Our descent ended in a most unusual fashion. In some ways, we seemed to have simply dropped into our new surroundings. In other ways, it seemed to fade into existence around us. When the transition process was done however, I did not seem to be on Earth anymore. There was light, its source unknown, and I could see my surroundings which consisted of a craggy barren wasteland. Above me was the endless backdrop of the sky, but it was not the free open sky I was used to. Instead, it seemed a blank restricting wall of darkness. I was still holding Galaxy's mane, which I only noticed when she began to proceed forward. I let go and followed along. It did not seem right for me to ask too many questions so early along the way. I figured I would wait to see if time itself would provide answers. And so we went our way. I stumbled along, climbing over piles of rubble and tripping on the uneven ground. The dim light did little to help my case. Meanwhile, my guide seemed to trot over and past all difficulties with ease. Minutes later, the dense air heavy in my throat, I finally ventured to speak.

"Can we take a break?" I asked, "Or at least slow down?"

"Oh please, don't tell me you can't handle a little hike. This is nothing compared to what's ahead." She replied.

"Well, I'm not exactly an outdoorsman having sat on a bed the past year, aside from a few odd jobs around the jailhouse…"

Her words had sparked my curiosity a bit however. I still knew very little about where I was or why I was even there. I only knew I wasn't exactly excited about the journey ahead. "It shouldn't be too long now" said my guide, "about two or three more hills before we reach the entrance. "Entrance to what?" I asked. "I'm still not clear on what's going on. Would you care to explain to me where we are going?"

"It's a simple enough situation. You've led a pretty sloppy and carefree life so far. Although right now, you are starting anew, you will most likely fall into your old ways again. You're subconscious mind rejects change. Your old outlook at life is so deeply ingrained into it. It will fight. Therefore, I'm here to guide you through the place you will spend eternity if you don't change your ways."

"Wait, so hell?"

"Yep, some people call it that. And hopefully, after you've seen it, you'll want to change enough that your conscious efforts to do so for the better will succeed."

I stopped walking. "Wait, you're really taking me to hell, of all places? How is that even possible?" My vision started to get dizzy with the thought of that place. "Ummmmm, I don't think this is a good idea" I said, "is there no other way?"

"You'll have to go eventually" she replied, "if not temporarily now, then later and forever. Should it not be an obvious choice?"

I sighed and began walking forward again as she continued speaking.

"Fear not however. Your friends in Equestria care about you. They would not have sent me here otherwise. Having sat in limbo for the past few decades, I've grown pretty apathetic toward a lot of things. I would not have known you needed help had my superiors not plead with me to guide you."

I was intrigued. "Why was I chosen to be helped, of all the lost souls in the world" I asked, "and who are these superiors you speak of."

Galaxy continued with her tale. "Well, as I sat in limbo one day, a certain visitor came to our region. She was one of the blessed third generation ponies who had succeeded in sticking to the right path through life. Her fur was the same brilliant blue as the sky which I have not seen in ages, and with her mane's dazzling array of colors, she brought a forbidden gleam of divine light into our circle with her presence. Coming to me, she introduced herself as Rainbow Dash, explained that she had a very dear friend who had wandered off the path of righteousness, and beseeched me to help him. Upon hearing this, I agreed to the task, for knowing the horrors of hell, I hated to see men fall to such a fate if I could help it. However, before her departure, I saw fit to ask her why she had come herself, instead of sending a letter through dragon mail, or one of the specialized pegasi who had been trained to carry mail between Equestria and the infernal regions below. To this, she replied that this was not just a matter of great importance to herself, but several others as well. The Equestrian Ponies care about their fans, bronies included. Therefore Princess Celestia, upon seeing your plight, at once took action to save you. With her royal duties however, she passed the job along to Princess Cadence who in turn felt that Rainbow would be the best pony for the job, seeing that you had loved her most. There is a right time for everything however and having waited so long, it has come. Hence I am guiding you now. It's now or never."

Rainbow! I thought to myself. I hadn't thought of her in years. Pleased and thankful she still remembered me enough to save me, I pressed forward.