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Mirrored Hearts

by Gone For Now

Chapters

Prologue: An Unexpected Guest

PROLOGUE: AN UNEXPECTED GUEST

It was practically the dead of night, and tiny beautiful specks of light decorated the night sky. There was a gentle breeze in the air, and the guards all seemed to be in a good mood. Many of the Celestial Guard were departing from their late afternoon shifts to call it a day, as the Lunar Guards were making their way out to start their lengthy night's watch. However, many nights in the beautiful land of Equestria were peaceful, so they felt they didn't have much to worry about anyhow. There were also quite a few couples out, going about midnight strolls throughout the city, while other individuals sat casually at restaurants, conversing about their daily happenings.

But entirely unaware, there was certainly something amiss about the city this night.

A lone figure remained perched atop the corner of one of the many buildings in Canterlot. She was silent, observant, as she eyed the sublime city streets below, only being patrolled by some of the Lunar Guards. The mysterious individual's face was covered, but her purple eyes shined from beneath the light of the moon, they being the only feature that stood out on her face. She slowly pulled out a picture, one that looked worn and crumpled as on it was what appeared to be, a pitch black alicorn surrounded by members of the Lunar Guard. She squinted passively, before gazing up towards the clouds. "Why's it so beautiful here?"

Another gorgeous night, as expected of her dearest sister.

Princess Celestia wore a smile of admiration as she looked up towards the blanket of stars that covered the vast landscape that was their home. She could never describe the feelings that coursed through her everytime she'd witnessed her sister raise the moon and shift the colors of the world in the blink of an eye. It amazed her to say the least, she'd always known Luna was far better at decorating the sky more so than her, and to Celestia, that was only more obvious during Luna's lengthy banishment. She just wanted to sit here for some time, gazing upward at the stars, lost in their mesmerizing yet tiny shine. "It's stunning Luna."

Princess Luna wasn't far, and she was certainly within earshot as she made her way out onto the porch where Celestia was sitting. She joined her sister, sitting at her side and looking up as well. "Why thank you sister, I'm always pleased to hear that you enjoy it hmhm." She chuckled softly, closing her eyes before looking back to Celestia with a soft smile. "It's not often you stay out here this long however, is there something on your mind that you'd like to talk about? You know I'm always here for you if you need me big sister."

Princess Celestia shook her head absently, "No, I just feel I don't spend enough time admiring the beauty of your work. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the same, especially after all that's happened." Princess Celestia glanced wearily to her right. "It feels nice to be able to stay out and enjoy the view every once in awhile, especially with you. Your sky is something I've always envied, it is far more gorgeous than when I had attempted to recreate it." She frowned suddenly, "I always knew nopony could ever do it like you, not even I."

Princess Luna blushed softly, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson as she'd looked away. "C-Come now sister! You're just being modest, there's no need to flatter me you know. I know that your daytime is just as gorgeous." She began shooing away the fellow alicorn, "Now hurry up, go get some rest! You know majority of your mornings consists of busy uptight schedules as usual."

Princess Celestia felt skeptical, hesitant. But those hesitant looks were soon followed by a disappointed sigh, and furthermore, another frown. She knew Luna was right, and although she wanted to remain out here, she knew her busy mornings would more than likely keep her preoccupied majority of tomorrow, and the days after. "You're right my dearest sibling. It seems for now I must retreat to my quarters. I guess I'll see you early tomorrow morning." She flashed Luna a gentle smile before sluggishly turning and lowering her head, making her way back deeper into the castle, soon enough, departing from the throne room and making her way back towards her quarters.

Princess Luna chuckled yet again as she glanced back at Celestia with graceful nod. "Yes, as always." She then shut the door Celestia departed from before remaining perched on the porch, watching over the city with a carefree expression.

Everything was nice and quiet, just how she liked it. She looked up at the numerous buildings out of habit, just for an extra precaution, her eyes scanning each and every one. Everything seemed fine, every tower she glanced at was empty by the looks of-, she paused. Princess Luna raised a brow as she noticed further in the distance was what appeared to be a, cowled, figure? It was just staring at her from afar. She rubbed her eyes, then looked back towards that particular building, expecting to see the mysterious figure again. Not to her displeasure however, she found there was nothing there. But the Princess was skeptical, it wasn't often she saw things, if ever. She was fairly certain there was somepony there a moment ago. "W-What?" Was she really just imagining things? Going senile after all these years? Maybe....

"Nightmare Moon."

A look of shock overcame the princess as she immediately turned to face the sudden voice, which she found oddly familiar. Without having time to think about what that mysterious trespasser just said, she found facing her would be a hooded mare based on pitch of her voice. This was certainly the cloaked individual she'd just seen, but how was that possible? The alicorn found herself feeling quite distraught due to the situation, that would mean this pony just managed to relocate from such a distance in a mere instant. Not that such things were impossible, but, it would more than likely require one who was extremely skilled in teleportation magic. So, who exactly was she? And although it wasn't the priority of the scenario, Luna felt herself growing even more offended due to the fact this mare just called her by a title she'd come to despise when she thought about it. "What is the meaning of this!? Do you realize who it is you're talking to child?"

The mare just stood there eyeing the alicorn intently, remaining silent for the time being.

Princess Celestia, who hadn't made much progress from the throne room, suddenly looked quite surprised as she turned. "Luna?" What had Luna so worked up? She was still within earshot of her sister's words, which obviously compelled the alicorn to start heading back.

It was at this point the mysterious pony smiled, cocking her head back. "Hah, of course I do. But do you realize who you're talking to?" After a moment of silence between the two, she continued with a smirk, "Hmph, of course not. But that's good, I have to say you look much easier to take down when you're like this. Actually, you're much smaller than I expected to. Must've went further back than I realized, seeing as alicorns supposedly take decades to show some form of aging. I guess these really are the early years of your despicable tyranny, a shame you won't be around to experience them." The mare's horn started to glow faintly beneath her hood, revealing she was a unicorn. "Well, how about I stop reminiscing about the good old days and cut to the chase." She glared menacingly, "This is the end for you, Nightmare Moon."

Princess Luna, a little thrown off by the whole situation just continued to look at the mare with a baffled expression, completely confused. "W-What are you going on about? I am no longer Nightmare Moon! I've changed! And you dare threaten me from within my own castle, are you that foolish? Who're you to come in here and lay such claims, to threaten me in such a manner!? I demand you cease this foolishness-"

"SISTER! MOVE!"

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she noticed standing towards the entrance of the room was Celestia. Her sister never felt the need to use her Canterlot voice so hastily, which could only mean something was amiss. It was at that moment Luna realized, as the alicorn princess ducked her head and immediately flying past her would be three transparent blue swords which'd shattered into a spectral mist upon contact with the floor. Her eyes fastened on the location with dread. This mysterious mare was actually intending to harm her?

No even worse, that was attempted murder.

This mare actually had the confidence to assault her from within her own palace and attempt to lay claim to her life all in one fell swoop? Princess Luna's rage started to boil, as she struggled to come to terms with the situation. She snarled angrily as she eyed the mare once again and her own horn shined magnificently as she was preparing for an immediate counter attack. "You dare attempt using such a cowardly method against the guardian of night herself!? You shall be dealt with accordingly!" Princess Luna flapped her wings as she rose high above the mysterious mare. "Prepare thyself mysterious assailant! For you shall not be leaving this castle in one piece! If any pieces at all!"

The hooded mare herself looked a little frustrated by the unexpected intrusion, as she glanced back at Celestia, muttering to herself. "Who is this? Solar Flare? How come she looks so different?" The mare's eyes widened as she passively leaped back, dodging a fierce spell which'd scorched the very floor with blue flame. The counter-spell from the alicorn of the night no doubt, it'd blackened the marble tiles upon impact, and with frightening ease. She looked back up towards Princess Luna, before scowling a bit, "Hmph!" She smirked once again, "That's funny talk, especially from one such as yourself, Nightmare Moon. Do you enjoy making a fool out of yourself?"

Princess Luna was furious at this point, as her bellowing rage only caused her to snap. "I HAVE TOLD YOU! I AM NO LONGER ADDRESSED, BY THAT NAME!!!" She let off another magical blast straight towards her assailant. "I AM PRINCESS LUNA! GUARDIAN OF THE NIGHT AND THE DREAMS OF MY SUBJECTS! I AM NO TYRANT! NOR AM I A VILLAIN!"

Princess Celestia raised a hoof at Luna in desperation, "Sister, wait! Do you plan to destroy the entire castle!?"

The hooded mare reacted absently however, simply raising a hoof and closing her eyes as she cast a spell of her own, muttering silent enchants. Her spell had summoned a transparent purple barrier between her and Luna, Luna's spell being utterly consumed by the mare's in a matter of seconds, then disappearing entirely. She exhaled softly before glaring back up at Princess Luna, "Is that all Nightmare Moon? Guess I should've known your tricks don't pack quite the punch they used to, pretty disappointing actually."

Princess Luna looked on in disbelief herself, no mare should've been capable of canceling out one of her spells with such ease, nopony besides her sister. She calmed down for the moment, "Just who are you? What have I done to cause you to despise me so?"

Princess Celestia looked on from behind, at a loss for words herself before she glared at the mysterious attacker, registering the situation in her mind. "It's time we unmasked this menacing pony ourselves Luna!" Then swiftly, before the hooded mare could react, Princess Celestia cast a telekinetic spell, tearing the cloak from the mystery mare's body and revealing her identity to all present in the throne room.

The mare however, simply stood there with a blank expression. It's not like it'll matter.

Princess Celestia was frozen, overwhelmed with disbelief. She immediately looked overcome with grief, confusion, and dread as she shook her head, taking a few trots forward. "T-Twilight!?" Princess Celestia exhaled heavily, as if at a loss for breath. "Twilight is that you!?"

The mysterious mare was revealed as, Twilight Sparkle? She raised a brow at Princess Celestia, What!? But how do they recognize me? I shouldn't even be born yet. Twilight's gaze fastened back on the tiled floor, as she was at a loss for words herself. Now more focused on the idea of an error in her calculations, rather than the presence of the two enemy alicorns themselves. Then, if I'm not where I thought I'd be. Then where exactly am I? Wait what? No, that's impossible, I could never mess this up, I just couldn't have! She looked to Celestia with a piercing stare, practically demanding answers. "Wait, how do you know my name!?"

Princess Luna looked just as hurt, shocked as she descended back onto the floor. "T-Twilight Sparkle!? But, why?"

Twilight then glanced back at Luna, her eyes wide with confusion as her pupils were dilated. H-Her to? Twilight glanced back and forth between the two, as for the first time since she'd arrived she appeared horribly nervous. H-How did they know who she was? How could everything go absolutely wrong in a mere instant? How did all her planning go to waste? She was immediately thrust into a situation where nothing made sense, not even for her? Nopony should've known who she was this far back in time, it wasn't possible. At that moment Twilight's eyes widened even further as she thought back to what Princess Luna had said to her just a mere moment ago.

I AM NO LONGER ADDRESSED BY THAT NAME!!!

Twilight's brows furrowed as she glanced down, as if coming to some form of realization.

Princess Luna and Celestia then began approaching the mare cautiously.

Princess Celestia looked as if she were on the verge of tears. "Twilight, please; s-stop this, tell me, what's the matter? Why're you doing this my dear student? Please tell me this is some sort of mistake. A misunderstanding. I know you would never resort to anything such as this."

Princess Luna then pointed a hoof at Twilight. "Just a moment sister! Something here isn't right, look!"

Upon closer inspection, Princess Celestia took notice of it to. This Twilight, she had no wings? She was still an ordinary unicorn? She also bore a scar on her face, and her size was significantly smaller, as if she were still in her early teens. This caused Princess Celestia to pause as she just looked at the mare in puzzlement, a changeling? No, not even Chrysalis had the potential to counter Luna's spell so easily. But even so, nor did Twilight. None of this seemed to make any sense. Princess Celestia then thought back to the spell Twilight had used to counteract Luna's, and it was at this moment a theory dawned upon her. "Time Magic?" She was silent, Could that truly be the case?

Twilight took a few trots back cautiously, now more focused on other matters.

Princess Luna looked at Twilight worriedly, "Twilight, what's happened to you? Who put you up to this?"

Twilight's eyes saddened before she lowered her head somewhat, shaking it. "Nopony put me up to anything. It seems I made a big mistake, for this really was one big misunderstanding." She raised a hoof to her head, in obvious frustration. "Does that mean I'm actually aligned with these monsters? No no no, that can't be right." She sighed as she kept her head lowered, continuing to back away, lost in her thoughts.

Princess Luna took a few more trots, proceeding ever closure to the mare. "J-Just calm down Twilight Sparkle and tell us what's happened, we cannot help you if you don't tell us what's wrong. We are your mentors, your allies, your friends. Have you forgotten?"

Twilight snapped, "We aren't, nor will we ever be friends, Nightmare Moon!"

Princess Luna looked struck once again, "N-Nightmare Moon!? Why I never- Why do you keep insisting on using that title!?"

Princess Celestia cut into the conversation with a serious look. Raising a hoof in front of Luna to block her path to this unfamiliar Twilight. "How did you manage to arrive here? Tell me how you managed to pull it off."

Twilight remained silent as she avoided eye contact with Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia continued, "There's only one pony I know of who's ever had such mastery over time magic, and it isn't you. At such a age, such a thing shouldn't be possible, no, it isn't possible." She paused, "Unless..."

Suddenly appearing at the open doorway would be a multitude of both Lunar and Celestial guards, all with their lances and spears unsheathed as their eyes scanned across the room. "Your highness!? What's going on, what's the matter!?" But upon their arrival to the scene, many of the guards almost immediately felt horribly confused. By the looks of it, there were no enemies here, where was the threat? Wait a second, when did Princess Twilight even get here? Many of them instantly found themselves just exchanging puzzled glances to one another, unable to react, and unsure what to do, letting off awkward groans one after the other.

At this point Twilight Sparkle disappeared in a poof of violet smoke, reappearing behind Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, then dashing for the porch. Whereas she glanced back at Princess Celestia afterwords, "Let's agree that on both ends, something has gone horribly wrong. Issues I have no intention of discussing with you." She kept her gaze fastened on the Princess for some time before looking away, "Sorry..." She then climbed atop the porch, before diving off without hesitation, disappearing from sight.

Princess Celestia cried out, still with some form of that motherly worry for her precious student. "T-Twilight!" She hurried over to the porch, looking over the edge as her eyes shifted left and right, scanning the ground in paranoia. She caught sight of the mare however, retreating for the northern gates. Twilight.... She immediately looked back towards her guards as she swiped a hoof hurriedly. "Follow her!"

The guards all looked at one another questioningly before looking back at Princess Celestia, puzzled. One of the other guards spoke out, looking to his fellows for some form of agreement. "Wasn't Princess Twilight down in Ponyville, did anypony see her come in?"

The guards all began muttering "Nope" and "Not me," among each other.

Princess Celestia actually revealed a hint of rage as she stomped a hoof, speaking in her royal Canterlot voice. "Please, just do anything you can to ensure she doesn't get away entirely! Time is of the essence my loyal subjects!"

The guards then reacted with hasty salutes as they left the scene, going out to attempt capturing the retreating Twilight Sparkle.

Princess Luna made her way over to Celestia, glancing up at her questioningly. "Sister, what was that? Or, who was that?"

Princess Celestia's brow furrowed as she turned to her sister. "It was certainly Twilight Sparkle, but a little more complicated."

Princess Luna nodded plainly, "Yes, I got the hint. But why'd she act so strange? Why was she acting in such a manner? Does she not remember everything she's been through, her experiences with us? Is it some form of twisted amnesia or a curse?"

Princess Celestia looked back over the ledge of the porch, further into the city. "I don't believe that's the Twilight we know and love."

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she only looked more confused, "What?"

Princess Celestia turned back towards the exit of the throne room as she beckoned Luna over. "Come sister."

They felt they certainly had a long night ahead of them.

Meanwhile on the outskirts of Ponyville, it was a also a calm night as Princess Twilight Sparkle sat within her own personal throne room, well if one could call it that. Her eyes scanned over the pages of a particular book, as she was obviously fascinated based on her demeanor.

Spike yawned as he made his way tiredly towards a particular room, heading to bed.

Twilight glanced at him, then calling the baby dragon back over. "Oh oh Spike! Come here a sec, you've gotta check this out. It's amazing, the ponykyptrotic scenario provides an alternative to the widely accepted Big Buck theory. It suggests that, unlike the Big Buck that began from singularity, our universe is one of a pair of universes that collided. The effect of the collision resets the universe. From there, it expands for billions of light years until it contracts back to where everything began. The speed and energy of that reduction creates another massive collision and the universe is reborn. The cycle continues for infinity. Don't you see, this leads to so many possibilities!" She winked at him, "Infinite, possibilities. Isn't it interesting? Starswirl the Bearded was probably one of the few who took the initiative to look into such things as well, how disappointing." Twilight frowned heavily for a second before smiling widely back at Spike. "So what do you say Spike!?"

Spike just looked at Twilight with a raised brow, before turning back towards the bedroom sluggishly. "Uhuh, um, I think I'll pass Twilight."

Twilight watched the baby dragon depart with a disappointed look before looking back down at her book with a sigh. "Ugh, isn't there anypony out there who shares a similar interest in these things?" She pouted, before continuing to read over her book with a light frown.

Chapter 1: Running from Reality

CHAPTER 1: RUNNING FROM REALITY

So, I'm not in the past? Twilight looked towards the skies, feeling lost, adrift in a vast endless ocean.

Did that mean she was no more than a double, that everything she strove for, that all her hard work was for nothing? She knew that escape should've been her main priority, but she couldn't help but feel consumed in her own shame, her own sense of dismay. If such theories were true, then she'd failed her world, herself, and ultimately her mentor. So what was she supposed to do now? There was no way she could duplicate such a spell twice. It was only the circumstances of the situation that allowed her to barely pull it off the first time. In a world such as this, there was no way she'd be able to do it again. Everything was so unfamiliar, her resources were uncertain, and there was nopony she felt could compel her to recreate the same scenario. She lowered her hind legs, sighing heavily as she contemplated what to do.

As she did so, her disappointment, her anger, in herself only continued to grow. The mare gritted her teeth as she sat atop the roof of one of the numerous buildings. A look of rage overcoming her as she slammed a hoof atop the concrete surface, practically snarling as she did. She bit her lower lip, attempting to stop herself from breaking down and revealing any form of weakness, even though she was alone. "I'm such an idiot!" She was a fool to not ensure the spell would go exactly as planned. She could've succeeded, if only she'd been more patient, if only she'd been less paranoid and spent more time making sure everything was setup correctly.

Twilight's eyes saddened as she stood to all fours once again, lowering her head and closing her eyes. There was nothing left for her anymore, she was no more than a husk who'd failed at her purpose at life. Since she'd been stripped of her cloak, it allowed her to glance back at her cutie mark, one which she didn't even understand. She'd truly failed in every aspect of the word. She might as well go look for a quiet place to live out the rest of her life, wallowing in her own regret, it's all she felt she wanted to do at this point. She began trotting sluggishly, towards the edge of the building before looking off towards the distant lands of Equestria, outside of Canterlot. She glanced around observantly, looking for a suitable destination in particular. A faint smile formed on her lips as she took notice of a small looking town not far from here. "A town huh? Looks peaceful enough, I guess it'll a good place to run off to for now." She raised a hoof, muttering yet another spell beneath her breath. Suddenly a fairly large blue portal appeared before the mare as she trotted, approaching it.

"Twilight, stop!"

Twilight's eyes widened, before she glanced back. Oh yea, she'd have to deal with these two again. Perhaps attacking alicorns in their own city wasn't a very good idea. Especially when they're not even the ones you were after. "Oh boy, here we go..."

Suddenly landing on the far end of the building Twilight was upon would be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, accompanied by members of their individual guards of course. They were pegasi in particular, and acted as if they were a private escort squad.

The guards snarled at Twilight, unsheathing their weapons as they kept them fastened on the familiar purple mare.

Princess Celestia cautiously took a few trots forward, in a similar manner to before. "We can help you Twilight. If you let us."

Twilight squinted at the alicorn in suspicion, whose mane was still unfamiliar. She was obviously in league with Nightmare Moon. But by the looks of it, she even appeared to be of higher rank than her. Not much different from Solar Flare. "Who're you?"

Although Celestia knew this Twilight wasn't the Twilight they knew, she still felt quite struck by the mare's words. The Princess felt hurt to the point where she'd even flinched in slight reaction to them. She sighed, closing her eyes and bringing back to memory the fact she was practically meeting Twilight for the first time once again. Although she'd never imagined such an occurrence would happen, she definitely would've expected it to be a lot more heartfelt than this. Princess Celestia raised a hoof, placing it upon her chest in an introductory manner, before speaking out almost pleadingly to the mare. "I, am Princess Celestia, Twilight. I am the embodiment of the sun, ruler and protector of these lands, and I can assure you, we, are not, here to hurt you. Please, just trust us, we can sort this entire situation if you cooperate."

Twilight never lost that look of caution she had for the two alicorns, although she was starting to feel a bit more lenient with them as well. Could these two really help her? But her gaze drifted back to Nightmare Moon, in which she was immediately overcome with a look of disgust, cocking her head back. "What's your relationship to Nightmare Moon? Depending on your answer I might trust you."

At that point, Princess Luna, unable to hold herself back any longer, trotted forward. Much like Celestia, she raised a hoof, placing it upon her chest in an explanatory manner. "I am not, the mare you believe me to be. I am known as Princess Luna, guardian of the night, and I admit, there was once a time I was referred to as, Nightmare Moon." She said those two words with a pause and a scowl, but then continued. "But things are different now, I am no longer that twisted deity of nightmares. I wish to earn the forgiveness of my subjects, and be the protector of their dreams, not the result of their night terrors. Please, you must understand me Twi-erhm, new Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight looked at Luna questioningly, before sighing once again. Well, this alicorn certainly didn't act like the Nightmare Moon she knew, but she'd certainly just admitted to once being her, which was enough for Twilight. The longer this drew on the more conflicted she became. So this mare used to be Nightmare Moon but changed? Then there was this other alicorn she'd never seen before, but if this 'Luna' were the counterpart of Nightmare Moon then did that mean this 'Celestia' was the counterpart of her other most dreaded enemy? Although she herself certainly made a horrible first impression, all Twilight felt she wanted at this point was to be left alone. "I see. Well, if you two truly want to help me, then just let me be." She turned away, making her way into the portal, "I'm a bit annoyed, and you guys aren't helping."

Princess Celestia's horn started to glow as she glared at the departing mare, "Do you think we can truly just let you trot away like this?"

Twilight glanced back at the alicorn in slight amusement, "Hmph. Then catch me." Her eyes widened a bit with a bit of playful curiosity, "Well, if you can that is." She slowly started to fade, like very dust in the wind as her actual physical being broke down into a mythical form, flowing into the portal afterwords. As not long afterwords, her portal and any previous sign of it, disappeared along with her.

The color in Celestia's horn died down before she just continued to glare at the spot where this alternate Twilight had once stood. Her demeanor easily reflected her own feelings of frustration, seeing as this Twilight wanted nothing to do with her, whereas she obviously wanted the opposite. This new Twilight was judging them before even giving them a chance, and it wasn't often the Princess felt so lost about what to do in a situation. If this Twilight truly was so different from the original, she didn't have time to gain her trust and just play tea and meetings in order to get to know her on a personal level. Anything could happen. "Let us go find our little double Luna, she couldn't have gone far." Princess Celestia was impatient, wanting nothing more than to hurry and resolve this issue.

Princess Luna on the other hoof was already growing quite weary of this whole scenario. She scoffed, "Hah! I don't know about you sister but if she requests us to leave her alone, I say fine! If she doesn't want to trust us, then let her be. She'll soon come to realize running around as a fake Twilight Sparkle certainly won't bring her any less attention." She looked to Celestia in obvious annoyance. "She chooses to judge us, to attack us before even getting to know us? Then she might as well learn for herself how far she'll get without our us."

Princess Celestia frowned softly, then shaking her head at Luna. "I understand your frustration Luna, but don't let this Twilight's ignorance of our world deter you. She is young, obviously regretful of how her actions played out, and we to are ignorant of her past experiences with us. Obviously we have caused this Twilight much trouble in her life, and it is for that reason she refuses to believe in us."

Princess Luna turned away from Celestia, still contemplating, remaining silent.

Celestia made her way to her sister's side. "Luna please, I understand she has already caused you much trouble even though she's been here for less than a day. I am angry with her to, for she attempted to take my dearest sister away from me permanently, but she is still Twilight. She may not be the same student I taught and mentored, but it pains me to think about what we may have done to cause her to sway off her destined path so much. To think I might've been a cause of great burden to her pains me to say the least." Celestia paused, "She's desperate, and she needs help. And I would love your help in proving to her just how wrong she is about us."

There was a brief moment of silence between the two rulers, as the only noise that could be heard would be the ambiance from the wind.

Princess Luna looked back at Celestia with a scowl, before easing up into a look of understanding. "Fine...."

On the outside of Ponyville, suddenly a fairly large portal had appeared, like a floating whirlpool into a separate universe. Taking shape outside this portal would be gathering specks of purple dust, hardening and actually forming into a physical being.

Twilight had arrived in the small town just as planned, although at the outskirts, towards the edge of a forest. She looked to one of the signs which she assumed referred to the name of the place, saying it to herself softly, "Ponyville?" For the first time since she'd arrived, she actually looked fairly pleased, chuckling even. "Hmhm, good to know they're really straightforward. Least it's a town I know I'll be welcomed in." So without a worry, Twilight made her way into the peaceful rural town of Ponyville. Maybe she could get some supplies.

Although it was late at night, it appeared there were still a few places open in the small town. But there was one in particular Twilight couldn't resist heading towards, it was a colorful little place, one that looked to have an assortment of interesting delicacies attached to it. As she'd made her way inside, she wasn't surprised to glance around only to see an empty shop. Actually, it was absolutely perfect, she preferred it that way. She sighed with relief, before looking to the counter where behind it, stood a cheerful looking pink pony with a very erratic mane. Twilight put on a soft smile, "Hello there fair pony. I was curious if your resources were generous."

The pink pony looked to Twilight with a wide smile, before bouncing on all four hooves. "Heya Twilight!"

Twilight suddenly looked quite baffled. "What? How do you-" she paused, before coming to an immediate realization, appearing fairly annoyed afterwords. "Oh, r-right" These ponies to? Apparently I'm a pretty big deal in this world, must be nice. But I've gotta keep a lower profile somehow. She continued on her way to the front counter. "Well um, anyway. Do you have anything to eat? Maybe some veggie shards? Or perhaps a coco sliver?" She blinked a bit with an almost expectant smile, as if such information were common.

The pink pony just looked at Twilight with a clueless expression, unable to process anything the mare just said in her mind. She chuckled nervously as she bent over, rummaging beneath the counter. "U-Um, well I-, no we don't have those Twilight, but as usual we've got," then the pink pony placed out a full plate of cupcakes in front of the mare. "Cupcakes! In all sorts of different flavors! I'm sure you'll like them!"

Twilight eyed the sugary sweets in amazement, disbelief as she grabbed one of these so called, cupcakes, observing it intently. "W-Wha? These look absolutely gorgeous, and delicious! What did you call them? Cupcakes?!" Twilight then lowered her hind legs, holding the cupcake close as if it were a precious object. "Ugh, if only that alicorn didn't take my cloak, this would've been perfect for my notes. A cupcake, this looks even better than a licorice fraction. I bet hot-head had all sorts of food like this hidden away in the palace."

The pink pony just looked down at Twilight with wide eyes, she then went back behind the counter. She began tapping her muzzle in a paranoid manner, before speaking softly to herself. "J-Jeez! Twilight sure is acting funny, and where did she get that scar? And where are her wings? Is it possible this isn't the Twilight we've come to know and love but in actuality a Twilight from a completely alternate universe only to have mistakenly teleported herself here due to the outcome of a very powerful time spell?" She looked up, before chuckling. "Pshhhhh! No way, now that's just crazy talk silly!" The pink pony then leaned back over the counter, taking notice of the fact Twilight was still observing the cupcakes. "Hey, um, Twilight! Where did you get that scar, and where are your wings? You look funny all of a sudden!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she glanced back at the mare questioningly, "What? Why's it matter?" Her expression died down as she sighed once again. Right, she'd have to get used to the fact she bore the appearance of a very well known Twilight Sparkle, which would definitely pose to be a problem most likely in the future. Maybe it was time she adopted a new name for the time being, she looked up inquisitively, thinking about it. "Uhm, just call me Violet." Violet, a very simple and generic name with a very straightforward meaning, perfect.

Violet continued observing the cupcake, picking up each one and poking at the icing, responding absently. "And I got my scar from a very dangerous dragon, an infamous beast in our homeland, and one of the most cherished guardians of my two most hated enemies. He's one of the main reasons I'm stuck here, if it weren't for him I wouldn't have felt the need to rush the spell, but circumstances forced me into such a predicament, he might've killed me otherwise." She'd dwell on the pink pony's second question for a moment before continuing on, quite confused, "And wings? Why would I have wings, do I look like a pegasus to you?" Or maybe she was a pegasus here, she wasn't sure.

The pink pony looked horribly flustered, as if she were actually taking a test. It certainly felt like Twilight was testing her, why was she acting so weird!? But her face lit up as she to came to a realization, but of course, this must've been some sort of game! A prank to get back at her for all the funny jokes she played on them. Oh goodie, that sounded fun! Still didn't explain how Twilight managed to hide her wings though, the pink pony shrugged, must've been some sort of new spell. She giggled, if Twilight wanted to act like this then she might as well play along. "Oh, okay Vioooolet, I get it hehe!" She leaned atop the counter with one hoof and a confident smirk.

Twilight glanced back at the pink pony once again, a little thrown off by her words, "Wait, you do?" She shook her head, "Oh I-I mean, um, that's good! Anyway," she went back to observing the cupcakes before standing back to all four hooves, and using her telekinetic magic to levitate the plate at her side. "What'll it cost me to take these 'cupcakes' off your hooves?"

The pink pony giggled again as she popped on a fake moustache and a apron, speaking in an unfamiliar accent. "Only a couple of ze finest bits you have my dear girl." She began brushing through her fake brown mustache with a hoof, leaning the other atop the counter.

Twilight cocked a brow at the pony, a little surprised. "Bits?" She thought about it, bits, a form of currency she'd read about, good thing she studied on this. Apparently even in the past of her world they used this strange form of currency known as bits. She then raised her hoof as she cast another spell, and suddenly falling down atop the counter would be a pile of glistening transparent gold coins.

The pink pony's eyes widened with disbelief as she slammed her hooves on the countertop, picking up one of the bits and then observing them contently. "C-CHOCOLATE PONIES! THESE, THESE ARE SOME OF ZE MOST AMAZING BITS I HAVE EVER SEEN!" She picked up another, inspecting it with one eye. "Well I must say it was quite a pleasure doing business with you young lady."

Twilight backed away with a pleased smile, "Thanks haha." Then hurriedly ran for the door, and outside the shop.

The pink pony ripped away her apron and fake mustache, giggling heartily. "Wow! That was so fun hehe! I love roleplaying, and I love this game! I wonder what Twilight's planning to do next, I better go find out! Oh oh oh, but I don't want to spoil it for later, what happens if the others are playing to? Mmmmmmm." The mare began bouncing up and down on her hooves impatiently, "Oooooh but I want to know so so bad!" She crossed her hooves grumpily, before smiling contently and just remaining behind the counter. "Nope! I'm gonna stay patient! Then it'll make the surprise even better, hehe, maybe I'll get to see that dangerous dragon she was talking about!" She eyed the bits, "Wow, but these coins Twilight left are so realistic and new looking, she must be really dedicated to making this convincing!"

That, was one weird pony. Well, at least she was nice, and she gave her these amazing treats.

Twilight sat some lengths away from Sugarcube Corner, sitting on the curb, munching on the cupcakes contently. But as she was chewing, the mare's eyes slowly started to form tears, as a look of guilt overcame her while she raised another cupcake before her. Were their worlds really so different? To the point where delicacies such as these were unfamiliar to her? Twilight closed her eyes, before taking a bite out of another cupcake. Apparently the Twilight here was also very well known, famous even, having become friends with Nightmare Moon?

She was even known even in some small secluded town such as this? Could she have done it as well, could she have befriended Nightmare Moon and Solar Flare, convinced them to turn to the side of good if she'd tried hard enough? Had she made all the wrong decisions? She felt lost, uncertain, even now, sitting here in the dead of night in an alternate universe, stripped and without guidance. At this point, her whole life felt like one big mistake, one after another, one horrible revelation at a time. Twilight sulked, lowering her head.

Chapter 2: Trouble in Paradise


CHAPTER 2: TROUBLE IN PARADISE

Twilight, or better yet, Violet, wandered the streets of Ponyville for some time after her encounter with the strange pink pony. Luckily for her, most ponies were heading for bed around this late hour of the day, most too tired to even take notice of the familiar mare wandering the streets. Although, it wasn't as if Violet were attempting to conceal her appearance either. For her, she still felt too distracted, too lost in this entirely new world to care about being the second Twilight in an unfamiliar land. She found herself gazing up at the stars again, lost in the peaceful ambiance of the night, in a time of reflection she often wasn't granted in her own world.

Violet was lost in her own thoughts revolving around how such a world could possibly exist. She'd even drifted back to when she first arrived here, having noticed the night was too beautiful even back then. All she could recall back home were skies of black, dense gray clouds preventing any from looking above and beyond for admiration or even comfort. It often had a lonesome affect on the world, one she didn't often miss. Those who didn't live in the palace were never granted privileges such as this.

"Hey, you okay Twilight?"

Violet remained silent, as she only continued to look up towards the sky.

The pony approached Violet casually, waving a hoof in front of her out of concern. "Earth to Twiliiiight."

Violet blinked, her eyes widening before she shook her head and shot the mare an awkward glance. "Y-Yes! I'm fine I'm fine!" She paused, remembering she had to bring about her new identity, defend it, "And my name isn't Twilight, it's- um, V-Violet, Violet Autumn." She eyed the pony up and down to find an aquamarine mare with golden eyes, streaks of white decorating her mane which ultimately bore a similar appearance to her coat. "I'm mistaken for Twilight often, so I understand. Please just don't do it again." She gulped nervously, attempting to give the mare the most convincing look she could. That look resulted in a cheesy nervous smile.

The aquamarine mare raised a brow at Twilight, as she appeared quite puzzled. First she looked at Violet's cutie mark, which also bore similar appearance to Twilight's, then at her mane, her coat, and everything else which just seemed to scream Twilight. She found herself rubbing her mane with a questioning glare, "Hm, Violet Autumn eeeh?" She did notice Violet didn't have wings like Twilight, or a crown, and Twilight didn't have any scar on her face either. So maybe she really was telling the truth, not like it was any of her business anyway. She shrugged and continued sipping on some soda pop she had in an opposite hoof, "Alright Violet, whatever you say, sorry for bothering you!" She closed her eyes, retreating to a friend she had waiting for her on the right end of the dirt path. "And nice to meet you, welcome to Ponyville!"

Violet sighed with relief, looked like her alternate persona came off flawlessly. Yet her face scrunched up into a look of displeasure for a moment. It's not like she was displeased with the attention, actually she enjoyed it quite a bit. She was also possibly jealous about it, unused to it, leaving her feeling quite awkward. She was hesitant about what she was about to do, and she'd actually flinched at the thought before just compelling herself to call out to the departing mare, "E-Excuse me!" Casual conversation seemed so foreign to her, so unnecessary where she came from. It was as if she were taking her first step on an entirely different journey, into the depths of society, attempting to rise up the social ladder.

The mare turned, looking back at Violet curiously, "Hm?"

Violet then fell silent, only giving the mare an awkward gaze as her eyes shifted before she chuckled nervously, scratching at the back of her own mane. "I-Is there anyplace where I can get some clothes, or a coat or something, get's really cold out and, y-you know, one could definitely use something to fight that cold!" She did a boxing motion with her hooves. "Cause, none of us like to be chilly, well most of us! Well unless you like the cold that is, or something like that." She blushed and lowered her head, "Haha, um, yea." She began twiddling her hooves as she eyed the mare again with a look of anxiety, shame, and total urgency. "So, you know of a place?"

The mare looked at Violet, speechless, before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! It's cool, no worries. Just head on over to Rarity's house, it's the big funny shaped place further down from here, it'll look like a circus tent, you can't miss it."

Violet gulped before looking even more embarrassed. "Circus tent? Erhm, what might be this circus tent?"

The mare couldn't help but raise her brow in regards to Violet's comment once again. What had this mare been doing her whole life, living under a rock or something? No matter, she couldn't expect everypony to know everything now could she? It's just this pony had such a similar appearance to Twilight as well, so to add on such a clueless personality, only made the situation more awkward. The mare shook her head, feeling a bit guilty for casting judgments on the poor girl. She raised a hoof in an explanatory manner, "It'll be one of the tallest buildings with a little flag on top. Just keep an eye open! You can't miss it!" She exhaled before turning away yet again, waving at Violet with a pleased smile. "Later Violet, and goodnight." With that the mare departed, heading back over to her friend and sipping on her soda pop.

"L-Later!" Violet called back out to her. She then sighed heavily, closing her eyes before glancing back towards the dirt path. When it was business, talking felt so easy. Why did it feel so hard when talking about anything else? She used to talk about other things with her master all the time, although that was years ago. She was just probably a little rusty, that's all. She just had to get used to it, while buying her time to figure out a way to solve her problems. This world had some fairly amazing things such as cupcakes, surely they also had the materials for her to repeat the process.

Violet grumpily stood back to all fours, keeping her head lowered as she trotted in the direction the mare pointed, not wanting to dwell on her own shame of being unable to converse properly. She muttered to herself in hushed whispers, "Circus tent, circus tent! Of course you should've studied up on these circus's doofus, argh!"

Violet made her way further into the town, whereas she figured out this local village was much larger than she'd expected. She kept her eyes on the prize however, reminding herself along the way. "Flag, flag, flag, flag." She glanced from rooftop to rooftop, looking for that tiny flag which marked her location. And eventually, just as the mare had mentioned, there was a building further off to the side which had a tiny flag placed at the top. This place must've been Rarity's house, and it certainly was quite the interesting looking home. Violet stopped a few paces from the building, just looking up at it with wide eyes. "Wow." She appeared to be lost in a fascinated trance. This building was a home in a village such as this? Houses like these were only seen within the palace usually, this Rarity must've had quite a lot of currency or either had a very keen sense of imagination. Violet closed her eyes, shook her head, then took in a deep breath of preparation.

She wouldn't let things turn out like last time, no, she'd definitely communicate properly this time. All she had to do was treat this like her missions, then everything would turn out just fine. "You can do this Twi- I mean, Violet! You can do this Violet, you, can, do this. It's only to get another cloak, heh, asking for one shouldn't be too hard. I mean how hard could asking for it be, or paying, just pay for it like the cupcakes." She placed a hoof on her lower lip, glancing down worriedly, "But was I disrespectful when I asked for the cupcakes, wait, was the way I acted in that shop weird?" She recalled the pony wearing the fake mustache and putting on that fake accent as her brow twitched, "C-Could that have been considered normal!?" She shook her head again, "No! You're definitely overthinking things Twi-I mean Vilight, Violet! ARGH!" She stomped her hooves angrily, obviously flustered as she swiped one hoof afterwords. "NO! No no no no! No more games! This is easy! The easiest thing ever! I won't be bested by a world such as this!" She stomped with determination straight towards the boutique, and soon, inside.

A pony with a white coat sat behind her sowing machine, biting the tip of her tongue as she remained concentrated on the task set before her. She possessed a look of natural grace, although she also bore many small tweaks which seemed to enhance her beauty. Her gorgeous purple mane appeared to be curled to perfection, while her lashes were touched upon in a similar manner. She wore a pair of reading glasses to get a better look at her work. "Just one more little touch." She rose, a smile of satisfaction spreading across her face, "Ah! Perfect!" She snatched up the piece of cloth, holding it up in front of herself as she eyed a spoiled cat which sat atop her desk. "Oooopal darling, what do you think? It's gorgeous? Is it not?"

The cat revealed as Opalescence, simply gave the pony a bored look before letting off a tired, "Mroooow...."

SLAM!

Both Opalescence and Rarity's eyes widened at the sound of the front door suddenly being shoved open in such a loud and violent manner. Which caused the mare to immediately glance over in that direction, more so out of fear rather than anger. "Huh!?" And what she saw only caused her to feel more perplexed as she just looked on for a few seconds. Standing in the doorway was, Twilight? What was she doing here at this time?

The purple mare raised a hoof defiantly, confidently, as she eyed the snow white pony herself. "I am here! To buy, some, clothes?" This pony must of certainly been the Rarity the mare spoke of.

Rarity only continued to look on confused, as she squinted one eye in Twilight's direction. "Twilight? What do you think you're do-AAAAH!!" She gasped, taking notice of Twilight's horrid features. She was scarred!? It even spread across her entire face, right between her brows and further past her muzzle, how could this have happened?! And where was Twilight's wings, oh she knew Twilight was always too risky with those experiments but this was absolutely dreadful! "Twilight darling, what's happened to you!? Come come, of course we'll get something to cover you up right away. You must tell me what you've been doing with yourself!"

Violet sighed as she shook her head at the mare, "No! I am not Twilight Sparkle, I am Violet Autumn. I have come to buy some clothes, I must conceal my appearance and continue on my journey, there's no time to waste noble pony of the circus house. I require your assistance, please, will you trust my word, and take my bits as payment?"

The color sunk from Rarity's face, this was even worse than she thought. Not only had Twilight severely damaged her own appearance, she'd even damaged her own brain! She obviously wasn't well. It was up to one of her dearest friends to be there for her in her time of need and get her back on her hooves, good thing she came here. Rarity burst to her own hooves, immediately grabbing a piece of cloth from her counter and hurrying over to Twilight. She ran a hoof down the mare's face "O-Of course darling, anything you need. Just come on in and we'll talk prices hm?"

Rarity made her way to Twilight's side, leading her further inside and immediately wrapping the cloth around the mare's neck, and pulling it over her face, concealing it in shadow. "Let's go check you out in the mirror hm?" Rarity's eyes saddened, oh how could this have possibly happened? Poor Twilight, and where was Spike? Could he have been hurt in this experiment as well!?

As Violet trotted, she smirked softly to herself. Hah, everything was going absolutely perfect, she knew she could nail her conversational techniques a second time. The mare didn't even question her identity continuously, she was actually willingly believing her, with no complications. Ah, the future was looking good.

Violet continued. "Why thank you pony mistress of the circus house, I assure you, any price you've got on your mind, I can pay for. You see, back in my homeland, items such as these bits were not used for currency and were a common resource. When I was a filly I used to venture out into the fields of black mist, dabble in all sorts of dangerous magics. Even met a Verastelyan one time. Can you believe it?" She lifted her head up confidently with an almost smug expression, chuckling a bit, "Yea yea, I know I know, it's pretty unbelievable, but I swear to you it's true." She closed her eyes reflecting back, a little lost in her own words. "Ah I remember it like it was yesterday-"

Rarity was biting the tip of her hoof nervously, this was truly horrifying. Twilight was absolutely insane! Could anypony possibly recover from this? Twilight was making up words now, fabricating nonsense from her imagination! This wasn't Twilight anymore, this was a pony that belonged in the mad house. How Twilight managed to get herself to this place was a miracle in itself.

Rarity was now doing all she could to prevent herself from going into a panic, she had to get to the others, but she had to ensure Twilight remained safe as well, she could hurt herself in such a state. She glanced down, she had to think, think think think, there had to be a way she could distract Twilight long enough to go grab the others so they could sort out this issue. Wait, but of course, the clothes, Twilight came here for clothes, that's exactly what she'd give her then. She'd give her so much clothes that by the time Twilight tried them all on, she'd already have all the others here to assist her. She smirked, it was genius. Rarity wrapped a hoof around Twilight in that moment, "Darling, you know what! Since it's your first time here in my Boutique, I'll allow you a minimum of four outfits, on the house! It's the least I could do. But you have to promise me that you'll keep trying them on until your absolutely satisfied with what you find. Okaaay?"

Twilight paused in her words before she looked to the mare, shocked. "W-What!? Really?! But I thought society was structured in the manner that I must pay for what I want with the use of currency known as bits. Are clothes free? Is this something that is common within places such as circus houses?" She began tapping her lower lip in suspicion, "No, of course not, that is far too simple. Wait a minute," She turned, glaring angrily at the mare. "Are you attempting to trick me perhaps? But why, what wrongs have I committed since I came here?" Her eyes widened worriedly, "Do you think my conversational technique is bad? Is that it? What's your game!?" She snarled fiercely.

Rarity raised her own hooves in defense, backing up against the wall. "Darling darling! I swear to you I am not tricking you, I am only offering you common courtesy for first timers in my shop. I mean, a little generosity goes a long way does it not?" She gulped as Twilight got in her face, to where Rarity noticed something else quite peculiar. Did Twilight get smaller also? No, that wasn't the correct word, younger, would be more precise. She was actually forced to look down at the mare? Yes, Twilight was much younger, but not to the point where she was a filly, perhaps her early teens? Rarity's heart raced as her expression sunk. This situation only got worse and worse, and the affects might only be continuing, she couldn't risk wasting time! "Please, believe me Twi- uh, Violet, the last thing I want is for my customers to lose faith in me."

Violet kept her glare of suspicion fastened on the mare for a few seconds afterwords, as she sighed, lowering her guard. "Forgive me, let's just say my upbringing has caused me to question many things. Especially in foreign territory, anything can happen, and you never know who you can trust. But I am also unfamiliar with the methods you ponies use, so please be patient with me Ms Rarity, mistress of the circus house." She put on a thankful smile, "I am forever grateful for your generosity, it is not often I come across such kind ponies on my journeys either. I would be more than willing to take you up on your offer, and offer up some bits in a form of generosity myself." She closed her eyes and bowed. Hm, maybe things won't turn out so bad afterall, maybe I can get used to the way things work here.

Rarity gulped once more, before nodding hurriedly. "Y-Yes, of course darling, now come come, let us take you to the dressing room. I have quite the variety for you to choose from, I'm sure you'll love them." She then went back to Twilight's side, pushing her along through the Boutique to the dressing room.

Violet, although attempting to hide it, was absolutely ecstatic about the idea. She'd never been clothes shopping before, and she couldn't remember the last time she was forced to get a new cloak, but now she'd be able to choose an assortment of them and all for free! She felt like a little filly receiving her first gift again, how could a world such as this possibly exist? At this point she was even starting to feel a bit guilty about how she'd treated Nightmare Moon and Hot-Head's counterpart, actually no, it wouldn't be that easy. Even if they were alternate versions of themselves, she couldn't allow herself to accept them so easily, not after what they'd done.

Either way, now wasn't the time to complain, Violet just arrived in this world and already she was meeting ponies like this circus pony! Surely more ventures awaited her in learning more about this rich world full of kindness and love, and although she knew she had to remain focused as well, it didn't hurt to feel a little eager about good things to come. Violet nearly burst off her hooves into a small dance as she bit her lower lip with a smile, "Oh oh! Okay, let us go see your numerous cloaks then. Might you have the florescent quatrinium shader!?"

Rarity led her to the room where she kept all her different styles of clothing, on display for this, disturbing Twilight to see. Rarity's heart ached at the idea of leaving all her clothes alone with Twilight in such a state, but she was doing this for their friendship, to protect her. Because she surely couldn't solve this issue alone, nor did she want to risk forcing Twilight to leave the Boutique, she had to play along. Such an act may frighten the mare off. This, was for the best.

As time passed, as expected, soon only Rarity emerged from her home, wrapped in a scarf, shivering a bit in reaction due to the chilly winds. She looked ahead with determination as she stood outside the Boutique, from the looks of it things had went according to plan with Twilight, and she'd managed to buy herself some precious time. Rarity sighed as she looked back at her home with a worried glance, at the second level in particular, "Don't worry Twilight, I'll be back soon with the others. Just what sort of spell could've done this to you?" She then looked ahead once again, before bursting forward on all fours with fierce determination, particularly in the direction of Sugarcube Corner.

Meanwhile inside the Boutique, Violet stood in front of a mirror, at her side were a multitude of folded clothes as she looked lost, mesmerized by her own appearance. She wore a beautiful layered outfit, mostly uncommon seeing as ponies didn't have a need for clothes, but she loved them nonetheless. It was a sweater, covered by a thinner hooded coat with a small red beanie to match. She slowly lifted a hoof, running it down her chest to get a feel for the material as she glanced down at herself with wide eyes. "All of these things....."

"Mrow?"

Violet's eyes widened as she glanced back at the open doorway which lead into the dressing room. She saw standing there observing her curiously was a funny looking cat. She snickered as she gave the cat a grin, "You like?"

Opalescence frowned, "Mroooooow......."

And as Rarity raced for Sugarcube Corner, peacefully sleeping in her own bed from within her castle was Princess Twilight. She slept without a care in the world, as all was silent during yet another gorgeous night from Princess Luna. She'd spent majority of her day in private, reading, so it didn't feel wrong to hit the hay a little early. Times had been peaceful as of late, hopefully they'd remain that way, days where she could just read and study in a relaxing atmosphere like she used to do back in Canterlot.

Maybe, just maybe, things could stay quiet for awhile.

Chapter 3: Drawback of Desperation


CHAPTER 3: DRAWBACK OF DESPERATION

Violet felt as if she were hypnotized. Even though she'd never been in a world such as this one, there were small things that still even she found familiar. Little things one didn't often take notice of, such as the colors. For her it was the color red, that reminded her of home. Her memories were bitter to say the least, and she didn't enjoy recalling them, but they couldn't help but come to mind. She looked dazed, as her eyes were fastened on a small piece of cloth she was using to wrap up a hefty amount of bits for Rarity. Her magic holding a pen in place, the tip fastened on the surface of a piece of paper. The ink, red as the cloth, moist and wet as it sunk deep into the material of the paper.

Violet looked to be reaffirming her sense of purpose, as she was taken back to darker times. Times that reminded her of why she could never truly become comfortable in this world. Times that reminded her of one of her greatest fears, dragons.

Fire, that was all she could see. A world bathed in living flame, that danced about and wrapped itself around its victims, like that of a serpent coiling around its prey. Tears swelled in the filly's eyes as she climbed to all fours, staggering, and lacking the will to move forward. She was afraid, frozen in place, and that very fear outgrew her own will to survive. She watched as wooden homes caved in on themselves, still with individuals inside. There was screaming, as expected, their agonizing cries piercing her mind and leaving their mark, no different from any physical wound. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't look away, it was as if some unexplained force kept her focused, forced her to witness such a horrific act.

Then, there was a faint voice.

"What're you doing kid!?"

It felt so quiet, inaudible, and it wasn't enough to turn her away from the sight before her. The sight of ponies being scorched alive, many tossing and turning on the ground before them, their eyes wide with full realization of what was happening. Obvious in their expressions that they could feel every torturing second in their last brief moments of life. Ponies she'd seen daily, ponies of all kinds, mothers, fathers, children, it was a diverse massacre. She looked to two individuals in particular, a colt, about her size. It looked confused, just as much as she was. It watched with wide eyes as another, larger equine, gripped her own mane, tearing at it as the flame covered her very being.

The colt seemed desperate, unaware of what to do, but fully aware he was running short on time. He reached for her, as if that would make any difference. The mare, while letting off that screeching yell and horrific cry, swatted his hoof away. It was obvious soon enough her throat was burning, for her expression of pain never left her face, but her cries slowly died down. She fell to the dirt, eyes wide, as her once beautiful light brown coat, charred into a horrific blackish red. The colt lowered himself next to the now motionless mare, and simply remained silent. The small purple filly could not see his expression, for his back was facing her, but in some ways, she knew she didn't want to see it.

"Kid! Get your head out of the clouds!"

There was that voice again.

"Come on! We've gotta move now!!"

The filly's eyes widened, as she was forcibly turned by a random individual. She looked up at him in concern, fear, confusion, as he looked down at her observantly. Details that made little difference, but he couldn't help but notice them. She wore rags for clothes as expected, her mane and coat were different shades of purple, as were her eyes. She looked rough, dirty, and it wasn't hard to guess she was a filly who'd probably lived on her own in the village. He shook his head, concentrating on the situation at hoof once again, as he pushed her along. "Come on, we've got to go! This isn't the time to be distracted kiddo."

The filly glanced back at the colt, before seeing him get swiftly carried off by another older pony, much in similar fashion to what was happening to her right now. She felt relieved, to see that he'd gotten away. But still, that didn't make this situation make any more sense. The filly gulped, as she and her new-found companion made their way through the flaming ruins of what was once a small begotten little town. "Sir, w-what's happening?"

The stallion accompanying the filly didn't take a moment to glance down at her, as he just replied on impulse, "Dragons!"

The filly's eyes widened further, "D-Dragons?"

The stallion nodded as he gulped, "Yes, dragons, now we need to hurry before they-"

"What're you doing with that child!?" A voice cut in, as the stallion and filly stopped to regard a group of individuals blocking their path. It consisted of two raggedy looking mares as well as another older stallion, and two frightened fillies. The mare's in particular eyed the small purple filly with anger, as one spoke out against her. "Let her burn with the houses!"

The filly flinched, as she trembled somewhat, clenching onto the stallion.

The stallion accompanying the small purple filly snapped back, "What?! Have you lost your minds!? She's a kid!"

One of the mares swiped her hoof before snarling ferociously. "That child is from Canterlot! She's no different from the heartless monsters who put us here to begin with! Did you ever question just hooow she got here!? She's obviously an exile, forced out for her own bigotry and rotten behavior! It was those like her who lived in luxury, while all of us outside the walls suffered, just as we are now! Now she requires our help!? I say let her burn!"

The stallion seemed speechless for a moment, before looking down at the filly then back at the mare, snapping at her once again. "Are you an idiot!? Now's not the time for personal grudges, we've gotta get out of-"

Suddenly, slamming down upon the ground beside them, crushing the frail wooden houses with ease, would be a massive dragon. It's scales a glistening red, blinding like that of the flames. It grinned as its eyes fastened on the small group of ponies foolish enough to halt in their retreat, to stop running for their lives. It didn't hesitate to relish in their obvious fear of his presence, before it easily snatched up two with its massive claws.

One of the mares, victim to its grasp, screamed as she attempted to tear away from him. "N-NO! Let me go!!" She repeated multiple times, her rampant unending cries making little difference in the reality of the situation. The dragon took a moment to look her in the eyes, to see them wide with tears before snarling ferociously. He made it a slow approach, delicately holding her over his wide open jaws, as his tongue slithered and ran itself along the mare. The mare never ceased in her horrified screams afterwords, as he steadily lowered her between the white razors he called teeth.

One of the fillies upon the ground reached up with a whaling cry, "A-AUNTIE!"

The rest of the group, only looked up in horror, in disbelief, as they could only watch such an act ensue.

The mare, unable to accept her fate, continued to cry out, pleading with the beast for her life. It ignored her, as she let off more sounds of desperation, "STOP!!! PLEASE, N-" then silence, as he chomped down, denying her the right to finish. Blood spattered as it decorated the ground below in a light shade of crimson. Some of the ponies even having their faces suddenly spattered in the bright red glow, the thick reeking substance rolling down between their eyes and muzzles. Some could hear the faint distorted gurgles of the pony being chewed alive.

It was this, this scene, that compelled them to finally move, disregarding of anything else as they all made way for a path up ahead, further out of town and into the wilds. The filly who'd cried out turned pale, but she to moved with the others, having to be forced along a bit.

However, one pony remained, another filly in particular as she looked up at the dragon. Her purple mane shifting with the winds as she then took notice of the second individual who'd been captured. It was the stallion from earlier, as he was trapped beneath the massive claw of the beast, fearful, afraid of what was to come. He looked to the filly, as if begging her to free him although they both knew it wasn't possible. The filly kept her eyes on him, her hoof still close to his as she wanted nothing more than to free him to. It was a moment short lived as the dragon raised the stallion, and the filly only continued to watch. The stallion was now no different from the mare, pleading for his life. "N-No!! Let me down!"

The filly rose to her hooves, not wanting to see the rest of the horrific take place before her. She wasn't sure what she wanted to do more, turn and run, or simply cover her ears just so she wouldn't have to hear the same sound of crunching meat and breaking bones like she had mere moments ago. She decided to go with the first option, and turned and ran, and felt horrible for doing so. But what could she do, she was no more than a filly, she didn't have the strength to stop the dragons from overpowering the ponies. So she ran, trotting as fast as she could as she made way for the forests in the distance. She glanced back however, taking one last look at the temporary village she stayed in. What she saw next, is what caused her heart to ache painfully, to bring her to full realization of why this happened.

There was something standing further in the distance of the village, right in the center of a pool of flame. It would be a dragon more massive than the numerous others, he seemed frustrated, upset. His scales much like her own coat in a sense, a light purple shade as his eyes were that of an emerald green. He let off a piercing roar, as all it took were two words, two words, to send the little filly into a spiral of remorse she would not soon be rid of. The dragon cried out, "Find her!"

"Mrow?"

Violet immediately looked as if she snapped out of her daze, before she glanced back down at Opalescence. She flashed the cat a pleased smile, before lowering a hoof to pet her softly.

"Mrooooow." Opalescence frowned, immediately turning away, then proceeding out of the room.

Violet looked a little disappointed, but she quickly recovered, focusing back on the piece of paper before her. Ah, that's right, she was writing a letter to Rarity, thanking her for her generosity. The mare touched up upon her small thanks, before dropping the pen afterwords, leaving Rarity a fair amount of bits. In the end, Violet wasn't able to go through with taking a full set, and felt it would be pointless to do so otherwise. All she required was her cloak, and she wasn't raised to rely on things such as full sets of clothing, if any at all. A cloak however, always helped, especially for one looking to conceal their appearance. She almost looked angry with herself, angry in the fact that she was actually growing more comfortable here. She'd only been here for a few hours, yet here she was, shopping. It was such memories that reminded her of why she could never allow herself to grow too comfortable. She had a job to do, one that she couldn't let herself be deterred from.

She took a few trots back, before turning and exiting the room. From there she made her way down the stairs, and furthermore, out of the boutique itself. The pen remained firmly atop the piece of paper, although it was obvious by the end of the letter, that Violet had grown distracted, due to certain reasons.

Thank you Mistress Rarity of the Circus House, for you have reminded me of the importance of generosity. I leave you bits as payment, do with them as you will. I hope to run into you again someday. Sincerely, Violet Autumn.

Rarity gasped as she burst through the door of Sugarcube Corner. She had trouble catching her breath as she rested her upper half on the wooden door, before looking to Pinkie Pie. "PINKIE!"

Pinkie however, looked relaxed, calm, as she ran a hoof through her fake moustache. Her brow twitched at the mare, "Vwy, what do we have here? It seems I am having many visitors dis night. Mmmmmhmhmhmhmhm."

Rarity's nose wrinkled in annoyance before she stomped over to Pinkie, tearing off the mustache. "What're you doing!?"

Pinkie gasped, as she puckered her lower lip. "Heeeey..."

Rarity continued, "Pinkie this is serious! Twilight has gone bonkers! She's lost her mind I tell you! We must get the others!"

Pinkie blinked a bit, before chuckling, looking fairly amused. "Twilight? Or do you mean, Violet? MWAH!"

Rarity cocked a brow at Pinkie, "Violet, no she's not Violet, she's still Twi-" Rarity paused, coming to a realization before raising her forehooves angrily at the poofy maned mare. "WAIT! SHE'S BEEN HERE!?" Rarity, shook her head and sighed, covering her face with a hoof. "Pinkie! D-Darling, you're telling me she came here and you, let her go?"

Pinkie looked a little offended. "What? Why of course I did silly, Twilight was obviously just playing a game. She just wanted cupcakes to take back to Spike, we even played a little! Obviously you're not playing along."

Rarity took hold of Pinkie's cheeks, pressing her nose against hers. "Pinkie. This, is, no, gaaame!!! Darling this is serious! Twilight is sick, very very very very very sick! We have to get the others!" Rarity paused, "Wait, so if she got what she came for and left. Then that means she'll just-, oh no!" Rarity's expression sunk worriedly as she trotted back and forth. "Pinkie! Hurry along, we've got to hurry back to the boutique!"

Pinkie looked a little hesitant about such an idea, "B-But, I need to watch over Sugarcu-"

Rarity interrupted almost immediately, "Sugarcube Corner can wait! We've got to go!"

Pinkie just bounced from behind the counter worriedly, making her way over to Rarity who was already heading for the door. "Okie dokie!"

But as Rarity made it outside, her eyes widened as she looked to the sky, feeling the tiny pelts of rain touch upon her face. She raised a brow, as did many who were still wandering about. No longer did Princess Luna's stars decorate the night sky, now there were simply thick clouds of black, as if a violent storm were about to hit. Rarity couldn't help but get an ominous feeling as she looked to those clouds, hearing faint thunder in the distance. "Pinkie?"

Pinkie however was all smiles, as she cocked her head cheerfully. "Yep!?"

Rarity continued, lowering her tone somewhat, "Did Rainbow Dash miss cloud duty today?"

Pinkie seemed a little confused as she shook her head, "No, I don't think so!"

Rarity raised a brow, skeptical about the weather. "Strange."

Violet's eyes to, were fastened on the sky above. As she looked speechless, but well aware of what was happening. She couldn't find the words, as her face looked no different from the time she was no more than a frightened filly, looking upon a monstrous dragon. Her body trembled, as she muttered quietly to herself, "Impossible." She was horrified, and she took a moment to look around at the citizens of Ponyville as they looked to the sky as well, more out of curiosity rather than fear.

But she knew this was no cause of plain bad weather, especially after having just arrived here. Her eyes saddened at the fact of their ignorance, the fact that they were so unaware. But it also fueled the mare's determination, as Violet immediately pulled out one last cupcake, before hounding it down hungrily. Afterwords she gritted her teeth, debating the situation with herself. D-Drawback? Why must things only continue to get worse?! Am I cursed with bad luck. She let off a soft tired grunt.

But as Violet was more concentrated on the weather, suddenly there were other ponies. But instead of worrying about what this weather meant, they were more focused on who'd be cleaning it up, and they had just the right idea.

Many of the ponies were looking towards a particular cloud house, a group of them yelling at it as they had grumpy expressions. "Rainbow Dash!!!", they shouted in unison, "Raaaaaainbow!"

Suddenly emerging from a particular cloud home, would be a very colorful looking pegasi, just as grumpy as the group that hounded her from below. She crossed her forehooves with bags beneath her eyes, "WHAT!? Jeez guys, can't a pony get a little shut eye around here!?"

One of the ponies raised a brow, growing more soaked by the second. They all just continued to stare at Rainbow, as if implying the same thing, waiting for their weather pegasi to take notice of it.

Rainbow looked a little confused, before realizing that there were pelts of rain hitting her. Her eyes widened as she looked upward, seeing an amass of black clouds gathered above. "W-What!?" She looked back down towards the group, shaking her head in self defense of what was occurring. "N-No you guys I swear! I cleared the clouds earlier, there's no way I missed any of them!"

The ponies all just continued to stare up at her, not caring for excuses, with impatient demeanor's. Some even tapping their hooves some as they let off hushed sighs.

Rainbow continued to look down at them as her own look of annoyance washed over her. She muttered, "Fiiiine..." With that the pegasi rose to the sky, as she crossed her forehooves and began making her way off towards the mass of black clouds. Groaning to herself along the way, "Cleeear the clouds, do this, do that, blah blah blah, freakin so late at night, why do they need a clear sky anyhow!? I mean, it's not like they're supposed to be out and about around this time anyway! Sheesh! I mean seriously, what's a mare gotta do to get a little respect aro-"

"Excuse me!"

Rainbow glanced down at the particular pony calling out to her, only to see a hooded purple mare. Her face was concealed so she couldn't really tell who it was, but she replied anyhow, "Yea?"

The hooded mare flashed Rainbow a smile, "You are going to clear the clouds yes? May you accompany me? I have much need for your assistance colorful pony of the sky." Violet pulled down on her hood somewhat, although she didn't reveal it, but she was blushing, for she'd never seen a mare of such colors. Such a beautiful coat and mane, in a sense, she'd never seen anything like it, the accumulation of so many diverse colors on one particular pony, it was amazing to say the least. "I have a good feeling we'll make fine use of one another, n-not implying I shall use you of course! But,...There may be more at work here than one can handle alone." Violet's expression sunk, concealing the fact she did indeed need two present at the scene, for she was unsure of what they'd find, and certain one may need to report the matter if unfortunate events were to occur. "P-Please, if it's no trouble that is."

Rainbow took a moment to think about, before putting on a cheery expression. "Sure! Beats doing this all alone, plus it's so late, maybe you can understand my frustration! Anywho!" The pegasi dashed to the ground, before skidding atop the dirt in a masterful form, halting right beside the mare. "What's your name?"

Violet's eyes were wide, such speed seemed unheard of. "It's...Violet, erhm...Violet Autumn."

Rainbow nudged her softly with a playful chuckle, "Hah! Well nice to meet you Violet, as you may have heard, names Rainbow Dash, funny running into a pony like you here. Either way, let's go get this over with eh? What do you need to head on over to the clouds for anyway?"

Violet gulped, "We'll see. Rainbow Dash, forgive me, but I must suggest we take a much faster form of transportion."

Rainbow looked a little offended by such words, "Faster!?"

Violet nodded, as she let off a soft chuckle soon afterwords. "Yes, portals."

Chapter 4: Expectations and Delusions


CHAPTER 4: EXPECTATIONS AND DELUSIONS

"Twilight!"

Rarity burst through the front door of the boutique, but as she'd suspected, there was no reply, and it was deathly quiet from within her home. She glanced around for a few seconds to ensure she wasn't just being paranoid, but now she was certain, Twilight had already disappeared. Of course this frustrated the mare, seeing as she gave Twilight a specific request to stay, but the girl's will was her own and she could do whatever she wished. Rarity gritted her teeth, looking towards the ground in anger as she contemplated the situation.

"What's wrong Rarity!? Hehe, we playing hide and seek!?" Pinkie Pie was in her usual ecstatic state, as she gave Rarity a warm smile from behind, leaning her head to the side. She then bounced as her eyes snapped wide, figuring out a way she could assist. "Oh oh! I know what'll lure her out, we just need more cupcakes!" With that the pink mare was off on her own bouncing through Rarity's home searching every nook and cranny she could find.

Rarity was too vexed to even care about what Pinkie was doing at this point. She just looked horribly horribly as she continued to reflect on the situation. Her own eyes widened a bit at the thought of another idea, she looked to Pinkie hurriedly before exclaiming, "Pinkie! We've got to head to the library!"

Pinkie turned, looking a little confused with her brow raised. "Uhm, the library, that's a far place to hide don't ya think?"

Rarity just sighed as she covered her face with a hoof, before looking to Pinkie impatiently. "Just trust me, now hurry along now darling. We may be short on time!"

Pinkie nodded happily before bouncing ecstatically once again. "Okie dokie! Pinkie patrol on the go!" Pinkie then made her way past Rarity as fast as the eye could see, as she was practically gliding down the dirt road, in the direction towards Golden Oak's Library. Although Pinkie didn't seem to have the faintest clue about what was going on, it still helped that she managed to keep a positive mindset about everything.

Of course Rarity was at a loss for words for a few seconds before realizing this was Pinkie she was dealing with. She just sighed once again before she made her way in the same general direction as Pinkie. As she was trotting, her eyes fastened on the ground once again, as she tried to deduce where Twilight would've gone. Perhaps the mare was somehow drawn to her friends, seeing as she'd managed to find Pinkie and her in such a short amount of time. Obviously Twilight was also delusional, so this couldn't have been mere coincidence. If that was the case, then there was only two other places she could've gone, Applejack's house, or Fluttershy's. Rainbow Dash's house was impossible to reach.

Eventually the two passed by two other ponies, who were still on their way home. One of these ponies glanced back at Rarity and Pinkie with an amused look, "Hah, wonder where Rarity and Pinkie are off to in such a hurry."

Her companion replied humorously, "Perhaps it's a lover's quarrel?" As the two burst into laughter afterwords.

Rarity glared a bit, she wasn't built for these types of scenarios. She'd only hoped that at least one of the others knew about this situation, and were already on the move. Hopefully the library would also hold some answers to what'd happened in Twilight's experiment to cause such dramatic backfire. But even so, Rarity couldn't get over the fact she felt she was still wasting so much time. It was at that moment a look of realization came over her however, as she thought about what else she could do to help. "Oh, but of course!" She was a social goddess, a queen of gossip! She'd have everypony assisting with the search in a matter of minutes, it was perfect! She stopped in her tracks. "Pinkie!"

Pinkie immediately stopped, already way ahead of Rarity but still somehow able to hear her call. "Yes ma'am!?"

Rarity cupped her mouth with her hooves, before exclaiming "Head on over to the Library! I'll make sure we get some more ponies to help find Twilight!" With that the mare turned on her back hooves, kicking some dirt up into the air in the process. She then made her way over to the two particular ponies talking in the distance, "Lyra!"

A pony revealed as Lyra Heartstrings turned her head with a startled look, "Rarity? What's up?"

Her companion, Bon Bon, looked just as curious.

This of course brought a smirk to Rarity's face, "We've got something important we need to discuss!"

Pinkie on the other hoof just stood off in the distance, looking baffled for a few seconds. Eventually she just shook her head and nodded with a look of determination, "Don't worry Rarity! I shall find the clues to Vi-, I mean Twilight's whereabouts! You can count on me!" She chuckled, "Oooooh this is the best game of hide and seek ever!" Pinkie then kicked back, standing on her hind legs and letting off a ferocious roar, before bursting off towards the library at an even greater speed than before. Turning a corner, and then disappearing from sight.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were making their own preparations, as they were adjusting their armor, and Princess Celestia herself was adorned in fascinating golden plate armor. All pieces had etchings on it, and was spotless to the touch, as if she were wearing it for the first time. Princess Luna's was practically no different, only in the fact her armor was black like the dead of night, almost like that of her Lunar Guard. The two sisters looked to one another before regarding each other with simple nods, and turning towards the door.

Princess Luna sighed heavily, "It feels as if this night's lasted forever."

Princess Celestia couldn't help but agree, "Yes, so let's deal with the situation hastily."

Princess Luna spoke faintly, "Sister, must we truly resort to using our armor for this girl? You especially?"

Princess Celestia replied curtly, "I will also play my part Luna. We're at a slight disadvantage, and I won't risk lives over some stubborn sense of pride. This Twilight may still be but a child, but she has no reason to hold herself back once we confront her again. She has already attempted to murder you once. We however, must ensure that not only she's captured, but she also isn't fatally wounded. We must ensure our methods are flawless, I'd prefer we don't engage her in a violent encounter, but I doubt she'll come with us willingly. Her respect for us is obviously close to none to say the least." Princess Celestia sighed as she glanced up, "But we can't just let her roam with such magic."

Princess Luna squinted her eyes a bit in regards to Celestia's comment. "I was a bit more worried about what'd happen to the landscape sister if you were to use your magic. But it's as you said, I can assume we are simply taking precautions. There should be no need for you to use your dangerous spells I hope." She looked ahead, somewhat offended that even her Celestia questioned her ability, especially when dealing with this fake Twilight. "You need not worry about me either however, I am just as capable." She frowned, "Well, almost as capable."

Princess Celestia looked to her sister with a heavy sigh, "I do not plan to use any offensive magic." She looked ahead, mimicking Luna, as the two of them trotted towards the door, their guards waiting in formation patiently. "I simply want to have this situation dealt with before everything falls into disarray, no shortcuts. We contain her, and then we discuss how we can negotiate with her from there."

Princess Luna raised her brow curiously, "Is that why you've not contacted our Twilight Sparkle?"

Princess Celestia nodded plainly, with a look of obvious disappointment. "I doubt much good would come from Twilight knowing that she has a double running about. Let alone a double that's assaulted you. I don't really enjoy the thought of my precious student fighting herself. Although, I also worry for the citizens of Equestria, if they're to run into this new Twilight by chance, things may become a little complicated. They may very well get the wrong idea, even though she does look somewhat different."

Princess Luna responded with a nod of her own, followed by an eager smile. "Of course."

The two made their way out into the hall, with their guards never falling too far behind.

Princess Celestia kept her eyes front. "Luna, have you been keeping track of her by the way? Where has she headed?"

Princess Luna scoffed, closing her eyes as they were nearing the back gardens of the castle, where they'd all be able to depart discretely, and with ease. "Would I truly be considered the guardian of the night if I couldn't deduce the location of one little mare gone astray? The child is playing house, there is little to worry about for now. Although this may upset you, she's out with Rainbow Dash as we speak."

Princess Celestia immediately looked to her sister in shock. "W-What?! Luna!"

Princess Luna couldn't help but burst into a barrage of soft snickers, before she raised a hoof to her chest confidently. "Calm yourself big sister. She hasn't made contact with Twilight even though she's with her friends. Based on the reports though, nopony has noticed the difference as of yet." She looked ahead once again, before smirking lightly. "As promised, none of my bat ponies have confronted her, and I haven't received any news of her posing a threat, so you can ease your mind." But the atmosphere around Luna suddenly shifted as she closed her eyes somewhat, looking fairly upset. She spoke in a softer tone however, "But that doesn't mean we can simply ignore what she's done. She is still a danger." Princess Luna's gaze shot forward, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Princess Celestia looked to her sister with a hint of worry. Luna, do control yourself please. Although she couldn't deny her own feelings regarding that situation either, which pretty much matched with Luna's. Her expression saddened somewhat as she thought about what they were going to do. They all exited, out into the private gardens. "Yes, mastery in a forbidden school, cannot simply be ignored."

"The Wonderbolts?" Violet's eyes were wide with fascination as she looked to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash, who was currently elevated, closed her eyes and placed a hoof on her chest, before bucking back another black cloud. "Hah yea! They're only the fastest, coolest, most amazing group of ponies around! And I've flown at their sides countless times! It's only a matter of time before they recruit me into their ranks." Rainbow did a spin midair before knocking back another consecutive row of clouds, clearing the area in a matter of seconds. "See easy easy."

Violet nodded hurriedly, her eyes locked firmly on the rainbow maned mare. "Amazing, very amazing! I would've very much enjoyed seeing these Wonderbolts." Violet raised a hoof to the back of her head, followed by a disappointed sigh, as she chuckled a bit, before glancing up towards the mass of black clouds still further up. For a second, she looked serious, It seems this set may not be as dangerous as I thought. She then continued speaking to Rainbow with a gentle smile, a pleased expression decorating her features. "But this world, everything about it, is beautiful. I have already risked tarnishing everything with my actions. It is best I find a way to return, although, there's not much waiting for me back home." She glanced to the lower left, "I, am very fortunate here."

Then, a slight look of hesitation overcame Violet before she shook her head, focusing once again. What was she doing? Victimizing herself, it was utterly pathetic and she knew it. She looked shocked that she could even consider such a thing, staying here, running away from her world. Was that truly something that'd just crossed her mind? No, there was already another Twilight here, one that had already ensured this world's safety. Violet glared a bit, this Twilight,....was so lucky. It tore at her, the selfish feelings she didn't want to acknowledge, but she couldn't rid herself of them either. Why, why had so many things gone right for this Twilight, just where did she herself go wrong? Was she no more than a failure?

Lost in thought, Violet recalled the situation as she looked to Rainbow Dash, whom was giving her quite a suspicious look herself with her hooves crossed. This caused Violet to obviously react with nervousy herself, looking skeptic, before she muttered, "Erhm, is something wrong, Ms.Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow landed in front of the mare, before creeping closer to her observantly, squinting at her. "Yoooou know, you've been saying weird things all night, Violet! It's hard to make sense of what you're going on about. Apparently you've NEVER seen the Wonderbolts which already put you on my funny list. You talk as if you're not even from Equestria even though you're a pony, and your voice, your voice is very familiar." Rainbow Dash was practically mere inches from Violet's face, a smirk creeping onto her features as she looked expectant. "I also noticed you like to keep your face covered, which is also funny, what is it you have to hide? And why would you even want me to accompany you to see these clouds? It got me thinkin," Rainbow Dash paused "What happens if this is all some sort of joke?"

Violet nervously backed away, before raising her hooves in defense. "N-No that's a misunderstanding! My reasons are my own colorful pony Rainbow Dash! But this is no joke!" She thought about what exactly Rainbow was accusing her of, before she stomped a hoof angrily. "And of course I would accompany you, this is not a simple mass of black clouds, it may also be drawback caused by the dimensional rift used to get here. Obviously my time spell was not what I'd thought, meaning that it's more than likely the consequences would be different, uncertain even! I made a huge mistake, I required your presence here in case things were to go astray, there may also be many more! Rifts are not to be taken lightly, tears in the stream of time, the very fabric of time, could result in the destruction of your world! They hold an infinite amount of dangers, I can close them, but it is a very dangerous process! If something were to happen, I need a pony such as yourself to be able to report the damage."

Rainbow Dash snickered beneath her breath, before pointing a hoof in amusement. "What're you even going on about Violet? Haha, see, there's no way anypony would really talk like that! Unless she was some weirdo or somethin!"

Violet's eyes widened tremendously, as she turned red at this point, blushing. She lowered her head. She'd done it again, it's not like this pony would understand her words, she'd gone off blabbering her 'nonsense' once again, words nopony could understand. Although it was understandable that the one she was talking to, would never understand her. Yet she couldn't help herself, she couldn't help but defend her reasoning, especially when she was being accused of lying or playing tricks. But why? Was she truly so alien to them? Was she truly so disconnected from the world, she'd forgotten how to live in it? A social outcast? Violet gulped, before putting on another, but weaker smile. "A-All I'm saying is that I do have reasons for hiding things from you, p-please don't think less of me! I swear to you that I'm-"

But Rainbow Dash cut her off, pressing a hoof against her muzzle.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but chuckle, "Tsk tsk tsk. Yea, listen, very convincing 'reasoning' you got there Violet, but it's way too obvious. Did you really think I wouldn't recognize your way with words, Egghead!" With that Rainbow knocked back Violet's hood with a swipe of her hoof. Rainbow then burst into laughter, falling onto her back before rolling on the ground, pointing a hoof at the now exposed mare. "Bahahahaha! You know Twilight, you had me going for awhile there! I mean Violet Autumn, even the mysterious persona, all very convincing, but you forget! I am the master, of pranking!" She got in her face once again before crossing her hooves, and fluttering back some. "So who put you up to this, Pinkie Pie!? Bahahahaha!" Rainbow closed her eyes as she tilted her head back, unable to stop laughing.

Violet however, only looked on with what appeared to be an expression of disbelief. Her pupils were dilated as she looked to be lost, in some sort of daze. Why? Why is she laughing? She'd even recalled her own name in question. Twilight, Yes, I am Twilight. But, I'm not your Twilight. Am I only a joke to you Rainbow Dash? Her thoughts went astray as she stared at that laughing face, Rainbow's face, as she attempted to analyze the situation. Why, why is everything so different? Violet reflected back on what she'd seen since she arrived here. As the faces of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Lyra, and Rainbow Dash flashed through her mind like snapshots. How can you all just sit there and smile at me, even after everything I've done. How can you all just sit there, with those clueless expressions, even after all I've heard, witnessed, and fought to protect. Is this world truly so perfect, to where it's disconnected from all forms of misery. Is nothing here the same? Nightmare Moon, Solar Flare, Master? Violet's face darkened, as she looked down at her hoof. Where, where did I go wrong?

Rainbow's laughter managed to die down after a lengthy moment, but only due to the fact the gnawing silence was starting to get to her. She wiped a tear from her eye as she chuckled a bit, "H-Hey Twilight." But there was no response. She just saw Violet standing there, lost in a stream of thoughts and concerns. At this point Rainbow was starting to feel a little uncomfortable as she began to approach the mare. "T-Twilight, you alright?"

But Violet was silent, doing everything in her power to hold back a sheltered rage. Her body quivered as she tried to keep herself calm, but her thoughts grew hazy, as she gritted her teeth, soon muttering to herself. "Twilight! Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, TWILIGHT! Every single one of you ponies, all of you are connected to this Twilight! Is she really so special? Is she really so amazing that everypony must bask in her glory, worry for her, worship her, befriend her? Is she so great that even the princesses of this world must risk their own well being just to ensure she's fine? Does not one pony of this world, not know who she is?" Violet's eyes snapped wide as a psychotic sneer came over her persona for a quick second. "Is it some cruel twist of fate I must arrive here, knowing that in my ultimate failure, I couldn't even manage one spell that could've changed my world? To arrive in a world where I'm loved, knowing that in truth, it's not me, but an all more perfect me? One who's countered the troubles I failed to do, one who's  Am I destined to have my mistakes thrown in my face, to be forced to witness what could've been had I succeeded? Is this my punishment? To know the pleasures of a world where I didn't make all the wrong decisions?"

Rainbow trembled herself a little at this point, as she backed away from the mare. "W-Whoa Twilight, calm down. The jokes over, this is getting a little freaky." Her eyes shifted to the left and right as she hesitantly looked back to Violet.

Violet spoke plainly, "Answer me."

Rainbow cocked a brow. "Huh?"

Violet's eyes met with Rainbow's, as she looked to be at the end of her patience. "Answer me, colorful pony Rainbow Dash. We are friends, are we not?" Violet began to snicker, as she gave the mare a subtle smirk. "What's waiting for me anyhow? Hmmmm, will they continue to despise somepony over things that happened more than a decade ago?" She raised her voice, eyes focusing on the ground once again. "IGNORANT PONIES WHO DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! Who blame others for things that happened so long ago!" She tilted her head back. "Yet here I am, still trying to make things right, still trying to protect them! Haha, what do they know?" She paused, grinning upwards. "What do I know?"

Violet looked back to Rainbow Dash. "I bet once I get back, all I'll do is regret leaving. I'm just a big hypocrite aren't I?" She began spinning one of her hooves at the side of her head as if she were crazy. "Maaaybe I should ask my counter-part for advice huh? Hahaha! I bet she would know exactly what to do! Probably teach me how to live a perfect life as well! You know, I've read so many stories with situations like this. The books were old, but they'd sometimes involve two characters, preferably siblings who were always at league with one another! The emotions the characters underwent were absolutely fascinating! You see how funny that is? You see how it relates?! Aha, I'm letting such trivial things get the better of me." She shook her head, "Is this what I've become, one to let childish jealousy overwhelm me?" Violet paused as she looked back down at her hoof observantly. "Yet somehow, wonderful. It's normal! It feels so alive."

Rainbow raised a hoof worriedly, "T-Twilight, let's get you back to Ponyville. Okay? You're obviously not feeling well."

Violet snapped, "Don't touch me!" She exhaled, "I can take care of myself. You know, you think I'm a liar don't you? How about I show you it then? How about I show you just what it's like where I come from? How about, I open this rift right over your heads, and see if this little fluffy perfect world of cupcakes, clothes, and the all appealing Twilight, can protect itself from the unknown horrors that await? I'm pretty curious to how you all defend yourselves. It's obvious my efforts haven't produced anything but misery. Perhaps I should show you all what it feels like, misery, that is. Perhaps that was my destiny all along," Violet raised her hoof to the sky slowly.

Rainbow Dash at this point was far past the point of convincing, as she'd snapped back at the mare. "T-Twilight!!! Okay okay stop! I understand okay, don't do anything you'll regret! I'm sorry I didn't take you seriously! But you're acting crazy right now!" What'd happened to Twilight? It was just a friendly joke, actually, Twilight was the one playing the joke so why was she so upset? This whole situation went from a late night cloud clearing, to absolutely nuts!

Violet chuckled, "What's one more regret? Just another part of the pile..."

"Twilight Sparkle is indeed worthy of all the praise she gets. You however, are no more than a stubborn child."

Violet's eyes widened as she glanced back, up towards that familiar voice.

Rainbow Dash herself looked a little speechless, as what the two mares saw was Princess Luna, accompanied by a band of her elite Lunar Guard, the bat ponies. Rainbow only grew more confused, "P-Princess Luna!?"

Violet glared at the alicorn as she'd descended. "Hmph, of course you'd show up eventually."

As Princess Luna touched upon the ground, she smiled. "I must say, it pleases me you managed to hold your temper tantrum for this long. I was fairly concerned one as obviously unstable as yourself, might pull another stunt like you did at the castle." She gave Violet a look of playful intrigue, "Would you allow me to answer your question for you?"

Violet glared, backing away some as she thought about the Princess's question. "If you must."

Princess Luna continued, raising a hoof. "From what I've gathered, you're nothing like our Twilight Sparkle. Where she has solved her problems through selfless means, she also attempts to do this without violence. You attack first, and ask questions later. You're immature and brash. Children like you need to be taught a few lessons beforehoof. Instead of attempting to solve issues by means of force." Princess Luna reflected back on the time when she'd become Nightmare Moon in that moment. "It certainly doesn't tend to make things any better."

Violet bit on her lower lip, snickering beneath her breath. "Aha..." She started off with a light chuckle, before she burst into wild laughter. "Ahahahahahahahahaha!" It was hysterical for the mare, here she was, receiving advice from Nightmare Moon, it couldn't be any more funny. "Hahahaha! Oh, Nightmare Moon, or, Princess Luna; what do you know?" Violet smirked, looking amused to say the least. "In a world as peaceful as this, what do you know of the decisions I had to make? Maybe they would've went more along the lines of this." She giggled, placing a hoof on her chest. "Shall I fluff your pillow? Maybe I can bring you a plate of cupcakes your majesty? Or if that's not to your liking, maybe a massage would be more fitting?" Violet gave the Princess a mocking bow. "Oh, your wish is my command."

Princess Luna didn't rise to anger, she simply replied. "A shame, nopony, not even your master, taught you some respect."

Violet's eyes snapped wide, as she attempted to hide it, but her offense to that comment was obvious. "W-What, what did you just say?"

Princess Luna continued, "Perhaps it's due to that attitude of yours that you failed. If this is the sort of Twilight Sparkle we had to deal with, then, perhaps, it makes sense that you're this sad little girl. Do you only know how to back talk your elders? Maybe you should consult your friends about your table manners? But how could I forget?" She paused, "There is probably a reason you don't have any."  

Violet flinched, biting her lower lip as she was a deep red color. Not only horribly embarrassed, but horribly affected by the alicorn's words. She gritted her teeth, as tears swelled in her eyes. "W-Why you, I'll, I'll-" but she found herself hesitating, silent.

Rainbow Dash looked stunned by the whole scenario, and although she was confused, she couldn't help but feel worried for Twilight, even if Princess Luna spoke to her as if she were some different one. But the mare kept silent, only observing from the sidelines as her gaze shot back and forth between the young mare and alicorn.

Princess Luna threw her head back some, "Are you going to cry now?"

"SHUTUP!!" Violet immediately burst forth from her hooves, charging straight towards the alicorn of the night.

Princess Luna however then focused on the approaching unicorn with an intense glare and pleased smile.

Rainbow could only look on in puzzlement as she attempted to make some sense of what was happening. But before she could even process her thoughts, her gaze was automatically turned upward, as soon, the entire area was bathed in a blinding yellow light. Yet still, Rainbow couldn't look away. Her eyes remained focused on that spot.

It was beautiful.

Ponyville from this point seemed to be the very definition of peace.

Princess Twilight was sound asleep in her bed, curled up on her side as she snuggled with a pillow beneath her blankets. Spike was practically no different, as he laid in his smaller bed, fast asleep. The room was tranquil and silent, and if one were to simply observe from the side, it wouldn't be surprising to think that absolutely nothing, could break such a peaceful atmosphere.

"HEEEEYAAAAAAAH!!!!!" CRASH!!

Twilight shot up from her bed as her eyes snapped wide. "WHAT!? WHO, WHEN, WHERE!?" She looked off to the side, as she saw that her bedroom window was shattered, and the curtains were tattered as they were strewn across the floor. Little bits of glass laid about as well. Twilight was processing the scene bit by bit, as her eyes scrolled past the area observantly while she remained upright on her sheets. She then focused on a figure wearing a ninja costume, and she couldn't help but stare at that figure for a few seconds. Not because she didn't know who it was, but actually the exact opposite. A look of rage overcame the alicorn slowly. "Pinkie.......WHAT'RE YOU DOING!?"

Pinkie gasped, as she soon lowered her ninja mask with a smirk. "Heh, so you figured out my disguise, I should've expected as much from you, Violet Autumn. But I'll have you know, I'm no longer Pinkie Pie, I am, Fushia Fireshadow!" Pinkie began to chuckle as she crossed her hooves, standing on her hind legs. "But more importantly, the game's over, I've found you! Pretty impressive strategy, I'm surprised Rarity was able to figure it out so quickly. To hide somewhere so obvious that it'd be the last place we'd look, but you underestimated our-"

Twilight slammed her hooves angrily on her bed. "PIIIIIIINKIIEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

Spike rose from his own bed, rubbing his eyes from the sudden disturbance. "Jeez Twilight, what's with all the ruckus."

But suddenly there was a pause, as leaking through the now open window would be a vibrant yellow light.

Even ponies who were still our were frozen in place, hypnotized by the rare spectacle. What was this?

Beautiful and gleaming as it shimmered on the hard wood floor, it caused them all to grow silent as Twilight looked at it wide eyed. Where was it coming from, what was the source? She slowly got up from her bed, crawling out from beneath the blankets as Pinkie and Spike couldn't take their eyes off the open window space either, wondering just where that beautiful light was coming from. Twilight made her way over to the window, ensuring not to step on a piece of glass along the way, as she stuck her head out and glanced around. Everypony who was still outside was also focused on the light, as Twilight suddenly looked mesmerized. In the distance, on the outskirts of Ponyville, the light's source was from a heavenly ray, an abnormally large beam exiting from the very skies as it surged down towards the earth of that specified area. It felt almost fleeting, as the light died down only a few seconds after it appeared. Twilight could only stand there awestruck for a moment, as she'd muttered still looking in that same general direction. "What, was that?...."

Rainbow Dash couldn't take her eyes off the scene, as she was stunned with silence.

Violet looked down at herself in surprise. A banishment spell?

Wrapped around Violet's body was a numerous amount of golden chains, all glistening with the vibrant yellow light. She couldn't budge, as surrounding her was a large transparent golden dome, acting as a prison for the mare. She closed her eyes, "A trap? Haha,...Hahahaha...HAHAHAHA!" Of course it was a trap! She chuckled wildly, unable to contain herself. She'd fallen for such a obvious trick, yet she still never would've guessed it. Nightmare Moon, trusting in others to play a vital role, to selflessly accept the assistance of her comrades, it was so unlike her. Violet sighed, she really needed to take notice of the fact this alicorn was from a different world already. Princess Luna was right, about everything. She flashed Princess Luna a soft smile from afar, as she spoke softly, "I can only guess what you're going to do next."

Princess Luna remained silent, never taking her eyes off the mare. Yet she gave a slight glare, "Hmph..."

Violet lowered her head, as at this point the mare looked as if she didn't even care anymore. She only frowned somewhat, not even taking the time to look at Princess Luna again. She spoke softly, "Hah...Well, get it over with will you?"  

Princess Luna swiped her hoof, "Formation my noble subjects, let's put an end to this!"

Suddenly all members of Luna's personal band of bat ponies situated themselves around Violet's prison.

Princess Luna looked up to the skies then, at the members of the Celestial Guard situated around Violet's prison at an elevated level. This brought a smile to her face as she nodded to the group of them.

And appearing in a flash of yellow light overhead, was Princess Celestia as she looked to Luna hurriedly. "Luna, NOW!"

Princess Luna nodded to her sister, "My pleasure." And not a moment afterwords, her horn started to let off a bright blue shade as it constantly flashed, as she'd charged her spell, then with a mighty yell, she'd released it upon her foe.

Violet didn't react, as she simply kept her head lowered. She did take a moment to look at Rainbow Dash however.

Rainbow couldn't budge, as she looked frozen with disbelief, shock. "T-Twilight?"

Violet only frowned at that name now, as she looked back to the ground, her eyes saddening somewhat. She muttered, "No." Before Luna's spell engulfed the mare entirely, consuming her in a wave of flashing blue light.

Rainbow only stood and watched scene unfold, with that same expression. Luna's spell twisted and morphed, actually reshaping into what looked like a sphere, as that sphere broke itself down, narrowing into a straight line which shot towards the stars. It was at this moment that Princess Luna's spell began to dissipate, revealing an area which looked as if nothing were ever there to begin with. There was only a field of grass, with Violet nowhere to be seen.

Rainbow's eyes slowly started to swell with tears, as she'd cried out, "TWILIGHT!"

It was an ironic moment for Princess Luna, for she couldn't help but smile. Everything went off perfectly, as she looked to the stars with a hint of satisfaction, she and her sister had done it. They'd brought an end to this dramatic night. She closed her eyes at that moment, turning away from the scene as she lowered her head somewhat, "Hmph..."

Even Princess Celestia sighed with relief, taking a moment to rest easy as she'd closed her eyes. "Whew..."

"PRINCESS!!!"

Though their brief moment of peace was shattered in an instant, as they'd heard the tone of desperation in that cry.

Princess Luna's eyes opened wide as she raised her head, immediately focusing on something in front of her. "What?"

And practically a foot from her, rapidly closing in would be the same unicorn they'd just dealt with. Violet's body suddenly being covered in a traumatic amount of wounds, as blood drenched her torso. A blue astral blade levitating at her side as she possessed an obvious intent to kill in her eyes. Her expression blank and seemingly lacking any emotion.

Princess Luna leaped back on impulse, as she'd still looked shocked. The blade surging down and scraping her armor as it'd connected with an exposed area of her torso, effortlessly tearing through an area of flesh as a stream of red then decorated the grass below her.

Violet Autumn's eyes saddened as she muttered silently to herself, "Not quite, Rainbow Dash."

Chapter 5: The End of Midnight


CHAPTER 5: THE END OF MIDNIGHT

Twilight Sparkle sighed, as she attempted to process the situation in her mind. Well perhaps she should've expected such a thing when coming from Pinkie Pie. Twilight ran her hoof against her forehead, in a obvious sense of distress as she kept her eyes closed. She tried to make sense of what Pinkie was saying, but nothing seemed to connect. She looked at the mare tiredly, as Pinkie was situated near the front door, remaining silent and observant for Twilight. "Pinkie....So you're telling me you saw me earlier with a scar on my face, and I really wanted cupcakes?"

Pinkie Pie cheered as she nodded hurriedly, "Yep!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she just looked at Pinkie almost in tragic disbelief, due to the fact the mare was serious. Pinkie was seriously attempting to tell her that she'd been at Sugarcube Corner earlier attempting to buy cupcakes. But as unbelievable as it all was, it didn't come off as a joke either. Twilight rested her head on her hoof as she remained close to her study, still questioning the whole situation. She sighed eventually, "Ugh......" and for a moment she actually looked as if she were taking this seriously herself, before rolling her eyes and letting off a light groan. "Pinkie, are you sure you just haven't been getting enough sleep lately? This sounds absolutely crazy..." But Twilight glanced to the lower left curiously, there was also that mysterious light earlier, what could that have been? That was certainly no ordinary occurrence, and feeling a sense of obligation to protect Ponyville, she did have some mixed feelings. As much as she wanted to ignore this whole story, as much as it didn't make sense, she couldn't deny her awry feelings. Besides Pinkie being Pinkie, there really was no reason she'd need to come in here like this, and Twilight trusted Pinkie, there was no reason for her to lie. This didn't feel like Pinkie's common prank. Twilight sighed once again, just sitting in silence.

Pinkie objected in her defense, "Yes! I pinkie swear! Definitely Twilight, you were definitely there!" At this point Pinkie looked somewhat worried about the judgement of her friend. She nervously glanced to the left and right before gulping a bit, and then thinking on the situation much like Twilight. Suddenly a relieved smile swept across her face as Pinkie burst up on her hooves, "Rarity!" She chuckled, "Rarity is out looking for you right now as well! Rarity saw you being funny to!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she cocked a brow, thrown off even more. "Rarity's a part of this to?"

Pinkie nodded hurriedly once again, "Mhm mhm! She's the one who sent me here!"

Twilight at this point only looked baffled as she turned around, and slammed her head atop her desk, crossing her forehooves and letting off another frustrated groan. "Uuuuuugh, how hard is it to have one ordinary week?....."

Spike soon emerged from the kitchen, "Here you go Twilight," the dragon was holding two cups. He placed one on Twilight's desk as he proceeded to take the other cup to Pinkie. Spike then stopped, taking a moment to just stare at Pinkie, before looking down at the sugary cocoa questioningly, and shaking his head and proceeding to the staircase, taking a sip from the cocoa himself. "Yeeeea, probably not a very good idea."

Twilight flashed Spike a caring smile, obviously happy with his kind service. "Thanks Spike."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Pinkie cheered, "OH OH! I'LL GET IT!" She then turned on her hooves rushing to the door as she flung it open.

Twilight took a sip from her hot cocoa closing her eyes for a second, to relieve some stress. Can this night get any weirder?

"Pinkie! Have you found Twilight!?"

Twilight's eyes snapped wide at recognition of Rarity's voice. She turned on impulse, because if Rarity was here, that could only mean one thing. This was confirmation, but Twilight couldn't believe it. Twilight felt as if she were at a loss for breath, before muttering, "W-What?...What's going on?" Standing in the doorway wasn't only Rarity, but also a very exhausted looking Applejack as she had bags beneath her eyes. Even Fluttershy was there with them, the only absent one being Rainbow Dash. "Guys!?" Twilight burst to all fours, "You involved everypony in this?"

Rarity was focused on Pinkie at first, never taking her eyes off the mare worriedly. Until she'd heard that familiar tone, that voice, that precious voice. Rarity looked to Twilight behind Pinkie, before the mare looked as if she were going to begin crying. Such happiness overwhelmed her as she looked to be relieved beyond measure. She let off whaling sobs as she spread her hooves and cried out, "Twilight! You're okay!" Rarity made her way into the home, as she rushed over to Twilight, embracing the alicorn in an extremely tight hug. She backed away some, but still kept close to Twilight. "I...I was so worried darling, I thought you'd gone off the deep end!" She ran her hoof down Twilight's face affectionately, inspecting her closely, even tugging at her wings at one point. "Your face, your wings, EVERYTHING, everything is back to normal! You're absolutely fine now!" Rarity immediately looked back at Pinkie, "Pinkie! How'd you do it!?"

Pinkie shrugged with a giggle, "Beats me!"

Twilight was blushing, obviously happy her friend cared about her so much, but this was still so confusing. "She didn't do anything! I've been me the whole time! Sheesh guys, just what's with all this?!" At this point Twilight couldn't help but feel flustered, as she just wanted answers, but even those answers only bore more questions.

Applejack was pretty much in the same predicament, as she yawned, still with bags beneath her eyes before proceeding further into the home. "Shucks ya'll...uhm, I don't mean to break up the family reunion but....what the hay is going on? Rarity, Pinkie, ya'll do realize it's only been a few hours since we'd last seen Twilight. She looks pretty fine ta me."

Fluttershy was twiddling her hooves as she was also wearing a pair of pink pajamas, before nodding. "Y-Yes...I..I have to agree. It doesn't look like Twilight is any different...."

Rarity was now on the defensive as she shook her head. "N-No! I swear to you all that Pinkie and I are not making this up. Twilight was certainly acting very very strange earlier, I can promise you this!" Rarity reflected back on when she'd let Violet into her home, as she recalled Violet attempting to defend who she was. Another theory then made its way into the mare's head. But there was no way that could've actually been the case right? Violet did endlessly proclaim she wasn't Twilight. Rarity glanced back at the real Twilight, who still looked fairly serious and frustrated, as Rarity then focused back on the ground. Could that mare have actually been somepony entirely different all along? A completely separate Twilight Sparkle? One who looked exactly like Twilight? Could this all really just have been one huge misunderstanding?

Rarity looked to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, dear, where's Rainbow Dash?"

Fluttershy looked at Rarity in surprise, before continuing to twiddle her hooves as she thought about it. She blinked a bit, before shaking her head, "I-I think Rainbow Dash was sleeping, she didn't open her door. Well,..I didn't knock long, but there was never any answer. I guess s-she might be outside somewhere."

Applejack cocked a brow at Fluttershy at that point, "Outside, outside where?"

Rarity blinked a bit, "So, Rainbow Dash might be absent, or she could just be sleeping." Rarity then looked to Twilight worriedly, a little frightened to even mention this idea. "Uhm, T-Twilight, this may sound a little weird but..."

Twilight raised a brow once again at her friend.

Before Rarity continued, "Is it possible,...you have a long lost twin sister?"

The silence in the room seemed foreboding, as they all just looked at one another.

Applejack couldn't help but break out into soft chuckles, "Aha...Bahahahahahahaha!"

Pinkie waved a hoof, "Wait, but wouldn't that mean Twilight's mom did-" She stopped herself, and gasped.

Rarity stomped a hoof angrily at Pinkie, "Pinkie! T-That's not what I was getting at!"

Twilight surprisingly, was silent, as she just looked down at the ground.

Everypony in the room soon looked to her, as Spike, who'd just been half awake this entire time on the staircase attempted to stay focused on what was happening. He honestly just wanted to go back to bed, talk of double Twilight's and Pinkie Pie being a ninja, this night was becoming a little too much at this point.

Twilight though now looked more serious than she had since this whole mess began, as if she were actually considering a certain possibility. "There was one instance, one, although very brief, where I'd run into a double of myself."

Applejack just sighed before placing a hoof over her face and glancing tiredly at Twilight. "Say what now?"

Twilight continued, "It was awhile ago, but, at this point in time it didn't seem like anything worth mentioning." Twilight went over to a series of books on a particular shelf, before levitating one out and flipping through the pages observantly. "It has to do with time magic, a very vague and obviously not well known field of magic. The only known unicorn in recorded history to have mastered this school was Starswirl the Bearded. But practically all knowledge relating to his studies have been locked away in Canterlot by Princess Celestia." Twilight paused before glancing to the lower left. "Although the circumstances I won't mention, there was one time I dabbled in his studies, and ended up meeting myself from the future,...well...uhm, yea, if I think about it right. It could be possible in the near future, I will attempt something like this again, and that is what you saw." Twilight placed a hoof on her lower lip, pondering the idea.

Rarity shook her head, approaching Twilight once again. She opened her mouth, as if about to say something before just cutting herself off, looking towards the ground, then back at Twilight again with a look of defiance. "N-No! Twilight, as crazy as that already sounds, there's just no way it'd make any sense anyhow. This you, I'm telling you darling...she was, well,...she was...different." She sighed, "Everything about her was strange. She wore your face, but she was definitely no alicorn, and she certainly lacked your charm. Plus her face was scarred. Is there any drawbacks to using these time spells you speak of? Because if so, I suggest you NEVER dabble with them again."

Twilight just groaned as she ruffled her own mane. "AAAAH! Well, I don't know what it could be Rarity! It could've been anypony for all I know! Are you sure it wasn't just somepony who looked like me?"

Applejack took a few trots forward, between the two as she raised a hoof. "Listen ya'll, I think we can all agree this has been one crazy night. How bout this, how bout we all just head back home, and forget any of this ever happened. I mean, shucks, what're we getting all worked up for anyhow? Rarity, you said this other Twilight went missin right? Well perhaps she just went about her business, being a whole different pony and all. Twilight's obviously here and just fine ain't she? Then why don't we leave it at that? No need to be goin around lookin for answers we don't need, or causin any trouble for anypony. And I'm sure if something crazy like that were goin on with Twilight, Princess Celestia would be the first to know. She'd definitely tell Twilight, shucks, she tells Twilight everything."

Fluttershy nodded once again, with a soft smile. "Oh yes, I agree. There's no way Princess Celestia would just ignore Twilight if she ended up harming herself, or ended up playing around with dangerous magics."

Rarity and Twilight fell silent as they looked at one another, before letting off unified sighs.

Pinkie puckered her lower lip, as she whined a bit, "Does that mean the game is over?"

Rarity cut in once again, "B-But that still doesn't explain the light! Isn't it all just too weird, to all be happening in the same night? Twilight, I'm sure something funny is going on here. Just ignoring it, j-just doesn't sit right with me!"

Twilight appeared conflicted about the whole scenario, as her eyes shifted to the staircase, where she saw Spike sleeping on one of the steps. She then looked back to Rarity and Pinkie Pie, then to Applejack and Fluttershy. Twilight huffed slightly before giving Rarity a tired look. "Rarity, did you tell anypony else about this?"

Rarity's eyes widened as she gulped a bit, looking to the upper left. "Well, erhm, yeeeea, maybe."

Twilight sighed, covering her face with a hoof. "Well, could you please tell them all to head back home after you guys leave? I don't want everypony running around worrying about me, and 'possibly' chasing after ghosts." But she gave Rarity a warm smile, as she nodded to her. "But that doesn't mean I'm just going to let this slide. I'm a Princess now, and you're obviously worried about me, I'm not just going to ignore you. But it's late, can't we continue this tomorrow? I promise tomorrow, we'll look further into this. Plus I'll ask Princess Celestia if she knows anything." She frowned slightly, "I'm sorry about all the trouble I've caused you Rarity, I just can't concentrate on all of this so late."

Rarity looked as if she were about to object once again, but then she took the time to look over at Spike. Spike was already practically dead on the stairway, snoring. While Applejack and Fluttershy seemed awfully tired as well, the only one who didn't look tired was Pinkie Pie and her. Yet Rarity also had a bunch of ponies staying up in Ponyville worrying over what appeared to be, nothing. Rarity was persistent, skeptical about that mare who'd entered her shop, but she didn't want to burden her friends either. So, she reluctantly agreed with them. "Y-Yea, I guess you guys are right."

Twilight gave a relieved smile before nodding, "Thanks Rarity, I promise we'll figure this out."

Rarity nodded, "Oh! D-Don't worry about it darling, I'm just happy you're fine." She chuckled a bit before looking to Pinkie Pie and the others. "Well shall we get going everypony? I'm sure we're all very eager to get back to our beds!"

Applejack yawned, patting her mouth with a hoof before nodding. "Whew, you said it Rarity." She then made her way towards the door, looking forward to finally making it back to the farm and into her bed.

Rarity followed close behind Applejack, as Fluttershy basically did the same with a cheery smile.

Pinkie Pie however looked to Twilight then back to her group of departing friends in dread and disbelief. "B-But guys! We haven't found Twilight's long lost twin sister yet! She could be anywhere!"

As the four of them were leaving the house, Applejack rolled her house exclaiming, "There is no long lost sister Pinkie!" Before the door shut behind each of them as they'd exited back out into Ponyville.

As they'd all left the library, Twilight stood in place for some time still reflecting on Rarity and Pinkie's story. That mysterious light which she'd refused to investigate, as well as this idea of a second Twilight. Surely if there was something weird at play then something would've happened by now that she couldn't just ignore. Surely Princess Celestia or Luna wouldn't have missed something so obvious if it were dangerous. Twilight scowled, before grabbing the book she'd referred to only a few minutes earlier and flipping through the pages. She then looked at the sleeping Spike as she regarded him with a caring smile, before looking back to the text of the pages. "Just how much were you capable of Starswirl?"

Silence, Violet didn't seem to care for anything else besides it. She'd just spoken to Rainbow Dash, but not another word after that. She was too lost in her own shame in order to concentrate on anything else. A few seconds was all they needed, but they wouldn't be getting a second chance. "You know, I thought you two were beyond the capability of actually agreeing on a sync strategy with one another. As petty as your methods were, I understand them." A light smirk crept onto Violet's face as she looked into Princess Luna in the eyes. "But you won't be getting a second chance, you've underestimated my own magical capabilities, Princess Luna, Celestia." Violet bowed her head in a sign of respect, "I thank you for the interesting encounter. It's a shame." She paused, "I almost had you Princess Luna. Your defenses are severely lacking."

Princess Luna gasped for breath as she glanced down at her wound. At this point she to fell silent, as she just gave Violet a glare of personal discern, before sighing heavily. She then closed her eyes, before her horn started to glow faintly, a flash of blue light circling around her wound, as her magic slowly began to heal her. Afterwords she looked up towards Princess Celestia, who'd been glancing back down at her worriedly, before Luna reassured her with a simple nod. Princess Luna's eyes now represented a look of faint pity, as she noticed Violet picked her words carefully, and the princess could read the girl perfectly. It wasn't that she was planning to end this encounter between them and ensure Celestia and her did not follow, she was planning a retreat. Princess Luna could see why, there were no external wounds yet somehow, Violet had become horribly wounded in her escape process. "Stop this, your own magic is beyond you, and you know it."

Princess Luna also noticed Violet's sudden change of opinion of her. The fact she was actually referring to her as Princess Luna instead of Nightmare Moon, did such a quick encounter really convince her to do this that much? It actually saddened the Princess in some ways. Were they truly that despicable in her world, to the point where she herself couldn't even agree on something with Celestia that didn't involve decimating the competition? Although, even such methods would probably be more preferable with one who had the powers to manipulate time itself. Were they truly at that much of a disadvantage? For Violet to have been able to escape their banishment spell in the mere fraction of a second? But when?

And perhaps the answer would reveal itself, as Princess Luna noticed Violet sway from side to side, losing balance.

Violet's vision started to blur before she frowned. "I, have no idea what you're talking about."

"JUST WHAT IS GOING ON!?"

Violet and Princess Luna glanced over in the same direction, at the obviously distraught Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash just looked at the two ponies conversing with a speechless expression. Her eyes moist with tears as she continued to attempt wrapping her mind around what was happening. Everything felt so fast, the fact Twilight had been attacked in mere moments, and the ones responsible being the very Princesses themselves, and now Twilight was still talking crazy. Rainbow had a overwhelming sense of relief yet dread at the same time, relief in the fact that Twilight appeared safe, although hurt, and in dread due to the overwhelming amount of force being used against her. "WHY'RE YOU TWO FIGHTING EACH OTHER!? TWILIGHT!? WHY'RE YOU ACTING LIKE THIS!?" Rainbow Dash spread her hooves, attempting to get through to her friend, as well as focusing on Princess Luna. "Why're you all acting crazy!? What is this!?"

Violet looked wide eyed at Rainbow Dash before easing into a faint chuckle. "Hmmhmhmhm....."

Rainbow suddenly looked dumbfounded as she noticed Twilight's reaction.

Violet burst into wild laughter, "Ahahahahahaha!! Have you not realized it yet Rainbow Dash!?"

Princess Luna looked ahead once again, back towards Violet. "Look closely Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash looked to Princess Luna at this point, raising a brow, before hurriedly wiping her eyes. "Huh?"

Princess Luna continued. "This isn't the Twilight Sparkle you know and love. Pay attention, and you'll see."

Rainbow Dash then looked back to Violet, before squinting for some time, slowly coming to realize the meaning behind Princess Luna's words. But the more Rainbow looked upon the familiar mare, the more she didn't understand. She'd noticed something was weird but, this was a little too weird even for her. Rainbow was silent as she felt a bit stunned by the revelation before her, and unsure how to react anymore to this new Twilight. In actuality Rainbow began to feel angry with this fake, as she'd gritted her teeth, realizing it must've been some poser trying to give Twilight a bad name, manipulate her. "Why yoooou, who do you think you are!? Why're you posing as Twilight! I knew Twilight would never say those things, and the Princesses would never attack the real Twilight so suddenly!"

Violet flashed Rainbow an amused smile, closing her eyes somewhat, "Sorry to disappoint you Rainbow Dash."

How could Rainbow not have noticed before? When she thought about it, there were so many things that pointed out this fact. She bore no wings, had a scar, and was significantly smaller than Twilight. She did notice in some ways, but she never took the time to actually consider the possibility. Rainbow couldn't cease her annoyance as she knew she'd been made the fool in some ways, she stomped a hoof angrily. But she held herself back before looking back at Princess Luna. "Then who is this Princess Luna!? Where's the real Twilight?! Is this fake just some changeling or something!?"

Princess Luna replied hastily, "The real Twilight is fine Rainbow Dash. But we still need to ensure this one doesn't escape."

Violet turned towards the opposite direction with a bored look, before glancing back at Princess Luna. "You say those words as if any of you still have the slightest chance of ensuring my capture. You don't have the knowledge or capabilities of subduing me, nor do you hold my favor Princesses. You had your chance and you blew it, and I won't be playing head games with either of you again. I shall be taking my leave now if you don't-" Violet heard what sounded like surging flames in the distance, but this time overhead. She looked up as her eyes widened a bit, before her bored look returned to her. "Oh..."

SLAM, SLAM, SLAM, SLAM!

Four consecutive crushing noises boomed around her on all sides, some distance away. Violet of course looked at each of these areas observantly, noticing what appeared to be four golden pillars. She sighed as her body wobbled, before she looked up towards the skies again, seeing Princess Celestia still wasn't giving up on the idea of rendering her harmless. Violet smirked; going through all this trouble of capturing her was flattering to say the least, but if they truly wanted to fix their problems, why not attempt reducing her to ash? Of course this wasn't the world she knew so it was expected.

Violet's expression worsened as although she was confident in her abilities to escape once again, there was a certain criteria she had to fit in order for things to run smoothly. She recalled the blood covering her head and torso, realizing she likely wouldn't make it through another hasty attempt like she'd done earlier. Her horn started to glow faintly. "Sorry, it's really the end this time." Then immediately, the world began to slow as another portal appeared before her. Her present reality was now beyond them, time was on her side, there was nothing they could do.

Princess Celestia shook her head with a look of desperation. "N-No! Twilight wait! PLEASE!" She burst forth with a mighty flap of her wings, as her guards attempted the same, remaining by the Princess's side. Princess Celestia gritted her teeth as she kept her focus on the duplicate Twilight, attempting to reach her before she knew the child would cast another of her spells which would ensure her getaway, and possibly her own demise if she were in too much of a hurry. Then in that next second, the Princess herself disappeared in an instant in the form of a relocation spell.

"TWILIGHT!" Princess Luna shouted ferociously.

Violet glanced back at Princess Luna, "......Hm?"

Princess Luna continued as her own horn started to glow once again, before she lowered her tone. "I will find your vulnerabilities, here and now." And in that moment, Princess Luna's eyes bore a similar appearance to that of Nightmare Moon's, with eyes similar to those of a serpent. She just kept her alluring gaze focused on the unicorn. Her horn let off yet another flash of light, which'd caused her surrounding guards and Rainbow Dash to cover their heads.

Violet's eyes widened once again as her and Princess Luna's eyes met.

In that moment, Princess Luna awoke in a place far different from where she'd previously been. She didn't appear surprised by this however, more as if she'd expected it to happen, although she also appeared to be in somewhat of a hurry. She took a second to take in her surroundings, and glanced around what appeared to be a filly's room. The lights were off, and the posters on the wall were torn. Everything in the room was worn, from the small bed posted in the corner, to the dressers and the dust covered plushies. The only source of light being that of a small lamp, and what she saw beside that lamp is what intrigued her the most. It was a small filly, and one that was all too familiar to her at this point. "Twilight Sparkle..."

The filly immediately turned her head with wide eyes, looking upon Princess Luna with curious eyes. "Huh?...Oh, hello there. Welcome to my room." She immediately went back to writing on a piece of paper beside her lamp, remaining concentrated.

Princess Luna approached the filly, before lowering her frame slightly to look over her. "What is it that you're writing Twilight Sparkle, and why're you here in this broken down home? What possible value could this place hold?"

Twilight Sparkle paused, as her eyes widened again. She looked unsure, before continuing to write. "I'm preparing for my entrance exam." She thought about the second half of Princess Luna's question. "I don't know why it's like this."

Princess Luna fell silent as she looked upon Twilight Sparkle with her brow raised slightly. She then turned, making her way to one of the walls and leaving the filly Twilight Sparkle to continue going about her business. As she got closer to one of the cracked walls, there was the faint sound of sizzling which'd caught her attention. She raised her hoof a bit, before tapping the wall. It was in that moment the wall began to crack even more, spreading about the entire room like a chain reaction, before everything started to crumble down and turn to ash slowly before them.

Princess Luna's eyes widened as after the very walls of the room itself fell around them, she found that she was standing in yet another chamber. This chamber however had six doors, each with their own symbol upon them. One had the symbol of the sun, while another had the moon. Princess Luna frowned a bit, as she felt she was able to make sense of them. The other four symbols however, left her feeling clueless. She glanced back to find that Twilight Sparkle was still focused on finishing her task related to this entrance exam. Princess Luna felt hesitant. "Twilight Sparkle....may I ask you something?"

Twilight Sparkle remained focused, but still answered. "Mhm!...Ask anything you want!"

Princess Luna turned away from the six doors, facing Twilight once again. "Why must you pass this exam?"

Twilight paused, ceasing her writing for a moment. She then continued, "To prove my value."

Princess Luna's eyes saddened as her tone lowered a bit, "And......where is your family?"

Twilight Sparkle stopped writing again. "They passed a long time ago."

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she felt a little distraught over Twilight's answer. "B-But where are they?"

Twilight Sparkle looked confused as she'd glanced back at Princess Luna. "I told you,....They passed a long time ago."

With that, the world surrounding Princess Luna cracked much like the walls she herself caused to crumble, mere moments ago. As everything she looked upon soon shattered like glass, leaving nothing but black.

Princess Luna opened her eyes once again, to see she'd returned to the scene of the present. Yet she found that things hadn't gone exactly as planned, as she looked upon Twilight Sparkle a second time. As she stood there in the open fields, she realized that it had only been about a second since what she'd seen transpired compared to real time, to the others it'd be as if no time had passed at all. So many thoughts streamed through her mind at that moment, and she knew the only reason she casted such a spell in the first place was to find something she could use. Anything to keep Twilight Sparkle still only for another second longer, one that'd thrown her off guard despite how focused she was now. Princess Luna's heart ached at the thought, as she herself now didn't feel compelled to go against this girl, realizing what she'd seen, was more than likely a cause of her counter-part self in another reality. Yet she still continued, she still looked upon this second Twilight but this time with a look of sorrow and pity, before asking her a question. "Twilight Sparkle! Did you pass?"

Violet's expression sunk, as she'd looked lost, out of place, and overall, utterly distracted. "What?" She was frozen in place before her portal. Violet turned back towards the Princess, "How do you know about that?"

And in that moment, Princess Celestia herself reappeared mere feet from Violet Autumn in a poof of crimson smoke, as she'd given the unicorn a determined glare which'd only lasted a second before she charged her.

Violet's dumbfounded expression never left her, even when she'd looked at Princess Celestia, "Eh?"

Princess Celestia pinned the unicorn down quickly, remaining on top of her. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE! You are far too young, too immature, too ignorant of the consequences of using time magic so conveniently! Just look at your own condition! WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES!" Her eyes saddened as she looked upon this broken form of her student. "Deep down, despite the circumstances even you realize it don't you? Why must you avoid us so? What is it that you fear!?"

Violet's expression became one of absolute disgust as she'd realized she was actually in the grasp of Princess Celestia! "TCH!!" She gritted her teeth. "When will you understand that I don't care!" She closed her eyes, snapping at the alicorn. "I want nothing to do with you! Either of you! You may act different, but deep down inside you're all just the same! In the end you will do what you have to! You're nothing more than a pair of manipulative, heartless, tyrants! This kindness, it's all simply a boundary you've created to protect yourselves! I will never fall prey to it, not again!"

Princess Celestia irked as she'd felt a sting in her heart, a sharp pain as she'd heard those words from Violet. She leaned in closer to Violet's face, before asking with an almost psychotic longing, "Why? Why must you mistake kindness for weakness?" At this point even Princess Celestia appeared annoyed with the unicorn, eyes wide as she sought to understand this student of her's.

Violet continued, "I'm capable of dealing with everything on my own! I don't need the help of monsters like you!" She shoved Princess Celestia off her with a mighty rear buck. This caught the princess of guard, shocked due to the fact even in her current condition, that Twilight was willing to expend such physical energy simply to get away from her.

Princess Celestia's guards immediately touched upon the ground themselves, as the four golden pillars surrounding Violet's perimeter began to form transparent golden barriers between each one, boxing her in. Yet at this point the guards cared little for capturing Twilight as on impulse they'd each unsheathed their weapons, a fierce passion in each of their eyes to protect their dear princess, angered by the fact this enemy had actually managed to assault her.

Princess Celestia who'd been laying on her side immediately leaned up, crying out. "WAIT!! HOLD YOUR BLADES THIS INSTANT!!"

The guards however, didn't cease in that moment, as they'd swarmed the unicorn, and lunged their blades straight towards her torso.

Violet in that moment smiled softly as she muttered, "That's more like it." As a stream of purple light expanded in an instant, and in Violet's perception of the situation, the blades which were mere inches from her, ceased to move. Violet then propelled herself upwards as she'd landed on her two hind legs, staggering a bit upon landing. Violet glanced around tiredly as she'd soon looked ahead, ignoring the presence of the surrounding guards who appeared frozen in time, with a fierce determined glare. "Show me something familiar."

In the next instant, which felt like only a fraction of a second since she'd seen them assault Twilight, Princess Celestia watched as her entire guard was flung back as if they'd been dispatched in one inconceivable moment. It was then the princess realized just how reliant Twilight was on this form of magic. She herself felt stunned by the sheer impossibility of it all, yet it was here before her eyes. A forced prodigy in a forbidden school.

Even Princess Luna and her guard couldn't comprehend it. How was it possible for anypony, let alone one as young as this Twilight, in order to be so invulnerable? What did it take to house such knowledge behind arguably the strongest magic school there was? Princess Luna tried to gather her thoughts, but not even she could muster up a reliable plan in mere seconds. Twilight's advantage was infinite compared to their's, just at what cost did this Twilight make in order to be able to use such magic? And as the seconds drew on and on, the princess felt her own conviction starting to break. What were they supposed to do? They didn't know Twilight's plans, her goals, and most importantly, if they'd ever see her again and what answers she held. If she'd escaped, there likely would never be another chance such as this. They had to succeed!

And in that next moment, Rainbow Dash burst forth angrily, as she'd flapped her wings, charging the unicorn herself. "What're you all just moping around for!? If we're short on time then just go with it!!! We need to stop this fake Twilight from escaping don't we!? Then let's hurry up and get her!" Rainbow was confident in her speed, and she had reason to be. In that single moment, she'd already closed majority of the distance between herself and this second Twilight. She snarled as she'd glared at the second unicorn. She wouldn't let this Twilight get away! Especially after being led along this long!

Violet seemed bored with the mare however, simply looking Rainbow in the eyes as she'd rapidly closed in.

Princess Luna called out to Rainbow desperately however, "STOP RAINBOW DASH!"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as something didn't sit right with her either, as she'd reached Twilight. "Huh?" Violet's expression never changed, and she looked at Rainbow without a sense of worry. Why? How could this Twilight be so confident? Even though Rainbow was so close, how could she just look at her like that? It was over, there was no way Twilight could've anticipated Rainbow's speed. But before Rainbow could even think of another thought, she'd felt a sharp pain in her right cheek. What'd just happened? She didn't even know. Yet somehow she was even facing an entirely different direction, away from Twilight. How was she now looking at Princess Celestia? And when did she get thrown off balance? Rainbow's mind went blank as she'd skidded against the dirt and grass and tumbled and slammed into one of the guards. Rainbow slumped up as she'd rubbed her right cheek, absolutely confused. "W-What!?" She immediately glared back at Twilight, noticing the mare had her right hoof raised, and stretched out in the direction Rainbow had been knocked to. Rainbow couldn't make sense of it, "But when did she-"

With that Violet proceeded to the front of her portal as it didn't take her long at all to reach it, she soon spoke in regards to both princesses. "Just give up and make the logical decision." She looked back at Princess Celestia, "There are still things I must find out princess, so I will continue pursuing my own goals in my own way. There's no point in trying to get in my way." She took a step into her portal, "Especially if you can't muster up the courage to eliminate one troublesome pony."

Princess Celestia herself snapped in that moment, "TWILIGHT, WAIT THIS INSTANT!"

Violet ignored her of course, rolling her eyes as she'd proceeded into her portal. She stopped for a moment before her face turned a faint shade of crimson and her eyes saddened before she'd glanced back at Princess Luna hesitantly. She looked somewhat ashamed before muttering in a barely audible tone, "No." She lowered her head and with that, the portal closed itself off once again, disappearing along with Violet to yet another, uncertain location.

Princess Celestia looked upon the spot where Violet once stood with wide eyes, before she looked overcome with desperation, fear, and anger in herself. "T-Twilight!.....UGH!!!" She immediately climbed to all fours, sneering angrily as she'd glanced towards the ground. "We should've been more careful! Now who knows where she could've run off to. She obviously isn't in the state of mind to be making just decisions related to her well-being! She abuses time magic as if it were a common school, did any of you see her condition!?" Princess Celestia began trotting back and forth. "And it's not as if this encounter made our relationship with her any better. I told you to hold your blades!"

Princess Celestia exhaled, attempting to calm herself as she rubbed her forehead. "Twilight is bound to be more recluse from now on. But she likely won't listen to reason either, and more importantly, what is she planning to do in this world?" Princess Celestia was obviously displeased with their empty outcome, seeing as Twilight simply escaped again. She lowered her hind legs with a sigh before covering her face with a hoof, as her guards surrounded her worriedly. She then looked over at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow, what you've seen here tonight, Twilight mustn't know about it."

Rainbow then stood to her hooves angrily. "What why!? Princess, Twilight could help us find her! Our Twilight has a right to know if there's a second version of herself running around ruining her good name! Especially if that second Twilight can pose a threat to other ponies, Twilight would get the blame! None of that would be fair to Twilight!" Rainbow was having trouble getting used to the idea of going against Twilight yet defending her at the same time, it was awkward to say the least.

Princess Celestia sighed. "I understand your concerns Rainbow Dash, but there's more at risk here than simply Twilight's feelings and reputation. You've just seen yourself what this second Twilight is capable of, in many ways, she could be considered invulnerable. I'd rather not involve Twilight in something such as this so hastily, knowing her double is out there, planning whatever it may be. In all reality the only advantage we may have is the fact this is our world and we know more of it. But to involve Twilight in this, still with possible threats looming out there, and her baring such responsibility as it is, I'd rather give her that peace of mind for now."

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth but remained silent, still feeling conflicted about this entire thing.

Princess Celestia raised a brow at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, also, did our second Twilight mention to you why she was so concerned about this area? What was it that urged her to come out here so quickly?"

Rainbow sighed as she glanced to her lower right. "Something about the weather. What does it matter anymore?"

Princess Celestia looked down upon the mare with a hint of intrigue. "The weather? Hm...."

Soon Princess Luna approached with her own guards, but she seemed more uneasy. She just looked at Princess Celestia with the gloomy look she had ever since she'd peered into Violet's mind for that short period of time. She spoke softly, "Sister....there's something I must discuss with you, and perhaps, you as well Rainbow Dash."

Princess Celestia and Rainbow Dash then looked to Luna, both with their brows raised.

Princess Luna continued, "I believe I may know of a way to certainly bring our second Twilight back to us."

Violet exited her portal, immediately gasping for breath as she did so. She laid on her side, deep bags underlining her eyes as she felt as if she were about to throw up. Her world blurred and she wasn't certain if she'd be able to stay conscious for much longer. Her eyes were now also a bloodshot red. Her breathing was raspy to say the least, as if her throat were charred, she knew she overexerted herself. She staggered to her hooves again, before falling back to her side, and just laying there for a moment. She took this time, to look around the area she was in now.

It was her room, well, not her room in particular but the real Twilight's room. The similarities in appearance, yet difference in character, astonished Violet when it came to this world. It was as if in some ways, she'd arrived in a dream, even if she were still having troubles in this new world. Troubles she couldn't simply ignore. She had to move. But at least now she knew that in some ways, this worlds locations were nearly the same, but....did that mean even the Crystal Empire-..she cut off the thought. She paused, realizing now was not the time for this.

Violet noticed how tidy it was, how clean it was. It all felt so unfamiliar, the positioning of the bed, the study material, and even the small dolls which laid about the room. Violet however wasn't here to reminisce, she climbed to her hooves again, this time grabbing hold of the edge of the desk before rising completely. But as she did that, she caught sight of something that made her freeze for a second. It was a picture, a picture of Twilight and Shining Armor. Violet spent some time looking at that picture, first at her other self, so happily standing beside her brother. Then at Shining Armor.

Violet's eyes were wide as she just continued to stare for a good long while, and eventually, her expression worsened. She looked furious, absolutely disgusted by it! Her horn glowed as the picture levitated and she smashed it to pieces against the wall. Violet then continued to stagger about the room, as she sought something in particular. She dug through Twilight's drawers, and then through stacks of paper before pausing again, as if she'd found what she was looking for. But she continued to look at that particular piece of paper, seeming quite confused. She looked at a particular name, which was Ponyville. So, that entire time, they were even in the same location, how amusing. Violet's eyes were half closed as her expression eased into one of more calm, and she made her way to Twilight's bedroom window.

It was about time to bring an end to this long, tedious, midnight. But not before one final task was completed.

But suddenly bursting into the room would be two particular ponies. "WHOSE IN HERE!?" There standing in the open doorway would be Night Light and Twilight Velvet, Night Light wielding a baseball bat with telekinetic magic, while Twilight Velvet hid behind her husband, yet with a look of defiance. But as they stood there, their angered expressions turned into those more representative of absolute confusion, soon to be worry.

Twilight Velvet made her way forward slowly, "Wait.....T-Twilight? Is that you?! Sweetie what happened to you!?"

Violet's expression didn't change much as she simply glanced back at them. She didn't appear to care for them, as her eyes were still half closed and she had a slight frown upon her face. Yet for a moment, her eyes saddened, before she disappeared before their eyes in a poof of smoke, only leaving a trail of chaos in the room she'd stood in previously.

Night Light leaned down worriedly before he called out, "H-Honey, come look a this."

Twilight Velvet looked where Twilight once stood, still a bit in shock from what she'd seen. "W-Was that Twilight?...."

Night Light continued, as he seemed more preoccupied with something else. "Honey...."

Twilight Velvet glanced back towards her husband, as her eyes widened at the same thing he was looking at.

Night Light was knelt down before the pieces of the broken frame and torn picture which laid on the floor. She then looked towards the scattered papers atop Twilight's desk, as she made her way over to them slowly. Her eyes scanned over the papers which were on top, as she'd raised a brow, still feeling confused. She couldn't make sense of why any robber or Twilight herself would pull out these papers from so long ago. They were letters she kept, describing how she'd often missed being at home back in Canterlot, but didn't regret spending time at Golden Oak's with Spike. Why would Twilight be going over things she already knew? Twilight Velvet couldn't make sense of it. And what value would it hold to a thief?

Was there any particular value Golden Oak's had, besides the fact Twilight now lived there?

And Violet had finally arrived.

In a swirl of purple mist and smoke, which dispersed the moment her spell had completed. Violet stood before a particular location, in silence as she looked as if she'd been through hell and back. Her mane was raggedy as her coat had dried crimson blotches upon it, and she reeked of dirt, blood, and sweat. Obviously she was worse for wear. But she couldn't rest, not until she knew, not until she knew why and how all these problems could've been avoided. Not until she knew the truth behind her greatest enemy, and greatest fear itself. Violet's eyes widened as a shiver ran down her spine, and she looked upon the individual in front of her with wide fascinated eyes, unable to speak at the moment. Her trembling began to worsen as she just stood there, unsure of how to react but, realizing this was something she needed to do at this point. Realizing she probably wouldn't get another chance, before deciding to disappear herself.

She stood, at the doorway from within Golden Oak's Library, and only feet from her, sitting at her study with her back facing the unicorn, would be the alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle. With her nose in a book.

Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened as she looked as if she'd just come across some sort of revelation in her book. A wide fascinated smile appeared on her face, still ignorant of the fact she was being watched. "No, that couldn't be it." But as Twilight continued to look down at her book, she started to feel uneasy, as if something weren't right about the situation. Twilight leaned up, as her heart began to race. What was this feeling? She raised a brow, before slowly turning to look behind her, and as she did so, her eyes went wide as she caught sight of the particular figure standing near the door.

The two spent a long while looking at each other, as Princess Twilight broke the silence. "What in the-...."

Violet soon looked tired again, frowning as she appeared absolutely broken, "So it's true."

Princess Twilight was stunned, silent as she looked upon this double of herself.

Violet lowered her hind legs, sitting, as her horn started to shimmer and spark and she kept her head lowered, refusing to look this alternate version of herself in the eyes. "I must speak with you, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Violet's nose wrinkled in irritation, and although her expression was hidden from Twilight, she quivered as she struggled to continue to speak.

Twilight didn't know how to reply, as she was still attempting to make sense of this. She just yelled, "WHAT IS THIS!?"

Chapter 6: Pinnacle of Tyranny

CHAPTER 6: PINNACLE OF TYRANNY

Ponies of all kinds were gathered in a single room, one of extravagance and superb beauty. The marble floors were shined to glistening perfection yet the royal architecture surrounding them didn't spark a single look of admiration, as if they were all too used to seeing it to even care anymore. The ponies all wore fancy clothing as well, dresses fit for kings and queens, which most of these ponies probably felt they befitted. Classical instrumental echoed throughout the room and ponies conversed on all sides, while others danced about on the dance floor, having the time of their lives. Towards the middle of the room, in the back and leading further into the rest of this seemingly massive place was a staircase which split off into two opposite directions. It wasn't hard to depict that this room was only a smaller portion of a massive castle.

Suddenly somepony tapped their wine glass from that staircase, getting everypony else's attention.

It was none other than the befittting ruler of the night, the gracious Nightmare Moon. "Attention my loyal subjects, attention!"

Everypony immediately paused in their current happenings, giving the princess their full attention.

Nightmare Moon chuckled before bowing her head. "I'd like to welcome our fellow host and ruler, my dear and precious sister, Solar Flare." Nightmare Moon smiled softly to herself in regards to the coming of her sister. She began clapping her hooves as did everypony else, who instead began stomping their hooves in supposed gratitude. "It is good to see you dearest sibling."

Making her way down the stairs would be Solar Flare, an alicorn of flawless beauty while also possessing a passive atmosphere of power and intimidation. Her mane looked as if it were of living flame as it twisted and writhed with each trot she took. It became a memory which burned into the retinas of all who looked upon it. Her coat wasn't much different, a blood red shade combed to perfection. Her eyes were piercing and it caused many who made actual eye contact with the her to tremble in fear. Many would only look upon her chest while fearing the worst, and obviously not wanting to incite her wrath upon themselves.

Solar Flare however smiled graciously, pleased with the current situation. She glanced around, down at her subjects with a look of acceptance, before smirking softly. She then looked to Princess Nightmare Moon with a nod, "Likewise." She then looked back to her subjects before standing beside her sister as she appeared cocky and a little playful. "Well, don't let me ruin all the fun! Go on go on, enjoy yourselves, live it up!" She then nudged in the direction of one of the numerous butlers, who immediately hurried a glass of wine up to the princess. Princess Solar Flare used her telekinetic magic to immediately grab hold of the glass and indulge in the bitterly sweet delight, downing the entire glass in three mighty gulps before placing it back on the silver tray. "Aaaaaah! NOW GOOOO, enjoy yourselves my subjects. This day of celebration has only just begun, to many more years of prosperity for the pony race!"

And with such words of proclamation, the ponies all began stomping their hooves with delighted smiles once again, before continuing going about their business and enjoying themselves at the party.

Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon looked upon their subjects in satisfaction.

Nightmare Moon raised a brow at Solar Flare curiously, "Aren't you going to join them sister?"

Solar Flare sighed heavily before rolling her eyes. "You know I don't dance let alone feel the need to."

Nightmare Moon chuckled somewhat. "True, I assumed you were just in a different sort of mood is all."

The two then motioned for more glasses of wine, before downing them together in unison.

Down towards the banquet table was a unicorn dressed in guard attire. He was obviously high ranking judging by his appearance in comparison to the other guards present. His coat was white, while his mane was sapphire with a lighter streak of blue mixed in. He had a satisfied smile as he looked upon the peaceful atmosphere of the party. Suddenly approaching him however would be an alicorn, she to was beautiful, just as much as the princesses themselves. It wasn't hard to guess that she was probably royalty, and a princess all the same. The unicorn regarded her with an affectionate smirk, "Cadence, it's good to see you."

The alicorn revealed as Princess Cadence snickered as she looked fairly amused. "Likewise Shining, how about we ditch this party and go find somewhere more private to....talk?" She placed a hoof on his chest, before licking her lips somewhat. She gave him an alluring stare, tempting and nonetheless distracting. She then placed her cheek against his, nuzzling the unicorn.

Shining Armor frowned a bit, before his face turned a little red due to a faint blush. He looked compelled to join her in her wishes, but also knew that his duties were here. "Cadence you know I'm on duty, I can't simply leave my post. Appearances play a big role in regards to the princesses's reputations." He winced a bit before glaring towards the ground. "Especially after what my blasted little sister did." He fell silent for a few more seconds. "She won't get away with ruining our family. How dare she run from Princess Solar Flare's judgement, only a coward would commit such treason. I have to do all that I can to right her wrongs myself."

Princess Cadence looked fairly annoyed due to his worries. "For one Shining, I could care less what these lower ponies think of me. They are meant to be on the bottom for a reason, and that's forever where they'll remain. All I care about is our love," she then clung to him, nuzzling against him more and more, practically glued to him. "All I care about is what you think about me, anything else doesn't matter. As long as you're by my side, our love can accomplish anything." She then sighed before closing her eyes. "In regards to your little sister, do you truly believe that brat can escape our wrath? That dragon is out there as we speak, hunting her down wherever she goes, I'm sure we'll receive word of her untimely demise in no time. There's no way she could outrun us forever." She then planted a kiss on Shining's cheek, before whispering in his ear. "You know to be honest with you, I'm glad she did what she did. Now I have you all to myself my love, I never liked her to begin with, always clinging to you." Princess Cadence paused, "Plus she's dangerous, after what happened I wouldn't risk it. Although I can't say it was all entirely bad, she did manage to create him. She may be a traitor, but she had her usefulness for the time being." Princess Cadence soon nudged Shining Armor again impatiently. "Now come on Shining, let's hurry, I'm getting impatient. That's an order."

Shining Armor sighed heavily before smiling softly at Cadence. "Alright let's get out of he-"

"Excuse us! Official mail pony business!" Suddenly shoving their way through the crowd was a pair of pegasi fillies, tiny and armored. They hurriedly made their way up to Shining Armor, before one of them exclaimed hurriedly. "Sir sir sir!"

Princess Cadence shrieked in horror. "Ugh! Disgusting!"

One of the pegasi who was rainbow maned gasped in offense, "Hey! What's your problem!?"

Princess Cadence raised a brow at that pegasi. "Quite the cheeky little thing for a 'Cloudsdale' runt."

The rainbow maned filly winced at the princess angrily, before simply huffing. "Derpy, the letter, let's make it snappy!"

The fellow pegasi revealed as Derpy nodded hurriedly before taking out a bound scroll. "H-Here you go sirrrrr!"

Shining Armor took hold of the scroll before loosening the knot, opening it, then looking over the contents. As he looked over it the more his eyes widened as he suddenly looked overcome with anger. He groaned heavily muttering beneath his breath, "Blasted dragon, I knew this was too much to handle for such a clueless race." He then lowered his frame in regards to the two pegasi. "Thank you two for getting this to me. Now get yourselves a bite to eat, it'll be a long flight back to Cloudsdale."

The two pegasi saluted Shining Armor with smiles as the rainbow one exclaimed, "Happy to help sir! Thank you!" The two of them then made their way back through the crowd, but towards the opposite end of the banquet table rather than the exit.

Princess Cadence appeared irked with his decision, "I don't see why you acknowledge those two children as something special. They're Cloudsdale runts, they might as well be no different from the earth ponies who live outside these walls."

Shining looked a little humored by Cadence's words. "If I recall, didn't you used to be a pegasi no different from them?"

Princess Cadence cocked a brow before sneering. "I passed my test and proved my worth, and now here I am, an alicorn. I've long transcended past the point of being related to those pegasi, I am now a goddess of love and passion, something more, nothing less." She snickered softly to herself.

Shining Armor rolled his eyes with a smile. "True, but besides that point, those two are something special, especially Rainbow Dash. She is the ace of her age group, and one of the fastest mail pegasi to date despite her age." Shining Armor looked off in the general direction of where they headed. "I'm confident she'll grow into a fine mare, and soldier. Perhaps she'll even prove her worth to Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon as you have. If not, then she'll probably fall between the cracks, no biggie."

Princess Cadence gasped before scowling softly to herself. "Hmph! Like that'd ever happen, honestly. Might as well fail them now."

Shining continued. "Well, either way I have to take this news to Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon, if you'll excuse me Cadence." He then made his way past the alicorn, and towards the central stairway.

Princess Cadence grumbled before grabbing hold of his tail. "W-Wait! Shining Armor, can't it wait?!"

Shining Armor frowned with saddened eyes, "Sadly no. It involves my sister."

Princess Cadence's eyes widened before she smiled softly. "Then I'll go with you."

Shining Armor raised a brow at her, "You're an alicorn. You don't need to trouble yourself with this Cadence, she's a filly."

Princess Cadence's nose wrinkled in annoyance. "The quicker this is out of the way, the more time you'll have for me, yes? Then I say it's more than enough reason for me to get involved. I'm sure with my talents, it'll be over in the blink of an eye."

Shining Armor smiled again, before planting a kiss on her muzzle. "Thanks Cadence." Before continuing on towards the stairway.

Princess Cadence flushed blood red in her cheeks before placing her hooves over her face. "Ooooh Shining...my love."

Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon stood beside one another still, before they were suddenly joined by yet another.

Appearing behind Princess Solar Flare would be a knelt draconequus who looked fairly young in appearance. Her sudden coming leaving traces of pink smoke fluttering about, she soon spoke. "Solar Flare, we need to talk."

Princess Solar Flare's mood died down as she looked fairly annoyed. "Order, there is nothing we need to discuss. I asked you specifically to find her for me, you're more than capable enough to handle this. So why're you here?"

The draconequus rose, before cocking her head to the left. "I came to tell you to stop this nonsense."

Solar Flare sighed heavily, "Here you go again with your philosophical outbreaks. Spare me the melodramatic tone. I'm keeping the peace and order, exactly as you wanted. If you don't like it, you can gladly leave me to my business."

Order immediately flicked her claw, forcefully turning the princess to face her as she stared her in the eyes. "No!"

Princess Solar Flare stared her down right back, unaffected by her demeanor and tone. "Soooooo, here we go again?"

Order winced before muttering angrily, trying to keep her voice down, "If this is your idea of peace and order, then I'll gladly welcome chaos anyday. Perhaps it might bring an end to this madness you call a kingdom. There is no balance!"

Solar Flare snickered at her, amused. "Then why don't you do something about it? Come on dear, attack me. I'm right here."

Nightmare Moon was chuckling in the background, unable to contain her own amusement.

Order simply snarled, as she clenched her paw and claw and lowered her head in embarrassment.

Solar Flare cocked her own head back somewhat, before continuing. "Oh? That's right! Your good for nothing powers are only used for defensive purposes. What a shame. If only you could actually instigate something on your own. Such is the price of your true sense of order is it not? Now why don't you go on and continue your reconnaissance like you're supposed to, instead of suggesting how I rule my ponies. Draconequus may be an ancient and powerful race, but I swear your usefulness is disappointing to say the least." Princess Solar Flare chuckled as she turned back towards the rest of the party overlooking them from the second floor. But her expression was now cold and dark, as she spoke still in regards to Order. "Understand this Order, Sunset Shimmer made her decision, so she must also bare the consequences. I'll be sure to punish her for stealing from me, thoroughly." Princess Solar Flare's eyes saddened as she lowered her head a bit. "Speaking of which, what is it, Captain?"

Nightmare Moon raised a brow before glancing down at the stairway, seeing waiting patiently would be Shining Armor. "Captain?"

Shining Armor closed his eyes before bowing his head respectively. "Princess Solar Flare, Princess Nightmare Moon. A minute of your time, if I may?" He then looked up at them objectively and obediently.

Princess Solar Flare nodded simply, before sighing. "Of course, go on. What do you need? Is it Cadence again?"

Princess Cadence popped her head out from behind the Captain with a gasp, "Heeeeey! What's that supposed to mean!?"

Shining Armor frowned, "Sadly not. It has to do with my sister, apparently she's managed to escape the dragons. It seems there have been complications according to their latest report, something is keeping them from progressing in their mission. I request to go out there myself and deal with the issue, I'm sure they can succeed if they had a proper leader."

Nightmare Moon chuckled, "Truly, how hard is it to deal with one child? Especially from a league of dragons."

Solar Flare's nose wrinkled in annoyance. "Tch! How many fools does it take to deal with one troublesome filly!" She paused, "No, I obviously can't trust anypony with anything. You'll get something much more efficient Shining, you'll have me." She smiled softly to herself, before closing her eyes. "I knew this filly was trouble, but for her to escape dragons means she's much more capable then a simple rebel, we need to deal with her more efficiently. We must ensure she is purged from existence ourselves." She paused before lowering her voice, "Unless.....there is an outside source responsible." She smirked, now surprisingly more eager than she was before, keeping such reasons behind those thoughts to herself.

Suddenly Order shook her head in objection. "NO! Absolutely not! You cannot go princess! Please reconsider!"

Nightmare Moon even appeared a little skeptical. "Sister what're you thinking? Putting yourself out there in that disgusting outer region, we don't need to involve ourselves in these petty matters. Besides, you're magic is far too powerful to use against ordinary ponies, that girl will turn to dust before you even enter her proximity. It will hardly be a challenge for you, no more than swatting a pesky fly." Nightmare Moon placed a hoof over her face, "Paranoia was always a problem for you."

Solar Flare smirked, "Hah, what's a few lives worth on the outside? Besides, that child is responsible for leveling an entire district. I might as well be the one to do it. I'll give Shining's family's peace for this unbearable shame." She then looked down questionably, keeping certain thoughts harbored to herself. Yes, that girl was the one who'd leveled an entire district of her city, such a thing was unheard of. To think she even managed to escape a dragon empowered by that filly's very magic to begin with, it was all very astonishing to say the least. Yes, this girl was a threat that Solar Flare could no longer ignore. She had to be dealt thoroughly and efficiently, she had to be reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash. Especially if she'd somehow made a possible ally.

"If you insist on doing this, I'll have to join you sister." Nightmare Moon exclaimed in delight.

Shining Armor obviously satisfied, closed his eyes and bowed his head again. "Thank you princesses! I wish to put this behind me as quickly as possible! With all of your assistance, I'm hundred percent certain we'll overcome anything in our paths."

Solar Flare chuckled softly, "You flatter me Shining Armor."

Princess Cadence glared at Princess Solar Flare somewhat in jealousy, before clinging to Shining. "Hmph!"

A tremble ran down Order's spine, as she looked on in disbelief. She spread her paw and claw, "Are you all insane!?"

The four of them glanced over at the draconequus in annoyance.

Order continued. "Why're all of you necessary!? She's just a kid! She isn't even worth your time!"

Princess Solar Flare winced at the draconequus, before turning away and slowly making her way down the stairs. "Tch!" She spoke softly, "You won't be saying that when she gets older." She then smirked, as following in suit would be Nightmare Moon, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence, each baring looks of confidence as they headed for the exit doors.

Order gritted her teeth in frustration, as she looked upon their departure.

Solar Flare glanced back with a satisfied smirk. "Watch over the place for me, will you?"

Before the doors to the room had shut entirely behind them.

Many of the guests looked puzzled due to both princesses departure. "Where are the princesses going?" One had commented, as another inquired, "Are they going outside the walls? What need would they need to go out there with that trash!?"

Princess Solar Flare trekked down the halls with a cold expression with her team before stating faintly, "Let nothing stand in our way, we find her and end this now." She paused, "I want to see her perish with my own eyes this time around."

"You should be okay in here."

Twilight Sparkle was wrapped in a dirty worn blanket as she trembled. She was hidden away in what appeared to be a cave, while accompanied by another. She couldn't cease in her trembling as a look of fear enveloped her. Outside their hiding place she could hear the dragon's echoing roars reach across the torn landscape and dying forests. She knew without this sudden savior of her's she would've been alone and helpless, and more than likely dead. Her heart reached out to this pony. "T-Thank you...." but she was also desperate not to lose her. "But please, don't leave me. Y-You're planning to leave right?" She looked on pleadingly, "I can help you!" She rose steadily, reaching out to the fellow pony with a shaky hoof.

The pony turned towards Twilight with a saddened expression before it was revealed that she to was a filly of similar age and size to the violet unicorn. She had a pale yellow coat, and a mane which consisted of a fiery red shade mixed in with a more saturated tint of yellow and natural curls. Hanging over her shoulder would be a single strapped raggedy leather bag. She tilted her head to the right, before sighing heavily and turning back towards the cave entrance. "I'm very sorry, but I can't have some crybaby slowing me down. I've got enough distractions as is, and I know it's rough out here for us unicorns, but we've got to deal with it. Those dragons should leave if you wait long enough." She glanced back at Twilight before unfastening a small sack at her side and ensuring the contents were still inside. "But I'm still a little confused; why're you out here? The dragons looked like they were looking for somepony, would I be crazy to assume that pony is you? It's not often I see Princess Solar Flare send them out to keep the peace, let alone hunt some frail weak little unicorn such as yourself; no offense of course."

Twilight Sparkle sulked heavily, obviously saddened by her words and ultimately her choice to leave her behind. The filly soon began breaking down even more into tears as she rubbed her eyes with one hoof. "What does it matter anyway? It's not like I'm going to make it anywhere! Nopony wanted to help me besides you, and now even you're leaving! Those dragons are looking for me, and they will find me wherever I go! What does it matter who I am?" She then lowered her head, sniffling tiredly before sighing heavily. "All I am is a criminal, I failed my test and everypony counting on me. I offended the princesses and instead of receiving punishment I got scared, I got scared and ran away...."

The other filly's eyes widened as she appeared astonished by the fellow unicorn's words. "Wait a second, Twilight Sparkle!? T-That's you right!? You were the one who caused all that chaos in Canterlot during the entrance exams?" The filly immediately lowered her hind legs as she placed her leather sack in front of her, once again fiddling through the contents which upon inspection, was a bundle of bound scrolls. The filly now appeared far more concerned, as she was looking through the scrolls, as if trying to find one in particular. "Whoa whoa whoa, this changes everything."

Twilight Sparkle raised herself before taking a few trots towards the unicorn. "Y-Yes I'm Twilight Sparkle. But why does it matter who I am? Why would you even care? Don't you hate me!?" She asked this desperately, almost as if she wanted the mare to admit it.

The filly glanced up momentarily at Twilight, before looking back into the sack with a hesitant expression. "Uhm no,...no I don't."

Twilight Sparkle raised a brow at the filly curiously, confused. "B-But why?"

The filly interrupted her before sighing, "Because we're in the same boat Twilight Sparkle. My name's Sunset Shimmer, and I stole this sack of spells from Princess Solar Flare's secret vault. I'm also a wanted unicorn for treason and betrayal."

Twilight Sparkle tilted her head to the right for a bit, pausing as she'd gasped afterwords. "Y-YOU'RE SUNSET SHIMMER!? You were the princess's apprentice, you graduated at the top of the class! Why'd you betray her and leave?"

Sunset Shimmer appeared stunned for a second, before her eyes saddened and she just continuing rummaging through the scrolls. "Let's just say Princess Solar Flare's world,...I'm not interested in it." She paused before pulling out one particular scroll with a soft smile, staring at it affectionately before removing the ribbon around it, showing it wasn't a spell, but indeed a map. "We can go together if you want, together we can leave this world. I found a way." She then rose before heading over to Twilight Sparkle, grabbing hold of her and practically glaring at her. "This world hates us, there's no point in staying here anymore."

Twilight looked at Sunset Shimmer as if she were crazy, but also hopeful yet silent. But as she looked at Sunset Shimmer, there was also a steady anger which rose within her. She glared at the fellow filly, with an offended expression. "Y-You're not like me, you threw it all away just because you weren't interested!? I made a mistake, but you....y-you're..." She stomped her hoof and closed her eyes, snapping at Sunset Shimmer somewhat, more out of jealousy than spite. "You're just selfish!"

Sunset Shimmer immediately slammed the mare up against the rocky wall with an angry glare. "SHUTUP! You don't know anything! You don't know what I saw, or anything I've been through! You and I are two of the smartest fillies in Canterlot! Yet you can't realize that I'd never betray mother for some-" Sunset Shimmer's voice died down a bit as her expression sank and she started to tremble. Her grip upon Twilight Sparkle steadily loosened as she just backed away some, "I'm...I'm sorry....I" She coughed, before immediately looking back towards the entrance of the cave, closing her sack as she was now a faint red color in her cheeks. "Listen Twilight Sparkle, don't argue with me, just trust me. You said you wanted to come along, so come."

Twilight Sparkle shook her head apologetically, "I'm sorry...I...I didn't mean to anger you Sunset Shimmer I just, I..."

"What a bunch of draaaama queens!"

Both Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle flinched as they'd looked towards the source of the voice, which was to their left.

Emerging from the shadows, would be a dirty tattered filly. Although despite her dirtied coat and tattered mane, it was obvious that given the right circumstances, she'd be just as ordinary as the other two. She had a light blue coat and white mane with pale aquamarine streaks coursing down to the very tips. "But Trixie isn't interested in all that, she to wants to come along!"

Sunset Shimmer's horn started to glow profoundly, "HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE!?"

The fellow filly revealed as Trixie cowered, covering her head with her hooves. "W-W-Wait! Don't hurt Trixie! She can explain!"

Twilight Sparkle looked at her, tilting her head to the right curiously. "Trixie?...."

Trixie rose hesitantly, placing a nervous hoof on her chest. "Y-Y-Yes...Trixie, you see, she has talents! She won't be a burden to any of you, Trixie can also contribute. She isn't as strong or talented, but, she can help!"

Sunset Shimmer stated plainly, "No...."

Twilight looked to Sunset Shimmer, shocked. "B-But Sunset! She wants to help us!"

Sunset Shimmer glared at Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight you're powerful, I know this to be true. But this Trixie? She's just some talentless unicorn, she isn't special in any way. She'll only be a burden, and I'm not running a charity."

Trixie frowned as she puckered her lower lip, and then clung to Twilight Sparkle's hoof. "Oh pleeeease don't leave Trixie! Those dragons will get her, and gobble her right up! Trixie doesn't want to be eaten! She wants to grow up, just like you two!"

Twilight Sparkle looked down at Trixie momentarily, before just frowning at Sunset Shimmer. "She's coming."

Sunset Shimmer flinched, "No offense but when did you become the leader!?"

Twilight shook her head, "I'm not, but I'd rather stay here with her if it means not abandoning her. I just don't want to be alone."

Sunset Shimmer shook her head before just groaning and rolling her eyes. "Fine fine fine fine! If she really needs to come along then she can, but I'm telling you she's just extra weight. Anyway let's just hurry and get going before something unexpected happens. We've already wasted enough time trying to avoid all those dragons."

Trixie's expression soon turned into a smirk, as she happily clung to Twilight Sparkle. "Thank you, thank you so much!"

Twilight pat Trixie's head before just chuckling some. "Hmhm, it's okay..."

Sunset Shimmer glanced back again momentarily, before just lowering her head grumpily and going outside the cave.

Violet recalled some distant memories regarding her past; of course, it's not like any of that mattered anymore. She simply looked at Twilight Sparkle, only desiring one thing. She wanted to make sense of this world, to have answers, and perhaps deep down inside, she wanted more of what this opposing Twilight had. Violet of course couldn't simply solve her problems through means of force anymore judging by her current condition, and she knew she'd been abusing her magical talents far too much in regards to time magic, but she could still call a bluff and still get what she needed out of her opposing half. Violet raised a hoof to the air within the library, as appearing behind her would be another portal. She was wheezing heavily, as she looked upon Princess Twilight. Princess Twilight was beautiful, her outward appearance was gorgeous, her combed mane and her crown, everything about her screamed royalty, and it upset Violet greatly. The mare spoke in a raspy voice, "So....What did you sacrifice for all this?"

Twilight of course raised a hesitant cautious hoof, before slowly approaching the mare worriedly. "S-Stop! What is this? What's happened to you? You need to lay down and rest; you're obviously not in any condition to engage in small talk." Twilight was absolutely stunned by the scenario, of course she was amazed that her other self had made an appearance again apparently, but she also felt she was just thrown into the heart of a storm. She was confused, unsure of what was happening. Was this other self simply here to send a message, if so why was she asking questions? Would Twilight end up in the same exact state this current her was in? She didn't know, and she craved to before something happened, ridding her of any chances. "Just tell me what's-"

But Violet snapped at her, angrily and fiercely. "THIS ISN'T SMALL TALK!....." before coughing heavily and falling to the floor boards.

Twilight of course started to take this chance to approach her more, before gulping.

Violet didn't fail to notice this however, immediately pointing a hoof at her. "BACK!....I said back!"

Twilight paused, simply looking down at her other self with wide eyes for a moment, before her expression eased up into one of pity. This other Twilight was trembling, she was wounded, and obviously she needed a great deal of help. As Twilight looked upon her on the floor boards, she was fairly certain at this point this other Twilight couldn't even hold her own thoughts together, let alone a conversation with somepony else. Now this other Twilight laid there on her stomach, hooves in front as her back ones were spread, wheezing heavily with her eyes closed, as she coughed every few seconds. Princess Twilight's look of pity never faded, as she even glanced behind this opposing Twilight, noticing that strange portal she'd manifested had long since dissipated. This was over before it even began, and whoever this was, her desperation for answers was her downfall. Twilight simply looked down upon her with saddened eyes as she continued in her steady approach before stating simply, "No......"

This immediately caused Violet's eyes to widen as she coughed yet again, before appearing horribly angry with the alicorn. "I..I said back! Stay away from me! You underestimate my capabilities!.....I-I'm the one in control here!"

Twilight tilted her head to the left before frowning somewhat at her other self, "Then control me."

A shiver ran down Violet's spine as she looked up at Twilight Sparkle; now full of regret she'd decided to come here. The damage had been too great, she'd been pushing herself too much, Princess Luna was correct. Violet immediately turned, crawling towards the door, attempting to stagger up to all fours, her horn flickered but could never hold a steady glow. The harder the younger mare tried, the more she started to cry and sob to herself in annoyance. "Rrrrrrr......" She could barely open the library door.

Princess Twilight Sparkle stated simply, "You, are obviously not going anywhere."

Violet glanced back at Twilight in annoyance, "I have...I-..." she couldn't find the words she wanted to say in her desperation. She began to tremble terribly, unsure what to do, her mind was in shambles, all over the place and ever since what Luna had said to her, her thoughts had been elsewhere. She'd made a mistake, she failed in her judgement of the situation and now she was like this. Her expression sunk as she knew she couldn't even twist the door knob with telekinetic magic. She turned, then leaning against the side of a book shelf, wheezing tiredly. She looked at Twilight Sparkle in jealousy and spite, and at last sorrow. She sulked, realizing she had nothing left to say, or really had the motivation to ask any questions. "........I just don't know."

But Twilight Sparkle persisted, lowering her frame in front of her supposedly younger self, still in amazement, wonderment, and ultimately worry. She kept her eyes focused on this mare, before embracing her kindly. "What is it? What is it that you did wrong?"

Violet stiffened up, before just sighing. "Everything, apparently..." She then closed her eyes, before passing out into a deep sleep.

Twilight remained embraced to the mare for a few seconds longer, still wearing that kind expression, before glancing about a bit in paranoia. As she realized Violet had fallen asleep, she immediately burst to her hooves with wide eyes. "Spiiiiiiiiiiiike!!!!" She really did exist! This double her, she was right here, living and breathing before her! Well probably not for long at this rate. Twilight then scurried backwards, before crashing into yet another bookshelf, causing a multitude of books to topple over her. She then rose, before pacing heavily, worriedly, still looking at Violet suspended in disbelief. "S-Spike?...Spike?!" Twilight then looked towards the stairway as she noticed Spike was still sleeping. This caused her to wince, before she'd gotten in the dragon's face. "SPIIIIIKE! Up up up up up!"

Spike immediately jumped, shaking his head. "W-Wha!? Who!? What happened!?" He was obviously pretty sluggish.

Twilight rushed to her desk, grabbing a quill and parchment. "Spike get ready, I'm going to need you to send a letter to Princess Celestia!"

Spike just started rubbing his eyes tiredly, before making his way into the main living room. "What Twilight? Why?"

Twilight's eyes were still wide with wonder, as she'd then motioned over in Violet's direction.

Spike's glance followed her motions as he simply stared at Violet for some time, just staring with that same tired expression, before he'd jumped and screamed. "AH! W-W-WHAT THE!? Twilight!? But you're!-...But that's!-" Spike just made his way over to Violet hurriedly and curiously, looking her up and down with curious eyes. "What happened to her? She's all messed up."

Twilight continued writing her piece of paper, muttering, "That's what I'd like to find out."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Twilight's eyes widened as she glanced back at the door in paranoia.

The knocks persisted however, followed by Applejack's voice.

"Twi! Everythin okay in there!? Somepony said they heard some screamin and rumblin or somethin! What's going on!?"

Twilight rushed to the door, perfect timing on their part actually! She'd swung it open, before porting each of them inside hurriedly with her magic. Although the only ones absent was Pinkie Pie, which Twilight asked, "Where's Pinkie?"

Applejack looked fairly annoyed and confused, "She went to go tell more ponies to head on home Twi, now will ya tell us what's your-" but her voice fell faint as she caught sight of the unconscious mare, laying against the bookshelf. Applejack was just frozen there as she stared, as did Fluttershy as she caught onto it as well.

Rarity gasped, immediately pointing a hoof at Violet with an annoyed expression "SEE! I TOLD YOU SO!" But as Rarity noticed all the dried blotches of blood decorating Violet's coat she'd gasped, lowering her frame before asking worriedly and in a rushed tone, "TWILIGHT! WHAT HAPPENED TO HER!?" Rarity ran her hoof over the mare's face with a look of dread. "Violet!?....Are you okay darling?...Oh, poor girl, she's all bloodied up. Twilight! You weren't involved in this were you!?"

Twilight of course immediately protested, "Of course not Rarity! She came here like that! And she threatened me as well," Twilight grumbled in slight annoyance "Jeez, didn't know you two were close friends. But we need to inform Princess Celestia of this right away, she'll want to know something like this has happened-"

Applejack interrupted Twilight then, "W-Wait Twi! Let's think about this a second!"

Twilight paused, before glancing back at Applejack. "Think about what Applejack?...We NEED to inform Princess Celestia."

Applejack shook her head, "But wait, this mare...well..uhm, she is you right? If she came to you and not Princess Celestia, maybe it was for a reason or somethin! If you needed help wouldn't the first pony ya go to be the princess? Maybe she wanted this ta be private between you two, I don't know, I just think we should probably ask her before tellin the princess. No harm can come of it right?" Applejack raised a brow at Twilight with a curious expression. "This all just seems a little iffy is all..."

Twilight paused before glancing back down at Violet, then back at the others. "Well....F-Fine! But the moment we finish talking to her, the moment we inform Princess Celestia of what's happened. So until then, Princess Celestia musn't know this second me exists, at least not until we're certain it won't jeopardize her purpose for coming here. Agreed everypony?"

Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy each gave consecutive nods. "Got it!"

Twilight then looked back down at Violet questioningly, "I do hope we don't regret this decision."

Princess Celestia stated firmly as she was accompanied by two others, "So it's agreed, Twilight must NOT know this double of herself has arrived until after we find out all we can and more about the situation."

Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna both gave reassured nods to Princess Celestia.

But as they all stood there, it was revealed they were in a chamber filled with an assortment of scrolls and spellbooks.

Princess Celestia smiled, "So first off, let us see if we can dig a little deeper how our little double Twilight's magic works." Princess Celestia then use her telekinetic magic in order to levitate a scroll before them, as she opened it before pausing for a few seconds, gulping and just glaring down at the text which adorned the piece of worn parchment. Astonishingly, the letters appeared more as runic symbols, and they pulsed with a magnificent blue glow, showing that they did indeed harness magical potential.

Princess Celestia glanced at Rainbow Dash, "This Rainbow Dash, is the chamber where we keep all spells relating to Starswirl the Bearded, a powerful unicorn whom was the only one previously known to have such master over a forbidden school known as time magic. Starswirl himself was the one who banned practice of this magic, and we followed his advice for obvious reason. But we kept his research available to us, in case a time would ever come when we needed to rely on what he left us with again. That time has come."  

Rainbow Dash frowned heavily before backing away from the two, "Uhm Princess Celestia, do I reeeeally need to be here for this?"

Princess Celestia nodded, "Of course Rainbow Dash! You are one of the sole few who're aware of the situation. We may require your assistance somewhere down the line, I don't want to keep you here against your will but I ask of you to remain with us."

Rainbow Dash slummed down, as she frowned heavily. "Well, alright..." She remained silent from then on, often thinking back to this second Twilight whom escaped in the first place. How come there was a hint of regret coursing through her at the moment?

Princess Celestia then activated the scroll, causing a portal to open up before them. "I cannot hold open this portal for long, but the fact of the matter is this is the same form of teleportation magic our double Twilight used. She can somehow travel between timeways and possibly even dimensions. If we can somehow learn how she managed to mast-"

Princess Luna's eyes widened as she snapped at Celestia, "C-CELESTIA!!!"

Princess Celestia paused as she raised a brow, and glanced towards the portal to where a figure had emerged.

Then leaping from the portal would be a young mare hurriedly, as she crashed into Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow cried out in fear, "GAAAAAAAAAH!!!! FREAKY! GET IT OFF GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!!!"

The mare then leaned up, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes, "Jeez,...calm down will you!" The younger mare bore a rainbow mane as her coat was a lighter shade of blue. "Were you the one who suddenly opened the gateway? I thank you for this. But I've got somepony I need to find, so if you'll excuse me I'm going to-" She paused as the two just stared at one another with wide eyes, before screaming in sync. "AAAAAAH! WAIT A SECOND, YOU'RE-" but before she could finish, the younger mare could feel the overwhelming tension caused by the other two alicorns staring at her.

Princess Celestia stated simply, not taking anymore chances with any portal hopping ponies, "Up.......now....."

Princess Luna's stare also didn't deter her as she kept her eyes focused on this mysterious pony, "It'd be wise to listen."

The younger mare sighed heavily as she rose to her hooves, pressing her two front ones into Rainbow's face obviously to her irritation, the mare apologized however, "Sorry, looks like they're not giving me much choice." She then paused, before immediately propelling herself forward and spinning in order to face the two alicorns as she growled fiercely at them, before landing on all fours and having her horn glow with a vibrant pulsing yellow flame. "But sorry to say I've got bigger fish to-" the mare paused.

Princess Celestia's eyes widened in shock as she just stared at the unicorn. "You're......"

The younger mare cocked a brow, "PRINCESS SOLAR FLARE!?" The young pony then immediately bowed to Princess Celestia and Luna intently, lowering her head in a respective manner. "Lieutenant Rainbow Dash reporting for duty!"

Princess Celestia staggered back as she'd actually looked a little uncomfortable, "Uuuuuugh....."

Princess Luna's nose wrinkled a bit as she just looked a little dumbfounded.

The second Rainbow Dash immediately smirked. "Heh, glad to see that even in a time and place such as this, wherever I may be, my loyalties to my beloved gracious princess do not falter. I, Rainbow Dash will forever be your shining knight of just-"

Rainbow then immediately burst to her hooves, grabbing hold of this double her and covering her muzzle. "NO no no no no! I can't take it anymore! What the heck!? Why're you talking like that!? Stop it! Stop it this instant! It isn't awesome!"

The younger Rainbow immediately swiped away the hoof covering her muzzle angrily. "Hands off me scum! I Rainbow Dash will!"

Rainbow then pressed her hooves further into her younger self's face with wide eyes. "Stop, it, now."

The second Rainbow Dash whimpered before trembling a bit, "Yes ma'am."

Princess Celestia just shook her head in irritation, "Where did you come from little one?"

The younger Rainbow Dash then wiggled free, before saluting Princess Celestia. "I have done as you asked of course! I have leaped into the very boundaries of time, with only a 2% survival rate not being a natural born alicorn, as your willing and able sacrifice dearest princess in order to capture the despicable criminal Twilight Sparkle! I would die a thousand deaths for you! For my love is everlast-"

Rainbow Dash just covered her ears, rolling around on the ground, "MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOOOOP!"

The younger Rainbow winced at her older self. "It seems in the future my loyalties have faltered! She's really annoying!"

Rainbow Dash snapped back, "YOU'RE TELLING ME!? This all just keeps getting weirder and weirder!"

Princess Celestia continued, "Wait, you spoke of Twilight as if she were a dangerous criminal, what were her crimes?"

The younger Rainbow Dash just frowned heavily. "Huh!? Have you hit your head recently Princess Solar Flare!? How could you ever forget the crimes of heresy Twilight Sparkle has committed!? She is a mass murderer, and a terrorist!"

Princess Celestia flinched yet again, gasping as well. "WHAT!?"

Princess Luna cocked a brow, "Surely you must be joking, I knew she was more dangerous than we thought!"

The younger Rainbow Dash nodded with a happy smile, "I am happy relaying such information to you two is helpful my ladies."

Princess Celestia raised a brow at this second Rainbow Dash. "Lieutenant, I will require more information from you. Please, follow us to the main quarters of the castle so we can speak somewhere less cramped." Princess Celestia wasn't exactly sure what was going on, and was fairly certain whatever condition the timeways were in, it wasn't very healthy for any of their worlds. She needed to get to the bottom of this one way or another. And in that moment, a letter appeared before her wrapped with a red ribbon. "Hm? A letter from Twilight, now of all times?"

The younger Rainbow Dash gasped, "WHAT!? PRINCESS, DO NOT TOUCH THAT!!!! IT COULD BE A MANA BOMB!" She then leaped towards the tied letter ferociously, like a wild beast.

Princess Luna immediately froze that smaller Rainbow Dash hurriedly with telekinesis. "Oooooh calm yourself child."

The younger Rainbow Dash immediately frowned as she whimpered, unable to move. "N-No! I must protect the princess!"

Princess Celestia then proceeded to read the letter, "Hm?....A new friend? Well of course I shall make time for it in the future Twilight, but I can't be bothered with this at the moment. I'll let her handle her friend however, it gives us time to fix this issue."

Princess Luna nodded to Celestia in agreement.

Princess Celestia glanced back down at the double Rainbow with curious eyes. Just what sort of world are you two from?

And currently overlooking Violet would be Princess Twilight accompanied by Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity as well, as Violet would be resting in Twilight's bed, still in a deep sleep.

Chapter 7: Ghosts at our Graves


CHAPTER 7: GHOSTS AT OUR GRAVES

Princess Solar Flare while accompanied by Nightmare Moon, Princess Cadence, and of course Shining Armor; were each assorted in different chariots led by large manticores. They halted on a barren dirt road surrounded only by a forest of dead trees. The land was obviously charred from scars of past events while the skies were a bloody red shade mixed in with black clouds. Princess Solar Flare didn't pay any mind to these things, and she departed from her chariot only to suddenly be greeted by a band of large dragons who touched upon the ground only a moment later. The dragons immediately bowed their heads before the princess.

Princess Solar Flare squinted up however at one particular dragon whose mouth was still stained with blood, and it caused her to scowl sternly at the reptilian beasts. "It seems you all have been doing more than laying waste to the lands I've given you."

The dragon's eyes widened as one looked down at princess hesitantly. "W-Well you see Princess; that's only because-"

Princess Solar Flare raised a hoof in annoyance, immediately cutting off the dragon as she began to trot down the dirt path herself. "Enough. Lie to me and that's a whole other issue you savage. I care little what happens to ponies in these parts, they offer little in the grand scheme of things. An alliance with you beasts is far more useful to me." She glanced about silently at the barren wastes; squinting a bit. She then glanced back at one of the dragons again. "Tell me, where has she run off to? I wish to make quick work of this child before she's caused us any more trouble. Because obviously massive creatures such as yourselves can't seem to take care of one young rebel unicorn. Unless, there was some other reason you were unable to best her?" Solar Flare only glared from then on, as if being certain her assumptions were correct. .

One dragon snapped, "Y-Yes! There was one! GRAAH!! One such pony who was there!"

Another dragon replied in suit. "Quick! Dangerous! Very strong! Very small! Yes yes!" He growled; huffing smoke afterwords.

To such words Solar Flare's eyes grew wider with anticipation and excitement. "Oho, this is interesting. So there was another pony accompanying the little nuisance known as Twilight Sparkle. Quick and dangerous you say? I know of one who fits such a description. My student Sunset Shimmer must be here as well. Perhaps they were in cahoots all along. This is very pleasing news to me." She glanced back at her sister in particular, "Two birds with one stone if I do say so myself. I would pleasantly enjoy a chat with my dear and precious student before we're forced to, part ways." Solar Flare chuckled lightly before looking ahead again and glancing up at the dragons. "Where did they run off to? Did you all keep tabs on their scents; I'll be fairly disappointed if we came out here for nothing."

And soon touching upon the ground almost immediately behind the princesses would be a dragon much larger and bulkier than the rest. He bore purple and green scales and a stern expression as he immediately lowered his entire frame, bowing to the princesses and Shining Armor with his eyes closed. "M-My princesses! I'm very sorry! I no find evil pony...she be gone." He glanced up, "She run north, toward mountains. I am sure she is still there, somewhere, but she too small, I cannot see her, smell her, find her, gone..." He frowned yet again.

Princess Solar Flare smirked softly, turning towards the mountainous region in the north. "It is fine, I will lure them out myself."

There was a looming silence from the others, as well as Shining Armor who only appeared nervous by the princess' words. They all knew the capabilities of Princess Solar Flare, the flame was her world, as was the sun; these fillies didn't stand a chance. It was as Order had said, what they were doing now, was simply overkill. All Princess Solar Flare needed was their general direction, the rest was child's play.

Princess Solar Flare spread her wings as she glanced back at her fellows. "Let us go finish this..." And with that she rose to the skies, soaring towards ashen clouds as flames emitted from her bright fiery wings, and she coursed along towards the northern regions.

Nightmare Moon glanced back as well as she cackled lightly, before rising to the skies to join her sister.

Shining Armor at that point showed a slight hesitance, before glancing to his lower right then sighing. He made his way atop the back of one of the dragons before patting its head with a hoof, then looking to Cadence and commenting, "Let's join them then."

Princess Cadence however appeared quite troubled and upset. "I saw a sliver of weakness in your eyes Shining, hesitance in your heart. It displeases me my love. The armor and resolve for which I find so fond of you is cracking, why might that be?"

Shining Armor remained silent as his nose wrinkled up a bit, he just ignored the question, rising to the skies with the dragon afterwords.

Princess Cadence however didn't ignore this, as she just smirked before chuckling in amusement. "Hah, such assertion. I love it as well..."

Sitting huddled around a campfire would be the three fillies, as Sunset Shimmer wore a grumpy expression as she gave a looming yet silent stare in Trixie's direction. She soon spoke. "So, how long were you following us?" Her brows furrowed, "Trixie..."

Trixie bore a smile herself as she regarded Sunset Shimmer with amusement. "Trixie isn't inclined to say."

Twilight glanced back and forth between them, silently and nervously as she gulped.

Sunset Shimmer continued, "Well I think a good thing to establish between the three of us if we're to stick this out is trust. I might be young, but I know a talented illusionist when I see one. How long were you trained and who trained you?" Sunset Shimmer raised a brow.

Trixie glanced to the lower right as she frowned and repeated herself. "Trixie, isn't inclined to say."

Sunset Shimmer sighed as she stood to all fours, "Fine, do whatever you want Trixie." She looked down at the two, "But listen you two, if anything happens to me; I want you both to continue on with the scrolls. Make sure Princess Solar Flare never gets her hooves on them."

Twilight raised a brow "W-What do you mean if something happens to you Sunset Shimmer? Y-You'll be with us the entire time right?"

Sunset Shimmer regarded Twilight with a soft hopeful smile and half closed eyes. "I hope so Twilight, I hope so."

Twilight looked to Sunset Shimmer with a saddened expression then. "W-Why, Why do you sound like that all of a sudden?"

Sunset Shimmer gave Twilight a crooked smile. "Because I know what's after me Twilight, and I know that she wants me far more than she wants both of you no less." Sunset Shimmer made her way over to Twilight before placing a hoof on top of her head, she appeared almost nostalgic with the way she looked upon her. "You're a sweet filly Twilight, I hope you escape." She paused, "And please, don't change."

Trixie suddenly called out to the two in a panic, "S-Sunset Shimmer! T-Twilight Sparkle! Look! Over there, in the sky!"

Sunset Shimmer immediately gave an intense glare in the opposing direction as Twilight looked on with fear. Further off in the sky, an intense black and red mist began covering the entirety of the region, and it only steadily progressed forward.

Twilight began to tremble as she looked upon the sky in confusion, unsure what was happening.

Trixie however began to panic, as she turned, covering her head. "I-It's happening again!" She practically crumpled up into a ball as she was trembling fiercely, muttering like a mad mare beneath her breath. "The nightmares, T-Trixie doesn't want any more! NOT anymore!"

Twilight gasped as she hurried over to Trixie, lowering her frame in order to comfort the mare. "T-Trixie!? Trixie are you okay!?" But Trixie continued to mutter like mad, as Twilight called Sunset Shimmer. "S-Sunset! Sunset something's wrong with Trixie!" However when she didn't get a reply, she repeated herself. "Sunset!?" Twilight then looked over at Sunset Shimmer, "S-SUNSET!" But what Twilight saw caused her to pause, for since she met Sunset she'd never seen the mare wear that expression. Sunset's eyes were wide, her face blank, as she only looked up at the sky not saying a word. A bright light soon graced her face as Sunset glanced over at Twilight in absolute silence.

S-SUNSET! SUNSET SHIMMER!!!!

Violet's eyes snapped wide open as her heart raced. She laid in a bed and overhead she could only see a wooden ceiling as she was planted on her back. She  leaned up, only to find herself covered in white bandages as she muttered. "I..I have been healed? By what aid?" And to her left at the bedside, she saw a familiar white mare passed out, laying halfway atop the blankets. "Mistress Rarity?"

"Y-You're awake!"

Violet's eyes immediately widened further as her horn immediately lit with a purple flame as she glared angrily in that voice's direction. It was none other than Princess Twilight as Violet wore a look of both fear and caution, immediately pulling herself a bit further back in bed.

Princess Twilight immediately raised her hooves, "W-Wait! Wait wait wait! Let's not do this again please!"

"Twi!? What's going on up there!? Ya okay Sugarcube!?"

Violet growled as she glared towards the staircase then. "You've brought allies!"

Princess Twilight kept her hoof raised as she shook her head in frustration. "NO! ALRIGHT! Just- GAAAH!" Twilight glanced towards the staircase. "Applejack, you and the others stay down there for a second!" She then looked back towards Violet with a heavy sigh and a look of desperation as she cautiously approached her second self. "J-Just....Just take it easy alright? I'm not going to hurt you, none of us are. We just want to know more about you, we're worried about you. We're trying to figure out how we can help you."

Violet was still horribly cautious, and it was apparent she was even trembling yet still baring that angry and defensive expression. She shook her head as she crawled out of the bed, falling to the floorboards. "S-Stay away from me! I don't want your help you alicorn!"

Princess Twilight appeared offended by that, as she cocked a brow. "What's with you and alicorns?"

Violet snapped back, practically snarling from the floor as she roared at Twilight. "YOU'RE ALL MONSTERS! Just because you're so gifted, stronger than everypony else! You think you can pick on us! Control us! Dominate us! Destroy us! Whatever you like!" She huffed, obviously aware she lost her cool. "I-I, I am not one of you. I am me, a unicorn. I will always be a unicorn." She appeared to be traumatized as she faded further into her thoughts and a look of fear overcame her. "I-I, I am a unicorn. A unicorn. A unicorn.."

"Yes, and a brilliant one at that darling."

Violet's eyes widened as her trembling halted in that moment, and she glanced to her upper left to see Rarity. "M-Mistress Rarity?"

Rarity was currently cautiously planted on the bed, as she made her way towards Violet, attempting to crawl to her, to reach her. She bore a nervous yet caring smile. "Y-You trust me? Don't you Violet? You're not afraid of me, because you know I wouldn't hurt you." Rarity remained focused on Violet's glowing horn, still ignited with magic, as she gulped and continuously tried to make her way closer.

Twilight kept her focus on Rarity as well, worried for her friends well-being. She looked to Violet as she gave her an intense glare.

Violet appeared hesitant still with Rarity's presence as she remained focused on the mare. "I-I, I do trust you."

Rarity gave her a caring smile. "Good, that's good. It's good to build trust between friends, isn't it?"

Violet's eyes widened, as in that moment she saw a flash of Sunset Shimmer in Rarity's being. She however was knocked back to reality before she began to tremble yet again, and nodded before covering her eyes with her hooves. "Y-Yes, Yes, Mistress Rarity, it is." Suddenly, once again Violet began to sob softly to herself as she kept her head lowered, trembling before Rarity as her horn's magic faded away.

And Rarity hurriedly took this chance to embrace the mare, as she sighed patting Violet's head. "There there, it's alright Twi-" She cringed before continuing, "I mean, Violet Autumn." Rarity glanced over at Twilight, giving her a silent approving nod with a worried expression.

Twilight nodded back to Rarity before winking at her and smiling, impressed by her friends' actions.

Rarity sat there, as she continued to comfort the duplicate mare for some time, continuing to calm her down.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Rainbow Dash all sat at a table in a sealed off room, along with Rainbow's duplicate.

This second Rainbow continued to wear an amused smile as she looked upon the three. "Is something the matter, your highness?"

Princess Celestia focused on this Rainbow Dash's horn, as well as her wings. She frowned heavily as she just continued to look at her in discomfort. "How did you manage to ascend into an alicorn Rainbow Dash? This doesn't often happen, at least not here."

The duplicate Rainbow Dash leaned her head back with a heavy sigh. "Hard work and proving myself your highness. I rose through the ranks and did what you asked me to," Her eyes suddenly ran cold, "Whatever you asked me to." And then she leaned forward yet again with a cheerful smile and chuckle. "Then after proving my worth, you yourself decided I was fit to be an alicorn in the guard!"

Princess Celestia's brows only furrowed further in disappointment. "I see. Tell me, Rainbow Dash, what did I ask you to do for me?"

The duplicate Rainbow Dash appeared confused, "Eh? I already told you-"

Princess Celestia interrupted. "No I mean, in the broad aspect. What did I have you do, from time to time?"

Princess Luna spoke out, putting a hoof to her sister's side, "C-Celestia, you don't have to-"

The second Rainbow Dash however continued with a wide smirk. "I was a part of the cleanup sector for awhile."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as she wore a bored look. "Cleanup? Like cloud cleanup?"

The duplicate continued. "Sort of." She paused as she glanced down with saddened eyes, "But I don't really consider ash the same thing."

Chapter 8: Ashes in the Flames - Part 1


CHAPTER 8: ASHES IN THE FLAMES - PART 1

"K-Keep moving!" Sunset Shimmer cried out as the three fillies pressed forward through the barren wastes of the once beautiful Equestrian common lands. They ducked, dodged, and used teleported over constant obstacles such as rocks, dead trees, and other forms of numerous debris which laid about the area. Sunset however kept herself ahead of the group for good reason, as she took a moment to glance back.

Trixie was currently on Twilight's back with both hooves wrapped around the mare's neck as she kept her eyes shut tight. She trembled, and bore a look of obvious fear while clenched to the purple mare, fully dependent on her help for the time being.

Sunset gritted her teeth before she instantly teleported in front of the two with an annoyed expression. "DROP HER TWILIGHT! She can trot herself! If she can't-" Sunset gave Trixie a cold glare then on, "Then she might as well burn. You don't have to lose yourself for this one."

Trixie looked to Sunset Shimmer with a shocked expression before her eyes saddened and she glanced to her lower right.

"W-What's wrong with you!?" Twilight stated stubbornly as she glared at Sunset.

Sunset shook her head, desperate as she just grunted in annoyance. "What's wrong with me is the fact that you're not willing to do what you have to in order to become strong in this world Twilight!" She huffed, appearing tired as she stated in a dragged out yet sympathetic tone. "I understand why you do what you do Twilight Sparkle, but, friends only slow you down. You have to make sacrifices!"

Twilight was silent for a moment as she lowered her head and frowned. "T-Then, what're we?"

Sunset's brows furrowed as she continued. "We're what we have to be, in order to ensure that Solar Flare doesn't win."

And progressively making its way towards them would be the black & red mist as it constantly enveloped all in its path.

Sunset sighed as she moved on ahead with a teleportation spell. "But fine! If you want to keep her, then don't blame me when something goes wrong! She's extra weight Twilight Sparkle, she'll only slow you down until its too late! Now let's go!" With that Sunset peered ahead again, as she began to leap from barren rock to barren rock, desperately attempting to get away from the oncoming mist.

Trixie had heard everything of course, and she only kept herself held onto Twlight as she muttered. "S-She's right. Trixie is just a weak unicorn, she's not special. Trixie only knows weak spells and doesn't know how to take care of herself. Trixie is useless."

Twilight shook her head, glancing back. "N-No no no. Sunset's wrong Trixie, you're not useless. She's just lived like this for a long time is all. Surely she doesn't mean what she says. And besides," Twilight paused, "You survived out here long enough on your own, didn't you?"

Trixie sniffled as she then gave a determined glare towards the ground. "Y-Yea, you're right." She climbed off Twilight's back in that moment before peering ahead with determination and then teleporting a few feet in front of Twilight before glancing back at her, now reassured and beaming with motivation. "And so is she! Trixie will now pull her own weight for Twilight Sparkle! Trixie won't be useless!"

Twilight smiled softly before she nodded to Trixie. "Right!"

As Sunset continued to make her way ahead, she still appeared highly upset. But soon, suddenly porting beside her would be Twilight Sparkle with a reaffirmed expression and slight smirk. Sunset's eyes widened almost in disbelief. "Y-You actually got rid of her!? Twilight, I could've-"

Twilight shook her head with a chuckle, "N-No I didn't drop her, look beside you."

Sunset's eyes remained wide as she glanced to her left, only to see a determined blue mare teleporting alongside them.

Trixie glanced over at Sunset with a firm nod before stating, "Trixie will not slow you down! Trixie promises!"

This actually brought a smile to Sunset's face. "Hmhm, maybe you're not so bad after all."

Trixie smiled and closed her eyes, "Right, Trixie is-" SLAM before she'd suddenly slammed face first into one of the dead trees which still loomed about. The mare rolled and tumbled, knocked unconscious as she laid on the ground not far off. Half her body now hanging over a deep hole which lead far beneath the barren wastes. Blood drizzled down her head between both brows, as she steadily slid down.

Twilight and Sunset immediately paused, as Twilight cried out to the blue mare. "TRIXIE!"

Sunset gritted her teeth as she wore a panicked and irritated expression. "B-Buck!" She squinted at Trixie from afar, as it didn't take her long to notice the mare was unconscious and steadily sliding down into the hole. Sunset, now appeared a bit more conflicted, guilty, and hesitant; but that didn't stop her from doing what she had to. She turned back towards the opposing direction from the mist. "C-Come on Twilight, we've gotta keep moving, it's over for her. She, she was just too clumsy to be able to keep up with unicorns like us."

Twilight shook her head, "NO! We can't just-"

Sunset snapped at her. "W-WAKE UP TWILIGHT! Those who're born with talent survive! Trixie is just some commoner unicorn!"

Twilight was speechless as she just looked at Sunset in disbelief.

Sunset growled beneath her breath as she lowered her head, obviously annoyed and flustered. "Listen, I don't want to be the bad guy here! But Trixie is too clumsy, s-she's too different from us. I'm honestly amazed she managed to survive this long!" Sunset then glanced back in the distance to see the red & black mist still wasn't halting in its progression; she glared at Twilight. "Twilight, YOU were meant to survive. Y-You can be a help, you can actually make a difference! I've heard stories about what you did even on the outside, and that means something! I-If we can just get you to the north beyond the Crystal Mountains, we can find the support we need! Together we can-"

Twilight immediately turned from Sunset Shimmer in that moment, racing for Trixie.

Sunset cried out to the mare in desperation. "T-Twilight! GRAH!!!" She growled before stomping a hoof and racing after Twilight as well.

Twilight halted before Trixie, as she knelt down, lowering her frame and nuzzling the blue mare. Trixie didn't respond, and Twilight appeared panicked, as she dragged Trixie up, preventing her from falling into the hole. Her eyes saddened as she continued to nudge Trixie. "T-Trixie? Wake up, we need to go okay? Please, wake up. Wake up Trixie." She continued in these motions despite the wall of red mist continuing to make its way towards them. She paid no attention to it, as she just frowned, "T-Trixie? Are you okay? Please say something."

Sunset wore a look of absolute annoyance and disgust as she glanced over at the wall of red & black mist, then back at Twilight, then back at the mist. A small sweat drop coursed down Sunset's head as she now appeared desperate. She glanced down the pitch black hole, knowing of the many rumors that there lurked many dangers beneath the surface of Equestria. Even she had fears, and knew that they'd be at a horrible disadvantage down there. But what choice did she have now? They'd already wasted too much time, and Twilight wasn't going to budge. If they'd remained concentrated they could've made it for the hills leading up to the Crystal Mountains before the red mist consumed them, but now, they'd have to take a different route. Sunset Shimmer just closed her eyes as she let off a wailing cry of absolute annoyance. "ERAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Before on impulse and moving off emotion, she shoved Twilight and Trixie down the hole, before diving down it herself as soon afterwords, the red mist poured over the hole and covered their location as the three plummeted into the darkness below.

Sunset eventually rose first, her face covered in muck and grime as she just sighed heavily. Her coat was dirty, and she was halfway submerged in the brown muck as she attempted to press her hoof onto it to climb onto some other form of a hard surface to no avail. Her horn lit up as she glanced around, catching sight of nothing but barren rock walls and multiple passageways which she had no idea which lead to where. She possessed a grim scowl as she noticed flat ground not far off, and immediately ported to it. "Ugh..." She was obviously still annoyed about the entire situation, as she also ensured her scrolls were still on her being as she glanced about yet again, then paused as she saw the two other mares laying in the same muck she was, having yet to awake from their brief slumber, Twilight's perhaps due to shock. She closed her eyes with a sigh before shaking her head and then calling out to them. "Twilight, Trixie! Get up, we've got to keep moving. We've managed to avoid them for now." Sunset paused as she glanced, "I guess we may have caught ourselves a break, for if there's something I know for certain, it's that Princess Solar Flare and her companions would never come down here. That might be a good thing."

"Aheck! Aheck aheck!" Twilight soon began coughing as she had her eyes closed with a look of intense displeasure, as she coughed out muck and maggots even, throwing up a little as she glanced around, feeling off balance as she finally woke up.

"T-Twilight!" Sunset Shimmer called out to the mare in worry. "Hurry on over here, bring Trixie to!"

Twilight appeared disoriented as she looked at Sunset, still glancing around. "W-Where are we?" She glanced over to her left to see Trixie laying there and then looked to her worriedly. "T-Trixie!" Before Twilight grabbed hold of the blue mare, and then began dragging her to Sunset's location. Sunset soon used her magic to help lift Trixie out of the muck with Twilight before the two just sat there, breathing heavily as they took another moment to gaze around, taking in the sights of the underground cavern.

Twilight continued with her previous question. "S-Sunset, what happened?"

Sunset was silent for a moment, giving Twilight a blank and somewhat cold stare before just sighing and then standing to all four hooves. "Well, nothing that matters now. What matters is the fact there we're stuck down here with who knows what. Either way we've got to find a way out of here somehow, and that means choosing one of these tunnels and just doing our best to navigate out of them."

Twilight's brows furrowed as she stated firmly. "O-Okay, that's fine. But we're not leaving Trixie!"

Sunset glanced back at her with a tired look. "Don't you think I've figured that out by now? Literally, you almost got us killed for her." She paused, "But I guess that's another quality that this world needs. Once we manage to escape all the bad stuff, maybe you can remind us what's good Twilight Sparkle." Sunset Shimmer flashed her a hopeful and somewhat playful smile. "I can't wait for that day."

"Aheck!" Soon coughing, and then gasping for air would be Trixie, as she continued to just cough as she laid on her side.

Twilight smiled brightly, "T-Trixie!"

Trixie then laid on her belly as she looked at Twilight tiredly. "T-Twilight? OW, T-Trixie's head." She placed a hoof over her partly bloody mane as she whimpered before glancing over at Twilight then around the area. "W-Where are we? Are we in another cave?"

Twilight chuckled a bit before smiling. "Um, sort of."

Sunset didn't hesitate to comment. "And it's aaaaaall thanks to you." She glared back at Trixie, "Did you already forget what happened?"

Trixie took another moment to recall, before she did and frowned heavily. "N-No, Trixie remembers."

Twilight snapped at Sunset. "S-Sunset! There's no need to-"

Sunset cut her off. "NO Twilight! She needs to understand how much of a burden she's become! Let her think otherwise, and she'll just continue to take advantage of your kindness, until it costs you your life! I've seen mares like her! They always get good ponies hurt."

Trixie frowned heavily as she remained silent, lowering her head.

Twilight shook her head, glaring angrily at the mare. "SUNSET, YOU-"

Trot, trot, trot, trot.

Sunset, Twilight, and Trixie's eyes immediately widened as they glanced over in one particular direction, hearing those hoof trots.

Trot, trot, trot, trot.

The trotting only steadily became louder as all three mare's then huddled closer to one another. Sunset took the lead as she gulped, her horn glowing vibrantly as she just stood there, glaring down a passageway awaiting whatever was coming. "G-Get ready you two."

Twilight gulped as well but appeared just as determined.

While Trixie trembled behind the two, but remained steadfast, attempting to convince herself she was brave.

And soon, a tiny light emerged from afar, as did a figure. The figure was a pure white pony with a gangly green mane. She wore a bored expression with half closed eyes, but it was her features in particular which caught the three off guard. One of her wings was missing and her horn was broken. She was currently elevating a rusty old lantern by her side with weak magic, but she graced the three with a smile. "H-Hello Children. Please, don't be afraid. I heard the three of you from afar; it seems, you have all fallen into a very, strange place, I can imagine."

They all looked to the pony curiously, confused. Especially Sunset Shimmer, she simply glared at the new pony for a minute before glancing her up and down again in confusion. "Y-You're an alicorn? I've never heard of or seen you before!? Who're you!?"

The mare smiled softly as she glanced towards the barren ground at that moment. Her eyes saddened as she possessed a dead look to her, almost as if she were hollow but still wore that smile for reassuring the children. "Ah, no, I am no alicorn. That privilege has long since passed. I'm nothing now, nothing more than a shell." She chuckled a bit before closing her eyes and tilting her head to the right at them with interest. "But let's not trouble you children with such things, might I ask what you're all doing down here?" She lowered her rear to sit.

The three remained hesitant, as both Twilight and Trixie looked to Sunset with a worried expression, as if asking her what they should do.

Sunset glanced down to her left and right at each of them, before groaning somewhat and just shaking her head. "Ugh! Fine." She then trotted forward as she remained focused on the mare before placing a hoof on her chest and bowing her head. "W-We are three unicorn ponies seeking refuge in the north. I was by myself at first but I happened to stumble across these two in my journey, we're currently being pursued by some very dangerous ponies I'm sure you're aware of." Her brows furrowed as she avoided eye contact in that message. "Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon. I-If we're caught by them, I...I don't even want to imagine what they'd do to us." And although Sunset Shimmer didn't mention it, she was more worried in particular about herself as she thought about Princess Solar Flare. Especially me....

The snow white mare blinked a bit before she chuckled softly. "A-Ah I see, the princesses. That would be quite unfortunate. We cannot allow you three to be caught then, isn't that correct?" She rose as she kept her lantern elevated at her side before looking down a particular passageway and smiling. "Shall we, little ponies?" She noticed they were still cautious and reluctant to follow her, which she understood, she bowed her head to them. "Worry not little ones, I am only leading you down the one path which you desire. These passages are filled with many creatures, some dangerous, some harmless. Believe it or not, many seek refuge in these caverns, amidst the danger which awaits us all on the surface. I seek to take you to the cave used by dwellers of the north, those who seek passage into the Crystal Mountains."

Twilight suddenly made her way forward. "T-Thank you! Thank you so much!"

The mare nodded to her. "Please, do not thank me. I am more than happy to assist you young ponies." She then began to make her way down the long passageway, leading deeper into the caverns, and she fully expected the three fillies to follow close behind her.

And after glancing at one another one last time for approval, the three steadily made their way closer to the mare as they followed her.

"S-So, um, may I ask, what's your name?" Twilight glanced up at the mare as she trotted at her right side.

The mare's eyes widened a bit as she chuckled softly while keeping her gaze ahead. "Um, it's Chrysalis."

Sunset Shimmer's brow raised as she was listening in the background, she appeared a bit shocked, almost stunned by that name.

T-Twilight blinked a bit, confused. "C-Chwy...Sawis?" She glanced over at Trixie, as if they were both thinking the same thing.

Trixie glanced up a the mare now as well, just as confused. "What kind of pony name is that?!"

Chrysalis smiled a bit as she opened her mouth, as if about to say something. "It's-"

"Not a pony name."

Chrysalis, Twilight, and Trixie's eyes widened as they all glanced back at Sunset Shimmer in surprise.

Sunset wore an ultimately worried expression as she was obviously hesitant to say it, "Y-Your name, isn't of pony origin, is it?..."

Chrysalis's eyes saddened as she still bore a smile. "You're a sharp one aren't you?"

Twilight and Trixie looked to one another, still confused before focusing on Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset trotted forward a bit before questioning the mare further. "B-But, that would mean you're a, changeling? All the changelings were wiped out a long time ago, and judging by the accuracy in history books, y-you're not in your true form either."

Twilight and Trixie just paused, before baring fearful expressions and glancing up at the mare silently. They slowly began to back away.

The mare only continued to smile softly. "A-Ah, I see. So you know that as well." She looked to them with a serious look then. "But that doesn't mean you need to be afraid of me children. I mean you no harm, I was only hiding my true appearance for I knew you wouldn't accept me otherwise. You are but little ones, I know that seeing a familiar would be the best way to make you all comfortable." She held out a hoof towards Twilight and Trixie in particular. "Please, trust me. I want to help you three escape this dark place, allow me to guide you."

And that's when Sunset lost her composure, snapping immediately at the mare. "AND WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO HELP US!?" She growled beneath her breath as despite her anger, she looked as if she were on the verge of tears. "W-Why would you, a changeling, want to help the three of us? The kind that decimated yours for absolutely no good reason! Who deceived you into coming to a peaceful gathering only to force your queen to witness the horrendous acts before being wiped out yourselves in the trap?" She stomped a hoof, "WHY!?"

There was a looming silence as Trixie and Twilight glanced back and forth between the two.

The mare remained silent for a moment before she just bore a soft smile at Sunset. "Because of love."

Sunset paused, with wide shocked eyes.

The mare continued before placing a hoof over her heart. "Long has my kind been ridiculed for feeding off the love of others. But, it is not only food to us, it is not only sustenance, our talents is also a way of confirming the happiness which surrounds us all. We see the value of love in all creatures, for it is that important to us. Or was. I will not blame three children who likely weren't involved for the actions of your leaders, that would be most unfair." She closed her eyes with a slight chuckle, "What's done is done. I'm sure the changelings, and their Queen, would have moved on from such an ordeal by now. The last thing we want, is a world without love."

S-Sunset whimpered as she lowered her head, before muttering. "I-I'm so sorry...I, I.."

The changeling, Chrysalis, shook her head. "Do not apologize child, you couldn't have known. Nor would you have known if I had a say in the matter. But it seems you're quite educated in past events, would it be safe to assume you're of Canterlot Royalty?"

Sunset raised a brow at Chrysalis before continuing. "Yes, I, I was raised in Canterlot." She said this with a hint of discern for the word.

Chrysalis chuckled. "I see. And what about you two, are you also royalty?" She looked to Twilight and Trixie with interest.

Twilight started with a slight smile, "Y-Yes, I was also raised in Canterlot Miss."

Trixie lowerd her head as she appeared saddened as she glanced to the lower right, embarrassed. "T-Trixie is a commoner unicorn."

Chrysalis gasped. "A-A commoner unicorn!? How have you managed to survive!?"

Trixie's eyes widened, almost as if she were recalling something horrible. She gulped, trembling somewhat before moving closer to Twilight and then muttering again, "T-Trixie doesn't know. Trixie was just lucky she guesses." She lowered her head further, sulking.

Chrysalis blinked a bit. "I-I see, how amazing. You are truly impressive Little Trixie." She regarded the little filly with a caring smile.

This caused Trixie to smile a bit, obviously a little happy to actually receive praise for her upbringing rather than disgust.

Sunset looked to Chrysalis again with interest. "But Chrysalis, how did you manage to survive down here as well? Changelings are creatures that're sustained by the amount of love that surrounds them. How're you able to live if there is no love?"

Chrysalis tilted her head to the right with a playful smirk. "That, is something I've often wondered myself. I believe that it might be due to my memories." She paused, "Memories of the ones you loved never fade. And the love they had for you, that, is something you never forget as well." She smirked a little with a playful expression. "My changelings might be gone little pony. But I will never forget them, or all that they did for me. Even now, even beyond this life, they help sustain me and keep me alive. Love, truly is the most powerful magic there is."

At that moment, Twilight appeared to be distraught as she thought about those words. She was only reminded of her brother, and her mother and father. She frowned as she lowered her head and muttered softly to herself, "I'd beg to differ."

Trixie didn't quite catch that but noticed Twilight's expression. "I-Is Twilight okay?"

Twilight's eyes widened as she immediately nodded hurriedly. "A-Ah yea Trixie! I'm okay! Thanks for asking!"

Sunset Shimmer smiled earnestly at Chrysalis herself. "I-I see. Thank you Chrysalis, your, kindness, means a lot to us."

Chrysalis nodded once again before raising a hoof towards the three of them. "It is no trouble little ponies, so, shall we continue?"

Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon each touched upon the ground of the barren fields. They were alone for the time being, having stopped towards the middle of the barren wastes as they glanced about momentarily, attempting to catch sight of anything suspicious.

Princess Solar Flare continued to gaze around the area in annoyance as she raised a brow. "......Something, is not right."

Nightmare Moon glanced over at her sister in confusion. "What? Surely there is no way they could've escaped that sister."

Princess Solar Flare sighed as her eyes were halfway closed. Of course they escaped. My student is far smarter than that, if she was not forced to use that, then it means she found some other means of avoiding us. Surely they have not already escaped into the Crystal Mountains. Or perhaps-... Solar Flare glanced towards the beaten dirt surface with interest before she smirked slightly. Hah, would even you become that desperate my dearest student? I highly doubt it. But soon her smirk disappeared as she focused back on the issue at hoof. But that is not my current concern. "Somepony is watching us. Somepony very,.......different".

Nightmare Moon's nose wrinkled a bit. "Different, different how? Hah! What pony would be foolish enough to stalk us?"

Solar Flare squinted a bit, glancing back as she appeared focused. "One with a lot of confidence." She paused, "Where are the others sister, have they drifted far behind?" Solar Flare continued to gaze around the area, as if attempting to track something. There is magical residue in the air, but it is foreign, unknown to me. Has somepony been tracking my movements ever since we left the city?

Nightmare Moon turned around as she sighed, fluttering a bit. "Yes, thanks to that big oaf of a dragon."

Solar Flare lowered her head as her face darkened. "I see, then remain on guard for the time being Sister, I believe we've been-"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Suddenly going off around both Princesses would be a series of explosions in the form of multi-colored smoke bombs.

Princess Solar Flare's eyes widened as she gritted her teeth in an absolute rage. W-WHAT!? She snarled ferociously, but not due to the sudden attack, but more so, the affect it actually had on her. She glanced down at herself. I-I....cannot move. "SISTER!!!"

Nightmare Moon was currently laying on her back like a roach, frozen still as well. "WHO DARES INSULT ME LIKE THIS!?"

And as Princess Solar Flare's brow twitched in reaction to her sister's position, and anger at her own current predicament, she suddenly glared ahead at the sound of trotting towards the two. Such ARROGANCE! This fool dared to trot up to them alone!? Who was this!? Solar Flare began cackling in amusement, as she stated with a cheeky grin. "Aaaah! So eager to show yourself before the ruler of Equestria itself? Go on then, I will reduce your bones to ash you insolent whelp!" She snapped angrily, her eyes practically bulging out of her skull from how insulted she felt. "I WILL CRUSH YOU! YOU DARE ASSAULT ME SO OPENLY!? Do you know who you're toying with!?"

And soon the tiny figure came into view, it was no more than a filly's size. It wore a brown cloak as its eyes remained focused on the princesses. She spoke, her voice was high pitched as a small magical barrier surrounded her, and a strange amulet glistened in the red & black mist. "Torch my land you two have done, a debt to pay, each has one." She lowered her hood to reveal a tiny little zebra, as tears rolled down her cheeks and she gave both princesses a determined glare. "Small, I may be, but I, will set this world free!"

Chapter 9: Ashes in the Flames - Part 2


CHAPTER 8: ASHES IN THE FLAMES - PART 2

The duplicate Rainbow Dash continued to smile as she raised a brow at the three ponies whom still eyed her with interest. However it was she who was most intrigued, as she soon smirked, followed by a soft chuckle. "Whoa whoa whoa! So you guys almost banished her!? That's pretty awesome! She's always on guard, how'd you manage to get close enough to her? Although I have to wonder, if you could've banished her, why not just get rid of her entirely? You could've saved us a lot of trouble Princesses!" She shrugged with a sigh, "Oh well! I want her for myself anyway! Skippy and I go waaaay way back. In some ways, it's also because of her I made Lieutenant." Rainbow gave a nostalgic smile as she just glanced up towards the ceiling of the room. "Aaaaah Skippy, is it coming to the time we finally let this all end?"

Princess Celestia immediately slammed both hooves atop the table. "Because that is not how we work in this world Lieutenant Dash! We don't simply exterminate ponies. Is that how I work in your world!? Is that what this Twilight expects of me!?" She huffed, irritated.

Lieutenant Dash cocked her head back with another chuckle. "Of course you silly princess! She expects you to go all out. She's killed plenty of ours already, I'm surprised she hesitated with you all." Lieutenant Dash leaned forward as she raised a brow at Princess Celestia. "Listen Princesses, it's obvious in this world, you're not prepared to do what has to be done to protect all that you hold dear. Skippy is dangerous, she's a terrorist, and she's pretty darn strong. Every second you let her recover, is another second closer to your ends. You're playing with time here, LITERALLY." She burst into laughter for a moment before sighing, "I mean! What were you trying to accomplish by banishing her anyway? She would've found a way out eventually. You're all really underestimating Skippy here. It's surprising!"

Princess Luna glared at the opposing dash for another moment before frowning. "Underestimating? I assure you we are doing nothing of the sort. She has already tried to lay claim to my life once, but despite this, she shows hesitation now to kill. We will do the same. Time and again have we let villains endanger Equestria by allowing them to linger about in some form. We have grown weary of the repetition. But even so, this Twilight, of your world, there is more to her than meets the eye. We only wished to house her for the time being, to keep her somewhere we know we'd be able to find her. Once we found a more able means of securing her, then we would release her for questioning."

Princess Celestia sighed heavily with a guilty expression. "Perhaps diplomacy would've been the wisest route."

Princess Luna glanced at her. "We already attempted talking with her Sister, she would have none of it. She gives us little chance to make way with idle conversation. You and I both know we took the most secure route for the dire circumstances. We did what we had-"

Princess Celestia glanced at Luna. "Yet she still escaped."

Luna fell silent for a moment as she bit her lower lip in annoyance. "Tch!"

Princess Celestia looked ahead. "I wish to help her. To show her that our world is not as hopeless as hers was. That our world, it's different. She only needs to listen. But that is why I need you double Dash, you know of her, her mind, her tactics, what her philosophy is. Despite obviously being on the side of the supposed enemy, you can help us as an old ally of ours in your world. You still fall under my leadership yes? I do not know who this Twilight holds grudges against, or who she could be after next. Who knows if she's not out there plotting to attack another of my subjects with possibly deadly consequences? Her magic is beyond impressive. Not even together could my sister and I manage to keep up with her, not even Rainbow Dash. We HAVE to track her down and find her, what would you suggest we-"

"Pffft..." Lieutenant Dash snickered as she then burst into laughter. "Baaaaaahahahahahahahaha!"

Rainbow Dash glared at her younger more cocky self as she just grid her teeth. This kid's such a brat....

Princess Celestia however held much patient, as did Luna for the time being. Princess Celestia commented, "Is something funny?"

Lieutenant Dash had to take a moment to recover as she just continued to laugh, attempting to catch her breath before giving them a casual wava. "Ahahaha, I-I'm sorry, I just, I just don't get how you all managed to last this long! You must've gotten REALLY lucky! I mean, seriously, it almost sounds as if I'm listening to a bunch of rookies deal with her for the first time as well. Well, I guess I mean, you are all rookies but, hey, I expected a little more from the princesses. If you guys had your act together, you could've ended this whole mess and we all could've been on our way. But hey, you're a little nicer than Princess Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon, that ain't bad." She smiled, almost pleased with the idea. "That ain't bad at all." She paused, still with that cocky demeanor. "I'll tell you what, how about I just deal with her for you guys?"

Princess Celestia raised a brow, almost disgusted by the way the younger mare worded it. "Deal with her?"

Lieutenant Dash sighed as she closed her eyes. "Okay okay, hold on. Fine, caaaatch her. I mean, it's obvious you all need help. And I am probably the one most capable of providing it! Listen, back in my world, Skippy and I fought all the time!" She leaned forward again with a playful chuckle, "I'm the only one who can match her speed ya know. Did ya think Princess Solar Flare didn't see my potential?"

Rainbow Dash rose in that moment as she appeared skeptical. "You know, there's something I never got about you..."

Lieutenant Dash raised a brow at Rainbow with a curious smile and half closed eyes. "Oh? And what's that double me?"

Rainbow continued. "You say these things like, you and Twilight go way way back. That you guys have fought all the time? If that's true then how come she had no idea who I was when we first met? She didn't even question it! That seems awfully fishy!"

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia then peered over at their guest with interest, also wanting to know the reasoning behind this.

Lieutenant Dash was silent for a moment before closing her eyes and smiling further. "Well, let's just say Skippy has always been one to get me in quite the anxious mood. She's faster than the eye can see and always means business." She then looked to each of them with an intense glare as she stated firmly, "Well, so do I." She frowned a bit, glancing to her lower left. "When I first became a alicorn, I wanted to find some way to be the fastest there was, faster than Skippy could ever be. I found it, b-but, I...um, I look a bit different while doing it."

Rainbow raised a brow, "Different, different how?"

Lieutenant Dash sighed as her eyes saddened. "Don't feel like talkin about it."

Rainbow continued persistently, "Well fine then. But still, that doesn't explain why she's still a problem for you guys. If you're able to catch her then why is she around? Why haven't you caught her yet? Seems awfully contradictory to your story."

Lieutenant Dash continued. "As I said, you guys are underestimating her an awful lot. You do know how powerful Skippy is don't you? Give her even a second of breathing room, and she has you right where she wants you." She lowered her head, "You all got awfully close though. But that's only because she was vulnerable, open with you guys. She's never like that with us, we couldn't ever hope to put her in chains like that. Where I'm from, I've caught Skippy sometimes, but, she always manages to get away from me. From my grip." Her brows furrowed, as she was actively getting highly upset from even thinking about it. "It just isn't fair! She's mine! She's just a big cheater is all!"

Princesss Celestia now leaned forward again. "But you said you'd catch her for us. If you couldn't subdue her in your own world, how can we expect you to subdue her in ours? You're thinking awfully highly of yourself Lieutenant Dash, perhaps your confidence is misplaced."

Lieutenant Dash frowned with a flick of her hoof. "There's a big difference here Princess," she paused, "She's recovering."

All three of their eyes widened.

Lieutenant Dash smiled. "That's why we need to hurry. Not only does she not expect me to be here, but she's also recovering still. Let me go to the last place where she was, and I'll help ya guys track her down! Together we can finally put an end to Skippy's madn-"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

They all paused due to the knocking on the door.

Celestia commented absently, "You may enter."

And soon creaking the door open would be a Celestial Guard. "My Highnesses, I'm sorry for the disruption in your, uuh, meeting." He eyed both Rainbow Dashes with a slight sense of heavy confusion. Siblings maybe? He shook his head and continued, keeping his eyes locked onto Princess Celestia. "It seems we have two notable visitors who wish to see you." He paused, "Mrs. Twilight Velvet, and Night Light."

Princess Celestia's eyes widened exponentially, as did Princess Luna's, as they immediately looked to one another in silence.

Rainbow Dash glanced over at Princess Celestia and Luna. "Twilight's parents? What're they doing here?"

And Lieutenant Dash smirked fully, obviously pleased to hear such news. So even those two are still around huh? Wow, this place is much more interesting than I thought! Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to kick it back here for awhile! So many big names! I wonder if they're all here still. Maybe-... Her smirk dissipated into a less then hopeful frown as she recalled a mare whose memory was covered in shadow, the only public trait being her pale yellow mane. You're here to? She looked to the ceiling with a smile. I wonder, how much has changed.

Meanwhile, Violet Autumn was sitting outside at a wooden table, not far from Golden Oaks Library as she wore a nervous look. Her cheeks were a bright crimson shade as she was currently the focus of attention by Pinkie Pie, Princess Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, as well as Fluttershy. She wasn't used to these sorts of peaceful gatherings, but, she didn't mind the idea of an initial experience. She kept tugging at her lower hooves due to her awkward sitting position before she appeared slightly irritated and annoyed. "S-So, um, what do you all want to know?"

Twilight was shaking with anticipation, she had so many questions, but she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, then put on her serious face. She stared straight at her duplicate before glancing over at Rarity, who gave her an approving nod, before looking back to Violet. "U-Um, Violet, before we begin, I want to make sure that you're okay with this? W-We might bring up some sensitive topics here."

Violet peered at Twilight with a simple glare. "I care not for topics, such things do not result in shed tears anymore."

They all cringed as they looked to one another before Twilight shrugged, and gulped. "A-Alright then, well, for starters. We'd like to know why you came here? What's the purpose of coming to our world? Was there something you were searching for here?"

Violet frowned a bit before she lowered her head. "I was searching for Princesses Solar Flare and Nightmare Moon. My hope was to get rid of each one and ensure peace and prosperity back in the time period I was from. Sadly, things did not go according to plan. I was instead transported here, to this alien world of muffins, kindness, and friends."

Twilight frowned a bit, obviously a little disheartened. "Y-You didn't have any friends back where you're from?"

Violet blinked a bit as she looked to Twilight, then back towards the table's wooden surface. "Friends? I may recall a time when such a word held meaning. But if so, all such meanings are gone now. There are only enemies, lots and lots of enemies. No friends."

Twilight now seemed a little more hesitant as she questioned further. "V-Violet, um, do these enemies of yours. Have any of them come after you into our world? Do you think it's a possibility that they'd be able to come here?" She appeared a bit more worried regarding this.

Violet chuckled softly, for once showing some amusement as she buried her head in her shoulder almost nostalgically. "I, do not know. I do not expect they'd have the knowledge to pursue me, nor the desire to risk themselves in such a manner. Many of my world often hold their lives in, highest regard." She paused, "Besides a few. But, I doubt she'd have enough wit to make it here in one piece. But I have begun to wonder that perhaps, maybe, I have endangered this precious world of cupcakes and peace, with my hasty actions."

Twilight and the others glanced at one another nervously as Twilight raised a brow at Violet. "Can you describe them to us if we were to encounter them? How would we defeat them? What do we have to know to overcome the dangers you've encountered in your world?"

Violet peered at Twilight then with a cold stare. "If any such make it here, to this world. Then it is doomed."

All their eyes widened exponentially. Twilight's expression sunk further as she then gave a nod of approval to the others before peering ahead again. "Violet, I'd like to talk about Princess Solar Flare. We've already defeated Nightmare Moon, does that mean Solar Flare is-"

Violet cut off Twilight. "Princess Celestia? Yes."

They each froze, as Twilight in particular sighed. She gave Violet a reassurring smile as she muttered, "So that's why." She paused before acknowledging her younger self again. "Violet, I assure you, Princess Celestia isn't the same as your world's Prin-"

Violet cut off Twilight yet again. "I have learned of this, first-hoof. Your Princesses here are quite different from back home. Although the traits they do possess are overall similar, the meaning behind their actions are far more reassuring. I encountered them in combat."

Twilight slammed both hooves atop the wooden table as she was obviously shocked. "YOU WHAT!?"

Violet eyed Twilight impatiently before just continuing. "I ended up retreating, to gather my thoughts. It was then I soon found they pursued me instead, persistent, as always. It was at this moment in time that I had combated with the strange blue pegasi known as Rainbow Dash, as well as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I had been investigating ripples in the time stream which I assume may have manifested in the weather pattern of this world. Such things should not be here, not unless, there is an issue in the time-stream."

Twilight rose. "Violet, we need to go find Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." She appeared upset. "I also want to make sure Rainbow Dash is doing okay." She glanced down towards the grass, "Why didn't they tell me of any of this? What's the purpose of keeping me out of the loop?"

Violet looked up at Princess Twilight. "To protect you?"

Twilight raised a brow, almost annoyed from the suggestion. "From what!?"

Violet continued with a slight glare. "From yourself? I'm not too sure. But perhaps, your princesses, are, quite cautious."

Twilight sighed as she shook her head, making her way back towards the library. "A little too much sometimes." She glanced back at Rarity and the others. "Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie? Would you guys watch over her for a minute, I'm going to send a letter to Princess Celestia. It's about time we figured out just what the hay is going on with everypony? This is getting a little too crazy, even for me."

Applejack nodded, "Of course Twi! We got ya covered!"

Pinkie Pie banged on her chest. "You can count on us!"

Twilight smiled, before making her way back into the library hurriedly.

Violet remained focused on the table as she appeared to be lost in thought.

Rarity noticed this, before asking. "Is something the matter Darling?"

Violet nodded a little. "A funny feeling. I do not enjoy funny feelings." She paused, "It is often they hold meaning."

As Princess Celestia and Princess Luna trekked down the halls of the castle, Rainbow and her duplicate trailed not far behind.

Rainbow glanced back at her duplicate however who appeared a bit distracted. "Hey, can I ask you somethin?"

Lieutenant Dash blinked a bit with a playful smile. "Why of course!"

Rainbow closed her eyes halfway. "If you're that fast, why haven't you ditched us yet? Seems an awful like something I'd do if I had those sorts of powers. I mean, magic and my speed? I can't even imagine what I'd be able to do with all that potential, seems crazy."

Lieutenant Dash smiled softly as she lowered her head for a moment. "It's, not as easy as it sounds."

Rainbow raised a brow at her. "What do you mean?"

Lieutenant Dash tilted her head to the right. "Uh, I mean. I just, don't feel very good after moving that fast. Haha..."

Rainbow continued, still curious. "You mean you get sick from it?"

Lieutenant Dash nodded. "Yea, you could say that." She paused, "Skippy and I, are, more similar than she'd like to admit..."

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