And Ever We Fight On

It was quiet on the way back to the Hurricane. Even Rainbow Dash, who had been sobbing quietly, was silent, having never left Lightning Dust’s side. She was still breathing, if only faintly. Even with medical help, Sunset knew she didn’t have long.

Once they reached the medical wing of the ship, only Spitfire and Dash went on ahead to the Emergency Room while the rest of them waited outside. Still no one talked; what was there to say anyway? Sunset kept running the scene in her head, trying to figure out what she missed. She couldn’t have known there even would have been a sniper, that’s what made them so dangerous. And yet…the feeling still bugged her. What was the purpose? Retaliation? Could she have done something?

It was about twenty minutes later that Spitfire and everyone looked at her. She looked forward and kept her head straight but there was doubt she too was shaken by this. “Private Dust passed mere minutes ago. She…she fought hard to keep herself alive so that she would die on a ship she was proud to serve alongside her comrades.”

“Where’s Dash?” Soarin asked hesitantly.

“Still with her,” Spitfire sighed. “It’s only best we give her space to grieve…if you’ll excuse me I have to contact Lightning Dust’s parents and inform them of what happened.” She walked away and everyone else, including Sunset, went their separate ways.

It was only a day later that word was given out that the Hurricane was heading to Manehattan, which apparently was where Dust grew up. Some of the rumors the other Wonderbolts were passing around were that Spitfire was ordered to remain with the other Equestrian forces and Spitfire responded that she “didn’t give a damn”, although some were guessing that was the censored version.

Sunset admitted she felt out of place. Dust was a Wonderbolt and this was a Wonderbolt ceremony so she felt as if she was intruding. Spitfire dismissed the idea and explained that Dust would’ve wanted everyone to be there. She had to borrow a uniform from Spitfire since she certainly didn’t have one for herself. It was a white shirt with a black tie but she opted not to put the tie on.

The funeral reception was larger than Sunset expected. Most attending were military or crew from the Hurricane and others were family or friends of family. There was no doubt Lightning Dust had much support from home.

Both Commander Wind Rider and Spitfire said their pieces but it was when Rainbow Dash got up to the podium that everyone’s attention turned to her. In military dress, she looked more mature than she ever had put off. She quickly took out a note from her pocket and took a deep breath.

“Casualties of wars are something one never gets used to, despite how much you experience it,” she said. “I of course realize that now. We’ve lost many in this war and although I never knew them personally I still grieved for them in some way. Lightning Dust was different however.” She took another breath to calm herself. “When I was growing up, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, what I wanted to be: a member of the Wonderbolts, the best of the best in Equestria. And I got there through the hard work and dedication I had. But I never would have imagined I would have met somepony who had the same drive as I did.

“Dust and I met at the Academy and through our similar views we quickly became friends. Dust wanted to go straight to the top, there was no such thing as second place for her. I found that out quickly about her, but I also found out something about her that could ruin her career: she was reckless. She was so focused on getting to the top that she wasn’t paying attention to her fellow cadets. I admit I was…jealous of her because maybe she was just a little better of me…heh…she’d probably be laughing at me right now as I’m saying this…

“Finally, Captain Spitfire found out what was going on and ultimately kicked her out. I remember how devastated she looked…and realized if things had been different, could that have been me instead? I wouldn’t let her leave and I spoke to Spitfire, almost begging her to reconsider. I think both of them were surprised by what I did. Maybe it was that, and not my flying skills, which got me into the Wonderbolts. Dust felt obliged and apologetic for how she acted. She definitely had to work hard to regain everypony’s trust but hey, she pulled it off.

“My point in all this is that Dust was everything the Wonderbolts needed. Her untimely death is devastating for us all because we all knew she had so much potential and now we’ll never know…I just hope wherever she is now she’s feeling the need for speed.” There were a few chuckles and light applause as Dash took her seat.

Once it was over, members of the Wonderbolts took the casket as the group traveled to the National Cemetary which was just outside downtown Manehattan. Words were spoken as Dust was lowered into the ground, which was followed by artillery fire from members of the Royal Guard.

Afterwards, Sunset saw Dash with who must’ve been Lightning’s parents. She couldn’t but look back to where the former Wonderbolt was now buried.

“You okay?”

Sunset looked over and saw Flash standing next to her. “Yeah…just a lot to take in…”

Flash nodded slightly. “Is this the first time you’ve…?”

“Yeah…it’s just…only years ago it felt like I was in another world, another time…and then this war happens…if I’m having such a hard time digesting this how can I keep moving on?”

“Hey, it’s never easy the first time,” Flash said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “I’ve lost comrades myself and unfortunately they didn’t get to rest easy like Dust because in some cases there was nothing left of them.”

Sunset winced slightly. “I’m sorry…”

“No…that was probably the worst thing to say at the moment…but what I mean to tell you is that all of us will or have experienced loss and we’ll get through it together.”

“You’re right Flash…thank you. I may need time but…I think I’ll be okay. I certainly feel better after the pep talk at least,” Sunset smiled.

“It’s the least I can do.” Flash patted her shoulder and went off to speak to some of the Royal Guard.

Sunset saw the captain and went over to her. “Captain…”

“No need for that Sunset, Spitfire’s fine,” she said. “Actually good timing…” She then motioned for the other Wonderbolts to come over, Rainbow included. “Hey, you two as well.” Pinkie and Maud joined in as well.

“I wanted to wait til afterwards to say this but…” Spitfire then looked over her shoulder to where Dust was now. “I’m going to be honest…until now I haven’t lost a Bolt under my wing. Honestly, I thought it would be me…or maybe Fleetfoot I dunno…”

“Uh Spits, is this supposed to cheer us up?” Fleetfoot asked uncertainly.

“Just trying to lighten the mood.” Spitfire cleared her throat. “My point is…right now it doesn’t matter who you are; pegasus, unicorn, or earth pony. We’re all under the same banner and fighting for the same thing. We’re a family- don’t you even laugh Blaze I don’t care how cheesy it sounds.”

“Sorry ma’am…” Blaze replied sheepishly.

“We lost one of our own today, but that’s not going to stop us. We can’t let the beacon of hope dimmer in anyway and if it does, we just have to work harder to keep it bright. Dust knew that and despite everything she’s still with us, even now, cheering us on. Let’s not make her actions and contributions be all for nothing.”

“Captain…” Dash said.

“And I can tell you this…if we find the son of a bitch that had the heart to take such a fine flyer from us…do what you want but save the rest of him for Dash and myself, you got that?”

Everyone now was grinning. Sunset had to admit, Spitfire had a unique way of rallying her troops.

“Well…we better get back before Command decides to come by and arrest all of us for insubordination.”

As the ship was returning, Sunset was once again in her room. It was true she felt better after what Flash said to her, and more so Spitfire’s words, but there was that lingering feeling of regret. No, that wasn’t it. She knew what happened was out of her control, but she only wished she could’ve stopped it nonetheless.

She let out a frustrated sigh as she lay on her bed. What was the point of thinking about it? Nothing can bring her back now.

“But what if there was…?”

Sunset suddenly jumped from her bed and looked around. “Who said that?” There was no response. She shook her head. Maybe the trauma was affecting her after all…

“No, you’re not going crazy.” The voice was right behind her and as Sunset turned around she saw a figure was standing near her door. The figure was fully cloaked so she couldn’t see their face but by the sound of their voice, she knew it was a female.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my room?” Sunset snapped. Her horn was glowing green as she was already prepared for an attack.

The figure apparently wasn’t perturbed. “Be calm, I’m not here for trouble. Your heart called out to me and I answered.”

“My- what the hell are you talking about?” Sunset asked.

“You’ve been wondering if you could’ve saved her. The answer to that question has been with you the entire time.”

“…You’ve lost me completely.” The girl pointed her hoof at her and Sunset looked down at the watch she was carrying. “What this? It’s just a watch…and it doesn’t work either.”

“Or does it?” the mare asked. “Haven’t you wondered why Celestia gave that to you?”

Sunset stared at her suspiciously. “How do you-?”

“I know many things about you Sunset Shimmer,” the mare replied. “That isn’t an ordinary watch. It reacts to magic and it will take you back and forth between time, based on events you have experienced.”

Sunset could only stare at her again, this time in disbelief. “You’re telling me this watch contains a time spell?”

“That is correct.”

“Okay…this is either some horrible hallucination or some sort of sick joke. Either way I’m not amused.”

The mare sniffed in disapproval. “I wouldn’t expect you to believe me right off the back. If you really think it’s all in your head, then try it out yourself. What can it hurt?”

Sunset was silent. The mare shook her head. “I will give you time to sort it out but when you do experience it for yourself, you’ll then have difficult choices to make in the future, choices that could change the outcome in this war…” The mare disappeared from her room.

Sunset snorted. “Time spells…they’re considered taboo now and Celestia of all ponies would send me something like that?” Still, the timing of that letter almost seemed odd. She opened the watch, thinking the whole idea was stupid-

She then froze as she looked at it. The watch was now ticking and Sunset wondered for how long. “What can it hurt?” Sunset had never used a time spell. Not only were they now banned from use they were also complicated. She remembered from her lectures that time was never to be manipulated; but ambitious wizards from centuries ago were determined to change that and once they did, it was too late.

There were scrolls in the restricted section of the palace’s library and even then Sunset wondered why Celestia did not just burn them. She guessed they were there as a reminder that as ponies they had to avoid making mistakes of the past. So much for that concept.

Sunset kept staring at the watch and as it kept ticking she then used her magic to stop the clock. Surprisingly, the gears inside didn’t fight against her and as she started moving the minute hand backwards, the second hand followed suit. Soon the watch started going backwards by itself, the hands starting to move faster and faster. She couldn’t help but stare at it but out of the corner of her eye she saw that reality was now distorting itself and suddenly there was a flash of light.

The light blinded her for only a few moments but once her vision cleared, she saw she was no longer on the ship. In fact, she may not even be in Equestria anymore.

She was in a corridor where everything was white, the walls, the ceiling, everything. It was almost as if she was in a plane of nonexistence. However, there were faint blue outlines of doors that went down the large hallway. All of them were the same; there were no numbers or signs that distinguished them from the others.

“What have I gotten myself into?” she wondered. She walked down the large hallway. It was quiet except for her hooves clopping onto the ground. Shortly down the way she saw there was one door that was open, or perhaps it was more accurate to say there was no door at all. She couldn’t see anything inside except a slight blue aura that seemed to beckon her inside.

She looked around. There was no other way out of this was there? She regretted doing this, not even thinking that perhaps it could have been some devious trick, perhaps by Sombra or something else. And yet…there didn’t seem to be anything malicious about this place at all. She took a deep breath and entered through the door.

All of a sudden, she felt her feet on what felt like solid ground. She opened her eyes and saw she was in a familiar place, with Flash, Dash, and Dust with her. She heard the sound of explosions as the cliff nearby completely collapsed.

She looked up at the two female pegasi. “Rainbow…”

“I know, I know…kinda nice to have one of the fastest ponies on your side huh?” Dash grinned.

“Hey, don't forget about me,” Dust pouted.

“You’re not too bad yourself Dust,” Dash said with a wink.

Now Sunset understood. She had really gone back in time to this precise moment. And that meant…

Dust then stretched in the air. “Still, nice to give the wings a good stretch, I'm going to-”

Sunset then recalled what was about to happen. “Dust, get down!” She used her magic and forced the pegasus to the ground.

“Dude, what the-!?” Her words were cut off as a shot rang out. Sunset quickly looked around and saw everyone else on the ground but no one appeared to be it.

“Uh…Shimmer? You can let go of me now…” Sunset looked down and realized she almost had the poor pegasus pinned down.

“Uh…sorry…” Sunset then said, blushing slightly.

“Hey, can you two keep it to yourselves until we’re done here?” Dash asked.

“Oh shut up!” Dust snapped. “Good eyes though Shimmer…thanks.”

Suddenly it felt like she was being picked off the ground and the familiar blue aura crossed her eyesight once again.

She was then in her room, exactly as she left it. It was also quiet. “What…am I back?” She wasn’t sure what happened but it seemed as if she had changed Lightning Dust’s fate. There was only one way to know for sure.

She went throughout the ship until she found one of the crew. “Excuse me,” she said. She then paused, not sure how she was going to ask this. “About Lightning Dust…”

“Oh, you looking for her?” the pegasus asked. “I think she’s down at the mess hall with Dash if I’m not mistaken.”

Looking for her…then was it possible? “Thank you.” She then hurried off, trying to find where the mess hall was. Thankfully there were plenty of signs that led the way for her. Once she found it, she looked around and saw both Dash and Dust eating at one of the tables. Sunset had the urge to go over there and give her a hug…but then realized that would’ve caused too much confusion.

She then quickly went back to her room and crashed on her bed, trying to make sense of it all. She went back in time…and was able to save Dust’s life. To say it was incredible was almost an understatement.

“So it seems you were successful.” Sunset looked up and saw the cloaked mare again.

“What…exactly happened?” she asked.

“I think you know as well as I do,” the mare said. “You went back to that precise moment in time and changed history. You saved Lightning Dust’s life and in a way you’ve probably earned her trust. You should be proud.”

“I’m not even sure what happened next,” Sunset said. “Did anything else change?”

“No…not this time anyway. The mission was a success and the convoy was protected.”

“Wait…what do you mean ‘this time’?” Sunset asked.

“You must know that when you change the fate of one, you change the fate of others,” the mare said. “For example, if the sniper hadn’t hit Dust, they could’ve killed Dash instead. My point is is that the choices you make may still carry consequences so you must be careful.”

“So let me make sure I have this right,” Sunset said. “With this pendant, I go back to any point in time as many times as I want and change history?”

“Correct, although each time can cause a different event to happen. The point is you should limit yourself as much as you can. And before you ask, you can only go back to a point after you got the pendant.”

Sunset’s annoyed look told the mare exactly what she had been thinking. “Alright…fine. So only use it when it’s necessary…”

“One other thing…there will be times where despite everything you can do you cannot change an event…and of course there may be times where you’ll just have to accept the hand you’re dealt. Despite your best intentions, you can’t save everypony who’ll end up dying in this war.”

Whatever excitement Sunset had was quelled by those last words. “Tell me something…who are you and why are you telling me all this?”

“That will have to be another time…” The mare suddenly opened a rift in space. “But to answer your second question…we both want to change the past…” The mare then jumped through the rift and it disappeared after she was gone.

Sunset lay back on her bed, trying to take all of this in. It was almost too overwhelming to comprehend but…she did the impossible. She saved Dust from the jaws of death. And it seemed like there were no repercussions, at least this time. She would have to keep that in mind.

She told herself she would have to limit herself of this power, but she couldn’t help but grin slightly. She hadn’t felt this giddy since she first found out she was to become a student of Princess Celestia herself.