Author's Note

"A gap to be bridged! A life to be lived!

A soul to be saved! A hope, unscathed!"

-Disembodied

Soulscape

Maria heard a knock on her door later that night. She finished her set of push-ups before responding.

"Come in."

Celestia stepped through the barrier.

"Hello, Maria."

"Hey. What's up?"

"I would like to speak with you. I'm having trouble sleeping."

"Of course."

"I apologize if this comes across as insulting, but there was another reason I didn't trust you. The truth is, I can't read your spirit. I can't tell what kind of person you are."

"It's not your fault. I hid myself from the world on purpose."

"I don't quite follow."

Maria sat on the bed.

"To put it bluntly, I'm a hypocrite. I hated the world around me because most people I've seen are extremely conceited without any real reason to be, but I ended up becoming the same way in the process. Between the self-hatred that followed and the tension when I was living with my mom and dad, I started drifting through life. I felt like there was nothing to really live for, ya' know?"

"You needn't say anything more. I understand now. May I ask one more thing?"

"I told you the worst. It can only go up from here."

"Why are you being so honest with me?"

Maria stood up and faced the balcony.

"Because I don't want to be like that anymore. With how deep I sank, I'll probably spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it."

"Until you're on your deathbed, it's not too late to change."

"I hope so. I appreciate the sentiment."

"That hope is what saved you then, and it will again if you call on it and use it to better yourself."

"I'll try."

"Don't give up. There's still time."

"Yeah..."

"Good night. Sleep well."

Celestia exited the room, closing the door behind her.

"She's right. I've made it this far. No sense giving up now..."

Around the same time Celestia spoke with Maria, Emily received a similar visitor.

"May we come in, young one?"

"Yes, ma'am."

The younger, brooding sister of the sun-raiser approached the child.

"Our apologies. We know it is late."

"That's okay."

"We could sense your distress. What is the matter?"

"I miss mom and dad..."

"Alas, we were not here for the initial questioning."

"They were eaten by wolves. I barely got away."

"Our condolences. Though we know the pain of separation, we comprehend not the suffering of death."

"Thanks..."

"We get the distinct impression you're uncertain of your future. Are we correct in assuming so?"

Emily nodded.

"Maria said I could see my grandma and grandpa, but she wanted me to get stronger first. I don't know if the clowns got them."

"You must have faith - both in your family and your friends. We suspect this Maria character is not one to let such an important promise be broken so easily."

"I'm scared..."

"Without fear, there would be little incentive to exist. We envy your power. We rely on magic and enchantments to fight many of our battles. Every ounce of strength you possess is of your own creation. It is yours and yours alone. Wielded with courage, it can transform you into a formidable force of nature."

"Isn't that what we are?"

"Precisely. You must balance your life to achieve your highest state."

"How?"

"Take what misfortune that befalls you in stride and count your blessings. Even if your only blessing is your continued existence, you must hold on to it and cherish it. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"We bid you adieu. Rest well, Emily. Things will be better one day if you allow yourself the time and effort."

Luna vanished from the girl's line of vision. Making her own judgement call for the first time in eons, rather than continue her training, Emily took the princess's advice to heart and turned in. The sun would soon arrive to soothe her.