Canterlot burns. All of Equestria burns. Everything that once was is now gone, save the castle I’m standing in now. My friends…are gone, forever. I did everything in my power to save them…but I couldn’t. All I have left is this castle, a castle that was entrusted to me.

I didn’t start this war… but I ultimately ended up finishing it. All I have is sadness and regret. Sadness for all the loss in this world. Regret for what I did.

The bastards wanted revenge…and it didn’t matter if lives were lost or destroyed. I was the one they wanted, the one who ruined everything for them. Before I had my reservations about killing…but now I can say I felt no pity for them.

You could say I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, was the one who killed my friends…my teachers…my family. Everything was ultimately my doing and I will live on knowing that for the rest of my life.

The sun no longer rises. It hardly mattered anymore anyway since the everlasting smoke blotted out the sky. I ended up getting used to nighttime. Luna said she had always been mystified by the night sky. The stars in the sky, evidence of possible other worlds in a far away galaxy. Now, it seemed it was too late for this world.

Or was it? There could still be survivors out there somewhere. I won’t bother looking for them. No doubt they’ve seen what I’ve done and they fear I’m some monster…maybe I am after all.

I walked into the throne room, mine the only one remaining. I ended up destroying the Cutie Map and my friend’s thrones. It was all too much of a reminder of what happened and the memories we shared. I looked at the large mirror to my left. The portal still worked. If I truly wanted to escape this reality, I could easily go through it and live my life no longer as a princess but someone normal. But Sunset…

No. I am resigned to this fate, regardless of where I go. I should just break all connections. They can be happy on their side. Just seeing them, even in human form, would be enough for me to break down.

I look out the window and see the flames have finally gone out. All that is left of Ponyville are mere charred remains. That, again, was my fault. I look at the calendar I made, all the days I marked down. It’s…been almost three years now.

As an alicorn, I knew the reality that someday I would outlive my friends and family…most of them at least. Celestia and Luna had to bear the same burdens for all those years. In some twisted way, I felt perhaps maybe I did them a favor. I was now the last alicorn in all of Equestria.

As an alicorn, my lifespan now greatly increases. It will probably take a few thousand years before I get to Celestia’s age. What am I supposed to do for that long?

I could start over…I can try to rebuild everything. If there are any survivors out there, maybe then they’ll have a chance. Maybe then they can forgive me.

Or…I could feel my throat tighten at the mere thought. I could just end it all right here. If someone found me…well…there probably wouldn’t be any tears shed. Not anymore.

I suddenly heard the door creak slightly. I smiled, knowing it wasn’t the wind that did it. “I imagine you want to do this quickly, am I right?” I turned around and saw a full grown pegasus staring at me, carrying a large crossbow. The arrow it held looked like it was enough to kill me, if it hit in the right spot.

“Y-You know why I’m here…” the pegasus male said, his aim never wavering.

“Of course, but it wouldn’t be polite of me not to offer you some tea or something first,” I said as I sat on my throne. “Could you at least offer a princess one last cup before she goes?”

“You’re mocking me!” the pegasus snapped.

“Not at all,” I reassured him. “I knew this day would come eventually…and honestly I have no reason to fight you. What’s your name?”

The pegasus said nothing. I let out a small sigh. “Is it too much to ask one his name? I mean, you’re going to kill me anyway right?”

“It’s…Red.”

“A pleasure to meet you Red, even if it may be for a short while,” I said pleasantly. Truly, there was no malice or mockery in my voice. I honestly wanted to talk to someone. It’s been too long. “This may sound kind of cliché but…can I ask for one thing?”

“What is it?” Red asked, looking at her suspiciously.

“Well, aside from the tea, I want to…explain myself. It sounds selfish but…it’s something someone needs to know before I…go.”

“I think I know well enough,” Red snapped. “Sure you were dealing with an evil king and some power hungry centaur-”

“And you know the things I went through?”

“I…no but that doesn’t excuse what you did! These were innocent ponies and you…you…!”

“I want to explain myself.” Using magic, I then brought over a book filled with blank pages, a quill, and ink. “You’re absolutely right, nothing I can say will excuse what I did…but even so ponies have the right to know what truly happened…from my point of view. I promise, after it is done, you can do whatever you want to me. I’ll offer no resistance.”

Red was silent for a moment. I would not have been surprised if he tried to kill me here and now. If he missed, well, it’s not like I would kill him. Then again, I’d save him the embarrassment wouldn’t I? “Fine…I don’t think you deserve it but…I was always told to respect a lady’s wishes.”

I smiled genuinely. Maybe not all hope was lost after all. “You’re a kind pony to believe that.” I hesitated, not quite sure how to start. “Of course…I’m not doing this just for me…but for my friends as well. I think this will be a better way for all to remember them.” I then started from the beginning, as the quill began to write on paper.

Author's Note

This was something that pretty much popped into my head. I wanted to get it on paper as soon as possible. However, I'm still committed to finishing The Crystal Prep Files so I probably won't be updating this story again until that's done.