One left.

Twilight frowned as she hovered above the landscape, her wings beating in steady rhythm. The tree she had just repelled lay in shattered pieces below, its forceful return a clear warning. Tirek was near, far closer than she wanted to admit. She could feel his presence, oppressive and suffocating, a shadow that stretched across her mind even as the sun bathed the land in crimson hues.

The rhythmic pounding of the earth beneath her—Tirek’s galloping—grew louder, more deliberate, like the drums of war. Every step shook the ground, sending tremors that echoed through her chest. She couldn’t stay here. She couldn’t afford to confront him yet, not until she was ready.

And to be ready, she needed more power.

She ascended higher into the sky, her flight aimed toward the Dragonlands. The thought of the dragons filled her with both anticipation and dread. Their magic was ancient and primal, born from molten rock and fire. If she could claim it, it would grant her abilities beyond comprehension—enhancing her already immense power to levels that even Tirek couldn’t match.

But the path forward was not without its cost. Twilight felt the weight of her own decisions pressing heavily on her, more oppressive than Tirek’s looming presence. She had crossed lines she once thought unthinkable. The Griffons, the Changelings, Starlight Glimmer—all victims of her desperation. The memories clawed at her as she soared, the sound of the Bewitching Bell’s ominous chime replaying in her mind.

She shook her head fiercely, trying to banish the guilt that crept in like a shadow in her heart. This wasn’t the time for second thoughts. She had a mission to complete, a world to save.

But what about after?

The question hit her harder than any attack Tirek could muster. What would she do once Tirek was defeated? She had stolen magic from three powerful races, crushed the spirits of countless creatures, and ensured the hatred of entire kingdoms. They would remember her as a tyrant, not a savior.

Would they retaliate?

Twilight’s mind raced. Without their magic, could the Griffons, Changelings, or Dragons even fight back? The thought of their weakened states made her chest tighten with guilt. She wasn’t just taking their strength; she was taking their identity, their essence.

Even if they couldn’t resist, the resentment would fester. She imagined herself as the villain in their stories, a symbol of everything they despised. And yet, if she didn’t do this—if she faltered now—there would be no one left to write those stories.

The wind roared past her ears as she flew, but her thoughts were louder still. Her friends. What would they think if they were here?

Twilight could almost hear their voices, each one cutting her with the sharpness of a dagger.

“Twilight, this isn’t you!” Applejack would say, her voice firm yet tinged with disappointment.
“You’re supposed to spread laughter, not fear,” Pinkie Pie would chime in, her cheerful tone replaced by sadness.
Rarity would scold her for her cruelty, Rainbow Dash would demand she fight Tirek head-on, and Fluttershy… Twilight couldn’t bear to think of what Fluttershy might say.

But they weren’t here.

They were gone, stolen from her by the monster she was determined to defeat. How could they judge her? How could anyone judge her when they hadn’t suffered as she had?

She gritted her teeth, her horn sparking with uncontrolled energy. They would never understand. They couldn’t possibly know what it was like to lose everything—everypony you ever loved, every piece of your identity—reduced to nothing in an instant.

Yet even as she tried to justify her actions, the small, insistent voice of her conscience gnawed at her. Was she really saving Equestria, or was she becoming a monster of her own making?

The Dragonlands loomed on the horizon now, a jagged expanse of volcanic rock and rivers of molten lava. Plumes of smoke curled into the air, and the distant roar of dragons echoed like thunder. Twilight’s chest tightened.

What if the dragons fought back harder than the others? They were proud and fierce, unlikely to yield without a fight. She would have to face the Dragonlord himself—a being of immense power, possibly greater than even Starlight Glimmer.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting the land in a blood-red hue. She thought again about her control over the celestial bodies. In her grief and anger, she had forgotten about the sun and moon, leaving them locked in unnatural positions. How much longer would the sun hang there? She had to keep moving, but her thoughts pulled her back into the mire of doubt.

When it was all over, would she return the magic she had taken?

The question lingered, heavier than the bell she carried. Giving it back would mean restoring balance, ensuring the world could heal. But it would also mean making herself vulnerable—handing over her power and leaving herself open to retaliation. Could she trust the Griffons, Changelings, or Dragons not to seek vengeance?

No. I have to. The princesses need to return to power. They’ll see what I’ve done and judge me accordingly. Whatever punishment they decide… I’ll accept it.

Twilight took a deep breath, steadying herself. This wasn’t about her. It never was.

Ahead, the Dragonlands burned with intensity, the air growing hotter as she approached. Her wings strained against the heat, but she pressed on. She had made her decision. There could be no turning back now.

The thought of her friends lingered in her mind as she flew. If they could see her now, would they even recognize her? Would she recognize herself?

Twilight shook her head again, harder this time. There was no time for regrets, no room for doubt. The dragons awaited, and with their power, she would finally be ready to face Tirek.

But deep in her heart, a quiet fear whispered that when this was all over, the Twilight Sparkle who had started this journey might not be the one who survived it.