Author's Note

"FORGIVE! RELEASE!"

Misery Evolving

Two miles in, Maria spotted Emily's cottage.

"How many are there?" Brandon asked in a low, dark tone.

"Three."

"What's the plan?"

"The one on the right is pacing. He'll charge first. Take him out while I handle the other two."

"Puttin' me in the line of fire. I see how it is."

Maria chuckled.

"When we part ways, it won't be here."

Brandon struck a godly pose, slinging his axe over his shoulder.

"Let's get this over with."

The siblings sprinted as fast as their legs would carry them.

Just as Maria predicted, the pack noticed them at the exact same time. The wolf on the right leapt into the air, extending its teeth in a violent motion. With a swift swipe, Brandon sliced its jaw in two. His expression was somber.

"Forgive us..."

Maria had a tougher time against the other two. Unlike her brother, she lacked the opportunity for a clear shot. Resorting to plan b, she slipped between them, striking to the left and mortally wounding the second, leaving the leader as the last survivor. She grunted in pain as he bit her leg, offering an opening. Brandon swung down, crushing the animal's back and severing its spinal cord. Through all of this, Twilight watched on in horror...

Maria took some time to catch her breath. Despite her best efforts, here she was, pulled to the dirt where she'd been her whole life. She composed herself, backing away from the pool of blood seeping into the earth below...

"You all right?" Brandon questioned through crystalized breaths.

"Do I look all right?"

"Guess not."

The younger Drake sniffled, wiping her nose.

"Fuck..."

Brandon approached his counterpart, settling next to her in a gesture of solace.

"You did what you had to do."

"Doesn't make it any better. There's nothing heroic about taking life..."

"I know..."

Maria felt empty. No amount of gratitude or praise could ever compensate for the meaninglessness - the meaninglessness in everything...A deep blue glow extended from her blade...

Twilight leaned against the window, attempting to wrap her mind around what she'd just seen. How could Emily's family trust these people after such a cruel display? Granted, it was arguably done out of necessity, but was there really no other way...? She was left to wonder...Who was the bigger threat...?

"Time's almost up. Should I stay and confront them, or return home and report back to the princesses? The intel I've gathered would go a long way towards protecting Equestria...What should I do...?"

The door began to creak open...