripped up in a strong woven net with a few spell seals that she created herself for such an occasion. They were supposed to keep him contained long enough for her to take care of him, but unfortunately he smiled as he easily broke through the seals and got himself free of the strong confinements of the net.
Zecora came over to the scene from behind and was totally shocked; but perhaps she shouldn’t be too surprised. Shadow Star sensed her presence and turned himself around to her and flashed a dark evil smirk.
“Nice try zebra freak, but unfortunately for you it will take a whole lot more than a strong net with some cheap spell imitations to stop me.”
Zecora was standing on her guard and lightly scowling at the dark stallion prepared for whatever he might do, “Look who is calling who a freak; do you judge me of being helpless and weak?”
Shadow Star was well aware of what Zecora was trying to do, and he wasn’t at all worried. He removed his cloak and revealed his wings that rose up in the air over himself and his horn glowed magnificently. 
Zecora’s eyes went terrifyingly wide as she witness of what this pony was as she thought to herself, “What… he’s an Alicorn?”
“The stage has already been set,” said Shadow Star, “and there’s no going back. This world will be doomed by that filly eventually; I’m just helping by speeding up the process.”
Zecora finally realized that she was right about what he was planning, but it didn’t make any sense to her. Why would someone do something this foolish and what was his motive behind it?
“Idoit,” she shouted, “you are nothing but a fool! Do you fail to realize that you will be destroyed too?!”
Shadow Star just chuckled under his breath, “I’m hardly planning on letting that happen. Once my part is done, I plan to use the curse’s power to for my own means! This moment is exactly what I was waiting for… for all these years, and no pony or any other weakling will prevent me from my domination goal!”
“I had heard rumors of a pony seeking for a source of power;” Zecora responded, “one who has lived long and a spirit gone sour. But now that I have seen you with my own eyes, I will not allow you to make that filly cry!”
Shadow Star thought that she was spitting out useless words; to him she was all talk and no action.
“Such strong words,” he taunted, “how are you going to back them up?”
Suddenly, after he took a few steps towards the patient zebra, Shadow Star found himself to being completely frozen. He gasped while looking under him and seeing some kind of barrier around his hooves.
“Wh-what the hell… what kind of trickery is this?!”
“What you have noticed is no trick you see;” Zecora chuckled, “just a simple mild spell I whipped up for plan B.”
“Ugh, you little…” growled Shadow Star while scowling at her intensely.
“I’m not one to resort to violence acts, but I will end you here for potting behind everypony’s backs!”
Shadow Star still chuckled and stayed calm thinking she was bluffing, “You can’t kill me; I bet that you can’t even do it, foolish creature.”
Just then, he noticed Zecora pulling out a little small pouch with some weird shiny dust; he could tell that she was planning something.
She placed some of the dust on her hoof and held up in Shadow’s view wearing a small smirk, “With one swift blow of this magic susbstance, it will surround your body and begin to combust… and then you my dear friend will be turned into dust.”
“Enough with your excessive bad rhyming,” Shadow Star protested in anger, “I’m not afraid of your hocus-pocus!”
“A pony that cowards and then fights without his or her own power is nothing but a heathen, so to this I say… FAREWELL DEMON!”
Without hesitation, Zecora blew the dust at the barrier that withheld Shadow Star and it all started whirl around his body. The last possible thing Zecora saw before the dust completely engulfed its target was Shadow staring at her with a hateful glare, and then… huge an explosion ignited right in front of her.
The explosion was powerful; Zecora had to hold her hoof up to her eyes to avoid any debris that might have flown in her direction. Once the smoke settled, Zecora saw that there was nothing left where Shadow Star once stood; a satisfying smile came unto her face feeling relieved. 
“So long Shadow creep; may your spirit rest in peace.”
She turned away and was walking away proudly from the burnt crater that her spell left behind. But then… she heard something behind her that she didn’t want to hear.
“My my, that was some impressive spiritual magic.”
“What!?”
Zecora quickly turned around and saw that Shadow Star was still alive; a bit scathed and a few bloody wounds on his legs, but alive and still standing strong.
He shook himself off and even licked some of the wounds to lessen the pain, and then stared at Zecora with a maleficent stare, “I admit if I didn’t plan ahead, I would be dead.”
Then without warning, he used his magic to grab a hold of Zecora and suspended her in the air. Zecora struggled and was trying to get out of it but she knew that it was useless.
“Too bad for you,” said Shadow Star smiling evilly.
He then casted a spell that sent a huge electrical surge throughout her body and caused her to scream out in pain. After being tricked by her, Shadow Star was quite satisfied making the tables turned and watching her suffer so. Afterwards, Zecora just hung limp up in the air with red bruises all over her, and then Shadow threw her down on the ground once he was done with her.
Zecora tried to get back up on her hooves, but her body was too heavily damaged and she couldn’t even stand up properly. She groaned from the pain and lifted her head as she saw Shadow Star standing over her flashing an evil grin.
“As I told you before…” he said, “you cannot stop me, nor can you outsmart me.”
He turned around from Zecora and began to walk off to leave her there to soak in her constant pain, “I’ll let you live… for now; I’ll give the curse’s power the privilege of finishing you off as payback later.”
Zecora couldn’t believe that she failed at stopping Shadow Star and that what she was trying to avoid from happening was going to happen. She continued to groan in pain as she struggled to take a couple of steps towards the dark pony.
“Y-y-you wil g-gain nothing taking adv-vantage of that filly’s deepest f-fears; f-for you… your whole plan will end in t-tears.” And at the end of her sentence, she collapsed and was out like a light.
Shadow Star walked away into the darkness with a foreboding evil smile looming upon his expression imagining his dream finally coming true.
“Soon, all of Equestria will bow down before me; and no pony will ever again defy me.”

-----

Things didn’t seem to be going very well this day, and it may turn out to be even worse than what it already is. Fluttershy was suddenly seen running through the streets of Ponyville sweating heavily as she was galloping towards the library tree. Why exactly was she freaking out so much; whatever it is, it definitely didn’t seem good.
“Twilight, Twilight!” she cried out as she was banging on the front door, “Twilight, please answer; it’s an emergency!”
Suddenly, the door opened and Spike was there looking at her frighten face, “Whoa, Futtershy? It was you banging on the door; this must be serious.”
“Never mind that,” she protested, “where’s Twilight?!”
“I’m right here,” said Twilight coming from behind Spike.
She ended up hearing Fluttershy’s cry and came to see what was wrong. When Fluttershy saw her, she zipped past Spike so fast it caused him spin around like a top and became dizzy. Twilight almost fell over when her Pegasus friend grabbed on to her.
“What in the Equestria is going on, Fluttershy?” questioned Twilight.
“Oh Twilight it’s terrible, just terrible! The forest animals, they’ve become so restless.”
After Spike got himself back together he asked, “Restless how?”
“They’ve all been running out of the Everfree Forest and have gathered together all around my place! I mean… I don’t mind the company and everything, but there are so many animals around that now I have to literally fly over them just to get to my cottage… ‘sigh’ where even more of them have gathered.”
Twilight knew that animals like Fluttershy and all, but for so much of them to be at her place at once was too strange.
“Wow, talk about no vacancy,” said Spike.
“A bunch of animals leaving the Everfree Forest?” wondered Twilight, “I know it’s not the safest place but… that’s seems a bit out of the ordinary.”
“And that’s not even the weirdest part,” said Fluttershy, “I saw some of the more… bizarre creatures come out too. I literally saw two cockatrices fly out of the forest and they’re not even doing anything to disturb the others!”  
“Now that is definitely not normal,” Twilight responded, “Did any of them say anything to you?”
“Not much, they were all too scared and terrified to tell me anything. But some of them did say something about a strange evil presence roaming around inside the forest.”
“Evil presence?” wondered Twilight.
Spike just shuddered upon hearing those words, “Oh man, why did I have a suspicion that she was going to say something like that?”
“Twilight,” Fluttershy continued, “I sense that something bad is going to happen in that forest, but I just don’t know what! I would check it out myself, but I’m too terrified to try and find something that even cockatrieces are afraid of!”
Twilight understood that this was a serious matter and that it needed to be looked into fast; because if nopony does, Ponyville could be in danger.
“So what now, Twilight,” asked Spike trembling a bit, “are you going to check it out?”
“Of course I am Spike, this is serious business! Besides, this might have something to do with the letter Celestia sent me about a weird feeling she’s been having.”
“Princess Celestia?!” Fluttershy gasped.
“Yeah, she sent me a letter about a few minutes ago stating something about feeling a familiar dark presence that could be lurking around Ponyville, but thanks to your info I now know where to search first.”
Fluttereshy took a huge sigh of relief knowing that she could rest easy, “Oh thank you Twilight, I feel much better now that you are going to investigate this.”
“Sorry Fluttershy, but you’re coming with me too.”
“Wh… wh-what?!”	
“I know you’re scared Fluttershy, but you know more about the forest than I do; I’ll need your guidance. Besides, you don’t have to worry, I’ll be right there beside you; okay?”
Fluttershy just sighed knowing that she couldn’t argue out of this one, “Okay, I’ll go too… i-i-if it’s really necessary.”
“I just hope this has nothing to do with what’s inside the Cake’s daughter,” Spike added.
“From what I heard, Pumpkin is at home dealing with her curse again,” Twilight siged, “and just when she felt relaxed during the past few days.”
Twilight grabbed a bag with a few necessities inside and placed it on her back before heading out with Fluttershy, “Oh well, whatever is in the forest is probably nothing compared to what she has to deal with.”

-----

Meanwhile… back at Sugar Cube Corner, what Twilight heard about was true. Acer was making his way to the front entrance getting prepared for hanging out with Pumpkin. He opened the door and walked through the doorway wearing a pleasant smile on his face.
“Good afternoon Cakes… and Pie.”
“Hello there Acer,” Mrs. Cake responded, “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Hiya, Acer!” shouted Pinkie.
“’Sup, Acer,” said Pound.
Acer was looking all around in the family room and the main room looking for Pumpkin, but he couldn’t see her anywhere. Maybe if he asked her family they’ll tell him where she is.
“So… where’s Pumpkin;” he asked, “We were going to go to the theatre today. There was this neat movie that we were going to watch… and don’t worry, it’s PG.”
“Oh yeah, about that…” said Mr. Cake, “I’m afraid she’s up in her room trying to relax her mind. She’s been up there for a while now; I think her curse is acting up again.”
“Really,” Acer said feeling a little down, “well there goes our little outing today.”
“Don’t you mean your date?” Pinke teased.
“Aunt Pinkie, don’t;” Pound protested, “this is not exactly the time to be all cheery.”
Pound seemed to be brooding to himself and feeling a little down; but it was to be expected while his sister was going through something like this.
“Perhaps maybe I could go up there and see if she’s doing alright.”
Upon hearing Acer say that, Pound perked his head up and looked over at him with a worried expression, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. What if she’s in the middle of being in a… you know… psycho-state?”
Acer just shrugged his shoulders, “Well… it really wouldn’t matter up to this moment, now would it?”
“I say let him go,” said Mrs. Cake, “he has been pretty lucky to calm Pumpkin down so easily. Just be careful dearie; who knows what she could be doing up there.”
Acer was full of confidence; he wasn’t planning on letting Pumpkin’s family down, “Don’t worry about me Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I’ll be fine; and that goes you too Pinkie and Pound.”
As he went upstairs, Pound was staring at the stairs very hard feeling very nervous of what might happen up there. He was about to make his way up there to see for himself, but he was quickly stopped by Pinkie Pie who suddenly jumped in front of him. 
“Ah ah ah, hold it right there, Pound. No need to try and spy on them.”
“But… what if something happens?” said Pound with a bit of worry in his tone.
“Have a little faith in Acer why don’t ya,” Pinkie responded, “I’m sure Pumpkin is fine; Acer will see to it that she is.”
Suddenly, Pound heard his mother call out to him, “Pound, honey, could you come and lend a little hoof to your Father in the kitchen please?”
Pinkie looked down at and lightly smiled as she pointed her hoof towards the kitchen where he was called to. He lightly groaned while turning away from the stairs and answered, “Coming, Mom.”

-----

Upstairs, Pumpkin was in her room sulking once again trying to calm her mind and keep the curse within her at bay. She was doing everything she could, but it seemed that the curse was almost ready to make its last move… or was it just toying with her?
“Get out of my freaking head,” she shouted at it, “I can’t stand you any longer; why don’t you just get on with possessing my mind already and having your sick fun?!”
“But I am having fun, watching you torment yourself over when you’ll finally lose control over me and cause destruction to your home. I’ve never felt so satisfied in my entire existence.”
Pumpkin was getting sick ‘n’ tired the demon’s taunting, it was making her head hurt. She was  burying her face in the covers of her bed holding on to her head and trying to keep the magic inside her horn contained.
“D-d-damn… you; if I could strangle you with my own hooves I would. I’m n-never going to g-give into you, you hear me?!”
Unfortunately, the demon wasn’t phased at all by her threats, it just continued to taunt her and play with her mind. It was its most favorite thing to do.
“Ahh, once I do take over your mind and cause destruction, whose blood should I shed first? Perhaps your cute little colt friend, or maybe your parents; maybe I’ll kill your best friends first, or perhaps somepony like your old teacher or the Mayor or the Elements of Harmony. So many targets to slaughter, but who to do first… who to do first?”
A bit of the crimson red color was starting to appear in Pumpkin eyes due to her anger rising towards her curse that was threatening her family and friends, “You… y-y-you stay away from them; you will do no such thing, I won’t allow it!”
Suddenley, Pumpkin picked up the sound of her room door opening, and she suddenly calmed herself as her eyes went back to normal. She quickly turned around and saw that Acer was standing in her doorway. She felt a little shocked and a bit embarrassed at the same time.
“A-A-Acer; what are you doing in here?”
“Are you okay, Pumpkin,” asked Acer, “Are you having any struggles?”
Pumpkin blushed a bit as she just stayed on her bed to her relax her body, “Well, maybe a little, but I can handle it; no biggie.” 
Suddenly, Acer walked in her room and shut the door behind him; all while keeping a fixated stare at the trouble filly.
“You know… I never realized just how… attractive you’ve gotten lately.”
“Wh-what?!” Pumpkin was now blushing even more, she had no idea why Acer was suddenly being romantic on her like this, “Um… d-don’t flatter me Acer, you’re embarrassing me.”
Acer slowly walked over to Pumpkin’s bed and hopped onto it, and then he lowered his face so that it was on the same level with hers. Pumpkin was suddenly feeling a little nervous; she had a feeling that something wasn’t right here.
“Um… Acer, wh-what are you doing?”
“Pumpkin, you trust me, right?”said Acer semi-seductively.
Pumpkin looked at him for second and then quickly nodded her head, “Well, y-y-yes I do trust you… I trust you completely.”
Acer then walked over to her flank and placed his hoof on her back that suddenly made her jump a bit, “Then do me a favor… and hold still for me.”
Pumpkin wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that, but she felt that Acer wasn’t being himself. Then much to her horror, Acer suddenly climbed over her and laid himself on top of her; caressing her in his hooves. 
“Acer, no… w-w-wait, what are you trying to do?!”
“Don’t resist me, Pumpkin,” said Acer in a bad boy tone as he nipped on her ear, “You trust me completely, remember?”
As Acer inched himself forward, Pumpkin could suddenly feel something poking on her from behind; something that was forcefully trying to penetrate her… Acer was trying to mate with her! 
“Acer, please… y-you’re hurting me!” 
Pumpkin had tears in her eyes feeling a slight pain from Acer trying to rape her. She knew that she couldn’t do this yet, nor was she prepared for it. But the more she resisted, the more Acer seemed to hold her down in an attempt to slide into her.
“Please stop!” she continued to scream in pain, “Get off of me… get off!”
Pumpkin was getting fed up with it; why was Acer doing this to her against her will? Coltfriend or not, she was getting pissed off. The Crimson color came back in her eyes as her anger was rising and then shouted in a demonic distorted voice.
“I said… GET OFF!!!”
Pumpkin bucked him off in the air with her hind legs, and then she quickly turned around and blasted him into a wall with her magic. After that, she was panting and catching her breath feeling relieved that the worst case scenario didn’t happen. But once her eyes changed back and her mind was back in place, she noticed Acer on the ground groaning in pain and blood was dripping from his nose. He suddenly looked up at her with a slight discontent in his face.
“P-P-Pumpkin, what did you do that for? I just asked you if you were alright, but then you were acting all weird and I came over to you to try and calm you down… and then you just… blasted me.”
Suddenly, it finally hit Pumpkin; everything that was happening to her… what Acer had done… none of it was real, it was another illusion caused by her curse. Pumpkin’s eyes grew wide and sorrowful tears filled them up seeing Acer badly wounded once again… because of her.
“Pumpkin… are you sure that you’re okay?”
That was the final straw for her, she hurt her coltfriend… again, and she wasn’t in control. She wasn’t going to wait any longer; she knew what she had to do now. It was the only option she had left, and she didn’t want any more ponies to get hurt. She darted towards the door with streams of tears trailing behind her and Acer was trying to get up to stop her. 
“Pumpkin wait, don’t go! I-i-it’s not th-that bad; I can still stand.”
“Stop trying to make me feel better, Acer!” she shouted at him, “Just face it, I’m never going to be able to stop this curse from hurting everypony around me like this! I’m going to go and end this right now, and don’t try to stop me!”
As she went out the door, Acer tried to get up, “Pumpkin, wait for… ugh!” But his body was badly hurt from Pumpkin’s unintended attack and it caused him fall back down on the ground with his wings cramping up, “My wings sprung; I guess she really did do a number on me.” 
Pumpkin was already gone and he wouldn’t be able to catch up to her now.  This was definitely becoming a sucktastic day for both of them, “I’m suddenly having a bad feeling about this.” And it was only going to get worse.

> Regretful Mistake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Downstairs in Sugar Cube Corner, everyone was being busy, quiet and a little on edge… even Pinkie Pie. Things were just getting a little tense in this place, especially Pound who couldn’t get a terrible feeling out of his head. He couldn’t confirm that something bad was about to happen, but something in his mind was telling him otherwise.
At one point, Pinkie noticed that Pound had stopped with his chores and was eyeing the doorway to the upstairs level again. She quietly walked up behind him to where he didn’t notice her and she spoke up with an arched eyebrow.
“What’s up, Pound; is there something on your mind?”
“Everything seems… too quiet around here, Aunt Pinkie,” Pound responded in a troubling tone, “Something is going to happen; I just know it.”
“You’re worrying too much,” said Pinkie with a sigh, “does Aunt Pinkie have to draw away your attention again?”
Pound suddenly turned towards Pinkie with a slightly annoyed expression and shouted, “I’m serious! Your mind is not connected to Pumpkin’s like mine is, so… you could never understand why I’m so worried.”
Pinkie could understand how stressed Pound was feeling as she went forward and gave Pound a big hug, “Pound, don’t say that; I was just saying that worrying about something too much isn’t healthy for your self-sanity. Trust me, I should know.”
Just then as if on cue, they suddenly heard hoof steps rushing from upstairs; it sounded like they were heading downstairs to where they were. Pound could also hear a little bit of what sounded like sobbing; deep, regretful sobbing. Then there was a loud bump, and falling down the stairs all the way to the floor… was Pumpkin. 
Seeing his sister suddenly fall down from the stairs before them alerted him, and he and Pinkie rushed to her in an instant.
“Sweet crumb cakes, what was that!?” shouted Mrs. Cake nearby.
“Something crashed?” said Mr. Cake.
“More like somepony!” Pinkie Pie corrected.
Pound nudged his sister to see if she was okay, “Pumpkin, are you alright; and where’s Acer.”
Pumpkin suddenly raised her head to look at her brother, but her eyes were filled with tears and no words could be released from her bowels. Pound could see it; he could see that something did happen, just as he feared. Pumpkin quickly got up and immediately started heading towards the door without a word.
Pound used his wings to quickly fly ahead of his sister and landed in the doorway before she left, “That’s far enough, Sis! Tell what’s going on, now!”
Pumpkin quickly stopped but couldn’t make complete eye contact to her brother as she continued to cry to herself.
“Easy on her, Pound,” said Pinkie feeling worried about Pumpkin’s other side, “easy.”
Pound came closer to Pumpkin tying to get her to look at him to confess of what was going on, “We’re not letting you leave this place, not until you tell us what caused these tears to appear in your eyes!”
While still not looking at her brother, Pumpkin softly said back to him, “It’s hopeless, Pound; it’s all completely hopeless.”
Mrs. Cake wanted to comfort her child and walked up behind Pumpkin feeling deep concern for her, “Honey, what’s wrong? If something bad is going on with you, we can help you.”
“You can’t help me, Mom!” Pumpkin suddenly shouted in angst as turned around to her mother, “You… y-you just can’t, okay; none of you can.” Pumpkin could feel her sorrows taking over her emotions, “I just can’t take this torture anymore; I tried to, but it’s just too much to bear!” 
Not caring what his sister said, Pound came to her and wrapped his hooves around her to give her a hug, “Pumpkin, just listen to…”
Suddenly, Pound could feel his sister’s hooves grab onto him tight, and she was suddenly sporting the dreaded red eyes that signified her curse coming out staring at him intensely, “Don’t… touch me!”   
In one move, Pumpkin threw her brother in the air behind her and Pound lost his momentum and was causing him to fall. But just in time, Pinkie Pie caught him and was relieved that he was alright.
“Nice save, Pinkie,” said Pound nervously.
After a few seconds, Pumpkin snapped out of it again, and realized what she did; she thought that it was enough proof to prove what she was talking about as she scowled and turned away from her family, “Let’s just face it, what’s going to happen to me is going to happen… no matter how much we try to delay it. However, I myself am not going to allow it; I’m going to go and end this curse… right now!”
Her family was suddenly confused of what she was saying. There was a way to stop her curse? If so why didn’t she tell any of them about it? 
“End the curse,” said Mr. Cake, “but how are you going to do that?”
Again, Pumpkin stayed silent; that usually meant that she was hiding something, and that was usually not a good sign.
“Come on, Pumpkin,” pleaded Mrs. Cake, “you’re family is trying to talk to you; what do you know that we don’t?!”
Pumpkin sadly tilted her head towards her family and felt a sudden feeling of regret, “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you.”
She started to head towards the door again not looking back at her family; but Pound still wasn’t going to give up. He jumped out of Pinkie’s arms and started to rush towards his sister again to try and stop her of whatever she was up to.
“Come back here, I’m not letting you leave here on your own; quit trying to hide things from us!”
Pumpkin was now outside, and Pound was still inside; but when Pound got to the doorway, his body suddenly stopped as he slammed into what seemed like a magical barrier that concealed the way out. In fact, the barrier was covering the whole place; and seeing that Pumpkin was the one that cast it and she was the only unicorn in the family, there was nothing that any of them could do.
Pound was banging on the barrier while staring intensely at his sister begging her not to go, “Pumpkin, Pumpkin! Don’t be foolish, let us out!”
“Don’t worry,” said Pumpkin as she turned back around to face her brother, “Don’t worry, it will wear off after 20 minutes.” Suddenly, she clutched her head and groaned in pain as she felt the curse trying to come out again. She said to her family with the best of her abilities, “I’m… I’m… I’m sorry!”
She ran off as fast as she could without looking back, and headed off in the direction of where she saw that mysterious stallion the other day.
“Wow, she sure can create a strong shield,” said Pinkie to herself.
Pound continued to bang on the shield thinking that he could break it, but it upsetted him more knowing that there was nothing he could do to stop his sister now, “Dang it, what the hay is she thinking?! Can’t she realize that she can’t go through with this alone?!”
Mr. Cake thought that he could give it a shot a charged right at the doorway, but his body ricocheted backward and fell right on his rump.
“Carrot; honey, are you okay?!” said Mrs. Cake as she rushed over to her husband.
“I’m fine, Cup Cake,” he responded while rubbing his rump, “just thought I give it a try. My flank does feel a little sore though; wanna kiss it and make it better?”
Mrs. Cake sorta glared at her husband for thinking such a thing at a moment like this. Mr. Cake just smiled nervously and chuckled, “Um… sorry, just trying to lighten up the mood a bit.”
“Oh, this is exactly what Cheerliee and the Mayor warned us about; this is not good at all!”
Just then, they all heard a light thump sound coming from behind them. They all turned around and saw…
“Acer!”
He was on all four of his hooves but his body was badly limping, some bloody bruises was seen on his sides and his wings were still cramped up; but other than those, he was still fine. He looked around and feared he was too late.
“Wh-where’s… Pumpkin?
His body almost fell forward but Pinkie and Pound quickly caught him and was carrying him to a soft chair to relax his wounded body.
“Take it easy, Acer,” said Mrs. Cake concernedly, “you look badly injured!” She then looked over at her husband and said in a dire matter, “Honey, quickly; get the family first-aid kit!”
“I’m on it!” Mr. Cake responded as he rushed off to do his deed.
Seeing that Pumpkin was nowhere to be seen and noticing the magical barrier that blocked all openings of the house, Acer knew that Pumpkin ran away, “Heh… I guess you guys failed to stop her too.”
“What in all of Equestria happened up there?!” said Pound to Acer; expecting an obvious answer, “Why was my Sister in such a panicked state that she’d run out and trap us in here like this?!”
“Easy Pound,” said Pinkie, “give the colt some room why, don’t you.”
Acer didn’t mind Pound asking; they all needed to know exactly what happened to Pumpkin, “It’s terrible man; I think her c-curse… is now making its last move.”

-----

Right on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, the dark stallion alicorn named Shadow Star was just sitting on his haunches looking outward in front of himself. He had a feeling that a certain filly was going to come back to him; he could feel it in his blood. But without a minute to waste, Pumpkin came running away from her town and came up to him. A small smile came on to Shadow’s face seeing that his secret plan would soon go into effect.
“I’ve been expecting you, young filly,” he said calmly, “So… what’s your decision?”
Pumpkin’s head was down as she was catching her breath and her eyes were still leaking with tears of sadness. But once Pumpkin raised her head up to look at the stallion, Shadow saw that her eyes were completely red. She was somehow able to keep back the curse from making her do anything bad… but for how long.
“I’ve had it,” she said in an angered and exhausted tone, “I’ve had it with this crap! You were right; I just can’t take this anymore!” She groaned a bit from keeping her power back and continued, “This curse… it’s done nothing but cause me problems. It’s caused nothing but pain, strife, sadness and grief for me and anypony around me. I’ve made up my mind; if you can get rid of this… if you can truly extract this terrible and unbearable burden from my life, I would… I… w-w-would be humbly grateful. Just please… please… get rid of it now… before… I completely… lose my… m-m-mind.”
Shadow was very impressed… to think that this filly has resisted against this curse for so long. But nonetheless, its power was at its peak and it was the perfect time for his plan to be put into action.
“Wonderful!” he shouted, “I-I mean… you poor thing,” he said changing his tone, “You’ve made the right decision. Indeed this curse is nothing to shake a hoof at; Blackberry the 2nd made that mistake. You will not be sorry once I extract it out of you; and once I do you’ll finally be able to…”
Suddenly, Pumpkin grabbed Shadow’s neck with her magic and yanked him down to her level. She stared at him with her cold-blooded red eyes with a slight intent to kill, “Listen you overgrown waste of slaughtering flesh, enough of your babbling and take me to rid myself of this curse… NOW; or I will rip you open and tear out your insides!!!”
She released him and he was regaining his breath from being held by her so harshly. He looked down at her and saw that she wasn’t even looking at him anymore; she was probably concentrating on keeping the curse back again. However, he didn’t care about that too much, he just wanted her to last long enough for him to succeed in his plan.
“Very well,” he told her solemnly, “follow me and stay close; you don’t want to get lost in here.”
A dark moment was soon drawing near.

-----

At another edge of the Everfree Forest near Fluttershy’s cottage, Twilight was just making her scene with Fluttershy; much to Twilight’s surprise, it was just as Fluttershy said. Her whole cottage grounds were cover with animals and other little critters and they all seemed to be spooked by something.
“Wow, Fluttershy,” said Twilight in shock, “when you told me everything you said, you weren’t kidding. These animals are definitely scared of something, but the question is ‘what is that something?’”
“I’m not sure if I even want to find out,” said Fluttershy while shaking in her hooves, “I think I’d rather stay here where it’s safe; I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“Come on, Fluttershy, this is no time to chicken out,” Twilight protested, “I was serious when I said that I needed your help. We need to find out what causing these animals to be so spooked, it could exponentially serious!”
Suddenly, Angel, Fluttershy’s bunny friend, was just hopping out of the woods with a frighten look on his face. Once he saw Fluttershy, he rushed over to her in a state of panic.
“Angel, what’s wrong,” Fluttershy asked curiously, “did you see something in there in that… s-s-scary forest?”
Angel quickly nodded and started to point at the forest signifying them to come and see something he did.
“I think he wants us to follow him into the forest, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy just shuddered with fright, “I was afraid that that is what he was saying.”
Twilight smirked down at the little bunny and told him, “Alright Angel, lead the way.”
Angel immediately ran off towards the forest with twilight following right behind him. However, Fluttershy didn’t move an inch while nervously saying, “That’s right, Angel; show Twilight the way while I stay here… wh-where it’s safe.”
Twilight soon grabbed Fluttershy with her magic and dragged her along, “Come on, Fluttershy.”
Poor Fluttershy whimpered pitifully as they went deeper into the forest.

-----

Back at Sugar Cube Corner, Acer had told Pumpkin’s family about what happen between Pumpkin and him. It was no surprise to them of how it happened, but what worried them was the effect that it had on Pumpkin.
“Another illusion?!” shouted Pound.
“And she thought you did what to her?!” added Mr. Cake.
Acer smiled nervously and scratched head, “Yeah, it was shocking to me too.”
Pinkie suddenly walked up to Acer and looked at him dead in the eye, “You didn’t really do that to her, did you?”
“Pinkie!” Pound protested.
“What, just making sure.”
After having his wings bandaged and his wounds cleaned, Acer still felt a deep sore instilled inside in his heart for not being able to stop Pumpkin, “I just wanted to be there for her and help her get through her tough time; but now all I  did was make it worse. Maybe… maybe I’m no longer any help to her anymore.”
Pound came up to Acer suddenly and lightly wacked him against his jaw with his hoof. Acer stared at Pound blatantly wondering why he even did that to him.
“Don’t even say that, Acer!” shouted Pound, “The curse itself is what hurt Pumpkin, not you; don’t you dare start to spout nonsense!”
“Maybe not,” stated Acer sadly, “but… what are we supposed to do now? Do any of you guys know where Pumpkin went?”
“No clue,” Pinkie responded while shrugging her shoulders, “but before she left she yelled out ‘something about getting rid of the curse once and for all.”
“Yeah, I heard Pumpkin said that to me too when she rushed out of her room,” said Acer with a light chuckle, “But it doesn’t make any sense; how can she get rid of the curse? Wasn’t it already clear that it can’t be rid of unless Pumpkin…”
Suddenly, what Acer was thinking exactly finally hit him with horror, “Oh no…”
It soon made sense to Pound, Pinkie and Mr. and Mrs. Cake as well.
“Pumpkin wouldn’t:” said Pinkie worryingly, “She wouldn’t go that far… w-w-would she?”
Just the thought of Pumpkin sacrificing herself to save Ponyville cause a deep worrying grief to ignite inside Pound. He wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if he lost his twin sister to some ancient curse.
“Honey, we have to do something,” shouted Mrs. Cake to her husband as she shook him constantly, “our daughter is going to kill herself!”

-----

Angel bunny had led Twilight and Fluttershy deeper into the forest, and Fluttershy stayed close beside Twilight since it was too late for her to go back alone. Eventually, Angel led them to a specific area where he suddenly came to a halt.
“What do you wish to show us?” asked Twilight.
Angel brought both of their attention to brushed path in the dirt that led in a direction that Twilight suddenly recognized.
“This path… it seems to go in the direction of Zecora’s hut,” Twilight stated.
“But what made th-that path in the ground,” said Fluttershy, “it’s like something or somepony was dragged across it.”
Just then, Twilight noticed something else that was mixed in with the dirt; something dark and moist and a bit redish, “Wait a minute… is that… blood?”
“D-d-d-did you just say b-b-b-bl-blood?!” shuddered Fluttershy.
“I think somepony was injured and was carried off,” said Twilight, “Could it be…” 
Without warning, Angel hopped off in the direction of Zecora’s hut with the other two mares following behind.
“Angel, please slow down!” Fluttershy shouted.
“Where is he going,” said Twilight, “this is the direction of…”
And before they knew it, angel had brought them to Zecora’s hut just as Twilight predicted; and the dragged dirt trail with blood led straight into the door way. Both mares panicked and galloped towards the door and busted it open. Once inside, the dirt trail ended but a little trail of blood was still seen on the floor, and it led right to a badly injured Zecora. She was lying on the ground almost motionless with major bruises all over body and some blood escaping her.
“ZECORA!!!” Twilight and Fluttershy both shouted as they raced over to her.
Zecora lifted her head and moaned slightly upon hearing two familiar voices in her sound vicinity, “Tw-Twilight… F-Fluttershy… is that y-you I spy?”
“Zecora, you’re badly injured!” shouted Twilight in panic, “What on Equestria happened; are you all right?!” 
Zecora tried to turn and stand, but her critical condition denied her to do so, “I’m… I-I’m fine, it’s okay; things could have been worse for me today.”
“I’ll say,” said Fluttershy, “what if you were still out there and became some creature’s dinner?!”
“Never mind that Fluttershy,” said Twilight, “we need to do something about Zecora’s injuries; they could prove later to be fatal!”
Zecora reached out her hoof and touched Twilight to gain her attention to her voice, “Twilight, if you truly wish to help me; then please… fetch me that bottle of my special healing herbal tea. I would’ve been able to get myself, but my injuries forces me to ask for help.”
In the direction that Zecora was pointing Twilight could see the bottle on the very top of a shelf that was right in front of their faces. She levitated it down and poured some of it in a small vile, and then gave it to Zecora as she slowly sipped it down.
“Is it helping you at all?” asked Twilight.
Zecora slowly rose to her hooves as she felt the tea doing it work, “It will h-heal my wounds slowly; for as you can see I-I’ve received injuries quite greatly.”
She managed to walk herself to a soft quilted rug that helped relax her body and allowed her to keep a calm mind.
“So what exactly happened?” Twilight asked as she and Fluttershy walked up to her, “Who or what did this to you?”
“D-d-did you see anything that could’ve scared  away all of the forest animals,” added Fluttershy, “Um… they’ve all gathered at my place and now I can’t even get into my own cottage.”
Remembering the dreaded treatment that she received earlier, Zecora shuddered a bit while nodding her head, “Y-yes… a stallion… a stallion with powerful dark magic, he plans to do something quite tragic.”
“T-t-tragic?” Fluttershy whimpered, “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“Well hearing that he has dark magic,” said Twilight, “I can assume that this pony is a unicorn?”
“No no, he is no Unicorn; he is… an Alicorn.”
“Wh-wh-what?!” said Fluttershy in shock.
Twilight was suddenly in shock too; what Zecora said made zero sense to her, “But… that’s impossible! Princess Celestia, Luna and Cadence are the only Alicorns in Equestria; aren’t they?!”
“I guess they aren’t anymore,” said Fluttershy, “but what does this Alicorn plan to do anyway?!”
“That unicorn filly’s is what h-h-he seeks,” said Zecora while taking it easy on her nerves, “H-he aims… to gain its power f-for himself now that it is at its p-peak.”
“Pumpkin Cake!” both mares shouted at each other in unison.

-----

In another part of the forest, Shadow Star was trotting along with curse ridden Pumpkin Cake following right behind him. She was just staring straight down to the ground following Shadow’s… well, shadow as he brought her closer and closer to his hidden hideout while trying to keep back her curse’s power from unleashing.
“Hey,” she said lowly, “how much further do we have to walk; my damn hooves are killing me.”
“We’re almost there,” Shadow responded with a little smirk, “don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon.”
Pumpkin’s eyes grew a bit redder as she was feeling easily irritated, “Yeah, it better; because if this curse takes me over, you’ll be my first victim.”
Shadow was actually quite amused from Pumpkin’s unintentional threat that she was making at him, “There’s no need to go and threaten me, young filly, for I am doing the best I can.”
“Trust me, if you don’t hurry up, I’ll do more than just speak a threat.”
They soon came to an enclosed stone wall that suddenly opened up by Shadow’s magic, and inside was quite a spectacle to behold. A huge stone room with shelves filled with books of spells and incantations, crystal gems shimmering everywhere you looked, and a single pentagram star embedded into the stone platform in the middle of the room.
“Well what do you know,” said Shadow, “we’re here; magnificent, isn’t it?”
Pumpkin slowly raised her head with her eyes still dimly lit with red and looked around in the huge stone room. She just scoffed and stated, “I’ve seen better.” However, she didn’t intentionally mean it.
“Well excuse me, miss critic,” Shadow strongly protested, “obviously you don’t know great craftsmanship from a thousand years ago when you see it.”
Before Shadow knew it, Pumpkin suddenly let out a short scream as she fell down and held on to her head feeling immense pain. Shadow Star smiled upon her drastic pain knowing exactly what was presently happening.
“Heh, the curse must sense the magical aura of my lair,” he thought to himself, “It’s trying to take full effect over this filly before extraction.”
“It’s coming… IT’S COMING!!!” Pumpkin shouted out in pain, “Pl-please, h-hurry before it’s too late!”
“With pleasure,” said Shadow with a grin; this was going to be easier than he thought it might be.

-----

Twilight and Fluttershy couldn’t believe of what happened with Zecora. The Alicorn that she described to them seemed unreal, and his plan to take advantage of Pumpkin’s weak state to gain her curse’s power to dominate over Equestria made the situation even direr.
“Oh dear,” said Fluttershy sounding frighten, “no wonder the animals are so scared, this stallion sounds too strong and dangerously powerful!”
“And from the sound of it, it will only get worse if he’s successful in absorbing the curse’s power for his own use; somepony has got to stop him!”
“I fear th-that it might be t-too late,” said Zecora hesitantly, “that Ponyville will soon suffer its fate.”
Twilight didn’t want to give up, even though the current situation seemed critical, but what could she do? FLuttershy wanted to do something too, but how do they stop a nearly indestructible curse and a powerful alicorn who wants world domination?
“I wonder if there’s anything we can do now?” said Twilight.
“I’ve already done my very best,” said Zecora while laying her body down in a more comfortable position, “but now I must stay here and rest. The Cake daughter’s spirit is about to combust, and right now only a miracle can save us.”
Just then, a gigantic boom that literally shook the very earth sounded and alerted all of them. Fluttershy screamed and jumped behind Zecora where she was resting shaking.
“Wha… wh-what was that?” whimpered Fluttershy.
Twilight raced to the door and Fluttershy slowly crawed from behind. When they looked outside, a huge beam of light was radiating up into the sky from somewhere in the Everfree Forest. Twilight could feel the energy radiating from it and it was massive.
“Well that doesn’t look good.”
Zecora saw it herself as well from where she was and she knew exactly what was going on. Her body slightly trembled she thought herself, “It… it has begun.”

-----

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!” Pumpkin screamed at the top of her lungs as she felt surge of Shadow Star’s dark magic coursing through her body.
She was standing in the middle of glowing pentagon that was located in the middle of the stone room; and from it Shadow’s powerful spell to rid her of the curse rose up and was causing some massive pain.
“It burns; it burns! Holy crap, I feel like I’m going to die!”
“Don’t worry,” said Shadow Star on the sidelines, “it will all be over soon.” He then chuckled to himself with a hidden smirk not seen by the young unicorn, “Or more likely, it’s just about to begin.”

-----

Pinkie and the rest of Pumpkin’s family back at Sugar Cube Corner heard and felt the giant boom sound as well, and they were all startled big time. 
“What the hay was that?!” screamed Pinkie.
Seconds afterwards, Mrs. Cake noticed something at the corner of her eye, “Hey I just noticed that the shield is gone, but it hasn’t been 10 minutes yet like our daughter said it would.”
Acer was out like a light resting his injured body, but he had no idea of what was presently happening. Pinkie and Pound went to the doorway and saw the very same pillar of light emanating from the Everfree Forest. Pinkie had a huge of what it could be.
“You don’t think that’s…”
Suddenly, Pound felt a painful twinge in his head; he made a short outburst before holding his head down on the ground with tears in his eyes. This brought immediate attention to his parents.
“Pound; sweet Celestia, what’s wrong?!” shouted Mrs. Cake.
Pound lifted his head up in the direction of the giant pillar of light; he wasn’t quite sure of what was going on, but he only knew that he was only feeling a slight dose of pain of what his sister was possibly feeling.
“Its…i-i-its Pumpkin, she’s in… terrible pain; I can feel it.”
Pinkie Pie was suddenly fed up with this and she temporarily threw away her cheery attitude as suddenly tossed Pound onto her back.
“Okay, that is it; I had enough of this mess! Come on Pound, we’re going to find her… no matter how dangerous it is.”
This sudden change in attitude brought a huge shocking expression to appear on the Cake’s faces. Pound look down at Pinkie’s face and realized just how serious she was being, “P-Pinkie.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie said while looking at the married couple with a determined face, “watch over Acer, okay?”
“B-but Pinkie,” said Mr. Cake, “you can’t just…”
“JUST DO IT!” Pinkie shouted out.
Her sudden outburst literally made Mr. Cake jump back in shock; he just stood there with wide feeling surprised of Pinkie’s change of personality, “Oh… o-o-okay.”
As Pinkie raced out the door carrying Pound, Mrs. Cake suddenly called out to them and caught their attention, “Pinkie, Pound… just be careful… please bring Pumpkin back.”
A small little smile appeared on Pinkie’s muzzle as she responded, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Cake, we’ll try.”
And with that, Pinkie raced off still carrying a recovering Pound on her back as they went off towards the Everfree Forest.
“Don’t worry, sis,” Pound thought to himself, “w-we’re coming for you.”

-----

After the spell was complete, Pumpkin conked out for what seemed like a while but was only a few minutes. Once she started to come to, she was feeling a little lightheaded and groggy; but something about herself felt very… different to her.
“Ugh, I feel… w-weird, like a h-huge weight has finally been lifted from my shoulders.”
Shadow Star could see with his own eyes of what he had finally accomplished; and it resulted with him feeling rather… exuberant, “Excellent, absolutely excellent!”
“Y-y-you seem quite proud, mister Shadow Star,” said Pumpkin with a slight smile as she saw Shadow’s happy mood, “Did we really do it; am I finally 100% curse free.”
Shadow Star didn’t say a word, he just stood there grinning menacingly at the young filly. Pumpkin was wondering why he was looking at her so strangely; something suddenly didn’t feel right to her. But then the unthinkable happened when she heard all weel familiar voice that she knew too well.
“Heh heh; well, don’t try to ask for a miracle, fool. I’m afraid that I am not going anywhere.”
As Pumpkin slowly turned around behind her, she saw a menacing figure that looked just like her… in a way. However, her appearance seemed a bit different with pointed teeth, a wavy orange mane, and the dreaded crimson red eyes. She couldn’t believe that she was seeing this with her own frighten eyes, but it was real. Her curse, it was finally out of her, but had now manifested in a solid, physical form in her own image.
This wasn’t happening; did she truly fall for this obvious trick? She really didn’t know, she was too shocked and scared stiff of her present situation to think at all. The curse was enjoying her face of fear and was slowly creeping towards her with blood lust in its eyes.
“Hello Pumpkin… are you ready for some real fun?”

> The Spirit Unleashed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Applejack, Applejack,” shouted the young mare, Apple Bloom as she was galloping towards her sister inside the Sweet Apple Acres farm, “please tell me that you saw that huge pillar of light too?!”
“Ah sure did,” Applejack responded worryingly, “What the hay could that even be?”
“Well whatever it is, it can’t be good.”
Applejack knew that something was up and that whatever was going on was unlike anything that they have ever seen before. Her younger sister Apple Bloom was suddenly feeling some kind of weird feeling bubbling in her, like something was telling her to do something.
“Where’s Big Mac?!” she curiously asked.
“He’s in town gatherin’ supplies,” Applejack answered, “why do you ask; is he in danger or something?”
“I don’t know, something in mah gut is telling me that something about that light is signifying… the end.”
Applejack was wondering what her sister was getting at, “The end of what?”
“Um, duh… the end of the world; what else!”
“Well end of the world or not, this could get very dangerous. You should stay here where it’s safe and I’ll find Big Mac and tell him…”
Before Applejack knew it, Apple Bloom was galloping off in the direction of Ponyville with a certain objective in mind.
“Where do you think yer goin’, A.B.!?” she shouted. 
“To find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo; maybe we could all do something to help go against whatever that beam of light is!”
“Oh no,” said Applejack hesitantly, “don’t you even! I’m still your big sister, Apple Bloom, and Ah’m tellin’you to stay here. We don’t even know what this is let alone what its capable of! It’s too dangerous; just stay here and…”
“AH’M NOT A LITTLE FILLY ANYMORE!!!” Apple Bloom shouted at her sister suddenly.
Applejack suddenly became silent hearing her young sister’s words speak up against hers in such an intimidating way.
“Apple Bloom?”
“Ah’m… no longer the little filly that makes numerous mistakes. Look at me Applejack; I’m almost as tall as you, Ah got mah cutiemark, and Ah ain’t exactly defenseless! Ah can take care of mahself, and with my friends Ah’ll be just as fine. Just admit that Ah’m growing up and that I can make my own decisions. Don’t you think that is what Granny Smith would say… if she were here?”
Applejack knew that her little sister was right; she just didn’t want her sis to be grown up even though she already was. Plus, she was just worried that she might get herself seriously hurt one day if she kept running toward danger; but she knew her little sister was tougher than that. She realized that she almost made another mistake herself and became fully honest to her sister.
“You’re right, Apple Bloom; Ah guess I was… just worried for mah little sister, that’s all. Go handle your business and Ah’ll find Big Mac; something big is about to go down, and it’s going to go down hard!”

-----

“Twilight,” said Fluttershy at Zecora’s hut, “I changed my mind; I don’t mind being crammed with all those animals in my hut now.”
“Come on, Fluttershy,” said Twilight, “now is not the time to panic.”
“Actually it is, Twilight,” she protested, “If what’s happening is happening then no pony is safe; the world as we know it is doomed! I’m going to where it’s possibly safe and hide!”
“Fluttershy!”
Twilight couldn’t stand to see one of her friends be so terrified; she knew that by only doing that will cause hope to disappear. But… both mares suddenly heard Zecora speak again.
“Any pony could run and hide all they want, but nothing would hinder it to hunt and haunt. Flee if you must, the beast won’t care; it will find you and give you more than a scare. In the sky, underground, it doesn’t matter what you do; it’s… bloody fangs will still find you.”
“Th-th-then… that’s it; it’s over. We’re all going to die!” whimpered Fluttershy.
“Not without a fighting chance we’re not,” Twilight protested, “We’ve all been by Pumpkin’s side this whole time for all these years and never gave up on her. But now the time has come to fight for our survival and ours if needed be. Are you really going to give up just like that, Fluttershy… after everything she’s been through?”
Twilight’s words were awe-inspiring in Fluttershy’s ears and were causing her to calm down some and gain some confidence. Soon, she stopped crying and a determined expression appeared back in her eyes as she finally understood.
“You’re right, Twilight; we can’t let Pumpkin down! If the curse takes over her body and starts attacking everypony, I should be there too to give my support! If we go down, then we go down fighting; yeah! Um… I-I mean… yay.”
“Glad to have you back, Fluttershy” said Twilight with a smirk.
“Beware, beware pony folk,” Zecora suddenly said, “What I say now is not a joke. Two powerful, physical entities I now can sense, plus another totally weak one with no will to commence. Soon one of them will disappear and another will be left alone, and the other will start its rampaging roam. Warn Ponyville of what is about to come, the repeat of a tragic history… m-might soon be d-d-done.”
Then just like that, Zecora collapsed on top of the rug completely unconscious. Fluttershy shrieked and began to panic, “Oh no, Zecora! OMG, Twilight, is… i-is she…”
Twilight went over to the lying zebra and laid her head against her chest only to hear a healthy heart beat and normal breathing.
“Whew, it’s okay,” said Twilight, “she just fell asleep; her body defiantly needs it after what what had happened.
Fluttershy just sighed with relief, “Oh thank goodness; she scared me there for a second. But… what do you think she meant about two physical entities and another that’s weak?”
“I’m not sure, but we can figure that out later,” said Twilight, “Come on, Fluttershy, Zecora should be fine for now; we have to heed her word and warn Ponyville of the… unfortunate news.”

-----

Deep in the Everfree Forest hidden inside a crystal cave, Pumpkin was receiving help from an alicorn stallion named Shadow Star in releasing herself from the evil curse forever. But… that soon proved to be yet another lie; a secret scheme of releasing the curse’s power from Pumpkin and then using it to his own means. When the extraction was over, Pumpkin only woke to up in her view and saw a dark yellow filly that she knew too well; a filly wearing crimson red eyes, a wavy orange mane and tail, and jagged sharp teeth. Pumpkin knew that her worst fear might have happened… but not like this. 
“You’re… y-y-y-you’re, you’re, you’re…”
“What’s the matter, Pumpkin?” said the evil spirit with a slight grin, “You seem a bit shaken up.”	
“N-n-no… no, no, this is absolutely impossible!”
Pumpkin looked over at the stallion that did this; but when she did, she could see him smiling all menacing-like and he didn’t seem worried for her at all.
“What gives, Mister Shadow Star,” she shouted, “you said that you would successfully extract the curse from me!”
“Well, that’s exactly what I did;” Shadow said with an evil chuckle, “The curse is no longer inside you anymore, but now its power will belong to me!”
Pumpkin couldn’t believe it; she had a feeling that this was all a trick, but she still fell for it somehow and it just made her feel absolutely terrible, “You… y-y-you two-timing, ungrateful jerk; you tricked me!”
“And you’re just figuring this out, you little fool?” Shadow responded, “That’s right, I did trick you; I knew that you wouldn’t bear to be with that curse any longer and you would go to any length to get rid of it! You fell for my trap, and now those who you were just trying to protect will fall right before your very eyes!”
Despite having the curse out of her body, some of its essence was in her and it caused her to stare at Shadow Star intensely as her anger for him grew and grew until she couldn’t take it.
“You, you… I’LL KILL YOU!!!”
She charged at him with her horn glowing bright; but with one small spell, Shadow easily knocked her down on the ground with no effort at all, “Nice try ya little brat, you may still have some essence of the curse’s anger issues, but now that I extracted it from you, you’re now completely weak and helpless; you no longer pose any threat to me.”
“How on Equesria did I let this happen?!” Pumpkin cried to herself as she was wallowing in her dismay.
“Poor, pitiful Pumpkin;” said the evil spirit as it was circling Pumpkin, “You were so fixated on getting rid of me that you were not fully aware of the dire consequences you could cause. But I guess things would have gone the same either way; so don’t feel bad, there was nothing you could’ve done.”
As Shadow Star approached the spirit, he noticed just how familiar it looked, “So… you look just like the brat that housed you to begin with… mostly.”
“Just a little side-effect from being stuck in her soul for so long, but thanks anyway for releasing me; it must have taken some strong magic to do such a thing.” 
“Many long years of studying; but it was all worth it to set you free.”
The spirit wasn’t planning to befriend him or anything, but it decided to play along with his little charade, “I give you my… somewhat gratitude.”
Just then while Shadow Star wasn’t looking, Pumpkin rose to her feet and was planning to fire one her powerful spells at him. But just before she did, the evil spirit sensed her and knocks her down with a similar spell; except it was 10x stronger.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!”
“How about that,” said the spirit, “this little filly was trying to shoot you down from behind. It’s a good thing I still have a somewhat connection to her or I wouldn’t have sensed it.”
Shadow Star glared at Pumpkin furiously and went over to where she was lying on the ground, “Why you ungrateful…”
He then raised a hoof and slammed it against her sending her a few more feet of distance from where she was. A tiny whimper sounded from Pumpkin as she stopped and was feeling the aftermath pain of the impact. Shadow’s horn was slightly glowing as he was planning to strike Pumpkin dead where she laid.  
“Shall we kill her now that she is of no use to me?” he smartly asked.
“Nah, I still have plans her,” the spirit said with a grim smile, “Just let her lay here and suffer from her pain.”
Shadow stood down and started to walk away from Pumpkin feeling a slight disappointed of not taking a life today… yet. With her mane and coat all dirty and blood leaking from her nose and sides, Pumpkin looked like a total wreck yet she still slightly rose on her wobbling hooves and was glaring at Shadow.
“You… y-y-ou won’t… get away with th-th-this. Somepony will st-stop… y-you.”
“Quit your constant babbling, brat,” Shadow protested, “you’ve already lost. No pony can match up to my power, and with the spirit of this cruse working together with me, I’ll be invincible!”
“Yeah… working together,” said the spirit with a evil glint in its eye and a hidden grin on its face.
Shadow suddenly used his magic to bring up a giant magical pool that showed the entire Ponyville area. Pumpkin couldn’t believe it; this is how Shadow was able to monitor her and study her actions. Her strength gave out and she dropped back onto the floor not moving a muscle.
“Your precious town will be the first to fall and then… the rest of Equestria!” Shadow shouted with a proud, pleasing tone, “All who don’t abide from my rule will perish and lie in their own blood.”
“You mean… like yours?”
Shadow slightly heard those words but he wasn’t quite sure if he heard right, “Huh… what was that?”
“Surprise.”
Shadow quickly looked under himself and saw the spirit standing under him staring back at him with a menacing grin and its horn was glowing immensely. Suddenly before he had time to react, he felt as the spirit lengthened its horn and pierced into his belly and right through his body from below. He howled in pain and it seemed to be getting worse as the horn’s width widen inside him.
“What… wh-wh-wh-what the hell!” he screamed, “what are you doing to me?!”
The spirit flashed an evil grin; feeling highly ecstatic from Shadow’s blood running down its horn, “Did you really think I was going to work together with you, mere mortal?”
“M-m-mortal?!”
“I am the spirit manifestation of an ancient curse developed by anger and rage; I work with no pony.”
Even in her constant pain, Pumpkin saw what happened and she couldn’t believe her eyes. Just like that the evil spirit turned around and betrayed Shadow Star even though he helped free it from the confinements of her body. This proved to her of just how merciless and evil the spirit really was.
“How could you do this me;” Shadow shouted as he felt his life slipping away, “I am the one who brought you out of this weak foal’s body! I gave you freedom; you should be grateful to me!”
“Grateful my ass;” the spirit chuckled, “the only thing I’m grateful for is the sight of bloody destruction. I’ve sensed you ever since you tried to get the same deal out of that Blackberry colt all those years ago. But now that I am finally free, I have no more use for you. But don’t worry, your death won’t go to waste; I’ll lay waste to all of Equestria in your name. Pleasure doing business with you.”
Shadow suddenly felt the horn in him stretching out even more and his body almost couldn’t take it. He shouted at the spirit in anger, “DAMN YOU!!!”
After his last words, the spirit’s magic finally sprung forth and split Shadows body in half; and from the strong force one half sprung one way and the other half the other way. One of the halves went over Pumpkin and she was lightly sprinkled with Shadow’s blood and her body shivered with frighten chills. Shadow may have been dead, but it didn’t make it any less terrorizing to her.
The spirit just sighed looking upon its fresh kill, “He was a bit too big-headed any way.”
It then turned its attention back to Pumpkin who was still lying helplessly on the ground. It approached her sporting a menacing smile, “Now… back to you. Tell me, how does it feel knowing that your world is doomed and there’s not a single thing you can do about it?”
“Pl-l-lease… I beg of you,” Pumpkin hesitantly spoke out weakly, “d-d-don’t do this; I couldn’t bare the horrific sight.” 
“I believe that’s the whole idea, genius;” the spirit said smartly, “but don’t worry, I won’t kill any of them… at least not yet. As I said before, I have something special planned that’s going to be killer; just you wait and see.”
What was the spirit’s secret plan; Pumpkin had no clue at all but it drove her crazy of not knowing what it was. This spirit was still torturing with her mind even though it was not inside of her anymore and it was making her upset.
“Why you… w-w-why don’t you just go ahead and slaughter everypony and get my pain over with?! What’s the matter, don’t have the guts to do it after all?”
The spirit walked over to the lying filly and placed its snout against hers and glared into her eyes, “Oh believe me, darling, it’s very tempting; but doing this will be all worth it in the end.”
The spirit walked away to leave Pumpkin to lie ground and suffer through her agony, then it smiled as it looked back at her, “Oh, and do me a favor and stay alive by staying here, my fun with you is far from over.”
It left the cave and Pumpkin was now all alone by herself with the dead corpse of Shadow Star nearby. With her friends and family and all of Equestria now in danger because of her, Pumpkin couldn’t think of how this situation could get any worse.

-----

Pinkie and Pound just got to the Everfree Forest and began to walk into it. Pound was still resting on Pinkie back but he finally had enough of that.
“Okay Pinkie, y-you can let me down now.”
“No way,” Pinkie responded, “you might still be hurt. Just tell me where to go and…”
“I said… let me down!” Pound shouted as wriggled himself off of Pinkie’s back and back on the ground.
“Okay okay,” said Pinkie feeling a little stirred from Pound’s action, “Sheesh, so impatient.”
Pound was already focusing his mind on his surroundings as he already felt his sister’s energy nearby, “Pumpkin is a bit deeper in this forest… I can feel it.”
“Hey Pound,” said Pinkie as she looked around, “ever noticed of how darker it’s gotten in here; I can barely see a thing!” She then suddenly pulled out a flashlight out of nowhere and turned it on to light up their surroundings, “Good thing I brought a flashlight; I figured we might need one.”
Just then Pinkie noticed that Pound had stopped moving and he standing in place with his whole body shaking and his face looked absolutely terrified.
“Um…P-P-Pound, “Pinkie said nervously, “are you feeling okay?”
“S-s-s-something is… c-coming this way,” Pound responded out of fear.
“Is it… Pumpkin?”
“N-no, it’s not Pumpkin… but, it still oddly f-familiar. Whatever it is it’s g-giving me a frightening chill just sensing it.” 
Pinkie realized just how frighten he looked and it began freak her out as well. Pound looking so scared never proved to be a good thing, “Y-you know, I haven’t seen you freak out like this about anything except your sister’s curse. If th-th-that’s what it is, it m-must be Pumpkin, right?”
Both Pound and Pinkie could hear some low eerie sound echoing all around them and they had a feeling that they were being watched. They came together looking on all sides to see if anything was coming towards them.
“Just… stay… still.”
Then without warning, a soft yet sinister voice came from right behind them, “Boo.”
They both screamed and Pinkie jumped into Pound’s arms; but seeing that Pinkie was bigger they both fell down on their flanks. As they looked up, a terrifying pony creature was standing before them staring at them with pure evil eyes glowing crimson red.
“Your screams sound delicious;” it chuckled, “I want to hear more.”
The creature may have looked menacing, but there was something about it that looked very familiar to Pound and Pinkie. 
“Wait, is that… Pumpkin?!” said Pinkie feeling shocked, “What’s happened to her?!”
Pound knew something was off about this; the creature looked like his sister in a way, but…
“I can still feel my sister’s energies,” stated Pound, “but… it’s not coming from her; how can that be?!”
“Ah yes,” the creature chuckled, “Pumpkin; you mean that weak, sorry bag of flesh that I have been inside of ever since the very day of her birth? Yeah, I’m not her.”
Then the shocking realization came to Pound feeling the ominous power coming from the creature, “But that can only mean that you’re… no, no that that’s impossible!”
“Oh, but it is,” said the creature menacingly, “I am the spiritual manifestation of the curse that infested inside your sister. I only resemble in her looks because I have been stuck inside her body for all of these years! However… that won’t stop me from having my glorious fun.”
Pinkie was frantically panicking; the curse they feared so much was now in front of them in a physical form, “This is bad; this really, really bad!!!”
Pound tried to show no fear in front of the demonic spirit, but seeing it face to face made hard for him to keep his cool.
“What’s the matter… Pound;” the spirit snickered, “do I leave you speechless. Am I sending waves of chills down your spine? Do I FREAK you out?”
However, thinking about the condition of sister, Pound was able to calm down and stare back at the spirit with hateful eyes, “Where is my sister; what have you done with her?!”
“Don’t worry,” the spirit said coyly, “she’s still alive… as long as she stays where she is; she’s in a rather weak state right now. Can’t you feel it?”
Suddenly, Pound felt a huge painful surge go through his head as he fell to the ground screaming, “Ugh; Ahhhhhhh!!!” He was clutching onto his head trying to wait out the pain, but the feeling was unbearable.
“Pound!” Pinke cried as she went over to Pound and placed her hooves around him to try and calm him down. She was quite worried of how the cake twins were going to go through with this situation now.
“You poor little thing,” the spirit said without a hint of emotion, “it must suck having a twin sibling that you can telepathically feel that feels pain everyday; it must be hell.” 	
The spirit was enjoying the sight of her former host’s twin brother groaning and withering in pain in front of it, but it soon remembered that it had an agenda, “Oh well, I’m bored now; I think I’ll go and bring my fun to Ponyville now.”
The spirit turned its attention from Pound and Pinkie and began to make its way to the direction of Ponyville. Pound rose up from the ground despite still feeling slight pain and was about to pursue the demon.
“N-no, don’t you dare; we… w-w-we won’t l-let you.”
“Oh dear, courageous Pound; you, your sister, that Pink pony pest…”
“Hey!”
“… as well as all of Equestria know good and well that there is nothing any of you can do to stop me. But you’re welcome to try and stop me if you so chose; however, I wonder how well your sister is doing. Is she alright; I wonder. Oh well, it’s your choice.”
Pound glared furiously at the spirit continued onward away from him and Pinkie towards their home. He didn’t know what to do; should he try to defend his home or should he find his sister?
“Ugh; that wretched, ungrateful, evil little…”
Pinkie quickly grabbed Pound before he did something too rationally, “Pound, come on, let’s go find your sister. Ponyville is stronger than you think and they can handle themselves, so let’s go and make sure that your sis is okay.”
Pound realized that Pinkie was right; at this moment his sister’s life was more important to him than anything. Once he’s confirmed that she’s okay he can figure out how to stop the demonic spirit.
“Okay Aunt Pinkie,” he stated solemnly as he faced back towards the direction of Pumpkin, “let’s go; but… I just hope you’re right.”

-----

After leaving Zecora’s hut, Twilight and Fluttershy were making a beeline for Ponyville to warn all of the citizens of what was happening. They were on the final stretch to their destination hoping that they were on time.	
“Hey, Twilight?” said Fluttershy
“Yeah, Fluttershy?” Twilight responded.
“Once we warn everypony in Ponyville, what do we do after that?!”
Not even Twilight could answer that question; she was totally unprepared for this, “Well… I don’t know; I actually haven’t thought that far ahead yet!”
“Twilight!”
Twilight and Fluttershy suddenly heard someone call out to them from above. Fluttershy looked above them while still running and she smiled seeing who it was.
“It’s Rainbow Dash!” she shouted
Rainbow Dash swooped down lower to the ground to get in talking range, “Did you guys see…”
“Yeah, we did,” said Twilight, “and I assume that you have too?”
“A giant beam of light shooting out from the Everfree Forest; its kinda hard to miss when you’re living in the sky. So what up with that fact anyway; I think I have a pretty cool idea.”
The three mares finally arrived to Ponyville; and once they got there many of the citizen were outside and they were all wondering about the weird phenomenon that was going on nearby the town. It seemed so frantic that it seemed that it would take someone with a leading voice to silence the area… and that’s when Twilight steps in.  
“Attention everypony!”
One shout of her voice suddenly alerted every pony there to become silent and brought their attention to her. Amongst the crowd, Mr. and Mrs. Cake came through with a slightly injured Acer resting on Mr. Cake’s back. Despite what was going on, they were hoping that it wasn’t what they thought it was.
“Twilight what is going on!?” shouted Mrs. Cake, “Please tell us that it’s anything but our daughter’s curse taking over her body!”
Twilight really didn’t want to disappoint the Cakes, but her sudden nervous expression spelled it out clearly, “Heh… um, actually…”
Suddenly, Acer lifted his head from the back of Mr. Cake and looked at Twilight square in the eyes and said calmly, “It has taken over her… hasn’t it?”
Twilight sighed and nodded her head, “Correct.”
“Heh… I should’ve known.”
“What, you mean it wasn’t the Wonderbolts practicing an amazing spectacle?!” said Rainbow Dash, “So much for my cool idea.”
“Come on, Rainbow Dash,” shouted Twilight, “this is serious!”
Much to Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s dismay, it seemed like the worse had finally came to be and soon Equestria would be in danger of their daughter’s cursed power. Once again, Mr. Cake found himself holding on to his wife’s weight as she was crying on his shoulder. He didn’t blame her though; after all what was to become of their daughter.
“Well that’s unfortunate news,” said a voice nearby, “I had a feeling this was going to happen.”
“Diamond Star,” said Mr. and Mrs. Cake suddenly as they saw him walk up to them.
Knowing the predicament they were all in, Diamond looked over at the Cake couple and gave them a sincere stare, “So Mr. and Mrs. Cake… it’s your call. Do you wish to do my back-up plan, or do you want to risk everypony’s life?”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake still had to think about it hard for a few seconds as they gazed at each other. But in their hearts they knew that the answer was unfortunately obvious. They finally came to the same agreement as they both looked at Diamond Star sadly and nodded their heads… and he acceptably nodded back.
“Alright, now that that’s taken care of,” said Twilight to everyone, “I don’t know how much time we have left to possibly get everypony to a safe place, so…”
“I’m afraid that it’s a bit too late for that.”
Everyone there froze suddenly as they a dark menacing voice nearby that sounded almost familiar. Everyone turned around and saw the last thing they wanted to see at this time; it was Pumpkin… or was it? The form reminisces that of Pumpkin, but she look completely different almost resembling a fiery demon.
“Sweet, merciful mother of Luna!” Diamond Star thought to himself with wide frighten eyes.
Blocking the path behind it completely with fire, the creature stared the crowd down wearing a blood lust smile, “No pony… is going anywhere.”
> The End of all Hope?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everything that could’ve gone wrong did go wrong. Ponyville was suddenly trapped within their own home staring face to face at the spirit of the very curse that once infected the young filly named Pumpkin Cake. While Pumpkin was left within the hidden lair of the former owner, Shadow Star, weak, and helpless, the town was slightly panicking over what they were going to do. Time was running out, and it seemed that their extinction was at hand.
The one who was the most devastated were Pumpkin’s parents; Mrs. Cake was dreading over seeing who she thought was her daughter and what she had become, “Oh dear, is that really our Pumpkin?”
“I don’t want to believe it,” said Mr. Cake hesitantly, “b-but I think you’re right.”
The spirit grinned and chuckled slightly feeling the fear within the residents of the town; it was enjoying the sight immensely, “Look at all of you, shaking and quaking in your hooves; you probably think that you’re all going to die right now, don’t ya? Always thinking about the obvious.”
“Pumpkin, we know that you’re in there somewhere,” said Diamond Star as he took a couple of steps towards her, “Unfortunately, if you attack this town, we will use any force necessary to stop you.”
“Aw, how cute,” the sinister filly said with a grin, “you still think that you can stop me.”
Nearby, Fluttershy was standing beside Twilight shaking like a cold, wet Chihuahua scared to death of what was standing before them.
“Wh-wh-what now, Twilight?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Cheerliee and the Mayor were there as well to try and help reach Pumpkin and get her to not cause destruction.
“Pumpkin, we’re all here for you,” shouted Cheerliee, “Me, Acer, your parents… everypony here is right here for you!”
“Don’t think we’re giving up on you just yet,” the Mayor added.
Suddenly, looking around, Mrs. Cake realized a couple of ponies that were absent and made her worry even more as she asked her husband, “Wait a minute, honey, where’s Pinkie and Pound?”
“I’m afraid that you’re all wasting your breath calling out to Pumpkin,” said the filly nonchalantly, “it’s no use.”
“And what makes you say that?” Mr. Cake protested.
Suddenly, Acer who was still laid out on Mrs. Cake’s back lifted his head and spoke out softly, “That’s… th-that’s not Pumpkin.”
Everyone gasped as they all looked back at Acer with concern; was he telling the truth or was he a bit delusional from his unintentional beating earlier.
“What did you just say?” said Mrs. Cake.
“I’m telling you… th-that’s not P-Pumpkin, it’s… the spirit of her curse.”
Pumpkin parents thought they heard wrong and so did everyone else there; but they didn’t. However, it didn’t seem possible to them at first glance.
“Are you kidding us?” said Rainbow Dash, “How can that not be Pumpkin; it looks just like her… except creepier… a lot creepier.”
Not up to continue watching the residents play the guessing game, the spirit let the cat out of the bag, “Oh, the young colt is quite correct. I only look like the wretched brat because I have resided inside her for all these damn years. But now I’m free… free to do whatever I want. Ah, and don’t worry about poor little Pumpkin, she ‘s fine for now; but I think you should all worry about yourselves first.”
Everyone couldn’t believe what they were seeing; the spirit of the dreaded curse was out of Pumpkin but it still looked like her but in a more demonic form. They were all still a bit terrified regardless, but Diamond Star had a little smirk on his face feeling quite satisfied of the sudden change of news.
“Well then, thank you so much for giving us that bit of intel.”
The creature leered at him feeling that she was being mocked, “Why are you smiling, Dr. knowitall?”
“Now that we know that you’re not the real Pumpkin, we don’t have to worry about holding back. We’re going to take you down right here.”
Twilight suddenly took a stand beside Diamond Star ready to fight, “I’ll help.”
“Thank you, Twilight.”
“Just what are you planning to do,” said the spirit with an evil glare.
“To erase you from existence,” Twilight shouted with magic emanating in her horn, “and rid Equestria of your cursed presence.”
Just then out of nowhere, dozen beams of light came out into the air and then came down to restrain the spirit. It was caught off guard and hissed as it felt the surrounding power holding it down.
“Wh-wh-what… is this!”
As Diamond’s entire medical team came out of hiding still holding on to the spirit, Diamond continued to smile as he said, “You probably remember this combined restraint spell from a couple of years back, except now since you’re not Pumpkin, we’re giving it all our power’s strength.”
He looked over to Twilight to give her the signal, “Well Twilight, up for the…”
“Implosion spell,” said Twilight finishing Diamond’s statement, “you read my mind. Everypony better stand back; it’s about time to send this foul demon back to where it came from!”
Diamond Star and Twilight Sparkle gathered their magic together and brought up as much power behind them as they could. Then with one swift blow, they both took the shot and the combined spell struck on contact and a huge explosion reacted. The medical team kept their hold to make sure that Diamond Star and Twilight succeeded.
“D-did we… get it,” asked Twilight as she was catching her breath.
The smoke was rising and everything was silent; but then, a chilling voice broke the silence, “You’re all fools.”
“What the…”
Just then, all of the restraints broke loose at once, and dozens of crimson beams shot up all around and then headed back down to the ground. Diamond Star stood there helplessly as he saw a beam land on each member of his medical team, and he heard their cries as they suddenly vanished out of thin air.
“Oh my!” shouted Fluttershy in horror.
Diamond feared that the worst had happened to his entire team; that they were all killed. His voice trembled, “My… my team; DAMN YOU!”
As the smoke cleared, the demonic spirit was still standing staring intensely at the frighten crowd, “If all of you know that not even Celestia could take me down, what makes you think that any of you have a chance?”
“That demon just vaporized Diamond’s entire medical team in one swoop,” said Mrs. Cake to her husband in a terrifying tone, “They’re gone… just like that.”
Enjoying Diamond’s enraged emotion, the spirit looked at him amusingly letting the moment last, “Don’t look so upset, they’re not dead; I simply transported them into a deep giant pit nearby where they can’t escape my grasp, as will the rest of you.”
“What?” Twilight wondered.
“You lie,” Diamond shouted, “you’re just trying to psych me out! There’s no way that you would show any form of mercy!”
“You don’t believe me?” the spirit chuckled, “Then why don’t you see for yourself.”
Before Diamond could react, he was suddenly struck down by another powerful beam and suddenly vanished in front of everyone’s eyes.
“Mister Star!” shouted Twilight as she saw it happen right beside her.
The entire town was suddenly on edge just waiting for the spirit to make its next move; and whatever happened next they expected the worst. 
“Sweet mother of Celestia,” shouted Fluttershy, “we’re all doomed! We’re all going to die in a giant fiery blaze of glory, never to be seen or heard from ever again!”
“Way to darken our hopes even more than it already was, Fluttershy,” said Rainbow Dash sarcastically.
The spirit grinned menacingly as it walked towards the trapped crowd, and they all took a step back with each step it took, “Now then… before I enjoy in killing you all, I’m in the mood for playing a little game. It’s something you mortals like to call… tag,” Suddenly, the horn on its head began to glow immensely as it sets its sights on the pony residents, “and I’m it.”

-----

Back inside the Everfree Forest, Pound was hot on the trail of finding his sister with Pinkie Pie walking close behind. The search eventually led them to an unknown cave that Pound noticed hidden nearby.
“I can feel her energy coming from inside that cave, Aunt Pinkie!”
“Whoa, that’s one dark, creepy cave.”
“Come on, we have to go in; my sister is in there!”
“O-o-okie dokie.”
Pinkie still felt very weary as they went inside the dark cave, but Pound wasn’t showing fear at all. He was determined to find his sister at all costs no matter how creepy the surroundings might be. They did made it all the way through and found themselves inside a huge crystal-like room; but then, some disturbing scent came Pinkie’s way.
“Whoa, something sure stinks in here.”
The feeling of Pumpkin’s energy was now closer than ever to Pound and he looked all around him desperately to find her, “Pumpkin; where are you, sis?! Please answer me?!”
Suddenly, a faint voice was heard nearby, “P-Pound… is… that y-you?”
Pinkie and Pound went to a nearby corner where they finally found Pumpkin laying on the ground; bruised and battered.
“Pumpkin; thank Celestia you’re alright!” shouted Pound as he hugged his sister.
“Well… mostly,” added Pinkie.
Pumpkin could barely move, but she was still glad her brother safe as she just smiled at him, “Th-thank goodness that you’re here,” but then that smile quickly turned back into a frown, “but I did something t-terrible; so terrible.”
“Don’t move too much, sis,” said Pound as he held his hoof on her body, “you’re seriously hurt.”
Suddenly, Pinkie caught a terrible once again and yelled out in disgust, “Sweet mercy of Luna, what is that smell?! It’s like somepony crawled up in here and died!”
“S-somepony did die,” said Pumpkin weakly.
She then pointed their attention nearby where there was trail of blood that led to a half of a split-open carcass and the other half not far behind. The stench was terribly bad, but the sight of it seemed to freak them out even more; and it was obvious who might have done it.
“Oh my… oh, that’s not right!” said Pinkie as she tried to keep back any nauseating feeling she might have had.
“What the hell happened here,” said Pound, “and… who was that pony?”
“His name was Shadow Star,” Pumpkin explained, “He was the pony that the Mayor and Cheerliee were warning me about.”
“Wait, you mean all this time you knew about who it was?!” Pound suddenly protested.
“Yeah; but I didn’t say anything because it didn’t seem too important to me at the time. He tried to use my pain and guilt to make me give into his offer of casting the spirit of the curse out of me.”
Hearing that surprised Pinkie who was literally on the edge of her seat, “Whoa, there’s somepony who could do that?!”
“Apparently so; I really didn’t want to trust him, but when I hurt Acer again… I lost it. I couldn’t bear it anymore, so I finally decided to take upon his offer to finally rid myself of this curse.”
“And let me guess,” said Pound, “instead he brought out the spirit of the curse in physical form and left you weak and defenseless.”
“That’s right, and he was planning to team up with the spirit and conquer all of Equestria.”
Pound suddenly scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Typical.”
“So what happened?” asked Pinkie.
“The spirit betrayed him and violently ripped him in half… a-as you can see. Some of his blood got on me and it scared me immensely.”
Pinkie and Pound couldn’t believe what they heard. There was so much that was going on Pumpkin that they were left flabbergasted; unknown what to make of this situation.
“But… even though it’s good that he’s gone now, it doesn’t change the fact that my curse is now free to cause destruction to our home, and… a-a-and now e-everypony is going to die… just like nightmares predicted. It’s my fault; it’s all my f-fault.” 
As always, Pound tried to convince his sister of not blaming herself for everything, “C-come on, Pumpkin, it’s not…”
But when he did, he received a little glare from her. There was nothing that he could do about it now because it was already too late.
“It’s over, alright,” Pumpkin protested, “and there’s nothing that can be done to stop it.”
So with the curse out of Pumpkin, and her left extremely weak, and now the fact that the evil spirit is now running amuck in Ponyville probably trying to kill as many ponies as it could, it did seemed to be all over; but Pound refused to believe it.
“No… it’s not over; not until I say it’s over.”
“Yeah, that’s right!” shouted Pinkie, “Wait, where are you going with this exactly?”
Suddenly filled with determination, Pound was now planning to fight for his sister, “I’m going to find that spirit and face it with everything I’ve got.”
“What; don’t be crazy,” Pumpkin protested, “That’s suicide!”
“That thing is going to try and kill all of us sooner or later anyway; so I rather fight and die than cower and die!”
Pumpkin was already feeling devastated, but hearing her brother willing to throw his life away for her just made it worse as hardly pleaded, “I’m… I-I’m already going to lose mom and dad… and Acer; I don’t think I can handle losing you too.”
Pound knew exactly how she felt; after all, he felt the same way about her, “Well… I’m afraid it’s pointless to argue with me about it now.”
Pound was about to head out of the cake and towards the town, but he was suddenly stopped by Pinkie who stood in his way, “I don’t think so, Pound.”
“Pinkie?”
“You need to stay here and be with your sister… and I’ll go instead.”
A scowl came on Pound’s face as he refused, “No way, I’m going and you can’t stop me!”
“Oh really?” said Pinkie arching her eyebrow.
Pound suddenly backed down a little as he smiled nervously, “Um… y-yes?”
“You 2 are twins,” Pinkie stated, “and twins shouldn’t be apart for too long. You’re going to stay here with Pumpkin while I go find Twilight and the others. We’ll stop this menace somehow.”
“But… but…”
“Listen to Aunt Pinkie Pie; she’s not asking you, she commands it!”
Pound finally yielded to Pinkie and listened to her orders, “Alright, fine. But if that thing comes back for Pumpkin, I’m defending her.”
“Okie dokie, that’s all I asking.”
Pinkie was lightly skipping her way out when Pumpkin suddenly called out to her, “P-Pinkie, what if you don’t… come back?”
Without turning around, Pinkie stopped in her tracks and had a sad and troubled look on her face; but she didn’t wish to let the twins see her like that. She straightened her face and then looked back at them with a bright smile, “I don’t know, but know this; no matter what happens, just promise to be brave and laugh in the face of danger, okay?” She then waved and left their sight, “See ya!”
“’Sigh’ that may be the last time we ever see her,” Pound thought to himself.
“Brother, do you think you could… take me somewhere else to be?” asked Pumpkin feeling exhausted, “I can’t stand the wretched stench of this place any longer.”
Despite their position, Pound just smiled down on his sister and responded, “Sure thing; anything for you, sis.”
He bent down and scooped Pumpkin up on his back. But since they were close to the same weight, he did struggle a bit; but he didn’t mind one bit.
“I’m not too heavy, am I?” Pumpkin lightly chuckled.
“Nah, not really; but you should skip out on the pies every once in a while.”

-----

Back in Ponyville, everything was up in chaos! The residents did their best to fight off the evil spirit, but nothing seemed to be working; and no matter where any of them ran to, there was no escape.
“That’s right; run, run my little ponies. Run away from me as fast as you can, it makes chasing you all down a lot more fun.”
The spirit was having fun terrifying everyone and causing as much destruction as it could; statues were shattered, and houses burned, and earth around them was being chiseled like a rock. At this point, the spirit struck down plenty of residents. Right at the get-go, it trapped and took out the Mayor and Cheerliee, and then Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Acer, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake. After that, it just went on from there, finding and catching as many ponies as it could.
Many who were still hiding and running away figured that the ones that were caught were done for and gone forever, but the thing is that the statement the spirit made earlier was true. They weren’t exactly killed… yet, they were just transported to a different area; and by that it was in a deep pit made inside Town Hall, and there was a barrier over it to keep any of the Spirit’s prey from escaping. As everything was taking place outside the barrier, Twilight and some of the other captured ponies were doing their best to take it down, but it was no use.
“This is hopeless!” shouted Twilight, “Nothing we do seems to be effective against that barrier; I can’t even transport past it.”
Applejack and Spike were there with them as well wondering how things escalated so quickly.
“Ah was wandering through town tryin’ to find Big Mac,” Applejack stated, “and then all of a sudden this entire ruckus began! And once I found the source of the destruction, I wasn’t even able to throw one punch; I was suddenly here faster than a hog-wild hog!”
“I was trying to sleep,” whined Spike, “but all of the noise woke me up. I was soon captured but Owlicious was able to get away; humph, coward.” 
“So where is your brother?” Twilight asked Applejack.
“He’s over there,” she said pointing behind Twilight.
Twilight turned around and saw Big Mac just standing there blatantly while Twilight awkwardly smirked, “Wow, it got you too, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Now Apple Bloom is out there without any of our help,” said Applejack, “I fear that she’ll be caught sooner or later.”
“That damn spirit is going to pay for this!” said Rainbow Dash, “It broke one of my wings and now I can’t fly; it hurts like the dickens!”
“Just be glad that it’s a broken wing, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy, “You could be dead right now; we all could have been.”
Twilight suddenly noticed over to her side was Mr. and Mrs. Cake along with Acer. Acer and Mr. Cake seemed to be keeping their cool, but Mrs. Cake was a different story. She was laying on the ground sobbing to herself feeling that there was nothing she could do now to protect her daughter, or anypony for that matter.
As Twilight approached Mr. Cake she quietly stated, “How’s Mrs. Cake holding up?”
“Not too well, I’m afraid. She’s at her limit and just couldn’t hold in her emotions anymore. I did my best to comfort her but I had no luck.”
Suddenly, Twilight saw that Acer was now up and standing and came over to say, “Wherever Pumpkin may be now, I fear that she’ll never see any of us again. But …” he said with a slight smile, “at least Pound and Miss Pinkie are with her now.”
Dr. Diamond Star who was down with them with his entire medical team overheard their conversation and highly agreed Acer. But something else was worrying him so, “There is one thing that I’m sure is boggling all of our minds. How come none of us are dead yet; not that I’m rushing into things.”
“That is strange,” Twilight agreed, “I mean if this wanted to kill us all just like in Pumpkin’s past dreams, wouldn’t it have done it by now?”
“Maybe it’s preparing us for something even more gruesome,” stated Acer, “I don’t like to think that, but it’s the only thing that makes sense here.”
It did appear to be strange to everyone of why the demon spirit wasn’t making any attempts to kill anyone yet. Was it true of what Acer said that it’s saving their time of slaughter for later? If so, then what for? Twilight couldn’t help but ponder on this fact… as well as everyone else. 
“Just what is that evil spirit planning exactly?”

-----

The constant destruction was still going on in town and most of the residents were already captured. However, there was still plenty more for the spirit to catch… or tag. But it was soon setting its sights on a certain, specific pony.
The young filly named Ruby Rose was hiding out a lot from the spirit’s sights; she couldn’t believe what’s she was seeing. What her mother had predicted did come true, but not in the same way that she thought. Once she had enough courage, she came out of hiding and sprinted off in the direction of where her mother was; at the Ponyville Prison Center	. However, when she got there, the place was wrecked, and police ponies were knocked out unconscious.
She raced inside holding back any hint of fear in her heart and noticed that all of the prison inmates were gone; but hopefully they wouldn’t do anything bad during a time like this. But there was still one prison member who was still in their cell. Ruby’s mother, Envy Rose; she was just laying on her bunk contemplating to herself knowing exactly what was going on.
“Can you see it, Grandfather,” she thought in her mind, “it’s happening all over again. If only you were here to guide us through this tragedy.”
Just then, Ruby burst into Envy’s cell literally scaring the poor mare half to death; and Ruby was catching her breath from all her running. Envy was relieved to see her daughter still alive and well, but she was afraid that it wouldn’t last long.
“Mom, mom!”
“Ruby, thank Celestia you’re still alive.”
“Never mind that, Mom, we have to get out, now! That evil spirit inside Pumpkin is there causing destruction just like you said! But the thing is that it’s not actually Pumpkin!”
Envy didn’t quite get what Ruby meant by that; she felt quite confused as she arched eyebrow at Rubby, “What do you mean it’s not actually Pumpkin?”
“I mean the actual spirit is out of Pumpkin’s body somehow and has taken an actual physical form of Pumpkin; there’s no way to subdue it!”
This situation was definitely different to Envy than what her Grandfather told her; she couldn’t believe it.
“What; how’s that even possible?!”
“I don’t know,” said Ruby with her body shaking and looking around, “b-but it’s not safe here; we have to go!” 
Envy’s knowledge of this demon spirit already proved to her of how powerful it was. But now there was no way to subdue it long enough to at least try and stop it; so Envy already decided to lose all hope.
“No.”
“No; what do you mean no?!” Ruby protested 
“Exactly what I mean, Ruby. No matter where we may run, that god forsaken demon will still find us. It’s best to stay here and accept our fate.”
It seemed to Ruby that her mother was already giving up; she refused to believe it, “Do you even hear yourself?! I’m not going to wait for that thing to find and kill me!”
Suddenly, a giant explosion came from the back wall of Envy’s cell and literally startled both her and Ruby. Ruby screamed at the top of her lungs, “Ahhhhh!” and then jumped back and hid behind her mother. But then things suddenly got worse when they both realized who came to visit them.
“Knock knock, guess who?”
A terrified expression appeared upon Ruby’s face suddenly staring at the evil spirit face to face, “Holy crap, it found us!”
Envy just smirked seeing exactly what her daughter said was true; this thing really wasn’t Pumpkin, but it did resemble her in a way, “So, you really are out of that little filly, and into a somewhat physical form of her. How did you do it?”
“I had my ways,” the spirit replied with a small smirk herself, “Although, it’s none of your business.”
Envy’s smirk suddenly turned into a light scowl as she stared the creature down thinking of what it has done, “Just how many unfortunately lives have you taken so far, you monstrous demon?”
“Oh, I haven’t killed anypony yet. So far I had fun hunting them all down and storing them all in my containment pit that I made myself inside the Town Hall; and I’m close to completing my Ponyville collection. Anyway, from there, I will go into the next phase of my plan.”
The spirit had a plan; a more elaborate plan? Envy just thought that it was going to start rampaging and randomly slaughtering residents left and right. But now Envy was starting to realize that it was just gathering and collecting them all for something else; but what?
But as confused as she was, Envy suddenly saw the intensity in the spirit’s stare on her change immensely, “Unfortunately for you, I’ve come here specifically to end your life permanently.”
“What,” Ruby thought while suddenly leaking tears, “no.”
Envy’s expression didn’t change much; she just continued to stare it down with a slight shake vibrating her body, “Heh, any particular reason why?”
“It’s because of your Grandfather,” the spirit suddenly shouted in anger, “he irritated me when he ceased my rampaging long ago, and he’s not dead because of me. Heh, but now… I can finally pay him back for what he did to me by murdering his Granddaughter.”
“Sounds like someone can’t get rid of a grudge,” said Envy with an amused little smirk, “You really are a spirit of rage and anger.”
All of a sudden, Envy’s heart leapt when her daughter quickly stood in front of her, “Stop!”
“What the…”
Her eyes streaming and her body shaking, Ruby stood her ground in front of the evil creature doing anything she could to protect her mother.
“Don’t take… o-one more step. I will not willingly stand by and allow you to k-k-kill my mother!”
“Ruby, don’t!” shouted Envy feeling worried for Ruby.
The spirit looked at the filly and scoffed at her demanding words, “I’m afraid that you have no choice, little brat.”
“If you want my Mother,” Ruby stated while still shaking in fear, “you… y-you’ll have to kill me first!”
Envy saw what her daughter was doing and she wasn’t going to let it happen, “Ruby, don’t be foolish; what point do you think that will make?!”
“Standing up for what… I love and care about!”
Ruby’s heart began to race as she was lifted into the air by the spirit’s aura and it was grinning menacingly at her feeling real itchy to impale her, “If you wish to die with mommy, I would be happy to oblige.”
“No; please spirit,” Envy desperately pleaded, “I’m the one you want! Leave her out of this!”
Ruby looked over at her mother begging for the spirit to spare her life, but its not what she wanted. All Envy was doing was trying to protect her.
“Mother!”
“Just… go ahead and kill me; just please… promise me that you will… spare my baby’s life.”
The spirit chuckled at how pitiful it thought Envy looked giving up her life for Ruby even thought it would prove to be useless, “Heh, well if you insist.”
It threw Ruby to the side and sends her crashing into a pile of rubble. By the time she got up and shook herself off, Ruby saw that her Mother was already being lifted in the air with the spirit’s horn aimed right at her. Envy still showed no sign of fear as it glared at the creature and spoke…
“Do your worst.
“No, don’t!” Ruby cried.
Ruby tried to stop it, but before she could even move an inch, Envy was suddenly pulled towards the spirit and Ruby helplessly watched as glowing horn pierced through Envy’s chest and deep into her flesh. Envy gasped as her body jerked from the impact and her wide eyes expressed a feeling of immense pain.
“So tell me; how does it feel to have such a fatal wound inside you?” the spirit said with a grin, “I made sure that you will experience a slow and excruciating death.”
Ruby watched in horror as she saw her mother’s blood run down the spirit’s horn; she was about to witness the death of her last parent. She just stood there traumatized not being able to say anything nor do anything to save her mother. 
“Pleasure doing business with ya,” the spirit whispered to Envy before slinging her downward on the ground with much force that caused her to cough up her own blood and suddenly laid at a standstill.
“Mother, no!”
Ruby suddenly ran to Mother in anguish and laid over her trying to hang onto hope, but she could see the blood slowly flowing out; and at Envy’s age, she might not last long.
The spirit now felt satisfied and was about to make its leave snickering under its breath. Nothing looked more rewarding to it than seeing the life of a sole pony slowly drained away; and seeing another crying over the pony to boot.
“Count yourself lucky that I’m sticking to your Mother’s promise… for now,” the creature said to Ruby, “I’ll just leave you here to watch your mother die a slow, bleeding death. But don’t worry, when I’m done with my task, I’ll let you join your mother once again.”
Ruby suddenly looked over at the spirit with tears in her eyes feeling angered and enraged of what it had done. But it didn’t bother the spirit one bit as it went out of the building and back out into the town to complete its mission.
Ruby’s attention came back to her Mother when she heard her heavily breathing and coughing harshly. She cried to her, “Mother, why? Why did you just let that creature… straight –up impale you like that?! I was trying to protect you!”
Envy slowly looked up at her daughter with half-lidded eyes and a slight smile and answered her weakly, “I guess… I just didn’t want to… see you die… b-because of me. I couldn’t bear the emotion of l-l-losing you… like I lost your father.”
Ruby was easily getting freaked out realizing her mother’s blood getting smeared on her hooves and she shouted, “And you don’t think I feel the same way about you?!”
Envy suddenly had a request to Ruby, “Ruby, the… spirit isn’t g-going after you right now; so if you are able to, please… promise me th-this. Run, run as far away from this town as possible… and don’t look back.”
The thought of that monster coming back to kill her did seem scary to Ruby, but she refused to leave her Mother here to die all alone, “No… no, I’m doing no such thing.”
She quickly went into a bag that she had brought with her and began to rummage through it. Envy looked over asked, “Wh-what are… you doing, R-Ruby?”
Ruby came back over to her with some special healing ointments; and then she carefully rolled her on her back and immediately started to spread the ointments over the huge, deep wound. Despite feeling on all the blood, she wasn’t hesitant in doing her work.
“I’m not leaving your side, Mom, not for one moment!” Ruby then laid her horn upon the wound as it began to glow immensely, “I’m staying right here, and I’m going to save you; I refuse you to die!”
Envy couldn’t believe why her Daughter was risking life to try to save hers; she was becoming a bit impatient, “Ruby… I-I’m y-your Mother. I’m not asking you to do this, I’m ordering you to. It too late for me, s-s-so just leave already.”
“I SAID I’M NOT LEAVING!!!” Ruby roughly boasted.
Suddenly, Envy was silent staring at her daughter in slight shock of her rasing her voice against her own.  Ruby had her own reasons for not obeying her words.
“You think that you’re the only one of us that has problems dealing with emotions?!” she Questioned, “I felt just as emotional as you were when we lost daddy; I just didn’t choose to show it too much in front of you so you wouldn’t worry too much for me about. But… when I thought I was going to lose Acer that other day, I lost it; I was going hysterical. If Acer had died, it was going to be my fault, and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself anymore! So if I have to live without you, then… I rather stay here and die with you.”
The words coming out of Ruby’s mouth left Envy speechless. She knew that her Daughter loved her very much, but she never realized that she cared for her so much that she would not abandon her and risk her life for her. Envy finally understood just how deep her family bond with Ruby that she truly had.
“I don’t care how much of my magic that I use, I’m going to try and save you even if it’s the last thing that I do!”
Ruby then laid her horn on her mother’s gouging wound again and began to activate her healing technique. Envy watched her and noticed something familiar about the spell that she was casting on her wound.
“Th-that healing technique… it’s looks more… ‘cough’ advanced than  what I taught you. H-h-how did you learn that?”
“I know that this was more advanced for me and you didn’t think I was ready yet, but… I went on ahead and secretly practiced it on my own while you were here; and I actually did pretty well. I figured that I might need it one day but I wasn’t exactly sure when.”
Normally Envy would be a little upset at Ruby for trying something behind her back, but instead she was quite proud of her. She smiled as she laid her head back trying to relax as Ruby was continuing her work.
“Ruby,” she said weakly, “if we don’t make it through this, I just want you to know that… ‘cough cough’ you’re the best daughter I could ever ask for. I kept trying to push you away from this, and y-yet… you still stayed and refused to leave me here alone. I’m sorry if I was being too selfish and not thinking about your feelings.”
“Don’t be sorry, Mom, you were only trying to protect me and was using your… mother’s inter… intu… ition to think what was best for me. I couldn’t ask for a better mother.”
Those last few words were like music to Envy’s ears. Hearing her own daughter say to her was the best thing that ever happened in her life; she suddenly felt at peace.
“Now hold still,” stated Ruby, “I need total concentration if I’m going to make this spell work.”
“Do you see her, honey,” Envy thought to herself as she continued to watch her Ruby, “our little girl is growing up. It seems that I was still a good mother after all. Unfortunately, everything that she is trying to do may not be enough to save me; and then… I will leave her and then join you.”
“Ugh, still not enough!” Ruby whined as she was struggling with the spell, “I need more time!”
“But if the worst possible thing does comes to pass… at least… we’ll all be a family again.”

> Last Line of Defense
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	While things were still going down in Ponyville, Pound was still traversing through the Everfree Forest carrying his weakened sister, Pumpkin. He didn’t really care about carrying her the whole time; in the state that she was in, he knew she couldn’t easily move on her own. But at one point, they reached this huge clearing inside the forest, and there didn’t seem to be any kind of danger nearby.
Pound tilted his head over to Pumpkin and suggested, "Hey, you wanna rest here, sis."
Pumpkin lightly nodded her and responded, "S-sure, okay."
Pound picked a nice soft spot in the grass and carefully laid his sister down on it. He then sat beside her and leaned back on his hooves to relax while watching over her. After everything that has happened, Pound almost couldn’t believe it; a little smile came on to his face mostly because he knew that there was probably no use for feeling scared anymore.
"Heh… I never would've thought that things would come to this. It's like I'm stuck in a horrible nightmare and I'm waiting to wake up from it at any time. I guess now I truly understand of what you've been going through all this time."
"P-Pound,” said Pumpkin weakly, “is this... r-really the end? Is Pinkie and everypony else going to die? Are we... going to die?"
Pound didn’t wish to add on to his sister’s worrying, but he still gave an honest answer, "I don't know, sis; it’s a very likely possibility. But hey, we all saw this coming, right? We did our best to stop this curse, but now I'm afraid that we might have to face reality... and accept our fate."
At this moment in time, Pumpkin seemed to be giving up hope. She knew that it was worthless to struggle against her curse any longer. She laid her head on her brother’s lap, lamenting of everything that had happened.
"All... I ever wanted... was for everpony to stop worrying about me, to be happy for me; all I wanted was to be rid of this d-d-damn curse so that my life could be without a lot of fear... and death. But... who was I kidding; it was never meant to be… it just never was.”
She then slightly looked up at her brother and made a little sorrowful smile, “I guess…even if I lose everypony I know, at least I’ll still have my twin brother.”
Pound smiled back her while lightly patting her on the head, “At least you’re still thinking a little positive.”

-----

Back in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie was racing to the huge panicking scene, and she noticed that most of the citizens were gone. Wanting to get a last crack at the demon for some pay back, she was looking all around the damaged town to try and locate it.
“Okay, if I was an evil, demonic spirit causing havoc, where would I be at this time?”
Pinkie then suddenly heard somepony scream out loud, “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!” and she recognized very well.
“OMG that sounded like Rarity!”
She ran towards to where she heard her friend scream in terror; right where the Carousel Boutique was.
“Rarity, are you… okay?!” she shouted. 
When she got however, she saw Rarity a little scarred standing in front of her shop in a defensive stance staring down the very demon spirit she was looking for.
“Back off, demon! You can try anything you want, but I won’t allow you to burn my boutique!”
The spirit was smiling manically being amused by the unicorn’s confidence, “What’s the matter, afraid that your worthless creations will be destroyed?”
“W… w-w-worthless?!!!” Rarity scoffed, “You have some nerve!”
Rarity then heard her Pink friend nearby, “Rarity!”
“Pinkie?!”
Rarity saw as Pinkie raced down and zipped right up to her with a little smirk, “What’s up?”  
“Nothing much, just trying to protect my home from this menace.”
“Nice to see you again, Pinkie” said the spirit in a creepy tone, “What happened to the other two? Were they too chicken to show their faces, or are you just sacrificing yourself to protect them?”
“Forget about them,” said Pinkie staring down the spirit, “you’re dealing with us now!”
“Oooooh, I’m so scared,” said the spirit sarcastically.
“Even if you took us down,” stated Rarity courageously, “more will rise up against you!”
A lustful smirk came on the spirit’s face as it licked its lips, “Good, more toys for me to play with.”
Rarity suddenly shuddered a bit and said, “Oh, um… o-o-okay.”
Pinkie got into an offensive stance while continuing to stare down the creature, “We’re sick and tired of you, you got it?! We will beat you somehow; before you know it, we’ll be rid of you… just like that!”
“You mean like this,” said the spirit as its horn began to glow.
Pinkie and Rarity both got on their guard preparing for whatever the spirit was planning. But unknown to either of them, a little portal was forming behind them, and then a beam shot out and hit Pinkie. She screamed out from being surprised and then she vanished in front of Rarity’s eyes.
“Pinkie!”
“Oops, looks like you’re all alone again,” said the spirit with a smirk as she saw tears forming in the mare’s eyes.
“You monster; you don’t care about anything, do you?!”
The spirit rolled its eyes, “Um, duh; are you only realizing that now, dumb bitch?”
Rarity scowled heavily at the spirit for insulting her, “Oh, so now you’re calling me a bitch?!” She then conjured some magic and surrounded herself with hard-studied diamonds. She aimed it all at the spirit as she shouted, “Take this!”
All of the diamonds launched at the spirit, but it just stood there and took the full blown attack. There was no scratch found on it, and it looked back at Rarity with a grimly smile, “Nice little trick you have there. Care to see one of mine?”
The spirit conjured up some fireballs out of nowhere and launched them at Rarity. Rarity thought it was no big deal as she held up a defensive shield in front of her, but unfortunately, the fireballs completely shattered the shield and made a direct hit on her. She flew back screaming in pain from the burns that she felt on her skin, and she felt some of her coat and mane got singed off.
After the attack, Rarity was trying to get up despite the pain she was feeling. But by the time she did, the spirit was right in front of her sporting an intense evil glare and her horn glowing intensely and said…
“I win.”
And with that, she blasted Rarity as well… and she disappeared just like Pinkie. With the last wielder of the Elements of Harmony now out of the way, the spirit prepared to capture its remaining prey.
It then stared at the boutique that was still standing and in one piece; it was tempted, but then scoffed at it, “Nah, it’s not worth it,” and then turned away from it view.

-----

After being attacked from behind, Pinkie found herself being transported to a different location and landed right on her face. She got up and rubbed her head while groaning immensely.
“Ugh; well… that didn’t work.”
Suddenly, she heard a voice nearby, “Pinkie?!” 
She turned around and saw a sight that almost made her cry. It was her friends, as well as Mr. Mrs. Cake, and the main friends of their children. As she saw them come toward her direction, she noticed that all of the Ponyville civilians were all here as well.
“Oh my gosh,” shouted Pinkie with tears in her eyes, “you’re all still alive!”
“Surprisingly, yes; we all are!” said Twilight.
Pinkie tackled Twilight and hugged her tight not wanting to let go, “Oh thank Celestia, I thought I lost you girls; and everypony else!”
All of her friends were glad to see her alive as well, especially the cakes. But they realized that someone else was still missing.
“But what about Rarity?” Fluttershy questioned, “Where’s she?”
“Oh no, I saw her, and I was with her! And now she’s…”
Suddenly right on cue, a bright light appeared above them and Rarity fell down in front of them in the bad state she was in.
“… um, right here with the rest of us!”
They all went over to the bruised mare and helped her up on her hooves making sure she was alight.
“Are you okay, Rarity,” said Twilight, “you looked really bruised up.”
Rarity brushed of some of her burnt fur off of her and responded, “Well… aside from the fact my mane is a total mess, and the fact that I’ll need like 5 spa treatments if we ever survive all this, then yes… I am perfectly fine.”
“Well that’s great to hear,” said Rainbow Dash, “seeing that your mane is the least of our worries.”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake came over to Pinkie, as well as Acer who was feeling better with his wings healing.
“Thank goodness you’re alright,” said Mrs. Cake as she hugged the pink mare, “we were a bit worried.”
“Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Cake; hey, Acer!”
“Sup’?”
Even though it was a relief that Pinkie was safe, was something else that was obviously boggling in Mrs. Cake’s mind.
“Please, Pinkie; please tell me that Pumpkin and Pound are safe?!”
“Yes, are they,” added Mr. Cake feeling nervous himself, “for Cup Cake’s sanity and sake?”
“Don’t worry,” Pinkie responded, “they’re both fine for now; well… mostly Pound is okay. Pumpkin is… she’s a bit messed up right now; that demon really roughed her up. But as long as her brother is there with her, she’ll be fine too.”
Even though Pinkie said that they were still safe, Mrs. Cake still didn’t feel very comfortable about what happened to her daughter as she leaned back into her husband’s hooves.
“Well thank Celestia that she is safe,” said Acer with a sigh of relief, “that’s what’s important.”
After that, Twilight decided to start thinking up of ideas of what to do next, “With you 2 here, I guess that almost everypony has been captured now.”
“Not mah sisters and her friends,” stated Applejack, “Ah haven’t seen them for a while now.”
Rarity was suddenly freaking out about her sister’s safety despite her injuries, “What, Sweetie is still out there?! She’s going to be skewered for sure!”
“Not to worry, Rarity,” said Twilight with confidence, “It seems that demon spirit is only capturing everypony… for now, so those three should be no exception. I guess the bright side is that no pony is dead yet.”
“Not everypony,” said a random voice.
Everyone turned over to a random injured police pony who was being supported by two more members. They were almost afraid to ask what he meant.
“What do you mean… not everypony,” said Spike.
“Well, how can I say this? That demon spirit gave one individual no mercy at the detention center. Many officers including myself were wounded but captured just like everypony else. Unfortunately before I was captured, right from the corner of my eye I saw that thing corner one of our newest prisoners, Envy Rose; and it… it struck her down… right in front of her own daughter.”
Everyone who heard became silent upon the stallion’s words. They couldn’t believe what they heard.
With slight grief in his heart, Acer voice trembled as he said, “Envy’s… dead?!”
The Mayor was nearby too and her everything. “That is… some very unfortunate news.”
“But why her I wonder,” said Mrs. Cake, “Did it have something personal against her?”
“Poor Ruby,” said Pinkie sadly.
Despite everything Envy had done in the past, they all still grieved for her and her daughter who probably had to watch her die. However, a certain unicorn wasn’t planning to dwell on this tragedy for too long. 
“Well, as sad as that is,” said Twilight, “we need to focus on finding a possible way out of here; every second counts.”
“What’s the use, Twilight,” Fluttershy lamented, “even if we do break out, that demon will just hunt us down all over again; so what’s the point?”
“You might be right,” Twilight partially agreed, “but at the situation that we’re in, I would rather die trying to stop that thing from killing anymore innocent lives than to stay here and wait for whatever fate awaits us!.”
Everyone thought about what Twilight said and realized that she had a good point. They were now at the point of no tomorrow, and they figured that they were either going to die or die fighting.
Twilight looked at all of them with a strongly determined face and questioned…
“So… who is with me?!”

-----

Back in Ponyville, within its destruction, the demon spirit was still wandering around it’s grounds searching for more targets that it may have missed. But it smiled knowing that there still was a few that needed to be caught, meaning that it’s fun was about to go into phase 2.
“Everything is going perfectly; almost everypony here has been caught. Soon my plan will be complete, and poor little Pumpkin will be scarred for the rest of her cursed life.”
But suddenly in the middle of its thoughts, it sensed something nearby; something that seemed familiar. But at a split-second, it just avoided a powerful blast that came from above.
“UGH! What the…”
After getting up, it looked up in the sky and saw two figures racing toward it. One being Princess Celestia of Canterlot, and her sister, Princess Luna. It seemed that they came to end her progress of destruction, but the spirit wasn’t counting on letting that happen.
“This has gone on far enough demon,” Celestia shouted as she and her sister landed on the ground and glaring at the creature, “Did you think that you could do all of this without me knowing?! Your reign of terror ends here!”
The spirit didn’t flinch one bit and wasn’t worried at all despite her position.
“Ah, Princess Celestia,” it said with a sarcastic smile, “how wonderful it is to see you again. I see that you also have your young sister with you as well. So let me guess, you’re here to try and stop me?”
“That is enough out of you! Times have changed since I went against you back then. But now that Luna is by my side again, we will finish what I had started.”
Luna spoke a few words at the demon herself with her Canterlot voice. “Thou hast caused continuous pain for the young filly, Pumpkin Cake, and trapped her family in a nightmare for many years! We know now of what my sister hast told us about you, and now… we shall help put an end to all of that; right here, right now!” 
The spirit just laughed at the two alicorns; thinking of their threats as nothing more than amusement, “Such powerful and threatening words; too bad that it will all be for nothing.”
“That is highly unlikely,” Celestia protested.
Both sisters intertwined their horns to emit a powerful combination spell that was guaranteed to destroy anything. They both glared back at the creature who was still standing there not moving an inch.
“This is good-bye,” said Luna, “fare thee well, demon!”
They both sung their horn forward and their spell landed right on top of the demon, and all that was seen was the huge explosion that the impact of their spell had left.
“It’s finally over,” Celestia sighed with relief, “Well done, Luna.”
“Glad to be of assistance, Sister,” she responded with a smile.
But their relief was cut short as they witnessed the explosion of their spell swirling inward.
“What, no!” Celestia shouted.
When it disappeared, the creature was still there standing tall and slightly chuckling feeling the power that it absorbed.
“It… i-it absorbed our spell?!” Luna shouted.
“What was it that you said, Celestia?” said the spirit, “You were going to finish what you had started?” It then started to gather up the power that it absorbed in its horn and then grinned grimly back at the two sister rulers, “Once again… you failed.”
Before any of the two Princesses could react, the demon creature shot the absorbed power back at them in full force. The power was too overwhelming as both of their cries were heard throughout the surrounding lands; and their bodies became hardened until they were nothing but a couple of rock statues. 
“Don’t you fools understand,” the demon shouted to the heavens, “I was highly unbeatable back then; and now I’m even stronger than before! Not even the combined powers of two Alicorns can stop me!”
While the creature was claiming her victory, three young mares, formally known as the C.M.C was nearby hiding behind a partially destroyed building and witnessed the royal sisters’ defeat. It truly was a frightening moment for them.
“Buck,” said Apple Bloom in distraught, “now what do we do, girls? Not even Princes Celestia and Princess Luna could stop that thang; so how can our plan ever work?”
Sweetie Belle was holding on to her stomach feeling a bit queasy of their situation, “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Not on me, please,” said Scootaloo inching away from the unicorn mare.
Realizing how hopeless their situation was, Apple Bloom made an important decision. “Ah’m afraid that we have no choice girls, we have to flee.”
“But what about the others?” questioned Sweetie Belle.
“Sorry, Sweetie,” Apple Bloom sadly responded, “but let’s face it; they’re gone, and there’s nothin’ we can do about that.”
Her other friends didn’t want to believe it, but what else could they believe. They looked around the town to make sure that the coast was clear, and then they made a break for it; running out towards the entry way of the town.
“So… where do we go now?” questioned Scootaloo as she flew above her friends.
“Anywhere but here,” said Apple Bloom, “Ah’m afraid that we have to leave our home behind; and don’t you dare look back!”
Suddenly, a huge explosion ignited in front of the three mare’s path and caused them to screech to halt.
“Aw Crap!” shouted Scootaloo.
They all stood still, a bit worried of what caused their sudden obstacle. But then a familiar figure came out from the debris, eyeing its last victims straight in the eyes.
“There you are, I’ve been looking for you young mares. Wanna join your friends?”
The former crusaders were now in the spirit’s sights and were suddenly frozen still; that is, until Sweetie Belle freaked out and yelled…
“RUN!!!”
All three mares quickly turned around and ran the other way to get away from the spirit. However, they only got about 40 feet away before they were dragged right back into the same spot by the spirit’s magic. They knew now that it was impossible to escape as they slowly looked up and saw it approach them like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
“I almost forgot to tell you; you don’t have much of a choice. After this, my plan will be in full swing; and then I shall roam and spread fear and destruction throughout this land forever!”
A little burst of courage suddenly ignited inside Sweetie Belle hearing the spirit’s plan and she shouted out, “No, you’re doing no such thing!”
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo suddenly stepped back as Sweetie suddenly caught the spirit off-guard and trapped it in a magical barrier. She then triggered a secondary move that caused the barrier to explode from the inside. Even at her level of magic skill, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo just stared felling shocked of what she accomplish.
“Whoa; impressive, Sweetie,” said Apple Bloom.
“Remind me to not get on your bad side,” added Scootaloo with a smirk.
Sweetie smirked as she blew the smoke off her horn and looked at her friends, “It was nothing; I just…” 
But before she could even finish her statement, and beam came from the smoke and impacted on Sweetie; and she disappeared in a flash.
“SWEETIE BELLE!!!” both of her friends shouted out. 
The uninjured demon emerged from the debris wearing an expression of irritation, “She was a bit of an annoyance; but that’s the end of that.”
With tears in her eyes and believing that her unicorn friend was dead, Apple Bloom just charged at the demon head on. “You ungrateful, demon witch!”
The demon remained unfazed as the earth mare was charging at it full-throttle, and Apple was preparing to knock it into next week. But as expected when Apple Bloom came upon the creature, it held up its hoof and easily held her in place.
“I don’t think so.”
Its horn glowed and then struck down on Apple Bloom, causing her to vanish too; and now Scootaloo was left alone.
“No, Apple Bloom!”
“And then there was one,” said the spirit with a smirk leering at the shuddering Pegasus, “Don’t make this any harder than it has to be; just give up.”
Scootaloo stood down and lowered her head seeing that there was nothing that she could do now. She regrettably bowed down in front of the spirit and surrendered herself, “Just… get it over with.”
There was nothing the spirit liked more than to see an individual mortal grovel at its hooves and begging for mercy. But for that, it decided to spoil some minor details to her.
“Since you’ve decided to give yourself up, “I’ll tell you this; none of your family and friends are dead… yet.”
“Wh-wh-what?!” Scootaloo said holding her head up, “They’re all… st-still alive?”
“Indeed they are, but you’ll all be dead soon enough once my plan is finally done.”
“What plan?!” Scootaloo strongly questioned.
But the demon didn’t answer; instead it blasted her with its magic and made her vanish too. With her gone, the spirit could now move on to whatever menacing plot it had. It smiled while gazing upon the art of its destruction of the town; it was just how it envisioned it in Pumpkin’s nightmare… without all of the dead bodies and blood of course. But speaking of Pumpkin, it knew of what it was time for now.
“Now then… where can I find little Pumpkin… and her darling brother?”
	
> Pumpkin's Sacrafice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	

(WARNING: Pure, emotional sadness ahead!!!) 






‘GASP!’
Pumpkin suddenly got a sudden shock in her head as she perked her head off of her brother’s lap and was looking around feeling terrified.
“What’s the matter, Pumpkin?” Pound questioned, “Did… something happen?”
“Y… y-y-yes, something did happen; something terrible. Two very strong beings has fallen to that demon. I think… I-I-I think it’s… Celestia and Luna!”
“What?!” Pound shouted in worry, “Are you sure?! How can that be possible?! Celestia and Luna are stronger than anypony we know; they can’t be beat!”
But Pumpkin shook her head looking at her brother feeling devastated, “I don’t think it’s a trick; they’re really gone. I can’t believe this.”
“Took the words out of my mouth, Sis; if they couldn’t stop it, then who can?!”
Pound wasn’t quite sure what to do now that the Princess of the sun and moon were defeated. Their end were now certain. But suddenly sensing something that Pound couldn’t, Pumpkin suddenly used her strength to push her brother away from their resting spot as she yelled…
“LOOK OUT, BORTHER!”
Pound was taken by surprise by his sister’s action, but then realized the huge explosion behind them that landed right where they were sitting before. After gathering his breath, he looked at sister who was almost unconscious on top of him.
“Sis; sis, are you alright?!”
“I-I-I’m alright, but… I-I’m afraid that we’re not alone anymore.”
“Right you are, little Pumpkin," said a menacing voice, "You’re so observant.”
To the Twins' horror, approaching them from the side was the devastating demon spirit; grinning and chuckling under it's breath as it saw the sad and emotional state that they were in.
“Damnit," Pound groaned, "how did you find us so fast?!”
“Are you serious?" said the spirit sarcastically, "I’m still technically a part of your sister’s soul; I sense her energy wherever she goes. So no matter where she goes, she can’t hide from me; nor can anypony near her.”
Pumpkin glared a little at the spirit but then broke down in a coughing fit in front of her brother  making him worry.
“Oh dear, you don’t look so good," said the spirit, "but pretty soon, neither will your brother.”
Pound  got up in front of his sister with his wings spread out and glaring the demon down, “Come again, souless freak?”
“Oh my goodness; did you just call your sister a freak? How cruel.”
“Stop comparing my sister to you, foul demon! She wouldn’t go around causing destruction and killing ponies willy-nilly! So what if she’s your recent host; she’s nothing like you!”
As always, the spirit remained unmoved and unaffected by Pounds remarks, “Either way, I’ve captured all of your family and friends, and Celestia and her Sister are now such wonderful garden decorations.”
“No.”
“And now I’m going back to my original agenda; making Pumpkin miserable.”
“Make her shed... one more tear," said Pound angrilly brushing his hoof against the ground, "and I’ll destroy you.”
“Pretty strong threat from a young colt, but it won’t help you seeing that your precious rulers couldn’t even stop me. But go ahead, taking you out is next on my to do list anyway.”
Suddenly, Pound found himself being lifted in the air and away from the Spirit. Once he was on solid ground again, he saw that in front of him his sister, Pumpkin was steadly on her hooves breathing heavily while aiming to try and tae down the demon.
“What the… Pumpkin?”
“Still have the strength to stand on all fours I see," the spirit sighed, "That’s pretty impressive if not pathetic.”
“Pumpkin, what are you doing?" Pound shouted, "I got this; you can’t take that demon on.”
“I… d-d-don’t care," Pumpkin studdered, "I’m not going to let you… o-or anypony else… fight my battles. This demon is my responsabilty and I will fight it; not you, not Pinkie, not Acer and not anypony! As long as I can… s-s-still stand… and cast mag-g-gic… I won’t r-r-run away anymore.”
The spirit was chuckling again feeling amused of Pumpkin's brave stand, “How cute, you’re still trying to protect those you love so much from me. But in your state, I’m afraid that’s impossible. You’ll give out before you cast a single spell at me.”
Pumpkin glared at the spirit while suddenly emmiting some magic in her horn, “Don’t count me out just yet. Unless you get pass me, y-you’re not landing a single h-hoof on my brother.”
“What about yourself, Sis?!” said Pound.
The spirit realized that Pumpkin wasn't going to stand down and decide to go along with it, “You’re being so persistent. Fine, I’ll play with you a little; in fact you can attack me first, without any interference.”
Pumpkin made no hesitations as she suddenly made a quick shot at the demon, but it completely missed. It didn't  matter to her though; she immediately followed it up with a barrge of lightning strikes. For that one, the spirit acyually decided to move around and dodge Pumpkin's strikes. Pound was just sitting on the ground feeling quite surprised of how much power his sister had left in her even in her current state.
As the spirit kept dodging Pumpkin's attacks, the tired filly waas getting frustrated. She suddenly snuck in a little sneaky move that caught the spirit off-guard. It was swept up off of it's feet as it was suddenly trapped in a containment bubble and couldn't escape; Pound couldn't believe that Pumpkin actually got it.
"I got you now," Pumpkin shouted.
She then gathered as much magic energy that she could in her horn and then unleashed it all at the spirit. A huge explosion ignited around the demon and both twins felt assured that maybe that it was really gone.
"You go, Pumpkin," shouted Pound, "you got it!"
But as the Pumpkin was catching her breath, the smoke settled and much to both of their beliefs, the demon was still alive. 
“Seriously, that’s all you got?” said the demon as it shook itself off.
Pound couldn't believe that what his siter did had no effect, "This... can't be."
And Pumpkin felt the same way looking at the spirit feeling out of breath and completley out of energy; she didn't like her odds. 
“Then if that’s the case…" said the spirit as it stored up magic in its horn and staring at Pumpkin with excitement  in its eyes, "it’s now my turn.” 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Back in the chasm inside the Town Hall of Ponyvile, the the captured residents were doing everything they could to escape the demon's prison. Twilight and many other unicorns who could do it were using as much magic as they could to break the barrier, but nothing worked. Rainbow Dash even tried to gain enough momentum in the tight space that she had and sonic rainboomed at the barrier; but as a result, it failed, and she got nothing but a slight migrain.
Nothing any of them did proved to work at all But pretty soon, they were all joined by the demon's latest prey, the former C.M.C. Applejack and Rarity were overjoyed to see their little sisters in one piece, but once Scooaloo appeared in her injured state, some of hem came to help patch her up. During that time, they told everyone there about what they witnessed, and they couldn't believe what they heard.
“What; not Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!” shouted Twilight.
“We saw it with our own eyes," stated Apple Bloom, "Celestia and Luna attacked it with all of their power, but it absorbed it and ricocheted it back at them; and now they’re nothin' but a couple of stone statues!”
“Well, that’s it," said Spike freaking out, "it’s over. If they couldn’t stop it, what hope could anypony else do?!”
“I can’t believe this," said the Mayor, "is it really all over?”
Pinkie didn't really liked the negativness that surrounded her and felt like tying to make a  funny joke. “I guess it wouldn’t be fitting to throw an ‘Everypony is Doomed’ party, right?”
But no one ound it to be funny as she expected. But amidst the everyone being depressed and having no hope left, one suddenly spoke up.
“I’m still not giving up.”
Mr. and Mrs. Cake turned around and stepped aside as Acer walked forward for everyone there to see him.
“Acer?” said Pinkie.
“I know that everything looks hopeless now, but I’m still not giving up on Pumpkin. I told her myself that no matter how tough things got or how much danger we end up getting into, I promised her that I would do everything in my power to always be there for her, and I know that you all made the same commitment; especially her biological family. But we won’t be keeping our promise staying down here and accepting defeat. Until that demon stabs me through my heart, I’m going to keep fighting for her.”
Most of them were still scared and depressed, but what Acer said made them realize the truth. They all realized that it would be better to keep fighting then to give up at all.
“Everypony… Acer is right," said Twilight, "How could we forgive ourselves if we simpl just gave up? As long as we are still here, we have to keep fighting for us; for Pumpkin.”
“I think we all agree, Twilight," said Rainbow Dash, "but we’re still stuck in here. How the hell are we going to get through that barrier?!”
“Perhaps I could be of some assistance," said a familiar voice above them.
They all looked up and saw two figures standing over them.
“Wait," said Mrs. Cake trying to focus her eyes, "is that…”
“No… way," said Cheerliee, "Envy Rose?!”
It was Envy Rose... alive, and she was accompanied by her daughter, Ruby Rose who was very relived to see everyone still alive. Everyone else for that matter were just shocked of seeing Envy alive after hearing the confirmation of her death.
“What are you doing here?!" questioned Acer, "Aren’t you suppose to be dead?!”
“Yes, I was supposed to be dead," said Envy with a slight smile, "but thankfully my daughter here chose to disobey my words to run away and stayed with me. She showed great courage and loyalty. Its only because of her not giving up on me that I’m still alive.”
“Hey, everypony!” said Ruby as she waved.
“Hey, Ruby!” shouted Pinkie happily.
Everyone was glad that Envy and Ruby were alright, but time was running out and they knew they needed to escape as soon as possible.
“So what’s the plan, Envy?" said Twilight, "We tried everything to destroy this barrier, but it dosen’t want to come down.”
“Yes, this is a simple spell that I’ve seen before," Envy responded, "It’s a special barrier in which it could never be destroyed from either side.”
“Well that sucks," scoffed Rainbow Dash as she rubbed her head, "I sure wish that I knew that sooner."
“But… if we combine my magic and my daughter’s from this side, and all of your magic from the other side, there is a chance that we’ll cause a disruption in the barrier and make it fall.”
“Think it will work?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.
“Well, I don’t think we have any other choice. If this dosen’t work, nothing will.”
“You all heard her, fellow unicorns," shouted Rarity, "it time to take down this barrier and go help Pumpkin!”
“Hey, Spike," said Twilight, "you might wanna…”
Spike suddenly smiled and was walking away from her saying, “One step ahead of you, Twilight.” 
Ruby and her Mother got in position and were about to ignite their magic.
“Are you up for this, Mother?” Ruby asked.
Stumbling a bit, Envy smirked and looked at her and said, “I-I’ll be fine, Ruby; just make sure you give your share too.”
All of the unicorns in the chasm were in position as well and were waiting for Twilight's command, “Alright, everypony, um… unicorns, give that barrier everything you’ve got… NOW!!!”
On cue, all of the unnicorns fired their strongest spell constantly against the barrier and Ruby and Envy did the same from their side as well. Both parties were pressing on as hard as they could, until they saw the sheild starting to crack.
“It’s working," shouted Twilight, "keep going!”
Pinkie was jumping up and down cheering them on, “Go unicorns! Go unicorns! Go unicorns!”
“A-a-almost… got… i-it,” said Ruby as she was pressing on with her Mother.
The sight of the magic auras was intense and electrifying, and the other ponies were standing back as faraway as they could to keep themselves from being caught up in it.  But before long, the sheild finally gave way and was completly shattered by the two opposing forces against it.
“They did it; they actually did it!” cheered Pinkie.
“Unbelievable,” said Mr. Cake in awe.
Ruby fell on her flank and was catching her breath from the hard work she just did. “Well… that… was exhausting.”
Her Mother went beside her and placed her hoof on her shoulder smiling at her and said, “You did well, Ruby; I’m proud of you.”
Ruby smiled back and then gave her a hug while still having tears in her eyes.
Rainbow Dash shot out of the chasm feeling happy and free, “Aw yeah, I can finally stretch my wings again! That spirit is going to pay for placing me in such a tight space!”
“Alright," said Twilight, "all Pegasi please help everypony else get out of this chasm.”
They all complied; every Pegasi there carried as many other pony as they could to the top back on normal ground, and some Unicorns like Twilight actually transported themselves out of the chasm to save some trouble. In no time at all, all residents were finally free and out of the chasm.
“That’s everyone," said Twilight looking around, "I think we’re good to go.”
“Alright, lets find Pumpkin and give her our support!” commanded the Mayor.
Everyone was fired up and shouted, “Yeah!!!”
“But there’s one problem," said Mrs. Cake, "how do we find her?”
Suddenly, Pinkie began to feel a certain sensation in her body that caused her to vibrate all over, “Ooh ooh, my Pinkie sense is acting up!”
“Pinkie sense?” said Envy awkwardly.
Ruby giggled a bit and told her, “It’s a Pinkie Pie thing, Mom.”
“I… see.”
Pinkie's sense was suddenly pointing her in a certian direction, “I… I-I-I sense P-P-P-Pumpkin… that way!”
“Are you sure it’s our daughter?” said Mrs. Cake.
“I bet my life on it; I mean what else do I have to lose?!”
This was it; they were all going to rush to what could be their final moment in life, but they all planned to use it to protect each other and fight for their freedom.
“Anyone who wishes to fight for our survival and Pumpkin, follow Pinkie!" shouted Acer, "One way or another, this bussiness ends today!"
--------------------------------------
Poor Pumpkin did her best to try and her own against the attacks of the dreadded demon, but it was just too much for her to handle. She kept geeting bruised with every strike she received. Though none proved fatal, it definately put her through a lot of constant pain. This kept on going until Pumpkin wasn't able to move anymore. Groaning in pain and covvered in bloddy bruises, she could do no more; but that didn't stop her from continuing to try.
“Pumpkin, stop; just stop!" Pound pleaded to her, "You can’t go on anymore!”
Pumpkin was still trying to get back up on her hooves, “I-I-I-I’m… n-n-not giving up… y-yet. I’m gonna…” But then her body gave out and she fell back down on the ground.
“And thus… she falls," said the demon with a devilish grin, "heh, its about time you've realized when to quit."
As it walked away from Pumpkin, the demon spirit used its magic to lift up Pound and supress him against a tree where he couldn't  move. But Pound decided not to struggle; he was tired of running away.
“Now… back to you. Its time to put my plan into action.”
Pound slightly glared at the demon with anger in his eyes and questioned, “Just what is your plan exactly? It can’t be any worse than what you did all those years ago.”
The spirit came right up to his face and smile; enjoying the inner rage in his heart, “Oh, but it is; its more worse than you can imagine. Sure, it would’ve been much eaiser if I had just slaughtered every single pony I run into and then bathe happily in ther warm blood. But this time, I had another way that’s much more… satisfying.” Then it gave Pound a little sensual lick on his cheek.
Seeing that it was sorta in the form of his sister, he responded, “Ew.” Not to mention that it felt really slimy.
“G-get yourself a-away from my b-b-brother," Pumpkin protested.
“But your brother is part of my plan. You see… back when I possessed the body of Blackberry the third, in the end I was able to fully control him and kill as many ponies as I could. But once I had his sights set on his loved ones, his strong bond with them allowed him to push me back and gain control of his body long enough for somepony to take him down and me along with him! But my host this time… has a twin, and we all know that twins have special connections to each other and can hardly stand to be without the other for too long.”
“Yeah yeah, we know all that," said Pound, "So what point are you trying to prove?!”
“The point is that I know all of her weaknesses, and I know what makes her break down and suffer. If I kill you right here in front of her while she’s completely defenseless, she’ll go so deep into her depression that she won’t be able to control her emotions.”
This was a moment that Pumpkin dreadded, “Oh no.”
“Oh yes; and once that happens, I’ll be able to take over her body again completely but without interference because my host will be too busy being depressed and overly emotional! Then, she’ll have no choice but to sit back in the sub-concious of her mind while she watches me slaughter every single Poyville citizen one by one right in front of her; and there will be nothing she can do to stop it! Finally, the echoing, blood curdling screams of many unfortunate souls will will make me whole once again!”
Pound showed a little smile on his face and chuckled a bit while shaking his head, “Man, and here I thought you were messed up before; but now you just sat yourself on a whole new level of twisted insanity.”
The demon increased her pressure against Pound's body and chuckled herself, “I’ll just take that as a compliment. Ready to make your sister scream in agony; heh, or is the same both ways?”
Pumpkin tried to get up again, “I won’t let you… ahhhh!” However, she stumbled back down again.
“Look how pitiful you look," said the demon spirit leering at the wounded filly, "But don’t worry, once I possess your body once again, I’ll be your hooves and legs for the rest of your life.”
With him trapped, his sister grounded and no one else around, Pound knew that he was about to meet unfortunate  end. But was it wrong for him to think that he saw it coming anyway? He looked over at his sister who was staring in his direction with saddening tears in her eyes not wishing to see what was about to happen. But all Pound did was smile to let her know that he didn't mind anymore; he accepted his death.
“Pumpkin," he said towards her, "it's okay, you don't have to cry for me; we all saw this coming anyway. Just... stay strong, and no matter what happens… don’t break down. Don’t let that demon posess you again. I don’t care what happens to me, just promise me that you won’t do it!”
The demon suddenly became bored, “Well, I think I’ve heard enough." Just then it took some large steps back and then summoned a magical induced spear on it's horn and aimed it at Pound, "Watch closely, Pumpkin; I’m going to kill your brother real good for you, okay?”
Pumpkin was at the edge of her seat; dispite what her brother said, she couldn't keep herself together. She wanted to stop this and save her brother... but how?
“Hope you’re ready, sweetie.”
Pound bravely smirked at the spirit and said, “Do your worst.”
The spirit smirked itself and began to brush its hoof against the ground ready to charge. Pound closed his eyes and braced himself for the strike that would take him away; though he only wished that he could see his parents and friends one more time.
“I’m sorry, Pumpkin, everypony; I guess… this is good bye.”
The spirit  then took off aiming its spear right at Pound's heart and was vibrating with excitement as it got closer and closer. But then at the last moment, a huge light shinned brightly in between the demon and Pound. Neither one had any idea of what it was, but to the spirit it just kept on going foward, until... the spirit finally felt its mark.
Once Pound opened his eyes, he was on the gorund and no longer enveloped in magic. He shook his head trying to get himself together and figuring out what happened. He noticed a couple drops of blood on his hooves and body, but he knew that he wasn't dead. But he suddenly looked up and saw the source of the blood that laid on him. Standing right in front of him on hind legs was... his sister.
Pound's eyes widened in horror realizing of what just happened. His sister must have used whatever magic she had left to transport herself in front of him to shield him from the demon's spear... that was now piercing through her body and releasing her blood.
“No… n-no, Pumpkin!”
Pumpkin was staying strong feeling the searing pain from the object impaling her flesh, but she knew what did and she did not regret it one bit. The spirit saw the outcome itself and found it to amusing but irritating at the same time.
“Oh wow; isn’t this an interesting turn of events.”
The spirit realeased its spear from Pumpkin's body, and the gasping filly fell down on her back. Pound cried out for his sister as he quickly went over to her and held her in his hooves as she was gasping for breath.
“Pumpkin… why; why did you do it. I didn’t ask you to save me; I didn’t ask you to sacrifice yourself for me!”
Pumpkin coughed up some blood and smiled weakly at her brother feeling glad that her little tactic worked, “I-I-I didn’t… h-have time to… decide; I just… did it… right on the spot. I-I-I guess… I just didn’t wish to s-see you… d-die… right in fornt of me; as well as… everyp-p-pony else. I couldn’t stand the thought of g-going through w-w-with that; I j-j-just couldn’t.”
“And what about me," Pound protested, "you didn’t think of how I would feel to see you die?! What is Mom, Dad and Pinkie going to say?! What is… Acer going to say?”
Pumpkin knew of how her brother would feel if she died for him instead of the other way around, but she didn't think it would make any difference; she just didnt want to go through any more pain.
“I-I’m… sorry, b-b-brother," she said feeling her life fading, "I… just wished… that this would… a-a-all be over; but…”
Then fnally, she fell limp in Pound's hooves. Pound's eyes began to fill up to the brim seeing his sister now dead... just like Blackberry the 3rd was in his time.  With his twin sibling gone, his heart felt heavy and his will to go on was now gone.
“How dare she," the demon growled, "she ruined my fun. To hell with her!”
The demon then used its magic to knock Pumpkin's body away from Pound as it tumbled across the ground and halting to a stop on her side. Pound freaked out and cried as he ran towards her.
“Pumpkin!!!”
But before he could, he was placed back against the tree by the spirit's magic and was held at spear point. It looked at his depressed face and slightly chuckled while getting ready to kill him... as it meant to before.
“But who cares; even without her I can still be satisfied with my slaughtering. With her gone, I'm finally free from her being; and now it will be certain that nopony will hinder me no longer.”
Suddenly out of nowhere, both Pound and the demon heard a voice shout out in anger, “Put… him… down!!!”
Without warning, Pinkie charged out of the cluster of trees at full speed and rammed the spirit head-on, causing it to fly back through a couple of trees. She shook her head to get herself bac together and shouted, “Whoa, that stung!" She then went over to Pound and hugged him really hard, "Pound, are you alright!”
Pound pushed himself from Pinkie and solemnly said, “I’m fine, Pinkie; I’m… just fine.”
It seemed to Pinkie that Pound was acting rather down suddenly, but who wouldn't be at this moment. “Well lucky for me I got here or that nasty spirit would have completely skewered you!”
But then having the short attention span that she has, she looked around while have a suspicion, “Wait a minute, somepony is missing here; its on the tip of my tail.”
While she thought of that, Pound suddenly saw many other residents arriving on the scene including Pinkie's friends, and his parents.
“Mom… Dad…” 
Many others like the Mayor, Cheerliee and Minty came too and were all on the look out for the spirit to appear from anywhere
“Good to see you, son,” said Mr. Cake with a smile.
Mrs. Cake threw herself around him crying tears of joy, “I was very worried!”
But Pound knew that their tears of joy would soon turn into tears of sadness once they found out what happened.
“So Pound, where’s your sister?!” Mrs. Cake asked her son pleadedly.
“Oh, that’s it," said Pinkie suddenly, realizing what she forgot, "where’s Pumpkin?! Is she alright?!”
Pound looked at them with depressed eyes and then slowly shook his head while pointing his hoof in a certian direction. Everyone looked over and saw a single body in the distance laying on the ground covered in blood. But who they saw it was shocked them all.
Meanwhile, Acer just got there helping Ruby carry her mother. He suddenly rushed out to the clearing and shouted, “I’m here; where’s… Pump… kin?”
He noticed a lot of the ponies wearing depressed faces, and he saw Mrs. Cake crying in her husband's arms; as well as Minty giving Pound a hug while crying herself. He was wondering why their was such a depressed atmosphere around him; but that was untill he ran over to the motionless body that he suddenly spotted nearby. Now his eyes suddenly began tearing seeing who it was... he knew that it was too late.
“No… it can’t… be?”
Pinkie's mane drooped down feeling devastated for their loss, and her friends all surrounded her with comfort.
“That horrid demon," said Pound depressedly, "it was... going to murder me right in front of her to make her lose her mind, to make h-h-her lose control of her emotions. Then after that, it was going to posess her again and let her watch as it killed all of you in front of her eyes.”
“Oh god,” said Cheerliee tearing up more than she was.
“S-s-she couldn’t bare the thought of going through more torture like that; so… instead of dealing with that, she teleported herself in front of the demon’s path at the last minute and took the blow for me. It’s only because of her that I’m still alive, but... her blood on my coat is killing me inside.”
Pound's parents came to him in his time of need and they were all comforting each other. As for Acer, he just stood there over Pumpkin crying uncontrollably, feeling like he failed her and broke his promise to protect her. He couldn't believe she was gone.
“I’m sorry, Pumpkin; I… I’m sorry that I… couldn’t protect you.”
Minty came up behind him and placed her hoof on his shoulder; doing her best to show her support, “Girl fought hard until the end. You don't have to blame yourself.”
Ruby and her Mother, Envy saw what was going on, and Ruby became devastated herself, “I can’t believe that… she’s dead.”
Envy however, wasn't overly depressed like everyone else, but more like she felt sorry for the town and she feels their mourning for the one they lost, “This is just like the Fillypelphia incident, only worse.”
Ruby looked over at her Mother and asked, “How can Pumpkin’s death be worse than the other incident?”
“Because… despite her unfortunate but noble sacrifice… I’m afraid that it will all be in vain.”
Suddenly, everyone there jumped in shock as the ground shook and a huge energy surge emitted nearby. They all looked in the direction that it came from and saw the still fully intact demon walking out from its landing point from earlier; wearing crimson red eyes and its' horn fully glowing.
“All of you… all of you… escaped?! And as for the one who head-butted me; that actually bruised me a little. Too bad for you that it was only because you caught me off guard. Oh well, at least you all saved me the trip back.”
It then looked in the direction of Ruby Rose and saw someone that it though it finished, “And you… I thought I impaled through your old, crippled heart?”
“I’m not that old, wretched demon," said Envy feeling slightly irritated, "And besides, I believe you leaving my daughter with me was a big mistake on your part. She never gave up on me and was able to save my soul. You completely underestimated her… as have I.”
“Well played, old hag; well played… intentional or not. But I’m afraid that doesn’t change the current situation.”
The spirit could feel the many emotions of all the ponies around it, including some anger and hatred that was aimed towards it. It smiled grimly feeling overwhelmed of the ecstatic feeling many negative emotions that was making it feel stronger.
“Aw, what’s the matter, you poor, pathetic simpletons; mourning over poor little Pumpkin are we? I say good riddance; she did this to herself. She was a huge hindrance to me and a total annoyance to me ayway. Besides, did she honestly think that she would change things by getting herself killed? How pathetic she was, just like Blackberry. Her existence besides bringing me back meant little to none.”
“Shut up," said Acer suddenly as he faced the spirit showing no signs of fear towards it, "How dare you say that about that about Pumpkin. Her life had a lot of meaning; she had a good heart formed from a great family and wonderful friends! But... the only thing about her life that dosen’t matter... is you!”
“Well that really doesn’t matter now, does it? She’s dead, and I barely give a crap. But pretty soon, you’ll all be dead as well.”
Even though he felt the burden of losing Pumpkin in his heart, Acer looked at everyone that was there an gave them encouragement. “Listen, everypony; I know that I’m just an older colt, but… please, I ask of you. Pumpkin… m-m-may be gone, but... that changes nothing! This evil demon is going to hunt us down for fun and slaughter all of us no matter what we do or where we go! Well, if I was any of you, I would not just sit around and worry about Pumpkin’s sacrifice; instead, I would do everything I could to make this demon pay for what it has done! We can’t let Pumpkin’s sacrifice be in vain! So... s-s-so who is going to fight with me?!”
A lot of the residents were still hesitant in answering to Acer perposal. It was all silent and it seemed that no one was brave enough to continue on fighting.
"Heh, nice try, boy; but unfortunately for you no pony has the stupidity to challange me anymore. They've accepted their fate to die like the scum they are." 
But after a few moments of silence, Pinkie Pie finally spoke up, “Acer is right… again; we need to make this demon spirit pay!”
Then Pound accepted Acer's speech, “You know I’m in!” 
"What?"
Followed by Minty, “And so am I!”
Soon, more and more ponies got brave and stepped forward with them as well.
“We’re going to fight too,” shouted Mrs. Cake.
“Together!” added Mr. Cake as he kissed his wife.
“You can count us in,” said Twilight with her friends.
“And us as well!”said the Mayor with Cheerliee.
“And… I’m in too!” said Ruby confidantly as she came forward witht he rest.
Pretty soon, all of Ponyville was finally preparing to stand up to the demon that had caused Pumpkin so much pain and strife. They all knew that they may not win, but they were willing to fight in Pumpkin's honor and go forward to the bitter end. 
“So you’re all going to resist against me just for the single life of one useless filly?!" the spirit couldn't believe of how Acer had turned the tables so fast. This just proved of how much Ponyville truly cared for Pumpkin. "Very well then; I guess I’ll play around with the sorry lot of you for a little bit… before I fully destroy you!”
“Come on, everypony," shouted Acer, "For Equestria… for Pumpkin!”
And with that, everyone gathered their courage and charged towards the demon spirit together. Envy was on the sidelines resting her wounds and was watching as the final battle against this demon was now on. She closed her eyes and prayed for all of their souls as she said to herself...
“And so… the end begins.”

> The Answer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Was Pumpkin really dead; it sure felt like it to her.  Feeling her heart being peirced was the most painful thing she endured physically; but to her emotionally, it was nothing. She was happy to give her life for her brother even though she knew that he might died later anyway. But this way she wouldn't have to deal with the emotional stress of witnessing the death of her loved ones.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a place unlike any place she's ever seen. It looked like a vast space of nothingness; nothing was seen for miles around her.
"Where am I?" she said to herelf out loud, "Hello; hello?! Can anypony hear me?!"
Suddenly, she saw her body looking a pale yellow, and her fvorite hairbows were gone; meaning that her mane was drooping all over her face, "M-m-my body!" All of that proved to her that what she expected to happen did happen. "That's right... I sacraficed myself; I'm... I-I-I'm dead. I can't believe that it has come to this. Now everypony is going to die too, and... th-there's nothing I c-can do ab-b-bout it."
Pumpkin broke down and started to cry and was letting all of her emotions out; and she wasn't afraid to either seeing that it wouldn't have any effect in the living world, "But I... I-I guess this was the inevitable anyway. We couldn't have stopped it even if we kept on fighting. It's all over."
"I wouldn't count yourself out just yet," said a sudden random voice, "You still have a fighting chance."
Pumpkin held her head up and looked all around. She was wondering who else could be here already with her; could it be her brother?
"Huh, wh-who was that? Who 's there?"
The random voice spoe again, "Somepony who is closer to you than you think."
The voice sounded young but she knew that it wasn't Pound; it couldn't have been. But then she suddenly saw another pony come out from te void; and just as she thought it was another foal.  But as the foal came all the way out, Pumpkin felt some kind of strange connection to him, and his appearance seemed familiar as well.
"You're... a Unicorn... like me; except you're a colt!"
He was a dark blue unicorn colt with a blue-green mane. However, despite feeling the strange connection, Pumpkin didn't recognize him... but he recognized her.
"Wow, I never thought that I would be able to meet you face to face like this... Pumpkin."
"Who are you," asked Pumpkin in shock, "How do you know my name, and... why do I feel like we have some sort of connection together?"
"Well, maybe because we've both been through the same kind of life... with the same kind of evil."
Then just like that, it finally hit Pumpkin; she realized but she couldn't believe it, "Wait... a-a-are you... B-B-Blackberry?"
The colt just smiled, "Blackberry the 3rd to be exact, but you can just call me Blackberry if you want."
"No way, y-y-you're him?! B-but how; y-y-you're like... my Great Uncle, but... you look a bit over my age!"
"Yeah; but remember," Blackberry chuckled, "we grow up in life, not after death."
Knowing at what age Blackberry died, Pumpkin realized that he had a point, "Oh yeah, right. Wow, I-I-I can't believe that I'm actually meeting my own Great Uncle; right here face to face!" But suddenly, she ploped down on her flank sadly with her head down once reality struck her, "But... that only means that... I really am dead. I know intended it to happen, but... I still can't believe it."
"Well... yes you are," said Blackberry, "but you're also not; you're kinda both actually in between life and death."
"What are you talking about?" questioned Pumpkin, "How can I be dead and not dead at the same time?! If this some way to cheer me up during this kind of situation, its not funny at all."
"It's no joke, Pumpkin. You're only partially dead because when you got struck down, I quickly intervened from the other side and protected your heart. As of right now, my magic is slowly restoring your heart back to full strength; take a look."
Pumpkin looked down deep in the underside of her body and noticed a light glow surrounding her chest area and she could feeling the magic doing it's work.
"Oh wow, you're right," she said out of shock, "I never thought that somepony whose dead would be able to save my life."
Blackberry just had a good laugh, "Amazing, huh? But of course I knew that I had to do it; I couldn't just let you die like that, because you still have to stop that demon."
Pumpkin was glad that her Great Uncle saved her, but she thought it was no use; going back to the afterlife meant dealing with what was going on back in her hometown and she didn't wish for that.
"Well... thanks a lot for what you're trying to do," she said sadly as she faced away from Blackberry, "but what's the point? That demon is indestructablly strong! It can't be defeated; it's hopeless."
A small smile appeared on Blackberry's as he walked up to Pumpkin and told her, "Actually, that's where you're wrong."
Pumpkin slowly turned around and looked at him like he lost his mind, "Huh?"
"There really is a way to defeat that demon spirit; defeat it... for good."
Blackberry suddenly had Pumpkin's full attention on the subject; however, she was bewildered about what he was talking about, "B-b-but... how?"
And from there... Blackberry told her everything he knew.
"Just like you i felt the same way you did; I believed that there was no way that I could beat this demon that was inside me. I kept believing that I was too weak, helpless and unable to protect those I truly cared about. But after I died, I was finally able to see the truth."
"Truth, what truth?" Pumpkin questioned.
"The truth of how this demon was... created."
"How it was... created?"
"Being part of the afterlife, I able to see into the past; and being linked to the this spirit, I've found out that it existed even before Celestia and Luna were even born."
Pumpkin was shocked, "No way!"
"That's right, it was during the ancient times of Equestria when it happened; back when it was full of turmoil and so much negativity. Many ponies didn't trust each other and they always argued, fought and brought much conflict to many lands. The sinful nature of those ponies was so great and so unstablly wretched that an incrediblly evil force was created from their auras; that evil force is the very spirit that I delt with and you're dealing with now."
Pumpkin didn't believe what she was hearing. Was this really how the demon spirit that was inside her for all of these years created?
"Whoa whoa whoa, hold on! Are you seriously telling me that this spirit was created out of bad, and rageful emotions of our own kind?!"
"It was... a dark age for Equestria." said Blackberry awwardly, "With the dark, evil spirit created, ponykind soon began paying for their actions. The demon scarredmany land; slaughtering many victims and bathing in their blood. It didn't matter how old or young; all it knew was having the obsession of to kill anything in its path. But... most of ponykind had brought it on themselves; their actions was their own undoing."
"I... I-I never knew about any of this," said Pumpkin surprisenly, "So fighting this thing is like fighting the powerful emotions of the world, right?"
"In a way, yeah. However, there one pony back then who barely stood his own against the demon spirit."
"Wh-wh-who... could take on something... that Celestia or Luna couldn't?"
"Star Swirl the Bearded."
Pumpkin was suddenly silent; she was blown away by this big reveal from her Great Uncle. It was surpising to her that such a powerful and famous pony was part of her curse's past.
"You 've got to be kidding me; Star Swirl, the Star Swirl?!"
"I know, I couldn't believe it either. Seeing the way that he stood up to this demon was incredible! He went toe to toe with it and their battlefield became a ruined wasteland as their powers clashed. It was unlike anything I've ever seen!"
"So how did he defeat it?" Pumpkin curiously asked.
"That's just it... he didn't."
"But... then how did he..."
"As much as Star Swirl held his own, he used almost all of his power and stregnth against the demon; and while they were effective, it never stayed down. He soon realized that it couldn't be stopped; it was too powerful for even him to fully destroy. So there was only one thing that he knew to do."
"I'm a bit afraid to ask," said Pumpkin feeling a bit on edge, "but... what?"
"He used a spell that he held back as a last resort and successfully sealed the demon spirit in a special highly titanium box that was locked extra tight; nothing could escape it. Once he did that, he buried it deep underground under a huge mountain where no pony would see it. Once the spirit was cut off from the world, Equestria started to change for the better, and love and peace started to begin anew. The spirit was now safe, buried hundreds of feet underground where no pony would find it thousands and thousands of years; that is until... I found it."
"So you mean to tell me that after it was sealed for all those years, you're the one who released it back into this world?!"
"Yes... I did, and I completely regret doing that, believe me. One day, my family and I were on a traveling trip back to trottingham and I was about 6 years old at the time. One point during the travel I accidentally wandered off from the trail cruious of something I thought I saw. I felt that something was drawing me away from my family, but unfortunately all I did find was some old ruins and the very box that held that evil spirit. Being the curious colt that I was, I opened it and released the evil demon. I began to feel very frightened as it came at me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. When it happened I blanked out completely, but when I woke up I was in Trottingham with my family who was relieved that i was okay after they found me unconcious in the forest. I had no idea what happened that day and neither did anypony else. BUt thankfully nothing else mainly bad happened since then. But it eventually led to that dreadful day when the demon's power began to leak out of me ad caused me to murder my Father's friend, Green Thicket at the age of 8. After that... well, I guess the rest you already know about; and now you had to go through the same thing that I did. But I never would've thought that it would start to show signs of it's precencee when you were just a toddler foal; that meas that you had it worse than me; and... I-I'm sorry about that."
Now that Pumpkin knew all about the orign of the demon and of how it came into her life, she finally felt a sense of comfort knowing that it didn't originally come from her blood or her Great Uncle's.
"I can't believe this. To think that something so diabolically evil as that demon was inside of us all this time. I never imagined that my situation was even more serious than I already thought." But then she walked over to Blackerry was suling a little and gave him a little nudge on his cheek and smiled, "But you know, there's no need for you to apologize about what you did; you were too young and didn't know any better."
"Well maybe," said Blackberry as he wiped away some of his own tears, "but that still dosen't help me too much of the guilt I feel. But I guess... you are right; all of that is in the past." He then gained his confidance again as he did when he came face to face to his Great Niece, "It's time to focus on the present and rid the world of this demon once and for all."
"So how can it be stopped?!" Pumpkin pleaded, "Please, go ahead and tell me!"
"Just like me when you were old enough to be aware, every possible thing this demon could be capable of clouded your mind. Deep inside you doubted yourself that you couldn't control it and protect others around you. But worse of all, you showed fear of it all your life. Whether you let it show or kept it hidden treating it like it was nothing, you showed fear and it felt it. You and I were the same in this same department and all of this just gave that demon more power over us."
Blackberry placed his hoof on Pumpkin's shoulder and looked at her stright in the eyes as he made sure that she understood everything that he was about to tell her.
"When you get back to the living world and you look at that demon straight in the eye, clear your mind of all of the demon's capabilities; take away any doubts that you might have and fill it up with pure confidence; but most importantly, you must... show... no... fear... no matter what. It's only by doing that the spirit will finally be weakened and you'll be able to destroy it forever. And being the present host of the spirit, only you can do it."
Pumpkin was taking it all in; she took a deep breath and finally understood what she had to do, "I get it now; I finally understand. That's why we suffered so much all of our lives; we were just blinded by or own inner fears to even realize how to even do that. I could've mostly had a normal fillyhood after all."
"Well, like some ponies say," said Blackberry with a little chuckle, "better late than never."
Suddenly, a bright light shined behind Pumpkin and she could feel her body being slowly drawn to its brilliance, "W-w-w-w-what's going on?!"
"Well how about that; it looks like your wound is almost healed. Once its complete, your spirit will return to your body in the living world."
But Pumpkin was freaking out a bit; she wasn't ready to leave quite yet, "W-w-wait, I don't want to go just yet; there's still so many questions I wanted to ask you! I just met you and found out about this hidden truth; I can't just leave yet! Can't I stay a little bit longer?"
"Pumpkin, you know that unless you're fully dead that's completely impossible; you know that. Besides, you're runing out of time; take a look."
Backeberry waved his hoof above him and Pumpkin saw a portal-like screen appear. In it she saw all of her family and friends; practically all of Ponyville going at the demon. Most seemed to be badly bruised, but that didn't stop them from continuing their onslaught.
"All of your family and friends of your home town are now all fighting that evil demon together. They're risking their own lives to take it down; all for you."
Pumpkin couldn't believe it; her eyes very wide and filled with tears seeing how everyone was risking their lives to fight for her supposed death, "Oh no, they don't stand a chance! They're going to get themselves killed!" 
"All the more reason that you have to go back," said Blackberry, "But make no mistake, I was glad to spend some time with you, Pumpkin, my Great Niece. And once you get back there and this whole curse is over, tell your family and all of your friends that Blackberry the 3rd said hi."
Pumpkin smiled and wiped away some of her tears as her body was still headed towards the giant light, "Don't worry, I will. But, I still wish that I could leave without you being all alone again."
"What are you talking about, Pumpkin?" wondered Blackberry, "What makes you think that I'm alone?"
Pumpkin suddenly witnessed as many other ponies began to emerge from behind Blackberry; many of them very old or farily old, and sadly some of them young or younger like him. Coud these be the very ponies that were in his life? Well, the two elder pony couple that came up to him and hugged him very much proved that.
"Oh my... Celestia."
She even saw the female pony who was in love with him with the secondary stallion that she fell for after Blackberry's death; and she even saw Envy's Great Grandfather who looked at her and smired as he nodded his head. It was truly a marvelous sight.
"For many years, the ones I loved and protected are now aged and here with me. So don't worry, I'm not alone; and one day, you'll see me again, but hopefully it will be much later than sooner."
Pumpkin now felt satisfied and felt happy for Blackberry that he was happy as she now was. Her body drew closer and closer to the light and she said her last words to Blacberry for now, "Good-Bye, Blackberry; I won't forget you!"
"Just remember, Pumpkin; clear of mind, have zero doubts, and show no fear! Get out there and destroy this curse once and for all; and give it a few extra hits for all of us! Good luck!"
Pumpkin smiled looking at everyone there once more and then closed her eyes as she shed a few more tears once; and then she said to herself...
'Thank you or everything, Great Uncle; i'm glad I met you. I promise... this eternal, cursed pain we had to bear with for all these years... will now finally end.'
Pumpkin then felt her wound get fully healed, and her spirit disappeared from the afterlife.

> Show No Fear
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		Back outside of Ponyville, everyone was fighting the demon spirit together to the best of their abilities; and luckily for them it was holding back. Every time one of them went at it, they would either miss or knock back down by it. But none of them was planning to back down knowing they would not be safe from it whether or not they decided to fight; they were going to take this demon down for Pumpkin’s death, or die trying.
This went on for a while and the demon was starting to get irritated after currently knocking Acer back down with its horn. He had drops of blood all over his coat and wounds on his body, but he still stood back up looking around at everyone who was injured as well.
“C-c-c-can everyp-pony… still s-s-stand?” he hesitantly asked out loud.
Just about everyone there, including Pumpkin’s main friends and family stood back up despite their major or minor injuries and they all nodded to each other in agreement.
“Y-yeah, I thought so. Let’s go again!”
They all suddenly went at the demon at once one more time in a attempt to take it down; but as they drew closer, the demon’s rage-filled power began to ignite brighter as it had enough with all of their constant resistance… just like Pumpkin was.
“You… you are all… so ANNOYING!!!”
Its horn glowed immensely as it slammed its front hooves down on the ground that caused a huge dark magical shockwave that burst out all around it. Acer and the others were not prepared as they were all knocked back everywhere in the area on the ground. They were all still groaning from the painful impact, but the only difference this time was that no one was getting back up.
“None of you just won’t give up, will you?” the demon protested while slightly huffing and puffing, “I had fun toying with you all, but now… you’re all just being a nuisance. I think I’ll start killing you now…” It then sported a menacing grin as it looked over at a badly injured Pinkie Pie who was too tired to do anything, “And I think I’ll start with you!” 
It used its magic to drag her over to it with little resistance and placed her flat on her back.
“Pinkie Pie, no,” her friends shouted; but neither of them could get up completely.
“Let her go!” shouted Pound as he was trying to use his wings to get up, but he was too exhausted to do anything.
Pinkie looked up at the demon that was holding her and she was smiling nervously  while showing a bit of fear in her eyes saying, “Heh heh… um, a-a-any chance you could… you know,  n-not kill me? I-I-I could do something for y-you… anything… to make you s-s-smile maybe?”
The spirit held its grip on Pinkie even tighter against the ground while lightly growling at her murderous eyes, “Sorry to disappoint you, but… I don’t give a damn about smiling.” It then suddenly smirked down at her showing its sharp teeth, “However, there might be something that will make me smile; having you relive that nightmare when Pumpkin was just a little foal. You remember that, don’t you?”
Pinkie was shaking remembering that traumatic moment that she always tried her hardest to forget. “Heh heh, I-I-I-I kinda wish I didn’t.”
Then much to her trauma, Pinkie suddenly saw four steak knives materialize over the demon and pointing straight at her. The demon chuckled evilly as it responded, “Well then… perhaps I should remind you.”
Pinkie then immediately felt pain as two of the knives sunk into her fore hooves and held them on the ground. Pinkie didn’t scream, but she grunted loudly in a high-pitched tone and her eyes were wide and filling up with tears signifying her pain.
“Pinkie!!!” shouted Mr. and Mrs. Cake.
Pinkie was trying to struggle herself out of her situation, but just the slightest tug against the knives caused pain to jolt through her body; causing her to not being able to escape.
“I’m afraid that’s not going to work,” said the demon with a menacing smile.
It then made a little mark on Pinkie’s chest in which it planned to plunge another knife into her and cause her to suffer a long, agonizing demise. Pinkie was terrorized about re-living her past near-death experience; only since no one around her would be able to stop this demon, it seemed to her that she was really going to die this time… followed by everyone else in Ponyville.
“Stop it; stop!” Pound wailed as he tried to get up with his present wounds, “D-don’t you dare d-do it!”
“Finally,” shouted the demon in a cynical tone, “after all of these damn years being hindered in a mortal body twice, victory… SHALL FINALLY BE MINE!”
Suddenly, as if Ponyvile’s prayers were answered, a huge aura beam came out of nowhere and blasted the demon far away from Pinkie and crashed into the surrounding forest. Afterwards, everything got quiet and the knives in Pinkie’s front hooves disappeared allowing her to get up and have a slight feeling of relief.
“Wha… what just… happened?” questioned Pound whom was trying to figure out why Pinkie was still alive.	
Pinkie was looking around and stared at her blood soaked hooves and was feeling confused, “Am I… dead yet?”
Everyone else was confused too. Just seconds ago, Pinkie was at that dreaded demon’s mercy; and the demon was stopped just that fast and Pinkie was life was spared once again.
“Where did that beam come from?” questioned Acer, “It sent that demon flying!”
Suddenly, Minty looked in a certain direction and gasped as she said hesitantly, “Um… g-guys; look.”
As Minty pointed, everyone looked; and what they saw shocked them beyond belief.
“What the…” Acer shuddered.
“N-no… way,” said Pound.
A certain familiar figure was standing back up with a residue of smoke floating of from its horn.
“Am I… hallucinating, honey?” said Mrs. Cake as tears were flowing from her eyes.
“If that were the case…” said Mr. Cake look onward in shock, “then we would all be hallucinating.”
Much to Ponyville’s surprise, the figure standing on its own two hooves again, was Pumpkin Cake. They all saw with their own eyes that she was dead, and Pound witnessed her death personally; but now, she was back up, her impale wound completely gone, and was literally breathing constantly from releasing that spell on the demon.
“… Pumpkin?” said Acer wondering if it was really her or not.
Pumpkin suddenly looked around her and saw everyone there staring at her in pure shock. She responded with a smile she said lightly, “H-hey… everypony.”
“SHE’S ALIVE!” shouted Pinkie suddenly waving her hooves despite her injuries, “PUMPKIN IS ALIVE!!!”
Everyone couldn’t believe their eyes, but Pinkie was right. Pumpkin was now very much alive. Envy, along with her daughter, Ruby, were nearby and saw it themselves. Envy was left bewildered and completely lost.
“What kind of unknown miracle is this? That child was struck through the heart; how can she still be alive?”  
Pound was overjoyed as he found the strength to at least stand on his hooves and began running towards his sister, “Pumpkin!”
Pumpkin turned towards Pound’s direction and she was happy herself to see him still alive, “P-Pound?”
When Pound almost reached her, his wounds caused him to stumble and ram into her. They both fell on the ground, and then Pound proceeded to hug Pumpkin tight which caught her off guard. When he let go, he looked at his sister with tears in his eyes; but he couldn’t decide whether to be happy or angry at her.
“Do you know… how much you made all of us grieve over you?! Don’t you ever… ever do something that stupid ever again! Okay?”
Pumpkin looked at him with a little amusement; then she lightly nodded her head as she responded, “Um… okay, I promise.”
As they hugged again, everyone was enjoying the sweet, emotional moment between the Cake twins, almost forgetting about what was about to happen a few moments ago.
“This defies unexplainable logic,” said Envy suddenly as everyone’s attention turned to her; including the Cake twins, “Everypony here saw you lying lifeless on the ground before fighting against that demon to avenge your sacrifice. How in Equestria did you survive?!”
“Well…” said Pumpkin, “it might sound weird, but… Blackberry saved me; Blackberry the 3rd that is. I had a good conversation with him and we got to understand each other. He’s a pretty nice pony… like me.”
A lot of the ponies there didn’t quite believe her story at first of talking to a pony who was dead for more than 100 years ago. But then again, why would she make up something like that in their present situation.
“You… you actually… met Blackberry?!” Envy exclaimed, “How is that possible?!”
Before Pumpkin knew it, she suddenly saw Acer approaching her slowly with his left wing and the mid-section of his body bandaged up. Pumpkin couldn’t believe that Acer was still here for her after everything that happened. He just came over to her and calmly hugged her without any warning while holding her close and constantly tearing; it was the best feeling Pumpkin had ever felt.
“I can’t believe that you’re alive again,” Acer sobbed to her, “Y-y-you were literally dead in my hooves; I heard no heartbeat! I… I-I thought I lost you.”
Pumpkin pulled herself apart from Acer so she could see his face. She was tearing a bit herself and was giving him a sweet smile feeling a huge sense of calm coming over her, “You can’t lose me that easily.”
She then gave Acer a little kiss on his lips that made him blush a little. The whole crowd smiled and said, “Aw!” and it caused both ponies feeling a little embarrassed.
Suddenly, there was huge explosion of dark energy from the area that the demon was blasted to and startled everyone there. They all backed away while Pumpkin was still in her same position watching as the demon was slowly coming from the background with its eyes fully glowing red.
“You… ungrateful brat… I can’t believe I allowed you to do that to me. How the hell are you still alive?!”
All Pumpkin did was smirk at the angered demon as it was coming closer, “What’s the matter, demon? Upset because so many of your victims have escaped their deaths? I thought you wanted me alive anyway; you know, to torment me for the rest of my life.”
“Um… Pumpkin,” said Pinkie hesitantly, “why are you egging on that demon like that for?”
The demon was constantly growling at Pumpkin while staring at her intensely wanting to do horrible things to her. Pound and the others, however, were wondering why Pumpkin was suddenly being so gutsy against her evil incarnate.
“Well… like it or not, I have come back, and I won’t allow you to hurt any of them anymore!”
“Augh, I’ve had just about enough of your resistance!” shouted the demon in rage while storing up power in its horn, “Once I’m done with you, you’re going to wish that you stayed dead!”
The demon then unlashed a deadly beam at Pumpkin in an attempt to completely annihilate her. Since Acer and Pound were near her, Pumpkin used her magic to push them to the side and took the blow herself. Pound saw an explosion of light where his sister stood, and he was already assuming the worst thought.
“No no no no, not again!”
Acer felt the same way thinking that the demon once again bested her. But then, Pinkie pointed out and shouted, “Wait, everypony, look!”
They all looked closer and noticed that Pumpkin was okay. The demon’s power was halted and was suddenly all absorbed into Pumpkin’s horn. Everyone’s jaw dropped upon seeing what happened; something they didn’t think was possible.
“What?” said Pound.
“Did… d-did that just happen?!” Mr. Cake stuttered, “Sh-sh-she just survived that demon’s attack!” 
Mrs. Cake was just as surprised with him.
The demon just stood there totally shocked but still very angry of the proud smile that was still seen on Pumpkin’s face, “What’s going on here? How was that even possible?!”
“I’m afraid your usual tactic isn’t going to work on me anymore,” said Pumpkin surely, “When I was partially in the afterlife, I ran into your older host. And thanks to him… I now know exactly of how to destroy you… permanently.”
“Destroy that demon permanently?” Envy wondered, “Is that… even possible?” 
“I guess we’ll soon see, Mother,” said Ruby who was just as astonished herself.
The demon just smiled and began laughing uncontrollably not believing a word she said, “Ha, don’t make me laugh! There hasn’t been a single being that has been able to destroy me completely; and you’re no exception!”
“I’m afraid that I am,” said Pumpkin still smiling, “No pony has been able to realize the key to your downfall, and Blackberry didn’t realize it until after he died; and then he told me, and I’m still here. So face it, you’re done.”
“No you’re the one that’s done!”
The demon was getting tired of being lectured by Pumpkin and fired a fast-moving orb blast towards her. But all Pumpkin did was easily deflect it to the side with her horn. Everyone gasped again seeing how Pumpkin was once again unscathed and unmoved by the demon’s power.
“Even as we speak,” said Pumpkin smirking and swishing her tail, “you’re getting weaker and weaker. Why; well… maybe I shouldn’t tell you.”
“SHUT THE HELL UP!!!”
The demon’s horn glowed and it began to charge at Pumpkin at full speed while she was just standing there. Once it was close enough, the demon kept lengthening its horn rapidly at the young filly; but she continued to smile as she was easily dodging the demon’s attack.
“Whoa, what the…” said Minty, “Look, Pumpkin is easily avoiding that demon’s strike with no sweat.”
“And her eyes…” said Pound feeling astonished, “they look different somehow… like they no longer hold any fear.”
The demon felt itself getting a bit tired from all the striking and then shot another beam at Pumpkin. But Pumpkin reflected the beam back at the demon and it gasped as it was knocked down on the ground by its own power.
“Yeah, kick its ass, Pumpkin!” Pinkie suddenly shouted out loud.
Her friends all looked at her weirdly and she just shrugged her shoulders and said, “What?”
“This unbelievable,” said the Mayor, “How is Pumpkin doing this? After all these years with no possible way to rid this curse, and Pumpkin now has it on the backboard.”
“Well… we did ask for a miracle,” said Cheerilee, “and now it looks like we’re getting our wish.”
The demon was slowly getting up and groaning in slight pain; something that it never thought it would feel alone, “H-h-how… is this p-possible? Star swirl couldn’t beat me, the rulers of Equestria couldn’t beat me, and not even the Elements of Harmony have the power to beat me. There’s… n-n-no way that this b-brat is stronger than me.  What kind of trickery… is she tr-trying to pull?!”
Pumpkin got closer to the demon showing no signs of faltering before its presence and said, “All my life… ever since I was only one, you made my life a living hell. I may not remember much from that time, but from what I heard from some of my friends, I knew that as a toddler I didn’t even know about you and I couldn’t control you; but you were also in a weaker state.”
“That moment of her life was its weaker state?” said Applejack to her friends sounding shocked.
“But as I got older, I became more aware of you… and your power got stronger. You overwhelmed me, making me doubt myself and making me feel afraid almost every day of my life.”
The demon looked up at her feeling a mix of anger, frustration, and slight fear. It never felt this before and was literally pissed off lowly growling at the lecturing filly.
“But now…  I know the answer. I now know that everything that I felt only made you stronger whether I was calm or not. I stand before you now… clear of mind, no longer doubting myself… and no longer afraid of you! As long as I stay this way, your power is nothing against me.”
Pumpkin’s horn shined with brilliance and then she made a huge collision head-butt against the demon that sent it flying and landed on the ground with harsh force. It got up groaning in pain feeling a gaping hole in its body. It was losing… it couldn’t believe that it had come to this.
“This… th-this can’t be h-h-happening…” it groaned, “Why is this happening?! Damn it!”
Everyone was suddenly cheering Pumpkin on as she was suddenly on the verge of victory.
“Finish it off, Pumpkin!” shouted Pound feeling psyched, “You got this.”
However, the demon wasn’t planning to go down yet if not ever. It glared at Pumpkin feeling every bit of anger it had for her in its body. “No… I… will not be… defeated by you; I won’t allow it!” Its horn began to glow brighter than Pumpkin ever saw it, and its eyes glowed a dark, crimson-red as its mane and tail stood on end. 
Everyone became a little worried again as they all backed away from its presence, but Pumpkin still stood in place unmoved.
“Hear me, you ungrateful piece of s#@!; you will fall, and the blood of your loved ones will be scattered all across Equestria!”
With a single swift movement, the demon fired a massive beam at Pumpkin. Pumpkin just closed her eyes trying to calm her mind, “Show no fear, show no fear; show… no… fear!”
When she opened her eyes, she felt her magic go full throttle and countered the demon’s beam with one of her own. As they clashed, sparks flew illuminating the darkness around them. They shifted back and forth, both showing great strength; but in the end, Pumpkin finally overcame the demon and her beam broke through and struck the demon. A huge explosion was followed after the impact, and Pumpkin stood her ground while still staring in the demon’s direction.  
“Way to go, Pumpkin!” shouted Pinkie, “You totally nailed that demon!”
“You go, Pumpkin!” shouted Minty, “That’s my girl!”
While everyone cheering for Pumpkin, Pound just sighed with relief, “Thank Celestia that it’s finally over.”
“No…” said Pumpkin as she held out her hoof to signify them to stand back, “I’m afraid that it’s not over just yet.”
“Huh, what are you talking about?” wondered Pound, “How can it not be over?”
Suddenly, from the area of the explosion, a huge, dark cloud of energy launched up in the air and came floating back down. A pair of crimson-red eyes suddenly appeared and was staring down at everyone and everyone’s heart jumped wondering what was going on.
“Sweet mother of mercy,” said Envy, “is that what I think it is?”
“I don’t understand,” said Acer, “What’s going on now?!”
Pumpkin looked up at the entity intensely and slightly smirked as she said, “That… is the spirit’s true form.”
Everyone gasped; they were now witnessing the form of the demon from when it was first created.
“True form?!” said Pound, “You mean that’s how it originally looks; just a big, dark cloud of magic?!”
“You dare resort me back into my original form?!” the spirit shouted in loud, echo-like voice, “You’ve made a grave mistake! My power is at its very peak like this, so I should thank you. Just like the ancient ponies at the day of my birth, you shall all fall… BY MY WRATH!!!”
“This isn’t good,” said Twilight.
Pumpkin could sense its power and it was enormous; unlike anything she ever felt before. But she did her best to not look or feel afraid. “Forget it, demon; today will be the last day of your existence! You won’t harm anypony ever again!”
A huge surge of energy was forming inside of the demon, and it was rising and rising. And then, it unleashed all of its power at the standing filly. Pumpkin braced herself and countered the demon beam with her own again; but as they clash, Pumpkin could feel the demon’s power starting to pressure her down.
“S-s-s-s-so… st-st-strong!”
Everyone noticed this and began to worry. Perhaps this spirit’s power was too much for Pumpkin in this form.
“Oh no,” shouted Mrs. Cake, “Hang in there, Pumpkin! You can do it, sweetie!”
Nobody dared to get near because they didn’t want to get mixed up in that power struggle. But the more it went on, the more it seemed that Pumpkin was struggling against the demon and was losing again. The demon sensed her spirit wavering and too this opportunity to try and finish her off.
“Ha, look at you,” it retorted, “Where did all of your proud, stuck-up attitude go? Even after all of this, you’re still too weak. Die!!!”
Pumpkin didn’t want this to be the end; not after everything she went through to come back and save everyone. But suddenly, she heard someone shout out, “She’s not weak!”
She then felt someone hold onto her from behind. She tilted her head and said in shock, “P-Pound?”
“She’s not weak because she has me!”
The demon felt Pumpkin’s power slightly pressing more against it, “What?”
Then, she felt more of her friends holding onto her.
“And she has me!”
“Minty?”
“And me!”
“Acer?” 
“And even me!”
“Ruby!”
They were all staring intensely at the demon showing no signs of fear standing by Pumpkin’s side. The demon began struggling against Pumpkin’s power again; it felt its own power wavering realizing that they were not being afraid anymore.
“Wah… what’s going on?! How are you doing this?! Don’t I frighten you?! Why do I not frighten you?!!!”
Pumpkin suddenly saw everyone there behind her standing with her. They weren’t going to let Pumpkin lose if it was the last thing they did. Pumpkin finally realize that it was all of their support for her and the fact that they were standing bravely against the demon with no fear that was making her power stronger; and maybe it was making the demon weaker.
Pumpkin smiled as a single tear came down her cheek and then look up at the demon and said, “Unfortunately for you, that’s the problem; none of us is afraid of you anymore. You no longer can instill fear in our hearts!”
“This can’t be happening!!!” the demon shouted as it felt its power shutting down.
“Good riddance.”
With those words, Pumpkin’s magic burst through and overcame the demon. The magical surge pierced through the demon and it released a terrible howl, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” And then using all of her strength, Pumpkin’s magic completely disintegrated the spirit completely to the point that no remains of it was seen.
“Whoohoo, she did; Pumpkin really did it!” shouted Pinkie hopping up and down despite her injuries.
“Actually, Pinkie,” said Twilight, “we all did; we all had a hand in this. And thanks to that, Pumpkin’s curse is finally over. That demon won’t be returning at all now if what she said is correct.”
Envy was surprisingly up on her hooves again overwhelmed of what just took place, “Incredible; I never thought this would be possible. I was pretty sure that all of Equestria was doomed.”
“Well that’s what happens when you doubt others, Miss Rose,” said the Mayor as she approached her, “This is exactly why we told you that Ponyville never gives up or surrenders to anything.”
“No matter how impossible the odds are,” said Cheerilee, “if we all work together, nothing is impossible. I always teach my students that, it’s an important subject.”
Envy smiled and chuckled a bit realizing that they were right after all, “I guess that I was relenting too much on the past that it didn’t seem possible to me. But even my daughter realized this; and if she can… then so can I.” 
All of the ponies of Ponyville were hugging each other and cheering celebrating their survival and their victory over the one who wished to destroy all of Equestria.
“Man, I’m so happy right now,” shouted Minty as she suddenly hugged onto Pound, “I could just kiss somepony!”
She then gave Pound a huge kiss on his lips out of happiness. Once she was finished, Pound was all smitten with hearts floating over his head and sighed forgetting about his sister’s victory for a bit.
“Oops, too much?” asked Minty.
“Nope, just right.”
Meanwhile, Pumpkin was sitting on her flank heavily breathing from releasing a lot of her power out at once. Acer came up beside her and placed his hoof around her and said, “Are you okay, Pumpkin? You must feel ecstatic right now, your curse is over; you no longer have to live in fear anymore.”
“D-don’t worry about me, I’m fine,” Pumpkin responded.
She looked behind her and saw all of her friends and family cheering and celebrating. That sight alone made her smile and she couldn’t believe that it was all over.
“So… i-i-it really is all over?” she said to Acer, “I-I really am curse-free? I’m so relieved.”
“You’ve showed a lot of bravery and guts and took huge risks just to try and protect everypony here,” said Acer as he nuzzled the side of Pumpkin’s cheek, “And as for me… I couldn’t be any luckier to have such a dedicated pony for a fillyfriend.”
“Thanks a lot, Ac…”
Suddenly, Pumpkin bent downward and began coughing loudly holding her chest. Acer got startled and was wondering what was wrong, “Are you sure you’re okay; you don’t sound so hot.”
“I d-d-don’t know why,” Pumpkin groaned, “but… I f-feel…”
Then without warning, Pumpkin just fell forward and collapsed on the ground in front of Acer and laid still. Acer panicked; fearing for Pumpkin’s health.
“Pumpkin!”
The others heard Acer cry out and rushed over to them. When they got there, they all saw Pumpkin down on the ground, it was panic city all over again 
“Pumpkin, wake up!”
“What’s going on?!” shouted Pound, “What’s wrong with Pumpkin?!”
“I don’t know; it seemed that she was breathing heavily from exhaustion, then she just… collapsed.”
Acer placed his head against Pumpkin and noticed her the levels of her breaths which were long and harsh-sounding, “Holy crap, she barely breathing!”
“What?!” everyone shouted.
“Oh no,” sobbed Mrs. Cake as she held on to her husband, “What’s wrong her?! Anypony?”
They were all there wondering how Pumpkin went from defeating a curse to suddenly collapsing and begin to barely breathe. Acer was over Pumpkin doing everything he could to try and wake her out of it but it was proving to be no use.
“Pumpkin, don’t do this to us… not again!” Tears flowed from Acer’s eyes as he cried out, “Call the medics; somepony, call the medics now!”
	
> And Life goes on...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	One of the most powerful forces in Equestria; an ancient evil that’s even older Celestia and Luna… no offense to them. To think that I spent my whole life carrying this thing inside me. This spirit of evil was created by ponykind in the ancient days from their hatred, greed, and anger; and that was inside me! But of course it was inside somepony else first; Blackberry the 3rd. Just like me he had to go through tough times in his life with worry of the safety of his loved ones and of people seeing him as a monster. I may not know everything that he might’ve gone through, but I know enough; we both overall had the same experience.
I don’t remember much when I was I was toddler; it was all a bit blur. However, I strangely recall some moments when it felt like I wanted to listen to no pony and my family were trying to reach me, but failed. I even slightly remember that very moment at the hospital ward where Pinkie spoke to me… and smiled at me… even though I almost killed her and her friends. She didn’t hate me, and neither did my parents. But my brother, Pound, was another story. Having cutting off his wings during my psychotic behavior, he came to fear me… his own twin sister. But who could blame him; being a toddler and getting badly wounded by one who shares his own blood. Once I was old enough to be aware of things better, I feared that Pound would accept me again. But when I was released from the ward, it was that moment at my homecoming return party that Pound accepted me back in his life and was no longer as afraid of me as he once was.
Since then, I faced many challenges; trials and tribulations. I still had times where I had to keep my curse in check, but that was until Ruby Rose started to bully me in different ways which caused me to lose control sometimes. Of course we did realize later on that it was all because of her Mother, Envy Rose, that she was doing this. Her mother was an example of one who wanted me to stay lock up and to stay away from everypony. But even though there were some like her out there who didn’t seem to care for me, I had the rest of the Ponyville to back me up; including my family, Pinkie, her friends, and… Acer.
Acer was always there for me when others could not, and not once did he hate me nor feared me. All he wanted to do was to help fix me and make me feel better about myself. But there were times that I was afraid that I might lose control and hurt him. And one day… when I did… I couldn’t forgive myself, and it led me to bring destruction to my own home when the curse was extracted from me. If I didn’t do something, everypony I cared for would be wiped out in front of me and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I ended sacrificing myself like Blackberry did; but unlike his outcome, it wouldn’t change the fate of the others. But it was thanks to the spirit of Blackberry himself that got me back on my feet and made me realize the answer to defeating the evil spirit that had been haunting us both for so long. Everypony was there to support me as I faced the demon once more; that included Ruby and her Mother, Envy. They all had my back as I faced the demon with no doubt, fault or fear in my eyes; and sure enough, I finally slayed it for good.
I can’t recall much after that, except that I felt a bit woozy afterwards; and then everything blacked out. What happened? Did we truly win? If so… then what happened; why don’t I hear anything? I’m not dead again, am I? No, no I can’t be; I shouldn’t be! Hello, anypony there?! Can anypony hear me?! Anypony, please say something!
“Pumpkin…”
Huh, what was that?
“Pumpkin; please be okay, Pumpkin. Don’t die on us again; come back to us!”
What’s this I’m hearing? Somepony is there, and… they’re calling to me. I see a… a-a light; I can’t let it get away!

-----

After finally extinguishing the evil spirit that made her life a living hell, Pumpkin had fell into deep unconsciousness; so deep that to the others, she didn’t appeared to be waking up. In her subconscious, Pumpkin was reminiscing her past life and accomplishments and was wondering if she was going to live to see the future. But sure enough, she heard voices that had reached her and she was slowly waking up from her slight coma opening up her eyes and seeing her surroundings.
“She’s coming to,” someone said, “Everypony give her some room.”
Pumpkin saw that she was inside a hospital room on a stretch bed, and she saw Nurse Redheart and her family doctor, Diamond Star, and a few other medical ponies looking at her.
“Wha… wh-what’s… going on?” said Pumpkin as she wiped her eyes.
“Thank goodness that you’re finally awake, Pumpkin,” said Dr. Star, “How are you feeling?”
Pumpkin held onto her head and lightly groaned trying to figure out how to respond, “I guess… I-I-I f-feel fine; but… what happened to me; and how did I… g-get here?”
“Well,” said Nurse Redheart with a smile, “why don’t you ask them.”
Pumpkin suddenly turned her head towards the door; and coming in the room was her family totally overjoyed that she was alive and okay. Pumpkin herself was happy to see them as well.
“Guys… y-y-you’re all… here.”
Mrs. Cake went over and hugged and kissed her daughter crying tears of joy, “Of course; why wouldn’t we be here, darling? You gave us all quite the heart attack; but not literally.”
“I’ll say,” said Pinkie, “We all thought we lost you… again! But now you’re back… again! Please stay for good this time; don’t leave us again!”
Pumpkin laughed softly to herself and responded, “Thanks, Pinkie, you always know how to make me smile… even without trying.”
“It’s a gift; what can I say.” 
Pound came over to his twin sister and gave her a hug as well. He was slightly tearing a bit holding onto her tight not wanting to let her go.
“Oh, Sis, that was a crazy but incredible feat that you did back in that forest; sending that spirit to oblivion was awesome!”
“So… we really did it;” said Pumpkin feeling exuberant, “I’m curse free and I no longer have to worry about unintentionally murdering somepony?”
“You bet your darn hooves, we did; it’s really all over! Thank Celestia and Luna for that.”
Pumpkin smiled and sighed with relief knowing that all of her troubles were behind her and that everyone was in one piece, “Thank goodness; what a relief. It feels so soothing knowing that I no longer have to… wait a minute, where’s Acer?”
“Well it’s about time,” said Pinkie chuckling, “we were wondering when you were going to ask about him?”
“Huh?”
“Don’t worry about him,” said Pound, “he’s with Ruby to help look over her Mother who is receiving better care. But don’t worry, he’ll be here soon enough once he knows you’re okay.”
“How about right now,” a familiar voice said.
Everyone had turned around; and walking into the room, they saw Acer and Ruby make their entrance. Ruby smiled and waved while minding her own minor injuries. “Hey, everypony.”
Pumpkin looked happy to see them both; especially Acer. She almost forgot about her injuries for a second and reached out her arms to greet him, “Acer!” But then she pulled back feeling some pain that was still lingering in her body, “Ow… I think I pulled something. Curse my weaken body.”
“Careful, Pumpkin,” said Acer as he came to her side, “you just finished vanquishing a blood-curdling demon spirit that you’ve struggled with all your life; I think you need to be taking it a bit easy.”
Acer then leaned over and gave Pumpkin a hug himself while feeling emotionally happy and releasing a few tears, and Ruby felt glad for him that he didn’t lose her.
“It’s so good to see that you’re okay,” said Pumpkin.
“Me?” Acer exclaimed, “You’re the one who collapsed on the ground and wasn’t breathing; we’re the ones that should be telling you that.”
Pumpkin just thought that she was too tired and fell unconscious; but hearing that shocked her and almost scared her, “Wait… I wasn’t breathing?! I really almost died… again?”
“Not necessarily,” said Dr. Star nearby.
“What do you mean ‘not necessarily’?” said Acer, “We had to rush her here because I couldn’t feel her heartbeat!”
Pumpkin continued to be freaked out, “Say what?!”
“Yes, that is true, I know; but what once we got her here and we were doing everything we could do to help her, I realized that she was in a state of a coma.”
A coma?! Hearing that almost scared everyone in the room. Being in a coma was a serious threat to one’s life. 
“A… c-c-coma?!” Mrs. Cake strongly questioned.
However, Dr. Star told everyone how everything worked out, “But not to worry, we found out that it was due to destroying that demon. Even though it was no longer in Pumpkin’s body, it was still a part of her. It was like there was a bonding force that still linked your life matter to it. So when you finally destroyed it… it kinda endangered your body and caused you to black-out and fall into a mild coma. It’s kind of complicated for even us to explain, but luckily we were able to wake her up as you can now see.”
“It’s almost like you unintentionally committed suicide,” said Ruby who was slightly shuddering.
Pumpkin was shuddering herself still, realizing of what almost happened to her, or what could’ve happened to her. “Well… th-th-that’s scary to think about; it didn’t hit me that it could’ve ended up like that.”
“Well, no more worries,” said Dr. Star with a smile, “with the spirit now gone and your body curse-free, I’m happy to say that your days of psychological testing are officially done; thank Celestia for that.”
“Took the words out of my mouth,” said Pound.
“This is so wonderful!” shouted Pinkie, “we can now be the regular, normal pony family that we always wanted to be!”
“Define your definition of normal, Pinkie,” stated Pound.
Pumpkin felt so happy that she felt a magic glow emitting from her horn, but it didn’t feel very strong and she groaned as she laid back down on her hospital bed. “Not even my Magic is working right. I guess that battle really did take a toll on me.”
“Don’t worry,” said Nurse Redheart who came over to her, “just give your body some time to recover. You’ll be able to move around and use magic again in no time.”
“In the meantime,” said Dr. Star added, “you’ll need plenty of rest, and lots of comfort from your family… and this pony.”
Dr. Star then pushed Acer closer Pumpkin than he presently was. Both ponies smiled and blushed looking back at everyone who was watching and then looked back at each other.
“Well, I-I-I guess I don’t mind recovering this way,” said Pumpkin sheepishly, “it won’t be as stressful and worrying anymore.”
“It definitely won’t be,” Acer chuckled, “I told you things would be just fine in the end as long as you didn’t lose hope.”
Pumpkin suddenly looked over at Ruby and became curious of how thing was going with her. “Hey, Ruby, how is your Mom doing? Is she going to be okay when she continues her sentence? Will… you be okay?”
“Well… actually…” 
Suddenly before she could answer, someone else walked into the room and greeted everyone there. “Hey, everypony; I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Twilight,” Pinkie shouted; and then she ran over to her and gave her a hug as if she hadn’t see her for a long time, “it’s so nice to see you here! Where are the others?!”
“A bit busy doing their own thing to help get the town back together after that spirit’s rampage.” Twilight then looked over at Pumpkin, “Hey, Pumpkin; just thought I come by to see if you were okay. You gave us all quite a scare a few hours ago.”
“Hey, Miss Sparkle,” Pumpkin called out, “Thanks for coming to see me; I could probably have all the company that I can get right now… after everything that I went through.”
Twilight suddenly had a pleasant smile as she told her, “Then perhaps you won’t mind having two more joining you for company.”
Twilight stepped to the side, and to everyone’s surprise, two completely unexpected visitors came in with their majestic appearance.
“Oh my…” both Mr. and Mrs. Cake said together.
Everyone in the room showed their respect as they bowed down to them; except Pumpkin who couldn’t do it in her current position but still bowed her head a little.
“Hello, Pumpkin,” said Celestia with a pleasant smile, “Are you feeling well?”
“Well… I am now but… how did… you two… I heard that you two were turned to stone by that spirit.”
“You are correct, Pumpkin,” stated Luna, “but once thou evil spirit was slain, we return to normal. Although, our royal bums still feel a little stiff.”
Celestia looked down beside her and saw Ruby who was just standing there silent and not sying a word.
“Ruby,” she asked, “did you tell everypony… the news?”
“What is she talking about, Ruby?” Pumpkin questioned.
Ruby wasn’t quite sure how to put into words at first; but then, a small smile came on her face as she said, “Well… Celestia talked things over with my Mother after she was brought here and told them of everything that happened; and… well… Celestia dropped her charges and has let her go early.”
“Really?” said Pound in slight shock.
“Congratulations, Ruby!” said Pumpkin, “I guess this means that your Mother is okay, and now you no longer have to keep visiting your Mother in that creepy place; b-but I’m sure you didn’t mind it anyway.”
“What made you come to this decision, Princess?” Mrs. Cake questioned. 
“Well, it’s true that Envy had a couple more years under her belt, but she has been on her best behavior; and after everything that has happened here today, and the fact that Envy almost died trying to keep her daughter safe, I figured that she’s been through enough already. Now that everything is back to normal, we decided to release her so she can continue to be with her daughter.”
Celestia couldn’t be more right, and everyone agreed to her decision. With the past now behind them, they finally focus on the future. 
“Isn’t that wonderful?” said Ruby, “My Mother is happy too, and she can’t wait to spend more time with me at home and teach me more of her herbal secrets.”
With the curse defeated, everypony still being alive, and the fact that Envy was now released from her custody; Pumpkin almost couldn’t believe that any of this was real. But it was, and Pumpkin was filled with so much joy and happiness in her heart that she could cry.
“This almost feels like a dream. All my life, I had to deal with this frustrating burden; living in fear that I might hurt those around me for as long as I live. But now, I can relax and finally live a normal life like I always wanted. I never have to deal with my dark side ever again.”
“That is true,” said Celestia, “the constant, ensuing chaos you’ve endured is finally over. But I’m afraid part of what you said isn’t true.”
“Huh; wh-what do you mean by that?” questioned Pumpkin.
“The truth, Pumpkin, is that everypony has a dark side to them that they face in life; we all have our own demons inside us all.”
That kind of logic never occurred to Pumpkin; but obviously, neither did Pinkie as she freaked out, “What, there’s a demon inside me?! Oh no; get it out! Get out of me, you demon… wherever you are in there!”
“No, Pinkie,” said Twilight with a small chuckle, “I think what Celestia means is that there a side to us all that have dark temptations; and no matter how much we want to give in or try to resist, we can only conquer them by ourselves… with a little help if needed.”
“Oh, I get it!” said Pinkie who was feeling a bit less panicked, “Heh, I-I knew that all along.”
“If you heard the tales,” said Luna to Pumpkin, “I gave into my dark temptations when I turned into Nightmare Moon and tried to overthrow my sister and shroud Equestria with my night forever. It was my own fault for giving in so easily; we could’ve stop it, but we didn’t.”
“Wait; so does that mean that Ruby’s jealousy from more than a year ago that caused her to do what she did that certain day an example?” asked Pumpkin.
Everyone looked over at Ruby who was nervously grinning, “Heh… I guess it was.”
“Everypony has a dark side to them, and some show it more than others,” said Celestia, “The curse that was born inside of you just intensified yours much more than usual… like a thousand times more.”
It was all beginning to make sense to Pumpkin now. If what Celestia said was true, then the way Ruby acted towards her about Acer and how her brother tried to protect her was understandable; as well as Envy too. But thinking of that suddenly brought up something that she was meaning to bring up.
“Speaking of dark intentions… your majesty, do you know of anypony named… Shadow Star?”
“Shadow Star, huh?” questioned Celestia, “Hmm… that name does sound slightly familiar. However, I can’t exactly say where I heard of that before.”
A light bulb suddenly went off in Twilight’s head, “Wait a minute, you mean that dark stallion that Zecora mentioned encountering to Fluttershy and me?”
“Huh, what happened to Zecora?” asked Mr. Cake, “Is she alright?”
“She’s alright; she just got into a little scuffle with this Stallion Pumpkin is talking about. She’s a little bruised, but she’s recovering.” 
Luna seemed to know a little more about Shadow Star than Celestia as she stated, “All we know of this character is that he was an Alicorn just like us who lived for generations and generations; but his heart went dark from his own dark desires. He one day disappeared into the shadows waiting for a perfect time to strike. No pony has seen them since then. Why does thou ask of him?”
“Well… because he’s dead; and it was actually that demon spirit that we have to thank for that.”
The whole room fell silent upon Pumpkin feeling happy about a death; but he did have a right to.
“He’s… dead; just like that?” said Luna unsurely.
“Y-yeah. He planned to use the spirit of the curse inside me to rule over Equestria himself, and he almost succeeded. However, he let his ego go to his head and the curse killed him before he even got started.”
“I guess he let his darkest demons push him too far and got him killed for it;” said Celestia, “even if it wasn’t intentional. I didn’t know much about him, but… one less to deal with I guess.”
“Well whoever he was,” said Acer hugging Pumpkin close to him, “he obviously didn’t know what was getting into. Serves him right for hurting you.”
“Aw, thanks Acer,” said Pumpkin as she gave Acer a peck on his cheek.
“So… what now?” Pinkie questioned, “I guess we all go back to our normal lives as if any of this ever happened; is that what we do now, because I definitely won’t forget this.”
“I don’t think any of us will ever forget this. But what matters now is that Pumpkin okay and still living. Because she overcame her fears and emotions, she’s able to be with her family and friends for years to come.”
“S’up, guys; did I miss anything?” shouted a sudden voice of another pony that walked in the room at the last minute.
“Minty!” shouted Pumpkin as she saw Minty in her sights, “It’s about time you got here.”
Both fillies gave each other a light hug and a hoof bump as Minty said, “Hey, girl; looks like you’re finally on the road to full recovery. Awesome sauce!”
“Yeah, it’s great to be conscious again,” Pumpkin responded while holding her head, “If I ever pass out again, I’m going to lose it.”
“As if the rest of us wouldn’t,” mentioned Pound.
Princess Celestia and Luna realized what time it was and prepared to leave the scene and their subject have their moment.
“I’m afraid that we must take our leave now,” said Luna, “We do have other duties to attend to you know.”
“Just make sure to take it easy and get better soon, Pumpkin,” said Celestia as she nuzzled Pumpkin’s cheek, “After the great courage you displayed all your life, Equestria might need somepony like you one day.”
Pumpkin smiled and blushed feeling a bit embarrassed of the compliment she received, “Oh, Princess, don’t be so flattering. I’m great and all, but I don’t know about all of that.”
“I don’t know, Pumpkin,” said Twilight, “I think that they might be onto something. The fact that you literally carried the world’s hatred burdens on your shoulder, and then with our help defeated it for good; I’d say that’s the feat of someony very special.”
“I suppose so.”
“Take care, everypony,” said Ceestia as she and Luna left the room; and everyone bidded them farewell.
As they left, Celestia looked back at Pumpkin and smiled thinking about what could’ve been with her, “Such a special filly she is. She should count herself lucky that she’s still alive… unlike that spirit’s last host… may he rest in peace.”
“By the way, Sister,” said Luna, “you really do know of who Shadow Star is, don’t you?”
“Perhaps I do; although… after all that has been accomplished today, I’d rather forget about the past… and focus on the future.”
Back in the room, everyone was having a wonderful time spending time with each other and keeping Pumpkin Company. Acer and Ruby filled Minty on what had happened; Pinkie was doing what he does best and was making Pumpkin laugh along with Pound; and Mr. and Mrs. Cake was just happy to be there with their daughter. But after a while, Nurse Redheart came back in the room to attend to her patient.
“I’m sorry to break up this wonderful reunion, but… Pumpkin really needs to rest to build her strength back up; that and visiting hours are over anyway.”
“We completely understand, nurse,” said Mr. Cake, “Well, everypony, I guess we should leave Pumpkin to her recovery.”
“But we’ll be back real soon; okay Pumpkin?!” shouted Pinkie.
“Yeah, okay.”
Mrs. Cake suddenly came over to Pumpkin and hugged her tight and gave her a kiss on her cheek, “Come on, Mom, you’re embarrassing me.”
“I guess I’m just overjoyed that you’re finally cured is all; so go ahead and complain all you want.”
After saying their good byes for the day, Dr. Star was leading them all out of the room as Pumpkin watched them feeling at peace.
“See ya later, Sis,” said Pound, “Maybe I’ll swing by later with one of your favorite sweets.”
His sister’s ears perked up as she smiled, “Pumpkin spice cupcakes?”
“Heh, you got it.”
Then Minty placed her hooves around Pumpkin’s brother as she looked over at her and said, “And don’t worry about your brother, Pumpkin; while you’re recovering in here, I’ll keep him company.”
Pound smiled nervously and blushed, “Heh heh, yep, no need to worry about me.”
Twilight was the next to last to be leaving the room; and she looked over at the resting filly and told her, “Rest well, Pumpkin.” And then she left.
Dr. Star was about to go on with his work when Acer suddenly came up to him and asked, “Excuse me, Dr. Star, is okay if I could have a few more minutes with Pumpkin.”
Dr. Star looked over at Redheart who lightly smiled and nodded her head. Dr. Star then responded, “I don’t see why not; just don’t take too long.”
Both he and Redheart then left the room to leave Acer with Pumpkin as he went over to her and sat down beside her stroking her mane.
“Well… you did it; you finally got your wish.” 
“It wasn’t just me, Acer,” said Pumpkin blushing slightly, “it was also thanks to all of the support from everypony… and you.”
“That’s right, exactly what I told you before; right?”
Being alone with Acer again felt very assuring to Pumpkin and she was glad she didn’t have to feel uncomfortable about being near him again.
“I’m a very lucky filly, Acer. I mean… I could’ve been dead just like my Great Uncle; but here I am still living. Weakened, sore and a bit out of it, but alive. After hearing that story that Envy had told us, I was losing hope even more than I already was; that I could never be cured and that I would eventually had to be stop somehow and sacrificed to save the world. It was purely a miracle that we all survived this whole ordeal… and that my family still has me. Mom, Dad, Pound, Pinkie, you, and everypony else. Right now, I feel like I’m in a dream and I don’t want to wake up.”
Acer suddnenly caught Pumpkin by surprise as he leaned down and gave her a kiss directly on her lips. Her eyes widened and her whole face turned red, and she stared at him prolongly as he broke away.
“Fortunately for you, you’re not dreaming; this your dream turned into reality… with me right here by your side as promised.”
“Thank you, Acer,” Pumpkin responded, “thank you for being there for me with everypony else. And thank Celestia that Ruby has finally gotten over you.”
“Yeah,” Acer chuckled, “water under the bridge; and at least now she has her Mother at home again. She should feel a whole lot better.”
Acer then cuddled down beside Pumpkin in her hospital bed getting comfortable; and then Pumpkin asked him, “So… once I get out of here, what do you want to do together on our first moment of me being curse-free?”
Putting his hoof around her, he replied with a smirk, “I’ll leave you to decide that. Whatever you want to do is fine with me.” 
Both ponies were smiling at each other gazing in each other’ eyes and were about to close in for another kiss… until they heard Nurse Redheart nearby.
“Ahem.” 
Both Acer and Pumpkin both looked up and saw Redheart and Dr. Star looking at them with little smirks on their faces. Acer blushed and grinned nervously knowing that his time was up.
“Uh… y-yeah, I-I-I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
And thus, that finally brings us to the end of this little story of Pumpkin’s struggles. But then again, this tale wasn’t exactly little, now was it? A story of a unicorn filly born with a curse that could have destroyed everything around her. A story of a filly who struggled all of her life living in fear of her curse getting out of control. She felt that if anything had happened, it would be all of her fault.  But lucky for Pumpkin, her own home never gave up on her; all of her family and friends were always there for her to try and keep her hopes up and nerves calm. Of course, no one said that the whole process would be easy; for Pumpkin had to face many situation along the way that tested and challenged her very will and would sometimes create life and death moments. But in the end after many trails and errors, she prevailed against her curse and everyone’s life was spared… even her own.
Ever since then, Pumpkin had to stay in the Ponyvile Health and Care center for about a week until her full strength returned to her body; and during that time, many things took place. Celestia kept her word and lifted the charges off of Envy, and Envy was released to be with her daughter once again. Pound and Minty were finally able to have a couple of dates together… with their parents’ permission, of course. Zecora was now fully awake and back to health thanks to one of her remedies that gave her help. Many ponies were working together to help clean and fix up Ponyville after the nearly made disaster; and Pumpkin’s family and friends visited her anytime they could just to make sure that she stayed well. Also, the Mayor, Cheerilee and the Cakes have thrown away their skeptic attitude towards Envy and are doing their best to gain her friendship 100%.
The day soon came when Pumpkin was released from the center, back to full strength and completely curse free. It was a miraculous day for her to be out and about living her now normal life with her friends and family with no worries at all. However, she still decided to continue taking private magic lessons from Twilight. She felt like it was still something that she wanted to do; Twilight was an awesome teacher after all. And just as they planned, Acer and Pumpkin spent more time together to make up for lost time and were having the time of their lives.
The closing of this tale now brings us to a day in the end of morning, where at Sugar Cube Corner Pound and Pumpkin were in the middle of making some weet treats. But while mixing a batch of batter, Pound accidentally slipped and spilled some of it on his sister’s mane.
“Ugh; pound,” she shouted, “look what you did! You got it all over me!”
“Heh, s-s-sorry, Pumpkin,” said Pound nervously, “You’re not going to kill me, are you?”
Pumpkin had a little mischievous look on her face as she said, “Perhaps not; but, as one might say…” She then used her magic to lift up balls of her batter and was floating them over her head, “revenge is a dish best served sticky and stuck all in your coat.”
Pound suddenly knew what was coming, “Uh-oh.”
Pound was then using his flight speed to try and dodge his sister batter balls as she was launching them at him. He got into it and grabbed his bowl of batter and was now purposely trying to get his sister too. They both got some good hits in, but Pumpkin seemed to get the most hits; and she also blocked some of Pound’s hits with her magic. Pinkie suddenly came into the building and saw what the Cake twins were doing; and she got excited as she shouted…
“Cake batter fight!”
“No fair, Pumpkin,” Pound shouted, “You have magic!”
“Oh take it like a stallion, Pound!”
Before long as the fight went on, Mr. and Mrs. Cake came down from upstairs and the warzone in their kitchen; there was sticky batter everywhere.
“Wh-what’s going on here?!” shouted Mrs. Cake.
The fight suddenly stooped as they all looked at the Cake couple.
“Cake batter fight,” shouted in excitement, “and Pumpkin won by a landslide!”
“Sweet Celestia,” shouted Mr. Cake as he looked over at Pound and saw him completely covered in cake batter, “are you alright, Pound?!”
“He’s fine, Dad,” Pumpkin chuckled as she used her magic to take the batter out of and off of her brother, “See, my magic is getting better.”
She also used her magic to clean up the mess around them; but it was a method that she tried not to do too often.
“Normally, I* would feel like giving you two a serious talk,” said Mrs. Cake, “but right now… I’m just glad this family has become normal; well… as normal as we can get. Just don’t expect this kind of behavior to be excused forever.”
There was suddenly a knock at the door and Pinkie was quick to answer it, “I’ll get it!” She happily hopped over to the door; and when she opened it, Pumpkin and Pound’s friends were there, “Oh, it’s you guys; hiya!”
“Sup’, Pinkie,” said Minty, “doing anything unusual today?”
“Just bakin’, Minty; just bakin’.”
Ruby suddenly came up front and asked, “Is it okay if Pumpkin and Pound could hang out with us for a while?”
“Hmm… let me check their schedule.”
“Pinkie…” said Pumpkin as she approached from behind, “Mom, Dad; is it okay if we hang out with our friends for a while?”
Mrs. Cake smiled and responded, “Of course you can, sweetie.”
“Just make sure you don’t do anything that you might regret later,” Mr. Cake chuckled.
Pumpkin lowered her eyes at her Dad and said, “Dad; really?”
“Just joking.”
Pumpkin then immediately went over to Acer and greeted him with a hug and also gave Ruby one as well, “Nice to see you guys are doing well.”
“Of course we are,” said Ruby, “Why wouldn’t we be? Besides, we should be the ones telling you that.”
When Pound came over to greet Minty, Minty sniffed his mane getting a scent of something sweet, “You smell like cake batter. Pumpkin get you again?”
“I am not ashamed,” Pound admitted.
“So, ready to go, guys… and girls?” said Acer.
“Most definitely,” said Pumpkin.
“What are we waiting for?” said Minty.
The group of young foals then headed out the door together leaving their troules and worries behind them. Pinkie and the Cakes were at the doorway watching the foal walk off no longer filled with doubt of how bad things could get.
“Have fun, you guys!” Pinkie shouted.
“This is such a beautiful sight; don’t you think so, Cup Cake?” said Mr. Cake as he placed his hoof around his wife.
Mrs. Cake smiled and sighed as she leaned against her husband in comfort, “You have no idea.” 
Ponyville had seen some dark days; but for Pumpkin it almost seemed dark everyday of her life. If it weren’t for those who cared for her so much, who knows where she would be today. It was only thanks for those individuals that this little filly made it through the worst of times. Pumpkin understands that darkness in everyone will never go away; but as long as ponies like her and her friends stick together, there’s nothing they can’t overcome.

THE END.

-----

Wait a minute; hold it right there, Mister Narrator! 



That can’t be the very end, right?! There are still some things that have to be explained before things come to a close!

Um… what are you talking about, Pinkie?

You know exactly what I mean, Mister Narrator! Does Pumpkin and Acer stay together? Do they get married in the future; and is it the same for Pound and Minty? Will Ruby get a new coltfreind; and will her Mother find another stallion to live with? Was there more about Shadow Star that we don’t know about even though he’s dead? What happened with my other friends after Pumpkin’s battle? What are those Crusaders doing now? Will Pound and Acer make it in the Wonderbolts? Will Ruby ever take over her Mother’s job? Will Pumpkin become awesome with her magic? How did all of the ponies in Ponyville get their wounds from the big battle treated? Will Twilight still become an Alicorn Princess in this reality? Will I ever stop talking like this? And… a-and there’s even more questions for a few other ponies in this story.

Yeah… I’m not doing that… because this story is now over; done; finished; finito; complete.

Oh come on; really? You have to be kidding me! I mean… the ending was nice and all and nopony died or stayed dead; but it was a bit anti-climactic at the last part if you ask me.

Anyway… that’s the end of this romantic, and grimdark tale. See you later everyone!

See you later, everypony!

‘Sigh’ See you later, everypony.

And remember; keep on smiling!