Trinity of Time: Fate and Change

The train ride to Ponyville was a long one, but I had sunken too deep into my thoughts to care. I still can't believe it; all these years I spent in fear, afraid I would never even compare the Great and Powerful Twilight Sparkle, scared I was chasing a blind and hopeless dream. Now, Celestia suddenly tells me I am the Element of Magic, and commission me with the important task of reawakening these precious beauties. There's something strange I notice about this ride; nopony is on board, save for the usual staff. Weird, I thought Ponyville would be a pretty popular destination, considering it was Twilight's Sparkle's home. Sigh... Yet again with Twilight...

Let's see... What happened since that night? Hmm... For starters, Celestia finally gave me permission to exit Canterlot, fully confident in my abilities. She gave me a travel bag just before I left, fully packed with everything I would need: train tickets, a map, compass, scarf, and satellite tracker. She warned me about that last one, saying it won't work in the wilderness. Although I appreciate her affectionate touch, I cannot understand for the life of me why the Princesses care so much. It can't just me my role as the Element of Magic. What were they hiding, and what role do I truly play in whatever this plan of theirs is? Hmm? What's this on the map? Huh... Celestia put this huge red cross over the mountains. Why would I need to go there? Wait a minute... There's some sort of fine print underneath! Hang on... "Draco Clavus;" Dragon Spike in Latin.

Finally, the train has stopped. I long grew tired of this ride, for it was too simple for my tastes. There were no drinks, food or anything really; just a boring old train. In fact, this whole town seems boring and old. Unlike Canterlot, which has a more "Steampunk" mixed with a hint of medieval look to it, this town was entirely old fashioned. The buildings are what I would expect from an old medieval village: rooftops of hay and wood, standing on a foundation of ebony and stone. Nothing about this place felt artificial; remaining ever so true to its traditions. I feel like I've stepped into another world; a better, simpler world. I absolutely love it.

Finally, walking on a road of battered earth, inhaling the scent of many sweet flowers and freshly grown fruit. There was just as much noise as in Canterlot, yet every aspect of it felt different. It was calm, comforting, soothing, and most of all, welcoming. Nopony was a stranger in these parts; nopony but me. I can help but feel uneasy. I can see them in the corner of my eye; they're all staring at me, immobilized by surprise and awe. At least, that's what I think it is. Why else would they be gawking? As far as I'm concerned, they don't know I'm the Element of Magic. I mean, it's not like it's imprinted on my forehead, is it?

Anyways, enough of that! First thing's first; eating. Let's see... I've heard of this place called Sugarcube Corner, where they apparently sell Equestria's best pastries. Let's see... Right around this corner, then turn left, and... Ah, here I am! I've read about this place in Twilight's journals. I even saw some pictures she took of this place. Looks like nothing's changed; it still looks like a gingerbread house. I pushed open the doors, greeted by the graceful sound of a beautiful murano glass wind-chime, molded as a light blue mockingbird.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! Pound Cake isn't feeling too well, so Creme had to go fetch some groceries. I'm her sister Angel Cake! How can I help you?" She was a little younger than me, but much cheerier. A azure eyes twinkled so bright, even her long, golden mane couldn't obscure their shine. Thinking about her mane reminds me of mine, and why I have this overly-complicated hairstyle and tiara. If one were to completely untie my mane, then they could probably wrap me once in it. I've tried cutting it, but to no avail, instantly growing back, never shorter, never longer. It's just the way it is, it seems.

"Hello! Umm... I'd like to have some... Uh... Why are you looking at me like that?" She just kept staring at me, uncomfortably close , squinting her eyes along the way. "Dad!" she screamed. "Is this the 'Twilight' you were alking about?" Huh? Wait, what?! I'm not Twilight! "Coming dear..." I heard an old voice mumble. The colt had to be in his late fifties to early sixties. He looked very sickly. Angel went to his aid, handing him his glasses.

"Oh my!" he shouted, astonished. "Could the stories be true?"

"I'm sorry sir, but what stories?" Nothing. He just kept on mumbling to himself. I decided to use some magic so I could amplify his words in my head. "No way... But her husband left for battle so long ago! Hmm... Maybe that's why she returned to the Princess. Yes... Applejack and Pinkie Pie were growing to old to help her out of this dire situation, so she returned to the Princess. Pinkie told me all about it before she passed away herself."

Hang on, does he know something about me? What is he trying to say? "I'm sorry for that inconvenience," apologized Angel, "father seems to recognize someone else in your eyes. May I serve you a cup of tea? Tea is on the house." I nodded in approval. The skies were getting dark already. I wondered just how long I had been on that damned train. "Excuse me, miss Cake; can you tell me why there seem to be so few visitors around here? I thought ponyville would be more popular than this." She came back with a teapot, and two cups. Using her frail magic skills, she tried pouring me a cup. "It's alright, I'll take over now." For some odd reason, my magic was coated in a sapphire blue glow. "Thank you miss," replied Angel, sitting down before me.

"You see, we used to have plenty of visitors. However, a colossal dragon showed up one day on the mountains, terrorizing everypony her since." I looked at her, confused. "Did it ever attack?" She shook her head. "Did it ever cause any harm?" She shook her head again. "Occasionally, however, its fiery breath completely obscure the skies, even in the middle of the day."

I looked at the map Celestia gave me, and pointed at the mountains. Angel shook her head in approval. "Those are the ones," she added. Draco Clavus. Dragon Spike. A dragon which suddenly appeared. Fiery breath. Journals... Mistaking me for Twilight... No, mistaking me for something related to Twilight. Twilight... Journals... Princesses... Twilight... Draco Clavus... Dragon Spike...

"Spike..." I said, finishing my cup of tea before leaving towards the mountains.