Twilight has always dreamed of meeting her hero, Starswirl the Bearded. She finally gets her wish fulfilled on a mysterious deserted world. Together they investigate how they got there, where the world's inhabitants went, and why amongst all ponies, they two were brought to this desolate place. To Twilight's consternation, the more they learn, the sadder Starswirl becomes, until finally she is faced with a devastating choice that would have her betray her mentor, her friends, and even her innermost convictions.

Artwork by Nevina, based on a prior drawing by TotallyNotaBrony (Note: you don't need to have read Renaissance Pony before reading this story.)