All the Time in the World

Chapters

The Beginning of Time
Time to Inform
Time to Learn

The Beginning of Time

Chapter 1- The Beginning of Time

WHAM! WHAM! CRRRASH!!!

A shadowy figure slipped though the broken window, a flash of light repairing it behind her.

“Ugh, this place is so disgusting. That stallion's advice had better been worth the bits.” the mare said.

Brushing off the dust that clung to her, the mare slowly crept throughout the building, keeping an ear out for anypony coming.

Turning a corner, the mare came across a long hallway filled with oddities from side to side.

“If that stallion is to be trusted, then this so called treasure should be down this hall and take a right at the seventh aisle.” The mare thought. “Fortunately, this place does seem to be rather deserted, so at least that he didn't lying about that.”

She continued down the hallway until she reached the end, seeing only a wall.

“What?! Is this it?” Angrily she stared at the wall. “I swear by Celestia, if that stallion lied to me...”

In a fit of anger, she smacked the wall with her hoof, depressing one of the bricks. The wall shook, causing the mare to take a step back. “What?” She said in disbelief as the wall shook harder, then rose in front of her to reveal a door. She remained still for a few moments, and then crept inside.

As she shut the door behind her, she noticed that it was completely pitch black. She lit up her horn, and gasped. The room was full of different kinds of treasure. Gems, ancient scrolls, anything a pony or other creature would call valuable. The mare walked around the room for a little bit, not sure what to take, if anything at all.

“Well, I must take something, I didn't go to all this trouble for no reason.” She reasoned to herself.

But of course you didn't. Wouldn't that have been pointless?

The mare jumped and whipped her head around the room, her horn alight. “W-who's there?! Show yourself?!”

My dear, all you need to do is look in front of you.

The mare stopped glancing at the room and stared in front of her. Sitting in a box full of treasure laid a strange amulet. The amulet was composed of three pieces. One was a triangular metal plate, a flat side facing upward. In the center of this plate rested a diamond-shaped ruby. Another plate made up the third piece, this one in the shape of an alicorn's wings and head. The inner edge of the wings, as well as an eye on the head, were the same color as the ruby.

“I must be hearing things.” The mare said as she walked over and picked up the amulet. “I could have sworn that I heard a voice though.”

You did my dear. It was me.

“Ahh!” The mare dropped the amulet and scampered backwards. “Y-you spoke!?”

Yes. I am sorry if I frightened you. I only wish to help.

“Help?” The mare said. “Y-you're a talking amulet. How can you help me?”

My dear, I have special...powers. For example, I can see into your past.

“Oh really,” the mare said, skeptical. “Can you prove that claim?”

Of course my dear. Do not be frightened now.

As the mare held the gem, a strange red mist wafted from the object and covered the mare. Her eyes widened, but she stayed perfectly still. After a few minutes the mist dissipated into the gem.

Well then, I can only imagine why you are here. And I can assist you.

“How...” The mare began.

You had a major incident with a unicorn that pushed you down a spiral of failure for the last few months, am I correct?

“Yes, but how could you know that?” The mare asked.

My specialty is time. And I wish to give this gift to you.

The mare stared at the amulet for a moment, disbelieving. “This is some sort of trick, isn't it?”

No trick my dear. I only wish to assist you in your venture. I only ask one thing of you.

“And that would be?” The mare asked.

Whenever you are done with me, please return me back here. My power should stay hidden from the world.

The mare thought for a moment, then nodded. “I can do that. And that's the only thing you want? No loopholes.”

None my dear. Now, if you agree then place me around your neck and fasten the latch.

The mare silently held the amulet for a few more seconds, then nodded. She looped the strap around her neck and fastened it tight. Instantly she doubled over from a shocking blast of pain that raced though her entire body. “Argh...what's...happening...”

Peace my dear. Your body is just try to accommodate my power. It will pass.

After a few minutes, the pain passed. With tears running down her eyes, the mare shakily stood. “Is...is it over now?”

It is my dear. I have granted you complete and total control over my powers of time.

“I...wow.” The mare was at a loss for words.

So, what do you plan on doing with my powers, my dear?

The mare looked up and grinned, her eyes flashing red. “I think that I'll become the greatest and most powerful unicorn in Equestria. And now I have all the time in the world to accomplish that.”

. . .

I slowly walked out of the school as everypony around me was jumping and leaping around, happy to be out for the day. I personally didn't mind, school or being home was fine for me. I wondered if Mom was coming to get me today or if she had to work overtime...

“Dinky!” A voice called out to me. I turned to see Sweetie Belle run up to me. “So, did ya do it?!”

I sighed. “I tried, but it didn't work. I don't think we're ready.”

“Of course we're ready!” Sweetie said, jumping up and down in front of me. “My big sister was able to use magic at our age!”

I shrugged. “I can ask my mom, but seeing as how she's a pegasus, I don't think she'll know how it works.” Sweetie looked like she was about to say something, but Scootaloo called her over. That was alright with me, I normally didn't talk to other ponies. I didn't hate talking or anything, I just liked the feeling of being alone. Sometimes.

Sweetie had come up to me a few days ago with the idea that magic would help us get our cutie marks. I wasn't as obsessed with it as the Cutie Mark Crusaders were, but I was happy to try and help. I had been able to get a book on basic magic from Twilight Sparkle, but she hadn't had time to help me with any spells. And seeing how Sweetie had been reacting a few minutes ago, I assumed that she had struck out when it came to Rarity helping us. I wasn't very upset about it. We'd get our cutie marks eventually.

Sweetie ran back to me as Scootaloo zoomed away. “Want some company? I noticed that your mom wasn't here.”

I shrugged. “Sure, I don't mind.” At that, the two of us left the school yard.

“So Dinky, your mom was running late again?” Sweetie asked.

I nodded. “I guess she had to work overtime. Again.”

My friend was quiet for a moment and then spoke up. “Sorry Dinks.”

“It's alright.” I said. “I've been getting more and more used to it.”

“Have you ever spoken to her about it?” she asked.

“Not really.” I said. “It's not easy for her to be a single parent to me, so I just be quiet and stay out of trouble for her.”

“Have...have you ever met your father?” Sweetie said slowly, as if she was afraid that I would get angry from her question.

I shook my head. “I wish that I could.” I said. “We have a picture of him, he was there when I was a foal. I haven't seen him personally though, maybe someday...”

Sweetie stopped suddenly and latched her forelegs around my neck in a hug. “I'm sorry Dinky! I didn't mean to make you sad!”

I smiled and hugged her back. “It's alright Sweetie. I've gotten used to it. It's nice that you care.

“Of course I would!” Sweetie said, letting go of my neck. “You're one of my best friends!”

“Aww, look at that!” A mocking tone floated from behind us. “Its two of Ponyville's blank flanks!”

“Oh joy.” I mumbled as we turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking up the path behind us.

Diamond reached us first, Silver lagging slightly behind her. “And what are you two up to?”

“It's called walking.” I replied and stalked off, Sweetie by my side. The other two didn't get the hint and followed us.

“So Dinky, where was your mother today?” Diamond asked.

“Well, she wasn't at the school, was she?” I shot back.

Diamond simply giggled. “I noticed that. What, has this been like the fifth day now she hasn't showed up to get you? And doesn't she still need to talk with Miss Cheerilee?”

“That's none of your business!” I snapped at her, causing them both to giggle again. I swear, unless you've been at the receiving end of that, you have no idea how annoying it sounds.

“What's wrong Dinky?” Diamond asked. “Did you finally understand how many problems your family has?”

Without thinking, I jumped at her, determined to slam her pretty face into the ground. Sweetie had the mindset to stop me before I did something that I would probably have regretted.

“Don't do it Dinky!” Sweetie said, holding me back. “It's not worth it!”

I glared at Diamond with hate in my eyes as she looked back at me. “Come on Silver, these two aren't worth our time.”

She nodded and they both walked off. When they were out of view, Sweetie let me go. “Are you alright?”

I sighed. “Not really Sweetie. It starts to get to me after a while. I think I'm just gonna head home now.”

She nodded, “Do you want some company?”

I shook my head. “Thanks Sweetie, but we'll get together later. I'll try that book out again. I'll swing by later and bring it with me. Maybe we can figure it out together.”

Sweetie nodded and hugged me again. “Alright Dinky. I'll see you later.”

I hugged her back and waved as my friend left my view. Sighing, I turned and headed for home.

. . .

“Mom? Are you home?” I yelled as I walked into the house, shutting the door behind me. I sighed as I was greeted with nothing but silence.

I went into the kitchen to see if she had left a note for me, but I didn't find anything. “She probably hasn't been back here since she left.” I said to myself. I impaled an apple on my horn and went upstairs to my room.

Once I got there, I rifled though my bookshelf and pulled out the book on magic that Twilight had given me. I sat down on my bed, removed the apple from my horn, cleaned my horn off and started to read, eating the apple at the same time.

“Magic in unicorns comes from their central core.” I read from the book. “Unicorns cast magic by drawing from their inner store of magic, called mana. Mana draws from the unicorns strange, being part of them. As of such, when the store of mana is reduced, the user will experience fatigue and dizziness, also the threat of passing out.”

“Hmm.” I said. “So every unicorn is born with a store of magic. That means that if I tried to use magic when I'm out of mana, then I would get really sick.” I turned the page. “Is there anyway to recover lost mana?”

Sure enough, the next page detailed how that works. “If the unicorn has exhausted their mana store, he or she must wait for the mana to naturally restore. Also cross-casting can be used to restore mana faster.”

“Cross-casting?” I thought, confused. “What does that mean?” I turned to the back of the book where the descriptions of words were.

“Cross-casting: The art of casting magic from one unicorn to another to replenish mana at the cost of the caster's.” I read. “So, I guess that means you can help somepony gain magic, but you lose as much as you give. Sounds risky.”

Bored with reading about the rules, I flipped to the spell I had been attempting last night. “Levitation: The art of lifting an object with your mind. Well, maybe it'll work if I go over the process again.” I flipped the page.

“To levitate a object, you need to first draw from your magical core. When your horn is glowing with a magical aura, you are prepared to cast your spell. Point your horn at the object and visualize your magic covering the object. When you have covered the object, think about raising the object and maneuvering it around.” I read. “Why does it sound so easy, but is actually really hard?”

I grabbed my clock from my dresser and set it in front of me. I sat down and took a deep breath. “Alright, I'm ready to try again.”

I shut my eyes and tried to concentrate. I tried to force myself to levitate the clock, until I remembered that I needed to relax, so I did so.

As I sat in front of the clock, I felt a strange heat in the pit of my stomach. Excited, I tried to expand on it, not that I really knew how. I opened my eyes as the heat grew and saw that my horn was glowing with a purple glow.

“Yes!” I said. “I'm doing better then I did last night!” Wanting to move on, I visualized my magic covering the clock, but nothing happened.

“Huh, am I doing something wrong?” I thought to myself. I tried again and again to no avail.

I frowned, but then my eyes widened. When I had covered the clock in my magical aura, it had been five minutes before four. But as I looked at it, it was six minutes before four.

“What the heck?” I said. “Is it broken?” As I stared at it, I saw the hand move backwards. “Okay, that's not supposed to happen.” I went to pick it up, before I got really tired and hit the ground.

I groaned. “Ow...what?” I pushed myself to my hooves and realized that my horn was still glowing. I tried to shut it off, but then I realized that I didn't know how. I turned back to the book, but not only was it shut, it was also back in my bookcase.

I was starting to panic, but then I saw a clock float past me. Yes. A clock. “What?!” I gasped. The clock disappeared, but then I saw a ribbon of purple appear out of nowhere and start to swirl around me. “I really have no idea what's going on right now.” I thought.

I didn't think that being in my room was a good idea anymore, and made tracks to leave when I noticed a strange thing. I picked up my clock to put it back and saw that the hand was spinning backwards! “Ahh!” I dropped the clock and ran for my door, only for another swirl of purple to stop me in my tracks.

I fearfully glanced around as more swirls of purple started to circle around me, faster and faster. It got to the point where all I could see was purple, aside for a few breaks where I saw my room. At this point, I was scared. “Mom! Mom, help!” I cried, hoping that she had gotten home. But no voice yelled back to me. My horn flashed and the purple completely surrounded me, treating me to a strange sight.

Even though I was surrounded by purple, I also saw different colors in the mix, such as black and gold. I also saw different kinds of clock floating around in what I assumed to be a void. Thinking that it was all a bad dream, I laid down and clamped my eyes shut, shaking in fear.

Until, it stopped. Just like that. I laid there for another few minutes, afraid to open my eyes. I slowly peeked out of one, and my eyes shot open in disbelief.

My entire room....was pink. Completely pink. I hadn't liked the color pink for years.

“Oh man, what did I do to my room?!” I said, starting to freak out. “Mom's going to kill me!” Feeling weak, I struggled to the door, but stopped when I heard her voice. Usually I would have opened the door and hugged her, but I stopped when I heard what she said.

“Aww, my little muffin's tired. Don't worry, after a little nap, you'll feel great!” Only then did I turn around and actually look at what was in my room. Neat the back wall, where my bed was, there was a crib.

“You must be joking.” I deadpanned, then flinched as I heard my mother's voice get closer. I glanced around in a panic, then started to tiredly limp to the closet. Just as my mom started to open the door, I slipped into the closet and shut the door.

From a crack in the door, I saw my mom holding a sleeping foal and talking to it as she laid it in the crib. “My little muffin, I love you so much. You are going to accomplish great things my dear. Rest now Dinky, I'll check on you a little later.” She stayed at the crib for a few more seconds, then left the room and shut the door behind him.

I slumped down in the closet, tired and shocked. “This can't be real.” I said. I felt a tingle along my flank and glanced down. As I stared, I saw a analog clock sitting there on my flank. “But this is real.” I said, a flash of joy rushing though me at the sight of my cutie mark. “I'm...I'm in the past."

I sat there for about another five minutes or so, unsure of what to do. I was going to get up and try to exit the closet when I heard crying and the sound of hoofsteps coming closer to the door. Scared and confused, I sat back down. "This...this is going to be one of those days.”

Time to Inform

11 years in the past- Derpy Hooves's home]

“Uhh.” I slowly rolled over, finding myself in almost complete darkness. I blinked hard and rubbed my eyes. “Must of passed out...”

With a jolt, I jerked upward, the memories of what had happened rushing into my head. “Oh, crap! I have to get out of here!” I thought.

My closet wasn't very big, in fact it was the same size as it had been before I had used my magic. “I need to try to get this hollowed out or something.” I thought with a smirk. Carefully, I pressed my hooves to the closet door and pushed it open.

The door slowly swung open, and I do mean slowly. I couldn't remember how old my closet doors were, and I didn't want to wake up what I assumed was my younger self by having the doors creak.

When I finally had the doors open about three feet, I laid myself flat and slowly snuck out the door. I was careful to keep my body as close to the ground as possible. I pushed the closet door shut, wincing a little when I heard the click.

“One obstacle down.” I thought, glancing toward the bedroom door. “One to go.”

My mom's routine throughout the day was...not planned. I assumed that she wasn't working now because of me, so I couldn't count on her being out of the house. “Dang, there goes that plan.” I said softly. “If I can't get out that way...” My gaze fell on the window. “I'll have to make another.”

I crawled over to the window and gasped. “No way.” There was a tree by my window that I would use to climb in my room. I had fooled my friends a few times when we had been playing hide and seek. But as I looked outside, my tree was gone. In disbelief, I opened the window and looked down. I saw a small tree sprout in a patch of soil, way below me.

“Great.” I whispered. “Well, if I had needed more proof that I was in the past...” I froze when I heard banging from downstairs. I heard a stirring from the crib and fell flat.

“No more time to waste in here. I gotta move!” I concentrated on the dresser in the corner. It was a four-door dresser and was made out of wood. “I think we keep the sheets in the bottom drawer...” I shut my eyes and tried to summon my internal magic. Feeling the rush of energy I opened my eyes and focused on the dresser. “Don't want to time-travel again, no idea where I'll end up.”

As I continued to channel my energy, I was able to force the lower drawer to open up. I carefully lifted two sheets out and floated them towards me. When they were close enough to touch, I dropped them and shut the drawer.

“Alright, that's one part done.” I thought. “Can't stop though, gotta keep moving.”

I snatched the sheets up and tied one sheet to the other. Carefully, I reached outside while holding one of the sheets and tied the corner to the window. I flung the sheets out the window and allowed myself a grim smile as I tugged on the first sheet.

“If this works as I hope it does...” I thought, then flinched as I heard banging again, but it was coming closer! “Mom's coming to check on the younger me!” Not giving myself time to think, I stepped out onto the window ledge and grabbed the sheet with both hooves. Then I jumped off of the ledge.

I slid down the sheet without any major problem until I hit the knot where the two sheets connected. When I hit it, the force of the pull yanked the window above me shut. I was relieved that had worked, until the force had also unraveled the knot that I had connected to the window. “Ahhhh!” I yelled as I fell, slamming into the ground with the sheets covering me.

I was fortunate that I had only fallen from the first floor, if I had fell from the second, I would have probably broken something. I pulled the sheets off of me and groaned. “I need to get paid for this.” I said, wincing.

I pushed the sheets into the bushes that was by the house, making sure to hide them well. I took another look at my home. “I'll be back here...I hope.” I said. Then I turned and dashed away.

11 years in the past-Ponyville

If I had to tell you one of the weirdest things about being in the past, it was knowing how everything was going to take place in the future.

As I finally reached Ponyville Square, I had to stop for a minute and take in the sights. “Wow, this is really weird.” I said. I knew that was a major understatement.

For one, everypony looked...younger. That was a given, seeing how I was eleven or so years in the past, but it was still a major shock. The buildings looked a bit newer, which was impressive considering how they usually looked very, very nice.

I kept walking until I came across Sugarcube Corner. “Pinkie Pie!” I thought. “Maybe she can help.” I dashed inside the store.

The inside looked like it had just been cleaned. The floors were really shiny, the walls didn't have anything on them, it was just really nice. I walked in there, exploring the room with my eyes when I heard a voice say, “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, honey.”

I turned to see Mrs. Cake standing there, and I almost didn't recognize her. She was smaller and a lighter shade of blue, if you can imagine that. I stood there with my mouth open for a minute. Fortunately, she thought I was just staring at the many sweets. “Don't be shy, there's plenty of choices!”

I shook my head, snapping myself of my little trance. “Sorry, I spaced out for a moment.”

Mrs. Cake simply smiled and shook her head. “That's quite alright. Can I help?”

“Where's Pink-” I instantly slammed my hooves over my mouth.

“Is something wrong, dear?” Mrs. Cake asked, a worried expression on her face.

“Stupid, stupid!” I berated myself. “No, everything's fine! I, uh, I think I left my money somewhere that's not here! Gotta go grab it!” I turned and dashed out of the shop. I wasn't sure where I was headed, but I continued to run anyway.

11 years in the past-Ponyville Park

I never knew that I had a vast amount of stamina, or maybe it was just adrenaline. Either way, I ran until I felt like I was going to drop. When I finally stopped, I saw that I was in the park.

Gasping, I almost crawled over to a bench, collapsing on it when I reached one. I took a few minutes to breathe, and then a wave of anger and sadness washed over me.

“What did I almost do?” I said to myself. “I could have messed up everything. I don't belong here...” I lowered my head as I started to get to the point of crying.

Until I felt a hoof on my shoulder. I didn't move for fear of angering whoever was there. Or maybe they'd think I was asleep or dead and I could get a chance to run away. Or maybe I could use my magic to escape! Eyes shut tight, I started to channel my magic...

“I wouldn't do that just yet, little one.” A voice floated from above me. “You don't know where you'll end up.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Did this pony know about my powers? I shut my magic off and refused to move. “Won't you look at me?” The voice said again. I would have ignored it, but the voice sounded really friendly. And I didn't have much of any other choice, so I looked up. And gasped.

Sitting next to me was a beautiful gray mare. I saw a rather long horn on her head and when I tilted my head I saw...wings?! She was an alicorn?

She smiled at me as I visibly shivered. “Don't worry, I'm not going to harm you.”

“Who...who are you?” I stammered out.

“If I tell you, are you going to believe me?” She asked. I nodded, my head shaking. “Very well. I am the Princess of time, Drifting Time.”

“Princess of time?” My poor head was being thrown for a loop.

She smiled at me. “Yes. I've been keeping an eye on you for a little while now, Dinky.”

“An eye...Wait!” I jumped. “How do you know who I am?”

She pointed at my cutie mark. “The same way I know how you received that. I helped you earn it.

I held my head in my hooves for a moment. “I'm sorry Princess, but I'm confused.”

Drifting Time stood up and held out a hoof. “Walk with me. I have a lot to tell you in a short time.”

I grabbed her hoof and pulled myself upright. I looked at the princess and sighed. “Alright. Shall we go then?”

The princess nodded and started walking, with me following her closely.

11 years in the past-Ponyville

The two of us walked in silence for a while until Princess Drifting decided to spark the conversation. “Dinky, you asked me before how I knew your name.”

“Yeah.” I said.

She smiled at me. “For many years now, I've been looking for a pony with a rare magical aura. As you well know, all ponies have natural auras that allow them to interact with the world. Do you know the three major types?”

I nodded. “Pegasi can fly, earth ponies are strong and unicorns can use magic.”

“Correct.” She said. “We're going to focus on the unicorns for a little bit. All unicorns can use all types of magic. The reason that most unicorns don't know or do that is because...?”

I knew this one. “Unicorns all have one type of magic that they excel at!”

“Correct again.” She said with a smile. “For example, the two unicorns that are Elements now. Rarity and Twilight Sparkle. I believe?

“That's right.” I said.

“Rarity's natural affinity is gems, and Twilight has a rare aura as well. Magic itself.” The princess said calmly. “She will be able to preform the most powerful spells like they were her own.”

I slightly frowned. “What does this have to do with me?”

The princess pointed at me. “That mark on your flank.” I turned to look at my clock. “They reason that I brought up the topic about magical affinity is this. Equestria has existed for a long time in its time-stream. And in that time, there has only been two ponies with the natural affinity for time magic that includes the ability to time-travel. You, and my old student. There's been other ponies with time related cutie marks, but that clock is my sign.”

“So, what does that mean?” I asked, visible confused.

I saw a shadow cross over the princess's face. We sat on a bench in the square of the town. “Dinky, I need your help. The reason that I know your name is because I went through your time stream, your time of being alive. And I'll be honest with you, we need to help each other.”

I stared at the princess. “Please explain yourself. I don't understand.”

The princess sighed. “My old student, Shifting Wind was the other pony with the ability to time-travel. This is a very rare and dangerous ability. I knew that I needed to train him personally, so I did.” The princess turned her face away, but I still saw a tear run down her face. “When he had finally mastered time, I thought he would be responsible, help me maintain the timeline. But he betrayed me and tried to wipe me from existence.”

“How did it all end?” I asked softly.

“A long time in the future, near the end of time is when we fought.” The princess said. “I almost lost, but I managed to seal him away and cast him into the past.”

I rubbed my head. “If he's sealed, then what do you need me for?”

“Because I made a major mistake.” She admitted. “I sent him back into the past, yes. But I threw him into your time.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, no.”

She nodded. “And he's been found by somepony. If I remember him well, he will use them. Trick them into using his power to manipulate the timeline and damage it. And if he can successfully damage it enough, then he'll have the power to erase me.”

I looked down as she continued. “Dinky, I'm sorry. I wish that I could have prevented this from happening, that you would be able to live normally. But I really need your help.”

“What if...I say no?” I whispered.

“Then I will send you home.” I looked up. The princess was looking at me with a completely straight face. “I will not lie, this will be dangerous. I don't know what kind of pony has my old student's magic. I do not want you to do this if you think that you aren't able to. I refuse to be the cause of your pain or death.”

I thought for a moment. “So, it's my choice?”

“Completely.” She said.

I thought hard. I knew that it would be dangerous, but I had always wanted to go on a type of adventure. And I could always just come home, right? I looked up at the princess and nodded. “I'll help you.”

The princess smiled and caught me in a hug. “Oh, thank you!” She released me. “Now, here's what you need to do. You know Twilight Sparkle, correct?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Good.” She said. “Dinky, your aura is special for a very important reason. Not only can you time-travel, your body is capable of mastering the five arts of time.”

I tilted my head. “Five arts?”

She nodded. “Yes. The five arts are slowing, pausing, rewinding, speeding up and recording time.”

“Wow.” I said. “And I can use all of them?”

“Well, not exactly.” She said. “You have to find the pony that does and learn from them before your body will naturally unlock that ability for you.” She looked into my eyes. “Dinky, you have a unnaturally large magical reserve because of the time magic. I'm telling you this because using time magic can and will take a lot out of you. I won't be able to talk to you for a while, so let me give you a gift and some advice, if you will take it.”

I nodded. “I will.”

“Good.” She leaned down and touched the tip of her horn to mine. A searing hot flash rushed through my body, but gone just as fast. “Wha-?”

“That was a magical gift to enhance your senses.” The princess said. “Now if you concentrate, you will always know what time you are in, but it will be from your original time. Try now.”

I closed my eyes. Almost instantly, the answer rushed into my brain. “We're eleven years from when I should be, right?”

“Correct.” The princess smiled. “Also, you will always know how the timeline is supposed to be. I gave that gift to my old student...”

“Don't worry, Princess.” I said. “I can handle it.”

“I believe you. Before you go, I have a couple of rules and some advice.” She said. “For one, if you are in the past, do not change it. Time can be like dominoes, if you change one thing, the rest can fall. And also, be careful if you change something in the future and go even farther in the future, because the same principle applies there.

“Alright!” I said.

“Also, watch your mana carefully. You might have an unusual amount, but it will drain quickly if you aren't careful. And as for my advice, you can be creative with time, like to go into the past to see something when it was fixed or vice-versa. Don't be afraid to be creative.”

“I won't. Is there anything else that will help me?” I asked.

“Yes. Do you have any close friends, ones that you will trust with your closest secret?” She asked.

My mind instantly flashed to the Crusaders, but more notably to Sweetie Belle. Even though I had tried to just stay in the background, she was the one that got me to branch out more. And we had shared many secrets together. If there was anypony I trusted, it had to be her. I nodded. “Yes, my friend Sweetie Belle.”

“Dinky, you can ask her to help you.” The princess said. “But I need to warn you, her life will be changed as well. Before you tell her about this, make absolutely sure that it's worth the cost. Because I can tell you now that this won't be easy.”

“I will.” I said seriously. “Oh, and Princess?”

“Yes?” She responded.

“What do I say about this?” I pointed to my cutie mark.

“The truth. Say that it's related to time. I wouldn't show anything off until you've learned slowing magic. I don't think that someponies need to know about the fact that you can change the past.”

I giggled. “Yeah.”

Princess Drifting stood up, prompting me to do the same. “Remember, you need to find and master the five arts of time. Do not engage whoever has my old student's power until you do. Your mana will grow as you do.”

“Yes, Princess.” I said.

“And Dinky.” The princess reached down and wrapped me in a hug. “The best of luck to you. I'll see you again, in another time.”

“Count on it.” I said.

The princess stepped back, her horn lighting up. I felt my horn lighting up as well. “Remember, to time-travel, focus on the time, and connect it with your core.” She said. “Do it now!”

In my minds-eye, I pictured home. Then, I projected the illusion of flipping it forward eleven times until I saw it. I gasped. “That's my home.”

“Now, connect it with magic and cast the spell.” The princess said. “And I will see you again.”

My horn lit up brighter and flashed. Instantly the world started to melt away as I found myself in the purple void again, clocks floating all around me. “So, this must be the timeline.” I thought to myself. I felt my time closing in so I waited until the last second, and cut the spell. In a bright flash, the timeline was gone.

Present Day-Home of Derpy Hooves

“Heh.” I said to myself as I laid on my floor. I looked around, seeing that my walls weren't pink, they were green and purple. Two of my favorite colors. “I...I did it.” A wave of exhaustion fell over me. I looked at my clock that was still on the ground and saw that it was nine o clock. “I must have overshot.” I said.

Wearily, I walked over and climbed into my bed. “Tomorrow, everything changes.” I thought. I could have blamed it on not thinking, or being too rash, or maybe I really did want to help save the timeline. Whatever it was, it happened, and tomorrow I was going to see if I really wanted to make this choice.

I slightly smiled to myself as I let slumber overtake me. “And...so it begins.”

Time to Learn

Home of Derpy Hooves-Present Day-8:00 P.M.

“Dinky! Time to wake up, dear!”

“Meeeh...” My mother's voice cut through the haze that I found myself in, sleepily yawning. “Alright...!”

I crawled out of bed, landing on the ground with a thud. The shock partly woke me up, allowing me to stumble out of the room. I slipped into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and rinsing my face off. “Phew! There we go.” I said, smiling at myself in the mirror. “Now I'm awake...and I better get moving.”

I ran into my room, quickly collecting everything I needed for school and tossing it into my bag. “Pencil...notebook...can't forget my homework...” I stopped, noticing the magic book on the ground. “Better give that back to Twilight today.” In a flash, I slipped the book into my bag. “Alright. Let's go.”

I ran down the steps, skidding into the kitchen where my mom was. “Morning, Mom!”

She turned towards me and smiled, dashing over to hug me. “Good morning, my little muffin. Did you sleep well?”

I nodded. “Like a foal!” My mom kissed me on the forehead before turning back to the sink.

“Breakfast's on the table, dear.” I jumped up to my chair, seeing a chocolate muffin on my plate.

“Something special today?” I asked. Normally I didn't get really sugary muffins on school days.

My mom looked back at me. “There's a little filly around here that's found her special talent...” My eyes widened as I looked down at my side.
How did I forget that? I thought to myself. My mom giggled to herself. “I'm so happy! Do you know what it is?”

I racked my brain for an explanation. “Um...I always know what time it is.” That wasn't a lie, it just wasn't the entire truth.

“Oh?” My mom said. “What time is it right now?”

I thought for a second. “It's...about 8:10.” My mom smiled and nodded.

“Good girl! That's a wonderful talent!” She said, turning back to me. “Now hurry up. You're going to be late.”

I gasped and chowed on the muffin. “Okay! I'm ready!”

“You aren't going to want anything else?” My mom asked, sitting next to me. “You haven't been eating much in the morning.”

I shook my head. “Nope! I'm ready to go!”

“Alright.” My mom said, standing up. “Let's go.”

Ponyville Elementary-Present Day-8:40 A.M

The schoolhouse came into view, all of my classmates playing around in the front yard. My mom tapped me with a wing, causing me to look at her. “Yes, mom?”

“Did you have any plans after school today, dear?” She asked.

“I was going to give the book back to Twilight today.” I said. “I had some more questions for her about magic.”

“Oh, that's good.” We reached the yard and stopped, my mom smiling at me. “Don't come home late, alright?”

I nodded and gave her a hug. “You got it!” My mom waved and flew up, almost crashing into the ground before she managed to take off.

I smiled at her fading figure before I turned around. “Alright.” I took off on a quick trot towards the school, hoping to get inside before anypony saw my cutie mark.

Because that was going to happen. “Dinky! Hey!” I turned to see Sweetie Belle running up to me, a bit smile on her face. “You...you got your cutie mark!” She jumped at me and gave me a big hug.

I hugged her back, smiling. “I hope this doesn't mean that I'm getting kicked out of the Crusaders.”

Sweetie gasped. “Of course not! Maybe you can help us figure out ours now.” She giggled. “At least we have a little hope now.”

I grinned. “Yeah. Come on, I wanna get inside before...”

“Well, well. What's this?” A snide-sounding voice came from behind us.

“That.” The two of us turned to see Diamond walking up to us. “Where's Silver?” I asked.

Diamond ran a hoof through her mane. “She's not here yet. But that's not what I'm here to talk about.” She pointed at my flank. “I see you're not a blank flank anymore.”

“Well, yeah. I'm glad you could see that, Diamond.” I said to her. “What do you want?”

“I just wondered what it meant. What your talent is.” She said.

“Oh, um...” I stammered for a moment. “I always know what time it is!”

Diamond didn't look impressed. “Really. Figures.”

Sweetie snapped at her. “Hey! Be nice!”

“Oh, should I?” Diamond said, turning her nose up. “Forgive me if I'm not super impressed that Dinky can always let us know when its lunchtime.”

I frowned. “There's some reason that she's so mean to us...” I thought to myself. Wait a minute... “Sweetie, I'll be right back, okay?”

“Um, alright?” She said, mostly focusing on Diamond.

I dashed away, running behind the schoolhouse. “It's only been a year...I think...” I sat down and shut my eyes, lighting my horn up. “Let's see here...” Suddenly, I heard hoofsteps.

“Dinky, I...” Sweetie turned the corner and crashed into me, causing my magic to spike. “Sweetie! Let go of me!”

It was too late though. In an instant, the world around us dissolved into the purple walls of the timestream, Sweetie holding me tight. I shut my eyes. “One year. Only one year.” A bright flash surrounded us, our vision fading away.

Ponyville Schoolhouse-One year in the past-12:00 P.M.

Sweetie Belle and I held each other close as I felt the spell finally cut off. I let go of Sweetie and slumped down, tired.

Sweetie instantly knelt down, rubbing my head. “Dinky? Are you okay? What happened?!”

I took a few deep breaths, managing to sit up. “F-fine...Give me a second.” I closed my eyes, thinking to myself. “We are...phew. I was able to set it to only a year.” I opened my eyes. “I thought you were glaring at Diamond.”

Sweetie looked to the side, fidgeting. “I was...but she ran off just after you did. I was worried, so I followed you...” Her voice trailed off as she looked around. “What happened?”

I sighed. “My cutie mark...it's not just limited to knowing what time it is. I'm...well, I'm a time traveler now.”

“A...time traveler?” Sweetie Belle asked, tilting her head. “No way.”

“I know it doesn't look like it, but that's because we're behind the school.” I countered, waving my hooves around. “That, and we only went a year back.”

Sweetie adopted a confused look on her face. “So...how do we know?”

I sighed. “Fine. Let's take a quick look at the front. It's lunch, so we'll be outside.” I held up a hoof as she started to walk. “Stay hidden. I don't want to accidentally mess up time.”

Sweetie nodded. “Got it. I'll just...stick behind you.”

The two of us snuck along the side of the schoolhouse until we could see the front yard. I motioned for Sweetie to duck down a bit. “Hey Sweetie...I can see you...Scootaloo...”

“I think all of our classmates are there...” Sweetie said. “You aren't though...wonder why.”

I rubbed my chin. “Oh, I remember. We were still in Cloudsdale on vacation...I think. Only reason I can think of...”

Sweetie smacked me. “Dinky, look!” I snapped out of my memories to see Diamond Tiara talking to a group of older fillies.

“So you got your cutie mark, hmm...?” A green filly with a yellow mane said in an all too familiar tone. “What's it mean?”

Diamond turned her head to the side, mumbling. From where we were, neither of us could hear what she said, but the fillies around her sure could.

“Oh, really?” I didn't see who spoke next, Diamond's body being in the way. “Just being rich? How is that a talent?”

Sweetie tapped me, causing me to drop next to her. “So...Diamond's talent is being rich? That's....what?”

I rubbed my head. “No, no There's something we're missing.”

Sweetie tilted her head. “What are you talking about, Dinks?”

“You don't remember?” I asked. “Diamond got her cutie mark this summer.”

Sweetie looked very confused. “She...did? I...don't fully remember that.”

I frowned. “Could it be that time is being messed with already? And it it really something this small?” I looked up at my friend. “Come on, Sweetie. I'm feeling strong enough to get us back.”

“Wait.” Sweetie said. “Maybe we can learn something else!”

I shook my head. “I shouldn't be traveling yet...I'm not ready. I need to talk to Twilight.”

Sweetie stood up, sliding behind me again. “Hmm...okay. But can you please explain all this to me when we talk to her? Because I'm really confused.”

I nodded, walking backwards from the front of the school. “Yeah...I will. But...” I paused for a moment, staring into the yard. “I need to come back here...”

Sweetie tugged on my mane. “Yeah, yeah. Now come on!” I followed her, glancing back one more time.

The two of us ran behind the schoolhouse, hearing the bell signal the end of lunchtime. “Okay. Now do...that thing you do.” Sweetie said, clutching my leg. I nodded and sparked my horn up. As I concentrated, I saw the familiar purple streams of the timestream begin to wrap around us. In a flash, I sent the two of us on our way.

Ponyville Schoolhouse-Present Day-8:35 A.M.

The rushing winds and the floating purple clocks of the timestream faded, making way for the calm autumn of Ponyville. Sweetie Belle and I softly landed on the ground, having moved to the side of the school instead of behind it. “Uh...what?” Sweetie asked, confused.

My eyes slightly widened. “Wait...we were behind the school, right? How did we move?”

Sweetie smacked me on the head and dashed away. “We'll worry about that later, Dinky! We're late! Everypony's inside already!”

I ran after her, seeing that she was right. I puffed my cheeks with a sigh. “Wonderful.”

Golden Oaks Library-Present Day-4:10 P.M.

After being scolded for being late, being congratulated for receiving my cutie mark, and doing three math sheets over because I so enjoy it, the school day was finally over. I had been able to hide my special talent, telling Miss Cheerilee that I would show it off the next day. Thanking the Princess, Sweetie and I ran towards the library. Sweetie had told the other Crusaders that we would be busy, so they wouldn't wonder. Me on the other hoof, I knew that I was probably going to miss the next meeting.

It didn't take a long time to reach the library, but we did have to rest a bit when we got there. I smacked the door a few times, taking a deep breath. “Well...” I gasped. “That..was less then fun.”

Sweetie grinned through her pants. “Hey...if you're gonna waltz through time...then you gotta be prepared for anything.”

I mock glared at her as the door rattled and opened, Spike in the door frame. “Oh! Hey Dinky and Sweetie. What are you two doing...and are you alright?”

“Fine...” I said, standing up. “Is Twilight here?”

Spike looked back into the library. “Yeahhhh...come on in. She's just doing what she always does.”

Sweetie and I exchanged glances and walked into the library. And Spike sure wasn't lying...Twilight was sitting on the ground, surrounded by books. As we stood behind her, she turned her head to look at us with a smile. “Oh! Hello girls! How are you two?”

“We're great!” I replied. “How are you doing?”

Twilight waved her hooves at the books all around her. “Just reorganizing! Did you two need something?”

Sweetie pointed at me. “I'm with her.”

“Thanks, Sweetie.” I walked towards Twilight and sat down, pulling the book about time out of my backpack. “Look, Twilight! I got my cutie mark!”

Twilight's eyes widened and she smiled as she saw it. “Dinky, that's great! I guess you were right about your prediction, hmm?”

I smiled at her. “It was just a thought, Twilight. And actually...I wanted to ask for your help.”

“Oh?” Twilight put the book she was holding down, twisting herself around to look at the two of us. “How can I help?”

Sweetie and I sat down in front of her as Spike left the room. “My special talent...can you guess what it is?”

Twilight smiled at us. “Well, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that it has to do with time. The clock and all.”

“That's not just it, Twilight!” Sweetie said, shaking with joy. “It's-

I placed my hoof over her face. “Shh! I want her to guess!'

Twilight rubbed her chin. “Hmm...I'm sorry, Dinky. It's been a bit of a day. Can you just tell me?”

I pretended to stall before I just smiled. “Sure. I can travel through time!”

Twilight slightly frowned before her horn sparked, several books floating around her head. “Really? I...didn't think that was an actual thing. That kind of magic would be very, very old...and really hard to cast. Not to mention dangerous.

“It's true though!” Sweetie spoke up, pushing my hoof away from her mouth. “We went back a year today!”

Twilight moved the books down to look at us. “Dinky...I'm afraid that I am not fully understanding what you're trying to tell me. How about you two join me in here and tell me the whole story?” She pushed some of the books aside to let us into the circle.

Sweetie jumped right in, but I took a few moments to think. “The Princess told me to tell the ones I trust the most...and I don't trust anyone else more than these two...well, my mom.” I walked into the circle of books and sat down. “Alright.”

Twilight happily smiled, closing the books to make a perfect circle again. “Alright, Dinky. Start from the beginning and I'll write down the important parts, alright?” A pen and notepad floated over to her, landing in the middle of us.

Sweetie laid down, getting comfortable. “Go on, Dinky! I'm ready!”

“Alright.” I said. “It all started when I got home with that book...”

Golden Oaks Library-Present Day-4:50 P.M.

“And then we came here!” I took a deep breath, my story finally complete. Sweetie was looking on with wide eyes and Twilight was scribbling a few more notes into a notepad.

“Hmm...” Twilight mumbled to herself. “So the only way that you'll be able to stop...whoever is doing this to time is to learn all the types of it?”

I nodded. “But..I have no idea where to even begin. I can't just jump around time and hope to randomly come across the pony that knows it.”

Sweetie Belle spoke up. “I have an idea, Dinky. Twilight, you know nothing about time magic?”

“I didn't know what Dinky wanted before is what the problem was. But...” Twilight sparked her horn, flipping through several books. “But if she need to learn about specifics...I think I know what I can find...Spike! Could you come here?”

We heard movements from above us and in a small bit, Spike walked into the room. “Yeah? What's up, Twilight?”

“Spike...do you remember the book I had on time...I think we called it...The Rules of the Timeline...or something like that?” Twilight asked, continuing to flip through her books in front of us.

Spike tapped his chin with a claw for a little bit. “Twilight, you don't remember? We lost that book like six months ago. We had spring cleaning again.”

“Ohhh, darn it!” Twilight smacked her forehead with her hoof. “You're right! That was a really hectic cleaning! Thank you, Spike.”

“No problem.” Spike sort of...wandered into the kitchen while Twilight fretted.

“I'm really sorry, girls. That would really...” Twilight froze completely for a moment before her eyes lit up. “Oh, I'm so stupid! Dinky, you can go get the book!”

I shook my head. “I can't take things out from their place in time...I don't think. And I don't think I want to try.”

Sweetie put the book she was holding down. “I got it! Dinky, if they lost the book, you could go back and find where they put it! Then you can come back here and tell us where it ended up!”

Twilight clapped her hooves together. “Wonderful idea, Sweetie Belle! Dinky, would you be able to check for the book?”

“Well, if it helps, they sure!” I stood up and hopped out of the circle. “How far back was it?”

Twilight tapped the notepad for a little bit. “It was in the spring...I believe that you need to go back about six months, on the first day. Got it?”

I nodded. “Got it!”

Sweetie Belle jumped over to me and hugged me tight. “Good luck, Dinky! And come back safe!”

I grinned and hugged her back. “Expect nothing less.” I moved back from her and stood in the middle of the room. I sparked my horn, seeing the room peel away to show the purple of the timeline. Shutting my eyes for a moment, I concentrated on moving back six months as Twilight had said. With a final flash, Twilight's room melted away as I sped backwards in time.