I am.

The past is a pattern of cells and chemicals. The future happens to someone else. I exist only in this moment, the perfect, eternal now.

I throw a punch, and I have spent my entire life directing my fist forward.

I block a strike, and I am born and die in the act of defense.

I ache, and it is meaningless, for I have never known a time without that pain.

I raise my arms in a victory that knows no beginning or end.

"Scootaloo? Scootaloo!"

I blink, and I remember how time works. Mostly. "Huh-wuh?" I stagger as feelings flood me. Even blood flowing through me feels weird when I've been existing between heartbeats.

"Oh, come on! That was totally magic," says my opponent. I don't know her name, but the dark red and blue leotard marks her as a member of the Crystal Prep MMA team. "She was in a trance, for Sunset's sake!"

"I'm right here," Sunset says from outside of the ring, "and I can confirm that Scootaloo didn't use any prohibited techniques."

Coach Will nods what I still can't help but think of as his weird, knobby head. "As Iron Will was saying, Scootaloo is the winner!"

Sweetie smirked. "Pay up."

Tender Taps groaned as he fished out a few bills. "Why? Why did I think it was a good idea to bet against someone who can see the future?"

"Didn't even need to."

"But that girl had six inches on Scootaloo," said Button Mash.

"Yeah," Sweetie said as she slipped her winnings into her purse as smugly as possible. "But she's Scootaloo. Isn't that right, Rumble?"

"Huh?"

Apple Bloom waved her hand in front of Rumble's face. "You doin' okay there, loverboy?"

He flushed and wiped away the drool. "Yeah. Sure. Fine. When's the next whatever this is, again?"

"She'll probably wear the leotard for you if you ask nicely," said Sweetie.

Rumble said nothing, only reddening further.