An Equestrian Lifestream Corrupted and Manipulated

“End of the line, Cloud. You’ve failed. It is a wonder that anyone depends on you for help. Much like a failure in being a SOLDIER, you’re a failure to those that get too close. I’m going to enjoy taking the spiritual energy of this planet to destroy the one world you love so much,” Sephiroth gave a look of satisfaction.

“You still don’t get it. I don’t think you ever will.” Cloud continued to grip Sephiroth’s sword piercing his stomach. Blood began to drip from his mouth but nonetheless he managed his cool. “I’m not afraid of you anymore. I pity you. Even though you were once hailed as a hero and top SOLDIER, you fail to comprehend compassion, humility, and love. Your failure is much greater than mine, Sephiroth.”

“Those idealisms are for the weak.”

“No, Sephiroth. They are the strength that binds us all together. Without them, you have nothing but the emptiness of space to look forward to as a companion.”

Sephiroth tried to pull his sword out but Cloud’s grip remained firm.

“Are you ready, mister?” Cadance called to Genesis. “Open your heart so I may channel it into my spell to interact with the Crystal Heart.”

Still delirious from a near death experience, Genesis replied, “Of course, my Goddess.”

The Mane 6 looked at the man with concern as he was starting to freak them out a little. Cadance, oblivious to the man’s state of mind, started casting the spell to counteract Sephiroth’s influence on the Crystal Heart. Sephiroth’s chest started to glow and he put his right hand to it showing that it was working.

“Almost there,” Cadance said struggling to regain control of the Crystal Heart.

“Your killings have not gone unwarranted, Sephiroth,” Cloud said still clutching the sword in him.

Cloud slowly pulled the sword deeper into himself getting nearer to Sephiroth. Refusing to let go of his own sword, Sephiroth struggled to pull the sword out in frustration.

“They have a present for you – those you have wrongly killed. A just reward to your lust for power. Taste the blood of the fallen.”

Cloud spat a mouthful of blood into Sephiroth’s face and he let go of his grip on the sword. Freeing his sword and blinded, Sephiroth reeled backwards in complete shock trying to wipe the blood from his eyes. Some of it even got into his mouth.

Cloud fell onto the ground clutching his stomach and Tifa ran out to pull him to safety.

“Eww! That’s digusting!” Rarity shouted out being revolted at such a display of indecency.

“Is it working!?” Twilight called out to Cadance.

“Yes…no…” Cadance struggled to speak. “…I don’t know…It feels…like…I’m not…the one the heart wants…”

Genesis immediately recognized what he needed to do. He watched as Sephiroth flew into the air in a confused state still trying to wipe the blood from his eyes. So long have they been fighting that they forgot what was most important. He needed to remind Sephiroth of this no matter the cost or end it brings. There was a time he envied Sephiroth and he longed for the days of the past. Though the three went their separate ways, now was the time to correct the mistake. Every journey that begins must have an end. Genesis stared at Cadance and watched as she struggled to maintain the spell. His Goddess…he loves her so much.

Genesis spoke very clearly that those around him heard every word he said.

When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
The goddess descends from the sky
Wings of light and dark spread afar
She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting

“Is this guy serious? He’s starting to freak me out,” Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack.

“Ay hear ya. Not sure ‘bout this one,” Applejack responded. Twilight and Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

Pinkie Pie and Rarity, on the other hand, started to tear up for no apparent reason. Genesis noticed this looking at Rarity wiping away a tear.

Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wandering soul knows no rest

From his pocket, he produced a single Banora White. He looked at it with a flood of memories returning to him.

There is no hate, only joy
For you are beloved by the goddess
Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds
Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
Pride is lost
Wings stripped away, the end is nigh

Genesis took off into the air to meet Sephiroth in midflight. The ponies called out for him to return but did not acknowledge their words.

My friend, do you fly away now?
To a world that abhors you and I?
All that awaits you is a somber morrow
No matter where the winds may blow
My friend, your desire
Is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess
Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return

Genesis grabbed hold of Sephiroth restraining him. The glow in Sephiroth’s chest grew bright with a white light emanating from it. Twilight saw this as their chance and the Mane 6 readied the elements of harmony firing a rainbow of light into the sky. Genesis looked up at that rainbow light.

My friend, the fates are cruel
There are no dreams, no honor remains
The arrow has left, the bow of the goddess
My soul, corrupted by vengeance
Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey
In my own salvation
And your eternal slumber
Legend shall speak
Of sacrifice at world's end
The wind sails over the water's surface
Quietly, but surely

The rainbow of light came down from the sky with much velocity. It hit both Genesis and Sephiroth deteriorating their bodies in the process. Cadance looked up to see if it was working. In the bright light before her, she thought she saw Genesis standing before Sephiroth – both wingless. Genesis took a bite out of something in his hands and offered it to Sephiroth. Sephiroth looked at the item for a while, picked it up, and took a bite. A third figure appeared dressed in black with black hair. It then took the item and bit into it. All three looked as though they were happy.

Even if the morrow is barren of promises
Nothing shall forestall my return
To become the dew that quenches the land
To spare the sands, the seas, the skies
I offer thee this silent sacrifice

The bright light vanished and a cloud of dust and smoky mist was all that was seen where Genesis and Sephiroth had just been. Cadance quickly casted a spell to contain their remains. Tifa positioned Hojo’s container closer to the remains above. The remains were then placed into the container and it was sealed. Twilight ran over to Cloud to heal his wound.

For a while, a complete silence hang in the air. It was though everything stopped, Looking down, Cadance noticed what looked like a half-eaten white apple before her on the ground. For some reason, it filled her with sadness.