After Day

Chapters

After Day 462 (Twilight Velvet)
After Day 742 (Nurse Redheart)
The Day After Next (Twilight Sparkle)
After Day 32 (Spike)
After Day 130 (Rainbow Dash)
After Day 457 (Pinkie Pie)
After Day 651 (Princess Luna)
After Day 723 (Princess Cadance)
After Day 741 (Spike)
After Day 856 (Princess Celestia)
After Day 1325 (Applejack)
The Next Day (Discord)

After Day 462 (Twilight Velvet)

[...I’ve always wanted to go to Saddle Arabia, and I can be back the morning after I leave. No one will even know I’m gone.]

"Can you say that, again?" I plant my rump on the welcome mat of my own home. "Slower this time."

The guard frowns a bit before regaining their composure. "Your daughter was apprehended by the authorities of Saddle Arabia. She's being detained after becoming emotionally unstable and undergoing a magical outburst. She hasn't harmed anypony, but I've received words that they'll only release her in a timely manner if a family member or guardian is present."

"Huh." That's what I thought he said. I turn toward my darling husband, who was glancing between me and the lunch he had just prepared.

"Should I box this for the road?" Night Light asked with flattened ears.

I sigh and grumble an affirmative. Twilight better have a good explanation for this.

After Day 742 (Nurse Redheart)

"May I ask why the royal guard walked into my clinic and asked me to identify a fetus?"

"So, it's a fetus?"

I stared at Mayor Mare a bit dumbfounded. She seemed to pick up on my confusion.

"Please, don't ask me. I have no idea." Mare started running one hoof down the other as if recounting a list. "I got a letter this morning from Twilight Sparkle. She asked that I send some officers to the library. They reported that a subject was being moved to the hospital. Nopony could give me clear answer on what that subject was, so...."

I could understand the curiosity. Mysterious things involving the student of the Princess often devolved into half the town being on fire. "It's a fetus. Early enough along that it didn't even develop its magical core."

"So, the town's not in danger of being on fire? Not even half of it?"

Huh, great minds. "No."

"Good." Mare tapped her hoof for a moment. "So...."

"How?"

"Yes, how? And, from where?"

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "There are several procedures for this sort of thing. Twilight Sparkle may handle pressure about as well as a landmine, but she's a brilliant mare. Learning one of the spells and performing it on herself sounds like something crazy enough for her to try."

"Really? I thought she was...."

"More responsible? So did I." Then again, she was here to learn about friendship, right? Only a matter of time before she would begin to dabble in the beneficial kind.

"Gay."

"Wha- huh?"

"I thought Ms. Sparkle was gay. I owe Raven a hundred bits."

Today was going to be a long day wasn't it?

[It's a coin flip every time. I can't do anything about the regression. I must push the other way.]

The Day After Next (Twilight Sparkle)

[I leave this to you. Spread your findings. This knowledge must not die.]

I finally close the journal and give my eyes a rest. Before drowsiness could catch up, I use telekinesis to bring over a cup of coffee. It was long cold, but the caffeine mixed with the perfect dose of sugar brought my ailing mind from the brink. I open my eyes and look around the room, thoughts whirling through my head at a rapid rate.

'Think about one thing at a time, one problem at a time.'

I push the chair away from the desk and begin to pace. I've missed many aspects of my tower in Canterlot and this whole mess of events gave me a nice excuse to revisit the comfy space, but I didn’t miss how cramped it felt. Golden Oaks has spoiled me.

My body ached and begged for rest as it should after nearly 25 hours of restlessness, yet my mind was racing faster than ever. I gently messaged the area around the base of my horn. When lowering my hoof, I found myself staring at it.

Were these hooves capable of the same things the other Twilight went through?

'Surely not.' I wished.

Really, the only difference between the Twilight of Yesterday and myself was that I woke up on Thursday. The other mare had to live through Wednesday. That one didn't have hooves to look at anymore.

I gaze over at the journal, recounting the last set of pages in my head. They told of an absurd, convoluted method that turned one into a draconequus. Well, more accurately, it told of a method that allowed one to survive the horrors that exist outside of time's grasp long enough to desperately earn your way back into the realm of sense. It just so happened that such an experience permanently altered the very fabric of one's body and mind.

"Spread your findings." I mutter to nopony. "Publish and spread the word on these events and their solution. I can be updated and refined later, but there could be many suffering right now."

The Twilight of Yesterday wanted the Princess to put a copy of this journal in every library in the country. Make sure every living being possible had access to it within half a day's trip. The draconequus promised to spread the text amongst the other races during her travels before leaving to original with me.

Discord claimed he had someone (not somepony as he made clear) give a sizable chunk of the book to a "webbed sight," I think he said. Not sure what spiders had to do with literature, but I'm wise enough not to look too deeply into anything Discord says.

Regardless, what the other Twilight said made sound sense. There was no telling how many individuals could theoretically be stuck within a loop this very moment. Every day wasted could be another individual losing themselves to the same date over and over.

There's another reality out there where the girls and I rushed to Canterlot in order encounter Discord and a draconequus version of Fluttershy. Another of Rainbow Dash. Another of Shining Armor. Tartarus, even Princess Celestia might have a chaotic spirit form in another reality.

That was assuming any of them found a way out.

'Another reality.' A chill swept through flesh and fur into my bones. 'If the Twilight of Yesterday was really from yesterday, then what does that say about me?'

I stare at the dingy calendar propped up in the corner of the room.

I shook the thoughts from my head. 'Think about one thing at a time.' I reminded myself. I was too tired; my train of thought was all over the place.

The journal was safe. No trickery or sick joke that I could decipher. Some aspects would need to be censored, others altered. Certainly, all names and locations within would need to be changed entirely.

After the Princesses gave it their two cents, I saw no reason to not go through with the Twilight of Yesterday's plan.

'Yesterday.' Today is Friday, yesterday was Thursday. It was a small detail that paranoia made sure I confirmed.

My vision floated back over to that calendar. It had gone unused for so long, but I thought it perfect for organizing my new schedule when I was entrusted to investigate this whole mess. Everything was orderly and I just about dove into my research when Spike corrected me on something.

It was a minor something. Should've been.

I had been so sure it was Wednesday, when everypony around knew for fact, it was Thursday.

Just a minor slip up amongst all the chaos, right?

After helping me fix the mistake, he wandered Canterlot for a bit before returning that night. He had brought coffee supplies and even brewed a pot before going to sleep.

Such a perfect little assistant.

I clenched my jaw recounting some of the things that I had read about in the journal. The lengths the other mare had gone to study the longevity of a dragon's lifespan. I felt bile build up in my throat.

With a steadying breath, I prepared myself to leave. I had to focus on this one task. The rest can follow later. Ironically, it was best to take things one day at a time. I stowed the journal in my saddle bag. It felt heavy.

"Twilight?" Spike poked his head up from whatever nook he found himself in. "Is everything alright?"

I couldn't lie to that little face. Beside, I was far too tired to keep my thoughts to myself anyway. "I'm not sure, Spike, but I'll get to the bottom of it." My eyes trail over that darn calendar, again. "One doesn't lose an entire day without a reason."

After Day 32 (Spike)

[Test #28]

Breakfast was just about cold, and I had already set the coffee to be reheated when I finally went to check on Twilight. Yesterday, she had been acting weird, weirder than normal, well her normal amount of weird, but outside of her schedule which made it sort of weird squared.

Anyway, she came down and trashed the breakfast I made for us. Apparently, she was "sick of eggs and pancakes," and was going to make something else. I mean, fine by me, it wasn't like I woke up at 7:00AM to make all of that. If she wanted to switch days, she could've just told me, but whatever. She even poured out the coffee I set aside for her, complaining about "too much sugar," when she didn't even drink it!

Now, it was almost eight and she was well on her way to ruining another one of my meals. Was she against waffles now, too?

"Twilight?" I reached our loft and saw her idly staring at the calendar, flipping through its pages before returning to March. "Uh, Equus to Twilight Sparkle?"

"Did you update the calendar when you woke up?"

She muttered quietly enough that I nearly missed the question. I looked at the date and saw Thursday, March 24th was untouched. "Apparently not. That would explain why today's blank."

I saw her frown at that. Less from my tone it looked like and more from the message. "Today's Wednesday."

She had said that false statement with such certainty, I had to double check. "Uh, no. It's Thursday. I'm sure of it."

Twilight's face scrunched up even more. "I have a report due Friday. On Monday, I put aside time to work on it Wednesday, so I can polish it up on Thursday." We stood in awkward silence for a while. I was just about to excuse myself to make sure the coffee wasn't burning when she piped back up. "D- Did I do any of that yesterday?"

I just shrugged under her gaze, unsure of what to make of the situation. Her eyes were quickly gaining a look of concern. "I- uh, I...." I cleared my throat. "I don't know. You were in your lab all day yesterday."

Twilight's stare slowly drifted back to calendar. Moments later, she'd placed a hoof to her chest and began that breathing exercise Cadance taught us. After another two minutes, I struggled to come up with anything to say. I was supposed to be her number one assistant. There's got to be some asinine question that'll get her set in the right direction.

"What's wrong?" By Celestia, I'm a genius.

Twilight's eyes refocused and her breathing calmed. Oh, good. 'Critical Thinker' Twilight's taken over for 'In Over Her Head' Twilight. "I'm not sure, Spike, but I'll get to the bottom of it. One doesn't lose an entire day without a reason."

After Day 130 (Rainbow Dash)

[I need a vacation. Maybe my friends would like to get away. Just for a day.]

My wings itch.

Baltimare had too many tall buildings which created winds too erratic and radical for the average pegasus. I had tried to explain to the authorities that there was no such thing, that Rainbow Dash could ride any wind thrown at her, but that hadn't convinced anypony.

So, until we get out of here, I'm hoofing it. Which is stupid and dumb and uncool.

Why did Twilight want to come out here so bad?

Not that I really needed too much on an excuse to take time off. When Pinkie floated by my cloud with about twelve balloons tied around her barrel, I was the only one who jumped on the opportunity, but why such a last-minute trip?

Egghead never did things at the last minute. She'd normally have an itinerary (that's what they're called, right?) with all the sights and shows we'd have to go see. However, when we arrived, she had no plans.

The one who had sobbed and pleaded with AJ when the apple farmer was resolute to stay had no plan whatsoever. That might not have been the weirdest of things from literally anypony else in their friend group (beside Rarity, I guess), but this was Twilight Sparkle.

I honestly don't think I need to rationalize things past that. If you've ever heard of her, you'd know just how weird a show that had been. Just like how one look at me could tell you how much not flying was miffing me off.

"You should really try the buffet, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy set a tray on the table that I'd been holding for us. "I know you're in a bad mood, but it's really good stuff."

"A bit fancy for mah likin'." Applejack set her own tray opposite the pair. "But hay, Twi's payin', so Ah got no room to complain."

I blew a raspberry. The smell told me that they were telling the truth but seeing AJ's snout curl up at the response was worth it.

"Girls?!"

The voice was a bit louder than it needed to be, cutting through the idle chatter of the breakfast buffet and drawing a few wary eyes. Twilight stumbled towards them, eyes wide, mane a mess and ears matted to her head. She was hyperventilating and looked near tears.

"Oh, it's sleeping beauty!" Rarity pulled up alongside Twilight, holding a couple trays of food in her magic. I guess she managed to completely miss the state her friend was in. "Don't take that as a criticism, darling. We all need our beauty sleep, and this trip is on you, so spend as much time relaxing the way you want to."

The two walked the rest of the way to the table while Rarity ranted about this and that. I noticed Twilight begin to calm down, going from "time is ticking!" to "normal stress" real quick. Never mind, guess she did notice. Good job, Rarity.

The purple unicorn plopped into a seat as Rarity placed a tray in front of her. "I didn't know what you'd prefer, but I definitely stayed away from anything quesadilla shaped."

Rarity's laugh died in the air as Twilight gave no reaction to the Q-word. She looked down at the food, then around the hotel, to her friends. "Trip?"

I didn't know how to respond to that and I could tell nopony else did either.

"Where are we?"

Another round of stunned silence from us.

"And it's Thursday?"

"Are you trying to say you lost a day yesterday?" I spoke. It was just like that one Daring Doo story where a relic would force anyone who looked at to forget it existed. "Like, you don't remember dragging us all out here out of the blue?"

"Y- yes." Twilight held her head, confusion and worry on her face. "I went to sleep in my own bed and woke up in a hotel room. I don't know where we are, or why, or how this al-"

Fluttershy wrapped a wing around quickly deteriorating unicorn. "It's okay."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie nearly gave me a heart attack when she slammed about ten trays of food right next to me. "We've gone through weirder things." She gasped loudly. "I can tell you all of yesterday's jokes, again!"

"Now, one moment, please." Applejack fixed Twilight with a look. "Are yah capable of coverin' this whole trip on a librarian's paycheck or was that a flub from the Twilight of yesterday?" When the farmpony received a blank stare, she got her answer. "Welp, I have some family near the edge of town. Reckon they'd be able to recommend a few nice yet cheap places, if not room us themselves."

I thought about it a bit and my wings started to wag. "Yeah, and those nosebleeds told me that flying wasn't allowed in the center of the city. I'm sure I can still catch some crazy winds near the outskirts."

"Oh, and we can go on the whole tour on the way there." Rarity took out a map, which already had several places circled. "Nothing too pricey or time consuming of course. We can see, appreciate and move on."

"Really?" Twilight was looking at them all incredulously.

"Yes, darling." Rarity sidled along the other unicorn and tried to show her some different points on her map. "That's why it pays to travel light. You taught me that during our last trip, no?"

"Wait, no. I mean, yes, I do remember telling you that when you packed a whole wardrobe last time, but that's not what I mean." Twilight shared looks with all fellow Elements of Harmony, her mouth not quite closing. "I tore you all away from your jobs, your homes, your families, and I can't even remember why. All of you are going to just accept that and move on?"

"I mean, Pinkie said what we're all thinking." I looked down at the stack of waffles getting cold on Fluttershy's tray. "Whether it be some dumb spell or another Discord-esque thing, we've kicked butt before and will do it, again."

"Besides!" The pink party pony cut in. "I have the perfect back up party plan already in the works. I just need to get my cannon back from the valet. Then, this vacation can really start."

"We're still going to go through with this?"

Twilight was rocked a bit by Fluttershy's wing when she shrugged. "Yesterday, you said it was good to 'go out and try something new' and 'sticking to the same routine everyday would drive any mare crazy.' I think you were right." The pegasus then blushed. "I also want to see the sights."

"But I have a report due tomorrow."

In absolute unison, the five of us blew a raspberry. I couldn't be prouder.

Twilight stared stunned for a moment before being overcome with laughter. It spread like a virus, and we were all laughing until our bellies hurt. We definitely earned some weird looks, but who cared in that moment?

"I love you, girls." Twilight wiped away a tear. "I'd be an utter mess without you all."

"We've all been through our paces in the past, sugar cube." Applejack adjusted her hat and took a bite out of an apple pastry. She winced and set it back down at the edge of her tray. "As long as we got each other's back, Ah'm sure there's nothing we can't overcome."

We all shared some warm looks while I swiped a plate of pancakes. "I'd just hate to think how I'd react, if I didn't see you girls this morning."

After Day 457 (Pinkie Pie)

[I spent today crying, hugging Pinkie Pie.]

"I- I'm sorry, Pinkie." Twilight stared at me in confusion. "I don't remember any of that."

I knitted my eyebrows while maintaining a thin smile. I shot a glance at the Cakes and saw similar expressions on their faces, too. That makes sense, my friend barged in here the other day and threw quite a fit. She cried harder than the twins ever had and refused to let me go all while blabbering apologies left, right and center.

Normally, that would warrant an emergency 'feel better party,' but I couldn't think of a single reason for Twilight's outburst. They hadn't gotten caught up in any of their weekly mishaps: no errant spells, relationship troubles, or even a string of miscommunication. Throwing a directionless party would just make things worse. If Twilight truly felt like she'd wronged me, then selflessly throwing her a party would just make her even more guilty.

If I can't sus out the cause of a severe lack of smiles, I could always rely on Plan B, but.... I mentally double-check my eyes, ears, mane and tail. Nope, not twitching, no signs, no nothing. Pinkie Sense was a no go. Strange, that also meant that Twilight wasn't lying just now, that she honestly didn't recall crying or being sad.

So... problem solved? Bit anti-climactic, but this isn't an episode, so that makes sense, too. It'll probably come up at some point next week, I'll just have to be ready.

I refocused and looked upon Twilight's face, which was slowly transitioning from confusion to worry. It had only been a couple seconds in real time. Thankfully, Pinkie Time was a whole lot faster.

"That's okay!" I smiled wider and pulled Twi into a side hug, my other hoof reaching to the counter as Mr. Cake pushed a plate my way. "Cupcake? It's the breakfast of Princesses."

The unicorn stared at the purple confectionary for a moment before returning to look at me. "But what if it happens again? What if I just do something without remembering?"

"Then I'll always be here. Before and after you forget and/or remember."

"But-" Twilight chokes as a cupcake finds its way into her open snout. She pauses to take in the sudden event. Taking the cupcake out of her mouth, she swallows at bite and groans in satisfaction. "I don't remember being this hungry.

'That's because you didn't eat yesterday.' "That's because it's breakfast, silly." I grab her with my tail and pull her towards the kitchen. "We can make something together! The shop doesn't open for another hour."

I hear some giggling behind me, and I can just feel my smile becoming more genuine.

After Day 651 (Princess Luna)

[I’ll be here until I die. There’s no way out.]

My horn flared to provide light for my journey. It had barely reached midday, yet servants were relighting candles and lanterns. The Sun was just too low in the sky. My best wasn't enough.

Two guards flank me as I pass another two stationed atop a set of stairs. I completed my descent into the dungeon to see yet two more stood on either side of a door. One breaks their focus to bow and address me.

"She's erratic, Princess, but the wards are holding."

"She tried to escape?"

"Only a few attempts at teleportation."

I nod and order the guards to remain behind as I open the door. I sensed the sound spell break a moment before the cries hit me. I froze under the sobs of the mare that had been my first friend after my return from the Moon. As of two days ago, I had held that Nightmare Night as a precious memory. Now, it was a taint that made me hesitate.

That hesitation didn't last long when I instead chose to recall my sister's sleeping form.

"Twilight Sparkle."

The unicorn was lying limply on the stone floor facing away from the bars of her cell. Once she heard my voice, she did her best to stand, but only managed to flip over. I saw those eyes light up in recognition and relief even through the pain that clouded them.

"Prin- Princessssss L- luna. What happened? What's going on? Why am I so-?" Twilight's rambling was cut short by a cough that caused convulsions throughout her body.

I stared at the trembling pony; I had to once again smother the compassion I held for Twilight. It was easier that time. "What art thou talking about?"

"Wh- why... am... I...?" Twilight took deep breaths between every word; something was clogging her lungs.

"Why art thou hurt?" I stood at my full height, starting down at the quivering mess. "Because a few brave souls had the gall to stand against Celestia's student and the Element of Magic. Because they'd rather throw themselves into a hopeless struggle than see their friends and loved ones slaughtered."

To my surprise, the news didn't cause Twilight Sparkle to shrink away, instead I saw her steel herself. "A dream. This... is a dream." She let out something that was a cross between a sigh and a chuckle that quickly turned into a coughing fit. "I went to sleep and woke up... here. Now... you're here." Her eyes stared directly into mine, she was no longer afraid and seemed to be pushing back the pain. "There's a lesson in this. I made some mistakes, and my guilt created this nightmare. We just need to figure it out."

She let out a strangled gasp as I lifted her with my magical aura. "Twilight Sparkle, it may be that this is a nightmare, however it is not a dream. The reality is that Ponyville burns and the blood of many of her citizens is on your hooves."

That bravado she had managed to amass melted away as she fell back into terror. She tried to form words, but both her body and her mind fought against her.

I felt like I had been in her place once. To many an outsider, the Luna of one thousand years ago lived a very privileged life. They would paint her fall into Nightmare Moon as nothing more than greed, a need to claim more than what she was given. They would miss all the subtle things that drove her to that fate, all the rebuffs and disgusted looks that built up over the course of several hundred years. They never saw the delusions she created to hide herself from the guilt of her actions, they only bore witness to the results that came when those delusions became reality.

Perhaps, Twilight Sparkle's past was dotted my more misery than she let on. Perhaps, those lovely bright eyes and energetic smiles were just a mask to cover the broken mare underneath. Perhaps, that mask grew cracks until just a bit of that darkness slipped through.

Perhaps, Twilight Sparkle could recover and learn to live, again, just like I had.

"The... elements. Can we... fix... me? I need to talk... to Celesti-" The unicorn gasped and chocked. She began to struggle as my magic tightened until I dropped her. I couldn't trust myself to hold her safely anymore.

"Perhaps." I mused. "The events that led to this do not matter. We need only focus on the results." I had been trapped on the Moon for a millennium for my crimes. I see no reason to withhold punishment from another.

Twilight convulsed and struggled to fill her lungs through a fit of coughs. I watched as she writhed. Despite my new resolve, I nearly brought myself to help her on three occasions.

The first healing spell died when I recalled the Element Bearers, how they had been hunted down and wiped out.

The thought of a second spell was thrown out when Twilight's pitiful form reminded me of the white and brown colt I had managed to pull from his burning home mere moments before it collapsed on his parents.

I had questioned myself one final time when I placed my hoof on the door. This was my sister's student after all. Celestia's Sun was never brighter than when she was speaking about Twilight Sparkle. If she were here, she'd bend heaven and earth to help the young mare.

But my sister wasn't here.

I pushed the door open and left behind a silent room.

After Day 723 (Princess Cadance)

[To my dearest friends, know that it is you who kept me sane enough to last this long.]

Shining Armor and I set out the moment we got the letter. We travelled a full day to reach Ponyville. Shiny watched over me like a hawk for the entire train ride, constantly tensing at every errant noise. No amount of coaxing could get him to relax.

We arrived during the early afternoon. Or the clocks read that it was the early afternoon, at least. The Sun hadn't risen past its dawn that morning. The entire sky was pink.

The walk to the Golden Oaks Library was a blur. An eerie quiet had stolen the town.

I saw Spike and my heart lurched. The poor baby sat on Applejack's back, his face buried in her mane. The mare didn't look much better. Those strong legs capable of felling trees if she were not careful, shook like grass in the wind.

I went to see them. It was my base instinct. My cutie mark proclaimed that my special talent was to love and care for others. However, Shiny stopped me. He held my hoof with a gentleness that betrayed his stony expression. He gestured to the royal guards around the area, a detail that had escaped me. They were stopping anypony from getting near the library and two were talking to Applejack and Spike.

They were questioning them, I realized.

With a nod we continued the rest of our brief walk. A guard checked us over and allowed us to pass. I pushed open the door to see my aunt.

I, her own niece, had to take a moment to recognize that she was there. Celestia stood stock still. Her mane had fallen to the ground, that ethereal wind gone. She was staring unblinkingly at the staircase leading to Twilight's loft.

I didn't utter a single word as I wrapped a wing around her. The mighty Princess of the Sun folded into my embrace, eyes remaining fixed on the staircase.

"I don't sense her." Her voice quivered and it sounded as if she hadn't spoken since yesterday. "I'm a coward all because I can't sense her."

Shining Armor approached the staircase. Like Celestia had one day earlier, he hesitated before them afraid that seeing what hid at the top would only confirm his worst fears. He steeled himself, utilizing every bit of his training to push down his emotions, and began to climb.

I followed the sound of his hoofsteps as they grew steadily quieter until they stopped entirely. A minute passed as if it was an hour. It was only then that his sobs became loud enough for us both to hear.

After Day 741 (Spike)

I heard a terrible shrill and reacted in an instant.

The coffee pot shattered on the floor, but I paid it no mind. I clawed the stairs on all fours in a rush to the top. I nearly barreled into Twilight. The mare grabbed and held me close.

She was shaking as she frantically pushed us further away from the center of the room. She stared at the bed with wide eyes, pupils shrunken. Blankets had been thrown haphazardly, only one sheet remained on the bed.

There was a lump under the sheet.

Twilight's breaths were becoming shorter and more frequent, so I pulled out old reliable. "What happened?"

Her first response came out garbled and out of order. What I could make out was: "A sick joke." She then took a moment to collect herself. The hold on me tightened just a tad. Panic was subsiding into fear.

"I need you to write a letter. One to Mayor Mare and another to the Princess."

"R- Right." I act out of habit as I pry myself out of Twilight's forelegs to reach my desk. I hear Twilight's yelp and even feel her grasp for me, but by the time I realize what she's trying to do, it's already too late. The familiarity of my task drove me to walk around the room and turn towards the bed.

I lost myself to the other side of the lump.

I stared at empty, sunken eyes, at rotten teeth and hair grayed down to the coat. I stared at a shriveled, starved mess that I could barely recognize as a pony.

I wasn't sure how long I was lost. I didn't recall anything until I became aware of Sweetie Belle's singing.

We were in Carousel Boutique. I saw Sweetie singing a gentle song next to a shell-shocked Twilight. I assumed that the forelegs now holding me were Rarity's. I couldn't bring myself to enjoy any of the comfort.

A part of me was still lost, still staring at that lump in the bed, at that corpse.

Still staring at the cutie mark it shared with Twilight.

[I saw the other side. My heart gave out, but I saw tomorrow.]

Author's Note

You may consider this the start of Part 2 of this story. The formatting has changed slightly as we're charting past the ending of the original story.

After Day 856 (Princess Celestia)

Today has been the best day.

It was supposed to be another boring week of paperwork and whining nobles. The only things to look forward to were the nightly meetings with my sister and Twilight Sparkle's report on Friday. Everything else was going to be a slog.

Then, my little student popped in for a visit. A surprise for sure, but a welcome one. We talked a bit about this and that, but mainly on the nature of certain spells. I tried to steer conversation, yet she was steadfast in getting certain information.

She had done so with such a practiced ease. It wasn't as if she was demanding certain answers, more like she was pushing just the right buttons to get the responses she needed. I didn't even realize how thoroughly I'd been played until hours after I had granted Twilight full permission to the restricted section of the library.

It was rather... exciting if I were being honest with myself. Twilight was sent to Ponyville to improve her social skills and to mature as a young mare. It was all in preparation for her to seize her destiny and any doubts I may have had on her progress flitted away. If she could just about talk me out of a slice of cake then she would be quite the worthy opponent of any diplomacy meeting. Seeing such a mare flourish was going to be the greatest high.

"Once you're ascended and a hundred years have passed, would our relationship still be that of teacher and student? Do you think our bond could deepen and blossom into something new?"

"Agoobaba."

"Yeah, I suppose I should focus on the here and now."

"Abooobooda."

I laughed and cradled the foal closer, nuzzling the little ball of purple fluff with barely restrained joy. "Of course, your food is on route, my little pony. I'm sorry about the wait, but as bountiful as I may appear, I have no milk to give. We must wait for my sister to return from the royal kitchens."

"Ggghhh-ppttthhh."

"Oh, you flatterer." A faux warmth flowing through my cheeks. "Most say that I should lay off the cakes, but I've always kept my treats as strictly a monthly affair. Even if I were to overindulge, it would quickly become apparent how everything goes to my flank and tea-"

"Can you actually understand her?" My eyes widened and I paid attention to Spike sitting beside me.

How long had he been there? The whole time? Darn, I lost myself to the cuteness that was Twilight Sparkle as a baby filly. Oh, right, I should explain that.

The meeting with Twilight yesterday wasn't why today was the best day. It certainly set the mood, I woke up feeling refreshed and looking forward to seeing my student. I merely placed a foot out of my quarters when Spike bumped into me in a scramble through the halls. He was frazzled but otherwise safe, more concerned about the bundle he was holding than anything else.

The adorable ittle, wittle bundle of sunshine and happiness that was Twilight Sparkle as a foal.

"She's practically a yearling, Spike. Nothing she says has much meaning at all." I nuzzle into her stomach and enjoy a chorus of giggles.

"Then, why?"

"It's good for their development." I used a wing to pet him. "Twilight and I did the same for you, my little dragon."

"So, Twilight isn't in there somewhere?" He scrunched his brow. "She's full baby?"

"I suppose." I held Twilight up a bit so she could stare at me with dem big ol' eyes. No thoughts but that of innocent fantasies. "I passed a few spells over her and didn't come up with anything. Her mental state has regressed with her age."

"Oh." He slouched and sank back to the floor. "So, she doesn't remember me? Or, anypony?"

"Do not worry, Spike. I'm certain that her memories are still intact. She was rather calm while you scurried around the Castle. She still trusts her Number 1 Assistant, regardless of age." The dragon perks up a bit. The foal's little hoofies started kicking in my direction. "And, this little one definitely still loves me like I love her. Yes, I do."

I smother the infant in kisses causing her to giggle up a storm. Spike livens up, his tail waggling slightly, as one should when bearing witness to this adorable little cluster.

"Uh, Princess?" A shy voice comes from the door. One of my assistants needed my attention.

"Yes?" What could anypony possibly want?

"The Earl of Trottingham has been awaiting your presence for the last hour. They're getting antsy."

One breath in, one breath out. "Okay. Let's not keep him waiting any longer." I settle Twilight on my back between my wings.

"Are you bringing the child with you, Princess?"

"Why, of course." Stupid question.

"I do believe the Earl would find offense."

To Tartarus with the Earl.

"It's okay, Celestia." Spike speaks up. "I can watch her until Luna gets back. Then, we'll feed her and figure out how to fix things."

I use magic to pull Twilight from my back and look between her and Spike. "That- that makes sense. Thank you, Spike. I'll finish up my business and return posthaste." I gradually hover the little foal away, those little hoofie kicks started up to try and bring her back to me.

"Gagadobado!" Her mouth was quivering.

"It's okay, my little pony. Let Spi-Spi look after you."

"Ptttthhhh-yah!" Her big ol' eyes were starting to tear up.

"I won't be long. Back before you know it." I place Twilight into Spike's care and slip out of the door. I could already feel a pang of despair. It's not as if I'm abandoning the filly, I won't even be leaving the building.

She'll be fine. Spike and Luna are more than capable of handling her for a few long, grueling hours.

"Ma- Mama!"

The world came to a halt the moment the word slips through the closing door. I barely register anything as I make a beeline to the filly in the other room. It didn't matter that there was now a wall in the way, it was naught but a delay against the might of an alicorn.

As soon as Twilight was back within my hooves, I held her closer than ever. "I'm so sorry, Twilight. I'm here. Mama's here. I'll never leave you, again, baby." Was I crying? I was definitely crying. "My baby filly, my sweet baby, my Twiiiiii-"

I stopped caring about the babble spewing from my mouth, it wasn't a priority when I had perfection right before me.

"I should've figured." I barely heard my assistant's voice.

"Has this happened before?" Spike had wisely stepped away from being between a mare and her foal.

"Yeah. Although, last time it was a baby dragon."

[A failure. I successfully cast the spell, but I have no memory of what happened afterward. Even if I could, I doubt that spell would be effective. When stepping outside of time, it doesn't seem to matter how old I am. I'll either rapidly age or regress until death.

I don't need more time. I need eternity.]

After Day 1325 (Applejack)

On most days, I wake up when the Sun did. Today, something seemed off. I donned my hat, lit a lantern, and ventured out into the darkness with Winona by my side.

I knew the groves of Sweet Apples Acres like the top of my snout. Even if I could barely see past that muzzle, I would've noticed anything out of line. My dog seemed to be padding along just fine, nose to the ground.

After we walked a ways from the house, I felt a familiar gooey sensation under my hoof. I lowered the lantern and surveyed the area to see the ground littered with partially eaten apples and their mushed up remains.

"What in tarnation?" Was it those fruit bats, again? No. At least those varmints had the decency to enjoy most of the apple. It looked like something took a bite out of each one just to enjoy the feeling of spitting it back out.

A sound caused Winona to freeze and I stiffened right with her. We both heard that crunch and I was moving to close the distance just as I heard a following retch. I didn't even give myself the opportunity to realize my dog didn't follow.

"Reach for the skies you no good- Twilight?" My brain reset when I saw my friend leaned against a tree. She was dry heaving something fierce, and blame it on the light, but she looked off. Her coat was dark and looked like it was shedding in a few areas. Her mane looked paper thin.

I had so many questions: What're you doing out here so late? Why'd you set out yesterday without telling nopony where you were going? What's gotten your head so far upside down that you'd waste perfectly good apples? Now wasn't the time for all that.

"Holy Night, Sugar Cube." I saddled up next to Twilight and held her steady. Her breaths began to even out when a rumble shook us both. I was stunned for a moment before breaking out into laughter. "Haven't heard a stomach that angry since Big Macintosh got into that 'diet watchers' nonsense way back when. Is that why you're stalking about?"

"Hungry." She groaned out desperately and my mood dampened. I looked around at all the food waste around us. Must've been a bad stomach bug if she couldn't keep nothing down. "I was on the train. Why?"

I shrugged. "You should be telling me. You left so early I hadn't even finished setting up shop. I just saw you kicking up a dust trail through the market and there was no flagging you down."

"I needed a full day for something."

"You mind filling me in on what?"

"Don't remember. Spike told me I said that." She spoke slowly as her eyes started off into space. Again, it could've been the lighting, but I couldn't stop myself from noticing how green the edge of Twilight's eyes were becoming. Probably something worse than a stomach bug. "I couldn't eat any of the food we had. Everywhere else is closed. So hungry."

"Well, you came to the right place. There ain't a single being in Equestria that can't appreciate a good apple. No matter the species, sickness, or allergy. If you can't eat it, we haven't made it right." I push against Twilight until she's on her hooves. I grab the lantern with my mouth and steady her with a hoof. "Come on now. We'll get you back to the house and in a bed. I'm sure Granny will stuff you with all the remedies she can think of."

It was slow going, but we started making progress. Twilight is shaking with every step, threatening to collapse unless I lean into her. I'm close to strapping the filly to my back if it meant getting a move on. I didn't like looking at this version of Twi with her hair falling out by the clumps. I missed the sweet mare that would see you struggling, greet you kindly, disappear to investigate any issue you might have, then show back up with a solution prouder than a pup with her first flea.

I could picture that look now. Especially, that cute little smile she'd make when content.

"That smells good."

"Huh?" I spoke around the lantern just fine. Working on a farm your whole life gave one the uncanny ability to talk even when they were working with their mouth full. "What was that, Sugar Cube?"

Twilight hung her head low and didn't say anything for a while. We slowly put one hoof before the other until I could barely make something out. "It's gone. I don't think I like the smell of worry."

Smell? I mean, it was muggy out tonight. I might have a layer or two of sweat from that and the running, but why phrase it that way? I shook my head. Probably just something she's quoting from a book. Wouldn't be the first time.

"It was right here." She nuzzled into my neck.

"S- sugar Cube?" I flinch. Nothing wrong with a friendly nuzzle, but this one came out of left field.

"It smelled so good. I can still feel it buried in there." Twilight pushed harder, nearly making me lose my balance. "Bring it back, Applejack." She whinnied. "I'm hungry. So hungry."

I pushed hard against her to even us out. I could see the end of the orchard up ahead. Once there, it was be a straight shot back to the house. "Let's keep you moving, Twi. I'm sure Winona's gone off to fetch Mac. They'll met us halfwa- HAH!"

Twilight pulled away from me right quick. Without anypony to push my weight against, I wound up throwing myself to the dirt. I felt the lantern drop from my mouth as I rolled onto my back and saw Twilight standing above me. She was panting, her eyes were much greener than before. It was no trick of the light, an eerily familiar green hue had overtaken Twilight's lavender eyes.

"Please, bring it back, Applejack. I'm so hungry. I haven't eaten in... in...." Those eyes focused on me, peering not at a friend or even another pony, but at a bit of prey. It was the same animalistic look I'd see cross Winona when she was eyeing some errant squirrel. I could see what remained of my friend become snuffed out in that very moment as "Twilight's" eyes became entirely green. "I don't think I've ever eaten."

The moment I realized it wasn't Twilight, instinct took control. I hit that sucker with as much force as I could muster. Its head whipped to the side and a piece of something went flying into the darkness. It slowly turned back to me. The flickering flames of the lantern felt so far and so cold; they barely illuminated the white fangs and green eyes juxtaposed against a black exoskeleton.

I had knocked its "face" off.

It stole what little vision I had when it dropped itself on me. I could hardly breathe under the thing. It was so much heavier than it ought to be; my hoof ached from just lashing it earlier, but Granny didn't raise no quitter. I was going to struggle and flail against this monster until my heart gave out.

There was something wet dropping on my face, running down my muzzle off to who cares where. Its jaws opened far wider than any normal pony's and I felt... calm? No, not quite calm. What was the word? Apath... something? I didn't feel like anything. My beaten legs and hooves slowed their attack. I had the energy, just not the will.

What was the point of all this? I can feel my heart pounding. My world is getting dark, darker yet darker. Why did any of that matter though?

Sleep sounded good right now.

"Nope!"

I felt a literal weight off my chest and a figurative spark of something within it. I couldn't place it at first, but one glance at the red stallion pinning that monster to a tree gave me my answer. I nearly cried in relief as I sucked in labored breaths.

"You get away from my sister!" Big Macintosh struggled with it for a bit. It snapped and hissed until it suddenly stilled and focused. The monster opened its jaw like before and I saw some strange mist flow from my brother's mouth into its waiting maw. It drank it in like a cider and Mac started to falter.

With a push, it would've tackled him to the ground and had its feast, but I already felt my body moving. I rushed forwards and roundabout just as I reached it. I bucked that thing square in the throat and cut off its feeding frenzy. It stood there dazed for a moment. Just a second longer and it'd be on the attack, or worse, off somewhere into the night where we'd have to track it down.

With a glance, Mac and I knew perfectly well what to do. With practiced ease that only came from years of working side by side, we bucked the monster in unison with enough force to topple even the most rooted of trees and sent it sailing.

We huffed together as we watched it. Hard to believe that such a short struggle took so much out of us.

The thing flopped on the ground at the base of an apple tree, kicking its front hooves out uselessly. It was still alive, still conscious and squirming. Thankfully, the bug will have a hard time moving with a broken back.

Bile built up in the throat. As it moved, it scrapped off more of the flesh it used to disguise itself as Twilight. I never saw any of the ones back at Canterlot do that. Maybe that's what the fire was for?

Mac fixed me a look, one that both said "Are you okay?" and "What in Tartarus was that?"

I shook my head and went to pick up the lantern. "I'll explain later. Last time I saw one of these critters there was a whole infestation. You go back to the house and hull up there. Don't let anypony in unless they use the secret knock."

He seemed to think on it, then nodded. Before he left, I saw an eyebrow raise.

"I'm headed into town. Those things could look like anypony, but Twi only just got back into town." I look to the horizon and saw that day was still quite away. "I'm hoping nothing's amiss, but either way the Princess needs to know what's going on." If there really was an invasion underway, Spike was their best bet at getting a letter to Canterlot in time. Hopefully, the little guy was alright.

We were just about to head out when a snarl got our attention. The monster still writhed amongst the scraps of its disguise. Its eyes were looking at me with confusion and hurt as if it was mimicking Twilight one last time just to stab at us. Even the pained gasps it made while trying to form words were done using the mare's voice.

I knew there was something that needed to be done, yet I didn't want to be the one to do it. That thing looked just like Twi not twenty minutes ago. Big Mac took a step towards it and gestured at me to go. I was thankful.

I trotted away a bit faster than I normally would. I trusted my brother to get the job done and time was ticking. A resounding crunch barely caused a hitch in my step. It was just a changeling, a monster that tricks and lies to get at your heart. Bear it no mind and just keep on keeping on. The real Twilight was out there somewhere. Focusing on that fake behind me would just slow me down.

[A full day isn't enough to both secure the toxin and undergo the metamorphosis. Even if I could complete the transformation, there's still no promise I could deal with the side effects. I'm going to discontinue this work for now and return to Plan A.]

The Next Day (Discord)

I woke to a rather pleasant zing thrilling through my body. I'm not sure what caused such a stir, but I felt the waves of chaos from miles away, like a pent of storm of causes finally took effect in the most contrived way possible. I would've been shaking in excitement if my being wasn't still encased in stone.

Instead, I was going to pocket this excess power and use it to lessen my sentence. A bout of havoc this appetizing could easily shave off a century or so, yet I soon found out that none of it would matter.

My prison began to crack and so did my psyche. Already?! I didn't have time to come up with a cool entrance or any relevant jokes! What if I unironically reference a dead meme by mistake?!

"I rise! 525,600-ish minutes will give y-" I just about broke out ol' reliable when my brain registered what I was seeing.

"Heh, I know this one. 'Such a crick in the neck,' right?" A rather heavenly chuckle shook me to my core.

'Oh, me. Oh, my.' Tall and serene with flowing hair? Check. Sharp looking, drop dead gorgeous, and purple? Also, check. 'That's all my boxes ticked. Alright, Perry Sullivan, don't screw this up.'

"Hey, Twi Twi. Been a while, hasn't it?" I tried to lean on a counter that wasn't there. Normally, it would've worked, but this time of all times landed me in the dirt.

"Hello, Dizzy." Twilight Sparkle's voice is like satin. It drifts over my ears as her magic puts me back on my feet. "Quite a while, I'd say. Quite an eventful week, too. Definitely too long, yet bizarrely short."

I straighten up so we're both at eye level. "I could only imagine."

"Hmm?" She studied me a moment and I stiffened under her watch. Is this what self-consciousness felt like? It sucked. "Oh, right!" Her eyes widened in realization. "Code: D-O-A-T-L / 0-5-2-7-2-0-1-9."

'She's figured out the codes? I knew she was a fast learner, but slow down. You've got all the time in th-' My thoughts come to a stop when I processed exactly what code she used and what situation it pointed to. I swallow dryly and hope I misheard her. "How many?"

"To be honest, I stopped counting." Twilight lightly pawed her chest, her ears pinned back adorably. "I used to keep track of it in a journal. I even created a self-renewing spell that would automatically cast itself without conscious thought based on my own biological clock, just so I would never forget to preserve it through the loops, but once the years waned on...."

"It stopped mattering." I looked up at the clear sky. A certain pressure weighed on my chest. I hadn't felt something like it in many years. "I'm sorry, Sparkle. Nobody else should have to go through that."

"You sound more sincere than the last few times you said that." She giggled and that weight faded away.

"Well, how can I help it? You've escaped! All while looking so... wow." I just gesture to her. Truly a sight that couldn't be put into words.

Her giggle evolves into full on laughter. I'm on cloud nine. "Gotta admit. Didn't think my appearance would shift so drastically." She ruffled her new wings and stretched her limbs. "Not all against it though. It's a nice change. Flying's cool."

I nod absentmindedly while looking respectfully and admiring her power. "That's good to hear. Wouldn't want you cracking like little old me."

I flop back onto the ground. She stared for a moment before I gathered up enough courage to be serious for a while.

"I truly am sorry for what you went through, yet I can't lie and say that I'm not at little glad at it happening." I feel her lay next to me and I don't dare face her. That weight was returning. I hated it so. "I'm glad to no longer be the only one to have experienced it. To go through the trials of being so utterly alone yet surrounded by loved ones day after useless day. To devise a method of escape and finally rip your way out of that prison only to find yourself...."

I hesitate and stare at the claw and paw that had been hooves. I wanted to clench them shut, but a pair of purple claws reached out and held them. They pull me over, so I'm facing Twilight. She's also laying on her side, a toothy smirk on her beak and her dragon tail swaying comfortably.

"Irreversibly changed? Yeah."

"You're taking this a lot better than I had."

"That's because I had a friend by my side to ease me into it. I had someone who could understand and guide me when I had just about given up for the hundredth time." Twilight pulled me into a hug. "Thank you, Discord." She felt so soft and warm. Being stone was so cold and stupid.

"And, we can work together to make sure nopony ever goes through it, again."

'Such compassion coming so freshly after her escape.' I scoff. "I suppose I could help look into it. We have eternity after all."

"Eternity, indeed." Twilight pulled away from the hug and rolled to face the sky. Her eyes wandered for a bit before she chittered in amusement. "The Sun's rising at a different angle."

I lazily followed her gaze and laid by her side. The grass felt great on my back, the wind caressed my fur, and the birds sang a brand new melody.

In that moment, the little things felt the most euphoric.