A Race Against Time......'s Collapse

I woke up gasping for air. "Ugh, really?" I looked around the hotel room. "Well, seems I paid for a week for nothing. I stay for one night and already have to leave." I crawled out of bed and just laid there for a few moments before getting up and approaching the door. "Ah, yes. Almost forgot," I started and levitated the keys to the room over to me then opened the door and walked towards the stairwell only to stop because of dull blue pegasus mare stepping out of a room pulling a couple of suitcases. "Miss?"

She nearly jumped, but collected herself rather quickly. "Um, yes?"

"You leaving Manehattan?"

She nodded, "I'd like to stay a little longer, but I only had enough extra bits for a few days here."

"Is that so? Well, I have to leave and you want to stay so have my room," I insisted levitating the room's keys over to her. "It's paid for until a week from today, and I'd hate for that to go to waste."

"Really!?" she exclaimed taking the keys in her wing.

"Room 3E."

"Thank you!" she nearly yelled pulling me into a hug.

I returned the hug. "You're welcome, Miss?"

"My name's Flitter," she replied letting go. "Yours?"

I looked at her then out the window and sighed. May as well, I'll be known once more soon enough anyway. "My name's Scorpia. Anyway, the dresser closest to the window, look in the bottom drawer."

"Umm...okay?" she replied in confusion then started off towards the room. I turned and walked towards the stairwell, but stopped a few feet short of the door. I walked to the nearest window and just stared out at the city then to the sky. "How will they react? Hopefully they won't be mad at me." I heard the door squeak open, but ignored it. Next thing I knew I was being hugged from behind.

"I can't thank you enough for this."

"It's fine. I'm happy knowing I can still make somepony happy."

"What do you mean?" she asked sitting next to me.

"I'm normally unable to make anypony happy anymore." she pulled me into a full wing hug.

"I don't see why with the kindness you've shown me." I snuggled into the hug almost immediately realizing how long it had been since the last hug I had actually had.

"Anyway, you're welcome for everything. I hope you have fun." My voice came out a little muffled from under the wing.

"That's a lot of extra bits though, what am I to do with it all?"

"I don't know. Save it, invite a friend, go to expensive events, get the room for longer, whatever you feel like. It's yours now." She let go and stood up so I looked at her and she was just staring at me. "Is something wrong?"

"I was just wondering, your a unicorn...do you know how to teleport?"

"Yes, for me it's quite an easy spell...why?"

"Well, you said about inviting a friend. Mail generally takes a few days to get from point A to point B especially when it's Manehattan to Cloudsdale. Could you go get her?"

"Of course. It'll take a bit of energy for the cloud walking spell. Just get yourself set up. Where does she live?"

"Actually right now she'd be working, so a cloud walking spell won't be necessary. You just need to go to Ponyville."

"Okay. See you in a few." I promised and teleported to said destination. Once I got there I looked around. I'm going to have to be back again later. Anyway, I guess I'll ask somepony where she is. I walked around and eventually saw a group of pegasi so I decided to ask them. "Hello?"

One of the pegasi turned to look at me, "Hi." His coat was black and he had a blue mohawk.

"I was just wondering if you knew where...um...actually I was never told her name."

"Then how am I supposed to help?"

"I'm looking for a friend of Flitter. Does that help any?"

"Ah, you must be looking for Cloud Chaser. She's right over there," he pointed behind himself to a mare with a slightly darker coat compared to Flitter and a more blue mane.

"Thanks for the help."

"Anytime."

I walked over to her, "Cloud Chaser?"

"Hm? Who are you?"

"I'm here to pick you up."

"Pick me up?"

"Flitter's going to be staying in Manehattan for a while and wanted me to take you to stay with her."

"I thought she was supposed to be coming back tomorrow..." she started shuffling her hoof in the dirt.

"I gave her my room and let her have my extra bits so she'll be gone for a week, maybe longer. That's why she wanted me to come get you rather than sending you a letter that won't even get here, or to Cloudsdale I suppose, for a few days."

"Why'd you do that?" she asked tilting her head.

"Why let it go to waste? Anyway, you coming?" She looked at me and nodded. I walked over, "Before we go who's your boss?"

"Rainbow Dash."

"I'll talk to her about it later then." I engulfed us both in an aura and teleported. Once we rematerialized Cloud Chaser was doing some little dance. "You okay there?"

"Huh? Yeah, I'm just not used to magic. That's all," she finished falling flat on her back. I helped her up and started walking over to the designated room.

I knocked on the door and got a reply from the inside allowing our entry. I opened the door, "Hey, Flitter. Special Delivery!" She turned to look at me then her face lit up at the sight of Cloud.

"You really got her to come?"

"I promised didn't I?"

"Yeah, hopefully Rainbow's not hard on me for it," Cloud cut in.

"You should be fine. Like I said, I'll talk to her later...she'll be preoccupied anyway." They both stared at me in confusion at that statement. "Anyway, I need to go now. Canterlot is a ways away. If I want to get there by tonight I should head out now."

Flitter walked up and hugged me once more, "Thanks again. For everything."

I looked at her a tad surprised then returned the hug, "Like I said before, it's not a problem. I'm glad I can make somepony happy. I-" Crap, the body is starting to fade. I need to go now! I released the hug, "Sorry, but I really need to go. I'll see you later...hopefully." I turned and ran as I started up my horn. Right before I teleported I heard three words...I materialized in the air and crashed face first into the ground. I rolled over onto my back and looked up. Base of the mountain the new castle was built upon. Good. And for your question Flitter... The body I was inhabiting fell to the floor leaving the real me standing above a corpse of yet another sad soul. Time's up. That's what's wrong. If this would have happened in front of you two...hell, I'm not sure there's is anypony who would understand my reasoning for doing what I do. I'd just be called a monster...maybe they're right. I sighed and used my magic to draw my blood and create a pentagram in the grass. Once that was complete I pulled the body over to it and used my 'magic'.

The circle started to glow slightly and the pony started to rise. "I pray you a better time in your next life. Rest in Peace." With that the colt began to glow and within a matter of seconds had dispersed. After this is all over...I won't do this again, but for now a few more are necessary. I set my horn aglow and concentrated on the flow. As the aura grew everything slowed. The breeze left no chill, the sway of the grass became nonexistent, the clouds no longer moved and the sun stopped it's ascent. My horn phased out and I looked around. Once I was content in seeing everything was at a standstill, only then did I fly up to the biggest city of Equestria.

Once I reached the city I was distraught. No, push the memories back. "Changelings..." I sighed and looked at the chaos going on. Ponies fleeing. Bug/pony fusions rampaging. "Why now?" All around me was carnage. Damaged buildings. Frightened faces. "Sorry, girls. I can't help you this time. Greater problems ahead."

I tore my attention away from the lopsided war. "Okay, so if you are looking for a troubled soul where do you go? Well, I suppose anywhere, but the two likeliest areas? Most bars or the slums." I walked up to this one building that had the sign blown of the front of it. Nothing but the sign? Something wrong with the name? I looked around for any part of what may be the store's sign. I found a neon "A" but that was it. Complete and utter obliteration of the sign...just the sign...changelings, thought you knew them.

I walked over and pushed open the doors to get a better look than what was given through the tinted glass. Definitely a bar. So, anyone here that can work? There were only two colts in the bar, and one was the bartender. I walked over to the other, lit up my horn slightly and touched his forehead with the tip. Definitely drinking away your sorrows...but, not the preferred host. Different's good...right?I shook my head and stood back concentrating on the specimen in front of me. I sent an uproar of magic into the colt in front of me pulling myself in. This feels so weird. I looked as far back into his memories as possible. Ah, so that's how it's done.

"So...who would be perfect for this?" I walked back towards the door and opened it. Someone they know...the exact memory I tried to push away. Green flames shot up from around my feet engulfing me. Once they had subsided the appearance I had was of a forest green mare. "Somehow, that felt weirder than jumping into this body." I walked back inside and let go of my spell allowing everything around to continue as it once was.

The bartender continued to sit in his slump. "Sir?" Perfect voice match. I'll never understand how they do it. The colt shot up and looked at me, "Were you here before?"

"No, I just came in."

        "And the guy that was sitting over there?" he asked nodding to his left.

        "Probably the guy who left right before I came in. For somepony who owns a bar you aren't paying too much attention to what's going on."

"Eh, there's an invasion going on. No pony is really worrying themselves with a drink. More worried about saving their hides and I don't blame 'em. Not sure why those things haven't attacked here though."

"Don't know. Anyway, do you have any cider? Haven't had anything to drink today."

"Of course." He turned around, grabbed a mug and walked over to a large barrel. I sat on one of the stools and turned around to look out a window. Still chaos...how long is it going to take for you to fix this Celestia? I heard something hit the wooden surface behind me to see the drink I had asked for.

"How much?"

"Just drink. No reason to make you pay with what's going on."

"Really? Thanks." I took the mug in hoof and lifted it to my mouth. After a small sip I got a jolt down my spine, so I put it back down. "Been awhile..."

"Since?"

"Since I've had a drink. I'm not that big on drinking. Last time was years ago..."

"That's really mild too."

"Like I said, not big on it."

"Ain't kidding. You said years ago...are you old enough to have had a drink years ago?"

"Well...yes and no. I'd rather not talk about it. Bad memories."

"I understand. So, why did you come in here?"

"To get away from all that," I replied waving behind me. "I hope it cools down soon."

"That makes two of us. Sooner it cools down sooner I get customers."

"Especially after this."

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it, invasion. Attacks. Ponies are going to want to forget about all of it, and what easier way than to drink it all away? I'm sure some ponies will go to other bars, but you'll probably end up packed for the next few days."

"Yeah...first for everything right?"

"Never happened before?"

"I didn't start up too long ago. Not too many ponies know about this place...oh and if you hadn't noticed on your way in I don't have a sign anymore."

"Trust me, I saw. And hey, you're just starting, but after today ponies will know."

"That's what worries me. That many..."

"You'll be fine. Anyway," I took the mug and chugged the liquid then gave him a good sum of bits, "for your hospitality. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go take a nap in a booth till this havoc lulls over. Once it does, and if you haven't fallen asleep yourself, could you wake me, please." I didn't wait for the reply and went straight to one of the corners of the building and laid down on one of the booths immediately falling asleep.

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I looked forward to see Chrysalis then down to my hooves to see holes within them. I looked back to hear and felt as if forced to speak, "I'm sorry, my queen. I didn't mean to!"

"You think I care if you didn't mean to? You could have went out like the rest and found somepony suitable. But no, you went out and took every emotion she had in an instant leaving her a husk! Not only is that not okay, but she was close to...him. Do you know how much trouble you could have gotten me into just now!? You're lucky he didn't kill you on the spot! Now, if something like this happens again he'll be after me!" Chrysalis turned around and dropped her head.

"I promise it won't happen again," fear trembled in my voice.

"No, it wont," she lifted her head back up, "and to make sure I'm keeping you under watch. Oh, also, a little something I learned from him," she turned once more to face me as her horn set aglow. She shot a laser thin beam straight between my eyes causing me to flinch. Once I realized she hadn't killed me I looked up in confusion.

"What did...you just do?"

"Just a little thing to make sure you don't forget what you have just done...or this night. Every night, you will relive the experience as you slumber. For how long? I would say for the rest of your life...and this is true...but your life won't end

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, "Please don't do that to me, anything else, please!" I exclaimed starting to sob.

The queen struck the ground causing a ripple of green flame shooting straight at me, "You do not talk back to me. Now get out of my sight!"

I turned and fled as fast as I could, tears streaming from my face all the way back to my house. When I got there I went to my room and flopped on my bed in a wet mess. "I never meant to hurt anyone. I was just...so hungry. Who was he anyway? Well, from the way he acted compared to everypony else he's someone who would do anything for his loved ones. Where as everypony else fled he...," I rubbed my cheek remembering the blow inflicted upon me. "I'm just...so sorry," I laid there crying until I fell asleep.

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I felt a nudge against my back and then looked up to see the bartender, "Hey, are you okay?" I just looked at him with confusion before reaching my hoof up to my eye to feel something wet. "You were crying pretty badly. I could hear it from the counter."

"I just had...a sad dream. That's all."

"That's all? Must have been pretty bad to bring you to tears during your sleep."

"It's nothing, really." In a futile attempt to rid my face of the liquid I brought my hoof up to wipe them away. After a few seconds they continued their previous descent so I just looked to the window. "The invasion over yet?"

"Actually, yes. It ended just a couple minutes ago. There was this big shock wave and all of those bug things got sent flying."

"I need to get going then."

"You can stay until you calm down."

"Thanks, but I don't mind anypony seeing me like this. Besides, I'm sure I won't be the only one dreary-eyed today and there is someone I need to meet as soon as possible."

"Okay, well come back again sometime if you ever need somepony to talk to or just simply need a drink."

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks." I got out of the booth, gave him a hug and then left.

I continued walking towards the castle looking to the ponies that were out. A few of them, as I thought, were like I was at the moment, however, most were as happy as ever. I got to the guard's barracks who immediately came out ready for another attack. "Do I look like one who would attack?" No reply of course. "Okay, you still don't trust me? I'm going to let go, but you better not attack him. Do so and you will have consequences because he is harmless."

I could hear a couple of them whispering, "He? Who is she talking about?" "Beats me," another replied.

I let go of my spell letting go of the changeling who immediately slumped to the floor and changed back leaving the both of us in our usual forms. A few of the guards gasped, whilst others continued their glare. A single stallion came between the rest and looked at both of us, "Who are you?"

"To you, I'm of no importance."

"Maybe...but you are with a changeling."

"He's harmless, trust me."

"How can I do that? I don't know you and you are accompanied by a changeling, and directly after an attack by the changelings no less."

"So, I'm guessing you're the captain?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"Congratulations! Although I am a little disappointed."

"Congratulations to what...and disappointed about what?"

"Congratulations to the marriage. Disappointed in the fact that you couldn't tell that your bride wasn't your bride." He glared at me at that bit. "What, only speaking the truth. Though I'm not surprised in the least bit at your ranking. Not with your bloodline anyway."

"What do you mean my bloodline?"

"You're all very strong unicorns...especially your sister. She just keeps getting stronger!"

"What do you want?"

"A place to rest until after the wedding is over."

"How can I trust you?"

"I never said you can."

"Why should I trust you?"

"...how about so you can have some time to get ready for the real wedding?"

"That's no reason to trust you."

"I suppose not. Well how about this?" I teleported up to him and cast a spell surging some of my memories of the time I was with the princesses into him. The rest of the guards nearly attacked, but Shining stopped them by raising his hoof.

He looked at me wide eyed, "You're-?"

"So, trust me now?"

"Stay as long as needed. They'll-"

"Don't tell them. I don't want the princesses knowing I'm here. Not yet."

"Okay. I promise."

"Good, now go get prepared for your big day. This night is for you."

"Thanks," he replied then turned to his soldiers, "I know you don't know him, but he's in charge while I'm gone." There were a few unsure looks in the group, but they all complied. At the Shining Armor took leave, so I teleported back down to the knocked out changeling and nudged him. "Hey, c'mon. Get up, let's get you an actual bed." The changeling looked up at me and fear struck his eyes.

"Y-you're, don't hurt me!"

"Don't worry, I won't. Let's go," I said pulling him to his hooves.

"But I...I..."

"You think I don't know that? I'm upset, yes, but that was millenia ago. Forgive and forget."

"I'm sorry."

"I can't exactly accept your apology. You know who she was to me now. Let's just get inside. We can talk about it in there."

"Okay..." I helped walk him up the stairs where I was stopped by one of the guards.

I groaned, "What now?"

He looked at the changeling under my wing then to my wing, "What are you?"

"It would make as much sense to you as it does to me," was my simple reply.

"Try me."

"Persistent. I like that. I'll answer your question best I can...'What are you?' was your question, correct?" He replied with a nod. "I'll be honest with you, I don't know what I am. I do know this though, I am no harm to you. Quite the opposite really." He seemed to ponder my answer and seemingly accepting it he then turned his gaze once more to my company. "Him? Trust me, he's as much a danger to you as I am. He wouldn't harm a hair and any of your silly little heads."

"And you know this for a fact?" I gave him an assuring nod. "Why is it that he's harmless?"

"That's because I'm here. We may have hit a rough patch in the past together causing a lot of bad to him. Pain of being nearly disowned by the queen and fear of me...also I found him drinking away his sorrows in some newly made bar. Not exactly the fearsome changeling you would think he is after what happened today, is he?" The guard just stared at me then stepped back replying with a simple 'no'. "Now that that's through," I looked at one guard in particular, "Can you take us to one of the backrooms?"

I got an answer immediately. "Of course, sir."

"No formalities, please."

"If you say so. Follow me," she said waving us to do as she asked.

"So, they're finally recruiting mares into the royal guard?"

"Well...sort of."

"What do you mean?"

"I only got the okay because I could take on nearly any of the other pinheads in the force. Only one I couldn't really win against was the captain, but that was enough to get in. He's got a lot of power in that horn. Sometimes I wonder how he'd do against Princess Celestia."

"Who knows, that family is full of strong unicorns. It's always a possibility he could win. Then again, we haven't really seen her full abilities yet have we?" I received a shake of her head. I looked in the rooms as we passed to see them all vacant, "Where are the rest of the guards?"

"Making sure everything is back to normal...or as normal as the aftermath of a crisis can be anyway."

"So, why are you cooped up in here?"

"I'm pretty new. Just because I can take a few guards doesn't mean I immediately jump in the ranks. It should if I'm already one of the best, but you know, I'll get there. It likely won't take that long either. Anyway," she stopped and pointed a couple doors down, "room's right there. Maybe we can talk again later." She turned back to return to her post.

"We'll see. Can't make any promises though, a lot to do."

"Believe me, I know."

No, you really don't. I sighed then walked over and opened the door, "Go on in and get situated." I walked over to one of the two beds and sat against the wall. I looked across to see my company staring straight at me, face filled with mixed emotions.

"Why are you being nice to me?"

"Is this upsetting you?"

"Not exactly. It's just surprising...and confusing."

"Well, I don't see a reason I shouldn't be nice."

"Are you kidding me? I-I..." he trailed off breaking into a soft sob.

"I know what you did. I was there and it's not something I could forget as much as I wish I could."

He managed a question in his sobs, "If you know...and you can't forget...then why...are you still being so nice?"

"You took Em's emotions...and memories. Her whole being really. You should know better than I do that me being anything but nice isn't something she would want from me. Not even to the one whom practically killed her. You should also know that for her I'll do whatever. Especially after that night."

"Yeah...I guess you're right."

"So, what's your name?"

"I don't remember. Honestly, I don't care either."

"You don't remember your own name?"

"I'm the reject. I'm not really even me anymore. I'm Emerald...and a very sad version at that."

"That can be taken two ways..."

"I meant both." I just stared at him. I wasn't going to argue. He was right. He was clearly depressed, and after what I saw in that dream...he likely wasn't even interacted with often unless to be insulted or beaten. I also know better than most that he had taken her whole being into him. All that was left was her body. I suppose I could lock away all his memories and allow him to start anew. Impossible to erase, but why should I tell him that.

I stood up facing him while lighting my horn, "What are you doing?"

"If it's that bad that you don't even remember your name I'll get rid of your memories."

"That's not possible, the queen told me."

"Think back to your nightmare of a memory that you must relive every night. What did she say right before she used it on you?"

"'A little something I learned from him?'"

"Correct! And who do you think 'him' is?" at this point my spell was reaching its peak very nearly ready to activate.

"You," he stated looking down in disbelief.

"Exactly, and if I taught her something to make you repeat a memory it's logical to believe I have one that can take memories away, no?"

"One question first. If this is true than you two were close once?"

A took a few seconds to think about the question, "Like family, but things change. Now, I have a question. This spell is fully ready to launch now, do you want to lose who you are?"

"I already have."

"Not entirely," I noted.

"I-I do. Maybe with a new life I can do better...just don't send me off to the queen."

"Never planned on it," I stated right before touching my horn to the changelings forehead. Before either of us knew it the spell was over and the guard who walked us down ran into the room.

"Is everything okay?" she asked before staring at the passed out changeling. "Did you do something to him?"

"Only what he wanted."

"And that would be?"

"To start anew. No more memories. No more nightmares. Especially not the same painful memory we still share."

"Still?"

"Well, I can't exactly erase memories. It's impossible."

"So, you just locked them up tight."

I nodded, "He still needs a name though."

"He never told you it?"

"He didn't know it himself. It's been lost to him."

"Wow, that bad huh?" she asked taking a seat on my bed.

"Sadly...he did do something painful to me though years ago."

"Then why be so nice?"

"For her. Long story. One I'd rather not talk about."

"Okay," she looked once more to the changeling. "It'll be like raising a kid."

"Wouldn't be the first time. By the way, I was wondering what your name may be."

"Oh, Aurora."

"Pleasure to meet a guard who will actually talk to you nowadays." I was given a light smile in reply.

We just sat there for a few moments over top of the changeling before he woke up. He looked between the two of us confused then immediately piped up with questions as expected, "Where am I?"

Aurora answered before I could, "Canterlot Guard's Barracks, hun."

He sat up and looked between us, "So, who are you two?"

"Scorpia and Aurora," I answered.

"To me?"

We looked between each other then answered simultaneously, "Family."

"Heh, strange family." We all shared a small laugh at this statement. Once it died down he asked the most important question. "So, who am I?"

Aurora closed her eyes in thought before answering. "I like 'Jay'."

"Jay? Jay is generally the suffix for a bird, you know. Like a blue jay."

"Well, I like it. Besides, he has finally left the nest."

"Left the nest?" We both turned to look at him.

"Don't worry about it. You're better off away from that place."

"Well, isn't that my choice?"

"Yes, and you made me promise I wouldn't take you back before...you developed your amnesia."

"I did?"

"I wouldn't lie to you." I sighed then turned to Aurora, "So...Jay?"

"If he'll take the name then yes," she answered then turned to the changeling, "We don't exactly know your name because neither did you. So, we were hoping you'd accept the name Jay..."

"As far as I'm concerned it is my real name," Aurora immediately jumped up and hugged him.

"Well, someone's happy," I said with a smile.

"Well, yeah. He accepted the name I came up with."

"Okay, anyway, you two stay here I'll be back. Need to tell them where you are...and then I need to talk to somepony."

"Who?" they asked at the same time and then started laughing.

I sighed and turned around, "Celestia...did something wrong. I'll tell you about it later. I have a feeling we'll be together for a good while."

"Well, good luck," Aurora said.

With that I walked out the door to the front entrance and notified them where Aurora was and then I headed towards the castle.

As I was walking I cast a spell turning me invisible. A little voice in the back of my head was telling me I shouldn't have left a changeling in the barracks. The rest of me was saying Aurora wouldn't let the rest of the guards touch him. All I can do is hope history doesn't repeat itself. If one thing should stay, it's his fear of draining too much. Hell...does he even take away anymore? I guess I'll be notified later if anything does happen. Besides, I have more pressing matter to attend to.

I approached the new castle, breathtaking I thought. I flew up to the balcony to find a couple of guards appointed at the door. Knowing these two only the most educated about their history were positioned around the castle. Knowing that the guards standing in front of me should know my face. I looked around to make sure nopony besides the guards were around and once I was certain it was just the three of us I dropped the spell. "May I go in?" I asked only to see the guards look on in disbelief.

"You're alive?"

"I'm here aren't I?"

"The princesses will wish to know imm-"

"No!" I cut him off. "Don't tell the princesses. I don't want added stress placed on them after what just happened."

The one on the left looked exhausted from my statement, "Added stress? Is there already something else happening."

"Don't worry...it's nothing big," I lied. "Anyway, may I go inside? I do need to speak to them...only not now. I'll actually probably be back out here later." I was saluted then each stood out of the way. I walked forward, opened the door, and recast my spell.

I walked around not really sure where to go. I eventually stopped and sat down in front of what looked like a library. Upon entering I gave a slight chuckle, "The infamous Starswirl the Bearded Wing. A lot more...disorganized than I would have expected. I'm sure I've already seen everything here." I lifted a random book and flipped through it. "Ah, this spell. He never did figure out how to finish it...it's weird how you can start a spell and not finish it...not even know how to finish it and yet it still has some effect." I take a sticky note out of another book and stick it on the page saving it for a later time.

"I could spend days in here just reading, though I don't have the time for that...nor the patience to read things multiple times. I suppose I could always jus-" I didn't get to finish as I passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What you're doing is wrong!" the stallion yelled directly in my face.

"And who are you to decide what's right or wrong?" I asked.

"You just froze time! No one should have that power."

"Sometimes it is a necessary ability."

"No it's not. Do you even understand what you're doing?"

"What's needed to save this world."

"You don't need to freeze time for that...freezing time is going to do the opposite of what you are trying to do." The stallion explained.

"What is the opposite?"

"You may save it temporarily, but in the long run you'll destroy it...the whole universe in fact."

"How do you know this? Who are you?"

"Me? I'm the Doctor."

"That's it? 'The Doctor'?"

"I'm a timelord...and I haven't a clue how I got here nor do I really care. I'm obviously needed here."

"A lord of time? So you can control time as well?"

"In a sense. I can't freeze it as you do, which by the way is quite a foolish thing to do, however I can go back and forth through it. I go through to help people..."

"People?"

"...Ponies. Whatever."

"Well, this is what I can do. This is what I need to do...and if it comes down to it I'll just give myself up."

"Worst part is I don't have the power to stop you...fine, but mark my words, the moment time starts to tear itself apart I'm coming after you."

"I don't doubt it."

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I woke up to a thrumming in my ears. Music...specifically bass. Electronic, not acoustic. Unexpected for a wedding. It's dying down though. I looked down and I was now visible as well. I was also in a bed...Okay, that's not weird. I climbed out of the bed and recast my invisibility spell. I walked out into the hall to see it bare. Not a pony in sight.

I walked out to the balcony to see only a single pony. The dj. Well, that explains why the music was dying down. Suddenly there was a large whistling sound so I turned in the direction it was coming from. I dropped my spell which gave the dj a start, "Ah, c'mon. It can't be. Is that a...that's the last damn thing I need right now!"

"Are you okay?" the unicorn had stepped away from her turntables.

"Am I okay? No. Not with that," I said, pointing in the distance.

She turned to look at where I was pointing and tilted her head, "A shooting star?"

"It's not a...nevermind. Forget I said anything. It would be best not to get you involved in all this." I recast my spell once more and walked to the edge.

"What the hay? Crazies...then again, maybe he's not. You never know," she finished, then walked back over to her turntables. "Better question though, he had a horn...and bat wings? I must be tired..." She yawned directly afterwords.

You're going to make your brain actually believe that. I watched as she plugged in a set of headphones and I assume she was creating more music for whatever she did next. After a few minutes, however, she took them off and sat down yawning again. Directly after there was a flash and then Luna and some unknown pegasus were standing at the opposing edge.

After about a minute the pegasus started blinking and wobbling around trying to regain his balance. Temporarily blinded and a lack of balance...never teleported? I understand you're a pegasus, not a unicorn but...still. After he had focus he looked around and began to stare at the dj. He then turned to Luna, pointed to the alabaster mare, some dialogue was exchanged and they walked over to her.

Okay, not as interesting as I had originally assumed this would be.

After a few minutes the unicorn sprang up, "Really?!" What the hell did she propose that is making you so loud all of a sudden? Directly after Luna turned around and urged her new company to follow. Oh...staying in the castle? I decided to follow after and just barely got in before the guards retook their positions.

There was a lot of conversation going on between the three, but I wasn't paying attention to much of it all. However, there were a few tidbits that caught my attention.

“Just as it sounds. She took on the appearance of Cadance. As Cadance she fed on Shining Armor’s feelings for her, his love, and eventually the shield he had been holding was broken due to his exhaustion. That’s when the attack actually started.”

“So, it’s over now…then why am I here?” Typical. The timelord doesn't even know why he's here.

The next interesting part came a few minutes later, after he was done talking to the dj. "You said they almost won...what do you mean?"

"Chrysalis took down my sister. She's the strongest we have alive curre-..." She then trailed off. Poor girl. Don't worry, you'll see me again tomorrow. Just at the right time the other princess showed up.

"Luna?" she asked cocking her head at the mare.

"Oh sorry, I was just thinking of...well you know." she replied scuffling her hoof on the floor.

"You know as well as I do that he is long gone." Luna flinched in reply. "I don't mean to be harsh. I miss him too, but the last we saw of him was millennia ago. He's pr-"

"You're right. The last we saw of him was quite a long time ago...but that doesn't mean he's dead!" the younger snapped.

"Perhaps not, but we have no evidence that he is alive."

Luna lied down on the spot, "I know, but...we've also found no evidence that he isn't."

Celestia got down to eye level with her sister, "No, we haven't. However, how could he possibly survive this long?"

"You know very well that he has multiple ways he could have continued his existence even till now." Actually not so much. And this showed on her face. She had no idea what her younger sister was speaking of.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean what do I mean? Wait...what did you do in your alone time with him?"

Celestia looked at her suspiciously, "We either read or trained my magic skills...why?"

"That's all? Never alchemy?"

"He attempted to teach me once, but I was no good at it," she looked embarrassed. I'll have to talk to her about it later. "Is that what you two did in your time?"

Luna got up and looked out a window towards the Everfree. "Yes, sometimes. Besides that we played some kind of game or did as you did."

"He trained you in his profession? Why?"

"It was what he knew. He tried to train you once correct?"

"Yes, he did...so you actually were successful at it then?"

"No where near him, but yes."

I had completely forgotten about the timelord until now as he spoke up, "Alchemy...it's possible here?"

Luna replied, "Yes, it is. Another thing that you've never seen?" He didn't continue so Celestia decided to.

"Anyway, he taught you not only alchemy, but also how to continue your existence for longer than normally possible even for us?"

"No, but I knew and still know he has a few ways. Most of which he would never do...and he also has a way that deals with magic rather than alchemy...know anything about that sis?"

"A way using magic? How do you know about this and not me? I'm the stronger of us when it comes to that area."

"Maybe so, but you are also the princess of the sun. I was awake more so in the night than you were and most times was actually able to keep him from noticing me. I heard quite a bit of his nonsense...nonsense that seemed possible and if he were right..." she trailed off and the pegasus took that as a chance to speak up once more.

"I am so confused, what is going on?"

"Just our...an old friend," Celestia said then looked to her sister.

"Really now? A friend?" he looked at her pressing for an answer.

When she didn't the dj spoke up for the first time in awhile, "Now you see how I felt earlier, huh Phase?" Phase? Hmm...name or alias?

"Even with this new knowledge I'm still unsure about him being alive."

"Really!? Even you should realize he's highly likely still alive."

"I do but..."

"But what?" Luna pressed her older sister for an answer.

Celestia turned away before replying. "I don't want any false hopes." Her voice was shaky and near a whisper.

"I- I'm sorry. Let's get these two to their rooms." Luna replied dropping the subject. The two stood and started walking down the corridor so we followed suit. Deciding the good part of the trip was over I tuned myself back out only listening for anything that sounded interesting or important.

"Hey, you two." All three of us looked at Luna. "Corridor splits here. Vinyl, you go with my sister. Phase, c'mon," she finished then turned left down the corridor without waiting for a reply. The unicorn followed after Celestia and just as I was about to follow after Phase turned around looking directly at me causing me to freeze in place, then around the area. "Whomever is there...ah forget it. Just my imagination," he assured himself running after Luna.

Timelords...gotta be careful. First thing tomorrow, need somepony else. I ran up to Celestia and Vinyl and waited until I was sure we were out of earshot of the other two to drop my spell. Vinyl jumped and Celestia froze in shock. I looked first to the dj, "Sorry if I startled you...and about outside. Vinyl was it?" She nodded in reply. I then turned to Celestia, "Hey, Tia."

She took off her horseshoe walked over and slapped me. She then picked it up with her magic, put it back on and continued walking down the corridor. She left a trail of droplets behind her. "What just happened?" Vinyl asked shocked.

"Do the math," I stated following after Celestia.

"What?"

"Think about what happened before the group split. Think about what she just did. Think about what she's doing."

"You aren't saying you're?" I only nodded in reply. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Did you leave them without a trace?" I kept silent after this question. I honestly couldn't think of a good answer. There was only one thing I could think of to say.

"They didn't need me anymore."

"Well, clearly they did."

"Now it's my turn to ask. What is it that you mean?"

"Your leave gave them emotional pain...that's still there even to this day."

"Yeah, it seems that's true. I didn't expect that to be the case however."

Celestia spoke up, "Vinyl, you can stay here." She said standing next to a door. She waited until Vinyl entered to continue walking. Once I began to follow after, she spoke, "Of course it was the case. You don't raise somepony then just expect them to be okay when you disappear."

"I suppose in hindsight, it was a stupid idea. I just thought you two were old enough to take care of yourselves. The perfect trial to prove that was coming up as well."

"Discord..."

"Yeah, and just as I expected you did succeed in overcoming him."

"You knew he was going to take over Equestria?"

"There's a lot you don't know honey."

"Okay, so if it was just a trial to make sure we were okay...why didn't you at least visit from time to time?"

"I-...I don't know."

"We-" she sighed then continued remembering what Luna said before continuing, "I thought you were dead!"

"Well, I'm not and I'm here now."

She stopped walking and turned to look directly at me. "Why are you here? From what you've told me thus far you wouldn't be here on a simple visit...as much as I wish that were the case," she finished looking away.

I sighed. "Your right. I'm not here for a simple visit. Though if everything turns out well that will change, I promise."

"How can I believe that promise...when you promised you'd never leave in the first place?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." I said doing the motions as normal.

"What?"

"What do you mean?"

"That's Pinkie's swear...you know her?"

"Umm...long story. She'd rather I not talk about it. Also made me promise about that."

"Well, I guess I have to believe that promise. So, what do you need from us?"

"A room to sleep in for the night. Then to talk to you two tomorrow. And...don't tell your sister I'm here. I want to surprise her myself."

"To be honest I'm not even sure how she'll react. For your sake, you better hope it was better than mine." I nodded in reply than she indicated a room a few doors down. "Already soundproofed...in case you ever did show up."

"You believed even against what your mind told you...even against what you just said to your sister."

"Maybe...maybe I just didn't want to forget."

"Never fun to forget. Before I go, you're wrong." She look at me confused. "It's not that you weren't good at alchemy. Your sister was just a little better. Why I didn't train the both of you I'm not sure, but with practice you will be nearly as good as Luna in that craft."

"You're kidding right?"

"Why would I kid? Anyway, good night Tia. See you tomorrow." I walked into my room and closed the door behind me. Talk about not wanting to forget. I looked around. Every little detail...exactly the same as it was...the day I left. I crawled into bed and after a few breaths realized there was a familiar scent. It wasn't that long ago she was in here. Must be like a safety blanket for foals. Cute. After a few minutes I drifted off to sleep for the final time of the night.