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.