In Canterlot, in the Royal arena Midnight and an amber pegasus stood opposite to each other while the crowd watched and Twilight and Spike watched from their podium. As an exhibition opening for new arena, Midnight was requested to duel one of the Royal Guard’s top soldiers.

“Citizens of Canterlot, the duel between Sir Midnight Shadow and Flash Sentry is about to begin,” Twilight announced as she looked to the two stallions, “You both know the rules, there is no outside help or weapons allowed and the duel ends when either one surrenders,” She explained to them.

“Eh, this is child's play. I practiced without weapons with my eyes closed.” Midnight said as he did a few stretches. “You think you can handle a Knight, Sentry?”

“Are you kidding, I’ve been wanting to fight the leader of the Swords of Justice.” Flash said as he did a few stretches with his wings. “I heard tales about you and the Swords of Justice, but to actually face you face to face is a real honor.”

“Well, nice to know your spirits are high, and it’s me who’s honored to face you,” Midnight told the guard before taking a ready stance, “Just don’t expect me to go easy on you,” He warned.

“Fine be me, bring it on!” Flash said with a smirk as he got into stance himself.

“Alright… Begin!” Twilight announced.

Flash and Midnight then charged at each other as Midnight fired a dark laser at Flash but he dodged, rolled out of the way, zoomed towards Midnight and headbutted him. Midnight cringed back a bit as he shook his head.

“Nice hit.” Midnight said with a smirk. “But that would be your last one.”

“I’m just getting started.” Flash said as he flew straight towards Midnight, who flew up to avoid him as he fired a magic blast on Flash’s back, blasting him to the ground with a grunt.

“Did you forget that I have a horn and wings? I can both fly and use magic.” Midnight said with a smirk.

“Doesn’t matter how much you have as long as you don’t hit me.” Flash commented before he flew up and the two got into a wrestling match in the air as they pushed at one another while trying to deliver punches or kicks in the air.

As they dueled Twilight and Spike watched the fight with interest but Twilight looked away for a moment to look at the crowd before she noticed one unicorn in particular, with a light purple coat, dark purple and teal-green mane and dark blue eyes.

Twilight blinked as she scanned the area again but the pony was nowhere in sight. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” Spike asked her in confusion.

“Uh, nothing, Spike.” Twilight said in concern. “I’ll tell you and Midnight later.”

Back in the duel, Midnight had Flash pinned down while the pegasus struggled to escape, “What’s the matter Sentry? Can’t move?” Midnight asked with a smirk.

“You know, I knew you were the strongest but…” Flash grunted as he struggled to get up. “Okay, I give up. Even I can’t beat Alicorn's strength.” He conceded.

“Sir Midnight Shadow is the victor!” Twilight announced as the crowd cheered while Midnight got off Flash and offered his hoof.

“You are pretty good, Sentry.” Midnight said with a smile as he helped Flash up. “Lasted longer than most others. With enough training and practice, you might outrank me someday.”

“It’s an honor to hear that from you, Midnight.” Flash said with a smile. “I have been practicing and training since I became a Royal Guard. I thought I would at least stand a chance between a Knight.”

“The difference between Royal Guards and Knights is that guards are only trained for defense. But us knights, we go into the offense out on the frontlines and face the enemy head-on.” Midnight said with a smile. “Got more battle experience from. But with how you fight, you have potential, Kid.”

“T-Thanks.” Flash said, trying to keep his fancolt instincts from coming out.

“You know, kid, how about you come with me, get some training in from the pros and maybe someday you’ll become a new Knight of Equestria,” Midnight offered Flash.

“W-Wait, really?” Flash asked in surprise. “I-I don’t know. Seems kinda big but I would have to step down from the Royal Guard.”

“Oh, you’re not stepping down from the Royal Guard, just some more training, in both offense and defense. You would be one of the best of the best.” Midnight said to him as he offered his hoof. “So, what do you say?” He asked with a smile.

Flash looked at his hoof for a moment before he smiled and shook Midnight’s hoof. “I’d be honored.” He said with a smile, which Midnight returned.

A bit later, Midnight, Flash, Spike, and Twilight were walking down the streets, “Say what? Starlight Glimmer?” Spike asked in shock.

“Who’s Starlight Glimmer?” Flash asked in confusion.

“I only heard from what Twilight told me and the boys that Starlight was a crazy Unicorn who stripped an entire village of their Cutie Mark, including Twilight and the girls, except for hers to make everypony equal.” Midnight said before giving a concerned look. “Are you sure that you saw her?”

“I’m sure.” Twilight said with a concerned look. “But when I looked again, she was gone! I'm just worried what she might be up to." She added.

"And now she's coming back to get revenge," Spike said darkly before they noticed Twilight was stiff in terror and her knees were trembling before Midnight bonked Spike on the head. “Ow!” He yelped as he rubbed his head.

“Spike, what do we talk about filling Twilight with terrifying ideas,” Midnight muttered with a glare, which made Spike flinch with a nervous smile.

"Uh, or she was just really interested in the fight?" Spike added, trying to do damage control.

Midnight then placed a wing over Twilight. “Don’t worry, Twilight. If this Starlight character is close by, she’ll be in for quite a punishment for trying to take your’s and the girl’s cutie marks.”

“Thanks Midnight,” Twilight smiled as they continued forward.

They soon returned to Ponyville, much had happened since they defeat Daymare Sol; the Cutie Map in the castle sent them to solve Friendship problems, the Grand Galloping Gala being remade, Twilight returned to Canterlot to reconnect with her old friends and most recently, Cadance and Shining Armor announced to be having a baby which Pinkie struggled to keep secret.

Soon, they walked up to the Castle of Friendship as they entered while the two Alicorns and baby dragon put their things away, Flash looked awed at being in the castle. “Wow. This castle is so much bigger than the outside makes you think.” Flash said in awed.

“Yeah, I had the same reaction when me and my brothers first walked in.” Midnight said with a chuckle.

"Maybe I was just more stressed about that match than I thought.” Twilight said as they walked down the hallway.

"Yeah," Spike said as he caught up with the three ponies, "That sounds better than Starlight Glimmer coming back with--Ow!” He cried as he felt another bonk to the head.

“Haven’t you learned to not stress Twilight out or be obnoxious yet?” Midnight questioned with a brow.

“What? Just saying. Because Starlight was Tartarus-bent on getting revenge.” Spike said in defense while rubbing his head.

"Well, when you say it like that," Twilight said lightheartedly as she opened the doors to the throne room, "it does sound kinda silly." Spike then looked inside and he gasped silently.

"Or it's totally true!" Spike said in panic.

“What’s he talking ab--Oh Celestia.” Flash muttered as he looked at where Spike was looking as his eyes widened.

Twilight and Midnight raised brows before they turned and saw Starlight sitting on Fluttershy’s throne with her hind hooves on the map as she gave a sinister smirk. “Welcome home, Twilight!" Starlight said deviously before looking to Midnight, “And you must be the Famous Midnight Shadow I’ve heard so much about,” She added.

“And I take it you’re Starlight Glimmer, the unicorn who took an entire village, including Twilight and her friends’, Cutie Marks?” Midnight asked with a glare.

“Oh, so you heard of me. I’m flattered.” Starlight said with a smirk as she levitated a scroll and fired her magic on it.

The enchanted sheet of paper fired a magic beam at the table, activating the cutie map. “Uh, what’s happening?!” Flash asked in worry as they charged at the map.

"What are you doing, Starlight?" Twilight demanded. Starlight laughed haughtily.

"I'd tell you," Starlight gloated, "But I don't want to ruin the surprise!" She then crumpled up the paper.

“What is she talking about?!” Midnight questioned as Starlight laughed as she tossed the paper aside and ignored the alicorn Knight. It was then some magic rings surrounded the cutie map. Twilight, Midnight, Flash and Spike backed up as some winds started up. Twilight fired a magic blast, but the rings nullified her blast.

Spike was nearly blown away until Twilight caught him with her wing and held him. Suddenly a dome-like portal with clocks on it appeared above the rings. Starlight looked at the dome deviously as the rings disappeared then smiled smugly at the others before using her magic to float up into the air and sucked into the dome before she and the dome disappeared.

“Where did she go?!” Spike asked frantically.

“What just happened?!” Flash exclaimed in shock.

"I don't know," Twilight said. "But we think we better find out!" She said as she walked up to the map.

Midnight looked at the crumbled up scroll as he walked towards it. “I think it has something to do with this scroll.” He said as he un-crumble it and straighten it out. “It’s definitely a spell but a pretty advanced one.”

“Well, what kind of spell did Starlight use this time?” Spike questioned before the castle started shaking.

“What’s going on?” Flash asked nervously.

“Is it just me, or does the castle feel like it’s…sinking?” Spike asked as Twilight went out to the window and gasped.

“Guys, look outside!” Twilight told them as they rushed to the window and saw Ponyville seemingly glitching between how they knew it and what looked like the apocalypse with broken buildings, red skies and craters, “What’s happening to Ponyville!?” She asked in worry.

“Is it, changing?” Midnight wandered in confusion.

“And my castle is sinking back into the ground, as if it was never grown by the Tree of Harmony in the first place!” Twilight panicked as she saw her castle sinking back into the ground.

“What?! What does that mean?!” Flash asked in panic.

“What’s happening?” Spike asked in worry.

Suddenly everything came to pause as everything around the four seemingly stopped, leaving them confused. Before they could ask what was going on, there was a flash of blue and golden light and the sound of clock chiming was heard behind them, “Who are you,” Twilight asked as they saw a tall Alicorn stallion with an golden coat, a teal mane of energy, and azure regalia with a clock on his chest plate and a cutie mark of an intricate hourglass and holding a staff with a large hourglass on the top.

“I go by many names,” The stallion began with a wise voice, “But you would know of me as, Eternatus, the Lord of Time,” He introduced fanning out his wings which had lighter blue tips.

“Lord of time?” Spike questioned with a brow.

“Um, no offense but we’ve met alicorns before and let’s just say,” Midnight paused gave a sheepish look, “You’re a little masculine,” He said as all Alicorns they met, outside himself, were mares.

“I suppose with the amount of time that is passed, it is only natural for you to not recognize a male of my kind,” Eternatus said, hardly insulted, “But we don’t have much time. My power can only hold back the fractured timeline for so long.”

“Fractured timeline?” Twilight asked before her eyes widened. “Wait, you mean Starlight Glimmer went back in time?!”

“Yes, as you know, Time is the force the control the growth an decay of all things in world, it is what lets creatures to leave behind and to obtain both new and old things, an endless river that must never be tampered with,” Eternatus explained to them with a serious look, “But this Starlight Glimmer has managed to acquire spell capable of allowing her to travel freely through the river, created by Starswirl the Bearded himself,”

Midnight was shocked before he looked at the scroll he was holding. “Um, it wouldn’t happen to be this spell, right?” He asked nervously as he showed the spell to Eternatus.

Eternatus leaned closed and read the spell before humming, “Just as I feared, with this spell, Starlight Glimmer has put all of Equestria in great Danger,” He said grimly.

“But how can that be? How can Starlight going back in time cause all this?” Spike asked the alicorn.

Eternatus then used his magic to show them a hill with a lake, a forest and gorge at the bottom, “The lake is our present, the top of the hill is the past, and the forest and gorge between are possible futures,” Eternatus explained, “When the river of events flows from the past and down the hill of the future it eventually leads it to the lake that is our present, but if a certain event occurs along the river's journey, this causes a blockade which deviates the river away from our present and into a new future,” He explained as a boulder appeared in front of the river causing the water to flow into the gorge.

Spike gave a confused look. “I don’t get the slightless.” He said with a brow.

“Spike, he’s saying that any action in the past could cause multiple outcomes that could lead to any kind of future.” Twilight said with a bored look. “Nothing changed when I used the spell since that sent me back a week during my ‘possible danger’ incident since it was supposed to happen, but this is completely different.”

“So you’re saying Starlight’s prevented a very big event in the past from happening?” Midnight asked Eternatus.

“Yes, a very key event,” Eternatus said as he used his magic to show a projection of a young Rainbow Dash racing with two colts, “The moment when your destinies began, Princess,” He said.

“That’s the time when Rainbow first did her Sonic Rainboom, which resulted in not only getting her Cutie Mark!” Twilight said with her eyes widened in shock.

“Wait, didn’t you say yours and the others Cutie Marks came because of that incident too?” Midnight asked his marefriend in wonder.

“Yes but, what?” Twilight tried to ask.

“Watch,” Eternatus said as they watched and saw the moment when Rainbow was about to do her Sonic Rainboom when she was suddenly caught in a magic grip as Hopps crossed the finish line.

“Hey, what?” Flash said in confusion.

“That’s not what’s supposed to happen!” Twilight said in shock before she saw below the clouds, she saw Starlight using her horn to trap Rainbow. “Starlight is there! She made it so the Rainboom never happens!”

“But what does that have to do with the present changing?” Midnight asked.

“The moment the Rainboom was triggered was more than the moment you earned your marks, it was also the moment where you began your journey to become Elements of Harmony,” Eternatus explained as he showed them the past versions of the rest of the Mane 6.

Young Fluttershy had been giggling and enjoying her new animals friends...when they all left her alone.

Young Applejack just sighed as she looked out her window before closing the curtains and walking away.

Young Pinkie just continued working on the farm, feeling miserable.

Young Rarity stared at the rock her magic surge had led her to before pushing it off the edge of a cliff and walking away.

Young Twilight struggled to use her magic to make Spike's egg hatch but was unable to do so as the School teachers just scribbled their notes. Young Twilight just lowered her head in defeat.

“Without this key event in history, you would have never become the Elements of Harmony, nor would you be sent on the adventures to stop the bringers of Darkness from incurring their wrath upon Equestria,” Eternatus explained as the four watched in shock, “In this particular case, here is what would happen if King Sombra had not been defeated and he declared war on Equestria,”

Eternatus then focused his magic through his staff as the four were caught in a magic bubble as the entire castle faded before they appeared over what looks like the Crystal Empire, but looked like what it was when Sombra invaded.

“The Crystal Empire.” Flash said in shock before they saw the familiar wicked unicorn umbra pony stepped out of the castle and overlooked the chaining and enslaved Crystal Ponies guarded by shadowy monstrous ponies.

“King Sombra?!” The four exclaimed in shock.

The crystal ponies were given militia-style helmets and armor that made glowing eyes to show they were under Sombra's control as a huge army. “He enslaved the Crystal Ponies as his personal army?” Midnight asked in horror.

“Yes, the Crystal Empire wasn’t enough for him, he wanted all of Equestria,” Eternatus explained as they then saw Princess Celestia leading an army of other ponies against Sombra’s army, “Celestia fought back, assembling every willing pony she could find to protect Equestria," He went on as the two armies fought as some of the Royal Guards charge at Sombra, but he summoned a crystal pillar that lifted him up and he gave a sinister laugh as the battle raged on. In the amits of the carnage Twilight, Midnight, and Spike saw some familiar faces on the battlefield.

The first pony was a pegasus with a metal wing fought off the controlled army, but when her helmet was removed, it was revealed to be Rainbow Dash, who had a wild mane and a scar on her eye. “That’s Rainbow!” Twilight said in shock as they saw Rainbow being cornered by three of Sombra’s soldiers before a familiar gray pony with buzz-cut mane swooped in and saved her.

“Storm!” Midnight said in surprise before they watched Storm and Rainbow saluting to each other and going their separate ways. “Wow, even in a different timeline, Storm and Rainbow are still fighters.”

Just then, a boulder was being rolled down towards another pony soldier, but then Maud and Pinkie jumped in, with them being as serious as the war, used their hooves and shattered the boulders to pieces. “Maud! Pinkie!?” Spike asked in surprise. “Wow, Pinkie must’ve been taught by Maud.”

Twilight however focused on the stone serious face on her normally perky pink friend, and frowned, “This, this isn’t right,” She said sadly.

“Wait, if Celestia’s here, where’s Mistress Luna?” Midnight asked in confusion, seeing only Celestia on the battlefield with her troops as she used her shield to block the troops while trying to get to Sombra. “Wasn’t she saved or still on the moon?”

Eternatus gave a solemn look, “In this time, Luna did return as Nightmare Moon, but without the Elements of Harmony, Celestia was forced to use a more…permanent solution to protect Equestria,” He said regretfully.

This made the four shocked by this. “You mean… Luna is…” Twilight stammered as Eternatus nodded his head sadly, which made Twilight gasp and cover her mouth while the boys were just as horrific as she was. “Oh, Celestia,” She said, realizing that her mentor had to put her sister down when she returned.

“But, what about the others? Rarity? Applejack? Or any of us or our friends?” Midnight asked, wanting to learn more.

“Your friends have had, difficult times in this war,” Eternatus said with a solemn look as he showed them more.

It was then shown that Fluttershy was busy shearing sheep to make uniforms, wiping her brow from working so hard. Rarity was busy making the uniforms, wiping her own brow from exhaustion as well. Applejack worked on the farm to make rations for the soldiers. Then several ponies were getting on a train to join the fight as the whistle blew and the engine let off steam.

Blaze was leading a resistance within the Crystal Empire to try and see if there was a way to stop Sombra from the inside with Shining Armor and Cadance with him. Hydro was forging new weapons and armor for the soldiers in Fillidelphia. Arbor was tending to the injured ponies who were hurt in battle or in attacks from Sombra’s Army with Zecora and Nurse Red Heart helping him. Rocky was training new recruits to fight Sombra’s Army in Canterlot. Volt was a scout sent to spy on Sombra’s army to try and figure out their next move and report back to Celestia.

The three ponies and dragon looked in horror by what they were seeing and by how their friends would be in a war that was never meant to happen. “This is just…horrible.” Flash muttered.

“I don’t understand, why would Starlight do this?” Twilight asked with teary eyes as Eternatus returned them to the castle.

“I do not believe Starlight Glimmer is aware of what her one action has done,” Eternatus explained to her.

“What are you talking about? Shouldn’t she know if she returned to the future?” Spike questioned.

“Wait, Spike, if Starlight changed the past, don’t you think she would’ve returned back to the present by now?” Midnight asked with a thoughtful look. “Because if I had to guess, she never did return back to the present, right?” He asked Eternatus.

“She intended to have you follow her and see the despair in your eyes as your connection to your friends is broken,” Eternatus explained has turned to the Cutie Map, “She wanted to insure that even if you returned to set things right she would always be there to stop you,”

“So she left her scroll behind to lure us in and suffer in the alternate timelines!” Midnight said in realization.

“Precisely, and for every new time that is created, the more time deteriorates,” Eternatus revealed grimly, “And if it deteriorates too much, all of space and time could collapse in on itself.”

This made the four gasp in shock and horror. “We have to stop her before that happens!” Twilight exclaimed while pointing to the map.

“But how, even if we travel back there, she’ll be waiting to jump on us and send us back here,” Spike reminded her, “And then we go back again, she stops us again, we get sent back again, etcetera, etecte--”

“Wash, rinse, repeat, yes, we get it.” Midnight said in annoyance before he had a thought. “Wait, this will be the first time we travel back in time. But she doesn’t know we know her trap.” He said while rubbing his chin.

“Knowledge is a powerful tool,” Eternatus said knowingly.

“So, if we go back in time, find Starlight, trick her into thinking we don’t know her plans, we get the surprise on her and stop her from changing the past!” Twilight said in realization.

“Sounds like a plan,” Flash said with a smirk.

“And it will be a good time to see the Rainboom for the first time.” Spike said with a smile while the others gave dull looks. “Too soon?”

Midnight rolled his eyes and then turned to Eternatus, “Eternatus, do you know how Starlight’ll ambush us?” He asked the Time Lord.

“Well, normally I am prohibited from revealing events that are soon to be, but considering our situation and how this takes place in the past I think I can bend the rules a tad,” Eternatus said with a small smile. “When you first arrive, Starlight won’t set up a trap for you. She’ll be hiding underneath the finish line so that your friend will be caught in her magic. So if you are to ensure the Rainboom happens, you must stop her from ever trying at that exact moment.”

“And if we time it right, Rainbow will make her Sonic Rainboom, making the timeline go back in order!” Twilight said with a smile.

“Yes, and once you stop her, I shall bring you and Ms. Glimmer to me, there the truth shall be revealed,” Eternatus said before the area around them began to tremble as the castle and Ponyville started glitching again, “My spell is failing, quickly, you do not have much time! Protect the future, young ones!”

“We will!” Midnight said with determination as they all ran up to the map. “You can count on us!” He said as Eternatus nodded with a smile as he faded away as Midnight took out the scroll. “Okay, it’s time to stop Starlight’s time plan.” He said as he then blasted the scroll with his magic, creating the time portal above them as they were sucked in with a yell before the castle faded.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!” The four all screamed as they were flung through the portal where they saw some sort of sundial at the end of the portal as they were flung over.

At the end of the portal, it opened up from the sky before the four were flung out as they landed on the road of Cloudsdale as they saw the pegasi flying around. Twilight used her magic to catch Spike when they fall as they gently landed on the ground.

“Okay, we’re in Cloudsdale, but we’re not sure if we arrived at the right time.” Midnight said as he looked around. “Let’s see if we spot somepony we know to find out--” He was cut off when a familiar rainbow filly flew by in a rainbow streak that made Midnight nearly trip. “Whoa!”

“Okay, young Rainbow Dash, check,” Spike commented.

“Oh yeah, we’re in the past alright,” Flash confirmed.

“Now, we just need to find Starlight,” Twilight said as they looked up to see Rainbow’s race.

“Remember what Etenatus said? She’s hiding out at the finish line,” Midnight said he turned to the finish line and saw Starlight hiding underneath it, held up by her magic, “Gotcha,” He smirked.

“Okay, we just need to wait until Rainbow is about to reach the finish line, we jump in and tackle Starlight so that she doesn’t stop her.” Twilight instructed.

“It’s all in the timing,” Flash said as the three ponies crouched down in a ready position with Spike on Twilight’s back, “Wait for it, wait for it,” He said as they Rainbow and Hoops closed in on the finish line.

“And…” Midnight started as they saw Starlight readying her magic.

“Now!” Twilight declared as they zipped down and just when Starlight was about to fire, they collided with the unicorn.

“What?!” Starlight asked in complete shock before she looked up and saw Rainbow crossed the finish line after she created her Sonic Rainboom, much to her horror. “NOOO!!”

“Oh yes!” Midnight smirked as they landed on a cloud, “Perfect timing, wouldn’t you say?” He quipped to the unicorn.

“B-B-But, how did you--” Starlight stammered in complete shock by what just happened.

“We had help from somepony who knows a lot more about the consequences of mucking up time than you ever would,” Spike answered while crossing his arms.

“And since you don’t have the spell, you can’t go back and stop us from stopping you since your plan was to stop us from stopping you when we arrived back in this time, right?” Twilight asked smugly.

“No! No! NO! I WON’T BE DEFEATED BY A WORTHLESS ALICORN AND HER FRIENDS!” Starlight yelled in rage before the portal opened up above them.

“Looks like your time is up,” Flash quipped.

“I will not--” Starlight was then grabbed by Midnight as they were all being sucked into the portal.

“Sorry, no do-overs on this one!” Midnight called as he kept a tight hold on Starlight as they entered through the portal as she struggled to break free as her horn started glowing.

“Let go of me!” Starlight snapped as she then created a small shockwave, which made Midnight let go as she was floating in the portal stream. “I don’t need another alicorn standing in my way!” She yelled as she charged up her magic.

“You have issues you need to work out like I once did!” Midnight called with a determined look as he charged up his horn.

And then after charging up, their magic then clashed with each other, which created a huge explosion that sent the five floating back into the portal as they gave a yell as then fell through the side of the portal and vanished.

Then suddenly, the five were flung out from the sky when the portal opened up as they all gave a yell and landed on the ground as they groaned. “Wow, that’s some strong magic.” Midnight groaned as he stood up and rubbed his neck. “That was as strong as when I was a unicorn.”

“Grr… typical Alicorn dumb luck,” Starlight grunted as she stood up with a glare.

“Not luck, skill.” Midnight retorted.

Flash groaned. “I should’ve stayed in Canterlot.” He muttered as he got up and cracked his back while Twilight and Spike got up as well.

“Where are we?” Spike wondered.

“You mean, when are we?” Twilight corrected.

Starlight turned and gave a small gasp as she saw a quaint little village that they were in. “Sire’s Hollow,” She muttered.

“Sire’s Hollow?” Flash asked in confusion. “How do you know this place?”

Starlight gave Flash a look. “That map of Twilight’s is connected to every part of Equestria. And this part is my home.” She stated.

“Well, it’s very lovely,” Twilight complimented before she noticed Midnight looking at the village with a thoughtful expression, “Midnight? What is it?”

Midnight walked ahead, “I, I don’t know how but, I’ve…been here before,” He said in thought.

“You have?” Spike asked in surprise.

“If you were, I would’ve recalled somepony like you,” Starlight said with a look, which got Midnight annoyed.

“Okay, I had enough of your attitude.” Midnight muttered in frustration. “Take it from somepony who’s spent his life in hatred with nopony to turn to, it’s a lonely existence.”

Starlight looked away for a moment, “You don’t have to tell me that,” She muttered with a frown.

“What’s that?” Midnight asked but before he could get an answer the area started glitching purple, “What now?” He asked.

As they look around another time portal appears but only Twilight, Flash and Spike get sucked into it, “Midnight!” Twilight called, reaching out to him.

“Twilight!” Midnight yelled as he tried to grab her but she was already through the portal before it closed, “No!” He said, stamping his hoof down.

Twilight, Spike and Flash yelled as they fell out from the Time portal and onto the floor was a large library with a blue hourglass in the center and Eternatus waiting for them, “Thank Faust, when the time portal was disrupted I feared I never find you,” Eternatus said, walking over to them.

“Eternatus? Where are we?” Flash asked as the three stood up.

“Welcome to my Sanctum of the Ages, where I monitor and record all the events of time,” Eternatus said gesturing to the library, “Every event that has happened throughout Equestria’s history is recorded in these books,”

“Every event?” Twilight said in awe as she looked at the many books with sparkling eyes and wide smiles, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! So many novels, tomes and unread pages, I think I'm in heaven!” She squealed.

Spike cleared his throat, “Um Twilight, Midnight?” He reminded her.

Twilight snapped out of her fantasy when Spike said that, “Oh, right, right!” She said sheepishly before turning to Eternatus with worry, “Eternatus, Midnight and Starlight got left behind in Sire’s Hollow! What happened?!”

“When Sir Midnight and Lady Glimmer’s magic collided it disrupted the Time vortex causing you to crash in random time,” Eternatus explained before rubbing his chin, “But perhaps not random at all,” He said in thought.

“Come again?” Flash said in confusion.

“After tracking your temporal position I realized that the time vortex recognized that your friend and Ms. Glimmer had truths they needed to learn and were brought to when they can learn them.” Eternatus explained to them.

“Truths?” Spike repeated with a brow.

“So how do we get them here?” Twilight asked anxiously.

“We can’t, until they find what they need to know will they be brought her,” Eternatus told them, “So we can only hope that what they find is what they need,”

“What do they need to know in Starlight’s old home?” Spike questioned with a brow. “Her fillyhood?”

Back at Sire’s Hollow, Starlight and Midnight starred at where the Time Portal disappeared “What was that?!” Starlight questioned in shock and demanding after what she just saw.

“That was a glitch in time.” Midnight growled as he looked down. “Your first time travel has caused a ripple effect in the timeline which thrusted Equestria into a war with the Crystal Empire where Princess Celestia was forced to kill her own sister.” He said lowly.

“I don’t believe you!” Starlight denied before Midnight turned to her with a glare.

“Are you seriously that dense?! If you really did know, you would’ve seen the future for yourself instead of staying in the past to prevent us from stopping your plans!” Midnight retorted. “You change anything in the past, you change everything for the future. Without Twilight and her friends, Nightmare Moon would rule, or Discord would run rampant, or Chrysalis would take over, or Sombra would enslave all, or Tirek would destroy everything, or Daymare Sol would burn all of Equestria!”

“Really? All that happened because of a small group of ponies?!” Starlight questioned in irritation.

“Oh for the love of, did you isolate yourself from the rest of Equestria without even noticing what was happening out there with Twilight and her friends?!” Midnight questioned, “Or has your hatred for Cutie Marks really made you that blind?!”

“You have no idea what I’ve been through!” Starlight yelled, stamping her hoof down.

“Then tell me! What have you been through that was way worse than the life I had without even knowing my own parents?!” Midnight snapped, which caused his horn to flickered in dark magic for a moment that made Starlight flinch back.

Before she could answer they heard the sound of foals laughing coming from behind the bushes. Growing curious, the two peeked through them to see a young purple colt playing with a little filly who appeared to be a few years younger than him.

“Wait, that’s… me.” Starlight said in shock.

“Huh, you were a cute filly.” Midnight commented as Starlight gave a look to him with a slight blush as he looked at the purple colt. “But who’s that playing with you? He seems awfully familiar to me for some reason.”

Starlight looked down, “That’s…my big brother,” She revealed as Midnight looked at her in surprise, “I don’t remember much about him but he was always there to play with me. He even made me laugh with a bit of silly faces or ticklish fights.” She said with a small chuckle.

“What happened?” Midnight asked as Starlight frowned and was about to answer before the area glitched and suddenly it turned to night with multiple fires and ponies running in terror, “What now?!” He asked in shock.

“This is, that night,” Starlight said with a terrified expression.

“What night?” Midnight asked as he saw ponies running from bipedal boar-like creatures, who were clearly the attackers.

“One day, some group of creatures I had never seen before attacked our village, destroying everything.” Starlight explained as they watched the raid, they then saw toddler Starlight crying in the foreleg of a purple, teal maned stallion while her brother stood next to a white mare with a black mane.

Midnight looked at the two adult ponies closely, feeling something itch at the back of his head, “Wait, those ponies,” He said before a torch landed between the family, separating the mare and colt from the stallion and filly. Then a large boar, likely the leader, turned to the mare before she quickly scooped the colt onto her back.

“Hang on, Middy!” The mare said as she started running with the boar right behind her.

“Mother,” Starlight whispered in awe.

“That's your mom?” Midnight asked in shock before he heard what Starlight’s mother just said. “Wait, did she just call your brother, Middy?” He asked while having a curious look on his face.

“Well, that was only his nickname, but yes.” Starlight said to him as they kept watching as Starlight’s mother and brother rushed into the forest while the boar was still chasing them as it struck Starlight’s mother’s back leg, causing her to yell in pain.

Once he got a closer look at the Colt, holding onto his mother as she zigzagged through the forest, Midnight held his head as memories of these exact events happened and he gasped, “No, it-it can’t be,” He said in awe.

“What is it?” Starlight questioned.

“That colt. I remember this day as well.” Midnight muttered while looking at the colt. “He’s… that colt is… me.”

“W-What?” Starlight asked in shock as Starlight’s mother stopped near a cliff with a raging river below it as she looked at young Midnight while her back leg was being held up.

“Middy, listen. I need you to run as fast as you can away from here.” Starlight’s mother said to him. “Run and don’t look back.”

“Why, what about you?” Young Midnight asked before Starlight’s mother hugged him before breaking up.

“I’ll be okay, Middy. But you wanna know what I wanna see, the fastest speed spell you ever done.” His mother said with a smile.

“Really? You want me to go fast?” Young Midnight said as he let loose some tears.

“I sure do. I love you, son,” his mother said with tears falling from her face, “Now go, Middy, go!” She told him as Midnight covered himself in his magic and quickly rushed into the forest as the mare turned to see the Boar striking his axe at her, making her yell in pain as she slid across the ground to the edge of the cliff and her horn broken as she saw the boar stalking towards her, its eyes glowing red and looking terrifying against the dark red sky.

“Mom!” Midnight and Starlight yelled in fear and rushed to help her but they phased right through the boar.

“What?! What’s going on?!” Starlight asked in confusion.

“It must be part of the glitch, we can only see the past but we can’t change it!” Midnight realized as they realized there was nothing they could do to help their mother.

“Hehe, nowhere to run now, Pony,” The boar said darkly, snorting a bit, “Where’s the little one?”

“Far away from you! And I’ll never tell you where he is!” Midnight and Starlight’s mother said tears falling from her eyes as she knew she had no chance of beating him but remained defiant, “Do your worst!”

“Oh don’t worry, I will!” The Boar said, raising his axe but before he could strike.

“NO!” Young Midnight suddenly pounced on the Boar’s face, blinding him.

“Midnight?” His mother said in shock.

“You leave my mom alone!” Young Midnight yelled as he jabbed his horn into the Boar’s eyes.

“RAAHHH! Let go of me, you fool!” The boar squealed in pain before he grabbed young Midnight and threw him off the edge and into the river.

“NO!” His mother yelled out as she reached out for her son, but the boar blocked her with a glare.

“Now, where were we?” He said evilly as he raised his axe while the mare succeeded back. Midnight and Starlight could only watch in horror as the boar swung his weapon down on their mother, making them look away as there was another glitch in time, which made them move away from the tragic event.

Starlight and Midnight looked at where the terrible moment took place as Midnight walked up to Starlight and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder, which Starlight didn’t mind while tears fell from her eyes, both her and Midnight were traumatized and a bit shocked by what they just witnessed and learned from.

Midnight first broke the silence as he spoke. “She called that colt Middy and my full name is Midnight…” He started. “So, that means…”

“You’re my…” Starlight started as they slowly turned to each other.

“So, we’re…” They both said as they looked at each other with wide eyes. “Siblings!” They finished.

Starlight wasn’t sure what to say or even what to feel as she looked away while clenching her eyes shut. Midnight, grew concerned as he reached a hoof to his sister, “Starlight, I-” He started before Starlight quickly faced him and hugged him tightly, shocking him silent.

“I…I missed you.” Starlight whimpered as she let the tears fell from her eyes, which Midnight was a bit surprised before he slowly returned the hug as he let some tears let loose as well.

After a few moments, they broke their hug as Starlight looked at her long lost brother. “I… hardly have any memories of you, I couldn’t ask dad after what happened to mom.” She said.

““Hey, what’s important is that we are together again,” Midnight told his little sister which made her smile. But then he frowned, “But Starlight, was it really because you lost me and mom that you hated Cutie marks?”

“No, it was, something that happened after it,” Starlight said, looking down as she lead him towards their old home where they saw Starlight, a young filly with pigtails, playing a bookstack game with an orange red-maned colt with white markings, “After we lost mom, I made a new friend named Sunburst. We did everything together, in fact I don’t remember us ever being apart. Until today,” She said solemnly.

Young Starlight went to grab a book from the bottom of the pile, but then the books wobbled and started to fall toward her. Young Starlight flinched away, waiting for impact, but then saw that young Sunburst had grabbed the books with his magic. The books began to circle around him as he floated into the air.

The books all flew into the shelf as Sunburst glowed and floated back down. It was then his cutie mark appeared. Young Sunburst gave a happy whinny and took off, leaving young Starlight alone. Young Starlight watched as young Sunburst showed his parents his new cutie mark. They both laughed as his mother lifted him in the air with her magic and carried him away. Young Starlight was devastated and began to cry.

"And just like that, my friend was gone" Starlight said sadly, "His family recognized his magical talent and sent him off the Canterlot. I never saw him again, all because of his Cutie Mark, he got his talent and I didn’t. I stayed here and never made another friend again because I was too afraid a cutie mark would take them away too," She said with tears building up in her eyes.

Midnight looked at her sympathetically, “Starlight, I’m sorry you went through that but, I don’t understand,” He said walking up to her, “What was stopping you from staying in touch with Sunburst?,”

“What?” Starlight asked as more glitches started frizzing around them.

“Starlight, you could’ve made new friends or stayed in touch with Sunburst if you had the chance.” Midnight said calmly to her. “You could’ve at least visited him to catch up, but instead, you isolated yourself from Equestria and tried to take others’ Cutie Marks because of what happened to you. And now you’re trying to do it again to the mares who stopped you without considering the consequences.”

“Like you would know how Cutie Marks are if you already have friends.” Starlight retorted with a frown.

“Hey, I never had any friends from the beginning.” Midnight said with a small yet firm look. “I was found in the orphanage but nopony wanted me because they were afraid of my dark magic. I went to the Everfree Forest to be away from everypony but somehow or another I did find my family in the form six amazing friends and a kind teacher.”

“Twilight, her friends and Celestia?” Starlight questioned with a brow.

“Well, not them, at least not yet,” Midnight said to her, which got Starlight’s attention. “I meant the other Swords and Princess Luna. We were different yes but it was our differences that made us stronger and brought us closer together, just like you and Sunburst,” He said with a smile as Starlight looked away.

“I thought Sunburst and I were the same, but we turned out different and it tore our friendship apart!” Starlight cried slamming her hooves down.

“So try again! Make new friends, find a way to reconnect with Sunburst!” Midnight told his sister with a smile, “If something you can’t control happens and changes things, work through together, that’s what friendship is,” He told Starlight as she looked down sadly, “And it’s not mine or even Twilight’s friendships that are important, everypony’s are. When yours and Sunburst’s ended, it brought us here, but just think of all the others that are out there if you just give them a chance,”

As her brother spoke, Starlight's demeanor became insecure as her tears were still falling from her eyes as Midnight's words were getting to her. The look on Starlight's face was proof enough that she was afraid.

"How do I know they won't all end the same way?" Starlight asked, no longer hiding her fear.

“Then it’s up to you to make sure that they don’t.” Midnight said as he extended his hoof. “Please, Starlight. How about we start over, not just as friends, as siblings, just like when we were foals? Please,” He pleaded to her.

Starlight was criss-crossed by her destiny as she in the distance Cloudsdale and Rainbow Dash about to do her Sonic Rainboom as she looked back at her brother, who was giving her a warm smile. After a bit of struggling, Starlight reaches out and grabs Midnight’s hoof as Rainbow did her Sonic rainboom, which made the two siblings smile as they hugged each other.

Soon, the two were then sucked into a time portal that opened up above them as they were pulled right through.

The two siblings exited the Time portal and landed in Eternatus’s Sanctum as Twilight rushed to them, “Midnight!” Twilight cheered, hugging her coltfriend, “I was so worried,” she said in relief.

“I’m alright, Twilight.” Midnight said with a smile before he realized something. “Wait, where are we? Or is it when? This is confusing.” He said as Twilight giggled.

“This is Eternatus’s Library, he brought us here after that Time Glitch,” Flash explained as he and Spike approached, “He said that you and Starlight needed to find some truth you needed.”

“So, did you find it?” Spike asked them.

Starlight and Midnight looked at each other with smiles before Midnight spoke. “You guys might not believe this, but the truth we found was a blessing and a shock, and a bit of trauma but the two formers are more important.” He said with a slight smile.

“Well, can you tell us?” Flash asked. “Because you know how Twilight was when she wanted to know.”

“I will but once we get home,” Midnight said before turning to Starlight, “But first, I think Starlight would like to tell you something, Twi,” He said with a smile.

Twilight turned to Starlight as the unicorn gulped and approached Twilight. “I-I’m sorry for not giving friendship a chance and sorry for taking your and your friend’s Cutie Marks. I was, just afraid to try friendship again after what happened to me when I was a filly.” She apologized as she rubbed her hoof. “I was hoping, that you would…be my friend.”

Twilight was surprised by Starlight’s offer and sudden change of attitude as she turned to Midnight, who nodded with a smile as Twilight turned back to her with a smile. “I would be honored to be your friend, Starlight.” She said with a smile.

Starlight looked surprised by Twilight’s words as Midnight walked up to her. “If there’s one thing Twilight is good at, giving others second chances and being understandable.” He said before giving a grin. “Most of the time.”

“Hey!” Twilight said with a look as the group all laughed in amusement before she joined in. “Okay, maybeI do.”

“It seems that you have finally changed the error of your ways, Starlight Glimmer.” Eternatus spoke up, which startled Starlight as she and the others turned to him.

“Who… Who are you?!” Starlight asked in shock.

“I am Eternatus, the Lord of Time, and I must thank Sir Midnight for being able to reach that little bit of light buried beneath the darkness of your despair,” Eternatus said looking to Midnight as he smiled, “You have the spell?”

“Oh, uh…” Midnight said as he pulled out the time spell. “Right here.” He said as he gave the spell to Eternatus.

“From time it breaches to Time it returns,” Eternatus said as he took the spell and put it in one of his shelves, “And now, I believe it is time you all return home. But before you go, let me give you a bit of advise, young Princess, for a great threat you will soon face,” He said to Twilight.

“A great threat?” Twilight repeated in confusion. “What great threat.”

“You’ll find out in time.” Eternatus quipped with a smirk as Twilight groaned. “Just remember, all the strength you need is found around you and inside you,” He advised which made Twilight confused, “Now, off you go.” He said as held out his staff and opened another time portal as the five flew through it and it closed, “Let us hope your child can overcome what awaits, your Majesties,” Eternatus said to himself before walking down the halls of his library.

Soon, the five were sucked out of the portal back into the throne room of the Castle of Friendship as a magic beam shot out from the map and into the portal as it closed while creating a small shockwave.

“We’re back!” Flash cheered. “Man, that was one crazy time adventure.” He commented.

Spike wasted no time kissing the throne room floor. "One Castle of Friendship - check! He said.

It was then the doors burst open, revealing the rest of the Heroic 14 came in. “What the sam hill was that?” Rocky asked in surprised.

"Is everypony okay?" Fluttershy asked.

“We saw a huge flash just a second ago,” Blaze said.

"Can you do it again?" Pinkie asked with a squeal.

"One group of amazing friends - check!" Spike said with a smile.

“Yup, we’re home.” Midnight said with a smile.

“Um,” Sunset spoke up as they turned to see the others giving Starlight nervous or suspicious looks, “Can we talk about the elephant in the room? What’s she doing here?” She asked skeptically as Rarity and Fluttershy winced at seeing the lilac unicorn. Starlight just looked sadly away.

“Who’s that?” Volt asked with a confused look, as were the other Swords of Justice.

“That there is Starlight Glimmer we told y'all about.” Applejack said with a suspicious look she was giving to Starlight.

"Actually, it's kind of a long story," Twilight said as she put a fore-hoof on Starlight's shoulder supportively while the mare gave a nervous smile.

“A very long story.” Midnight added before he gave a nervous chuckle. “But uh, you guys are gonna be in for a shock when you hear it.”

Later, Starlight was now pacing nervously back and forth outside the throne room as the Heroic 15 t held an emergency meeting inside while Flash stood out to keep her company. Twilight and Midnight had gotten done telling them what had happened.

“Whoa, so she’s your sister?” Storm asked in shock.

“Yeah. She’s my little sister.” Midnight said as he scratched his head sheepishly. “And it took a time travel mishap to know more about my past. And stopping her from nearly stopping the Rainboom before all of Equestria fell into chaos in bad alternate timelines.”

"I mean, I knew my rainboom was awesome," Rainbow said with a smile, "But I never thought all of Equestria depended on it."

"Or on us!" Pinkie said with a wide smile.

"I think it's more than that," Twilight said. "Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful."

"I can't believe y'all were able to travel through time like that," Applejack commented.

"That Starlight must be pretty magical!" Pinkie said. “I totally see a resemblance to Midnight! You have a strong sister!”

“I guess it runs in the family.” Midnight said with a sheepish smile.

"She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony we've ever seen," Twilight said. "Our magic couldn't stop her. We had to convince her to stop on her own. Once we realized that, everything fell into place."

“And it also took me encouraging her and finding out I’m her brother to snap her out of it.” Midnight added with a thoughtful look. “Man, Starlight had more magic than me when I was a Unicorn.”

"But if she's as powerful as all that," Applejack said, "We can't just send her on her way, can we?"

“Actually, Twilight and I have an idea that might help all of us,” Midnight said with a smile as Twilight returned the gesture.

Starlight was still pacing some more as she heard the conversation in muffled sounds while Flash turned to her. “Nervous?” He asked.

“Like crazy,” Starlight said a bit nervously.

“Hey, if I heard about them, they wouldn’t harm you, unless you do it to them.” Flash said with an uncertain look as Starlight got even more nervous. “Yeah, not helping. Sorry.”

"So do we all agree on the plan?" Twilight proposed as one by one, all their friends nodded with smiles.

“Great, I’ll go get her.” Midnight said with a smile as he stood up.

“Can’t I do it?” Spike asked with his finger raised.

“Sorry, Spike. This is a family thing.” Midnight said before giving a smirk. “And uh, no offense, but I had a feeling you might say something that might make her nervous.”

“Yeah that’s-Hey!” Spike retorted while the group all shared a chuckle as Midnight walked up to the door and opened it for his sister and Flash to come in.

“We’re ready for you, sis. You too, Flash,” Midnight said as the two ponies entered the throne room while Starlight looked at them with a nervous look.

"I know there's no excuse for what I did," Starlight said as she approached the table, "but I want you to know that I'm ready for whatever punishment you think is fair."

"I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends, because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous." Twilight said with a smile.

"I know first-hoof how true that can be," Starlight said sadly.

"And that's why we've asked you here," Twilight said as she walked up to the unicorn, standing next to her Coltfriend. "If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know. You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place."

They all gave her a smile. Starlight was surprised.

"How do I start?" Starlight asked in a hushed tone.

"Starting is easy!" Midnight said, "All you have to do is make a friend. And you’ve got a whole bunch of them right here,"

Starlight smiled widely as she hugged her brother tightly, which made him chuckle as the other laughed at the scene. “We have a lot to catch up on!” She said to her brother.

“We sure do.” Midnight said with a smile before turning to Twilight. “Hey, Twilight, is it okay if me and Starlight have fun together?”

“By all means.” Twilight said with a nod and a smile.

“Great!” Midnight said as he guided Starlight out. “You need a tour of Ponyville. And you gotta show me that Cutie Mark magic thing you did.”

“After you told me how you became an Alicorn.” Starlight said with a smile. “Seriously, I didn’t think stallions can be Alicorns as well.”

“Well, yeah. And here’s a thing, I started out with dark magic, which is why I never been adopted or have any friends.” Midnight said with a chuckle.

“Really? I didn’t even need to consider dark magic. I have studied spells all my life, usually going with my guts to cast them.” Starlight said with a surprised look and a smile.

“Me too. It’s how I manage to control my magic before becoming an Alicorn.” Midnight said as he flapped his wings. “But before that, I managed to purge evil out of somepony with my magic.”

“Clever. I bet you can’t fly fast with my speed spell.” Starlight said with a smirk.

“Oh, it is on, little sister.” Midnight said with a challenging smirk as the Heroic 15, and Flash, watches them go.

Twilight gave a chuckle. “Siblings.” She said in amusement. “I know that feeling.”

“Something tells me that Midnight is gonna have a blast with this and Starlight will fit right in just fine.” Blaze said with a smirk.

“You said it, Blaze,” Sunset said with a chuckle, having a feeling that their friendship just got bigger and their adventures just got more interesting.

Author's Note

SURPRISE! THE SERIES LIVES!!!

Sorry for the long wait, but my friend on Deviantart has been working on future characters in the story, but now Age of the Alicorns is back with new Characters and surprise.

Lord Eternatus (And yes I borrowed that name from Pokemon) is an OC Alicorn who will play a role in Book 2. His name is a pun to how Time is Eternal. He is one of another Duo of Alicorns and I think you can guess what the other one is an Alicorn of.

Also, Starlight is Midnight's brother?! Since Starlight and Twilight look so similar, I figured since my OC is similar to Twilight in a few way, and Starlight's mother was never seen or mentioned, I figured I'd make them related. As for the creatures who attacked Sire's Hollow and killed Starlight and Midnight's mother, we'll see them again in Book 2.

And, Flash Sentry has come to Ponyville as a rookie Knight, serving more or less the same role as Starlight, acting as Midnight's student. Sorry to any Flashlight shippers but there will be no Love Triangle here, since this Flash doesn't know Twilight like the EG Flash.

Next time, The Heroes will Journey to the Crystal Empire for a most momentous occasion which may take a Very Chilly turn of events.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Follow me on Fimfiction.

stay cool, stay friends and I'll see you on the website.

Until then NNNNIIIINNNJJJJJAAA-GO!!!