My Little Pony: A Stitch in Time

Chapter 2

Twilight and the others arrived at Canterlot as quickly as they could by Twilight’s balloon. Once inside the castle, they found Princess Celestia and Luna waiting for them. “I’m glad you’re here,” Celestia said. “We don’t have much time on our hooves.”

“What’s going on? What happened?” Twilight asked.

Celestia sighed sadly. “Something I should have seen earlier. You see, because of Tirek’s doing, there was a short period of time where there was a magical imbalance.”

“Ooh ooh! Because he had all the magic and nopony else did?” Pinkie asked.

“That is correct, and because of this, we now have a new problem,” Luna said as she levitated over a book, one that Twilight and the others have seen before.

“Long ago,” Celestia began. “There were a group of unicorns who excelled in dark magic, or as some would call it the dark arts. They were known as the ‘Dark Interlopers.’ Because of their magic, many feared conflict would arise and certainly it did. They caused panic and chaos throughout Equestria to the point where Luna and I had no choice to intervene. Because they would not heed our demands, we had no choice but to banish them, permanently, to another dimension.”

“This gateway to the other dimension had been sealed with powerful magic, a seal that has slowly been fading over the centuries but because of this imbalance has been weakened even more,” Luna added. “It may only be hours before the seal breaks.”

“And then what happens?” Applejack asked.

Both Celestia and Luna looked at each other. “We don’t know,” Celestia replied. “And that is why we must be prepared for anything. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are already fortifying their defenses at the Crystal Empire as are we.”

“But… maybe they’ve changed since being sealed away?” Fluttershy suggested.

Luna looked skeptical. “It’s possible, but then again they’ve had plenty of time to plan out and enact their revenge.”

“And what of the other cities?” Twilight asked.

“We have done all we can, but I know for sure if there’s one place they will come to, it will be Canterlot,” Celestia replied. “Of course, I believe the Elements of Harmony could be of help as well.”

“We’ll do whatever we can, right girls?” Twilight asked. All of them nodded.

“Uh, so what am I supposed to do?” Spike asked.

Celestia smiled. “Have you forgotten Spike? You are our genuine messenger to the Empire.”

“Oh… right,” Spike said, chuckling slightly.

Suddenly, one of the guards entered the throne room and bowed low to both princesses. “Your highness, something is approaching from just outside the city limits.”

As they all went to the balcony and looked out, Celestia could see dark clouds forming on the horizon. She then sighed. “It would appear that we are indeed out of time. If they wish to attack, then we must defend Canterlot at all costs.” She looked to Luna and both nodded as their horns glowed. Soon, Canterlot was enveloped by a shield sphere, similar to the one Shining Armor cast during his wedding.

“What do you need us to do?” Twilight asked.

“For now, we wait,” Celestia replied. “It is up to them to make the first move and depending on what is will determine what we do next.”

As they waited, not a sound could be heard. Minutes passed by and nothing. “Okay, I know I can handle waiting for the sun to rise, but this is just ridiculous…” Applejack whispered.

“Tell me about it…” Rainbow agreed.

“Shh!” Rarity reprimanded them both.

Twilight looked around, noticing all the guards at their posts but nothing seemed to be happening. “Something should have happened by now.”

Celestia didn’t seem so sure. “Perhaps, or they’re lying in wait of something…”

“Ooh, very perceptive of you Celestia…” They all turned around and saw what looked like a pony fading into the castle. The mare was being flanked by two guards who shared the same coloring. “It seems that the years have made you all the wiser…”

“And I would assume that you’re their leader?” Celestia asked.

“Indeed, but where are my manners, I haven’t even introduced myself yet,” the mare said, bowing slightly. “I am Queen Traya, a name you will all come to know in a short time.”

“So the Interlopers have established a monarchy during their exile,” Luna said. “I can’t say that I’m surprised.”

“Ah yes Luna, I see the stories are indeed true, and your words are so cold,” Traya said.

“So now that you are free, what do you plan to do?” Celestia asked.

“A very good question, what should I do?” She looked to her guards who kept staring ahead. “I’ve had some time to think about it… I suppose the easy answer is either revenge or world domination because let’s be honest, who wouldn’t be upset about being exiled to another dimension for a thousand years?”

“Your ancestors decided their fate long ago, so if there is anypony to blame it is them,” Celestia countered.

It was then that Traya finally dropped the act. “Even so, our ancestors and those who came after had to start over. We had to provide for ourselves in a land that was not so giving. My kingdom that you mock is the reason we survived!”

“I do not doubt your words but I have my duty to do as well,” Celestia said, stepping forward. “And if you plan on exacting your revenge on my pupils then you will leave me no choice.” Her horn then glowed yellow as she prepared her attack.

But Traya hardly looked intimidated. “Time!” she then shouted. Suddenly, everything went still, because time had literally stopped. Traya shook her head. “And here I thought after all these years they would’ve learned a thing or two.” Her guards didn’t answer, even though they had not been affected by the spell. She then sighed. “Not much of talkers, are you?”

She went up to Celestia, who was still in the middle of her own spell. “Poor Celestia, and here I thought are meeting would be much more… exciting.” Suddenly, purple spikes appeared out of nowhere, pointed at Celestia. “But try as you might,” she added, walking away from her. “There’s no running from this pain… regret awaits.” She waved her hoof and time started moving again.

It was strange. One moment Celestia was preparing her spell, the next out of the corner of her eye, purple spikes closed in and struck. She had no time to protect herself as she was sent back and collapsed to the floor. “How… did this…?” And then she realized what Traya did and now she understood how she got past all her defenses.

“Sister!” Luna was already at her sister’s side, making sure she was alright. Traya then noticed somepony else had stepped forward.

“I don’t know what you did but you’re going to pay for hurting Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed.

For the first time that she noticed her, Traya seemed almost taken aback. “She’s almost as old as I am…at least by a few years…” It was also then she noticed the mare was also an alicorn, but she had never heard of this one. A smile crept on her face. “So, I see Celestia has added to her entourage. How sweet, but if I were you dear, I’d stay in your place. You don’t possess the powers that I do…”

“Yeah well she isn’t alone!” Rainbow Dash and the others got in front of Twilight, although Fluttershy was a bit reluctant. “We’ll all take you on!”

Traya found it odd that such ponies would be so willing to defend their ‘princess’, but as she looked closer, it finally clicked. “I see, I finally understand. So the Elements chose these girls? How pathetic. Well, I’m sorry to say I am in no mood to play.”

She then looked to Celestia and Luna. “Consider this a warning, princesses. You see, my warriors are already surrounding all of your major cities, Canterlot included. You can try to fight me all you want, but by doing so you will only cause the destruction of Equestria yourselves.”

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She then turned to Twilight. “As for you girls, I simply cannot have the Elements of Harmony standing in my way. But don’t worry, I won’t even have to lay a hoof on you all. No, I have a better idea instead.”

Suddenly, the six of them were floating in the air, being guided by Traya’s magic. “Twilight!” Spike shouted, the only one who wasn’t affected.

Five warps suddenly appeared behind them. “All I can say is safe journey for all and… well, I’m afraid we won’t be seeing each other again in this lifetime.” Then Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were sent screaming into the portals, soon closing once they disappeared.

“No!” Twilight shouted. She turned to Traya angrily. “What did you do to them!?”

“What, the farewell wasn’t clue enough?” Traya asked innocently. “Your friends are now scattered around the time spectrum. Whether they’re in the past or the future I do not know. What I do know, dear princess, is that I saved the best for you.” A portal then appeared on the ground below where Twilight was floating. “Where you’re going is known as the Void. The rules of time and matter do not exist in this place; it is only a place of loneliness and despair. Although, compared to your friends, I personally consider you the lucky one. Goodbye princess.”

Twilight felt Traya’s magic fading and she then fell into the darkness below her. But despite her cries, nothing and nopony could hear her now.

As Traya watched her go, she then turned to the two princesses that remained. “Now then,” she said pleasantly. “I believe this is the point where we begin negotiations…”