Striving for Perfection

No, there are no such ponies. It's daytime now so Luna is sleeping and unlikely to wake up. I can only rely on myself and hope that Twilight and her friends will be able to get to the elements of Harmony. No matter how stupid it sounds.

Sighing, I looked at the two villains standing over me. If Perfection is right, which I doubt, I have seven seconds before they act. Sighing, I took a small step forward and began to think about what of the huge list of my spells I should apply while I have a break. By the time I started thinking, Perfection had time to raise one finger and say, "One second has passed. Did you write a will, moral domination?"

Without saying anything, I looked into the eyes of this creature. If it was able to copy the healing spell, then it can do the same to others. But can he copy the spells that the Alicorns can cast? I doubt. And I don't think he'll be able to move the sun just by seeing me do it. After I nodded slightly to myself, Perfection raised his second finger and said: "Two seconds have passed. It's time to give way to the real person."

Is it just me, or is he trying to speak in verse? No, it doesn't matter! He's probably trying to distract me on purpose.

Quickly shaking my head, I directed magic into my horn and focused on a massive object, the sun. Slowly, it began to approach, causing the sky to change color and causing the villains to change their faces quite a bit. I hope that the creatures all over the planet are not too scared. But despite the sweat standing out on his face, Perfection calmly said: "Three seconds have passed. Don't think that a cataclysm can stop another cataclysm."

Ignoring him, I began to draw magic from the sun and distribute it throughout my body. My last blow meant that he was unable to react to my movements. Calm down, Celestia, this fight won't be difficult. Just two strikes and both threats to my little pony will disappear. As soon as I smiled slightly, Perfection sighed and said bored: "Four seconds have passed. Have you finished your training yet, a symbol of dogmatism?"

In response, I took a step forward and said confidently, "It was very stupid of you to give me a head start, monster. Now you have no chance of winning. After all, with such a scorching sun that you can't take away, your empire will collapse very quickly even if you win. You will have no one to rule over!"

Perfection just waved his hand and calmly replied with a crunch of his neck: "I wasn't going to rule anyone. You can't build a perfect world out of dirt."

What!?

Noticing the embarrassment on my face, Perfection just grinned and asked mockingly: "What happened? Does elementary logic scare you? Well, I'll only increase your fear. "

Suddenly, there was an outbreak of black magic and Perfection from his high position found himself just a dozen feet in front of me. He even copied it!? I took a tiny step back and Perfection continued by raising one hand: " Morality is not a thing that was invented by the church, the state, secret societies or anyone else to control people. It's just a natural continuation of things that are embedded in the brain of many creatures. Therefore, it will be a bit problematic to really destroy it. "

Perfection took a step towards me and continued, clenching his raised hand into a fist: " Therefore, my plan is extremely simple. I will destroy everyone. Absolutely everything that has even the beginnings of empathy will be destroyed. Don't worry, it's not xenophobia or racism. If there were humans here, I would also destroy them all. After the fun part, I can start experimenting. Chemistry, biology, genetic engineering. All to create perfect beings like me. "

Such a monster. Even Nightmoon did not set herself the task of destroying all living things. Although eternal night indirectly leads to this. But the creature directly stated that its ultimate goal is the destruction of all creatures on the planet.

Gritting my teeth, I said, taking a step towards him: "Today, after you nailed the Changeling Queen with a chandelier, you said you were going to rule! Does the position of a perfect being tend to change every couple of minutes?"

Perfection only looked up to look at Ahirata and waved his hand. With a slight nod, she teleported to be next to him. Grinning, Perfection looked at me again and said: "That's what the crybaby said. Now you're talking to me. Well, do you have anything interesting to show me, trash? Or can I end you already?"

Looking at him defiantly, I said firmly, "I've already realized that you can copy spells. So you won't see anything new anymore. "

Taking a deep breath, Perfection released a small cloud of steam from his mouth and said, standing in a fighting stance, " I won't need this. I feel that this body can reach much higher height. It just needs a little incentive."

And that incentive will be a fight with me. No, he's bluffing. How can fighting someone make him stronger?

As soon as he finished, I felt a lot of pressure on myself. Even breathing became a little difficult. Taking advantage of the moment, Perfection instantly shortened the distance to me and delivered a powerful punch to my jaw. To my own surprise, I felt it and flew back!

After a few seconds of rubbing my back against the rock, I finally stopped. Frowning, I created a circular shield around myself and stood on all four hooves. Looking around my surroundings, I managed to notice that I was thrown a little closer to Canterlot. Is that good, perhaps? Although, no, if the battle moves to areas with civilians, everything will be very bad.

Celestia, pull yourself together!

Sighing, I continued to look around and soon saw a couple of villains looking down at me again. They looked at each other and nodded as if they had already thought of some kind of plan. Black lines began to spin around the hand of Perfection, foreshadowing another attack that turned to stone. In the next moment, he jumped off the high ground, lifting several large boulders into the air and ran towards me.

Knowing that this attack would break through my shield, I put it away and began to prepare a teleportation spell. After all, now I can replenish my magic reserves from the sun, which means I have a huge advantage in endurance. Sooner or later, they'll both get tired.

Nodding to myself, I looked ahead and saw that Perfection was only a couple of steps away from me. Grinning, I teleported a few dozen hooves to the left. Great, I dodged it! Wait, why do I feel so weird? It's like I'm being emptied. . .

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Ahirata had grabbed my wing and a yellow stream of magic was actively coming out of it. Growling, I abruptly flapped my two wings, which pushed the villain back and lifted me into the air. But the feeling of a little emptiness remained.

How much magic did Ahirata manage to take away? It doesn't matter though. I can just restock from the sun.

Sighing, I tried again to take magic from the sun and recover. But it didn't work out. There's just no more magic in my body. While I was confused, Perfection stood next to Ahirata and asked while looking at me: "So, you just took a piece of her soul, right?"

In response, she nodded slightly and said, also looking at me: "Yes, but her soul is just of titanic proportions. I managed to take only a small piece. Hmm, but by the look of her, she's already forgotten that I can do that. No wonder, she's a couple of millennia old. Her mind can't store everything."

How could I forget that? Ahirata takes souls or pieces of a soul. Right now she's taken a piece of mine, you could say she's reduced my magic supply!

While I was still in the air, Perfection grinned and asked, looking up at me: "Hey, Celly! What else did you forget? Do you remember how many servants there are in your castle? Do you remember how old you are?"

"Shut up," I growled, continuing to flap my wings and stay in the air.

Unfortunately, Perfection continued to ask, "Do you remember your childhood? Are you sure Luna is your sister? Do you have at least one shared memory with her from childhood? "

" I told you to keep quiet! " I shouted, channeling magic into the horn. I won't use a spell on him, he doesn't deserve it. I'll just incinerate him with a wave of pure magic.

Perfection just smiled cheekily and asked slowly, with pleasure, " Do you remember your parents?"

Celestia, calm down. It's. . .

Unable to restrain myself, I quickly shot a bright ray of pure magic at him. My eyes could see how the beam melted the stones and made the air tremble. But in the next moment, I felt a powerful blow to the head. Then on the back of the head. And finally a kick in the back.

The force of three blows quickly threw me to the ground with such force that I made a small depression in the rock. To make matters worse, a huge pressure fell on my body again, which almost did not allow me to move. Groaning in pain, I opened my eyes and saw Perfection falling on top of me. Black lines were once again spinning around his arm. Gritting my teeth, I tried to channel as much magic as possible into the hooves to overcome the pressure and dodge. But it was already clear that I didn't have enough time.

In the last moments before the blow, I managed to see an amazing but still happy sight. The hilt of the familiar sword struck the hand of Perfection, which caused his blow to hit the rock without harming me. Having accumulated enough magic, I managed to hit Perfection's chest with my hoof, which made him hiss and teleport somewhere. Standing on my hooves, I smiled slightly at the sight of Luna.

My dear sister. I don't know how she woke up and got to me. But she did it at the right moment.

Nodding gratefully to my sister, I turned on the spot to look at the villains. Ahirata stood and nervously shifted from one foot to the other. Perfection, on the other hand, clutched at the place of impact and breathed heavily with his head bowed. While I was examining the villains, Luna took a step forward and pointed her curved sword in their direction before saying, "This is your end, monsters. My sister and I have never defended Equestria from threats far more powerful than you can even dream of."

In response to these words, Ahirata took a small step back while Perfection continued to hold onto his wound and breathe heavily. Hoping they wouldn't do anything yet, I turned to Luna and said, "He can copy spells. The exception is our unique spells. For example, the control of celestial bodies."

Luna nodded slightly, standing in a fighting stance and asked: "Do you know how he does it? Even a guess?"

I have no idea. It's actually weird. Creatures without horns can only create magic with the help of runes. How could he repeat my spell? The only thing I can assume is that he found a connection between natural magic and its reaction to ordinary magic.

Suddenly, I heard Perfection laugh and say, almost singing, "Ich sind das Bauvolk der kommen Welt."

Confused by the sudden speech in griffin, I bowed my head in response to what Perfection continued: "Ich sind die Zukunft und ich sind die Tat. Verstehst du, Luna? "

When I heard my sister's name, I frowned and looked at her. To my surprise, she quickly shook her head and backed away. Oh no. Perfection took a step forward and said with amusement in his voice: " Oh, how good it is to have deduction! I remember how you reacted sharply to the tank shot, Luna. I just needed to think hard. Who could you have fought with earlier to earn psychological trauma? How lucky that it was with griffins! "Luna continued to back away and muttered quickly shaking her head, " No, that was a thousand years ago. Everything is fine. It won't happen again!"

Oh, Lulu.

I tried to stretch out Luna's wing to calm her down, but she instantly pushed me away and said straightening up with difficulty: "I'm fine, Sister. I'm fine."

Perfection only raised both hands up, exposing the serious dent in his chest that my hoof had left. Despite this, he said with pride: "Another proof of a just world! Luna could have fought in the past with any other species, and then my trick would not have worked. But it was the griffins she was fighting. Your resistance makes no sense! The world is on my side and asks for your destruction. "

While Luna was trying to calm down, I took a step forward and objected: " It's just an accident. You're just lucky! The world has no will, and even more so it will not ask for anything evil like you!"

Wait, what is this weird feeling? It's as if the air doesn't move naturally.

Perfection laughed, and more and more strange black lines began to swirl around him. When his body was completely hidden from my influence, he finally started saying, "Watch my victory, trash! I'll show you why I'm Perfection!"

At some point, the black lines seemed to turn into steam but did not disappear anywhere. In general, the body of Perfection was surrounded by slowly moving black smoke, which made it possible to clearly see only the heads. It looked as if the skin had been replaced with some dark material vaguely resembling stone. His eye sockets looked like just two holes in the rock in which there was nothing, just an abyss. His mouth filled with fangs was wide, almost the entire front of his head, and steam came out of it when he breathed.

But perhaps the most frightening detail was the head. To be precise, the growth on it. It was as if Perfection had tried to create a horn for itself but had completely failed the task. Above the left eye there was an outgrowth similar to a stone and which was twice as large as the eye socket. Moreover, there were four small spikes on the outgrowth. During the breath of Perfection, these spikes moved slightly to always be pointed with the sharp side at me. It's like they have a mind of their own.

What a vile creature you've become. I can't believe that this monster voluntarily decided to make himself look like this.

Perfection slowly straightened up and said looking at me: "Ahirata, take care of Luna. Because of the crybaby, I won't be able to fight her properly."

"We agreed that I would only support you." She replied awkwardly, continuing to stand at some distance from the monster. Maybe I can somehow win her over to my side?

Before I could think of anything, Perfection said in a chilling tone, "Do as you're told, woman. You have to understand that you can't beat me. You feel my superiority. You know that you live exactly as long as I want you to. You are my property. Or do you want to bet?"

With this attitude, she will turn against him herself. Any second now.

After a few seconds of silence, Ahirata sighed and said softly, taking a step forward: "I am not your property. I just want to be safe so that I can quietly do the restoration of Tartarus."

Taking a cautious step forward to meet her, I spread my wings and put a hoof to my chest before saying, "I know that we caused you a lot of pain. But I see that you have reformed and do not want destruction like this monster. If you turn against him right now and help defeat him, I will absolve you of all responsibility for your past actions. You can start your life with a clean slate. "

" Sister, this won't work. Don't you look at her at all? She had already obeyed him. " Luna said faintly, continuing to stare at Perfection.

But maybe, maybe?

"No, you're lying. If it wasn't for the fight, you would have left me to rot underground. I'll deal with Luna." Said Ahirata before lighting up both of her eyes at once. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a stone wall appeared right in front of Luna, which pushed her back. After my sister left my field of vision, there was a flash around Ahirata and she also disappeared. It's just me and this monster left.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at the new form of Perfection and asked mockingly: "What are you trying to achieve with this look? Maybe you want to scare others? Or are you trying to hide your imperfect appearance from others? Because reality very often destroys your deep illusions."

In response, Perfection's wide mouth twisted into a predatory smile. Suddenly, he lifted one of his legs and brought it down to the ground, which lifted many large boulders into the air. Under the influence of an unknown force, they quickly flew towards me. Although he probably just pushed them. In response, I calmly created a large blade of light that, with a wide sweep from left to right, cut through all the boulders. But Perfection has already disappeared somewhere.

He must have hidd. . .

"Are you looking for someone?" A familiar deep voice asked, tapping me on the shoulder. How stupid. Turning around, I quickly directed as much magic as I could into my hoof before striking. Just a moment before the impact, I felt my hoof being grabbed. Suddenly, a wave of pain passed through my jaw. The impression made my eyes roll back to the back of my head for a moment.

There was a second blow to the neck and a third kick to the stomach that threw me back. Before I could open my eyes, I felt a strong pressure on my back and enthusiastic words of Perfection: "I can feel it. Here. Over here! Victory is coming to me! The world itself is handing me a cup with my name on it! A reward for the most perfect being. What I deserve!"

You haven't won yet, monster!

Gritting my teeth, I abruptly scooped up a lot of magic from the sun and, despite the pain, began to redistribute it through my body. In the next second, I teleported and swung at Perfection with my hoof, which was trembling slightly from the huge amount of magic. To my surprise, the small spikes on the monster's head suddenly stretched out and instantly dug into my hoof. What nonsense is this!?

I tried to pull my hoof back, but I couldn't, the spikes were too deep. And even more annoying, Perfection didn't even turn in my direction. He just stood with his back to me and said with unusual tenderness in his voice: "Such lovely creatures. I created these four little ones to protect me and suck out the magic of my opponents. This is the prototype of perfect creatures that will replace trash like you in the future. They are not very intelligent, not very independent, but loyal and have no concept of morality. Do you like feeding them? "

I don't even know how to react to this. On the one hand, it's disgusting. No, this is the peak of disgust. But on the other hand, he talks about them so tenderly.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden feeling of weakness. After taking some more magic from the sun, I teleported back, and fortunately the spikes didn't follow me. Sighing, I quickly created several shields around myself at once and looked at the wounded hoof. There were exactly four holes in it, from which surprisingly not a drop of blood was coming. Maybe these prototypes also feed on blood?

While I was thinking, I noticed how the sky was coming back to normal. Looking up, I slightly opened my mouth in shock. My sun, the thing I've controlled for millennia. It was slowly returning to its normal place without my intervention. Now it will be very difficult to replenish magic reserves from it. In combat conditions, it is impossible.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to gather my strength and looked at Perfection. He lightly stroked his spiked growth and said, looking at me: "Now that you don't have a battery at hand and my babies are full, I can finish with you. The final act. The Grand final. "

I'm not going to fall for that weird line punch anymore. Maybe the fog prevents me from seeing his body well, but I still see the silhouette.

I smiled confidently while Perfection was preparing another attack. Around his right arm, the fog began to spin with increasing speed. Eventually, he started running towards my shield, which I began to strengthen further with magic. If his attack breaks against the shield, he will have even less magic. He doesn't have endless supplies.

As soon as the rotating mist came into contact with my shield, one piece after another began to fly away from it. Hmm, apparently using fog is not as effective as lines. I took a step back just a moment before the first shield fell, followed by others, weaker ones. But it's still very strong. The next moment, I felt an incredibly powerful blow to my temple. It was so fast that I couldn't even notice it.

Come on, Celestia, there has to be a way out!

I sent magic into the horn trying to teleport, but I was interrupted by incredible pain. Slightly opening my eyes, I stared at Perfection in shock. His spikes stretched out again and pierced my horn in several places, which fixed me in place. Slowly licking his lips, he raised his hand, around which the fog was still spinning rapidly.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It won't work, I can't do anything without the horn. I can't stand for anything. Opening my eyes with difficulty, I said, trying to sound confident: "You won't succeed anyway! Twilight and her friends have already taken away the Elements of Harmony. They will defeat you!"

"Take care of yourself first." Perfection grinned before bringing her fist down on my head. Almost immediately, I felt my hooves give way and my brain almost shut down from the pain. Eventually, my mind was able to stabilize and I opened my eyes. I was lying on the ground and Perfection was standing over me with a very proud look.

I tried to say something but was interrupted by a sharp slap on the back. Then another fist came down on my head from above. Perfection lifted me up by grabbing my head and said, slightly opening his mouth: "Mmm, how nice to see you in this state. And how nice it is to see what my body is capable of. To defeat you, I just needed to draw to myself all the natural magic that I found on the mountain. So little."

I flapped my wings slightly to escape from his grip, but nothing happened. Horn, I don't feel it at all, the damage is so great. Despite the pain, I was able to squeeze out a smile and say with my eyes closed: "Okay, you've won. Kill me and enjoy your perfect world. Which will never happen."

Perfection just growled and threw me to the ground like a thing. Then he kicked me in the back. Then again. And again and again, driving me a little deeper into the ground each time. At some point, he started shouting to keep hitting: "Come on, where's your fuse? You have to give me a real challenge! Aren't you ashamed to lose after all I've done is surround myself with the natural magic of this mountain? Aren't you ashamed to lose to such a small force!?"

He's acting almost like a kid who threw a tantrum. Do I even feel a little sorry for him?

Enduring the pain, I smiled slightly and assumed, looking at Perfection from the bottom up: "I'll assume that you exist as long as Daniel has access to magic. So you're a baby, you've lived less than a year. Poor kid."

I felt another powerful blow on my back, which this time caused several crunches. While I was moaning in pain, Perfection shouted, "That's it! I only had the crybaby's memories, which I studied incredibly carefully. I had less than a year to develop. I have passed from the four-legged beast to the peak of evolution! My victory should have been an absolute triumph of will! I will! My victory should have been something impossible. Why the hell are you so weak?"

Before I could say anything, the spikes of Perfection lengthened again and pierced into different parts of my body. After just a few seconds, my eyelids felt slightly heavy. Perfection hit me once more before saying with a disappointed sigh, "It doesn't matter. Soon you will fall asleep and die from heavy bleeding. Even if you survive, I've damaged your spine. You lost, I won. This is the end. I feel that the soldiers are already in the city. Let's see if they're willing to stage terror for me."

Perfection turned around on the spot and walked towards the city. Through the fog, I could make out an interesting detail. His right hand, which he used to deliver the most powerful punches, looked thinner than his left. It was as if the powerful attacks had destroyed part of his muscles. Smiling slightly, I closed my eyes and said humbly lowering my head, "And yet you are not so evil. You're just a little kid with a lot of problems."

He didn't say anything in response and just continued walking towards the city. As soon as Perfection jumped off the cliff and disappeared from my field of vision, I yawned slightly and felt some incredible calm.

I'll rest just a little bit. I hope Luna is okay. Although even if not, I'll find out soon enough. One way or another.

POV Rising Moon

The loud sounds of the tank moving and the ponies that didn't have enough room to climb on them almost blocked my ears. Flying took less than a dozen soldiers with him. I hope he wasn't noticed by those things that attacked Canterlot. And I really hope that the Report is alive. How could he just take the soldiers and leave alone? And why didn't anyone tell me about it!?

Pull yourself together! These things can attack us at any moment. . . . And I doubt that it will be possible to find a solution where no one will get hurt.

Taking a deep breath, I carefully pulled the sword out of its scabbard with my wing and looked around. The tank I was sitting on was in front of the column and had almost reached Canterlot. There is literally less than a minute left on the road. With another sigh, I lowered my gaze to the open hatch of the tank. If the enemy is ahead, you will need to ask them to use these "flamethrowers". I hope that their effect is not too painful.

Suddenly, I felt a sudden heat and even sweat on my face. Raising my head, I opened my mouth in shock and stared at the sky. The sun got closer. No, it has become MUCH closer. Most of the sky was occupied only by the sight of a huge star. Why did this happen? Can these things that attacked the city control the sun? Are they trying to scare us this way?

With difficulty, I turned away from the sky and turned around to look at the soldiers. Although they continued to hold the formation and go forward, most of them looked up at the sky in fear. Something definitely needs to be done about it. While the tank continued to drive forward, I stood on it and said, trying to sound confident: "It's okay, don't panic! It's probably an illusion or. . . Uh, or. . ."

"If this is an illusion, then why is it so hot?" One of the soldiers suddenly stopped walking. Just a second later, he was supported by several more ponies. Now we definitely need to do something about it. I fell silent, trying to think of something worthy to say.

The captain told me. Yes, the captain told me!

Pointing with my hoof at the sun in the sky, I said, trying to sound confident: "Captain, I was told about such illusions. They are incredibly realistic, but only a few wizards can make them. Obviously, this illusion was created by the things that attacked the city to scare us. "Before anyone could say anything, I hit the tank's armor with my hoof and said, raising my voice slightly: " Today we cannot afford the luxury of fear! And in general, the enemy is trying to scare us because he realizes his doom! We have technology, training, a plan on OUR side, and most importantly, right now the captain is also fighting these things. Well, most likely. If we are calm and collected, we will win without any problems!"

Surprisingly, my speech was able to calm the soldiers, and they quickly returned to the ranks. Um, I don't even know how I did it. Probably just luck. Nodding to myself, I turned away and looked ahead. The tank I'm sitting on has almost reached the city. The next second, the shadow of the arch covered me from above. It's like there's some kind of boundary.

The main thing is not to think about it negatively. Everything will be fine. Now the captain will come and defeat everyone without any problems. No one is going to die today.

Sighing, I lightly rubbed my forehead covered with sweat and began to look around. So far, no harm is visible. However, for some unknown reason, most of the windows were broken. They couldn't just spot us and ambush us, right?

Wrong. In the next instant, creatures like a mixture of beetles and ponies began to climb out of all the broken windows. In just a few moments, they completely surrounded us and bared their teeth. Wait, since they're not doing anything, I have a second or two to come up with something. That's right, it's their mistake!

The flamethrower releases fire only in front of itself. Since we are surrounded, the fire will be able to defeat a quarter of the attackers. Well, it's better than nothing.

Trembling slightly, I put the sword in front of me and slightly leaned towards the hatch of the tank hesitantly said: "Uh, well. Fire!"

Surprisingly, the pony in the tank reacted almost instantly and the next second a wide stream of fire went out of the barrel of the tank. The beetles that were hit by this attack began to scream loudly and roll on the ground in an attempt to extinguish themselves. The worst thing is, absolutely unsuccessfully. It's horrible. . . But is it possible to negotiate with them?

Not in such circumstances. They attacked the city and have already caused some destruction. It's too late, all that remains is to move forward. Although I can try to talk to them. Just to know for sure that there were no other options.

With difficulty, I took a breath and jumped off the tank's armor, continuing to hold the sword in front of me. The pony beetles seemed scared because of the demonstration of the tank's operation. It's a good thing they don't know that there won't be another volley of fire in the next few hours. Shaking my head slightly, I said, looking towards the beetles: "Please, I beg you, give up. No one wants the streets of the city to turn into rivers of blood."

For a moment, the bugs stopped baring their teeth. As if they were really considering my offer. Maybe everything will really end well today? If they just leave, it will be a little bad, no one will restore the windows in the city and the already burned beetles too. But at least as few creatures as possible will die. Overall, everything will be fine!

Suddenly, the heat began to subside, which caused many, even the pony beetles, to raise their heads up. The sun slowly but surely returned to its place. Um, if they ask, I'll say it's a symbol that they're ready to negotiate. Smiling slightly, I looked back at the pony beetles. They just stood looking at each other, as if they didn't know what to say to such a proposal.

But so far they are not going to give up. If I say something very good, they will definitely agree to leave! Maybe they'll even apologize and help rebuild the city!

I lowered my sword and took a cautious step back before opening my mouth to say something. But suddenly there was a strange flash of something black that confused me. Shaking my head quickly and blinking a few times, I looked back at what was happening right in front of me. And all the pony beetles were gone. Not a single trace remains.

"So the disinfection has been carried out. There are no parasites left." A deep voice above me was heard. No, it can't be like that. The captain couldn't turn into that creepy thing again! He's in perfect health!

Dropping the sword to the ground, I quickly raised my head and looked in the direction of the voice. And I saw a creepy creature, a monster. His entire body was surrounded by a strange black fog or even smoke. Because of it, I could only make out the silhouette of the captain's body and head. The head looked like a perfect stone replica of the captain's face. Except for the empty eye sockets, wide mouth and a strange growth with spikes on the head.

Again. This monster. What does he call himself? Perfection? Yes, that's what he called himself. Although I'm not sure.

Barely able to keep my balance, I somehow managed to find the strength to ask: "What happened to the captain? What did you do to him, monster?"

Perfection just waved his hand dismissively and replied even in spite of me: "First of all, you know how to call me correctly. Secondly, I just took for myself what I deserve. I took away the instrument of influence on the world around me, this body."

Gritting my teeth, I looked around. There were no traces of the pony beetles at all. But the other ponies were still with me. Most of them were trembling slightly, but some even held their weapons at the ready. However, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed one unpleasant detail. The tank that was behind the formation lost its barrel. It was just torn off the body. Swallowing, I asked, looking at Perfection again: "What have you done with these bugs? And a tank?"

He couldn't have killed them, right? He's not exactly a monster, right?

Perfection only grinned maliciously, showing his huge mouth filled with fangs. After a couple of seconds of silence, he slowly raised his hand and said, pointing behind his back: "I just tore off the barrel of the tank and threw it there. I just killed the Changelings. Ha, my blow was so fast and strong that the torn bodies were thrown out of the city. How nice. "

They were killed. Everything could have ended so well today. Successful transports, a lively and kind captain. But then it appeared. Gritting my teeth, I picked up the sword from the ground and asked loudly: " Why did you kill them!? If I had talked to them a little more, they would have agreed to leave! Why this bloodshed? "

A small barely noticeable gust of wind and I found that Perfection was standing right in front of me, looking down at me with its empty eye sockets. I recoiled slightly from such suddenness, in response to which he chuckled and said with his hands behind his back: "You see, orphan, changelings feed on love. In other words, they are parasites. There can be no peaceful solution to the conflict with them. To take them in would be to set up a time bomb. And even if you had convinced them to leave, they would have found another place to eat. Doesn't morality dictate to you all your life that the best solution is one that doesn't offend anyone?"

He sounds so confident. I can't even bring myself to think about a rebuttal. No, Rising, pull yourself together!

With difficulty, I held the sword in front of me so that Perfection could not come closer to me. Despite the smirk on his face, I replied: "It doesn't matter. Killing was still a bad decision. First you need to at least try to find a peaceful solution! "

Perfection just grabbed my sword with his right hand and said, pointing with his other hand towards the tank, " You gave the order to set fire to these changelings. In fact, the responsibility for their murder rests on your shoulders. Let me do the math. One, two, three, no SIX! Sechs. You killed six people, orphan. Are you sure you have the right to tell me about a peaceful solution? "

I slightly opened my mouth and began to tremble even more after these words. While I was unable to respond, Perfection let go of my sword and stepped back before saying with his hands on his hips, " Well, it doesn't matter. I have a suggestion for all of you. You see, I need to arrange a little terror. Global scale. You can help me with this by becoming faithful servants and maybe I will save your life. If you refuse, I will turn you all into cheese and you will bleed to death."

Throughout his speech, my eyes were focused on my sword. After colliding with the hand of Perfection, the blade of the sword was cut into pieces. It looks like paper that was mercilessly cut with scissors. A lot of times. With difficulty, I tore my gaze away from the sword and said, looking at Perfection: "What do you mean by global terror?"

"The complete destruction of any creatures having at least the rudiments of morality or herd instinct. " Perfection replied calmly. Not a hint of a joke.

He wants us to kill everyone. Absolutely everyone. To save ourselves. What could be more monstrous than this?

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to think of something. He turned my sword into such a thing with a simple touch. What can I hope to do? Probably nothing. But I don't want to just give up. Maybe, just maybe there is a way out?

Despite my fear, I took a confident step forward and said, looking into the empty sockets of Perfection: "I won't give up and neither will you, Mr. Sir boss! I know you're in there somewhere. Resist, fight, don't let this monster win. I know you can't let us die!"

Surprisingly, Perfection did not move in any way but clenched his teeth. It was as if he had been temporarily stopped. This is my chance. Making a sharp dash towards him, I tried to plunge my broken sword into the only part of my body that seemed vulnerable, into the eye socket. Unfortunately, as soon as the impact site was only a couple of inches away, a setback occurred. In less than a second, the spikes on Perfection's head somehow lengthened, grabbing my sword. And with a light movement, the sword was thrown far away.

It looks like this is the end. There's nothing else left. What a fool I am. Hardly anyone would be as dumb as me to resist him.

Out of fear and disappointment in myself, I closed my eyes and trembled, waiting for a wave of pain. But for the first, second, nothing happened. And the second one too. Moreover, in the third second, Perfection began to laugh out loud. Even too much. He's probably just enjoying the fact that I didn't succeed. I guess I'm just a loser. Nobody needs it.

"HA! HA. Ha, Ho Ho. "Perfection finished his laugh before falling silent. Hesitantly, I opened my eyes and saw that Perfection was looking down at me with a thoughtful look. Is he such a monster that he's considering how best to kill me?

In the end, he calmly asked with his hands on his hips, " Are you still planning to resist? Or are you giving up already?"

Why is he asking this? It's some kind of trick, probably. Uh, just keep quiet. Yes, I'll just keep quiet.

After a while of silence, Perfection sighed and said, pointing down the street, "I feel that there are Elements of Harmony and their owners."

Then he pointed behind his back and continued: "There, Luna continues to fight with Ahirata. Theoretically, all of them together can put up a decent resistance. Theoretically. "

Raising an embarrassed eyebrow, I asked, almost losing my fear: " Why are you telling me this? You don't look like you're going to lose."

In response, Perfection slowly lowered himself so that I was forced to look directly into his empty eye sockets. Look straight into the abyss. When he felt me shudder, Perfection leaned into my ear and whispered in a chilling tone: "I am Perfect and everything I do should only confirm this. Therefore, my victory must be incredible. I want all the forces opposing me reach their limits. I want the world of moral domination to throw EVERYTHING against me. And suffered a crushing defeat."

I wonder how he will react to rejection? Like, does his tone sound so vulnerable, I guess?

Not daring to object, I waved my hoof at the other soldiers and continued to look into the eyes of Perfection. Surprisingly, all of them willingly obeyed and almost immediately followed the sounds of stamping hooves combined with tanks skidding in place. After just a couple of seconds, the sounds began to recede. I'm alone. One against the abyss.

"Why don't you go with the others? Do you want to die or do you think you can defeat me one-on-one without a weapon?" Perfection asked with a grin and continued to play peek-a-boo with me. How can he even see anything if his eye sockets are completely empty? And what were those spikes that broke my sword!?

Shaking my head, I answered straightening up: "I can't just run away. Who knows what a monster like you can do? And what's more, there's a captain somewhere inside you. And he's still resisting you! "

In response to this, Perfection briefly laughed before saying, raising his fist, "Well, if that's the case. I need to keep myself busy. Let's check how much your will to live a life filled with useless things is great. "

Before I could even think of a question, I felt a powerful blow to my chest. The force sent me flying and caused a wave of pain that I couldn't even imagine before. It was as if all the bones in the body had cracked at the same time and hundreds of blades had been thrust into the organs. No, that's not even close to describing that pain. Why haven't I switched off yet?

It probably doesn't matter anymore. Yes, it doesn't matter anymore. I guess I've already done everything.

My hints of reflection were interrupted by a sudden stop and the subsequent dull pain in my back. Turning my head slightly, I managed to realize that I had crashed into a house. Ha, my body couldn't even break through the wall. That is, the blow was not so strong. But he still caused me a lot of pain.

Slowly, my body collapsed to the ground and a cough of blood came out of my mouth. With each drop of blood spat out, I felt my eyes getting darker and darker. Without knowing why, I looked up to see the Perfection. He stood calmly with his hands on his hips and looked in my direction. If the captain is somewhere inside, he's looking at it too. He's relying on me!

Gathering all my strength, I tried to stand on all four hooves. And I even managed to get up a little bit. Only to collapse to the ground with another coughing fit, completely exhausted. It continues to darken in my eyes. Despite all this, I opened my eyes wide with an effort of will and looked straight at Perfection.

Captain, if I could stand up and fight, I would do it. But all I can do is look at the monster that captured you. This is my limit.

Slowly but surely, it got darker and darker in my eyes until finally I was plunged into complete darkness and the pain disappeared. My pain-free mind was immediately filled with embarrassment. Am I blind from overexertion? I lost consciousness but didn't realize it? Or did I just die?

Suddenly, a white flame appeared in front of me, which further increased my embarrassment. But despite all this, I felt a strange desire to touch the flame. Although I can't do anything else in my condition. As soon as my hoof touched the flame, it quickly began to increase, which made me close my eyes for a moment.

As soon as the light decreased a little, I opened my eyes and saw green grass under the hooves. Looking up, I saw a tower with a ladder, a long-extinguished bonfire, a large building and a concrete sign on which a familiar two-legged figure was sitting. Is this really the place?

Yes, this is the place. The military base where the captain trained me and the other very first soldiers. Half of whom either died or left. Is this some kind of illusion? Or maybe everything that happened after the first day was a dream? Maybe there was no adventure in Manehattan. No Ahirata. Everything was always fine.

Following some instincts, I began to walk slowly towards the captain who was sitting on a concrete slab. The one with the number of this military base written on it. At one point, the captain even started waving at me, as if he was attracting me to him. At the sight of this, I accelerated and in just a couple of seconds I was in front of him. I stared at his face for a few seconds. No scar, no glasses, no bags under the eyes. Just a small smile on his face.

After a while of silence, he asked in a mocking tone, "You're looking at me like you've seen a dead man."

Upon hearing this, I quickly looked away and said in a trembling voice: "I'm sorry, Mr. Sir boss. I'm sorry for everything. "

" Call me by my name, Rising. You're the only person I fully trust. You have the right to call me Daniel. " He said, moving over a little and tapping on the stove.

He wants it. So I let him down with my loss.

Closing my eyes, I flapped my wings a few times before landing on a concrete slab right next to Daniel. He chuckled slightly and asked, looking ahead: "Is it hard for you to look at this place? Personally, yes. "

After briefly taking in the entire military base, I nodded slowly before replying, " Yes, it's painful to look at. I still can't believe how many died that day. I don't even want to count the specific death toll. We were all like a family. "Daniel put his hand on my shoulder and said with a sigh, " Yes, almost like a family. "

Almost. Just almost a family. I probably will never have a real one.

We were both silent for a while before Daniel asked in a serious tone, "Rising, can you answer my question, please?"

Despite the fear caused by his tone, I nodded slowly. This was followed by a long breath, followed by the question: "What are you going to do without me? Or no others at all?"

The question caught me off guard. What am I going to do without Daniel or anyone else? What will I do if I'm completely alone. . .

Who will I be without someone around? I always do what I'm told. Do I have any desire of my own? Find a family? No, I don't have any hope for that anymore. The other members of the Guard are almost like family. But the real one? I'm not sure if this is possible for me.

While I was thinking, Daniel continued, and with each word the gloom in his voice grew: "Just think, Rising. You usually follow me. Yes, sometimes you make some demands, but in the end it makes a strong correction for me. What will you do if I'm not there, or anyone else? Will you live if everyone suddenly leaves? "

I was silent for a while before asking, trying to sound annoyed: " Why are you even asking this!? "

Daniel sighed and said, lightly stroking my head, " Because now you have a choice. Leave, surrender, and then you can be with me and all the dead soldiers. Or you can keep fighting. But for whom? And how will you live even if everything goes well today?"

No, I can still hope that the real Daniel is trapped inside this monster. I will believe in it to the end! I will believe in MY thoughts to the end! I will believe in MYSELF to the end!

Gritting my teeth, I said, hitting the concrete slab with my hoof: "Even if everyone leaves, I will still be there, I will be able to move on, even though it will be hard. The time spent with you has finally allowed me to understand a lot. But I understood the most important thing now. I can be myself. The evil I received from others was not related to me at all. My parents, bad educators in the orphanage, and others. They all treated me badly because they had problems THEMSELVES! My personality has nothing to do with it! Being myself won't hurt me!"

When I finished speaking, I began to breathe deeply. How many words came out of my mouth at once. In response, Daniel just took his hand off my shoulder and said, "Well done as always, Rising. Now it's time to get back to reality."

Before I could ask anything, the entire space around me turned into a white flame. It grew further and began to burn me. Moreover, I felt the pain of many wounds returning. But slowly it all began to be suppressed, and moreover, I heard clicks inside me as if the bones were fusing together. My vision returned to normal again and I looked ahead at Perfection, who was standing in the same position as before.

I will defeat you. For Daniel, for myself, and for everyone else. Because it's my wish.

I quickly jumped on my hooves and immediately felt an incredible surge of energy. Either I've become a hundred times stronger or my body has suddenly become as light as a feather. While I was rapidly approaching Perfection, a red flash suddenly occurred next to him and another creature appeared. It looked, I don't even know how to describe it. A green and two-legged dragon without wings? Yes, perhaps this description will do.

The creature was breathing heavily and looked out of breath. After a few seconds, Ono finally spoke in a female voice: "It was impossible to deal with Luna. I've spent too much magic on Celestia. If I don't replenish my supplies in the near future, there's almost nothing I can do. I have the strength left in me to hold the opponent for a maximum of a minute. After that, I'll be useless. "

" Overcome yourself, Ahirata, and continue to provide support. I'm not going to let you take even a drop of magic away from me. If you die today, it's only your fault." Answered Perfection, even in spite of the new arrival. Ahirata? Yes, I remember something. That's what the monster called itself, which killed many soldiers in Ponyville. So this body is her real appearance?

Don't get distracted, Rising! We need to keep fighting for Daniel and for ourselves!

Nodding to myself, I abruptly flapped my wings and flew at incredible speed to Perfection, putting one hoof forward. I don't have a weapon, so I'll have to fight with my hooves. To my own surprise, I reached the opponent in less than a second and did nothing Perfectly, calmly taking a hoof kick right between the eyes. After seeing the success, I flapped my wings several times to climb higher and looked at the enemy. He staggered back, clutching at the spot where the blow had landed.

After a few moments, he withdrew his hand, revealing that a small crack had formed in his stone-like shell. Surprisingly, Perfection smiled broadly and said, looking at me from the ground: "Ha, not bad, orphan. It's a wonder my spikes couldn't react to you. You're probably so pathetic that they didn't perceive you as a living being or a threat.

Orphan. No, the absence of parents is not all that I am. I am something more.

I hissed a little and shouted looking down at him: "Stop calling me an orphan! I am more than just a child without parents. I am Rising Moon!"

Perfection smiled only wider and said taking a step forward: "Actually, you're wrong. The fact that you are an orphan already defines you in many ways. I have read that children who grew up in orphanages have problems with choice and personal boundaries. "

He shook his head slightly and finished with a chuckle, " What are you talking about, if your name, which you use so proud, is just a thing based on a drawing on a blanket? If you weren't an orphan, you wouldn't even be called that. Your personality is an orphan. That's it, it's the end, no more, no less. The pony is an orphan."

Enough! I can't just let myself be mocked like that! I also have the right to pride and dignity!

Nodding to myself, I abruptly flapped my wings and headed down to Perfection. This time, he grabbed my hoof with one hand and threw me aside with a sharp sigh. After a couple of seconds, my short flight ended with a blow to the ground from which I abruptly rose and looked towards the enemy. He just stood there. Does he consider me a threat to that extent?

Suddenly, my ear twitched in response to an approaching noise from both sides. Left and front. Turning my head to the side, I saw a tank with six colorful ponies sitting on it with ornaments around their necks. Yes, they are heroes. Maybe I don't really like them, but they will help.

Sighing, I looked ahead and saw a dark figure flying in the sky. After a couple of seconds of thinking, I finally realized who it was. Princess Luna. I don't even know if I should bow down in front of her right now or if the current situation allows me to refuse it?

No matter. The main thing is to detain these two so that the heroes can use their elements.

I took a confident step forward and said loudly: "Your time has come to an end, Perfection! You have no way out of this situation. Just give up and bring Daniel back!"

At first, he smiled slightly, but then his face assumed a neutral look. Suddenly, Perfection looked into a seemingly random alley and shouted, "I can feel you, spy. And I find it disgusting that you decided to take a form at least close to mine."

I tilted my head in embarrassment and looked into the alley from which a two-legged figure with a spear in his hands was awkwardly coming out. It walked as if it had never used two legs before. Did it look just like Daniel? What's going on here anyway? What is this supposed to mean!?

While I was shocked, the figure chuckled slightly and said in Daniel's voice: "What can I do? A madman is the most powerful being that I know well. It was easier for me to copy him."

The madman. Wait, that's what Flying always calls the captain! But how could he turn into his perfect copy?

Perfection just put his hands on his sides and said after looking around: "Luna plus the elements of Harmony can put me at a disadvantage. But they're coming here very fast. So I need to defeat you two in a few seconds. Great, this already looks like a perfect victory. "

He took a step towards Flying and said pointing with his left hand at me: " Ahirata, deal with him and take his soul to replenish his magic reserves. I'll deal with the spy. "

She was silent for a while before slowly walking towards me with her arm outstretched and her right eye burning. Noticing Ahirata's approach, I asked after taking a few steps back: " Why are you doing all this!? What is your goal? Why would you help a monster who wants to destroy everyone?"

She doesn't look as evil as Perfection. Maybe I can come to an agreement with her?

Surprisingly, my question only made Ahirata pause for a moment. It's even easier than I thought. In the end, she finally answered with her head down: "I want to be safe. The princesses imprisoned me underground for a thousand years with the help of the elements of harmony. Now I just want to restore Tartarus and live in peace. "

Gritting her teeth, she lit her eye again and said taking a step forward: " This can only be achieved if the princesses and the owners of the elements are destroyed. I have to do this. This is the last evil that I will commit."

As soon as Ahirata finished speaking, I felt the pressure on my body, which was increasing with every second. But to my surprise, when my hooves began to shake, there was a sound like a fire burning and I felt a new surge of strength. Briefly glancing at my hooves, which were already completely covered in white flames, I gritted my teeth.

I don't have much time. And to be honest, I don't want to know what will happen when this flame ends.

Sighing, I took a sharp step forward and hit the eye that shone the brightest with my hoof. Ahirata's head immediately fell back and she retreated a few steps. I sighed and tried to convince her: "I'm sorry about that. But are you sure it's worth it? Maybe if you help in the victory over Perfection, you will be forgiven for everything you did before? "

In response, she hissed and said, removing her hand from the damaged eye: " You're wearing the armor of the guard. I killed your friends. I destroyed an entire village of ponies. Tell me, will you ever forgive me for any of these things? Is there at least one being who will forgive all this? "

For a moment I stared at her crystal-like eye, which had a small crack. Taking a deep breath, I said, standing on my hind hooves and wrapping my wings around her, I said: " I didn't hold a grudge against you. To be honest, I was against killing you. You must have had your reasons. And if you did that, it means they were very good. So, if today you help in the fight against evil, then I am sure that others will forgive you. If you don't try, you won't find out, right?"

Come on, please. I don't want to fight anyone today. The fewer fights the better.

At first, I felt a cold and clawed hand lightly on my back. I don't know why, but I felt a tremor all over my body. Probably a consequence of this strange fire. But in the end, Ahirata took a step back and replied awkwardly, "Okay, I'll trust you, little pony. I will help you defeat this monster. "

Turning her back on me, she clenched her teeth and said, trying to sound threatening: " But if the princesses don't spare me, then I will blame you for my wrong decision! And I will do everything to kill you before the next imprisonment!"

It is ok. She's not good at sounding threatening.

In response, I only nodded slightly in response to which Ahirata said again, "He is too dangerous in close combat. I'm just going to put pressure on him to move slower. Everything else is up to you. And you have less than a minute. After that, my magic supply will run out."

Sighing, I flapped my wings and looked at the battle between Perfection and Flying, who had turned into Daniel in an unknown way. Thanks to the spear, the latter successfully held on but looked very tired. It was as if he was straining to the limit.

Having gained altitude, I began to dive down to deliver the most powerful attack possible. As I accelerated, the battle between the two continued. At some point, Perfection broke the shaft of the Flying spear and raised his fist around which the fog began to swirl very quickly. But in the next second, he slowed down very much. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Ahirata was standing and her eyes were shining very brightly.

She really helps. Wow. To be honest, I didn't even think that my words would work so well for her.

Sighing, I flew the remaining distance and kicked the strange growth that was at the head of Perfection. To my surprise, the outgrowth was shattered by my blow and the monster itself growled before jumping a couple dozen hooves to the side. Sighing, I landed on the ground, right in front of Flying and asked: "Are you okay, Mr. Sir boss? Oh, I meant Flying. Are you okay?"

He just grinned and said brushing himself off a little: "Yes, it's all right."

I opened my mouth to ask the obvious question, but he interrupted me: "I'm a changeling. Are you happy with this answer?"

What!? SO HE ATTACKED THE CITY TOO?

I took a small step back and asked trying not to panic: "So you attacked the city too? Why are you admitting this so easily?"

In response, he just waved his hand and said, "Do you know what I realized today? The hive is going to fuck itself. And the queen, too. And other changelings too! I've heard that some changelings separate from the hive and begin to survive on their own. I will do that. "

I squinted at him suspiciously. What if he's lying? What if he's just waiting for the right moment to stab you in the back? Although, I think at this point you need to be more trusting. Yes, I will do that. After all, he had been around for a very long time. He had many opportunities to do harm.

So far, he hasn't done anything wrong. Well, sort of.

Sighing, I looked at Perfection, who wrapped his arm around the place where I hit him. After a couple of seconds, he took his hand away and showed that the outgrowth on his head had turned into a bloodstain. Judging by the clenched teeth, Perfection was furious. And his anger only increased when a voice rang out from my left: "Here he is, girls! Come on, the elements of harmony are with us. We will defeat him."

Turning in the direction of the voice, I saw a lilac unicorn that, along with other ponies, was jumping off the tank's armor. Then I saw Princess Luna land on the ground behind Perfection, holding a curved sword in her magic. With Ahirata, me and Flying in mind, he is completely surrounded.

Without saying anything, Perfection clenched his right hand into a fist and the fog around her grew bigger and faster. In response, the six heroes flew into the air and a dazzling glow appeared around them. At that moment, I felt a strange weakness and a kind of heaviness. It's like I'm going to pass out. When I looked down, I found that the white fire on my body was slowly decreasing.

I don't want to know what will happen when it goes out completely.

While I was thinking, the six ponies had already risen high enough into the air and a rainbow stream of magic came out of their ornaments and headed upwards. At this time, Perfection continued to stand motionless. Although I have a feeling that he can't move. In any case, a rainbow stream of magic began to descend, preparing to descend on Perfection. But suddenly he raised his fist and the mist turned into a single ray of magic. What!?

For a while, both beams of magic were roughly equal. But at some point, the darkness began to push the colored beam back further and further. In the end, the dark ray of magic finally pushed back the enemy and reached the Elements of Harmony. In just a moment, the jewelry turned to stone and suddenly crumbled! Fortunately, the ponies owning them were not harmed. But this is probably the only happy thing in this situation.

No. Not happening. He can't win. He just can't!

My gaze returned to Perfection, and I noticed two detail. First, there was a red crystal lying on the ground next to his foot. Very similar to Ahirata's eyes. Secondly, his right arm was missing from his silhouette, which was visible through the fog. It just disappeared. But despite all this, Perfection enthusiastically raised his left hand and said laughing: "Yes, that's it! Even the strongest thing you have was remotely me! This is the end of the reign of morality and useless creatures."

Squinting, I noticed that a long crack ran down the cheek of Perfection, which connected with the same one on the forehead. He didn't seem to pay attention to it and said after looking around at everyone present: "This is my victory! You, all of you, couldn't do anything. A missing hand? Everything I took from Celestia was just spent in full? I don't care about that! Perfection is finally triumphant, after so long! "

As he spoke, the fog around the body began to dissipate and revealed to my eyes that the rest of Perfection's body was also encased in a shell similar to stone. Several more cracks ran through his entire body and he said with a shudder, "Yes. Finally. Crybaby, no matter how loud you scream, I won. The fact that your voice is louder than ever will not change anything! I'm going to get up and kill them all. The fact that Celestia is still alive won't stop me."

It sounds almost. . . Desperate? Upset? Like he's going to cry right now? Maybe he's actually trying to convince himself that he's won?

Perfection fell to his knees and his stone shell began to gradually fall apart. With each piece that fell, more of Daniel's ordinary skin and even clothes could be seen. Perfection groaned in pain and said softly: "Even my death is perfect. Remember this, trash. All of you, ALL of YOU are the same! You live the same way, you think the same way, you will even die completely indistinguishable from each other. But I, but I! "

When only the face remained of the stone shell, which was also rapidly collapsing, Perfection said his last words: " But I'm not going to die as a living being. No. I will die as an ideal, as a striving. I'm going to die because I'm really over. Because I did everything I could for this world."

In the end, the shell finally fell apart, exposing Daniel with his eyes closed. At the sight of a familiar face, I quickly ran up to him and hugged his neck with my hooves. Fortunately, I was able to hear breathing. He's alive, alive!

Almost no one died today. It's all good. Everything is fine.

Out of delight, I hugged Daniel even tighter and he said, putting his hand on my back: "Hey, hey, Rising. You're going to strangle me at this rate."

Smiling awkwardly, I loosened my grip and took a small step back. Daniel rubbed his neck lightly and looked around at everyone. It seemed that guilt and even fear were growing in his eyes with every second? Eventually he came back to me and asked softly, leaning into my ear: "Did you open the bag? Have you told others about this?"

Um, maybe you shouldn't bring it up. Just throw the bag into the sea and forget it like a bad dream?

It seemed that Daniel guessed from my silence about everything and said with a sigh: "Rising, where is the bag? If you don't want to make a choice, then I'll do it myself. Give me the bag."

"Daniel, please..." I said, but was abruptly interrupted.

"Rising, this has to be done. I don't want to hide it anymore. Moreover, I don't want to avoid responsibility anymore. I want to take responsibility for everything I've done." Daniel said at the same time firmly and gently. But it was obvious that if I didn't comply, he would do it himself.

If he wants to talk about it, then I probably have no right to stop him.

Sighing, I turned to the swelling, in front of which stood six ponies with worried faces. Suddenly, I froze in place and noticed one thing out of the corner of my eye. The fire on the body was completely extinguished. And immediately I felt tired. Any second now, I'll just switch off.

Gathering my remaining strength, I was able to order: "There is a closed bag inside the tank. Someone bring it to me!"

Fortunately, in less than a second, a thestral with a bag in its hooves flew out of the tank. He had a very tense face. However, as with all the other surrounding ponies. While the thestral was flying towards me, out of the corner of my eye I noticed a flash of green light from the side where Flying was standing. As soon as the light cleared, I could see how he turned into another pony beetle. Almost indistinguishable from others.

I hope he will be treated with understanding. He also helped defeat Perfection today. Besides, he said himself that he was going to live separately from the rest of the Changelings. Everyone can have a second chance, right?

As soon as the bag landed in front of me, I took a deep breath and handed it to Daniel. He nodded gratefully to me and took it with a slight smile before turning to Luna. She was frowning heavily and was still holding the curved sword. I don't think that's logical. Daniel doesn't have one arm after all. I don't think he will be as strong as before.

In any case, Daniel opened the bag and emptied out all its contents right in front of him. I saw all the ponies' eyes widen. After a moment of tense silence, Daniel took a deep breath and said, bowing his head, "Luna, I have something I need to tell you. Firstly, Celestia is alive, she is somewhere in the mountains. It's better to hurry up, she has a lot of wounds after all. Secondly, these bones with the cutie marks that you see. These bones belong to the ponies I killed."

After these words, I felt even weaker. Unable to find a better footing, I rested my head on Daniel's shoulder to watch his conversation with the princess. She only frowned harder and slowly started walking towards Daniel. Eventually, Luna stopped a couple of steps away from him and asked: "This. . . It's true? If this is a joke, it's the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life!"

Keep your eyes open. I have to see this. I have to be there.

Unfortunately, fatigue was taking its toll and I felt like I would fall asleep at any moment. Daniel seemed to sense it and patted my head a little before saying, "Luna, it's true. This is my purely heartfelt confession. I take responsibility for everything I've done. I blew up the police station in Manhattan! I killed a pony whose bones are lying in front of you! I killed a few more creatures! I set off an explosion right at the wedding, and I fought today too! "

In response, a deep breath filled with a lot of emotions followed. After a few seconds, Luna calmly replied, approaching Daniel point-blank: " My dear sister and I will decide your verdict. Until then, you will be arrested and, obviously, stripped of all awards and titles. "

Daniel nodded slowly and took his hand off my head. After that, I felt like I was already falling asleep. I'll switch off any second. Daniel sighed and said under his breath, "I didn't think that my striving for perfection would end like this. But this is probably the best ending that could have been, right, Rising?"

I couldn't even nod in response. My eyes finally closed, I fell on my side and passed out even before touching the ground. In the last few moments, a seemingly completely random thought formed in my head.

This is the end. Everything that comes next is just an afterword.