What Memories May Come - Part 3.2

Life of the World to Come (continued)

Spitfire leaps into the night sky as the Wonderbolts respond to the air siren below. She sees the glow of the voidscapes through her goggles, curving along the open air.

"Search and rescue time!" she calls out to Soarin', Rapidfire, and Fleetfoot as they begin their descent onto Ponyville, seeing the voidscapes stretch into the town like trickling streams. Already the sounds of the screaming residents below reach her ears, perking up as she moves faster, curving towards the edge of town where somepony falls.

"Gotcha!" Spitfire yells triumphantly, catching the falling pony in her front hooves. She's taken by surprise at the sight a graying Pegasus bearing Rainbow Dash's unmistakable cutie mark. "What the-?!"

Dash weakly kicks her front left hoof into the air. "I'll let…him have it! Where…is he?!"

"It's alright, Rainbow Dash. Just hold on!" Spitfire holds the energy-drained Pegasus to her as she descends towards a patch of land. There, a small purple dragon flails his arms, panicking at the sight of the weakened Pegasus in her hooves.

"Omigosh! Rainbow Dash, are you alright?!" Spike shouts as Spitfire gently places her on the ground.

"Get her some immediate medical attention at a safer location!" Spitfire tells Spike before taking off into the sky once more. The dragon nods and starts attempting to drag Rainbow Dash away as the weakened Pegasus keeps attempting to shake a defiant hoof at the air.

The other Wonderbolts swoop in for quick rescues, pulling ponies from the incoming paths of the trickling voids. Pinkie Pie hoops and hollers, thinking briefly that all the excitement is due to some kind of crazy late night party until she notices some of the buildings on the edge of Ponyville being swallowed whole by the white void. Fortunately, the evacuation goes well, ushering ponies across the still-intact streets. Pinkie Pie runs along, following the Wonderbolt attempting to direct her towards an outskirt route.

At Sweet Apple Acres, some of the refugees gather while Applejack and Big Macintosh see them through the front entrance. She monitors the glowing white in the town with a worried look on her face. The dark form above didn't settle well with her either. Nevertheless, there's reassurance in seeing the Wonderbolts performing the rescues and escorting ponies out of town. Still, she worries about her friends.

"Ah hope they're all right, Big Mac," Applejack says to her brother as a few scared pony couples make their way past the front entrance. "Ah just hope the Wonderbolts can handle this problem. Yah think Twilight, Rainbow Dash an' the others are doin' alright?"

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh answers, helping a collapsed black mare back onto her hooves. "They'll be fine, AJ. You ponies always manage."

Applejack smiles, considering her brother's words. She offers that smile as a reassurance to a scared little filly, maybe one of Apple Bloom's classmates, as she makes her way into the Acres. Speaking of which, Apple Bloom runs to the entrance, calling out Applejack's name.

"Applejack! Big Mac! What's goin' on?!"

"Apple Bloom, get back 'n the house!" Applejack shouts back. "We need to get all the space we can. Pass on, everypony. We'll take care of y'all 'til the hassle settles down."

The yellow and red filly runs towards the entrance, passing the incoming ponies and staring into the mass of energy, void, and winedark stars ahead of her.

"Goooooolly! There mus' be somethin' big goin' on!"

"Apple Bloom, get back over here now!"

Apple Bloom's bow droops as she huffs back, feeling as though she is deprived of seeing yet another spectacular thing due to her age. As she makes her way back, she bumps into a pink filly wearing a tiara.

"Oh great! First, I get forced out of my house when I'm trying to sleep, and now I run into you! Tonight can't possibly get any worse!"

"Nice to see yah too, Diamond Tiara," Apple Bloom grunts as the snotty little brat walks past the entrance with her father Filthy Rich. Why they had to appear is beyond Bloom's guess but she pauses as another figure runs by, now taking a dragon shape pulling along a plum-tuckered-out Pegasus. Two earth ponies lean down to help carry her.

"Please, be careful with her!" Spike tells the two earth ponies carrying Dash along.

"Oh mah stars! What happened to Rainbow Dash?!" Bloom runs worried next to the fallen Pegasus.

"That big black thing got to her!" Spike hurriedly explains. "If it wasn't for the Wonderbolts, she might have-!"

Bloom pushes herself against Rainbow Dash trying to offer support as much as she can with her little head. The Pegasus groans, still trying to raise that defiant hoof. "Don't worry, Rainbow Dash. Applejack'll know what t'do!"

The group carries Rainbow Dash towards the entrance, drawing the immediate attention of Applejack and Big Macintosh running over to her aid. Big Macintosh lifts Rainbow Dash onto her back and carries her past the entrance. Applejack looks on, worried about her friend as Big Macintosh lays her on the grass.

"Dash, what happened?!"

"Spike said that some big black thing got to her!" Apple Bloom chimes in, repositioning her bow atop her head shifted by helping Dash. "Is there anythin' we can do?"

Applejack places a hoof against Rainbow Dash's forehead, never hurt to check. "Doesn't feel like any fever. It's like somepony just sucked mos' of the life right outta her."

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh adds as usual, worried look changing up the catchphrase. He brushes a hoof against Dash's cheek and leans his right ear to her chest. "Her heartbeat's real weak. Jus' like somepony suckin' the life outta her."

Applejack is about to speak when a voice breaks over the crowd. "I can't believe this! I was so close to finishing my latest design and something started breaking the grounds across my boutique! And-my goodness! What's wrong with Rainbow?!"

The white unicorn with deep purple mane runs towards the fallen Pegasus, her cat Opal clinging to her saddlebag. "Opal, no! That designer saddlebag came straight from Saddles Imported! What happened to Dash?!"

Big Macintosh hangs his head. Applejack answers. "Somethin' got Dash up there, Rarity, probably why she set off that Sonic Rainboom. Whatever's goin' after Ponyville now got to her."

"What a beast!" Rarity sets down her saddlebag and pet cat. "Well, rest assured, there will be no more harm coming to my friends. Speaking of which, have you seen Twilight or Fluttershy? I haven't seen them since this morning?"

"No idea, sugarcube. But we got other matters t'attend to. An' until we settle this, y'all best got on inside. Ah'm sure the Wonderbolts will manage whatever's up there."

Beyond Sweet Apple Acres, Spitfire shoots upwards, sensing the presence of the attacker amidst the chaos. A blackgray shape blurs into view, about the size of Princess Celestia if not larger. Spreading its wings, it leaps into the open with its front legs kicking into the air. She pauses, taking in the sight of the alicorn with the winedark aura building around its horn. With the others evacuated, the Wonderbolts reconvene behind her, preparing for a charge at the foe.

Zero Wing tilts his head down, seeing the blue-uniformed Pegasi shooting towards him with trails in their wake. The blackgray alicorn kicks up, horn rising against the sky like a rocket surging with raw energy to the stars. He stops a few feet into the air, looking down at the destruction upon this settlement.

The Wonderbolts charge directly into Zero Wing's torso, delivering kicks and punches against the blackgray alicorn. He draws out his winedark aura, preparing another field. Spitfire catches this and directs Soarin' and Rapidfire to launch directly at his throat. The two land the blow with their hind legs, managing to throw off the field building around the alicorn's head.

"Don't let up!" Spitfire yells, charging into the alicorn's left wing. She misses just barely as the alicorn shifts to the side, striking Rapidfire with his horn. The Wonderbolt falls back, kicking into the air as he regains his balance to land another strike. Soarin' jumps at the other wing, trying to bring the alicorn down.

"Around its head! Around its head!" Soarin' calls out. "We gotta overwhelm it!"

Spitfire heeds, directing Rapidfire and Fleetfoot to follow her. They curve, barrel roll, dive, and shift around the alicorn's body. The winedark energy builds around his horn but they continue their movement, trying to confuse him and stall his shot.

"Good work! Keep it up!" Spitfire yells to her team. "Just a little more and-"

The winedark energy sparks, creating a massive field that shoots off around the alicorn. Spitfire sees it too late, being hit straight-on by the shot. Beneath her jumpsuit, her body goes limp with her wings losing all movement. Beneath her goggles, her eyes struggle to stay open. The other Wonderbolts follow suit, the winedark field taking its toll on their bodies. With a grunt and a weak cry coming from Rapidfire, the Wonderbolts fall from the sky.

Several feet away, Applejack feels her heart sink as the four Pegasi collapse from the sky, descending towards the earth while the dark form blurs ahead. From its horn, another void forms along the road leading towards the fillies' school, stripping it to a cluster of stepping stone fragments atop a white void river.

Suddenly, the four Pegasi stop in mid-air, supported by a golden field encircling them in a protective bubble. Gently, the bubble cradles them and transports itself towards the road leading into Sweet Apple Acres. It opens before Applejack and Big Macintosh as the two stand before the bubble deposited before their hooves. They circle around the fallen Wonderbolts, helping them to their hooves. Big Macintosh lifts Spitfire and Soarin' atop his back, carrying the two of them to the entrance while Applejack guides Rapidfire and Fleetfoot. Now isn't the time to question the miraculous save.

Celestia rises above the white glow, being reminded of the devastation she had witnessed five hundred years ago. She scans the sky for Gareth/Zero Wing and finds him, preparing for another shot. She sighs and charges, trying to get a good shot at Zero Wing's underbelly while the alicorn remained distracted by his quest to completely eliminate the area around him.

Denied.

Zero Wing clashes horns with her once more, the winedark and gold energies clashing and exploding as the two shake and fall back, hooves raised in each other's direction. The blackgray alicorn reengages her, directing his horn at her. No magic this time. Simply wanting to get her out of the way.

Celestia winces as the horn grazes her left front leg and tears through her mane. She ducks down, avoiding the next shot as Zero Wing continues to lunge, an arrow encircling her at all angles.

"You continue to fight me," Zero Wing says, blurring across the Princess' field of vision. "I told you. Nothing is going to stop me. Not you. Not him. Nothing."

"I'm not going to rest until you're stopped and Gareth is freed," Celestia declares, darting ahead as Zero Wing blurs behind her.

"He will not interfere. He knows what must be done. I will make sure our goal is met."

Zero Wing divebombs, horn raised towards the Princess' throat. Celestia moves to the side, horn barely missing her neck. The two clash horns again, sending off sparks of their energies' colors. They hold the clash for a few moments more, pink-purple eyes glaring into winedark ones beneath the onyx helmet. They break but Celestia gets the upper hoof, slamming directly into Zero Wing's chin. Taking the moment, she lifts her front legs and delivers a kick against his chest. And then to his left wing. Anything to ground him.

Zero Wing doesn't permit her that chance, driving his horn right against where her front left leg and torso connect. She winces as it scratches, tearing out some white fur in a scribbling line. Celestia pulls back as Zero Wing clashes against her once more.

"As soon as I dispose of you, I will erase the world," the blackgray alicorn slashes the horn down the middle of Celestia's face. She cries out as the horn leaves a winedark energy trail burning between her eyes to her snout. "Only then, can order be restored once more in a meaningless existence."

"Oh, SHUT UP!" Celestia curses, firing a golden shot at the blackgray alicorn's face, bouncing off the onyx helmet. "Gareth! Please, you have to fight him!"

Zero Wing remains unfazed, winedark eyes staring at her worried expression. "I told you. He will not interfere. And you will not order me around. I am not your servant, Princess."

He lunges again, aiming his next attack right for her torso wherein the goddess' heart beat rapidly, fearing that her friend may be gone for good.

Suddenly, Zero Wing pulls back half-way through the space between them. For a moment, the normally emotionless blackgray alicorn shows a look of silent agony, winedark eyes widened and mouth caught in a murdered scream. The face peels away with a flashquick aura of winedark light, revealing Gareth beneath. His dull jade eyes open slowly, a similar pained expression forming along his lips and eyes.

"Forgive me…my Princess," Gareth utters. "I'm sorry…I couldn't sleep…forever…all I've done…it's my fault…"

"Fight him!" Celestia nears, look of relief developing over her face.

"I can't…I failed you, my Princess…I failed them all…I couldn't save Amber or Morning Star or Sunny Ray…nor could I save myself," Gareth continues, thinking to the mental image of destroying the manifestation of Gray Moon. "I wanted…to…send a warning…but he went to the…wrong place…and he's gone…"

"No, he's not! You are Gray Moon, Gareth! You can do this! Fight him!" Celestia comes within kissing distance. She places her front hooves on his cheeks and lowers her horn, preparing the same spell from earlier. "Please, my old friend…"

"Forgive me…my Princess!" Gareth screams in agony as Zero Wing reclaims the headspace, the onyx helmet and winedark eyes returning as the dark alicorn reforms, throwing Celestia back.

"He just doesn't get it!" Zero Wing yells, a hint of anger in his voice before returning to his previously stoic state. "No matter. It ends here."

Zero Wing slams against her head-on, driving the horn past her cheek and tearing through her mane again. Celestia yells in anger and sadness, breaking from his hold as the fight starts again.

***

After jumping across a few more stepping stone fragments, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Zecora make their way to the still-intact threshold between the Everfree Forest and Ponyville. Much to Fluttershy's relief, her cottage remains whole although she can see her scared pets and animal friends peering through the windows, Angel among them. Much to Fluttershy's worry, the sight of the solid white voidscapes come into view.

"Come on, Fluttershy!" Twilight yells as the three run down the road, dodging void gaps cutting into the dirt and grass. Twilight scans the area as she moves, seeing parts of Ponyville broken down. Buildings halved and quartered by stretches of white void. Roads ending at bottomless pits where commerce once commenced. A taxicart lies sprawled against a patch of land with only one wheel and half of its yellow-black carriage intact. A sink sprays water over an exposed edge, losing drops into the void below. The river itself seals off at the ends.

Looking ahead, the Library remains intact. Miraculously, the void trickling towards it curves around like a half-moat, continuing onward towards the outskirts of Ponyville. She feels a little relieved to see nopony around caught in the devastation and that the voidscapes stretch no further than Ponyville. If it goes any further-

Someponies yell in the distance, curving along the road broken up ahead.

Twilight gestures for Fluttershy and Zecora to follow, taking care to pick up speed only along the intact strips of land. Stepping stone fragments appear again, forcing the unicorn and zebra to jump across while the yellow Pegasus takes flight above them. The flashing lights of the battle in the center go on, winedark and sunlight gold sparking. The purple unicorn pauses, seeing her mentor fighting the blackgray alicorn, clashing horns once more.

"The Princess can handle herself," Twilight reassures Fluttershy as she passes. "Right now, we have to find the others."

"Look before you, Fluttershy, and me!/Is that the road to the Acres I see?"

Twilight looks ahead and sees indeed that it is. "Thanks, Zecora. Let's go!"

The zebra nods, following along as the purple unicorn leads the way. More fragments form, stepping stones jumping in their path. Expertly, she makes flashquick movements over them, not looking at the void below for her benefit. Zecora handles it well, flashquick hooves while ensuring the contents of her saddlebag remain inside. Aside from some minor clinking when she lands on the other side, the vials and containers stay.

A small yellow filly with red mane and pink bow appears around the corner, looking around frantically for anypony else. Despite her siblings' calls, Apple Bloom continues moving, gazing ahead.

"I can't stay here! I won't stay here! I'm going home!"

Apple Bloom turns around and sees Diamond Tiara running towards her. She's knocked aside as Diamond Tiara runs past.

"Out of my way, loser! I'm not gonna stay in such conditions!"

"Diamond Tiara, wait a minute! Get back here!"

The spoiled filly ignores her as she makes the corner, determined to get back to her house with her things no matter what. Suddenly, a shot fires from the sky, crashing into the ground before her in meteoric fashion. Diamond Tiara skids to a halt but starts to slide over the edge, letting out a shriek.

Somepony pulls her back up by the tail. Apple Bloom drags Diamond Tiara back onto the strip of land while whatever remnants of the former landscape collapse into the void. Diamond Tiara stares transfixed, clearly horrified at the idea of falling.

"Use yer noggin, Diamond Tiara!" Apple Bloom chides her schoolyard enemy. "Y'all coulda been tumbling into that abyss!"

Diamond Tiara's namesake headwear tilts over her eyes. She pushes it back into place and resumes her ever-so-pleasant attitude from before, tugging her tail back to her. "Don't mess up my tail! You're lucky Daddy's not around to see this!"

"Yer welcome too," Apple Bloom notes sardonically.

"Apple Bloom!"

She quickly turns and sees Fluttershy carrying Twilight over the gap. The yellow Pegasus sets her down next to the two fillies and goes back for Zecora. Not wanting to be anywhere near the glowing white anymore, Diamond Tiara runs back towards the Acres.

"Twilight! Ah'm glad to see yer alright!" Bloom runs to her, hugging the unicorn's leg.

"Yes, I'm glad to see you too," Twilight briefly brushes her left front hoof against Apple Bloom's back.

Apple Bloom releases, keeping her hopeful smile. "It's good. Come on now! Back t' the Acres! We got other townponies waiting there!" Apple Bloom's smile dies, remembering Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts in their weakened state. She considers giving the bad news but just retreats towards the Acres. "Come on!"

Twilight nods just as Fluttershy returns, gently lowering Zecora to the ground. "Come on, we have to get to Sweet Apple Acres."

The unicorn makes her way towards the Acres with Fluttershy and Zecora behind her. Every so often, she steals glances in the direction of Celestia and Zero Wing's fight, wishing for Celestia's victory and that she could help. She refocuses on the route ahead, seeing the still-intact land. She sees Apple Bloom disappearing around a corner towards the front entrance. As soon as the three reach, Applejack and Big Macintosh greet them at the entrance.

"Twilight! Fluttershy! Ah'm very glad to see y'all! Ah thought y'all might've…might've…"

Twilight returns a reassuring smile. "We're fine. We've been through a lot but we're fine now."

Twilight and Fluttershy pass through the entrance, Fluttershy giving her regards to Applejack and Big Macintosh who bows respectfully towards her. Zecora follows in, carefully making sure the contents of her saddlebag do not spill prematurely.

"Zecora! Mah stars, are yah holding up alright?"

"Yes, I am fine, Applejack dear./Why all the apprehension and the fear?"

"Well, Zecora, somethin' happened to Rainbow Dash an' the Wonderbolts-"

"What?!" Twilight goes in front of her. "What happened?"

Applejack just gestures towards the sky where Zero Wing battles Celestia and then points towards the spot on the grass where five ponies lie outstretched. Before Twilight can do anything, Zecora moves ahead with her saddlebag ready. Nearing Rainbow Dash, she draws out a vial from her bag. Its contents shift around, flashing a jade color.

"I see the noted attacks were true,/Zero Wing draining ponies of life-energies too./I don't have anything to make strength anew,/But perhaps I can make things better with my revitalization brew."

The zebra places a hoof under Rainbow Dash's neck, tilting her head. The Pegasus still holds out her defiant hoof, thinking Zero Wing is still around her. She pulls out the cork with her teeth and gently pours half of the jade fluid into her mouth. Rainbow Dash coughs, spitting some jade drops against Zecora's face. But the Pegasus shows more signs of life.

"Let me at him. Let me at him! I wasn't finished!"

"You do not have to say such a thing./You are among friends, not Zero Wing."

Twilight watches as Zecora moves onto Spitfire with the remnants of the jade fluid. Noticing Rarity, the zebra hands her a vial. "Please help me with the Wonderbolts./Give each one half a dose."

"Alright then," Rarity nods, taking the vial in a blue magic aura. She tilts up Fleetfoot's head and readies the vial. Fleetfoot coughs up a few jade drops against Rarity's face. The white unicorn simply brushes it off and moves to Rapidfire.

They tend to the fallen Wonderbolts as Dash tries to stand only to collapse as the weakening effect still gets to her. She turns back again, seeing the fight going on over Ponyville. Thinking of her mentor, Twilight runs past the entrance.

"Where are yah goin'?!" Applejack calls. "Twilight!"

The purple unicorn calls back. "Stay with them. Make sure nothing happens to them. I'm going to help Celestia!"

"Twilight!"

The purple unicorn runs onward, hearing Celestia's cry of pain as Zero Wing lunges at her with his horn. She falls back, kicking into the space between them. When Zero Wing turns in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres, Celestia dives at him. Anything to keep him at bay.

Twilight runs on, jumping over the newly-formed stepping stones.

Back at the Acres, Spike runs out to the entrance after hearing Twilight's name. He doesn't see her and turns to the Fluttershy. "Fluttershy! Where's Twilight? Where's Gray Moon?"

Fluttershy hangs her head for a moment. "Gray Moon's gone, Spike. That monster got him. He was a memory projection, like Twilight's spell. I tried to save him."

Spike feels a knot in his gut, remembering all the sarcastic side-remarks he had made about the gray colt. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy. But if Twilight can-"

Fluttershy perks up. "Twilight! Oh my goodness, she's gone back!" The yellow Pegasus extends her wings and soars past Sweet Apple Acres' entrance, right over Applejack and Big Macintosh's heads.

"Fluttershy, wait! Where are you going?!" Spike attempts to follow but trips. The fragments of the scroll, still somehow caught in his own fingers despite this, scatter out of his grasp.

Back to Twilight as she makes her way nearer to Ponyville, disregarding the pains in her legs and chest. Breath catches up with her. She makes it to the edge where the big gap forms, skidding to a halt. Just as before, two front legs wrap around her chest and lift her into the air.

"Well, I couldn't just let you go back on your own," Fluttershy explains, a smile replacing the worried look from earlier. "After all, you can't make those long jumps."

"No, but you can," Twilight returns the smile. "Come on, let's go get him. For Gray Moon."

Fluttershy nods. "For Gray Moon."

The yellow Pegasus reaches the other end of the gap, landing carefully on the strip so Twilight's hooves reach with the ground. The two of them recommence their run, heading into the center of Ponyville while above Celestia and Zero Wing fought on. They

duck to the side as a shot fires in their direction, splitting the ground beneath their hooves. Fluttershy pulls Twilight out of the range of the next shot, lifting her over the next gap forming.

"What's the plan?" Fluttershy asks.

Twilight considers, then looks up to the fight above. "We have to get up there. For this to work, we have to get to Zero Wing."

"What?!" Fluttershy balks, remembering her poor hooves from the last time she came face-to-face with the beast. "Are you crazy?"

"Please, trust me on this, Fluttershy. I can't use any spells from down here. They won't reach. And we have to do this," Twilight places her left front hoof on Fluttershy's back. "Please, just trust me, Fluttershy. We have to. For the Princess. For Gray Moon. For everypony. Please, just trust me on this."

Fluttershy sighs and nods. She pulls away from Twilight and stretches her wings, preparing for what might be another long flight. They feel sore but she moves on, not wanting to disappoint her friend. For everypony, she wraps her front legs around Twilight and takes off into the sky with a speed that might have even made Rainbow Dash a bit jealous.

The space between them and the dueling alicorns lessens until Twilight gets a proper view of the monster. Celestia stares shocked and worried as Fluttershy and Twilight come into view. Zero Wing notices them too.

"What are you doing?!" Celestia yells just as Zero Wing fires a winedark energy spear at the two.

Fluttershy moves to the side, pulling Twilight and herself out of harm's way. Despite the pangs in her chest and front legs, she holds on, determined to enact out Twilight's plan. The purple unicorn concentrates on the moving target, her horn starting to glow with a purple aura.

Zero Wing moves to strike her once again when Twilight fires the spell. Taking Zero Wing by surprise, the blackgray alicorn

shifts into the open whiteness. Like before, he hovers about, blurring from place to place. Only this time, the purple unicorn isn't alone. The yellow Pegasus carries her across the open space. Breath catches up with her as she fixes her grip on Twilight, the purple unicorn concentrated on her spell.

What is this? The blackgray alicorn questions.

A taste of your own magic, Twilight answers. I understand now. Don't worry, Gareth. You will be free!

Fluttershy pulls back as Zero Wing charges, showing signs of previously unseen anger. His horn nearly grazes Fluttershy's wing but she dodges, taking Twilight with her out of harm's way. Twilight prepares herself for the attack at hand as Fluttershy pulls up again to dodge a winedark hadōken blast.

Alright, Fluttershy. Twilight says. Let go.

Fluttershy looks worried and tightens her grip on Twilight.

Please, let go. Trust me, Fluttershy.

The yellow Pegasus releases, dropping Twilight into the open space. Despite the Pegasus' fears, her friend floats into the open space and throws herself at Zero Wing. A purple shot fires at the alicorn's face. He retaliates with a winedark aura concentrated within a spear. The two energies clash against one another, straining to break and strike.

I will…not…let…you…interfere…

Twilight pushes against the alicorn's energy attack, trying her hardest to break it. Fluttershy hovers closer to her, wishing she could do magic even if only for a moment. Her friend continues the reverse tug-of-war with the beams, feeling herself pushed back a bit more and more and

Suddenly, Twilight's spell amplifies, shooting back directly at Zero Wing and shattering the winedark aura into sparks. Smiling, Twilight increases the spell as her mentor aides her, Celestia's horn glowing. Surprised, the blackgray alicorn tries for another when the spell hits him head-on, colliding against his face. Like a porcelain mask, Zero Wing's face breaks once more, exposing Gareth beneath.

The memories hit hard and fast.

Before Gareth's eyes, the scenes of a small purple unicorn filly play out. She moves about, playing with an older blue-maned white unicorn, running through the field as their parents watch on. Flash to the same purple filly with a younger version of the pink alicorn he saw back at Canterlot. Hooves clapping together in some game. Cut again, the same filly grown up with her friends, including the yellow Pegasus, surrounding her with open arms.

What is this?! Zero Wing's voice booms somewhere behind Gareth.

Gareth, Twilight speaks to the alicorn, coming closer as the memory barrage continues. The scenes of her friends build up around them, filling the white space with full colors as the memories flash around them. I know it hurt to see those you care about pass on while you continued living. But the world is not meaningless as Zero Wing tells you. He shows you the painful memories but there were good ones too. Do you remember them?

Silence her! Zero Wing growls somewhere.

Twilight continues, helped by the Princess' amplification as she moves into the alicorn's mind. Past the flashquick images of Zero Wing and the destruction of Legacy's Reach. Past the deaths. Past the pain. Past them all, other memories flow freely. The images of Twilight and her friends vanish, replaced by images of Gray Moon walking happily with Amber Mist. Nuzzling Morning Star as the rain poured outside. Working alongside Sunny Ray, seeing her comforting smile. Lily-of-the-Valley whispering sweet words of love into his ear.

Gareth falters, tears flowing down his face.

You know what must be done, Zero Wing says ominously, like a pony about two seconds from flying into a full rampage. You said so yourself. Without them, life is meaningless. Life is just suffering. They die and they'll continue dying as long-

With all due respect, Twilight cuts in. Shut up.

Zero Wing attempts to cover Gareth's eyes but the alicorn fights back, seeing the images of his mates smiling, happy, all the good times among the bad. Not the images he saw in the five hundred years of dreaming. Not what Zero Wing made him see over and over. No drowning. No sickness. No death. Life. Life of the world. Then. To come.

One day, I will pass on just as they did, Twilight admits, feeling a bit pained to admit her own mortality. But until then, there's meaning in everything. My family. My friends. My mentor. Everypony I care about. And there's meaning for you as well. There always has been.

Yes, Fluttershy adds, hovering alongside Twilight. There's always meaning, no matter how dark or grim it gets. Come on, Gareth. We'll help you.

Zero Wing growls somewhere, floating adrift in the voidscape.

Zero Wing is just an idea, Gareth. He's been hiding you, been keeping you in the dark. He's just a thought. You can fight him. Without you, he's nothing. Now, come to us, Gareth. Come to us.

The jade-eyed alicorn shudders as Zero Wing roars into the sky, seconds from lunging to impale his horn into the unicorn's throat. Gareth catches him in midair and pulls back, shattering the onyx helmet over his head.

Concentrating the memory projection spell, Twilight channels through the cascade of thoughts streaming in the alicorn's mind. Amidst the panicked thoughts, a horned shadow lurks. Much to its fury, Twilight pulls back, the spell extracting it. As she proceeds, the blackgray fur vanishes, revealing more of the dark gray underneath.

Twilight smiles and extends her hoof towards the alicorn. Fluttershy follows suit, both ponies reaching out to Celestia's old friend.

Gareth sees this and draws his out his hooves towards Twilight and Fluttershy despite Zero Wing's layer constricting against his skin. He winces but still makes contact. Twilight and Fluttershy grab a hoof each and pull.

Come to us, Gareth.

Zero Wing screams out in blind fury, directing Gareth's body to

drive against the ground. Twilight and Fluttershy look around, seeing their hooves against the ground with Celestia standing alongside them. Around them, the voids begin to recede, the earth within Ponyville returning with full grass and dirt. Gareth flails on the ground as Zero Wing fights him, horn glowing mixtures of jade and winedark energies.

"Fight it, Gareth!" Twilight yells as Celestia's spell picks up, eating away at the projection on the outside.

"You can do it!" Fluttershy cheers.

Zero Wing twitches more violently, trying to reclaim control over the alicorn's body. Gareth resists, fueled by the pleasant memories-all that Zero Wing had kept from him. How could he have just let himself be manipulated for so long? It doesn't matter now as Zero Wing dissolves further, releasing Gareth's legs.

The remnants struggle around the cutie mark, flinching angrily as Celestia continues the spell. The warped taijitu mark leaps away into the air, gaining the shape of a horned shadow, extending its wings. It turns on them and lunges, horn drawn forward with eyes glowing. Caught in the aura of Celestia's spell, Zero Wing doesn't get far. Twilight rushes and fires several energy shots directly into the horned shadow. With an angry scream, Zero Wing succumbs and flails into the air, exploding into a galaxy of winedark sparks.   

A jade field forms and expels, stretching across the territory. Twilight and Fluttershy watch as it sends the voidscapes in reverse, replacing the land from before. Making its way backwards, it moves towards the Everfree Forest with numerous trees resprouting like, well, magic. Creatures starting returning to their homes, happy to be on intact land once more.

At Sweet Apple Acres, the jade aura hits the five fallen Pegasi, causing them to leap into the air just as Zecora packs away the empty vials. Rainbow Dash leaps into the air, pumping her curved front hooves and throwing off Rarity seeing to her. "Let me at him! Let me at him!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity calls out, a bit annoyed after being flung off. But she doesn't get mad for long when she notices the jade aura. The others look up, some fearful and some oohing and aahing at the firework-esque spectacular quality of it all.

It extends back to Canterlot where Luna watches with great interest as the jade field comes down. Through the chambers, the weakened guards shake back to full life, lances drawn with the last memory of the attacker. The pondering guard looks about, glad to feel the life back in his hooves. Glad to have the energy back in him, he lets out a little un-guardlike cheer, nearly dropping his lance on another's head.

In their makeshift bedroom chamber, Cadance stands near Shining Armor, hardly having left his side since the attack. She looks up for a moment as the jade field abruptly stops over them. In a flashquick motion, Shining Armor's eyes spring open and he lifts himself from the bed. Immediately, he finds himself pleasantly nuzzled and embraced by his wife. Equally relieved, he places his hooves on her sides and returns the nuzzle.

Back to Ponyville as the jade field clears. Twilight and Fluttershy move towards the center, seeing the land returned to normal under the beautiful moonlight. The ominous white glows of the voidscapes have vanished, all paths returned. Everything returns to normal as the effects of Zero Wing's attacks are, ironically as Twilight might add, erased from the landscape.

In the center, a dark gray alicorn lies spread-eagled as the final wisps of jade aura extinguish around him. His cutie mark shows a taijitu of black and white with Celestia's sun and Luna's moon within. Not hazy. Not warped. All fine once more. He opens his jade eyes and glances up as Celestia approaches him.

"Why…after all I've done…why?" Gareth asks, trying to stand.

"Because everypony deserves a second chance," Celestia helps her friend to stand, that supportive smile returning to her face. "And because I'm glad to have you back, old friend."

Gareth stands, looking around him. No damage done any longer. No voice of Zero Wing in the back of his mind. No forced memories of death. No screaming memories. No loss of control. No loss of will. He turns to his Princess and, quickly remembering protocol, bows respectfully with his horn tilted to reach the ground before her hooves.

"Rise, Gareth. No need for formalities," Celestia says warmly, placing a hoof to pat the back of his neck. "Everything is fine once again."

Gareth frowns and shakes his head. "No, my Princess. Not all is fine. I am still at fault. Even if Zero Wing was responsible for all the misdeeds, it was still I who thought him up in my darkest moments and still I whose memory projection spell gave him life. And it was also I who abdicated my position all those centuries ago. And for that, I must do what I have to do." He raises his front hooves, as if expecting to be shackled.

Celestia pushes his hooves down. "There will be no need for that. I will speak for you."

Gareth bows his head. "The ponies of Canterlot and this settlement will not be as forgiving as you, my Princess."

"I will speak for you," Celestia reassures, pulling up Gareth's chin to meet him eye-to-eye.

The dark gray alicorn nods. He extends his wings for the first time in over five-hundred years, feeling the cool night breeze against them. Celestia walks towards him and gestures her head in the direction of Canterlot. He understands, nodding once again. But before doing anything else, he walks before Twilight and Fluttershy and bows respectfully.

"Thank you both. If it wasn't for you two, I would still be a prisoner in my own body. I will now go to right the wrongs I have caused. Thank you."

Twilight smiles. "You're welcome. Just remember what I told you."

Gareth returns a smile, also the first in over five-hundred years. "I will."

Twilight and Fluttershy wave as Celestia and Gareth take off into the night sky, heading back towards Canterlot. Gareth takes a deep breath and hopes for the best, hopes for a chance to possibly atone. Soon, the two alicorns disappear.

Fluttershy brushes her face with her hoof as her wings curl around her. "I'm exhausted. After all that, but you're the one who really saved everypony, Twilight. You and the Princess."

"No way," Twilight responds, patting Fluttershy's back. "If it hadn't been for you, I never would have gotten to him in time or been able to make that spell. Heck, I probably would have fallen into a void if you didn't save my life. More than once, I might add."

Fluttershy beams.

Twilight smiles and then yawns, stretching out her front legs. All this excitement and she has forgotten how late it is.

"So, what do we do now?" Fluttershy asks, looking about at the buildings that were still wrecked. "I mean, it seems like Gareth couldn't fix everything."

"Don't worry about it, Fluttershy. We'll handle it. Now, we better get back to Sweet Apple Acres and get everypony back to their homes for a good night's rest," Twilight lets out another yawn. "Because later, we have some rebuilding to do."

Twilight and Fluttershy steal a glance at the moon overhead, reminded briefly of Gray Moon. For a moment, they bow their heads in a silent memorial. Finished, the two make their way back to Sweet Apple Acres.



Epilogue: Late Night in Legacy's Reach

"Gray Moon?"

The gray colt walks out of the house, plagued by a thought in the back of his mind. For years now, it's been bugging him with questions. Like, "How can things still be meaningful after their deaths?" And "Why do you fall in love again after all that's happened?" He ignores this thought as he has before. Nevertheless, he still worries. He's seen Legacy's Reach through the centuries, watching it emerge from the flood that ravaged the land, taking Morning Star with it. He winces when the memory resurfaces.

Lily-of-the-Valley watches her husband pace outside the house, kicking up clouds of dust along his way. He's out there again, worried as usual. Taking to her hooves, she walks out the door and into the moonlight. Her pale whitish-purple fur glows. A brick and cobalt couple walk by, casting a few worried looks in her direction as she slowly approaches the gray colt.

Gray Moon sits, pensively staring in the direction of Canterlot, although Lily-of-the-Valley would not recognize it for more than simply meditating over the sight of a constellation. She carefully walks up next to her husband and nuzzles him. It takes a few seconds before he seems to even realize that she's there.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

Gray Moon's ears fold back against his head. "Just thinking of things," he answers. He doesn't really want to describe what.

Lily-of-the-Valley stops and sits before him, taking her husband's face in her front hooves. "What kind of things? I'm sorry to intrude, but I'm worried about you. I see you pacing every night. If there's something I can do, please tell me."

Gray Moon considers for a moment as he has on other nights. He mentally plays the scenario of walking back into the house and explaining about the past. His service to the Princess. His work in Canterlot. Coming to Legacy's Reach under this guise. The true meaning of his cutie mark. Amber Mist. Morning Star. Sunny Ray. Or even going further, showing his wings and horn and true alicorn form. But what if she became angry because he hid all this from her? Or if she was afraid? Or if he would be exposed and taken back, having to leave all of this behind? He considers this before shaking his head.

Lily-of-the-Valley nuzzles him again. "You can tell me anything, Gray Moon."

The gray colt nods. "That's true. But I'm fine, Lily, I'm just fine."

Suddenly, in her effort to lighten the mood, Lily-of-the-Valley runs along the path, darting ahead like some crazy filly at play. Gray Moon watches confused as his wife romps through the near field, laughing and rolling around on the grass. But after a few seconds, he runs after her, leaping into the field. Just as he lands hoof-first near her, Lily-of-the-Valley gets to her hooves and runs ahead. A grin forms on his face as he gives chase.

"Gotcha!" Gray Moon yells as he tackles Lily-of-the-Valley.

The two fall to the grass, laughing as Lily-of-the-Valley shifts under him and flips her husband onto his back. She stands above him triumphantly, pinning his front legs against the ground. The young couple blush a little at their intimacy.

"Gotcha," Lily-of-the-Valley says, kissing Gray Moon between his eyes.

"Alright, Lily, you win," Gray Moon can't help but chuckle.

She releases Gray Moon's front legs and brushes her front hooves against his chest before climbing off him. Lily-of-the-Valley gets on her back, stretching herself out next to him. Gray Moon nuzzles her and licks her cheek.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" she asks.

Gray Moon nods, resting his head against hers. For a moment, he thinks of Amber Mist, Morning Star, and Sunny Ray before her. It fills him with dread, wondering what might happen next with Lily-of-the-Valley. Would she succumb to illness too? Or was Legacy's Reach due for another horrible flood?

The thoughts leave his mind as Lily-of-the-Valley rests her hoof on his chest and rubs. Breath catches up with him as his heartbeat slows to a nicer pace.

"Relax, Gray Moon," she coos. "Just relax. Everything's fine. And tomorrow will be fine." She retracts her hoof and tilts her head towards the sky.

Tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow.

"Yes, tomorrow will be fine," Gray Moon repeats, joining his wife in a session of stargazing.