Rarity's Secretby YamiPuppyChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6PrologueChapter 1Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 2Things are going mostly to plan, but it turns out I need more time than I thought. I'll have to speed things up a bit... Rarity awoke to a minor headache. She rubbed the base of her horn, sighing. She pulled a diary out from under her bed. Carefully opening it, she looked for an entry that matched the current date. She frowned in annoyance, realizing how little she had written in the diary before she had gotten close to Rainbow Dash. Flipping through the rest of the entries, she stopped at one that was written on the day of the rebellion. That's only a few weeks from now. I guess I'll have to do a lot to keep things from going the wrong way. Rarity put the diary onto a pile of books from Twilight that had accumulated over the years. Twilight would be stopping by later that day to pick them up. Leaving her room, she went to her inspiration room. She pulled a roll of light blue fabric off one of the shelves. Laying it out in front of her, she thought of what to make. Remembering what was written in the diary, she decided to make something for Rainbow Dash. I know I didn't make this for her until next week, but now that I know what's coming... She had just finished laying out the pattern when the door to the boutique opened. "I'll be out to help you in a moment." she called, sticking a few pins into the fabric. "Rarity? It's me, Twilight. I need those books." Twilight called. "Darling, I forgot. Weren't you coming later for those?" Rarity replied, setting down her work and making her way to the entrance. "Yes I was, but something came up, and I think the answer may be in one of those books." Twilight explained Rarity lead Twilight to her room where the pile of books sat. "Darling, I doubt any book like that could've possibly ended up in my boutique." Rarity joked, showing her the books. "I've left a few books here studying..." Twilight replied, scanning the spines of the books. "Yes, here it is." Twilight pointed to a tome near the bottom on the pile. "How in Equestria did a pony as organized as you leave a tome like that in my house?" Rarity asked. "It was probably left here from the Gala. Remember that spell I used for the mice and the apple? That's where I learned it. With how crazy that night went, I probably forgot that I even had the thing." Twilight muttered distractedly. "Well... I'm off, can you bring the rest to the library later?" Twilight asked, taking the tome. "Sure." Rarity replied. Waiting for Twilight to leave, Rarity made her way back into her inspiration room. Making sure nopony was looking, she pulled a horn-shaped crystal out of small box emblazoned with her cutie mark. Muttering a spell under her breath, she closed her eyes. As the spell began to work, she felt her body slipping away. Once she lost all feeling except for the magic coursing through her, she began to travel. Her soul being gently tugged across space and time. The crystal she grasped in her magic began to gain opacity. The lines that were carefully notched into it gained definition and turned from a translucent white to a dark brown. Despite her eyes being closed, she saw a pony begin to focus in her vision. As she completed the spell, one last thought crossed her mind. I sure hope this works Aquilegias laid on her bed, not moving. The bandages carefully wrapped around her flank prevented her from doing so regardless of if she wanted to. She stared out the window, a lock of her mane falling into her face. Without thinking, she moved the purple hair away. It was all she had done for the past hour. Her sister had insisted that she stay here instead of go on the mission. Sighing, she scanned the sky for a flash of purple. Her sister wouldn't be hard to spot against the dull gray clouds that covered the sky. She laid her head back onto her hooves, wishing for some company. Why did Rarity have to go? I'd do anything to have her braid my mane again... Almost as if her thoughts had been answered, a figure slowly began to materialize in her room. "Rarity! It's been so long, how are you?" The translucent figure laid next to Aquilegias. "I'm fine, Aquilegi... how's your sister?" Rarity asked. She frowned at the sight of her hoof. Though she had become mostly transparent, she could still make out the scar on her hoof. "It's been awhile since I've seen that..." she muttered. "My sister is fine, Rarity. If you don't mind my asking... how far back did you go?" Aquilegias tugged the ribbon out of her mane, readying it for Rarity's styling. "I'm currently a few weeks before the rebellion starts." Rarity replied, dividing her friend's mane into three sections. "I need to ask you something though." "What is it?" "Do you remember how to make that protective fabric that we learned about in training?" Rarity finished weaving Aquilegias' mane into a braid, tying it off with the ribbon. Aquilegias stopped to think. "Yes, do you want me to show you?" "No thanks, I think I can access the memory on the crystal you gave me.” Rarity replied. She pulled the crystal out from behind her, showing it to Aquilegias. “Well, I’m off…” “Rarity, wait!” Aquilegias gasped as her friend began to fade. “I just saw my sister, she’s heading this way. Please wait for her to get back.” Rarity looked at her friend. “Okay, I guess I shouldn’t leave without braiding your tail at least.” Aquilegias grabbed a ribbon from her desk and handed it to Rarity. “Tell me a story while we’re waiting.” Aquilegias suggested. Rarity gave Aquilegias a thoughtful glance. "Okay, Aquilegi, pick a topic." "Okay... how about fashion? Also, you can still call me 'Quilegi', Rares." Aquilegias replied. "Wow, with every new nickname, your name gets shorter... first Aquilegi now it's just Quilegi..." Rarity smiled, finishing the braid. "Hey, why don't I teach you how to braid?" Aquilegias shook her head. “No, thanks, you braiding my mane and tail is kind of like a friendship thing…” “Friendship ‘thing’?” Rarity asked, combing knots out of Aquilegias’ tail. “Well… its a thing… You have always braided my mane and tail. Also, my sister has tried to teach me… it didn’t end very well.” Aquilegias smiled at Rarity. Rarity laughed, finishing the braid and securing it with a ribbon. “Anyway… you want me to tell you a story?” “Just talking is fine. Besides, my sister will be here soon, and I can imagine she’ll want to tell a story.” Aquilegias leaned into Rarity, happy to have the comfort of another pony again. Rarity wrapped a hoof around her friend, smiling. “Not a problem, Darling, it’s nice to see you again.” The moment was broken up when Aquilegias threw her friend off. Smiling playfully she glared at Rarity. “I told you not to call me ‘Darling’ it’s too formal!” “Am I interrupting anything?” “Sister!” Aquilegias carefully got off her bed, walking across the room to hug her sister. “Purpur! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you!” Rarity exclaimed. Purpur smiled at Rarity before closing the door to the balcony. Taking off her helmet, she sighed. “Goodness, I can’t stand how hot and uncomfortable that thing can be.” Purpur smiled, ruffling her mane. Rarity laughed. “What?” “Purpur, your mane looks like a purple porcupine when you ruffle it like that!” Rarity laughed. Purpur stuck out her tongue, tugging off her chestplate. “That’s better. The armor they issue us is so heavy… and it isn’t even customized a little. Mares and Stallions with the same armor. Stallions are always complaining about it being a bit tight, and ours is always chaffing.” Aquilegias laughed. Rarity smiled, hugging Purpur. “Well, dears, it’s been nice to see you, but I must head back to my time.” “Already?” Aquilegias moaned, giving her best puppy-face. “Yes dear. I’m sorry, but I’ll be back later, I promise.” Rarity waved her hoof. The two ponies in front of her faded away. Rarity woke up on her floor, her legs stiff. Slowly rising to her hooves, she rubbed the base of her horn. I forgot how much magic that spell took Shaking her head to clear it, she picked up the crystal. It was still glowing faintly from the spell. Rarity returned it the the box and hid it under a pile of fabric. Trotting back into her room, she laid on her bed. Noticing something on her desk, she saw a note. Rarity I ended up needed the rest of those books, so I came over with Spike to pick them up. -Twilight Rarity tossed the note into a trash can. Then, she realized something The Diary! Author's Note I'm still setting things up a bit, but I promise things will make sense by the end of the next chapter. Chapter 3Author's Note Before you read this chapter just a warning, it is a bit violent, and the ponies are a bit ooc. Also, I promise, things will begin to make sense next chapter. Chapter 3 I would never wish anything bad on a friend, but after seeing what will happen, I’m not sure if I have a choice… Twilight paced around the library, flipping through all the magic books laid out in front of her. She knew that the crystal had a magical lock, but it had a futuristic feel to it. It was unremarkable as far as she could tell. Sighing she looked through the pile of books she had gotten from the boutique. Something caught her eye on top of the stack. It was a small diary with a metallic cover. Twilight took the diary, examining it. Wondering if it had something to do with the crystal on Dash’s hoof, she tried to open it. Frowning Twilight noticed another magical lock. frustrated, Twilight used a special analyzing spell to see what could break the lock. She found it was sealed by an unfamiliar yet powerful magic. It was similar to the magical lock on the crystal attached to Rainbow’s hoof. For a moment, Twilight considered asking Rarity for help, but she almost immediately decided against it, knowing Rarity wasn’t capable of performing such advanced magic. Shaking her head, Twilight decided to take a break to clear her head. She walked upstairs to her room, flopping onto her bed. Ordering Spike to make her some tea, she rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. Ideas about the crystal whizzed around in her mind. She knew she had seen the crystal in a book somewhere, but she couldn’t find the entry. “Twilight, I brought your tea,” Spike called, carefully running up the stairs. “Thanks, Spike,” Twilight paused for a sip of tea, not caring that it burnt her mouth. “I’m worried about the crystal… it had an unusual aura of magic surrounding it.” “Well, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but maybe you should write the Princess.” Spike hopped onto Twilights bed. “That’s a good idea, Spike, thanks… but I want to check one more thing…” Twilight rose to her hooves, walking back down the stairs. So many thoughts were going through her head, she didn’t notice the book lying in the middle of the library. Tripping over it, she landed head first into a pile of books. Spike ran down the stairs after her. Helping her up, Spike guided her back towards the stairs. “Maybe you should rest for a while, or maybe get something to eat. I don’t want you losing your mind like last time. Besides, it’s not like it’s dark magic or anything…” Twilight perked up. “Dark magic? That may be it! It would explain how complicated the lock was!” Running back to her lab, she examined the lock on the crystal. It had traces of dark magic in it. “That’s it Spike!” Turning toward the diary, she realized Rarity could be in danger of being corrupted by the dark magic like when Spike had given her that ‘Inspiration Manifestation’ book. Almost as if on cue, Rarity burst into the library. “Twilight, in that pile of books you took from the boutique, was there a diary?” “Yes, but I’m going to have to keep it, there’s some sort of dark magic surrounding it, and I don’t want anything bad to happen.” Twilight replied, trotting out from her lab. “Twilight, I need that diary” Rarity explained. Her voice sounded a bit strained and a bit angry. “I’m sorry, Rarity, like I said, there’s dark magic surrounding it and-”Twilight repeated, but Rarity ignored her friend. Running up to her, she put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I need that diary! You must give it to me!” Gently pushing Twilight aside, Rarity began scanning the library. “Where is it?” Twilight rested her hoof on Rarity’s flank, trying to calm her. “Rarity, I’d love to give it to you, but it’s dangerous!” Rarity spun around to face Twilight. Glaring, she stood on her hind legs so she could look down on Twilight. She put one hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, the other pointed at Twilight’s face. “It is nothing dangerous, it is mine! It is nothing but mine, and you have to give it to me!” Rarity was beginning to shout, and as she spoke, she began to jab her hoof at her friend. “Rarity, it is dangerous! Please listen to me!” Twilight backed away from Rarity, feeling a bit intimidated. “Perhaps you’re thinking of a different diary…” Losing it, Rarity ran forward and tackled Twilight. Thrusting her face close, she screamed, “Give me the diary! Now!” Without thinking, Twilight threw Rarity off of her. Rarity didn’t seem bothered, and had jumped back to her hooves quickly. Twilight teleported to the top floor of the library. “Rarity! You’re insane!” Twilight wasn’t even thinking. “You’re insane!” Rarity frantically began searching for the diary, throwing books everywhere. She couldn’t have Twilight read the diary, or her entire plan would fall apart. Completely ignoring the fact that she was probably giving away too much information, Rarity flung a book at Twilight. “I’m trying to save Equestria!” She can’t possibly think she can single-hoofedly save Equestria! She needs the Elements to do anything substantial! Twilight, now angry, flung the book back. “How could you be so arrogant as to think you could save Equestria with a silly diary?” Twilight teleported the book to her, waving it mockingly in front of Rarity. “Come and get it!” Rarity bolted up the stairs. Grabbing the diary, she shoved Twilight into a book case. Twilight lifted herself off the ground. Furious, she threw Rarity into the bed, using the distraction as a moment to snatch the diary back. Twilight tackled Rarity, her horn glowing, ready to fire a sleeping spell at her if things got too out of hoof. Rarity rolled backwards off the bed, using her momentum, she kicked a hoof upward at Twilight, aiming for her horn. Twilight fell backward, her horn feeling oddly numb. She was too stunned to see Rarity jumping at her, tackling her into the ground again. Desperate, Twilight teleported to the lab, panting. To her surprise, Rarity had also teleported. Panicking, Twilight began throwing books. Rarity expertly dodged them and threw them back. Twilight quickly put up a force field. The diary forgotten, Rarity threw herself at Twilight. Readying a shield breaking spell, she broke through the force field and landed a blow on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight flinched, but otherwise ignored the blow. She threw Rarity off of her, but Rarity pulled the purple unicorn with her. Letting go mid-fall, Twilight’s momentum carried her across the room, into the table that held Rainbow Dash. Twilight’s wings received most of the blow. Ignoring the stinging feeling, she realized she also had to protect Rainbow Dash. Twilight quickly did the first thing that came to mind, she teleported Rarity, herself, and the diary onto the main floor, in front of the fireplace. Lighting a fire, she threw the diary into the flames. Knowing it would distract Rarity, she bolted back into the lab, gathering Rainbow Dash into her magic. Rarity ignored what Twilight had done, knowing the diary had a spell protecting it from almost everything. Running back down to the lab, dismayed to see Dash already in Twilight’s grasp. Knowing that Twilight was too close to finding out too much, she had to get Rainbow Dash out of the library. Then she realized something, before it was too late, she teleported Twilight’s mattress underneath the pegasus. Twilight looked down at what Rarity had done, confused. Then, she felt her magic begin to falter. With a strange feeling, her spell failed, and Dash fell to the ground. Rarity lunged across the room, grabbing Rainbow Dash. Growling at Twilight, she carried her friend across the room, setting her down on another table. Then she turned on Twilight, gasping for breath, she asked, “What are you going to do now?” Twilight shook her head, unsure of how to reply. She tried to bring a spell to her horn, but it failed. “You can’t use magic either…” Twilight gasped, knowing that something was cancelling her magic. “I know, but I can beat you in a hoof fight if I have too.” Rarity took a threatening step forward. “No, go, take Rainbow Dash and whatever else you want. I won’t stop you, but I will say one thing,” Twilight got to her hooves. Opening her wings, she displayed her injuries, knowing Rarity had quite a few of her own. “Was it worth it? All this, over a diary?” Rarity stared back at Twilight her gaze was lacking of any emotions. She walked over to Twilight, handing her a picture. “Darling, a few bruises might not be worth a diary, but when the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance,” Rarity turned around, walking back to Rainbow Dash. She scooped up her friend, positioning her so she wouldn’t fall off on the journey back to the boutique. She looked over her shoulder, back at Twilight “When the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance, it is a small price to pay.” Twilight walked over to Rarity, keeping a safe distance. “What are you even going to do? The diary is destroyed anyway, and I don’t just mean a few bruises.” Twilight held up the picture, it was one of her and her friends, the first one she had sent to Celestia. “Is our friendship worth a diary?” Rarity’s gaze flashed with anger. “It’s not just a diary. Haven’t you been listening? It’s the fate of Equestria. Thousands of ponies’ lives.” “You’re lying! You don’t know that! You know what Rarity? I…” Twilight fought all the emotions and questions inside of her. Only one remained: anger. “I hate you. It’s really nice to know how much I am to you. It’s nice to know years of friendship have been thrown away because you’re delusional enough to think a stupid diary can save Equestria when it isn’t in any danger.” Rarity sighed. “Twilight, I should have known you’d be this way. I guess it is my fault that I left the diary with the books. But you know what? You are expendable, and so is our friendship.” Rarity turned away, carrying Rainbow Dash with her. stopping on the way out, she pulled the diary out of the fire. Balancing it in top of Rainbow Dash, she trotted away. Chapter 4Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 5It’s time for her to know everything… I’m both excited for and terrified of this moment… Rarity held up the first crystal. Taking a step toward Rainbow Dash, she touched the crystal to Rainbow’s head. Murmuring a spell, she felt her soul be pulled free of her body. Unlike last time, she held back. These were Rainbow’s memories. Rainbow looked around. Her hooves were slightly transparent, but it didn’t bother her. for some reason, she felt safe. She scanned the horizon, noticing a familiar figure. It was strange, Rainbow knew she had never seen this pony before, but a name flashed in her mind when she saw her. Aquilegias Rainbow watched this pony closely. She looked different than most other unicorns she had seen before. Aquilegias walked over the top of a hill, quickly joined by another pony. Rainbow Dash walked- no, floated, to the duo. She only felt a little bit of shock when she realized the other pony was herself. She followed the pair to Carousel Boutique. She watched herself knock on the door. Rarity opened it, asking what Rainbow was doing. “This is Aquilegias, I met her while scouting above Canterlot. She’s looking for a bit of a makeover, and I knew you’d be the perfect pony to do it.” Rainbow Dash explained. Aquilegias shyly waved her hoof. Rarity led them into the boutique. Trying to follow them, Rainbow felt her being tugged away from this memory, into another. In this one, she was laying on her side, something wrapped around her. Rainbow noticed something different about this memory… she was viewing it in first person. Rarity and Aquilegias stood over her. There was a third pony, one that looked like Aquilegias, but with a gray coat instead of brown. “Purpur, will she be okay?” The third mare, Purpur, nodded. “Yes, Rainbow Dash, can you hear me? You crashed, but we’ll be okay. We’re going to shelter for the night, a rescue party will be here early tomorrow.” Without thinking, Rainbow Dash nodded, allowing herself to be lifted by Purpur and Aquilegias. She was carried into a cave, it was already lit with a torch, and piles of leaf-mulch had been shaped into makeshift beds. Rainbow was set down on the largest pile, Rarity laid down next to her. “don’t worry, Darling, I know this is hard, but we’ll be safe by this time tomorrow.” Rarity has said something else, but Rainbow couldn’t hear it. Rainbow wanted to hear more, but she felt the tug again, the pull of the imaginary thread saying this memory had nothing else to offer. Images flashed before her eyes. Even the most unfamiliar ones seemed as if they really were her memories. They were her memories, but Rainbow was still confused. “When did all of this happen?” Rainbow asked, watching a terrible battle being fought. Rarity looked at Dash, knowing that the answer wouldn’t make sense. “Rainbow Dash, this will happen. It’s the future of a sort.” “Of a sort?” Rarity winced at the panic in Rainbow’s tone. “Yes, Darling, this actually happened in another universe…” “Is that even possible?” “It’s the only way any of this could be happening. These crystals have your memories from the future on them. Something happened, so I came back in time to fix things, but the only way to do that without creating a time paradox was to go to a different universe.” Rarity explained. “But…” Rainbow trailed off, the dream from before suddenly making sense. “Rarity, I need you to explain some other things then. First, did you strip me of my memories in the other universe? How are they on the crystals?” “No, I copied your memories. As for the crystals, you saw Aquilegias, right? In the future she devizes a way to transfer magic into crystals for the war.” Rarity replied. Rainbow shook, her head, questions were bouncing around her head like crazy. “What war?” “I think it would be best for Princess Luna to explain that.” Rarity said, knowing the subject was a bit… sensitive. “But she doesn’t have to right away. It started with a rebellion, and escalated into a complete war. That’s why the crystals were so important. Earth ponies couldn’t do much against the unicorns and pegasi, so they needed the magic to help them. The war was between those who supported the way Equestria is ruled today, and more of an election-based government. “The new government would have each town, like Ponyville and Appleloosa, elect a mayor and a representative. Then these two ponies would each attend meetings with the Princesses to vote on major changes to Equestrian law, while minor changes could be enforced in whichever towns felt them necessary. Whether or not they were necessary would be decided by a random selection of townsponies to hear unbiased opinions. “I can’t tell you how this actually started a war, but the nation ended up mostly divided. Many ponies relocated to the neutral Crystal Empire, but control over it was constantly fought over. The ponies who supported the current government were mainly in Ponyville, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus. The ones who supported the new government were in smaller cities and towns, like Appleloosa, and Dodge Junction. They had bases hidden in the Everfree and on the edge of enemy towns for spying. “The war was pretty much a stalemate. One side was good at spying, but bad at fighting. The other side was good at fighting, but bad at planning and spying. Eventually, the leader of each side agreed on a truce, and allowed the ponies relocated in the Crystal Empire to return, but by then the Crystal Empire had pretty much broken away into its own country. This truce was barely enforced, as the leaders were too caught up in trying to form a compromise. “This let law enforcement up to vigilantes. There was still a lot of fighting, so not many ponies stayed in the broken Equestria. Eventually, the fighting began to rise, and a new war had pretty much been started. During this war, both sides wanted to use the Elements of Harmony, but we were divided.” Rarity stopped, taking a breath to see how well Rainbow was taking all the information in. The sequence of memories had finished as Rarity completed her explanation. “Rainbow Dash, are you okay?” Luna asked, wrapping a wing around her. Rainbow just nodded. “I really have just a few more questions. Did you send this crystal to me?” Rainbow Dash held up her hoof, the crystal still attached. Rarity took a quick glance at it. “Actually, Aquilegias sent it using inter-dimensional mail, but it contains the last of your memories. Also, I did send the note about somebody coming to visit you tomorrow. I can’t really explain who without raising a ton of questions.” “Okay, last one: Do you have more magical ability than Twilight?” Rainbow asked, remembering her dream. Rarity’s eyes widened. “Yes, but you must swear not to tell anypony. I’ll explain that later, but please, just don’t say anything.” “Okay, but can you get this crystal off of me? And the diary you and Twi were arguing about, was that also from the future?” Rainbow Dash stuck out her hoof. Rarity pulled the crystal off, putting it in the box with the rest of them. “Yes, I kept a diary in the other universe, I’m using as a guide so I know what not to do.” Rarity put the box of crystals on her desk. Now, I have to go do something, you can stay for the night in the guest room. Princess Luna, you may use my bed, I’m probably going to be up all night.” Rarity left the room without waiting for answers. Laying in her inspiration room, she pulled out the horn-shaped crystal from earlier. Before she could cast the spell, she heard the door open. Turning around, she saw Princess Luna. “Thank you for not making me tell her how the war started.” “Not a problem, Princess. Now, I promised Aquilegias I’d visit her again, would you like to come?” Rarity hovered the crystal in front of Luna. “I would like that, Rarity, but I’m not sure if you can handle doing the spell twice in one day, especially after the fight with Twilight.” Luna warned. Rarity set the crystal down. “Okay, but I promised her I’d visit again.” Luna picked up the crystal. “I could do the spell.” Rarity nodded, closing her eyes. After all that had happened earlier, she was grateful for Luna’s help. As she waited for it too take effect, she felt the odd feeling that something was wrong. Opening her eyes, she saw Luna shake her head. “She must be on a mission, I couldn’t find her.” “Rarity, I actually must have a word with you.” Luna’s sudden change of tone caught Rarity’s attention. “You are not going to like this, but I have a few things to tell you about the future. The first is that the war is inevitable. It will happen, and no matter what, you and your friends will be divided. Even in the best possible scenario, Fluttershy will have left for the Crystal Empire. The only way to save Equestria after the war begins, is to… harness Fluttershy’s soul” Rarity knew immediately why Luna had said the last part in old Equestrian. “But we can’t do that! It’s… just so wrong… I couldn’t do that to Fluttershy.” Luna sighed, and suddenly, Rarity felt like Princess Luna was very distant. She could tell that she wasn’t being told something, but knew not to press the matter. “Rarity, I need to tell you something. I’m sure you’re aware that you have traveled back in time in order to save Rainbow Dash more than once.” “... Yes, I’m aware.” Rarity answered slowly, wary of where the conversation was going. “I need to show you something….” Luna raised her hoof, resting it on Rarity’s chest, over her heart. Her horn lit up, and Rarity felt a strange tug. She couldn’t even hear what Princess Luna was saying. The tug became more intense, like she was being pulled apart. As the tug became stronger, she felt herself slip out of her body, but she remained conscious. She just felt… empty. She could feel everything that was touching her, but everything else slipped away. Then, the world exploded into millions of stars. Oh my Celestia…. is this where I think it is? Author's Note Here's the next chapter :) after this, I'll be updating fairly regularly (weekly) and every once in a while I'll post something on my blog about the story with extra info or a deleted scene. The romance and sad tag are going to start to come into play within the next two chapters. Also, Rarity is not unconscious at the end of the chapter. You'll find out what happened to her next chapter. Chapter 6Things are just about to get complicated… Aquilegias sat awkwardly on her bed, her shoulders supported by pillows. Her sister was carefully wrapping bandages around her chest. Aquilegias sighed, lifting a cup of tea off her desk. It took more effort than it should have. Purpur looked up and frowned. “You could have asked for help you know.” she mumbled. “I’m not completely helpless. Not yet.” Aquilegias replied, lifting a few books off her desk to prove her point. Purpur sighed. “Don’t wear yourself out.” Pouting Aquilegias set the books down. “Fine, but lifting books isn’t that hard.” “It will be if this gets any worse.” Purpur explained, hovering a mirror in front of Aquilegias’ face so she could see her chest. “And those are very small books. I doubt you could lift the medical encyclopedia, or the training manual.” “I bet I could lift them both at once.” Aquilegias insisted. Purpur finished wrapping the bandages. “Let’s not find out. I know this is hard, but you can’t do as much as you used to.” “I am younger than you!” Aquilegias retorted. “By a few months. Besides, you and I both know that is not what I mean.” Purpur unraveled the bandages wrapped around her sister’s flank and hind legs. “Didn’t you just do those?” “They need changing every day.” Purpur looked at her sister. Aquilegias looked back at her, worry shining in her gaze. “I’m not going to get better, am I?” Purpur didn’t reply, just stared at her sister. She wasn’t sure what to say. Without thinking, she said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m not letting the last thing I say to you be that you’re going to live a life of suffering. That would be wrong.” Aquilegias looked at her sister, tears shining in her eyes. “Don’t you have any hope for me at all?” “I know it’s going to happen, it’s inevitable.” Purpur wanted to slap herself. How could I have been so stupid? “You have to have hope! I can’t do this without you! What do you mean the last thing you say to me?” Purpur winced at the pain in her sister’s voice. Purpur forced herself to reply. “I didn’t want to worry you, but, I guess I have to tell you now. We are losing the war. I’m going to have to fight, and I don’t want the last things we ever say to each other to be an argument because I said something stupid. It’s not that I don’t have hope for you, sister, I’m just very scared. I know that something bad is going to happen. It’s hard to be hopeful when I’m so afraid.” Aquilegias looked at her sister. She wasn’t sure what to say. “I’m scared too. I’m afraid something bad is going to happen to you, or to me. I’m always afraid that you won’t come back when you walk out my door, and I’m terrified that Rainbow Dash will never wake up.” Purpur wrapped her hooves around her sister. “I know. It’s so hard when everything around you is falling apart. I hate just sitting here and waiting for the world around us to come crashing down. I know that it was a long time ago, and I was very young, but I remember when the war started. I know that is was just little skirmishes that only last a few weeks, but I was terrified. I can only remember being scared. That’s why I came and got you, and we ran and ran. “I was always the same. I was always afraid that one of us would die. We would always run from ponies. I would carry you on my back when you got tired, and I’d take care of you. Then we found that little town called Ponyville. We met Rarity and Rainbow Dash and we followed them to Canterlot. Then they got into that fight with their friends and we ran again. We were always running. Then we found Rarity again and decided to fight for peace. “I never stopped being afraid.” Purpur squeezed her sister, remembering when they were fillies. “I’ll never stop being afraid.” Aquilegias returned the hug. “Neither will I, sister, neither will I” Rarity looked around her. She was surrounded by translucent orbs. There was a path of stars laid out in front of her. “Princess Luna, Is this the void?” Luna rested a wing on Rarity’s shoulders. “Yes, I must show you something, Rarity. You seem to have forgotten who else you have to protect.” The orbs floating around the two began to slow. Some dulled to a grayish-white glow while others lit up, showering the duo with light. The brighter orbs formed a circle, while the ones in the middle had dulled. Inside the circle, a picture began to form. “Is that-” “Yes, Rarity, this is Aquilegias in the universe you just left. She’s…. sick. Anyway, as you know, every time you travel to a new universe, you leave behind a bit of your soul.” As Luna the spoke, the image changed to one of Rarity. It split into two copies, each one a bit transparent. “As you keep traveling your presence in each universe becomes weaker.” The pair of Raritys split into four, then eight, then sixteen. Each time they became more transparent. “As that happens, the spell keeping the different part of your soul…. stable weakens as well. Soon, the line between the different universes loses stability and then everything is reset rather than you actually travel back in time.” The Raritys lined up. At first there was a line separating each of them, but it faded near the end. “If you keep traveling enough times after that, the earliest universes begin to lose stability quickly. Soon after that, the border between all of them completely dissolves, and the different parts of your soul begin to merge. As this happens, all the universes are dragged along with them until they collide. “This, of course, will not end well, but there are two ways to prevent that from happening. The first is obvious: You don’t travel back in time anymore, you accept the outcome of this timeline. Then, once you die, you will be reincarnated with the other yous until you have regained the rest of your soul. The pros of this method is that it doesn’t affect the rest of the universes for the most part. The other method is part of the reason we need to harness Fluttershy’s soul. “This may sound cruel and unethical, but it is for the greater good. First, we need to completely remove all of her memories except for the ones of being the element of kindness and anything related. Then, we take the rest of her soul and give her your memories from past universes. Then we take her soul and divide it into the different universes based on what memories we gave her. That will keep those universes stable and allow you stabilize these universes and have one more chance to fix everything.” Luna closed her eyes, thinking of everything Rarity had been through. Rarity’s gaze was fixed on the images in front of her. Without warning, Luna wrapped her hooves around Rarity, promptly ending the spell. To Rarity’s surprise, Luna was crying. “Princess, what is it?” “Oh Rarity, you’ve been through so much. I’ve never been there to help you, and I feel like this is my fault!” Luna held Rarity tighter. Rarity looked in shock at Luna. “Oh, Princess Luna, this is not your fault in any way. You know my motivation for doing this. You couldn’t have stopped me from falling in love….” Rarity returned the hug. “We’ve both been through a lot, I promise, things will get better. I have a very good feeling.” Luna simply nodded. The two held the embrace for quite awhile. It was broken when Luna had begun to tire. Rarity carefully laid a blanket over the Princess, smiling. She lifted a picture of Rainbow Dash out from behind a few rolls of fabric. She pressed her muzzle to it, sighing in relief. She knew that things would be much easier since the Princess was here to help her. Author's Note Well, here's the next chapter :) Not much to say about this one, but it did take longer than I thought. The chapters from here on out should be up a bit quicker since I don't have as many things to set up. I will be posting a bit of a bio on Aquilegias and maybe Purpur on my blog sooner or later, so keep an eye out for that too. PrologueAuthor's Note This Is my first fanfiction so constructive criticism is appreciated. :) Also, sorry it's really short... it seemed longer in notepad. Prologue This mountain always had the perfect view of Equestria. It's a shame Equestria isn't much to look at anymore. Years of war and pointless fighting left the nation in ruins. The ponies that hadn't relocated lived in a broken world of crime and pointless violence. I had always loved Equestria, even after the war. Today isn't a day to think about that, today I'm going back, and I'm going to stop this all from happening. I don't want to leave, I want to save this world, but I promised her that I'd do this, and save everypony from suffering. I told the Princess to tell her that I kept my promise. I hope I'm able to stop this all from happening, and when she wakes up, she'll live in a better Equestria.
Chapter 2Things are going mostly to plan, but it turns out I need more time than I thought. I'll have to speed things up a bit... Rarity awoke to a minor headache. She rubbed the base of her horn, sighing. She pulled a diary out from under her bed. Carefully opening it, she looked for an entry that matched the current date. She frowned in annoyance, realizing how little she had written in the diary before she had gotten close to Rainbow Dash. Flipping through the rest of the entries, she stopped at one that was written on the day of the rebellion. That's only a few weeks from now. I guess I'll have to do a lot to keep things from going the wrong way. Rarity put the diary onto a pile of books from Twilight that had accumulated over the years. Twilight would be stopping by later that day to pick them up. Leaving her room, she went to her inspiration room. She pulled a roll of light blue fabric off one of the shelves. Laying it out in front of her, she thought of what to make. Remembering what was written in the diary, she decided to make something for Rainbow Dash. I know I didn't make this for her until next week, but now that I know what's coming... She had just finished laying out the pattern when the door to the boutique opened. "I'll be out to help you in a moment." she called, sticking a few pins into the fabric. "Rarity? It's me, Twilight. I need those books." Twilight called. "Darling, I forgot. Weren't you coming later for those?" Rarity replied, setting down her work and making her way to the entrance. "Yes I was, but something came up, and I think the answer may be in one of those books." Twilight explained Rarity lead Twilight to her room where the pile of books sat. "Darling, I doubt any book like that could've possibly ended up in my boutique." Rarity joked, showing her the books. "I've left a few books here studying..." Twilight replied, scanning the spines of the books. "Yes, here it is." Twilight pointed to a tome near the bottom on the pile. "How in Equestria did a pony as organized as you leave a tome like that in my house?" Rarity asked. "It was probably left here from the Gala. Remember that spell I used for the mice and the apple? That's where I learned it. With how crazy that night went, I probably forgot that I even had the thing." Twilight muttered distractedly. "Well... I'm off, can you bring the rest to the library later?" Twilight asked, taking the tome. "Sure." Rarity replied. Waiting for Twilight to leave, Rarity made her way back into her inspiration room. Making sure nopony was looking, she pulled a horn-shaped crystal out of small box emblazoned with her cutie mark. Muttering a spell under her breath, she closed her eyes. As the spell began to work, she felt her body slipping away. Once she lost all feeling except for the magic coursing through her, she began to travel. Her soul being gently tugged across space and time. The crystal she grasped in her magic began to gain opacity. The lines that were carefully notched into it gained definition and turned from a translucent white to a dark brown. Despite her eyes being closed, she saw a pony begin to focus in her vision. As she completed the spell, one last thought crossed her mind. I sure hope this works Aquilegias laid on her bed, not moving. The bandages carefully wrapped around her flank prevented her from doing so regardless of if she wanted to. She stared out the window, a lock of her mane falling into her face. Without thinking, she moved the purple hair away. It was all she had done for the past hour. Her sister had insisted that she stay here instead of go on the mission. Sighing, she scanned the sky for a flash of purple. Her sister wouldn't be hard to spot against the dull gray clouds that covered the sky. She laid her head back onto her hooves, wishing for some company. Why did Rarity have to go? I'd do anything to have her braid my mane again... Almost as if her thoughts had been answered, a figure slowly began to materialize in her room. "Rarity! It's been so long, how are you?" The translucent figure laid next to Aquilegias. "I'm fine, Aquilegi... how's your sister?" Rarity asked. She frowned at the sight of her hoof. Though she had become mostly transparent, she could still make out the scar on her hoof. "It's been awhile since I've seen that..." she muttered. "My sister is fine, Rarity. If you don't mind my asking... how far back did you go?" Aquilegias tugged the ribbon out of her mane, readying it for Rarity's styling. "I'm currently a few weeks before the rebellion starts." Rarity replied, dividing her friend's mane into three sections. "I need to ask you something though." "What is it?" "Do you remember how to make that protective fabric that we learned about in training?" Rarity finished weaving Aquilegias' mane into a braid, tying it off with the ribbon. Aquilegias stopped to think. "Yes, do you want me to show you?" "No thanks, I think I can access the memory on the crystal you gave me.” Rarity replied. She pulled the crystal out from behind her, showing it to Aquilegias. “Well, I’m off…” “Rarity, wait!” Aquilegias gasped as her friend began to fade. “I just saw my sister, she’s heading this way. Please wait for her to get back.” Rarity looked at her friend. “Okay, I guess I shouldn’t leave without braiding your tail at least.” Aquilegias grabbed a ribbon from her desk and handed it to Rarity. “Tell me a story while we’re waiting.” Aquilegias suggested. Rarity gave Aquilegias a thoughtful glance. "Okay, Aquilegi, pick a topic." "Okay... how about fashion? Also, you can still call me 'Quilegi', Rares." Aquilegias replied. "Wow, with every new nickname, your name gets shorter... first Aquilegi now it's just Quilegi..." Rarity smiled, finishing the braid. "Hey, why don't I teach you how to braid?" Aquilegias shook her head. “No, thanks, you braiding my mane and tail is kind of like a friendship thing…” “Friendship ‘thing’?” Rarity asked, combing knots out of Aquilegias’ tail. “Well… its a thing… You have always braided my mane and tail. Also, my sister has tried to teach me… it didn’t end very well.” Aquilegias smiled at Rarity. Rarity laughed, finishing the braid and securing it with a ribbon. “Anyway… you want me to tell you a story?” “Just talking is fine. Besides, my sister will be here soon, and I can imagine she’ll want to tell a story.” Aquilegias leaned into Rarity, happy to have the comfort of another pony again. Rarity wrapped a hoof around her friend, smiling. “Not a problem, Darling, it’s nice to see you again.” The moment was broken up when Aquilegias threw her friend off. Smiling playfully she glared at Rarity. “I told you not to call me ‘Darling’ it’s too formal!” “Am I interrupting anything?” “Sister!” Aquilegias carefully got off her bed, walking across the room to hug her sister. “Purpur! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you!” Rarity exclaimed. Purpur smiled at Rarity before closing the door to the balcony. Taking off her helmet, she sighed. “Goodness, I can’t stand how hot and uncomfortable that thing can be.” Purpur smiled, ruffling her mane. Rarity laughed. “What?” “Purpur, your mane looks like a purple porcupine when you ruffle it like that!” Rarity laughed. Purpur stuck out her tongue, tugging off her chestplate. “That’s better. The armor they issue us is so heavy… and it isn’t even customized a little. Mares and Stallions with the same armor. Stallions are always complaining about it being a bit tight, and ours is always chaffing.” Aquilegias laughed. Rarity smiled, hugging Purpur. “Well, dears, it’s been nice to see you, but I must head back to my time.” “Already?” Aquilegias moaned, giving her best puppy-face. “Yes dear. I’m sorry, but I’ll be back later, I promise.” Rarity waved her hoof. The two ponies in front of her faded away. Rarity woke up on her floor, her legs stiff. Slowly rising to her hooves, she rubbed the base of her horn. I forgot how much magic that spell took Shaking her head to clear it, she picked up the crystal. It was still glowing faintly from the spell. Rarity returned it the the box and hid it under a pile of fabric. Trotting back into her room, she laid on her bed. Noticing something on her desk, she saw a note. Rarity I ended up needed the rest of those books, so I came over with Spike to pick them up. -Twilight Rarity tossed the note into a trash can. Then, she realized something The Diary! Author's Note I'm still setting things up a bit, but I promise things will make sense by the end of the next chapter.
Chapter 3Author's Note Before you read this chapter just a warning, it is a bit violent, and the ponies are a bit ooc. Also, I promise, things will begin to make sense next chapter. Chapter 3 I would never wish anything bad on a friend, but after seeing what will happen, I’m not sure if I have a choice… Twilight paced around the library, flipping through all the magic books laid out in front of her. She knew that the crystal had a magical lock, but it had a futuristic feel to it. It was unremarkable as far as she could tell. Sighing she looked through the pile of books she had gotten from the boutique. Something caught her eye on top of the stack. It was a small diary with a metallic cover. Twilight took the diary, examining it. Wondering if it had something to do with the crystal on Dash’s hoof, she tried to open it. Frowning Twilight noticed another magical lock. frustrated, Twilight used a special analyzing spell to see what could break the lock. She found it was sealed by an unfamiliar yet powerful magic. It was similar to the magical lock on the crystal attached to Rainbow’s hoof. For a moment, Twilight considered asking Rarity for help, but she almost immediately decided against it, knowing Rarity wasn’t capable of performing such advanced magic. Shaking her head, Twilight decided to take a break to clear her head. She walked upstairs to her room, flopping onto her bed. Ordering Spike to make her some tea, she rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. Ideas about the crystal whizzed around in her mind. She knew she had seen the crystal in a book somewhere, but she couldn’t find the entry. “Twilight, I brought your tea,” Spike called, carefully running up the stairs. “Thanks, Spike,” Twilight paused for a sip of tea, not caring that it burnt her mouth. “I’m worried about the crystal… it had an unusual aura of magic surrounding it.” “Well, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but maybe you should write the Princess.” Spike hopped onto Twilights bed. “That’s a good idea, Spike, thanks… but I want to check one more thing…” Twilight rose to her hooves, walking back down the stairs. So many thoughts were going through her head, she didn’t notice the book lying in the middle of the library. Tripping over it, she landed head first into a pile of books. Spike ran down the stairs after her. Helping her up, Spike guided her back towards the stairs. “Maybe you should rest for a while, or maybe get something to eat. I don’t want you losing your mind like last time. Besides, it’s not like it’s dark magic or anything…” Twilight perked up. “Dark magic? That may be it! It would explain how complicated the lock was!” Running back to her lab, she examined the lock on the crystal. It had traces of dark magic in it. “That’s it Spike!” Turning toward the diary, she realized Rarity could be in danger of being corrupted by the dark magic like when Spike had given her that ‘Inspiration Manifestation’ book. Almost as if on cue, Rarity burst into the library. “Twilight, in that pile of books you took from the boutique, was there a diary?” “Yes, but I’m going to have to keep it, there’s some sort of dark magic surrounding it, and I don’t want anything bad to happen.” Twilight replied, trotting out from her lab. “Twilight, I need that diary” Rarity explained. Her voice sounded a bit strained and a bit angry. “I’m sorry, Rarity, like I said, there’s dark magic surrounding it and-”Twilight repeated, but Rarity ignored her friend. Running up to her, she put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I need that diary! You must give it to me!” Gently pushing Twilight aside, Rarity began scanning the library. “Where is it?” Twilight rested her hoof on Rarity’s flank, trying to calm her. “Rarity, I’d love to give it to you, but it’s dangerous!” Rarity spun around to face Twilight. Glaring, she stood on her hind legs so she could look down on Twilight. She put one hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, the other pointed at Twilight’s face. “It is nothing dangerous, it is mine! It is nothing but mine, and you have to give it to me!” Rarity was beginning to shout, and as she spoke, she began to jab her hoof at her friend. “Rarity, it is dangerous! Please listen to me!” Twilight backed away from Rarity, feeling a bit intimidated. “Perhaps you’re thinking of a different diary…” Losing it, Rarity ran forward and tackled Twilight. Thrusting her face close, she screamed, “Give me the diary! Now!” Without thinking, Twilight threw Rarity off of her. Rarity didn’t seem bothered, and had jumped back to her hooves quickly. Twilight teleported to the top floor of the library. “Rarity! You’re insane!” Twilight wasn’t even thinking. “You’re insane!” Rarity frantically began searching for the diary, throwing books everywhere. She couldn’t have Twilight read the diary, or her entire plan would fall apart. Completely ignoring the fact that she was probably giving away too much information, Rarity flung a book at Twilight. “I’m trying to save Equestria!” She can’t possibly think she can single-hoofedly save Equestria! She needs the Elements to do anything substantial! Twilight, now angry, flung the book back. “How could you be so arrogant as to think you could save Equestria with a silly diary?” Twilight teleported the book to her, waving it mockingly in front of Rarity. “Come and get it!” Rarity bolted up the stairs. Grabbing the diary, she shoved Twilight into a book case. Twilight lifted herself off the ground. Furious, she threw Rarity into the bed, using the distraction as a moment to snatch the diary back. Twilight tackled Rarity, her horn glowing, ready to fire a sleeping spell at her if things got too out of hoof. Rarity rolled backwards off the bed, using her momentum, she kicked a hoof upward at Twilight, aiming for her horn. Twilight fell backward, her horn feeling oddly numb. She was too stunned to see Rarity jumping at her, tackling her into the ground again. Desperate, Twilight teleported to the lab, panting. To her surprise, Rarity had also teleported. Panicking, Twilight began throwing books. Rarity expertly dodged them and threw them back. Twilight quickly put up a force field. The diary forgotten, Rarity threw herself at Twilight. Readying a shield breaking spell, she broke through the force field and landed a blow on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight flinched, but otherwise ignored the blow. She threw Rarity off of her, but Rarity pulled the purple unicorn with her. Letting go mid-fall, Twilight’s momentum carried her across the room, into the table that held Rainbow Dash. Twilight’s wings received most of the blow. Ignoring the stinging feeling, she realized she also had to protect Rainbow Dash. Twilight quickly did the first thing that came to mind, she teleported Rarity, herself, and the diary onto the main floor, in front of the fireplace. Lighting a fire, she threw the diary into the flames. Knowing it would distract Rarity, she bolted back into the lab, gathering Rainbow Dash into her magic. Rarity ignored what Twilight had done, knowing the diary had a spell protecting it from almost everything. Running back down to the lab, dismayed to see Dash already in Twilight’s grasp. Knowing that Twilight was too close to finding out too much, she had to get Rainbow Dash out of the library. Then she realized something, before it was too late, she teleported Twilight’s mattress underneath the pegasus. Twilight looked down at what Rarity had done, confused. Then, she felt her magic begin to falter. With a strange feeling, her spell failed, and Dash fell to the ground. Rarity lunged across the room, grabbing Rainbow Dash. Growling at Twilight, she carried her friend across the room, setting her down on another table. Then she turned on Twilight, gasping for breath, she asked, “What are you going to do now?” Twilight shook her head, unsure of how to reply. She tried to bring a spell to her horn, but it failed. “You can’t use magic either…” Twilight gasped, knowing that something was cancelling her magic. “I know, but I can beat you in a hoof fight if I have too.” Rarity took a threatening step forward. “No, go, take Rainbow Dash and whatever else you want. I won’t stop you, but I will say one thing,” Twilight got to her hooves. Opening her wings, she displayed her injuries, knowing Rarity had quite a few of her own. “Was it worth it? All this, over a diary?” Rarity stared back at Twilight her gaze was lacking of any emotions. She walked over to Twilight, handing her a picture. “Darling, a few bruises might not be worth a diary, but when the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance,” Rarity turned around, walking back to Rainbow Dash. She scooped up her friend, positioning her so she wouldn’t fall off on the journey back to the boutique. She looked over her shoulder, back at Twilight “When the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance, it is a small price to pay.” Twilight walked over to Rarity, keeping a safe distance. “What are you even going to do? The diary is destroyed anyway, and I don’t just mean a few bruises.” Twilight held up the picture, it was one of her and her friends, the first one she had sent to Celestia. “Is our friendship worth a diary?” Rarity’s gaze flashed with anger. “It’s not just a diary. Haven’t you been listening? It’s the fate of Equestria. Thousands of ponies’ lives.” “You’re lying! You don’t know that! You know what Rarity? I…” Twilight fought all the emotions and questions inside of her. Only one remained: anger. “I hate you. It’s really nice to know how much I am to you. It’s nice to know years of friendship have been thrown away because you’re delusional enough to think a stupid diary can save Equestria when it isn’t in any danger.” Rarity sighed. “Twilight, I should have known you’d be this way. I guess it is my fault that I left the diary with the books. But you know what? You are expendable, and so is our friendship.” Rarity turned away, carrying Rainbow Dash with her. stopping on the way out, she pulled the diary out of the fire. Balancing it in top of Rainbow Dash, she trotted away.
Chapter 5It’s time for her to know everything… I’m both excited for and terrified of this moment… Rarity held up the first crystal. Taking a step toward Rainbow Dash, she touched the crystal to Rainbow’s head. Murmuring a spell, she felt her soul be pulled free of her body. Unlike last time, she held back. These were Rainbow’s memories. Rainbow looked around. Her hooves were slightly transparent, but it didn’t bother her. for some reason, she felt safe. She scanned the horizon, noticing a familiar figure. It was strange, Rainbow knew she had never seen this pony before, but a name flashed in her mind when she saw her. Aquilegias Rainbow watched this pony closely. She looked different than most other unicorns she had seen before. Aquilegias walked over the top of a hill, quickly joined by another pony. Rainbow Dash walked- no, floated, to the duo. She only felt a little bit of shock when she realized the other pony was herself. She followed the pair to Carousel Boutique. She watched herself knock on the door. Rarity opened it, asking what Rainbow was doing. “This is Aquilegias, I met her while scouting above Canterlot. She’s looking for a bit of a makeover, and I knew you’d be the perfect pony to do it.” Rainbow Dash explained. Aquilegias shyly waved her hoof. Rarity led them into the boutique. Trying to follow them, Rainbow felt her being tugged away from this memory, into another. In this one, she was laying on her side, something wrapped around her. Rainbow noticed something different about this memory… she was viewing it in first person. Rarity and Aquilegias stood over her. There was a third pony, one that looked like Aquilegias, but with a gray coat instead of brown. “Purpur, will she be okay?” The third mare, Purpur, nodded. “Yes, Rainbow Dash, can you hear me? You crashed, but we’ll be okay. We’re going to shelter for the night, a rescue party will be here early tomorrow.” Without thinking, Rainbow Dash nodded, allowing herself to be lifted by Purpur and Aquilegias. She was carried into a cave, it was already lit with a torch, and piles of leaf-mulch had been shaped into makeshift beds. Rainbow was set down on the largest pile, Rarity laid down next to her. “don’t worry, Darling, I know this is hard, but we’ll be safe by this time tomorrow.” Rarity has said something else, but Rainbow couldn’t hear it. Rainbow wanted to hear more, but she felt the tug again, the pull of the imaginary thread saying this memory had nothing else to offer. Images flashed before her eyes. Even the most unfamiliar ones seemed as if they really were her memories. They were her memories, but Rainbow was still confused. “When did all of this happen?” Rainbow asked, watching a terrible battle being fought. Rarity looked at Dash, knowing that the answer wouldn’t make sense. “Rainbow Dash, this will happen. It’s the future of a sort.” “Of a sort?” Rarity winced at the panic in Rainbow’s tone. “Yes, Darling, this actually happened in another universe…” “Is that even possible?” “It’s the only way any of this could be happening. These crystals have your memories from the future on them. Something happened, so I came back in time to fix things, but the only way to do that without creating a time paradox was to go to a different universe.” Rarity explained. “But…” Rainbow trailed off, the dream from before suddenly making sense. “Rarity, I need you to explain some other things then. First, did you strip me of my memories in the other universe? How are they on the crystals?” “No, I copied your memories. As for the crystals, you saw Aquilegias, right? In the future she devizes a way to transfer magic into crystals for the war.” Rarity replied. Rainbow shook, her head, questions were bouncing around her head like crazy. “What war?” “I think it would be best for Princess Luna to explain that.” Rarity said, knowing the subject was a bit… sensitive. “But she doesn’t have to right away. It started with a rebellion, and escalated into a complete war. That’s why the crystals were so important. Earth ponies couldn’t do much against the unicorns and pegasi, so they needed the magic to help them. The war was between those who supported the way Equestria is ruled today, and more of an election-based government. “The new government would have each town, like Ponyville and Appleloosa, elect a mayor and a representative. Then these two ponies would each attend meetings with the Princesses to vote on major changes to Equestrian law, while minor changes could be enforced in whichever towns felt them necessary. Whether or not they were necessary would be decided by a random selection of townsponies to hear unbiased opinions. “I can’t tell you how this actually started a war, but the nation ended up mostly divided. Many ponies relocated to the neutral Crystal Empire, but control over it was constantly fought over. The ponies who supported the current government were mainly in Ponyville, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus. The ones who supported the new government were in smaller cities and towns, like Appleloosa, and Dodge Junction. They had bases hidden in the Everfree and on the edge of enemy towns for spying. “The war was pretty much a stalemate. One side was good at spying, but bad at fighting. The other side was good at fighting, but bad at planning and spying. Eventually, the leader of each side agreed on a truce, and allowed the ponies relocated in the Crystal Empire to return, but by then the Crystal Empire had pretty much broken away into its own country. This truce was barely enforced, as the leaders were too caught up in trying to form a compromise. “This let law enforcement up to vigilantes. There was still a lot of fighting, so not many ponies stayed in the broken Equestria. Eventually, the fighting began to rise, and a new war had pretty much been started. During this war, both sides wanted to use the Elements of Harmony, but we were divided.” Rarity stopped, taking a breath to see how well Rainbow was taking all the information in. The sequence of memories had finished as Rarity completed her explanation. “Rainbow Dash, are you okay?” Luna asked, wrapping a wing around her. Rainbow just nodded. “I really have just a few more questions. Did you send this crystal to me?” Rainbow Dash held up her hoof, the crystal still attached. Rarity took a quick glance at it. “Actually, Aquilegias sent it using inter-dimensional mail, but it contains the last of your memories. Also, I did send the note about somebody coming to visit you tomorrow. I can’t really explain who without raising a ton of questions.” “Okay, last one: Do you have more magical ability than Twilight?” Rainbow asked, remembering her dream. Rarity’s eyes widened. “Yes, but you must swear not to tell anypony. I’ll explain that later, but please, just don’t say anything.” “Okay, but can you get this crystal off of me? And the diary you and Twi were arguing about, was that also from the future?” Rainbow Dash stuck out her hoof. Rarity pulled the crystal off, putting it in the box with the rest of them. “Yes, I kept a diary in the other universe, I’m using as a guide so I know what not to do.” Rarity put the box of crystals on her desk. Now, I have to go do something, you can stay for the night in the guest room. Princess Luna, you may use my bed, I’m probably going to be up all night.” Rarity left the room without waiting for answers. Laying in her inspiration room, she pulled out the horn-shaped crystal from earlier. Before she could cast the spell, she heard the door open. Turning around, she saw Princess Luna. “Thank you for not making me tell her how the war started.” “Not a problem, Princess. Now, I promised Aquilegias I’d visit her again, would you like to come?” Rarity hovered the crystal in front of Luna. “I would like that, Rarity, but I’m not sure if you can handle doing the spell twice in one day, especially after the fight with Twilight.” Luna warned. Rarity set the crystal down. “Okay, but I promised her I’d visit again.” Luna picked up the crystal. “I could do the spell.” Rarity nodded, closing her eyes. After all that had happened earlier, she was grateful for Luna’s help. As she waited for it too take effect, she felt the odd feeling that something was wrong. Opening her eyes, she saw Luna shake her head. “She must be on a mission, I couldn’t find her.” “Rarity, I actually must have a word with you.” Luna’s sudden change of tone caught Rarity’s attention. “You are not going to like this, but I have a few things to tell you about the future. The first is that the war is inevitable. It will happen, and no matter what, you and your friends will be divided. Even in the best possible scenario, Fluttershy will have left for the Crystal Empire. The only way to save Equestria after the war begins, is to… harness Fluttershy’s soul” Rarity knew immediately why Luna had said the last part in old Equestrian. “But we can’t do that! It’s… just so wrong… I couldn’t do that to Fluttershy.” Luna sighed, and suddenly, Rarity felt like Princess Luna was very distant. She could tell that she wasn’t being told something, but knew not to press the matter. “Rarity, I need to tell you something. I’m sure you’re aware that you have traveled back in time in order to save Rainbow Dash more than once.” “... Yes, I’m aware.” Rarity answered slowly, wary of where the conversation was going. “I need to show you something….” Luna raised her hoof, resting it on Rarity’s chest, over her heart. Her horn lit up, and Rarity felt a strange tug. She couldn’t even hear what Princess Luna was saying. The tug became more intense, like she was being pulled apart. As the tug became stronger, she felt herself slip out of her body, but she remained conscious. She just felt… empty. She could feel everything that was touching her, but everything else slipped away. Then, the world exploded into millions of stars. Oh my Celestia…. is this where I think it is? Author's Note Here's the next chapter :) after this, I'll be updating fairly regularly (weekly) and every once in a while I'll post something on my blog about the story with extra info or a deleted scene. The romance and sad tag are going to start to come into play within the next two chapters. Also, Rarity is not unconscious at the end of the chapter. You'll find out what happened to her next chapter.
Chapter 6Things are just about to get complicated… Aquilegias sat awkwardly on her bed, her shoulders supported by pillows. Her sister was carefully wrapping bandages around her chest. Aquilegias sighed, lifting a cup of tea off her desk. It took more effort than it should have. Purpur looked up and frowned. “You could have asked for help you know.” she mumbled. “I’m not completely helpless. Not yet.” Aquilegias replied, lifting a few books off her desk to prove her point. Purpur sighed. “Don’t wear yourself out.” Pouting Aquilegias set the books down. “Fine, but lifting books isn’t that hard.” “It will be if this gets any worse.” Purpur explained, hovering a mirror in front of Aquilegias’ face so she could see her chest. “And those are very small books. I doubt you could lift the medical encyclopedia, or the training manual.” “I bet I could lift them both at once.” Aquilegias insisted. Purpur finished wrapping the bandages. “Let’s not find out. I know this is hard, but you can’t do as much as you used to.” “I am younger than you!” Aquilegias retorted. “By a few months. Besides, you and I both know that is not what I mean.” Purpur unraveled the bandages wrapped around her sister’s flank and hind legs. “Didn’t you just do those?” “They need changing every day.” Purpur looked at her sister. Aquilegias looked back at her, worry shining in her gaze. “I’m not going to get better, am I?” Purpur didn’t reply, just stared at her sister. She wasn’t sure what to say. Without thinking, she said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m not letting the last thing I say to you be that you’re going to live a life of suffering. That would be wrong.” Aquilegias looked at her sister, tears shining in her eyes. “Don’t you have any hope for me at all?” “I know it’s going to happen, it’s inevitable.” Purpur wanted to slap herself. How could I have been so stupid? “You have to have hope! I can’t do this without you! What do you mean the last thing you say to me?” Purpur winced at the pain in her sister’s voice. Purpur forced herself to reply. “I didn’t want to worry you, but, I guess I have to tell you now. We are losing the war. I’m going to have to fight, and I don’t want the last things we ever say to each other to be an argument because I said something stupid. It’s not that I don’t have hope for you, sister, I’m just very scared. I know that something bad is going to happen. It’s hard to be hopeful when I’m so afraid.” Aquilegias looked at her sister. She wasn’t sure what to say. “I’m scared too. I’m afraid something bad is going to happen to you, or to me. I’m always afraid that you won’t come back when you walk out my door, and I’m terrified that Rainbow Dash will never wake up.” Purpur wrapped her hooves around her sister. “I know. It’s so hard when everything around you is falling apart. I hate just sitting here and waiting for the world around us to come crashing down. I know that it was a long time ago, and I was very young, but I remember when the war started. I know that is was just little skirmishes that only last a few weeks, but I was terrified. I can only remember being scared. That’s why I came and got you, and we ran and ran. “I was always the same. I was always afraid that one of us would die. We would always run from ponies. I would carry you on my back when you got tired, and I’d take care of you. Then we found that little town called Ponyville. We met Rarity and Rainbow Dash and we followed them to Canterlot. Then they got into that fight with their friends and we ran again. We were always running. Then we found Rarity again and decided to fight for peace. “I never stopped being afraid.” Purpur squeezed her sister, remembering when they were fillies. “I’ll never stop being afraid.” Aquilegias returned the hug. “Neither will I, sister, neither will I” Rarity looked around her. She was surrounded by translucent orbs. There was a path of stars laid out in front of her. “Princess Luna, Is this the void?” Luna rested a wing on Rarity’s shoulders. “Yes, I must show you something, Rarity. You seem to have forgotten who else you have to protect.” The orbs floating around the two began to slow. Some dulled to a grayish-white glow while others lit up, showering the duo with light. The brighter orbs formed a circle, while the ones in the middle had dulled. Inside the circle, a picture began to form. “Is that-” “Yes, Rarity, this is Aquilegias in the universe you just left. She’s…. sick. Anyway, as you know, every time you travel to a new universe, you leave behind a bit of your soul.” As Luna the spoke, the image changed to one of Rarity. It split into two copies, each one a bit transparent. “As you keep traveling your presence in each universe becomes weaker.” The pair of Raritys split into four, then eight, then sixteen. Each time they became more transparent. “As that happens, the spell keeping the different part of your soul…. stable weakens as well. Soon, the line between the different universes loses stability and then everything is reset rather than you actually travel back in time.” The Raritys lined up. At first there was a line separating each of them, but it faded near the end. “If you keep traveling enough times after that, the earliest universes begin to lose stability quickly. Soon after that, the border between all of them completely dissolves, and the different parts of your soul begin to merge. As this happens, all the universes are dragged along with them until they collide. “This, of course, will not end well, but there are two ways to prevent that from happening. The first is obvious: You don’t travel back in time anymore, you accept the outcome of this timeline. Then, once you die, you will be reincarnated with the other yous until you have regained the rest of your soul. The pros of this method is that it doesn’t affect the rest of the universes for the most part. The other method is part of the reason we need to harness Fluttershy’s soul. “This may sound cruel and unethical, but it is for the greater good. First, we need to completely remove all of her memories except for the ones of being the element of kindness and anything related. Then, we take the rest of her soul and give her your memories from past universes. Then we take her soul and divide it into the different universes based on what memories we gave her. That will keep those universes stable and allow you stabilize these universes and have one more chance to fix everything.” Luna closed her eyes, thinking of everything Rarity had been through. Rarity’s gaze was fixed on the images in front of her. Without warning, Luna wrapped her hooves around Rarity, promptly ending the spell. To Rarity’s surprise, Luna was crying. “Princess, what is it?” “Oh Rarity, you’ve been through so much. I’ve never been there to help you, and I feel like this is my fault!” Luna held Rarity tighter. Rarity looked in shock at Luna. “Oh, Princess Luna, this is not your fault in any way. You know my motivation for doing this. You couldn’t have stopped me from falling in love….” Rarity returned the hug. “We’ve both been through a lot, I promise, things will get better. I have a very good feeling.” Luna simply nodded. The two held the embrace for quite awhile. It was broken when Luna had begun to tire. Rarity carefully laid a blanket over the Princess, smiling. She lifted a picture of Rainbow Dash out from behind a few rolls of fabric. She pressed her muzzle to it, sighing in relief. She knew that things would be much easier since the Princess was here to help her. Author's Note Well, here's the next chapter :) Not much to say about this one, but it did take longer than I thought. The chapters from here on out should be up a bit quicker since I don't have as many things to set up. I will be posting a bit of a bio on Aquilegias and maybe Purpur on my blog sooner or later, so keep an eye out for that too.
PrologueAuthor's Note This Is my first fanfiction so constructive criticism is appreciated. :) Also, sorry it's really short... it seemed longer in notepad. Prologue This mountain always had the perfect view of Equestria. It's a shame Equestria isn't much to look at anymore. Years of war and pointless fighting left the nation in ruins. The ponies that hadn't relocated lived in a broken world of crime and pointless violence. I had always loved Equestria, even after the war. Today isn't a day to think about that, today I'm going back, and I'm going to stop this all from happening. I don't want to leave, I want to save this world, but I promised her that I'd do this, and save everypony from suffering. I told the Princess to tell her that I kept my promise. I hope I'm able to stop this all from happening, and when she wakes up, she'll live in a better Equestria.
