Unavailingby FaelaArtsChaptersThe WarningRecoveryChariotNightmaresHow many questions?Twilight log 50. Last entry.The WarningLeaping out of bed, she gazed wildly around the room, breath coming in gasps. Combing her furniture for any signs of darkness, she realised nothing was amiss and relaxed slightly. The nightmares were becoming more frequent. It was hard not to keep hold of one’s sanity during one. “Hey Twilight, hurry up! The princess is coming to meet you today for your magic exam!” Turning to gaze at her door, her breathing relaxed at the voice of her best friend and assistant. “Coming Spike!” Getting out of bed, she quickly sent her magic to open the curtains, letting more light into the room. Gazing around, she wondered what it would be like living in a library. It would mean less trips to the local one she was sure. Giving a contented smile, she opened her door and head down the stairs, gazing at the small corridor where all the rooms met. There were tales of a great mare who once lived in a tree, Twilight hoped to be as great as she was. Her name had been lost to time however, but Twilight imagined it was something like ‘Trixie’ or ‘Magicalinnny’ or something more magical. Her house was white inside and out, though her garden did bring some colour to the house. Spike always made sure to put flowers in every room, and she was glad he did. It certainly made the house much brighter than when they hadn’t been there. Walking into the dining room, she took a seat at the table as Spike brought breakfast in. Sharing a smile, she took in his appearance. His green mane and tail were messy, he hadn’t brushed yet today. His purple fur was still messed up due to his haphazard sleeping schedule. In fact, to her immense amusement they almost looked like scales today. His green eyes were half closed, and his horn was having trouble keeping the plates steady due to his own lack of concentration. “You know you don’t have to get up early every morning you know. I am perfectly capable of getting out of bed without you shouting my door down.” Twilight took the plates from the sleepy colt, placing them down while he turned to go and get the drinks. She began eating with gusto. “How many times have I heard that one? And how many times has it turned out to be true?” Spike sat down at the table, pouring both their drinks before digging into his own food. “Once…You’ve made your point.” Twilight would never admit it, but she relied on Spike’s amazing sense of time. He may be a grouchy person at this time of the day, but each morning he would wake her up without fail. He was like a brother to her. The doorbell rang as they finished their breakfast, and Spike carried the plates back into the kitchen to wash them. Heading toward the door, Twilight opened it and glanced outside to greet her guest. “Hello, can I help y-,“ gasping in shock, Twilight’s eyes widened and she took a step back. It was a princess, but it wasn’t the one she had been expecting. This mare was almost completely identical to Twilight, except for one thing. “Twilight, is that correct?” The mare flared her wings, grabbing something from her saddlebags. Twilight nodded mutely, confounded by this turn of events. The mare looked much older than she was, but there was no doubting that signature style and star cutie mark. “You’re me!” Twilight stuttered the words out, mute shock plastered on her face. The mare glanced up from her bag, and locked eyes with Twilight. Twilight nearly flinched at the coldness in them. A parcel was thrust into her hooves, the mare stepping back. “I know. Open that once I’ve left. Goodbye.” And with those parting words, the mare simply walked away, pulling a cloak over her body to hide her face and cutie mark. Numbly, Twilight closed the door and walked back to the table. “Was that the princess?” Spike’s voice from the kitchen snapped Twilight out of her bubble, and she shook her head. “I think so. She gave me a package to open, let me see what’s inside,” she replied. Hearing the sounds of scrubbing from the kitchen, Twilight quickly began to unwrap the package. Inside was a simple box. Twilight frowned, and opened the box and pulled out the only thing inside. It was some sort of magical rune card, one that described a- “SPIKE GET DOWN!” The mare walked along the street, not even bothering to glance back at the house. After she had been walking for a minute or so, she turned around as the sound of an explosion ripped through the air. The house she had just visited had exploded into flames, she turned back around and continued walking. This was the warning. Eyes flickering open, Twilight winced as pain laced through her body. Glancing to her leg, she saw it was turned the wrong way, and probably broken. Glancing toward the kitchen, she saw the roof barely holding up and the body of her assistant nestled inside, unconscious. Her eyes widened as the roof suddenly collapsed, and grunted as, out of instinct, she grabbed the rubble and protected Spike from the falling roof by placing it beside him. “Spppiike…,” she muttered, darkness closing in. Everything was growing dark, soon she would lose consciousness. “Somepony call a hospital!” Was that Spike’s voice? She couldn’t tell. She was so…tired… RecoveryEyes opening, Twilight groaned as a dull pain laced through her body. Memories flew past her eyes, catching up to the present and she glanced around the room, noticing it was a hospital ward. A dull sound came from her left, and she turned her head to see her assistant’s face. “Spike…I’m glad you’re safe. What happened after the explosion?” Her voice so weak, even to her own ears. Seeing Spike’s mouth moving, but not hearing any sound she groaned. “I can’t hear you…” Spike seemed troubled by her words, but one of the doctors approached and said something that seemed to reassure him. Feeling the edge of darkness approach once more, Twilight closed her eyes. Twilight was walking through a vast desert, she couldn’t remember how she got here but she knew it didn’t matter. Each step was slow and methodical, purposeless. Occasionally she would see some sort of object in the distance, but she could never quite look at them for some reason. It was almost as if she was a passenger, and not in control. Concentrating, she realised it was true. It was almost as if somepony exactly like her, but not her, was controlling the body. Realising she could read this pony’s thoughts, she suddenly felt the crushing loneliness and weary ache that rolled over the body. If she had been in control, she would have probably cried. This was a mare who had no reason to live, and yet forced herself to continue. A sigh escaped her lips, and for a brief moment the desire to just collapse filled her entire being. The mare couldn’t live like this a moment longer. She was close to simply falling, and sleeping forever. She stopped walking, standing in place as the desire to give in crushed the little resistance the mare had left, and she fell. Twilight felt all this, and frowned. Gritting her teeth she pushed against the consciousness, the wall she could feel and tried to help the mare. She had to get up. If she lived there was a chance! There was always a chance! But not if she let herself die! The mare sighed once more in response, and stood up. It seemed she had heard Twilight, for she began walking again. There was one more thing she felt as she began to fall unconscious. The mare was holding onto reality with a scrap of hope. Without that hope, that mare would easily fall and simply die where she landed. Twilight hoped the mare found something more to cling to. She had only been there for a few minutes, but she could tell how lonely it would be, all alone with nothing to live for. It’s a pity she would never learn the mare’s face. “Welcome back Twilight, I was starting to get worried.” Opening her eyes, Twilight was greeted by the face of Spike leaning over, face beaming with a smile. Twilight reached out and pushed his face out of her view. “Come on Spike, I wouldn’t die that easily.” Sitting up she saw she was still in the hospital. The doctor was currently moving a machine out of her room. “Oh good, you can hear me,” sighed Spike. Twilight vaguely remembered she hadn’t been able to hear the last time she had woken up. Turning to face Spike, she gave him a big hug. “Yes, and I’m glad to see you’re still alive too Spike. What happened after I blacked out?” After a few moments, Twilight removed herself from the hug, and awaited Spike’s answer. “Well, I woke up and the building was on fire, but it was already burning out. Somehow the roof had collapsed and hadn’t hit me, so other than a few bruises I was ok to move. I found you passed out with your leg facing the wrong way and saw someone run into the building to find us. I think I was gasping for breath, or coughing from the smoke. I told him to get the hospital, and he dashed away and I carried you out. When I got outside a few ponies came and helped me get you a good distance away. After that emergency ponies arrived and got the blaze under control and took us to the hospital.” Twilight nodded, absorbing the information. She had a few more questions, but she doubted Spike had an answer. Why had that princess looked exactly like her? And why did she try to kill Twilight? Was it a changeling? But from what Twilight knew changelings had died out long ago, they were mere myth. But it was the only logical answer. “Thinking about who booby trapped the package huh?” Flinching at Spike’s words, Twilight turned and smiled apologetically. “I remember you said ‘you thought’ it was the princess. What did you mean?” Spike wanted answers too, Twilight didn’t blame him. “Well it was an Alicorn, and being an Alicorn means you’re a princess right? However…,” she trailed off, frowning in confusion. “This Alicorn looked exactly like me except much older.” Hearing Spike’s intake of breath, she turned in shock. He quickly recovered, but Twilight could tell he was hiding something. “I-I see, that’s very confusing.” Spike’s answer left much to explain, but she let it go for the moment. Turning so her back legs hung off the bed, she glanced to the door. “So when are we allowed to leave?” The sooner they were out, the sooner she could dig for clues. “Well as soon as you are awake, you healed up quite some time ago.” Nodding as Spike spoke, she carefully got off her bed, testing her legs. Spike was right, she felt fit as a fiddle. “Alright, lets go back to the house and see what we can salvage, and then head to a friend’s house to spend the night.” As Twilight walked toward the door, Spike followed behind. He glanced toward the window, eyes narrowing for a brief moment. Following Twilight out the door, they headed toward their old home. “I am not cleaning that up.” Spike remarked as they looked upon the charred remains. ChariotTwilight would always remember the day, two days after her house had been burned down, that she met that mare for the second time. Spike had quickly made himself busy around their friends house, doing all sorts of chores. Twilight continued searching for any open houses for which to purchase with what bits they had. It wasn’t going so well. “Hey Twilight, I’ve got a letter for you.” Raising her head, Twilight took the letter from her friend and frowned at it. “Uh, thanks,” she replied, taking the letter and cautiously opening it up. The only ponies that knew she were here should have been the locals and the princess herself. Reading the letter, Twilight beamed. The princess wanted her to return to Canterlot and live at the castle until she found a new residence. “Spike, take a note.” Turning her head to see Spike glaring out the window, she frowned. “Spike?” Blinking, he jerked back and turned to face her, and then turned away to hid his embarrassment. “Uhh, sorry Twilight I was thinking. Ready when you are.” Levitating over a quill and some parchment, Spike prepared to write the letter. “Just tell the princess I would be honoured to take up her offer, if she would be kind enough to send somepony to pick us up.” Twilight nodded, satisfied she hadn’t forgot anything. Spike sealed the parchment up in a neat roll, and cast a spell which made it burst into bright green flames. “Alright, we should receive a reply in-“ he cut himself off as his horn activated, and the flames returned the reply. Spike read it out, “a chariot is on the way, it should arrive in.” Spike paused, glancing outside as a chariot landed gracefully. “Now,” he finished, frowning. Twilight was pleasantly surprised to see it here already, but she was ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Saying goodbye to her friend, and giving her gratitude, she prepared to leave, hopping onto the chariot. The two Pegasi flared their wings, and took to the sky. “So Spike, what do you want to do once we arrive and finish greeting the princess?” Twilight saw his gaze cloud over, and his mouth begin to water. “Alll youuu cannn eeat...,” he purred. She chuckled, watching Canterlot city come into view. From this high up, she could see much of the land, and how little water was visible. Even the green seemed slightly off on the trees. Not that Twilight considered this anything but normal. All she saw was the same land she had grown up in. Someone landed in the carriage, the Pegasi didn’t even flinch. Twilight turned to see who it was, and a chill went up her spine. “It’s you, the other me!” Twilight watched as the mare closed her wings, standing opposite to her and Spike, and gazed coldly at them. Spike turned around rapidly, and growled in response. “You will not harm a hair on Twilight’s head!” Spike pulled Twilight behind him, standing between her and the mare. The mare said nothing, glancing them over. Twilight could sense she was being judged, and peeked out from behind Spike and frowned. “Who are you? Why did you give me that package? Why do you look like me?!” Twilight’s questions went unanswered as the mare simply sat down and gazed toward the city. Spike growled, horn glowing with a spell to put up a quick shield in case of attack from the Alicorn. “The land is dying,” said the mare, causing the two to flinch in confusion. Twilight didn’t understand, not only had her questions been ignored, but the mare was talking nonsense. “Equestria looks fine to me,” she replied, receiving a nod from Spike in agreement. The mare didn’t even move. “Once upon a time, there was a great mare who excelled at magic.” Twilight frowned, glancing to spike at the mare’s words. He frowned, but the spell he had charged vanished and he sat back down. “Doesn’t look like she’s here to hurt us, this time,” he muttered to Twilight, eyes narrowed suspiciously. Twilight followed Spike’s lead, sitting down also and looking to the mare. Even with her eyes looking ahead, there was no hiding the coldness in them. “This mare was so attuned to magic, that by the time she was close to death she was able to realise something no other pony had, princess or otherwise.” Listening closely, something clicked in Twilight’s head. This sounded familiar. “Her best friends had already succumbed to old age, and she would soon follow, but not before she would begin hatching plans that would end in the destruction of the world, but at the same time saving it.” This story, it sounded so familiar, like she had heard it before. Twilight was feeling a little lightheaded. “With the plans set up, and the immortal princesses charged with making sure the plans went through, she died.” The feeling of familiarity was growing stronger. “The plan began, the world died, and a few ponies managed to live on the scraps leftover. Five reincarnated, led to the promised place, and died where they stood one by one.” Why was the sky moving, the world was spinning around Twilight. Spike had yet to notice, eyes firmly on the mare. “Finally, the sixth came, and cast the spell that would revive the world, and the five, at the cost of her life. She died.” The mare paused for a moment, glancing away from the city and toward Twilight, who was sweating. “No, she lived,” spoke Twilight suddenly, to the surprise of both herself and Spike. Her breathing caught, and she held her head as a wave of pain laced through her head. “But, she should have died.” Spike was holding her steady now, Twilight’s breath coming in gasps. She couldn’t see anything anymore, it was all a blur. “That is right. She lived where she should have died. Just as the world now lives where it should be long gone.” The sound of wings flaring filled Twilight’s ears. Was the mare leaving? Everything was spinning with colours, she couldn't make anthing out. “But that is all the past, what you really must know is what happens in the future.” Spike’s voice called from far away, Twilight heard the voice of the mare grow fainter, and the blurry world gave way to darkness. NightmaresTwilight’s eyes flared open, and she sat up in one movement, gasping for breath. For a few moments she wasn’t even aware of where she was, let alone the fact it wasn’t the chariot. As her breathing calmed down, she stood up and gazed around. She was in some kind of forest, and right in front of her was a large concrete platform. An explosion ripped through the air, causing her hair to blow in the shockwave. A bright light flashed from the platform, and two forms became visible. Blinking the dust from her eyes, she couldn’t see who they were very well, and debated getting closer. As another explosion ripped through the air, she decided to take the risk. Stepping onto the edge of the large platform, she gazed at the two forms before her, one at each end of the large stage. Her eyes widened as she realised the one on the left was herself, or another doppelganger of her exact age. To the right was the Alicorn, eyes full of rage and fury. The mare charged up a spell, Twilight winced at the power emanating from it. Even from this distance she could feel the power contained in that horn. Her doppelganger charged up a similar spell, but it was much weaker. As much as she hated to admit it, her doppelganger was seriously outclassed. They roared, aimed, and fired the spells. They clashed together, creating another explosion. As the dust cleared, the two were already charging up another spell. However Twilight could see new injuries on both parties. The Alicorn had two bleeding wings, hanging limply, and a large gash down her neck. Twilight’s doppelganger was barely standing, and it was hard to see a part of her not covered in blood. The spells hit once more, and she closed her eyes as it flashed even brighter then before. Opening her eyes after, she barely had time to widen them as a form crashed through her. For a brief moment she was standing in the body of her doppelganger, before suddenly she became her doppelganger. Twilight was in so much pain, emotional and physical and she was barely clinging to life. She was being held down by the Alicorn, the cold malice and fury aimed directly at her. Most shockingly though, were the tears running down the mare’s face, and hitting Twilight’s. “I want to live!” Twilight jerked into an upright position once more, gasping for breath as the nightmare grasped at her consciousness. Her eyes flickered wildly around the room, before she relaxed to see she was alone. Glancing to her right, a small shaky smile flittered onto her face. Well almost. “Are you alright Twilight?” It was Spike of course, and he looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. Feeling the edges of the nightmare still clinging to her, she leapt out of the bed and into Spike’s arms, and began to cry. “I’m ok Spike. I’m ok,” she repeated over and over. Spike could only hold her, shocked and concerned by how much the nightmare had affected her this time. “They’re getting worse aren’t they?” Twilight nodded at his question, a sob escaping her mouth. It had been worse this time, so much worse. All of them had been pale in comparison to this one, she never wanted to go through that again. Eventually, she managed to calm down enough that the tears dried up, and she stepped out of Spike’s embrace. Locking eyes, she saw his worry and concern, and could only give a shaky smile as reassurance. It was time to change the topic. “Where are we Spike?” Twilight glanced around the familiar room, still a little muddled by sleep. “We’re in Canterlot, I suggested we get you to your room to rest. That reminds me, the princess wants to see you when you wake up.” Spike began making her bed, hovering a cup of water near her head. Taking it in her magic, Twilight sipped it gratefully. “Well ok, lets head down and see her immediately then. It would be rude to keep her waiting.” Twilight finished the cup of water and left it on the table, heading for the door. Spike followed behind quickly, closing the door behind them. They headed down the corridor to the throne room, silently occupied with their own thoughts. The door opened by the guards, the entered and headed up the carpet to meet the princess. “Hello Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I’m sorry about the state I arrived in.” Twilight and Spike bowed before the two, who stopped signing the paperwork and stood up. Walking away from the throne’s, they both shared a smile at seeing Twilight once more, she smiled at them in turn, straightening up. “Hello Twilight,” they said together. Hearing their voices always set Twilight at ease. Their infinite calm and ability to never be flustered always made her feel proud to be so close to them. “Thanks for letting me stay here while I find a new house to live in. The market in that town is fierce.” Celestia nodded in response, glancing to her sister as their paperwork was casually shoved into their faces. “Stay as long as you like Twilight, and feel free to use the library as you wish. We had to hire a new custodian after you left, but I’m sure if you two ever meet you will feel right at home. However we really must get back to the paperwork. It was a pleasure seeing you, we will call you for dinner in a few hours.” Twilight bowed once more, and she and Spike quickly excused themselves. Walking down the corridor, she made a beeline for the library. Spike groaned, “not even an hour’s break?” He shook his head, trying to hide his smile. He knew Twilight too well. And so did the two princesses. Normally that library was of limits, full of old archives from a time long past. Of course, that hadn’t stopped a certain small filly from sneaking in. The permission was merely a formality. “I’m sorry Spike, but I need to see what I can find out about this Alicorn.” Trotting toward the library, she glanced to Spike, burning passion in her eyes. “Couldn’t you have just asked the princesses?” Spike’s question halted Twilight in her tracks, and she face-hoofed. “Of course, I forgot! I’ll ask them at dinner then. There won’t be anypony else around after all.” Twilight began walking briskly again, Spike rolled his eyes as he quickly caught up. “If you say so Twilight.” How many questions?It is always difficult to tell a Changeling from the original. Changelings copy the person completely, some even believe they take the memories of the pony they copy. “It can’t be a changeling then, it wasn’t an exact copy. But who is she then…” Twilight had quickly lost track of time amongst the books, and had yet to notice Spike had decided to take a nap while she was distracted. “There had gotta be a book here somewhere that will help me…” Twilight was having trouble determining what to search for. There were very few books on Alicorns and how they came to be, none on doppelgangers that weren’t Changelings, and nothing on finding your double. “Need a hand finding something?” Twilight glanced around her, looking for the voice only to realise it was coming from the other side of the shelf. “Actually, I would love some help. Are you the custodian?” Twilight suspected it was the case, but it would be polite to ask anyhow. “Yeah, so what is it you’re looking for?” Twilight heard the mare walking toward the edge of the row, and followed on her side. They would meet at the end. “Well mainly about doppelgangers. I’ve checked the Changeling books but I don’t think that is what I’m dealing with, as it wasn’t an exact duplicate.” Twilight turned the corner, and blinked as the mare turned the corner and met her eyes. “Well we have one book that might help you, but it is very old. Follow me and I will fetch it for you.” Twilight watched as the purple Alicorn, the very one she had been trying to find information about, turned and headed toward the sectioned off bit of the archive. It was a place even she had been forbidden from. Following the mare meekly, Twilight tried to gather her thoughts past the point that it was her, and shook her head rapidly. Her confusion was evident, and the words of the princess echoed in her mind. Her doppelganger was the new custodian? “Why are you here? What’s your connection to the princess? Why did you send that bomb? What is it you want? Who are you?” Questions began spilling from her mouth, all of which the mare typically ignored, or for the most part. “Did it never occur to you I have a life of my own? I need to earn a living myself after all.” Twilight saw her open the door and levitate a book outside of the room before placing the protection seal on it once more. She had always wondered why it was so strong, and had always assumed it was the princess that had locked it. The mare placed the book on the table with a loud thump. “Why are you able to open the door? How do you know the princesses, answer me!” Twilight stomped the ground, frustrated and annoyed the mare that kept popping up in her life, and had tried to kill her, wouldn’t give her any answers. The mare turned, and regarded her, she flinched and took a step back. “I will make you a deal, Twilight. Each time you survive an attempt against your life, I will answer one question. Since you a have already survived one, ask one question and I will answer.” Twilight frowned, her mind going blank, emotions awhirl. She wanted to get answers, but the mare also suggested there would be more attempts on her life, which was not good. It was so frustrating, the mare was not even holding a threatening stance and Twilight could feel how powerful she was. Twilight had her first question already, but by asking it she agreed to the system and wouldn’t be able to ask all the questions she wanted. She sighed, she really had no choice. “I will keep my first question simple then. Who are you?” Twilight wanted this answered first and foremost. It would give her something to grasp on this mare. The mare paused to look out a nearby window, and chuckled. “I don’t really have a name, however I once pretended to be a great mare that came far before your time. However that is not me, and I guess I should give you something to call me by, if only in scorn.” Twilight watched the mare ponder this, wondering just who this mare was. And why did she not have a name? “Just call me Void, it’ll do.” The mare turned back to gaze at Twilight, who felt insanely frustrated. She had been hoping for more information than just a name. She would have to think of better questions. She picked up the book, and glared at the mare. “You can be as cryptic as you like, but I will find out who you are one way or another.” Twilight turned and stomped away, joining Spike at a table. The mare returned to work, sorting through all the old books and catching a page here or there of one she was reading. Twilight ignored this, and instead focused on the book she had been given. “Reincarnation…Really…” Her scepticism was vapid, and she almost considered tossing the book away. However, she glanced toward the mare, Void, and frowned. The fact the mare had grabbed it from the sealed area that she had never been in before, and the fact she had given it to Twilight in the first place, pricked at her mind. Sighing, she opened the first page and began to read. “There are tales of mares and colts who have lived very long, way past the normal lifespan of a pony. Such ponies, commonly Alicorns, have often seen these but rarely commented on them. Even now, I barely have a scrap of the details they would know about this. I will try to make it as simple as I can, but please forgive me if I got off on a linguistic tangent. “Reincarnation’s are basically you, but a second you. They are born shortly after you die, however in certain cases where a pony lives longer than normal, there is a chance their reincarnation will be born while they are still alive, even though it is rare. “They normally differ in appearance, however in cases of strong bloodlines, such as someone with a strong magical or spiritual connection, it is possible for complete reincarnation’s to occur. I do not have any way to test the rarity of this, but I will assume it is fairly rare. The bloodline would gradually grow weaker with time, theoretically. And a weaker bloodline means less traits would be passed on. “When I say bloodline, I do not mean familial, it is unlikely they will be born to the same family. However, unlikely does not mean impossible. I have one possible occurrence of this happening, but no real proof, as they share some traits but not all. “There are also rumour that ponies that live ‘longer than they are supposed to’ can throw of the next reincarnation. This is my theory as to why it is possible to have two reincarnations alive at the same point. My theory is the longer the first one lives, the longer the time will be throw off. For example, someone who would be the reincarnation of someone like an Alicorn, who are granted long lifespan, could very well appear decades, even centuries, into the future.” Twilight closed the book and gave a sigh, rubbing her temples. As much as she wanted to call this rubbish, there was living proof sitting in the same room as her. She wondered how long her ancestor had been alive for, she didn’t look very old. Twilight was sure she was a lot older than she looked, but by how much? Twilight log 50. Last entry.There was a time I walked a barren wasteland. My only friend was the air that kept me alive, and the magic that enabled me to gather sustenance from spike-like formations. However, a little journal led me to what I still believe was my tomb. I cast a spell, forsaking my own life to bring back the world the dead remembered. And yet, I apparently survived. Not only that, but five ponies explained to me the events that led to such measures. It was heaven, I wasn’t alone. However, they soon told me the truth. All I had done was temporarily postpone the destruction of the world. This was only the first step in saving the world, a way to buy time until the chosen one was born. And so we waited. I would be lying to say the time I spent with them was not some of my most fondest memories. Even now, I still can’t shake off the feeling this is death. But even so, if the truth is I died once long ago, it is the past and nothing more. So time went by over there, it became harder and harder to survive. The older ponies, the two born with wings and a horn, spoke of repeating the strategy from before. However, we all knew the world would not survive a second resurgence, no matter how much we tried. And then finally, she was born. She who would perish to save the world. Even now, my heart aches from the pain I am about to inflict. I only hope she forgives me, but I doubt she ever will. I never have had a name, but at one time I liked to imagine myself as Twilight Sparkle. It wasn’t true back then, and it isn’t true today. My image may be the same as her, but I could never acquire the raw talent she possesses. Whatever comes with the weeks ahead, there will be one less purple mare in the world. And it won’t be me.
The WarningLeaping out of bed, she gazed wildly around the room, breath coming in gasps. Combing her furniture for any signs of darkness, she realised nothing was amiss and relaxed slightly. The nightmares were becoming more frequent. It was hard not to keep hold of one’s sanity during one. “Hey Twilight, hurry up! The princess is coming to meet you today for your magic exam!” Turning to gaze at her door, her breathing relaxed at the voice of her best friend and assistant. “Coming Spike!” Getting out of bed, she quickly sent her magic to open the curtains, letting more light into the room. Gazing around, she wondered what it would be like living in a library. It would mean less trips to the local one she was sure. Giving a contented smile, she opened her door and head down the stairs, gazing at the small corridor where all the rooms met. There were tales of a great mare who once lived in a tree, Twilight hoped to be as great as she was. Her name had been lost to time however, but Twilight imagined it was something like ‘Trixie’ or ‘Magicalinnny’ or something more magical. Her house was white inside and out, though her garden did bring some colour to the house. Spike always made sure to put flowers in every room, and she was glad he did. It certainly made the house much brighter than when they hadn’t been there. Walking into the dining room, she took a seat at the table as Spike brought breakfast in. Sharing a smile, she took in his appearance. His green mane and tail were messy, he hadn’t brushed yet today. His purple fur was still messed up due to his haphazard sleeping schedule. In fact, to her immense amusement they almost looked like scales today. His green eyes were half closed, and his horn was having trouble keeping the plates steady due to his own lack of concentration. “You know you don’t have to get up early every morning you know. I am perfectly capable of getting out of bed without you shouting my door down.” Twilight took the plates from the sleepy colt, placing them down while he turned to go and get the drinks. She began eating with gusto. “How many times have I heard that one? And how many times has it turned out to be true?” Spike sat down at the table, pouring both their drinks before digging into his own food. “Once…You’ve made your point.” Twilight would never admit it, but she relied on Spike’s amazing sense of time. He may be a grouchy person at this time of the day, but each morning he would wake her up without fail. He was like a brother to her. The doorbell rang as they finished their breakfast, and Spike carried the plates back into the kitchen to wash them. Heading toward the door, Twilight opened it and glanced outside to greet her guest. “Hello, can I help y-,“ gasping in shock, Twilight’s eyes widened and she took a step back. It was a princess, but it wasn’t the one she had been expecting. This mare was almost completely identical to Twilight, except for one thing. “Twilight, is that correct?” The mare flared her wings, grabbing something from her saddlebags. Twilight nodded mutely, confounded by this turn of events. The mare looked much older than she was, but there was no doubting that signature style and star cutie mark. “You’re me!” Twilight stuttered the words out, mute shock plastered on her face. The mare glanced up from her bag, and locked eyes with Twilight. Twilight nearly flinched at the coldness in them. A parcel was thrust into her hooves, the mare stepping back. “I know. Open that once I’ve left. Goodbye.” And with those parting words, the mare simply walked away, pulling a cloak over her body to hide her face and cutie mark. Numbly, Twilight closed the door and walked back to the table. “Was that the princess?” Spike’s voice from the kitchen snapped Twilight out of her bubble, and she shook her head. “I think so. She gave me a package to open, let me see what’s inside,” she replied. Hearing the sounds of scrubbing from the kitchen, Twilight quickly began to unwrap the package. Inside was a simple box. Twilight frowned, and opened the box and pulled out the only thing inside. It was some sort of magical rune card, one that described a- “SPIKE GET DOWN!” The mare walked along the street, not even bothering to glance back at the house. After she had been walking for a minute or so, she turned around as the sound of an explosion ripped through the air. The house she had just visited had exploded into flames, she turned back around and continued walking. This was the warning. Eyes flickering open, Twilight winced as pain laced through her body. Glancing to her leg, she saw it was turned the wrong way, and probably broken. Glancing toward the kitchen, she saw the roof barely holding up and the body of her assistant nestled inside, unconscious. Her eyes widened as the roof suddenly collapsed, and grunted as, out of instinct, she grabbed the rubble and protected Spike from the falling roof by placing it beside him. “Spppiike…,” she muttered, darkness closing in. Everything was growing dark, soon she would lose consciousness. “Somepony call a hospital!” Was that Spike’s voice? She couldn’t tell. She was so…tired…
RecoveryEyes opening, Twilight groaned as a dull pain laced through her body. Memories flew past her eyes, catching up to the present and she glanced around the room, noticing it was a hospital ward. A dull sound came from her left, and she turned her head to see her assistant’s face. “Spike…I’m glad you’re safe. What happened after the explosion?” Her voice so weak, even to her own ears. Seeing Spike’s mouth moving, but not hearing any sound she groaned. “I can’t hear you…” Spike seemed troubled by her words, but one of the doctors approached and said something that seemed to reassure him. Feeling the edge of darkness approach once more, Twilight closed her eyes. Twilight was walking through a vast desert, she couldn’t remember how she got here but she knew it didn’t matter. Each step was slow and methodical, purposeless. Occasionally she would see some sort of object in the distance, but she could never quite look at them for some reason. It was almost as if she was a passenger, and not in control. Concentrating, she realised it was true. It was almost as if somepony exactly like her, but not her, was controlling the body. Realising she could read this pony’s thoughts, she suddenly felt the crushing loneliness and weary ache that rolled over the body. If she had been in control, she would have probably cried. This was a mare who had no reason to live, and yet forced herself to continue. A sigh escaped her lips, and for a brief moment the desire to just collapse filled her entire being. The mare couldn’t live like this a moment longer. She was close to simply falling, and sleeping forever. She stopped walking, standing in place as the desire to give in crushed the little resistance the mare had left, and she fell. Twilight felt all this, and frowned. Gritting her teeth she pushed against the consciousness, the wall she could feel and tried to help the mare. She had to get up. If she lived there was a chance! There was always a chance! But not if she let herself die! The mare sighed once more in response, and stood up. It seemed she had heard Twilight, for she began walking again. There was one more thing she felt as she began to fall unconscious. The mare was holding onto reality with a scrap of hope. Without that hope, that mare would easily fall and simply die where she landed. Twilight hoped the mare found something more to cling to. She had only been there for a few minutes, but she could tell how lonely it would be, all alone with nothing to live for. It’s a pity she would never learn the mare’s face. “Welcome back Twilight, I was starting to get worried.” Opening her eyes, Twilight was greeted by the face of Spike leaning over, face beaming with a smile. Twilight reached out and pushed his face out of her view. “Come on Spike, I wouldn’t die that easily.” Sitting up she saw she was still in the hospital. The doctor was currently moving a machine out of her room. “Oh good, you can hear me,” sighed Spike. Twilight vaguely remembered she hadn’t been able to hear the last time she had woken up. Turning to face Spike, she gave him a big hug. “Yes, and I’m glad to see you’re still alive too Spike. What happened after I blacked out?” After a few moments, Twilight removed herself from the hug, and awaited Spike’s answer. “Well, I woke up and the building was on fire, but it was already burning out. Somehow the roof had collapsed and hadn’t hit me, so other than a few bruises I was ok to move. I found you passed out with your leg facing the wrong way and saw someone run into the building to find us. I think I was gasping for breath, or coughing from the smoke. I told him to get the hospital, and he dashed away and I carried you out. When I got outside a few ponies came and helped me get you a good distance away. After that emergency ponies arrived and got the blaze under control and took us to the hospital.” Twilight nodded, absorbing the information. She had a few more questions, but she doubted Spike had an answer. Why had that princess looked exactly like her? And why did she try to kill Twilight? Was it a changeling? But from what Twilight knew changelings had died out long ago, they were mere myth. But it was the only logical answer. “Thinking about who booby trapped the package huh?” Flinching at Spike’s words, Twilight turned and smiled apologetically. “I remember you said ‘you thought’ it was the princess. What did you mean?” Spike wanted answers too, Twilight didn’t blame him. “Well it was an Alicorn, and being an Alicorn means you’re a princess right? However…,” she trailed off, frowning in confusion. “This Alicorn looked exactly like me except much older.” Hearing Spike’s intake of breath, she turned in shock. He quickly recovered, but Twilight could tell he was hiding something. “I-I see, that’s very confusing.” Spike’s answer left much to explain, but she let it go for the moment. Turning so her back legs hung off the bed, she glanced to the door. “So when are we allowed to leave?” The sooner they were out, the sooner she could dig for clues. “Well as soon as you are awake, you healed up quite some time ago.” Nodding as Spike spoke, she carefully got off her bed, testing her legs. Spike was right, she felt fit as a fiddle. “Alright, lets go back to the house and see what we can salvage, and then head to a friend’s house to spend the night.” As Twilight walked toward the door, Spike followed behind. He glanced toward the window, eyes narrowing for a brief moment. Following Twilight out the door, they headed toward their old home. “I am not cleaning that up.” Spike remarked as they looked upon the charred remains.
ChariotTwilight would always remember the day, two days after her house had been burned down, that she met that mare for the second time. Spike had quickly made himself busy around their friends house, doing all sorts of chores. Twilight continued searching for any open houses for which to purchase with what bits they had. It wasn’t going so well. “Hey Twilight, I’ve got a letter for you.” Raising her head, Twilight took the letter from her friend and frowned at it. “Uh, thanks,” she replied, taking the letter and cautiously opening it up. The only ponies that knew she were here should have been the locals and the princess herself. Reading the letter, Twilight beamed. The princess wanted her to return to Canterlot and live at the castle until she found a new residence. “Spike, take a note.” Turning her head to see Spike glaring out the window, she frowned. “Spike?” Blinking, he jerked back and turned to face her, and then turned away to hid his embarrassment. “Uhh, sorry Twilight I was thinking. Ready when you are.” Levitating over a quill and some parchment, Spike prepared to write the letter. “Just tell the princess I would be honoured to take up her offer, if she would be kind enough to send somepony to pick us up.” Twilight nodded, satisfied she hadn’t forgot anything. Spike sealed the parchment up in a neat roll, and cast a spell which made it burst into bright green flames. “Alright, we should receive a reply in-“ he cut himself off as his horn activated, and the flames returned the reply. Spike read it out, “a chariot is on the way, it should arrive in.” Spike paused, glancing outside as a chariot landed gracefully. “Now,” he finished, frowning. Twilight was pleasantly surprised to see it here already, but she was ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Saying goodbye to her friend, and giving her gratitude, she prepared to leave, hopping onto the chariot. The two Pegasi flared their wings, and took to the sky. “So Spike, what do you want to do once we arrive and finish greeting the princess?” Twilight saw his gaze cloud over, and his mouth begin to water. “Alll youuu cannn eeat...,” he purred. She chuckled, watching Canterlot city come into view. From this high up, she could see much of the land, and how little water was visible. Even the green seemed slightly off on the trees. Not that Twilight considered this anything but normal. All she saw was the same land she had grown up in. Someone landed in the carriage, the Pegasi didn’t even flinch. Twilight turned to see who it was, and a chill went up her spine. “It’s you, the other me!” Twilight watched as the mare closed her wings, standing opposite to her and Spike, and gazed coldly at them. Spike turned around rapidly, and growled in response. “You will not harm a hair on Twilight’s head!” Spike pulled Twilight behind him, standing between her and the mare. The mare said nothing, glancing them over. Twilight could sense she was being judged, and peeked out from behind Spike and frowned. “Who are you? Why did you give me that package? Why do you look like me?!” Twilight’s questions went unanswered as the mare simply sat down and gazed toward the city. Spike growled, horn glowing with a spell to put up a quick shield in case of attack from the Alicorn. “The land is dying,” said the mare, causing the two to flinch in confusion. Twilight didn’t understand, not only had her questions been ignored, but the mare was talking nonsense. “Equestria looks fine to me,” she replied, receiving a nod from Spike in agreement. The mare didn’t even move. “Once upon a time, there was a great mare who excelled at magic.” Twilight frowned, glancing to spike at the mare’s words. He frowned, but the spell he had charged vanished and he sat back down. “Doesn’t look like she’s here to hurt us, this time,” he muttered to Twilight, eyes narrowed suspiciously. Twilight followed Spike’s lead, sitting down also and looking to the mare. Even with her eyes looking ahead, there was no hiding the coldness in them. “This mare was so attuned to magic, that by the time she was close to death she was able to realise something no other pony had, princess or otherwise.” Listening closely, something clicked in Twilight’s head. This sounded familiar. “Her best friends had already succumbed to old age, and she would soon follow, but not before she would begin hatching plans that would end in the destruction of the world, but at the same time saving it.” This story, it sounded so familiar, like she had heard it before. Twilight was feeling a little lightheaded. “With the plans set up, and the immortal princesses charged with making sure the plans went through, she died.” The feeling of familiarity was growing stronger. “The plan began, the world died, and a few ponies managed to live on the scraps leftover. Five reincarnated, led to the promised place, and died where they stood one by one.” Why was the sky moving, the world was spinning around Twilight. Spike had yet to notice, eyes firmly on the mare. “Finally, the sixth came, and cast the spell that would revive the world, and the five, at the cost of her life. She died.” The mare paused for a moment, glancing away from the city and toward Twilight, who was sweating. “No, she lived,” spoke Twilight suddenly, to the surprise of both herself and Spike. Her breathing caught, and she held her head as a wave of pain laced through her head. “But, she should have died.” Spike was holding her steady now, Twilight’s breath coming in gasps. She couldn’t see anything anymore, it was all a blur. “That is right. She lived where she should have died. Just as the world now lives where it should be long gone.” The sound of wings flaring filled Twilight’s ears. Was the mare leaving? Everything was spinning with colours, she couldn't make anthing out. “But that is all the past, what you really must know is what happens in the future.” Spike’s voice called from far away, Twilight heard the voice of the mare grow fainter, and the blurry world gave way to darkness.
NightmaresTwilight’s eyes flared open, and she sat up in one movement, gasping for breath. For a few moments she wasn’t even aware of where she was, let alone the fact it wasn’t the chariot. As her breathing calmed down, she stood up and gazed around. She was in some kind of forest, and right in front of her was a large concrete platform. An explosion ripped through the air, causing her hair to blow in the shockwave. A bright light flashed from the platform, and two forms became visible. Blinking the dust from her eyes, she couldn’t see who they were very well, and debated getting closer. As another explosion ripped through the air, she decided to take the risk. Stepping onto the edge of the large platform, she gazed at the two forms before her, one at each end of the large stage. Her eyes widened as she realised the one on the left was herself, or another doppelganger of her exact age. To the right was the Alicorn, eyes full of rage and fury. The mare charged up a spell, Twilight winced at the power emanating from it. Even from this distance she could feel the power contained in that horn. Her doppelganger charged up a similar spell, but it was much weaker. As much as she hated to admit it, her doppelganger was seriously outclassed. They roared, aimed, and fired the spells. They clashed together, creating another explosion. As the dust cleared, the two were already charging up another spell. However Twilight could see new injuries on both parties. The Alicorn had two bleeding wings, hanging limply, and a large gash down her neck. Twilight’s doppelganger was barely standing, and it was hard to see a part of her not covered in blood. The spells hit once more, and she closed her eyes as it flashed even brighter then before. Opening her eyes after, she barely had time to widen them as a form crashed through her. For a brief moment she was standing in the body of her doppelganger, before suddenly she became her doppelganger. Twilight was in so much pain, emotional and physical and she was barely clinging to life. She was being held down by the Alicorn, the cold malice and fury aimed directly at her. Most shockingly though, were the tears running down the mare’s face, and hitting Twilight’s. “I want to live!” Twilight jerked into an upright position once more, gasping for breath as the nightmare grasped at her consciousness. Her eyes flickered wildly around the room, before she relaxed to see she was alone. Glancing to her right, a small shaky smile flittered onto her face. Well almost. “Are you alright Twilight?” It was Spike of course, and he looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. Feeling the edges of the nightmare still clinging to her, she leapt out of the bed and into Spike’s arms, and began to cry. “I’m ok Spike. I’m ok,” she repeated over and over. Spike could only hold her, shocked and concerned by how much the nightmare had affected her this time. “They’re getting worse aren’t they?” Twilight nodded at his question, a sob escaping her mouth. It had been worse this time, so much worse. All of them had been pale in comparison to this one, she never wanted to go through that again. Eventually, she managed to calm down enough that the tears dried up, and she stepped out of Spike’s embrace. Locking eyes, she saw his worry and concern, and could only give a shaky smile as reassurance. It was time to change the topic. “Where are we Spike?” Twilight glanced around the familiar room, still a little muddled by sleep. “We’re in Canterlot, I suggested we get you to your room to rest. That reminds me, the princess wants to see you when you wake up.” Spike began making her bed, hovering a cup of water near her head. Taking it in her magic, Twilight sipped it gratefully. “Well ok, lets head down and see her immediately then. It would be rude to keep her waiting.” Twilight finished the cup of water and left it on the table, heading for the door. Spike followed behind quickly, closing the door behind them. They headed down the corridor to the throne room, silently occupied with their own thoughts. The door opened by the guards, the entered and headed up the carpet to meet the princess. “Hello Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I’m sorry about the state I arrived in.” Twilight and Spike bowed before the two, who stopped signing the paperwork and stood up. Walking away from the throne’s, they both shared a smile at seeing Twilight once more, she smiled at them in turn, straightening up. “Hello Twilight,” they said together. Hearing their voices always set Twilight at ease. Their infinite calm and ability to never be flustered always made her feel proud to be so close to them. “Thanks for letting me stay here while I find a new house to live in. The market in that town is fierce.” Celestia nodded in response, glancing to her sister as their paperwork was casually shoved into their faces. “Stay as long as you like Twilight, and feel free to use the library as you wish. We had to hire a new custodian after you left, but I’m sure if you two ever meet you will feel right at home. However we really must get back to the paperwork. It was a pleasure seeing you, we will call you for dinner in a few hours.” Twilight bowed once more, and she and Spike quickly excused themselves. Walking down the corridor, she made a beeline for the library. Spike groaned, “not even an hour’s break?” He shook his head, trying to hide his smile. He knew Twilight too well. And so did the two princesses. Normally that library was of limits, full of old archives from a time long past. Of course, that hadn’t stopped a certain small filly from sneaking in. The permission was merely a formality. “I’m sorry Spike, but I need to see what I can find out about this Alicorn.” Trotting toward the library, she glanced to Spike, burning passion in her eyes. “Couldn’t you have just asked the princesses?” Spike’s question halted Twilight in her tracks, and she face-hoofed. “Of course, I forgot! I’ll ask them at dinner then. There won’t be anypony else around after all.” Twilight began walking briskly again, Spike rolled his eyes as he quickly caught up. “If you say so Twilight.”
How many questions?It is always difficult to tell a Changeling from the original. Changelings copy the person completely, some even believe they take the memories of the pony they copy. “It can’t be a changeling then, it wasn’t an exact copy. But who is she then…” Twilight had quickly lost track of time amongst the books, and had yet to notice Spike had decided to take a nap while she was distracted. “There had gotta be a book here somewhere that will help me…” Twilight was having trouble determining what to search for. There were very few books on Alicorns and how they came to be, none on doppelgangers that weren’t Changelings, and nothing on finding your double. “Need a hand finding something?” Twilight glanced around her, looking for the voice only to realise it was coming from the other side of the shelf. “Actually, I would love some help. Are you the custodian?” Twilight suspected it was the case, but it would be polite to ask anyhow. “Yeah, so what is it you’re looking for?” Twilight heard the mare walking toward the edge of the row, and followed on her side. They would meet at the end. “Well mainly about doppelgangers. I’ve checked the Changeling books but I don’t think that is what I’m dealing with, as it wasn’t an exact duplicate.” Twilight turned the corner, and blinked as the mare turned the corner and met her eyes. “Well we have one book that might help you, but it is very old. Follow me and I will fetch it for you.” Twilight watched as the purple Alicorn, the very one she had been trying to find information about, turned and headed toward the sectioned off bit of the archive. It was a place even she had been forbidden from. Following the mare meekly, Twilight tried to gather her thoughts past the point that it was her, and shook her head rapidly. Her confusion was evident, and the words of the princess echoed in her mind. Her doppelganger was the new custodian? “Why are you here? What’s your connection to the princess? Why did you send that bomb? What is it you want? Who are you?” Questions began spilling from her mouth, all of which the mare typically ignored, or for the most part. “Did it never occur to you I have a life of my own? I need to earn a living myself after all.” Twilight saw her open the door and levitate a book outside of the room before placing the protection seal on it once more. She had always wondered why it was so strong, and had always assumed it was the princess that had locked it. The mare placed the book on the table with a loud thump. “Why are you able to open the door? How do you know the princesses, answer me!” Twilight stomped the ground, frustrated and annoyed the mare that kept popping up in her life, and had tried to kill her, wouldn’t give her any answers. The mare turned, and regarded her, she flinched and took a step back. “I will make you a deal, Twilight. Each time you survive an attempt against your life, I will answer one question. Since you a have already survived one, ask one question and I will answer.” Twilight frowned, her mind going blank, emotions awhirl. She wanted to get answers, but the mare also suggested there would be more attempts on her life, which was not good. It was so frustrating, the mare was not even holding a threatening stance and Twilight could feel how powerful she was. Twilight had her first question already, but by asking it she agreed to the system and wouldn’t be able to ask all the questions she wanted. She sighed, she really had no choice. “I will keep my first question simple then. Who are you?” Twilight wanted this answered first and foremost. It would give her something to grasp on this mare. The mare paused to look out a nearby window, and chuckled. “I don’t really have a name, however I once pretended to be a great mare that came far before your time. However that is not me, and I guess I should give you something to call me by, if only in scorn.” Twilight watched the mare ponder this, wondering just who this mare was. And why did she not have a name? “Just call me Void, it’ll do.” The mare turned back to gaze at Twilight, who felt insanely frustrated. She had been hoping for more information than just a name. She would have to think of better questions. She picked up the book, and glared at the mare. “You can be as cryptic as you like, but I will find out who you are one way or another.” Twilight turned and stomped away, joining Spike at a table. The mare returned to work, sorting through all the old books and catching a page here or there of one she was reading. Twilight ignored this, and instead focused on the book she had been given. “Reincarnation…Really…” Her scepticism was vapid, and she almost considered tossing the book away. However, she glanced toward the mare, Void, and frowned. The fact the mare had grabbed it from the sealed area that she had never been in before, and the fact she had given it to Twilight in the first place, pricked at her mind. Sighing, she opened the first page and began to read. “There are tales of mares and colts who have lived very long, way past the normal lifespan of a pony. Such ponies, commonly Alicorns, have often seen these but rarely commented on them. Even now, I barely have a scrap of the details they would know about this. I will try to make it as simple as I can, but please forgive me if I got off on a linguistic tangent. “Reincarnation’s are basically you, but a second you. They are born shortly after you die, however in certain cases where a pony lives longer than normal, there is a chance their reincarnation will be born while they are still alive, even though it is rare. “They normally differ in appearance, however in cases of strong bloodlines, such as someone with a strong magical or spiritual connection, it is possible for complete reincarnation’s to occur. I do not have any way to test the rarity of this, but I will assume it is fairly rare. The bloodline would gradually grow weaker with time, theoretically. And a weaker bloodline means less traits would be passed on. “When I say bloodline, I do not mean familial, it is unlikely they will be born to the same family. However, unlikely does not mean impossible. I have one possible occurrence of this happening, but no real proof, as they share some traits but not all. “There are also rumour that ponies that live ‘longer than they are supposed to’ can throw of the next reincarnation. This is my theory as to why it is possible to have two reincarnations alive at the same point. My theory is the longer the first one lives, the longer the time will be throw off. For example, someone who would be the reincarnation of someone like an Alicorn, who are granted long lifespan, could very well appear decades, even centuries, into the future.” Twilight closed the book and gave a sigh, rubbing her temples. As much as she wanted to call this rubbish, there was living proof sitting in the same room as her. She wondered how long her ancestor had been alive for, she didn’t look very old. Twilight was sure she was a lot older than she looked, but by how much?
Twilight log 50. Last entry.There was a time I walked a barren wasteland. My only friend was the air that kept me alive, and the magic that enabled me to gather sustenance from spike-like formations. However, a little journal led me to what I still believe was my tomb. I cast a spell, forsaking my own life to bring back the world the dead remembered. And yet, I apparently survived. Not only that, but five ponies explained to me the events that led to such measures. It was heaven, I wasn’t alone. However, they soon told me the truth. All I had done was temporarily postpone the destruction of the world. This was only the first step in saving the world, a way to buy time until the chosen one was born. And so we waited. I would be lying to say the time I spent with them was not some of my most fondest memories. Even now, I still can’t shake off the feeling this is death. But even so, if the truth is I died once long ago, it is the past and nothing more. So time went by over there, it became harder and harder to survive. The older ponies, the two born with wings and a horn, spoke of repeating the strategy from before. However, we all knew the world would not survive a second resurgence, no matter how much we tried. And then finally, she was born. She who would perish to save the world. Even now, my heart aches from the pain I am about to inflict. I only hope she forgives me, but I doubt she ever will. I never have had a name, but at one time I liked to imagine myself as Twilight Sparkle. It wasn’t true back then, and it isn’t true today. My image may be the same as her, but I could never acquire the raw talent she possesses. Whatever comes with the weeks ahead, there will be one less purple mare in the world. And it won’t be me.
