Trinity of Time: Fate and Change

I couldn't help but feel very uneasy outside. The streets were, for the most part, empty. An unsettling atmosphere reigned, looming about ominously. The city itself consisted of large skyscrapers, paired with slick, polished roads. I don't know what they were jaded of, but it certainly fell into a glass-like category. I could see my reflection on the square tiles. This whole city was a grid in the most literal of manners. The roads, sidewalks, and alleys were all made of perfect square tiles. Underneath each of them were four lights, placed at each angle.

"It's for nocturnal illumination. Unlike Neo-Equestria, it gets pretty dark down here. We should be the ones with the cat eyes." Did he notice them already? I guess it's pretty hard to miss, considering the eyes are the first thing you see in a pony face to face. It was a popular trend in Neo-Equestria. However, I consider myself part of the few who actually need them. I just happened to be a victim of a genetic defect, making me blind at birth. What was once conceived as strange and unusual before, had now become a popular norm. I guess there are a few pros to our technology.

"Hey, Silver! Over there!" I pointed him towards a rather large gathering centered around this rather large, marble fountain. "What's going on over there?" I asked. The colt stood still, gazing in their general direction without saying a word. Ai lowered her head, cringing. Her legs shook, even though it was not very cold. What is going on? "I'm going to take a look," I finally added, pushing through the crowd. I turned back one last time. Silver was holding Ai back. She wrestled him violently, trying to break free. After that metal image, the crowds became too dense to see anything else.

I heard loud, painful pleas for help, followed shortly by a cracking whip. The further I pushed through, the louder it became. Gah! My wings are starting to tear through the fabric! Stupid metal... I hope I didn't injure anypony else. Wait a minute... Why is nopony doing anything?! If my instincts are correct, then somepony is being whipped. Why is everypony just standing there watching? Hmm... They don't seem to be enjoying the spectacle either... I guess that's a good sign. Just a little further...

"Stop! That's enough!" I cried atop my lungs, a large fireball floating a few inches above my horn. Screw discretion! This pony is in trouble! Actually, it wasn't just one pony, but seven beat up foals, huddled against one another. Some of their scars were older, while the remaining ones still bled. I couldn't tell what color their coats were anymore. One thing is for sure however: they spent a lot of time in some sort of sandy place. Could a sandstorm have torn their fur off? A quick glance around at my surroundings revealed nothing even remotely sandy. I didn't see an inch of green, let along sand. A sudden sting in my lower back stopped me in my tracks.

What is your calling, Flames of Fate? Huh? Who's talking? Do you hear your calling, Flames? Ugh... My head hurts right now. Screwing discretion was probably a bad idea. Now, whoever these ponies may be, it won't change the facts. I am their new target. They were armored from the neck down, each wielding a taser gun of some sort.

Do you know why you are doing this? I... I... Is it because they are just like you? ... You remember, right? Of course... Of course I do! How could I ever forget? Hmm... It seems you've found your conviction Flames. You remind me oh so much of him. Truly worthy of the Maverick heritage indeed! I don't know where I was anymore. My surroundings became pitch black. Time flowed so slowly. I felt the wind move each hair of my mane one at a time. My mind and spirit were not part of the real world anymore. They were encased in some sort of pitch black chamber. All of a sudden, a blinding flash of light engulfed my conscience. I was transported into an area where nothing but clouds existed. I just floated there in the middle of all this white fluff. Before me appeared this equine-like being, bearing large golden ribbons on his back in the shape of wings. On its forehead was a golden circle, paired with even more lines stretching sideways to form a very wing-like emblem. Where have I seen this silhouette before? The specter appeared middle-aged, probably a little older than I was. It had a long, grey mane, dangling beneath its translucent hooves. A melodious voice resonated in this void of a world, whispering to an all to familiar hymn.

The flame of hope burns brightly, and shall restore light to this land, too long concealed beneath the shadows of a blinded realm. However, for it to shine brightly today, it must rekindle the spark long lost in the past. Be that flame, Disconnection. Be the flame that will changed this future. That is when the figure closed its amber eyes, reciting some sort of inaudible incantation. "Wait! Who are you?!" I asked, reaching out towards it. The phantom opened his eyes once more, this time carrying a luminous ball between its hooves. I am to be your companion on this journey. Remember however, that I am not to be your mentor, or guide. I am not here to point the way, but to walk by your side. That is, until you reach the Gates of Time, after which you shall be set free. He blew into the orb, after which I was immediately whisked back into my somber situation.

Time to unleash some fire! I dropped my projectile a few feet in front of me. It burst into a large dome-like shape. All these flying embers did what I expected them to: repel the guards. The flames, famished for destruction, devoured the cloak given to me by Silver. Finally, my metallic wings were set free. I spread them far and wide, covering at least twice my physical length.

"You've messed with the wrong Falsicorn" I murmured, my artificial eyes emitting a threatening, red glare.