To Turn Silver Into Gold

Chapter 2

In Anok:

"No", Star whispered. The surrounding Pegasi, and Nightwing, gaped. Star continued.

"I believe there is more than one way to extinguish the Destroyer. Use the golden fire, Nightwing." Nightwing gazed at Star, amazed by the mercy he was shown, despite everything. He took a deep breath, and shot golden starfire through him. Weak at first, the fire strengthened, and Nightwing glowed as he healed his own heart. Yes, the Destroyer was extinguished, but Nightwing lived. As the two stallions, each glowing golden, stood together, wingtips touching, the ancestors swirled down from the Golden Meadow, and from the Beyond. The spirits played with the living Pegasi, frolicking around Star and Nightwing. Joy bloomed in Nightwing's heart as he was forgiven. Gradually, the ancestors ascended, but many still remained. They were the spirits of all the Pegasi who had died since Star's birth, as well as Hollyblaze and Graythorn. Nightwing stared at the spirit of his best friend, and she gazed back.

"Heal us. Heal us all", Hollyblaze whispered to Nightwing. He nodded, then faced Star. Both stallions roared golden fire into the sky, the two beams fusing into one. Releasing the fire, they watched as a golden orb pulsed above them. It rained golden droplets of healing fire on all the assembled Pegasi and spirits. Slowly, the spirits came to life, as hearts were healed and bodies rejuvenated. Hollyblaze trotted up to Nightwing and nuzzled him, tucking herself under his wing. Nightwing nickered softly, forgiven. Star just stood, gazing at the reunion. Grasswing nickered with his son, Graythorn, and Morningleaf whinnied happily as she stood with her parents. Suddenly, Morningleaf caught Star gazing at her. She cantered over to him, and whinnied.

"I knew you could do it!", she whispered.

"I knew you could too", a voice from behind Star said. Star staggered. The voice was unfamiliar, but he knew it all the same.