***One Week Later***

Deep in the Everfree Forest a certain zebra was at work, her cauldron bubbling with a sweet aroma that filled her hut. Zecora was humming a happy tune, a song she remembered from her native land, as she trotted over to the cauldron. She then waved her hoof over the bubbling concoction too which the brew inside started to stream out, the liquid flew from her pot all the way to a hardwood kettle she had carved herself, as well as a hollowed out cup.

Once the kettle and cup were filled Zecora willed the stream, which apparently turned out to be tea, back to its point of origin and sat down to enjoy the brew. Just as she took her first sip of tea something strange began to happen.

At her front door wispy strands of white smoke started to creep their way in, flowing under the crack of the door. The strands started to build, no longer wispy, but a full, strong cloud of sparkling white vapor. The smoke started to gather in one spot, the cloud elongated itself creating a body. Four longer strands of smoke weaved out legs, and a fifth one took the shape of a head. The form wasn't pony like; it had a strong, but lean physique, and quite tall from the looks of it. The smoke grew something else, upon its head, horns began to appear. They weren't like unicorn horns, no, these were intricate, almost as if they were creating a crown.

Zecora, taking a moment from enjoying her tea, glanced over at the smoke, which was now starting to gain resolution. It was a stag, a white, ghostly, stag. With wise and kind blue eyes, and beautifully curved brown antlers. The white stag smiled at the zebra, and Zecora smiled back.

"My old friend Faerden, what brings you to my den," asked Zecora.

{Zecora, you may speak to me through your mind. Our, 'condition,' does not affect you there,} said Faerden.

Thank you Faerden, I must admit, speaking in rhymes is rather fun, but does tend to get exhausting, thought Zecora.

{I'm sure; in hindsight I think my affliction is the lesser of two evils.}

Very funny, so then, are we bound for another journey, or did you stop by to have some tea? Faerden and Zecora chuckled, she knew full well that Faerden could not, but he appreciated the jester all the same.

{No Zecora, I'm afraid our time in this world is not yet over…In fact, I believe the worst is yet to come,} said Faerden grimly.

Zecora rose from her sitting position, and looked upon her ghostly friend with concern and worry. What do you mean!? The darkness that threatened this world is no more! The Star Prince is free from his alter ego's hold, Bright Blade and the Element of Hope have been permanently affixed to this world, and yet you say something like this! Forgive me old friend if I have doubt, but what proof do you have of this!?

The white stag's antlers began to glow, between them green sparkling mana gathered. In a flash of light an object appeared, a book, bound in leather with metal edges. Faerden levitated the book to Zecora's table and laid the tome down on it. Zecora stared at the book, on the front cover was a seal, she did not recognize this symbol, but something inside made the zebra mare cringe with fear.

What-what is this thing…!?

{This book before you foretells the end of the world, and the universe if what lies within comes to pass…} Zecora looked at Faerden, the expression on his normally calm face darkened. {The end of days for Equestria will soon come to pass…}

Look to the signs…