A Race Against Time......'s Collapse
Phase's Introduction to Equestria
It was the night of the wedding. Everyone who was anyone was there that night. Most there for the entire wedding including the after-party, however, not the lunar princess. Luna stayed long enough for the newlyweds to leave. Few moments later she left for she still wasn’t used to modern times. The parties were far different than she remembered. The biggest difference likely being how the music was played. Because of all this it didn’t take long for her to fly to the other side of the mountain where she could have peace of mind and just simply think.
At first she had only thought that it was bad being imprisoned on the moon for the loneliness even though she had already felt that in Equestria years ago. The only one to pay all that much attention to her had been her sister and even then for the most part she was alone. Now she realized that being imprisoned there was also bad for the times. It was troublesome adjusting. So much was different from before. So many things she had known about…had changed. She’d dealt with change and loss but a millennium was a long time to be gone and things could change any day.
At least there was one thing she could always rely on to never change against her. The night sky, her night sky. The moon that she now knew so much more than anypony else ever would. That and all the stars that plastered the darkness. In a way this gave her more power than her sister. Celestia had power over a single star, even if it was the one star necessary for their survival. Even though this was true Luna still had power over an infinite amount of stars, and at times had fun with them creating her own temporary constellations. Tonight she made a shield overlaid by the crystal heart. Anypony who at least read the paper and knew anything about the two who also liked to explore the constellations would understand. She wasn’t sure how many that would be, but she figured if not the bride and groom then Twilight would most likely tell them about it. Eventually she began to grow weary and without much more thought fell asleep on the spot.
~~~~~About an hour later~~~~~
Luna felt a nudge against her, however not physical. She began to stir realizing something was amiss. As she cleared her eyes with a hoof she looked around to see what was wrong and then back to the sky trying to find the source of the disturbance. After a few seconds she saw what looked like a falling star, yet she knew it couldn't be. Not unless she decided for one to happen, which she knew she hadn't. She continued to watch it descend until it crashed directly at the halfway point between Canterlot and Ponyville. “Whatever it is it seems we’ll all be involved,” she started as she took off towards the crash site.
Many things were going through her head as she grew closer towards the crash. One of these thoughts being ‘alien’. The last time anything like this happened, well, things got a tad out of hand between a few colts. One of the three having a strange device that now that she got closer, felt much like whatever crashed. “No. It couldn't be the same. The last one has been locked away for millennia. So, what is this?” she asked as she finally landed. Then she looked around and whispered once more to herself, “And where is it?” As if on cue a door opened seemingly attached to nothing. Against her better judgment she took the invitation and entered.
The inside was so different from anything she had seen before. Alien was definitely the correct word. She just stood in the doorway. Once she had finally taken in the surroundings she found herself looking upon a navy blue pegasus colt at some kind of panel.
“Why is there a draft?” I asked, partly to nopony, partly to the TARDIS.
“Draft?” That was a voice. I have no companions right now so who was that? I turned around to look at the mare.
“How are you in here? The TARDIS should be locked right now,” I asked. I was mad that somepony actually noticed and was in here even with the chameleon circuit active. However, I was also confused as to why the TARDIS would open up for somepony who wasn’t me or at least with me.
“Well…it just kind of opened so I took the invite,” she stated.
Just opened? For you? First off who are you that she would actually open for you. Also, what are you? Wings and horn do not belong on one body. “First off, the TARDIS is not an it. She is a her. Also, forget about that…what are you?” She just kind of stared blankly at me at that point which was getting on my nerves. I pointed to my head and opened up my wings. After around a minute still no answer. “I asked you a question. I don’t like not knowing what something is.” I stamped my hooves to emphasize my point.
“You really don’t know? Wow, that’s different. Never has anypony not known what we are.”
“We? There are more then?”
“As of this moment there are two more, yes.”
“Two more of something I don’t even know about. That’s not normal. Care to explain?”
“Well,” she started as she began to approach cautiously, “the term would be alicorn. As to why you don’t know of our existence I’m not sure. I’m honestly confused as to how you don’t know.” It was my turn to stare dumbfounded.
“So, timelords have no knowledge of an alicorn. Interesting!” She jumped at the sound of the word timelord. “Why are you excited, specifically by ‘timelord’?”
“That would be because you are actually the second one to know about us.”
“Wait, second? Another timelord? There’s another here?”
“Well, of course. He’s been here for years…although you’ve always been a pony haven’t you?”
I walked over to the railing and thought back to my first life. Of course I had. What else was there to be? Unless, “Are you saying the timelord is human?”
“Was. Before he came here he was. Instead of going back to wherever he came from, though, he stayed. Actually come to think of it, I believe he lost his TARDIS, but that was after he decided to stay.”
“Interesting, anyway what’s wrong?” I asked getting a very confused look. “Something has to be wrong. No other reason for me to be brought here. Never taken to where I want to go, just taken to wherever is in trouble.”
She shook her head before speaking, “Nothing that I know of. The only problem just finished. The only other weird thing wa-,“ She looked behind me causing me to turn around. The console was sparking and began to glow. I walked over and pushed her right out the door and closed it behind me. “Why’d you do that?” I sat down and looked at the stars.
“The TARDIS needs to recover. Big fall, but I’m sure you’re aware of that detail. By the way, name’s Phase.”
She looked at me then off somewhere in the distance. “Luna,” she said in reply. “Do you plan on staying here for the time being?” I simply nodded in reply. It was too dark to venture off anywhere and the TARDIS was down. It wasn’t like there was anything else for me to do. “Then come with me. No reason to stay out here.”
“You sure it won’t bother you?”
“Not at all. I can’t just leave you out here now can I? Better question is whether or not my sister will.”
“Why, who’s your sister?” She looked on in disbelief for a few seconds before changing her expression to one of understanding.
“Celestia. Princess Celestia. She raises the sun, and for quite awhile the moon as well. Not really sure she bothered with the stars however.” She looked down in deep thought.
“She controls the sun and the moon and she’s a princess?” I asked incredulously.
“Well just the sun now and yes.”
“And you the moon?” I asked stifling a giggle.
“Yes, though I suppose my sister realized I fell asleep earlier because the moon has progressed since then.”
“Oh, you’re serious. Well that’s weird. So, where is it?” As soon as I finished the question she pointed up to a city on a hill. “How are we going to get there?”
“You’re a pegasus. Fly of course.” I laughed nervously in reply. “You can’t fly?”
“Never practiced. Wings are also kind of new to me.” She just sighed and her horn began to light up. Next thing I know I’m temporarily blinded. After that faded I looked around. I'm on a balcony. At a castle. That’s typical for royalty I suppose. And a mare. Just sitting there. Now there is something out of place. Nice mane color though. It's different, electric blue. “Who’s that?”
Luna looked at me confused, “Who’s who?” I just pointed. “Better question would be "why is she still here?" The party must have ended at least an hour ago.”
“Party? I mean it explains the streamers, confetti, and balloons, but what for?”
“After party for the wedding.”
“Another day I suppose?” I asked tilting my head.
She smiled and trotted over to the other mare. "Hey, Vinyl. Is something the matter?” Vinyl simply replied with a yawn. “You, tired? Aren’t you used to this kind of thing? Partying late into the night? I mean you are a DJ.”
“Yeah, but today was…different.” She yawned once more. “I usually do well to stay awake, at least for the walk back to the hotel.”
“How far?” Vinyl just stared unsure of what the lunar princess had meant. “How far is your current hotel from here?”
Vinyl looked out at the city, probably trying to remember where it was herself. “Oh, um…the other side of the city?”
Luna just sighed before turning towards the door and replying, “Come on, let’s get you a room as well.”
“Really?,” she asked enthusiastically.
“Of course. Why would I ask a question if I didn’t mean it?” After asking the question she started walking to the door and we followed after.
I just sighed in response. “Anyway,” I started, turning my attention to Vinyl, “is the castle really that nice? You don’t quite seem the one for anything super fancy like this.”
“I’m not really all that sure, honestly. But it’s the princesses’ castle. Who wouldn’t want to stay a night here?”
“I suppose I wouldn’t really know much about that.” For the next few minutes we just walked in silence, but I started looking at the scenery and couldn’t help but ask, “Why is everything smashed and/or shattered!?”
“Changelings,” the unicorn stated nonchalantly.
“What’s a changeling?” Another thing I don’t know? Really?
This time Luna spoke up, “A bug-like equine in appearance. They feed on emotions, mostly love. Their queen infiltrated the castle disguised as the bride-to-be. Then they launched a full assault that included the whole hive. Almost won.”
“Disguised herself as the bride? How?”
“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?”
“I don’t know, Phase.”
“Care to explain what’s going on?” Vinyl asked somewhat intrigued.
“Wish I could. Can’t really. It’d confuse you anyway.”
She just sighed. "Really, it'd confuse me?"
"Yup!"
"How is something going to confuse me when you don't even know what's going on?" she said chuckling.
"Um...trust me?"
"Whatever, I'm tired anyway," she said with an exasperated tone. Really, you want to know that bad?
"It's not that it would confuse you per se, but it's hard to understand and you're right. I don't know what's going on. I haven't a clue yet."
"Now see, that's confusing. How do you not know what's going on? You keep saying there is some big problem, but you haven't even said what it is."
"That's because I don't know what it is."
She stared at me then at the floor seemingly collecting her thoughts before she finally replied, "Well, what if you aren't here for any specific reason? You're just here to be here..."
"That would be strange. That doesn't happen. I didn't choose to come here. I was thrust here."
"If you say so," she seemed finished so I turned to the princess. "You said they almost won...what do you mean?"
"Chrysalis took down my sister. She's the strongest we have alive curre-..." before she trailed off she was already looking at the floor, so I turned forward just to see the same mare we were speaking of.
"Luna?"
"Oh sorry, I was just thinking of...well you know."
"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." The sun princess just stared whilst I and Vinyl each took a seat. She looked like she hadn't a clue what her sister spoke of and it turns out I was correct.
"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. "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 started thinking about everything thus far and decided to speak up, "Alchemy...it's possible here?" There's no way. Alchemy has never been done that I've seen.
"Yes, it is. Another thing that you've never seen?"
I stayed silent so Celestia spoke up, "Anyway, he taught you not only the 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 once more and I spoke up before Celestia had a chance.
"I am so confused, what is going on?"
"Just our...an old friend," Celestia said then looked to her sister.
"Really now? A friend?" was my only reply.
"Now you see how I felt earlier, huh Phase?" I only grumbled in response.
The sun princess looked back to her sister, "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.
Vinyl leaned in to whisper to me, "That was really weird, and probably the only time we'll ever see it happen."
I dropped my voice to match hers, "See what happen?"
"We saw not one, but two princesses in a moment of weakness. That's very rare."
"Is it good though?"
"It's not necessarily good or bad, just surprising."
"It was a bit, but hey, it's not like just because they're princesses they don't have emotions."
"Yeah, I suppose."
"Hey, you two." We both looked at the moon princess. "Corridor splits here. Vinyl, you go with my sister. Phase, c'mon," she gave me no time before she continued on. I was just about to follow, but after the other two left I felt a presence behind me, which I'm guessing had been there the whole time. I just hadn't noticed because of the rest of my company. I turned around to see nothing but the long corridor filled with broken glass I had just come from. It was a bit eerie, but I have a feeling the princesses wouldn't have a haunted castle.
"Whomever is there...ah forget it. Just my imagination," I said then trotted up to Luna.
A Race Against Time......'s Collapse
I woke up that morning screaming and springing from the bed to the floor. "Ow, my back. That hurts. Floor plus back plus five feet in the airs equals sore. Let's not do that again. Wait, why was I screaming?" I walked over to the window and looked out. No clouds were moving. The sun was frozen in place. No breeze was making any trees, grass or anything of the sort sway. Not a single pony who was a wake already or that had stayed up all night were moving a bit. "I knew I felt a presence!" I yelled running out of my room.
Time is not something to be controlled. At least I know now why I'm here. At that moment I ran into Luna knocking the both of us down.
"What the-...Phase? What's the hurry?" she looked at me earnestly.
"What are you doing?"
"I was...coming to wake you up...for breakfast?"
I shook my head then asked what I meant, "How are you moving?"
"Time being affected doesn't effect alicorns...or Pinkie, but she's an odd case."
"You're more different than I had previously thought. Anyway, you know those with a lot of power right?"
"Yes, why?"
"Who could do this?"
"I can think of one, but he is long dead. There is also me and Celestia, but I assure you this isn't our doing."
"Well, someone had to. I'm going to find out who that was." With that I barged out of the castle and into the streets. Where could they have possibly gone? Anywhere, great. I closed my eyes and just listened. After a few minutes I heard the flapping of wings and chased in that direction.
Once I got to the area nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Everything was still frozen. No pony seemed out of place, well there were a few misplaced, but they probably came from the night life. A looked around closely at all those who may have been who I was looking for. There was this particular black unicorn that stood out. Still no budging. Nothing I did changed a thing. It was weird too, I mean he felt different than the others. It wasn't who I was looking for though. His heart was stopped just as everypony else's. So, on I went running in no direction in particular. "Would you stop running!? I'm getting tired of this game!"
I spent an hour...perhaps it was two, well technically I spent no time searching, but anyway I spent more not-time than expected searching for him until time started back up. I got a shiver up my spine as some sort of spell went off and then not even a minute after time started up in a wave. "What!?" I yelled as everyone around continued on through their day. I pulled out my screwdriver and scanned until I found the strongest point of the fluctuation and followed it. "No way you're escaping this time."
Once I got there I went inside the building and climbed the stairs to the point of the anomaly. Once I got there I tried the door and when it failed to open I used my screwdriver to unlock it. I forced the door open just to find a maroon mare sound asleep. Not what I was looking for. Not at all. Well, she did seem a tad familiar, but I don't know why and it didn't really matter either. Why here? I left and locked the door back behind me. Who is this that they can evade me so? I started walking having lost my only lead. Not to anywhere particular.
I eventually found my way back to the castle, and by eventually I mean several hours after running around like an idiot. Anyway, I decidedly just sat out on the balcony I started at here. I most have zoned out everything around me because apparently after a few minutes of Vinyl trying to get my attention she simply sat in front of me and stared. "Vinyl?"
"Finally an answer. Anyway, what's wrong?"
"Oh just couldn't find who I was looking for and I have no leads now." I lied down.
"Hey, just 'cause you lost this one doesn't mean you won't get another."
"Yeah, but they did something I'm not really okay with at all. I was hoping to catch up with them today. Anyway, different topic, why are you still here? I would think you would have gone home by now."
"Yeah, well as long as I'm allowed I'll stay."
"Will the princesses send you home?"
"If they don't my manager will make me leave."
"Are you successful?" she just stared at me. "Stupid question?"
"A bit. I did get to play the music for the after-party of the wedding."
"So that's a yes. That's good."
"Yep...why are you asking?"
I answered her question with another, "Do you produce your own music or does somepony else write it for you?"
"I produce it of course. What would be the point playing another's music?"
"That's even better."
"Why is this such a good thing?"
"If you're as successful as you seem to be you could always start your own company. Be your own manager." She just blinked and stared. "Earth to Vinyl? I can understand what I did, but zoning out in the middle of a conversation?"
"Oh, yeah. Sorry. It's not that I haven't thought about it...I just haven't tried to."
"Interested enough to come with?"
She was elated, "Really? You want me to come along?"
I nodded, "Why not? You seem interested, fun, and you can always come back to your normal life and do well on your own. Besides, you're the first normal mare I met here. Aside from you I have only met princesses. Being such I'm sure they have duties to attend to."
"Then if I'm coming along, care to explain what little you do know?"
I gave a nervous chuckle in response. "Sorry about that before. Um, yeah. I still don't really know much at all except that whoever it is has the ability to affect time. That's a lot of power, and one no pony should have."
"Is that really all you know?"
"Yep, but isn't it more fun not knowing what's going on?"
"What?"
"What's the fun in knowing exactly what you're going after? Not knowing is half the adventure." She laughed at me. "What's so funny?"
"First off, you are so weird. Second, you are so gonna get yourself killed."
"Already have a few times."
She stopped laughing and stared at me in disbelief. "Your kidding right?"
"Nope. Why would I be kidding? Death is a serious matter."
"How can you die...multiple times, no less...and still be sitting here talking to me?"
"Timelord."
"That explains about nothing to me."
"Ah, well, perhaps in time you'll understand. Anyway, I'm famished. Been running around for what felt like hours," I looked up to see the sun directly above, "and yet because time was frozen it's actually only around noon."
"Well, that is generally lunch time."
"Yes, but time was frozen for at least an hour so for me it's more like one 'o clock if not later and I didn't eat breakfast."
"Still lunch time," she snickered.
"Whatever, let's just go see the princesses."
"Sounds good to me."
We started walking to the doors and right as we got there they opened up and that same crimson mare from before walked up next to me. She leaned in and whispered, "See you later Phase," then she took a running start and flew off.
"Did she just-"
"I never told her my name...who was that!?"
Vinyl led me in and asked a guard where the princesses might be and next thing I knew we were in the library. "Phase? Phase!"
"Huh? Ow, my ears. Is that necessary Vinyl?"
"I tried to get your attention for a few minutes, but when trying calmly wasn't working I did what I knew should work. I yelled."
"How can you be that loud?"
She rolled her eyes, "I'm a DJ. I have to be loud for anypony to hear me, even with the mic. Hay, sometimes I'm not even supplied with that so at those times I really need to be loud."
"There was nothing else you could have done?"
"Well, I could have hit you, but from my experiences friends don't usually do that." Luna and Celestia were just sitting off to the side giggling like little fillies.
"Well, now that I'm back...you two are really childish for your age." They both stopped dumbstruck. "Then again you do look pretty young. Is this like young adult stage for you guys?"
Celestia looked at me, "I honestly have no idea. There hasn't been an alicorn to have died of age. The only one that actually has died that we know of was the old crystal princess. It was a bad time. The crystal kingdom isn't even here anymore. It disappeared with Sombra."
"Well that must be troubling. Never knowing how long you can actually live for. Anyway, who was that?" They looked back and forth between each other and once they returned their gaze to me they looked entirely puzzled. "The maroon mare."
"Just another pony...why?"
"She knew my name! I've haven't even been in Canterlot, let alone Equestria, for twenty-four hours. Nopony should know my name, but you three and maybe your guards."
Vinyl stepped forward, "Back to last night...when you two were talking about that mystery pony," they nodded acknowledging they understood what she was speaking of, "is that who you were speaking of when I walked in? Luna, you said, 'I told you he's still alive.' That's who you spoke of correct?" I just stared at her. Well, this is definitely a different Vinyl than I've seen so far...and I missed something that important? Luna gave a hesitant nod and Vinyl proceeded, "That mare left right as we began to make our way here and suddenly you know that this mystery pony is alive...so was that pegasus him?"
Luna sighed and Celestia confirmed her suspicions, "Yes. It was."
"Wait, wait, wait. Hold on...he's a she?"
Luna looked at me and shook her head, "No. He's not a she Phase. Luna spoke of his ability to survive in other ways...he's using magic to survive off the life force of others." I looked at the unicorn disgusted. "Isn't that right princesses?"
Celestia sighed, "I've never heard of such a-" Luna stopped her putting a hoof to her muzzle.
"Yes. Sort of. He can't just simply take their life though. The spell puts him in their body. I'm not exactly sure what part of the spell does it, but rather than his own life force going down whoever he's taken over...but at the same time, draining a ponies life force is unnecessary and he can also insert his own life force inside the ponies if he feels like it." Celestia looked to her sister in awe. "I said he wasn't dead. I couldn't believe with the many ways he had of staying alive, even beyond his time, that he could be dead. I'm glad and sad I'm right."
"There is a spell like that?" Celestia continued staring at her sister.
"Now who knows more when it comes to magic?" Celestia looked to the floor.
I took a step forward, "Forget about the magic. That's not what really matters right now. We have somepony who has the ability to affect time and has been killing ponies for years. That's not in the least bit good and he needs to be stopped."
"What do you plan on doing?"
"Whatever is needed Luna." I stated flatly.
"Just-" Luna started with a small glimmer running down her cheek.
Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder than said what she was thinking, "Just don't kill him. I'm surprised too, but I'm sure he has his reasons. He always did."
"It's late though. If he's been awake as long as I have, he needs sleep soon. As do I. Vinyl, do whatever, but make sure to get some rest. We start early tomorrow looking for him."
"Okay Phase...how early are we talking?"
"Crack of Dawn. Princess Celestia, make sure I get up, please." I received a nod. "Vinyl, Celestia, Luna, good night. Long day ahead I'm sure." I walked out and walked to my room in silence. I opened the door and sighed. Luna was the first I met here and now I'm going after someone close to her? Ugh, this is such a mess. I don't want to kill him...maybe break his horn...but there's still the alchemy. I don't feel they'd lock him up either. And all those ponies... I sighed again then l climbed into bed and closed my eyes. Still gotta wonder...how'd he know my name? Suddenly I felt a little tingly. Spells... My eyes shut close and I immediately fell asleep.
A Race Against Time......'s Collapse
Time to Make Myself Known Once More
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.