Chapter 1
Time Turner’s Time Pieces, Ponyville
Sweetie Belle let out a heavy sigh as she stared at the large grandfather clock positioned against the entrance of the shop. Its face read five forty five on the dot. That meant she was only a mere fifteen minutes away from freedom. But oh how those minutes seemed to crawl whenever you were looking forward to something!
Unfortunately, like all other days she worked, the young mare had to be patient. Mr. Turner was an incredibly punctual pony to say the least. As such, he only allowed her leave at exactly six o’ clock. Not a minute more, not a minute less.
Sweetie honestly didn’t think Mr. Turner was a bad boss or that he gave her a lousy wage. No, it really boiled down to the fact that the job was just so darn boring sometimes. Ponies didn’t really have an urgent need to buy or repair clocks. But Sweetie didn’t mind it most of the time because it was easy bits and required little effort on her part, aside from greeting customers and processing their orders.
But this evening was different. The day prior, Sweetie finally worked up the courage to ask out a young stallion that she’d had her eyes on for nearly a year. Much to her delight, he agreed to go on a date with her. And this particular date just so happened to be scheduled for seven o’ clock tonight.
With her thoughts so focused on dates and going home, she didn’t notice her boss until he was practically muzzle to muzzle with her. The distracted young mare squeaked loudly in surprise when he began to speak. In response, Turner merely chuckled.
“A bit for your thoughts, my dear?”
Sweetie blushed. “Sorry…I have a lot on my mind right now.”
“It’s alright. I can’t even count how many times I’ve drowned in the sea of my own thoughts. Would you mind telling me what it was you were thinking about? If it’s too personal you don’t have to. I’m merely curious.”
Sweetie pawed at the floor. “Well, there’s this stallion in my class. His name’s Rumble. A-and I kind of asked him out on a date tonight.”
“Ah, how wonderful! Two young ponies in love. I wish you the best of luck, Sweetie.”
“Thanks, Mr. Turner. I uhhh…hope he likes hay burgers and fries. Even though it’s not really romantic or anything…”
Turner waved his hoof. “I wouldn’t worry about that too much. The venue isn’t the most important part of your first date. What really matters is getting to know the stallion better.”
“Wow, it sounds like you have a lot of exper—”
Sweetie was rendered speechless when she saw what happened to Mr. Turner. His mane, usually a healthy dark brown, suddenly became snow white. While mane coloring spells weren’t entirely unheard of, the fact that her employer was an earth pony meant that he could not trigger its effect. This immediately provoked Sweetie’s concern. If that wasn’t enough, the stallion’s skin sagged and became wrinkly, making him look decades older in mere moments.
But before she could say anything, Mr. Turner suddenly reverted back to his normal, more youthful appearance. Sweetie blinked several times, trying to make sense of what she just witnessed. Was she simply imagining things? No…she didn’t think so. What happened to Mr. Turner was far too vivid to be a spell or her eyes playing tricks on her.
“Mr. Turner…a-are you alright?”
Turner grimaced. “Damn it all. I was hoping that you wouldn’t see me in such a state, Sweetie. It is the curse of my continued existence.”
“What? I don’t understand!”
“Of course you don’t. To make a long story short, I’m far older than any earth pony has a right to be. And I’ve made many sacrifices in order to maintain my youth.”
Sweetie started backing away. “Just how old are you?”
“Hmm. I’d say I’m about fifteen hundred and four, give or take a few months. Sadly, you shall be taking such knowledge to your grave. When I mentioned sacrifices, I wasn’t talking about making them on my own behalf. They are…quite literal I’m afraid.”
“Wait! You don’t have to sacrifice anypony. I-I can keep a secret!”
Turner sighed. “It’s a shame. I rather liked you. But sacrifices are necessary when one practices the forbidden art of chronomancy. I require the life energy of a youthful pony and you fit the bill perfectly, my dear.”
“No! Please, you don’t have to do this! Can’t we work someth—”
In an instant, Sweetie’s unconscious form slumped to the ground after Turner whacked the back of her head with his hoof. It was a rather under-hoofed tactic but time was running out and if he didn’t replenish his energy soon, he too would die. With a heavy sigh, he hoisted Sweetie onto his back and made his way down into the basement.
Slowly, Sweetie began to regain consciousness. One of the first things she noticed was that she was unable to move any of her legs. After a quick inspection, she realized that they were all bound, thus responsible for her immobility.
More specifically, her limbs were tied to a large wooden table, leaving her underside completely vulnerable. The young mare tried to cry out but realized she’d been gagged with a cloth as well. All that came out was a pitiful muffled groan.
Sweetie thrashed wildly against her bonds when she felt a hoof slowly caress one of her exposed teats. The poor mare began to panic even more when she felt the hoof trail lower and lower, until it brushed against the inside of her leg.
Turner shook his head. “What a waste. You’re a rather attractive young mare. It’s no wonder that stallion accepted your proposal. Don’t worry though. I have no intention of violating you. The energy that virgins have to offer is far purer than the average pony. It will sustain me for nearly twice that amount of time!”
A spike of cold, icy fear threatened to overtake Sweetie’s already rapidly beating heart. She didn’t want to die…not now, not like this! Segments of the young mare’s brief existence on Equus, flashed before her tear filled eyes as she came to terms with her cruel and untimely demise. While she witnessed Mr. Turner’s entire body glow with a brilliant gold-hued aura, she desired only one thing: to be swept up in her sister’s comforting embrace.
Much to Sweetie’s surprise, the pain of having her life drained away never came. Instead, she heard something that she’d never forget. It was the deepest and most unsettling roar that she’d ever had the misfortune to listen to. Most unsettling of all, the sound seemed to distort the very air around her. It terrified her to the very core of her being.
The abomination looked like something that even the very depths of Tartarus would hesitate to contain. In a vague sense, it resembled a minotaur, Sweetie supposed. But that’s where all of its similarities to any mortal beings ended.
The creature’s entire body had an oily black surface that seemed to absorb the very light surrounding it. Its eyes glowed like a set of rubies that were heated nearly to the point of melting. Last of all, it sported a pair of unnaturally curved horns, each one pointing up and down respectively.
The creature pointed its claw at Turner. “Tpursid eht enilemit on rehtruf!”
“It can’t be! I thought I had more time!”
“On eno sepacse eht Akahad…”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Turner galloped to the other side of the room and fired a blast of chrono-magic at the creature’s face. Undeterred, the abomination lumbered towards the fleeing earth pony, warping the very fabric of time as it drew closer. A mass of writhing tentacles shot out from its chest, striking anything they could find purchase with. Due to his time-warping abilities, Turner managed to avoid the strikes but just barely.
“Uoy ere yrev kciuq,latrom—kciuq ot eid!”
In all of the commotion, Turner hadn’t realized how close he was to Sweetie Belle. And neither did the creature as one of its tentacles lashed out and speared the hapless earth pony straight through the chest. Seconds later, Sweetie felt a terrible sharp pain in her chest and when she looked down, she found that the tentacle had pierced her as well. As blood began to pool in her mouth, the last thing she saw before succumbing to the darkness was Mr. Turner’s body being dissolved into sand.
Pain. That was what Sweetie Belle felt when she finally opened her eyes. It wasn’t the same intense burning pain she felt before when the tentacle stabbed her. No, it was more like a dull ache that encompassed her entire body. It was akin to how you’d feel if you took part in the running of the leaves ten times over. Instead of complaining, Sweetie was overcome with joy when she realized that sensing pain meant she was still very much alive. Sadly, her celebration of life was cut short when she noticed the dark minotaur thing looming over her body.
“P-please don’t hurt me!” Sweetie squeaked. “I don’t want to die…”
“It is too late for that, mortal. You already have.”
“Huh? W-what do you mean?”
“In my haste to punish the sorcerer, I accidently took your life as well. In accordance to ancient law, I restored it as compensation. I…apologize for my error.”
Sweetie shuffled her hooves. “O-ok. Well, I guess it’s not a big deal. I’m alive now and you saved me from…whatever it was Mr. Turner was gonna do. So umm…thanks?”
“Your gratitude is unnecessary, but appreciated nonetheless.”
“Hey, I just noticed this but how’s come I can understand what you’re saying? Before…it just sounded like you were talking in gibberish.”
“It is because I infused your body with my essence to prevent you from perishing. Know this, little mortal. The mundane existence you once knew is over, now that my power flows through your veins.”
“Wait! Powers? What powers? I don’t feel any different from before, e-except for being a little achy. A-and what do you mean my mundane existence is over?”
The creature rubbed his forehead. “The ability to manipulate time as I do. It is…something that mortals have long abused and the very reason I hunt them.”
“So that’s why you went after Mr. Turner! But…if you don’t want ponies to abuse time magic, why are you letting me have it?”
“Correct. He was supposed to perish ages ago but extended his life by sacrificing others. As for your question, I am allowing you to have my power because denying you would mean your end. It is my hope to teach you how to use it responsibly…to prevent its misuse.”
Sweetie frowned. “Oh…I guess anypony’s life would change drastically if they were suddenly able to control time. But how am I supposed to know if I’m not using my new magic the right way? I don’t want to accidently hurt anypony or anything…”
“Worry not, mortal. It takes time for the sands to adjust to a new host. The only thing you need concern yourself with now is regaining your strength. Even so, I shall be watching.”
In a move that completely surprised the immortal guardian of time, the little white unicorn nuzzled his leg. While he was familiar with the concept of physical affection, he had never received any himself. It was odd. He felt strangely…pleased that she had done so. In response, he carefully patted the young mortal’s head, a gesture he’d often seen used to reciprocate affection.
“Thank you so much.” Sweetie whispered. “It’s gonna take me a while to get over what happened today but…at least I’m still alive. Umm…before you go could I least know your name?”
“I am called the Dahaka.”
“You can just call me Sweetie if you want. I guess I’ll see you later Mr. Dahaka.”
“Until we meet again, Sweetie.”
And just like that, he was gone. The room was now deathly quiet, almost as if nothing had ever happened. That was…until Sweetie heard the distinct sound of hooves clopping against the wooden floorboards above. She couldn’t really be sure who the ponies were or why they were here but she knew one thing. She needed to get out of this creepy basement. Just as she was about to open the door, Sweetie heard a muffled but very familiar voice.
“Sweetie? Are you down there, darling?”
Sweetie’s heart soared. “Rarity? Is that you?”
“Oh thank Celestia! Yes, it’s me. Are you alright?”
“Yeah…just a bit sore. Are you here to take me home?”
Rarity embraced her sister after opening the door. “Of course. Everything is going to be alright, Sweetie. Your horrible ordeal is now finally over.”
Carousel Boutique, Ponyville
Sweetie smiled to herself as she sipped a mug full of steaming hot coca. The chocolaty drink did wonders to calm her frazzled nerves as well as the plush cotton blanket she was currently wrapped in. Years ago, as a little filly, Rarity would occasionally snuggle with her whenever she was scared, feeling sad, or just wanted some sister time. And despite the fact that she was now a young mare, Sweetie still felt just as safe in her sister’s hooves as she ever had. Noticing her sister’s content smile, Rarity placed a gentle kiss upon Sweetie’s forehead.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, darling. When you didn’t come back from work after a few hours, I began to get very worried. Why were you in Mr. Turner’s basement? Did he…do something to you?”
Sweetie gripped her mug. “It’s not something I’d really like to talk about right now, if that’s ok with you.”
“Very well. We’ll talk about it when you’re ready.”
“I know this is gonna sound stupid, but does Rumble think I showed him up?”
Rarity giggled. “I should hope not! In fact, he was the first one to bring the news of your absence to me. He even joined my search party for a time. Quite the little gentle-stallion if I’ve seen one.”
“Heh, well that’s good. It took me forever to work up the guts to ask him out…”
“You have excellent taste, dear sister. I have no doubt that he’ll become a wonderful husband for you!”
Sweetie blushed. “RARITY! We haven’t even had our first date yet!”
“No need to get so upset, I was only joking. But…it never hurts to think about the future.”
Sweetie rolled her eyes. “That’s high talk coming from somepony who doesn’t have a stallion-friend herself.”
“For your information, I am simply waiting for the right stallion to show up.”
“What? From the pages of some cliché erotic novel?”
Rarity turned beet red. “Sweetie Belle! T-that’s highly inappropriate! And how in the world do you even know about…those kinds of books?”
“Because you’ve never changed the hiding spot where you put all of the ones you’re finished reading.”
Rarity coughed awkwardly. “I suppose you’re at the age where such things become interesting. But you could have at least asked to borrow them from me…”
“Sorry. But to be honest, I didn’t like reading them that much anyway. Especially the part where that one mare gets gagged with a—”
Rarity held up her hoof. “I think we’ve talked about this particular subject long enough. Besides, you should probably be off to bed. It is one in the morning after all.”
“Hmm. Yeah…sleep sounds good.”
Now that she thought about it, Sweetie did feel really tired all the sudden. It was probably a combination of the adrenaline wearing off and all of the physical exertion from her ordeal. But little did she know that there was a third reason. The sands that the Dahaka had infused in her earlier were acclimating to her body far faster than either of them could have predicted.
The side-effect was, of course, the fact that the process consumed quite of bit of energy on behalf of the recipient. For now though, Sweetie allowed Rarity to tuck her into bed as her eyelids slowly began to shut. The last thing she felt before drifting off to sleep was a soft good-night kiss upon her cheek.
In Sweetie’s humble opinion, ten o’ clock in the morning came far too fast for her liking. Under normal circumstances, she was very much a morning pony, often rising at seven o’ clock sharp so that she had plenty of time to get ready for school and eat her breakfast. Due to last night’s events, Rarity made sure that she had the day off to recuperate. Still, that didn’t make the annoying ray of sunlight shining in her sleep crusted eyes any more tolerable.
After scratching her tummy, Sweetie finally peeled herself out of bed and trotted to the bathroom for a nice, hot shower. Once inside the tub, she slowly turned the shower knob with magic and awaited her reward. Oh how sweet the heated streams of water felt as they splashed upon her fur. As soon as her residual grogginess subsided, Sweetie began to hum as was her usual routine while she washed her mane and tail.
Continuing to hum, she began to dry herself off until she noticed something very unusual. Her hoof was entirely black instead of its typical marshmallow white complexion. In a fit of panic, she dropped her towel and ran over to mirror just to make sure what she saw was real. Much to her horror, the face that stared back at her was completely alien.
Sweetie’s entire body had taken on an oily black pigment. Her naturally curly mane and tail were now wild and spikey, resembling blades of grass more than hair. Her emerald eyes, normally so filled with life, were reduced to dull yellow orbs. And finally, sporadic patterns of golden hued swirls adorned most of her torso, glowing in time with her heartbeat. When she finally found the nerve to speak, her voice echoed slightly and seemed to have gone down a full octave.
Sweetie whimpered. “W-what’s happening to me?!”
As if on cue, a familiar hulking creature appeared before the distraught teen.
“It seems that your new life has begun sooner than expected.”
