Even if he knew the truth, the rules forbade him to say anything. Especially to Twilight. She had been through enough as it is, and still had her lingering doubts. But to tell her, that she was being lied to even more than she knew, all because of him....well, that was unacceptable.

It pained him to have to let her find out on her own. But she probably wouldn't believe his frantic warnings anyway. She had been told enough false truths, even by Celestia herself. But the Princess didn't know any better. She was just another pawn.

Now here he was, at the steps of Canterlot castle, to confide in the Princess about the current situation. She happily accepted his request, and the Pegasi guards let him in and led him to her chambers. As he walked the gilded halls, he saw strange paintings. One shown Twilight and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon. But others, shown a far different story.

The doors opened, and Celestia sat upon her throne, her face baring a look of concern and trouble. Luna was there too, siting on the floor nearby, her task with the ponies done and mobilized. Perhaps Celestia was troubled by the news of more innocent ponies getting involved in her troubles.

“I appreciate you taking the time to see me, Princess.” the Doctor bowed formally.

“I will help however I can, but I can't promise you much.”

“You're audience is all I ask. As you are well aware, the looming threat of Tirek is approaching ever closer. Yet I can't help but notice that you're not responding as if it were an actual emergency. Not to question your authority or anything.”

“Shall I tell him, sister?” Luna asked, casting a pleading gaze.

“No. He told us not to, no matter how much he begged.” Celestia replied.

“Who told you?”

“You did.”

The Doctor facehoofed. Why did he always have to play games with himself.

“Well, that still doesn't explain why you're not mobilizing against the threat.”

“Because the threat you perceve is not the real threat.” Celestia couldn't help but smirk.

“What?”

“You told me you'd be confused. But unfortnately, you said, and I quote 'the very balance of the time space continum will be destroyed if you tell my past self anything that I have told you.'.” Celestia raised a hoof for effect, and tried to mimic his accent.

“You're having too much fun with this.” the Doctor scowled.

“Sorry. But in these dire times, I need a laugh to raise my spirits.”

“So when will I find out what my future self told you?”

“I don't know. But you can be rest assured that we are aware of the actual threat, and are preparing accoridingly.”

“Ah. I get it now. You're preparing for Aerebus.” the Doctor remembered his conversation with his 'other self' about that thing.

“Well, yes...and no.” Luna replied. “We're actually....”

“Luna, shush!” Celestia scolded.

“This is getting me nowhere! I thought you were going to help me! But I guess the universe will be destroyed then! Allons-y!”

“I know you're worried, Doctor. But trust us, it's for your own good.”

“You know...” the Doctor turned, his eyes narrowing at the alicorn. “I'm beginning to agree with Twilight about you.”

“Think of me what you must. But in due time, you'll regret those words. In the meantime, I suggest you find Twilight. She needs you right now.”

“How do you know this?”

“You told me.”

The Doctor stomped his hooves and sighed. “Fine then. I just hope you know what you're doing.”

The Doctor turned and stormed out of the chambers, leaving the two alicorns alone to talk.

“He's kind of funny when he's like that.” Luna observed.

Celestia shook her head. “This is no laughing matter. I just hope he catches on before it's too late.”

“So it's all true then? Tirek isn't returning?”

“No, sister. I'm afraid that one of the Doctor's problems has become our problem. Making my problems into poor Twilight Sparkle's. I hope she's okay.”

“And what of Trixie? She seems to be under some heavy dark magik. I've never seen anything like it.”

“Yes. It's a good thing Ididn't mandate all ponies use magic in defense. Who knows what she could've done.”

“How will we be able to save her? I know you don't want to....well....”

“No. I don't. But if it's power she desires, then I guess we'll have to give it to her.”

“What do you mean, sister?”

“You said yourself the Elements of Harmony are useless without any friends. Trixie has none, therefore she'll only believe she has power when she has none.”

“Won't that have adverse effects?”

“It's a risk I'm willing to take. We have to keep Trixie occupied until a way is devised to save her. That is, if she even wants to be saved.”

“If she doesn't?” Luna cocked her head.

“Let's hope it doesn't come to that, sister.”