What If? An Alternate Universe Collection.

Chapters

The Magnificent and Awesome Spike
Zap Heads
Crusaders of the Night
Deadly Force
Duel of Fates
Live and Learn

The Magnificent and Awesome Spike

Our first tale of parallel worlds and the secrets they hold comes from a world that diverged during Owl's Well That Ends Well. Spike, after running away from his home, discovers a new path in life, but can he ever fill the hole in his heart?

What If Spike fled down a different path after running away from home?

A heavy rain pounded the dirt, (rapidly turning to mud) road that currently had but one traveler. Legs pounding, heart aching, Spike the purple baby dragon remained trapped in his head, replaying the day's events over and over as he fled without thought.

"Stupid owl, stupid owl! Stole my home, stole my friends, stole my life! Well he can keep it! I'll do just fine on my own..." Spike raged to himself. His train of thought was suddenly broken by the sight of a small fire burning in a patch of trees of the road. Curiosity piqued, Spike stepped off the road to see what was occurring.

The dragon discovered a pitiful sight. A dirty, unclothed azure unicorn was huddling close to her dwindling campfire, struggling to stay warm. "Um, hi there." Spike greeted nervously, not sure of an appropriate way to start a conversation.

The unicorn sprang to her feet, horn glowly dimly. "Who goes there? Do you wish to feel the awesome might of the... Of the..." She began to threaten, only to collapse in tears.

Realization struck Spike. "I recognize you! You're that magician that stopped in Ponyville! The Great and Powerful..."

"Trixie. It's just Trixie now." The showmare stated glumly, pulling her face out of her hooves. Her expression suddenly became hard. "And Trixie recognizes you! You're that little dragon that accompanied Twilight Sparkle." She practically chocked on the lavender unicorn's name. "Has she sent you to ruin me further?"

Spike sighed. I'm... I'm not with Twilight anymore." Trixie cracked an eyebrow at him, prompting Spike to tell the story of how his jealousy had driven him from Ponyville. For the first time since the destruction of her mobile home had driven her to a depression, Trixie felt a strong emotion take hold of her heart: indignant rage.

"That... That..." Trixie stammered with fury, unable to articulate her hatred for Twilight Sparkle. "WITCH! She not only destroys MY life by showing me up in front of the town, but also drives her companion from birth from his home!" Trixie raged, feeling an odd kinship with the purple dragon, having experienced enough jealousy and envy herself for several lifetimes. "We shall rise above Twilight and her friends to become the greatest Unicorn-Dragon duo in all of Equestria!"

"We?" Asked Spike.

"YES! I shall be your new mentor!" Trixie exclaimed, her hammy egotistical personality emerging from the haze of depression. She put a hoof on the dragon's scaly shoulder and gestured with the other. "Imagine it! Roaring crowds of ponies heaping praise and adoration upon you! To shine within your own spotlight, and be loved and respected by millions! It can all be ours!" The unicorn described as images of love and respect (and free of owls) danced before his eyes. Had he been paying closer attention, he may have noticed a subtle undertone indicating Trixie was trying to convince HERSELF that this was all possible as well.

"Alright! Where do we start?" Spike asked with awe.

"First, I need to know everything you're capable of." Trixie stated, and Spike regaled her with all his draconian abilities. Armored scales, fire breath, flame based teleportation (which at the moment only sent letters to the Princess, but Spike was confident he could redirect them with practice), opposable thumbs, all that then.

Trixie was rubbing her hooves in glee. Never before had listening to someone who wasn't herself been so gratifying. "Oh yes, I can work with this!"

The next few weeks were spent training. Unlike Twilight, who had drilled Spike on the importance of caution, Trixie gleefully encouraged the destructive exercise of his dragon abilities. Their preparations actually had to be halted several times in order to get away from brush fires Spike accidentally started.

Finally, it was show time.

The duo (advertising themselves as The Great and Powerful Trixie with her partner, the Magnificent and Awesome Spike the Dragon) rolled into a rural town full of leisurely, retired (and must importantly, affluent) ponies. Trixie, her confidence renewed by her time with Spike, quickly drew a crowd.

Though she had wisely choosen to forgo boasting over made up accomplishments, Trixie along with Spike put on a show stopping performance. The unicorn was able to twist plumes of dragon fire into fantastic shapes and figures. Soon, the source of Trixie's downfall manifested itself.

Hecklers.

"I know for a fact that "The Great and Powerful Trixie" is a fraud!" Yelled one pony. "I heard it from a friend in Ponyvile!"

Trixie nodded to Spike before addressing the heckler. "Trixie is sorry, but Trixie cannot hear your whining. Trixie must have something in Trixie's ear." She stated while performing the "pull a coin out of your ear" trick.

"I said that I know..." The heckler repeated as Trixie flipped the coin into the air with her magic. Spike focused, then consumed the coin with a puff of fire. A second later, it re-appeared over the jeerer's head and shut him up mid-sentence with a resounding clunk.

The remainder of the performance went off without a hitch, and the partners collected a tidy sum afterwards. After skipping town, they divided up the money. "Hey, why do I get such a small cut?" Asked Spike as he examined the pittance he held in his claw as Trixie stuffed most of the money in a sack.

"Trixie is saving most of our money to buy a new carriage. Worry not Spike, you'll get what's coming to you." The unicorn stated.

As time and further shows went by, they were indeed able to afford a new vehicle. Trixie was also able to buy a new hat and cape, and Spike purchased a replica of the outfit he tried to frame the hated owl in to wear onstage as well.

Spike had sent one final letter to the Princess, telling her that he was safe and happy and that they shouldn't come after him because he wasn't returning to Ponyville. Celestia realized that bringing him home kicking and screaming would do no good, and still sore at Twilight for not handling the situation better, informed her student that Spike would have to return by his own will.

The performing partnership almost fell apart one morning when Trixie awoke to find Spike pulling things from around the carriage that served as their traveling home onto his bed. Also, he was bigger.

"SPIKE!" Trixie yelled. "What are you doing with the Great and Powerful Trixie's comfy and and relaxing chair?" She demanded to know.

Spike ignored her with a grunt in order to keep collecting stuff. Then Trixie bopped him on the nose with a levitated spoon. "A giant monster ruined my life once, AND I WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN! NOW YOU RELEASE TRIXIE'S THINGS THIS INSTANT!"

The showmare's shrill, demanding voice seemed to snap Spike from his daze. "Sorry Trixie, I don't know what came over me." Spike stated in a noticeably deeper voice. Trixie examined his larger body, then began digging around in the hoard. "Trixie does not remember owning a diamond necklace." Both became wide eyed after a moment.

"OH CRAP!" The two yelled together before rocketing out of the recently burglarized town, never to return.

Still, Spike's increased size correlated to more money, as the ferocious looking beast and the unicorn who somehow tamed amazed ever growing crowds. Spike, cowed into submission by the rage Trixie displayed when threatened with a career ending rampage, continued to grow at a steady, measured pace. Besides periodically spending his money on a bigger cape, top hat and mustache, all of Spike's money went into his hoard, which grew at a controlled rate.

After a long while, Trixie and Spike became so successful that the unicorn's previous failure in Ponyville was completely overshadowed. The duo had made it a policy to never remain in a town for too long, both to preserve the aura of mystery and avoid Twilight and Co., but their growing success and Spike's now huge size (his half of the carriage was now entirely inhabited by his hoard, as Spike was bigger then the entire vehicle) motivated the duo to take up semi-permanent residence in a Las Neighgas hotel, entertaining the wealthy gamblers and enjoying the fruits of their labors.

One night, Spike was relaxing alone in the penthouse he shared with Trixie. He was laying atop a pile of gold coins, silver dollars, diamonds and other valuable materials, occasionally shoveling a handful into his mouth, as two massage mares stood on his back, pounding him with force that would have hurt a pony, but only served to relax the giant dragon. A nearby bathtub full of cider connected to Spike's mouth with an abnormally long (but, comically, still pony sized) straw. His peace was disturbed by a butler.

"Sorry to disturb you sir, but some mares are here to see you." The butler explained in a post voice.

"Not right now. I'm enjoying my me time." Spike replied in a relaxed tone while gently closing his eyes in pleasure.

"A white unicorn with purple hair said you'd be expecting them." He added.

"Send them right up!" Spike amended as his eyes shot open. Despite trying to bury all memory of Ponyville, unicorns with white coats and purple manes had remained a weakness of Spike's. He tried to employ mares resembling Rarity at every hotel, restaurant and sauna he and Trixie stayed at.

As the butler left, Spike spoke to the massage ponies. "Sorry ladies, but it seems like your relief has arrived. Help yourself to some gems on your way out." The two collected some payment and left. After a few minutes, the double doors creaked open again. "Good timing. I could use a little loosening up on my sides and tail...." Spike began, but trailed off when he saw who had entered.

Just then, Trixie walked in from an adjacent room. "Spike, have the massage ponies arrived yet? The Great and Powerful Trixie has an irritating and stressful knot on her..." She too stopped when she saw who Spike had admitted. "Celestia damn it, Spike!"

"They used the purple maned unicorn trick..."

"Trixie knows they used the purple maned unicorn trick!" Trixie rebutted.

As you have probably deduced by now, it was the Mane Six. "Spike, I'm so happy to see you!" Exclaimed Twilight Sparkle, who rushed towards her former assistant, only to be held back by a massive claw.

"Save it Twilight, I'm not your pet anymore." Spike stated coldly. "Go back to Ponyville and hang out with your dumb owl."

Twilight hung her head at this. "Spike, you were never a pet to me,nyou were my very first friend. I know I should have handled things better, and shown you how much I appreciate you." She pleaded. "If you come back to Ponyville, I'm sure we can make it up to you."

"How dare you!" Declared Trixie, cutting into the conversation just as Spike's eyes began to water somewhat. "It wasn't enough for you to ruin Trixie and Spike's lives once, but twice?" She advanced towards the group. "You are simply jealous of the Great and Powerful Trixie and the Magnificent and Awesome Spike, and seek to ruin our glory!"

"Jealous of a blowhard like you?" Rainbow Dash shot back. "Not in a million years!"

"Oh, but Trixie believes you are!" The azure unicorn declared. "You, Twilight Sparkle, for all your power and your royal connections, are still just some no name student surrounded by idiot friends studying the magic of "Friendship" in some hick town that is too backwards to even use magic to clear winter!"

"Hey, I will not have y'all insulting the proud traditions of mah home!" Applejack declared indignantly.

"Well, with such "proud traditions", Trixie is shocked that your town fails to wrap winter up every single year!" Trixie remarked sarcastically, complete with rolled eyes. "That's right, Trixie knows all about your little town. Trixie researched everything about you and your friends after Trixie returned to successes, intent on devising a revenge plot. But after Trixie discovered all the facts, Trixie actually felt a sliver of pity for you as Trixie realized she had already won."

The azure unicorn walked over to Spike and stroked him on the nose. "While you wallow in that mud town, Trixie is living the high life with your assistant, who Trixie rescued from a life of unappreciated servitude. We are famous, adored millionaires with legions of obsessed fans. Our every whim is meet within seconds. Face it Twilight, you have lost."

"You're wrong Trixie. You may have all that, but we have something you don't: friendship. And I wouldn't trade friendship for all the money and fame in the world! And I know Spike felt the same before." Twilight stated resolutely. "And I know you can feel it again. Come back to Ponyville Spike. Be my... Be our friend again!"

Conflict raged within Spike, debating the road he should take from here. Urging him to stay sedate was his innate hoarding instincts, which were loath to leave the wealth and splendor he had built in Las Neighgas. Shame also motivated him to stay. His anger had long since burned out, and the main force that kept him traveling with Trixie was an unwillingness to face those he had run from.

On the other hoof, memories of more... Satisfying times called him back to Pomyville. True, his hoarding instincts produced a sort of euphoria when indulged, but it wasn't as strong as the feelings his friends gave him. Happy memories flashed by as Spike looked out the window, gazing up at Luna's moon for guidance.

That's when he saw it.

A brown, yellow eyed owl was passing in front of the moon at that exact moment.

Rage seized Spike's mind as a flood of bad memories drowned the good ones. Being left out of the parties, Pinkie's crazed interrogation, nearly drowning during Winter Wrap Up while no one helped, that horrendous bunny Fluttershy should have drowned already, and of course, THE OWL!

"Get out." Spike said quietly.

"S...Spike?" Twilight asked on the verge of tears.

"GET OUT!" He roared, causing everyone but Twilight Sparkle to run out in terror.

"Trixie advises you to do as he wishes, because Trixie will most certainly not be summoning security to interrupt." Trixie stated smugly.

"I.... I'm sorry." Twilight whispered with her head held low as she trotted away defeated.

Spike let out another roar once the doors closed. "I..I DON'T NEED THEM! I'VE GOT EVERYTHING I COULD EVER WANT RIGHT HERE!" He raged before savagely tearing into his hoard, swallowing huge handfuls of mineral wealth. Trixie, shocked at the sudden display of ferocious behavior from an otherwise polite and deliberate dragon, backed off into her room.

That night, any remaining shame or doubt died in Spike. Finally unrestrained by nagging ghosts of his past, The Magnificent and Awesome Spike eventually found a twisted sort of happiness in Las Neighgas, indulging in his greed and gluttony freely and without restraint. His old friends never again crossed his mind, and even Trixie, who he had been slowly building a connection to, became another stage prop to him.

In short, had Spike fled down a different path after running away from home, he would have forever lost the happiness true friendship brings. But with time, he acquired a different, less... Emotionally investing sort of happiness, a kind he could carry through the ages as he outlived those around him. Has this version of Spike escaped tragedy, or trapped himself in a living hell? Choose carefully when forming your opinion, dear reader, because one choice, no matter how minor, has the power to change the world.

Zap Heads

This alternate universe split at a point unknown, sometime before the episode Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000with a minor mechanical error in the titular machine that sat unnoticed for a great while, causing the parallel timelines to flow almost identically, until a breaking point was finally reached, changing history forever.

What if the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 had a minor technical flaw?

It was recess at the Ponyville schoolhouse, and all the ponies were frolicking about, playing gleefully with their peers. All but two, however.

Diamond Tiara and her crony Silver Spoon had spotted a faint trail of smoke wafting from some nearby trees, and had decided to ditch school to examine it, growing weary of the other "lame" ponies.

What they discovered was a strange contraption indeed. A gigantic, mobile cider still was stopped on a less traveled road through the woods, spitting up smoke. Two unicorns, identical save some facial hair, were attempting to repair the contraption.

"Well brother of mine, I hate to say, but it seems our contraption has gone capluie!" The one without a mustached bemoaned.

"Don't despair brother 'o mine, we know this machine inside and out! We'll have her running in a flash!" The facial haired one declared. He then noticed the two fillies. "Well look at that! Two filly friends have stumbled upon our stalled contraption!"

"And just who do you think you are?" Asked Diamond Tiara, assuming from their cutie marks they were more Apple family members.

The duo cleared their throats, then began their greeting, with much gusto.

"He's Flim!"

"He's Flam!"

"We're the world famous FlimFlam Brothers!"

"Traveling Salesponies nonpareil!" The two exclaimed with a florioush.

Diamond Tiara simply stuck her nose up at the two. "Hum, well I'll tell you my daddy is a better salespony then both of you put together."

The brothers gave each other a knowing look. "Well little filly, we'd be quite honored to meet your daddy." Flim stated.

"We have a business proposition that could make your daddy very rich, and leave you the envy of all your little classmates." Flam added.

Diamond Tiara rubbed her chin with her hoof in thought as the brothers continued grinning.

Later that day, the two salesponies had been joined by local tycoon Filthy Rich, who was eyeing the machine skeptically. "So this is the..."

"Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000!" The brothers declared together.

"Allow us to demonstrate!" Said Flam as he levitated a lone apple into the machine. After some huffing, puffing and a touch of magic, a mug of sparkling cider was poured and prepared.

"Drink up, this one's on the house!" Coaxed Flim as he passed the mug to Filthy Rich. After eyeing it for a moment, the rich pony drank up, eyes sparkling at the taste.

"I must say boys, your invention lives up to your hype." He stated while removing a Zap Apple from his bag. "Now let's try on of these."

"On the double!" Flim and Flam said together will setting up the machine.

"While our machine runs its course, how about we talk money?" Flim stated. "In exchange for exclusive use of our invention, we want 75% of all cider profits."

"No deal." Stated Filthy Rich bluntly. "I have to purchase the apples second hand, and those Zap Apples come in very limited stock, plus I'm losing the money from the jam we usually make with it. I need an 80% cut to keep things profitable."

Apprehensive looks crossed the brother's faces just as the machine finished filling the mug. The Zap Apple Cider looked like liquid rainbow, and seemed to glow with an inner light. Filthy Rich trotted over to sample the strange new concoction. "I'm not even sure if this will taste good..."

After tasting just one drop, the business tycoon stopped as his eyes widened. The FlimFlam brothers became wrought with worry...

Only to become smugly triumphant as Filthy Rich began to down the Cider as quick as he could. "Now, about our shares..." Flam began, but stopped when he noticed Filthy was completely focused on the cider. With his magic, Flim pulled it away.

"Easy there my fine fellow, you're spilling more then you're drinking!" He warned.

Filthy Rich didn't seem to hear them. His eyes were focused totally on the half empty mug, and his mane was standing on end. "Yes.. Very good... Kindly return my cider." He stated in a voice that made it clear all his self control was just barely keeping him from taking the drink by force.

Film and Flam got very sly looking at this. "But first, business." Flam stated, moving the mug behind him, taunting the now desperate for more Rich with the distance.

"It's impolite to to drink a toast before the deal is finalized, after all. We can all have a cold one when a deal is arranged." Flim drawled on, speaking slowly to further torture the business pony. "Does a... Oh, I don't know... 95% and 5% split in our favor sound reasonable?"

Filthy Rich spastically nodded his head. "Yes, that sounds fine. Let me have some more cider!" He uttered before rushing at Flim. Flam, however, held him back while levitating some forms and a pen in front of him.

"Just sign this legally binding contract, and then we can all knock back a cold one to celebrate." Within moments, Filthy Rich's signature was scrawled across the contract. Remarkably, it was still readable. Flam nodded to his brother.

"Drink up buddy 'o mine." Flim stated while handing over the mug. As Filthy Rich sucked up the cider like a vacuum, the brother looked at each other.

"Brother of mine, we've just hit a gold mine."

That afternoon, in the Ponyville town square, everypony was gathered around to see the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 and a booth that had been set up in front of it.

"PONIES OF PONYVILLE!" Called the FlimFlam brothers together.

"Do you like Zap Apples?"

"Do you like Apple Cider?"

"Well then come on down and try the world famous FlimFlam brother's latest...

"Greatest..."

"Ground breaking!"

"Earth shaking! "

"One of a kind..."

"Limited time offer..."

"DELUXE ZAP APPLE CIDER!"

*Dear readers, due to lack of talent on the part of the author, no catchy song will be inserted here. Please think one in your head, if you are inclined to do so*

Once the catchy song had ended, everypony was interested in this new product, ESPECIALLY four sour apples.

"Now hold on just a cotton-picking minute youngsters! Where in tarnation did you get Zap Apples? Sweet Apple Acres has an exclusive contract with Filthy Rich!" Demanded an irate Granny Smith.

Flim and Flam exchanged looks of mock confusion. "Do you now?" Flam asked rhetorically. "He made no mention of an exclusive deal when he signed over his entire Zap Apple supply to us. Did he mention such a deal, brother of mine?"

"I do not believe he did, brother of mine." Replied Flim, who the displayed the contract they had signed with the businesspony. "Seems we aren't the only ones to make a deal with Filthy Rich, who I have no doubt will show up sooner or later."

"Slow down there Granny. Once Filthy Rich gets here, we'll sort this out." Applejack states.

"Eeyup." Added Big Macintosh.

"We apologize if we've stirred up a ruckus." Flim stated in a voice that almost sounded sincere.

"Why don't you try a tall glass of our brew, on the house!" Flam added while sliding a full glass to Granny, who accepted it with angry muttering.

After one gulp, just like Filthy Rich, she too became crazed with desire for more cider. Do to Granny Smith's arthritis racked joints, she ended up dropping it into the dirt, which was quickly shoveled into her mouth in an attempt to savor every drop. The three other Apple Family members had to drag away the old woman until she could regain her senses.

After a moment of stunned silence, Flim called out "Well, you've heard it from the mare's mouth, so come and get a drink!"

A line sprang into existence instantly, as everypony wanted to try a bit of the seemingly magic brew. Everypony was instantly hooked, and many rushed desperately for home once they realized they didn't have money for seconds.

After everypony drank to their gills (different ponies had different tolerance levels) they rushed about the town, bursting with energy. Twilight was teleporting about randomly, playing hide and seek with an imaginary monster, Rarity was tossing paint cans (unopened ones at that) at buildings to make them more fabulous, Rainbow Dash was cracking Rainbooms across the sky, and Pinkie Pie (who ironically got NO cider, just saw everyone being weird and decided to join in) was playing pin the tail on the pony with real ponies.

Things got really outta control when Derpy started hopping up and down on a cloud, sending lightning bolts everywhere, destroying buildings and causing fires.

Filthy Rich suddenly trotted through the madness, his daughter frantically at his heels. "But daddy, you can't sell my tiara, it's how I got my Cutie Mark!"

Rich spat the tacky head ware on the FlimFlam brother's table. "Not now honey, daddy needs his cider!" He yelled, then tried to address the brother's politely. "Hello, how much cider will this get me?"

"It'll get you... Our last one." Flim stated while holding out the last mug of Zap Apple Cider. Filthy Rich handed over the tiara over the protest of his daughter and chugged it before passing out in te street.

Flim and Flam looked around. Ponies were rioting, the town was destroyed, their supply was empty but their money bags were loaded with dough.

"Well, it seems we've run out of product, brother of mine." Flam declared.

"And these ponies seem to be getting a bit agitated." Flim replied. They both paused.

"Next town?"

"Next town."

And so it was that the duo left a trail of destruction behind them.

Reports reached Canterlot within the day that everypony in Ponyville had gone crazy and destroyed the town. Fearing it was her student, Twilight Sparkle, misusing magic again, Princess Celestia teleported to the town in a flash a light.

All the buildings were ruined, most ponies were passed out, save for the Apples, who were trying to keep Granny Smith from eating dirt, Diamond Tiara, who was curled up into a ball and crying over his most prized possession and reason for living, and Silver Spoon, who was comforting her utterly destroyed friend.

The Princess sighed.

"Zap Heads."

Nobody ever caught up with the FlimFlam brothers, though rumors persist they now sell monorails in Zebra country. Celestia instituted a mandatory rehab program, and with time, everypony eventually bucked their addiction. Nopony could ever stomach the taste of cider of any kind from that day forth however, and Granny Smith never got her new hip due to lost sales.

One must always pay careful attention to details, for while the outcomes of a choice may appear identical or insignificant at the time, great rewards or great peril can arise further along in a parallel world. For want of a single nail, an entire town, could be lost

Crusaders of the Night

This tale takes place in a world split from Sisterhooves Social, following Sweetie Belle's spat with her sister. Instead of discovering down to Earth Applejack, this Sweetie Belle had an encounter with destiny. Is the pain her new life will cause the Element of Generosity worth the great things she will accomplish?

What if Sweetie Belle hadn't encountered Applejack after arguing with Rarity, but instead meet Princess Luna?

Celestia's day was ending, the falling sun painting the sky dusk orange as the moon took its place. Though there had been an improvement during Luna's captivity, many ponies still fled the night in their illuminated homes.

One pony, however, was not running for shelter. In fact, this pony wanted to get as far away from town as possible. It was little Sweetie Belle, who had been wandering in a general "away from Ponyville" direction since she had declared Rarity to no longer be her sister. Under the cover of the ever growing darkness, Sweetie had entered the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. Her gloomy haze was finally broken by a majestic sight.

Atop a perfectly flat stone in the center of a circle of trees, the dark Alicorn, the sister of the night, Princess Luna herself sat in repose, her horn aglow as the moon reached it's position in the sky. With a content sigh, Luna opened her eyes and caught sight of the filly. She smiled warmly.

"GREETINGS CITI... I mean, hello my little pony." Luna spoke, originally with the Royal Canterlot Voice, but stopped herself mid-word. Though she still used the voice for speeches, Nightmare Night had made her much better at personal conversation.

Sweetie Belle took a moment to get her hearing back before replying. "Wow Princess Luna, I've never seen anything as beautiful as that! It was even cooler then your Nightmare Night appearance!" The filly exclaimed. "But aren't you supposed to be in Canterlot, where all the fancy ponies live?"

Luna sighed. "Alas, I must sometimes seek the sanctuary of the forest to perform my ancient duty. In the time of my absence, my sister has delegated my roles to snobby, intolerable upperclass ponies. Raising the moon is the only thing I really do anymore." She explained sadly. "And I did so enjoy my time in Ponyville."

Sweetie Belle offered an understanding smile. "I know what you mean." She stated sympathetically.

"Do you?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Sister not doing anything with you, leaving you all bored and unhappy. I know what that's like. Plus she's always so snobby, never doing anything fun!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed. "But how could anyone not like you, Princess Luna? You were so much fun on Nightmare Night, I mean, Pipsqueak is still talking about it! You really are the greatest Princess ever!" She then blushed a little. "Plus, I really like your mane."

"Though you are but a little foal, your words have done more for me then all those of Canterlot, including my own royal sister." Princess Luna declared gratefully. "If only more ponies could see things as you do..." Then, a massive grin crossed the night regent's face. "I HAVE BEEN STRUCK BY GENIUS!" She declared, slipping into RCV for a moment. "Sweetie Belle of Ponyville, I extend to you the offer of an apprenticeship at my side, to explore the secrets of the night as MY personal student, and to show everypony that I, PRINCESS LUNA, am as kind and benevolent a Princess as my sister! Do you accept?"

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. "Can you get a cutie mark for that?" She asked,

"UNDOUBTEDLY!" Luna exclaimed.

"THEN YES!" The little filly exclaimed with joy, setting the stage for a great adventure.

The next day, Rarity had worried herself sick. After searching until the night became too cold and dark to search further, she had reluctantly returned home for a futile effort to sleep, intent on rousing her friends the next day to help her look for her lost sister. However, just as rejuvenating sleep had finally begun to claim the weary unicorn at about 5:00 AM, a loud fanfare of trumpets jolted her from her bed.

Everypony awoken by the call rubbed sleep from their eyes and beheld an impressive sight. Outside the fashion shop, Luna's black chariot had landed and six bat-winged guards lined a path to the store entrance, three on each side.

Just as Rarity reached the front room of her store the doors burst open as Luna strode through in all her glory. "PRESENTING TO THE PONIES OF PONYVILLE, THE NEWLY APPOINTED APPRENTICE OF THE NIGHT, SWEETIE BELLE!"

Rarity gasped as Princess Luna folded back her wings, revealing the unicorn filly, who was now clad in a starry sky blue robe. Her nose upturned and her eyes shut, Sweetie Belle trotted forth, trying to seem indifferent to Rarity. Only after stumbling over a roll of fabric did she face her sister. "Hello Rarity." She stated coldly, deliberately addressing the Unicorn by her name.

Rarity's mouth was agape in pure shock. "What... How... Why... WHAT?"

"It's very simple, Rarity." Sweetie Belle spoke, briefly using Rarity's own accent to mock her. "Princess Luna is making me her apprentice. I've already worked things out with mother and father, and I have come here only for my stuff." Closing her eyes again and sauntering off nose in the air, Sweetie Belle went up the stairs (after a brief tumble caused by her snooty posture) Rarity turned to a widely grinning Luna.

"THOU IS HONORED BEYOND WORDS THAT YOUR PRINCESS HAS BESTOWED SUCH A GIFT UPON YOUR FAMILY, WE CAN SEE IT IN YOUR AMAZED STARE!" Luna proclaimed, completely misinterpreting Rarity's emotions. "YOUR SISTER SHALL LIVE A HAPPY, PRODUCITIVE LIFE AS MY APPRENTICE IN CANTERLOT!

"Canterlot!"

"It's only a model."

Luna was silent for a moment. "Please ignore that. All royal guards have been ordered to react that way to the name of the capital by our royal sister, on pain of death." By now, Sweetie Belle had returned with her things. "FAIR THEE WELL CITIZEN, FOR YOUR SISTER NOW RIDES TO... our nation's capital."

The royal chariot took to the sky, and everypony returned to bed, save Rarity. She stood in her parlor, letting it all sink in. She had lost her sister, ironically to the thing she herself always wanted: Canterlot high society. Then, she broke down and cried.

Months passed as Sweetie Belle took to magic with great aplomb. Not having grown up around magic interested unicorns, Sweetie Belle surprised everyone, herself included, with her talent regarding the mystic arts. Illusions in particular came naturally. During an attempt to talk her sister out of this apprenticeship business, Princess Celestia couldn't help but be impressedby the filly's mind.

Sweetie Belle worked nothing like Twilight Sparkle however. Where Twilight studied and memorized theory and formulas relentlessly, Sweetie Belle studied different rules and properties of magic, then let them assemble together in new ways and ideas in her mind. In short, while Twilight could memorize a thousand spells by textbook definition, Sweetie Belle could come up with a thousand different uses for one spell.

Luna also became much more outgoing with Sweetie Belle at her side. The cute little filly greatly defused the tension brewed by the imposing Night Princess, and the youngster's constant praise of the princess swayed many skeptical of Luna's reform. The two also developed a good bond as friends.

One day, however, Luna noticed Sweetie wasn't quite focusing on her work. Her solutions to hypothetical problems Luna liked to test her with were feeble and univnetive as opposed to her usual cautious yet creative ploys.

"What is it that troubles my student?" Princess Luna asked with great concern.

"Well Luna, it's my friends, the Cutie Mark Crusader. I miss them terribly." Sweetie stated.

Luna thought for a moment. "Well then, as a reward for your progress, I shall grant you a reprieve from your studies next night, and your friends shall join you here for the evening!"

"YAY!" Cheered Sweetie Belle, and the next night, she, along with Applebloom and Scootaloo were speaking excitedly about Sweetie's studies. Luna was watching the trio with an evaluating eye. Applebloom knew a great about potions for somepony her age, and Scootaloo, despite lacking exact terms, had a sound understanding of physics, developed from constant scooter-stunting. And the three worked together remarkably well...

"Fillies, lend me your ears! There is a matter we must discuss!" Luna called to the three.

The next day, Celestia, having just raised the sun, rested on her bed with a bowl of cereal, a glass of orange juice, and the morning paper, regaining her energy before heading to the court. Today's headline caused her to spit her orange juice into her cereal, completely ruining breakfast.

Equestria Daily Reports!

Princess Celestia: Secret Racist?

Princess Luna, having taken a unicorn apprentice a few months ago like her sister, has just announced last night that a pegasus and earth pony have also entered a tutorship under her guidance. Princess Luna has clarified a number of misconceptions regarding herself during a number of public appearances at charity events, social gatherings, and civil work projects, to which she was accompanied by her apprentice, Sweetie Belle, who wowed reporters by creatively using a basic heating and cooling spell to purify several seemingly lost gallons of milk at the opening of a royally subsidized dairy. Now the Princess of the Night has taken an earth pony and pegasus under her wing.

Now, as Luna has explained to this reporter, as Alicorns, both our Princesses have the combined traits of all three pony races, yet Luna is the only one to have reached out to gifted non-unicorns. Historical research has shown us that all of Celestia's students have been unicorns, and her special school? Educates only unicorns. Who are the elite upper-class who assist Celestia in all her duties in Canterlot? Unicorns through and through. Draw your own conclusions Equestria.

That article, despite being the yellow journalism cooked up by a hotshot reporter looking to gain fame by taking on a Princess, marked the beginning of a change in the attitudes of ponies. Aided by her students, Luna slowly grew to be the favored Princess of Equestria. Celestia was still an object of fear to most ponies, and had little talent for public appearances after all this time. Even the nobility was unsure of how to interact with the Sun Goddess, who to make matters worse hadn't done a great deal of governing in quite some time. Sure, she signed papers, approved bills and such, but didn't propose or pass laws of her own creation, simply rubber stamping the legislature of the nobility. In fact, the last piece of legislature she had devised, produced, and put into law herself was a pardon excusing the Mane Six of the fines they had incurred at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Luna, by contrast, still had a 1000 year old mindset of direct, front line leadership, having not lived through the decentralization of power that, ironically, began as a result of a disinterested depression that engulfed Celestia as a result of banishing her sister. After overcoming her social difficulties with the aid of her apprentices, the four of them became beloved national icons for their bold, direct leadership.

Princess Luna was adored by the public for her willingness to get down to their level, as she had done on Nightmare Night. Speaking of that holiday, every year on the scary night a wild party is thrown in the Canterlot gardens, a rapturous night and energetic dancing, drinking a horror themed party games. Though no official rule existed, it was a well know fact that attendance at the Nightmare rave would usually sink any chances of being invited to the Grand Galloping Gala.

The nobles never adapted to Luna, nor did she to them. All of the night princess's social skills came from the CMC, and out of them, the only one with any inkling of how high society worked was Sweetie Belle, and she would forever think of them as the snooty ponies Rarity would blow her off to see. Never the less, Luna won the affection of the common pony, both from her relaxed social standards, as well as her hooves on approach. When Luna visited a newly layed railroad, she didn't just drive in a ceremonial gold spike, she'd use her magic to lay fifty feet of track in an instant. Upon a visit to the Cloudsdale weather factory, her curiosity drove her to invent a new type of cloud that had a faint silver glow in the moonlight, and quickly became a sky watcher's favorite. She also negotiated with Buffalos, Dragons and Zebras in person.

Luna's apprentices grew with this new social order, and had hooves in shaping it. Sweetie Belle, who's cutie mark revealed itself as a sickle moon with a red star within the crescent, something like this: (*, forever associating the fancy elite with Rarity's negligence, spent time not training with magic undercutting their authority. During her time as Minister of the Night, Sweetie Belle passed higher taxes on the elite then ever before, took away much of their ability to pass legislature, broke up several monopolies, and even punched out Prince Blueblood while drunk at a party, the second best moment of her life, behind getting her Cutie Mark.

Applebloom eventually took after her big brother, not her sister, and discovered a talent for math, management, architecture and urban planning. Her cutie mark was an shiny green apple with a pie symbol on it, and had the ability to bring a fully functioning town to life around an exploitable natural resource in days. She served time as both a royal engineer and carried the title of "Midnight Judge", a position conferred to her by Luna (To be honest, the three of them could do whatever they wanted really, provided Luna approved). As Midnight Judge, she investigates a number of elite ponies, including the father of her old nemesis, Diamond Tiara. Filthy Rich and a number of other corrupt ponies were put in jail or heavily fined by the Apple Judge, and rolling fields of all sorts of crops stand in the spot of many an opulent mansion built with stolen money. She also had the FlimFlam Brothers arrested on charges of fraud, but they were given a pardon for helping Scootaloo get her cutie mark.

The purple maned pegasus had gotten the brothers community service, as she had always been interested in how their machine moved under its own power. Together, the three invented a magic powered motorized scooter which became Scootaloo's cutie mark. After collaborating with Sweetie Belle to invent a magic battery, capable of storing magic, Scootaloo invented an entire variety of automated vehicles that ran entirely on magic. Her childish idolization of Rainbow Dash faded with time, and Scootaloo became a largely earthbound pegasus, darting around on her newest creation: The motorcycle.

As time passed, the Elements grew old and the CMC entered their prime. Celestia gradually lost her importence and prestige, and it was Luna who seized the spotlight. In all honesty, the sun princess was happy to be relegated to a minor role after her long life of leadership. Sweetie Bell's harsh attitude towards the elite had scuttled Rarity's dreams of entering the high society.

Years after the fateful Sisterhooves Social, a fully grown Sweetie Belle is signing an order granting a new steel plant to open in Fillydelphia. Her most recent project was the application of magic battery powered manufacturing factories. There was a knock on the door. "Enter."

A massive earth stallion stepped through, holding a letter with the symbol of the moon on it. "Ah, Sir Pipsqueak, what brings you here?"

"Letter from Ponyville, Minister Sweetie." He stated before leaving the letter and going about his business.

Sweetie's face fell and conflicting emotions arose within her as she read the letter. Without a word, she threw on a coat, and within the hour was riding a motor carriage to Ponyville.

The service had ended by the time Sweetie Belle arrived. A new headstone joined two others, and for a long time Sweetie stood in the rain, her mane becoming damp, wondering if she had done the right thing, if all she had accomplished as Luna's student was worth seeing her sister for the first time in years at her funeral.

Everyone offered their condolences when Sweetie returned to Canterlot, and Celestia began planning a state memorial, the first major thing she'd have done in years. The unicorn sat in her quarters for awhile, staring at the walls. Finally, her attention was caught by the stack of papers she'd left half done.

Crops were failing in the eastern province, annexed from the Griffin kingdom under Applebloom's guidance years ago. Ponies might starve. They needed a solution.

Eyes full of purpose once more, Sweetie Belle enclosed her pen in a magic aura and got to work.

Choices aren't always black and white. Sometimes both roads consist of equal parts success and ruin, joy and sorrow. Know that no matter the choice in life, some happiness can always be found on the most lonesome of roads.

Deadly Force

This alternative universe split during the episode Magic Duel. Different strokes for different folks is a fact of reality, so what if someone else shouldered the responsibility of saving Ponyville?

What if Shinning Armor fought Trixie instead of Twilight Sparkle?

"This better not be another false alarm... HEY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE'S FORCEFIELD!?"

Outside the magic wall, a platoon of Royal Guards was hitting the shield with a battering ram while their captain was examining the barricade. He turned to the vain sorceress.

"Trixie Lulamoon, you are hearby charged with malicious use of magic, interferance of trade, assualt of a royal person, possesion of a forbidden object, and unlawful deposition of an elected offical." Shinning Armor read out, controling his seething anger beneath a veneer of professionalism.

As it turned out, Spike's magic breath could not be contained by the magic force field, and once she learned of Ponyville's fate, Celestia had sent a second letter ordering Trixie's arrest. And nopony wanted to bring her down more then Twilight's big brother, Shinning Armor.

"Remove the amulet and come out with your hooves up, or we will use force."

"HA! You and your pathetic lot could never breach the shield of the Great and Powerful..."

Suddenly, the shield collapsed around her. Shinning Armor blew the smoke off his horn and smirked a little. "Shield Magic is my special talent Lulamoon. All I needed was a single crack to collapse your basic attempt.

The battering ram was never meant to knock down the shield, only create a crack Shinning Armor could worm his magic through and bring it down from the inside. Trixie had been too busy screaming delcarations into the heavens to notice.

With a snarl, Trixie began hurling spells at the Royal Guards. Two were transmuted into a pair of pigs, one was swept away in a miniature hurricane, and three more were being smashed together like dolls. Shinning Armor threw up a small shield to protect his remaining soldiers.

"Now, let us see what the famous Royal Guards can muster as a response!" Shinning Armor weakly attempted to throw a magic shackle at Trixie's horn, but she swatted it away and called down a thunderbolt on his shield, destroying it and scattering his soldiers.

Not even Celestia's best soldiers can equal my power! With this might I shall rule all of Equestria, and then, THE WORL!"

CRACK!

Trixie abruptly stopped her yelling and crumpled to the ground. Seeing as Trixie could not be restrained and that she posed a clear and present danger to innocent lives, Shinning Armor reahced out with his magic and wrenched her neck at a 150 degree angle, killing her instantly. Her magic faded, and the damage done to Ponyville and the Royal Guards faded.

"Alright Trixie, I hope you're re... Big brother?" Came the voice of Twilight Sparkle, who just now arrived with Zecora. She then noticed the Trixie lying dead on the grass, insects already chewing on her eye.

Shinning Armor looked at her sheepishly. "Hey Twiley."

Twilight was quite for a few minutes. Then she burst out. "Why didn't I think of that!?"

A few weeks later, Twilight and her friends waited on the steps of Canterlot Courthouse. Trixie's estate had sued the Equestrian Government over charges of police brutality.

Suddenly, the doors opened.

Shinning Armor had his head down and a highly paid government lawyer at his side. He walked up to Twilight, raised his head, then gave a tired grin.

FOAL FREE PRESS BREAKING NEWS

Captain Armor Acquitted Of All Charges!

Alternate Alternate ending:

"Very well Twilight Sparkle, let's due..."

BANG!

Twilight was levitating a sleek black Glock 9 handgun as Trixie fell to the ground, a single bullet between her eyes.

The crowd looked at Twilight.

Twilight looked at the crowd.

"I'm not fighting that crazy bitch!"

I suppose this alternate universe teaches us that it pays to A.) Be polite. B.) Be efficent and C.) Have a plant to kill everyone you meet.

Duel of Fates

Night had descended upon the human world, but the sky was bright enough for Twilight Sparkle. Through the spiraling tower's sole octagon window, she could see the night sky as it was brightened by tracer rounds, explosions, and the occasional racing aircraft. The only thing obscuring her view was the dark black throne mounted directly before the window.

"You are a weak, incomplete mageling, Sparkle. To believe Celestia thought you fit to be a princess. That worm Sunset is more fit then you for such office."

The throne's occupant spoke, in cold, low voice that never the less dripped with malice

"But it need not be that way, Sparkle. Within you rests unmatched power, stifled by a weak teacher, one who prances through shadows, one who deceives you at every turn, twisting you into a hollow, wooden puppet."

"I can complete your training, Sparkle. Make you mage you were meant to be. There will be no lies between us, my student. Only the cold, painful truth."

"What good has Celestia's training ever done you, Sparkle? Gaze out the window to see where her ways lead."

"You see Twilight, your pitiful United Nations band has already failed. It was I who allowed the location of this crystal meth processing plant to fall into their hands. Everything that has occurred, has occurred as I have ordained it."

The throne swiveled around, revealing the occupant to be the sinister Generalissimo Sombra. He was the very picture of menace, wearing a dark suit decked out in self awarded medals, a black cape wrapping him like a cloak, and dark circles around his eyes. "You have failed, Sparkle. You have only one option." He then produced Twilight's lightsaber from his sleeve. "I am defenseless. Take your weapon and strike me down with all of your hatred. Then your journey to the dark side will be complete."

The elevator doors opened with a ding behind them. "Ah, Sunset, so good of you to join us." The wayward student of Celestia was clad in a jet black suit of riot armor with a similarly black cape going down the back. "You are just in time to watch the alliance die." Sombra croaked while pressing a button on his throne. "Fire when ready commander."

Miles away from the throne room, aboard a battleship cruising the ocean, Captain Snails, clad in a blue and gray camouflage jumpsuit and wearing a black beret, signals the technicians to begin the launch process. A few minutes later, missiles arched up from the ship, streaking across the sky to the battlefield.

Twilight could only watch in horror as the missile blast annihilated large swathes of the United Nation forces. "NO!' She screamed, calling her blade back to her grip with the power of magic, igniting it and swinging to decapitate Sombra. She found her purple blade blocked by Sunset's red blade as Sombra cackled with sinister delight.

Outside, Rainbow Dash pulled herself out of the dust, her ears ringing. She took a moment to recover her laser pistol, then surveyed the area. "AJ! Where are you!?"

"Over here Dash!" Yelled Applejack as she climbed out of a ruined tank. "Ah reckon we'd better retreat. We just don't have enough forces to keep fighting after that missile strike."

"But what about Twi!?" Rainbow shot back. Before Applejack could answer, an Imperial tank rolled up, and out popped old reliable Spike! He climbed out, one hand splintered apart into the wide variety of tools he found his robot body in possession of in this new world. He was followed by the sleek silver body of Rarity. "Mistress Dash! Mistress Apple! Hurry now, Spikey Wikey and I have commandeered this vehicle to conduct a hasty retreat!"

Once all four were inside, Rainbow pushed Spike out of the driver seat. "Buck that! We can use this baby to slip past the rest of the Imperial troops and get Twilight out of that castle!"

"Oh my! Out of all the dangerous things you've done Mistress Dash, this is the most Suicidal! Possible! Thing!"

Back in the throne room, Twilight had gone on the defensive against Sunset, and hidden in the throne room's many dark shadows. "I will not fight you Sunset."

"Your emotions betray you Sparkle. I can feel the anger in you." She replied, searching with both her eyes and her magic.

"As do yours. There is still good in you Sunset. Come back to Equestria Sunset, Celestia will forgive you."

"You are wrong Sparkle, and you know it. You're hiding something from me, I can feel it squirming in your mind." Sunset stopped. "Ah... Brother. You have a brother. If you will not submit to the dark side, perhaps he will."

That proved to be enough. Twilight burst from the shadows, battering Sunset with heavy blows from her lightsaber. Shimmer's defense crumbled, and soon she lay broken on the floor, burn wounds criss crossing her, heavy breathing escaping her lips. Twilight stood to strike the killing blow, when a haunting cackle reached her ears.

"Good! Good!" Sombra applauded, crossing the floor of the throne room in powerful strides. "Now, strike her down and take her place at my side. Then your journey to the dark side will be complete."

Twilight looked to the wheezing, broken form of Sunset Shimmer, then felt resolve wash over her. "No. You've failed your highness. I am Celestia's Faithful Student, like Sunset Shimmer before me."

Sombra's face twisted and coiled into a cold look of raw hatred. "So be it... student."

Burning bolts of electricity arced from Sombra's hands, striking Twilight and driving her to the floor, where she writhed in agony. "Sunset, help me!" She cried out.

Shimmer had pulled herself off the floor, burned arm puling herself up on an oak table, and she looked upon the scene before her. She began to remember, her days back in Equestria...

"PLEASE HELP ME!" Twilight screamed in agony while Sombra cackled with delight.

Sunset remembered how Twilight had reached out to her when they first met each other in this world. She had believed Twilight's kind and forgiving words were nothing but a hollow ruse, but after seeing the kind of emotional strength and goodwill the other student had shown to the people of this world...

Twilight's next call for help was an incoherent gargle, her life was fading fast.

Sunset made her choice.

With all her remaining will, she rose to her feet and grabbed the man she had served for so long. Pain wracked her body as the lighting struck her already wounded form, but she held on long enough to throw Sombra to his death, at long last ending the long life of the wicked tyrant.

Sunset Shimmer collapsed, the damage her body had endured at last catching up to her. Twilight rushed to her side, hefting the wayward student over her shoulder to carry her to safety.

Just then, alarms began to ring throughout the palace. The alarms that only rang in the event of major structural damage. All across the building, Sombra's minions rushed to evacuate. Sunset wiggled loose of Twilight's grip and fell to the floor. "Leave me." She wheezed out. "You will not be able to escape carrying me."

"Don't say that Sunset, I can still save you!" Twilight said frantically.

"Oh Twilight." Shimmer responded, closing her eyes wistfully as a content look spread across her face. "You already have."

With the faint glistening of tears coming into the corner of her eyes, Twilight stood up and began to run.

"Celestia... Forgive me."

The mirror began to twist and shine, and in a flash, Twilight Sparkle returned to the world of Equestria, an equine once more. Her waiting friends rushed to hug her, Pinkie Pie taking a moment to put out the camp fire she had set up in the mirror room. As she felt the warm grip of the group hug, Twilight opened her eyes. Across the room was the pale blue form of Sunset Shimmer, giving Twilight a peaceful smile.

Live and Learn

It was over. Twilight Sparkle had pulled the Elements of Harmony from within her human friends and vanquished Sunset Satan, who now lay in a smoking crater, returned to human form. Twilight cleared her throat for a lecture about friendship when a scream rang.

"I. WILL. NOT. BE. BEATEN!" Sunset shrieked in rage. She gripped the fallen crown in her hands, red energy surging over her body. In a flash, she had vanished into the sky.

All was quite for a moment, until something caught Trixie's eye. "Look! Up in the sky!" She said while pointing, drawing every human's eye to a pulsating red star that had seemingly flickered into existence, and seemed to be steadily growing brighter.

Flash Sentry rushed to his van, only a few feet away due to the unorthodox parking job he did on the football field in his rush to bring Twilight to her friend's side. Though he nearly tripped over his trench coat, he dug out a portable telescope in short order, and focused it on the anomaly. "Great Scott!" He exclaimed. "Sunset's gone mad! She's fused herself with the International Space Station, and is dragging it out of orbit to collide with the planet! The destruction will be immense!"

Almost everyone present began to scream and panic, rushing away in a futile attempt to reach safe ground. The only one not overcome were the Element Holders, Trixie and Sentry. The five normal girls were looking, worried, to Twilight for guidance.

"Flash, do you still have those earpieces?" The prom queen asked. Flash Sentry nodded. "Me and Trixie each need one." Once they had been handed off and linked to a radio also in Flash's van, Twilight went to her friends, and collected the five magic amulets that had materialized for their friendship beam. She went over to Trixie. "Are you ready?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is always ready."

The five elements floated into the air, glowing from within, and began to spin around the two girls, until only a single band of Rainbow light could be perceived. Suddenly, it ended, and in a flash of light, Twilight and Trixie had gone Super Sayian.

The two rocketed into the atmosphere, ready for the final battle. As they approached the incoming mass, they gasped in horror. Sunset had somehow fused with the space station, her twisted red form seeming to grow out of it. Suddenly, their earpieces crackled to life.

"Twilight, Trixie, can you hear me? This is Rarity! We're all cheering for you down here! Bring that bitch down!"

The two looked to each other, confident grins now on their faces. They rocketed forward together, at last catching the attention of the horrible creature. Sunset shrieked, hurling bolts of energy at them. The two dived and twisted to dodge, then retaliated with a combined blow to her face. In agony, Sunset's remaining arm lashed out and swatted Trixie. Her golden light began to flicker.

"Trixie, fall back and concentrate your energy! I'll handle this!" Twilight called out. Trixie darted off beyond the monster's range, while the Element of Magic plunged in, weaving between purple energy beams. "Hey Sunset, you're looking pretty big in that dress!"

That remark agitated the creature enough to let loose a full strength mouth blast, which caught Twilight dead on. The Element of Magic managed to hold firm against the burst, but felt like it would overwhelm her shortly.

"Twilight, are you there?" A squeaky voice came to life in her ear. "You're the strongest, kindest, most magical mare I've ever met! You can take that big bully down!" Resolve overwhelmed her, and with a scream Twilight returned all the energy back to Sunset Satan, delivering a massive blast.

That stunt took a lot out of Twilight though, and for a moment she floated helplessly, the gigantic, cruel eyes of Sunset Satan staring her down. The monster's gaze was broken, however, when the Great and Powerful Trixie returned to the fray, ramming into the back of Sunset's neck and grabbing her in a chokehold. "You didn't think the Great and Powerful Trixie would let Purplesmart have all the fun, did you creep?" Trixie gestured to Twilight. "Get to safety and recharge. Trixie's got this."

Trixie tightened her hold on Sunset's neck as the monster clawed uselessly at Trixie with her one arm. Suddenly, Trixie began to feel hot, and the space around her seemed to be gaining a faint tone of orange.

"Trixie, we're in danger!" Came the voice of Flash Sentry. "The station is beginning re-entry! I don't know how much of it will burn up, but we've likely got about five minutes before impact!"

In response to this, Trixie pulled harder, but had to release Sunset and dodge to avoid several incoming spheres of magic. Continuing to avoid Sunset's new trick, Trixie's charged herself up and rammed into Sunset's right eye.

The magical monstrosity howled in pain, using its one arm to cover the struck optic as a drained Trixie floated away from the mare and machine mass. Twilight flew up beside her, patted her on the back and charged in.

This time, Satan was ready. The distance between her and Twilight was littered with magic spheres, and she was cutting loose with the energy beams. Twilight went in regardless, weaving between the beams and blasts. "Don't given up Twilight! That's ol' blockhead ain't got a clue what's she's up against!"

Twilight wasn't quick enough though, and a sphere made contact, detonating and throwing the purple mare a ways away from her target. Twilight felt the magic of Harmony beginning to run dry within her, and glanced over to Trixie, who's golden form was already flickering as she tried to maintain her super form.

"Twilight, I know we haven't know each other for that long, but... You're the most amazing girl I think I've ever met! If anyone can save us, it's you!"

Twilight pitched and weaved once again, avoiding several near hits. Upon penetrating Sunset's defenses, Twilight concentrated all of her power together, and launched one devastating punch into Sunset's chest. The blow exploded with energy on impact, throwing Twilight away, higher into orbit. When the flash faded though, Twilight could see that she succeeded! Sunset's twisted form now hung limply off the station.

The danger had not passed though, as the station was still moving towards Earth. Despite how low on energy she was, Twilight flew into the object's path, determined to send it back where it came from. Just as she charged, she saw Trixie join her side.

"You're not doing this alone Sparkle!"

"But Trixie..." Twilight said, noting that the other girl had even less energy then she did. She found herself hushed by the magician's next words.

"Come on Sparkle, no way that thing's getting through!" Said Trixie, her typical cocky bravery mixed with steel resolve.

Twilight nodded. "Alright, let's do this!"

The two combined their power, creating a bright ball of rainbow light, brighter then the entry glow that was getting ever stronger. When it was ready, they shot it away at the space station. The magic rapidly consumed the plummeting object, returning it to a safe orbit.

The cost was great however, as Trixie's super form had lost power completely, causing her to plummet towards the earth she just saved, a content look on her face. "Heh. Looks like you might be Trixie's equal after all..." Where her last words before her comm transmitted only crackles and static.

Twilight returned to the parking lot she and Trixie had flown away from, her super form giving out as she hovered a foot from the ground. The joy quickly left everyone's faces when they confirmed with their eyes that Trixie had not survived. Twilight held in her hands the scorched, twisted remains of the crown, now devoid of magic. A small grin cracked on Twilight's face, and with the last of her magic, sent the crown hurling into the air, where it exploded, over and over, painting Trixie's cutie mark across the sky.

"We did Trix." Twilight whispered, her smile becoming bittersweet.

It finally hit the rest of the crowd that they had survived the imminent disaster, and the "I just avoided death" euphoria broke out right away. Cheers and shouting and dancing broke out amongst the students, and anyone else who was aware of what happened.

Flash came to Twilight's side and gently gripped her hand ad they both looked up at the moon. Both would later claim to have seen the faint outline of the sacrificed showgirl across the sky, giving the earth that confident smile of hers.