The Revenge of Dr. Negative

~~~~~East Side Warehouses, Dock 42~~~~~

Even as the little conversations broke out all around them, Princess Celestia's attention and focus were all dedicated to one singular mare. I cannot let her leave. Her thoughts whispered traitorously, even as she sat down in front of Twilight Sparkle to listen to her recount their adventure so far. It is as though there was some hole in my heart and soul... and just sitting next to her, I can feel it filling up.  And Oh! What a feeling it was! Celestia could feel the cheer, and love and wonder seeping into her soul with every word they exchanged. It was... it was...

Glorious. I have found a missing piece of myself, and... and I do not wish for her to go. Those thoughts continued, whispering softly and traitorously. But that was wrong of her to think that, and wrong of her to consider all of the myriad ways she might accomplish it. No, Celestia! You will not force this wonderful, beautiful little pony to remain here against her will! And what of other methods? What if she.. No! You will aid her willingly. You will not coerce her as though you were...  Her thoughts snapped off in that moment, and she nearly bit her lip in concern. "Princess Celestia?" The young mare ventured, obviously concerned for her. Twilight was concerned for her, without any obligation or duty to force her into such a stance. No... Twilight was concerned for her because she cared about her. And how long has it been since somepony other than Solaris has truly cared about you, Celestia?

Too long. Far too long. Too many centuries spent alone - the distant Lady of the sun, as untouchable as the searing orb of light that brought life and happiness to all of her little ponies. So many of her subjects venerated her like a goddess, in spite of all of her efforts to the contrary. Yet here was this fearless and bright little unicorn who treated her like... well, a beloved schoolteacher - or perhaps a favorite aunt. With a gentle love and care, and a bright curiosity for all of the many differences of their worlds. Celestia barely paid attention to what she was saying - answering questions and asking her own when Twilight's story took an unexpected turn.

A mysterious portal of unknown origin and power. A madpony with access to teleportation powers far beyond that of normal unicorns - a friend in peril, and the tragedy - well, at least it was a tragedy for Twilight and her friend - of the little sister mysteriously transformed. Celestia herself had never toyed overmuch with the power to pass between worlds, even though she theoretically could have done it at will. Yet there had always been too much to do at home to take the time out for long inter-dimensional vacations.  Worst of all, Twilight feared there would be no way for them to get home - believing the portal they had used to be uncontrollable, or worse - lost completely.

And oh, how easy it would be to convince her that she was correct - and then, with all of the gentle care and concern in the world, to offer her sinecure and safe harbor. Every effort would be taken to see them home, and until then they would be given the very best of care and comfort. That Twilight Sparkle was clearly the Element of Magic that Celestia had so long awaited the appearance of - and her friend equally the Element of Loyalty - was naught but the icing on the cake.

With time and determination, the other four elements could be found - and the artifacts themselves recovered at long last. With good fortune, they would even be in time to save Luna and Artemis from another thousand years of imprisonment upon the moon. That she would just-so-happen to get to spend the many glorious years that would follow with this wonderful young mare was but a small, insignificant little bonus... and who knew? Perhaps there was a greater destiny for this young Twilight Sparkle to pursue. And perhaps... just perhaps... she was the one who could fix Celestia's most recent failure.

And all of it at the low, low cost of a little white lie.

Could she do that to this mare, who set a joyous fire ablaze in Celestia's heart for the first time in centuries?

Did she dare to do otherwise?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

What seemed like a long time ago, Rosetta Stone had chosen her name because it was a connection to the past. Such connections were few and precious to her, and so she had latched on to any single connection she possibly could. Although she would never admit it to Daring or - even worse, Lord Solaris - sometimes, in the depths of the night when the wine was sweet and there was nopony else around to worry about, she would perform little thought experiments - trying to figure out where she'd gone wrong. Trying to figure out if there really was anything she could have done to change the cruel fate life had bestowed upon her.

They had not been fun experiments, they had actually been quite mentally and oft times physically painful for her. She'd driven herself into the depths of despair more than once, and when one such experiment had nearly ended at the cost of her own life, she had never performed them again. But now, standing her before her, Rosetta saw a vision of that life she had once agonized and wept over never knowing. A young mare - who was her, but was not her - stood in stark contrast to Rosetta's own life. It would have been so easy to hate her, to despise her with all of her soul.

Yet Rosetta could not, for it had not been by her will that events had been shaped, but by the life of another pony. The actions of somepony else, like a rock dropped into a pond, that had rippled outwards and touched countless lives. Rosetta turned her eyes to that pony, the one named Rainbow Dash, and marveled at how the actions of one individual could so radically alter the course of history. Oh certainly, it had happened in the past... but it was one thing to read about such an individual in a book, and imagine them striding across the stage of history, proud and arrogantly certain of their destiny. It was quite another to meet such a pony, and realize that so many of those others must have been much like this - Filled with the same worries, desires and wishes as anypony else.

Daring's hoof gently touched hers, startling Rosetta for a moment. She squeezed Daring's hoof briefly, then looked away. There was no time now for regrets - no time for what-if's and maybes and could-have-beens.  She had a good life, a life with a job she enjoyed and the very best friend anypony could ask for. And yet... and... yet... Could it be that she didn't have to settle for just one friend? After all... who in the world could better understand her... than herself? Could it be that Twilight had the answer to her dilemma?

Could it be that these two ponies had the answer to more than just that? After all, Dash was quite crazy - much like Daring was at times - but there was also fierceness in her. She'd already risked her life twice for them, without even thinking too much about it. She had not asked for explanations or demanded reparation for the trouble she'd gotten in on their account... but rather, simply accepted it as a part of life. How many ponies, period, would do that for two strangers they'd never met before? In that moment, as Teacher met Student across the bounds of time and space, Rosetta felt her heart beat a little bit faster.

After all, a pony could meet friends from anywhere... right?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daring Do was very worried about Rosetta.

More than just the usual worries about her being an academic with no field experience being thrown into deadly and dangerous situations. No, this worry was much more elemental and rooted much more deeply in her emotions. Daring tried not to let emotions get in the way of her work - especially not when it came down to villains like Doctor Negative, where her emotions had allowed that bastard to get away because she was too angry to do the right thing. Predictably, the universe was now punishing her for that choice, and Silver was going to pay the price if she couldn't find him in time.

Even so, her emotions were incredibly conflicted about that relationship now - as it became more and more clear that Rosetta had been carrying a torch for Daring for longer than she'd realized. Maybe it had been the sight of Rainbow Dash, so obviously pining for Twilight's affection that had caused the sudden moment of clarity. Or maybe it had been Rosetta's mournful glances when Dash and Twilight moved closer to one another when they needed comfort. It was the kind of sappy, over-the-top thing that Daring actively tried to avoid thinking about too much.

Except now she couldn't ignore it - not and be the kind of friend she'd always tried to be for Rosetta.  She couldn't ignore the fact that her best friend of more than fifteen years now had a pretty serious crush on her. No, DD. Be honest with yourself - that isn't a crush she's harboring. She's out-and-out in love with you, and you can’t figure out what to do about it.

That was the real kicker. When she'd decided she'd finally give over the whole too-tough adventuress routine and ask Silver out, she had been sure that she'd be able to find Rosetta nice guy too... and then Rosie had started up that huge argument out of absolutely nowhere about Silver's methods and his morals and all sorts of other crap. Sure, he was basically a glorified grave robber sometimes, but nopony was perfect - At least Silver had a code of honor he simply didn't sway from. Boiled right down, Silver had been one of the few peers Daring had that she knew she could trust when push came to shove.

For a few months, everything had seemed... fine. Rosetta apologized for her behavior, then headed off to Manehatten to work on some kind of nebulous university stuff. Yeah, you shoulda asked questions, Daring - but you never remember to do that when it really matters. She thought bitterly, glaring at the ground for the moment. No, she'd been so caught up in the romance she hadn't even thought twice about it. Well, the sex had been a big part of that - after years of off-again and on-again trysts and the occasional visit to Miss Kitty's, it had been kinda nice to rut with a stallion who actually gave a fuck about her.

Of course, love came with costs.  Especially when the one you loved was a stallion dedicated to his career like Silver was. And one day you wake up, and he's been kidnapped right out of his office - no evidence, no signs of break in, no nothing. And who had stepped in, when Daring was getting ready to absolutely blow her stack? Who else but Rosetta? Who else has always been there, huh? Who else has never let you down? It was a damning thought for the mare of adventure, and she wondered how the hell she could have been so damned stupid as to not see it sooner.

Whatever. You couldn't change the past. Twilight and Dash were living, breathing proof of that old and clichéd maxim. All you could do... all anypony could do... was do the best you could to make a better future. Yeah. So what are you gonna do about *her** better future, Miss Do?* She thought, eyes traveling over to Rosetta - and then to Dash and Twilight. Maybe it's time to give up the solo gig. After all, they certainly know how to handle themselves in a tough spot...

And wasn't that an intriguing idea?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dash couldn't help herself - she was bouncing up and down in excitement from the absolutely great news they'd finally gotten. Celestia! Here! The way home couldn't be more secure if they were already walking through it. Twilight was pretty heavy in conversation with the Princess, so Dash took the moment to get some of that excess energy out of her system. Sure, it would kinda suck to be leaving Daring Do behind, but this had been enough adventure to keep Dash satisfied for a nice long time. It would be good to go back home, catch a nap or two, and get back to practicing for the Wonderbolts.

Just as she got her limbs stretched out though, that funny Stallion who had been with the princess had trotted over to her with an amused smile on his face - watching her. "What'cha lookin at?" She sneered at him, turning away with a flick of her tail. "I know I'm sexy, but I'm not interested, dude." She offhandedly commented, stretching her wings out firmly before turning back... and getting a face full of a stallion twice her size. Literally twice her size. As in, as big as Celestia - staring down at her. With wings. And a horn. And "Oh, fuck me." Dash said softly, her ears drooping down with her wings in a truly pitiable fashion.

The new male Alicorn arched an eyebrow at her and grinned saucily. "Only if you take me out to dinner, first." he said with a sly and saucy grin that did not belong on an Alicorn... Prince? Prince had to be the term, if Celestia was a princess. "For now though, I'm going to presume you've never seen somepony like me before. My name is Solaris, and it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss...?" he trailed off, offering an armor-shod hoof to her in greeting.

Dash took her moment of shock to take in all of the details about him - he had a neatly trimmed and square shaped beard in a bright orange color which matched the many orange, gold and red hues of his own mystically flowing mane, even if his was much more distinctly masculine. He had the same vibrant violet eyes as Celestia though, and that same twinkle of good humor in them. Huh. Well, no sense in not being polite, at least. "My name's Rainbow Dash." She replied, her wings and ears perking up a bit.  "And yeah, never seen a male Alicorn before." She continued with her own bright grin. "So, are you Princess Celestia's brother or somethin?"

Solaris gave off a slow grin. "Not quite, actually." He eyeballed Dash with a slow smile. "Our relationship is a little odd by most ponies standards, but we do just fine. Still, it's a little strange that you recognize her but not I." He hummed softly. "So, there are only female Alicorns in your world, then?" He asked, just a little casually. "Celestia, I must presume is there - but who else?" he continued to query, and Dash wondered for a moment why he'd ask...

But then she shrugged. What could it hurt to tell him? "Well, there's Princess Celestia - of course. Oh, and her sister, Princess Luna." She proclaimed with a proud smile about that - she never quite forgot the role they'd played in restoring the Princess of the Night to her rightful self. It was a constant reminder that with Twi and her friends, there wasn't  a single bad guy they couldn't conquer. "Oh right, and Princess Cadence." She continued offhandedly...

Solaris' head snapped around for a moment, as if a thought had suddenly caused him whiplash. "Wait a moment. Princess Luna?" He asked, in an obviously surprised tone of voice. His head darted back and forth for a moment - then he leaned in and spoke in a whisper soft voice. "Then... Nightmare Moon?" He asked - hesitantly! As though he dared not speak the question loud enough for anypony to hear.

Dash smirked confidently. "We beat her - Me, Twi and our friends - and freed Princess Luna." He was still staring at her, just a little slackjawed... and Dash couldn't help it. She grinned slyly, answering the most obvious question in her most confident tone of voice. "With the Elements of Harmony, duh. Me, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy." She counted off, tapping her hoof up to the number six. "Which is kinda why we're here. That madpony kidnapped our friend Rarity - she's the Element of Generosity - and we're going to get her back." She proclaimed, as though the outcome was so self-evident as to not even be in doubt.

Solaris visibly swallowed and then paused, a small smile returning to his face as he summoned his confident air back. "I see. I suppose I oughtn’t to be so surprised... the connection of Friendship between you and your friend is very strong." Dash preened at the compliment... or she thought it was a compliment, anyway. "So, does she know?" He queried a moment later, and Dash blinked uncomprehendingly at him for a change. "That you are in love with her." he continued... his last few words stifled as Dash lept up, her eyes going to Twilight in blind panic and stuffing her hoof into the Alicorn Prince's mouth.

"Shhhh! Not so loud!" She whispered, drawing back as fast as she had moved, much to Solaris' obvious surprise. "Look, that's complicated, okay?" She said softly, keeping her voice hushed. "I don't want to pressure her into anything she doesn't want - and I sure as fuck don't want her freaking out over my feelings just because I didn't tell her at the right time. We're going to talk about it so please, change the subject for now?" She plead a little, her eyes darting to the thankfully oblivious Twilight Sparkle, who was too busy speaking to Celestia.

Lord Solaris nodded, then spoke in a much louder voice - obviously changing the subject from the previous one for Dash's sake. "Still, I can't imagine a world without my handsome visage." He lamented... though he did so with his tongue quite firmly in cheek. Rainbow Dash snorted softly and he grinned. "Tell me about your other friends then, the other Elements of Harmony. One of them was named Pinkie Pie, you said?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So. They have gotten involved now." Said the gentle, masculine voice of Shining Armor as they watched and listened in upon the meeting from afar. "We have no choice. We must report to the Fuherin that they have become directly involved." He paused. "Colonel, you will inform our soldiers to stand down at once and remove themselves from the area. Leave nothing disturbed or changed." He paused, and then growled aggressively. "And if you endanger the life of that pegasus again with your arrogance, I shall personally feed you to the Infiltration Corps. Are we quite clear?"

The suddenly pale looking unicorn nodded with a slow gulp, then ducked out of the side door of the car and quickly ran towards the warehouse. That task thus accomplished, Shining turned his immediate attention to the far more important concern. "My Lady." He began softly. "Are you well?" he gently queried, laying a hoof on Butterfly's shoulder. "You look pale and your hooves are shaking."

Lady Butterfly jerked in place, then relaxed a trifle. "I am... I am fine, Commandant." She replied with a soft whisper. "Looking at them, seeing the world that might have been made flesh before our eyes... It is..." She took in a deep breath and exhaled. "It brings old and painful memories to the surface. It makes me wish I could see this world of theirs. To know how things could have gone so differently." She spoke gently, almost too gently... but Shining could hear the barely suppressed pain in that voice. It was a pain he knew well, as his eyes found the bright purple mane of his beloved Sister.

Twilight Sparkle. Alive. Well. Bright and cheerful and as smart as a whip, as she had always been - and apparently, a born magical prodigy as he'd always suspected. Did she have a brother of her own, in that world of hers? What must it have been like, to see her grow into the beautiful and intelligent young mare that now stood so achingly close to him.  Never since he had committed himself to this path, to see justice done to those who had brought harm upon his little sibling, had he ever once been so close to simply tearing off his uniform and begging Celestia for forgiveness. All so that he might spend time with her once again - to play, laugh, and live as a Family he had long thought lost forever.

Could he possibly tell Mother and Father? No. Celestia would see to that, and that was proper. They did not know what had become of their son, and perhaps it was better that way. One day, he hoped they would understand that what he was doing, he was doing for the good of all Equestria. But the temptation to throw it all over, to throw it all away just for one more hug from his sister...

He gave Butterfly a long look, one that she returned. Her eyes were infinitely sad, and he wondered what he now showed in his own eyes. What had she seen down there that had triggered those too-strong memories of her past? What event had driven her here - that the sight of that rainbow maned pegasus had driven her to near tears? Did he really want to know?

Or would either knowing what the other was thinking simply be the straw that broke both of their wills to see things through?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Princess Celestia." Twilight's voice softly insisted - snapping Celestia's mind out of the train of thoughts she'd been so guiltily pursuing. "We've got to find Rarity, before something terrible happens to her. Is there anything you can do to help us?" She asked - her voice soft, desperate and sad. Any other pony might have thought first about their own peril, their own horrible situation or fate - to be lost, so very far away from everything they called home - and still to think first of their friend's danger, and not of their own?

Something stirred in Celestia - something powerful. She could feel the energies of the world churning around them, shifting and changing and swirling with greater and greater force. A choice was upon her, and it would change so many things that were to come. "I don't know, Twilight Sparkle." She said with total honesty, and then... no. She would not restrain herself, she would not abandon her no matter how much she might desire to use every possible excuse to keep her here. "But if there is something I can do, I will do whatever it takes to help you save your friend." She looked up and into the firm gaze of Solaris. "Let us investigate this place, then. Who knows? If fortune favors us, perhaps we are not so far away from your friend after all." Celestia remarked cheerfully.

And if Lady Fortuna holds me in any esteem whatsoever... perhaps she will favor me with your presence for many years to come... my most Faithful Student.