Pinkie hugged the blanket close to her as she watched her sisters walk out. They had spent the entire visiting time to tell her everything that was happening on the farm. Their father had been promoted to the highest ranking rock farmer in all of Equestria. While the job at first seemed to be lack-luster, when you realized how many rocks it took to build the sisters castles alone, you could begin to understand a rock farmer’s importance. Rocky had inspired a new short story for Maud to write – ‘Sedimentary, my dear Watson’ was the title. Maud had always had a soft spot for mysteries. Pinkie sighed happily, rolling her sisters’ visit through her mind.

She turned to the door as Doctor Silver Tongue walked in. She didn’t like the look on his face. He looked serious and contemplative. “Is… everything alright, Doctor?”

“I need you to stay calm, Diane. Somepony very important is here to see you.”

Pinkie tilted her head to the side, confused. Who would be so important that the Doctor was behaving this way?

Pinkie’s question was quickly answered. She gasped as Princess Celestia trotted in, her face serious as always. “Hello, Pinkamena.”

She didn’t know how to react. Seeing her brought back… everything. She was a startling reminder of everything – Twilight’s ascension, Discord, the Elements – Everything Pinkie had lost. And all Pinkie could respond with was… “Why didn’t you stop it?”

Anger.

Celestia sighed, bowing her head. “I tried everything I co-“

“NO.” Pinkie felt herself stand in her anger, hardly realizing she had. “You didn’t!” The Doctor moved to restrain her, but Celestia stopped him. Pinkie didn’t care. “In all those dreams I had, that entire Illusion, it was all the same with you. You NEVER fought back if Twilight could solve the problem for you. And even when you DID fight back, you lost. You burnt out. You failed. Twilight and my friends were always better than you had EVER been, Celestia, and now they’re gone! They’re gone, and you were powerless to save them!” Pinkie realized she was crying and panting, her anger having taken over. Seeing this almighty being… she realized that she had hoped beyond hope that Celestia could’ve saved them. That there had still been hope.

Celestia glanced at her once, and Pinkie knew that hope was shattered. Her eyes bore more loss than Pinkie had ever seen in them. Those lavender eyes that had shone as bright as the sun now sat, cold and dismal pearls in the Goddesses eyes. “You’re right,” Celestia said simply, her voice sorrowful. “I was powerless to save them.”

Pinkie watched Celestia closely as the immortal being began to walk to her. She knelt down next to Pinkie, her eyes on her. “Your illusions were close to the truth, in some cases. I am moderately powerless without the Elements. But the Elements are not as you believe them to be.” Celestia sighed. “The Elements came from my own and Luna’s souls. We ourselves became the Elements, until those Luna bore became corrupt. As Twilight and you and all your friends came to shine as those Elements did, I lost a part of myself – But I gained something far better. I gained the ability to love. Twilight became far more than a student in my eyes – She became a daughter, and all of her friends my family. I loved all my subjects, but those in Ponyville held a special place in my heart.”

Celestia stood again, her voice beginning to crack with emotion. “Yet, I had still lost that part of me. I had still lost my strength. Because of this, I had to depend on a pony who was stronger than I – And who else would I trust than the one whom I saw as a daughter?” Celestia turned away from Pinkie, tears rolling down her face. “Say as you will, Pinkamena, but remember this: You are not the only pony affected by your losses. Ponyville lies in ruin, and with it, my love.”

Pinkie tried to speak, but little to no sound came out. The Alicorn’s speech had made her heart waver as she realized how self-centered she had been about this whole thing. Celestia was right. She was not the only one affected, and she had been acting like she had been this whole time. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she felt the full brunt of everypony’s sadness – All those with relatives outside of Ponyville, all those who had survived the flames yet lost their friends… So much pain… “I-I’m so sorry, Princess,” Pinkie finally managed to croak out, sniffing. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Celestia laughed, an old bitter laugh of somepony who had seen far more in their time than you would ever know. “I thank you for your apology, Diane.” Celestia turned back to Pinkie, her eyes dry. However, Pinkie saw tear stains still fresh on her fur. “I am saddened to say that I will have to apologize next.”

“W-what do you mean, Princess?”

“You and I have very much to discuss, Diane. More than you can ever imagine is about to happen… and your mind might not be prepared for the conversation ahead.”

Pinkie sniffed, her mind suddenly alert. The Princess had gone from sad to serious, and Pinkie knew she had to as well. “Whatever you wish to talk about, I’m prepared for.”

Celestia nodded. “I have requested that you have leave from this institution tomorrow. You will be reporting to my chambers in Canterlot castle tomorrow, escorted by a royal guard. They will pick you up tomorrow morning.”

Pinkie glanced at the Doctor, wary of his gaze. He obviously isn’t too keen about me leaving… I don’t know if I’m ready to be out in public yet. She turned to look at Celestia. But she means business… Whatever she has to say, she knows it can’t wait. Pinkie nodded. “Alright, Princess. I’ll be ready.”

Celestia nodded. “One last thing, Pinkie…” With a spark of her horn and a bright burst of magic, Pinkie’s Element hung from her neck. Pinkie looked at it closely. The edges of it seemed darker than before, singed from the flames no doubt. The balloon in the center was cracked slightly, causing a strange reflection. “You’ll be needing this tomorrow. I suggest you keep it on through the night. It needs to reconnect with you.”

“Reconnect?”

“After all the fellow Elements died, they went into flux. All of the Elements have disappeared but yours. As you can see, yours has been damaged – Just as your mind appears to have been.” Pinkie nodded, understanding. “You will have to keep that on until tomorrow’s meeting. It needs to reconnect with you, recognize who you are. After that happens, then the Elements shall have their power once more.”

“I understand.”

“Very good, Pinkie.” Celestia smiled briefly, but it quickly faded from her face. She turned to the Doctor, nodded, then walked out. He followed and shut the door behind him. They obviously have something to talk about, Pinkie realized.

She sighed, lying back on the quilt she had gotten, finding comfort in the warmth. Reconnecting, huh? This is going to be a struggle… She shut her eyes, day dreaming about her friends. She realized dimly that they would always be in her memories, no matter how much happened. Reassured by that thought, she curled up and dozed, finally resting.

That night passed uneventfully. The Doctor was glad to wake her up in the morning to find that she had not returned to her fantasy world. She awoke and was quickly met by the guards. “Alright,” she said softly, drawing the cloak the Doctor had provided for her around herself, trying to hide the scars from the flames. “We’re off to see the Wizard.”

Author's Note

You'll be noticing a small trend from this chapter on. Hence, the added 'Prolouge of the End' label.
Also, enjoy the feels~