Aeternitas Book II: Starry Eclipse

Chapters

Prologue:Crystals of Eternity
Merging Worlds
Awoken Hope
Faithful Gala
Eternity Revealed (Faithful Gala part 2)
The ways lead to unknown

Prologue:Crystals of Eternity

In the ancient times, before time and space, at the dawn of all existence, a mighty powers known as Forces of Eternity were born. When the first universe came to be, the energy after its creation was surrounding it. It was a chaotic mess of all kinds of energy and it was so powerful that it could be source of power for millions of years without stopping.

When the atoms were forming and laws of physics started to function, the universe began to multiply. Over time, walls of the universes became thinner and thinner. Finally, the wild energy of creation break through the universes and begin to circling around. And when the young realities were forming, the energy vibrations varied and differed, supporting the creative processes. The one with highest frequency became two pairs of opposite forces. They were known as Chaos, Harmony, Darkness and Light. In the beginning, atoms were pushed by Chaos randomly until the power of Harmony established their shapes and movements. The universes were also illuminated by the radiant Light, that was stopped by Darkness at edges of creation.

Then the energy of the lower frequency became forces of Time, Space, Sound and Silence. Universes started to evolve and move forward, pushed by the power of Time. Space hardened the walls of realities and separated matter from energy. Sound indicated ripped apart and Silence bended in one.

At last, the energy of the lowest frequency became the material elements: Fire, Water, Earth and Air. They were the prime foundation of the worlds.

United forces created stars, planets and finally, after billions of years, the first forms of life evolved.

But the life was too weak and couldn't survive in the unfriendly world.

In order to protect their creation, the Forces of Eternity infused some of the races with their power, making them stronger and able to survive.

In each race, there was one that can hosted the essence of the Eternal Force. This individual can understand and wheel the full power of the Force. When the bearer died, he was immediately succeeded by another one and the essence was transferred. But back in the old days, the Eternal Forces were also extending the lifespan of their bearers, helping them inspire and guide their races into peace.

The Force of Time chose the Time Lords. The bearer of the element could not only travel in time, but could also manipulate it as he wished (Stopping, reversing, fast forwarding etc.). Time represented virtue of Perfection

The Force of Sound chose the race of shapeshifting Changelings, a creature created for love and later forsaken it. Host of the power of Sound possesed the ability of spreading any information, emotion, sound or image incredibly fast. It could also manipulate the subconciuousness of the others. Time represented virtue of Love

The Force of Harmony chose the race of the Unicorns. Power of Harmony made her user able to restored balance in hearts of others and in the enivorment. It represented the Virtue of Inspiration.

The Force of Air chose the race of Pegasi. The one possesing the power of Air could manipulate the wind and the weather and could fly without a help of the external force. Air represented the virtue of Bravery

The Force of Water chose Seaponies, the Lords of the Underwater. Keeper of Water can manipulate her, change her state, breath under her or use it for healing purpouses. Water represented the element of Joy.

The Force of Light chose the Light Gurdians, race existing on the very edges of creation. Host of the Light can manipulate it, use it as a weapon, use it as a mode of travel or heal by it. Light represented the virtue of Stability.

The Force of Space chose Genies, a ghosts of smoke and fire from the far reaches of south . One chosen by Space could manipulate matter from the distance, thus having telekinetic abilities. He can also teleport anywhere he want. Space represented the virtue of Vitality.

The Force of Silence chose Arimaspi, the one-eyed wisemans. Individual touched with this power can use it to forsee future events in trance or meditation. It could also had an empathy link with living creatures. Silence represented the virtue of Contemplation.

The Force of Chaos chose the Draconequui, ancient race born to the power of entropy. One who wheeled the power of Chaos could create an ilussion and bend reality over the ususal traits. Chaos represented the virtue of Passion.

The Force of Earth chose race of the Earth ponies. User of this power could bend the earth, reshape her and search for the sources within her. Earth represented the virtue of Justice.

The Force of Fire chose the Dragon race. Keeper of the fire was fireproof and could manipulate the heat and flames and bend them to his will. Fire represented the virtue of Strength.

And finally, the Force of Darkness chose the Umbrums, the ponies of Shadow. Host of the Force could fight using the shadow to fight, teleport and wheel the power of the night to hide from everypony's eyes. The darkness represented the virtu of Misticism.

With this powers and abillities, the guardians of the Eternal Forces manteined the balance in their world for centuries.

But each and every thing in the world has its reflection.

Everything was perfect when the bearers kept to the virtues of their Forces. But came a time when a greed, lust and hatred corupted some bearers and they started to use their forces against the other races.

The war started. And there was more lost lives and more screams than anyone would ever be able to count.

Finally, the Forces decided to put the end to the war. They took away the power they gifted so long ago. Without magic, war slowly calmed and with some efforts and peace treaties, the ceasefire was granted.

But it wasn't enough. The war destroyed the balance forever and now the Forces of Eternity was in strict oppositions to each other and the races under their guidance wasn't so full of trust as before.

The Forces sealed part of their energy. Although it was blocked, it still remained in the bearers and their successors.

The ponykind, as a race that helped in achieving ceasefire, was given permission to be a host of any Eternal Force in existence.

Then all of the free energy of the Forces was gathered in one place. The Forces transferred all their might in twelve crystals and from then on, they were known as the Crystals of Eternity.

The Crystals got lost throughout the universe, to assure that the war will never happen again.

The bearers however still live on. Legend says that if any of them finds his crystal, he will be able to unleash the power of Eternity once again and right all wrongs from the past.

One day, the bearers of Eternity will rise and change the world for better or worse

One day...

Merging Worlds

Chapter 20

You will always be me, a Lord of Chaos...

What a beautiful ocean sapphire. What is Sweetie doing with it...

So better run crying to the Princess Celestia, cause this is our domain...

This is not a way Astelle, I know how this will end. Vengance cannot bring your heart to peace...

Everypony helps in the cause, the war against King Sombra and Crystal Empire...

I heard that it is hard to dance with a broken legs...

Careful Clarity, please...

Just piss off and leave me alone...

May this thousand winters swiftly pass I prey...

Are you good human or bad human ?...

You tried to run but you cannot outrun your own shadow...

So many voices and scenes. Kaleidoscopic lights, pressure, waves of heat and cold. Those were the feelings Doctor and the Crusaders experienced when they were falling (or rising, it was really hard to tell) between realities. Being on the edge of consciousness, Doctor recognized some of the universes they were passing by.

But the journey wasn't as easy as he thought. If they won't enter any reality in short time, they will be permanently damaged. He tried to spoke to his companions but he couldn't make a sound.

Then he noticed a big bubble of light. The distance began to decrease. Doctor tried to acknowledged what universe was that. He couldn't sense anything.

The pressure was starting to be unbearable.

Suddenly, when his body touched by the sphere's surface, Doctor felt a terrible pain. His muscles became loose and he felt the two fillies slipping away from his hooves and being blown away into the multiversial torment.

"Noooooooooooo!!!!!!" Doctor shouted soundlessly as the white light of the sphere consumed him.

*************************

"Wakie wakie Spike... wakie wakie"

In the tiny piece of matter floating between the universes, a large cage was situated. Inside the cage was lying a certain purple dragon. He was heavily beaten and had dried blood on his body.

Spike opened his eyes only to see a former king of the Crystal Empire grinning over him.

"So, how is my little spikey-wikey doing" he said in high pitched voice.

"Don't you dare call me that" roared Spike. A cascade of green flames exploded in Sombra's face.

Lord of Darkness tilted his head slightly and the flames was repelled by the wave of shadow.

The fireblast hit Spike. It couldn't kill him, he was fireproof. But the impact smashed him on to the ground. He gasped, breathing heavily.

Sombra lifted Spike with his magic.

"Really Spike, it is getting boring. When you understand that you can't beat me. You are really strong. But even that slight bit of me that is impressed has very limited patience."

Spike spill his burning saliva on Sombra's face. He shouldn't get so much on his nerves but he just couldn't calm himself down. Not after what Sombra showed him.

When Spike noticed that after Princesses departure girls started to act strange, he quietly sneaked out of the chamber to get some help. But then he was suddenly knocked out and fainted immediately. When he awoke he was at this darn cage. Surely, he was trying to escape. It was the moment of panic, confusion, anger and determination. He tried to bump into the bars, sneak between them, melt it with firebreath and even bite through them. Nothing seemed to be working.

So he was just waiting in that cage, like a total idiot, floating in kaleidoscopic space. He knew that his friends were in trouble and he was really worried about them. Especially about his beloved Rarity. Though over the years fashionista became much more tougher and stronger, Spike was worrying about any harm that may be caused to the mare he loved.

Since there was so much waiting after some time he fell asleep.

He really shouldn't have done that.

When he awoke, he was hanging over the void of twisting shapes and colours, full of mist and clouds. He looked up to see none other than that forsaken Sombra. He was playing with him above the edge.

Quickly turned out that Sombra didn't came around for chatting.

Spike was trying to resist but he was too weak from lack of food and sleep. He could not say how long he was locked out.

Sombra was very creative in a way of torturing him. Spike gave him some burns. But Sombra possessed healing magic and Spike didn't.

There was a moments when Sombra was getting bored with tortures and sit along with Spike in a safe distance, preventing him from attacking with his magic. He was just sitting and smiling.

"Why all of this is happening ? How are you even back ?" asked Spike, breathing heavily in of those "breaks"

Sombre chuckled

"My dear dragon, I am older than your civilisation. You really underestimate me, thinking that smashing me to pieces will stop me forever. I came through much worse. But I have to tell you one thing..." he moved closer to Spike and got close to his ear. Spike shivered but he couldn't do a thing.

Suddenly, Sombra yelled

"THAT REALLY HURT!!!"

He smacked Spike across the face.

Sombra was standing over Spike, breathing heavily

"I said it wasn't fatal. I didn't said there was no pain. That's right Spike, I have an unfinished business with you. If it wasn't for you, Princess Cadence would never used the power of that forsaken Crystal Heart to destroy me. I waited so long to teach you some lesson, oooooohhh yeeeeeesssss!! That's the reason my.... friend allow me to keep you here. Besides, we wouldn't want you interfering with our plan. You are one of the keys."

"Keys ? Keys to what ?" Spike's eyes widened.

Sombra growled

"Yeah, cause I am going to tell you right away. We will see each other again for another round very soon Spike.

He turned into a shadow and faded away.

And now he was back

"You remember what I showed you Spike ? How does it feel nothing that you are completely useless and can't save your friends ? Sombra hissed, throwing Spike into the cage's bars.

Spike smiled weakly

"I-I learned th-that lesson some time ago. In a comic book. I will never let my friends down and even if that whole hexagram thingy was true, I will not rest until I save them and free from your curse"

Sombra's eyes lightened up

"That's so sweet. Unfortunately, soon you won't have anypony to save. The pocket dimension will collapse with them"

"You are bluffing"

"DO I REALLY LOOK LIKE A PONY WHO BLUFFS TO YOU???!!!!"

"Well...not exactly, no"

Sombra levitated a small orb of dark energy

"Thank you for sorting that out. Now, to assure you, I will show you"

Orb was filled out by images. A blue box, four ponies facing an alicorn with a mane made out of flames and the void consuming all on its way.

Spike gasped

"Those are the Cutie Mark Crusaders. What are they doing up there ? What have you done to them, you bastard ???!!!"

Sombra shook his head

"That wasn't my doing. But don't worry. Your little friends and the Time Lord will find a quiet peaceful death, that they don't deserve it at all. And even if they somehow manage to survive..."

He lifted Spike's head with his hoof

"We have you, little Spikey-poo. If they survive, they will come for you. And then" he laughed loudly "well, it won't be a pleasant way to die"

"You are a one psychotic freak. I am not worth it, I won't let them come if that will mean risking their lives. Wait...did you said...the Time Lord ?"

Sombra ignored Spike's last question

"Our dear friend Luna gave me some information during playtime. One of the Crusaders has a very good reason to go back for you. And with her will go all the rest. Just face it Spike, your friends are finished. There is no hope for you anymore."

"I won't forgive you for what have you done to my friends. Especially to Rarity."

"Well, it wasn't very hard to get to her. But I will tell you, I admire your gust. She is quite a scre-"

Spike finally managed to break through Sombra's spell and his fist landed on umbrum's jaw. Sombra was thrown to cage's wall. He arised, phosphorescing, purple blood streaming down his lips.

"what do you know? Little, filthy reptile has some punch!"

Spike kept staring at Sombra with a fury in his eyes

"If what you did to Rarity is true, I will make you pay for this. She is the mare I love and I will do anything to keep her safe. I will avenge her if needed and when I get out of here, you will be in big trouble. Nothing will stop me "

Sombra snarled and spilt on the floor

"I would like to see that"

Then he disappeared

Spike slowly put his claws on his closed eye

"We have a deal"

*************************************

Silence, nothingness, blackness

Doctor was floating in the emptiness. His thoughts were slowly materialising inside of his head.

"Where am I ? Is this death ?" questions were slowly filling his mind.

Then he felt familiar rhythm

Bum, bum, bum, bum

bum, bum, bum, bum

Doctor was terrified for a moment. Could he be here too ?!

But then he realised that the sensation was coming from his chest, not from his mind.

It was only his hearts. They were barely beating but the pulse remained. That was good.

Then Doctor felt the touch of cold stone under his hands, lying straight along with the body and felt mixture of smells that was somehow... familiar.

Through the veil of darkness started to come some distorted sounds. Sounded like the sounds made by some kind of vehicles. It sounded like a street in rush hour on Earth.

Then in the void slowly materialised a tiny spot of red colour. It grew with every beat of Doctor's hearts. It was slowly growing until in its centre materialised a circle of white light . They both grew until the white light clarified itself. The Doctor regained his sight.

He saw a white patches of clouds on a bright, blue sky. Doctor was lying on the ground, staring at the sky until the red edges of his vision disappeared.

He slowly tried to rise. His body protested, every muscle was burning and was reacting very slowly. Putting enormous effort, he managed to sit.

Doctor looked around. He was sitting near the marble statue picturing a majestic stallion. Behind the monument there was a trafficked city road and in front of the statue... was a large horizontal building in a shade of purple with huge entrance and a latter C in form of a horseshoe.

Doctor's eyes widened.

From all of the various universes, he crashed into that specific one...that meant...

He looked down at his body and slowly spread fingers of his hands. Huge grin formed on his face

He was a humanoid again.

"Yeeeeeees!!!!" Doctor screamed in excitment, examining his body " Two legs, two arms, still thin, same teeth, bad wrists...everything on its place. I even have my coat back." He looked at very long, light brown trench coat.

"This just unbelievable ! Fantastic ! Girls, just look at..." he searched for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Then his face slowly turned into a mask of fear and horror.

Applebloom and Scootaloo were nowhere in sight. They didn't make it with him.

Doctor clenched his fists and screamed in frustration. Now he remembered. They were separated, blown away just before he crushed here. He didn't understand why it happened. He hold them very tightly. This sounded like a big cosmic joke, just for him.

But the fate chose wrong Time Lord.

"I swear I will find you ! You and Sweetie Belle. I promised Sweetie Belle and blessed her but you two were thrown into the unknown without any protection. I should be more careful. I don't know what is going on with me lately but there is no time for being pathetic. I will find you no matter when or where you are. I am so tired of losing people I care about. No more" muttered the Doctor, drying his eyes.

He tried to get up. His body exploded with pain but he slowly got up.

Doctor fell on his arms almost instantly

"No, no, vertical now!!! vertical!!!" he yelled to himself.

He started to slowly walk in Canterlot High's direction. His legs were still a bit shaky, but he had a certain advantage of being in a human body before. Twilight told him once about the her first visit in this reality.

Doctor looked around and put his tongue outside of his mouth, tasting the air.

"Yes, the period of time is correct. But what now ? Shall I look for my-aaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!"

He fell to the ground, clenching his chest. He wanted to believe that was just a clumsiness, effect of being a pony for two years. But it was a lot worse.

"Aiiiii...my hearts... only one of them is beating... this is bad really bad. That landing must have been more damaging than I thought" said the Doctor, fighting for air. " I need some assistance. I must find my TARDIS."

He looked at the another side of the road. Then he located required object. He smiled weakly.

"Luckily, I know just the girl who will understand where I am coming from"

**********************

"I must admit Pinkie Pie, this cupcakes are simply divine" said Rarity, cleaning her lips with a napkin.

"Thanks Rarity. I was making them whoooooole morning especially for you. I used my super, duper, extra secret ingredient." screamed Pinkie Pie

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Sunset Shimmer were sitting by a table in a Sugar Cube Corner cafeteria. They were enjoying the cupcakes made by Pinkie Pie and discussed recent events that occurred in Canterlot High

"Are you sure that we can't help you find a way to protect the Friendship Games from outside magic ?" quietly asked Fluttershy, handing a cup with tea to Sunset Shimmer

"Yeah, I have all covered. " Sunset giggled nervously " You can count on me ! I won't fail...you..." she started to play with her long, red and yellow hair.

"This is heck of an important thin'. We told ya how those..." Applejack hesitated for a moment "fellas from Crystal Prep are about winnin'. They will use any chance to prove that we are cheatin'. We have to beat 'em in the name of the school."

"Yes AJ, I got that. I am sure that after Rainbow's motivational speech we have enough strength to beat them. I mean, we have you guys and you are the best " Sunset winked to her friends.

"No no darling, we should not exaggerate " smiled Rarity

Rainbow Dash coughed out loud. The cough sounded strangely familiar to " drama queen".

Fashionista turned her head to athlete.

"What was that ? "

Rainbow blushed slightly.

"It was just... this cupcakes. I need to get a drink. Did you have any of that super delicious apple cider ? " she looked at Applejack with hope emanating from her cerise eyes.

"How can I say this... no !" shouted Applejack " I know ya. When ya starts drinkin', cider disappears so quickly that before I know it, I had to hold ya on yer way back home" the farmer leaned closer to Rainbow, her green eyes lightened up with a mixture of humour and irritation " If y'are goin' to puke on the back seat of my brother's car, I swear..."

Rainbow Dash chuckled

"Bring it on, apple girl"

Applejack shouted "That's it" and jumped on the rainbow-haired athlete. Rainbow screamed and tried to free herself but landed on the floor with Applejack on top of her.

"Now Rainbow, I won..."

Suddenly, she was Rainbow managed to free herself. One quick spin and Applejack was on the bottom. Rainbow grinned and winked to Applejack.

"You were saying ?"

But in that moment, Rarity let out a gentle cough

"Ekhm, I am really sorry to interrupt this sweet... bonding of yours, but we have a matter of great importance right here. We have to discuss a strategy for the Games and... our dresses for tomorrow's pre-Games Gala " Rarity's eyes lightened up during the last part."

Sunset nodded in agreement.

"Rarity is right. We have lot of things to talk about."

Pinkie Pie searched for something in her hair and pulled it out. It was a chart filled with symbols of cupcakes, hearts and smiley faces.

"My very precise calculations are telling me that there is always a tie" she addressed the pair, who just took their places by the table.

"SHUT UP !!!" Rainbow and Applejack screamed in unison " YOU KNOW THAT WE HATE THIS WORD !!!"

Pinkie giggled

"Oh sillies, it means that you are so super extra enormously incredibly good at everything that you are equal. As friends. Isn't it just great !" Pinkie bounced in excitement.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"All right, forget it. Back to Crystal Prep. So here is the plan..."

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie screamed loudly

Fluttershy leaned to her friend

"Oh my, Pinkie are you all right ?" whispered timid girl

Pinkie Pie's eyes were narrowing and widening and her whole body was shivering. Suddenly, it stopped and everything was back to normal"

"Pinkie darling, whatever is the matter" asked Rarity.

"It is my Pinkie sense. It was a warning about...about..." Pinkie was thinking for a while. Then she squealed and grinned widely " It said: look out for segways"

"Guys..." whispered Fluttershy, pointing at the street outside of the cafeteria's window.

"There is a combo-alert about segways ?" Sunset asked in disbelief

"Duh, they are very dangerous things so I memorized that" replied Pinkie Pie

Sunset looked like she had several question but finally she decided not to share them with others.

"Guys !" Fluttershy was now glued to the window.

"Segways are dangerous ? Please, sometimes my Tank is faster than them"

"Being fast is not always a quality of potential, Rainbow Dash" Rarity brushed her hair

"But.."

"GUYS!!!" screamed Fluttershy. Other girls finally turned in her direction, visibly shocked. It was out of Fluttershy's character to scream, especially so loudly.

Fluttershy pointed out of the window. Five of her friends looked in showed direction and their jaws dropped.

"R-R-Rainbow. Maybe y'are goin' to rethink the idea of slow segway..." Applejack said, disturbed and frightened.

Dash was in the greatest shock of them all and managed to say only

"Aaaaahh haaaaaa huh..."

On the road there was a man riding on a segway. He was going in Sugar Cube Corner's direction and the distance was decreasing by each second. It would not be so surprising if not one detail.

The segway was going 50 km/h

"He is going to crash" shouted Sunset. And she was not wrong.

When the segway rolled onto pedestrian area, it fell over and young man was catapulted into the air. His flight was stopped by the window and he crashed with it with a loud BAM.

Six girls were stunned as they watched man slowly slipping down the glass. He had brown, spiky hair and wore very long, light brown trench coat and a shirt with a tie. Even from the angle they were looking at him, girls could say that he was very thin and tall. But that was all they could observe before he fell back to the ground outside.

Sunset was first to came into senses.

"We have to check on him" she commanded, running outside.

The rest of the group followed her quickly.

Man in a trench coat was lying there, motionless. He got some bruises on his face but beside that, there was no cuts or external damages. His limbs were spread in cardinal directions.

"What just happened ?..." Rarity put her hands to her mouth.

"Maybe it was delivery guy that wanted to serve us more cupcakes" Pinkie was closely examining a stranger.

"I don't think so Pinkie. But I don't know where he came from. It all happened so quickly...Even I would not outrun that segway. They are not supposed to move that fast, right ?" Rainbow Dash twisted her head.

Sunset smiled weakly

"They are most certainly not." Sunset turned to Fluttershy, who was now checking on the young man " Fluttershy, is he all right ?"

"It appears like it " Fluttershy answered hesitantly " But... there is something wrong with his pulse if I can say that."

"Oh darling, man has a different heart rate than most of the animals that you take care of. Besides, any of us would have a bizarre pulse after crashing with a window" Rarity reassured Fluttershy

"But... I think..." Fluttershy muttered quietly.

Applejack shook her head and looked at Rarity

"Fluttershy is righ', sugar. There is somethin' odd about him. No man could survive crash with this speed with just some scratches"

"W-Who are you calling a man ?" weak voice came from below.

All the girls looked at the young man who opened his eyes. There were brown, matching his hair.

Fluuttershy quickly tried to comfort him

"You are safe now. You had an accident but we found you and we are not going to rest until you will be in good hands in hospital"

Brown eyes widened instantly

"NOOOOO!!!! Not the hospital, that technology is rubbish it would only hurt me more. I had more important things to do..."

Then the girls watched in amazement as man rose up and stretched, hissing with pain.

"Amazin' " whispered Applejack

"How don't you have anything broken ?" asked Sunset

"With my skeleton structure ? Please..." stranger turned to Sunset and he froze in shock " Are you by chance...Sunset Shimmer ?"

"Yeeeeeessssss..." Sunset answered slowly

Strange man reached his hand in her direction

"Miss Shimmer, I am terribly sorry for the circumstances but I must insist for you to help me. I don't have much time before- ghhhhhh!!!" he clenched his chest on right side

"Is there something with your heart ? " asked Rainbow Dash.

Applejack facepalmed

"How do ya want to better than me in biology ? Heart is on the left side, not right."

Man was still addressing Sunset

"My name is the Doctor. I need to speak with you Sunset Shimmer. Your world is going to be in a terrible danger but I need assistance if I want to save it" he turned to Rainbow Dash " And Miss Skittles is right. There is something wrong with my heart. Also, I am afraid that the crashes might overload the synaptic transference so... bacon"

Girls blinked and shook their heads

"What ? " asked Sunset

Doctor's eyes were distant and he was smiling widely. Too widely

"Why do you have a bacon on your head ?"

Sunset blushed and replied with a tone of anger

"It's my hair !!!"

Doctor started spinning around, singing

"Sunny cakes ! Sunny, sunny shimmercakes!!!"

Then he shook his head and when he looked at Sunset once again, his eyes were conscious.

"I had a little medical problem, I can't stop myself. But under any circumstances don't bring me to a doctor, I just need to rest. Oh, and don't come too close. I need you, Sunset Shimmer. I came from... gaaaaaahhh!!!"

His body folded and he exhaled a cloud of golden mist.

Sunset carefully moved towards the Doctor.

Then the Doctor jumped up, his body vibrating with adrenaline

"Who wants to dance ? I want to dance !!!" He started jumping around, laughing hysterically. He then turned to girls " Shmarity ! Skittles ! Sprinkle Pie ! Jackleapp ! Shutterfly ! Seafood Dinner !"

Rainbow Dash frowned

"Okay, this is freaky. Can I just make him faint again ?"

Sunset slightly hit Rainbow on her head

"Rainbow, he said that he has a problem. It is probably in shock after the accident. I am worried about him"

"Yeah but he keeps calling me Skittles"

Applejack giggled

"This is the only thin' with sense that he said"

Doctor started crying and was now screaming out loud

"Bake my muffins ! Please bake me some muffins !!!"

He looked at Rarity and smiled

"Muffins with a beautiful marshmallow toping"

An then he fell on the ground and passed out.

Six girls waited for a moment, then approached unconscious Doctor.

"What are we going to do with him ?" asked Rainbow Dash

Sunset thought for a moment and then answered

"I have a feeling... that we can trust him. From his words I think...I think that he is not from this world"

Pinkie looked closer at the Doctor and gasped

"Oh I know , I know. He is a Time Lord from planet Gallifrey, located in a constellation of Casterborus. He is an ancient alien creature who can travel in time. He was stuck in Equestria but he must run away because of evil Princess Celestia and he lost his companions and he needs your help, Sunset, to restore them from certain doom and save the world. hyyyyyyyypp!!!" Pinkie Pie said in one breath.

" I really don't think that's it...how did you even know that ? " asked Sunset

"Just a hunch" smiled Pinkie

Sunset nodded and looked at unconscious Doctor

"Well then, whoever he is we must move him to some safe place. My house is nearby...Maybe he can rest there until he recovers."

Fluttershy gasped

"I-I am truly sorry to say this... but Sunset, you should not invite strangers into your house. You did not even know him."

Sunset bit her lip

"I know...but something tells me he can be trusted. He came all the way up here just to talk with me. Although his motivations are a bit..." she searched for a word" unclear, I think I will listen to him when he awakes. Besides...he looks slightly familiar... I don't know why...but anyway, we must move him. Somebody can help me ? "

There was a moment of silence and then...

"I can help !" said the voice behind Sunset

Sunset turned around to see Rarity, waving to her

"Rarity ? You want to help me with him ?"

"Yes darling. I will offer you my assistance with that poor guy"

Rainbow Dash clapped her hands

"Well, this is just great. We will see you around. Gotta go do something...something awesome" she grabbed Fluttershy and Applejack by the hands and start running, dragging them away with incredible speed

Applejack managed to shout

"We will meet at yer place Sunset"

before they disappeared around the corner.

Pinkie Pie looked at Rarity and Sunset

"I will take our treats from cafeteria and later, I will throw a big "get better" party for this fellow. Lalalalala..." she said, bouncing away.

Sunset grabbed Doctor under his arms

"Rarity, can you please pull him up by his legs ?"

"Of course"

"On three. One...two...three !!!"

Rarity and Sunset pulled the Doctor up and started carrying him down the street, to the Sunset's house.

"Well, it is certainly good that his so thin." said Sunset quietly

"Yes, that coat wouldn't fit a rat" Rarity let out a small giggle.

Sunset looked at Rarity and smiled

"Oh, I know that look..."

Rarity put a most genuine face she can managed

"Whatever do you mean ? "

"You like him, don't you"

Rarity almost dropped the Doctor, but she managed to calm herself. She turned away to hide her blush.

"Don't be ridiculous darling. I was simply...admire his style of clothing, that's all"

"Sure. And you volunteered to assist me to stare at clothes... You liked that part about marshmallow toping, didn't you ? "

"Well, I am a fashion designer. It would not be weird that I wanted to look at his wardrobe. And my carnation is nothing to do with it... he was delirious, it was not intended." said Rarity, shadow covering her vibrant blue eyes and smile

"Rarity, I just don't want to get hurt. From what I heard, your previous crushes were...well, jerks. Blueblood, Trenderhoof..."

Rarity suddenly stopped

"Are you by chance questioning my sense of style and beauty ?" she asked, anger flashing in her eyes.

"No, no, I didn't mean it..."Sunset quickly replied

"Lovely. Don't worry Sunset, I am a strong and independent girl. But thanks for your care. You are a very good friend. Besides, they were kinda jerkish".

Sunset winked to Rarity

"Well, he is kind of hunky. Not my type, but still...keep on walking, my house is not so far..."

Awoken Hope

Chapter 21

"Girls!!!" Doctor screamed, awakening from the nightmare.

He looked around, breathing heavily. He was sitting on the bed located in some rather dark room, lightened only by atmospheric glow of candles. The bedroom was visibly higher than the rest of the room, on a platform that contained a bed, a large bookshelf and a dresser.

Doctor got up. His body still hurt a bit but it was without doubt a better sensation than that torture from before. Good. Now he will have the strength to fulfil his quest.

Only two questions remained: Where was he and how long was he out ? Time was running out, Daybreaker and Sombra could capture the Crusaders at any time. Not to mention Twilight and her friends. Twilight was sent to the distant past in the alternative timeline. As for the rest, Doctor was not sure.

In any case, he must find Sunset Shimmer. She, as a dimensional traveller, might understand the nature of his problem.

Doctor raised from the bed, swallowing the guilt he felt from some time. He screwed up big time, he lost both the Guardians of Harmony and the Crusaders. He sworn to protect them to Luna, who died, instructing him to do one simple thing. And now, by being here, he could also put this world in danger, because for some reason, Sombra and Daybreaker were after him as well.

But right now, what mattered was to move forward. To do this, he needed help. And the best help he could get in this reality was Sunset Shimmer.

He came downstairs and saw a living room with two sofas, TV and a door, probably leading to the bathroom. He turned around and noticed a light under another, half-closed door. He sniffed the air. Something good was cooking out there. Kitchen, probably.

He slowly opened the door.

A room he just entered was indeed a small, cosy kitchen. In the middle stood a young woman, cutting carrots with one hand and mixing something with a spoon with the other one.

Doctor immediately recognized the fiery red and yellow hair, now tied up in a big bun on the top of the girls head.

He coughed slightly, to indicate his presence.

"Miss Shimmer..."

Sunset Shimmer raised her gaze from the carrots and a smile beamed on her face.

"Oh, you woke up ! How are you feeling ?"

Doctor smiled back

"Actually, rather fine, I can't complain."

Sunset nodded, satisfied.

"That's great. Me and my friends were really worried about you. But now you have to tell me everything !"

"I will answer every question, Miss Shimmer. Time is of the essence and I have some..."

Sunset interrupted him with her finger raised.

"I guess we will both have some listening to do, but first " she blew up some wisp of hair that escaped from her hairbun " no Miss Shimmer please! It makes me feel really old... Doctor. Just call me Sunset, ok ? I will finish cooking our food and then we can talk."

"Can I help you cook to speed things up...Sunset ?" asked the Time Lord.

Sunset swung her arm and winked to the Doctor

"Welcome to my flavour heaven !"

********************

"So, Doctor, who are you and why were you looking for me ?" Sunset sipped the hot chocolate.

She and Doctor were resting after dinner, which contained various japanese dishes, Sunset's speciality. Now the pair were wrapped in blankets on the sofas, staring through the windows and observing the park outside.

Doctor cleared his throat

"As you already know, my name is the Doctor. I am a time traveller from planet Gallifrey. Some time ago, I came to Equestria and lived among the ponies for two years of my timeline. Everything was fine, I even accepted that I will be a pony for the rest of my life. But the events that occurred recently, I had to escape from there and seek help here."

Sunset's light blue eyes widened and she slowly nodded.

"All right, that is fine for the moment. Now you can ask me a question, if you want."

Doctor shifted in place

"How long was I out ?"

"Day and a half. Me and girls were looking after you. You...you were muttering something in your sleep. Did...did someone died out there ? Why where you in such a rush ?"

"Because your home dimension ceased to exist " sighed Doctor

Sunset moved closer, visibly shocked.

"What ??!!!! Tell me everything right now!"

So the Doctor explained how Twilight, her friends and Cutie Mark Crusaders were trapped in nightmares in a parallel timestreams created by Princess Celestia's evil self, Daybreaker and how King Sombra used the lifeforce of the Elements to restore his body. He told Sunset how Cutie Mark Crusaders, protected by some unknown force, freed themselves from the illusion and how he received a call for help.

Sunset listened carefully, her lips bit so hardly that they turned into a pale line on her face. She seemingly forced herself not to cry when Doctor continued, telling her about him and the Crusaders meeting, Luna's death and Daybreaker's threats.

Tears finally flew down when Doctor finished his tale, painting in front of her Twilight, sent to the past, confrontation with Daybreaker, dramatic run away from the void and Doctor's crashlanding into this dimension, with the loss of his companions.

Sunset dried her eyes and when she spoke, her voice was a bit shaking but still strong

"Doctor...this... this is terrible ! I don't know what to say ! I wish I was there to help you. But what to do now. What happened after...destruction of my reality !..." she muffled her sobbing.

Doctor waited a moment then spoke gently

"Sunset, you don't have to be strong, if that means denying your feelings. Your original home is gone...for now. This is a pretty big deal. I understand what you feel. And if I may ask ?"

Sunset blew her nose in a tissue and calmed herself, then looked at the Doctor

"Yes ?"

Doctor looked for the right words

"Why did you trusted me ? I am more than grateful for your care and hospitability but...you are not even a little bit suspicious about me ? Or the fact that I told you that I am not from this world ?"

"Doctor, in Equestria we had weirdness and magic on daily basis and I faced some weird things myself. I still can't believe that you are a time traveller from another planet, but... I would not be really surprised if it turned out to be true" Sunset smiled weakly

"Point taken. But still...why did you trust me enough to take me to your house ? You didn't really knew me at all ."

Sunset swirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Well, I had this weird feeling that we met before. It was my intuition, nothing more. Still, it just seemed like a right thing to do. I am still learning and I want to be nice to people."

Doctor smiled

"And that is why, Sunset Shimmer, you are the perfect person to help me. You have a good heart, courage and a strong will. If you agree to help me, you will need them. But I don't want to force you ! You can stay here, I will try to figure it on my own."

Sunset looked Doctor in the eyes, her glare deadly serious

"Doctor, if there is any way to restore Equestria, I will do anything to discover it. If that what you are saying is true, many bad things went wrong and I can't just stand by and watch. I want to save these poor fillies and most importantly, I want to save Twilight. She did so much for me, forgave me for what I have done to her. I wouldn't be able to rest if she died and I wasn't there to save her. I am ready to kick the evil back to Tartarus !!! Doctor, I will help you save Equestria."

"Actually, all the realities might be in danger." Doctor muttered

Sunset rolled her eyes

"All right, once again, thank you for agreeing to help. Here is what we have to do. Point one or A : We have to find the TARDIS. That's my time machine. With her, we will have bigger area to act and maybe we will find the solution easier. Point two or B: We have to figure out what Sombra and Daybreaker are after, why they destroyed the realm of Equestria and why they are chasing Twilight, her friends and Cutie Mark Crusaders. Point three...or C: If we discover the thing they are after, we have to get a hold of it before them. And most importantly, we need to save our friends." Doctor explained his plan.

Sunset put her hand to her chin.

"But how exactly we are going to do all of that ?"

Doctor raised an eyebrow

"Usually I make this up during the journey"

Sunset laughed, letting out the tension in her heart

"Well, that explains a lot"

Suddenly a doorbell was heard.

"Sunset, it's me" said the voice behind the door

It was Rarity.

"It's open, come in" Sunset shouted.

Rarity walked into the room backwards, holding a stack of boxes.

She put the boxes on a floor and started undressing herself from the coat, still turned from Sunset and Doctor.

"Sorry that I am coming on such a late hour without telling " said young designer, struggling with her coat " but Pinkie just made this cakes for our patient and she insisted for me to bring it here since my house is not that far away. Besides, I planned to check on him. Coming back to our morning discussion..."

Sunset clutched her head in embarrassment

"Rarity..." she said slowly.

"I must assure you that he looks incredibly cute with this coat and spiky brown hair it is just a perfect..."

Rarity finally turned around and froze, acknowledging Doctor's presence

"M-match ?" she whispered, her eyes wide and shocked.

Doctor waved cheerfully towards her

"Good evening Rarity. How are you ?" he said politely.

Sunset watched as her friend's face turns from usual pale white to a crimson red, from her chin to the roots of her purple hair.

"A-a-a-ha-I-I fo-foor-fo-forgot so-so-someth-ing i-import-t-ant thaat I must a-at-thend at h-home. S-see you to-tomorrow" Rarity said, visibly embarrassed.

Rarity quickly dressed herself back again and left in a hurry, closing the door.

Sunset giggled and shook her head, smiling

"Doctor, that was Rarity. She is not usually like this. It is rather the other way around, others are fricking out when they see her."

Doctor nodded

"I see. Well, she is similar to equestrian Rarity and I like her very much."

Sunset winked to the Doctor

"Well, she was certainly happy to meet you, Doctor"

Doctor twisted his head

"What ?"

Sunset rolled her eyes and sighed

"Oh, boys... well, Doctor, why won't we eat some of that delicious cake and we will talk some more ?"

***********************

"I still can't believe that Twilight became Princess Celestia...and Daybreaker. She might kill all of her friends" Sunset shuffled another slice of pie into her mouth

"Well, Twilight was stuck in an eternity loop, a passage of fixed events. All along she knew the possible consequences of her actions. Guilt harvested throughout the centuries can get anyone or anypony mad" Doctor gestured with his spoon.

"How do you know that ?" asked Sunset.

The pair of blue eyes flashed in the darkness. Light of the street lamp outside only covered a half of Doctor's face. One half bright, one consumed by the shadows. And both blue eyes staring at Sunset from the light and darkness were the eyes of someone very old, very wise and very tired. There was something dangerous lingering in them, some warning of the point with no return.

Doctor slowly ate his slice of pie.

"Let's just say I learned it...the long way around"

Sunset shivered slightly

Doctor snapped his fingers and the room lightened up.

Sunset looked at him, amazed

"How did you do that ?"

Doctor smiled, the intimidating look vanishing from his face

"This is just a simple sonic calibration of the electronic circuits with the synchronization of electromagnetic transference system. You can control the level of light in the house by command. It is one of my gifts for taking care of me."

Sunset whistled

"Doctor, you shouldn't haaaaaaaaahhhhh!" Sunset said, inefficiently trying to muffle her yawn at the end.

"Sunset, you need to rest. There are many things ahead of us" Doctor suggested gently.

Sunset approved, feeling her eyes closing on her own. She didn't realize how late it was.

She was slowly drifting to sleep and she couldn't help it.

"And you Doctor ? Don't you want to rest too ?" she yawned again.

Doctor's gaze was very distant. He shook his head

"Time Lords don't need as much sleep as humans do. I need to think now and clear my mind."

Sunset nodded, the world slowly disappearing around her.

She was probably crazy, staying at night with such a strange person. But this feeling of safety...Doctor reminded her of her study with Celestia, before everything fell apart.

It should be a safe night...probably.

"Doctor, earlier you said something about understanding my pain from the loss of Equestria..."

Even in her nearly subconscious state she noticed a small tear flowing down the Doctor's cheek as he turned to face her.

"My home planet, Gallifrey, burnt and was blown up as the conclusion of one of the biggest wars in the entire history of the multiverse. I am the last one of my kind and I have to carry the burden of protecting the time from the forces of evil. You just lost your original home too and from now on, there is no moving back. As a kind of cosmic orphans, we should stick together."

The last thing Sunset remembered was Doctor's gaze, full of understanding, kindness and compassion.

****************

Sunset yawned melodically and stretched out.

She was in her bed. Doctor probably carried her here when she fell asleep.

She jumped out of bed and dressed quickly.

After a half of an hour she was decent enough to go downstairs.

Doctor was nowhere to be found. On the kitchen table she spotted a note

"Dear Sunset, I went to jog a little bit. During the run, I met this world's version of Pinkie Pie. She is faster than I would ever imagine. She invited me to go to Canterlot High for one day and also said that I will be very welcome as a guest on a Gala this evening. I accepted this invitation, since I was planning to search that area anyway. I went back to let you know where and to made you some breakfast. I didn't know what you like so I made everything that I was able to make with the supplies I was given. I will be waiting outside the school building". D.

Sunset looked up and noticed a towers of food in front of her.

She gulped. He really shouldn't do this, for the sake of her stomach.

**********************

After consuming one sixth of the Doctor culinary outburst, Sunset took the bus to Canterlot High.

She walked near the statue of the Wondercolt, when somebody stopped her

"Hi Sunset !" Rainbow Dash turned Sunset, so she was now facing her " I am taking back everything I said earlier about the Doctor. That guy is amazing !!!"

Sunset raised an eyebrow

"To what do we owe this sudden change of heart ?"

Rainbow scratched her head.

"Well, he came early to the stadium and he wanted to ask me a few questions. I didn't want to talk with him, so I started to run around the stadium.

Not only he caught up with me but did a three circles by the time I only did one. I didn't expect it from a geek-ish guy like him. I had to stop, because I just had to show him my respect. I even invited him to be a part of my soccer team but he was too busy scanning everything with this weird wand of his".

Sunset sighed

"Yep, of course he did"

Rainbow waved her hand

"But my point is that he is pretty cool. He also helped me with my maths homework when he didn't find what he was looking for. "

Sunset rushed to the front door

"Come on Rainbow, we are going to be late for class !"

******************

"I AM USELESS!!!! PLEASE, THIS IS HUMILIATING!!!! JUST STOP!!!!"

Rainbow, Applejack and Sunset watched with wide eyes as their physics teacher was sobbing on the Doctor's feet.

Doctor inefficiently tried to free himself

"Please miss, I haven't actually done that much..."

Applejack coughed and pointed at the blackboard

"Sugarcube, ah don't think this here equation is nothin'"

Doctor turned around to face the blackboard

"Oh, this... I only thought that learning about surface area in present time is a bit shallow. Applying a factor of potential temporal density, which is created by dividing all parts of the closed system by the quantity of voluntarily actions, you can achieve a factor of Sapient Possibility. Proceeding, we can divide actual physical area by SP factor and rising to the power of the number of the time. Then we can achieve the density of closed area in time and space. And this density comes from all potential actions closed in time and space, with all the possible implications. I learnt it in my kindergarten"

Rainbow Dash just stared blankly at the blackboard, filled from top to bottom with numbers and symbols.

"Somebody please pinch me" she whispered in astonishment.

A moment later, she screamed and looked at Applejack

"I said pinch, not kick"

Applejack's face was covered by the book she was reading but Rainbow still saw a corner of her lips rising up in a mischievous smile.

Rainbow muttered something and turned to Sunset.

"Let's excuse us out, it's almost break anyway"

They grabbed the Doctor and pulled him out of the class. Sobbing teacher didn't even acknowledge it.

***********************

"Ah got to say, that Doctor fella is not bad as I thought" said Applejack, taking a slice of the apple pie.

The whole group was eating lunch along with Cutie Mark Crusaders. The only one missing was the Doctor.

"Heck yeah, he helped me with my injuries when I fell from the scooter during recess. " exclaimed Scootaloo, showing bandage on her hand.

"And helped me during my music lesson. He gave me the sheets with beautiful melodies, I never sang anything like it." cheered Sweetie Belle.

"He helped me build a construction for mah project. It was really complicated and ah'm glad that ah had some assistance " added Applebloom.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow

"Wait a minute, what he was even doing on your classes ?. He was supposed to study with us."

Applebloom thought for a minute

"He came through the window"

Applejack spilt her apple cider in the air

"WHAT??? Yer classrooms are on third floor !"

"Exactly. He came through the window with this blue glowin' wand of his. He came to our teacher and showed her some weird piece of paper. He said that he is on inspection and he has to scan the room but in return for interruptin' , he offered to assist the students and helped them. And our professor agreed without hesitation."

"Well, that would explain why he was in the toilet. I was wondering what was taking so long " said Rarity

Applejack leaned closer to her

"You were wonderin' ?"

Rarity nearly exploded

"Applejack !!! I would never...I...I...what are you implying ???!!!"

Applejack patted her shoulder

"It is okay Rare, we all see that he caught yer eye"

Doctor opened the cafeteria's door and walked to their table.

Rarity smiled and whispered into Applejack's ear

"Now say one word darling, and I will sneak into your farm and snap all your Stetson hatswith cruise hats adorned with gems and feathers. Understood ?"

Applejack chuckled nervously

"C-clear as fresh cider Rarity,"

Anger disappeared from Rarity's eyes

"I am so sorry dear, I don't want to threaten anyone but I have plans for the Gala and I don't want you or any of the girls to spoil them. "

Applejack nodded and winked to Rarity

"Don't worry, Ah won't let you down."

Doctor reached their table and sit down. He looked at his screwdriver and sighed

"Blast it, still no readings. But I am sure that she is suppose to be here."

Doctor looked at Sunset.

"Do you think that I could get some more time here ?"

Sunset smiled

"Well, after all you did today for us and the Crusaders, you are more than welcome to come to our Pre-Games Gala."

"Absolutely" Applejack nodded

Pinkie jumped into the air

"Yuuuuuppiiii!!!! Another party guest makes party better!!!! It means even more cupcakes!!!" She started waving the flag with the symbol of hourglass

"Yay" whispered Fluttershy

Rainbow rolled her eyes and smiled

"Heck, I guess you can tag alo-"

"YEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!" came the scream from the other side of the table.

Everyone one looked at Rarity whocovering her mouth with her hand.

Rarity cleared her throat and repeated

"I mean, it would be lovely if you could attend, darling".

Doctor grinned

"That's nice, thank you. It is perfect for me. Excuse me for a moment. ".

He started shaking his screwdriver and exit the room.

Rainbow hit the table with the fist.

"He may be cool, but he is still weird and disturbing. We need to know who are we dealing with".

Fluttershy coughed gently and spoke to Sunset

"It seems that there is some kind of a bond between you and him. Did he tell you something last night ? Please, tell us... I mean, if it is not a problem."

Applejack nodded

"Yeah, who exactly is he and what is he doin' here ?"

"What is he planning ?" Rainbow Dash added

"Why his coat is bigger on the inside, just like my hair ?" Pinkie cheered.

"Why did he looked so sad while he was looking at me ?" Sweetie Belle bit her lip.

"And who is that "she" he was talking about ?" Rarity raised an eyebrow.

Then she quietly added

"Sunset, please. We are your friends, you should tell us."

Sunset remained silent for a moment and then shook her head.

"I am very sorry, but I can't answer those question. Well, I know the answers but I just can't. Believe me, I don't feel good about it."

Rainbow let out a frustrated sigh

"You mean you don't trust us ?!!!"

Sunset raised her head and the group saw the tears slowly filling her eyes.

"I mean that this knowledge can put you all at risk and I wouldn't be able to bear losing any of you !!! Doctor needs my help in a mission of great importance and he travelled here to get my help. He only needs me so the less you all are involved, the better." she hesitated and then resumed " Look, after this night I will tell you everything. But for now, before the Doctor finds what he is looking for, you need to stay out of this."

Other girls looked at each other and smiled

"I am still worried about this mess but I think we can promise that we will stay out of this for now. We trust you Sunset" said Fluttershy

Everyone nodded in approval.

Sunset smiled, relieved

"Thanks girls"

Applejack hugged Sunset tightly

"Be safe sugarcube ! We can't lose you either."

Sunset giggled

"I am not sure if safety is possible in my life for a long time, but I will try, I am sure I will."

******************************

"Whoa, Ah never knew about this harvestin' method. Ah must test in mah own orchard" Applejack stared at the Doctor, impressed.

The whole group was just heading to Rarity's boutique, to change into their Gala outfits and find one for the Doctor.

Doctor nodded

"I was the one who helped invented it. It provides a good chemical composition to the juices and therefore, more tasty final product."

Applejack whistled

"Ah got to say Doctor, you are a heck of a wise guy"

Doctor waved his hand

"Don't mentio-"

Rainbow Dash grabbed Doctor's arm.

"He is not only wise.Doctor, care for the race to the boutique ? Is not so far away but is still nice distance"

Doctor shrugged his arms

"Sure, why not ? Maybe I will spot something interesting during it"

The Time Lord and rainbow haired athlete dashed forwards with incredible speed.

"Rotten apple, I need to see Rainbow's face when she loses"Applejack giggled and started running too.

Pinkie bounced along, licking a giant, 8-scoups tall ice-cream she bought near the school's exit.

Rarity, who was talking to Sunset and Fluttershy, screamed in horror.

"Don't you dare run now !!! You will be all sweaty and you will ruin my clothes !!! Come back here !"

She started to run herself but since she was wearing high heels, it was rather comical than effective.

Fluttershy squealed and followed her, not eager to be left behind.

Sunset let out a honest, loud laughing fit, that made her tension ease a little. She smiled as she watched her friends fading in the distance, with the echo bringing Rarity's whining and Pinkie's laughter.

"Maybe it won't be as bad after all. As long as we have each other, we can fight any foe" she said as she started running to catch up with her friends.

Behind her, the tall, slim and muscular man emerged from the darkness. He watched a running girl from the distance with the wide, toothy grin.

"You can't be more mistaken, Aghelaya. This is only a beginning. Soon you the power of Eternity will be mine and then, the death will be most merciful fate for you and your friends."

He clenched his hand on a walking stick, carved from obsidian, with a ruby on the top.

He looked at the moon, and let out a deep, evil laughter

"I am ready, Doctor. Oh, I am ready"

He turned away and before he faded in the shadows, echo brought his last words

"Ready as I'll ever be !"

Faithful Gala

Chapter 22

"Stop struggling Rainbow, we are almost finished" muttered Rarity, doing the final snips on Rainbow's outfit

"You've been saying this for ten minutes now. I need to move, you know I don't like standing in place for so long" Rainbow growled, scratching her back.

Applejack was looking in the mirror, analyzing her own outfit. She was wearing a long, light orange dress, fastened over one of her shoulders by a green gem. Her blond locks, usually tied at the end, were now loose. Her Stetson hat was adorned with a complicated composition of branches and flowers, that for some reason didn't fall down on the ground. It wasn't Applejack's idea, but Rarity insisted, saying, that it will be a nice touch, since Applejack never applied any make-up. Her outfit was completed by high brown boots, with the apple ornaments sowed into them.

Pinkie was trying over 20 outfits throughout the hour, most of them not from Rarity's shop or not even from the correct time period. Finally, she decided and picked up a short pink skirt. She then added a light blue top, with a realistic looking whip-cream on her chest, covering her breasts. Satisfied with her choice, Pinkie put on her head a small, fedora like hat in the colour of deep blue, with pink feather on it.

Fluttershy's hair was tied up in a complicated, ancient-like hairstyle, with a butterfly and flower hairclips. She decided to go in a long, light green dress, that she remembered as one of her choices for the Fall Formal. The dress was adorned with the motives of leaves and pink petals.

Rainbow's outfit, which Rarity was now trying to finish with great determination, consisted of light blue leggings and cyan top with a yellow strikes of lightning crossing on the chest. Rainbow's hair, in contrary to Applejack's, was tied up in a ponytail. Much to Rarity's dismay, rainbow-haired athlete insisted to go to the Gala in a regular trainers. She also added a wing like plates on the shoulders that looked like they belong to some sort of armour. In Rainbow's opinion, that was the only way to add an "awesome twist" to those clothes.

After two hours of make-up application, twisting the eyelashes and the other beauty necessities, Rarity changed into a long indigo dress that matched her eyes perfectly. It also pronounced the curves in all of the right places and that was the main reason why Rarity was so proud of that creation. She completed the outfit with a high heels, golden bracelets on her wrists and a tiara with sapphires, situated proudly at the top of her head. Her normally curled and twisted locks were now straighten up a bit to show a full volume of her regally purple hair.

Sunset was wearing a long, red dress with a orange flame pattern on the edges. With a help from Fluttershy and Rarity, her hair turned into a mayan-esque hairstyle, that Sunset enjoyed but wore only on special occasions. The other element of the outfit was a medallion in a form of Sunset's former Cutie Mark, the flaming sun in a both red and yellow colour, that was hanging on her neck.

"Aaaand....done!!!" exclaimed Rarity and Rainbow jumped off the postument.

"Finally !!! Well, look at that !!!" Rainbow Dashstarted to turn around in front of the mirror. "You really did a heck of great job Rarity ! This looks cool !"

"Why thank you, this is nothing, I am glad I could help" Rarity waved her hand and smiled.

Sunset looked at the clock on the wall of Rarity's dressing room. They should be leaving soon and the Doctor was still missing.

She knocked on the door to another dressing room.

"Doctor ? Are you okay ?"

"Sunset, come in please !" came the muffled response.

Sunset waited a few seconds and entered the room saying

" I just wanted to knowif you are ready to go because we are going to be laaaa-"

And then she froze in place.

The Doctor's legs were the only visible part of him. The rest was buried in the pile of medical kits, food supplies and clothing.

Sunset pulled the Doctor out of the pileof stuff

"Doctor !!!"

The Time Lord looked at her

"I was just doing a little re-packing. We are going on a dangerous mission and I really don't want to mess up this time. I don't want you to get hurt so I need to be prepared really well. "

Sunset smiled, touched with a true care in his voice.

"That's really sweet of you. But there is no way that you are going to carry this things to the Gala. You have to leave them here."

Doctor shook his head

"No, no, I won't carry them, I will hide them on myself."

Sunset looked at the pile of various things and the Doctor. Her gaze said it all.

Playful grin formed on Doctor's face. He raised a hand, in which he was holding a small pouch. It looked just like a deflated balloon.

"Observe" he said, placing it on the floor.

Doctor started to expand the hole in the pouch till it was about one and a half meter wide.

Then he came over to the pile of stuff and started pushing it until it was placed exactly over the black circle.

Sunset covered her lips when the mountain collapsed and fell into the circle...under the level of the floor.

Sunset looked through the hole and noticed their things in the dark space below the hole

Doctor zipped the pouch and the hole's size decreased. He lifted it and hid in the pocket.

Sunset let out a sigh of amazement

"Doctor...how...what did you do ?"

Doctor raised an eyebrow.

"I am a Time Lord and "bigger on the inside" technology is our speciality. I mean...it was, back before..."

Then he was nudged by Sunset's elbow.

Fiery haired girl giggled

"That...was cool. I am really starting to be convinced that you are really a time traveller."

"Well, it took a while. Anyway, I think we can go if you and girls are ready too."

Summer frowned and held Doctor in place.

"Doctor, you still doesn't have your suit on you"

Now it was time for Sunset to be nudged.

"Yes, I do. It's called " his sonic screwdriver flashed and Doctor swung it around his body " a shimmer".

Doctor's clothes glimmered in the light and were replaced by a black tuxedo with a white shirt underneath. Doctor was also wearing a indigo tie with a golden, circular ornamentations, dark trousers and boots. In the chest-pocket of the tuxedo was placed a crimson coloured rose. His hair was even more spiky than before, sticking up in a funny manner.

Doctor turned around

"Do you like it ? I was thinking about wearing a collar at first but it seems they are not popular on Earth, especially in this time period and-"

"You look magnificent Doctor. Now we can go, can we ?"

Doctor raised his hand

"Just one more question. Am I naked by any chance ?"

Sunset chocked and blushed slightly.

"No !!!" she turned around and after a moment, gave a little peek behind " Definitely no. For Celestia's sake, why do you ask a question like this ?"

"Because with bad calibration shimmer can malfunction and be visible only for some people. But since I didn't set it for anyone in particular, I guess it is working."

He reached Sunset with his hand.

"Miss Sunset Shimmer, may I escort you to the Gala and show you the universe beyond?"

Sunset gladly accepted Doctor's hand, reaching out for her, closing her in her own grasp.

"I'll be delighted Doctor. Now let's go get the girls."

*************

"Ah ya're sure ya're old enough to drive this limo ? We are always ask for a driver, ya know" asked Applejack, when the group was entering the vehicle and Doctor sit himself in front of the steering wheel.

Doctor dismissed the question with the wave of his hand.

"Applejack, I can assure you that I am old enough to drive absolutely anything".

Doctor tried to turn the engines on but the limousine remained motionless.

He looked at the girls, sitting in the other part, just behind him

"Don't worry, I will fix it up pronto !"

"Wait a moment, I can help you, I know quite a lot about motorisation" Rainbow Dash followed the Doctor out.

Remaining five girls observed as Doctor and Rainbow were repairing something in the innards of their mode of transportation. Surprisingly, it only took eight minutes and they high fived.

Then Rainbow whispered something to the Doctor's ear. Time Lord looked at the fob-watch he pulled out of the tuxedo and nodded. He slowly passed the glowing sonic screwdriver over the parts of the machinery. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was clapping and smiling mischievously.

"Sh-should we be worried that she is happy in that way ?" whispered Fluttershy

Doctor and Rainbow made the limo and themselves decent again, then they I got inside.

"Rainbow, what did you tell Doctor to do ?" Sunset said, glaring at Rainbow Dash with suspicionin her eyes.

"I was only worry about us being late to the Gala, so I convinced him to speed things up ?" Rainbow said with the innocent face.

Rarity's and Sunset's eyes widened simultaneously.

"Speed things up ??!!! Doctor, wait !!!"

But it was already too late. The limousine dashed forward and the speed was so great that all of the girls were consumed by the leather seats and their eyes pressed deep into the eyesockets.

Pinkie Pie opened the window and stick her head outside, her tongue sticking out. She didn't seem to notice the pressure or the wind as she happily cheered to go faster.

Rainbow was thrilled and she was laughing maniacally, enjoying the sudden rush of adrenaline.

"Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssss iiiiiiiiiiiisssssssss aaaaammmaaaaaaaaaziiiinnggggg!!!!!!!!!"

"RRRRRRaaaaaaaaaaaainnnnnnnnbooooooowwwww Dhahahahahahahhhhhaaaassssssshhhh!!!!!!" screamed Rarity as the limousine was flying across the town.

******************

"Well, at least we are on time " muttered Applejack, supporting herself on the streetlamp and breathing heavily.

"I think I left my stomach back home. I am going to be sick " muttered Rarity.

"Tell me about it" Sunset tried to fight the urge to throw up, just like Fluttershy who was sitting nearby " Rainbow, if you ever do this again, I swear to all the gods in all dimensions that I will-"

"Oy, chill" Rainbow helped Sunset get up. She didn't seem to be affected by the crazy drive at all. " I am sorry, I would never think it will have such a effect on you . But this was cool ride, you have to admit !"

"It was funny !!!! Can we do that again ?" Pinkie jumped high above them.

Doctor stepped up

"I am sorry. It sounded like a good idea at first but I see that I made you really uncomfortable. Let me help you".

He slightly pressed Sunset's temples and dizziness disappeared.

"Thanks Doctor, whatever you just did". Sunset sighed in relief.

The Doctor repeated the process with Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity and soon enough they were all standing in front of the entrance to the Canterlot High.

**************

The group entered the gym and then split up, promising that they will meet again after an hour.

Pinkie Pie ran to try the new pastry on the buffet, Rainbow and Applejack started a competition on the dance floor, twisting their bodies to the beats served by Vinyl Scratch, Sunset went to enjoy some party activities, Rarity and Fluttershy were chatting to their friends from the school clubs.

Doctor looked around, not sure where to go. Then he stepped into the dance floor.

"Well, since I am going to be here for a while anyway, let's just relax...for now. I am going to show them some moves that were not discovered yet".

Rainbow and Applejack looked at the Time Lord swirling around, jumping and flying through the air. Applejack adjusted her long dress to suit the fast dancing, with the clips Rarity gave her.

"Oh it is one !!!" they shouted in unison.

Doctor watched as Rainbow Dash preformed series of complicated hip-hop movements. He mirrored her moves for a while and then grab Applejack by the hand and she spanned around him. He held her in her waist and lifted above the ground. The apple farmer let out a warm fit of laughter.

Doctor smiled as well. He actually had fun out here. More fun that he had in decades.

But unfortunately, it had to be postponed.

He did a few breakdance sequences with Rainbow Dash and then, after promising Rainbow and Applejack that they will all do it over again, he excused himself and exit the gym.

He grabbed the sonic screwdriver and adjusted the settings. The device started flashing in the regular periods of time

"Where are you ??!!!" muttered Doctor, following the source of the detected signal.

**********

"Smash it !!! Smash it !!! Smash it !!!"the crowd cheered loudly.

Sunset tightened her grasp on the baseball bat and tried to locate the invisible target. One swift swing and

CRACK!!!

The piñata exploded with candy and confetti.

"Woooooohooo!!!" Sunset did a small victory dance, throwing her arms in the air and moving her hips in the rhythm

"Oh yeah !!!"

She giggled. She loved piñatas and this one was designed by Pinkie Pie, so the candy was really delicious. She happily picked it up and started working towards the direction of which she came earlier, looking for some familiar faces.

She approached Fluttershy, who was sitting by the wall, quietly sipping lemonade.

Sunset knew that the shy girl didn't exactly fancy the loud parties, so she wanted to check on her friend just in case.

"Hey Fluttershy, everything ok ?" she asked

Fluttershy blinked and smiled, noticing Sunset.

"Oh, hello Sunset. Everything is fine, I just wanted to observe the dancing for a minute. I even tried myself, but I guess it's a bit too fast for me" she blushed in embarrassment.

Sunset wrapped her arm around Fluttershy

"It is okay. I am happy as long as you are enjoying the Gala"

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash appeared in front of them, nearly giving both girls a heart attack.

"Rainbow !!!" shouted Sunset.

"Whopsie, sorry !"Rainbow looked at them for a moment, then continued searching something in the distance " Have you seen Doctor anywhere ? This is my favourite beat and he promised me..."

She was interrupted by Applejack, who emerged from the crowd, shouting

"Rainbow !!! Ya have to see this !!! Pinkie is jumpin' to the pool filled with punch and whipped cream !!!"

Rainbow's jaw dropped

"No !!!"

Applejack nodded

"Yeeeeeeesss!!!!

Rainbow's eyes lightened up

"Well in this case here I come, I can't miss it. It will be glorious. But if you see Doctor, tell me, kay ?"

She and Applejack quickly ran towards the other corner of the gymnasium.

Sunset and Fluttershy waved to them.

Sunset tappeda floor with her fingers.

"I actually wonder where the Doctor is. Well, we shall see later. He is probably having fun somewhere".

***************

"Wish I could have more fun now" muttered Doctor as he fell out through the window.

He traced the signal through the corridors to this forsaken window. The signal led outside so he decided to go out. And of course he had to fell through instead of simply going down.

He raised from the ground, shifted and started crawling through the bushes that were surrounding the school building.

"Come on, please, please" he begged into the air until

BUMP !!!

He looked up and saw a girl in a black glasses and a purple hair with a pink stripe, tied up in ponytail. She was wearing a dark clack with a symbol of the purple star. She was holding a medallion, that remindedDoctor of some kind of a scanner.

The big violet eyes were watching his every move.

"Don't worry, I don't want to hurt you. Keep crawling in your side and I will keep crawling in mine. Did you happen to register chronomolecular distortion ?"

"No, I didn't " the girl whispered shyly " the electromagnetic aura has too much density for the distortion of temporal stasis."

"Yes, I noticed. So infuriating !" Doctor nodded.

"So...have you noticed any recharges of energy with a weird amplitude or an energy of a high index of ionization ?"

Doctor raised an eyebrow

"You mean like magic ? Crawl through the bush, turn right, go straight for a few minutes and you will find a statue in front of the school. It is really flooded with this magical energy."

"Thanks" the girl smiled.

"You are welcome" Doctor replied.

They both resumed crawling in their respective directions.

Doctor finally emerged from the bush and entered the building once again. He started running. The beeping got louder.

"And..." Doctor opened big door at the end of the corridor.

He entered the through the door and sighed

"Omega's pants, everything but that !"

He returned to the gym.

*******************

Sunset Shimmer was walking through the crowd to see Pinkie's jump when suddenly she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

What was that ? she thought.

"Are you okay there ?" Sunset noticed a hand reaching out for her

"Yeah !" she said, grabbing the hand.

She was lifted up to face the girl, who may be a year or two older than her. She was a simple, light orange dress. Her hair was the purest white Sunset has ever seen and her eyes were in the colour of amber. The strange girl was also wearing a medallion, just like Sunset. It resembled a number eight, but lying horizontal.

"Do I...know you ?" Sunset twisted her head.

The girl chuckled

"Not yet, dear Sunset, not yet. I just needed to check if you are here and if you are okay. But I can assure you, we will meet again."

Sunset shook her head and when she opened her eyes, the girl disappeared.

Sunset looked around in shock.

"Wha-what ?! Who was that ?"

****************

"Maybe it is a relativity error ? Or a materialisation loop ? Or messed up space-time biodata ?" Doctor wondered, drinking the apple cider and walking around the gym.

He still couldn't understand why the TARDIS wasn't here. She should follow him when Equestrian universe collapsed. Right ?

Suddenly, the music stoppedplaying which caused Doctor to resurface from his well of thoughts.

He looked at the DJ booth and saw Vinyl arguing with a distinguished looking girl with ebony hair and grey skin. After a moment, Doctor recognized in her a talented cellist, Octavia Melody.

Since the sound transfer from the inside was still on, Doctor heard a phrases such as:

"This is unacceptable !!"

"Tavi, five more minutes !"

"You are sleeping on a couch tonight !"

And a few more in this tone.

Then Vinyl was dragged by the ear out of the DJ booth and Octavia entered the large postument next to it.

"I am so sorry for such an inconvenience. I can assure you it won't happen again. And now for all the couples out there..."

She took her cello and started playing a slow, profound melody.

Doctor froze when he felt a fingers climbing up his back.

One, two, three, four...

"Guess who ?" whispered a voice from behind.

Doctor turned around to find Rarity, standing behind him and leaning against the wall. For some reason, she was wrapped up in a red curtain and had a very, very seductive look in her eyes.

Doctor hyperventilated, not knowing why

"Rha-ra-Rarity what a-are you doing ?"

She giggled and her blush became even more visible.

"Why, I am stealing you for a dance silly!".

She grabbed the Doctor and before he could register anything, he and Rarity were gliding among the others in the rhythm of waltz.

Doctor was a little taken aback, but shortly he adjusted to the melody and hold Rarity more tight. It was actually nice. Surprising and unexpected but still nice.

They swirled, their legs, hips and arms in perfect harmony, dancing around in the endless, profound symphony.

Doctor looked at Rarity and he was touched by the look of genuine relax and happiness on her face. Her cheeks were heated up by the red blush and her sapphire eyes lightened up by something that Doctor couldn't quite identify.

The music changed and now it had even slower pace. Rarity hugged Doctor and lied her head on his chest, while he was still holding her in her waist.

Doctor blushed himself. What on Arcadia was she doing ?

He had a destination to follow to and promises to keep. Surely he didn't have time for this.

But still... he felt the happiness radiating from the young designer. And he had to admit that he was peacefully drifting away. Doctor didn't feel so much affection towards him since... he reached back, but the memories were foggy for some reason. He knew that this memory was important though.

The way Rarity walked, this dress, her way of talking, her curled hair, which smelled like lavender... all those things reminded him of...place, time, person ?

Doctor was so wrapped up in this meditations that he didn't notice that Rarity was still getting closer and closer.

Until the moment when she suddenly pulled his head to hers and her lips pressed against his.

Shudder through Doctor's spine and that shock was all it took.

He remembered.

Eternity Revealed (Faithful Gala part 2)

Chapter 23

The second sun was setting when the ball began

Slim, tall man was slowly making his way through the crowd. He was wearing an orange and golden cloak adorned with enormous collar around his neck.

The man was obviously not in good spirits, his face indicated that he was rather annoyed. He slightly brushed his hair, always groomed back on his semi-bold head. His brown eyes searched the terrace.

"Where did she went ?" he muttered.

"Doctor !!!" shouted the voice from behind.

The grumpy man turned around and face lightened up a bit

"Over here, dear !" he gestured.

A very young woman walked over to the Doctor's side.

"Are you enjoying the party ?" she asked.

Doctor sighed

"Your joke assortment needs to be refreshed, dear. You know very well that I am not fond of social arrangements."

Woman rolled her eyes

"You were rather sit in this barn of yours and stare at the horizon, I know. You were like this since we were in the Academy 150 years ago."

Doctor looked at the orange sky above them

"I know that there is more in this world than pompatic, ridiculous rituals and debates. I am tired of the ways of our kind, Astra, I want to explore. Maybe I should "borrow" the TARDIS after all."

Astra rolled her eyes once again

"Not everything on Gallifrey is dull. For example..."

She grabbed Doctor by the hand, dragging him to the dance floor.

"I will steal you, if you steal me " she said, dancing her eyebrows.

Doctor opened and then closed his mouth.

"There is no need to be hasty" he said nervously"

Astra laughed

"Doctor, we have been dating for ten years now "

"It is ONLY ten years. We are Time Lords, for Rassilon's sake ! You are fifty years older than me, still doing fine"

Astra placed Doctor's hand on her waist

"Don't keep the lady waiting, Doctor" she winked to him.

The pair started to move slowly across the dancefloor. While dancing, Doctor focused his attention on Astra. She was one of his two oldest friends. They were both teaching at Academy and over time, their relationship developed into something more than friendship, even if Doctor was still having quite a hard time admitting it.

Astra was a slim Time Lady with a long, chestnut cloured hair, masterfully twisted and curled at the ends. She had a very pale complexion, adorned with small freckles on the cheeks. Over them was a pair of deep blue, sapphire eyes, shadowed by long eyelashes. That night, she was wearing a long, red dress, bracelets on her wrists and a tiara with white-pointed-star, a kind of diamond that could be found only on Gallifrey.

"It is so nice that we could be here tonight" whispered Astra.

"I cannot disagree" Doctor smiled weakly

"Can I pay you a visit next week ?"

"Actually, I was already planning something and I wanted to invite you and the Master".

Astra's gaze became cold and distant

"How is he ? " she asked, playing with bracelets on her wrists

A shadow passed through Doctor's face

"I am indeed worried about him. There is something wrong with him, I can't say what specifically"

"You should be careful, people talk that is going crazy"

"Nevertheless, he is my oldest friend and I have my trust in him" Doctor looked Astra in the eyes.

"I know him too" addedTime Lady " he changed a lot through the years."

Doctor sighed, watching the fields of red grass beyond the Citadel of the Time Lords.

"As we all, darling. As we all"

****************
The kiss finally ended and Rarity inhaled deeply and said

"Well, that sure was something".

She stared dreamily in the space but when she focused here eyes on the spot where the Doctor was standing before, he was gone.

****************

Doctor started running when he was out of Rarity's sight.

That flashback was seriously too much to handle.

He entered the short corridor that was leading to the toilets and lock himself in one cabin after running in.

He hated to be like this. But this was unbearable. Now he understand why he felt this weird sensation around Rarity.

He hide his face in his hands but he could still feel the tears dripping down through the fingers.

Rarity looked almost exactly like Astra, his first and most beloved wife. The Time Lady who was the mother of his only daughter. He can still remember her face, reflecting on the ruby surface of the Moment, when he destroyed his home planet and the whole life on it. Including her.

He dried his eyes and pull out a little picture of a grey pegasus with blond mane. He felt awful... like a traitor. He already travelled with Derpy and Twilight in two separate time periods, and they didn't knew about each other. That was awful enough. With Derpy he realized that maybe it is time to move on and settle in...not in one place, of course, but in a relationship. He felt so many good things when he was with Derpy and the only reason that kept him from staying with her was the natural fear of outliving her. But now, this kiss...for some reason he felt like a cheater.

However, no matter how much dance with Rarity disturbed him... he didn't feel regrets per se. Something in him was also feeling warmth and comfort and the temptation to repeat everything was very strong. Rarity gave him something he thought he will never experience again. A tiny fraction of his life before the War. She was almost identical to Astra in style, personality and appearance. It was as if the Doctor saw a ghost and had a second chance...

Doctor clenched his fists, got up and exit the cabin. He looked in the mirror.

"Astra is dead. They all died. I... I killed them cause I had no other choice. Now it is not the time or place to think about it, I will deal with my heart later. I have a mission to accomplish and..."

The sound of the opening door of the cabin and he turned around.

He saw a muscular man in a black tuxedo with the red underside. His long black hair was falling on his back and his eyes glimmered in the mixture of violet and green.

Doctor and King Sombra stared at each other and both growled

"YOU !!!"

Sombra quickly grabbed the Doctor and pressed him against the wall.

"Where are the Harmony Bearers, Doctor ?"

Doctor struggled to breath

"What are you talking about ? I want to know as much as you do. Actually, I thought that you killed them".

"I wanted to and I almost did. But I didn't get what I wanted which means that somehow they survived. And you were the only one who could save them back then. So...WHERE ARE THEY ??!!!!" Sombra roared.

Doctor smirked

"Better question is..."

He suddenly freed himself and kicked Sombra to the floor, immobilizing him.

"What do you want from them ? Why are you doing this ?"

Sombra rolled his eyes

"If that means that you will be less annoying before I kill you, then fine. But this means I have to speed things up "

He turned into shadow and slipped through Doctor's fingers and then under the bathroom

door.

Doctor cursed and started running, following the Lord of Darkness.

"No !!! Girls !!!" he yelled.

****************

Sunset was still trying to find the Doctor. She even called the entire group to look for him. She started to be worried.

And then Doctor ran into them with a full speed.

"Doctor, where have you been ? I was starting to -" Sunset began the lecture but Applejack interrupted her and pointed to the Doctor.

"Ah ya all right sugarcube ?" she asked the Time Lord

Doctor grabbed Sunsets hand and started to drag her to the exit

"Girls, there is no time. We are in a big danger. I need to get you out of here before..."

The lights went out and loud screaming echoed from everywhere. But then the sound became muffled and distant

"No one is going anywhere until I get my answers." Sombra snapped his fingers and Doctor and the girls found themselves in a big dome made from dull purple light.

Only them and Sombra inside.

Doctor shielded his companionswith his own body

"Sombra, if you need answers, you can take me, you can torture me, do what you like. But spare them, please. They don't need to be involved in this."

Sunset gasped

"Sombra ?!!! The Sombra ?!!!"

Rarity gave her a quick look to Sunset

"You know this ruffian ?"

Sunset scratched her head

"He...he is a legend in Equestria. I heard that he was once a tyrant in a Crystal Empire and he was dethroned by the Princesses"

Sombra grinned

"This is correct. Now let's get to the business."

The lights went out once again and when the Doctor saw the room again, the girls was on the five points of the dome, struggling with the invisible ropes. Sombra was in the middle of the room, with Sunset immobilized with his arms.

Sombra summoned a dagger made of darkness and put it on her neck.

"Now Doctor, tell me where are the Elements from Equestria or she gets it. I've been watching you for these two days, I know everything about your little rescue mission. I know you value the life of those you chose for companions talk if you want her to live."

Doctor began to slowly approach Sombra, being careful to move slowly, in almost not visible manner

"For the last time, I don't know ! If you could just tell me what do you need from them, maybe I could..."

"They have something that belongs to me !!! I need to find it and retrieve it !!!"

He looked around the room.

"You know why I needed Daybreaker ? Because she was aware of every little ridiculous link in the chain of hatred and affection in your group. Those emotions are going to destroy your lives."

He looked at Rarity

"Not returned affections are very powerful. I know that unfortunately and now I am more than able to use it against you"

The dim light revealed the scar on right half of Sombra's face.

Doctor nodded with pity

"Spike was captured by you...and escaped. You miscalculated Sombra. When dealing with dragon, never threaten the safety of his valuable possessions. Or, in that case the pony he loves. I know him well enoughthat he can crush mountains for Rarity."

Sombra's eye twitched

"YOU OF ALL HERE ARE IN NO POSITION OF GIVING ME ADVICE!!!"

Doctor waved his hand

"Oh, don't worry. I won't need to."

And then Sombra was consumed by the multicolor explosion.

Sunset was catapulted right on the Doctor and they fell to the ground.

Sunset hugged Doctor

"Thank you " she said in a broken voice, still shaking from the experience.

"I am glad that you are all right but that wasn't me. Look" Doctor pointed at something behind her.

Their friends were moving towards Sombra, fighting with his spell. Their bodies sparkled and glimmered

"You think that we will just sit and watch ?!!! We will kick you out of this world for good" screamed Rainbow

"Leave Sunset and Doctor alone" Rarity howled, still fighting with dark magic.

"You are the worst party crasher ever and you have to be stopped" yelled Pinkie.

"Be gone from here" added Fluttershy.

Sombra was visibly shocked by their resilience and strength. He was still standing tall but he started to slowly back up.

"Fools. You think you are going to stop me ?" he laughed " I am Sombra, the creator of the Dark Crystal, Lord of Shadows, Master of Darkness, Bringer of Fear, Overlord of Crystal Empire. I am the eternal sovereign of the forces of Tenebris, the only survivor of the battle of Araneyra. You simply cannot-"

BONG!!!

Sombra fell to the floor to reveal Applejack with the frying pan behind him. The spell vanished and she fell to the floor, sweating but smiling.

"And ah'm the pissed girl with the fryin' pan who doesn't like threatnin' my friends" she said, victorious.

The girls and the Doctor ran and hugged each other.

"That was a good action there AJ" Sunset cheered

"Yeah but where did you get that frying pan" asked Rarity

"Some of us have some secrets " Applejack high fived with Pinkie.

Doctor looked at Sombra.

"Girls, I don't want to ruin the moment, but he isn't human. He will be up in a moment and..."

Something caught his attention.

The cane changed into a scythe. Doctor shivered. The Scythe of Shadow, one of the most dangreous weapons in the universe. In Sombra's hands...

Doctor noticed the inscription on the edge. That language, it was the...

Doctor jumped up. He understood. That was the thing that Sombra and Daybreaker were after. That scythe had to be amulet of Darkness. And that meant....trouble.

Suddenly the scythe shone purple.

And the world exploded in colours.

When Doctor opened his eyes, he couldn't believe what he saw.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were levitating above the floor. Each of them in her own vortex of light and power.

Rainbow Dash was consumed in a cerise light, that howled and swirled like a tornado. On her chest materialised a symbol of sword and the air current.

Applejack floated in a dark green aura but her energy was more stable and slow. On her chest was a symbol of a mountain surrounded with vines.

Pinkie Pie was in the middle of the pink cocoon that glimmered and reflected like the pool of water. Symbol of circle formed from waves appeared in front of her.

Rarity levitated in the indigo veil, that had sparkled like there were stars enchanted in it. Her symbol looked like a balanced scales.

Fluttershy's aura was orange and it surrounded her in form of the ring. Laurel wreath appeared out of nowhere in front of her.

Sunset watched in amazement the light show in front of us

"What is this ? Doctor..."

Doctor looked like a child, his smile was a smile of pure and genuine curiosity.

"Air, Earth, Water, Harmony, Silence..."

He turned to Sunset

"Sunset Shimmer, those are the Forces of Eternity of the Multiverse. They had to react to the magic stored in that scythe. I still can't believe I am seeing this. So it is not just a legend..."

"Doctor, look" Sunset turned the Time Lord around and pointed on something.

Doctor followed her gaze and sighed

"Brilliant" he said, crying from joy.

Over the heads of their friends were floating silhouettes of five ponies respectively over their human forms, each in coma-like stasis.

"Two spirits in one body. Their essence somehow escaped and blended into their human counterparts". Doctor whispered.

"So this is where they went."

Doctor and Sunset quickly turned around to face Sombra, who was smiling at them.

"Well, too bad for them...and for you" he raised his scythe " Since the power of Eternity is connected to their lifeforce, I had to kill them to get it out. All ten of them."

Doctor's face turned into mask of horror.

"Sombra, why do you want to do with the Eternal Forces ?"

Sombra licked his lips

"Since you already guessed what I am after, what do you know about this Forces ? Why one may want them to himself ?"

Doctor's eyes widened

"No !!! This is senseless !!! Even if it was possible, no living creature can have so much power within !!! You will burn !!!"

Sombra spit on the ground with his purple blood.

"We shall see !"

He formed a sphere of dark magic between his hands and aimed on the spot between floating Elements of Harmony

"That will suck all of your life force nicely. Don't worry, it will be so painful that you won't feel a thing" he giggled and threw the sphere.

Sunset felt the need to run andsomehow deflect the sphere.

But then, Doctor screamed "NO!!!!" and she saw his screwdriver flashing so brightly that she had to cover her eyes.

The sphere of light turned from purple to white and when it hit the floor, it grew into a massive black hole.

Elements were sucked in a moment

"Impossible !!! Doctor, you will pay for this !!!! When I will gain the Eternal Power, I will personally erase you from existence. I swear it now !!!". Sombra screamed as he teleported away.

Doctor quickly pulled Sunset to his sight, holding her firmly in place

"Doctor, where are the girls ? What did you do ?" Sunset tried to scream through to howling wind created by the hole.

"I saved them !!!" Doctor screamed back.

Sunset sighed in relief. That was good.

"Now what ?" she asked

Doctor looked at the black hole. He smiled mischievously.

"Now, Sunset, we are taking a ride. Say "WHIIIIIII!!!!"

"WHAAAAAAA!!!!!" Sunset screamed as the hole expanded and she was thrown in the Horizon of Events, along with the Doctor.

The ways lead to unknown

Chapter 24

"Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!!!!!" Sunset yelled as she was falling along with the Doctor through the dark void, without any orientation or direction.

Her hair flowed in the icy void of blackness. She couldn't breathe. Her whole body was burning and freezing at the same time.

Her body started to be covered by the icy mist. And the pressure was unbearable.

She had... to ...breath.

And when it seemed that she would pass out from the cold, heat and lack of oxygen, the dense nothingness of the void dissapeared and Sunset touched something material.

She didn't have time to see what it was, cause the pain filled her entire body and she fell to the ground, unconcious.

**************

"Sunset !!!"

She gasped, filling her lungs with air, her eyes opened widely and reached forward, grabbing Doctor by the tie on his neck.

"NEVER. AGAIN. DO YOU HEAR ME ??!!! NEVER!!!" she half screamed, half coughed.

"I am sorry Sunset, I didn't want this. I know it wasn't pleasant but it was the only way to escape."

Sunset regained control of her breathing.

"If you say so. But please, next time we will have to escape, think about something else. Anything is better than throwing yourself into a black hole."

Doctor looked at her.

"Sunset, there is one more matter to cover" he pointed to her legs and hands. But there were no legs and hands. Instead Sunset saw a set of hooves.

She and Doctor became ponies again.

Sunset screamed and raised up, standing at her back legs in a vertical position and later jumped up into nearby bushes.

"Sunset, what are you doing ?" Doctor questioned his companion's behaviour.

After a moment, Sunset came out.

"Sorry, forced habit. I have to get use to walk without clothes again."

Doctor smiled. He reurned to the form of an earth pony with spiky brown mane, chestnut coat and hourglass cutie mark. But in contrary to Sunset, he was wearing a part of his brown suit and blue tie with golden ornaments.

"This is amazing... I mean, not the fact that you are naked but the fact that we teleported into a universe where equine shape is dominant."

Sunset examined her mane and horn, checked her ability to cast magic.

"Well, this is really suprising but I guess I can get use to it. I haven't been a pony for a while, you know".

She looked around. They were sitting on the edge of the field, close to the forest.

"Doctor, where are we ?"

"Oh, near the Everfree Forest...some Everfree forest. Now, while talking about where are we, why don't we look around, shall we ?"

Doctor started to trot down the path through the field but was stopped by a cold

"Are you kidding ?"

Here turned around to see Sunset sitting on her up with her front legs crossed on her chest and with forwned face.

"You expecting from me to move like a good, quiet girl without any answers ? Well, not today mister. I won't move an inch until I hear what in Tartarus exactly happened and what is our mission. I don't want my life blown up and turned upside down for no good reason. So you can sit and talk with me or get lost and forget about my help !!!" she cried out.

Doctor stood in place for a moment, took aback by the sudden outburst of the unicorn, andd fell on the ground laughing.

Sunset raised an eyebrow

"What is so funny ?"

Doctor raised up and trotted back to her, still laughing quietly

"I am sorry, but...you just reminded me of my friend Donna " he cleared his throat " Anyway, fine. I will tell you everything. You are my companion, you deserve to know."

Sunset looked at him, little ashamed.

"Sorry for yelling at you. I know you mean the best for all of us. But for someone, who calls himself a Lord of Time, you didn't exactly have much time to do what you want. Still running and running."

Doctor nodded

"Well, if you put it that way, it is a bit ironic. But to not keep you waiting, I will tell you everything I know.

It all stared when I was in a practice in young division of the Academy, back on my home planet, Gallifrey. I was studying in the library. I wandered to the restricted area and saw a very old book. It caught my attention so when no one was looking, I smuggled it to my place and read it."

"You have quite a tendency to "borrow" things, don't you ?" joked Sunset

"Oi, I took it back. But here is an interesting part. This book was a volume of ancient manuscripts. By ancient I mean written by the first of my kind, very long time ago. It was a precious historical relict and tht was why it wasn't turned into a simple electronic data."

"So the super precious manuscripts were just lying on the table for you to grab ?"

"Oh, there was some security. It even burnt my pants during coming through. But the point is that the book told me a story.

It was a tale of the Eternal Forces and their nature. Eternal Forces are the basic fundations of our universe and the book said that after a creation of the first universe, Forces became semi-sapient entities.

There are twelve Eternal Forces: Time, Sound, Harmony, Air, Water, Light, Space, Silence, Chaos, Earth, Fire and Darkness. Together they created the universe as we know it. They mantained the balance in the creation, as the six pairs of opposite powers.

The Forces decided to give their power to mortal beings in order to help them survive and improve their life. The keepers of Eternity needed to guide their races and bring them peace.

But then the greed and lust appeared in some of the bearers. This started a big war, which lasted longer than you can possibly imagine. Finally, Forces left their guardians so they no longer could use their power to fight against each other.

The power of Eternity remained hidden within twelve entities throughout millenias. And this, Sunset, explains why our friends had their power. They are the guardians of Eternity, which for some reason awoken right now. They are the embodiments of those Forces. Specifically, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Air, Applejack is the Element of Earth, Pinkie Pie is the Element of Water, Rarity is Element of Harmony and Fluttershy is the Element of Silence.

The Forces of Eternity are the raw power of creation, they are highly unstable and they can be used with equal potential for good and evil purpouses. Sombra and Daybreaker want to find all the bearers and kill them to achive their powers. If they control that power, all the worlds in the multiverse will suffer. We have to make sure that our friends will stand by our side in the fight against Daybreaker and Sombra.

You may wonder why we are here and where are the girls ? You see, Sombra wanted to kill our friends to suck out the Eternal Powers from them and to use it by himself. But I figured out that right know we need to have an advantage of time. When I created that black hole, I also made a gateway to the different realities. Each of our friends is now in a different version of the equestrian reality and our quest is to find them.

Every reality has some backups, versions that are really similar. Black hole sent us and our friends to a few different realities, that are those backups. They are very similar, but there is a one element missing, and that element differes it from original equestrian timeline, which was destroyed. Those errors can mess up with the future of those words. Our job here is to find the changed event and fix it up."

"How we are supposed to do this ? There is no chance that we would know how to fix up things that we didn't experience in the original timeline. Also, how are we going to know where the girls are ?"

Doctor pulled a medalion with a moon scythe symbol that he got from Sweetie Belle.

"Basing on my earlier research, this medalion is somehow synchronized with the Eternal Forces. It should lead us to the nearest Bearer. Our friends became...how to say it...readjusted to those timestreams and that means that they won't remember us or maybe even act like the ponies or people we used to know. But I think that fixing the event should reconect them with their Elements and they should remember who they are."

Sunset tapped her chin with her hoof.

"Seems legit. What's the catch ?"

Doctor frowned

"Well, we have to make them return to their original selves before Sombra, Daybreaker or someone sent by them will capture them. We have to fight with them for the multiverse and all in it. And now, let's go ! If you have any questions, I will answer them on the way."

The medalion shone with silver light on one edge, working like a compas. Doctor examined it.

"It seems that it is leading us in the direction of Canterlot" he looked at the city upon the mountain, that was rising near them.

He started to move towards the train tracks that could be seen on the edge of the vison, but Sunset stopped him.

"Wait ! Before we go, there is one thing that is bothering me... What was that Sombra meant by "What one can do with the Forces ". Doctor, why they need all of them ?"

Doctor was standing still for a moment before he turnned to face her once again. He was bitting his lip.

"Sunset, each of the Eternal Forces is very powerful, has its own previlages and abilities. But the legends say that if all 12 Forces are used together, in conjunction, the mysterious 13th Force will appear. And with this will come an ultimate power, the most elusive there is."

Sunset gasped

"You don't mean..."

Doctor noded

"Omnipotence. Total and ultimate control over everything that ever was, is and may be. If Sombra and Daybreaker obtain all 12 Forces, they will literally become gods. They will be able to wrap reality with ease and at any level they desire. They will be able to destroy us simply by thinking about it."

Sunset's lip quivered

"Then let's go. You were right, we shouldn't waste our time."

They both started galloping to the train tracks.

***************

Flash of dark light and...

"Damn it !" Spike screamed, pressing his claws to his injured side, while he fell from the sandy dune. That idiot really stabbed him.

"I am not done with you Sombra, we will see each other again ! " he hissed , trying to rise up.

He couldn't believe that he actually escaped. Everything that was happening through the last couple of minutes was so ridiculously stupid that it was just impossible that the escape actually worked. But he will think about this later.

Speaking of where he was...

He looked around. He was clearly in the middle of some sort of a desert. Sea of sand and burning heat of the sun everywhere he looked.

He rolled his eyes as his legs folded beneath him. He threw his fists into the air, screaming with frustration.

"Of all the worst things that could-" Spike covered his mouth, then chuckled slightly, his heart filling with warmth.

Then his face fell.

Rarity.

That stupid spell didn't work. But what to expect ? He never altered a spell before, he didn't know how did he do it, but most importantly, how he even could do it ?

Taemah ge nellea rarii

For some reason, Spike understood that weird language Sombra was speaking with and said those words

Take me where I should be

He definately should be with Rarity and the girls, making sure if they are fine. He shouldn't be in the middle of nowhere, probably dying from the bloodloss and dehydration.

"Well, at least I am free to go and reach them. I hope I will make it in time" he looked around " hmm, sand, sand and more sand...I think I'll go in the direction where there is sand."

He slowly walked down from the dune

************

After a few miles of walking Spike was done.

"Really ? This is how it all ends ?" he slowly moved forward, step by step, feeling dizzy and sick. "This is how I die ? In this forgotten desert, away from my friends ? "

He fell down, heat here was so overwhelming, even for a dragon. He needed to find cover and he seemingly didn't have much time left.

"Well, at least I will die doing the thing I am the best in: trying to help."

He moved, despertately trying to see something in a small sandstorm that created during his journey.

Spike half laughed, half coughed.

"Well, I was a lucky guy. But c'mon, I can't die. It is not like I am that irreplaceble, but...who will care for Twilight when she is sick or when she is having one of her crazy panic attacks ? Who will clean the castle ? Who will be a Grand Cider Distributor to assist Applejack ? Who will assist Fluttershy in her Study of Reptilian creatures ? Who will go with Dash to a National Aviation Festival ? Will there be a somepony to know the perfect flame temperature to help Pinkie bake her Almost Burnt but Not Burnt Cookies ? Will there be a good a replacement player in Ogres and Oubliettes with Discord and Big Mac ? And most importantly, who will assist Rarity in the boutique ? My generous, kind, breathtaking Rarity... I hope that you will find somepony that will love you for who you really are and take care of you, when I won't be here. Somepony who would know that you need to be reminded to take a scarf on the rainy days, cause otherwise you always catch a cold. That you love roses, hate hoofball and sport events, that you want your fabrics to be organised by warmth of colour, not durability, that you admire both classical music and alternative rock. Will somepony know that saying your creative and special will always put a smile on your face and that sometimes you need someone watch over you, even from the distance, when you devour conteners of ice-creams...will be someone who will understand that you are the most amazing wonder of a mare, will someone see you as I see you ?..."

He used the remainings of his strenght to got up. If he is going to die, he should at least do it right. Showing that he is not scared, to move forward in the face of death.

Wait....he was scared. No, he was terrified. But his time was really running out.

"Thank you girls, for everything. I will miss you. You were my world !."

He raised up his leg up, looking forward to the horizon.

"And Rarity... I will always lo-" he said, taking a step.

Without checking the ground

His eyes snapped open when he fell forwards, to the tunel in the sand.

"Sweet Celestia, will I ever finish that sentence ?" was Spike's last thought before he hit his head into something hard and passed out, still falling down.

*******************

He didn't remember much what happened later.

Through his weird state between sleep and reality he heard a sound of flowing water. He recalled desperate yet slow movements of his body.

And finally a touch of a cool liquid on his face.

And drinking, drinking, drinking and drinking...

Then everything were black once again.

When Spike awoke once again, he found himself near the spring in the dark and spacious cave.

He shook his head. To think that he was proclaming his last will speech a step from the entrance to the cave, where he found the water...he suddenly felt ridiculous. Well, that day was getting weirder and weirder.

He looked a dark tunel few meters behind him. This had to be the pit he fell into. It was strangely convinient that he landed in the cave, where he could find water.

The place where he should be...

There was one thing he had to do. He looked at the sharp cut on his side. It stopped bleeding but he still could still could see the flesh and the wound didn't look good.

He bit his lip. He read too much books about medicine with Twilight and he knew that if he didn't want an infection and for the cut to heal well, this wound had to be desifnected.

He sighed. He didn't want to do this but since he didn't have any asceptics, it was the only option.

Spike started to breath fire on his hand until it was glowing and burning by itself, unafected due to his fireproof scales.

Then he pressed his hand to the wound, left without heat protection by Sombra's spell.

He howled from pain and after ten seconds pulled the palm away and put it into the water to cool it down.

Suddenly, the whole cavern trembled.

Spike found himself close to the obsydian walls, when he heard a deep, roaring voice

"WHO DARES ???!!!!-"

Spike felt a wave of tremendous heat around him and close his eyes, scared to death. But then the air slowly cooled down.

Spike slowly opened his eyes to find a giant eye, with a crimson red iris, staring at him from the wall.

"WELCOME, YOUNG ONE" said the voice.

Spike smiled nervously, noded and then decided to faint once again, with grace that Rarity would be proud of.