Stardust Balance

Alright, you certainly weren't joking about the imbalance being stronger the closer we got to him, my friend. The foreboding entrance into this crack beneath the rocky crevice extruded so much negative energy I forced myself not to shudder at the sheer volume at such. I could feel him, Zagreus.

He's in there, waiting for us. For me.

That was his intent all along, wasn't it guys? The assaults on Appleloosa, the high distortion of Balance to attract our attention, the kidnapping of Strongheart. It was all...

A trap, and we walked right into it.

Well, you know what the best next move always is when confronting a trap?

Proceed.

Spring the trap, am I right?

In this case, that'd unfortunately be the best option viable for us. Zagreus has laid the groundwork, and we have played along. Now, our next, and hopefully final, encounter with him awaits. At his weakened state, we will be able to capture him if that hypothesis rings true. A quiet resolve rung from the ancient pony's wise voice, prompting my nod.

You still intend to resolve matters that way? The King inquired skeptically. My suggestion before would be far more preferable in defeating this monster permanently.

And that would be...?

Don't feign ignorance boy, you know damn well what I'm insinuating. That creature, that demon, should never have existed in the beginning. And the best way to cure cancer? Cleanse it all its entirety.

My steps towards the entrance faltered, a shudder now cackling down my spine at the dark implications behind those words. The recommendation alone made me feel cold, because Sombra was asking something of me I wasn't even sure was completely possible.

You're... You're asking me to kill him...

I'm asking you to remove a threat unlike any other. Sombra retorted sternly. That thing has no right to be, and will not hesitate in eradicating everyone and everything we know. You wish for that to be? We must drop all pretenses and do what must be do, with the one true option to ending this madness forever.

It need not become that way. My mentor, thankfully, interceded through a calm tone. There are alternate methods in dealing with threats of Zagreus's caliber. Those very methods have succeeded in the past, I remind you.

Except, you old equine, Zagreus is nothing like our former adversaries. He's not restrained by the logic held over our world! The former tyrant sneered. Nothing's stopping him from committing mass genocide the worlds over. Jack's people have no control over him! If it's about what your precious friends think, they needn't never know. What your Princess doesn't know wouldn't harm her.

But it would harm me! I'm... I'm not a killer! I would... I could never commit such an act! Sombra what you're proposing is no better than what Zagreus has planned! Starswirl's right, there has to be another way!

What kind of warrior doesn't kill?

This one doesn't!

Pah! The scoff sounded nothing but criticizing. And what happened to not indulging moral tendencies? A true warrior never hesitates in making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve everything he cherishes, everyone he loves. Imagine the alternate, and we do indeed somehow contain the creature, you honestly believe it'll stay that way indefinitely. He could come back and take vengeance on your children, or your grandchildren, or even more descendants down the line. Every second your reluctance endangers everyone you love!

...I...

Even if this potential outcome is the only method, it won't happen regardless. This time, it was my teacher who sounded stern, willing to back up his unnerved pupil. Jack is not a killer, we all know this, just as we're aware he will never walk down that path. How so? Because his compassion outweighs his violence. You'll never have to worry about considering this option, my friend, not when you have those who love and cherish your well-being.

At least consider it despite as such. Sombra's voice toned down somewhat, particularly solemn. If not for yourself, then for others. Surely you'd rather have them safe and sound forever?

...But that's just it. With a small smile, I advanced towards the entrance of the cave. They'll always be in trouble whether Zagreus was around or not. It's all part of the show, after all. And if they can handle matters without resorting to such a horrendous action my own people excelled at... Well then, maybe I can too.

It's a definite, my friend, so long as you keep those close to your heart. Your friends are your Harmony.

Your hatred is your Chaos.

And Twilight is my Balance.

The philosophy or the Princess?

You know exactly which one. Now, Sombra, please continue showing the way. It's a bit dark for my taste, but I think I can see enough. The imbalance was almost suffocating, but I trudged onwards. Death was of the norm for classic warriors, but I wasn't just your idle warrior.

I'm a Twilight Warrior.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10959457/1/A-Journey-Beyond-Sanity

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/243194/a-journey-beyond-sanity