At Journey's End

by Burningbloom78

Rating: teen
Tags: Violence, Death, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Thriller, Original Character, Tragedy
Length: 12320

Disaster strikes at the Celestialside Resort as a stallion's life is forever changed once he witnesses it being ripped away.

In Equestria, there is danger and peril just like anywhere else, but it's usually harmless, and scarcely would it be terrible. One day, while having a vacation at the Celestialside Resort, a stallion named Harrow is caught on the wrong side of fate as his life comes crashing down when he witnessed his family being ripped away before his eyes.

He saw who did it and he desired vengeance. His anger, his hate, his rage, and his pain, stemmed from this careless monster: It was time to get revenge, no matter how long it would take or how far.

When he is presented with the sublime opportunity to truly have a chance to exact revenge on the murderous creature, would he go through with it? And what would happen after? What would become of him then if he had the opportunity?

Witness the final days of this broken angel's journey.

Published 2023-01-23 19:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-01-23 19:50:00 UTC

Prologue of Tragedy

I used to be a kind and loving pony, who used to be able to forgive and forget, and make things better than they were. I was a ray of sunshine like almost everypony in Equestria. I felt that nothing could ever go wrong in my life. How could it? In a world where peace reigned, how could I think of anything different?

I want you to know something about me. I am not a good stallion nor a bad one, I am just a stallion. Just like every single pony out there, I try to be the best of myself. And just like every single pony out there that went through what I have would notice a change in themselves.

The real me is still there, it's just deeper to see.

I had a daughter and a son, and a loving and caring wife who would scold and scare me for fun. I never minded it, not one bit. It was nice seeing her smile along with our children. They were the highlight of my life; the pieces of the puzzle that connected our hearts. Now those very pieces are scattered and broken.

I remember going on a trip to a sunny resort with my family. The pool was great while it lasted. It was the last time we were together, the last time I could look at them. The last time I got to hear their voices. The last time I saw light in their eyes.

When I saw their faces, housing fear and terror, I saw the tears streaming down their faces as each one of them was ripped away in front of my eyes. It was so sudden, there was nothing I could do but hope I could reach them before the inevitable happened. I was fooling myself; they died. So did many others at that resort. A force from a being who called herself "Reaper" blasted the resort and all its visitors. I saw ponies being torn apart, explode, and turned to ashes before my eyes. My family was torn and ripped apart, then exploded into tiny parts of themselves. The resort turned into a bloody field, layered with the corpses of many I did not know.

After Reaper destroyed the resort, which later was known as the "Disaster of the Celestialside Resort," she trotted around admiring her hideous work, laughing and skipping over bits and pieces of ponies like she was in some kind of mystical wonderland. She anticipated that no pony would have survived until she saw me weeping, buried underneath some debris. She greeted me like nothing ever happened and gleefully yelled in a boastful tone that she was the one responsible.

All of my newfound despair came from Reaper, the source of it all. A unicorn of deadly magic. Amid my despair ignited the burning passion for revenge. I wanted to rip her limb from limb and crush her skull. I threatened her with every torture imaginable, and she sat there laughing her flank off like it was a joke. With a blackish-red gleam from her horn, Reaper escaped in a flash.

I was left alone, surrounded by the blood and gore of my fellow ponies, of my family. I vowed I would find her and never stop until her life was no more. My talent is tracking. If there is a trace, I can find the source no matter how far or how faint. I used this to find Reaper on multiple occasions, threatening to kill her every time, and she would run away like it was some game of tag.

My entire life broke apart that day and I was never the same stallion I once was. I turned cold, cynical, and even monstrous at times, lashing out of anger and frustration. It will all be worth it when she's dead... Wouldn't it?

The Final Days

Five years on the run.

The sound of damp hooves galloping and stomping on the flooded, clammy city concrete filled the atmosphere with an aura of foreboding, in a black night of endless rain. One pony was running away, chased by another pony threatening to end their life. The chase led into a smelly and cold alleyway; the pony who was running, Reaper, teleported onto a building while the pony giving chase, Harrow, stopped in his tracks.

"Demon!" Harrow shot a hoof in Reaper's direction. "I have found you again. Stand and face me, coward!"

Reaper yawned and played with her mane. "Oooh, you must have some affection towards me if you're so persistent. If not, I can't possibly think of any other reason."

Harrow snarled and stamped his hooves on the ground. "Bastard! Do not pretend. You know why I hunt you, and you know you can't escape me. You will pay for your crimes!"

Reaper snickered, holding up a hoof to hide her toothy smile. "Now, now, as I said, nothing comes to mind. A ton of things aren't important to me. Remind me why you are chasing me."

Harrow snorted from Reaper's nonchalant disposition, acting as if she didn't truly care. "You... beast! Your sickly machinations have murdered my family in front of me and every pony else at that resort; you ripped my happiness from me; you stole and crushed those I loved, and you say what you did wasn't important?! You awful witch!"

"Oh, that," Reaper said disinterestedly, polishing her hoof against her chest. "Must've slipped my mind. I was enjoying our friendly game of cat & mouse that I had forgotten. You're here for revenge, right?"

Harrow was fuming. "Your playful nature will be the death of you, I promise...!"

Reaper snorted. "Haha, don't grit your teeth too much, it's not good for you. If you want to kill me, you have the tools to do so. In your eyes, I should've been killed by you a long time ago. Five years and you haven't even injured me. How does it feel?" she asked cooly. "To fail at killing the one who destroyed those you loved? Does it sting every time you think of them?"

Harrow's eyes flashed with anger. "How?!" he spat crossly, his voice cracking. "How can you exist in Equestria of all places? How could you do such despicable things to others and laugh it off as a joke? Why must you mock me? Happy memories are overshadowed by that day..."

Reaper gagged at Harrow's rant. "Spare me your silly mantra, doll. I like causing pain to others. It's hilarious to watch you yell and scream at me like a foal who lost his favorite toy."

Harrow's eyes glowered at the malignant mare. "There is no mercy in you. You have no remorse. You bathe in other ponys' sadness. Mark my words: you will die."

Reaper spread her legs apart in a grand gesture. "I have the high ground, little one; a pegasus you may be, but you could never hope to reach my heights. You won't be on my level to attempt to exact your petty revenge. I will dodge death by your hooves as many times as I'm able. Seeing you like this is far too enjoyable."

"Enjoy my misery while you live, witch. I'll get you, and you know it. I'll catch you to avenge my family!"

Reaper gave Harrow a devilish smirk. "Harrow, you amaze me; you have such drive. My death will not be today. I still want our game to play out a little longer."

Harrow shook his head and opened his wings. "You're right here. I have you this time!"

Reaper simply rolled her eyes and sighed at Harrow's idiocy. "Harrow, I am a unicorn that knows a teleportation spell. You are a good flyer, but you are not fast enough to catch me. Ta-ta, handsome!"

"Don't you run from me, coward!" Harrow made a mad flight towards Reaper with the intent to kill, but unfortunately, Reaper laughed and teleported away before Harrow could get anywhere close to her.

Harrow bellowed like a beast, proclaiming that he'll kill Reaper no matter what it takes. For his family, for those he lost, he mustn't give up. He has to stop Reaper at any cost.

The Devil's death timer.

A bright red portal opened up in a dark room in an unknown place, and coming out of the portal was Reaper returning from her little chat with Harrow from the alleyway. Reaper, however, was coughing and limping, trying to keep herself from falling over.

"Ugh... used too much magic," she muttered, wobbling on her shaken hooves. "Curse this sickness... Eactal! Appear before me!"

Another unicorn appeared from the shadows around Reaper with a silvery-white mask obscuring his face, heeding her call.

"Help me get to the bed," she demanded. "I'll fall over on my own. Get your shadowy flank over here."

"I will help you, Reaper." His voice was deep and monotoned. He assisted in helping Reaper walk to the bed for her to rest. He was concerned about Reaper's whereabouts. "You know you aren't supposed to be out for too long."

The mare glared at him with her blood-red eyes. "Stuff it. Have you found a cure for my sickness?"

The mysterious stallion nodded. "I've checked multiple regions over the past two weeks and found a shadow of a lead, Reaper."

"Well, what is it?" she goaded. "Out with it!"

Eactal gave a respectful dip of his head. "I learned that it is called the Well of Healing, a sacred and forgotten magical object that was once used in a war against Tirek many moons ago. To this day, it is hard to believe that only Tirek, his brother Scorpan, and Princess Celestia know where it is, but it could stand to say that Celestia has a dusty memory."

Reaper looked thoughtful. "Didn't Celestia use that to heal the wounded quickly?"

"Yes, Reaper," he answered. "It was also utilized to purge any ailments affecting the pony operating it. This will help your predicament, Reaper."

"Lovely," Reaper purred. "You are very useful, Eactal, especially right now when I need help. How ironic."

"I will assist you, Reaper."

"Yeah, I know. You've told me one hundred times already."

"It's one hundred and twenty-one times, Reaper," Eactal corrected.

"Hah," she chuckled, "of course."

"Reaper, why were you outside?"

Reaper groaned, burying her face against a pillow. "Do I have to tell you?"

"Harrow again," he guessed. "A tormented stallion isn't something you should take lightly, Reaper."

Reaper looked towards Eactal. "I was bored, so I sought him out for a little fun, to see how he was doing since our last encounter. We didn't fight this time."

Eactal sighed at Reaper's recklessness. "In your current condition, Harrow can end your life. It would be wise to let him simmer down."

Reaper stuck out her tongue at Eactal. "Harrow is tracking me without end. Soon we must relocate. Harrow will find us a week from now. His fire will not smolder, it is steadily increasing. He'll make a mistake and only then will I be able to kill him."

"Don't take this too lightly. Please be safer."

"Relax, Eactal," she said, waving a hoof lazily at the masked stallion's mounting concerns. "Ugh! This sickness is maddening. It's starting to affect my magic; my stamina cannot keep up much longer."

"We must pay a visit to Celestia and interrogate her into revealing the location of the Well of Healing, Reaper," Eactal suggested. "Once we learn about the Well of Healing's location, then you will be purged from this sickness."

"We will not harm her... much. I won't have time to play as much as I want to."

Eactal was silent for a few heartbeats. "I'm stunned you have such morals."

Reaper snickered. "Coming from me, it's ludicrous. But there must be struggle. What else is ludicrous is your loyalty to me, Eactal. Why is that?"

"You intrigue my interest, Reaper," he said simply. "I want to see more of you and the future that lies ahead for you."

Reaper squinted her beady red eyes, perplexed. "What are you?" she asked. "Those who wear masks have something to hide underneath."

"I am many things, Reaper."

Reaper scoffed. "What is behind the mask?"

Eactal shook his head much to Reaper's vexation. "Nothing worth showing, Reaper."

"That's unusual," she remarked. "An odd stallion hiding behind an even odder mask. Anyway, we meet Celestia in two days. Eactal, I cannot do this on my own; I'm vulnerable. Assist me."

Eactal bowed. "I shall, Reaper. You will succeed. Now rest; you are weak."

Reaper gave Eactal a wry look. "Y'know, that's not my real name. It's something silly I came up with."

"I see."

Reaper puffed out her cheeks. "Will you not ask?"

Eactal shook his head. "Tell me naturally, Reaper. I'm going out on some business. Please remain in bed while I am gone."

Reaper sighed, getting comfortable. "Do not take long, Eactal."

"I shall return posthaste, Reaper. Farewell."

Five years of pain; helping the faces of your loved ones.

Harrow yelled and cried out to his dead family after Reaper fled via teleportation. He pummeled a muddy puddle in the clammy alleyway, crying in anger and distress on such a dark and rainy night. A broken angel who lost his beauty far too long ago. The only drive he has is to avenge his family, but what will become of him if he ever succeeds?

After Harrow calmed down, he used his talent to track Reaper once again and went on to follow her trail. He left the alleyway and traversed on the wet sidewalk, letting the rain pelt his face. While going down the sidewalk, passing many ponies along the way, Harrow spots two young ponies between the age of fifteen and sixteen years sitting on the sidewalk in ripped clothing begging for change and food.

When Harrow approached the two ponies, he glanced down and saw a murky-looking hat with no bits inside. He briefly examined the ponies and saw that they haven't eaten either. The two ponies noticed Harrow and quickly, but politely, asked for change and food, and in an instant of seeing their faces, Harrow had a flashback to his children. He saw his son and daughter in the two poor ponies in front of him and quickly walked away.

"No, no, no," Harrow repeated, his breathing coming in quick gasps. "They looked like Vestal and Rita. How can that be? No... don't think about it."

Harrow constantly looked back at the poor ponies and wept silent tears in the rain. His heart was aching back to that fatal day, a haunting nightmare of the past. He can't do it. He can't ignore them. He knows they aren't his, but he can't stand the sight of them suffering, especially if they looked like his own. Harrow returned to the poor ponies. The young mare was having a coughing fit while the stallion tried comforting her.

"Maria!" the stallion cried. "We should head back, and try our luck tomorrow."

"Anial, I'm sorry," she muttered. Before Anial could say anything, Maria saw Harrow marching toward them. "Oh! The tall orange pony is back."

Anial bowed and moved the hat forward, pleading, "Sir, would you mind sparing a few bits and food...?"

Harrow stared at the bedraggled hat and narrowed his eyes before meeting Anial's. "I'll offer more than that. You two are coming with me. I have a home not too far from here."

Maria was silent for a moment. "Anial, we can't..."

Anial nodded tiredly. "Sir, that's very generous of you, but we'll only be a burden. You don't have to do that."

Harrow shook his head as if trying to sweep away any doubts about his decision. "I want to. I'm giving you free food and housing."

Anial looked confused at Harrow's generous offer. "But why?"

"You don't even know us, kind sir," Maria added, stifling a cough.

Harrow's gaze softened. "You two look like-... uh... I can't stand to watch you two like this. Please, come with me and I will take care of you. My name is Harrow."

Anial's eyes flashed with gratitude. "My name is Anial and this is my little sister Maria."

"A pegasus and an earth pony, huh? Good combination. I will make sure you two won't starve. I used to be a family stallion."

Anial still looked unsure. "Are you sure? We don't want to intrude."

"I'm sure. Let's get you two out of the pouring rain. Is there anything you both want to take to the house?"

Maria shook and coughed again. "We have nothing, kind sir."

"Then come with me. I'm cooking tonight, so I hope you two eat it all."

Anial bowed his head again. "You are far too kind, sir."

Harrow chuckled. "Too kind, huh?" he murmured to himself. "Yeah... Anyway, take my trench coat and share it with your sister. I like the pelting of the rain on my body."

Harrow gave his trench coat to Anial to share with his sister, Maria. The two ponies thanked Harrow constantly as they followed him back to his home which was the next town over.

Harrow gave the two ponies a home because they looked like his children. Harrow believes that this is a second chance to do right with Anial and Maria. He thought to himself of what he would do if he killed Reaper. He knows it wouldn't bring back his family. His late wife always told him to look toward the future and not dwell on the past, but Harrow knows he has to get revenge for his family. He won't be able to close that chapter until he finishes it. The torment will remain until Reaper is dead.

Anial and Maria might be able to bring him back to his old self, but even that is quite uncertain. The first steps have been taken.

Clouded vision of love; a beauteous angel of the past; a long dream of severed love gone too soon.

My love, be safe without my arms around you.

My love, I am sorry for leaving you too soon.

My love, never lose yourself, never let go.

My love, whose fury burns hotter than fire, simmer and cool your rage and look clearly.

My love, whose dreams terrorize you, stay calm and take a deep breath.

My love, those two are your healing, your saving grace, so treat them well.

My love, you are not alone anymore even without me there with you.

My love, you must move on without me. I love you deeply and I will watch over you until the time arrives when you no longer need me.

The heart begins to mend.

Harrow woke up the next day abruptly, a black dream of hearing the sound of a ghostly voice. His heart feels calm and slow; the first good dream in years. Harrow got off his bed and exited his bedroom to check on the siblings that were the next room over. He knocked on the but heard no answer. Curious, he opened it and saw no pony inside.

Harrow was puzzled. "Did I imagine those two? Why did I make dinner for three? Am I THAT deep in the dark?" A delectable aroma wafted into his nostrils. "Wait... what's that smell? Food?"

Harrow hurriedly flew down the stairs flying to the living room and looked right over to the kitchen to see Maria and Anial cooking breakfast. Harrow landed his hooves on the floor and announced himself. He was relieved that it wasn't an illusion or him going crazy.

"I didn't expect you two to be up so early," he said, greeting the two siblings.

"It's 9:35 A.M., sir," Anial spoke tersely. "You overslept."

Harrow rubbed the back of his mane as if embarrassed; his wife used to say the same thing. "Oh... so it seems that way. What's all this?"

Maria gave him a sweet smile. "A grand token of our appreciation towards you, sir. You took us in, gave us food and a bed to sleep on, saving us from the cold rain outside. This is the least we could do for you, sir."

"We hope you don't mind that we used your kitchen, sir," Anial happily added.

Harrow, slightly uncomfortable with all the praise, waved his hoof modestly. "No, it's okay. And you two don't have to say 'sir' all the time. I told y'all my name was Harrow."

Anial briskly dipped his head in forgiveness. "Sorry, si- Harrow. Force of habit."

Again, Harrow was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Maria began to explain. "It's what servants, butlers, and maids say to their masters as a show of loyalty and respect."

Harrow stared blankly at the young mare. "Wait... back up. What were you two before being homeless?

"Servants to the Filthy Rich family," Anial said, sounding rueful. "Well... former servants."

Maria mirrored her older brother's shame. "It wasn't the best, but it gave us work and a place to sleep."

"You two worked for his family? What happened?" Harrow asked.

Anial cheeks flooded red. "It was a little mistake. Maria was carrying a bucket of cold water to dump outside when she slipped and fell on the ground, releasing the cold bucket of water."

Maria nodded. "Unfortunately, Filthy Rich and his wife were turning a corner when the cold water splashed all over them, ruining their coats and manes."

"It wasn't the first time we goofed up working for them. To be honest, it was a miracle that they put up with our mess-ups. Anyway, Maria was immediately fired."

Maria looked crestfallen. "Their home was our home and when Anial heard about what happened, he quickly quit the job. The Rich manor was the only home we had."

"Maria and I need each other to live. If one goes away, so does the other, so we were out on the streets for a long while until you showed up, offering us a place to stay."

Maria bowed her head in gratitude. "And here we are. We are grateful, sir. Being servants was the only thing we ever did in our lives, so doing this only came naturally."

Harrow sighed and looked at the two siblings. They were young and had futures. "Y'all had it rough. Being servants for a family like that doesn't sound pleasant."

Anial shrugged. "It wasn't the best, but we made it work until it didn't anymore. We'd like to work for you, Harrow."

Harrow grunted in surprise. "I didn't expect to have ponies working for me. I don't know."

Maria shook her head. "Your kindness is far more valuable to us than bits, sir. We'll happily work for free. We can do the cooking, cleaning, garden work, running errands, woodwork, and other skills. We can even help you make bits."

"We know that this is much to take in, but we want to show our massive appreciation to you, Harrow sir. Would you be willing?" Anial asked hopefully.

Harrow ruffled his mane thinking about the bombardment of information he's been shot with. Anial and Maria were ready and willing to freely work for him, and he briefly recalls back to his dream with the ghostly voice. The voice said something about Anial and Maria. It was soothing to think about the voice for some reason; it was eerily familiar.

"Yes, you two can work for me," he said before a chorus of joy erupted from the siblings. "Just be careful, this is... an important home to me and I'm willing to share it with you two."

Maria bounced in place. "Anial, he said yes!!!"

Anial smiled warmly. "I know, Maria. This is a great day! We won't let you down, Harrow sir."

Harrow agreed with a brisk nod. "Good. I don't have many rules around here anymore, but clean after yourselves and be mindful of what you touch. I've been living alone for a long time and there are certain things in this home that I value close to my heart, so BE mindful. If you have a question, come ask me."

"Yes, sir!" Maria saluted, a fire lighting in her eyes. She was quite motivated and the gesture made Harrow feel warm inside, a feeling that had unfortunately been absent longer than it should have.

Putting his tail on his little sister's, Anial says, "Maria, I can take care of the food from here. Sir, is there anything you'd want her to do?"

Harrow rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, the garden has seen better days, so if you can spruce up the garden out back, I'd be grateful, Maria."

Maria beamed with determination. "Yes, sir! I'm good with tending to the garden."

"Good. The tools and everything are next to the back door. Surprise me."

Maria nodded and went off to work on the garden, leaving Harrow and Anial alone.

Harrow turned his gaze on Maria's brother. "Anial, what's up?"

"I just wanted to talk fast, sir. Thank you very much. Your generosity is valuable," he said graciously, bowing to show his gratitude and respect. "Maria blames herself for what happened at the Filthy Rich family manor, so this is a great pick-me-up. I never minded being homeless with her, so I didn't blame her for what was a simple mistake. You have both our loyalty and respect."

Harrow chuckled, giving Anial a wistful look. "You remind me of my... of a pony I valued greatly, and your sister as well. It's been a rough time for the past five years being by myself. I like the company."

Anial saluted. "I... I'll do my best to help you out, sir."

"Glad to hear it. When breakfast is ready, go get your sister. I'll get the plates and such."

"Yes sir, but you do not have to set the table."

Harrow school his head and gave the young stallion a wry gaze. "Trust me, I do not want to be doing nothing around my own house."

Anial bowed. "As you say, Harrow."

Harrow went outside to think as he likes to do. He thought about his family and Anial and Maria and chuckled slightly.

"Maybe it won't be so bad after all," he wondered. "Reaper, my misery won't be yours to play with anymore."

The Devil and the Masked Entity.

After a three-day rest, the time has come for Reaper and Eactal to travel to Canterlot and force Princess Celestia in revealing the location of the Well of Healing, a sacred magic relic that can heal any sickness and pain. Reaper plans to use the powerful relic to heal a sickness that prevents her from using too much magic.

Eactal conjured a portal to Canterlot Castle, the home of Princess Celestia. Reaper needs to interrogate Princess Celestia to learn the Well of Healing location, and what way to announce oneself but the Reaper way?

Reaper and Eactal went in and came out on the other side, in front of the massive gate that leads into Canterlot Castle; guards were everywhere, surveying multiple areas.

Reaper gave Eactal a satisfied look. "Guess we're just out of their view of suspicion. Eactal, could you not have gotten us closer?"

Eactal shook his head. "I never set a hoof beyond this point, Reaper. The streets of Canterlot are as far as we can go. We must head on hoof. You know what to do."

An ominous black glint glimmered in Reaper's eyes. "Showtime." Reaper shot a burst of black-red magic around Canterlot, shrouding it in a black barrier. Eactal used his magic to create clones of himself to create mayhem and distract most of the guards in the city.

In Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were surprised to see the immense power of magic. Disturbed by the sudden surge of violent magic, Princess Celestia used her royal voice. She had ordered her loyal subjects to guard all the entrances that led into the castle, telling them all that they were under attack.

Princess Luna's face looked grim. "Sister, what should we do?"

Her sister's eyes narrowed. "Help the guards around the city of Canterlot. I must stay here and direct."

Princess Luna dipped her head. "Yes, sister."

Princess Luna left her sister to help the guards around the city. Canterlot City is coated with a dark reddish glow.

Cackling at the flustered guards, Reaper tried to stifle her laughter so she wouldn't be caught yet. "These guards look like amateurs!"

Eactal agreed with a solemn nod of his head. "They seem to be recruited," he said levelly. "The more experienced might be in the castle mounting a defense, Reaper. What shall I do next?"

Reaper waves a hoof as if unconcerned. "We have to get the information and get out as soon as we can. Incapacitate the ones outside the castle, around the city. With your clone magic, it shouldn't be too hard."

Eactal dipped his head. "As you say, Reaper, but will you be okay on your own with Princess Celestia?"

Reaper scoffed. "Of course! She may be the ruler of Equestria, but she is not all-powerful. She's no killer either. Eactal, be sure to not let any other ponies pass this gate, understand?"

"Yes, Reaper."

Reaper gave the masked stallion and grin that showed her sharp teeth. "Then I'm off."

Reaper used her magic to blow up the gate, opening the road that leads to the castle doors. She galloped, taking down any guards standing in her way with magic.

Princess Luna looked around the city of Canterlot and saw duplicates of the same pony taking down the royal guards.

She looked disturbed and outraged. "Clone magic?! Impossible... where would the caster be? And what is with that mask?"

Princess Luna used her moonlight magic to destroy some of the clones, making them disappear.

Eactal, feeling the destruction of his clones, is granted information about their destructor. "This new knowledge. Little Princess Luna..."

Princess Luna flew around Canterlot trying to find the caster. She sees the same pony, but this one isn't doing anything as if steeped in deep contemplation, and she can see his horn glowing white.

Her eyes widened. "The caster!"

Eactal raised his head and spots Princess Luna diving toward him, magic primed and ready to blast him. Princess Luna shot out a stunning azure beam of magic, but Eactal narrowly dodged it. His attacker lands on the ground, cracking it on impact, a display of her physical strength.

Princess Luna glared challengingly at him."I have found you, caster!"

Eactal tipped his head, unafraid. "Princess Luna, it's a pleasure," he regarded respectfully, dipping his head. "A wonderful alicorn like yourself was bound to find me; impressive."

Princess Luna snorted in contempt of Eactal's praise. "Cease your empty compliments, knave. Do you dare attack Canterlot?! You will be captured and put in a dungeon!"

Eactal shrugged, unbothered by the lunar princess's threats. "I expect nothing else from the Princess of the Night."

Princess Luna raised her front hooves and coated them in magic, slamming them on the ground, creating a blue barrier around her and Eactal.

Eactal observed the barrier in suppressed awe. "How new. What is this?"

"A barrier so your clones cannot interfere," Princess Luna said. "And you cannot make any more. I don't know who you are or how you know one of the most advanced and lost magic spells, but you are dangerous. You must be captured. How did you come across this lost magic?"

Eactal shrugged. "Like you and Princess Celestia, I have a lot of time, too much in fact."

Princess Luna stared at him in confusion. "Like me and my sister? But... how can you live this long?"

"That's a secret I can't share without facing the consequences. My apologies, Princess Luna."

"What's your name?"

Eactal obliges. "The name I use is Eactal."

Steeping further into perplexity, Princess Luna scrunched her muzzle. "Eactal? Eactal... why does it sound familiar? The dawn and dusk... you're-"

"Now, Princess Luna," the masked stallion interrupted, "it's just Eactal."

Princess Luna huffed in annoyance. "So I see... And why do you wear that mask on your face? Remove it."

Eactal shook his head. "I need it. Besides, there is nothing underneath worth showing."

"What happened to you?" she asked. "I vividly remember you without a mask."

"That is none of your concern."

Princess Luna's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Once I capture you, it'll only be a matter of time."

The threat in her tone did little to rattle Eactal's stoic stature. "Same here, Princess Luna."

"What do you mean? You're not alone?"

Eactal looks to the castle and back at Princess Luna. "There's another," he said nonchalantly. She's going to see your big sister. Unfortunately that you won't be able to help her."

Princess Luna's eyes widened. "No!" she cried. "I won't let-"

Eactal used his magic to take over Princess Luna's barrier as his own, keeping her confined. "You'll do no such thing," he murmured.

"You fiend! Release me!" she demanded crossly. "You won't confine me here!"

"This barrier will vanish either when she needs my help, when she is done, or when you take me down. Little Luna, we both know you can't stop me."

An expression of indignation flared across Princess Luna's visage. "You don't get to call me that anymore."

Eactal nodded. "Understandable. I'm not one for fighting, Princess Luna, so let's sit and wait for whatever outcome happens in the castle."

Princess Luna glared balefully at Eactal, but there was a faint sadness in them. "After all these years, I never thought you would become this."

"I'm still the same I've always been, from the time of my inception to the days training with you and your sister, and now. I just doing myself a business."

The lunar princess gave a vitriolic scoff, flaring her wings in agitation. "What is the 'business' you spout from your lips?"

"Business with the devil," he said darkly.

Eactal and Princess Luna sat and waited in the barrier for Reaper or Princess Celestia to end what will begin inside the castle. Princess Luna only hopes her sister will be able to combat what Eactal calls the devil.

Impending Doom.

It has been three days since Harrow accepted Anial and Maria as servants in his house. It was nice to have a soothing, calm mind after years of anger and frustration. Harrow, with Anial and Maria, decided to take a trip to Canterlot to browse the shops for tools and the like. They entered Canterlot after a full one-hour walk, which was filled with heartfelt banter Harrow hadn't experienced since his family was killed by Reaper.

When the three were buying and browsing for the items they went to Canterlot for, they suddenly had clones of a pony in a silvery-white mask surrounding them and witnessed a black barrier engulfing the whole of Canterlot.

Anial, understandably shaken, brushes up protectively to his little sister. "Maria, don't leave my side," he muttered. He turns his worried gaze to Harrow. "Harrow sir... what's going on?"

Maria was trembling slightly. "Who are these ponies and why are they wearing creepy masks?"

As Harrow was about to speak, the pegasus felt a deathly presence he knew all too well. "No... this feeling. She's here... Reaper."

The masked stallions encroached upon the trio of ponies; all of them moved simultaneously. Then they stopped abruptly, and their heads locked onto Harrow. "Harrow," they said in perfect unison, "the pony who hunts Reaper. My name is Eactal, an accomplice of the pony you want to murder for the sake of your dead family."

Harrow's eyes narrowed with contempt as a menacing growl rose in his throat. "You shut your mouth before I break your mask with my hooves!"

"Harr-"

"Maria, do not talk," Harrow spat. "Anial, protect your sister, and do not utter a single word."

Anial nodded slowly and stood in front of Maria. Maria's heart was pounding, but Anial assured her with a calming rub on her head, an action that always calmed her down.

Harrow's dark gaze flicked to and from the legion of masked stallions. "Eactal, was it? You in league with that rat bastard Reaper?"

The legion of Eactals nodded briskly. "To a degree, yes. I did not expect you to be here."

"Where's Reaper?" he demanded tersely. "Tell me now!"

All the stallions shook their heads at the same time. "You won't get there in time, Harrow."

"WHERE IS REAPER?!" Harrow's rage-filled shout shook the hearts of Anial and Maria.

The masked stallions drew their heads at the large majestic structure in the near distance. "In Canterlot Castle to visit Princess Celestia."

Harrow stiffened. "No... She wouldn't dare!"

"She won't kill Princess Celestia. She's here for another reason."

Harrow, in the blink of an eye, grabbed one of the Eactal clones and pounded its face in, making it melt. Another clone stood behind Harrow.

"What the hay?" Harrow muttered, surprised.

"It doesn't matter how many you kill," they said. "Those who did return to the caster, automatically giving him information. The real Eactal now knows you are here."

Harrow grabbed the clone standing behind him and ripped it in half. "Anial, Maria, we're going to save Princess Celestia!"

The Eactal clones looked at one another and slowly stepped out of Harrow's way, allowing him to head toward the castle. "Looks like we clones will not be able to stop you, not that it matters. However... Harrow, stop while you can."

"No way," Harrow hissed vehemently. "I'm getting revenge for my family and no coward who hides behind a mask will stop me!"

The Eactal clones turned their concealed gazes onto Anial and Maria. "What if we decide to kill those two ponies you care about?"

A surge of anger shot through Harrow. "I'd make sure to tear you all apart!"

The Eactal clones were silent and looking at one another again as if they were coming to an understanding. "We are not ones for fighting. This is all a distraction, Harrow. Reaper is already inside the castle with Princess Celestia. It'll be too late for you to do anything."

"That's not true!" he said crossly. "I can do something. Anial, you and I will grab your sister and fly towards the castle. I can't leave you two alone."

Anial nodded. "Yes, Harrow sir."

"What are we going to do?" Maria asked quietly, her fearful gaze shifting to Harrow and the Eactal clones and back again.

Harrow opened his wings. "Attempt to save Princess Celestia. I do not care what these clones have to say. We're going now!"

The Eactal clones whispered to one another, saying, "Harrow seems different from before. There's not as much misery and distraught looming over him. He's recovering. Must pass this information to Eactal."

Once Harrow and Anial grabbed Maria and flew towards the castle, all the Eactal clones burst and melt into nothingness, passing on the information to the real Eactal, who was still sitting in the barrier with Princess Luna.

"How interesting, Harrow," he whispered to himself.

Curious, Princess Luna asks, "Who is this Harrow you speak of?"

Eactal tipped his head to one side before replying. "The lone survivor of the Celestialside Resort incident five years ago. He vows to avenge his dead family by killing the pony who's in the castle with your sister, the pony who is responsible for the incident. Reaper."

The lunar princess was stupefied. "All the reports said none survived. Harrow must've nearly escaped."

Eactal nodded. "A real survivor indeed. He is with two others, and they are going to save your big sister. Heroic."

Princess Luna gave Eactal had a pleading look. "Please... let me out."

Eactal merely shook his head, denying the princess's wishes. "I'm afraid I cannot do that. Reaper will have unexpected company, but she'll have the job done just before Harrow rushes in. Your magic does not excel mine, Princess Luna. You may fight if you wish, but you will not defeat me."

"You sound sure of yourself," Princess Luna growled, her horn beginning to glow.

Eactal shrugged. "I know your power, and you have grown which I am proud of, but it isn't enough to set you free from this cage. We'll have to wait and see the outcome."

The lunar princess groaned in frustration. "Whatever you're going for, it'll fail in the long run."

"Not for me, Princess Luna. I won't be the one that fails. I already know who will win and who will lose, but there is a third possibility. It'll be a shame you won't be there to see it unfold."

Princess Luna raised her brow "You were always cryptic, knowing more than you let on. And what makes you think I won't be present?"

"Because of what's going to happen to Canterlot. You'll be too busy to pursue me."

A flash of horror braced Princess Luna's face. "She wouldn't..."

"To stop you and your big sister, she might," Eactal said.

The day Canterlot burned.

From the sounds of explosions and magic, of fire and light with fierce yelling, Reaper has been combating Princess Celestia the moment she strolled into the throne room. The alicorn's left wing has been coated in a magical flame that prevents her from flying; she began stumbling from exhaustion. Reaper's health is also starting to affect her, by that sickness that plagues her body. They were both at a stand-off.

The very throne room was in shambles. There was nothing majestic about it anymore. Princess Celestia was panting and fell to the ruined floor with Reaper standing over her, in pain.

Reaper, gasping, says, "I've beaten you... Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia made an effort to stand but it was too much. She held her head to glare at Reaper. "Reaper, how could you do something like this? Where's your mind?!"

Reaper tapped her head. "In here of course, where else? Canterlot is crumbling, dear Princess. You've failed so many times in the past, but I'm shocked. This is the most amount of time you've struggled to defend your kingdom. Kudos."

Furious, Princess Celestia snarled "Monster, still your tongue!"

Reaper looked at Princess Celestia with a cold, dead glare accompanied by a devilish smirk.
"A monster cannot be reasoned with. Be careful who you direct that towards."

"What do you want?"

Reaper's grim disposition became calm. "Glad you asked. The location of the Well of Healing," she said, getting to the point. "I need its magical power to purge a sickness that corrodes within my body; I am dying slowly, and that magical object is the only thing that can save me."

Princess Celestia snorted in defiance. "I'd rather die than give you the location."

Reaper blood-red eyes became slits of chipped ice. "If I was healthier, I'd beat you near death, but I cannot, so I have a better idea. Dear Princess Celestia, do you care about your subjects?"

The white alicorn's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "I do. What are you planning?"

Reaper shrugged. "Nothing special. I have a friend of mine wreaking havoc in Canterlot. It would be a shame if I told him to kill every pony one by one, wouldn't it?"

"You putrid Devil!" Princess Celestia spat.

Reaper laughed merrily. "That's what I am, Princess Celestia. I'll make this place look more gruesome than the Celestialside Resort five years ago."

Princess Celestia body trembled with rage. "That was you? Once I capture you, I'll cast you in the lowest pits of Tartarus!"

Amused yet unmoved by Princess Celestia's threat, Reaper bared her sharp teeth. "Now knowing this little piece of information, you know I will do it. I'll get them all killed if you won't spill. This might convince you more. I was notified earlier that my friend has captured your little sister Princess Luna. Maybe I should ask him to kill her first, slowly. What do you think?"

All the rage was suddenly replaced with fear. "No!" she cried. "Please, not my little sister!"

"I can use magic to contact my friend right now. You want to hear her scream?"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened with terror and fear for her little sister, Princess Luna. She had tears about to stream down her face. "Wait!"

Reaper's ears flicked toward the alicorn. "Wait for what? Is there something you want to say?"

Princess Celestia sighed, her body sagging in tiredness "I... I'll tell you where you can locate the Well of Healing. Promise you won't get my little sister killed..."

Reaper gave the defeated princess a mocking sneer. "How despicable. Where's all that ardor from you now? That passion? Your desire to defend your kingdom is overshadowed by one pony? You don't have the resolve of a princess, nor the willingness of one either. You're such a shame."

Princess Celestia kept her fierce glare on Reaper. "Say what you want... but please, spare my sister."

Reaper stretched luxuriously, victorious. "Aren't you lucky I'm not a monster? Reveal the location."

Princess Celestia gave Reaper the exact location of the Well of Healing. Once Princess Celestia finished, Harrow, Anial, and Maria burst through the door and saw Princess Celestia at the hooves of Reaper. Harrow yelled Reaper's name and the mare smiled devilishly, happy to hear Harrow's voice bellow deep into her eardrums. However, upon turning around, Reaper saw two other ponies standing behind Harrow and she filled the silent throne room with wicked laughter. She looked crazy at Harrow.

"Harrow, what have you done?! Hahaha!" she exclaimed hysterically. "Replacing your children so soon? You're a RIOT!"

A menacing glare pierced Reaper's jet-black coat. "ENOUGH!" he said furiously. "They are not being replaced, not now, not EVER!"

Reaper, shaken at the pure ferocity spat from Harrow, took a few paces back. "Whoa! Danger's afoot."

Harrow instantly leaped toward Reaper, attempting to smack her face with his hoof, but only to miss and nearly hit Princess Celestia, who lay on the ground in tears. Reaper laughed and teleported away from Harrow and Princess Celestia.

"Broken princess," she hissed smoothly, "here's something to remember me by.

Reaper shot black-red magic out of the castle and the black-red magic exploded into red flames, engulfing Canterlot below the castle. Reaper laughed as she teleported away.

"REAPER!!!" he bellowed.

He was about to give chase until he heard an anguished wail coming from behind him. He turns and sees Princess Celestia. Harrow turned to the Princess in horror, devastated to see her bleeding on the floor.

"Princess! Goodness... What has she done to you? Your wing is burning, your coat is stained with bleed and covered in cuts, and you're bleeding from your horn. Even your mane stopped flowing... What has that devil done to you?"

Though grateful to have Harrow come to her aid, Princess Celestia was perplexed. "Who... Who are you?"

Harrow's anger-filled gaze softened at Her Majesty. "My name is Harrow, the lone survivor of the Celestialside Resort incident five years ago. I've been tracking Reaper ever since. It looks like I got here just in time."

A tiny glint of relief twinkled in Princess Celestia's tired eyes. "Survivor...?" she asked as if she couldn't believe what she had heard. "It's a miracle... Harrow, listen to me closely. Reaper forced me into revealing the location of the Well of Healing. I am in no shape to pursue her. I'll tell you the location."

"What about you?" Layers of concern were etched across his face.

Princess Celestia gave the stallion a small smile. "I may be down, but I am not out."

Princess Celestia told Harrow the location of the Well of Healing to give hot pursuit on Reaper, who's closing in on its position. After being told, Harrow ordered Anial and Maria to assist Princess Celestia in any way they can, and they agreed with no objections. Assured that Princess Celestia will be looked after, Harrow left the throne room and flew quickly out a window to the location of the Well of Healing.

Just after Harrow left, Princess Luna burst through the door and saw the ruined throne room and her sister bleeding and beaten. She rushed over to her and helped Celestia up off the floor. Anial and Maria bowed.

Regret littered Princess Luna's eyes. She uses her magic to get rid of the magical fire engulfing her sister's wing. "Sister... I am sorry I couldn't come and help you."

Princess Celestia placed a comforting hoof on her sister's cheek. "No, it's okay, don't cry. I just need to breathe. A pony named Reaper knows the location of the Well of Healing."

Though calmed by her older sister's soft ministrations, a flicker of rage edge burned in the lunar princess's eyes. "That... that horrid monster!"

"Don't worry, I sent a stallion named Harrow after her," Princess Celestia said quietly. "He has a history with Reaper, so hopefully, he knows how to stop her."

"Him? Harrow is the survivor of the Celestialside Resort five years ago."

Princess Celestia nodded, shifting her body to get a little more comfortable. "It was a miracle. Luna, Reaper did something outside before you came in. What did she do?"

A shadowy grimace loomed over Princess Luna's dark countenance. "Canterlot is on fire," she said ruefully, "but don't worry, the guards evacuated the civilians when we were being attacked, but we did lose some loyal soldiers in the process..."

A fresh sting of grief jabbed at the white alicorn's heart. "Curse that Reaper... but now isn't the time to rest. We have to stop the fire from spreading out of Canterlot."

"Sister, don't get up. Don't move."

Princess Celestia ignored her sister's pleas and attempted to stand and get rid of the fire, but after taking three steps, she falls to the ground in pain. A sad, pathetic display of a ruler who tries her best, but is never enough.

"Sister, stop!" Luna pleaded. "You're not helping yourself or Canterlot like this." She turns her desperate gaze upon the two siblings. "You two. What are your names?"

Anial bowed. "My name is Anial and this is my little sister Maria."

"We came with Harrow to Canterlot."

"What are your relations with him?" Princess Luna asked. "Are you Harrow's kin?"

Anial shook his head. "No, ma'am. We're his servants. Harrow saved us from the streets."

"To repay his generosity, we became his servants," Maria added. "It's the only job we know how to do."

Princess Luna studied the siblings for a couple of heartbeats. "I see. Both of you stay here and tend to my sister. She can be quite stubborn, so make sure to hold her back if she gets any ideas about leaving the castle. Understand?"

Anial and Maria bowed respectfully and told the lunar princess they'd be more than happy to.

Princess Luna nodded. "Good. The unicorn guards that protect the doors to the castle are all knocked out, so I'll have to put out the fire on my own."

Princess Celestia weakly lifted a hoof to stop her little sister. "Luna... Reaper wasn't alone. Who was the other pony with her?"

Princess Luna looked grim. "You're not going to believe me, but it is him. The unicorn of the dawn and dusk."

Princess Celestia was speechless for a few moments, shocked. "That was... so long ago. How can he still be alive?"

Anial was confused. "Who is this unicorn? We met him just before Harrow flew us to the castle."

"He goes by Eactal, but his real name is Latcae, a unicorn from over a thousand years ago," Princess Luna explained solemnly. "Like the sun and moon my sister and I represent, Latcae represents the dawn and dusk of the two. We grew up with and studied alongside him under the tutelage of Star Swirl the Bearded. Although he shares no kinship with me or my sister, we both regard him as our brother. His magical power is obscene, mirrors me and my sister's magic, and he uses the now-lost duplication spell; he can make clones of himself that can feed him information if the clones either die or willingly disappear back into him."

Princess Celestia's gaze was dark and rueful, staring off into the distance as if seeing something in the past. "It's also a forbidden spell as the clones are self-aware, having the will of disobeying the caster, but he has so much magical control that the clones could not even consider thinking about refusing his orders," Princess Celestia chimed in. "However, Latcae is a pacifist, and will not partake in any sort of violence unless he has no choice. The only other exception is if something interests him enough that he is willing to do... dangerous actions."

Princess Luna shared her older sister's forlorn pensiveness. "Something about Reaper must have somehow piqued our brother's interest. Since she is a killer, Latcae will do horrible actions to satisfy his interest. He said something about knowing what will happen between Harrow and Reaper, that one of them will die and the other will live but said something else to me."

Maria tipped her head. "What was it?"

Princess Luna sighed silently. "That there is a third possible outcome between Reaper and Harrow."

"That is quite foreboding, but how is he alive?" Princess Celestia wondered. "He's no alicorn and there aren't any spells that can prolong an individual's life span, at least none that don't have severe defects."

As much as Princess Luna would like to know, she merely shook her head. "I do not know. All he said was that he has time like us. He wore a silvery-white mask. When I told him to take it off, he said that he couldn't without facing some type of retribution or consequence."

Princess Celestia tapped her chin in thought. "Could the mask be what's been keeping him alive for this long?"

Her younger sister shrugged. "I do not know, but it is a good possibility. Rest easy, sister. I'll be back," she muttered softly, leaving to put out the fire that began eating Canterlot.

Harrow's journey for revenge is seemingly coming to an end as this may be the last interaction he may have with Reaper.

Death comes knocking.

Reaper fled with Eactal to the location of the Well of Healing Princess Celestia was forced to provide her. Unfortunately for Reaper, the sickness that plagued her body has gotten worse, especially after fighting Princess Celestia.

Reaper fell to the ground and vomited blood and stomach acid; a terrifying mixture of distasteful colors being blended. Eactal held Reaper as she was breathing rapidly, feeling tons of internal pain. She tried to use magic to quail her pain, but it backfired and caused a small explosion that blew her and Eactal from each other. Seconds later after the dust settled, Eactal trotted back to Reaper.

"Reaper, at this rate the Well of Healing will be of no use to you, as you'll be dead."

Reaper retched and heaved painfully. "Sh... shut up and help me off the ground. I'll recover soon, but we need to hurry before Harrow catches up. I know Celestia told him. Gah... this isn't looking really good..."

"You won't make it," Eactal said. "Your magic is starting to fail you, Reaper."

Reaper leaned against Eactal's wiry frame, panting heavily "Just get me to the Well of Healing. This little bout between me and Harrow is about to end."

"Reaper, the Well of Healing won't have an effect if you're near death. Why do you want this so badly?"

Reaper chuckled weakly as she stumbled forward with Eactal. "Because I want Harrow to have a pony to chase after. It's so much fun to be chased. There are times I wanted more than that, but it doesn't matter now."

"What do you mean, Reaper?"

"It is something important I held close to my black heart. My body might give out and my heart may fail, but as long as my mind is stable, it'll work. I just need your help if it comes down to it."

Eactal nodded. "I can help you with what you want, but he won't know, and you won't be able to tell him. Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said softly. "As much fun as I have been evil, it's slowly getting stale. I need a change."

"I see. Then say what you want to Harrow when he arrives. I've got to say, you sound calmer and softer, Reaper."

Reaper stifled a snicker. "Yeah. The bloodlust does wear down every once in a while. The name Reaper is so corny."

"Then tell me your real name," Eactal prompted.

Reaper contemplated. "It's a silly name, Eactal. For a pony like me, my actual name is a sick joke."

"Whisper it in my ear."

Reaper leaned into Eactal's ear and told him her name. Once he heard it, he couldn't help but chuckle. Reaper blushed and got angry. "Quit laughing!" she demanded, but there was a hint of humor in her outbursts. "I can't believe I told you!"

"Sorry, Reaper. It was too good not to laugh. Now, let's get you to get to the Well of Healing."

Reaper nodded, her embarrassment fading away. "Eactal, be sure to stay out of sight before Harrow arrives. Do not show yourself until the very end. I will explain as we journey closer to the Well of Healing, so you'll know exactly what to do."

"Yes, Reaper. Let us be off."

Luck's run out.

The evening sun turns the land below it red, the end of a day but also the beginning of an end. Reaper and her assistant Eactal finally made their way to a large cave that holds the Well of Healing, an old magical artifact that can heal any wound and cure any ailment. Reaper sook the old well for a sickness that plagued the inside of her body, stifling her magic and her health slowly.

The two journeyed their way through the dank and moist cave, feeling the clammy wetness of the damp soil with each step, and the chilly air that smelled like the musty soil beneath them. Deeper into the cave was a spiral staircase made of the wet sediment, and they took it, going further in. The air became faintly unnatural, slightly humid rather than chilly as they descend to the Well of Healing. When they reached the base of the staircase, there was a decrepit old brown door: the entrance to the Well of Healing. Eactal attempted to open the door, but it fell to the ground, fracturing into pieces.

The air behind the door changed drastically from the cave air. It had a frowsty atmosphere, muggy and unventilated air that was contained for more than a thousand years. Filled with a light, foggy mist, Reaper made a hollow cough in the fusty air as she and Eactal laid their eyes on the Well of Healing in the center of the small chamber.

Reaper's eyes beamed faintly. "This is it, Eactal."

"A magical relic of the aged past," he regarded, but then he looked around the old chamber. "It looks run-down and old, certainly nothing majestic."

Reaper galloped towards the Well of Healing, stomping on the hard, droughty soil. Upon reaching the Well of Healing and viewing its contents, Reaper laughed loudly. Curious, Eactal trotted to Reaper and looked down at the well and knew why she laughed.

Seconds of silence stretched between the two before Eactal says, "It's empty, Reaper."

Reaper shrugged as if she expected the artifact to be dried up. "Hah... figures. Even an old relic like this cannot survive throughout the ages. Princess Celestia probably didn't know it dried out, as she was hesitant to give up the location."

Eactal turned his concealed gaze toward Reaper, who looked even sickly than before. "This is a sad discovery for you, Reaper."

"Remember what we talked about earlier," she reminded him. "It is... unfortunate that the Well of Healing is dried up, but it isn't a cause of despair, not by a long shot."

"I forgot how positive you can be, Reaper."

"A devil is usually always chipper, Eactal. Harrow should be here soon. Fade into the shadows and do not come out until Harrow leaves."

Eactal dipped his head. "Yes, Reaper." He used his magic to blend himself with the dark shadows on the walls.

Reaper sat next to the Well of Healing and waited for Harrow to find her. She giggled and snickered to herself in anticipation of what was to come.

At Journey's end

Ten minutes pass and Harrow lands at the bottom of the spiral staircase, seeing Reaper next to the Well of Healing. Harrow contained his swelling anger as he marched into the chamber.

Reaper noticed Harrow and gave him a snarky smile and a wink. "Harrow, I didn't get a chance to properly greet you in Canterlot as you rushed at me with no warning. You look different, your coat isn't so devoid of its original color."

Harrow glared at his family's murderer. "Things for me have changed recently, witch."

Reaper nodded; an innocent expression strewn across her face. "Indeed, it has. You aren't trying to break my face in. Those two ponies from the throne room must've done something."

"They made me feel better, witch. No more running away."

Reaper's eyes narrowed. "I intend not to, Harrow. After all these years, you can finally have your long-awaited revenge on me for killing your family."

Harrow looked incredulous. "What are you hiding, witch?" He trotted slowly towards the sitting Reaper, who was still smiling. He stood tall over her with a deathly glare, but Reaper chuckled at Harrow's serious face; she embraced her playful side.

"I'm not hiding anything, big boy," she said playfully, her eyes scanning Harrow's body hungrily.

"Stop lying," he demanded. "You aren't using magic. Why?"

Reaper gave him a dejected look. "Dear Harrow, you hadn't noticed yet? I'm sick. I've been slowly dying for quite some time. It has gotten to a point where I can't use my magic without damaging my health."

Harrow's eyes ignited. "Liar! What about Princess Celestia, who you almost killed?!"

Reaper laughed at Harrow. "Adrenaline does wonders for the body. After the fight, I could've passed out if it weren't for you getting me excited, bursting into the throne room like a mad pony. When I teleported away, I fell to the ground and vomited up something fierce. Using magic with my health deathly low results in uncontrolled explosions. I couldn't fight you to save my life."

Harrow blustered. "W-wh-what about the Well of Healing? You must have drunk from it."

Reaper's blood-red eyes, which usually shined, were dim and glazed. "Go look for yourself, cat."

Harrow passed by Reaper and looked into the Well of Healing and became shocked as it was dried out.

"For countless years after the war with Tirek, the well has been dry," Reaper said, her voice becoming slowly hoarse. "No pony knew it was dry until now."

Harrow turned to face her. "This magical well was the only thing that could save you from your sickness."

Reaper nodded, showing her sharp teeth, but they were stained with blood and looked dull. "Yep, and now it is dry, and this sickness will take my life. I am too weak to fight you, Harrow. My magic fails me. These afflicted chains cling to me harder and harder with each passing second."

Harrow went back to stand in front of Reaper. "Don't think I'll let this sickness kill you before I do."

Reaper stretched her forelegs apart. "I won't stop you," she whispered lustfully. "This is my first time, so you can be as rough with me as you want, you beast. I want it rough."

Harrow suddenly hesitated, his ire dying. "Stop playing around, witch."

"Where's all that fire went to, big boy? Kill me. Break my face and rip my body apart! Come on! What's stopping you?!"

"Shut up," he muttered through gritted teeth.

Reaper bared her sharp teeth. "Snap my horn off and stab me with it! Choke me with my nasty blood! Why are you hesitating, Harrow?!"

"I said shut up..." he repeated, looking unsure.

"Break my arms and legs! Break me!" Reaper cried out. "Why are the roles reversed? Don't be a coward in the face of your crowning moment. Do you want to disappoint your family again?!"

"Shut UP!" Harrow bellowed, slamming his hoof on the ground next to Reaper, cracking it on impact. Reaper breathed erratically, blood spurting out of her mouth as she laughed crazily in pure excitement. "I... can't do it. I just can't..."

"After all those times saying you would, you secretly couldn't," she said softly. "You don't have the heart of a murderer. You never had the drive to snuff out a life. With all that anger you held within you; you can't release it on this languished body of mine."

"Damn it..." Harrow pounded the ground in agitation.

Reaper tipped her head. "You can cry if you want. You put all that anger in that hoof, and now it is gone."

Harrow glared at Reaper. "Why do you do this?"

"Because I love it!" she yelled, all of her previous excitement suddenly returning. "When you whisper my name under those heated lips, I feel insane. I'd go through Tartarus if it meant I could keep you for myself. There is no pony else, Harrow. Cry for me!"

"No... I won't give you the satisfaction." Harrow stepped away from Reaper as she stood up and yelled loudly as blood continued to spit from her mouth, struggling to lurch toward him. "You're insane!"

Reaper coughed up blood, struggling to remain standing. "This is what I did not expect. You always surprise me every, single damn time we meet, Harrow! HAHAHAHA! I LOVE it!"

Reaper becomes far too excited, laughing to the top of her lungs with her eyes widening as big as they can, hacking and coughing. She looked above her head and saw a small hole of light shining through and shot it with her magic, creating an explosion. With a stroke of pure luck, it blew away the hole, making it bigger as it shined its light upon her while she continued to yell like a mad mare.

Harrow, horrified and troubled, recoils from her outbursts. "Reaper... what in Celestia's name are you...?"

"I am the devil who adores you! Know my name! Know my name!" she repeated manically. "MY NAME IS-"

Reaper stopped abruptly and her horn stopped glowing a blackish red. She fell silent; motionless. Thoroughly troubled yet morbidly curious, Harrow slowly trotted towards Reaper and stared in horror. She had a large smile strewn across her face with blood seeping through her dull white teeth. The blood escaped through her eyes as well, trickling slowly down her widened face like tears. She had died; she pushed the sickness to the limit, and it ended her life, while she was still standing.

Harrow backed away. "It is over, and I never touched her once. I never hit her, I never made her bleed or pay for her crimes five years ago. When I had finally been given the chance, I didn't take it. I could not kill Reaper. Everything was my anger talking, and when I was in control, I chose not to kill her. I could not be like Reaper. My anger is gone... perhaps it is better this way... I need to leave this place."

Harrow left Reaper alone, he left the chamber to meet up with Anial and Maria at Canterlot Castle. Harrow could not kill Reaper and Reaper was too weak to try and kill Harrow. Instead, the sickness that plagued Reaper's body killed her, and that was Eactal's third possibility.

What of Eactal who was told by Reaper to stand by and do nothing? What Reaper has told him will now come to fruition.

From the ashes; revelations uncovered.

After Harrow left the chamber with the Well of Healing, Eactal, Reaper's assistant, came out of the darkened shadows. He has seen and heard everything, and he was quite surprised that this outcome came true, as he was so sure Harrow would massacre Reaper, but now it didn't matter. Reaper was dead, her sick-ridden body standing in front of the Well of Healing, blood from her mouth and eyes still flowing out.

"This is the end of your story, Reaper," he murmured. "You've kept my interest and showed a much more vulnerable side to yourself, and I respect that. What a life journey you have had to a woeful end. It is a shame that your sickness took your life, but as it stands, it is over for you."

Eactal's horn glows gray as he taps it on Reaper's head, beginning to coat her dead body in a dim white glow.

"However, what you have told me to do, I shall do. You'll be different, something else than what you once were, and the name that you told me will be perfect for this. This will be your true self. There will be no Reaper. You will start anew, and you won't know your past."

The dim white glow brightened, flashing a swirl of pink and white together.

"You won't know Harrow, but I will help steer you in the right direction," he promised. "The new you will be under my protection as this new version in the making will intrigue me to a much lighter future. It will take a full year for you to be reborn, and thus, I will stay by your side."

The pinkish-white glow wrapped itself fully around Reaper's corpse. Eactal peeked into Reaper's past with his grayish-white magic and made a surprising discovery that made him realize why Reaper was the way she was. It all made sense.

"Who would've thought a half-breed of an umbrum and unicorn would grace Equestria and cause terror? And you, so similar to them, and yet, showed vulnerability and genuine happiness, like a pony. A unicorn and umbrum half-breed. It's all so clear to me now. The two cannot exist in harmony, and thus, your birth became your damning sickness, and nothing could heal that. It was only a matter of time. How sad."

A white veil was summoned in the shape of a flower's petals and began to shroud the white light in a sort of capsule. Eactal used his magic to turn the chamber into a large white room with only him and the white capsule in its confines.

As a token of appreciation, Eactal decided it would only be fair to disclose his name as Reaper did with hers. It was only fair.

"My name is Latcae, the betwixt between the sun and the moon, the one regarded as kin to Little Luna and Celestia" he confessed solemnly. "I am the dawn and dusk. This mask I wear preserves my life energy, allowing me to vastly prolong the age of death. If I took off this gift, I would begin to turn to ashes and fade away into nothingness."

The capsule hummed calmly as it pulsed white lines around itself.

He continued. "And that name you told me was most unexpected, but with your new form being made, it would be fitting for this new version to adopt that very name. Your name will be Lilly Heart. Now let me tell you the story of how I met Celestia and little Luna. It all started..."

Latcae began telling stories of his past to the white capsule in front of him. The new version, Lilly Heart, will be born within a single year. What holds is unknown, but hopefully, the worst has passed, and peace can regain control.

Epilogue

End of one journey.

Harrow returned to Anial and Maria, who were taking care of Princess Celestia with Princess Luna's help. Harrow informed that Reaper has died and Eactal was nowhere to be found. Princess Celestia thanked Harrow for stopping Reaper and will start rebuilding Canterlot with the help of her little sister, Princess Luna. The sisters will deal with Eactal in the future.

Harrow, Anial, and Maria were instructed to return home and live in peace. They returned home.

Anial stretched. "Ah, home. Harrow sir, we await your orders."

"Yes. Your orders," Maria said.

Harrow was tired and hungry after everything that has happened. "Anial, make some dinner. Maria, I'll need your help cleaning out a few rooms upstairs."

Anial saluted. "Yes, sir."

Maria hesitated. "Aren't those rooms the ones we are not supposed to touch?

Harrow had a wistful look in his eyes. "It is time to put the past behind me. You and your brother will have separate rooms from now on. We have to get them clean tonight so you both won't sleep together anymore."

Anial looked confused. "We've always been like that."

Harrow shook his head. "You two are too old to share rooms. Maria, go upstairs and get started on one of the rooms. Anial, call us down once dinner is ready."

"Yes, sir," he said.

"I'll do my best," Maria promised.

Harrow nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'll join you soon," he said, heading to the front door.

"Going outside?" Maria asked.

"Yeah," Harrow answered. "I have a lot on my mind. I'll be back inside soon. Go on."

Anial started dinner and Maria went upstairs to clean out one of the rooms while Harrow went outside to the porch.

"A lot of things happened over the past five years. I miss you, all of you. However, I want you all to know that I'm moving on. It'll take some time, but one step after the other right? I won't forget you or the kids, but I want to thank you for everything, July."