Chapters Time is a fascinating thing. As we go along its river, one's actions change one's fate. Each precious moment is forever frozen within it… or so they say. For one stallion, time is little more than a hallway of windows that he looks over. Where most creatures with magic would do anything for a chance to change fate. His role is much different.
Sitting in the hall of windows. He smiled and looked up at one of his favorite windows. An image of six files with lives that would soon be bound by a single twist of fate. Swiping his hoof over the glass, he watched it change to each possible outcome.
"A single act to change the world." He mused.
After a few moments he noticed something new appearing in the image. It was that of a purple mare with wings and a horn. Narrowing his eyes he placed his hoof on the glass and watched as events happened around her.
Stepping back he quickly thought about what it meant. "This isn't good. One or two outcomes are fine but if she keeps going to the same moment and place."
He looked down the line of windows and noticed cracks forming. The farther away he looked, the darker it got and the more cracks he saw.
Stomping his hoof. The stallion knew there was only one thing he was able to do. Even if it meant breaking his personal rule.
Stepping through the window, he looked back as a pair of glass like wings formed on his back. Looking around he spotted two mares in an argument and stomped his hoof causing the world to freeze.
"What's going on?" One spat as she looked around for a moment before jabbing a hoof at the winged mare. "What did you do?"
"I didn't do this." She replied before adjusting the dragon on her back. "I don't know a spell this strong."
The two looked around before spotting the stallion glaring at them. "Who is that?" The clearly angered mare asked.
"I don't know. But if he's the one that did this." The calmer and more desperate one replied. "I don't think it's somepony we should mess with."
The stallion took a deep breath and flew over. "This is breaking a few rules. But this is important."
"What are you talking about?" The angry mare asked.
"I'll explain. But first. Give me the scroll." He replied.
"And why should I do that?" She asked.
"So you will stop damaging the already fragile timeline any more than you already have." He spat.
"She put you up to this. Didn't she?" The mare asked.
Face hoofing he turned to the winged mare. "You still have the scroll. Right?" She nodded causing him to sigh in relief. "Good. Then come with me."
The two mares looked at each other before the winged one followed him. "Where are we going?"
"To my realm." He replied before looking past them at a cloud with a pony sized hole. Sighing he shook his head. "I'll fix that earlier. For now, I'll need you to do something for me."
The unicorn flew over. "It doesn't matter what she does in the future. The spell will just bring us back to this point and I will still stop the race."
The stallion glared at her. "No… you won't. Your future is already decided." He then turned to the winged mare. "But if you succeed, then there is a chance to get things back on track."
"What do you need me to do?" She asked.
"Go back and make friends. Save the world again." He explained covering her eyes and the dragon.
In a flash she was gone leaving the scroll in his hoof as he turned to the now shocked mare. "What did you do? What are you?" He asked in a panic as the world around her became blurred as he approached her.
"You may call me E. As in, this is the End for you." He replied.
As she blinked, the mare appeared in a wasteland. And in her place of the past another her took the winged mare's hoof in friendship as the white stallion sat on a distant cloud and watched with a knowing smile.
The purple dragon opened his eyes and looked around at the familiar walls of the library before turning to the mare. "Twilight? What's going on?"
"I don't know Spike." She replied before picking up a nearby note. "But it looks like something is wrong." The two turned to the window and saw their castle covered in glass like vines. "Something is very wrong."
Stepping outside the two looked at the town then each other before saying at the same time. "Something is very wrong."
The first thing they thought of was to check on one of their friends they knew would be in the area and rushed to the farm where they found the earth pony family hard at work in what looked like a factory.
As they approached, the familiar earth pony came out pushing a barrel. "Applejack!"
"Can I help you?" She asked.
"This is going to sound crazy. But we're friends." Twilight replied. "And we need your help."
"You're right… you do sound crazy." Applejack sighed, rolling her eyes.
"I'll prove it."
"How?"
Twilight thought for a moment. "Well… I doubt your cutiemark story is the same…" Smiling, Twilight grabbed her face and pulled her so they were eye to eye. "Applejack. You don't lie. You went to stay with your relatives in Manehattan when you were young. You don't like walking away when you see a job that needs to be done."
Applejack pushed Twilight away and rubbed the side of her head. "Ok. Clearly y'all either telling the truth about us being friends. Or ya really like doing research."
"It's actually a bit of both." Spike pointed out.
Taking a deep breath, Applejack sat and thought. "Ok… let's say we are friends. What makes ya think I can help you?"
Twilight looked up at the night sky as she thought. "We'll need to find our other friends. After that. Find out how to fix Equestria."
Applejack tilted her head in confusion before shrugging. "Fine. Y'all help us finish today's quota. And I'll play along." She replied.
Smiling, Twilight teleported a hat over. "Here. You look better in this than that manenet."
"How did you?"
"You left one at the library in case of an emergency." Twilight replied as Applejack took off the net and put on the hat. Sharing a smile, the three went inside and got to work.
Author's Note
A quick start, but I wanted to get to the story and teas some things for the first chapter. Future chapters won't be as rushed.
Hours passed before they were able to sit and go over their plan to find the others as they sat at the kitchen table as they had dinner. "Finally, if I'm correct. The others will be in one of the other timelines." Twilight explained as she looked over her notes.
Applejack rubbed her chin. "One problem with that hun. If y'all are right about Equestria being split between each timeline. There's no telling where each of them are. Or who we'll find in each."
"That is a good point. But luckily there are a few clues we can go off." Twilight replied as she pulled out a map. "For instance. There's the part of town overrun with plants. Considering that I can look out the window and see the sun. It's not likely to be Nightmare Moon's territory. So that leaves one other I can think of."
"And the part of my orchard that was turned into a rocky terrain?" Applejack asked.
Twilight thought for a moment. "That… is a good question. From the look of the map. I'd have to guess that it's likely what would have happened if the dragons took over."
Applejack turned to Spike with a suspicious glare. "Don't look at me." He shouted. "I was raised by ponies."
"That does make me wonder what would be in that area though." Twilight explained. "I mean. The more I look at the map. The more the layout seems more unusual the farther away from the tree of harmony you get."
"And what is at this tree?" Applejack asked.
Twilight gulped and looked at Applejack. "The Castle of the Two Sisters. And most likely."
"Nightmare Moon." The two mares said in unison. A shared shutter went down their spine.
"What do y'all say, we check out what's in this unknown location first before going into the forest?" Applejack suggested.
Nodding, the two start for the door before something smashes through the wall, causing them to turn and look in shock at the dark form of the intruder.
"Twilight?" Applejack asked as they slowly took a step back. "Please tell me that's not what I think it is."
"If you're thinking it's a changeling… then I'm afraid it is." Twilight gulped. Moments later a dark armored bat pony stepped through the hole. "And that's even worse."
Applejack gulped in fear as Twilight glanced back at Spike and whispered. "Run."
Nodding, the dragon tearfully ran away as the two ponies prepared to do the same.
"You two." The bat pony spat. "Hold this bug down while I get the inhibitor in place."
"That voice." Twilight whimpered as her heart sank. "Rainbow Dash?"
"That's Captain Dash to you." Rainbow spat before bucking the changeling back down. "Now do as you're told."
The two sigh and hold the changeling down, letting her put the inhibitor in place. "Sorry, Captain Dash. Y'all caught us off guard is all." Applejack apologized.
"Whatever." She huffed before kicking the changeling outside. "Thankfully my job is done for now." Looking around the room, she snatched a cider and sat on the counter before taking a swig. "Hope you two aren't plotting anything against the princess."
"Not at all." Twilight replied. "We were just planning on looking for our other friends."
"Like that purple glowing dragon you kicked out?" Rainbow asked with a knowing smirk.
"Yes… wait… glowing?" Twilight gasped.
"Yeah. What? You thought I wouldn't notice him sneaking out after you told him to run?" Rainbow laughed. "I'm not Captain for nothing."
Twilight quickly turned to the door. "I'm sorry. But I have to go."
"Pardon?" Applejack asked.
"What's the rush?" Rainbow asked, becoming intrigued.
"No time. I have to find him." Twilight called as she rushed out the door. Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared a confused glance before following her.
Rainbow Dash flew up and scanned the area before joining the others. "You want the good news or bad news?"
"Good news please." Twilight requested.
"Your dragon isn't far from where I saw dragons gathered." Rainbow replied.
"And the bad?" Applejack asked.
"She's in witch territory." Rainbow replied.
"Witch?"
"Yeah. Two ugly looking ones." Rainbow shrugged. "They're between him and the dragons."
Twilight and Applejack nodded to each other before following the direction Rainbow pointed. "Thanks Captain." Twilight thanked. "If possible, would you be able to join us?"
Rainbow Dash shrugged. "For now I guess. I can count this as some kind of 'recruitment expedition'."
Deep in the rocky landscape, Spike paused to scratch himself against a rock. "I can't believe this is happening again." He groaned. He hoped a role in some dirt would help calm his itching. But the most it did was lessen the glow his body was giving off. Honestly he didn't know how he knew where he was going. He just knew the was being called to wherever the Dragon Lord was. Peeking around the corner, he froze at the sight of a short fat… human? And a tall skinny one. From the looks of it. They were arguing about something. He didn't know what they were up to. But if he didn't get out of there soon. He had a bad feeling… he would soon find out.
Author's Note
Looks like time is more messed up than things originally appeared. Who wants to guess how messed up things are going to get? Lol
Twilight and Applejack followed Captain Dash through the rocky terrain as the bat pony kept an eye on the path ahead. With her bat wings, moving around without alerting any possible threats in the area.
Landing in front of the girls, Dash extended her wings to block their path. "Hold it." She hissed softly. "There's movement ahead."
"Ya think it's friendly?" Applejack asked.
Dash huffed. "Not my job to tell who's friendly or not. Just get you through safely. Remember?"
Twilight took a deep breath and sighed before quickly pushed past and looked around the corner. "Fluttershy?" She gasped.
"A friend of yours?" Dash asked.
"Seems like she's one of the friends we're supposed to find." Applejack explained, as her and Dash took a look. "What's that green stuff on her face?"
Twilight gulped and pulled the girls back into hiding. "Not good. I've seen that time line. It can only mean…"
"I have three new fools to feast on." A voice laughed.
Turning to the voice, the three mares saw the queen of the Changelings. "Chrysalis." Twilight whimpered.
Turning her head Chrysalis snapped. "Reeka! Draggle! Get your worthless hides over here!" Huffing, she gave the three ponies a crooked smile. "Good help is so hard to find."
Dash looked around before shoving the others into the open. "Go find your friends and fix this mess!" She shouted before shooting into the changeling's face with a right hoof. "I'll hold her off!"
Twilight turned to help but was shoved by Applejack to run.
Fluttershy blinked and watched them flee before glancing around the corner at the two fighting. Considering what she overheard, she ducked back and decided to follow the two fleeing ponies. At the least she'd make sure the enemy of the bug would get to safety.
As she passed a strange looking rock, she whispered to it before moving on. After a few moments it got up revealing a unicorn that used its magic to blend in with her surroundings.
Without hesitation, the unicorn sped over to where Fluttershy saw the fight in hopes to be able to help.
Once they thought they were in the clear, Twilight and Applejack stopped and collapsed. "That was close." Twilight sighed.
"Y'all think she'll be ok?" Applejack asked, glancing back in the direction they came from.
"I hope so. But right now. All we can do is hope for the best and press on." Twilight sighed as she pushed herself to her feet and started to make her way to where Spike likely went.
Applejack looked at her in concern for a moment before following her. "If y'all say so."
Looking around, the two had a bad feeling that they were being watched. And Twilight feared that Fluttershy wasn't the only one watching them.
Spike let out a sigh of relief when the two females ran off at the sound of what he guessed was their angry mother. He waited till the coast was clear before he ran off in the direction of the pull. He didn't know why, but he had a bad feeling he'd be seeing those two again.
As he traveled, the area around him slowly started to turn to look more like the dragon lands the farther he went. He had a bad feeling that if he didn't get this taken care of soon and get back to Twilight. Something really bad was going to happen. All he was able to do now was pray he would be able to take care of whatever it was quickly so he can find his friends.
It wasn't long before he saw other dragons flying overhead. Or running past him. "Hey whelp. Didn't think a shrimpie thing like you would actually show." A familiar red dragon laughed.
"Knock it off Gargar." An orange dragoness huffed. "The dragon lord called all of us."
"Ummm… thanks. Name's Spike." He introduced herself with a smile as they continued down the path.
"What did I do?" Garble huffed. "I was just having some harmless fun."
"Smolder." She replied. "And don't worry. Mom said today the dragon lord is supposed to be giving a dragon a special gift."
Wondering who it was and what the gift was. Spike followed them silently. It wasn't long before a dragoness he recognized came into view standing on a large rock the others were grouping up in front of. "Ember?" Spike thought in shock.
"Ok everyone!" Ember announced. "The dragon lord is going to make her choice!"
"Her?" He gasped a few moments before a familiar looking coloration came into view. "No way."
Author's Note
Looks like the girls got lucky this round. But there's probably something dealing with those two females Spike saw that's going to make things go from bad to worse.
The next several minutes happened in a blur. Before he knew what had happened, Spike found himself getting singled out by the dragon lord he recognized. And was carried over by Smolder. In his dumbfounded state, he didn't know what was happening and soon found himself on a bed with three dragonesses standing over him each with hungry expressions.
Smolder and Ember stood on either side of the dragon lord as she held the staff out over him. The two breathed fire on the jem letting the stone's magic grab hold of their fire. "I have chosen you to give this year's blessing. And more importantly. I have chosen you as my mate."
"I… i… i…" Spike attempted to counter as the dragon lord placed the stone against his chest, passing the flames from the stone to him as it covered his body and hidden him from view.
Twilight and Applejack stopped at the sight of a large stallion standing in the path. "Any idea?" Applejack asked.
"We can try talking to him" Twilight suggests taking a step towards the stallion. "Excuse me sir. Would you mind letting us throw?" She asked.
The stallion growled and got in a fighting stance. Stepping back Twilight gulped in concern moments before Fluttershy landed between them. "Isn't that Fluttershy? What's she doing?"
The two sat and watched as Fluttershy got in the stallion's face and spoke low enough for only him to hear. It didn't take long for him to relax and step to the side as a white stallion approached.
As soon as Twilight saw the white stallion, she galloped over to him. "Can it be? What happened? You look… older." She asked in a panic.
The stallion gave her a soft smile and put a hoof to her lips. "Don't worry about me. Just remember why you're here." He replied looking past her to Fluttershy. "Is that you child?"
Fluttershy smiled and moved to his side as the stallion guarding the path placed out some pillows for him to rest on. She whispered in his ear as he rested on the pillows. "Y'all mind explaining what the hay is going on?" Applejack asked.
"This is… or was the stallion I told you about." Twilight explained. "But I don't know what happened to him."
"Just remember what I told you." He sighed.
"You mean about fixing time?" Twilight asked.
Blinking he tilted his head. "That too. I meant that one about things not being what they seem." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Or was it about judging the many of the actions of the few?" Shrugging he smiled. "Either way. They're both true." He said smiling at Fluttershy.
Twilight and Applejack shared a confused look before turning to the others. "Is there something Y'all want to tell us?" Applejack asked.
Twilight gave Fluttershy a soft smile. "It's ok Fluttershy. I promise to hear you out and not judge you unfairly."
Fluttershy gulped before taking a deep breath and hanging her head. "You… should come with me. If that's ok with you." With a shared nod, the two followed her leaving the guard to look over the white stallion.
As the flames died down, Spike slowly opened his eyes and looked himself over in shock at how he grew. No longer the chubby short runt, he had grown into a tall slightly slender yet well built drace.
It wasn't long before Ember and Smolder were laying next to him and running the tip of their claws over his body. Spike however went from shock at how he looked to how the girls were acting. "Ummm… girls? What are you doing?" He asked.
"We're following the dragon lord's order." Ember purred. "But I would have happily joined the bonding even if she simply asked."
Smolder licked her lips and nodded in agreement as the dragon lord positioned herself over top of him. "I've been waiting for a long time for this opportunity. After we last met. You're all I was able to think of. Please be my mate. And we can lead our hord together."
Spike gulped as he looked into her eyes. Even though her eyes had changed. Spike saw the mare he knew. He knew she mentally what she was saying. And the more they were together, the more he wanted to take her up on her offer. Biting his lip, Spike freed an arm and reached up to caress her cheek. After a few moments, he pulled her into a kiss that instantly caused her wings to fan out wide as before she melted into the kiss.
Smolder and Ember smiled as they watched them forming their bond. The dragon lord pulled back for a moment before holding out the staff. "Hold the staff with me and we can make those official." She informed. "Once you do. I'm all yours."
Driven on by hormones and his desire to please his new found love. Smiling, he took hold of the staff along with her and felt a surge of magic coarse through his body before he pulled her into a patient kiss before letting himself get swept away in the patient as things escalated.
Author's Note
Looks like Spike is losing his VCard. And to somepony turned dragon, who apparently was waiting for this moment longer than him. The white stallion is suddenly old. And Fluttershy is hiding something. What the heck is going on? Any ideas?
Spike sat at the mouth of the cave in a stunned stooper. He tried to figure out exactly what had happened. But the more he thought about it, the more things felt off… Or out of order.
Rubbing his head, Spike took a deep breath. "There has to be a way to make this make sense." He groaned. Looking back into the cave, he thought about everything that happened since he was brought to the cave. Taking a deep breath he sighed at the realization of the many things he did.
"Something troubling you champ?" Smolder asked as she flew over.
Turning away he sighed. "You can say that." He stayed silent till he felt her wrap her arms around him from the back.
"You want to talk about it? Also, after what you did for us. I think hugs are the least I can give in return." She cooed before licking his neck.
Spike bit his lip before sighing. "This might sound weird. But this…" He said motioning with a claw to the surrounding. "Isn't supposed to like this. Time is broken. And I need to find my other friends and help Twilight fix it."
Smolder thought for a bit before realizing what he just said. "Wait… you mean… we're not… what we did isn't supposed to…" She slumped as she pulled away.
Spike blinked and turned to her. "That's not what I mean." Taking a deep breath he looked past her and saw the others approach. "I have something you all need to hear."
Twilight and Applejack followed the changeling out of the rocky landscape and into a nearby forest where a timberwolf waited with a little bow on its head. Fluttershy stopped and patted its head with a soft smile before motioning for the others to follow.
"How did you do that?" Twilight asked softly. "The you from my time said she couldn't talk to them because they're creatures of magic and not flesh like her animal friends."
Fluttershy smiled softly back at them. "Oh. That's because they only respect their alpha." She explained as they traveled. "Maybe you can tell her when you go back. I'd hate to think such a loving creature can get hurt for just trying to protect the forest."
Twilight was about to ask about the last part but decided to ask about something else. "How do you find the alpha?"
"That's easy." She giggled as they rounded the corner as an old timberwolf came into view resting on a stump. Stopping at the edge of the clearing she turned to them. "It's probably best to treat him like you would Celestia." She explained before giggling at the looks of shock. "Don't worry. I'll get him to hear your story so he can help your Fluttershy become as close of friends as I am with him."
Twilight cleared her throat before smiling at Fluttershy. "Thank you Fluttershy." Said softly, giving her a gentle hug. "But I was wondering if you'd be willing to come with us to find the others."
"Why me? I thought your Fluttershy wasn't… me." She squeaked.
"Well… technically that's true." Twilight confirmed. "But in every timeline. I know you and the others are the same." She added smiling at her and Applejack. "And I would be happy to introduce you to the others."
Fluttershy thought for a moment before smiling and turning to the timberwolf. "I guess we should make this a quick trip then. I'd hate to hold you up on your mission."
Twilight fought back a tear at seeing how her friends hadn't changed even if time had. "Lead the way… friend."
"And that brings us to the problem at claw." Spike finished. Hanging his head he waited for them to yell at him or freak out. After a few moments he chanced a glance and blinked in shock to see the three smile back at him. "You're not mad or concerned?"
"I mostly have one question." Rainbow replied. "What are the chances we'll still be together?"
Spike rubbed his chin. "Well… I'm not Twilight. So I can't guarantee if this will be correct. But once the girls and I complete our quest. Everything will return to how they were yesterday… or is it the day before you called the dragons here."
At that news the three girls' wings slumped. "Oh…" Ember sighed. Spike blinked at this as a dark chill went up his spine.
"Then… would you mind staying with us until the girls complete their task?" Smolder asked with a hopeful smile.
Spike sighed. "I should find the others. But…"
Rainbow put a claw over his lips with a sad smile. "Then you should go."
"WHAT!?!?!"
Rainbow turned to the other with a glare before turning back to Spike with a smile. "Knowing them. They're probably looking for the others." She pointed off to a distant city. "You can try there."
The two shared a kiss before Spike flew off. Leaving Rainbow to look at a ring on her claw. Sighing, she wiped away a tear. "I just hope you're wrong."
Author's Note
For some reason the "time warp dance" song is starting to play each time I work on one of these chapters. Lol still a bit hard to predict what may happen next considering what brought up these events.
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy arrived at a small village that circles a large stump with a large Changeling in the center and three other changelings around her. Twilight blinked in shock at the mainstyles the three smaller ones had. What was equally surprising was the one zebra that was sitting at the edge of the stump.
"Ya recognize any of them?" Applejack asked.
"The three in the center look like our other friends. And that Zebra looks like one I knew in my time." Twilight replied softly. "If I'm not mistaken. They're this time's elements of harmony."
Fluttershy smiled softly at Twilight's understanding as she led them to the stump and hops onto it, landing in a bow. "We have guests, my queen. Friends of the white stallion." She announced.
As Fluttershy stayed in position, the queen looked past her at the two ponies. Her calculated gaze held on them for a moment before turning to the zebra and nodding.
The zebra went over blowing a strange powder over them that after a moment caused them to glow lightly. "What she says is true." The zebra announced. "We can trust these two."
"Then come forward friends." The queen called. "Tell me what you need of our hive."
"I am Twilight Sparkle. And my request may sound strange. But I ask that you pramit Fluttershy to accompany us on our mission, your majesty." Twilight replied with a bow.
Applejack joined her and bowed. "I'm Applejack. And I still find it hard to believe myself. But I promise that what she says is true."
The queen thought for a moment before motioning for Fluttershy to come over. Once she was in front of the queen, the queen bent over and nuzzled her softly before lifting her head to speak to the others. "Zecora told me that something like this would happen."
"I felt something was arie. When I saw the volcano nearby." Zecora explained.
"You think he might be there?" Applejack asked.
"Whoever you're looking for darling. I would hope not." The changeling Rarity replied. "Why would anyone go near such a gruesome place like that? I doubt even a dragon would go there."
Twilight and Applejack shared a concerned look. "Speaking of dragons. We're looking for one. A purple dragon named Spike." Applejack informed.
The changelings looked at each other in concern for a moment before one whispered to Fluttershy who turned back to them with a look of terror. "They said one was spotted near the black pillars."
Twilight sighed and stepped forward. "I'll understand if you want to stay. But we need to find him."
Fluttershy looked back to the queen who nodded. Smiling, she turned back to the two ponies. "Then I'll show you the way."
Spike huffed as he flew towards the city through a forest and saw a bat pony with a familiar main pulling herself along the ground. It looked like she was nearly ripped apart by Timberwolves. Landing, Spike rushed over and knelt down next to her.
"Rainbow, hang in there!" He called as he looked around and quickly gathered a few things to make a slig. "What happened?"
Unable to fight back any more she huffed and let him do what he wanted to her. "My friends ditched me." She huffed. "As soon as those muts shown up, they split and left me behind. If I hadn't broken my wing and leg helping Rarity out of that bush, I would have been able to get away too."
Spike finished patching her up and sent a quick letter to Ember, before lifting her in his arms and starting to leave the forest. "Then let's get you to safety."
Rainbow blinked at his strength and kindness, and oddly felt wrong for letting herself get treated like a helpless mare. More importantly, she felt conflicted about being carried away from the castle she was heading for.
"Why?" Rainbow asked weakly before coughing up some blood onto her chest.
"To make a complicated matter simple. You would've done it for me." Spike replied softly before licking up the blood, much to her surprise. "Sorry. I remember how you don't like looking weak. So I thought I'd-"
"It's fine." She interrupted. "You're right. I normally don't like looking weak. But I think it's clear that we're past that." She laughed. Looking him over she bit her lip as a messed up thought came to her head. "So… how close would we be?"
Spike brushed a rock off before laying her down on it. "Well… you were mostly too interested in pulling pranks and practicing for the Wonderbolts mostly. But we did hang out when we both had free time." He explained sitting next to her before positioning her so she can rest her head on his lap. "Granted I did look different at the time. Mostly looking like a little kid."
Rainbow thought for a moment. This news didn't really do much to change her mind. And unless she intended on risking it, she had to come up with something to crush the option… or suggest it for him. "Would you have been interested in ponies? Or me?"
Spike rubbed the back of his neck shyly. "Well…"
"Crap." She thought.
"I did have a crush on Rarity… but looking back. I guess I latched onto her because I thought the mare I really liked was out of my league." He sighed with a blush.
"Crap crap crap." She thought as she gulped before asking. "And who was that?"
"You."
That was all she had to hear for her to make up her mind. If she was going to die. She was going out on her terms. "Then consider this your chance to find out if you are out of my league." She announced. "Rut me and show me how much you love me."
Spike gulped and picked her up carefully so he didn't cause her unwanted pain. "I don't want to hurt you any more than you already are. And I don't want to be the cause of-"
She silenced him with a hoof on the lips. "You're a smart dragon, right? I bet that letter was a call for help. So don't fret about it. Besides, if I'm going to die. I'd rather have my world rocked by you than internal bleeding." She countered before replacing her hoof with her lips.
Unable to come up with a counter argument that wasn't a lie or unfaithful to her or how he felt, Spike pulled her closer and lined her up with his crotch. This was going to be a risky action. But at the same time. It felt right.
Author's Note
... well... looks like Spike is taking advantage of the broken time deal. And Twilight is doing a nice job finding out about other time lines. Still, I wonder who will show up next to throw a wrench in their plans.
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy made their way through the trees as they kept an eye out for any clue about where their friends might be. There was a good chance for them to find one on the way to the pillars. One thing Twilight and Applejack expected to find was Sombra's army. However, before arriving at where they needed to go. There was one place to go… the battlefield.
And just as the thought crossed their mind. A group of ponies surrounded them as two earth ponies landed on either side of them. Within seconds, they had Fluttershy pinned to the ground. "Go get the commander." The pinkish mare snapped at one of the others. Nodding the ruched down the road with a knowing smile.
"Don't hurt her! She's friendly!" Twilight shouted before being forced to step back by a guard. It wasn't long before an armored pegasus came over and glared down at Fluttershy before turning to the others.
"You. Earth pony. Explain yourself." She spat. "This is a war zone."
Applejack sighed and tipped her hat. "Name's Applejack. This is Twilight. And that changeling is Fluttershy. We're on a mission to gather ponies to save Equestria." She explained as the mare looked at each of them.
"And why should I believe you? For all I know, you three are spies." Asnan afterthought she got in Applejack's face. "Shouldn't you be back tending to supplying the resistance with food?"
"Well, if we're able to complete our mission. None of us will have to worry about Sombra or fight in a war." Applejack replied with a confident smile.
The mare looked over and noticed Twilight's wings and horn. Blinking she rubbed her chin before looking back at Fluttershy and noticed her cutie mark. Extending her metal wing, she motioned for the guards to let her go. "Sorry. With the war going on. We can't be too careful. Somber has been changing tactics lately. We think he may be getting desperate or he's trying to throw us off our game." She huffed leading the group to a tent. Stepping in she looked down at a map that looked like different sketched areas where placed together.
"What's this?" Twilight asked, looking over the map.
"If I had to guess. The map of Equestria. Some scouts must have put it together. And it looks like a lot has changed." The mare huffed.
Looking over the map Twilight thought for a moment. "It looks like the different locations changed to match their timeline."
"Explain." The mare snapped.
Gulping, Twilight took a deep breath and with a sigh, started her story.
Spike sighed as he made his way into town. Even after the long flight, he still found it hard to believe what he had done. Had she been in better health, he would have been more than happy to rut her as hard as he did… After all, he did do it with her as a dragon. Then again, her dragon form did act like they had done it before…
Spike stopped and grabbed his head. "My head hurts." He groaned trying to understand how this time paradox worked.
"Something wrong my friend?" An old white stallion asked as he came over.
"I'll be fine." Spike sighed before looking the stallion over. "You look familiar."
"It's been a while since we last met." He laughed. "At least for me it has… I think…" Chuckling, he shook his head. "Don't mind me. I tend to forget when I am."
"You mean… you travel through time?"
Smiling, the stallion sat and clapped his hooves. "Exactly. You'd be surprised how many don't figure that out." He paused and stroked his beard. "Then again. I guess with time falling apart. I do look different."
"Was there something you needed to tell me about this area?" Spike asked.
Thinking for a moment the stallion looked around for a moment. "Yes… if I'm not mistaken… this place has one of the friends you need to save time."
"Great… Can you tell me where?" Spike asked before quickly adding. "Do you think there's a way to… make sure certain things that happen in this time split… stay when we return things to normal?"
The stallion thought for a moment and moved closer to Spike. "If and when you see me again. You should ask me that again." He replied softly. "Sadly right now I don't have the strength to tell you if that'll happen. But I can tell you this." He paused to take a deep breath as he sat on a bench motioning for Spike to join him. Once Spike was seated he continued. "In all my travels. One thing remained consistent. As long as the two of you truly have such a bond. No matter what the outcome is. You two will be together."
Spike let out a relieved sigh and smiled before hugging him. "Thanks. And about my missing friend?"
The stallion rubbed his chin and looked around. "I think I saw them… down by the school. Though… she did look different from the other versions."
Spike blinked. "Wait… there's more than one of them?"
"One for each timeline I'd think."
"But I saw two from the same time line." Spike countered.
Blinking the stallion looked at him in shock. "That… explains a few things." Thinking for a moment he stroked his beard. "I wonder if…" letting out a sigh, he got up and smiled at Spike. "I have a few things to look into. Keep up the good work. And don't worry. Everything will turn out just fine if you and your friends keep up the good work."
As the stallion left mumbling, Spike turned and started back down the street as he thought about who it might be that he sees next.
Author's Note
And now we're at the war time line. And Spike made it to town. I wonder who you guys think he should meet. There's soooooooo many possibilities. Including fallen main six, and other old Gen ponies. Yes I plan to go there. Feel free to voice your thoughts.
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy
"Other things?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
"Hard to say. But reports talk about two legged things." Rainbow replied flatly.
Twilight and Applejack shared a nervous glance as Fluttershy looked up at the mountain. "I have a bad feeling about that place. Any pony that goes up there won't come back alive."
"If there's a chance one of our friends are there. I have to go." Twilight announced. "You two can wait here if you want."
"And how do you plan on getting out?" Rainbow asked.
"Simple." Twilight replied with a smile. "Teleportation."
"I'll stay. That place looks too scary." Fluttershy whimpered.
"I'll keep her company. I reckon I'd be more helpful here." Applejack added.
Thinking for a moment Rainbow turned to an off gray mare. "Mod will go with you." She said as Mod came over with a nod. "She'll lead you as close as possible and guard your exit."
Twilight smiled and nodded. "Knowing I have Pinkie's sister watching my back. I know we'll be safe."
"You know my sister?" Mod asked.
Twilight nodded and moved up next to her. "I'll tell you about it on the way."
Spike sighs as he makes his way around the corner and froze at the sight of a cat-like two legged guy dancing in the middle of the street with what looked like a strange looking female. What was even odder was an earth pony with failure colors.
Spike's eyes widened in shock and fear. He didn't know what was going on but if she was here. Then there was a chance his other friends were here.
"Rainbow?" He called as he started to make his way over.
Looking back she froze and let out a scream, causing the others to stop and look over. Surprisingly the girl was the calmest of the three. Stepping in front of the others she got in a defensive stance. "Hold it you two… it looks familiar." She said softly.
"What do you mean Megan?" The cat asked.
The girl called Megan stepped closer to Spike and grabbed hold of her pendant. "His colors look familiar. But he's a lot bigger than before and he sounds different." She replied. Taking a deep breath before speaking to the large dragon. "What's your name? And why are you here?"
"Name's Spike." He replied to the shock of the girl. "I'm looking for my friends."
"Spike?..." Megan repeated. "I thought you were a lot smaller… and timid."
"I was." He replied with a smile. "But I take it, you're talking about a different Spike. Because I have never met you before." He thought for a moment. "I guess you're from a different timeline."
"That would explain a few things darling." Rainbow sighed, having finally calmed down long enough to talk.
Hearing his normally tough mare talking like a high class mare caught him off guard. "Talking about being different."
"What do you mean by that, darling?"
"A lot of things." He replied. "The only thing that's the same other than your name is your color."
"Really? What is this other me like, darling?"
Spike shivered. "For starters she doesn't talk like you."
"Let me guess. She asks like she's a tough girl?" The cat laughs.
"Actually… yes." Spike replied with a smile. "She's amazing, attractive, top notch flier-"
"You have a crush on her. Don't you?" The cat teased as the mare and girl blushed.
Spike blinked and blushed. "I guess I do…" He admitted as he mentally went over everything he did with both Rainbow Dashs. He took a deep breath and looked at Rainbow for a moment before sighing and turned to walk away. "I'm sorry. You just remind me of a different mare too much."
The cat looked between them before grabbing Spike's arm. "Hold up. This other mare wouldn't happen to be a white unicorn that is skilled with making outfits… would she?"
"She is. Why do you ask?"
The cat smiled at Megan as she nodded. "I know where she is." She said walking up to him. "I'll show you where she is… But you might not like it."
Spike smiled and shrugged. "Let's hope things go well then." He sighed before following the girl down the street.
Rounding the corner, Spike froze at the sight of a creepy looking mansion. Standing outside was the cat. "Wait… how did he?..."
"Magic." Megan laughed. "The mare is inside."
Spike shivered as he approached and the cat opened the door. "Ummm… ladies first?" Spike suggested nervously."
"A big guy like you. Scared of a harmless house?" Megan giggled.
"No… it's just… creepy spiders that live in freaking old mansions, castles and other old places like that." He explained.
"Don't worry." The cat laughs. "She keeps the place tidy. The spiders actually help her."
Spike gulped as he entered moments before his jaw dropped followed by him hitting the floor.
Author's Note
I wonder which group is going to fill first. Spike or Twilight? Lol then again. Spike will have a few things he'll have to get past first it seems.
After a few minutes, Spike came too and sat up and looked in shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Standing with her back to him was a nearly see through image of his former crush. It still surprised him that he wasn't fawning over her. He still loved her. But his heart, body and soul belonged to another.
"Rarity. We brought a guest. He has a rather interesting story." The Cat called as he walked over and knelt down next to her.
Rarity smiled and levitated over a rose. "Thank you dear." She cooed before turning and gasping at what she saw. "Spike?... has it been that long?"
"Not for me." He admitted with a soft smile. "But maybe I should start at… I guess it's fair to say… when it started."
"Please do." She replied and motioned to a tea set and some chairs. "I may not be able to drink it any more. But I insist that my guests don't go without."
The group sits as Spike tells her what happened. Skipping the details with Rainbow. Rarity rubbed her chin thoughtfully and nodded. "I see… then we simply must get the girls back together at once."
"Can you still use the element of generosity?" Spike asked.
Sighing she shook her head. "It seems even if I am still the same me. The elements need living vessels to use their magic." She sighed and thought. "But I believe you already know of one of our friends who will be very helpful. As for the others."
The cat smiled and nodded. It's going to be a risky trip. But if you're up for it. I do know where AJ is."
Spike thought for a moment before nodding. "Let's go."
Megan sipped her tea and pulled some keys from her pocket. "Don't think you're leaving me behind." She called before getting up.
The guys laughed as they thanked Rarity before heading out with Megan leading the way. Spike couldn’t help but to smile at the thought that even if things returned to normal. Each group would remember the adventure they went on together.
Twilight and Applejack looked up the path that Mod brought them too. Her final words were expectedly simple. "Bring them home." After that they left her behind to start their trip up the winding path.
It hadn't really been all that long ago they started this trip. But they had a strange feeling that they were already nearing their goal.
At the top of the path was a chain that stretched over a lava pool to a castle that sat in the center. Neither mare really wanted to risk it. But at the same time, had come too far to turn back now. Taking deep breaths, they carefully made their way across the chains.
Sadly for them. This mission would prove harder than they thought. Much harder.
Luckily they made it across the chain and waited for a moment as a large shadow passed.
Once it was gone, the two slowly started moving into the building. It wasn't long before the answer of what was happening. Moving through what they thought was a random hallway, they saw several cages with what looked like creatures that had been changed in several different ways. From being spliced with another creature or having limbs replaced with other things.
Bothe mares had to stop several times to try and avoid vomiting or scream in horror at an abomination they saw. Regardless, they took a moment to calm themselves before sharing a glance of determination to end this hell. One way or another.
Rounding the corner they gasped at the sight of seeing a familiar white stallion sitting in a cage muttering to himself.
"It's you." Twilight called softly.
Blinking, the stallion looked over and smiled. "Oh. You're here." He chuckled. "Looks like I arrived at the right time after all."
"Do ya understand what he's saying?" Applejack asked.
Twilight shook her head and sighed before smiling at him. "Why are you here?"
"Mostly to see how you're doing." He laughed. "And to tell you not to worry about Spike. I… I can't remember if I ran into him yet or not. But I know he's doing fine."
"And how do ya know that?"
"Probably best not to question it, Applejack." Twilight sighed. "Any ideas on how to help the creatures in this place?"
His smile vanished as he looked away. "I'm sorry… but this time line… there is no happy ending."
Twilight and Applejack gasped. "But… what about the ponies trapped here?"
He shook his head. "I'm sorry. But you'll only be able to save one." Lifting a hoof he pointed to a nearby torch. "Pull that. It'll open a safe path."
Twilight and Applejack shared a worried look before doing as he instructed. Seconds later the wall opened revealing stairs that led up. With a deep breath, the two slowly made their way up and to what would most likely be a dangerous choice.
Spike looked in wonder as Megan drove them down the street. For what he understood, this… "truck" ran on horse power. Even though he figured it was a figure of speech. Considering how quickly they were moving, he would believe it. He smiled and looked down the road. "How long till we arrive?"
"Correction. We're here." The cat announced motioning over to an old looking building that sat at the edge of the EverfreeForest.
Spike gulped as they parked. "You know… I think my next stop should be back with the dragons. Less chance of a heart attack."
Author's Note
The white stallion gets around. And it looks like both groups are heading for one heck of a predicament. Thoughts?
The cat led the way to the front door of the building before knocking a few ties. After a few minutes the door cracked open and a familiar voice came out. "What ya want?"
"I brought some friends to see you." The cat replied. "Don't worry. You can trust them."
After a few moments the door opened a little more revealing a disheveled Applejack. She looked over the group before turning to Spike and stepping back with a look of shock and disbelief. After a moment she ushered them in quickly.
Once inside, the group looked around at the wall of weapons. "Wow… you've changed a lot, Applejack. I'm afraid to ask." Spike gulped.
"A lot happened…" Applejack sighed as she went over to a door where something was scratching to get out. "Hold y'alls horses. I'm coming."
"Is Winona in there?" Spike asked. Seeing Applejack flinch, he hung his head. "Oh… sorry… I didn't mean…"
Applejack shook her head. "Ya were trying to help deal with the dragons when it happened…" She sighed before opening the door to reveal a dog that remained Sike of Apple Bloom.
"Bloom?" Spike gasped. Hearing his voice, the bog rushed over and jumped into his arms licking his face.
Seeing this, Applejack smiled and sat on a rocking chair. "I reckon we have a lot to talk about."
Spike sat on the ground and started petting the dog. "Definitely."
Twilight and Applejack soon emerged overlooking a large room with a cauldron that sat in the middle. As the two looked over the room, the door opened as an old ugly two legged female wobbled in followed by a familiar stallion. "Sombra."
"You best remember who is in charge hag." Sombra growled as they approached the cauldron.
"I get rid of those horrible ponies for you and I get to rule the southern portion of this nation." She huffed. "If it wasn't for their army. I would have what I need to wipe them off the face of the map."
Sombra's horn lit, lifting her into the air and turning to face him. "If you attempt something like that. Then I will be the one to end you."
She smiled. "It's refreshing to work with someone as wicked and skilled as myself, for ones." She laughed as he dropped her. "Now what shall we do with the ones we already have in our possession?"
Sombra turned and stomped a hoof with a smile. A moment later a familiar pink pony came into the room with her head hung. "I believe that little potion you came up with would be a good idea. Mixed with my magic. I believe we'll be able to make more like this one."
The old female got to her feet and laughed before moving to a table of chemicals. "I'm a bit low on supplies. But I can easily make enough for a few more ponies." She paused and smiled back at him as his eyes turned to the darkness where Twilight and Applejack were hiding. "Including our little spies."
Twilight gasped as Sombra lit his horn and fired a spell at them. In reflects, Twilight teleported herself and Applejack to the doorway.
"Y'all mind warning a pony when you're going to do that?" Applejack snapped.
"Sorry. But I didn't want to risk you getting hit by his spell." Twilight replied.
"Got a plan?"
Twilight thought as she looked around the room before looking at the two villains as they smiled and started approaching them. "I gave one idea."
"And that is?"
Twilight looked over at Pinkie before lightning her horn. "For now?... RUN!!!!" She called as the two turned and fled down the hallway. The two villains laughed before leaving the pink pony behind and walking after them.
Meanwhile Rainbow sat at the edge of her cave and sighed looking out over the land as a white colt came over. "You know you don't have to wait for him to come back."
Blinking, she looked over and glared at him. "What do you want, pony?"
Sitting next to her, he looked up at the shifting sky. "A lot is happening. And who knows how things will turn out."
"What are you talking about?"
Looking at her he smiled. "Only that you and the others are on different roads that by fate, luck, or accident… have begun crossing paths that may end up either joining together or go different ways forever."
Rainbow looked away and sighed. "So you mean I'll never see him again?"
"That's up to you."
Rainbow closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking at where he was only a moment ago. Thinking for a moment, she got up and called Ember over. "If I don't come back. You'll be dragon lord."
"What?" She asked as Rainbow put the scepter in Ember's claws.
"I have to go find him before it's too late." Rainbow announced flying off.
Ember thought for a moment before smiling and holding up the scepter. "HEAR ME DRAGONS!!! AS ACTING DRAGON LORD! YOU ARE TO AID RAINBOW DASH AND SPIKE IN REUNITING!" She called before softly adding. "Good luck."
Author's Note
Hope you guys are enjoying this messed up world. It's not exactly easy to come up with notes to add when time doesn't exactly work right. Lol feel free to share your opinions.
Spike blinked as he pondered what Applejack had told him as she pondered what she had told her. There was a lot they had to think about. After all, it's not every day you're told there was a different world where your life was completely different.
Taking a deep breath, Applejack looked at her sister as she curled up happily sleeping in his lap. She closed her eyes for a few moments before letting out a sigh. "If there's a way to return things to… to make things turn out for the better. Then count me in."
"Really?" Spike asked.
"I reckon if we can return everything to their proper time and hopefully have things turn out for the better. Then I'd be a fool not to help you." She declared.
"That's what I like to hear." An old white stallion laughed as he came out of the back room. Blinking, the others looked at him in shock and confusion. Stopping for a moment he looked himself over. "Funny… I may grow old. But I still can't seem to grow a single gray hair." He sighed.
"I recognize you… by how are you so…" Spike trailed off.
"Oh… that…" He sighed and sat looking at the front door. "It's funny… time…" He sighed and shook his head. "Don't worry about it. What's important is what is happening now."
"And what is that?" Applejack asked.
"Well…" He stroked his beard for a moment before replying. "Twilight is on a dangerous mission… oh and the dragons are on the move."
"DRAGONS?!?!" Applejack gasped as she jumped to her feet. "Spike I'm fine with. But them other dragons are-"
"Not monsters." Spike snapped before turning to the stallion. "Do you know who they are or what they're up to?"
He thought for a moment. "They're looking for you actually." He replied, pointing a hoof at Spike.
"And why is that?" Applejack asked flatly.
The stallion smirked as he narrowed his eyes knowingly. After a few moments Spike blinked in realization. "By dragons… you mean… she sent them…" He placed a claw to his chest for a moment before sighing. "No… She's looking for me."
"Who's she?" Applejack asked, glaring at Spike.
Knowing there was he had some explaining to do he looked to the door. "Well…"
Pinkie stood in the room alone as a white stallion stepped out of the shadows and sighed. "You know. I normally don't do these sorts of things." He sighed as he went to the potions and started mixing them. "But we both know you're no good to anyone braindead." He paused and looked over at her. Huffing, he returned to his work. "Normally you'd have some remark or joke about that. Funny how you miss those little things no matter how many times they happened before they're gone."
He paused again and looked at the cauldron. "Oh?... what do we have here?" Moving closer he looked inside. "You shouldn't be here…" smirking, he rolled his eyes. "Then again. Neither am I really." Sighing he scooped up the potion he made. "Let's fix that. Shall we?"
Twilight and Applejack speed down the hallway as they try avoiding the blasts of magic. "What's the plan now Twilight?" Applejack called as she kicked a suit of armor over.
"I'm thinking!" Twilight replied. "I hoped that my spell to unlock the cell doors would have worked by now!"
"What cell doors?"
Turning the corner they slid to a stop as large beasts stood in their path. Gulping Twilight replied. "Apparently… all of them."
Sombra laughed, as he and the hag stepped out onto a balcony overlooking the room. "Looks like our game of hide and seek has come to an end." Turning to the hag he asked. "So… what little prize has our ponies won this time?"
She thought for a moment as the two ponies looked up at them in shock and fear before turning their gaze to the creatures. "It's not lunch time yet for our pets. And it'd be a waste not to let our pets thank them for getting some play time." She laughed. "Why not-"
Just then there was a loud *BOOM* causing them to turn in shock. "THE POTION!" They cried in unison.
The two rushed off blaming the other for the explosion as Twilight and Applejack looked at each other in confusion before scanning the room for a way out. "Let's hope these things don't want to use us as chew toys."
Twilight thought for a moment and smiled. "Actually… They gave me a great idea."
"How so?"
"Hopefully I picked up enough from Fluttershy to pull this off…" Twilight sighed and took a deep breath and stepped closer to the creatures. "Excuse me!" She called, getting the room's attention. "I'm sure you heard what those two said. And it's true. I did unlock your doors. But sadly that doesn't mean you're free."
Hearing the growls Applejack gulped. "I don't think ya should have said that." She whispered.
"None of us are free." She smirked. "Not as long as we're trapped in this place. And the only way we're all getting out is by working together." She paused for a moment to let it sink in before continuing. "If you're willing to help. Then we'll be willing to talk to the Celestial army to give you a large meal in thanks."
There was silence for a moment before Twilight gulped in fear. "Or… we can work out a… oh… that's what you want…"
Applejack blinked in shock as she saw what Twilight did. Sighing, she looked around for a moment before turning to Twilight. "Looks like we don't have much of a choice."
Rainbow flew over the land, following the tug she felt at her heart. As she did, several dragons that saw her paused in their travels and pointed in the direction they saw or heard the purple dragon went.
"I can't believe it took me this long to do this." She huffed. I should’ve gone with him to begin with." She huffed.
As she flew over the forest, she grabbed her head as images flashed through her head. Memories and feelings she swears she didn't have before. Memories that seemed… off. "What's… happening…."
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy
Spike AJ Megan
Rainbow stumbled to her feet as her mind cleared. She didn't know what was going on. But some things didn't fit, and others she rather didn't want to remember to begin with. Whipping away some tears, she knew she had to get back to her mate. Of everything that had gone through her mind, there wasn't any doubt that her feelings were real. But now they were beginning to mix with the emotions of other… hers…
Taking off again, a part of her knew where to go. It was strange. She felt like she had to go to where she saw a war was happening. But she wouldn't go alone. And whatever was drawing her that way was on the move. So for now, she'll stay loyal to her heart and be with her mate. Hopefully that tug will permit her this. And if more come, the two of them will be able to go together and find the truth of what calls her.
"And it was around that time I realized that I had claimed her as my mate before I met her as a dragon… If I understand how this paradoxical world works." Spike finished. As he expected, everyone but the white stallion was blushing at the details he used.
It was evident that he had left out several details involving their… love making. While Megan and the cat seemed less shocked and perhaps more interesting. They wanted to ask for more information, but thought it'd be too embarrassing for the poor dragon.
"Ya didn't need to go into detail." Applejack stammered. After a few moments she sighed as the shock of the matter faded. "What are ya going to do? Y'all still have to find your other friends right? The ones that will help fix everything?"
"How about taking his mate with him." A voice called from the door. Turning they saw the Rainbow mane dragoness at the door. Smirking, pounced onto Spike giving him a loving hug and kiss before turning to Applejack and blinking in shock before positioning herself between them. "You." She growled.
Applejack blinked in shock pushing her sister behind her. "What about me?"
"This!" She snapped holding up a claw. Huffing, she turned away. "I'll be outside-"
"Hold your horses hun." Applejack called. "If y'all who ya look like. Then you know I don't lie."
"So?"
"I have no clue what y'all talking about. Last time I saw a dragon was… when we lost you…" She sighed.
Rainbow blinked as the memory flashed through her mind. "How…. How long ago was it?"
"Last month for me." Applejack replied.
"Hours probably." Spike added.
Rainbow sat and sighed. "I… I was abandoned years ago… Spike found me at the brink of death… if it wasn't for him and Ember… I'd be dead." Taking a deep breath she turned to the white stallion. "I take it things are only going to get worse?"
He nodded and tilted his head back and forth. "I can't really get into much detail. But it's safe to say. That if things keep going down this path and the elements are kept separate. Then there are few outcomes that will be… hopeful."
"And what about after Spike and his friend find us all?" Applejack asked.
"Then you have a small chance to fix everything." He replied before blinking. "Probably should hurry though. I feel another split forming."
"Say what now?" Applejack asked.
"Where? Can we do anything about it?" Spike asked quickly.
"I don't know if YOU should. But it is nearby… Appleloosa." He replied before quickly leaving the room.
Spike looked at the others as Applejack and Rainbow shared a nod and smile. "Let's go. One of our friends might need us."
Pinkie stood and blinked for a moment before slowly turning her head to look around the room. After a few moments her tail twitched and she quickly dove under a table and into a hole as Sombra landed in the spot she was. "HAG!!! YOUR POTION WORE OFF!!!!" He shouted as he scanned the destruction. "And it looks like your seer potion failed to see this coming."
"It's a good thing I don't rely on only one plan. Unlike some ponies I know. Fear not. They will regret refusing us." She laughed. "All you have to do is feed one of those pets of yours a little potion. Even if my calculations are wrong. Those ponies will parish."
Pinkie gulped and backed deeper into the hole before turning to follow her senses and find anyone who might help. She didn't know about what was going on. Only that what she just saw was bad. Very, very bad.
Applejack moaned as she looked over at Twilight as she was focused on whatever spell she was casting. She had no idea about unicorn magic. But from the fact the large beasts seemed calm after… that… several of them had wagging tails. Which told her that whatever Twilight was doing, was putting them in even better moods.
"Y'all think we can get out of here now?" Applejack asked.
Twilight sighed. "Yes Applejack… you should go with these guys… I'll tell them we… I failed."
"Y'all talking about that pink pony?" Applejack asked.
"Pinkie Pie." Twilight sighed with a smile. "She was always one to surprise us… I hoped somehow she'd…" just then her ear twitched at a distant voice. Diving at Applejack she cried happily. "TWITCHY TAIL!!!"
Author's Note
Perhaps one of the few times the twitch is seen as a good thing. Also... something big is coming. Question is. What kind of horror shall be unleashed first? I may do a grim fiction chapter or two.
Spike flew next to Rainbow as she held Applejack tight. It had been a long flight that was made longer with their need to land so Applejack could catch her breath and switch who was carrying her.
As they finally arrived, the group looked in shock at what they saw. Several of the buildings were either falling apart or made of metal plates.
"What the hay is going on?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know." Rainbow replied, looking around. "Something doesn't feel right."
"Release the mare, you monsters." A southern voice ordered as a pegasus came out, aiming a rifle at them.
"Now hold your horses." Applejack countered. "These are my friends. Not monsters."
The stallion narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before noticing Rainbow's spines. "Friends you say?... show me your marks."
"Why?" Applejack asked in shock.
"I want to confirm my suspicions." He replied. "And her colors are suspicious." He added motioning to Rainbow Dash.
"Would it help if we told you we're from different time periods?" Applejack asked as Rainbow turned to show her flank.
As soon as he saw the lighting bolt, the stallion's jaw dropped as he sat hard. After a moment he turned to Applejack. "I… I take it you're Applejack?" He asked. Seeing her nod, he sighed. "Then I believe you."
"Would you mind telling us what's going on?" Spike asked.
"War." He sighed. "It's a long story. But what I can tell you... Is to avoid the rainbow pools and anything glowing."
"And why is that?" Rainbow asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
He turned and called over to one of the buildings. "Hey Derpy! We have some old friends that would like to say hi!"
After a few moments a strange looking mare that looked like a living corps with a chalkboard around her neck stepped out. The moment she saw Applejack, she rushed over and gave her a squishy hug. As she pulled away, she quickly wrote something on her bord and held it up.
"How are you so young?" Applejack read. "I'm from a different timeline." Derpy thought for a moment before writing something new. "Sorry Derpy. I don't know about your timeline. We're looking for our other friends."
Derpy thought for a moment before rushing back to the building and returning with a letter she gave to Spike. Looking it over he turned to the girls with a smile. "It's definitely from Pinkie." He explained before opening the letter.
"What does it say?" Applejack asked.
Dear friends… I guess you're not my friends but the other me's friends but also kinda my friends at the same time. Anyway, I don't have much time to explain because the chapter would become too long and there's other letters I have to write. So I'll get straight to the point… what was my point?... oh yeah. You won't be able to find many ponies that can help. But there is one pony in town you should take with you. The others might like him.
"Yeah… that sounds like Pinkie." Applejack laughed.
"Did she really write all those spaces?" The stallion asked. The three nodded as he sighed. "Well… the only pony I can think of is…"
Just then there was an explosion as a pony was shot out of a building and into a pile of barrels. "Who's that?" Spike asked.
"That would be him." The stallion sighed as laughter came from the barrels.
"I figured it out!" A young sounding stallion laughed as he pulled himself out of the pile.
"Wait… he's a…" Spike stammered.
"Alicorn!!!!!" The three gasped.
"It's complicated. But to make a long answer short. Yes." He replied as he made his way over. "Oh… hi uncle."
"Uncle?!?!?!"
Tapping a Hoff to his chin, he looked Spike over. "No… you're much smaller than you were when we last met… much closer to my last… Pinkie… party…" He sighed.
The girls looked at each other for a moment before smiling at him. "If you help us. We can have another one of her parties." Rainbow suggested.
Smiling, he turned to the stallion. "You don't mind. Do you?"
The stallion shook his head and turned away. "Nope. Just remember the rules of survival."
"What rules? The girls asked.
"Stables in our time are death traps, and so is going underground. Oh and if you hear an ery moaning, run." The alicorn replied.
"Why would moaning be bad?" Applejack asked.
As if to answer her question, they heard moaning behind them as the stallion with a gun looked past them. "It's a herd! They're coming this way!"
Turning, the group saw a large group of ponies that looked much like Derpy buy with feral blank eyes. "Taint spitters… crap." The alicorn groaned. "You three best stay back. Let the others handle this."
Rainbow smirked at Applejack who looked at a gun saddle before smiling back at the two dragons. "We'll help. If you don't mind."
Twilight smiled as Pinkie told them what she was able to remember about their plan. The three rode on the back of the creatures as they listened to Pinkie's surprisingly long story.
"And I hid and found that side that led me to you." Pinkie finished.
"That's… a surprisingly detailed story." Applejack commented in shock.
"Did you see who it was that undid the spell?" Twilight asked.
Pinkie giggled. "Sorry Twilight. I can't ruin the suspense for the readers."
"Say what now?" Applejack asked before getting cut off by Pinkie pointing ahead of them.
"Look! The other prisoners are being led out by my sister!" Pinkie announced before shouting. "HI MOD!"
"Pinkie. Before you go rushing to your sister. I want to ask you something." Twilight interjected.
"Sorry Twilight. I can't help fix the timeline." She replied.
"How did you?... never mind. Why not?" Twilight asked.
"Because, silly. Everypony knows about timing. Besides, you still need to find the others and Spike." Pinkie replied.
"How do ya know about Spike?" Applejack asked.
"It's Pinkie." Twilight sighed. "Don't question it or you'll get a headache." Turning to Pinkie she smiled. "Then do you know where we should go next?"
"Yeap." Pinkie giggled. "And don't forget Fluttershy." After a moment she blinked.
"Twitch? What is it?" Twilight asked.
"Don't know… but it's in Canterlot."
Twilight smiled and turned to Applejack. "Then that's our next destination." With a nod the group headed out to get their friend and start their journey.
Author's Note
I thought I'd mix things up a little. I'm a fan of the Fallout Equestria series. And thought I'd reference it. Don't know if I'll do my own fanfic for it. But still.
"DIE YOU ZEBRA FUCKERS!" The alicorn shouted as he threw a bottle at the last ghoul causing it to melt.
Applejack lifted a hoof before Rainbow gently pushed it back down. "Face it AJ. Compared to our histories. Theirs must have been messed up. I mean look at this place." Rainbow sighed, motioning to their surroundings. "Everything's either falling apart, old or poisoned…" She paused and turned to one of the townsfolk. "No offense."
"None taken." He laughed. "And coming from the OG Dashite. It's a compliment."
"The what now?" Rainbow asked.
"It's just a title the pegasi gets labeled with that wants to help us ground ponies." The alicorn replied. "They call it a punishment. But most wear it as a badge of pride."
"You can tell me later." Rainbow sighed. "For now. Let's get going before-" just then the ground shook as a wave of light crossed the land.
"Now that was a big one." An oddly familiar voice laughed before a painted pony trotted over.
"Who are… what happened?" Spike gasped as he looked at the stallion.
"Oh this?" The stallion laughed. "I was just talking with… never mind. Not important." He laughed. "What is important is what just happened."
"And what did just happen?" Applejack asked.
"You are standing in the far future of what might be. So… it's possible that brought what was." The stallion replied. "Or it brought another is… or was it will be?... or might it be was?" He mumbled as he trotted away rambling on.
"Whatever it is." Spike sighed. "We have to check it out." With a nod from the girls and alicorn, the team took off.
Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy arrived at Canterlot in record time to find empty streets. "I don't like this Twilight." Applejack warned. "Something about this place feels wrong."
"It's all wrong." Twilight agreed. "This should be a busy street this time of the day."
"I can't smell any happiness." Fluttershy whimpered. "It's like they're all scared of something."
Just then Applejack was grabbed by magic and pulled into one of the houses, with Twilight and Fluttershy chasing after her. "What the hay was that for?" She snapped.
"Sorry miss. But you shouldn't be outside right now." A voice in the shadows replied.
"And why not?" Twilight asked.
There was a momentary pause before the voice replied. "I thought you knew Dusk. It's that time of the year."
"My name's Twilight." She sighed. "Dusk is the me from another timeline. So please explain it to me."
After a moment a rainbow mained stallion stepped out next to a white unicorn mare. "You're definitely, egghead." The pegasus laughed.
"Rainbow?... and… Shining?" Twilight gasped.
"It's Blitz and Gleaming." The pegasus replied with a smirk. "And apparently the other you hasn't found a way to fix his mess yet."
"What mess?" Applejack asked.
"Turning our prince into a sex crazed princess… with a dick." Gleaming replied. "Normally I'd be right there at his… her side. But after seeing her go through half the guard? Yeah… no."
Twilight took a deep breath and started to pace. "It's nice to see that hasn't changed." Blitz laughed.
"Not the time Blitz." Twilight huffed. "If I knew the spell. I should be able to reverse it. But I'd need time and a way to get close…" She blinked and looked over at Gleaming nervously. "Please tell me your me figured out how to help his dragon with greed."
"Yes and no…" Gleaming replied with a nervous smile. "She isn't growing in size… exactly."
"The princess wasn't his first victim." Blitz pointed out bluntly.
Twilight took a deep breath as she put the pieces together in her head. "I'll figure this out. Just give me time."
"Is was may be? Will be is was?" The stallion stopped and blinked as he looked around. "Oh… did I go too far again?" He wondered out loud before spotting a mare sitting on a lone table. "She looks familiar… oh right. The trouble maker." He laughed as he made his way over to her. "So. How are you liking your world without the elements of harmony?"
"You can't prove they were the reason THIS doesn't happen." She spat.
"You don't get it… do you?" He sighed.
"Get what?"
"You messed with time without understanding it." He explained. "Sure there are time lines where they never met. Or only a few do. But specific events have to happen for it to work. And you stopping the race throws off that delicate balance."
"Impossible."
"Fine. Then walk the sands of time." He suggested. "Find your way to whatever home you want. But know this. Some fates… can never be avoided."
She huffed and looked away for a moment before turning back. "What is that supposed to… mean?" She asked before gasping at finding him gone. After a few moments she got up and looked off into the distance before starting her journey.
"Good girl." The stallion whispered from his unseen location. "Wait. I got it. Now it will be as it was!... was as it is to be?... DANG IT!"
Author's Note
Looks like things are getting ready to become intense. I wonder who'll lose it before the end. With all this time displacement going on. Someone is bound to crack.
Spike and his team continue to make their way toward the source of light as the alicorn starts rubbing his ear.
“What's the matter?” Applejack asked softly.
“I don't know. My body just feels weird.” He replied before smacking his lips. “Does anyone else feel like we're being watched?”
Spike stopped and looked around, noticing the sudden silence as Rainbow pointed out the greenery.
Within seconds something hits the ground next to Spike. Promoting the group to take cover.
“What in the name of Celestia's burning cunt was that?” The stallion asked.
Rainbow Poked her head out from behind the tree before ducking back. “Some kind of… weird white things.”
One by one the others took turns looking before agreeing they didn't know what they were. Spike poked his head out and was about to say something before one shouted “aim for the head!”
His eyes widened in shock but as they fired, he noticed they had very bad aim. Looking to the others he suggested attacking and forcing answers from them.
However, as he looked back, he noticed the things had already stopped firing and soon fell as a cloaked figure made its way over to him.
“That voice…” it said shakily. “That face… Spike?” The figure asked, lifting its head. As their eyes met Spike gasped in shock and horror.
As Twilight paced and bounced ideas off Gleaming, Blitz turned to Applejack, Pinkie and Fluttershy. “Wow… so that's what you guys look like as girls…” He laughed. “I have to say. You look like your sister AJ.”
“Thanks?” Applejack replied, raising an eyebrow.
“It's a compliment.” Blitz huffed. “Do you realize how popular she is?”
“If she's anything like my brother. Yeah, I can imagine.” Applejack snickered. “Thanks.”
Blitz smiled and turned to Pinkie. After a moment of eye contact he looked away. “Same dif.”
Applejack snickered as Pinkie pouted for a moment before realizing what he said and snorted.
As Blitz turned to Fluttershy she hid behind her bangs. To her surprise, he pulled her to his side with a wing before resting his head on her's. “Always so timid.” He sighed. “It's ok. I have you.”
Applejack and Pinkie looked in shock as Fluttershy quickly held him and cried into his shoulder as she told him about all the scary stuff she saw. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. But the proof of their friendship was sitting right there in plain sight.
“Wow.” Pinkie gasped. “I guess deep down we're the same in every timeline.”
Twilight's ear twitched, causing her to look over and see what Pinkie was talking about. Her eyes widened as the pieces came together. With A big smile she quickly hugged her friend. “Pinkie! You're a genius!”
“I am?”
Blitz rolled his eyes and quickly cut in as he stroked Fluttershy's head with a wing. “Keep in mind Egghead. Not everyone here speaks nerd.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at him before lifting a Daring Doo book. “You know what I mean.”
“Fine.” She sighed. “If you're… me did what i think he did… Then the proper way to fix it is simple.” Twilight sighed.
“And that is?” Blitz asked.
“Introduce the unstoppable force to an immovable object.” Twilight explained with a smile.
“And how are we going to do that?” Blitz asked. “Unless you didn't already figure it out. Your… or his teacher already went through most of the town.”
“But not his brother, our babysitter or the changeling army?” Twilight questioned.
Blitz thought for a moment. “Artemis is out looking for answers… prince Bolero is…” He paused and glared at Gleaming. “Looking after the kingdom ALONE. And we haven't heard from the king since the wedding.”
Twilight smiled. “Then we have to get their attention.”
“Or I can… that is if it's OK with you…” Fluttershy whimpered. “I'm a changeling after all…”
Blitz blinked and looked at her before turning to Twilight. “It's fine Fluttershy. We know you don't like doing that.” Twilight sighed. “We just have to hope the prince's lust is strong enough to overpower them.”
“No worries there.” Blitz laughed rolling his eyes. Before moving to the door. “I think there's a group nearby we can use.”
“Careful Blitz.” Gleaming called. “It might not be safe yet.”
Fluttershy got up and went next to Blitz. “I might not be fast… but… maybe I can buy you some time.”
Blitz hugged her. “Thanks. I promise to save you as soon as possible.”
With a nod the two flew out as Twilight bit her lip and desperately tried to think of other options.
The old white stallion sat on a bench and let out a deep sigh as a young him came over. “If you're here then we may be running out of time.”
“Do you really believe that?” The colt asked. “Or have you been walking these loops so much you finally went insane?”
The stallion smiled and sighed. “I ask myself that all the time.” He sighed, looking off to the multi-colored sky. “It's funny. I never saw this outcome coming.” He smiled and looked back to where the colt was and patted the pony skull on the head. “You're right. Back to work.”
Author's Note
Well... shit... I wonder how things are going to turn out if things keep going as they are.